Eye On Independence February

Eye On

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February 2012

Independence

True Love Waits Home In Independence Ethel O. Miller Historical Preservation Association

A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

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2 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

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February 2012 | 3

In This Issue 6/Publisher’s Note

Love, Health, Preservation, and Chocolate

7/Fork in the Road

Let Mama Cook for You!

9/The Morning Line

The Malzahn Factor

10/Cover Story

Ethel O. Miller Historical Preservation Association

10

26

16

30

18

34

24

38

13/Travel On

Perfectly Romantic

14/The Nature of Things

Pecans Padding Your Pocket

16/Feature

True Love Waits, Adam and Mandi Curtwright

18/Your Health

The Heart Truth

20/Faces 24/Faces 26/I Do

Josh Ade & Amy Gipson

28/Batesville Area Arts Council 30/Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista A Real Woman’s Handbag

33/Things To Do 34/The Myopic Life

The Art of Dignity

35/Notes from the Clearing Out For A Run

36/Smith’s Verdict ****

Favorite Films of 2011

38/Homes

Home in Independence

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Eye On

Eye On Meet Your Writers...

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

Autumn Hunter is the regional Academic Talent Search coordinator for North Arkansas Community College, based at UACCB. Academic Talent Search is an Upward Bound, college preparation program.

Leigh Keller is now a high school Spanish teacher. She is also a colorguard coordinator for Batesville Public Schools.

She received her BA in English, Spanish and ESL from Arkansas Tech University, and an MS in Counseling from John Brown University. She is married to Allen and they have one son, Cole.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Bob Pest MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas

Mark Lamberth is the Voice of the Pioneers on KZLE 93.1 FM Radio and Suddenlink Cable Channel 6 for Pioneer Football. He is President of Atlas Asphalt, Inc., a Member of the Arkansas Racing Commission, and a graduate of University of Arkansas. Photograph by Keith Sturch.

Alisa R. Lancaster is an Advanced Practice Nurse for the U of A Medical Sciences Area Health Education Center.

She has been in health care since 1983, the last 17 years with the UAMS system. Alisa and husband Scott have four children and a granddaughter. Alisa’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of others through education and practice. She welcomes feedback at AlisaAPN@gmail.com or 870.698.1023.

ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

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 admin@meadowlandmedia.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.

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

Bob Pest is the president and Co-founder of Ozark Foothills FilmFest and the T Tauri Film Festival and Movie Camp. He works as a community development consultant for First Community Bank, teaches film classes at UACCB, and currently serves as president of the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council.

Kristi Price spent all her life as a transplant, having grown up military.

The Ozarks have always been in her blood though, and she’s proud to call Batesville her home after many years on the move. Kristi holds a BA in English and blogs about family and other mishaps at www.themyopiclife.wordpress.com. She is married to Erin and mother to Ethan, Emily, and Maggie.

Cover photography Robert O. Seat Cover design by Joseph Thomas

Publisher’s Note

Love, Health, Preservation, and Chocolate Kimberlee Thomas February has many observances. Besides Valentines Day, there are well-known observances like Black History Month and Pancake Week. The lesser known observances like Cat Health Month, Banana Bread Day, Carrot Cake Day and, most fun of all, “Hoodie Hoo” Day. Here’s a full list of the special observances that you may want to remember…or not…AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, American History Month, Bake for Family Fun Month, Bird Feeding Month, Candy Month, Canned Foods Month, Cat Health Month, Cherry Month, Child’s Dental Health Month, Chocolate Month, Dental Month, Friendship Month, Grapefruit Month, Heart Healthy Month, Library Lovers Month, Potato Lovers Month, Responsible Pet Owners Month, Snack Food Month, and Umbrella Month.

However you celebrate this time of year, Eye on Independence has decided to observe Valentine’s Day by featuring True Love Waits. We honor Black History Month by featuring the Ethel O. Miller School and the Historical Preservation Association trying to restore her for a new generation.

Alisa R. Lancaster has her Eye on Heart Health while Tanner Smith looks back at the best films of 2011. Mark Lamberth talks about the Malzahn Factor in Arkansas State University football. Bob Pest takes

us to Mexican Mama’s for some Mexican home cookin’; Kristi Price teaches her children the Art of Dignity; Autumn discusses the joy of pecans; and Leigh Keller goes through her friends’ purses.

Bob is taking a break from “Fork” next month to launch his new column, “We’re Still Here,” about the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.

He will still write occasional restaurant and food pieces.

Thank you for picking us up. Please enjoy yourself and let us know what you think by leaving a comment at eyeonmag.com. N

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day with Dinner at home from Natalie’s.

’

6 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Coffee Made To Order

Eye On

Fork in the Road

Let Mama Cook for You! Bob Pest

Mexican Mama’s Restaurant, conveniently located at 1350 Myers Avenue next to Riverside Conoco, really lives up to its slogan.

Since opening in late September, the cheerful, impeccably clean restaurant has developed a loyal following drawn by the “made from scratch daily” policy and the relaxed, family atmosphere. Owners Tim and Irene (Mama) Grady take great pride in their authentic Mexican cuisine and rightly so; I tend to think of their menu as “Mexican comfort food.”

On my first visit I ordered two dishes which definitely fall in the

“comfort food” category: Mama’s Meatball Soup and a Torta. The soup combined meatballs with rice and vegetables in a perfectly-seasoned, rich, savory broth. The Torta, new to me, is a traditional Mexican sandwich made with fresh grilled Mexican bread, grilled steak, Pico de Gallo, avocado, American cheese, and Mama’s special homemade dressing. A grilled jalapeno pepper and onions are served on the side, but I quickly added them to the hefty sandwich. Perhaps the best way to describe the Torta is “Mexican Cheese Steak,” with a nod to Philadelphia.

Other house specialties include the “Bigger than Life!” Super Burrito, filled with your choice of

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grilled steak or chicken, beans, rice, cheese, Pico de Gallo, and homemade salsa and Mama’s Super Nachos, also offering a choice of grilled steak or chicken. All orders are served with a substantial basket of tortilla chips and homemade salsa that packs just enough kick.

Be sure to check the daily specials; you never know what Mama will be up to, but you can be sure it will be “made from scratch” that day.

I was especially impressed with the Chimichanga plate, your choice of beef or chicken. My beef Chimichanga featured perfectly seasoned ground beef in a “just crispy enough” wrap. All of the featured plates are served with ample servings of Mexican Rice, beans, and Mexican Salad (with Guacamole. Other plates include

Burrito, Quesadilla Rellena, two Mexican Taquitos, two Enchiladas, or two Tacos. The plates are especially reasonable, priced from $4.75 to $5.70. The prices at Mexican Mama’s are surprisingly low given the quality of the food and the size of the servings.

In case someone in your party is not a fan of Mexican cuisine (if there are people like that), the restaurant serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, and chicken nuggets.

Light eaters will enjoy the Mexican Salad, with guacamole, lettuce, and Pico de Gallo. For dessert, both the traditional Flan and a Chocolate Flan are available. The traditional flan is a perfect version of a classic dish; the creamy caramel sauce over the silky custard is a real treat. The Chocolate Flan begins with a layer of dark chocolate cake, topped with the custard and topped off with the caramel sauce. In addition to excellent (and always fresh) coffee, beverages include Sweet or Un-Sweet Tea, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew Mexican Mama’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The restaurant seats between thirty and forty. Take-out orders are welcome; call 870-698-1085 to place your order.

Tim and Irene Grady and the rest of their staff are delightful people who will make you feel like family the minute you walk in the door. Be sure to tell them I sent you.

N

February 2012 | 7

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Fitness Classes Monday

Boot Camp 6:00-6:30 / Toning 6:30-7:00 Running-Walking Club 7:00-8:00

Tuesday

Low Impact Aerobics 3:30-4:30

Wednesday

Abs 6:00-6:30 / Toning 6:30-7:00 Running-Walking Club 7:00-8:00 Biggest Loser Club - Monday 5:30 & Tuesday 3:30 For more info. call Susi Epperson @ 870-799-8691 EXT 244

Southside School

Fitness Classes Monday

Body Pump Class 4:00-5:00 and 5:30-6:30

Thursday

Body Pump Class 4:00-5:00 and 5:30-6:30 Biggest Loser Club - Monday 4:00 and 5:30 For more info. call Kristie Jenkins @ 870-251-2661

Midland School

Fitness Classes Monday

Toning 4:30-5:30 / Aerobics 5:45-6:30

Wednesday

Aerobics 4:30-5:15 / Toning 5:30-6:15 Biggest Loser Club - Wednesday 5:15 For more info. Shannon Strother @ 501-626-7985

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Fitness Classes Monday

Zumba 4:15-4:45 / Line Dancing 5:30-6:15 Pilates 5:30-6:15

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Thursday

Total Body Conditioning for You 5:00-5:30 Zumba 5:30-6:15 Biggest Loser Club -Tuesday 5:00 & Thursday 5:00 For more info. call Susan Parker @ 870-698-9141 Through the Communities Putting Preventions to Work initiative, the Independence County Hometown Wellness Coalition has partnered with allschooldistricts in the county and other area agencies to improve the health of our community by providing FREEphysicalactivity and nutrition education/weight management opportunities to allIndependence County residents.

8 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Eye On

The Morning Line

The Malzahn Factor Mark Lamberth The hiring of Gus Malzahn as head football coach at Arkansas State University was akin to a bolt of lightning coming out of blue across the world of college football as well as the state of Arkansas – no one saw that one coming. The press conference announcing his hiring was televised by a couple of Little Rock television stations and that speaks volumes as such prominence is normally reserved for the Razorbacks. The interest nationwide will be brief but the long term effect for the landscape of football in Arkansas will be profound.

Arkansas high school football usually produces 10-12 Division I players of differing degrees of talent with about half of those that qualify for attention nationwide. Will the hiring of Malzahn have an effect on the University of Arkansas program? Probably not except for that “diamond in the rough” recruit that Petrino and company deem as marginal or the “walk on” that everyone overlooks. The real impact will be on programs such as UCA and Arkansas Tech. All of a sudden ASU has instant legitimacy and those players that did not consider the Red Wolves as an option will want to play for Gus Malzahn. Offensively, he may be the best mind in the country.

If Houston Nutt had allowed Malzahn to call plays while both were at Arkansas, he would probably still be the head coach and a Razorback legend alongside Frank Broyles. Don’t be surprised if Auburn QB Kiehl Frazier (Shiloh Christian-Springdale) follows Gus to ur Yo r o t f !

Gif ntine t c e l e Va erf e P tdoor h T Ou

Jonesboro and sits out a year while current ASU QB, Ryan Aplin, has a banner senior season after being named Sun Belt Player of the Year for 2011. Malzahn has vowed to make Arkansas State a top 25 program and that is a tall order. But if that does come to pass, it will affect the University of Arkansas as pressure will mount for an in state game between the Razorbacks and the Red Wolves.

The key will be Gus Malzahn.

Will he stay at ASU for an extended period of time or leave for a more lucrative and prestigious position at another school? No matter where your allegiance lies in this state, you better buckle up because Football in Arkansas just took a dramatic turn.

N

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February 2012 | 9

Eye On Cover Story Ethel O. Miller Historical Preservation Association

Joseph Thomas

Photos by Robert O. Seat

A.

B.

C.

D.

Kimberlee and I were pleased to meet Mrs. Sheila Avant, Mrs. Rochelle Ford, and Mr. Ralph Grant at the gymnasium of the Ethel O. Miller School. The school operated from 1952 to 1966 but remained a gathering hot spot for the community on Oak Street in the heart of Batesville. We met and discussed this renovation project and the rich history that fills this building on a day set aside in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. I can’t help but think how fitting that is and feel pleased that we can bring this story to you. I often tell people how amazing it is that our job is to shine a light on good people like this doing great things for this wonderful community, and we are honored to bring you this one.

The plan is to raise funds to renovate this historic building that is so important to so many. Grant talks about R. L. Carpenter and other friends from Batesville High School that were bussed over to wrestle and the huge Sunday basketball tradition. “The place to be Sunday afternoon was here for the game,” Grant declared. The most important part of their plan, explains Avant, “Is to give our children and grandchildren a safe, happy place to play and socialize away from all of the negative things they can get into without our supervision. It will be supervised like it was when Rochelle and I were girls in the 1980‘s.

This is where we did all of our socializing. We had weekend dances and played basketball seven days a week.”

The Ethel O. Miller Historical Preservation Association is a group unofficially assigned to take care of the gym.

“Kids would be waiting on the steps when Loucile would arrive to open the gym and we came out here everyday to play socialize. I actually met my husband here. He was attending Lyon College and he and his friends would come out here to play basketball. I was playing ball one day and he ran me over,” laughs Avant. “This gym has always been accessible, but the interest was lost and we’re trying to awaken a new generation to what this place has been and can be.” The Preservation Association held a Barbeque last summer and a Chili Supper last October to help raise funds for the restoration. In February, they are having a Health Fair in the gym with a number of health screenings.

Occupational Therapy and the Main Street Gym will be on hand offering health tips. The Sheriff’s Office will be fingerprinting children for I.D. This event is listed in the Things To Do section on page 33.

Grant was a member of the last graduating class in 1966 when the school was shut down due to integration.

He served in the Army and has since retired from the Batesville Post Office. He has fond memories of wrestling, basketball, and the community that was Ethel O. Miller. He is looking forward to restoring that for future generations.

Grant says, “Our goal is to provide a safe haven and reputable place for children and adults to fellowship and enjoy family events. We hope to have tutoring for our students, a place for studying, and dances for our young men and women.” Grant adds, “We did it up well thanks to Professor Miller. Many of us left this place to do some

Eye On

big things taking the pride we feel in this place out into the world and bringing our knowledge and experience back with us. I would come here after returning from the Army and show the college kids that they weren’t all that,” he laughs.

Avant speaks of the interest sparked so far, “The Wellness Coalition is helping us, Twyla Wright, Curator of the Old Independence Regional Museum, is archiving pictures and documents from old yearbooks. We are getting tons of help from Van Taylor and Nikki Williams from UACCB. Van is an Administrative Assistant to Brian Berry and Nikki is the Financial Aid Officer. They both are advisors for the Black Student Association at UACCB. They have been a tremendous help and have expressed a willingness to partner with the Miller Association for any and all events relative to the expansion project. It all seems like such a big endeavor, but as interest builds and more become involved our dream’s closer to becoming a reality. I am a big thinker and I know a year sounds like an under-estimation of the task ahead, but we are only limited by our imaginations.

We are trying to drum up some Buffalo Pride; calling all Buffalo. We want to preserve what was here and present it to the future,” Avant explains. Avant talks about how this was the hub of the black community in her youth, and how she hopes that it can become a hub of the Independence County community as a whole.

Grant says, “Professor Miller was the purpose and driving force behind what we did here at this school

Independence

and who we developed into. He was principal here until 1965 and his wife served as principal for 1966.

My grandfather and Professor Miller served in France together in WWI. Professor was important to this entire community.”

Ford mentions what Don McSpadden said about how peaceful integration in this community was possible because they integrated the children first in 1965 and there just wasn‘t the resistance found in other places. Avant and Ford speak of Loucile very fondly.

Loucile Cothrine Sherrill attended Ethel O. Miller School and graduated 1964. She would open the Miller gym on Sundays. She loved the children and they all loved her. Grant finishes by saying that he has heard people ask why they should sing what was once referred to as the Negro National Anthem. He says that it was a poem that someone turned into a song, but that it was a way to inspire others and to say, “You have come a long way, but you still have further to go and we should be thankful for those that paved the way and pay homage them.”

“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” was composed by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson.

Lift Every Voice and sing till earth and heaven ring ring with the harmonies of liberty let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies let it resound loud as the rolling sea sing a song, full of the faith that the dark past has taught us sing a song, full of the hope that the present has brought us

February 2012 | 11

facing the rising sun of our new day begun let us march on till victory is won stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod felt in the days when hope unborn had died yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come, over a way that which tears has been watered we have come, treading out path through the blood of the slaughtered out of the gloomy past, till now we stand at last, where the white gleam of our bright star is cast GOD of our weary years, GOD of our silent tears thou Who has brought us thus far on the way thou Who hast by thy might, led us into the light keep us for-e-ver in the path we pray lest our feet, stray from the places our GOD where me met thee lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world we forget Thee shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand TRUE TO OUR GOD, TRUE TO OUR NATIVE LAND.

E.

To learn more about this renovation project, to give your time, or help with funding, write The Ethel O. Miller Historical Preservation Association at P.O. Box 2272, Batesville, AR 72503 or call 870-569-6774. N

A. Sheila Avant, President & Secretary of Treasure, Rochelle Ford.

B. Vice President, Ralph Grant C. Pearl Flemming, Historian & member, Rev. Otis Harper D. Loucile Cothrine Sherrill E. James Weldon Johnson

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12 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

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Travel On

Perfectly Romantic Renee Taylor February is the month for cupid, chocolate, long stem red roses, romance, and marriage proposals.

It is also the perfect time to consider a romantic getaway! If you are one of the lucky newly-engaged couples, a perfect honeymoon is the happy ending of the wedding planning phase and a wonderful beginning of your new life together!

Need suggestions for the perfect destination? As a Travel Advisor, I find that it is important for me to actually experience the destination that I recommend to my clients.

Therefore, this is NOT a pre-written list from travel publications or bridal magazines. Rather, these are destinations that I have found to be beautiful, romantic and perfect for any occasion.

Islands of French Polynesia (specifically, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine). Each island is unique and deserves a visit.

1. Bora Bora is a must for the over-water bungalow stay. In all of my travels, I have never seen water as clear and beautiful! Moorea has great coral reefs for snorkeling and is lush with flora and fauna. Huahine is remote and secluded with friendly people eager to welcome you to their hidden piece of paradise.

2. Riviera Maya of Mexico. The beaches are beautiful! But what gives this area the designation of one of my picks for the perfect romantic destination are the amazing resorts: rooms with double Jacuzzi tubs overlooking the ocean, infinity pools and private outdoor showers

topped off with a champagne greeting, flower petals scattered in the room, and beachside candlelight dinners create the perfect romantic destination.

3. Costa Rica. Imagine lying in your bed at night while watching fiery lava flow down the cone of a volcano. Sit in a pool at the base of a waterfall where the water is heated by the earth's surface to around 100 degrees. For the more adventurous, enjoy white water rafting to a luxury eco lodge where your only cabin light is from strategically placed candles and fireplace. Costa Rica is abundant with flora and fauna, waterfalls, and of course the beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean oceans.

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The Nature of Things

Pecans Padding Your Pocket Autumn Hunter

You may notice parked cars along the side of the road in unexpected places lately. People scavenging the ground under trees are a seasonal past-time for many Arkansans. This post-Christmas income booster is the collection and sale of pecans. Wild growing pecans are legal for the public to gather as long as they are not trespassing on private property or crossing state and county barriers, like fences.

Pecan trees are native to much of the southern United States. The USDA: Economic Research Service reports the native range from, “along the Mississippi River up to Indiana and Illinois, and into Mexico.”

These trees are found near rivers and prefer moist soil that is well drained. However, with more than 500 different varieties of pecan trees, you can find them in most soil conditions. Some varieties can reach heights in excess of 100 feet and a spread of 75 feet. The leaves of the pecan tree are dark green. They stay on the tree longer in fall and bud out later in spring. The fully symmetrical appearance makes it an aesthetically pleasing addition to your landscape. An average life span of a pecan tree is similar to ours: 75 on average and up to 100 years.

In a recent article published in Russellville’s’ newspaper, The Courier, “Production of pecans may be down nationwide this year, but it’s up in Arkansas and so are the demand and prices for the nut.” According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, “The 2010 U.S. crop was 259.7 million pounds and valued at $556 million. The United States produces more than 80 percent of the world’s pecans. Thirteen states produce pecans commercially. China is the largest exporter of pecans in the U.S. If growing the trees yourself, plant two for pollination. If you’re considering planting an orchard, I recommend research. The nonhybrid native types grow slower, are hardier, but nuts are smaller. The pecans appear around year eight and continue with dependable nut production well into old age. The majority of commercially grown pecans are 14 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

improved varieties. These types produce much larger and faster but are labor intensive to reach maturity.

Some problems to watch for are moths, mites, galls, and worms. Profitable pecan production could be a time investment of up to two decades. The Arbor Day Foundation website advises, “it is important to remember that proper tree care starts when you select a tree and that what you do to your tree in its first few years of life will affect its shape, strength, and even its life span.”

In our area, Wayne Bullard on Eubanks Street at Newport buys pecans. I talked to his wife, Nell, on the phone briefly. She said the price is the best before the holiday season and falls after the first of the year. Stuart pecans were bringing $1 per pound and the smaller native varieties were bringing 90 cents. Nell also cracks pecans from home for 30 cents a pound no matter the size. Having pecan trees on your property adds beauty and shade, attracts and feeds wildlife, and may even pad your pocket. N

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Eye On

48 years of nursing home care you can trust

“Lighting the Landers” Campaign Launched to Restore Marquee Since purchasing the severely damaged Landers Theater in 2008, the members of Fellowship Bible Church have contributed thousands of dollars to the restoration of the historic building.

A. Both the interior and the exterior have been meticulously restored.

Unfortunately, the marquee and neon sign in front of the building have yet to be restored. Approximately $20,000 has been raised for the restoration, but another $20,000 is needed. Please make your checks payable to Landers Marquee Restoration Fund and mail to Fellowship Bible Church, 276 East Main Street, Batesville 72501. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Ozark Foothills FilmFest Poster Unveiling and Press Conference Set for February 21 Ozark Foothills FilmFest will hold its annual Poster Unveiling and Festival Press Conference on Tuesday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery at 246 E. Main Street. Poster artist Mandy Maxwell of Paragould will attend the unveiling and sign copies of the poster, on sale for $10. Maxwell’s work will also be featured in a gallery exhibit throughout March. The schedule for the 11th annual festival, set for March 28-April 1 at several venues in Batesville, will be announced. Coffee and mini-scones will be served.

Ozark Foothills FilmFest is a 501 (c) (3) educational non-profit founded in 2001. For information call 870251-1189 or email ozarkfilm@wildblue.net.

Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) has rated Wood-Lawn with an overall of 5 out of 5 stars.The most a nursing home can get. www.medicare.gov/NHCompare

Historic Preservation Awards Main Street Batesville submitted four award applications to the Department of Heritage. Three winners were announced at the Main Street Arkansas Awards Banquet held in Little Rock on January 11 in conjunction with the Arkansas Municipal League Conference. The winners are: Best Sign – Gilbert and Melody Lopez, Impulse and Body Fit “Back from the Brink” Renovation– Fellowship Bible Church, Landers Theater Best Public/Private Partnership – Citizens Bank and Main Street Batesville.

Accepting the award for Best Public/Private Partnership are Kay Southerland, Paula Terrell, Paula Grimes, John Dews, Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, and Fred Krug. Presenters are Missy McSwain, Arkansas Historic Preservation Director (far left), and Cathie Matthews (second from right).

Chamber of Commerce receives grants on behalf of the City of Batesville N

A. The renovated Landers, now the Fellowship Bible Church, awaiting the return of its neon glow.

B. Winner for Best Sign, Impulse and Body Fit. B. February 2012 | 15

Eye On Feature True Love Waits, Adam and Mandi Curtwright

Mandi Curtwright Photos submitted

Adam and Mandi Curtwright grew up in churches that went to the same youth rallies, camps, and other events. They knew each other but not personally. When Mandi was fifteen and Adam eighteen, Mandi’s church offered a class called True Love Waits, and Adam’s church attended as well. It was during this class that they got to know each other and started dating. Upon graduation of the class they signed a commitment that said “Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate, and my future children to a lifetime of purity including sexual abstinence from this day until the day I enter a Biblical marriage relationship,” and purity rings were placed upon their ring fingers.

They wore these until the day of their wedding (which was four years later) and exchanged them during their ceremony. This was to symbolize that they had “saved” themselves for each other.

“Making the decision to remain abstinent until marriage was not only for spiritual reasons but for physical and emotional reasons too. After getting married, Adam and I started attending his church, Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church. In September 2011, we started a True Love Waits class.”

The class was only for ages 13 and up and was open to anyone who wanted to participate. They met once a week for 6 weeks. Adam taught the boys’ class while Mandi taught the girls. Every week they discussed a different topic, from “Fun Things to Do on Dates” to “Don’t Date Anyone You Wouldn’t Marry.” Their students were from Batesville, Cave City, and Newark.

Mandi and Adam grew to know their group and were encouraged that these young men and women looked at the “bigger picture” of life and chose to ignore negative peer pressure and make the right decisions. After the class, there was a graduation and ring ceremony. The entire group of teens made the commitment to remain abstinent until the day they were married.

Adam and Mandi started this class because they knew firsthand how much it helped them with their dating relationship and even into marriage and wanted others to have that opportunity. “It seems like anymore, people’s perceptions are clouded by peer pressure and by the general media. So many programs portray the thinking ‘if it feels good do it.’ What a lot of teens don’t think about is how their actions will affect them further down the road. In our class we also discussed how saving sex for marriage will strengthen a marriage because there are no regrets, no extra baggage, and no skeletons in the closet.” Adam and Mandi enjoyed teaching this class and are planning on doing another session this summer.

16 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

There will also be a one day Purity Event called “Summit 2012” on February 25th and it will be held at Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church.

Call 870.307.5917 for more information or e-mail puritysummit2012@yahoo.com.

Adam is originally from Batesville and attended school at Cedar Ridge, where his mother teaches. Mandi is originally from Pleasant Plains and went to school at Midland. After meeting at church youth rallies, Adam and Mandi dated for almost four years before they got married. He proposed June 13th, 2005 on their three year anniversary. This was the first day of their church camp at Budd Creek in Greer’s Ferry. “At the end of the day, he pulled me over to the side of the basketball court and we stood on a rock. This rock was the same rock where he had asked me to be his “girlfriend.” After pulling me to the side, he told me how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and got down on one knee and proposed. When I turned around and looked, the basketball court was full of people clapping; he had told everyone except for me. I later found out that he had one of his friends hiding in a trash can taking pictures of the proposal. We were married on June 10th, 2006.” They now have two sons; Eli is 4 and Easton is 2. They built their home four years ago and live in Batesville. Adam is a loan officer at Liberty Bank and Mandi is the Events Coordinator at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. N

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B.

C. A. Adam and Mandi Curtwright

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B. Bekah Hanson with her mom, C.The Curtwright family Tim Selvedge with his mom, and the entire graduating class of 2011’s True Love Waits.

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February 2012 | 17

Your Health The Heart Truth Alisa R. Lancaster Friday, February 3rd is National Wear Red Day®, but it’s not for the Razorbacks! It’s a day when Americans nationwide wear red to show their support for women’s heart health and heart disease awareness. The Red Dress was introduced in 2002 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as the national symbol for women and heart disease. The Red Dress reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. The goal is to give women a personal and urgent wakeup call about their risk of heart disease.

The campaign is especially aimed at women ages 40-60, the age when a woman’s risk of heart disease starts to rise. But its messages are also important for younger women, since heart disease develops gradually and can start at a young age ~ even in teenage years!

Older women should also have an interest as it’s never too late to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease. Even those who have heart disease can improve their heart health and quality of life. These same life style changes will also reduce your risk of developing diabetes and other serious chronic health conditions.

Although heart disease awareness among women

18 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

has nearly doubled in the last 12 years, it still remains their #1 killer as most women fail to make a personal connection. Heart disease is largely preventable, but kills more women than all forms of cancer combinedincluding breast cancer. Know the risk factors for heart disease over which you have control: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, and pre-diabetes/diabetes. Having just one risk factor can double your risk of developing heart disease, multiple risk factors increase your risk exponentially. Ask your health care provider if you are at risk and how you may take action to prevent or control those risk factors.

So, on Friday, February 3rd, please wear your Red Dress, red shirt, red tie, or Red Dress pin to show your support for women and heart disease awareness. Do it for your wife, your daughter, your mom, your grandmother, or your sister. N

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1316 E. Main “At St. Louis & Main”

Batteries • Alignment Brake Service • Tune-up • Air Conditioning

870-793-5566 800-350-0189 Mon-Fri • 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat • 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Truck Rental

February 2012 | 19

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A) Local vintner, Mike Oglesby, and his wife, author Lee Cowan; pour a glass of wine for beadmaker Sage Holland B) Arkansas Craft School Board member, Jane Parker; with Junior Fulks C) Handmade wooden rowboat, built and donated by Arkansas Craft School boatmaking instructor, John Van Orman; which was raffled at the Gala D) “Handmade Moments” band members Nick Caffrey and Joel Ludford chat with Searcy County District Court Judge, Mitch Cash 20 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

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Craft artisans, musicians and community supporters gathered together on Saturday night, November 19 for an entertaining evening of festivity and fundraising for the Scholarship Fund of the Arkansas Craft School.

Held at The Ozark Folk Center’s Skillet Restaurant, the event featured dinner, wine tasting, a silent auction of artisan-donated, handcrafted items and community donated goods and services; a raffle for a hand-made wooden rowboat, door prizes and a live auction of artisandonated fine contemporary craft. Music was presented by ‘Handmade Moments’, an acoustic jazz and soul ensemble from Conway, Arkansas.

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L. E) Arkansas Craft School Executive Director, Terri Van Orman, chats with Gala guests F) Linda Sutterfield shows off her door prize - an Arkansas Craft School logo mug G) Handmade glass bead entitled “Conversation: Soul Mates”, created by Sage Holland - one of many items available at the silent auction H) Connie Powell holds a silent auction item - a photograph of Aunt Minnie’s Yellow House I) Gala attendees Jamie Murawski and Becki Dahlstedt

J) Gala guests enjoy the music of “Handmade Moments” K) “Handmade Moments” band members Anna Horton, Joel Ludford and Nick Caffrey L) Former ACS Board President, Joe Doster, receives a plaque of appreciation from current Board President, Mike DeLong

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Accepting Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines

INDEPENDENCE COUNTY RECYCLE CENTER

870-793-8892

Call to receive your RECYCLING BIN today!

al 110 En vir on me nt Bate svill e

Dr .

Kennadi Pretty

T TAURI

Film Festival & Movie Camp July 16-28, 2012

ttauri.org Photo by Stacy Pretty ARKANSAS CRAFT SCHOOL ANNOUNCES 2012 CLASSES Class descriptions for the 2012 season of the Arkansas Craft School are now posted on-line: www. arkansascraftschool.org. Interested students may find all the information that they need including the classes arranged according to media, descriptions of those classes, instructor information, schedules and costs.

In keeping with the Craft School’s mission statement, over 40 classes will be offered this year in the categories of Business and Marketing for Artisans, Activities for Kids; and in the six categories of craft media- Clay, Fiber, Metal, Wood, Glass and Mixed Media. Classes will take place at the Arkansas Craft School, located just off the Courthouse Square on Main Street in Mountain View; at the Ozarka, Mountain View College campus; or at select individual artist studios across the state.

Highlights for the year include the return of renowned metal-smith Thomas Mann, with a class entitled “The Found Object Sandwich”; “ChinaPainting” with Paul Lewing, author of China Paint and Overglaze; Wood-Turning with popular turner, Jimmy Clewes; “Building the Traditional Johnboat” with boat builder and musician Spider John Koerner; and the

return of cowboy poet, singer and saddle cinch weaver, Pop Wagner. An interesting array of other classes will be offered as well by local area and regional craft artisans.

February 2012 Events

141 W. Main Street, Batesville 870-698-9998 Feb 11-12: Cupid in the Caverns

New and traditional love songs performed in the stunning Blanchard Springs Caverns.

Feb. 18: Sylamore Trail 25 or 50k Run The scenic Syamore Creek Trail in North Central Arkansas is the location of this 30 mile event that follows the creek through the Ozark National Forest.

The trail features challenging terrain and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Arkansas Ozarks. Details can be found at www.RunArkansas.com or you can email race officials at sylamore50k@aol.com or gregeason@ sbcglobal.net 501-454-4391. N

February 2012 | 21

2012

Thank you for your membership investment and participation with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has witnessed much success in the past few years. Due to the support of our business community, our Chamber continues to be one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in Arkansas.

Our staff, Board of Directors and Ambassadors have celebrated continued growth and expansion in our community, coordinating over 50 ribbon cuttings, grand openings, Business After Hours and other Chamber events in 2011. In addition, we were proud to introduce the Business to Business discount program, support the passage of the GARVEE Bond election, initiate the implementation of the West Side Police Substation, and submit grant proposals on behalf of the City of Batesville exceeding $60,000 in grant revenue for Community Development projects.

We are looking forward to another successful year in 2012 and will be offering new opportunities for Chamber members to interact and contribute to the local economy’s growth. Quarterly Membership Luncheons will be added to the program of work this year while we continue to grow our existing programs. We will continue to work with the Independence County Economic Development Foundation by submitting grants proposals related to Community and Economic Development projects.

Our goal is to enhance business retention and expansion and evaluate the needs of businesses to help them grow. We will promote job creation and remove barriers to growth and economic success. Our legislative efforts will be assertive as we continue in our role as advocates for the business community.

We must make an effort to do business together by supporting local business-to-business opportunities. Let’s work together in 2012 to drive commerce, increase sales, and attract capital investments in the Batesville Area.

Thank you for all that you do,

President/CEO Crystal Johnson

2012 BATESVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Bebow, CEO, White River Medical Center Chris Beller, DDS, Beller Dental Clinic Chris Buckliew, Owner, McDonalds Flave Carpenter, Customer Service Manager, Entergy Vonda Crowl, Director of Operations, TWH Sam Dortch, Executive VP & General Manager, FutureFuel Stan Fretwell, Plant Manager, Peco Foods Chip Grace, President, White River Distributors Barry Hammers, President, Flowers Baking Scott Lancaster, General Counsel, Bad Boy Mowers Kevin Rose, Community President, Liberty Bank Randy Willison, Superintendent, Batesville Public Schools EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE John Dews, CEO, Citizens Bank, Vice Chairman Randy Reichardt, Owner, Reichardt Insurance, Past Chair Tony Stephens, Location Sales Manager, Pepsi, Chairman Jason Taylor, CFO, First Community Bank, Treasurer

Crystal Johnson

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce | 409 Vine Street | Batesville, AR | 870.793.2378

Faces

24 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Wood-Lawn Groundbreaking Citizens Bank was on hand to help break ground for the construction of a new 140 bed, skilled nursing facility. The ceremony was 10:30 am January 19, 2012 at 2800 Neeley Street (beside Wildewood Independent Living Center) The Chamber was represented well with President Crystal Johnson, board members, and ambassadors. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh spoke as did Wood-Lawn Administrator Judy Belcher, and Citizens Bank Senior Vice President, Robin Brock. Brock, who is head of Citizens Bank Trust Department and Chairperson of the Board at Woodlawn, led the ceremony. Batesville City Council filled the crowd along with the Independence County J P’s to watch as dirt was thrown. The guest of honor, Resident AnnaBelle Bowers (pictured bottom left), helped with some shoveling.

The two and a half story complex will consist of a full chapel, massage therapy room, two courtyards, as well as private and semi-private rooms. All rooms will feature full individual bath facilities and each bed will have a flat screen TV. Robin Brock, Chair of the Board, further states there will be four nurses stations with each unit containing its own full service kitchen and private dining and family sitting areas.

The $14,000,000 project is funded by The Citizens Bank with participation from First Community Bank.

Alessi-Keyes Construction of Little Rock has been awarded the contract.

The Wood-Lawn Board of Directors consists of: Kenny Allen, Robin Brock, Billy Ed Campbell, Bob Fitzgerald, Gayle Silberhorn, Terrell Tebbetts, Bill Walmsley, Fred Wann, and Max McElmurry. N

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SB

ContacttSouthernnBankkaboutthow toodownloaddourrexcitinggnewwapp forryourriPhoneeorrBlackberry.

www.bankwithsouthern.com

870.612.1212

February 2012 |  25

I Do

Josh Ade & Amy Gipson Jacob Slaton Photography of Little Rock

Kimberlee Thomas

26 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Josh Ade had just finished winning his first Legion Baseball game of the 2001 season when a mutual friend introduced him to Amy Gipson. It may have initially just been the appearance of a young good looking guy in uniform, but Amy was smitten from the moment they met.

After the first few weeks of dating, the couple knew it was LOVE and that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They were best friends sharing laughs and tears, proms and pageants (Amy is a former Miss Batesville and Miss Independence County), tailgates and true love.

Josh and Amy attended college at Arkansas State University together where their love truly blossomed. In August of 2007, Amy left for a week-long family vacation and business trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Josh says “that was the longest week of my life.” Upon Amy’s return to Arkansas, Josh waited on bended knee with a huge bouquet of yellow red tipped roses, Amy’s favorite. The beautiful engagement ring sat hidden inside one of the rose’s blooms, as Josh said “Please don’t ever leave me again. Will you marry me?” Amy replied a long awaited and joyful, “Yes!” Josh and Amy had agreed they should both earn their undergraduate degrees before getting married. So after a four year engagement the couple was married June 25th, 2011 on the Terrace of the Arkansas State University Cooper Alumni Center on the grounds of their alma mater.

Brother Jeff Chillders, of Cord, presided over the double ring ceremony at sunset overlooking the Lake at ASU. Amy’s father wiped away the tears as he walked her down the aisle to Billy Joel’s “She’s Got A Way.” Latoya Webb served as her Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included RaeAnn Carter, Sarah Ussery, Hannah Milligan, Amber Davis, Crystal Adams, Leslie Prater, and Laura Henry. Josh’s eldest brother Jason Ade served as his Best Man. Groomsmen included Alex Henry, Eric Prater, Nick Ade, Adam Gipson, and Jordy Austin. Flower girls were Lexi Adams and Jordan Ade. During the ceremony, Amy’s Brother, Adam Gipson, performed a very special acoustic guitar vocal of “She’s Every Woman” by Garth Brooks as the couple used each other’s backs as a platforms to sign the Marriage License.

Jacob Slaton Photography was on hand to capture all of the day’s beautiful and unforgettable memories. Karen and The Flower Basket of Walnut Ridge provided exquisitely unique flower arrangements for the ceremony and reception.

The cocktail hour and dinner reception followed inside the Cooper Alumni Center in the grand ballroom. The couple wanted nothing more than a night full of love, laughter, and of course lots of dancing! After the emotional couple’s first dance to “Heaven” by Jason Aldean, Amy and her father showed off their skills in a choreographed ballroom style dance to the song “I Loved Her First” that they had been practicing for weeks. But the big surprise was for Josh. As he sat solo on the dance floor, the room blackened , when the lights came on Amy and all of her bridesmaids appeared to serenade Josh with a comedic contemporary dance and song to “Never Gone Give You Up” that they had been secretly practicing for quite some time. This truly set the stage for the rest of the night. There has never been nor will there ever be anything traditional about this couple so why should

Eye On

their wedding and reception have been any different.

The bride’s table was covered in tiers of vast arrays of colored cupcakes with unique flavors and fillings accented with hand-made edible fondant peacock feathers. The groom’s cake was a two-tier butter cream cake with chocolate icing and hot fudge drizzle topped with a three dimensional razorback and adorned with miniature Arkansas razorback cupcakes upon each tier and completed by the Arkansas Fight Song written in red chocolate icing around the base. Guests of the reception had many laughs as they accented their outfits with comedic attire and climbed in the vintage photo booth rented for the special occasion. The couple said goodbye through a path lit by blue crystal sparklers. They honeymooned for seven beautiful days at the Sandals Resort in Nassau, Bahamas.

Josh Ade is the son of Greg and Pam Ade of Batesville. He is a 2007 Graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary studies. He works as a Purchasing Agent for Car Mart Corporation in the Northeast Arkansas region.

Amy is the daughter of Denny and Pam Gipson of Cord. She is a 2008 Graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She will graduate with her Masters of Science in NursingFamily Nurse Practitioner this May. The couple resides in Jonesboro and plans on starting their own family in the future. N

February 2012 | 27

BAAC’s Annual Souper Bowl Saturday will be held on Saturday, February 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A variety of soups from the best kitchens in Batesville will be available for $8 per quart without tickets; however, advance tickets are $7 per quart. For ticket holders only, an opportunity to obtain soup is open during a special VIP hour from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m..

Ticket holders can still get soup between operational hours as well. Tickets are available at Carlee’s Hallmark, Citizens Bank Main Branch, Eagle Mountain and Southside) and BAAC Art Gallery on Main or from BAAC Board Members.

In March, Marlene Gremillion will be providing a two day "Multi Media Workshop."

The latter part of April, Diane Ziemski will provide a second Watercolor Workshop.

Look for upcoming gallery exhibitions from Susan Gibson, Ozark Foothills Filmfest Poster Winner, Mandy Maxwell, and the Young Arkansas Artist Exhibit.

January 30th through February 3rd, the Cultural Kaleidoscope will have their Irish Touring Program providing an AIE residency at Batesville's Eagle Mountain Magnet School.

February 27th - March 2nd, Arts In Education artist, Clayton Scott, will be providing a residency at Batesville's West Magnet Elementary.

Mark your calendar and enjoy the fun- ART IN THE AFTERNOON from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the BAAC Art Gallery on Main for students 8 to 13 years old. Classes are $3 per person and students need to register in advance to make sure enough materials will be available for everyone attending.

Call (870) 793-3382 to pre-register.

The BAAC has "mini-exhibits" of local artists' work in three other locations in Batesville. Great local art is on display at the Row Johns Library on the campus of UACCB and at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, The Friday Painters maintain an exhibit of members work at the White River Medical Center.

Call BAAC at (870) 793-3382 for more information.

DO YOU NEED HELP IN YOUR HOME? In January, Sharon Grady and Ginger Smith, local acoustic and bass guitar duo, provided an array of musical renditions from various song writers (shown above).

January 21st – Basket Weaving Class (shown below).

Personal Care

(Help or Supervision Bathing)

Homemaker Services

Care Management

(Someone to Help You Seek Services)

(Housekeeping, Shopping, Meal Preparation)

Transportation

(Someone to Take You Shopping)

Personal Emergency Response Systems (To Summon Help at the Touch of a Button)

Serving Seniors Is Our Mission Art In The Afternoon

Private Pay Plans Available.

Veterans Assistance.

FREE to Qualifying Medicaid or Elderchoice Clients.

Personal Care Aides: Background Checked & Supervised by a Registered Nurse Call for help with any need for seniors or those with disabilities:

Independence County: 1-877-612-3652 or 870-793-5358

28 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Eye On

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22 oz. Yankee Candle and Godiva Chocolates Carlee's Hallmark Basket of Sweetheart Goodies Liberty Travel / Peacock Travel Group $100 Gift Certiicate Josie's at the Lockhouse Crabtree & Evelyn Gift set, 1 Woodwick Candle Ivory Owl Dinner for 2 and 1 Appetizer Colton's Steakhouse

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Submit your best COUPLE picture along with a brief explanation why YOU should win a "Valentine's Day to Remember" Drop entry by the store or post it to Jonathan's Fine Jewelry's FACEBOOK PAGE!

Buying scrap gold daily

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870-793-8287 2401 Harrison Street, Batesville

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Nike Shoes for Men, Women, and Children

February 2012 | 29

Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista A Real Woman’s Handbag Leigh Keller Ask any real woman to show you what the contents of her handbag are, and you will be in for a huge surprise. I am constantly put out looking at the magazine articles about celebrities, their bags, and the contents of their bags. Even when they are working mothers or single working women, very rarely do their bags seem to reflect their lives at all. Where are all of their Sonic straw wrappers?? Most men pick up our bags and wonder why on earth they’re so heavy, and why do you need all of that stuff? (while they’re handing us more stuff to put in our bags, of course). So I’ve decided to focus on some of the “real” ladies in my life and ask them what the contents of the bags are.

Jamie- Pastor’s wife of four (see also; Saint) full-time Mommy and student. Photo A. (Jamie and Eve).

Contents of her bag- wallet, make-up bag, a pencil bag with lip gloss, pens, mini-notepad, and USB drive inside, random earrings, necklace and bracelet, napkins for the kids, antimicrobial gel, lotion, camera, cell phone and organic sugar packets.

Eve- Age 3, full time diva, love of my little boy’s life Content of her bag- One baby doll, baby blanket,

Get Your Sexy Back...

baby bottle, and a tiara (this is not that different from my bag)

A.

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Tattoos & Piercing Danna Magness Diamond Executive It Works! Independent Distributor (870) 307-4949 dannamagness.myitworks.com www.facebook.com/TheresAWrapForThat

30 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Harrison Street Commercial Property, 1.25 acres on the corner of Harrison Street and Stone Flag Drive, just past Wal-Mart and across from Tractor Supply. Another 3 acres is available at the same location.

ms.tattooed@yahoo.com

1695 Batesville Blvd.

870.251.4520

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Janelle- Full time wife, stepmother of two, and full time nursing student. Photo B. Contents of her bag- Tourniquets, IV start kits, IV catheters, alcohol swabs, latex gloves, lip-gloss, chapstick, hand sanitizer, hairbrush, wallet, hair ties, makeup bag, gum for her and for the kids, a badge, Kleenex, coupons, gum wrappers, receipts, pens, tweezers and nail clippers.

Michelle- Married, Mother of two kids over 18 and one rotten Yorkie. Photo C. Contents of her bag- Little bag inside of a big bag (for when you need a clutch, not a tote), baggy of dog food, wipes, lots of lipsticks A few of my absolute favorites include my friend who has her bra, hand sanitizer and her debit card in her bag; my friend who has a baseball, iPad B. and uncrustable peanut butter

and Jelly sandwich in hers; and finally my friend who carries her pistol everywhere she goes.

My bag is a plethora of mess. Today, it has a Hot Wheels, a sippy cup, three (three?) Sonic straw wrappers, a make-up bag with a ridiculous amount of lip gloss, lipstick, dental floss and tweezers, winter gloves, baby wipes, keys, wallet, phone, sewing kit, measuring tape, clippings of two InStyle articles, mints, two pens that I’m pretty sure don’t work, and random grocery lists.

The moral of the story, readers, is if you give a woman a great big handbag, she could probably perform major surgery on you, clean your hands, give you a makeover, take notes about everything and send you on your way.

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Kallsnick, Inc.

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Specializing in Quality Name Brands for Men and Women We Now Carry Girl’s Fashions in Sizes 7 - 14

Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8 - 5 and Sat. 8 - 1 Family owned and operated: Scott Kallsnick ,Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick

Cledas Manuel* FICF, CFFM Ark. Lic. 265634 905 20th St. Batesville, AR 72501 870-307-3769 Cledas.Manuel@ mwarep.org

Silver / Miss Me / Big Star Affliction / Cinch / Twisted X Boots / Roar

4469 Harrison Street 870-793-6610

Open at 9:00 a.m.

After hours appointments available February 2012 | 31

Community Calender Properties with Potential Rail Access Needed The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is collecting information regarding properties with potential rail access. “We are working with the Mo & N Arkansas Railroad to identify properties with rail access. We are receiving calls from investors seeking to relocate or open operations in Independence County.

It is important that we are able to provide them with information regarding available property.” The Chamber is also collecting available properties with 10+ acres and buildings that are 10,000+ square feet. Qualifying sites will be added to the Arkansas Site Selection database.

and a senior tutor in East Asian studies there before he moved to Pomona.

He has written extensively on early modern and modern Japanese intellectual and cultural history.

He is currently working on two food projects: the first is a history of Pacific Rim fusion cuisine. The second project is a history of Japanese food. This event will be held Thursday, February 23, 2012 07:00 PM thru 8:00 PM at Lyon College, Derby Lecture Hall.

For more info: Chandra Huston (870) 307-7488 lyon. edu.

Lyon College Juried Student Art Show An annual competition juried by an external artist, this show gives Lyon College students the chance to compete for monetary awards and prestige, including the Presidential Purchase Award. This event will be held Monday, February 13, 2012 12:00 AM at Lyon College, Kresge Gallery. For more info call Chandra Huston at (870) 307-7488 or lyon.edu

Lyon College Beethoven's Ode to Joy (Symphony No. 9) The Lyon Concert Choral combines with several other Arkansas colleges and universities to present Beethoven's masterwork, “Ode to Joy,” under the direction of Phillip Mann and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are available at 501-666-1761 or http://tickets.arkansassymphony.org. This event will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 08:00 PM Lyon College Japanese Lecture Series"The thru 9:00 PM at the Robinson Center Music Hall, Beginnings of Japanese Food" Little Rock, with a second chance to catch this fine Dr. Samuel Yamashita, the Henry E., Sheffield performance Sunday, February 26, 2012 03:00 PM Profesor of History at Pomona College, received his thru 05:00 PM. For more info call Chandra Huston at Ph.D. in Japanese history at the University of Michigan (870) 307-7488 or lyon.edu. in 1981, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard Universit,

2080 Harrison Street, Batesville 870-793-2161

Come and visit with our friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous staff today.

32 | We’ve got our EYE ON you!

Eye On

Things To Do Friday, February 3 at 7pm Lucious Spiller is an up and coming entertainer in the Little Rock area. Accompanied by his own band, Spiller explores virtually every genre of music, but specializes in the Blues. Hear him sing a collection of hits by various Motown artists like Stevie Wonder.

Tuesday, February 14 at 7pm Kindersongs Brian Kinder is a singer/songwriter who, along with his wife, Ms. Terri, performs rollicking goodtime concerts for kids. Their music is fun with lots of audience participation. Yes, Kinder is their real name. (Kinder is the German word meaning children as in kindergarten). They’ve just released their newest CD, Kinder Safety, which has over 20 songs that will teach your child how to stay safe. Other songs from previous CDs include: “I Ate an Apple”; “The Robin Song”; “My Teddy Bear”; “Peas and Carrots” and many more! It’s a great day to be a kid at the ASUN Center for the Arts.

Friday, February 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm ASU Newport presents The Memphis Symphony Orchestra with The Classical Mystery Tour (all Beatle music). See www.asun.edu for more information.

www.eyeonmag.com has more information

Chamber Announces Upcoming Trap Tournament

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 1st Annual Chamber Trap Tournament on February 24, 2012 at the Independence County Shooting Sports Complex from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Each team will consist of five shooters shooting 25 targets each. At the end of the round, event officials will tally the scores and divide teams into evenly matched flights. Flights will be assigned similar to a golf tournament.

Amateur shooters are encouraged to participate. Practice will be available the day before and the morning of the tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and corporate teams are encouraged to participate. Registration is available by viewing the chamber calendar online at www.mybatesville.org.

The 4th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show is being hosted by the Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts in downtown Newport, Arkansas. 100 artists are registered for the event with thousands of pieces of art, including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, prints and much more. Workshops are available for Teen and Adults, ages 9 to 13 and ages 4 to 8. Call (870) 523-1009 for more informaiton! Downtown Newport is the place to be on February 25, 2012.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas Announces dates for Bowl For Kids' Sake 2012. BFKS is moving out of the bowling alley and into the future! Our bowls for 2012 will be Wii Bowling Tournaments!

Our BOWL Kick Off, January 10th at U.S. Pizza was sponsored by 99.5 HITS NOW. We learned how to raise money using the Bowl Fundraising Center Online Tool. Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds and succeed! Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.

Come out, have fun and make a BIG difference in the life of a child in Independence County.

For more information, contact Amanda at 612-8888 or email her at amanda@bigbrothersbigsistersnca.org!

Bowl Dates for 2012 Banker/Realtor/Insurance Bowl - Thurs., Feb. 16th 5-7 Location TBA A corporate bowl designed for participants to come right after work to hang out, do some fun team building and give back to children in Independence County!

Community Bowl- Sat., Feb. 25th 10:00 to Noon Location TBA Churches, families, schools, civic groups and anyone else wanting to form a team can join the fun and come out for the community-wide Bowl.

THE BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED BY FIRST COMMUNITY BANK.

The Ethel O. Miller Historical Preservation Association is

holding a Health Fair on Feb. 18 from 10-2 at the Ethel O. Miller Gym located at 9th and Oak street. Everyone is invited!.

Independence County Library It’s Children’s Story Time Wednedays at 10:30 (I read stories, show short videos, and do crafts).

Computer Instruction classes for beginners and up. Times and days vary.

Book Club meets the 1st Thusday of every month at 2:00.

Independence County Library 368 E. Main St. Batesville, AR 72501

Relay For Life Team Captain Meeting February 7, Tuesday 12:00 or the 5:15 meeting at The Citizens Bank annex building.

Future meetings are set for: March 13, Tuesday 12 or 5:15 April 10, Tuesday 12 or 5:15 May 8, Tuesday 12 or 5:15 I look forward to seeing you all there!!

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The Myopic Life The Art of Dignity Kristi Price I was doing the school carpool one afternoon last week when I encountered a police cruiser with flashing lights. As always, my immediate reaction was to panic. I braked hard and glanced at my speedometer. Then I saw the hearse behind the cruiser, and I instinctively pulled over to the shoulder. Funeral. The long line of cars snaked by, headlights lit in somber solidarity. I almost forgot all the kids in my van until one small voice impatiently asked “What’s going on? Did you get pulled over again?”

No, I explained, and told them it was part of a funeral, which elicited a dozen more questions. And I patiently answered, all the while realizing that my job wasn’t simply to explain how funeral traffic works.

My job was to impart the seeds that will grow into an awareness of and appreciation for the value and

more and more, about how we get busy and go through the motions without teaching our children the thinking behind certain customs, like birthday parties and wedding showers, or taking meals during illnesses and flying flags at halfmast. As parents, we (sometimes) explain the event, but we don’t always connect the dots and explain how we’re honoring the life of the individual.

So when I hosted a baby shower in my home today, I made sure to tell my little girls what it meant to be a hostess: we weren’t just cleaning

the house and dipping the punch.

Our job was to tend to our guests’ comfort and make the mommyto-be the center of attention because of the inherent value of human life.

Of course, they probably won’t remember any of that. They’ll probably just remember the part where three-year-old Maggie crawled into the dog’s crate to show all the other girls how well she could fit and accidentally locked herself in, and how she sat there while they got distracted and ran off to play. Oh well. I’m sure there’s a life lesson in there somewhere. N

dignity of human life. I was teaching these children one of the ways we honor life, something that is quickly falling apart in this culture.

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Notes from the Clearing Out For A Run Joseph Thomas The apricot sunshine washes down to fill my eyes with the day ahead of me and the trees, like a fence, plays with its light; shadow, light, shadow, light. I question each step as I struggle to control my breathing along this lonely stretch of rural highway that screams insignificance to the untrained eye. To the experienced eye, this road, within these woods, within this atmosphere contains the same matter, the same magic as any technological advanced urban opposite. With one addition;

SPACE,

B R E A T H I N G

R O O M .

Room to think and stretch the muscles of our time so we can see behind the scenery to the blackboard beyond where the formulas of our elders are etched in a scrawling script curved with hope of survival and a searching slant begging for meaning. Taking up the same space as our fathers before us, we seek to mean as much as we compare steps and imagine new ones not yet taken.

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Smith’s Verdict ****

Favorite Films of 2011 Reviewed by Tanner Smith Well, here we are—the time of year when I simply must make a list of my picks for the best films of the year, or more accurately, my personal favorites of 2011. Before I get to it, I can tell you’re reading this and thinking I’m behind and should have done this a month ago. But think of it this way—many movie awards ceremonies are going to be announced this month anyway, so what am I behind on?

And also, I should note that there are still a few criticallyacclaimed films I haven’t seen yet— particularly “The Descendants,” “The Artist,” and “The Tree of Life.”

Something tells me I’d love them as much as a lot of other critics, but I can’t say for sure because I haven’t seen them yet. I suppose I will, soon enough. But I’m admiring this list of favorite 2011 films that I have seen.

So without further ado, here are the honorable mentions; the films that came close to making the list. The honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): “The Adjustment Bureau,” “The Adventures of Tintin,” “Bridesmaids,” “Drive,” “Hanna,” “Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol,” “The Muppets,” and “Source Code.”

Tanner’s Top Ten Films of 2011.

10. Kung Fu Panda 2—Could Dreamworks Animation give Disney/PIXAR a run for its money at the Oscars for the first time in ten years? This enjoyable, even intense animated sequel to 2008’s hit “Kung Fu Panda” has more laughs, more action, more visual treats, and most of all, more fun.

9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2—The

10.

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satisfying conclusion to the beloved adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter.

8. Contagion—A harrowing look at the world not ending with a bang, but with a whimper.

Wonderfully talented cast includes Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

7. Midnight in Paris—Woody Allen’s best film in quite some time, exploring themes of nostalgia and novelty while being whimsical and charming in the process.

6. The Beaver—The controversial film of the year, due to what was going around about its star Mel Gibson. But separate the art from the artist and you have Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” a most endearing picture about tragedy, relationships, and respect.

Wonderful subplot involving Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence.

5. 50/50—An effective comedy/ drama with a winning screenplay that doesn’t get corny or try too hard to make us weep (or laugh).

Excellent leading performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

4. Super 8—Yeah yeah, readers of this magazine knew this was coming and are either making fun of me, agreeing with me, or wondering why it’s only in the number-four spot when I mentioned in my December issue review that it was my favorite film of the year. But enough about that. I still enjoy everything about the Spielberg-produced “Super 8”— in particular, the spectacular train crash, the mystery of what happens after, the fast pacing, and those extremely talented young actors. To me, this is an example of what every summer blockbuster should be.

3. Hugo—Martin Scorsese’s

9.

“Hugo” is a true delight—a sweet, gentle, intelligent, even exciting tale of a runaway orphan who rebuilds an automaton and then attempts to “rebuild” a man who has trouble with his past. The film only gets better and better as it progresses.

It’s also the best-looking film of the year—great atmosphere, neat cinematography, wonderful settings, and excellent use of 3D technology.

2. Moneyball—You didn’t think a movie about baseball player statistics would be this special? Well I’m sure people thought at first that a “little movie about Facebook” last year wouldn’t be so great either.

But as was the case for “The Social Network,” “Moneyball” took a muddled process and made into something special. It’s an excellent baseball film (or technically, “behind-baseball” film) with a real sense of both the game and the mathematics that these characters use to create a team based on on-base percentage. Great leading performance by Brad Pitt, and a surprisingly well-done supporting performance by Jonah Hill.

1. Take Shelter—This is an excellent film, the second film by writer-director Jeff Nichols after “Shotgun Stories.” It brings about a subject that is an envelopment of mankind—fear. The film—about a man reacting extremely to his fears—is inspired, unpredictable, chilling, masterfully made, wonderfully acted (especially by Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain), well executed, and intriguing. Am I leaving anything out here? Only this—this is my pick for the absolute best film of 2011.

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Literacy Project AmeriCorps Members Take Part in 2102 MLK Day of Service

Martin Luther King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” AmeriCorps members from the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project participated in the 26th annual Martin Luther King National Day of Service, an opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. King. The National Day of Service is led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America, and other national service initiatives. Day Of Service, billed as “A Day on, Not a Day Off,” inspires volunteer projects in communities across the United States.

AmeriCorps member Shelly Seymore and her eight-year-old twins, Erin

Stroud. “Their enthusiasm for teaching others through the Literacy Project is admirable, and their willingness to contribute to other organizations on this Day of Service further demonstrates what an asset they are to the community.”

Seymore and Carpenter tutor adult students who are learning to read or who are learning English with the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project. The Literacy Project serves Independence, Sharp and Fulton Counties. For more information about the Literacy Project, visit literacyindependence.org or call (870) 793-5912. For more information about the MLK Day of Service, visit http://mlkday.gov/. N

A. and Ian, helped sort canned goods at Batesville’s Help and Hope, an Arkansas Foodbank site. AmeriCorps member Matthew Carpenter made new four-legged friends at the Humane Society of Independence County. “Shelly and Matthew are serving their community at a time when many have a pressing need for support from their neighbors,” said Literacy Project director Nicole

B. A. Shelly Seymore with twins Erin and Ian B. Matthew Carpenter

February 2012 | 37

Eye On Homes Home in Independence Joseph Thomas

We’ve decided to look at Independence County as this month’s home and because of everyone that calls it home. Not that we are immune from the decline, what with the loss of at least seven restaurants and four more businesses in the last six months. On the other hand, we have the new Paul H. “Rocky” Wilmuth Sport Shooting Complex, a steady stream of ribbon cuttings, and a proposed scenic River Walk.

The men and women in this area are seen all over as they tirelessly volunteer for cause after cause. We see them everywhere and the character we encounter on a daily basis is inspiring. It is this that truly makes a home worth coming back to and so we do, again, and again.

Just like a house, when the roof leaks you fix it. If the lawn needs cutting, you mow the grass and keep it neat and attractive

the remodel this home needs; with indoor walking track, indoor heated therapy and lap pools as well as an indoor splash pad for year round use. New and large meeting facilities for the area’s clubs and businesses are a nice window dressing on top of giving our Baseball Moms

because you care. We spread the good word of all that happens in Independence County because one good deed leads to another. In this vein, we decided to take a look at the 2012 Community Development Initiative. This completed project could be

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and Dads the luxury of better and more centralized facilities while saving them the commute from Fitzhugh Park to the North Complex. Which of our children wouldn’t want a birthday party at the Water Park with all of their friends? The value of our home would be greatly increased with multi-purpose facilities ready for every occasion with access to a commercial kitchen.

A Multi-Purpose Community Center at Fitzhugh Park will house three basketball courts that will serve as a concert hall/auditorium for multi-purpose use.

It will include four large meeting/conference rooms,

multimedia equipped board room, two racquetball courts, and an aerobic workout room.

Fitzhugh Park would be improved with new outdoor aquatic facilities for summer use, including a water slide, wading pool, dive pool, and a lazy river.

There would be sports facility improvements included that would consist of consolidating baseball and softball to one location by building seven fields at the North Complex to replace the Fitzhugh Park Fields. Soccer fields would be moved to Hayes Property, just South of UACCB. Of course, this is only possible with passage of a 1/2 cent temporary sales tax to build and another 1/2 cent permanent sales tax to maintain. The election will take place in March. No one enjoys the thought of adding taxes to their already tight budget, but if we don’t invest in our home, who will?

At least that is an easy question to answer...No one.

The best part is that recreational parks in Paragould and Heber Springs prove that these facilities would most likely pay for themselves within a few years. A home remodel that pays for itself by generating its own revenue and gives us all something more to look forward to. What more could we ask for? N

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February 2012 | 39