ABOUT | November 2013

LIVE DELIBERATELY

Reflecting the Character of the Arkansas River Valley November 2013

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Day 1

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Silver Bells

Winter Wisp

Candy Cane

Tree of Lights

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Perfect Gift

Winter Mittens

Winter Wonderland

Snow Globe

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Dashing Through the Snow

805 East Parkway Dr. Russellville, AR 72801 479.967.7833 1134 S. Rogers Clarksville, AR 72830 479.754.1120 www.leeanns.com

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November 2013 8 Living the Deliberate Life

Hand hewn from local pine and oak, Billy Reeder’s 880 square foot log cabin took four years to build.

Located on the family farm in rural Perry County, the home sits atop a hill where Reeder once camped as a young boy.

12 ABOUT...Family

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Remembering 1951

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ABOUT...Valley Vittles

High school reunions can be compared to birthdays.

Young people look forward to them, middle agers tend to avoid them and golden agers cherish them best of all. The Russellville High School graduating class of 1951 held their 62nd reunion in October and those able to attend were thrilled to be there.

30 Peace Chicks

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Women, men and children throughout the universe have been victims to domestic abuse throughout centuries. Each and every person has a connection to someone who is a victim or a survivor.

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Neighbors Table

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On a Personal Note

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Send $20 check or money order for a One-Year Subscription (10 Issues) to ABOUT Magazine P.O. Box 10176 Russellville, AR 72812 Or subscribe online at www.aboutrvmag.com Call 479.857.6791 for more information 4 ABOUT | November 2013

Children

Deserve the

Best

Opportunities for Students: Concurrent Credit Classes: • • • • • • •

STEM Classes: • • • • • • • • • • •

Russellville School District educates the whole child by providing opportunities for students to excel in classes that prepare them for their future.

Pre-Calculus US History I US History II Composition I Composition II Spanish II Biology

• •

Principles of Biomedical Sciences Human Body Systems Medical Interventions Biomedical Innovation Introduction to Engineering Principles of Engineering Digital Engineering Engineering Design Marine Biology Environment and Spatial Technology (EAST) Introduction to Engineering Design (Junior High) Design and Modeling (Junior High) Automation and Robotics (Junior High)

Students can participate in:

AP Classes:

• 30 hours of concurrent college credit that can be used at Tech and is free to the students and their parents.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) classes, including a Biomedical Science program that is the first of its kind in the State of Arkansas and sixth nationwide.

• Advanced Placement (AP) classes where students can earn college credit for qualifying scores on AP exams in mathematics, science, and English courses.

Russellville School District educates, equips, and empowers all students to be productive, contributing members of their school, their community and their world.

• • • •

AP English Language AP English Literature AP Calculus AP Statistics AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental AP Physics AP U.S. History AP World History AP Human Geography AP Macroeconomics AP Psychology AP U.S. Government and Politics AP Spanish IV AP Music Theory AP Environmental Science AP Human Geography

220 West 10th Street • Russellville, AR. 72811 • www.russellvilleschools.net • 479.968.1306 November 2013 | ABOUT 5

A PAGE FROM

The Editor’s Notebook

ABOUT

the River Valley

Returning to our roots

A Publication of Silver Platter Productions, Inc Vol. VIII, Issue 9 – November 2013 Owner/Publisher: Nolan Edwards

November, is a month of homecoming, a return to our roots.

This issue has a couple of articles along that theme. The story of a college professor returning to the farm he grew-up on and the RHS class of 1951 returning to the town they grew-up in.

Besides being an editor, a husband and a dad, I’m also a fulltime college student at Arkansas Tech. I originally went back to school to finish a degree in wildlife biology and thought I could write on the side. However, I soon discovered that my interests went beyond the scope of nature. I also enjoyed learning and writing about history, culture and people. So, I changed my degree to journalism with a minor in biology and an associate’s degree in Ozark studies. But my nature loving roots run deep and I still contribute outdoor work to other publications.

Outdoor writing was a prominent part of my youth. Of course, I was on the consumer side back then and consume it I did. The magazine collection that piled up in my bedroom numbered over 2,500 at last count way back in…well, it doesn’t really matter. I’ve told the story, ad nauseum, about how those magazines were to blame for poor algebra grades, late homework and a general lack of interest in anything that wasn’t in the woods or water.

I still stand by that statement. A few weeks ago, I was able to share the spotlight with two of the men responsible for my poor showing at Atkins Public Schools.

I’m a member of SEOPA (South Eastern Outdoor Press Association). The annual fall conference and awards banquet was last week and I was honored to be mentioned in the same breath with some renowned outdoor communicators. My website, aviewfromthebackroads.com, took second place for the Realtree Horizons website competition and one of my stories – which you can find in the outdoors column of this issue -- placed third in the magazine short story division. First and second place went to Jim Spencer and Keith Sutton, in that order, for an Arkansas sweep in the division.

If you’ve read much outdoor writing over the past thirty years those names should ring a bell. Jim and Keith are legends.

Jim wasn’t able to attend the conference. And I really wish he could he would have been there, but standing there with just Keith was a surreal experience. My mind raced back to 1980-something. It’s a steamy August afternoon. Squirrel season is right around the corner. A skinny barefoot boy is sitting on the steps leading up to Grandma’s house on Bell’s Chapel Road. He’s reading Keith Sutton’s squirrel hunting tips in Arkansas Sportsman Magazine.

It doesn’t seem so long ago.

Keith and Jim, thank you for the inspiration. I hope that I can inspire a boy or girl to get out there Johnny Sain, Editor and enjoy the outdoors and I hope ABOUT 479.857.6791 inspires them to get out and explore their johnny@aboutrvmag.com community.

But remember kids, always finish your homework first.

DIANNE EDWARDS | founding editor NOLAN EDWARDS | publisher nolan@aboutrvmag.com JOHNNY SAIN | managing editor johnny@aboutrvmag.com BENITA DREW | advertising benita@aboutrvmag.com LYDIA ZIMMERMAN | advertising/columnist lydia@aboutrvmag.com KECHIA BENTLEY | columnist kechia@aboutrvmag.com CONNIE LAS SCHNEIDER | freelance connie@aboutrvmag.com MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS | freelance meredith@aboutrvmag.com STEVE NEWBY | photography stevenewbyphotography@aboutrvmag.com CLIFF THOMAS | illustrator maddsigntist@aboutrvmag.com CHRIS ZIMMERMAN | layout/design chris@zimcreative.com

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.

Material contained in this issue may not be copied or reproduced without written consent.

Inquiries may be made by calling (479) 857-6791.

Office: 220 East 4th Street Email: johnny@aboutrvmag.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: SPPI, P.O. Box 10176, Russellville AR 72812.

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Nolan

Steve

Kechia

Connie

p ublisher

phot og r a phy

c o l u m n is t

freelan ce

Edwards

Newby

479. 880.1006

Bentley

479.264.0783

Benita

Chris

Cliff

adver tisi n g

l ayou t / d e s ig n

il l u s tr a to r

Drew

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6 ABOUT | November 2013

Zimmerman

479. 264.2438

Thomas

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Las Schneider 4 7 9 .4 9 7 .1 1 1 0

Lydia

Zimmerman

adver ti s i n g/ colum n i s t 4 7 9 .2 6 4 .6 2 8 2

about | November 2013 Calendar of Events Nov 2 -ZolaFest 2013. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Russellville Nov 9 - Annual UACCM Pageant 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Junior High School. Contact 501-339-6769.

Fine Arts Auditorium of the UACCM Campus Morrilton. Contact (501-) 977-2190.

Nov 3-Exhibit Opening Reception for Local Artists 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. River Valley Arts Center 1001 Nov 16 - Infant and Children Portrait East B Street. Contact 968-2452.

Photography. Lake Point Conference Center at Arkansas Tech University 171 Lake Point Lane Nov 5 - Holiday Hors D’oeuvres. 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Arkansas Tech University- PRHA Business Services Building, Training Room A Department 1205 North El Paso Avenue Russellville. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Contact 498-6035.

Williamson Hall Kitchen Russellville. Contact Nov 21 - UE5G Fall Musical 6 p.m. The Center 498-6035. for the Arts 2209 South Knoxville Russellville.

Nov 8 - Mistletoe Market. Boys & Girls Clubs of the ARV 600 East 16th Street Russellville.

Contact 968-7819.

Nov 8 - 23rd Annual Christmas Galla. 1000 East Parkway Avenue Russellville. Contact 6417400.

Contact 498-6600.

Nov 22 - Holiday Jubilee 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

River Valley Arts Center 1001 East B Street Russellville. Contact 968-2452.

Nov 26 - Forget Me Nots Alzheimer’s Support Group 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saint Mary’s Nov 9 - 2nd Annual Catch The Beat 5K fundraiser Regional Medical Center Cafe 2. Contact for Choices. Bona Dea Trails Lakefront Drive 498-2050 Russellville. Contact 967-2255.

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Dec 5 - 2013 Russellville Christmas Parade 6:30 p.m. South Arkansas & 10th to West Main & El Paso. Contact 968-1272. Event Description: The Russellville Christmas Parade is the largest lit parade in Arkansas. Beginning at the corner of South Arkansas and 10th Street, it will head north to Main Street, turn west to El Paso and that is where it will end.

*Unless otherwise indicated, all area codes are 479. 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.

November 2013 | ABOUT 7

8 ABOUT | November 2013

Living the

Deliberate

Life

By Meredith Martin-Moats | Photos by Steve Newby

Hand hewn from local pine and oak, Billy Reeder’s 880 square foot log cabin took four years to

build. Located on the family farm in rural Perry County, the home sits atop a hill where Reeder once camped

as a young boy. “I had a few rules,” Reeder explains, describing the cabin building process. “ I could only spend what I had in the bank to spend; nothing went on the credit card and nothing was financed,” he says,

outlining his first rule. “Four years later I have an 800 square foot house completely paid for,” Reeder explains.

Financial guidelines weren’t the only rules setting the careful and measured pace of the building process.

Outlined succinctly on Reeder’s Cabin People webpage -- a frequently updated site documenting the creation of the building as both a tangible and metaphorical process -- Reeder’s other three rules: “I would have no timeline to complete it so I would never be pressured to rush or buy something I couldn’t afford. The cabin had to be beautiful. The cabin had to be built to last well beyond my lifetime.”

During the week Reeder works in the fast-paced world of Communications and Journalism. A professor at Arkansas Tech University, he teaches classes like mass communication, visual storytelling, and video production. Before becoming a professor he served as an information officer for the Russellville Police Department and later as Communication Director for the Methodist Church.

In recent years he’s worked in freelance, directing his own company, Soapbox Revival, which helps clients manage online content and effectively navigate the world of social media. “I’ve always been interested in communication,” says Reeder of his twenty plus years working in the field. “Just the way that people connect fascinates me,” he adds.

In early 2006 Reeder was making a good living working in freelance. He felt prepared for the future.

But by 2008 he was watching the economy take a “nosedive,” he explains, depleting his freelance communication work and forcing him to rethink his

financial future. Living in a cabin, he says, “had always been on my bucket list.” But he had never considered building it himself.

“I started second guessing the logic of a thirty or 15 year mortgage,” Reeder explains. Watching so many people lose their homes and jobs, Reeder says, “I took stock in myself and in the world around me.

I realized the vulnerability people have and the false sense of security. The rug gets pulled out from under us…and a lot of people in this country, in this world, don’t really have a good place to fall,” he explains.

Finding himself in what he calls a “vulnerable state,” he began to reassess his resources. “We’ve got a farm that’s paid for; it borders the national forest,” he explains. “I’d have the ability to grow my own food, there are hunting opportunities,” Reeder continued. As a child, Reeder says, he dreamed of getting as far away from the farm as possible. But as an adult with a growing respect for the land and the community, he knew life near the Ouachita National Forest would offer his family a chance to step away from the insecurities of corporate life and what he calls the “false gods of career and image.” He began to rethink his approach to life, adopting the phrase “live deliberately” as his mantra.

In many ways Reeder’s life is one of opposites, a juxtaposition between which he seems to thrive. He quotes Thoreau and loves social media; he enjoys woodworking and makes documentaries. He has a skill for finding commonalities in unexpected places. >> November 2013 | ABOUT 9

In speaking about the benefits of social media, he notes how online sites allow for regular communication with the many friends he’s met in real life who now make their homes, as he says, “on four different continents.” Social media and online communication, Reeder explains, allows us to “circumvent all the filters out there that tell us how we should feel about people who live in different places.”

At the same time, says Reeder, the non stop news and fast-paced information sharing can be isolating, encouraging a shallow discourse that puts people into boxes and promotes a polarizing view of the world. “We’re seeing that right now every time we turn on the T.V.,” he explains.

Ultimately Reeder’s approach to the rapid-fire world of mass communication is one of balance. When he first started

10 ABOUT | November 2013

planning to build the cabin he was hungry, he says, to step away from the non-stop wheel of information that fueled his work life. Yet the decision to start the project was about much more than just slowing down and stepping away from the world of technology. “I felt the quality of my life was far too much at the hands of other people than it was at my own,” he shares.

A few years before he made the decision to build the cabin---back in the days when there was regular work and extra money--he’d purchased a portable sawmill and tractor with frontend loader for woodworking and repairs around the farm. Making use of the equipment he had on hand, he began seeking out local sources for wood. “The

tornado that hit Atkins several years back had also knocked down a bunch of trees in the national forest near Jerusalem,” he explains. “So I got a salvage permit to log them out.”

When the highway department was widening the road near his home, he talked the road crew into letting him have the Oak trees that lined the fence rows, providing oak for the trim and floor and parts of the framing. Besides a few pieces of plywood used for the decking and flooring, “every board stated with a tree,” Reeder says.

Staying true to his promise to move at a slow and deliberate pace, prioritizing the aesthetics that would create a structure of lasting beauty, Reeder learned to work with the rhythm of the natural materials, a lost art in today’s fast-paced world of construction.

“I would cut lumber and have to wait three

or four months before I could actually use it because it has to dry out,” Reeder explains.

Even knowing this and making the needed preparations, he still experienced unforeseen delays. What we thought was enough oak for the floor turned out to be only about half. “So I had to cut more in December, he explains, “but it was close to June or July before I could use them.”

Some people, he says, had a hard time understanding why he didn’t just buy other wood and complete the process. “Once you get in a hurry you start cutting corners,” Reeder explains.

When asked about his background experience with woodworking Reeder laughs and replies, “I’d never built a house, that’s for sure.” He turned to books, “but books can only go so far,” he adds. So he took time to study the few remaining cabins that were still standing in the area, and in his research he came to rethink the assumption that older building techniques always led to longer-lasting homes. “Not true,” Reeder says. “What it is is that what we see today are best examples of what they build 200 years ago. The ones that weren’t good have gone into the ground.”

Reeder’s cabin employs the half dovetail notch, a form of construction used throughout the south and in other high

humidity areas. Unlike the more rounded styles you see in Colorado, he explains, these logs are carved with a more flat joint, which “causes the water to go to the outside of the joint so water can’t get in.”

In many ways the notch exemplifies Reeder’s mantra: The cabin is built for the long haul. “It takes a lot of wood,” he explains, noting the heaviness of the structure and the amount of resources it took to build such a sturdy home. In an age where houses deplete after 20 years of occupancy, this house is built to last up to two hundred years or more, a radically different way of accessing value and resource-use. “In my mind,” explains Reeder, “if it can survive that long than those resources are far better utilized.”

Documenting the process online, Reeder’s webpage is filled with practical information gleaned during the home building process. Over the years Reeder’s webpage and Facebook site has gained fans from central Arkansas to Croatia.

His film “Cabin People,” a documentarystyle video introducing his readers to the cabin as both place and idea, has received over 43,000 views on YouTube, and people often call him up, he says, looking for advice and information. It’ something he’s happy to provide.

“There is a very big draw toward something like this where keeping up with the Jones may not the best thing anymore,” he explains. He references the popularity of the “tiny house” movement and notes the increase in families choosing smaller houses, a life of less consumption, and time spent closer to the land. “Trees don’t care how big of a hurry we’re in,” explains Reeder. “A lot of things seem very fake, how do you be authentic in this age?” he muses, offering up this idea: “You start where you are. There’s genius in taking time and slowing down and looking at the world through a differed lens.”

Story continued on page 17...

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about | family

Blessed Deprivation Story by Kechia Bentley | Photo by Steve Newby Kechia enjoyed a trip to Hawaii for her birthday (doesn't matter which one) last month and wasn't available to contribute to our November issue. So we decided to pull an oldie but a goody from her past work. This selection is from November 2010. Enjoy!

Never eat grapes right after brushing your teeth, unless you need to make some kind of unbelievable facial contortion. I am sharing this with you because that is exactly what I did before sitting down to write this column. Now that my face and taste buds have recovered I can get on with the real topic of this month’s story: thankfulness.

I have reached that age were waking up in the middle of the night for no good reason at all is a fairly common event. I have come also to realize that most women are destined to spend more than half their adult life never getting a full night’s sleep. “Why,” you ask? Oh, let me tell you.

First, in most cases, there are children. When they are babies you are up in the middle of the night because they demand that you feed and change them. I think we can all agree that that is not an unrealistic expectation on their part, but results in very little sleep for you, nonetheless. Then they turn in to preschoolers who can, for the most part, feed and change themselves. This advancement in skills requires you to wake to every sound you hear just to make sure they are not helping themselves the fridge in the middle of the This advancement to night. Or better yet, that they are not in skills requires using their newly found, “I can do it by myself” attitude to flush an entire you to wake to every roll of toilet paper down the toilet in sound you hear the middle of the night. And, let’s not forget to mention that any sneeze just to make sure or cough has our eyes instantly pop they are not helping open; next, we will lay there listening to see if there are anymore to follow. themselves to the We move along into the years of our children fridge in the middle elementary and we are still plagued by the of the night. coughs, the sneezes and the bumps in the night. We must next add a whole other category of, “oh shoot.” (Sometimes I will admit, that “oh shoot” was an “oh ****.”

So thankful I serve a God of grace and mercy.)

There are those moments when, in the middle of the night, you shoot straight out of bed because you have just remembered you are supposed to bring homemade cupcakes to your child’s class first thing in the morning. Or, after forgetting to get poster board for the third day in a row for your child’s group project, you promise it will be on the kitchen table when they wake up. Of course all the other parents already have sent their supplies. The only problem is you forgot -- once again -- to go buy it. This is when you grab those house slippers and make a run to Wal-Mart.

12 ABOUT | November 2013

Now for those notorious teenage years, we think we are exhausted because we are getting older. Not true. We are exhausted because we get very little sleep when they are teenagers. We stay up until they get home – or at least we attempt to stay up. Even if we do fall asleep on the couch, we wake up when they finally walk through the door. Then, there is this sixth sense we mothers have that wakes us up in the night just to check on them. We hope to see our darling babies sound asleep in their beds we enter their rooms -- only to find them on their cell phone, playing video games, or missing from their room, gone because they have snuck out. Oh, what fun years!

Then come the college years. Yes, now we will get some sleep because they are out of the house. Not! You see, by this time we really are older and we have meet a whole new enemy of our sleep -- hormones.

This is the phase I am in now. There is not one single child in my house to keep me awake or awaken me and yet, 3:30 a.m. and I are becoming best friends. On the nights I remember to take melatonin before I lie down, I can usually make it to about 6:30 or maybe 7 a.m., otherwise, I am up.

My sister just shared with me today that she woke up at 3 a.m. last night and got up and did some housework. I refuse to give in to this sleep stealer with such grace and industriousness. No, I will lay in my bed and toss and turn and fuss and fume! A lot of good that does me, right?

Some of you may remember that I said this column was going to be about thankfulness. Where is it? I am getting there.

Just a couple of nights ago I had fussed and fumed for quite a bit and I reached down at the bottom of the bed and pulled up my favorite blanket. As soon as I snuggled it against my face I felt peaceful. It is an extremely soft blanket. I quickly sent a prayer heavenward thanking God for such a soft blanket. Within a millisecond God reminded me not everyone has such a soft blanket to sleep with; some have no blanket at all. I then began to think of what a great bed I have to sleep in every night and of how much I really like (love) my pillow. I know there are millions in the world who do not have luxuries such as pillows and beds. I began to thank God for my bed, my blankets, my sheets, my pillow and even for my bathroom, just a few feet away with running water. (This is the same bathroom that I am using more frequently in the middle of the night these days.) How amazingly blessed I am with so much that I take for granted.

So mommas (and daddies,) whatever stage of sleep deprivation in which you find yourselves – infant through hormones – I encourage you to look around and find the blessings. They are right at your finger tips -- even in the middle of the night. n

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6 November 2013 | ABOUT 13

RHS 1951

Remembering

High school reunions can be compared to birthdays. Young people look forward to

them, middle agers tend to avoid them and golden agers cherish them best of all.

The Russellville High School graduating class of 1951 held their 62nd reunion in October and those able to attend were thrilled to be there. “Once you reach this age, you are just so happy to still be alive that a reunion with old high school friends is a truly wonderful occasion,” said Ruby Rawls, a 1951 graduate. Rawls coordinated the October event and is a resident of Russellville. Rawls is still active in the community and works part-time in Russellville as a real estate broker for Boyd Osborne Realty, where the reunion luncheon was held.

“We started having reunions every ten years, then every five years, but now we have them every two years. You just never know if this will be the last time you’ll get to see these people again, so it becomes something really special,” Rawls explained.

Out of 73 graduates in 1951, 45 of us are left and considering that 41 people including spouses came to the reunion, we had a real good turnout, she added.

The Saturday reunion was filled with activities from morning to night. On Saturday morning, members of the group took a boat ride on the Arkansas River and toured the new Performing Arts Center at the high school before they went to Rawl’s office for a tasty lunch. Then it was time for afternoon naps before the big reunion dinner at Lake Point Conference Center.

Stoby by Connie Las-Schneider | Photos courtesy of Ruby Rawls

14 ABOUT | November 2013

Ok. Maybe these born-again teenagers didn’t dance all night like they might have in 1951, but they sure had fun. Perhaps spending quality time with childhood friends really does make a person feel younger, even if just for a day.

The Good Old Days Reminiscing about the ‘’good old days” was a popular topic of conversation throughout the reunion and all agreed that high school in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s was much different than it is today.

First of all, Russellville High School was considered “huge” compared to the small rural grade schools many students had attended. “Coming to Russellville High School as a freshman from a two room country school at Gumlog, I was very nervous,” said Patsy West Ables. Fortunately, wonderful teachers and friendly students made her transition easy, she added.

Mary Lee Richardson Turner, who now lives in Oakhurst, CA agreed. “RHS, at the time I was attending, seemed very large and I was terribly intimidated by its size. I came straight off the farm and attended a small elementary school in the Center Valley community where I had my life-long friends that I grew up with. High School for me was stepping into a much bigger, unknown world.”

In 1951, Russellville High School and Junior High School was in the same building that still stands on South Arkansas, said classmate Bob Moore. “The stage in this building was also the basketball court and the cafeteria was under the stage, with the football field directly behind the building. In cold weather you could drive cars into the field and park on the track that circled the field,” said Moore.

There was no Physical Education or Sports for girls expect for cheerleading, and the school’s dress code was quite different, remembered Ables. “We (girls) were only allowed to wear slacks to school if it was an ice or snow day.”

Classmate Mary Taylor, who went on to teach business and accounting at Russellville High School and become head of the business education department until she retired in 1983, has witnessed many changes at the school over the decades. “I think our education was just as good or even better than it is today,” said Taylor, who still has a business in Russellville.

Of course, high school was a lot different then, too. “It was a lot smaller so it was real friendly because everybody knew everybody,” said classmate, Jack Price.

The high school curriculum was limited and most students took “trade” classes that concentrated on practical life skills. Boys took Shop and Agriculture classes and many joined the service to fight in the Korean conflict. Girls took Home Economics classes where they learned to cook, sew, do laundry and raise children; all things young women were expected to do in the 1950’s.

Bookkeeping (now called accounting) used manual 10-key adding machines and ledger pads.

“We wrote with a pen and ink in bookkeeping. If you made an error, you almost erased a hole through the page to correct it,” noted Moore.

Secretarial courses taught stenography (Shorthand) and typing on a manual typewriter with carbon paper for copies. “Our manual typewriters would hardly compare to the computers today. And shorthand...I wonder if the kids have even heard of Shorthand!” said Ables.

Moore, who still works part-time as Administrator for the United Methodist Church in Russellville, noted big changes in the communication styles of teenagers today. “We didn’t have TV’s, smartphones, or tablets to converse with,” said Moore. “If we wanted to communicate with someone, we usually did it in person,” he added.

A teen with a car was a very big deal then, agreed several classmates.

“Everyone walked to school or rode the school bus. There were no Driver’s Education classes at the school and those who were fortunate enough to drive parked against the wall of the school in the parking lot,” remembered Moore.

However, some things never change and high school athletic events have always been popular. “The big highlight of our week was going to football games,” said Rawls. ’51 classmate, Joe Pat Clark played high school football for Coach Shorty Salmon. Clark said that Coach Salmon and Coach Martin, along with two other teachers, “contributed to what I am today.” Clark’s youngest son, Jeremy, played football at ATU and was awarded the Marvin “Shorty” Salmon Award. “I think the award meant more to me than it meant to my son, knowing Coach Salmon’s good character and compassion toward people.”

Elisabeth (Canerday, Womack, Rider) Kimball said she played French Horn in the high school band and marched in half-time shows at football games.” We made different designs at half time which I enjoyed,” said Kimball, who after losing touch with high school sweetheart, Bobby Rider, re-connected with him 40 years later and spent 22 years happily married. >>

“It was a lot smaller so it was real friendly because everybody knew everybody.”

November 2013 | ABOUT 15

And, although teens were definitely more innocent in 1951, they still liked to party.

“After football games we had dances at a Quonset hut, where Sorrels Body Shop is located, or at the Legion Hut. I remember one dance after a game where the heater in the building did not work. It was so cold we had to dance in overcoats and gloves to a record player,” said Moore.

One after-school hangout was Boswells Café, a block from the school, said Turner.

“We kept the jukebox busy with pop hits then. I remember my mode of dress was simple, being a straight skirt and a pull over sweater. Next came blue jeans rolled up to just below the knees and a big sloppy shirt.

Bobby socks along with black and white saddle oxfords made the outfit complete,” Turner added.

Rogers Drug Store on the 200 block of West Main, where Arvest Bank is now located, was another gathering place. It was the only drug store (of three in town) that had a soda fountain with tables for congregating. He also noted that West Main street had three movie theaters at that time—the Ritz, the Lowery, and the Joy. Abrams remembered that the Ritz Theater would have Talent Nights and winners would get free passes to the Movies. “The competition was always fun,” she added.

Moore summed up the mind-set of the Class of 1951 like this. “At that time we accepted things as they were without questioning. We did not have the mass media that drives all of our lives now. It was a much simpler time in a laid-back atmosphere. We simply accepted our lives as they were,” said Moore.

Despite the cultural differences between teens then and now, the graduating class of 1951 had big dreams and ambitions and probably tested their parents patience as student’s do today.

“The Old School stills stands and I am sure within her walls are many hidden secrets,” said Turner. n

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Story continued from page 11...

Over the last four years he’s been able to weave his love of communication and media with his decision to seek out the deliberate, metered rhythm of cabin life.

Creating a balance that’s generating larger conversations about what life can be about in this modern age. “It’s not very tangible,” he says of the world of communication.

“And having this other side of me, that simple life that can be very isolating as well.

So it’s kind of walking this line between them---I can have a simple life, I can have very tangible things in my life. But I can also have access to things that expand my mind and help me see the world,” he explains.

His early video of the cabin, for example, moves from a shot of his the backyard---the outskirts of the Ouachita National Forest--to his state of the art audio studio tucked neatly into the corner. He’s found a way to merge decades into a life of purpose.

Throughout our conversation, Reeder notes that his quest for a more self-sustaining life is far from over. He has plans to put in a garden, much like the one his grandparents had. He wants to hunt more and become less dependent on the grocery store, which is already quite a distance from his home.

“You think there will be this complete metamorphosis and you won’t be the same thing. But I’m still pretty much the same guy I always was,” explains Reeder. What he has learned, he says, is how to walk away from the current culture that gives rise to a feeling of perpetually stretched too thin.

“You can flip that on it’s head,” he explains. Choosing not to hurry requires sacrificing many things. “But In a couple of years I wind up with something that’s really valuable,” he concludes. In his “Cabin People” video he often ruminates on how modern society designates value, exploring larger ideas of deliberate living and this illusive concept people call freedom.

“Freedom,” says Reeder in the video, dressed in a pair of coveralls and working

on the farm,” doesn’t come with safety straps and it sure isn’t afraid to make a fool out of you.”

Reeder is self-assured, but he’s not afraid to admit his struggles or the confusion he’s felt while seeking out a different path in the world. His quest to build the cabin, both in idea and in process, is therefore part of a larger, dynamic conversation he carries on with the community and himself. For years, he says, he was a regular blogger; writing almost daily about media, communication, and the quest for a simple life. But he began to question the authenticity of his own writing. “I realized that I was talking about these things without actually doing them,” he says. “What if I took a step back and started actually living that life? Not worry so much about the writing for a while and have this life experience,” he asked himself.

Soon the cabin will be a full-time time residence for Reeder and his wife Paula.

He’ll begin commuting to Russellville everyday, trading places with his wife who’s been commuting for years from Dardanelle to Perryville where she teaches school.

Now the cabin is complete, Reeder plans to write more on the Cabin People site, exploring what’s he’s learned the past four years and growing the conversations with readers. These days he says he has more control over his life and has chosen to focus his attention on things that matter most.

He’s broken free, at least partially, of what he calls the “corporate mindset,” and a world that doesn’t value the pace of human life. “I teach communication because I want to and do communication work on the side.

When I want to go hunting that’s what I go do. I don’t let the insanity of the world around me bother me anymore.”

You can keep up with Reeder’s progress and his paths toward a deliberate life at cabinpeople.com. You can read more about his communications work, and his tips for knowing when and why to unplug, at soapboxrevival.com. n

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about | community

Angels Calendar Returns

“Angels of 2014” is the calendar brainchild of Carolyn Gray, owner of Pink Ribbon Boutique, and Becky Lewis. The second iteration of this calendar is now available and includes the touching stories of strength of 12 local women whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.

“These women lived through what most of us couldn’t dream of enduring. They have used laughter as a source for healing.

They have earned their wings through their creator’s Love for them. These are the Angels of 2014!”

Featured in the 2014 calendar are Pee Wee Stroud, Linda K. Jones, Catherine Pittman, Charlotte Haralson, Joyce Hampton, Marilyn Goines, Patsy Cox, Nan Sarver, Anita Hill, Lura Kitchens, Katie Hampton, and Judi Baker. The women are featured in a unique setting of their choosing this year, photographed by Steve Newby Photography.

“When I opened Pink Ribbon Boutique four years ago, I had no idea what a “Life Changer” this little place would be,” said Gray. “I’m not sure whose life has been changed more, our patients or mine. As I have provided services to these women, they’ve taught me so much. I’ve learned patience and I’ve seen strength and faith without measure, such uplifting joy that at the end of the day I am in total awe of these courageous ladies.”

“God put it on our hearts to create this calendar for women and their families; for support, courage, strength and faith that they too, can be ANGELS of survival,” added Gray.

“We value each woman and care about her health, well being and appearance. We provide safe and comfortable surroundings where each person is treated with respect and compassion.

We build lifelong relationships with our ANGELS and feel so blessed to know each and every one of them. They once came in as a cancer patient and left as a cherished friend. They have truly become our heroes.”

Cost of the calendar will be $10. Copies will be available at Pink Ribbon Boutique, as well as other sponsor locations. For additional information about the Angels of 2014 calendar, visit Pink Ribbon Boutique, 906 West Main in the Heritage Square Shopping Center or call (479) 967-6494.

PLACK AWARDED TO RUSSELLVILLE SYMPHONY GUILD

The Russellville Symphony Guild officers were recently invited to Little Rock, by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. They

were recognized for the work and support they give the Symphony. President Aldona Standridge accepted the bronze place on behalf of all the board members.

Attending the special luncheon at the Arkansas Arts Center, with Maestro Philip Mann, were the Russellville officers, Aldona Standridge, Ann Squyres, Judy Murphy, Mary Barham, and Paula Stamps. Elizabeth Stinnett also attended, and she is also on the Little Rock Symphony Board.

Following lunch, a tour was given of the new future home of the ASO in downtown Little Rock. The Guild members were then recognized again by the Mystro at the ASO board meeting at the Symphony offices.

Elizabeth Stinnett attended this meeting as a Little Rock board member.

There are three guilds in Arkansas that support the Symphony. The others were also recognized at this time.

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18 ABOUT | November 2013

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DANCE WITH JOY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS

Congratulations to Dance with Joy Enterprises (right) who celebrated 35 years of business with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dance with Joy is located at 1544 Crow Mountain Road. For more information on classes they provide please call 479-968-1620.

DAZZLE DAZE RETURNS Dazzle Daze is the annual fundraiser for the Conway Regional Women's Council with all proceeds going to the expansion of the Conway Regional Women's Center and surgical facilities, Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center scholarships and the John and Janice Robbins scholarship for area healthcare students. This fall event is a three-day shopping extravaganza featuring specialty shopping in one location. More than 100 merchants from around the country will offer gourmet food, holiday items, jewelry, children's items, women's clothing and accessories, art, men's items, home decor and much more. Live entertainment, Chicks Who Click photos, door prizes and photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause add to the fun!

Dazzle Daze 2013 will take place at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds at 2505 East Oak Street (Hwy 64E) Follow the Women's Council on Facebook for updates and information about Dazzle Daze.

teacher, anywhere, for $20 and we will make bookmarks for every student in the class. The money raised goes to kids in need, specifically homeless children: suitcases for foster kids, duffel bags for the kids at The Southern Christian Home in Morrilton, AR and goodies to put in the suitcases (curling irons, hair straighteners, stuffed animals, toiletries, etc), socks & shoes, and more. We also want to send food home on the weekends with kids at local elementary schools who don’t have food at home.

With Thanksgiving coming next month, 2ND ANNUAL OPERATION we want to be able to send food home BOOKMARK HAPPINESS Our 2nd Annual “Operation Bookmark with these kids to last them the whole Happiness” is going on now. Sponsor a week while school is out.

DEADLINE: The deadline to sponsor teachers is November 23rd.

Do you have a favorite teacher who you would like to sponsor? We will deliver or ship the bookmarks to local schools (Russellville AR area). We will mail the bookmarks to schools outside of our immediate area. We ask that you include $4 for shipping. Last year we shipped bookmarks to California, Iowa, Mississippi and all over Arkansas! Pay online using any donation link on this website, or mail donation to Kamrie’s Colorful Creations, PO Box 616, Dover, AR 72837. Please include the teacher’s name, grade, and school along with school address if we are mailing. >>

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This event is to not only raise money for children in need, but to also get others involved. Making bookmarks by hand is not the quickest way to accomplish the task, but it allows others to give of themselves and to serve others We will deliver the bookmarks to the schools in our immediate area (River Valley Area). For schools outside of our area, please add $4 for shipping and don’t forget to include the complete mailing address.

A current list of sponsored teachers can be found at the link above and will be updated daily. If you see that your teacher has already been sponsored, please sponsor another or you can let us choose for you. Remember, we are raising money for children in need. Last year we took those requests and chose another teacher in the same grade at the same school as the one you wanted. When those are all sponsored, we go to the grade below and start filling those. We are happy to say that EVERY SINGLE class in the Dover Elementary School was sponsored last year

Journey in Russellville from 9a.m. – Noon. We welcome anyone who wants to help us make, sort, label and package bookmarks. We would like to request no preschoolers since their little fingers are just too small to tie the ribbons. We would also like to request that all kids have a parent present.

Party #2 – Saturday, Dec 7th at The Journey in Russellville from 9a.m. – Noon Online at kamriescolorfulcreations.org or like us on Facebook at Kamrie’s Colorful Creations.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. ~Melanie and Kamrie Ewing; Kamrie’s Colorful Creations, NONPROFIT, EIN#46-2294061, P.O. Box 616, Dover, AR 72837.

RUSSELLVILLE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED NOW

Many citizens of Russellville go above expectations in making this an exceptional city. Naming the Citizen of the Year is only one way to recognize and honor BOOKMARK PARTY DATES: one of these outstanding citizens. The Party #1 – Saturday, Nov 9th at The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce

will be recognizing the 2013 Citizen of the Year at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Banquet. Nominations will be accepted at the Chamber office located at 708 West Main Street in Russellville through December 13, 2013.

The nomination criteria is: Nominee must be a resident of the Russellville area for at least the past five years Nominations must be accompanied by a resume stating the reason for the nomination and the community contributions of nominee or they will notbe considered; Community involvement should not be limited to one field and must include areas other than those related to nominee’s occupation Contributions over several years will be considered, but nominee should still be a viable part of the community Nominee should have served in a leadership role and not just as part of a committee or group.

The person making the nomination must also include his or her own name and daytime phone number in case additional n information is required.

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November 2013 | ABOUT 21

about | ATU

Jerry is Back

After 76 years away from home, Jerry the Bulldog is returning to Arkansas Tech University to serve in the role of campus ambassador.

Jerry was adopted as campus ambassador by a unanimous vote of the Arkansas Tech Student Government Association during its meeting at the Doc Bryan Student Services Center on Wednesday afternoon.

The re-introduction of Jerry does not affect the nicknames for the Arkansas Tech intercollegiate athletics teams, which will continue to be known as the Wonder Boys and the Golden Suns.

Jerry will be re-introduced to campus during a 2 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Centennial Plaza, which is located between Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field and Williamson Hall on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville.

He will also attend the Homecoming football game between Arkansas Tech and Ouachita Baptist at 3 p.m. that afternoon.

As campus ambassador, Jerry will represent Arkansas Tech at campus events and athletics competitions throughout the academic year.

The original Jerry was a daily part of life at Arkansas Tech in the mid-1930s. He was owned by William O. Young, who oversaw the business affairs of Arkansas Tech as secretary and bursar from 1917-42 and acted as interim president of the college from 1923-25; and his son, Robert A. Young Sr., who grew up to serve as purchasing agent, business manager, vice president for business affairs and vice

president for administration at Arkansas Tech from 1941-84 as well as interim president in 1972.

Jerry spent much of his time on campus at the armory (now known as the Stroupe Building) with National Guard Battery F. The students and guardsmen there adopted Jerry as one of their own.

An article from the Feb. 26, 1936, issue of the Arka Tech student newspaper stated

RUSSELLVILLE

that Jerry exhibited “determination” and that his only bad habit seemed to be a fondness for chewing on shoes.

The article went on to state that Jerry was “always present at anything of importance at the armory,” which was a social center of campus at that time and the site of Arkansas Tech home basketball games.

When the original Jerry passed away

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22 ABOUT | November 2013

in late 1937, the headline in the Arka Tech proclaimed “Campus Loses Mascot in Passing of Jerry.”

Now, Jerry is back. “Jerry represents an admirable characteristic that has defined Arkansas Tech for more than 100 years --- persistence,” said Susie Nicholson, vice president for student services and university relations at Arkansas Tech. “Jerry’s never-say-die attitude is reflected in the way Arkansas Tech has persevered through tough times. Jerry’s spirit lives inside Tech students who overcome every obstacle to realize the life-changing benefits of a college education. Jerry’s competitive drive is exemplified by the efforts of Wonder Boys and Golden Suns studentathletes on the fields and courts of play.

“We invite the Tech Family to welcome Jerry home,” continued Nicholson. “He represents an important connection between our past, our present and our future.”

Among those scheduled to participate in the ceremony re-introducing Jerry to campus are Dr. Robert A. Young Jr., Clay Wyllia, Major General William Wofford and representatives from the Arkansas Tech U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program.

Dr. Young, grandson and son of the original Jerry’s owners, has continued the family tradition of involvement at Arkansas Tech by serving as president of the Arkansas Tech Foundation, as an avid fan of the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns and by supporting two annual student awards named in honor of his family.

Wyllia is a senior from Atkins and president of the Arkansas Tech Student Government Association, which has accepted a leadership role in the care and promotion of Jerry.

Wofford serves as adjutant general for the Arkansas National Guard. Member of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1971, he was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction in 2008.

During the ceremony, Wofford will place Jerry under the care of Arkansas Tech U.S. Army ROTC students. Those students will serve as Jerry’s caretakers when he is on campus.

“Students from the U.S. Army ROTC program at Arkansas Tech were selected to serve as Jerry’s on-campus caretakers as a means of carrying forward the bond that existed between the original Jerry and the National Guardsmen on campus in the 1930s,” said Nicholson.

For more information about Jerry, visit www.atu.edu/jerry. The life and times of Jerry will be documented through the Arkansas Tech University Facebook page and via Twitter @ArkansasTech. n

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about | valley vittles

Old World Treats Featured at Freddo's Story by Johnny Sain | Photos by Steve Newby

Who would have thought that a frozen treat originating from ice and snow in the mountains above Rome could be enjoyed here in the River Valley. The world just keeps getting smaller and cutting-edge establishments like Freddo’s Frozen Treats is the reason why.

The cold creamy sweetness that originated in Italy is called gelato. It’s a type of ice cream, but it’s made a little different than American ice cream. Gelato typically has less butterfat and it contains a relatively small amount of air compared to its fluffed-up new-world counterpart. This makes for a denser product and, in my opinion, more concentrated flavor. The texture and rich taste tells you with the first bite that something is different.

And different in a very good way.

Gelato’s history is hard to pin down. Frozen desserts were recorded in Asia 3000 years ago. About 500 years later the Italians joined in with icy sweets served in Sicily, Rome and Egypt made from snow brought down from the mountaintops and preserved in below ground storage.

That’s a lot of work for a dessert, but after a bowl you’ll understand that it was indeed worth it. The cool treats really caught on during the 14th Century Italian Renaissance and the rest, as they say, is history.

Freddo’s offers other sweet treats besides Italian ice cream. Frozen yogurt dispensers line one wall and candy filled glass jars sit on chrome and crystal shelves; Willy Wonka would be envious . But you really need to try the gelato. An old-world treat born on the frozen slopes of the sleeping volcano Vesuvius that you can enjoy here in the River Valley. n

• Girl’s Nite Out Preview – Nov 21 • General Shopping – Nov 22 & 23 • Visits with Santa – Nov 22 & 23

24 ABOUT | November 2013

November 2013 | ABOUT 25

about | food

For All Things Give Thanks Story by Lydia Zimmerman, Food Editor

A

s Thanksgiving approaches, it often makes me think of the things I should give thanks for each day, but take for granted. Family, food and fellowship are just a few. That is why I love the story on The Neighbor’s table in this month’s issue. It’s an opportunity for those who may not have those blessings we take for granted to meet each Saturday for good food and fellowship.

In this issues recipe section I have included a few recipes from The Neighbor’s Table menu that have been enjoyed by many. Thank you Mrs. Carolyn McLellan for sending me the recipes!

I have also included some recipes I frequently enjoy during Thanksgiving at GG’s (Grandma Zimmerman) and Mom’s house.

Also, for those Black Friday shoppers, I have thrown in a couple of slow cooker recipes to reinvent that left-over turkey. So when you return from your long, exhausting day of bargain shopping you will have a quick fix to serve the family.

As always enjoy!

EVA COLE’S BROWNIES

(A favorite of Neighbors Table guests) 1 1/2 c flour 2 c sugar 1/2 c + 2T cocoa 1/2 c oil 1 stick butter 4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 1 tsp salt 1 c chopped nuts (optional, may substitute chocolate chips for nuts.

Mix dry ingredients; then add liquids. Pour in sheet pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

26 ABOUT | November 2013

HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD (Recipe cut down to serve 25) 18 potatoes scrubbed but not peeled 1/4 lb bacon fried and crumbled 2 onions sliced thin half-moon 1 T white sugar 1 1/2 T salt 1 tsp celery seed

1/2 c + 1 tsp vinegar 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 T flour 2 T water 1 T +1 tsp mustard 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Bring salted water to boil and add whole potatoes, boil until soft but not mushy and falling apart.

Set potatoes aside to cool; then slice ¼ in. thick.

Cook the bacon until crisp; when done set aside to cool.

Using the bacon drippings sauté the onions in large pot until slightly brown.

Next, whisk together sugar, salt, celery seed, flour, and black and cayenne peppers in large bowl; add these dry ingredients to the onions. Stir and cook until bubbly.

Add water, mustard and vinegar and stir until thickened slightly.

Finally, add the crumbled bacon and sliced potatoes, cook until potatoes are heated through and serve.

Recipe created by Neighbors Table chef Rebecca Kagebein

CHICKEN QUESADILLAS (Serves 24) 3 bags (15 lbs) chicken pieces 3 T vegetable oil 3 onions, sliced 24 lg flour tortillas 5 (8 oz) packages shredded cheese

1/4 c Ground Cumin 1/2 c Oregano Leaf 3 red or green bell peppers, sliced thin 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp. ground red pepper

Boil chicken until done (pieces can be cooked from frozen state); then shred the cooked meat.

Heat flat top grill to medium, add oil, onions, bell peppers, chicken, and spices. Cook until onions are just turning soft; then add garlic.

Cook for 30 seconds and remove to large bowl.

Clean flat top, re- oil (lightly) and turn to low heat. Place several tortillas on flat top, top with about ¾ cup of the chicken mixture and ¼ cup of cheese, top with tortilla. Cook until bottom tortilla is slightly brown, flip, cook until brown, remove, cut each tortilla “sandwich” into four wedges Serve with side of Mexican rice.

Recipe created by Neighbors Table chef Rebecca Kagebein

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE 5 medium sweet potatoes 1/4 c butter or margarine 1 tsp vanilla cinnamon to taste

1/4 tsp salt 2 eggs 1 c sugar

Topping: 3/4 c brown sugar 1/4 c melted butter or margarine 3 T flour 1/2 c chopped pecans Boil potatoes until tender. Peel and mash. In a bowl. mix (with electric mixer) sweet potatoes and other ingredients until smooth. Pour mixture in casserole dish.

Mix together topping ingredients and pour over the contents of the casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Kathy Bewley(my older sis) Pottsville,AR

GRANDMA LACEY’S ROLLS

1 c milk 1/2 c sugar 1 pkg yeast 1 tsp salt 1/4 c margarine 3 eggs, slightly beaten 1/2 c lukewarm water 4 1/2 - 5 c flour 1/4 c crisco (I prefer the butter flavored) In a saucepan heat milk, add crisco, margarine and sugar. When cool add 3 eggs slightly beaten.

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 c of lukewarm water,then add it to egg mixture. Add 1 tsp salt, then enough flour (4 1/2 to 5 c) to make a stiff dough. Let dough rise in a warm place to about double in size (I let it rise about 2- 2 1/2 hrs), then punch it down and let it rise again for atleast another hour. Shape into rolls (let rise again until doubled in size) then bake in oven at 375 for approximately 20-30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Anita Zimmerman (Grandma Zimm) St. Vincent, AR

Mommy and Me Recipes OREO TURKEYS

6 oreos 1 bag (12 oz) Wilton candy melts,melting chocolates (I got mine from Walmart’s in the cake decorating supplies isle) 1 pkg chocolate covered graham crackers 1 bag candy corn (with fall colors) 1 box malted milkballs (whoppers) 1 sm jar “sequins” decorating confetti (also found down the cake decorating isle at walmarts) (Little helper) Place individual chocolate covered graham crackers on a sheet of waxpaper. (Little helper) with mommy’s help place a 15-20 of the chocolate candy melts in a bowl and place in the microwave for 3045 seconds to melt. (Mommy) remove the bowl from the microwave and stir chocolate until melted.

(Mommy) Place a small amount of melted chocolate on the back half of each graham cracker. (Little helper) Place an Oreo standing on its end on the melting chocolate and hold it there for a minute or two until it stands on its own. (Little helper)w/ Mommy’s help place 7 pieces of candy corn in between the sandwich cookies into the creme filling (the white tip into the creme filling) so it looks like a turkeys tail feathers spread.

(Mommy) Place a dollop of melted chocolate directly in front of the Oreo and (Little Helper) place a malted milk ball onto it. (Mommy)Then put a small amount of melting chocolate on the turkey’s “face”, this is where (Little Helper) w/ Mommy’s help will put a pair of eyes using the “sequins” decorating confetti and a nose using the white tip of the candy corn. Repeat steps for 5 remaining oreos.

Let melting chocolate harden on the turkeys before moving them.

This will make a cute and edible centerpiece for your “kids” table at Thanksgiving!

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JAPANESE FRUIT PIE

4 eggs 2 c sugar (may substitute w/ Stevia or Fructose) 1 stick margarine, softened 2 T vinegar 2 T water 1 c pecans 1 c raisins 1 c coconut Crack eggs into bowl and whisk with a fork. Add all remaining ingredient and mix thoroughly by hand or with a electric mixer on low. Pour into a prepared pie shell and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. This makes enough for two pies.

This is a new twist on your traditional pecan pie!

GRANDMA ZIMMS CRANBERRY SALAD 1 c hot water 1 pkg (3 oz) lemon jello 1 c pineapple juice 1 c ground raw cranberries 1 c ground unpared apple 1/2 c seeded grapes 1/4 c nuts of choice 6 pineapple slices, chopped 1 c sugar

CRANBERRY MEATBALLS 1 1/2 lb ground beef 1/4 c ketchup 2 sliced bread,crumbled 2 eggs 1 tsp garlic powder

Stir in corn, uncooked rice, celery, onion, and undrained pimiento. Add turkey, parsley flakes, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Mix well before serving.

Recipe courtesy of CDKitchen recipes

Mix and shape into tiny meatballs. Put into shallow baking dish and top with:

SLOW COOKER TURKEY AND BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

Sauce 1 (16oz) can cranberry sauce 3/4 c Heinz chili sauce 3 T Brown sugar 1 T Lemon juice Melt in saucepan until well blended. Pour over meatballs and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

You can use this same sauce recipe and pour over Little Smokies in a crockpot. Then cook on low for 5-6 hours. These are great hor’dourves while Thanksgiving dinner is cooking. Serve with cheese cubes and Ritz crackers,Yum! Recipe courtesy of Dottie Zimmerman (my wonderful mother-in-law)

TURKEY CHOWDER

4 c chicken broth 1 c hot water 2 c frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 2/3 c uncooked instant rice 1 c finely chopped celery 1/2 c finely chopped onion 1/4 c chopped pimiento, undrained 2 full c diced cooked turkey breast 2 tsp dried parsley flakes 1/8 tsp black pepper

Dissolve package of jello in hot water.

Add pineapple juice and set in refrigerator to begin jelling.

Combine cranberries,apple,grapes,nuts and pineapple and mix with sugar. When Jello is partially jelled fold in fruit and sugar mixture. Refrigerate overnight. (This salad looks lovely jelled in a crystal or cut glass compote.)

Spray a slow cooker container with Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Anita Zimmerman butter-flavored cooking spray. In prepared (Grandma Zimm), St. Vincent,AR container, combine chicken broth and water.

28 ABOUT | November 2013

8 oz mushrooms 2 T butter 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed golden mushroom soup 5 T mayonnaise, about 1/3 cup 3 T milk 1 T prepared mustard 1/4 tsp black pepper 4 c diced cooked turkey 16 oz frozen cut broccoli 1 c shredded American cheese 1/4 c toasted almonds*, optional

Spray inside of crockpot with cooking spray or lightly grease with butter.

In a skillet over medium low heat, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.

In crockpot, combine mushrooms, soup, mayonnaise, milk, mustard, and pepper.

Stir in diced turkey and broccoli. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 5 hours. Stir in cheese; cover and cook 30 minutes longer.

Sprinkle with toasted almonds, if desired, just before serving. Serves 6. *To toast nuts, spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in a 350° oven, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Or, toast in an ungreased skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown and aromatic.

Recipe courtesy of About.com/ SouthernFoods

*To toast nuts, spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in a 350° oven, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Or, toast in an ungreased skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown and aromatic.

Recipe courtesy of About.com/ SouthernFoods

EASY GLUTEN-FREE TURKEY, VEGETABLE AND WILD RICE SOUP

TEX-MEX TURKEY SOUP

1 T olive oil 1/2 c minced onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp oregano 4 c water 1 (10.75 oz)can condensed tomato soup 1 (28 oz)can diced tomatoes 1 c salsa 4 c shredded cooked turkey 1 T dried parsley 3 chicken bouillon cubes 1 (14 oz)can black beans, rinsed, drained 2 c frozen corn 1/2 c sour cream 1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro

4 c. turkey or chicken broth 3 c. water 3 lg carrots, peeled 3 sm zucchini, washed and cut 1 sm onion, chopped 2 c cooked turkey, cut in pieces 1 tsp dried basil Spray inside of crockpot with cooking 1 T olive oil 2 c cooked wild rice spray or lightly grease with butter.

In a skillet over medium low heat, sauté salt & pepper to taste sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.

In crockpot, combine mushrooms, soup, On stovetop, saute the chopped onion mayonnaise, milk, mustard, and pepper. in the olive oil in the bottom of your soup Stir in diced turkey and broccoli. Cover and pot. Slice the carrots and add all ingredients cook on LOW setting for 5 hours. Stir in to a pot. Heat to boiling and simmer until cheese; cover and cook 30 minutes longer. the vegetables are cooked.

Recipe courtesy of Sprinkle with toasted almonds, if desired, Glutenfreehomemaker.com n just before serving. Serves 6.

1/4 tsp black pepper 4 c diced cooked turkey 16 oz frozen cut broccoli 1 c shredded American cheese 1/4 c toasted almonds*, optional

Toppings: 6 c corn tortilla chips 3/4 c chopped green onion 1 c shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend 1/2 c chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 c sour cream Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced onions and cook until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Stir in water, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded turkey, parsley and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until bouillon cubes dissolve. Add black beans, corn, sour cream and cilantro. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve soup with crushed tortilla chips, chopped green onion, shredded cheese and additional cilantro and sour cream.

Recipe Courtesy of Allrecipes.com

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SLOW COOKER TURKEY AND BROCCOLI CASSEROLE 8 oz mushrooms 2 T butter 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed golden mushroom soup 5 T mayonnaise, about 1/3 cup 3 T milk 1 T prepared mustard

3521 West Main Street Russellville • 479-967-3744 November 2013 | ABOUT 29

Peace Chicks:

Ending violence one chick at a time Story and photos by Cindi Nobles

Women, men and children throughout the universe have been victims to domestic abuse throughout centuries. Each and every person has a connection to someone who is a victim or a survivor. You may have a mom, an aunt, bumped into someone, you may not even know their name – you may never realize or know their story, but everyone knows someone who has been a victim to domestic abuse.

The River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children (RVBWC) in Russellville is a non-profit organization that provides a safe place for victims seeking help and have launched a hand-made jewelry line to help provide services for those in need. It’s called Peace Chicks.

“Statistics say one in three women have been a victim of domestic abuse. You know a victim.” RVBWC executive director Jannie Condley said. “We are a nonprofit agency which means we are grant funded and depend on local community donations along with our thrift store sales. We wanted something that set us apart from other non-profits and that is how we came to the Peace Chicks jewelry.”

All non-profits must have a sustainability plan Condley said, “Because shutting the doors is not an option at the shelter. We have too many people who depend on our services for their safety.”

In 2007 the shelter opened a thrift store at 121 E. Parkway to help sustain its finances. Shelter advocate and innovator of Peace Chicks, Mandi Geels, saw an opportunity for a creative outlet through jewelry making to raise funds.

The jewelry making evolved through the years.

It began with broken china pieces, then to beaded hemp bracelets and now to handcrafted metal branded jewelry.

30 ABOUT | November 2013

“I wanted something young and fresh,” Geels said. “When we were making the hemp bracelets I instantly came up with Peace Chicks as our brand name since we were all chicks and the hemp reminded me of the ‘60s and the peaceful hippies. The chicken on the logo is just a fun and lighthearted hippie chick my mom designed. It’s just what we are all about; empowerment, peace and harmony in the home.”

The Peace Chicks will set up stands at local festivals, fairs and events. Geels said the logo attracts attention from kids who are curious as to what they stand for.

“We use it as an education tool when we are set up somewhere,” she said. “We just tell them we try to end violence one chick at a time. It seems every other non-profit in the

value. “The jewelry can be for children, moms, older women, pets all different varieties of needs are fulfilled. Even what it stands for when you wear it,” Piker said.

“Everybody knows, has been touched by someone, has a family member, brushed up against a survivor say in a store somewhere or is a survivor themselves. When you wear one of these pieces or purchase it for someone else it gives you a sense of pride in what you are supporting.”

Geels said the jewelry making has opened many doors for educating the public about domestic abuse. “I would like to stress that abuse is not always physical,” Geels said.

“Bruises aren’t always indictors. It could be mental abuse. There are different forms of abuse. A lot of people want to run from that word, but it is what it is. We deal with

"It’s just what we are all about; empowerment, peace and harmony in the home.” area were doing similar fundraising events when we began and we needed something that would set us apart. We feel like with our jewelry we can reach a larger audience while promoting domestic peace.”

Peace Chicks offers discreet help with every jewelry purchase. Inside each gift bag is a thank you card with the shelter hotline number attached.

“Each piece of jewelry opens a new door of opportunity to reach people who might otherwise have not been reached,” RVBWC board member and domestic violence survivor Talisa Piker said. “They can keep the card themself, pass it along to someone they think may need it, have it in case of emergency. They will have our number and a way to get in touch with help if it is needed.”

Piker said each piece of metal stamped jewelry is personalized and has sentimental

extremely stressful situations here at the shelter. With Peace Chicks we are now able to lighten up someone’s life. What we deal with on a day-to-day basis is really heavy.

This is a nice outlet, something cute and happy that everyone can benefit from.”

Word of mouth and Facebook has brought success to the Peace Chicks in recent months. “We’ve only been doing the metal branded jewelry for a little more than a month and the orders have been coming in every day,” Geels said. “People like that it is personalized and they can order something that says what they want it to say. It’s their own custom made jewelry.”

All proceeds from sales go directly back into the shelter and provides for whatever the grant funding does not cover. Condley said the money is used for many services for the victims. For example they may be

picked directly up from a hospital or doctor’s office after being attacked and have a prescription for antibiotics that needs to be filled at a pharmacy somewhere and the client has not money. Many need new birth certificates and a driver’s license because they don’t have the opportunity to gather personal belongings before they leave.

Most of the money brought into the shelter is used to buy food, diapers for the babies or clothes for victims. Last year, the River Valley Shelter provided housing for more than 200 victims and their families.

“We take in clients from all over the place, not just our surrounding area,” Condley said. “Some just leave with the clothes on their back. They may have children with them, some alone, but it is common for everyone to be without many things they need. Our services provide people a place to stay and allows the victims a chance to get back on their feet. Without our thrift store and our jewelry we couldn’t provide.

So we are hoping Peace Chicks really takes off so we can do even more for our victims.”

Condley said there are many barriers victims face when they are arrive at the shelter.

Story continued on page 31...

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November 2013 | ABOUT 31

about | outdoors

Story and photo by Johnny Sain

It starts in my left leg. The tremor gets so bad that I press against the seat of my treestand in an effort to control it. Sometimes this makes the situation worse. If the tree I’m strapped to isn’t big enough to absorb the vibrations, it acts as an amplifier. This is especially problematic if the chosen tree is full of dead leaves. It’s like sitting on a tambourine. Luckily, I had chosen a large pine for this evening’s hunt and the thick diameter of the trunk along with the pine needles acted as muffler.

He never knew I was there.

The deer weren’t supposed to be moving according to the “experts.” That full moon peeking over the treetops opposite the setting sun meant the whitetails would be nocturnal. Apparently, the tight-racked little six-point in front of me didn’t get the memo. Or maybe the steady beat of acorns plopping into dry oak leaves was just too much to resist.

Whatever the reason, the little deer stood a scant 18 yards away, broadside, and completely engrossed in stuffing his face. Even after all these years, the decision to shoot sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through me.

This was the first buck I had laid eyes on in two weeks. It was a few days past mid-October. Action in the deer woods was supposed to be picking up, but that had not been the case. Not for me anyway.

A hunting buddy had killed an absolutely giant non-typical buck the previous week and now I was hunting for pride.

Sometime during the last three years, I had chosen the trophy path for hunting fulfillment. I’m still not sure why or when this happened. Young bucks were relegated to “dink” or “beginner buck” status as opposed to being a “shooter.” Does were considered at best, bait for a randy buck, at worst a nuisance.

Though the deer were labeled, I was actually ranking me; the bigger the buck, the better the hunter.

Somehow and someway, ego had been injected into this birthright given to all human beings. It had become a game and I was keeping score. Long forgotten was the tradition. Long forgotten was the humility. Long forgotten was the gratitude. Hunting was now a competition, and all of a sudden it wasn’t much fun.

Hunting had been reduced to sitting in a tree bemoaning my bad luck and the state game agency’s woeful shortcomings in providing me a shot at a record book buck. My dark and gloomy attitude had caused me to miss some wonderful 32 ABOUT | November 2013

things during those depressing hunts. I don’t recall ever hearing the mournful trilling of a screech owl. I don’t think I heard a single Canadian goose honking high above the clouds. The sunsets all seemed pale and watery. It was sad.

Frustration was building and I approached every hunt like a job. If I wasn’t working I was hunting, or scouting, or plotting over maps, or griping about deer hunting. You read that right, I was griping about deer hunting.

But this afternoon, there’s this little six-point. At first I don’t even bother to pick up my bow, he’s not a shooter. I listen to him popping acorns. He plucks them one at a time from the forest floor and his tongue works them toward the back of his mouth where stout molars can crush the energy packed nuts. The buck takes two steps forward, his right leg forward, exposing the sweet spot where his sturdy heart beats inside a tawny chest. My stomach tightens and the tremble begins. A screech owl calls in the distance. Eager fingers wrap around the bow. I’m in Zen mode as the string comes back, the green dot of the bow sight finds that sweet spot, and the flickering arrow is on its way.

Bright crimson splotches are easy to find with the help of that full moon, but there’s no need to follow blood. The little buck ran only 50 yards before sagging under his own weight. It was all over in less than 10 seconds.

His sleek hide and tiny antlers reflect silver moonlight as I sit next to him. Tracing the curve of antler with an index finger, I vow to leave my ego at home for all future hunts.

High on the ridge above me the screech owl trills in approval. n

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Six-Point

Story continued from page 29...

“Many of our victims come in with children, and in order to get back on their feet they need a job and in order to work they need childcare and in order to get back and forth to work they need transportation,” she said. “It’s always a challenge to find a way for someone to get to work and to be able to find and provide that childcare long enough for someone to get on their feet. We would love to be able to afford to pay for childcare for these victims longer, say a full month so they can start saving their money. If the jewelry took off I could see so many possibilities. Not all of our victims qualify for government assistance. We have all walks of socio-economic backgrounds that come through our door. Some who did have money don’t have access to any money because their accounts are frozen or have been cleaned out since they left.”

Victims are also provided with counseling services outside of the shelter and have recently been offered the opportunity to provide a six week financial management course to domestic violence survivors.

Piker said the financial management course along with counseling is much needed for survivors who have not previously had the opportunity to control their own finances.

“That is something else the jewelry sales could go toward,” Condley said. “To help facilitate the financial management course. Like for us to be able to provide childcare while survivors are taking the course or to be able to provide snacks.

The possibilities are endless.”

The Peace Chicks said their ultimate goal is to provide a piece of jewelry that is precious to its owner – something they feel proud and comfortable wearing. Each piece of jewelry has a peace sign signature that sets it apart from others.

“We would love for our jewelry to take off, and when someone sees a piece they recognize it is one of ours,” Geels said.

“We want to promote peace in the home everywhere. It would be so cool if it was so recognizable that everyone knew it came from us. We want everybody to be an advocate,” Geels said.

All of the Peace Chicks agree the jewelry is a great personalized gift. With the holidays quickly approaching they hope their affordable pricing will encourage gift buyers to personalize a piece for their loved ones.

The Peace Chicks hemp pieces can be found at Lavish on S. Arkansas, the shelter thrift shop at 121 E. Parkway and the River Valley Arts Center in Russellville.

The metal branded pieces can be purchased and personalized online or can be ordered at the thrift shop.

For more information on the Peace Chicks, like their Facebook page or visit their new website at www.peacechicks.org. n

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November 2013 | ABOUT 33

about | giving

Neighbors Table Displaying the love of Christ through service Story and photos by Tanner Ott

“You know, it’s just like the song, ‘Open the eyes of my heart Lord.’ If you open your heart, you can see what you can do for others.” Dodie Lamb-Roberts summarized the heartfelt meal put on by the gracious volunteers at All Saints Episcopal Church in one touching sentence. Dodie is just one of many loving faces encountered when entering the church on a Saturday.

The idea for this meal began on March 31, 2012 with the effort of a few families who felt the need to provide a meal for hungry River Valley residents . It turned into a weekly event and All Saints Episcopal Church soon formed a partnership with New Prospect Baptist Church, First Christian Disciples of Christ and Central Presbyterian Church

New Trees and Shrubs for Fall Landscaping

to create and serve the meal. It’s known as Neighbors Table. The doors open each Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m. Volunteers prepare for roughly 50 people each week, though the number of those served can vary from 2575 people.

The first sight view upon entering the church on a Saturday is the lively smile of Lillian Tweed, Dodie’s mother. Lillian, who describes herself as the “nametag lady,” issues a nametag to each person as they enter the church. “It makes it a lot easier to start a conversation with someone when you know their name. I do this so when you sit down, you’ll already know who they are,” she said. Lillian helps teach preschool children at the church.

The first thing noticed in the kitchen is he pleasing aroma of food along with the friendly smiles of those hard at work.

Among those smiling are Susan Price, Larry Kagebein and Rebecca Kagebein.

Larry serves as a sort of sous chef. He

has been helping assemble meals for about one year. “It makes me feel good to help out with this,” Larry said. “We just want to provide them with a good meal and make sure when they leave here that they are full.”

Rebecca, Larry’s wife, acts as the head chef of Neighbors Table. Kagebein uses her extensive talents and ingenuity to combine an array of ingredients into tasty combinations, giving the diners a satisfying meal each week. “It takes around five hours each week to prepare the meal, and it takes a lot of teamwork,” Rebecca said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to be a chef and see the people enjoy the food we make.”

Rebecca uses an assortment of vegetables from the gardens along with any other donated ingredients to create a meal worthy of restaurant status. For example, the bell peppers and onions harvested will be mixed into the potatoes to create a delicious dish of roasted potatoes.

Each item on the menu was either donated or grown in the garden at the

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church, volunteer’s gardens or a member of the Russellville Community Market.

“This helps create a connection with our local farmers,” said Suzanne Hodges.

“The people involved with Russellville Community Market donate two percent of their harvest to Neighbors Table.”

East of the parking lot at All Saints Episcopal Church sits the Live and Learn Community Garden, where many of the vegetables for Neighbor’s Table come from.

Experienced farm hands work in the dirt, but many children do as well.

Today, Suzanne is escorting a few members of the All Saints youth group to harvest bell peppers and sweet potatoes from the children’s garden. That’s right; the children at All Saints have their very own garden among the rest.

Hodges and the children dig up several sweet potatoes as excited shouts about the size of each one come from the greenery. “It’s wonderful to have the kids involved in our garden,” Hodges said. “It gives them an opportunity to learn how to serve others.”

Meanwhile, Tracy Cole approaches the kids having come out for a break from the kitchen. Tracy smiles as she watches the children dig with ferocity. “We started the children’s garden in May,” Tracy said.

“We have grown okra, peas, tomatoes, green peppers, herbs, flowers, eggplant, cucumbers and other things.”

Among those digging in the garden is a child who possesses a true servant’s heart, and that is Tracy’s daughter, Eva Cole. “Seeing my daughter get into helping and serving has been wonderful.

She has even made her own garden at our home and has grown and donated squash to Neighbors Table,” Tracy said.

Eva, a student at Pottsville, grins from ear to ear as she emerges from the plants with a large green pepper in hand. “My favorite thing to grow in this garden is the green peppers,” Eva said. “I also liked growing the squash in my garden at home.”

Back in the church, three sacks brimming full of squash sit on the kitchen counter.

The bounty of squash is impressive, but the intoxicating smell of fresh-baked brownies quickly grabs all the attention. Whose decadent chocolate brownies might these be? They are Eva’s of course, a recipe she came up with on her own.

“These brownies are a big hit each time Eva makes them,” Hodges says. It doesn’t take long to see why. The warm chocolate goodness melts in your mouth .

The time comes for the meal to be served as roughly 50 people – plus one writer -- are seated in the dining room.

The main course of spaghetti squash is complemented by roasted potatoes with bell peppers and onions, fried chicken patties, pumpkin pie, Eva’s brownies, bananas, apples and oranges.

The spaghetti squash topped with rich tomato sauce was succulent, while the chicken was spicy and quite savory. The roasted potatoes blended nicely with the rest of the dinner, loaded with flavor from the peppers and onions.

During the course of the lunch, Dodie gave details of her childhood as a part of a big family. It was during this time of her life that it was imprinted into her heart to serve. “I grew up in a big family. We took other members of our family in, and my mom taught us how to serve. I guess it’s in my gene pool,” Dodie said. “My mom always taught us that if something is wrong in your life, then go help others. I have been really lucky.”

Dodie added that Neighbors Table has served as an outlet in which to plug her servant’s heart. “This truly is a beautiful ministry. I get to know people and make really good friends,” Dodie said. “My greatest joy is serving others.”

Dodie, along with the other volunteers at Neighbors Table, have had their hearts opened and display true love to the community through service. n

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November 2013 | ABOUT 35

about | engagements

Save the Date!

Calendar listings of engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements on the pages of each issue of ABOUT‌the 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 2 ~

~ December 14 ~

Holly Erickson and Brian Townsend

Rebecca Bradley and Jon Shanklin

~ November 9 ~

Sara McClure and Brandon Dodd

Brooklyn Blackwell and Luke Pruett

~ December 21 ~

Haley McGrew and Logan Hughes

Stephanie Pierce and Zach Taylor

Meggan Schuemann and Kaleb Dickey

~ December 28 ~

~ May 17, 2014 ~ Megan Brunetti and David Lensing, Jr.

~ November 12 ~

Andrea Barton and Tyler Briscoe

Lauren Huckabay and Phillip Riedmueller

Kelly Conley and Kevin Martin

~ May 23, 2014 ~

~ November 16 ~

Mary Lauren Hollis and Alex Wilson

Paige Griffin and Caleb Bubbus

Whitney Baker and Cole Davison

~ February 1, 2014 ~

~ May 31, 2014 ~

Arica Vines and Eric Wilkins

Sarah Wright and Britt Schluterman

Allie Pipkin and Jacob Sparks

~ November 23 ~

~ April 12, 2014 ~

~ June 14, 2014 ~

Megan Wyllia and Tyler Ridenhour

Katie Goodwin and Ross Harvell

Amanda Gordon and Brandon Weaver

~ November 30 ~

~ April 26, 2014 ~

~ June 28, 2014 ~

Cassy Hewett and Matt Karp

Nicki Zimmerman and Jacob Unruh

Cendyl Carter and Jordan McGowan

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, or visit visit www.aboutrvmag.com/forms.html. Word count is limited to 225 words. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. For additional information, call (479) 857-6791. *Digital files are accepted and will be published upon receipt of payment.

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36 ABOUT | November 2013

Mammograms & Martinis

During the month of October 2013, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, St Mary's Regional Medical Center offered two special evening appointment sessions (on the 15th and 17th) to alleviate the stress and difficulty of getting in for a mammogram. It was a resounding success!

Photos by Steve Newby

November 2013 | ABOUT 37

On a Personal Note Just Give Guest Written by Beth Latham

The next time someone asks you to give, don’t think of it as an obligation, or a burden.

Rather, think of giving as a privilege.

38 ABOUT | November 2013

How many times have you been asked to give today? Every day we are asked to give. Can you give me a hand? Let’s give a round of applause to ... Will you give me a glass of water? Would you like to give to ABC Charity? But do we really stop and think about what it truly means to give? Webster’s Dictionary has many definitions of the word Give, but my favorite is; “to enter wholeheartedly into an activity”. The activity can be giving our time for a community event, our expertise for a special project, our resources in helping a neighbor, or our money to a cause close to us. But when any of these things are done wholeheartedly we are impacting lives and our community in ways greater than we could ever imagine. It doesn’t matter if you can give $1 or $1,000, 10 minutes or 10 hours; when you give of yourself your impact will be felt.

It is my belief that we are all born with a heart to give. We do not want to see people in pain, in struggle or in need. When we see this there is an urge inside of us to give. In a 2010 Harvard Business School paper, research suggests that generosity seems to generate positive feelings in people, and that using resources to help others is consistently associated with greater happiness. While this study focused on financial giving, generosity can assume many forms. I believe that this principle of happiness extends beyond financial giving to all forms of giving.

We have a community that is full of givers. You may not realize it, but most of the people you interact with on a daily basis have a giving heart.

Did you know that your Bank teller gives a portion of her paycheck so that those without preventative diabetic healthcare can receive help at the River Valley Christian Clinic? Or that the employees at the Deltic Timber sawmill in Ola have nearly 100% participation in United Way giving? Or that for years Firestone employees have given their time at The Arts Center of the Arkansas River Valley with projects such as painting, landscaping and cleaning at their facility? ANO and Dow Chemical employees were instrumental in having the first Habitat for Humanity for Pope County house completed. Next time you go to the bank, drive

down Main Street or through the River Valley think about the giving hearts of all those and thousands like them throughout Pope, Johnson and Yell Counties and know that while you may not “see” their giving, they are making an impact in your community. An impact that you can make as well by giving wholeheartedly into an activity that speaks to you.

At River Valley United Way, one of our objectives is to understand the present community conditions and needs; to recognize the underlying problem of issues so that we can make improvements that have long lasting impact, not just quick fixes. River Valley United Way has focused their efforts on having the most people in our community reach their full potential through the issues surrounding education, income stability and health. These areas are the building blocks everyone needs for their best individual lives which in turn creates the best possible community. We can have the greatest impact on the most number of people in our communities when we all come together to make the vision a reality.

That’s how we LIVE UNITED. We come together, to make the biggest impact we can, for the most people we can, right here in our community and we do it by giving. Giving of our financial resources, giving of our time, giving our voice to individuals or groups who have none, we give. Not because we expect something in return, we give because to do otherwise would be to deny who we are as humans and who we are as a community.

The next time someone asks you to give, don’t think of it as an obligation, or a burden. Rather, think of giving as a privilege. Consider it an honor that someone wants you to have a hand in making our community a better place. If you need help finding a place or a way to give…just ask. Challenges and issues in our community abound, thus creating amazing opportunities for giving. Just ask, and when you are asked to give. Just Give.

Look for more interesting features and tidbits in "On a Personal Note" each month in future issues of ABOUT... the River Valley. You'll find short stories, interesting pieces and other great reads from people you know, or would like to know from around the River Valley.

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