ABOUT | November 2009

Local Celebrity, Country Music Legend

NOVEMBER 2009

www.aboutrvmag.com Highlighting Pope, Yell, Johnson and Conway Counties

$

2.50 Value

Christmas Open House

COLLECTORS GALLERY 130 E. Harrell

Dr., Russellvill

e ~ (479) 967-

6773

10% Off & More Storewide ~ Drawings for Gift Certificates~ Refreshments

Bling it Upe Holidays! Sweet Memories for th Showrooms at Collectors Gallery

Collectible Cups & Saucers, Primitive & Vintage Kitchen Antiques

with Beautiful Fashion Jewelry

Tea Room

Saturday December 12th 10am-3pm Come have *cookies & punch, *story time *and your photo with

Cindy Lou Who

Other Gift Ideas: Jeweled Ring Boxes • Perfume Bottles Cloisonne Handpainted Enameled Art • Fiesta

of ‘WHOVILLE”. $5 per child

130 East Harrell Drive • 967-7667 www.reflectionstearoom.com

GREAT GIFTS FRIENDS

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BOOTH #192

Fabric Shoppe

Hair Bows, petti skirts, and other fun accessories!

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Stephanie’s Eclectic Bits n Pieces Featuring Doughmakers Gourmet Bakeware

NEW ARRIVALS IN NOVEMBER

All Fabric

Offer Valid Dec 1st-31st 2009 Must Present Coupon at time of Purchase Inside Collectors Gallery Booth 193

TEACHERS

RAZORBACK FANS! OVER 1,000 ITEMS IN STOCK!

LARGEST SHOP IN THE RIVER VALLEY

Prairie Country Antiques & Collectibles

• Advertising Memorabilia • American Antique Furniture • Kitchen Items, circa 1900-1970 (incl. Fire King & Pyrex)

Ridgeview Antiques & Collectibles Specializing in glassware, lamps, furniture, etc. from old estates.

November 2009

contents

■■Get Ready for Holiday Party and Entertaining

Featuring a Snowman cookie jar and large platter by Certified International. We have this and other beautiful Holiday pieces to help you in your entertaining.

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Talk ABOUT... Shopping Smart

8

Bev King, Queen of the Dobro

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A Silver Lining

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Kechia: Wrapping Tissue Comes on a Roll?

16

Give Thanks with a Cajun Heart

■■GO HOGS!

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The Tie that Binds

Russellville Medical Supply

Rose Drug

3103 West Main Place, Russellville (479) 968-1323

These are just a few of the many great Razorback gift items we have at...

2600 West Main St., Russellville (479) 967-5790

■■Scrumptious and Tasty!

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From Hobbiest to Fine Artist

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Even in Tough Times, Life Can Be Purr-fect

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Life is Too Short...

Eat Dessert First!

32

Soles for Soles

38

Shop Smart – Shop Locally Make This a Season of Change

43

Shop, Dine, Discover Downtown Russellville

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ABOUT... Engagements

Expanded Gourmet food line including private label products. Custom gift baskets available.

Salsas, wine cake mixes and southern slaw relish just to name a few.

Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers

2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville (479) 705-8282

ABOUT our Cover

Cover Photo by Max Slaughter

Beverly King of Clarksville is a bona fide country music legend. King, a music store owner and resonator guitar expert, is modest about her celebrity status as a traditional Country recording artist. Read Beverly’s notable story beginning on page 8.

Our Associates Dianne EDWARDS

Melanie CONLEY

Vo n n a MARPEL

Kay ALEXANDER

edito r

a dv e r t i s i n g

advertising

adve rti si n g

4 7 9 . 9 7 0.6 6 2 8

4 7 9 .858.2708

479.970.4263

479.264.7778

Jeannie STONE

Steve NEWBY

Cliff THOMAS

Chris ZIMMERMAN

f re elan c e w r i t er

phot o g r a p h y

illustrator

graph i c de si gn

4 7 9 . 7 4 7 .0 2 1 0

4 7 9 .880.1006

479.890.3630

479.264.2438

4 ABOUT...the River Valley

November 2009

ABOUT

Community

ATU Poinsettia Sale Dec. 3-4

Fall Foliage Weekend Nov. 6-8

Sponsored by the Arkansas Tech Agri Club, the annual ATU Poinsettia Sale will be held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3 and 4. Location will be the ATU Greenhouses located on Red Hill, north of campus. For additional information, call (479) 968-0251.

Lake Dardanelle Activities Set

A number of family-friendly activities have been announced for the month of November

by LDSP Park Interpreter Sasha Bowles.

Events include soap making, lake cruises, nature tales, “borrow a park adventure and creativity kit,” fashion a fish and ‘what’s for lunch’ fish introduction series, what’s the buzz honeybee orientation, fireside stories, ‘Snakes Alive!,’ a forest excursion and more.

A tournament weigh-in will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

For dates, times and additional information, contact Bowles at Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, call (479) 967-5516 or review the schedules at: arkansasstateparks.com.

November 2009

Guys and Dolls Nov. 13-14

The critically acclaimed play, “Guys and Dolls,” will be produced on-stage at Gardner Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 14 by a talented cast of Russellville Junior High School students.

“Since beginning dress rehearsals on November 1st the kids have done a great job transforming from regular 8th & 9th grade students to Gamblers, Dancers and Missionaries,” says Co-director Megan Ellenburg. Tickets will be $6 adults, $4 students. For information contact Russellville Junior High School at (479) 968-1599.

Mount Nebo State Park will be the focus of the annual Fall Foliage Weekend. Some of the best colors of the season should be on display at the park for the annual event set for Nov. 6-8.

Programs such as hayrides, guided leaf walks, a horseshoe tournament, and various other family-friendly activities are planned this weekend. Admission is free.

Contact the park for a detailed schedule, call (479) 229-3655 or email: mountnebo@ arkansas.com.

Art Sale Benefits Humane Society

An art sale with proceeds to benefit the newly-formed Humane Society of the Greater River Valley will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, by the Lemley House Art Guild. “Painting for the Puppies” is scheduled for 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the parking lot of City Mall in Russellville. A total of 100% of the proceeds will be donated to care for homeless animals served by the Humane Society. For information, call (479) 747-0210.

...cont. on pg. 14

ABOUT...the River Valley 5

ABOUT the River Valley

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. IV, Issue 9 – November 2009

OWNERS/EDITOR Nolan and Dianne Edwards editor@aboutrvmag.com

Advertising Sales Melanie Conley

melanie@aboutrvmag.com

Vonna Marpel

vonna@aboutrvmag.com

Kay Alexander

kay@aboutrvmag.com

Graphic Design Chris Zimmerman

zimcreative@aboutrvmag.com

Writers Dianna Qualls

food@aboutrvmag.com

Jeannie Stone jeannie@aboutrvmag.com

Kechia Bentley kechia@aboutrvmag.com

PhotographY Steve Newby stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com

ILLUSTRATION Cliff Thomas maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Max Slaughter / Max Photography Kristin Hare / Studio YOUnique Photography

Connie Las Schneider Writer

ABOUT… the River Valley

is locally owned and published for distribution by direct mail and targeted delivery to those interested in the Arkansas River Valley.

Subscriptions are available by sending $20 for one-year (10 issues) to: SPPI/ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville AR 72812 Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent. Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 970-6628.

Office: 417 West Parkway Email: editor@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

6 ABOUT...the River Valley

A PAGE FROM ___________________________________________________

The Editor’s Notebook Two dear friends, former co-workers, were recently notified that they’d be losing their jobs after more than three decades of loyal employment. We understand the reason is the relocation of their job responsibilities to their company’s headquarters out of state.

Downsizing? Corporate restructuring?

We can only guess. And our hearts break for them and their families...

It brings to the forefront a recent downtown discussion of the 3/50 Project.

To those unfamiliar with the program, it focuses on our commitment to save local jobs and our local economy. The 3/50 Project enourages us to think about which three independently owned businesses we’d miss most if they were gone.

According to their website, the350project.net, it began as many projects often do – by accident. Cinda Baxter is founder of the organization.

Baxter, who spent 14 years as a successful retail store owner, is a retail consultant and professional speaker (Always Upward) whose mission is to strengthen independent brick and mortar businesses. She describes the beginning of the 3/50 Project: “The first week in March 2009 sowed the seeds for what would later become a firestorm...”

On Monday, Oprah Winfrey hosted a show instructing consumers to stop spending money on anything that was a non-necessity.

On Tuesday, CBS News reported that “consumer spending drives 70% of the economy. When consumers put their wallets away, the economy has trouble making a U-turn.”

By Friday, in a guest spot on the Today Show, Erin Burnett from CNBC, talked about how psychology plays into the economy and the importance of innovation in times of difficulty.

Sunday, Erin makes another appearance, this time appearing on Meet the Press, chiding the national media for taking negative hyperbole in to the stratosphere.

On March 11, Baxter pulled together her deep-seeded desire to create a positive, achieveable message touting her belief – “Save the economy three stores at a time.”

Her efforts were the result of an article she had read by Rjeva Lesonsky, consulting

editor at BixWomen.com. The piece, “Support Your Local Business,” touched her ‘retail-loving’ heart “in a big way.”

The article sprang from a customer service-related experiment where a man decided to purchase goods and services only from businesses whose owners he’d met. Soon, he was frequenting the same three restaurants repeatedly, which inspired Lesonsky to consider her own shopping habits.

Baxter soon built a campaign combining the three-door concept to the $50 Retail Challenge. The 3/50 Project supports local businesses in small, consumable bites.

“The goal is simple: Ask consumers to frequent three local brick and mortar businesses they don’t want to see disappear, and to spend a very affordable $50 a month doing it.”

The result funds revenue back into local businesses – the same folks that pour money back into the community via commercial property taxes, payroll taxes, sales tax and salaries... not to mention all the good will by way of volunteer time, silent auction donations, sponsored ball teams, etc.

To support the 3/50 concept, the following materials are available to small business owners through the online site: flyers and bag inserts to print, web badges, window clings, static ads, counter signs, window banners, florist enclosure cards, ads and media graphics. An online store for purchasing other promotional materials such as shirts, magnets and bumper stickers, is also available.

We’d like to commend Stephanie Bates, owner of Knit 2 Together, for bringing the 3/50 Project to our attention and the attention of the Downtown Russellville Association during their recent monthly meeting.

For every $100 spent in independentlyowned stores, $68 returns to the community. National chain expenditures return $43.

It only takes one person to start a trend.

Save (Our) Local Economy... three stores at a time.

Dianne Edwards, Editor/Publisher

November 2009

Out and ABOUT

Meet Holiday Shoppers Chuck and Janie

Talk ABOUT... Shopping Smart

Meet Chuck and Janie. This year, they decided to divide the holiday budget and the gift list in order to get their holiday shopping done more efficiently.

Chuck left Russellville in the wee hours of the morning in order to drive out-of-town in time for the “early bird sales.” He used a tank and a half of gas driving around, lost his way, got stuck in two traffic jams, stood in long lines to check out, and finally made it home – with a couple of bags of gifts.

Janie had an early morning breakfast with friends at her favorite hometown restaurant, spent the entire day shopping locally with her neighbors, found some awesome deals for everyone on her shopping list, and got home in time to enjoy a nice nap curled up on the sofa long before Chuck arrived.

This year, why not Shop Smart?

Shop at Home!

– Cliff Thomas, Illustrator “Shop Locally.” How many times have you heard that message? For many, it’s like preaching to the choir. They understand the value of a dollar spent locally. They’d rather buy from their friends and neighbors.

Maybe it’s because they don’t want the hassle of driving out of town and hoping to find a “better bargain.” Perhaps it’s just because they enjoy knowing the products they buy are saving the jobs of those same friends and neighbors.

For some, the purpose of shopping “out of town” is simply to have an excursion – and we’re not knocking that. I’ve done the same for many years. When my husband’s November 2009

parents lived in North Little Rock, the day after Thanksgiving was like a treasure hunt.

We’d grab a quick bite at the house before leaving for a number of shopping locations, only to come back dead tired from all the “bargain hunting.” When my own parents were living near Shreveport, La., we’d search that area for bargains.

Now that everyone lives locally, there’s still an occasional shopping trip out of town.

However, now our focus has centered on the bargains available right here at home – when we do, indeed, head out for those “early bird sales.”

Pages 36-43 of this month’s issue have been dedicated to a “shop local” focus.

Located between their advertisements, you’ll find a few additional details about their products, their locations and their business hours. But don’t take our word for it, get out and shop locally!

To quote one local business owner: “Everything you might want IS AVAILABLE in (our area) if you just look for it or ask local merchants who might have it. It is so important to support our local merchants. Spending money here instead of Little Rock, Branson, or on the internet helps to ensure that our town gets through this tough economic time.

“Jobs are not just important for our nation, but for our small town of Russellville and the surrounding areas, too. Internet purchase may be convenient, but really hurt local merchants... and inevitably, everyone in town.”

Please, this holiday – and everyday – Shop Smart, Shop Local! n

Nov. 1-19: Salvation Army is requesting items for Thanksgiving Food Boxes. Bring items to 1004 Weir Rd. before Nov. 19. Info: (479) 968-5358.

Nov. 3: Art Waves, Old Train Depot, Clarksville; meets first Tues of each month; open to all interested artists and patrons; info: Jim Reasoner, president, (479) 754-2399.

Nov. 5: Holiday Flavors and Sounds, Ozark Conference Center, 9-1:30. Info: Call (501) 354-3959.

Nov. 6-7: Second Annual Music Theatre Workshop Dessert Cabaret, Williamson Dining Room. Reservations, (479) 968-0473 or via email ktfutterer@atu.edu.

Nov. 6-7: 39th Annual Arkansas Valley Arts & Crafts Fair, Pope County Fairgrounds. Info: Laura, (479) 641-1828.

Nov. 7: Cargill/Big Brothers-Big Sisters 5K Run/ Walk, Bona Dea Trails, registration 8 a.m. Info: (479) 857-0427.

Nov. 13: C&W Dance Workshop, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $10 admission, lessons include line and partnered dances, reservations preferred. (479) 968-1620, 264-7287 or website: DWJstudio.com.

Nov. 14: STAR Industries Walk or Run for a Rising STAR 5K, Bona Dea, 9:30 a.m.; sponsorships available, concessions, prizes. Info: Kellie Hindsman, (479) 968-7118, ext. 247.

Nov. 18: “Forget-Me-Nots” Alzheimer’s Support , Arkansas Hospice, 1 p.m. Info, 498-2050.

Nov. 19: Community Bingo, seniors 55 and older invited; 2-3 p.m. 4th Thurs. of each month; door prizes, grand prize, refreshments. Wildflower, 240 S. Inglewood, Russellville; 890-6709.

Nov. 21: Ballroom Dance Party, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $10 admission, dance lesson followed by open dancing; casual/dressy, reservations preferred. (479) 968-1620, 264-7287 or website: DWJstudio.com.

Nov. 22: Main Street Clarksville Merchant’s Open House, 1-5 p.m.

Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Dec. 3: Russellville Christmas Parade, downtown Russellville. Info: (479) 968-1272.

Dec. 4-6: The Nutcracker, 7 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2 p.m.

Sunday; Gardner Auditorium. Tickets: $15 adults, $5 children 12 and younger. Info: Ashley Miller-Davis, (479) 964-2310.

Dec. 4: Downtown Art Walk and Holiday Open House, 5-8 p.m.; (479) 967-1437.

Dec. 4: Dardanelle Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m. Entries are free, to register call Vicki Sutton at (479) 229-3328.

Dec. 5: Main Street Clarksville Annual Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Visit www.aboutrvmag.com for a list of activities updated as they are received. To have your event included in the ABOUT Calendar of Events, email: editor@aboutrvmag. com or fax to (866) 757-3282. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

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ABOUT...the River Valley 7

C

larksville music store owner and Dobro/resonator guitar expert, Beverly King, is a bona fide country music legend but she’d never tell you that. Described as “humble” in more than one country music publication, King is modest about her celebrity status as a traditional country recording artist.

One clue to King’s fame is her impressive volume of work, both as a resonator (Dobro is a trade name) guitar player, instruction book author and editor of Country Heritage for 30 years, the only magazine devoted to resonator players. Keeping the tradition alive, Country Heritage is also the name of her music business. King is also the first female resonator (reso) picker in the world that ever recorded an all instrumental reso album on vinyl (6 of them) including 2 with Bashful Brother Oswald, a world-renowned resonator artist himself.

King has played in shows headlined by such famous county musicians as Roy Acuff, Tanya Tucker, Lester Flatt, Lonzo and Oscar, Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells, Wilma Lee and Stony Cooper. Also, Ernest Tubb, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Patton, The Whites, The Doug Dillard Band and worked with studio musician Jo Knight and Jerry Clower, who co-hosted the Country Crossroads show with Bill Mack.

Crowning her career, King was inducted into Iowa’s American Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003. Heady stuff for most people, but King doesn’t even mention it and you’d never guess she was famous from her quiet demeanor and soft voice. Fortunately, her music speaks volumes.

Playing completely “by ear,” King comes by her talent naturally, crediting her Mother, Hazel, for musical roots.

“I always did like old time music,” said King, who was born and raised in Bucks County, in eastern Pennsylvania, about 40 miles from Philadelphia. “My mother listened to country music when I was growing up, so I loved music early,” King smiled shyly.

“Lots of my mother’s family loved music. My mother’s uncle Alfred played several instruments and had a band on the radio in the 1940s. My mother always told me he had a Martin guitar, so my ambition was to learn to play well enough so I could get a Martin, although at the time I really didn’t know what a Martin was. When I was 20, my mother and I went halves and bought a new D 28 Martin for my birthday, and I still have it.”

Despite King’s musical chops on both the reso and guitar, her early musical adventures began with a simple plastic toy.

Story by Connie Las Schneider Photos by Max Slaughter

8 ABOUT...the River Valley

November 2009

BevQueen Kingof the Dobro “When I was five years old my mother’s sister gave me a toy uke (ukulele). My mother tuned it like the first 4 strings of a guitar, and I learned to pick Red River Valley and some simple tunes like that. She taught me a set of chords but didn’t explain how to use them, so I played a chord progression as if it was a song.

“Back in the ‘40s, she had bought an Oahu Hawaiian guitar from her sisterin-law, and she still had the slide, picks, and metal extension nut from that guitar.

She set up my uke like a Hawaiian guitar, which of course threw that little plastic uke off balance, and I thought that was a dumb way to play a guitar, so I about quit playing until she changed it back like a regular guitar.”

When King was 10 years old she finally got a Harmony arch top guitar. Notorious for their high action strings, King explained an arch top is hard to play. “I had to take three fingers to get one note!” she exclaimed.

Surprisingly, King’s grade school teachers underestimated her talent and resolve to play.

“I don’t think the teacher thought I had enough talent to bang two sticks together.

When we played rhythm instruments in school, she wouldn’t give me one.”

Fortunately for country music, King continued her playing and when she was 12, she got a record player which cemented her fate. The first album she bought was by Roy Acuff, the King of Country Music. There was an instrument on that album that caught her attention, especially on “The Great Specked Bird”, but she had no idea what it was. King’s Mom told her that sound she loved and wanted to emulate was a Hawaiian guitar.

Later King said she found the Grand Ole Opry on radio and heard Roy Acuff’s band, and Roy identified the sound as Bashful Brother Oswald, playing the dobro. Even today, King credits Acuff for her abiding passion in the instrument.

“When I heard Oswald, I started going to music stores asking for a dobro, but most of them had no idea what I was talking about. I finally found a store where someone said it was a guitar with a Resonator, but that nobody was making them anymore,” said King.

Then in 1966, someone opened a folk music store so I went there and he told me that “Mosrite” was going back into business and would be producing resonators again. Mother agreed to buy me one for Christmas, but because of an unfortunate

car accident, I didn’t get the instrument until just a week before I graduated from high school, she added ruefully.

When music is in one’s blood as it is with King, waiting for a special instrument is difficult and the day it arrives long remembered.

After that, King’s family moved to Oklahoma where she stayed for the next 19 years.

“I liked Arkansas better, but my Dad would never move here. But, after he died in 1993, King and her mother relocated to Arkansas the following year. She opened her first Country Heritage music store in Clarksville in 1998, and the store has since outgrown two locations. The current store, at 134 W. Main Street, was for years a car dealership and part of it was originally a livery stable.

“I always liked this property, but someone else had bought it and planned to have a ball room. The first time I looked at the part that had been a stable, I immediately saw a music theater. The stage was already there (probably a platform for displaying furniture, when it had been a furniture store).”

The dance floor never materialized, and the owner put it up for sale, so after several failed attempts to find other suitable property, King was able to procure the Main Street property in 2006.

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November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 9

“Something kept calling me back here, so I guess I was meant to have this,” said King.

Besides hosting last year’s Peach Festival Fiddle Contest and other music events, the venue held traditional country music show with several performers from Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 23-24 and King plans to host a Resonator Roundup in early April next year.

Of course, the music store is a draw in itself, with hundreds of old and new instruments on display. (currently around 400 instruments, including harmonicas, etc.). Guitar and piano lessons are also offered. Any time of day, a jam session might be going on.

“Lots of people want to know which instrument to play and how to encourage their children to develop a love of music.

The main thing is to expose children to music early on,” said King. “I don’t like ‘background music’. Music is meant to be listened to, not just used as background noise. How can you learn music unless you really listen to it?”

Regarding the instruments, King said the Autoharp is the easiest stringed instrument to play. “A person can play the first day as the chords are identified right on the instrument and all you have to do is strum”. Next easiest is the guitar,

as it had frets to help the musician strike the right notes, said King, and the resonator is an extension of the guitar, with the added feature of the slide. The hardest instrument to play is the fiddle, as it has no frets and requires using the bow, King added.

For more information about the Country Heritage Music Store and Barn, contact King

or her assistant, Charlotte Tucker, at 479-7544604. www.countryheritage.net. n

Note: Dobro is the brand name for a Gibson Resonator Guitar. Generically, the instrument is a resonator or resophonic guitar and commonly called a “reso.”

However, from 1928-1976, the resonator guitar was simply known as a dobro

MICHAEL

LAMOUREUX S TAT E

SENATE

Legislative Experience

“I had the honor of serving in the legislature for six years. I am asking you for your vote so I can put my experience to work for our community.”

Served on: • Budget Committee • Education Committee • Judiciary Committee

Political ad paid for by Michael Lamoureux, 114 East Main, Russellville, AR 72801, 479.968.7300

10 ABOUT...the River Valley

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Just because you don’t take an interest in politics does not mean politics won’t take an interest in you.

November 2009

ooooooooooo Clarksville Merchants oooooooooooo Holiday Open House Nov. 22nd 1-5pm ooooooooooo Early Bird Sale Nov. 27th 7am-5pm & oooooooooooo ooooooooooo oooooooooooo ooooooooooo oooooooooooo Holiday Family Open House Shoe ooooooooooo Store oooooooooooo ooooooooooo oooooooooooo Country Heritage ooooooooooo Music Store oooooooooooo Happy Thanksgiving ooooooooooo oooooooooooo simply sam

boutique a classic children’s

“Where Fashion is a Distinction”

Holiday open House

Nov. 21st 10am-5pm & Nov. 22nd 1-5pm

Nov. 22nd: 1-5pm • Refreshments!

Refreshments Storewide Specials

Holiday Open House

Sun. Nov. 22 1-5pm Early Bird Sale Fri. Nov 27 from 8-11am #5 Colonial Square Storewide Specials Clarksville, AR Sam Parker, Owner

Morgan’s Fashions

Holiday Open House

479-754-7010

City Girl • Karen Kane Conrad C • The North Face Jeans By: Miss Me • Silver Seven for All Mankind

20% OFF

STOREWIDE!

(479) 754-6912

of

Layaway • Free Delivery Gift Wrap No. 4 Colonial Square Clarksville

Clarksville

Boots By: North Face Madeline • Nicole

early Bird sale nov. 27

20% Off STOREWIDE 8-11am

Exit 58 • 116 E. Main St. • Clarksville • 479.754.8130

Sat. Nov 21st 10-5pm Sun. Nov. 22nd 1-5pm

Home Decor ~ Candles ~ Florals ~ Gourmet Coffee

Christmas Open House

Nov. 21st: 10am-5pm & Nov. 22nd: 1-5pm

Early Bird Sale: Nov. 27th 7-10am In Store Specials, Free Refreshments 20% Off Entire Purchase 1116 Rogers (across from Arvest Bank)

Register for Drawings

“Shoes for the Entire Family”

Nike • Asics • Merrell • SAS Red Wing • Born • Clark

Holiday Open House Nov 22. 1-5pm.

302 Main • Clarksville, AR 72830

(479) 754-3781

Fashion Jewelry | Handbags | Baby Registry

Early Bird Sale November 27th 8-11am

20% Off Storewide

Fashions

1910 West Main Clarksville

(479) 754-8340

Shop these merchants for everyday great deals & savings!

WE WANT TO REPAIR OR REFURBISH YOUR UPHOLSTERY TODAY!

Give the gift that is made just for them.

With over 22 years experience, we can fill ANY Custom Order!

by

• Restaurant Seating • Equipment Padding Dayle Plummer / Lenell • CustomBeeman Designed Boat/ 23373 Hwy. 64 ATV Covers & More!

P.O Box 129 Knoxville, AR 72845 479.885.6336 No matter how custom the job, DSI can880.664.3245 do it!

479.885.6116 DONE LOCAL F:- DONE RIGHT

Carlson Craft

(800) 664-3245

479-754-4604

Large Selection of:

Jan Spanke 43 Fontaine Dr., Clarksville

479-754-6760

23373 Hwy. 64 • Knoxville, AR 72845

134 West Main (Downtown Clarksville)

“Making Your Dreams Come True”

Guitars • Banjos • Mandolins Resonator Guitars • Bass Fiddles • Amplifiers Parts & Accessories www.countryheritage.net

While personal situations vary widely, some of the established Programs that HNI assists with on a regular basis include: • Utility Payment Assistance

A Silver Lining

• Rental/Mortgage Payment Assistance Story and Photos by Rita Chisum

• Medical/Prescription Medication Payment Assistance

“To whom much has been given, much will be required.”

• Emergency Lodging Assistance

I

t wasn’t a feeling to which she was accustomed. The economic climate had drastically changed for so many, but even that was little consolation now that her family had to claim membership in this growing segment of the population. If there was a silver lining to this dark cloud, it was the realization of just how thankful she had become for things she had once taken so for granted.

How convicting was how little thought she had given to the value of a tank of gas, especially now that her youngest son’s medical condition required trips to a specialist 50 miles away.

The need now was not for “a fun day of shopping” but quality of life for her child.

Help Network News, Volume 1, Issue 1 aptly describes Help Network, Inc. The organization was established in March of 1992 by the collaborative efforts of the Salvation Army, Junior Auxiliary and grants from the Episcopal Diocese and the River Valley United Way. It is described as a local, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community as a centralized location for the distribution of benevolence funds and social aid information to needy individuals and families of the River Valley. With the cooperation of our partners, HNI provides non-duplicated, emergency services to the low-income and transient populations of Pope, Johnson, and Yell counties.”

Since first beginning work as administrative assistant to the Director of Help Network Inc., Linda West has heard this story and countless variations of it. As she stepped into this new job in 2003, little did she know that the mantle of Director for this United Way Agency would be offered and passed on to her in July of 2007.

As the wife of a retired Baptist minister, Linda encounters a different dimension of human need than that of her husband’s life calling. Physical needs dominate the requests that the Help Network receives 5 days a week, Monday through Friday.

With the help of her administrative assistant, Meme Pitney, a board of directors, financial donors, and caring and dedicated volunteers, Help Network, Inc. offers assistance to those who find themselves facing emergency or emergency crisis situations.

Linda, and each director who came before her, has taken on the compassionate, yet challenging and often difficult responsibility of reviewing each application and speaking confidentially with each “client” to assess need and the Network’s available resources to meet that need(s).

The client interview, their current emergent situation, as well as their financial resources are all taken into consideration in discerning whether HNI can offer help to the family or individual seeking aid. With HNI there is no “waiting game”.

Once the application is filled out, the interview completed, and required documentation supplied by the applicant (proof of income, valid driver’s license or picture ID for any adults in the household, and Social Security cards for everyone in the household) the Director will render a decision immediately, barring any missing information. Unique among other organizations offering financial assistance, Help Network is not based on standardized income.

12 ABOUT...the River Valley

• Travel Assistance for doctor’s appointments and job searches • Screening agent for the Lion’s Club local Sight Program (specific income guidelines apply.)

Those finding their way to the Help Network have often visited an area church seeking assistance or been referred by other area organizations unable to meet a particular need: ARVAC, Inc. (Arkansas River Valley Area Council, Inc.,) Battered Women’s Shelter, Main Street Mission, Salvation Army, and Samaritan Outreach (Dardanelle) to name a few. The communication between these “agencies of mercy” is not limited only to client referrals.

As Linda shared, she feels that her responsibilities as director for HNI don’t extend only to those seeking help. The caring and compassionate donors who entrust funds to Help Network deserve a conscientious sentinel who will use wisdom and prudence in dispensing these funds to see that they are “as helpful as possible”.

In fulfilling this role, Linda explained that area organizations communicate regularly to ensure that there is no duplication of services.

Clients and the services provided to them are documented to guard against abuse of the good will of these organizations.

This documentation is also required when applying for yearly funding from agencies, such as the River Valley United Way, which offer financial awards to nonprofit organizations.

Linda considers responsibility to donors, as well as clients, an important part of her job.

Help Network is most often associated with financial assistance, but the many who have been blessed by this helpful organization well know that finances are but one dimension of what they offer.

November 2009

First as acquaintances, and not long after as neighbors, long-time friends Jeff Grace and Russ Terwilliger shared a heartfelt common interest in helping to serve their church and Russellville communities with their skills and enjoyment of “light home repair.” Jeff and Russ found Help Network a worthy and fitting recipient of their volunteer time.

In 2004, as volunteers and then elected to serve on the Board for HNI, Jeff and Russ gave a name to these practical services: Serving Hands. Embraced by Help Network, Inc., they are now an integral contributor to the services offered. For the protection of both the organization and its clients, Serving Hands is covered by insurance carried by HNI. While headquartered and insured

by HNI, funds received specifically for Serving Hands are kept separately and used only for clients needing the special services they offer. Jeff explained that the cost incurred for these much needed home repairs are for materials only, with labor donated by Russ, Jeff and their dedicated band of volunteers.

Remembering their first project as Serving Hands through Help Network, Jeff recalled that it was a water project, an appropriate “baptism” into the organization.

Leaking within the walls of this client’s home for over a year, Jeff and Russ took on the task of repairing two pipes which were causing the problem.

Not having the skill or finances to make the necessary repairs, this family made a daily routine of turning on their water for showers, filling their sinks, and flushing their toilets only to shut the water off until the next day to avoid continued damage to the structure of their home.

November 2009

Not only did Serving Hands fill a physical need for this family, but one could safely assume that mental and spiritual needs were also met in relieving the stress that the situation brought. “Quality of Life” projects are the way Russ and Jeff like to describe the services that they volunteer.

Upon “Special Request” Russ and Jeff often pray with their clients. Many of the referrals received by Help Network, which are then passed on to Serving Hands, come from The Area Agency on Aging or The Health Department’s Home Health Care Unit.

Serving Hands has considered, and hopes to offer, a “Sponsorship” of individual home repair projects which have been requested but for which the funding is not readily available.

With labor often the more costly part of home repair projects, Serving Hands, with their generous volunteer work, removes that expense from the equation using the donated funds for materials only.

Being there for those in need has become increasingly difficult. Help Network, Inc., like many charitable organizations in our unsteady economy, has experienced shortages in contributions upon which they could once count.

The month of August was a disappointing reminder of HNI’s challenged finances.

With two days remaining in the month and their funds depleted, the office door was locked and a note of apology posted asking clients to return on September 1 when more monies would be available.

Auditing costs are also a regular expense to insure that requirements are met to be eligible for awards from funding organizations.

Those who know of Help Network, Inc. often direct family, friends, acquaintances

Volunteer Chuck Campbell (left) and John Mori with Odean and her grandson.

and, many times, strangers to the office of HNI. Yet, many aren’t mindful of the need to help fund these services.

Donations from local churches, businesses, individuals and charitable funding organizations such as River Valley United Way, and Junior Auxiliary, along with grants from Corporate Sponsors such as Walmart and Entergy comprise their financial base.

But even Corporate Sponsorship is unable to be as generous as it might have been in the past. An occasional fund-raiser adds to the coffers. “Miracle donations” are rare but always welcome. Even the smallest financial donations are accepted and greatly appreciated.

In sharing time with Linda, Jeff and Russ I couldn’t help but be reminded of life’s little blessings and how very crucial they become in times of dire need.

For those of us who, thus far, have the blessing of minor struggles I can’t help but call to mind the ending of almost every prayer that I recollect in my childhood home: “…and please bless those less fortunate than us.” n

ABOUT...the River Valley 13

...COMMUNITY cont. from pg. 5

‘Rising STAR’ 5K Announced

STAR Industries, a subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, Inc., is a non-profit agency created in 1972 to meet the needs of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

On Nov. 14, STAR (an acronym for Skills, Training, And Rehabilitation) will host the inaugural “Walk or Run for a Rising STAR” 5K. The event will take place at Bona Dea with the 5K starting at 9:30.

manager, (479) 968-7118, ext. 229; Kellie Hindsman, case manager, (479) 968-7118, ext. 247; or Tess Taylor, case manager, (479) 968-7118, ext. 234.

Music Theatre Dessert Cabaret

The public is invited to attend the Second Annual Music Theatre Workshop Dessert Cabaret planned for Nov. 6-7, in Williamson Dining Room, Arkansas Tech.

Ray Moll, Holly Gale and Ken Futterer are coordinating the event. Reservations and additional information are available by calling (479) 968-0473 or via email to ktfutterer@atu.edu.

JA Charity Ball Feb. 20th

Activities include the 5K for Community Members and Staff of Friendship Community Care, Inc., and a Walk of STARS fundraiser that STAR Consumers participate in. Hot Dog and soft drinks will be sold the day of the race.

Different levels of sponsorships for t-shirts are available. Donations will be accepted for giveaways and prizes.

Anyone needing more information about the event are encouraged to contact the following: Katie Baker, adult development

The 2010 Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball is set for Saturday, Feb. 20, at the L.V. Williamson’s Boys and Girls Club of the River Valley in Russellville.

This year’s theme is “Jazz it up with JA” New Orleans Jazz Festival. The black-tie optional event will start at 6 p.m. with a silent auction. Dinner will be served from 7 until 8:30 p.m. in an elegant southern atmosphere.

Junior Auxiliary members are well on their way to making the 2010 Charity Ball a night to remember. This year’s ball will feature an array of exceptional items on both silent and live auctions. All

the proceeds from the Ball will be used to support the many projects that Junior Auxiliary does each year.

For over 48 years, the Russellville chapter of Junior Auxiliary has been assisting children and families by overseeing projects that directly impact child welfare, community education, scholarships, civic and cultural community involvement, and children’s health.

The event will recognize life and associate Junior Auxiliary members and feature a live auction. Attendees will receive a complimentary photograph. The night will conclude with the band, Mister Lucky, playing until 12:30 a.m. This will be the first year the entertaining band has played at Charity Ball.

Junior Auxiliary of Russellville currently has 36 active members and 14 provisional members volunteering over 5,000 hours of service. Helping children in Russellville is the priority of the organization. Charity Ball serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization.

This year’s co-chairpersons are Lynne Knight and Kathleen Stingley. Planning for the upcoming event began in August.

Tickets for this year’s event may be purchased for $65 per person and obtained by calling Lynne Knight (479) 886-1433 or Kathleen Stingley (479) 886-1509. n

Your Year to travel with friends!

SAN ANTONIO HOLIDAY

December 5, 2009 – 5-Day Tour – The “American Venice,” sidewalk cafes, architecture, beautiful river centerpiece.

See The Alamo, Aztec Theater, Mission San Jose, Tex-Mex Cooking Class and create wonderful holiday memories!

HAWAIIAN ADVENTURE - Feb. 4, 2010 –

10-Day Tour – Three island tour, four nights in a Waikiki, Oahu, ocean-front hotel. Tour Pearl Harbor Memorial Park and Honolulu. Relax three nights in ocean-view rooms on quiet Kauai. Ride a historic Plantation narrow gauge railway. Includes Polynesian Luau Dinner, show, tour Kauai Coffee Company and Lao Needle Valley. A full day of leisure on each island.

IMPERIAL CITIES - 2010 June 10, 2010 – 10-

Day Tour – An opportunity to travel June 10-19, 2010, has been made available to our group through Collette Vacations.

Imperial Cities featuring Prague, Vienna, Budapest and the Oberammergan Passion Limited space still available.

NEW ENGLAND YULETIDE TREASURES Nov. 30, 2010 – 6-Day Tour – Festive journey begins in Newport, R.I., the yachting capital of the East.

Travel breathtaking Ocean Drive enroute to famous Bellevue Ave., especially beautiful through the holiday. View Newport Mansions decorated for bygone days. Travel to N. Conway, N.H., Kittery Outlets, M.E., and Boston. Explore historical sites with warm holiday glow -- from quiet back roads to timeless towns.

ATU Travel

Alumni and Friends of Arkansas Tech For additional information, please contact Dana Moseley, Office of Gift Planning, (479) 964-0532

14 ABOUT...the River Valley

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ABOUT

Family

Wrapping Tissue Comes on a Roll?

Today is my 46th birthday. As I sit here collecting my thoughts, I do so with a huge bandage covering my nose. I had some precancerous cells removed yesterday so I get to sport this fashionable, brown bandage until tomorrow.

The brown part of the bandage is the interesting part. You see, I learned yesterday that they make a tape that is remarkably skin colored. Obviously, someone who understands the vanity of women was the creator.

The doctor tapes up your incision with all this bright, white material and then covers it with brown tape so you don’t shine like Rudolph the red-nose-reindeer.

This somehow gives you --well, at least me -- the impression that this thing covering nearly half my face is less noticeable. So, this morning when I had to change the bandages and put all new bright white stuff on my face, I thought for a moment about leaving it all white. Then vanity took over and I grabbed that brown tape and began the camouflage. Isn’t it funny how we are so willing to try and fool ourselves?

But let’s get back to my “REALLY-big-nosed” birthday because it leads into what I really want to say -- my husband makes me crazy.

Yes, that is the topic today, tomorrow and many days to come. On one hand, Donald is amazing and on the other, he is amusing at best and frustrating at worst. Okay, it can be worse than frustrating but for today, we will limit it to just frustrating.

This morning was an example of amazing and amusing (not ‘happy’ amusing but ‘roll your eyes’ amusing) all at the same time. I woke to the smell of bacon frying in the kitchen.

My husband knows I love it when he fixes breakfast. On the counter was his gift to me. Now, I have been married for almost 25 years, so I have given up on the “surpriseme-for-my-birthday-with-something-Ireally-want” dream. I just tell him what to buy and then we are both happy.

So in the bag was exactly what I had asked for. The “amusing” thing was that my husband has learned through years of living with me that gift bags need to have tissue

November 2009

Story by Kechia Bentley

paper in them to make them look pretty.

Understand, I have had my tissue paper in the same drawer for at least two years, but he couldn’t find it, so he used -- toilet paper!

I am standing in the kitchen with a man who has just made me a wonderful birthday breakfast and stuffed my gift bag with toilet paper as decoration. Now if that isn’t a picture of marriage, I don’t know what is!

This leads me to another one of the areas in our marriage that is amazing and amusing at the same time. Let me start this episode by saying, my man is a ‘keeper.’

Even when I feel like I am beating my head against the wall for the millionth time trying to communicate with him, I know I have his whole heart. With that said, how is it a man can be so imperceptive?

What I am about to confess will make some of you believe that I am the one with the “real” problem, but stay with me, because even if that is true, you still have to wonder how anyone can be so clearly oblivious.

I hang up the clothes in my closet by color.

Yes, I mean everything is color coordinated: all my red shirts/blouses together, all my blue shirts/blouses together, all my green shirts/blouses together, orange, purple, brown and so on. This same system is used for my pants, etc. So imagine my closet – it is obvious where everything goes. A fiveyear-old could figure it out.

My dear husband will often help with the laundry and I appreciate it very much.

Okay, okay, I can hear some of you now (especially you men reading this) saying the fact that he helps with laundry should negate any complaint I have.

Let me make it worse. He not only helps with laundry, but he even knows which things of mine get hung up to dry and which go in the dryer. If truth be told, I sometimes think he does the laundry just so I won’t shrink anymore of his good shirts, because to me everything of his goes in the dryer.

After the clothes have air dried, Donald will sometimes even hang them up for me in the closet. I know, I should be and I am very appreciative of this action, as well.

But I am going to take a moment here and remind you that my clothes are colorcoordinated. I also want it stated for the record that my husband is not color-blind.

So, can anyone out there please explain to me why my husband would hang a blue jacket up with my green clothes and an orange jacket up with my blue clothes?

I know... I could just go in behind him and move them to their “correct” location, which I do. But, how can the man not see the pattern in front of him???

This is not a new dilemma. He has been doing this for quite some time and I have held my tongue. This last week, though, was the last straw. I just can’t keep quite anymore, so honey, thank you so much for helping me with the laundry.

But what is the matter with you? Have you even noticed that my clothes are color-coordinated?

I’ll let you know what he said. In the meantime I am going to take this wad of toilet paper back to the bathroom. n

ABOUT...the River Valley 15

the Van Houttes >> Jennifer and Philippe Van Houtte, and their sons Maxim, 11, and Liam, 7, make their home in Russellville after Katrina forced them out of New Orleans. Philippe, native of Belgium, had already adapted to a new home when he settled in New Orleans. Jennifer, on the other hand, has deep roots in the Big Easy where her father owns his childhood home in the French Quarter.

Philippe, a participant in a teacher exchange program, met Jennifer at a wine-tasting party in New Orleans.

“When we started dating he knew very little English,” she said.

“The program preferred that because they wanted him to teach his classes in French without offering translating.”

Philippe found New Orleans to his liking even though it was somewhat of a culture shock.

“The sheer size of everything – the roads, stores and neighborhoods – the huge spreading of things was a shock. In Belgium, everything is so close you shop and do everything in a smaller space, so it’s easy to walk.”

Give Thanks with a Cajun Heart Residents in different climates assume unique risks. In Arkansas, those risks include the threat of tornadoes, but along the coastal areas hurricanes are the predominant fear.

The Russellville community remembers when Hurricane Katrina -- and three and a half weeks later Hurricane Rita --besieged our neighbors to the South sending thousands of Louisianans to Arkansas. Some of those folks remain with us today, totally incorporated into our community.

This story is about two families who now call Russellville home and who approach the holiday season grateful for a patch of dry earth to call their own.

For both the Mike Stoker family and the Philippe Van Houtte family, the verdant hills and woodlands of the River Valley replenished their weariness. But it is our people who comforted, embraced and encouraged them, and for that they are also grateful.

Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

the Stokers

>>

Category 3 - rated Hurricane Katrina (Aug. 29, 2005) sent many New Orleans residents to Lake Charles where families and friends lived. When Category 5 Rita hit a month later (Sept. 24, 2005) and Lake Charles was evacuated, there were double the number of people fleeing that area, Stoker said.

“It was a mass exodus. At 9 a.m. the sirens started going off, and no one was taking any chances because we had just seen what Katrina had done. There was no cash in the ATMs and no groceries at the grocery stores. Everybody had cleaned it out. Traffic was backed up, and a lot of people had to ditch their cars because there was no gas,” Stoker said.

The Stokers were fortunate to know the Russellville area. Mike’s brother-in-law Kirk Harmon had been on several biking trips in Arkansas, and he had grown to love the region. When Rita bore down on him, he fled to a cabin on Mt. Nebo.

Stoker travelled with an entourage - four complete households headed north with him – including his mother, his brother’s family, 16 ABOUT...the River Valley

November 2009

The center of town in Belgium would be similar to an open mall he said. “Even if you had a car, there would be no place to park it. You just go from store to store with your little bag.”

Jennifer laughed. “His eyes about popped out of his head when I took him to Sam’s,” she said.

“Every container, whether it was laundry detergent, toothpaste or cereal, was supersized here,” Philippe said. “In Europe, everything is packaged smaller to fit into our little apartments.”

Three years into his four year teaching assignment the couple wed, and in 1995 they moved to Belgium.

“The goal for the move was for Jennifer to see where I was coming from,” Philippe said.

Arriving with no jobs lined up Jennifer, an investment advisor, found work immediately with J.P. Morgan, an English-speaking business. The Van Houttes lived four years in Belgium where they celebrated the birth of their eldest son Maxim.

Adapting to Brussels proved challenging for Jennifer who wasn’t familiar with the languages of her new cosmopolitan home. After her initial year of learning the language, she developed friendships.

“Once I had my stuff, favorite restaurants and shops, I was all right,” she said.

his sister’s family and his 6-month-old daughter Day. “The community’s outreach was truly amazing. Relief centers were set up, and we were able to get basic necessities like baby formula and diapers. We were especially grateful for the members of Central Presbyterian Church because they provided several meals.”

“The destruction down there was massive. Whole neighborhoods were wrecked. Huge trees had fallen through, making them look like they were just unzipped,” he said. “Debris made streets

November 2009

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The climate, too, gave her fits. “Belgium is not known for nice weather. It is located on the same latitude degree as Canada, so it gets very cold in the winter,” she said.

“It rains about 355 days of the year; the other 10 days they call “summer.”

The sky is very low and heavy, a solid gray. In the winter, I would wake up to darkness, take the train to Brussels in the dark, and arrive at work in the dark.

The sun would finally rise around 9:30 in the morning, and at lunch time everyone would go outside, because it was the only time to be in the daylight.

By 3:30 in the afternoon, the sun was setting, and it was dark again by 4:30. The summer was the exact opposite, which was nice because you felt energized when you got home at 6:30 p.m.” >>

impassable. There was no sewage, and the electricity was out for weeks. It was not a safe place to bring a baby back to.”

Stoker, who wasn’t receiving a paycheck during the evacuation, was hired by Arkansas Tech University to assist in a web development project. He now works full-time as the Director of Web Strategies and Operations.

“I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to work at a great university like Arkansas Tech,” he said. “I just picked up and moved.”

So when the rest of his family returned to their homes, Stoker became absorbed in closing one chapter of his life and starting another.

Involved as a board member of the community theater group, he had decisions to make regarding the season’s performances.

“We had to cancel everything,” he said. “Many people simply relocated to other communities like I did.

It was a lot of work. I had to move debris, make repairs to my property and wrap up all my business.” >>

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ABOUT...the River Valley 17

Stoker says he’s put over 100,000 miles on his car in the past three years making the eight-hour drive to and from Louisiana.

“I miss my family,” Stoker said, “but I love it here. He still feels a bit nostalgic when he thinks about his former home.

“Oh, Mardi Gras! Man, I love all the music and culture. I get hungry for Cajun food, especially gumbo.”

Fortunately, his family has mercy. “I

always get King cakes sent to me, and my family sends treats pretty regularly.”

The road to Russellville has been a whirlwind for Stoker, but blessings are abundant. The one thing he holds most dear is meeting is wife, Whitney Park Stoker. Both are outdoor enthusiasts and were introduced by a mutual friend.

“A lot of good has come out of it. If it weren’t for that storm, I would have never met Whitney and fallen in love. We married in May up on Mt. Nebo, so that place is doubly special,” he said. “The wedding was picture perfect. We even had a rainbow and mountain music courtesy of the Pope County Bootleggers.”

Michael and Whitney live in town with Day, now 4 ½ and have purchased land in Booger Hollow.

“There’s a big difference coming from a spicy little Louisiana town, but I wouldn’t go back now. I’ll trade swamps and bayous for mountains and creeks any day. Plus, it’s nice to see the seasons change.”

Louisiana continues to be plagued with hurricanes, and Stoker’s family and friends know where to go in case of an emergency.

“Russellville is the safe haven,” he said. “What a blessing. A lot of people have no one.” n

STAR is a subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, Inc. a non-profit agency created in 1972 to meet the needs of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

STAR is an acronym for Skills, Training, And Rehabilitation. It offers a wide range of rehabilitative and prevocational options to meet the varying needs of individuals. At STAR Industries viable employment and meaningful work are the focal points.

There was a pulse to the little town they lived in Philippe said. “The population was only 10,000, but things were happening. It felt alive, and I missed that in New Orleans. “I felt that pulse in the French Quarter, though.”

The Van Houttes moved back to New Orleans in 1999 after carefully considering the environment better suited to raise a family.

“It’s just easier to integrate in multicultural Europe rather than integrating in the United States,” Jennifer said.

Philippe returned to teaching, Jennifer went to work for Merril Lynch, and Liam was born. Life was good.

“On Friday, Aug. 26th, I was at a PTA meeting at school, and we didn’t even talk about the hurricane coming,” she said. “Those who’d lived in New Orleans for any length of time were used to just riding the storm out.”

The Thursday and Friday evening news report announced the storm was expected to turn and miss the city, Philippe said.

Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. the warnings went off. The hurricane had not changed direction. At noon, the mayor declared a mandatory evacuation.

“That got our attention because nobody remembered that every happening before,” Jennifer said.

Her brother found hotel rooms in Memphis. “We took some toys, the laptop

November 14, 2009 Bona Dea Trails 9:30am • 5K for Community Members and Staff of Friendship Community Care, Inc. • Walk of STARS fundraiser for our Consumers participation • Different levels of sponsorships for t-shirts are available • Hot Dog and Cokes will be sold the day of the race • Donations will be taken for give-aways and prizes

For more information, or to sponsor, contact: Katie Baker Adult Development Manager 479-968-7118 ext 229 18 ABOUT...the River Valley

Kellie Hindsman Case Manager 479-968-7118 ext 247

Tess Taylor Case Manager 479-968-7118 ext 234 November 2009

and enough clothes for the weekend,” she said. “We only had the shoes on our feet.”

Initially, the gathering at the hotel was like a family reunion even after the exhausting 12-hour drive (normally, the drive takes only six hours.) Jennifer’s parents, three brothers and their families joined them. There was no news the rest of that day or Monday.

“It wasn’t until Monday night that they started showing clips,” Jennifer said. “It was horrendous.”

Most unhappy about the sudden exodus was Maxim -- who’d missed his planned birthday party.

“His party was set for Sunday, the day we evacuated. We told him that we’d have the party next week, but that day never came,” Jennifer said.

“It was hard for the boys to understand why we couldn’t go home,” Jennifer said.

“That first Christmas I spent so much on them because they didn’t deserve what happened to them.”

After living in a Memphis hotel limbo and catching all the sights of the city, one of Jennifer’s clients invited them to visit Russellville.

The Louisiana flood waters had washed away his teaching position.

“There was no water, electricity or garbage service. There was no police or

November 2009

schools. Grocery stores were empty. There was no safe place for children to play. Glass was everywhere. It was a no-brainer for me,” Philippe said.

“That’s why we weren’t going to kill ourselves to get back,” Jennifer said.

So, there was nothing to lose by paying Arkansas a visit.

The couple drove to Russellville for lunch and to look around. “We drove back to Memphis and checked out of the hotel,” Jennifer said.

“I fell in love that day,” Philippe said. They became guests of Cynthia and Charlie Blanchard. Jennifer’s parents followed them and stayed with Mildred Priddy for two months before returning to New Orleans.

“Those people – to open their homes to strangers – were just amazing,” Jennifer added.

The fear of the unknown was the scariest part Jennifer said. They only came with the clothes on their back and one change of clothes because they were just going away for the weekend.

“It was so stressful,” she said. “When we lost Philippe’s job we lost our health insurance, and we had to enroll the boys in ArKids First for awhile. And leaving my 7 year old at a school where I didn’t know anybody or what they did behind closed

doors was so stressful.”

Fortunately for the Van Houttes, Jennifer had switched to self-employment, so she could work from home.

“All I needed to do business was a phone and my laptop,” she said. It was a little more difficult for Philippe.

After six months of unemployment, he was hired by Arkansas Tech University and is now the Systems Librarian at the Pendergraft Library.

Even after selling their house for land value and losing most of their possessions, they continue to be impressed by the hospitality of their new neighbors.

“Everybody has been so nice and helpful.

There have been so many people we couldn’t ever thank enough including Danny Duvall over at River Valley Furniture. They even delivered beds even though we didn’t have money. They just knew we didn’t have anything to sleep on.”

“There is a joy of discovery in any new place,” Philippe said. “Because of Tech, culture is alive here. We are grateful the people in this community took our plight to heart, so although the place is beautiful here, discovering the warmth of the people has been the true revelation.”

“We are so very thankful to all who helped us get back on our feet,” Jennifer said. n

ABOUT...the River Valley 19

The Tie that Binds Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

“Yellow used to be my favorite color, but since I received ‘Holy Boldness,’ I like red best,” Rev. Rita Richardson said.

Red is not a shy color. Richardson, a radio broadcaster, community volunteer, musician, preacher and caretaker, is a colorful member of the community; except for when she is behind the pulpit, she is admittedly shy.

Behind the pulpit she receives the ‘Holy Boldness,’ she said, and she is encouraged by the friends and family members who first encouraged her step up to the altar.

20 ABOUT...the River Valley

“The Lord gives me self-confidence when I preach His word,” she said, simply.

“Entering the ministry is not something I thought I’d ever do because I’m a quiet person,” Richardson said.

“Our folks just didn’t send us to church,” she said.

“They took us to church. My parents sat in those pews. My grandparents sat in those pews. The times are very few when I haven’t been in the Lord’s house on Sunday.”

Devoted to the cause of raising their children in church, Rita’s father, who was a member of a local Baptist church while she was growing up, moved his church membership to Central Christian to worship with his family.

“We were shocked but happy,” Rita said. “I always thought it was weird that he didn’t follow in his own brothers’ footsteps, three of them were ministers, but Daddy never felt the call.”

Richardson’s Uncle David, who pastured churches in Michigan and Little Rock before he died several years ago, was her mentor.

“He always encouraged me,” Richardson said.

It was Rita who felt the call, sister Rockie said. “I remember the day she accepted Jesus. She came home from church and sat on an old stool and stared out the window for what seemed like hours. Her joy was past the point of being full, it was overflowing. It was on that day I believe God put His hand on her, and she received her apostolic calling to minister.”

“My ministry is unique,” she said. “Most of the congregation is made up of family and relatives in the community. When we found ourselves without a pastor years ago, I began filling the pulpit. I thought it was only going to be a temporary assignment.”

Sixteen years has passed, and there is no sign Richardson or the congregation is ready to break the strong bond which ties them together.

Family members are blessed she decided to return home after a successful radio career in Little Rock, which utilized her degree in Journalism from Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University). She worked her way up the corporate ladder advancing from a night-time news anchor and reporter to morning editor, and, ultimately, news director at KARN and the Arkansas News Network.

November 2009

The big city job afforded her many opportunities, such as attending press conferences for Ronald Reagan, Dick Gephardt, Walter Mondale, Al Gore, former president Jimmy Carter and other national VIPs, but her work days as a reporter began at 4 a.m. and stretched well past the usual eight hours.

Born to Willie and Mary Richardson 55 years ago, Richardson grew up with four brothers and one sister. In 2004, the siblings lost their brother John Brown. Rita’s other siblings are Clyde Brown and younger siblings Kenneth Richardson and Rachelle “Rockie” Richardson.

It’s a hectic schedule at the household. Rockie has bone marrow cancer – the same cancer that took their father in 1987. Rockie frequently visits the Arkansas Oncology Associate at Saint Mary’s Regional Regional Health Center for treatment and occasionally visits UAMS in Little Rock for check-ups. “It takes a lot of juggling,” Rita said, “because my sister doesn’t drive anymore.”

Richardson works part-time as a news reporter at KARV radio in downtown Russellville and often relies on friends to help “juggle.” General manager Chris Womack has the highest praise for Richardson.

“She is well respected in the community, and we’re very grateful to have her on our staff,” he said. “She’s a very dedicated woman in everything she does.”

Not only does she tend to Rockie’s needs, but brother Clyde, an insulin-dependent diabetic, is also Rita-dependant. After suffering a stroke last year which affected his sight and hearing, he requires medical daily supervision.

Richardson doesn’t dwell on “what-ifs,” but she regrets not having the opportunity to attend seminary due to family responsibilities.

“I do a lot of Bible study, read a lot and attend seminars and conferences as much as possible,” she said.

Richardson received training through her denomination prior to becoming licensed as a minister. She served Central Christian congregation for 13 years as a licensed minister before her ordination October 1, 2006.

Richardson is working on reducing her stress and is contemplating writing a book or giving seminars on stress management.

“My spiritual mentor told me it’s important to set boundaries and to take care of myself,” she said.

“She is well respected in the community, and To alleviate the daily stress which piles up, Richardson can often be found playing the piano, a skill she learned as a child. She has we’re very grateful to have her on our staff.” even written a gospel song.

“Mother arranged for me to start taking piano lessons when I was “It’s an ordeal if I’ve got to be gone,” Richardson said. “He has seven, in part, because I was a bookworm. Now, music continues to an aide that helps, but family members have to take care of Clyde’s be a big part of my life,” Richardson said. She has taught students medication, including his insulin.” and often plays background music for special events, billed as Brother Kenneth, physically disabled due to back issues, bunks “Rhythms by Rita.” She is also church pianist and organist. out at the house most of the time too.

The tenacity of Richardson’s spirit reverberates throughout the “He helps out some when I have to be away,” Richardson said. community.

Brother William, Conway High School East History department Richardson has served on several boards in town including the chair and UCA adjunct professor, returns home on the weekends River Valley Shelter for Battered Women. She also represents for church. her congregation in the Russellville Ministerial Alliance where she Their mother, who died in 1997, would be proud. “She receives encouragement from others in the ministry. always wanted us to do our best,” Richardson said. “She put a “This town has changed a lot since I was a child,” she said. “It’s much little competitive gene in each of us, too. And Mom was big on more diverse, and I’m proud of that. The world would be a better place if education. She wasn’t able to go past high school, but she wanted people would love each other and get to know one another. Just get up more for us.” and walk across the room, and you will be blessed abundantly.” n

Insulation & Welding

Scotty and Sondra Brown, owners 2300 Roy Taylor Rd. • Dover, AR 72837

(479) 970-4235

November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 21

Brenda Morgan: From Hobbiest to Fine Artist

Story and Photos

by Rita Chisum

T

he non-descript mobile unit sits only steps from the family home. The plain exterior of this abode turned “studio” gives no indication of what waits inside. After a knock on the door, I am greeted by a warm, friendly smile, and with that, Brenda Morgan introduces herself and invites me into “her world”.

Stepping through the doorway, I am transported. My visual senses and emotions come alive as I encounter the beautiful displays that showcase Brenda’s talent.

Nature, wildlife, and equine art, rendered in oil, adorn the walls of this light and airy getaway equipped with the tools of her hobby, now turned full-time work.

As if visiting with an old friend, Brenda recalls her life and the journey to “Brenda Morgan, Artist.”

Paper seemed to be in short supply around Brenda’s childhood home in Oklahoma City, Okla. According to her mother, blank pages didn’t stay that way for long once she got a hold of them. Clean paper was fair game for her pencil sketches which, over the years, developed into very detailed drawings.

22 ABOUT...the River Valley

As witnessed by the dominant subject matter of the beautiful oil paintings that surrounded us, it came as no great surprise to me that her very first drawing at the young age of seven or eight years was a horse. Her early classroom art experiences consisted of coloring pages, of which birds were her favorite (but only because horses weren’t part of the selection).

It was in her senior year of high school that an art teacher sang her praises, encouraged her to pursue her impressive talent, and was the first person to call her an “artist.”

Although Brenda grew up in Oklahoma she fondly remembers their many visits with family here in Arkansas. Being a “city” girl, she loved the wide open spaces and the abundance of nature she experienced during her stays. Interestingly, Brenda attributes her comfort with working from photos to the fact that living in the city afforded her little opportunity to paint from real life models.

Her love of Arkansas, coupled with a very close friendship with an Arkansas cousin, influenced her decision to move to The

Natural State straight out of high school. They became roommates and chose to bypass college (which she calls her only regret in life) to move straight into the world of work at Valmac Industries, now owned by Tyson.

A predictable life pattern followed with marriage and a child. A precious baby boy named Matthew gave new dimension to her life as well as a bit of challenge when he was born with Down syndrome. Now 29 years of age and still the joy of her life, Matthew attends Star Industries Adult Development and Work Activity sponsored by Friendship Community Care, Inc. A more generous pay check necessitated a move back to her home town of Oklahoma City where Brenda worked as a draftsman for an oil company, putting her natural talent to work, mapping oil and gas fields. After a 12-year career, the Oklahoma City office was closed and Brenda was transferred to the home office in Houston.

Always having a desire to return to Arkansas, she saw an opportunity after the Oklahoma office closed. She continued to work in Houston as her application for poultry inspector with the USDA was submitted and under consideration. Nine months later, she joyfully accepted the position and returned to her adopted home state glad to, once again, be close to her cousin and best friend, Lavonda Ramey.

After seven years of employment with the USDA, Brenda and her second husband, Sam, decided to “jump from the frying pan into the fire” (she says with a chuckle) and bought a chicken farm in Havana.

Five years of ownership was long enough that when an offer to buy their farm came along, they opted to sell. Sam was in favor of going back to being a man with just one job instead of two. He maintains his work to this day with ConAgra and they made the move from Havana back to the Dardanelle area. For a short time, Brenda worked with Yell County Special Services in Ola where Matthew was a client.

November 2009

Throughout the many transitions and challenges in Brenda’s life, she always maintained her love of art. On the job she often carried her sketch pad along, indulging her passion during even short break times. Although she held a passion for her talent, she explained, “Art had to be a hobby because I had to make a living.”

And then it happened.

With years of ongoing encouragement from her husband and her cousin, best friend, Head Cheerleader, and biggest fan, Lavonda, Brenda finally took the leap from calling her passion a hobby to embracing the title of “artist.”

She’s getting used to the designation, given to her long before she was comfortable with accepting it. Now a year into her profession as an artist, Brenda is reaping the accolades of her God-given talent.

With art displayed at Art, etc. in Russellville, First and second place awards garnered in Hot Springs at the annual Diamond National Exhibit, an invitation to Ponca, Arkansas’ Color Fest Art Exhibit (invitation only), and a pending exhibit in March as Feature Artist at the Fine Arts Center in Hot Springs, it couldn’t get more “official.”

Our # Goal

1

A small, portable, drawing table stands along-side the larger one in her studio. This is the constant companion that has traveled with her through the years, from home to home, providing a reliable surface to practice, what she once called “her hobby.”

Brenda recalled happy memories -- she at her table with Matthew at her feet hand powering his toy cars. They played together, but each with their own favorite things.

But one of her most treasured memories?

As she prepared for an outdoor Arts & Crafts Fair in Oklahoma City, her mother

appeared with a three-year-old Matthew in-tow. They sat watching and as she finished setting up her exhibit, she heard the sound of tiny clapping.

Turning to identify its source, she was greeted by her son’s beaming smile and animated approval. With this memorable critique forever dear to her heart, Matthew is one critic that will be hard to displace. n Note: To view and learn more about Brenda’s work, visit her website at www. brendamorganart.com.

Drive-Thru Window Free Delivery

Serving the River Valley Since 1970

Medicare/Medicaid Provider for Diabetic Supplies Old Tyme Soda Fountain Daily Lunch Specials

Bill & Marlene Newton, Owners • (479) 968-4185 • 715 West Main, Russellville, AR

is to sell you a

LIFETIME!

Not just One Time.

BACK: Garry Cooper & Terence Scott

FRONT: Russ Warhurst & John Pike

PRE-OWNED AUTO CENTER

479-498-2277 3405 E. Main, Russellville November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 23

Sty

D EC O R ATING

Over the last 11 years, we have come to love and appreciate the Duvalls as both friends and customers. We appreciate Karen, Doug and the whole River Valley Furniture staff for making our ‘dream bedroom’ become a reality.

Karen, you are so fun and talented! We gave you a “hint” of an idea and you turned it into a romantic get-away. As always, we are completely satisfied with the selection and customer service that River Valley Furniture offers each and every day. Thanks again!

“

“

Jason & Daranda Golden

“ I always jump at the chance to work with Daranda and Jason. We have had so much fun together on every project!!!

With three very active, adorable sons, a romantic retreat for this couple was imperative. The master bedroom makeover turned out absolutely gorgeous. I am so pleased with the outcome.”

Karen

Joey Pack

Interior Designer

Complimentary In-Store Design Service & Free Delivery

(479) 967-9984 • www.rivervalleyfurnitur Hours: M. thru F. ~ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm •

yle

S T Y L E

“

Working with the friendly staff at River Valley Furniture has been a most pleasant, stress-free experience. When we began our living room makeover, we knew we wanted an inviting, comfortable space. We described what we envisioned to interior designer, Karen Ray. After finding an “inspiration” fabric in the color scheme we wanted to use, Karen helped us choose the sofa, chairs, tables and accents pieces. She also came to our home to make sure the selections were suitable for our space.

We are so appreciative of Karen’s expertise which helped us create the look and feel we had so desired. We enjoy it everyday!

“When Tommy and Mary Anne began their living room makeover, we started with fabrics. Once we found “the one”, everything else just fell into place.

Tommy and Mary Anne Crews

Working with the Crews is always a pleasure. Their new living room is so warm and inviting, just like the two of them...”

Karen

Karen Ray

Interior Designer

re.net • 2609 E. Parkway, Russellville, AR Saturday 10am-4pm • Sunday ~ Closed Photos by Kristin Hare

“

W I T H

Even in Tough Times,

Life Can be

Purr-fect Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone

S

ome cats scamper toward a new visitor; some run away. Some cats rub against a pant leg; some watch with guarded eyes from the comfort of their perches. Some cats purr when they are petted; some don’t like to be touched. That’s the thing about cats – each has his or her own individual personality.

To say that Pope County residents Doug and Kathy Jentsch understand cats is an understatement. The couple, who has rescued cats for 20 years, is as close to growing their own whiskers and fur as anyone on two legs.

Purr-fect Sanctuary is their world, and it is also inhabited by over 50 cats. As the name implies, many of the felines are too frail to adopt out. They are destined to live out their numbered days with their caregivers, the Jentsches.

“This is a professional shelter,” Doug said, though the size of the shelter, considered too small by national funding sources, exists primarily on his income as a car salesman for Valley Motors and Kathy’s income sewing polar-fleece kitty hammocks and pet blankets over the Internet.

“But this is what we chose to do,” he said.

“We sacrifice vanity for the animals.”

The couple, originally from Minnesota, moved to the area four years ago to be closer to Kathy’s mother. They brought with them a small menagerie which has managed to grow some.

“The Minnesota Humane Society wouldn’t take Lucy here for nothing. She would have been euthanized because of behavioral problems,” Kathy said.

Lucy is one of those cats who runs away at the site of a stranger. She was traumatized as a kitten by a family who didn’t need a cat Kathy said. “Human contact actually frightens her.”

26 ABOUT...the River Valley

“These over here are our hawk kitties,” Kathy said as she picked up Tiggy, 14. “The vet actually had to do a facelift on her.”

Tiggy is also blind in one eye as a result of being attacked by hawks.

In the wild, kittens out in the open are a free meal for birds of prey, so rescue operations not only save cats from irresponsible humans but from Mother Nature, as well.

“People don’t give too much thought to the costs of vet bills and food,” Doug said.”Pets are not toys or possessions, but should be part of a family. The public must accept responsibility of owning pets.”

Some folks seem to suffer from a lack of compassion, Doug said. It’s not uncommon to see four dogs in a front yard with no means of confinement.

“Of course, one will get hit by a car,” he said, “and the reaction is to just go out and get another.” Kathy agreed and reminded him of the man who used to shoot dogs down the road. “Now, thank God, it’s a felony,” Doug said.

“We could tell you horror stories,” Kathy said. “Anyone in the rescue business could.”

Take Nana, for instance. She is an abuse survivor and wears a protective boot over her left hind leg. She was dragged under a door as a kitten until her flesh tore off and only her bone remained. Lucky for Nana, she fell into the hands of the Jentsches.

“It took three months to heal Nana’s wounds,” Kathy said. The tabby has to keep the boot on at all times due to the shot nerves and scar tissue.

Kathy whipped up Nana’s boot on her sewing machine, adding it to her growing inventory. Her Internet business, Comfy Cat Habitats, is devoted to cat and dog accessories -- such as the hammocks and blankets, and the sales are increasing.

“We even have raccoon owners who order the extra large hammocks,” Kathy said, “and we sent a bunch to Mississippi for the cats when Katrina hit.”

Black long-haired Pug is 22 years old.

They can live a long and healthy life when they’re taken care of, Kathy said.

Taking care of the cats is an ongoing commitment. Kathy adheres to a detailed schedule everyday to keep up with and maintain the facility. To keep the homes smelling fresh, it is imperative to scoop out the litter boxes twice a day she said.

“Air circulation is very important, and don’t overcrowd,” she said.

Though the healthy cats remain in elaborate outdoor cage-houses, and cats testing positive for feline leukemia are quarantined in their own facility, ill and fragile cats are cared for at the main house.

“These are our CH kitties,” Kathy said of two wobbly cats sharing a kennel. They suffer from cerebellar hypoplasia, most likely a result of their mothers coming in contact with the distemper virus.

“Some people don’t like the idea that the cats are in kennels,” she said, “but my father once told me something that made a lot of sense to me. He told me that we go into our kennel when we go into the house, so their cage is their house just as my house was my cage.”

Even the feral cats return to their “cage” at night, she said. The cats she speaks of are, in fact, a feral cat community which resides outside the complex. Kathy and Doug extend their generosity with those cats as well, leaving food on the front porch for them and allowing them to use a wooden building as they wish.

They also neuter, spay and vaccinate the wild cats.

November 2009

“And every month, every living thing on this property is Front-lined,” Kathy said. (Front Line is a popular flea and tick repellent.)

The cats don’t express their gratitude as vociferously as dogs, but if pet owners would take time to listen to their pets they would understand them, Kathy said.

“If you know what to look for it’s easy to see that a cat is content.”

The Jentsches receive frequent phone calls from concerned pet owners needing reassurance or information. One call was from a distraught woman concerned about her parents’ cat. The 13-year-old calico cat had been very attached to the caller’s father, and when he died, the cat experienced a personality change. Months later, the cat – who had been quite affectionate before -had bit the caller’s mother as she slept.

“This was scary for everyone,” Kathy said. “They contacted a vet for a consult and came up with a solution. The cat enjoyed spending a lot of time outdoors,” she said,

“so our recommendation was that Cookie be allowed to stay outdoors.”

The cat was eventually granted indoor “supervised” visitation during the day, then given the run of the sun porch and spare bedroom inside at night. The solution kept the pet and owner together.

Cats are not without other unique beneficial attributes. Kathy firmly believes in their superior sense of perception. While living in Minnesota, she and her cats went for daily walks in the woods.

“They would be all excited when they saw me walking down to the kennel,” she said, “but for several days in a row, they wouldn’t cross the road. I didn’t know what to make of it. Then, an earthquake hit Minnesota.”

Kathy still marvels about it today. “When have you ever heard of Minnesota having an earthquake?” she asked. “Those cats had no past experiences that would warn them. It is an inherited sensitivity to their surroundings that humans don’t possess.”

Scientists are discovering fascinating things about cats all the time, she said.

“They recently found that cats have super paramagnetic particles fed through the whiskers to the brain which serve as honing devices.”

Besides the scientifically fascinating points of interest, the cats are just fun, she added.

“I’m sitting at my sewing machine and watching them cut up all the time. They tease, taunt and play with each other all the time. Animals know how to have fun.”

“There are thousands of Mom and Pop shelters around the country,” Doug said.

“It’s sad that there are so many people who mistreat their pets. We’ve put a lot of things on hold because we’d rather be taking care of the cats.”

“I’ve had the whole 3,300 square foot house and done the changing wallpaper bit, but this is my paradise now,” Kathy said.

Times are a tough. The economic slump has siphoned their few donations, but they are confident the good deed-doers in the community will triumph.

“You learn what your wants and needs are when times are tough,” Kathy said.

“We see small acts of kindness all the time,” Doug said.

A visiting preschooler on a class field trip to the Purr-fect Sanctuary paid the Jentsches the ultimate compliment.

“She told me that she wanted to be a kitty and live with us,” Kathy said. n Note: For information, visit www.petfinder.com.

To order hammocks or blankets visit www. comfycathabitat.com. Monetary contributions to Purr-fect Sanctuary may be sent in care of: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812. Please may checks payable to: PURR-FECT SANCTUARY.

General Shopping

November 20, 10am–8pm November 21, 10am–4pm • Tickets $5 Come spend the weekend in Conway!

Girls’ Nite Out

November 19, 6pm–9pm • $20 in advance; $25 at the door Fletcher Smith Jewelry Drawing 9pm • Sponsored by Women’s Inc.

November 19, 20 & 21

Santa & Mrs. Claus

November 20, 5pm–8pm • November 21, 10am–3pm Professional Photo Packages starting at $12

Win a new 2010 Ford Mustang Limited to 500 Raffle Tickets, $100 each Other great prizes available

Dazzle Daze is a fundraising event of the Conway Regional Women’s Council and will benefit Senior and Pediatric Programs at Conway Regional Health System.

November 2009

Don Owen Sports Complex, Conway

www.DazzleDaze.com • (501) 513-5778 ABOUT...the River Valley 27

ABOUT

Food

Life is Too Short ...Eat Dessert

First

!

by Dianna Qualls About the River Valley Food Editor

The holidays are almost here. We spend hours planning, decorating and cooking. The day starts early, the family begins to arrive, the dinner bell rings -- or at our house, someone raises their voice and yells “come and get it”. The crowd rushes in, heads are bowed and grace is said.

For just a micro second there is peaceful silence followed by mayhem, as everyone rushes for the counter/buffet, heavy laden with food. Each person pauses in front of each dish, spoon lifted, “do I want this or is there something a little further along I would enjoy more for Round 1?”

They map out their plate, turkey and dressing in the lower left hand corner, cranberry sauce can be piled right beside it, mashed taters and gravy in the upper right corner, so on and so on until the plate is screaming “UNCLE”. We find our place to sit, place the napkin in our lap, pick up our fork and Gobble, Gobble, Gobble... breath, and Gobble, Gobble, Gobble... lick your lips. Aaah, ooooh, stretch. Okay, it is decision time – Round 2 or Dessert Time.

If dessert time wins, then RUN like the wind to the Dessert Table.

Elbow your way to the front, and your eyes gaze upon the most beautiful sight you have seen since last year, a plethora of sweets.

Now is the moment of truth, do you throw caution to the wind and choose several “small” servings or decide on “one” gloriously, delicious concoction? You know the one Aunt Bessie has made for the last 35 years and you know exactly the sensations your mouth will experience with each bite, should you decide to choose her dessert. You all know what I am talking about!

So I thought I would devote this month’s food section to the real “main course” of our holiday meals -- those Gloriously Decadent Desserts.

ATU Agri POINSETTIA SALE

Thu. & Fri., Dec. 3 & 4

8am-5:30pm ~ Tech Greenhouses

Red Hill, ATU ~ (479) 968-0251

28 ABOUT...the River Valley

COUNTRY APPLE PIE

6 c. peeled, cored, and sliced cooking apples 1 T. lemon juice ½ c. sugar ½ c. firmly packed brown sugar 2 T. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg 2 T. butter or margarine 2 pie crusts I think this is the best Apple Pie I have ever eaten.

Combine apples and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.

Add sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Mix well.

Spoon filling into pie shell evenly and dot with butter.

Place remaining pie crust over filling, finishing edges to your preference. Cut 4 or 5 slits in top crust to release steam. If edges brown to quickly cover with strips of aluminum foil or pie shields.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 35 minutes.

ARTISAN BREAD

• Extra virgin olive oil - no shortening • No preservatives or conditioners • Unbleached & unbromated Artisan flour (479) 968-8945 411 W. Parkway, Russellville

Goes great with our homemade lasagna or chicken tetrazzini!

HOURS: Tues. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

November 2009

S’MORE CUPCAKES

1 box yellow cake mix Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on the cake mix box 1 c. graham cracker crumbs 4 bars (1.55 oz each) milk chocolate candy, finely chopped Frosting 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream ½ c. butter or margarine, softened 2 c. powdered sugar 1 to 2 tsp milk 1 bar (1.55 oz milk chocolate candy, if desired 24 bear-shaped graham crackers, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds.

Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.

Fold in graham cracker crumbs and chopped chocolate bars. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake 18 to 23 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 min.

Remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Remove and discard lid and foil seal from jar of marshmallow crème. To soften marshmallow crème for easy removal from jar, microwave on High 15 to 20 seconds.

In large bowl, beat marshmallow crème, butter and powdered sugar on low speed until blended. Beat in enough milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, to make frosting spreadable. Spread over tops of cupcakes.

Divide chocolate bar into rectangles.

Cut each rectangle diagonally in half and place on top of each cupcake. Top each cupcake with bear-shaped cracker. After frosting has set, store loosely covered at room temperature.

OOEY GOOEY CARAMEL CAKE

1 box yellow cake mix ¼ c. all-purpose flour 1 c. water 1/3 c. vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 bag (8 oz) milk chocolate-coated toffee bits 1 can (13.4 oz) dulce de leche (caramelized sweetened condensed milk) Sweetened whipped cream, if desired Caramel topping, if desired

3521 West Main Street Russellville • 479-967-4107

Voted

Best in the River Valley!

Come taste for yourself!

Dine in OR CARRy Out

Fonts: Copperplate Serpentine D Bold Colors: PANTONE Reflex Blue C PANTONE Red 032 C PANTONE Black C

Pulled Pork ~ Ribs ~ Link Smoked Chicken ~ Family Packs Plate Meals ~ Sandwich Plates BBQ Salads ~ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

of

Russellville

NEW MENU! NEW ITEMS! Philly Cheesesteak • Appetizers Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Steak Fajita Nachos • & More!

Call Ahead or Carry Out at

(479) 967-1273

Hrs: Mon-Thur 10:30a.m.–7p.m. ~ Fri & Sat 10:30a.m.-8p.m. ~ Sun 11a.m.–2p.m. ~ 7206 Hwy. 64 W. November 2009

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom and sides of 13”x9” inch pan with baking spray with flour.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, flour, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds.

Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in ½ cup of the toffee bits. Pour into pan.

Reserve ½ cup dulce de leche. Spoon remaining dulce de leche by teaspoonfuls onto batter.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes.

Drop reserved dulce de leche by spoonfuls over top of cake and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining toffee bits.

Cool about 1 hour before serving. Top each serving with whipped cream and caramel topping.

Qs-tip: Chocolate-covered English toffee candy bars may always be substituted when toffee bits are not available. The dulce de leche, a caramelized condensed milk, can be found in the baking section near the sweetened condensed milk in the grocery store, or may often be found in the Hispanic foods section.

405 WEST PARKWAY, RUSSELLVILLE (479) 968-3816 • www.stobys.com HRS: MON.-SAT. 6 A.M. – 9 P.M. (open til 10pm on Fridays)

ABOUT...the River Valley 29

CHOCOLATE CHIP-PECAN PIE BARS

1 ½ c. original Bisquick mix 1 c. powdered sugar ¼ c. firm butter or margarine 4 eggs, beaten 1 c. dark corn syrup ¼ c. butter or margarine, melted, cooled 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz) 1 ½ c. chopped pecans (6 oz) Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl, mix Bisquick mix and powdered sugar.

Cut in firm butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until crumbly. Press firmly in bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Bake 15 minutes; cool.

In large bowl, beat eggs, corn syrup, melted butter and vanilla with spoon until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips, and pecans.

Pour over crust. Bake 25 to 30 min or until golden brown and set. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until chocolate is firm. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.

RED VELVET CAKE BITES

1 box red velvet cake mix (bake as directed on box for 13”x 9” cake) 1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)

1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate) wax paper After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned: it will get messy.)

Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50 balls.)

Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)

Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

Melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken.

It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

Attorney at Law, P.A. 308 West B Street Downtown Russellville

(One block west of the Pope County courthouse)

(479) 567-5284

“Serving the legal needs of the River Valley since 2000, now in solo practice”

BAKLAVA

1 lb. chopped mixed nuts (walnuts or a mix of walnuts and pecans) 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 (16-oz.) package phyllo dough 1 c. butter, melted 1 c. white sugar 1 c. water 1/2 c. honey 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. grated lemon zest I used to make this dessert every year at the holidays, and it is so rich and delicious.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9”x13” baking dish.

Toss together cinnamon and nuts. Unroll phyllo and cut whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo with a damp cloth while assembling the baklava, to keep it from drying out.

Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush generously with butter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tsp. of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo.

Using a sharp knife, cut baklava (all the way through to the bottom of the dish) into four long rows, then nine times diagonally to make 36 diamond shapes.

Bake in preheated oven 50 minutes, until golden and crisp.

While baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir in honey, vanilla and lemon zest, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it.

Let cool completely before serving. Store uncovered.

PastaGrill Italian • Steaks Seafood • Sandwiches Pizza • Salads

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Groups Welcome • Holiday Parties • Rehearsal Dinners 30 ABOUT...the River Valley

November 2009

ALMOND JOY CAKE

1 box German chocolate cake mix Bake cake according to directions on box in big sheet pan. Melt over medium heat the following ingredients (stirring continually with whisk to prevent burning): 1 c. evaporated milk 1 c. sugar 24 lg. marshmallows 1 tsp. vanilla Remove from stove. Add 14 oz. coconut; set aside. When cake is done pour over cake.

ICING: 1 1/2 c. evaporated milk 1 1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 sticks butter Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

Add: 1 1/2 c. Hershey’s chocolate chips and 1 c. pecans. Mix and pour on top of second layer. Refrigerate. n Plan now to participate in ABOUT’s Community Wide Best Cooks Recipe contest scheduled for April 2010. Funds generated from the event will be donated to local charities.

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(479) 967-0229 709 South El Mira Russellville ABOUT...the River Valley 31

Soles for Souls

Photos by Gabe Stiritz

Wesley United Methodist Tweens (students in grades 5th through 7th) recently collected 450 pairs of shoes for those who have inadequate or no foot protection. Soles4Souls is a nonprofit shoe charity whose mission is to help people in need by donating gently used shoes.

Soles4Souls, headquartered in Nashville, was created in response to the 2004 Asian Tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The organization has netted over 1 million pairs of shoes donated and distributed in the aftermath of those disasters.

Soles4Souls distributes shoes to impoverished areas in the United States as well as abroad. They have distributed shoes to people in over 50 countries on five continents including the U.S., Honduras, Haiti, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Swaziland, Sudan and Iraq.

For more information, visit www.soles4souls.com. n

32 ABOUT...the River Valley

November 2009

Lavell and Benny Harris

Mary Anderson and Selma Ramsay

Jimmi Whitfield

Bonita Church and Harriet Thone

Turners, Keeners Host Arkansas Children’s Gathering

Jeannie Stone

Penni Jacobs, seated, Dr. Richard F. Jacobs and Raye Turner

On Thursday, Sept. 10, 45 guests attended a reception at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Finley Turner and co-hosted by Mr. and Mrs. David Keener for friends of Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Richard F. Jacobs, President of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, presented a slide presentation about the history and future of the hospital’s impact in Pope County and across the state.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric medical center in Arkansas and one of the largest in the United States serving children from birth to age 21. The campus spans 28 city blocks and houses 316 beds, a staff of approximately 500 physicians, 80 residents in pediatrics and pediatric specialties and more than 4,000 employees. Last year there were more than 298,000 patient visits at ACH, including 4,105 from Pope County.

Many of the attending guests were surprised by the number of ACH patients from their community and pleased to know that their philanthropic donations were being put to work for better care and treatment for these young patients and their families. n

Three generations of ACH supporters; Selma Ramsay, Raye Turner and Joy Crafton

Donnie and Jimmi Whitfield

Dr. Richard F. Jacobs, M.D. F.A.P.P. Mike and Joyce Larkin

November 2009

Beverly Keener and Virginia Berner

ABOUT...the River Valley 33

Discovering Pioneer heritage.

(Above) Travelers dine at the German-American Society. (Left) Royalty guests known to other travelers as “The Sisters” view art by Omaha artists.

Adventurers ‘Head West’ on Vintage Mystery Trip The sun is barely over the horizon as clusters of eager Vintage Club travelers unload luggage from their vehicles, anxiously awaiting Royalty Tours luxury motor coach to pull into Saint Mary’s parking lot. It’s October, and time once again for the annual “mystery trip”; arguably the most popular trip of the year!

Thirty-five adventurous seniors board the coach for destinations unknown. “All we know is that we’re going to have a wonderful four-day journey with great friends!” exclaimed Ann Davis. “You may not know all your fellow travelers when the trip begins, but after four days of food, games and lots of laughing, we’re practically like family!”

Sandy and Parker Devore, owners of Royalty Tours, provide clues along the way as travelers pour through their maps and atlases trying to determine which direction their travels will take them this time. Charles

Oates, a veteran traveler explained, “Parker and Sandy are pretty clever when it comes to planning our route. Just when we think we’re heading west – Tulsa? Oklahoma City? maybe Kansas?…Parker turns north and we’re burrowing through our maps again. Kansas City? St. Louis? Chicago?”

More than 500 miles of fun later, the group lands in Omaha, Nebraska at the German-American Society for an authentic German meal and entertainment.

Die Singenden Wanderer men’s chorus sings spirited German tunes while the audience claps, sways and participates on cue.

Preserving the culture of German folk dance, Heimat Tanzer’s dance troupe performs several dance variations in vibrant, traditional costumes. The weary travelers head to the hotel. What better way to end the day than to the words and music of “…and as I go a wandering, my knapsack on my back…”

Morning comes early with a brief stop at the Omaha Visitors Bureau, allowing the group to sample some of the art, crafts, and flavors of the city. A step-on guide joins the group for a tour of local celebrity homes, gardens, historic architecture and sculpture.

More than 100 individual bronze sculptures featuring pioneer families, wagon trains, bison and other wildlife are integrated into the city’s urban landscape. The group enjoyed a short luncheon cruise aboard the River City Star riverboat followed by a tour of General Crook House Museum at Fort Omaha.

One of most meaningful tours was the trip to Boys Town where the group was escorted by a young man and young lady, both residents of Boys Town. Together these two guides provide not only a tour of the historic campus that began with Father Flanagan’s dream to care for America’s children, but also insight into their own personal journeys.

The group shared a 1940’s style meal and

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read aloud short biographies of residents from the 1940’s through today. The meal was served family style with potato soup from a large recycled aluminum can, roast beef, homemade biscuits and bread pudding, all from the original mid-century recipes. The speaker during the meal was a man in his 50’s who shared his story of how Boys Town changed his life. One traveler expressed a feeling that many shared, “I never knew such a humble meal could be so powerful in warming the soul.”

The second day ended with some sightseeing along a 3,000 foot-long pedestrian bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge to link two states. The group took turns posing for photos with one foot in Iowa and one foot in Nebraska. A visit to The Old Market downtown harvested some delicious almond pound cake bread from Wheatfields Bakery.

Proprietor Ron Popp generously shared his prized recipe with the group.

Day three began with a visit to the Mormon Trails Center, lunch at the Henry Doorly Zoo boasting the world’s largest indoor rainforest where the group enjoy lunch, and a tour of the Durham Museum, formerly Union Station – an amazing example of Art Deco architecture and interior design.

Everyone agreed that the highlight of the day, if not the entire trip, was the performance of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat” at the Omaha Community Playhouse, the largest community theatre in the country. The group was treated like royalty as locals welcomed the travelers to their city. Stars from the production gathered

on stage to have their photos taken with the group. Everything from the delicious catered dinner and the performance, to the gracious Midwestern hospitality and star treatment was indeed “Amazing.”

The final day of the trip included a lunch and tour of the Lyons Twin Mansions, located in historic Fort Kansas near Joplin, Missouri. Built in 1876 these two 19th century Italianate homes are surrounded by lush gardens and majestic shade trees.

Guests were treated to an elegant luncheon served on fine china, silver and crystal.

Boarding the motor coach for the last leg

of their journey, travelers were surprised to find small versions of themselves placed in their seats. The DeVores had customized versions of fall scarecrows to resemble each traveler, even down to their miniature name tag and matching shopping bag. Guests relaxed and reclined to watch Spencer Tracy in the movie “Boys Town”.

For more information on Saint Mary’s Vintage Club, call (479) 964-9355. For information on upcoming trips with Royalty Tours, including a fabulous “San Antonio Christmas” tour December 2-6, call Sandy DeVore at (479) 890-6774. n

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Dance With Joy

Party Rentals & Wedding Packages Available. DJ/Karaoke/MC Services available on/off site. Classes, Private instruction and Pageant Choreography available for ages 18mths. through adult.

Go to our website for more information. www.DWJstudio.com www.myspace.com/dwjstudio (479) 968-1620 or (479) 264-7287 MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION Specializing in acute and clinic care.

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River Valley Medical Transcription (479) 858-2708 or (479) 967-4899 Be the first service professional that comes to mind when your prospective customer needs a product or service you provide. Have your business or service included in the next issue of ABOUT…the River Valley, contact Melanie Conley at (479) 967-4899, Vonna Marpel at (479) 970-4263, or Kay Alexander at (479) 264-7778.

November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 35

1

2

ABOUT

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■■1 Adorable Christmas Outfits

Dress your new bundle of joy up for Christmas with one of our adorable outfits from Mud Pie.

Russellville Medical Supply 2600 West Main St., Russellville (479) 967-5790

■■2 Christmas Decorations

Beautiful silver-layered net Christmas Trees by Raz in large and medium (30” and 36”) sizes.

Come visit us and see all of our decorations.

Rose Drug

3103 West Main Place, Russellville (479) 968-1323

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Enjoy good food with your family on Thanksgiving This wonderful centerpiece

by Jim Shore will look beautiful on your table.

Other Thanksgiving décor available.

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2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville (479) 705-8282

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Thoughtful and inspirational bangles, each bracelet includes a special gift box. A great way to send a message to someone you love.

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■■6 Glory Haus Art

Bring beauty to your home and joy to you, your family and friends with these Christmas decorations. We also have inspirational and whimsical frames, tiles and decorative boards.

Gifts on Parkway/Gifts on Rogers

2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville (479) 705-8282

■■7 Live In The Air You Love

We now carry Lampe Berger Paris.

These are beautiful glass diffusers.

We have many to choose from. We also carry an array of wonderful fragrances.

6

Rose Drug

3103 West Main Place, Russellville (479) 968-1323

36 ABOUT...the River Valley

7 November 2009

ATU Tourists Travel the World A total of 39 tourists, members of the Arkansas Tech University Alumni and Friends Travel group, have literally traveled the world since early Summer.

In May, seven members enjoyed a seven-night cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean, visiting the Italian Lakes and Greek Islands. Nineteen travelers left for a visit to the Pacific Northwest and California in late July, touring Washington, Oregon and California.

Most recently, a group of 13 left the United States bound for the Isle of Skye in midSeptember. The 10-day tour featured, among other fabulous sights, Edinburgh Castle, the shores of Loch Ness, Ballachulish, the Orkney Islands and the Kingdom of Fife.

Dana Moseley is director of gift planning at Arkansas Tech and oversees the Tech Alumni and Friends Travel Group. In addition to the 2009 tours, the upcoming travel plan will include a December ’09 trip to San Antonio, and 2010 visits to Hawaii, the Imperial cities of Europe and a tour of New England.

For more information about the Arkansas Tech Alumni and Friends Travel Group, call Moseley at (479) 964-0532, send e-mail to dqmoseley@atu.edu or visit atu.edu/ givetotech/giftplanning-travel.shtml. n

November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 37

Honda of SHOP SMART – SHOP LOCALLY Russellville HAVE FUN: SAVE MONEY!

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479-968-2233 220 LAKE FRONT DR, RUSSELLVILLE www.hondaofrussellville.com 38 ABOUT...the River Valley

The perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can be found right here at home.

Remember holiday shoppers Chuck and Janie from the editorial cartoon on page 7?

Why not spend time and money shopping with Arkansas River Valley merchants this holiday season? Not only will you secure the jobs of your friends and neighbors by shopping locally, the experience might just keep change in your pocket!

Make this a season of change!

Come shop Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner for the latest styles and colors

by The North Face, Patagonia and KAVU – our best selection yet. Everyone on your list will stay toasty warm in our cozy hoodies and jackets. For your workout, try running lighter in Nike’s new Lunar Glide.

And don’t forget, fashionable eyewear

by Oakley and Maui Jim, BPA-free water bottles and stocking stuffers by Kiss My Face. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. Beginning Nov. 29, open Sundays from 1 until 5 p.m. through Christmas. Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner, 2320 West Main, Russellville; (479) 968-6464.

A new Holiday feature offered this year is a line called, ‘Glory Haus.’ This consists of hand-painted ceramic ornaments that can be personalized as well as mugs and canvas line. Gifts on Parkway’s Christmas Open House will be Saturday, Nov., 14 and Gifts on Rogers will be Sunday, Nov. 22. Holiday Store hours are Monday through Friday, 10-5:30 and Saturday from 10-5. Open Christmas Eve 10-4. Gifts on Parkway, 2149 E. Parkway, Russellville (479) 890-6932; Gifts on Rogers, 510 S. Rogers, Clarksville, (479) 705-8282.

Holiday 2009 Blockbuster Purchase with Purchase Set value $340

¯ Lauder $55.00 with any Estee Fragrance Purchase Now Taking Orders Event Starts Nov. 16th

Has there ever been a machine where class-leading performance, safety and convenience come together so perfectly?

The Big Red MUV from Honda of Russellville was built with you in mind, which is the only way Honda knows how: tough, rugged, and as packed with performance as it is with industry-leading features. Come visit Honda of Russellville to test ride Big Red and see for yourself.

Once you have experienced how Honda can build an MUV, no other side-byside will do. Honda of Russellville, 220 Lakefront Drive, Russellville; (479) 9682233. Open Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Service hours are Monday through Friday 9-6.

A visit to Hollingsworth Home Entertainment & Appliance can fill any size holiday stocking this holiday.

Hollingsworth carries name-brand appliances including KitchenAid and Whirlpool, and name-brand electronics including Sony, LG and Mitsubishi. Open 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 until noon on Saturday.

Beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving (and extending through Christmas) the store will remain open through 5:30 p.m.

Hollingsworth Home Entertainment & Appliance, 3521 West Main St., Russellville, (479) 967-4107.

Jon-Tam’s Pet Boutique, Boarding and Grooming will be offering a free leash and collar to who anyone who adopts a pet from The Humane Society of the Greater River Valley between now and January 1, 2010. Jon-Tam’s has many wonderful safe and plush Christmas toys that squeak, apparel and warm jackets,

FULL EXPRESSO BAR!

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for your Thanksgiving or Holiday Event Chocolate dipped Canollis Cheesecake FactoryTM Cheesecakes Cookies

1019 N. Arkansas Ave. Russellville

(479) 890-9576

City Mall, Russellville ~ 479-968-3001

November 2009

MAKE THIS A SEASON OF CHANGE treats and more for your pet this holiday.

Jon Tam’s offers a complete grooming service. Now is the time to bring your pet in for a trim and bath so they are ready for those holiday photos with the family.

Jon-Tam’s Pet Boutique, Boarding and Grooming, (479) 284-4059.

Lefler’s, located inside City Mall in Russellville, has added Brighton Charms to their current Brighton selection of purses, jewelry and sunglasses. These charms can be used on necklaces and bracelets. They are simply ‘charming’ and are destined to make great gifts this Christmas. Lefler’s carries a complete line of Clinique and Estee’ Lauder cosmetics. Open Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5:30. Join Lefler’s for their Christmas Open House on Sunday, Nov. 8; Lefler’s, 407 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville; (479) 968-3001.

Millyn’s has many fun and unique Christmas items this year. Sure to be a favorite are whimsical wooden penguins and penguin families. Also featured are fabulous silk runners for the family dining

table decoration. Millyn’s annual Christmas Show and Sale will be held from Friday, Nov. 5 through Saturday, Nov. 14. Holiday hours are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and open noon until 5 p.m. each Sunday through the holidays, beginning November 22 (the Sunday before Thanksgiving.) Open Thanksgiving Day from noon to 5. Millyn’s, 124 S. Front St., Dardanelle. (479) 229-4144.

Nite Lite of Clarksville has a new line of camo handbags and wallets. Also, the business features a new line of jewelry for men and women. Don’t forget about the kids.

Nite Lite has a great selection of toys and outfits for them, as well. Perfect choices for the perfect gift! Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Nite Lite, Exit 55 off I-40, Clarksville; (479) 754-5540.

PJ’s Corner is introducing the new inspirational “Bangles From Heaven” line (bangle bracelets with Bible verses).

Also, PJ’s still has the largest selection of sterling silver jewelry in the River Valley (27 showcases full) including two

Don’t Forget Your Pet For Christmas!

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(479)890-6932 ABOUT...the River Valley 39

gowns by some of the most popular designers, as well as attire for the entire wedding party. Shop early for prom and get a sneak peak at the fabulous lines of dresses premiering for 2010. Holiday hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11-5, Tuesday, Thursday 12-5, Saturday 10-4 or by appointment. Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) hours will be 1 to 5 pm.

Layaway available. Rendezvous, 208 West Main, Russellville; (479) 890-7766.

exclusive lines: Peter James (Sterling Silver, 14K Gold Filled, and combination jewelry), and the very popular Jewelry John Bell Collection (Sterling Silver Bell Necklaces - over 45 styles to choose from, each with their own special gift box with story card). For more information, Call PJ’s at 479-968-1812 located at 903 W Main St., Russellville.

Rendezvous Formal Wear, located in Downtown Russellville, carries bridal

River Valley Furniture has the perfect gift for every person on your list.

Over a thousand decorating accessories and lamps are available for the holidays.

Beautiful contemporary and traditional wall art is available -- all in RVF’s $300 and under collection. In addition, visit the wonderful and talented Interior designers available to help decorate for the holidays or design a new look for the home. River Valley Furniture, 2609 East Parkway, Russellville; (479) 967-9984.

Millyn’s Christmas Show & Sale

For the Holiday Season Poinsettias topiaries, colorful pots and plants to decorate homes and businesses for the season

FRIDAY NOvEMBER 5 THRU SATURDAY NOvEMBER 14

20% OFF STOREWIDE

SELECTED ITEMS 1/2 PRICE FABULOUS ARRAY OF UNIQUE CHRISTMAS ITEMS ALL INCLUDED!

Taylor Nursery

(479) 229-4144 Front Street Dardanelle

Millyn’s

Bridal Registry Custom Framing Decorating Service

Open Sundays Starting November 22nd! Open Thanksgiving 12 to 5!

130 S Cumberland • 479-968-2778

Your One-Stop Holiday Shop for the outdoors enthusiasts on your list!

Malarie Dra

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40 ABOUT...the River Valley

ON

Exit 55 off I-40, Clarksville, AR on Massengale Road - “Fun For The Whole Family”

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UP

479-754-5540

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November 2009

This holiday season, popular gift items at Rose Drug in Russellville are going to include the newly-popular warm and soft animal print throws. The throws are available in leopard, zebra and cheetah print designs. Rose Drug also features new Lampe Berger diffusers lamps and oils along with cotton gowns and knit outfits for children. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 until 2. Rose Drug, 3103 West

Main Place, Russellville; (479) 968-1323.

Maternity clothes are now available at Russellville Medical. Come see the new arrivals of nursing gowns, stylish t-shirts, and work clothes from companies such as aMAMAnte, Blessence Maternity, and Born Naked. Also available are Medela breast pumps and MyBrestFriend nursing pillows. Russellville Medical, 2600 West Main Street, Russellville; (479) 967-5790.

Rose Drug

Something for All the Ladies on your list Toms

Uggs

Since 1984

Christmas Gowns & Outfits Many Sizes and Hairbows to Match! All Designs by Beverly

Name brand colonges/after shaves

Baby Registry

One Of A Kind Gifts

rn Weste

“Professional Prescription Service for over 30 Years in the Arkansas River Valley” Mike Smith & Gary Denton, Owners 3103 W Main Place, Russellville AR

~

(479) 968-1323

www.rosedrug.com

ots

o Fun B

B ir t h d asy P a r t ie Ba by & W ed di ng Sh o w er s

320 West “B” Street Russellville, AR 72801

L a d ie s M e e t in g s Church Events

child friendly family entertainment specializing in paint-your-own pottery!

Let us take care of all the details...We’re here for you!

479-967-0882 • Hours: Mon BY APPT. ONLY / Tue-Sat 10am-6pm A subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, Inc. November 2009

Christmas Open House November 14th

968-4900

2143 E. Parkway • Russellville

ABOUT...the River Valley 41

If you need to add holiday decorating by the door, on the steps, on the porch or in the house, visit Taylor Nursery for ivy rings, cone-shaped hollies, potted seasonal plants and a great selection of house plants. Poinsettias – need one or dozens – are available in several sizes

and accessories for any type of hunter or gift budget. With hunting brands like Scent Blocker, Scent lok, Browning, and Drake. We are your outdoor Christmas shopping headquarters. Our holiday hours are 9-6 Monday-Friday, and 9-4 Saturday. 815 N. Arkansas, Russellville; (479) 968-4322.

The newest restaurant in town, The Oak Tree Bistro, invites everyone to stop by and try their collection of holiday desserts, lattes, and shakes. Enjoy their full expresso bar. The Oak Tree Bistro also carries Cheesecake Factory Cheesecakes, including the Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake throughout the holidays. If you need a special dessert for your party, call The Oak Tree Bistro. The Oak Tree Bistro, 1019 North Arkansas, Russellville.

(479) 890-9576.

Old Gringo’s cowboy boots, found at The Other Foot and More, push the envelope of fashion while continuing to provide handcrafted products produced by true craftsmen in traditional fashion.

Amazing flower embroidery puts a feminine spin on a cowboy silhouette. The Marsha boot from Old Gringo is constructed in soft leather and outfitted on an aged leather sole. This handcrafted boot is sure to turn heads. Christmas Open House will be Saturday, Nov. 14. Opening 9 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. Holiday Hours: Monday through Friday 10-6; Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 12-4. The Other Foot and More, 2143 E. Parkway, Russellville; (479) 968-4900. n

also. Taylor Nursery is located at 130 South Cumberland, Russellville; (479) 968-2778 At Wilkins Brothers Outdoors, we have a large selection of Nike ACG, Arc’teryx, and Mountain Hardware, Merrell, and Teva for anyone on your list. We also have plenty of clothing

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42 ABOUT...the River Valley

815 NORTH ARKANSAS AVE, RUSSELLVILLE • P: 479 968-4322 November 2009

SHOP, DINE, DISCOVER DOWNTOWN RUSSELLVILLE Change your shopping habits this holiday season. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list in Historic Downtown Russellville.

Shop Smart - Shop Locally!

Arkansas Beauty College is a great place to begin a beautiful and profitable career with unlimited potential. It is also the perfect place to discover that great holiday look for hair and nails! All services are provided to the public under the supervision of state and Department of Education certified instructors. New classes begin each month.

For information on services or inquiries, call Barbara Ward, owner. Arkansas Beauty College, 109 N. Commerce, Downtown Russellville; (479) 968-3075.

C and D Drug Store, a full-service pharmacy located on the corner of B and Commerce Streets in downtown Russellville, has been committed to bringing River Valley residents the very best in courtesy and service. of since 1958. Though their dedication to “courtesy and service” can be traced back to founders Dale Walker and Charles Oates, they are committed to remaining “state of the art” with their pharmacy computer system and compounding equipment.

Need a prescription, a gift, a quick bite to eat? Value, sincere, friendly service, free delivery and curbside pickup, coupled with 24 Hour Emergency Service, is one reason customers make C&D Drug Store their hometown pharmacy. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 until 1 p.m. C& D Drug Store, 121 N. Commerce, Russellville; (479) 968-7914.

Buy art by local artists at The Frame Shop & Gallery. The perfect accent for your home or office – frame original art, keepsakes, needlework... anything you can imagine, we can frame! Gallery includes watercolors, photography, oils and sculpture by a variety of local and regional artists.

The Frame Shop & Gallery, 311 West C St., Downtown Russellville (479) 967-1398.

Knit 2 Together offers one-on-one beginning knit and crochet lessons by appointment. Knit and Crochet night every Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. New items in the store include several yarns from Noro in stock -- Kureyon, Silk Garden, Iro, and Kureyon Sock, and Silk Garden Sock.

Also new are several yarns by Araucania.

Gift Cards are always available for gift giving for your favorite knitter or crocheter! Knit 2 Together, 317 West Main Street, Downtown Russellville; (479) 968-5648.

Joshua’s Fine Jewelry has a huge selection of diamonds, wedding sets, pearls and precious gems. They offer hundreds of earrings, necklaces, gold chains, slides and charms, perfect for everyone on your holiday gift list. In addition to Razorback giftware, crystal and silver selections perfect for special occasion gift giving, Joshua’s features fine watches from Seiko and Pulsar. They also provide custom-designed jewelry, appraisals and consulting. Joshua’s works hard to earn your business, offering very competitive prices. Joshua’s Fine Jewelry, located in Downtown Russellville, 310 West Main St., Russellville; (479) 968-3117.

Main Street Russellville has been working to revitalize and develop the downtown area of Russellville as a business

and governmental center as well as a cultural center for the Arkansas River Valley. Through community effort, a strategy is developed to build a vital and growing economy, improve the appearance of downtown Russellville through historic preservation and good design, and promote the image of downtown Russellville. Their office is located in the Historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot in Downtown Russellville, 320 W. C. Street.

Host your next gathering in the Depot’s community room, available for rental by calling (479) 967-1437.

Peters Family Living in Historic Downtown Russellville is the only furniture and appliance store in the state offering a “30Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee,” “In-House Financing,” and “Service After the Sale.” Peters Family Living is celebrating 65 years of serving four generations of satisfied customers. Peters Family Living 201 North Arkansas Ave. Historic Downtown Russellville; (479) 968-2929.

Open the Day After

Thanksgiving!

10% Discount Coupon valid for any in store items except sale items. Exp. 11/30/09

479-968-Knit (5648) Stephanie Bates, Owner

317 W. Main St. • Russellville, Arkansas 72801

Give Art ~ Frame Memories Now Booking Holiday Events at Affordable Rates

ut Ask Abo ay! w Art Laya

The Frame Shop & Gallery Downtown @ 311 West C Street

www.frameshopgallery.net

(479) 967-1398 November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 43

Pottery Worx has a lot of great holiday merchandise available to be painted, and it’s going fast! Hurry to Pottery Worx for ornaments, figurines, and platters with holiday themes. Pottery Worx is the innovative for-profit community integration business model of Friendship Community Care, Inc. The vision is to provide a therapeutic, hands-on training environment for those with developmental disabilities as well as a carefree, happy upbeat art studio open to the public for pottery projects. Located at 320 West B St., Downtown, Russellville; (479) 967-0882.

Downtown Holiday Art Walk, Christmas Open House - Dec. 4th Begin the magical holiday season with a visit to the Downtown Holiday Art Walk and Christmas Open House, planned for Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Russellville’s Downtown Historic District.

During this traditional holiday event, participating downtown businesses will feature talented area artists and their unique oneof-a-kind works just in time for holiday gift giving. Santa will be on

child friendly family entertainment specializing in paint-your-own pottery!

Let us take care of all the details...We’re here for you!

In Stock Formals Under $125!

Ladies Meetings • Church Events Birthday Parties • Baby & Wedding Showers

320 West “B” Street Russellville, AR 72801

(479) 890-7766

208 W. Main, Downtown Russellville, AR 72801

479-967-0882 Hours: Mon BY APPT. ONLY Tue-Sat 10am-6pm A subsidiary of Friendship Community Care, Inc.

AN APPLIANCE IS NOT JUST AN APPLIANCE! We are trained to Listen to your needs and wants, to Help You make The Right Buying Decision, and then we will give you a 30-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee on what we suggest.

• • • • • • • •

All Appliances are NOT Created Equal!

Let Us Show You the Difference!

We Know and Speak Appliances!

We Are on Your Side & Are Here For You! We Give You a No Risk Purchase!

We Guarantee Your Satisfaction!

We are Amy, Connie, Jack, Jason, & Kirt!

We are Peters Family Living, Where We Do Service What We Sell!

• We Want to be Your Family Living Store!

Plus! BIG $AVING$ on GE Model CLOSE-OUT GE Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers and Dishwashers!

You are invited... to join the Downtown Merchants for a magical evening featuring carriage rides, strolling carolers, refreshments & visits with Santa...a Christmas tradition & enchanting time to shop for original art & in-store specials for your holiday gifting!

Friday, Dec. 4th ~ 5 to 8 p.m.

44 ABOUT...the River Valley

201 N. Arkansas Ave Historic Downtown Russellville

Since 1944 479-968-2929

www.petersfamilyliving.com

$AVE $100

on this GLD6700N GE DISHWASHER

November 2009

hand for pictures at the Depot. Stroll the Downtown sidewalks or catch a carriage ride. Many of the host businesses will feature in-store specials, refreshments and live music in their shops.

Start your walk at the Depot or with any participating merchant and pick up a program that will help guide your walk to the many participating businesses. Don’t miss Sportscene’s Downtown Holiday Light Show featuring over 10,000 lights

beginning in the evening, every half hour thru Christmas.

The Art Walk is a joint project of the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center and the Russellville Downtown Association (RDA), a committee of Main Street Russellville. The Downtown Art Walks are held quarterly during the months of March, June, September and December. For additional information contact Main Street Russellville at (479) 967-1437. n

Downtown Art Walk & Holiday Open House Friday, Dec. 4th ~ 5 to 8 p.m.

The Downtown Merchants invite you to a magical evening featuring carriage rides, strolling carolers, refreshments & visits with Santa!

An enchanting time to shop for original art & in-store specials for your holiday gifting!

Get your sparkle on.

Beauty ARKANSAS COLLEGE

A Great Place to Begin a Beautiful & Profitable Career with Unlimited Potential!

Grants and Loans Available to Those Who Qualify!

NEW CLASSES BEGIN EACH MONTH! Offering Classes in: Cosmetology, Manicuring, Esthetics and Instructor

Cuts ~ Styles ~ Perms Colors ~ Extensions Braids ~ Ear Piercings Facials ~ Mannies ~ Peddies Tuesday thru Saturday 8:00 to 4:00 All Services Provided to the Public under the Supervision of State and Department of Education Certified Instructors.

J shua’s

Reflect your life and your style in one-of-a-kind jewelry created in dazzling beads of sterling silver, 14k gold, Swarovski crystal, colored stones and Italian Murano glass.

Fine Jewelry

310 W. Main, Downtown Russellville

(479) 968-3117

Barbara Ward, Owner 27 Years 109 N. Commerce (Downtown Russellville)

(479) 968-3075

™© 2009 Chamilia LLC

3-colx6_RedGold_color_02.indd 1

4/3/09 12:49:26 PM

As it has been

for more than 50 years,

Courtesy and Service continues to be our highest priority. Come by and let us take care of your healthcare needs.

R.D. Walker, R.Ph., Melinda Reams, P.D., and Yanci Walker, P.D. outside C&D Drug Store in Downtown Russellville 121 North Commmerce in Beautiful Downtown Russellville | WE DELIVER! | 479-968-2456 November 2009

ABOUT...the River Valley 45

ABOUT

Engagements

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT … the River Valley are available at no charge. They may be mailed to: ABOUT Magazine, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812 or sent via email to: editor@ aboutrvmag.com. (A phone number must be included for verification.)

–November 7– Emily Ellenburg and Seth Alexander Julia Ratzlaff and Caleb Chaney Lori Massey and Lonnie Halsted Rebecca Wichmann and Jordan Worley

–November 14–

Christine Jackson and Chad Woodard Brooklyn Ledbetter and Richie Tanner Brandie Soar and Jason Griffin

–November 15–

–January 2, 2010–

–November 21–

–January 16, 2010–

Catherine Lowe and Corey

Tiffany Hudson and Adam Kent

Jamie Faubion and Scott Cook

Walker-Driskill Reception

–December 5–

–February 20, 2010–

Marika Moore and Ken Lederman Hannah Walker and Gordon Driskill Registry listings courtesy of Gifts on Parkway/ Gifts on Rogers and Millyn’s of Dardanelle

Nikki Dilday and Justin Rickman

–May 1, 2010–

Leigh Peebles and Tyler Morgenthaler

To have your engagement or wedding published in a future issue of ABOUT Magazine, send your information, photo and a check for $57.50 to: ABOUT Magazine, PO Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 970-6628.

WILDFLOWER An Emeritus Senior Living Community

James Bonds

The Start of Something Wonderful

for your

Retirement & Assisted Living

SMILE

Amenities Include:

Bonds

• Spacious, private apartments • Three home-cooked meals each day • Weekly housekeeping & linen services • Scheduled Transportation • 24-Hour on-site staffing • Personalized Care Plans 240 S. Inglewood Ave, Russellville, AR 72801 • (479) 890-6709

FAMILY DENTISTRY J. Dustin Bonds, D.D.S.

(479)880-2311 • 1919 W. Main St., Rsvl.

Most Insurances Accepted

Card

Arkansas Tech (Tech Travels) thanks ABOUT...the River Valley Magazine “...for their great articles, pictures, and wonderful ads about our travel program. Travel for 2010 looks great and ABOUT Magazine has been very supportive of our program. Thanks to ABOUT Magazine!” ~ Dana Moseley and Phyllis Stone ATU Gift Planning and Travel (479) 964-0532 http://givetotech.atu.edu

ABOUT

... the River Valley

Phyllis Stone and Dana Moseley 46 ABOUT...the River Valley

For information, contact Melanie Conley at (479) 858-2708, Vonna Marpel at (479) 970-4263, or Kay Alexander (479) 264-7778

November 2009