Eye On Independence December 2016

Eye On Independence

December 2016

www.eyeonmag.com

Medicare Mail Josephine Raye Rogers The Struggle of Driven Teenagers

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In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note The Final Chapter

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7/ Batesville Area Arts Council 11/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista The Struggle of Driven Teenagers

12/ Cover Story

Josephine Raye Rogers

14/ Your Health

Driving Me Crazy

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16/ I Do

Martin - Williams Wedding

CREATIVE DIRECTOR : Joseph Thomas

MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag. com

AD DESIGN DEPARTMENT: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas

PUBLISHER: Joseph Thomas ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Joseph Thomas

25/ Adventures in Arkansas

ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Cherri Rodgers

Self-Discipline

26/ Seniors, can we talk?

Medicare Mail

28/ Smith’s Verdict ***

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

30/ Things To Do 31/ Notes from the Clearing

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THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY:

18/ Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute Area Adventures

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Eye On Independence is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

Affect

31/ Cherri Design

Haven of Refuge

MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas

PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joseph Thomas, 870.252.0013 or eyeonjoseph@ eyeonmag.com.

Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council awarded Eye On Independence the 2014 Wilson Powell Media Support Award for its dedication to tourism in the Gateway Region and Arkansas.

26 31

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Cover Photography by Robert O. Seat Photography Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

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The Almost The Polk Bayou Kid’s best friend Kendra has just moved back to Batesville and they can’t wait to show her their amazing secret. All spring long they have traveled the world over, seen things most people can only dream about, and witnessed history as it unfolded, all with the help of their ghostly friend Ms. Swizzlehoff and her memory chip machine.

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Editor’s Note

The Final Chapter Joseph Thomas

photo by Robert O. Seat

This final chapter of 2016 is upon us and we want to extend our warmest wishes for you and yours during this holiday season. May the cold just be another excuse for a nice hot chocolate or shot of java to go with a good read.

I have the privilage to bring you our final powerful woman in this engaging series.

We finish up with the amazing Josephine Raye Rogers. I have another notes and the Martin - Williams Wedding. Leigh Keller shares teenage struggles, Caroline Beauchamp talks Medicare Mail, Alisa R. Lancaster shares what drives her crazy and Tanner Smith reviews Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Cherri Rogers writes a how to on a Haven of Refuge, Karin Mohlke Huffman shares another area adventure, there are faces, things to do and more. Enjoy your time, your family and the rest of this year that has been so unlike any before it. May 2017 bring about a realization of what really matters. Perhaps a simplification of the chaos, where character matters and kindness rules.

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We Recycle:

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6 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

December 2016

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The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Vicki Hass Insurance Agency. The ceremony was held on November 15th at her new office located at 2200 Harrison Street in Batesville.

Huge congratulations to Giovannangeli and Company for officially opening their new location in Southside. Located at 1683 Batesville Blvd, this salon has it all, including tanning! Contact Amanda today at 501-283-4437.

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8 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

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Old Independence Regional Museum Search Twyla Wright

Do you have a special memory of a sports event?

Old Independence Regional Museum, located in Batesville, Arkansas, will be hosting a traveling exhibit titled “Hometown Teams” from the Smithsonian Institution late next year. As part of the exhibit, Old Independence will be creating its own regional exhibit to be on view all during 2017.

The museum is inviting anyone living in Independence County, and other counties in its region, to write a one-page letter telling about a particular memory of a sports event. It may be an account of a school competition, or a church or community sports competition, or practicing for a game, or watching a future sports star play.

Baseball, basketball, football, tennis, track, or any other team sport will fit the bill. Contributors may also choose to tell how their experience may have added to a sense of community pride.

Old Independence Regional Museum will create a scrapbook of these memories for public viewing all during 2017. Just mail, or email your memories to Old Independence Regional Museum, 380 S. Ninth Street, Batesville AR 72501, or to Twyla Wright at twylagwright@gmail.com.

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“GET WELL, STAY WELL.”

(870) 569-4909 December 2016

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United Way of North Central Arkansas’ Angel Tree Program helps hundreds of children each year know the joy of opening a gift on Christmas morning. The Angel Tree Program will be providing nearly five hundred children of low income families in Independence County with Christmas gifts this year. United Way relies upon individuals and businesses to select an Angel and provide them with the gift of joy on Christmas morning. Names will be available to purchase gifts for the Angels through December 5th at the following locations: Anytime Fitness, located at 3050 Harrison Street – Monday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm. / Centennial Bank at 1895 Harrison Street, Southern Bank at 1583 S St. Louis

– Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm. / Citizens Bank at 200 S 3rd Street, First Community Bank at 1325 Harrison and Merchants & Planters Bank at 555 E Main – Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm.

United Way is also accepting donations to help off-set the cost of supplemental items and/or any children that have not been ‘adopted’ by December 5th. If you would like to make a donation to support Angel Tree you can donate online at igfn.us/f/n1n/n or mail a check to P.O. Box 2639 Batesville, AR 72503, all donations are tax deductible and United Way will provide you with a receipt upon request.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact the United Way office at 793-5991. N

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Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista The Struggle of Driven Teenagers

Life for high school kids has changed just a bit since I was a high school student. We took the ACT, perhaps a concurrent class or two, did our school activities and went on to either college or a career (or both for some).

Today’s students are under a great amount of pressure to be fabulous at academics, taking every honors or AP course they can get their hands on, excel in athletics, complete 350 hours per year in a community service activity they enjoy, or perhaps have created themselves, be active in clubs, their church, civic organizations and their town in general. They are also expected to score well above a 25 on the ACT and hold down a part time job. Does that sound like too much to you as a grown up? Because it sounds like way too much to me.

This is a scenario that is repeated over and over again by fabulous kiddos in my life. Their parents are not the ones putting this pressure on them to constantly go and do, they are in a competitive race with other students for scholarships and the demanding career they are hoping to have after college. Just this week, a state university awarded kids on our campus over $500,000 in scholarships (only 15 students who had been early admitted, so we expect much more, our students typically earn more than four million in scholarships per year), and I could see the panic rising in our kids’ eyes who had not received those early admit scholarships yet, and the worry that they would not get the same financial aid package, and would be “failures” (yes our sweet kids worry so much about failing).

So what can we do as the adults in their lives to ensure that they do not have to panic and put so much pressure on themselves to do so very much all the time?

I love to remind kids that I loved music, foreign language and writing, but I did not love math (my math teacher friends will cringe when they read that). I enjoyed community service and time spent at my part time job, but I did not feel the need to work 40 hours per week after school. I do realize that I have a certain percentage of students who simply must work to support their families, or even themselves, so they do have so much

pressure to balance school and work, pressure that I never experienced until graduate school. Kids are not going to be the best at everything, and we need to stop making it seem like they have to be, in order to be successful and happy as adults. My own six year old wants to do everything, it seems like. He loves soccer and Jiujutsu, and then wanted to try basketball and cub scouts. But as I have learned as a parent, he cannot do everything (and keep my sanity), so we pick one activity at a time. The temptation to overschedule is strong, and I see what happens when those kids get to the high school level.

Be honest with your children about your own struggles. With the rising costs of college, kids are under big demands for high ACT scores, high GPAs, a great batting average, community service hours and musical ability to earn those scholarships. Life is all about balance, and in my little family, we enjoy our time at home too much to be scheduled for something every night of the week. My big kiddos at school have the need for that balance as well, to just be home with you all. Believe it or not, teenagers do say that about their parents, that they want to spend time with you.

Hug your kiddos and reassure them that everything will be ok if they are not fantastic at everything. You and I certainly are not, and we’re ok, right?? N

Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor at Batesville HIgh School and the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. She lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.

December 2016

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Eye On Cover Story Josephine Raye Rogers

I have seen Mrs. Josephine Raye Rogers numerous times in my work as a journalist at various events and have had the great fortune of meeting and speaking to her in some of those occasions. We are always well met and I find her so very charming, full of grace with an air of respect that not just anyone can pull off. I thought it only fitting to finish our Year of Powerful Women with her as our final Ambassador for that series.

A fraternal twin, Josephine Raye Jackson was born in Balch, Arkansas, on June 14, 1922. Her sister Sarah Faye Jackson weighed 4.25 pounds to Josephine’s 4.5 pounds. The doctor wasn’t sure that either child would live but their mother’s hope won out. So mother, Minnie Camp Jackson, placed the children in a buggy with Faye in one end and Josephine in the other and opened the oven door as a makeshift incubator.

Josephine moved with her family at the age of two years to Newport, Arkansas. Her father was a school teacher in Balch, Arkansas. He studied law and passed the bar exam and then ran for the House of Representatives, having served several terms in his lifetime. The twins grew up with an older brother. Josephine remained in Newport until she married Doyle W. Rogers in 1941.

Doyle and his family moved to Newport where his father was a Missouri Pacific Railroad telegrapher for many years and his mother ran a boarding house. Doyle met Josephine at Arkansas State University where they were both attending classes. They very quickly had their first date, a mixed-doubles tennis match. They married fourteen months later and were only separated

by Doyle’s service to the United States Air Force. He was first stationed in Salt Lake City, Utah and then to Burma where he ran the military post office. Josephine speaks of visiting him on her two weeks vacation and two days that she had off each week...not wanting to leave his side after each visit.

“I always knew there was Doyle Rogers,” laughs Josephine, “He was a star quarterback and four years older than me.” She says he worked his way through college doing hand laundry. “I knew of him much longer than he knew of me, in other words,” Josephine adds.

She says she worked at the telephone service at the airbase (between Newport and Grubbs), as night cheif operator, “We were busy with calls for and by the over 5,000 service men stationed there. I loved that job, you couldn’t even think of getting sleepy, we were on the go all night.” She explains that on the last day of high school, she’d heard there was a position at the telephone company. She applied for the job immediately and soon got the call. “It was in the upstairs of an old building with wooden steps leading up and I was so excited I hit those steps running as fast as I could, slammed opened the door and they thought a cyclone was coming through.

And, there was Ms. Ruth Hunter, the cheif operator and she interviewed me. She told me later that I was so eager for the job, that they hired me out of six others. From day one I loved it.” Her reverie of being able to work mulitiple stations at once was captivating. She says it kept her from having to be transferred to Walnut Ridge, much to her relief.

Her travels back and forth to Utah were much and she missed Doyle dearly, so she called Ms. Hunter during one of her many visits to see Doyle and resigned from her work at the telephone company. She began looking for work in Salt Lake City and found an ad in the paper for Knights Transportation Zone as the receptionist. “I had to pass a civil service exam, well, I don’t know if I passed or if they just took me, but they gave me the job,” jokes Josephine. She left Utah one year to the day that she’d decided to stay with her husband. She enjoyed working at Knight’s Transportation and worked until Doyle was transferred to another base and she then returned home to Newport where Barbara was born on Christmas Eve. “What a nice Christmas present, huh?” asked Josephine.

She explained to me that Barbara was born at her parents home. She said the doctor brought the delivery table and set up in the house. She further explained that the government would pay for the delivery in full as long as the baby was born in her home, but would not pay 100% if she’d gone to the hospital. Four years later, son, Doyle “Rog” Rogers, Jr. was born.

It was when Josephine made the move back to Jackson County that Doyle moved on to Cadet School at Wichita Falls, Texas for six months of cadet training. He later enlisted to serve both the Royal Canadian Army, as well as the U. S. Army in World War II. After returning to Jackson County and his lovely wife and children, they soon made Independence County their home to found Doyle Rogers Realty in 1953, later named Doyle Rogers Company.

Doyle and Josephine moved to Batesville, Arkansas in 1949. 361 Lawrence Street was their first Independence home, built with Doyle’s G.I. Bill. Josephine says that Carol Barnett was the first person to call and visit, “In fact, she brought her two month old baby. I so loved living there. I drive by real slow now and can visualize my kids playing in that yard. I had the Cub Scouts, the Girl Scouts and the Brownie Scouts. Doyle ended up being the president of the Quapaw Council for the whole state...some 15,000 boys.” Josephine emphasises Doyle’s character to give one hundred percent to the things he loved.

While Josephine raised their children, Doyle developed, owned and operated the Excelsior Hotel (later the Peadbody Little Rock and now Little Rock Marriott.

Josephine says of living in the penthouse suite, “I would

12 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

get up every morning and check on the patrons, as well as the staff and see if they needed anything.” She remembers meeting Hillary Clinton’s mother one day after realizing Hillary was calling to her across the hotel.

She enjoyed the vision that Doyle had and being at his side through it all. Doyle was also behind the Statehouse Convention Center that adjoins the now Marriott. Doyle led the twenty-five story Rogers Building development (now the Stephens Building), along with many retail centers all through the U.S. Also, after the acquistion of Metropolitan Bancshares, Doyle became Chairman of the Metropolitan National Bank in 1983.

Josephine speaks of the dynamic team that she and Doyle were.

She loves him still and is quick to express high praise of her husband of seventy-two years. Doyle Rogers passed away in their Batesville home in 2013 at the amazing age of 94. She says that not many days passed in their marriage that she didn’t hold his face and ask him what she would do without him.

The power couple were philanthropist before the term was a common phrase. In 2001, they gave one million dollars to seed White River Medical Center’s Josephine Raye Rogers Center for Women & Imaging. 2005 saw a pledge of one million to renovate and expand Lyon College’s gymnasium, now known as the Rogers Health & Physical Education Center. According to Little Rock Soiree Magazine’s August 24, 2015 artice by Amanda Hoelzeman entitled ‘Giving Hope With UAMS Gala for Life’, in 2007, the couple and their children, Barbara & Paul Hoover and Rog & Carolyn Rogers, gave four million dollars to UAMS for medical center expansion and Arkansas Cancer Research Center.

Hoelzeman also touted the 2009 honor Doyle and Josephine were given of becoming that years Pat and Willard Walker Tribute honorees for their lifetime support (as well as Josephine’s lifetime position of UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation board member).

All this giving is just how this couple chose to be, not expecting anything in return for themselves, but what goes around... One night in 2012, Josephine not feeling well, paid a visit to WRMC for a CT scan.

Barbara and Rog dropped everything and took their mother the next day to Little Rock to see Dr. Jeanne Wei of UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging. Of Dr. Wei, Josephine calls her, “My doctor and my friend.” Josephine had Stage IV cancer (exactly what took her sisters life years earlier). Doyle was very sick at the time, but he told her he couldn’t live without her. So, Josephine simply said, “I’m not going anywhere,” and decided right then and there she wasn’t. Oncologist Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis sent her biopsy to Massachusetts General Hospital. They noticed a receptor in her system that had shown promise with an experimental drug. Given eight months to live, Josephine opted to try it and within six weeks, a noticable change had taken place. She still takes this treatment and though her fight is not won, eight months is now four years and counting.

Josephine hopes that her story can help someone out there who has been diagnosed, that has given up. She hopes they keep fighting, teatment is right here in Arkansas and more and more research is helping to wage this war. With the giving of those shining examples Josephine Raye Rogers and late husband Doyle, the research is ever increasing.

Josephine is a part of a bridge club and very much enjoys her time with the ladies. She has been for fiftytwo years the memorial chairman for the American Cancer Society. She is on the White River Health System Foundation Board of Trustees and has been on more boards than she can count (as community minded as her husband).

Josephine and Doyle were married 72 years. Josephine says, “He loved me so much. He would be waiting on me at the bottom step of that telephone office every day I got off work. I used to ask him when he worked?” She says he was a caring

man of secret handshakes, openly expressed feelings and endearments of love to his entire family...oh, and front porch discussions about the moon.

I was not fortunate enough to meet Mr. Rogers, but Josephine is a delightful, blinding star with a mind as bright as her presence and it is always a pleasure and an honor to speak with her. She is a powerful woman among so many within our Independence. N

Joseph Thomas is a native of Grubbs, a graduate of ASUN and owns and runs Eye On Magazine with his powerhouse wife, Kimberlee. He is the graphic designer, editor and one of the various writers of this publication. He is elevated by five children, three grandchildren and is an elite tree climber.

December 2016

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Your Health

Driving Me Crazy Driving - I sometimes wonder, if drivers know the rules of the road or if they’ve just chosen to ignore what they’ve learned. And then there are those situations where I question what move I should make or should have made. So, I’ve done some Googling (a favorite activity of mine) on different scenarios that commonly occur while driving.

Four Way Stops - Who hasn’t come to a four way stop and questioned their turn? I do remember learning the sequence of navigating through this intersection, but wasn’t sure I knew the particulars as they are reflected in the law. I found some clever mnemonics online. “First to Stop = First to Go” is exactly what it says, if you approach the intersection before anyone else, then you should proceed first. If that doesn’t apply and two of you arrive at the same time, then “Farthest Right Goes First” meaning that you yield to the driver on the right (I’ve often wondered who goes first if four vehicles arrive at the same time; is that like being asked to find the corner in a round room? Anyway, I digress.).

If neither of the first two work, then “Straight Traffic Goes First” which means that two vehicles, that have arrived at the same time, the one that is going straight through the intersection proceeds prior to the vehicle that is turning. And never forget that even if you have the right of way, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in proceeding use this mnemonic “When in doubt, bail out”. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Stop Light – Of course, we all know that green means go, yellow is to proceed cautiously and prepare to stop, and red signals a stop. A blinking red or nonfunctioning stop light is treated as a four way stop and the above rules would apply.

Yielding – An act that helps people drive safely and goes along with courtesy and common sense. As per above, never insist on taking the right of way as the law doesn’t allow anyone a right of way, only mandates

who must yield. One must always yield to emergency vehicles, pedestrians, anyone using a seeing eye dog and|or a white cane. A white cane with a red tip or red striping means that the individual is deafblind (please do not honk your horn as this could frighten or confuse a visually handicapped or hearing impaired individual).

You must also slow down and expect to stop at any uncontrolled intersection. Though it may seem polite to wave another vehicle through, everyone is encouraged to take their “legal” turn, as is expected, so as not to slow or stop traffic unnecessarily. When there is a T in the road, those on the through road have the right of way, as do those on the larger road at intersections with multiple lane roads. A car entering the highway from an onramp must yield to oncoming traffic and drivers on an access road must yield to those vehicles coming off the exit ramp, even if that traffic merges into a separate lane. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. A motorist making a U-Turn, at intersections where permitted, also have the right of way. And, this should be a given, always yield the right of way at any yield sign. A driver not yielding can be fined up to $1000 and have their driving privilege suspended for 180 days. Arkansas law also requires drivers to pull to the furthest lane on a multilane highway when there is a stopped law enforcement vehicle with its lights turned on. Otherwise, they could face the possibility of a fine up to $500, receive jail time or both, as well as having their driver’s license suspended for up to six months.

Turn signals – Before any turn is made, a driver needs to signal his|her intentions and must do so 100 feet before the turn if possible. If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and where you plan to turn, wait until you pass that vehicle to signal your turn to lessen confusion. Use your flashers to warn other drivers of an emergency situation, broken down vehicle, or that your vehicle is parked on the side of the road.

Head Lights – It is the law in Arkansas to turn

14 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

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on your headlights anytime your wipers are in use. You should also turn your lights on, no later than 30 minutes after sunset and not turn off until 30 minutes prior to sunrise or when you cannot clearly see an object within 500 feet. It is illegal in Arkansas to drive with parking lights on…just as the name implies, they are for use while parking.

Right on Red – This enables motorists to turn in the direction of traffic when clear to do so. The driver must make a complete stop before turning. An interesting tidbit is that Western states have allowed this practice for many years before the Eastern states made it law. The Eastern states adopted this in 1973 as a measure of saving fuel during our fuel shortage. Turning right on red was required in order for a state to receive federal assistance in developing mandated conservation programs.

Lane Markings – A dashed white line indicates that one may cross the line to change lanes when safe to do so. A driver must stay

inside a solid white line. A solid double yellow means that passing is prohibited for vehicles in both directions. One may cross a broken yellow line if there’s no opposing traffic. If there’s a combination of solid and broken yellow, the driver must obey the line closest his lane. School Buses – One must make a complete stop, regardless of where your vehicle is positioned, when approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

Otherwise you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of $250-1000 and up to ninety days in jail.

Bicycles – Should be treated as a motorist and follow the same rules of the road.

“Alisa-isms” - These are some of the things that I do every time I drive. First, I never drive without my seatbelt, ever; nor do I ever text and drive, period (Verizon has an auto reply feature that I use). I also drive 24|7|365 with my headlights on to make myself as visible as possible. When stopping behind

another vehicle, I always make sure that I can see their complete back tires so I’m able to pull around if the situation warrants getting away. And, finally, I’ve come to the conclusion that it takes as much time and energy to just slow down and brake as it does to blare your horn at someone. So, give someone else the benefit of the doubt as we all make mistakes while driving.

And always be an alert driver. Safe driving this holiday season. N

Alisa R. Lancaster is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) North Central office and serves as faculty for the UAMS College of Nursing. She has been with the UAMS system since 1994. Alisa earned her Master’s and two post Master’s certificates in Advanced Practice Nursing from UAMS. She is passionate about the health and wellness of others and is married to Scott Lancaster. They have four children, two daughterin-laws, five grandchildren, and two very spoiled puppies.

December 2016

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Brandi Schulz with Key Moments Photography

I Do

Martin - Williams Wedding Joseph Thomas

Bailey Martin and Andrew Williams met while she was in college and waitressing on the weekends at a café in Lynn Arkansas. It was duck season and her cousin, Marcus Huskey, brought Andrew in with him to eat breakfast. They had been hunting all morning.

“After I took their drinks,” Bailey says, “I went back in the kitchen and asked the girls if they knew who he was because I obviously thought he was handsome.” Bailey couldn’t believe they’d grown up so close together and had never met! “When I took his table their food, his plate came out last and I actually ended up spilling a bowl of gravy all over the floor and half of it splattered all over on him. It was so embarrassing.” She did her best to stay away and avoid eye contact the rest of their stay.

It took Andrew two months to ask Marcus for Bailey’s number. He asked her out and they dated for a over a year when he had a question for her.

“The proposal was amazing. He really went all out,” explains Bailey. Andrew recruited Bailey’s sister to take

her to get her nails done that morning, which is not a usual excursion for them, but mom convinced her. Bailey says, “After we left the salon Andrew called me and told me that his dog was caught up in the fence down at the farm and he was afraid to leave him and he wanted me to bring him some wire cutters to cut him out. (very believable because Buck his German Pointer is always into something!) We rushed down to the farm and when we got there my horse was standing there saddled and tied up with a sign next to him that said “hop on cowgirl and hold on tight its going to be a beautiful ride” I was so surprised!! I rode Ty up the field and followed a trail of flower petals all the way to the top of the hill where Andrew was waiting. He had pictures of me as I was growing up nailed to the tree’s as I rode up the hill and music playing on a radio in his deer stand along with his buddy Philip Latus hiding up there taking pictures of the whole thing! I obviously said yes! So the planning began.”

16 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

First the date, October 10th 2015. The wedding was at 6 p.m. on Andrews Family Farm in Sulphur Rock. “We got married on the highest hill, and had the reception in their old hay barn,” says Bailey. It was perfect she says. They talked before about how blessed they were, “and that day just made it that much more apparent to us. It took both families and all of our friends to pull it off and it went off without a hitch thanks to every single one of them.” There were over 130 guests, there was dancing, a bonfire, bbq, homemade pies and of course a beautiful cake. Pastor Paul Seay of Central Avenue United Methodist Church officiated the wedding. He also performed their premarital counseling which the couple were required to have since they decided on a Covenant Marriage. “This required us to go to pre-martial counseling before marriage. Not only did it put those things we hadn’t really wanted to openly talk about on the table, it made everything else so much easier and it has continued to do so,” admitted Bailey.

Bailey adds, “We were also surrounded by our very dear friends on that day as well! We had 5 groomsmen and 5 bridesmaids.”

Groomsmen; Steven Baker, Austin Williams, Dustin Carpenter, Justin Duke and Philip Latus. Bridesmaids; Sydnee Martin (sister), Nicole Smith, Sarah Hardin, Haley Hilton, and Ronell Reed. Baily’s parents are Lanae Bookout of Saffell and Cody Martin of Newark. Andrews’s parents are Mark and Janice Williams of Batesville The newly weds went to Gatlinburg for their honeymoon and visited the national forest and all the area land marks. “We stayed in a small cabin called wish upon a star,” adds Bailey, “It was on the side of a mountain there next to the forest and it was beautiful. We did a lot of antiquing! We almost needed a trailer to haul our stuff back! It was a great trip!”

Bailey and Andrew are currently building a house on the Williams Family Farm. Bailey plans on finishing college, majoring in Business Administration at UAFS online. She works as the Community Health Coordinator at White River Health System. Andrew is a Chemistry teacher at Batesville high school. He has his bachelors in science in chemistry and a minor in biology from Arkansas Tech and his masters in teaching from Harding. The Williams’ have a small herd of commercial cattle, two regularly ridden quarter horses, and 3 dogs.

Future plans involve home, animals and family. “We just want to keep life simple and always put God first.” N December 2016

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Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute

1141 E. Main St., Suite 200 / myersdavis.com Batesville, AR 72501 Dr. Edward P. Myers, CoFounder, Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute. "Doc" is the author of seven books and is the contributor/editor of several more. For over three decades, he has been involved in ministry and teaching around the world.

His travels have taken him to places such as India, China, England, Thailand, Korea, Canada, Brazil, and from coast to coast throughout the United States.

He is a Certified Professional Life Coach and has taught and mentored thousands of students for decades. “Doc” received his Ph.D. from Drew University, is a Certified Professional Life Coach, a Certified Master Life Coach, a Certified NLP Practitioner, and a Certified Practitioner of the Law of Attraction.

501.207.1301

Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute Self-Discipline

Self-Discipline No personal success, achievement, or goal, can be realized without self-discipline. It is singularly the most important attribute needed to achieve any type of personal excellence.

Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, desires and behavior. It is being able to deny immediate pleasure and instant gratification in favor of the long-term fulfillment of achieving more meaningful goals.

Self-control allows for quicker, more sound decisions, action taking and execution of your game plan regardless of the obstacles, discomfort, or difficulties that may come your way.

Discipline does not require a restrictive lifestyle.

Nor, does it mean giving up everything you enjoy, or, to relinquish fun and relaxation. It does mean learning how to focus your mind and energies on your goals, and persevere until they are accomplished. It also means cultivating a mindset ruled by deliberate choices rather than emotions, bad habits or peer pressure. Self-discipline allows you to reach your goals in a reasonable time frame with a more orderly and satisfying life while working to achieve those goals.

Practical steps to self-discipline Start with baby steps. No process takes place overnight. Just as it takes time to build muscle, so does it take time to develop self-discipline. The more you train and build it, the stronger you become. In exercise, if you try to do too much at once, you could injure yourself and have a setback. Likewise, take it one step at a time in building selfdiscipline. So, begin by learning what it takes to get there in order to accomplish your goal.

Learn what motivates you and how to discover your negative triggers. You can begin by learning about yourself!

Sometimes it is very difficult to fight off urges and cravings, so know the areas where your resistance is low and how to avoid those situations. If you know you can’t resist cake, fries, or other temptations - stay away from them. Do not have them around to lure you in moments of weakness.

Angela D. Davis, Co-Founder, MyersDavis Life Coaching Institute. Angela has twenty-five years experience in leadership, team-building, and personal development training to all ages. She has developed leadership and team-building programs for all realms of both small and large business. Angela received a M.S. degree in Psychology. She is a Certified Professional Life Coach and has been successful in promotion and of personal development in chambers, schools and businesses. Angela’s hands on instruction teaches both inspiration and motivation. People who have attended her seminars will tell you that she has a deep passion of caring for others and a desire to help her students move to a higher level to achieve their personal goals.

870.307.1004

If you also know that putting pressure on yourself does not work for you, then set yourself up in an environment that encourages the building of self-discipline rather than one that sabotages it. Remove the temptations and surround yourself with soothing and encouraging items such as motivational quotes and pictures of what you want to achieve.

Learn also what motivates you. Your willpower can go up and down with your energy levels. So, play energetic music to perk you up, move around, and laugh. Train yourself to enjoy what you are doing by being energized.

This will make it easier to implement desirable and appropriate behaviors into your routine - which is really what self-discipline is all about.

Make positive behaviors and positive mindset a routine. Once you have decided what’s important to you and which goals to strive for, establish a daily routine that will help you achieve them. For example, if you want to eat healthily or lose weight; resolve to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables each day and exercise for at least half an hour. Make it part of your daily routine and part of your self-discipline building. Likewise, get rid of some of your bad, self-defeating habits, whatever they may be. They can put you in a negative frame of mind and hinder your self-discipline. A poor attitude can also be a bad habit. So, practice being positive.

Practice self-denial. Learn to say no to some of your feelings, impulses and urges. Train yourself to do what you know to be right, even if you don’t feel like doing it. If you are beginning an exercise routine to become healthy and you come home from a long day at work simply feeling too exhausted to exercise, make yourself get up and exercise instead of watching TV or doing something that you want to do. You will feel a satisfaction of making yourself dig down deep to find that little bit of energy to begin your exercise routine. In fact, you will most likely be energized enough to forge thru the whole exercise routine. And, you will be so thankful that you didn’t give in to your exhaustion. So, stop and think about consequences before you act. Practice your self-denial by limiting your TV watching, resist the urge to yell at someone who has irritated you, turn down that extra piece of cake, or resist that bad habit. When you practice self-restraint it helps you develop the habit of

keeping other things under control.

Engage in physical activity. Physical exercise is an excellent way to enhance self- discipline.

Physical exercise will train you to set goals, focus your mental and emotional energies, become physically fit, relieves stress, and helps you to get along well with others. Physical activity provides a situation where you learn to work hard and strive to do your best, which teaches you to integrate the same thought processes and disciplines into your everyday life.

Learning to play a musical instrument can be another great way to practice self-discipline.

The focus, repetition, and application required in learning to play an instrument is invaluable.

Achieving self-discipline in any one area of your life reprograms your mind to choose what is right, rather than what is easy.

Get inspiration from those you admire. Any successful person will tell you that their success didn’t come easy. Think of a successful person that you admire. Carol Burnett was once asked the question, “Did you know that you would become successful?” She immediately replied, “Well, I didn’t hop off the bus in the middle of New York City, and say, ‘I’m here to fail on Broadway!’ It took hard work and self-discipline to reach my goals. If you have a

dream, grab it, chase it, and never let go until it is accomplished.” Ms. Burnett is now 83 years young, and is a living legend. Success in anything doesn’t come easy, it takes self-discipline.

Visualize the rewards. There is nothing more gratifying than accomplishing your goals. Practice the technique that high achievers and top athletes do. Project yourself in the future. Visualize your success. Feel how rewarding it is and the countless benefits you will enjoy. Remind yourself what it takes to get there. It won’t be easy, it may take longer than you hope for it to take, but the rewards will greatly outweigh the sweat equity and you will be happy that you practiced self-discipline.

Self-Discipline builds self-confidence, allows you to accomplish more with a higher tolerance for frustration and allows you to obtain better health, better finances and a good work ethic.

You will reach your most difficult goals more efficiently and the easier life become.

If you strive to reach your goals, you must develop self-discipline and self-control. By focusing on long-term benefits instead of short-term discomfort, you can encourage yourself to develop your self-discipline. Ultimately, your health and happiness depend on it. N

Thompson’s Jewelry Serving you since 1924 We know what’s on her wish list.

We’ve even checked it twice.

Santa would approve.

870-793-7136 255 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown Batesville Where your hometown jeweler should be

December 2016

19

Autry’s

“We

Customers”

White River Furniture

Quality, Style, Selection and Service

Which Safe is Right for You? Come visit with us

Thompson’s Jewelry Serving you since 1924

soon to find out!

870-793-7136 255 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown Batesville Where your hometown jeweler should be

870-793-2241 / Open Monday- Saturday at 9 a.m.

129 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville

Kennadi Pretty 20 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

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great food great service it’s a Big deal!

Open: 11-6:30 Mon. - Thur.

11-8 Fri. & Sat. 101 E. Main Street, Batesville

870-569-4986

Corner of Main St. & Central Ave.

Dwayne & Sherry Stott, Owners December 2016

21

Local Faces

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1.) W.R.D. Entertainment’s Relay for Life team, along with sponsors the Melba Theater and Tripp Supply, recently hosted a special showing of the film, The Goonies, at the Melba. Over 200 were in attendance and $1,612 was raised from donations at the door and “Kick Cancer Combos” sold at concessions to support the American Cancer Society. Pictured with check: (back row, from left) Randy Seale and Chris Vine of W.R.D. Entertainment; Grady McMahan of Tripp Supply; and Adam Curtwright and Joe Shell of the Melba; (front row, from left) Mandi Curtwright of the Melba and W.R.D. Entertainment; and Eddie Woodruff, Stacy Fields, Gena Ries, and Cara VanBrook of W.R.D. Entertainment.

2.) Debra Smith, Art teacher for Central Magnet submitted students work to the Farm Bureau sponsored coloring contest, “Agriculture From the Ground and All Around”. Central Magnet 6th grade student, McKenna Stolarik won 1st place for the Independence County poster contest grades 3-6, her art work will be sent on to the state competition. Second Grade student, Luz Venancio won 2nd place in the K-2 coloring booklets and First grade student, Madison Martinez won 3rd place. From Left Madison Martinez, McKenna Stolarik, and Luz Venancio are holding the checks that they received for winning.

3.) The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for He Delivers located at 160 E. Boswell in Batesville. The ceremony was held Tuesday, November 1st.

4.) Walmart, located at 3150 Harrison Street in Batesville, welcomed the community to a ribbon cutting event Friday, October 28th. The ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the newly remodeled store.

5.) A ribbon cutting event at North Arkansas Home Care, located at 152 Dry Kiln Road in Batesville, was held Thursday, October 27th to celebrate their new location and remodeled facility.

22 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

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1.) Nearly two dozen members of the Citizens Bank Travel Club recently returned from a lively 10-day excursion across Ireland, during which they explored castles and ancient ruins, and experienced the island nation’s lush countryside, impressive landscapes and natural wonders.

“This trip to the Emerald Isle was the crown jewel of the 2016 schedule for our Travel Club, which we re-established this year as a benefit for customers and friends,” said Phil Baldwin, Citizens Bank President and Chief Executive Officer. “Travel Club members are busy every month attending plays and concerts, visiting museums and historical sites, and engaging in other fun and interesting activities. We will soon announce our 2017 calendar of events.”

The Citizens Bank Travel Club’s 2017 schedule of monthly activities will include at least two major excursions, including international and domestic destinations. To join the Travel Club or obtain additional information, contact Chuck Jones at Citizens Bank, 870-698-6233, or chuckj@thecitizensbank.net.

First image is Kilkenny Castle. Second image: Kay Reynolds (from left) of Batesville, Doris Lillard of Charlotte, Sharon Lillard of Cord, and Connie and Ronnie Coots of Batesville are all smiles after kissing the Blarney Stone atop Blarney Castle, which was built in the 1400s in Ireland. Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to provide the gift of eloquence. The third image: Time certainly is money as Mary Woodsmall of Batesville (left) and her sister, Sarah Boone of Hickory Ridge, admire a crystal-encased grandfather clock valued at more than $650,000 during a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory at Waterford, Ireland. The fourth image: A light rain, fog and wind prompt Linda Brooks (from left) of Batesville to huddle with her daughter, Melanie Miller of Republic, Mo., and Colleen Jackson of Batesville at the Cliffs of Moher, which rise more than 700 feet about the North Atlantic Ocean in County Clare, Ireland. The fifth image: Bill and Sharon Lillard of Cord happily re-enact the wedding in 1170 of English invader “Strongbow” and his bride, Aoife, in Waterford, Ireland. Strongbow was the nickname given to an English Earl who helped lead the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th Century.

2.) Alan Ballard was honored as an Outstanding Alumni at the Arkansas Community Colleges annual conference in Hot Springs October 11. Ballard holds two degree from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, one in industrial equipment maintenance and one in industrial electronic maintenance. Ballard is currently an electrical maintenance technician at Nestle. He repairs and troubleshoots electrical problems and provides preventative equipment maintenance. Ballard also holds certificates from Allen Bradley PLC for RS 5000 and Guard Logixs. Ballard said there is currently an extreme need for workers in industrial maintenance.

“Right now we are short maintenance workers because we cannot find people who have the proper training. And we’re not the only company in this situation. If you want a good paying job, get a technical degree. You don’t have to spend a lifetime in school to get a good career,” Ballard said. Ballard has been married to his wife Tabitha for 32 years and they have two daughters. He said he enjoys woodworking and attending sporting events.

3.) Beverly Moss created the One Student - One Staff Initiative. “During professional development, a student spoke about the hardships she had to overcome to become a student and to graduate, and she gave credit for her success to a single faculty member. One person made an impact in that student’s life. I wanted to find a way that each of us at UACCB could help students overcome the obstacles they face in college,” Moss said.

It is this dedication to helping students that led Moss’s peers to nominate her for the Outstanding Staff Award.

She received the award at UACCB’s annual community picnic and was recognized at the Arkansas Community Colleges annual conference in Hot Springs in October. Moss said the One Student - One Staff Initiative was the accomplishment she was most proud of during her years at UACCB. “Looking back, I really do think God had a purpose for me coming here. I have tried to make a positive impact in students’ lives,” Moss said.

Local Faces December 2016

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1.) Central Magnet sixth grade students recently took a trip of a life time to Dauphin Island which is south of Mobile, Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico. They spent 4 nights and 5 days on the beach and in the Sea Lab classrooms and laboratory facilities learning about our eco-systems. Batesville is part of the Mississippi River waterway system and a lot of our water and soil end up around the Dauphin Island area.

They went out on a boat into the Mobile Bay, netted fish from the bay area and fed the birds and dolphins the fish they netted.

The sixth graders went into the swampy estuary on the island where baby wild life can survive and grow until they are ready for the ocean. They also seined large nets along the beach to discover the animals that live there.

One of the newest classes offered was robotics. The students and teachers had a great time designing an underwater vehicle that they could maneuver to pick things up off the bottom of the pool.

The group also went to Fort Gaines, one of the oldest forts still standing in the United States. The principal, Mr. Difani, got to shoot a real cannon.

The evening activities consisted of swimming in the pool or the ocean and crabbing along the beaches. It was a wonderful learning experience these students will never forget.

This first image is students Feeding the birds on the boat.

2.) Mrs Jessica Dockins is crabbing on the beach?

3.) Corey Carter tries on the deep sea helmet at the Estuary Museum 4.) The Pool and Condos along the Beach 5.) “Students chosen to serve on the 2016-2017 Sulphur Rock Student Council are (back row LtoR) Kayla Ward, Avri Rudisil, Brylie Simpson, Emma Ramsey, Kaelyn Gooch, Chesney Snedker (front row LtoR) Colyn Wentz, Daniel Latus, Jay Storlie, Ethan Price, Luke Brissey, and Rhett McDonald.

6.) Central Magnet had new guest show up this past Monday, Survival Flight’s helicopter landed on the playground. All of the students were cheering and clapping as the helicopter landed. Cord Davidson, Central’s Resource Officer, arranged for the program to start the Red Ribbon Week activities. The staff from Survival Flight stayed and talked to the students about their jobs saving lives and the equipment they use everyday.

7.) Marietta Candler was certain she would never teach, but when she took her first teaching position at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville she fell in love with the profession. After 22 years, she was recognized at the Arkansas Community Colleges annual conference in October in Hot Springs. Candler participates with her students in community service projects and is active in church at Allen Chapel Free Will Baptist Church where she teaches in children’s church and works with the drama, puppet and sign language groups. She and her husband Sanford have been married 21 years and have two daughters, Makayla and Ashlyn.

8.) Sulphur Rock Kindergarteners, Caitlin Coleman, Sawyer Ellyson, Cash Neal, Juan Guerra, Scarlett Daniel, and Isaac Goggins receive certificates for being able to count to 100 9.) 5th grade “millionaire” Ella Marshall, (2nd from left) welcomes the newest Million Word Readers, Kade Barber, Arden Fraiser, and Emily Price. Media Specialist, Alysia Horton, honors each student who reaches the million-word mark in the Accelerated Reader program with a special million dollar bill bearing their photo 10.) Students at Eagle Mountain Magnet recently competed in grade level Spelling Bees. Winners are: left to right 1st grade Caleb Murrah, 6th grade Leah Catacutan, 5th grade Christopher Richardson, 4th grade Annie Weng, 3rd grade Victoria Nelms, 2nd grade Stevi Carter.

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24 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

10.

Adventures in Arkansas Area Adventures

Heber Springs is one of my favorite places to visit, and since it’s only about a 40 minute drive, I visit Heber often. I remember visiting this area when I was a young girl, and just simply thinking “it has so much water, and I love to swim!”

Little did I know, but Heber Springs held lots of wonderful little treasures.

I can’t go to Heber and not visit one of my favorite trails, Collins Creek Trail.

It’s about a mile long with the creek following you all the way to The Little Red River. The water is always flowing as it was a group project created by The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and The U.S. Army Corps. A buried line from the Greers Ferry Dam brings in 40,000 gallons of 50 degree water every hour so it’s a great spot to cool down on a hot summer day. It’s a wonderful trail for kids or even an inexperienced hiker.

You will not be disappointed in this little spot!

Just after you cross over the Dam, you can stop at The Visitor Center named after the chief of operations for Greers Ferry, William Carl Garner. Carl was a native to Independence County and was born in Moorefield. He attended Sulphur Rock School, and eventually attended Lyon College. He was the resident engineer for the construction of the dam from 1959 until he passed away in 2014. The visitor center offers a 20 minute slide program about the Little Red River, a children’s touch table and a replica of a 40 pound brown trout that was caught in The Little Red. If you are still feeling a bit adventurous, you can head right outside of the Visitor Center and take a little trek on the Mossy Bluff Trail. It’s a 1.6 mile hike that overlooks the canyon rim over the Little Red River. It takes you to a scenic overlook and gives you a great and a breathtaking view of the Dam. Be prepared for a few steps as you descend the trail… about 96 of them.

If you are waterfall junkie, you need to head to Bridal Veil and Cornelious Falls located just off Hwy 25. There are two waterfalls here, and I am not quite sure which name goes with which, but the name Cornelious comes from the original owner of the land. You may feel like you are leaving town, but as you start to head up a big hill and see an auto body repair shop, turn right and follow the signs. I’ve been to this area many times, and it’s a hit or miss with water flow, but it’s beautiful every time I have been with or without water.

There is a small trial that leads you to the overlook, but if you want more, follow the small trail to the right of the overlook and you can hike all the way to the bottom of the falls. I was surprised one afternoon, when I realized that to the left of the overlook is another waterfall that is just as majestic.

If you like to hike steep areas and climb, then head over to Sugarloaf Mountain. You can’t miss it as you’re driving on Hwy. 25. It’s a moderate hike that’s marked until you get to the climbing, then it’s a free for all. I am a massive chicken when it comes to heights, and have never been to the top.

Although, I have seen pictures from the top, and they’re breathtaking.

I love to eat after a long day of hiking, and right down the road is one of my favorite spots, Café Klaser. Café Klaser sits on top of the Little Red River, and if you go for the view alone, you won’t be disappointed, it’s a great spot!

The menu has everything from crab legs to grilled cheese sandwiches, and I think I have tried everything once.

Heber’s downtown is pretty great as well. I attended their Halloween parade this year, and was amazed at the amount of people who were there and participated in the event. If you want a great place to visit for the day, I vote Heber Springs.

N

Collins Creek

Bridal Veil Waterfall

Climbing Down Sugarloaf

Downtown Heber

Karin Mohlke Huffman is a stay at home mom. She enjoys hiking, camping being outdoors, and gardening. Karin is married to Nathan Huffman and mother of three children.

December 2016

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Seniors, can we talk?

Medicare Mail

Have you gotten tons of mail recently? Mail about Medicare prescription plans, Advantage plans and supplement plans. Ruth and her friend, David, came in the other day and brought a stack of mail 12 inches tall they’d received since last week.

“Why do I need a prescription plan, if I don’t take any prescriptions?”

David asked. He said he felt like he was paying a premium every month and getting nothing for it. You may feel the same way.

I do understand why David feels this way. Before he decides not to enroll in a plan or to cancel his prescription plan, we talked about a couple of things. The Annual Election Period is October 15 through December 7. I asked David what he would do if his doctor told him that he needed a prescription in March and that prescription cost $388 a month?

He would have missed the enrollment period and would not be able to get a prescription plan until January 2018.

He would have to pay $388 a month

26 eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

for 10 months – that’s $3880 in 2017 for 1 prescription!

In addition Medicare would charge him a penalty for not enrolling in a prescription plan when he was first eligible. Once this penalty is charged it continues to be charged to you every month.

How can you avoid the penalty, have prescription coverage “just in case” and not pay a high premium every month? Why not enroll in the lowest premium plan that’s available?

You’ll then have a plan which would avoid paying a penalty. You’ll also have a plan that can help with that $388 a month prescription.

You may be thinking “I have a prescription plan now but my premium is more than the cost of my prescriptions. Since my prescriptions are all on the $4 list, I may just cancel my plan and do without one.” Before you cancel your plan, you may want to review the prescription plans available in 2017. Some prescriptions have -0copays. Some plans have a premium less than $18, won’t that cost you less than paying $4 for each of your 5 prescriptions ($20) and taking the

chance of having a penalty later?

Yes, there’s a lot to think about.

Which prescription plan suits me the best with the prescriptions I take?

Which prescription plan has a low premium so I can avoid a penalty later?

REVIEW your plan. If you don’t have a prescription plan, should you?

You’ve got until December 7.

As they say on TV “what’s in your wallet?” - a prescription card or “your own plan and your credit card to pay full price”.

Don’t know where to start?

Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk? Can I have a free prescription card review?” N

Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

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Smith’s Verdict ***

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl I might use this review as an opportunity to write about two pet peeves I have with some recent quirky, independent comedy-dramas. One is what I like to call Kind of Aware But Not Quite; that’s when a film is so self-aware of itself that it has a character point out the clichés, thinking that commenting on it will make it less of a cliché. The other is Excessive Comic Relief: desperate side characters thrown in by screenwriters who think the comic relief they have already isn’t funny enough—these people tend to A) appear as if they’ve come from another planet of social skills, B) distract away from the plot & leads, as if they should have a movie of their own, and C) are not very funny. (There’s also D) all of the above.)

It may seem a little odd that I’m going into these pet peeves in a review of a movie I like rather than a movie I dislike, but I decided to because…I came close to disliking “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” This film has its heart in the right place, is visually interesting, and has a fresh, engaging trio of young people to focus on. It’s also a little too self-indulgent and features some strange, off-putting side characters that I’m sure are funny to some but just strange to me. (But hey, it apparently worked for everyone at Sundance, seeing as how it received the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award.) But honestly, after watching this film twice, those pet peeves of mine that are in this script,

the material I like, I find I really like. It makes up for some of the things I find off-putting in this film.

Based on the novel by Jesse Andrews (who also wrote the screenplay), “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” centers on a high-school senior named Greg (Thomas Mann). He’s narcissistic, socially awkward, has little to no ambition in life, is very neutral on school grounds (so he doesn’t make any friends or enemies), and is a classic-film lover. He also makes bad home movies, which are parodies of classics (for example, “Brew Vervet” for “Blue Velvet”), with his only friend, Earl (R.J. Cyler), whom he doesn’t label as his “friend” even though they’ve known each other since kindergarten.

Greg’s classmate, Rachel (Olivia Cooke), is diagnosed with leukemia. Greg hardly knows her, but his overbearing mother (Connie Britton) insists that he pay her a visit. With his honest, offbeat, oddly charming manner, he manages to get through Rachel’s defenses and soon enough, they become close friends. One of the best things about this film is the relationship between Greg and Rachel. It’s not romantic; it’s platonic and very sincere. It starts out awkward (though believably so) and gets better for them along the way. You could argue that maybe they do love each other, but their interaction and bond is stronger than that in terms of friendship, and we never even see them kiss. What makes it all the more interesting and tragic is that Rachel needs a close friend or some kind of emotional asset now that her mortality is more seeming than ever. Greg doesn’t know it, but he needs one too.

28 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

The underlying drama is the best part of the film, but some of the comedy works well too. I laughed at a few lines of dialogue and some situations (such as when Greg and Earl are accidentally stoned at school). What don’t work so well for me are the captions that tell us which scene we’re in (for example, “The Part I Meet a Dying Girl”) and how deep we are into the “Doomed Friendship,” as Greg (our narrator) labels it. The film borders on being too cute for its own good; using voiceover narration, Greg also winks at clichés the film inevitably uses—it doesn’t really work, especially when it tries to make something predictable unpredictable.

And then there are the “characters” of Greg’s weird father (Nick Offerman, often a victim of the Excessive Comic Relief—when will he find a good movie role?) who moseys about the house in his robe, cooking up strange meals; Greg’s mother who is so overbearing that it’s kind of humorous (which I guess is the point); and Rachel’s mother (Molly Shannon), who would be more interesting if we got more of a sense of how she feels about her daughter dying but is instead a strange woman who’s often with a drink in her hand and lusts over Greg at first sight, calling him “delicious” and “yummy.”

What does work in “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is the interaction between Greg and Rachel, Greg and Earl, and Greg, Rachel, and Earl (though all three don’t get that much screen time together as a unit). Their dialogue sounds natural, their offbeat personalities are appealing, and their performances are very strong.

Thomas Mann plays Greg almost like the complete opposite of who John Hughes was looking for in a high-school teen; the “anti-Ferris-Bueller” who doesn’t want to be noticed and wants to live in his own world without any worries or fears or even ambitions. When he gets an awakening, it feels less than artificial and forced, and it’s to Mann’s credit that he’s able to make us feel when he realizes something unique. Also, He’s not afraid to make Greg even unlikable at times, but he never loses sympathy and he’s always believable. “Believable” is also too big of an understatement to describe Olivia Cooke’s performance as “the dying girl.” She’s more credible than many cancer patients I’ve seen in movies and is very charming as well. The terrific newcomer R.J. Cyler starts out as central comic relief (comic relief that is essential to the movement of the plot and the growth of the lead character) and develops into something more as the story continues. God bless Nick Offerman and Molly Shannon, but they never felt believable to me, especially in comparison to these three fine young actors.

The look and feel of this film reminds me of a Wes Anderson production in the way the camera moves or where it is placed, and that really works, especially when the film is being “cute.” It’s a good balance that makes the overall film charming.

It’s when I mention the look that I realize it’s a film that really wants me to like it and tries everything to win me over, and I just can’t help myself.

Without giving the ending away (though you probably know the inevitable result), it hammers in effectively the importance of friendship and ambition, and it delivers a true wakeup call for Greg (and without dialogue too). It’s sad, but the film really earned its sadness by this point.

Oh, and of course, I can’t forget to talk about the home movies made by Greg and Earl. Glimpses of them are seen here and there, and they are brilliant! That’s all I’ll say about it.

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” may suffer from Kind of Aware But Not Quite and Excessive Comic Relief, but it has strengths apart from them. It’s charming, has winning lead characters, is well-directed by Alfonso RomezRejon, is well-constructed, and has more than enough for me to recommend despite my pet peeves.

Tanner Smith is a native of Manila, Arkansas. He N

has written movie reviews for the T Tauri Galaxy (www.ttauri.org/galaxy) for several years and is a five year veteran of the T Tauri Movie Camp. He has made a number of films, ranging from horror to documentary, and has won awards in filmmaking and screenwriting.

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River City Graphics-------------------------------30 Robert O. Seat------------------------------------10 Southern Tire Mart-------------------------------15 State Farm Renee Martin-------------------------28 Studio Salon--------------------------------------20 The Kitchen Shop---------------------------------26 The Property Shoppe------------------------------17 Thompson’s Jewelry----------------------19, 20, 21 Unique Nosh------------------------------------3, 27 White River Health Systems----------------------28 Woodlawn Inc.-------------------------------------10 December 2016

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Things To Do

Christmas Parade on Main Street - Polar Express November 28 at 6:30 p.m. ‘A Polar Express Christmas’ is the theme and we ask parents to dress children in their pajamas for parade. Contact Renee Martin at 870.793.7355 for more information.

Presbyterian Day School Breakfast With Santa December 3 from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information, call Linda Pease at 870.613.7865.

Side Street Steppers Benefit Concert December 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Elizabeth’s Restaurant at 231 E. Main Street. For more information call 870.251.1189. Concert will benefit the Ozark Foothills FilmFest at T-Tauri Movie Camp Batesville Main Street Old Fashioned Christmas Craft Fair December 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Broad and Main Street. Broad Street will be closed to accomodate large tents set up for craft booths facing Main Street.

There will also be other activities including carriage rides and caroling throughout the day. For information concerning booth space, contact Annette Parmley at (870) 307-4069 or email: annetteparmley@att.net.

City of Oil Trough Christmas Parade December 10 beginning at 7 p.m. on Main Street in front of City Hall. Amy Goyne is the information contact at 870.264.3221. Christmas Parade on Main Street. Hot Dog and Marshmellow roast in city park afterwards. Santa will be present!

Ind. Co. Regional Museum Christmas Family Day December 10 / Christmas Family Day from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Supervisory & Management Certification Jan 10, 11, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $350 per certification. Don’t miss out on this training! This course covers a variety of topics such as learning how to lead, building relationship skills through communication and listening, time management and delegation, managing personalities effectively, implementing initiatives, recruitment and retaining top performers, as well as employee evaluation and performance management. UACCB Independence Hall.

For more information or to register, email workforce@ uaccb.edu or call 870.612.2080.

Southside HIPPY Program The Southside HIPPY Program is now enrolling 3 and 4 year old children. To participate in this free Kindergarten readiness program, call 870-251-4024. A love of learning begins at home.

Spay or Neuter Coupons The Humane Society of Independence County (HSIC) wants to remind everyone that it offers coupons worth $35 off the cost of having your pet spayed or

neutered. Everyone that is having to deal with unwanted puppies and kittens can easily “fix” this problem. HSIC is offering 10 coupons per month for any dog spay or neuter, no income restrictions. They also have 10 spay only coupons (dog or cat) each month for low income families (requires proof of income under $25,000).

Please call the shelter during office hours (Tuesday through Friday from Noon-5:30 p.m. and Sat 11a.m.-4 p.m.) for more information. The shelter phone number is (870) 793-0090.

Hutchinson Community Center Available The Hutchinson Mountain Community Center at 3370 Camp Tahkodah Road is available for rent by contacting Lea Barber at 870-612-4718.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas Caregiver Support Group of Batesville Do you feel overwhelmed or frustrated dealing with someone who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another memory loss disorder? The Caregiver Support Group of Batesville provides opportunities for you to talk with others who really understand what you are going through. Join us every second Thursday at 5:45 p.m. in the WRMC Josephine Raye Rogers Women’s Center Conference Center. Contact Deanna Green at 443.651.9686 for more information.

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30 You are so much more than you can see, so much more than you’ve yet to be.

Notes from the Clearing

Affect

Joseph Thomas

Cherri Design

Haven of Refuge

I’d like to affect the surface of the world around me. Ripple its invisible edges with my intentions, misshape it with my purposeful engagement, change it with my fulfilled action. I want my bathe within my disciplined work, my focused energy and emerge from the dunes of this forever desert that transforms with the chemistry of time. I want to become and improve and succeed in touching everything that has meaning, so that I may be touched by this alchemy I seek. This magic that surrounds us all, at every turn, in every moment since birth.

N

Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924

Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1

Family owned and operated Scott Kallsnick , Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick

Recently I have had several people tell me that they feel stressed, because of the clutter in their home. As Americans, we have a lot of stuff, and yet we continue to collect more stuff. Sadly, we also refuse to let go of our stuff.

To put it simply, clutter clutters our minds. It causes feelings of anxiety in our own homes. We frequently lose things in a cluttered environment, creating more stress, as we are now on the hunt for the lost item. Living in clutter also makes organization impossible. When you get right down to the simple truth, none of us like clutter. We often feel overwhelmed and lost, not even knowing where to begin to gain control of our home again.

Over the years as I have worked in homes, I have had a few people say to me, “But I like my stuff.” Our stuff is oftentimes connected to a memory, but keep in mind that the item is not the memory. Opt for taking a picture of the item, so you can rid yourself of the item. Most of the people I have helped in their homes do not even like most of the pieces they are holding on to in their environment.

When I go into a home to space plan and decorate, I often suggest that you set aside the ‘knick-knack’ pieces that you definitely want to keep and display. Also make a ‘get rid of’ box and do not take anything out once you have put it in the box. If it is a family item, ask other members of our family if they want it. After you have eliminated and decided what you truly want to keep, then arranging your space becomes easy.

When you are serious about reclaiming your home, make a list of every area to declutter. Be sure to mark that area off when it is completed. This simple act will keep you focused and give you a sense of accomplishment and hope.

Tackle small areas first, such as the basket on your desk or your junk drawer. Next, move on to small areas, such as the linen closet or laundry room cabinets. Allow yourself enough time to finish each area, so you do not have to leave it. Chances are you will never return if you leave it undone.

Several years ago, a dear friend from church told me a story about her six year old daughter. Most mornings, she would find her daughter asleep in the doorway of her daughter’s bedroom. My friend told me that when they cleaned her room, hung her clothes and organized her toys, she would sleep in her bedroom. Even a six year old finds it difficult to relax in a chaotic environment. I have heard many stories similar to this, but do not be discouraged. You Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design can reclaim your space from UCA. She is active in several local and have the beautiful ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family home you desire. N and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs. Cherri now has The Kitchen Shop at 2485 Harrison St. for all your kitchen needs.

December 2016

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