Eye On Independence March 2017

Eye On Independence Chia Seeds

Family Violence Prevention Celebrates 30 Years

Communication Between Divorced Parents and Schools

March 2017

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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.

12

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

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

In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note Marched

10/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Schools and Divorce

12/ Cover Story

30 Years of Family Violence Prevention

18/ Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute Reading: A Quality of a Good Leader

29/ Art Work in Progress

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.

16 19

Bruce Oakly

32/ Tasty Talk

Chia Seed: Benefits

34/ Seniors, can we talk?

Claim Questions

35/ Cherri Design Light

36/ Adventures in Arkansas Another Local Treasure

37/ Notes from the Clearing Drag’n

38/ Smith’s Verdict ***1/2 Straight Outta Compton

39/ Thyme Enough

Rheadene’s Bread

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

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: Corning Publishing Company

WWW.KENTSFIRESTONE.COM 1316 E. Main, “at ST. Louis and Main”

Editor’s Note Marched

Joseph Thomas Into the marching tides we go, with the joy of the journey in our strides.

Welcome to this third month of two thousand and seventeen. We hope you and yours are very well.

We are pleased to tell you what the following pages have in store for you: Leigh Keller discusses schools and divorced parents, Hannah Rogers speaks Chia Seeds, Cherri Rodgers talks

of Light and Nelson & Sandy Barnett teach us how to bake Rheadene’s Bread. I have the honor of sharing the 30th Anniversary of Family Violence Prevention, Caroline Beauchamp asks if you have any Claim Questions, Tanner Smith reviews Straight Outta Compton, we have OIRM news, Karin Mohlke shares another local treasure, we have many press releases, local faces and so much more. So, please read on and we wish you the best of March!

N photo by Robert O. Seat

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March 2017 7

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8 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

HARLEM AMBASSADORS COMING TO BATESVILLE FVP

Hoops and hijinks are coming to Batesville, AR on March 24 when our very own local challengers, the FVP Community Team, take on the Harlem Ambassadors in a comedy basketball show the whole family will enjoy.

The show starts at 6 p.m. at the Batesville High School Gymnasium, 1 Pioneer Drive.

Event proceeds benefit Family Violence Prevention to raise money for the non-profit’s program of work for the year.

"We have scoured the region for skilled – and sometimes unskilled – players to take on the powerful Ambassadors," said Stacey Treadway, event organizer. "What our team lacks in skill, they make up for in heart. Buy your tickets today and you'll be able to witness how our enthusiastic local talent stacks up against the Ambassadors. It's going to be a match-up we won't soon forget."

The FVP Community Team includes Daniel Martin, Joseph Skaggs, Shannon Clark, Ernie Childress, Colby Felts, Justin Felts, Wesley Shaver, Tyler Bramlett, April Ward, Jordan Akins, Chris Hardin and Jeff Sims.

The Harlem Ambassadors' show features highflying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks, hilarious comedy, music, dancing, games with kids in the audience, and free autographs after the show.

The Harlem Ambassadors have performed more than 2,800 comedy basketball shows as fundraising and community entertainment events for non-profit

organizations, the U.S. military and community service groups since 1998. These events have helped raise over $10 million for communities in 50 states and 20 countries. The Ambassadors have appeared at Pearl Harbor, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sarejevo, Korea, Japan, the Marshall Islands, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Georgia, Mexico, Germany, England and Canada. Learn more about the Ambassadors' team, history and tour schedule at www. harlemambassadors.com.

“We're proud to give communities quality family entertainment that parents, grandparents and kids can enjoy together and make memories that last a lifetime,” Harlem Ambassadors president Dale Moss said. "Even people who aren't basketball fans love our show because it's two hours of fun and laughter for a great cause. Plus, where else can you see your neighbor, your co-worker, your granddaughter's coach, or your son's teacher play against professional athletes? This is an event you do not want to miss."

Tickets are on sale at www.fvp30.brownpapertickets. com /react-text or you visit Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, W.R.D. Entertainment, and the FVP office. For more information, contact fvp2943@gmail. com or call 870-793-4011. The event is sponsored by Bad Boy Mowers, Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, FutureFuel, and many others.

N March 2017 9

Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Schools and Divorce

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.

As a single mama, the navigation of the school system can be tricky, but, I do understand that Cole has a daddy, and no matter our relationship, he deserves to know what is going on with Cole at school too. Since Cole is still little, this communication can be pretty simple, and honestly, if I know what is going on, I also tell him, since it is “fair” to be on the same page. It is in Cole’s best interest to have everyone be on the same page. I am guilty of over-communicating at times (if you are someone who I text, you know this, my apologies).

Since I work with high school kids and families, I understand that as a child gets older, and has more activities and more teachers, this relationship only gets more and more complicated (as does life for everyone!).

Here are some pointers for schools and for divorced parents, from a single mama and a high school counselor (I cannot imagine how complicated my life will be when Cole is in high school and I am his counselor, pray for him, ha).

1. Does your child’s teacher know your custody arrangement? Does the school administrative assistant?

You really cannot assume that the school knows what your custody and visitation arrangement is. It is in your and your child’s best interest to communicate with both your school office and your children’s teachers.

We have a set schedule for drop off and pick up, so that Cole has the comfort of structure (I need structure as an adult, and your mini me needs it too). The school knows that they can communicate with either Cole’s dad or me, but also that if they communicate with me, I will share with him (because I am a grown person, and they expect me to behave like one, take note). On the

junior high and high school level (and also elementary school), your child will have multiple teachers. So GO TO OPEN HOUSE AND PT CONFERENCES. Do it. Just go. Those hard-working people are many things, often times parents themselves, and pretty much parenting every kid they teach, but they are NOT all-knowing.

They do not have time to walk up to the office and ask who they should be emailing. They will more than likely love to have knowledge of your situation, because it will help make their lives easier, and we like to make teachers’ lives easier. From the parent standpoint, while it is great if parents communicate with each other, sometimes they simply do not. I would suggest having both email addresses or phone numbers on hand to request a meeting or communicate with home. Maybe have a Remind 101 for all parents, so that everyone has the ability to sign up to get the same messages. Cole’s teachers have always done an excellent job of making information accessible to both of us, and having two copies of everything. While it may not be the easiest thing for teachers to do, it is easier to push “2” on the copier than to maybe convey the message to parents that they are not a “normal family”.

2. Get involved with your child’s school. Being a single parent sometimes means doing it all by yourself, but make time to go to school events, like PTO meetings, special lunchtime with your little one, or classroom parties. I work with a fabulous group of single mamas, and I tell them that when they don’t know where to turn and they feel overwhelmed, they need to turn to Jesus, and put all of their focus on being the best mama they can be. You cannot lose when you focus all of your energy on your child, not another relationship other than your child. Schools will work with who works with them, remember that. If they know you, and know you are working with them and not against them, you will all be on the same page. From the school point of

10 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

view, providing parent events where all parents can be involved, with morning and evening activities, ensures the highest level of success for your students. Kids with parents who are involved in school do so much better academically and socially in the long run.

3. Have a written homework planner and guide.

Most schools have online gradebooks now, and that is the easiest and best way for parents to stay on track of their child’s progress. Parents have the same log in, which should be easily accessible to parents via the teacher. An online version of assignments for younger grades will benefit everyone, not just divorced parents.

Families are so busy now, and going in different directions, so having one place for everything would help all parties involved.

4. Get over it. Personally I understand the pain of divorce. I get it. It hurts. But as time passes, parents have to make the effort to put your child first, and engage the other parent in a business type relationship. Remove the emotion, and NEVER argue about situations in front of your child. Chances are, your child is painfully aware of your situation, and that mommy and daddy do not live together, now they crave the stability of a happy, functioning home (or two, in our case). So it is your job as the grown person to give that to them. As a counselor, when I know the family is a divorced parent situation, it is simple for me to email both parents with the same information, or make two phone calls. I would prefer if parents can contact one another, but I understand in the early stages of divorce that is not a possibility.

5. If you feel stuck and overwhelmed turn to some counsel with a friend or professional (or single mama group at your church, hint hint). Someone has been in the chapter you are living. All of this advice is null and void if you are leaving an abusive situation, or the child has a protective order against the other parent, on one last note. If a crime against the child has been committed, you have to, HAVE TO, inform the school immediately, for so many reasons. In a single parent situation, I have found that the school can be one of our biggest cheerleaders. More communication is always a good thing!! N

      

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Cover Story

30 Years of Family Violence Prevention 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.

Patty Duncan is a beautiful example of what is right with Independence County. As she is a brilliant example of a powerful woman, who can fight to change her own life for the better. One that can then stand up for the rights of others who need support in doing the same for themselves. She recently contacted us and wanted to recognize the wonderful women who have made Family Violence Prevention, Inc. possible; those that fight for the rights of men and women to live a violent free life. I wanted to recognize her for what she has accomplished in this community and thank her for being a grand example for the women in my life. And I also want to join her in the celebration of the work that preceded her to make such an organization possible.

Patty Duncan shared the following: Celebrating 30 years is quite an accomplishment for any business. In 1986, a group of concerned “co-workers” were faced with seeing someone trapped in an abusive situation and didn’t know how they could help. Collectively, they decided that women and children seeking refuge needed a place where safety was the primary goal. With strong support from the community and dedication, Family Violence Prevention, Inc. has grown into an exemplary program with two domestic violence shelters, Batesville

Patty Duncan

Rape Crisis Center, an Outreach Office and the Fresh Start Resale Shop. The primary mission is to empower victims and provide a full range of supportive services and to educate about the crimes of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

After much research and time, the process was completed and the first domestic violence shelter was opened in Batesville in March 1987. This was a small two bedroom home that was once located on Oak and 9th Streets. This task was accomplished by the first Family Violence Prevention, Inc. Executive Director, Ms. Betty Scott. She was from the Marion County area and she heard about the new domestic violence program in Batesville while attending a meeting at the Arkansas Coalition Against Violence to Women and Children, now called the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Ms. Scott worked diligently to help raise awareness, even testifying on the Governor’s Committee of Domestic Violence in the late 1980’s.

The original shelter was named “Safehaven” by the first survivor to hold a position on Family Violence Prevention, Inc. Board of Directors, Ms. Cindy Perky and holds the name today.

Ms. Debbie Eubanks was the second Executive Director. Ms. Eubanks held the position for a short time.

Mrs. Deborah Shaver was the third Executive Director and held that title longer than any other Executive Director to date. Not only was Mrs. Shaver an accomplished director, but came back on two occasions as interim director during transitional periods and served as the bookkeeper until she decided it was time to focus on retirement and family time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Shaver was the leading force of the program through not one but two shelter relocations. Each time growing the capacity of the shelter to provide additional space for victims who continued to come forward and seek services.

Ms. Lynne Barber, the fourth Executive Director, started with FVP as a volunteer and after a year or so was asked by the Board of Directors if she would be interested in applying for the position being vacated by Mrs. Shaver.

With ten employees and the help of many, she and her staff opened the Fresh Start Resale Shop in 2004, which was located at the end on Main Street for many years. The store received its name from the hardworking staff. The store was made possible by a lot of hard work and a grant from ConAgra for $25,000. Fresh Start Resale Shop is still a source of financial sustainability for Family Violence Prevention, Inc. today.

Mrs. Monica White was the fifth Executive Director until December 2007 after several years and positions with FVP. She started as a volunteer, was hired as the

12 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Child Advocate, worked as a pharmaceutical advocate in the courthouse helping get medications covered and was Mrs. Barber’s Assistant Director. She left her position as the Executive Director and went to work at the Batesville National Guard Armory as the Civilian DoD Contractor.

Ms. Twyliah Acklin was the sixth Executive Director.

She also held the positions of Volunteer Coordinator and Sexual Assault Victims Services Coordinator before returning as director. She gained and shared her ever growing knowledge about domestic violence and sexual assault with her staff and those she interacted with in the community. Ms. Acklin researched and wrote for funding to increase options for employees benefits. She is still very passionate about the cause.

Ms. Rebecca Estep was the seventh to hold the Executive Director position. During Ms. Estep’s time she doubled the annual revenue. This was a monumental accomplishment since federal funding is always unpredictable. She relocated the Fresh Start Resale Shop to its current location which is more visible and larger thus increasing sales. By increasing the revenue she was able to increase the number of staff who can provide services. Ms. Estep directed the first Dinner and Silent Auction fundraiser which continued for seven years. She also worked to increase employee benefits.

She is currently The Executive Director of the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association.

Mrs. Patty Duncan is the current Executive Director.

She started as the Sexual Assault Victims Services Coordinator, was the Assistant Director under Ms. Estep and has held the Executive Director position since February 2013. Under Mrs. Duncan’s leadership a vehicle was purchased to provide transportation for victims during their stay in the program, many updates at Safehaven Shelter including new windows and siding, a complete remodel of the kitchen area and installed an ADA compliant bathroom. Another transition was relocating the Outreach Office to a four room suite in the courthouse to provide more private services for those seeking Orders

of Protection. The most significant accomplishment has been to open the Taylor House Domestic Violence Shelters for Men. This the first of its kind, in the nation, specifically for male victims. The Taylor House has been providing emergency shelter since October 2015.

Family Violence Prevention, Inc. has been fortunate to benefit from hardworking staff, great leadership and direction from past and current Board of Directors. Our efforts to end domestic violence would not be possible without community support.

Family Violence Prevention, Inc. will be hosting their 30th Anniversary Fundraiser on March 24, 2017 at Batesville High School Gymnasium starting at 6pm. The Harlem Ambassadors will be playing local celebrities for a dazzling ball-handling tricks, high-flying slam dunks and hilarious family comedy. Tickets are only $10 each (kids 4 and under free) and 100% proceeds go to Family Violence Prevention, Inc. and will support continuing services for victims of violence. Tickets can be purchased at WRD Entertainment, local banks, Fresh Start Resale Shop, or the Outreach Office located in the courthouse at 192 E. Main Street, Batesville. You can also call 870-793-4011 for more information.

This event is being sponsored by BadBoy Mowers, Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, Future Fuel and many other businesses.

Two directors were not present for the photo shoot; Betty Eubanks and Rebecca Estep.

N

Monica White

Debbie Shaver

Twyliah Acklin

Lynne Barber

Don’t forget about the Harlem Ambassadors, Friday March 24th at 6 p.m. at the Batesville High School Gymnasium. Tickets are $10 and can be picked up at Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, WRD Entertainment, the FVP Fresh Start Resale Shop and FVP Office. Kids 4 and under free. See a great game with tricks aplenty and help a great cause. All proceeds go to Family Violence Prevention, Inc.

Betty Scott Patty Duncan

14 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

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UACCB to offer Microsoft Excel training Hannah Keller Flanery

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s Community and Technical Education department is partnering with Rhonda Williams Byrd to offer a series of three one-day workshops in Microsoft Excel Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Rhonda Williams Byrd of Nightwing Consulting has extensive experience teaching computer applications.

Level 1 will be taught March 14. This class will focus on the basics of Excel. The course covers entering and formatting numbers and text, ranges, copying and moving data, basic formulas, data entry short-cuts like filling in a range, auto sum, auto complete and auto fill, relative and absolute cell references, searching the help feature, formatting and printing.

Level 2 will be taught March 28. This class covers large workbooks with multiple worksheets, 3D formulas, more advanced formulas for financial, logical and date questions, Excel as a datasheet (database table), including sorting and filtering, charts, comments and hyperlinks.

Level 3 will be taught April 11. This class covers how to use Excel for a variety of problem-solving tasks. Included are using Excel as a database, utilizing conditional formatting, data validation, the data table, outlining and subtotaling, paste special with

calculations, consolidating, programmatic formulas and pivot tables and scenarios.

Williams Byrd, a Batesville native, has over 20 years of experience as a corporate trainer and business coach.

She is also a specialist in instruction of underserved markets.

Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the UACCB Main Campus building in room 222. The cost is $69 each. For more information or to register, email communityed@uaccb.edu or call 870-612-2082.

Also:

Root Cause Analysis – This course focuses on incident investigation, regardless of the line of work. Emphasis is placed on causalities so that each issue is approached from every possible angle. Employees leave with methods and strategies to better address situations in any workplace setting. The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 1-3 in the UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 917. The cost is $250. Call 870-6122080 for more information.

OSHA 30 – Think Safe, Work Safe! This course will provide an OSHA 30 credential in either construction or industry.

Instruction is provided by FutureFuel Chemical Company.

The course will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 11-14 in Independence Hall, room 102 at UACCB. The cost is $250. Call 870-612-2080 for more information.

N March 2017 15

Beginning new Beds Don Lemley

So you are thinking about starting a new bed?

Before you break soil for any new bed there are a few things to consider and hopefully this will help you in the process.

Obviously you know why you are considering a new project, but let's look at a few things before you break any ground.

Location: hat is possibly underneath the surface is very important. Consider if the area you are looking at is a utility right of way, and if there are existing utilities already there. If you do not know contact your utility companies and they can help. They will most likely provide you with a phone number of a contractor that locates and marks underground utilities for you, and this service is usually free. Now back to the location, this is important for many reasons. I will name a few, there may be more but I will cover the ones that come to mind.

Access and water: They are equally important to me because if your spot is easily accessible but has no water, how are you going to get water to your plants when they need water?

Or if water is available but access is a problem how will you get equipment into the garden or bed area if that is required to complete your project? You are going to need access to bring in enrichments for the soil most likely as well as materials for raised beds or retaining structures in some cases.

Location as related to amount of sun and length of sunshine you will receive during the day should be considered. Morning sun or evening sun can make a difference as well. vegetables as a general rule like morning sun more than evening sun. Morning sun warms and nurtures small growing plants, whereas evening sun will usually burn or scald young plants as well as the toughest as a general rule.

Take in account the orientation of rows and the natural fall of the landscape. If you have decided your new spot is going to have rows consider again the sun.

Those rows that run more generally North and South receive more equal amounts of sun during the day.

The fall or slope of landscape can be critical because of washing or erosion of your soil. If the slope is too great, retaining blocks or structure may be necessary (retaining walls or structures should be researched if they are going to be very high). Hopefully you have chosen a plot that needs little or no retaining materials. There is another important characteristic that I almost forgot and I had to include somewhere and that is, is your soil well drained and high or low and wet during spring planting and preparation time? If it is wet and soggy it will be boggy and sticky and it will only be suitable for late planting of vegetables.

Next item about location is size, and visibility. The amount of space you want may be too large for you

to properly care for. If the plot is too large to manage usually it will not be very enjoyable to deal with nor will it most likely be very attractive. Start small and enlarge as time and resourses permit. If your plot is a comfortable size to work in the amount of time you can give, it will give you satisfaction of a job well done, as well as get you some good compliments from your envious friends.

Soil Condition If you are fortunate enough to live in this area of Independence County you are blessed with those hard objects which vary in size to that of a pea to the size of vehicles called rocks. You have to deal with them as best as you can. This may mean choosing a new location or just moving a few boulders. I trust you will be able to get that done. Unfortunately there is also grass sod and possibly weeds to deal with as well.

There are several ways to take care of grass or weeds. Some people just use weed and grass killer to handle this. I however do not recommend this method.

I will not address that here but just had to include that I do not recommend nor use this method.

If you have equipment such as a lawn mower, brush hog and tractor, try to cut any vegetation as short as possible. Rake and remove this to your compost pile or start a compost pile. Now you have to decide to use tiller or tractor and plow, or depending on size maybe just a shovel or turning fork, either way I prefer to get the soil broken or turned to disturb the root system of existing plants and grass. If your preferred plants are to grow they need to be able to grow without the competition of any other plant life. Cultivation or regular hoeing to keep grass at bay is a must. This is when you will appreciate that you chose to do a small plot.

The trick to good soil is organic materials. Those could be as simple as adding kitchen scraps of different foods but refrain from using any meats, grease or products that could cause animals to come to the area and dig or forage for food.

Take advantage of as much organic material as possible to help build your soil. Commercial fertilizer will help, but any biodegradable products that are suitable for garden use, actually helps with the structure of the soil. Work to make your soil happy and you will make your plants happy! Feeding your soil is actually feeding your plants. You can turn these materials into the soil before planting or just spread them on the surface and work them as you can. Continue to add organic matter because it will constantly be used by plants and broken down.

Another idea to protect the bed area is, do not walk in the beds. This will compact the soil and close the pores which in turn could damage the root system of your plants. This also prevents the soil from draining as well. Where possible reach into the bed area to tend plants instead of walking in them, or provide stepping

16 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

stones or create a path through the beds to assist in reaching the plants. Then there is soil testing. This can be done by gathering soil and getting it to your Cooperative Extension Service, or there are do-it-yourself test kits available at big box stores or nurseries in your area. Usually this service is free when done though the Cooperative Extension Service. Your samples need to be randomly taken from across your beds. Remove the sod layer so as to not include grass roots or foreign matters. Dig about 4 to 6 inches deep in a few areas, mix soil well, and carry about a quart of soil in a clean bag or solid box so as to not create a mess for your local extension office to clean up. This is a service provided free, so please be considerate of those providing this service. Keep in mind that in the early spring the farmers will be sending samples of crop and farmlands for testing so be patient on getting your results, or provide them with samples in late fall or early winter. Soil should be dry, Please do not bring soggy or wet soil in for samples.

There are other possible ways and means of creating new beds, this is primarily how I have created the ones I have. I suggest you do research on other methods and choose the one that appeals best to you. Experiment with different techniques and procedures that are available then share your experience with others.

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tickets.asun.edu March 2017 17

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

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

Myers-Davis Life Coaching Institute Reading: A Quality of a Good Leader

Everyone comes into this world being dependent.

There are few things we can accomplish by ourselves at birth (like breathing and moving) but we are at the core of our being someone who is dependent on others. That means we learn how to walk and talk from others. It’s just a part of life. We learn in different ways but our concern here is not how but that we learn. Education is an important part of life. Those who are robbed of a decent education are robbed of one of the most important things in life. Of course, I am speaking now of formal education but we need also to understand that learning is a skill needed for life and should not be thought of as “done” when we graduate school.

Life teaches us in many ways. Our parents teach what is needed to survive in our world and the world teaches us what is useful and not useful. But one particular skill in life that is most useful is reading. Reading expands our mind and helps open up to the reader a number of possibilities they may have never known before. Tragically there are those in life who can’t read; i.e., they have never been taught. But more tragic than that is a person who can read but doesn’t. Why is that? Reading gives us the ability to capture the mind of the author(s) and learn from them. Many times it is the boiling down of information of a life time and is served to us with words that inform, instruct and inspire. I’ve heard some brag saying they had not read one book since high school. Another told me they went through college and never cracked open a book. I told both how sorry I was that they robbed themselves of being better developed and better prepared to make a significant contribution to life by not learning more.

Suppose someone who was serving you in the medical field bragged that they never read anymore? How about your tax advisor; they tell you it’s just such a hassle to keep up with the laws because they are changed so often that they just don’t worry about reading any more concerning tax law?

Those who would lead need to read. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Leaders are readers.” I think I would agree.

This disclaimer, not all readers are leaders, but all good leaders read. It’s just an important fact of leadership. It is not that leaders read; but what they read that is important.

I like to ask different leaders with whom I interact, “What books are you reading?” What is the most significant book you have read in the past year? Five years? Ten years? And I often come away with information about something I have missed and go immediately to purchase it. You see, if I respect the person enough to be speaking with them about this, I respect their advice about something they have read that has proved to be of value. I am constantly reading several books at a time. But I do not have time to read everything, so I try to choose wisely on what books I give my time.

It’s really simple. We try to teach that if you just read ten pages a night (just ten) you can read a 300 page book in a month. If you did just half of that (5 pages night) you could read most any book that is significant in any market.

If you read one book a month for a year, how much better would you be at leading your organization?

Personal growth does not happen by accident. It only comes when a person, with specific intent, deliberately participates in doing something that causes that to happen.

I would suggest that reading good, well-written books that inform, motivate and inspire is a good habit to form. Start it today.

Myers-Davis Life Coaching and Business Consultants is promoting the beginning of an Executive Book Club for Batesville and the surrounding area. Participants will be reading a book each month and meeting at a luncheon to discuss its application in life and in the work place.

The details are still being worked out but if you have an interest, please call 870-307-1004 or 501-207-1301 for more information or email myersdavis@myersdavis.com and let us know.

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Unity Health Run Lizard Creek challenge added to PortFest Julie Allen

The 2017 PortFest Festival organizers have announced a new event to this year’s event. The Unity Health Run Lizard Creek 5k obstacle challenge will be held at PortFest on June 10 at Jacksonport State Park near Newport.

A sponsorship by Unity Health Harris Medical Center will bring this exciting new event to PortFest. Run Lizard Creek will develop the course that includes 20+ mud obstacles to run, climb, swing, and slip and slide through.

The race route will begin in the pecan grove adjacent to Jacksonport State Park and end just inside the festival gates thanks to a partnership with HoldenConner Farms.

Event cost is $65 per person, which includes registration for the course, an armband for entrance to PortFest for Saturday, June 10, a Run Lizard Creek t-shirt and dog tag. The event is open to anyone 18 years of age and older. Corral times will start at 9 a.m. on June 10.

Additional waves will be sent off in 15 minute increments until all registered participants have entered the course.

Online registration is now open at www.raceroster.com. If registering the day of the event, a particular wave time is not guaranteed. A time will be assigned that has not reached capacity.

For more information, contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-523-3618.

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Kennadi Pretty March 2017 19

Thompson’s Jewelry Serving you since 1924 870-793-7136 255 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown Batesville Where your hometown jeweler should be

TION C A S N TRA TROL CON

Member

FDIC

20 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Share Your Special Event With Us @ eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

March 2017 21

Local Faces

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1.) Students at Central Magnet now have a new club option, The Robotics Club. Mr. Jody Tosh, Computer Lab instructor, is in charge of the group that has been working with a Legos Robotics obstacle course. Each Robot that the students build will be used on the course and expected to perform a task. During the competitions they are also timed. He hopes to have all the Robots built and ready for the course by the end of the year.

First image, Nick Whiteaker(left), Dylan Hernandez, and Kaleb Young are working on Lifting Robots, Cameleon Robots, and Moving Robots. The Second image shows Nick Whiteaker(left) and Dylan Hernandez working to complete their robots for the Legos Course. The third image is of Trevor Finnie on the floor using the design layout sheets to put his Robot together.

2.) Central 4-H Club made Valentine cards for the Staff at Central Magnet.

First, Violet Page gave Sherry Rounds a Valentines Card for her and the other custodians, Mr. Kenny Smith and Johnny Babb at Central Magnet. Next, Allie Brinkley gave Secretary, Kitty Wilson (sitting) and bookkeeper, Amy Willis a Valentine Card from the Central Magnet 4-H Club. And last, Kaitlin Johnson(left) and Ainsley Stolarik present Valentine Cards to the Cafeteria Staff at Central Magnet from the 4-H Club. In the picture from left is Renae King, Jonathan Smith, Linda Tharp, Peggy Tally, Ethel Neeley, Alberta Watkins, and Kim Holder

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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

Perfect Attendance The students at Central Magnet who had perfect attendance for the first semester: Emily Bishop - K , Griffin Vickers - K , Tucker Bruce - 1 , Kolton Rogers - 1 , Yenner Figueroa - 2 , Garet Garth - 2 , Briley Pulliam - 2 , Nora Willitte - 2 , Carmen Figueroa - 3 , Yuridia Ochoa - 3 , Shaylee Vickers - 3 , Ethan Insell - 4 , Jackson Insell - 4 , Alec Malin - 4 , Cynthia Martinez - 4 , Ainsley Stolarik - 4 , Moriah Beyer - 5 , Anslee Brewer - 5 , August Gray - 5 , Tye Needham - 5 , Alexander Tenace - 5 , Erik Carroza - 6 , Alaina Cooley - 6 , Angeleika Epting - 6 , McKenna Stolarik - 6 , Nick Whiteaker - 6.

22 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

1.

1.) Central Magnet Immigrant Tutor, Doris Aleman, gave four of her students Reading Award Certificates for reaching their reading goal for the number of books they have read. Receiving certificates were from left 6th grader- Yolanda Ordonez, 5th grader- Yeyson Perez, 2nd grader- Deisi Borrayer, and 1st grader- Dareily Lopez.

2.) First, Grace hill on the left and Ally Brinkley are making Valentine cards from the 4-H Club to the Staff and Principal at Central School. Below that, Yesenia Baca(Left), Ricki Gordon(standing), and Faith Bales are making Valentine cards for the Staff at school and for the nursing homes in our area. The bigger image shows the Central 4-H club who recently had an afternoon snack of salad made from ingredients grown in their own garden at school. Pictured with the salad are from left Katie Griffis, Callie Moffitt, Grace Hill(back), Lindsey Sinele, Abby Fraley(back), Faith Bales, Violet Page(back), and McKenna Stolarik.

3.) Eagle Mountain Magent participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Hearts and Hoops for Hearts fundraisers on Valentine’s Day. These events benefit the American Heart Association and allow our students excellent opportunities to learn about the heart and how to be “Heart Heroes.”​​Thousands of dollars are raised each year for this organization’s education and research projects. In part with the event, Eagle Mountain students learned how keep their hearts healthy and to help those around them do the same.

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March 2017 23

1.) Doris Qualls returned to her alma mater at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville on January 9 to join the registered nursing faculty.

Qualls is originally from a small town in the Knoxville, Tennessee area but now lives in Batesville. She received her practical nursing degree in 2010 and her registered nursing degree in 2011, both from UACCB, and her bachelor’s of science in nursing at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro in 2015. Qualls was one of the first students to enjoy classes in the Nursing and Allied Health building at UACCB. She is currently working toward her master’s degree in nursing education from Walden University.

Qualls said she “fell into nursing.” It wasn’t really on her radar until after helping a friend when some medical issues arose. Now she is very passionate about promoting health in others and teaching others to be successful in their field.

“The field of nursing is multifaceted. To be a nurse, you take on a great role. You have to be caring, compassionate and have an abundance of integrity. You have to do the right thing by humanity,” Qualls said.

Marietta Candler, division chair of nursing and allied health, said she believes that Qualls, “will be a valuable member of the NAH team and a valuable resource for students.”

Qualls’ hobbies include boating at Bull Shoals where she and her husband own a summer home she also loves to travel. Her first trip west of Arkansas was to see her son graduate from Marine Corps basic training in San Diego, California. She said she and her husband track where they have traveled on a map and her goal is to travel to all 50 states.

She also enjoys music, dancing and singing karaoke.

She describes her ability to have a “lyric for every situation” as a “useless talent.” - by Erica Tilley

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Doris Qualls

2.) Nathaniel “Nate” Pyle joined the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville staff January 17 as the new director of academic advising.

Dr. Brian Shonk, vice chancellor for academic affairs, said throughout the hiring process, Pyle’s application consistently stood out to the search committee. “It was evident during the selection process that Nate is student focused and has a passion for higher education,” Shonk said.

Originally from Jonesboro, Nate received his bachelor’s degree in history from Lyon College and his master’s degree in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University. He is currently working toward his doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Pyle said he knew he wanted to work in higher education since the beginning of his college career and dreams of ultimately serving as president or chancellor of a college or university.

Pyle was previously the director of campus and community relations at Arkansas State University at Beebe. He also served as an academic coordinator for the TRIO program and an accreditation coordinator in the office of academic affairs during his years there.

While working at ASU-Beebe, Pyle had opportunities to interact with several UACCB employees. “I was impressed with how helpful and friendly everybody is,” he said of his first impression of campus. “The campus is like ‘Cheers.’ It’s a campus where everybody knows your name, including the chancellor.”

Even though school and work do take up most of his time, Pyle enjoys watching documentaries and exploring new music in his spare time.

He and his wife, Madeline, have been married since September 2015, and he jokingly said their only child was their cat, Catherine. - by Erica Tilley

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Nathanial Pyle

@

www.mybatesville.org

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1.) Central Magnet has a new club called the Yum, Yum Cooking Club. Mrs. Lisa Headley is having the class once a week after school and they are learning to make simple, easy recipes. The week of Valentines Day they made treats and every 30 minutes they awarded a treat for some child in the school. Estefany Reyes(left) and Erik Carroza are looking over some of the ingredients for making mini pizzas.

2.) The Batesville High School Drama Department is pleased to announce their spring production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. This musical romantic comedy will be presented on Friday and Saturday nights, March 10th and 11th at 7:00pm and on Sunday afternoon, March 12th at 2:00pm in the Batesville School District Auditorium on 9th and Water Street. The admission price is $5.00 per person.

This family friendly production is the story of a small- town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City in the roaring 20’s with the intention of marrying for money instead of love, a thoroughly modern aim in 1922. This fan favorite is filled with beautiful songs and crowd pleasing dance numbers and was awarded a Tony for being the Best Musical of 2002.

The play is directed by BHS drama teacher, Sandra Hays, with the assistance of Claire Thomas. Peyton Olson is the choreographer. The title role will be played by Raegan Sikes and Carson Horton will play the male lead of Jimmy.

Other cast members include Anna Williams, Lexie Hughes, Kyle Rutherford, Kayllen Cox, Alyssa Bartmess, and Jake Ward. The Priscilla Girls are Amber Stanfield, Madalyn Willis, Alex Gibbs, Abigail Lowery, Kaycie Tarpley, Kristen Stout, Bri Liegel, Sierra Conner, and Mary Collins. All are invited to come and enjoy and support the efforts of this talented group of students.

February 6 - 10 was National Counselor’s Week. Sulphur Rock Elementary teachers and staff honored our counselor, Mary Eary, with a special cake and lunch on Friday. The students honored her with written messages hung outside their classrooms. The messages said, “I Love My Counselor because...” Students wrote messages of how Mrs. Mary helps them in many different ways throughout the year. Mrs. Tina Fowler’s class even designed a poster with descriptions of Mrs. Mary using the acronym “LIFESAVER.” March 2017 25

1.) Karla Wilson always knew she wanted to enter the nursing profession but said her career path took her in a direction she didn’t initially anticipate.

“Nursing is very niche rich. There’s a spot for almost everyone’s interests. I always knew it was something I wanted to do, but I didn’t take the path that I thought I would. The profession is very broad in the variety of opportunities available,” Wilson said.

The Strawberry High School graduate earned her associate’s degree in nursing in 1997 from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro. She worked in long-term care at Cave City Nursing Home and in cardiac step down providing post-operative care for heart patients at St. Bernard’s in Jonesboro. Wilson went on to work two years in home healthcare before taking a position with White River Medical Center where she worked for the next 15 years. She filled several leadership roles at WRMC including nurse manager of the psychiatric unit, nursing director for multiple nursing units and nurse manager for the medical-surgical units.

Wilson is now the registered nursing program online coordinator at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. She recently completed her master’s of science in nursing online from Chamberlain College of Nursing.

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Karla Wilson

“I always had in my mind that at some point I would teach. I wanted to complete my master’s because every level of nursing education opens new opportunities for you,” she said.

While Wilson was involved in workplace education, this is her first college teaching position.

“As an online student, I was interested in continuing to work in that environment, so the opportunity to teach online was perfect,” Wilson said. “As a nurse leader, I saw that online education is paramount for new nurses because it allows them to continue their education while working. My own online experience has prepared me to help my students thrive.”

Wilson said online education is the way of the future and encourages all students to consider it as an option.

“Nursing is a highly technical field, and online education helps build those technical skills. Any online education is doable. It requires dedication and being able to prioritize what is important, which are skills needed in any career,” she said.

Wilson and her husband, Dr. Michael Wilson, live in Cave City. They have four daughters, Emily, Polly-Beth, Mary-Kate and Bonnie, and two grandchildren, Nadylee and Smith. - by Hannah Keller Flanery

2.

Chelsea Savage Tim Crouch, Samuel Cobb and Brad Apple

Mary Parker and Danny Dozier

2.) Local musicians will gather for the ninth annual Friends in Great Places Concert at 7 p.m. March 4 at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.

The concert will be held at Independence Hall and promises two hours of entertainment.

Featured guests will include Danny Dozier, Pam Setser, Tim Crouch, Gary Rounds, Brad Apple, Kenny Loggains, Samuel Cobb and Irl Hess. Special guest this year will be Mary Parker and Chelsea Savage.

Setser, of Mountain View, will provide vocals, mountain dulcimer, spoons and guitar.

Crouch, of Strawberry, will play the fiddle, guitar, mandolin and bass. Rounds will be featured on vocals and guitar; Dozier on guitar; Apple on vocals, guitar and mandolin; Loggains on percussion; Cobb on the mandolin; and Hess on vocals and bass.

Parker is an 11-year-old musician that has been fiddling, dancing and singing over half of her life. She holds five state fiddle championship titles and 2016 was her fourth straight season to perform at the Ozark Folk Center. She also plays the mandolin, guitar, banjo, upright bass and piano.

Savage began singing publicly at the age of 2 ½ in church. In addition to singing, she plays the piano and guitar. She has written, recorded and promoted two albums as an independent artist. Her latest album, “Rambler,” was engineered and produced by Crouch. Her first performance in Nashville was at The Bluebird Café and in recent years, she has performed at Antique Archeology, also known as The American Pickers Store.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at the Batesville Daily Guard, Centennial Bank, First Community Bank, UACCB and WRD Entertainment.

The Friends in Great Places concert is the main fundraiser for Kids’ College and partial scholarships are provided to students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Kids’ College has proven to be a great asset to the community serving the youth in Independence and surrounding counties for more than 20 years. The

26 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Local Faces event is sponsored by UACCB, WRD Entertainment, Bad Boy Inc., Flowers Baking Company of Batesville, FutureFuel Chemical Company and Merchants and Planter Bank. - by Hannah Keller Flanery 3.) The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Medical Complex in Southside on Tuesday, January 31st of 2017 at 10:00 A.M. The new complex is located across from the airport at 1217 3.

Batesville Boulevard Batesville, AR 72501.

4.) Work in progress at Gallery 246 on Main Street.

5.) On Saturday, February 4th, local volunteer firefighters and other emergency personnel ventured into Cushman Blowing Cave duriing a cave rescue training exercise.

Led by the Nomads, a local team of experienced cavers, members of the Cushman, Ruddel Hill, and Bethesda fire departments got a glimpse of the extreme difficulties of a cave rescue operation.

These volunteers endured a two mile round trip through some of the toughest and most dangerous cave conditions Independence County has to offer.

Traversing precarious rock breakdowns, shouldertight crawls, and chest deep waterways, the group came to the realization o fhow problematic such a rescue would be.

Assistant Chief of the Cushman VFD, Rickie White, recalls his worry felt during the most recent caving incident back in August 2016, when three ASU students were lost in Blowing Cave. “After that incident, I knew that it was important for our local emergency personnel and cavers to form a team capable of responding to future cave rescue situations.�

4.

The colorful Gallery 246 sign, framed and hung by Norm's Custom Builder, now adorns the facade.

This exercise served as a prerequisite for an introductory course that will be taught by instructors from the National Cave Rescue Commision later this month.

Before embarking on a caving trip, please contact the local C.O.B.R.A. Grotto at Lyon College or the National Speleological Society for guidelines on safe and responsible caving. - by Kyle Christopher Booth flooring gets an overhaul from Norm's Custom Builder.

5.

More than two dozen artists display their work for sale at the gallery, 243 East Main, Batesville.

March 2017 27

(870) 569-8064

100 E. Main St. - Hist

There is room for you!

Call: Kimberlee (870) 252-0013 or email kthomas@eyeonmag.com

Queen Ann’s Lace Kim Gleghorn - Owner Mary Painter Floral Designer

We offer a variety of original floral designs, candy bouquets, balloon bouquets and a

Find Your Inner Wildflower...

selection of unique gift items.

Free gift wrap & delivery available.

Open: Tuesday - Friday 3pm & Saturday at 1pm

(870) 569-8180

220 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville

266 E. Main St. - Historic Downtown Batesville

Eagle Pest Management, LLC 1775 Porter Street Batesville, Arkansas

870-307-0582 Toll Free: 87-313-2453 Commercial and Residential Your Termite and Pest Control Services Specialist Serving North Central Arkansas Waymon Long - President wlong1@sbcglobal.net

Queen Ann’s Lace

Find Y our Inner W ildflow er...

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G N I SPR

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G N I SPR We offer a variety of original floral designs, candy bouquets, balloon bouquets and a selection of unique gift items. Free gift wrap & delivery available.

Kim Gleghorn Owner

(870) 569-8180 266 E. Main St. - Historic Downtown - Batesville

28 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Mary Painter Floral Designer

Art Work in Progress Bruce Oakly

Feeding creative energy into Batesville's downtown revival, Gallery 246 continues to shape its building into a haven for local artists and art lovers. The gallery opened in August 2015 at 243 East Main as an art collective, with artists renting monthly display space and sharing revenue from their sales. Artists also get to share studio work space, as well as their expertise in public classes and monthly children's sessions.

In its year and a half in the heart of downtown, Gallery 246 has been the grateful recipient of support and revitalization grants through local banks and the Batesville Downtown Foundation. Long-awaited facade work began just weeks ago with installation of the gallery sign replacing the boutique logo left by the previous tenant. Remodeling of booth space and finish work in the back-shop bathroom and utility area are proceeding. New lighting is coming soon in the front window display. Storage organization and ceiling improvements are the next targets.

Even with the grants, the collective makes do on a shoestring budget, all in the name of showcasing and supporting local creative talents. At any given time, the works of about two dozen member artists are available for sale, 9:30-5 Monday through Saturday. Artists who have a slow season cycle out of the displays and new members test the market at the modest rental rates. The gallery rotates member art through the front window display, aiming for maximum exposure with special attention to a "featured artist" for a month or two at a time. The artists also will work on commission if a patron finds a style or vision that particularly appeals.

Gallery 246 has no paid staff, so members take turns at the sales counter, with founder Aline McCracken a dedicated regular most often close at hand. "Miss Mac," as she is known to Batesville art students going back to the early 1980s, is the driving force behind the collective's gift of art to the community. Many, many area artists are her students or friends, and her connections run deep throughout Arkansas and well beyond. Her prolific portfolio of watercolors, guinea fowl images, sculpture, and more sells well, with the gallery's share helping to cover expenses. More important is her unending recruitment and discovery of new artists to join the collective.

Some of that recruiting and discovery comes through the gallery classes, workshops and receptions for featured artists. The events foster and encourage new or hidden talents, with artists reassured they have a ready haven right in the middle of downtown.

Classes have ranged from basic watercolor to stencil art to batik, which incorporates wax to control fabric dyeing. Art on display includes quilting, woodwork, jewelry, leather work, photography, and all manner of pigment media. Styles range from boldest abstract color to gentlest woodland pastels.

Gallery 246 brings fresh vision to an old building

in a re-energized downtown. As the artists reshape the building, they also are reshaping lives, teaching the next generation of visionaries or comforting an older generation using art as therapy. Patrons may help in this mission through tax-deductible donations to the Batesville Downtown Foundation's Gallery 246 project.

Come see if there isn't something just for you — to buy, to learn, to create, to share. Find the heart of art at Gallery 246, 870-262-8066, www.gallery246.com.

Mission statement Our mission is to bring together artists, professionals to amateurs, from around all of our communities, to improve Batesville's beloved Main Street.

Kids’ paper art session March 2 "Come Fly With Me" is the March Parents Night Out theme at Gallery 246. Merry Anne McSpadden will lead children March 3 in a paper art project to create a stained-glass-window look with cutout kites and hot-air balloons. Cost of the session for children in first grade and up is $20, which includes all supplies. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 March 3 at Gallery 246, 243 E. Main. Space is limited, so pre-registration is requested in person or by phone at 262-8066. The web site is www.gallery246.com.

Artist to teach acrylic image transfer in March Karen Barker will present a three-part series on Acrylic Image Transfer on three Thursdays in March at Batesville's Gallery 246.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. March 2, 9, and 16, participants will use photocopies of favorite images which they will bring to the class. Barker will guide the artists as they treat the photocopies, then add backgrounds, symbols and color using acrylic paint. The course is open to the public but space is limited, 870262-8066. Fee for the course is $55, which includes basic supplies.

Artists should bring some simple cleanup materials and at least two black-and-white laser or copier prints of favorite photos enlarged to fit within a 9" x 12" format. Inkjet copies will not work, as the ink will run in preparation and the image will be unusable. Image choice is up to the artist, from family photos to nature scenes or simple decorative designs.

Barker comes from a family of teachers and has a fine arts degree from Arkansas State. She works mainly in pastels of nature scenes, but uses acrylic for effects impossible in other media. She also makes jewelry for her booth at the Farmer's Market in Batesville's pocket park.

Gallery 246 is an art collective, show space and work space staffed by volunteers and devoted to promoting local art and artists reinforcing Batesville's Main Street revival.

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Things To Do

Hunter Education Mar. 11, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE June 24, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE Aug. 26, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE This class sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1968. To hunt in Arkansas, you must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card.

Youth under age 16 may hunt without hunter education as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years of age. There is no specific age requirement to enroll in hunter education. However, the educational reading material is based on a sixth-grade reading level.

Mary Zirkle, instructor. UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 927/928. Pre-registration online is required. To register online for Mar. 11 class, use the following link: https:// register-ed.com/events/view/93107. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@ uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@uaccb.edu>.

Class B CDL Training (School Bus Endorsement)-New! Mar. 6-7, 13-14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $80 This 32-hour course covers the general knowledge portion of the CDL exam, as well as the school bus, passenger and air brakes endorsements. The course is divided into classroom preparation for the Department of Transportation written exam and hands-on experience and training in pre-trip inspection, obstacle course training and over the road scenarios. A Class B license will enable you to drive any vehicle (including dump trucks) that is greater than 26,001 lbs. David Nobles, instructor. UACCB Annex Bldg, 406. For more information or to register, email workforce@uaccb. edu<mailto:workforce@uaccb.edu> or call 870.612.2080.

First Responder Course Mar. 7-Apr. 20, 5-8 p.m. Apr 25, 5-9 p.m. $125+ First Responder is a 40-hour course designed to teach students emergency care for trauma patients, splinting techniques, bleeding control, rescue procedures, how to prepare a patient for transport and stabilization of a patient. First responder is the first step to working in pre-hospital emergency medicine. Along with trauma emergency, the course will focus on various medical illnesses and recognition of signs and symptoms. Both medical and trauma assessments will be taught. This course is a pre-requisite to EMT Basic Training. The course fee is $125. The cost of the textbook to be purchased at the UACCB bookstore is $133 plus tax. Wesley Gay, instructor.

Tuesdays/Thursdays, 13 sessions, Mar. 7-Apr. 20, 5-8 p.m., Apr. 25, 5-9 p.m., UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 926.

For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@ uaccb.edu>.

Loving Your Home-New! Mar. 7, 9, 14, 16, 6-8 p.m. $50 Virginia Schmidt, local interior design decorator and owner of Virginia’s House, will teach the skills of home design, colors, room arrangements and furnishings. Join us for fun, networking and a start on a spring make-over using what you already own. This class will give you the

knowledge and confidence to transform your home into a home you love. Tuesdays/Thursdays, 4 sessions. UACCB Arts & Science Bldg, 307. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb. edu<mailto:communityed@uaccb.edu>.

So You Want To Write A Book-New! Mar. 9, 6-8:30 p.m. $15 If you have either written a book or have an idea for one and have no idea how to get it published. Luanne Gregory, local author of Head Lice and Hot Tamales, will take you through some basics of on-demand publishing and how the average person can easily become a published author. Whether it’s the next great American novel, a collection of grandma’s recipes or a step-by-step instructional book, this class will teach you how to proceed. UACCB Row Johns Bldg, 803.

For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@ uaccb.edu>.

Microsoft Excel Level 1-New! Mar. 14, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $69 Rhonda Williams Byrd of Nightwing Consulting has extensive experience teaching computer applications. In Excel Level 1, you will learn the basics of Excel. The course covers entering and formatting numbers and text, ranges, copying and moving data, basic formulas, data entry shortcuts like filling in a range, auto sum, auto complete and auto fill, relative and absolute cell references, searching Help, formatting and printing. Rhonda Williams Byrd, instructor.

UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 222. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@ uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@uaccb.edu>.

Basic CPR/First Aid-New! Mar. 27-28, 4 -8 p.m. $49 This course follows the American Heart Association’s Heart Saver CPR, AED training and first aid including manikin practice and a practical exam. Crystal Bullard, instructor. UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 917. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@uaccb. edu>.

Life Coaching for Ministers-New! Mar. 27, 28, 29, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $615 Ministers, pastors, chaplains and youth leaders are trained in ministry, but are not trained in counseling. This 3-day course will teach you the alternative to counseling. It’s called life coaching. Life coaching is the ability to ask powerful questions that lead your members to the answers from within themselves. You will learn how to help individual members reach their highest potential, how to engage and motivate your congregation and how to help church leaders and teachers reach their goals to meet the needs of the church as a whole. Dr. Edward Myers and Angela Davis, instructors. UACCB Independence Hall, 102. For more information or to register, email workforce@uaccb.edu or call 870.612.2080.

Microsoft Excel Level 2-New! Mar. 28, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $69 Excel Level 2 covers large workbooks with multiple worksheets, 3D formulas, more advanced formulas for financial, logical and date questions, Excel as a datasheet (database table), including sorting and filtering, charts, comments and hyperlinks. Rhonda Williams Byrd,

30 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

instructor. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 222. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@uaccb. edu>.

Intro to Tunisian Crochet-New! Mar. 28-Apr 18, 6-8 p.m. $29 Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, Hook Knitting or Shepherd’s Knitting is a mixture of knitting and crocheting. In this beginner class, you will learn how to caston and how to do five different stitch patterns. Tunisian crochet is beautiful, fast and fun! Lisa Krause, instructor.

UACCB Row Johns Bldg, 815.

Digital Photography Mar. 28-Apr 18, 6-8 p.m. $50 Unleash your inner artist! Instructor Jim Krause, co-owner of Deux Bijoux Bijoux of Evening Shade, will teach the basic functions of a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera.

This beginner’s class will teach the photographer to get away from using the camera’s auto functions and move into using the manual functions of the digital camera.

Bring to class a digital camera with an SLR body and lens, the camera’s user manual and a journal for taking notes.

Tuesdays, 4 sessions, UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 240. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@uaccb. edu>.

Boater Education - New! Apr. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986 and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. To operate a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a person must be 12 or older or be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years old. To operate a personal watercraft, a person must be 16 or older; be 12 to 15 years old and be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years old or be under 12 and be under the direct supervision of a person at least 21 years old. Denis Dunderdale, North Central Regional Education Coordinator instructor. UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 902. For more information or to register, call 870.612.2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu<mailto:communityed@ uaccb.edu>. Registration online is required at the following link: https://register-ed.com/events/view/92118 Hospitality and Etiquette-New! Apr. 3, 4-8 p.m. $99 This workshop is targeted for all frontline staff who interact daily with guests or customers including receptionists, wait staff, hostesses, cashiers, hotel front desk, guest services, bell services, concierge, communications, housekeeping supervisors of hotels and anyone representing your business on a daily basis. Dr. Edward Myers and Angela Davis, instructors. UACCB Independence Hall, 102. 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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Tasty Talk

Chia Seed: Benefits Hannah Rogers recently returned home after serving 5 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a cook. She enjoys time with her dog, baking, hiking, and serving others.

Hannah is currently in the process of establishing Hananel Bakery in Batesville

Chia seeds have quickly become the new fad in many parts of the country, where they are a staple in people’s diets. Even in my own diet, I do not dare go a single day without consuming this superfood. Once you try them, you’ll notice a significant difference in your body and mind! Chia comes from Salvia hispanica, a desert plant that is a member of the mint family and is abundantly found in Mexico and Guatemala. While chia sprouts can be found on the infamous Chia Pets, it is the seeds that have long been a vital diet for the survival of Aztec warriors. The Mayans and Aztecs would use chia seeds to relieve joint pain, sore skin, and to stimulate saliva flow. Even in Mayan, the word “chia” means “strength.” Just one tablespoon of these tiny, nuttyflavored seeds is said to be able to sustain an individual for 24 hours. Not only are chia seeds gluten free and vegan, but they contain more health benefits, vitamins, minerals, and uses than I can possibly list.

This month I am going to put their health benefits in perspective for you as much as possible. Please remember that this is just a very short list of benefits

and further research will enlighten you even more. Chia seeds contain a much higher amount of antioxidants and selenium than flax seeds. Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds contain 5 times more calcium than milk, 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries, 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges, 3 times more iron than spinach, 15 times more magnesium than broccoli, and 2 times more potassium than a banana. Two tablespoons also contain 8 times more omega-3 than salmon, more protein than oats, wheat, and barley, and is roughly 4% of daily fiber intake. As a result, chia seeds balance blood pressure and sugar levels, helps soothe digestive issues, and eases arthritis. Since it is an appetite suppressant, chia seeds aid with weight loss. They also cleanse the colon, strengthen the immune system, bones, and teeth, produces healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Their ability to increase energy, stamina, and mental awareness has hooked hundreds of individuals. Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., states that research even shows its benefits in a commercial setting, as well. Adding chia seeds to chicken feed produces eggs and chicken meat that is high in omega-3. Feeding cattle chia seeds also produces the same results – meat and milk that is high in omega-3. Black, brown, white - any color you choose provides the same nutritional value, so don’t worry about color. Since insects don’t like the plant, it is easier to find organic varieties of chia seeds. Now I challenge you to make the plunge and jump on the chia seed bandwagon. Join us next month where we will discuss how to use them and where to buy them.

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So you want to be an Explorer Vicki Garland

Old Independence Regional Museum will host its spring Home School Day on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 9 a.m. to Noon, with sign-in beginning at 8:45 a.m. Registration and a program fee of $5 are due by March 8, 2017. Registration is limited to 50 students.

Students will take part in five hands-on early explorer sessions that include learning how to find their way to a destination with only simple directions, the position of the sun, and a compass; creating a 3-dimensional contour map of a local mountain; designing a poster inviting people to visit early Arkansas; brainstorming ways to survive in the wild using only simple items; and learning about the importance of early explorers being able to identify and describe events and things that were unfamiliar to them. “Homeschool

day is a fun, educational experience for students,” said Humanities Educator Vicki Garland, “the variety of hands-on activities help students retain information much better.”

The students will be divided into five groups based on age and will rotate through each of the five sessions. Emphasis will be placed on early explorers who visited Arkansas such as Hernando Desoto, Friedrich Gerstacker, and Henry Schoolcraft.

Old Independence serves a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff.

Parts of these present-day counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820s Arkansas territory.

This humanities program is made possible by local support from Independence County and the City

of Batesville, as well as by Challenge Grant Endowment funding from the National Endowment of the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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32 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Wann Office Supply Home For The Holidays Home Decor and Accessories Earth Station Nursery T-Shirt Express Old Towne Mall Emboidery and Beyond PLAY Simply Southern Playhouse and Music Theatre Ascension Gym Main Street Gym North Arkansas Dance Academy BAAC Gallery on Main Gallery 246 Pocket Park Inspiration Point Poke Bayou Maxfield Park SERVICE Merchants & Planters Bank Batesville Municipal Building Independence County Office Jills Alterations Fringe Salon Electric Wonderland Tattoos and Piercings Batesville Title Services Independence County Abstract The Styling Room

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SHOP Melba Theatre CIX Main The Pinto Bigs Unique Nosh Elizabeth’s Village Adventures Autry’s White River Furniture Babb’s Upholstery and Boutique 10.) Siloe’ Thompson’s Jewelry Store Gossamer Wings Antiques Marshall Dry Goods, Inc Ultimate Scrubs & More Paper Chase Bookstore Ozark Furniture Outlet Hidden Treasures Boutique Batesville Gun and Pawn Small and Hip Children’s Boutique Etta’s Attic Antiques & Colllectables Randy’s Music Furniture 4 Less Batesville Computing Sleep Star Lite Back In Time Antiques Dancing Robbin 3rd Street Farm Supply Schwegman’s Office Products 1.)

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College

Lee & Associates Wheeler’s Boot and Shoe Repair The Studio Salon The Batesville Daily Guard Independence County Library CHRUCHES First Presbyterian First United Methodist First Baptist St. Paul’s Episcopal Fellowship Bible Church & Office WALK-A-BLOCK PARKING Bayou and Water Street Broad and College Street Central Ave and College Street Main and State Street OTHER ATTRACTIONS Geocaching, Farmer’s Market May - November. Events such as Motorcycles on Main, Fall on Main Artoberfest, Haunted House, Trick or Treating.

Christmas Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas and Craft Fair.

Get a complete Main Street Map in the Barnett Building’s Main Street Office or Unique Nosh. N

Kimberly Shaw Leads Retail Banking for Citizens Bank Chuck Jones

Kimberly Shaw has joined Citizens Bank as Senior Vice President of Retail Banking, according to Phil Baldwin, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mrs. Shaw, who has nearly 20 years of Arkansas banking experience, most recently served as Senior Vice President and Retail Sales Manager with Eagle Bank and Trust in Little Rock. She has extensive experience in developing and implementing retail banking products and services.

“Kimberly is exceptionally qualified to direct our bank’s retail operations at this important time

in our bank’s history,” Baldwin said. “She is an enthusiastic natural leader and will be a major asset as Citizens Bank continues to look for expansion opportunities in growing markets across the region.”

Mrs. Shaw, who is a native of Fayetteville, is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Her community service has previously included such organizations as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Easter Seals, American Cancer Society and Chamber of

Commerce. She and her husband, Chris, are parents of three-year-old twin boys, Turner and Fisher.

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March 2017 33

Seniors, can we talk?

Claim Questions

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?’.

Ruth brought a friend, Hannah, to my office because Hannah needed help. She enrolled in a Medicare supplement policy “on line” using her computer. Now she has a claim and has questions about how it was paid. She called the insurance company and didn’t get a satisfactory answer - or an answer that she could understand. Ruth asked if I could help her. Since she enrolled “on line”, the insurance company is not allowed to give anyone but Hannah information about her policy. I called the insurance company and got a “release” that Hannah signed that authorized them to provide me information about her policy. I was then able to get information and help Hannah with her claim questions.

Hannah told me the reason she enrolled “on line” is because she thought the premium would be less. You may think the same thing. Actually if you enroll “on line”, directly with an insurance company on the phone or with a qualified, professional agent, the premium is the same. The advantage of having an agent is that you have someone who you can always contact directly; you’ll always talk with the same person and that person has a true interest in you and your well being.

Then later that week a customer’s daughter called. She and her mother were both in a panic. Her mother needed

to get her prescriptions filled and could not find her Medicare prescription ID card. She could not remember what company it was with – she could not find any of the information I had given her or that the insurance company had mailed her. They had no idea where to go to get help to find out what prescription company she enrolled in.

She had already paid all the premiums for the year but the check had not cleared and it was not in her check register.

Oh, my! Then they called me. Since her daughter has power of attorney, I was able to give her all the information she needed for her mother to get her prescriptions filled. I also ordered her mother a new ID card. After the panic was gone, the daughter took a deep breath and said “Oh my, what if mom had enrolled directly with an insurance company or didn’t keep your business card nearby? How would we have ever known?”

Am I biased about working with a qualified, professional agent? Yes, and these two recent issues are reasons why.

Will you need help like Hannah and my customer?

Who will you call?

As Ruth tells her friends, work with an agent. Work with someone you trust and you feel is looking out for you and your well being – someone who will take care of you.

Did you know that most agents represent several insurance companies? This way they can help you find the company and plan that fits you.

Questions? Need help? Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N

Coach “Stu” Smith to Speak in Museum Twyla Wright

The second sports-related program in Old Independence Regional Museum’s 2017 series on that subject will be held at 2 p.m. on March 5. Bruce Johnston, program chair, announced, “We are pleased to welcome Coach Stuart Smith as our guest speaker in our continuing series of programs under the regional exhibit title “Our Teams-Our Pride.”

Coach Smith has fashioned a distinguished career, almost exclusively at Batesville High School. He has served the athletic program as a football, baseball and girls track coach since his arrival in 1982. During that time he has coached eleven state championship teams, plus teams under his direction have won 31 district championships.

He is a two-time Diamond Sports Region 6 Coach of the Year and he has been recognized with conference, state, and regional coaching honors. He is also a member of the Batesville Area and Lyon College Athletic Halls of Fame.

Johnston shared, “Back in the days when Newport and Batesville played out their rivalry on the football field every Turkey Day (Thanksgiving Day) afternoon, Coach Smith could be seen guiding the Batesville team.

He coached in 26 of those contests, more than anyone in either community.”

During this program, Coach Smith will share his thoughts about great athletes with connections to Batesville and the surrounding area. To discover who some of those “greats” were, the museum invites the public to gather for his program.

Twyla Gill Wright said, “If you didn’t get to attend our first program this year because it was on Super Bowl Sunday, come to this one and see our new exhibit. People are already voicing how many memories the exhibit has brought to their minds. And remember, our monthly sports programs are a prelude to our museum hosting the Smithsonian Institution’s “Hometown Teams, How Sports Shape America” traveling exhibit, starting this December in our museum.”

The program will be free and open to the public.

Normal museum hours are: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and $1.00 for children. The museum is located at 380 South 9th street, between Boswell and Vine Streets in Batesville.

Old Independence is a regional museum serving a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. Parts of these present-day counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820’s Arkansas territory. N

34 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Cherri Design Light

Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family 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.

Since God created light (Genesis 1:3), we know that light is a good thing. Human life, as well as most plant and animal life, is dependent upon light for survival. There are three main functions of artificial light: ambient, task and accent lighting. Light also affects our psychological needs, mood and emotions. Interior spaces should include a combination of all three types of lighting in each room.

Ambient lighting or general lighting is fill light or background light. This type of lighting spreads an even light over a space and reduces contrasts and shadows between areas of concentrated light. Ambient lighting is most often overhead lighting, such as ceiling mount or can lights. Various fixture styles can be purchased for your design, such as chandeliers, ceiling fans or recessed lights.

Task lighting is functional lighting. It is localized for a particular activity, such as reading, office work or cooking and always placed near the activity. This type of lighting can include lamps, undercounter lights or wall mounts.

When placing task lighting, it should be placed to minimize shadows and reduce glare. For example, we women know how important this placement is when we apply our makeup in the morning. For proper placement of lamps, the general rule for floor lamps is 47” minimum from floor to the bottom of the shade. A bedside table lamp is

typically 20” from the mattress to the bottom of the shade.

For reading, a table lamp is generally 40-42” from floor to the bottom of the shade.

Accent lighting is a concentrated beam of light focusing on a particular area or object. This type of lighting is used to display features, such as wall art, statues, countertops or architectural features. Accent lighting is quite attraction at night properly placed outside houses or buildings, as it draws attention to that area. This lighting can include track lights, uplights or spotlights.

Lighting is important to our psychological needs and affects our mood and emotions. Successful lighting provides a sense of well-being and an exuberance of life itself. Light provides us with warmth, comfort and security. Insufficient light or lack of light can cause feelings of depression and even fear. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that often occurs in people who are deprived of natural sunlight. I know several people who battle depression during the winter.

Also, lighting can set a mood. For example, low-level lighting can be relaxing and intimate, and bright light can be stimulating and active. Glaring lights or too much light can be uncomfortable, annoying and even agitating. It can also cause physical ailments and an inability to function adequately.

When planning your lighting, carefully consider the requirements of your physical space, as well as the psychological impact. And God saw that the light was good (Genesis 1:4), and so do we! N

March 2017 35

Adventures in Arkansas Another Local Treasure

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.

Spring is right around the corner, and I couldn’t be happier! Although, I can’t complain with the winter so far, as it has been very mild. The very best part about late winter is the rain (and sometimes snow) that comes along with it. That rain makes my day because with rain, comes my favorite thing on earth, waterfalls!

This column is a small introduction into one of my favorite pastimes, and that’s chasing water in any form.

The waterfalls I am mentioning in this column are just a few of my favorites, not my all-time favorites, but my “go tos” for always giving me what I need, water and beauty.

I hope to share in more detail my absolute favorites with you later this year after a fantastic waterfall season.

Waterfall season is roughly early spring to early summer, and Arkansas is one of the best places around to strut her stuff when it comes to waterfalls.

I normally like to talk about areas that are pretty close to Independence County, but this time I’m venturing out. Of course, there are many places in and around Independence County that showcase some of the finest waterfalls in the state.

I’ve talked about Heber Springs in a previous column, but it’s hard not to love Bridal Veil Falls. Although, this fall depends mostly on rainfall, it’s still a great place to visit. It’s a wonderful gem right in the middle of what most would consider right in town. It’s nestled just off the highway, and takes just a few minutes to capture its beauty. Luckily, almost anyone can see the falls from the top as it’s a mere few hundred feet from the parking lot to its overlook. I’ve been there so many times, and didn’t realize I could hike down to the bottom, and hike the creek to Cornelius Falls to capture it from the bottom.

It was an amazing hike, and only took about 30 minutes to get to it. There are a few trails that will take you to the overlook of Cornelius, but to get to the bottom, you will need to follow the creek at the bottom of Bridal Veil for about 15 minutes and when the creek bends to the

Cornelius Falls, just below Bridal Veil, Heber Springs.

left, walk up it about 10 minutes, and after a small or torrential rain, you will be glad you did. It is beautiful.

Mtn. View and its surrounding areas amaze me every single time I visit. Luckily, my stepson lives there, so we visit as often as possible. Gunner Pool is such a spectacular little spot that I mostly just sit and gaze into the bluish green water for as long as I possibly can.

Just below the Pool, there is a dam that is rarely not overflowing with an abundance of water. The dam looks like a small staircase, and is pretty magical. I tend to follow the water instead of taking the trail right under a bridge down to a lovely creek area that’s nestled in the shadow of spectacular bluffs.

Jasper, Arkansas holds my heart, and has since I was a young girl visiting Dogpatch, U.S.A with my parents.

The park itself is tucked down in a valley in the Buffalo National River area along Arkansas’ National Scenic Byway 7, and all the water in the park is fed naturally by Marble Falls. Marble Falls was always a big part of the park as most of the water was from the falls. At one time, Marble Falls generated enough power for a flour mill, cotton gin and a saw mill, and most of the marble that was quarried from the area was used in the construction of the Washington Monument in D.C. Unfortunately, Dogpatch is no longer the amazing amusement park I remember as a child, but it has been purchased by a man who wants to restore the area, and Marble Falls is still flowing today.

I’ll briefly talk about one of my finest days chasing waterfalls. I was headed to NWA to check out a Dave Matthews concert, and had about 3 hours to spare.

I heard about Twin Falls in the Jasper area, and knew this was the chance to see it. I had to talk to some locals, and get some crazy directions, and after a very long, steep downward drive on gravel I arrived at Camp Orr. I immediately heard the water roaring. I hiked less than 10 minutes, and there she was, Twin Falls. I got extra lucky that day, because of rain, Twin Falls was roaring with three waterfalls that day. It was amazing, and unforgettable.

Spring is my favorite time of year for many reasons, waterfalls being number one on that list. I have many other waterfall adventures to share with you, so stay tuned!

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My first visit to Bridal Veil with my daughter, Grace in 2014, Heber Springs.

My stepson, Kaden, overlooking the falls at Gunner Pool, Mtn. View.

36 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Kaden and Grace in front of Marble Falls, Dogpatch, U.S.A during an invitation event for the new owners of the park, 2015.

styles may vary in store

Creating Memories

(870) 793-8287 2401 Harrison St, Batesville, AR 72501

Notes from the Clearing

Drag’n

Joseph Thomas

of the living creatures to a drag...drag’n across the hot sands. And as hot as the arid days fell upon the cracked earth, the absence of the sun left room for an unexpected cold. The extremes were a stretch as wide as the sky and as deep as the imagined mirages that played upon the surface of the far away.

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The dusty landscape was a snowglobe of sand and space. The dunes held the perimeter of the horizon like a watchful sentry, hazy behind the heat. Life thrived, but only with much effort and the heat held the souls

BOOKS MAKE GREAT Grab the entire collection today!

STOCKING STUFFERS! Mark Rorie

Author and Illustrator

The Polk Bayou Kids series of adventure books by Batesville Author Mark Rorie will delight and educate your child or loved one. Each story is wonderfully written and based on actual historical events from the Batesville area. Each book is designed to teach and stimulate the imagination of young readers.

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.

But their adventure, which starts out as all fun, quickly turns into tragedy when Luke’s dog and their constant companion, Kristi, stays too long in someone else’s memory.

Lexile Level 1120L ISBN Number - 978-0-9843428-2-2

Recommended for Grades 4-10

The Polk Bayou Kids and the

GHOSTS of the

STATE CAPITOL

5 Mark Alan Rorie

Come along with the Polk Bayou Kids on a rescue mission that you will not believe. As you share their journey, laugh and cry with them, you are going to meet some of the most amazing people to ever come out of the state of Arkansas.

The Polk Bayou Kids and The GHOSTS OF THE STATE CAPITOL

BOOK 5

The Polk Bayou Kids and

The GHOSTS of the STATE CAPITOL

Written and Illustrated By

Mark Alan Rorie

Only $10 each or buy the complete set of five books for only $40 while they last.

The Almost Positively Worst Christmas Ever is $12 and includes a 24 page coloring book

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870-698-0605

Positively Worst Christmas Ever

Big 9 X 12 - 48 Page Book and 8 1/2 X 11 24Page Coloring Book Combination Only $12

ALL BOOKS ARE AUTOGRAPHED March 2017 37

Smith’s Verdict ***1/2

Straight Outta Compton

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.

When it came to musical biopics released in 2015, many people may have forgotten about the Beach Boys movie, “Love & Mercy,” one of my favorites of the year; but who could forget the N.W.A. flick, “Straight Outta Compton,” which was a monster hit. Ironically, while “Love & Mercy” was more grounded and low-key, “Straight Outta Compton” is surprisingly conventional as well as energetic. It contains certain music biopic tropes—naysayers, uncertainty of something new and different, downfalls, tragedy, betrayals, etc. We’ve seen all that before. But the film’s electrifying energy is the key to its success—hell, if a film about N.W.A. wasn’t energetic, it’d probably be a major disappointment to nostalgic N.W.A. fans. The point I’m getting at early in this review is that it doesn’t matter how “conventional” a movie of this sort is, much like it doesn’t matter where certain ideas may come from for any movie—it’s what’s done with the material that really matters.

I enjoyed “Straight Outta Compton.” It’s an enthralling, powerful, powerfully acted film about a risk-taking, game-changing rap group, even if the film itself isn’t game-changing (for that matter, it may not be all that risk-taking either, since some original members of N.W.A. were consultants for the film and most likely didn’t want certain things from their life to be portrayed on screen). But I don’t mind so much.

The film takes place from the mid-1980s to the mid1990s. It begins in Los Angeles in 1986, when Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell) was selling weed, Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins) moved out of his mother’s house, and Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson, Jr.) was writing rap lyrics based on everyday things he noticed around him. This is a time when young black men were stopped, frisked, and even beaten by police even when they were just standing on the streets. (Hell, what am I talking about? We still live in that time today!) The anger that came from these kids’ experiences crossed with their dreams of making it big with rap led to “reality rap,” for which they form the group N.W.A. (if you don’t know what that stands for, this isn’t the movie for you) and create angry music based on what they go through day after day. They tell it like it is and become very successful, which in turn makes other people worried that they endorse violence and anti-authority behavior. And of course, the irony becomes clearer when they’re warned not to perform their most angry piece, “F*ck the Police,” at a concert guarded by police; of course, they do and the police start shooting, ending the concert—tell me who’s being violent here?

The first half of “Straight Outta Compton” is by far the best part, showing the creative process of getting this craft done, feeling the intensity of the energetic live

performances, and more importantly, letting us feel the anger that they feel, especially when they’re attacked by police. It keeps its riveting edge as the group’s manager, Jerry Heller (Paul Giamatti), manipulates Eazy-E into making him think he’s bigger than everyone else, which then leads to Ice Cube leaving the group to go solo, which then leads to him becoming a hit, which then leads to a nasty war between labels, which then leads to Dre forming Death Row Records with the violent, hulking Suge Knight (R. Marcos Taylor, quietly chilling in the role), and other events that lead to the end of N.W.A. The film gets less energetic as it goes along and its tone grows suitably more grim (especially when it comes to a tragedy late in the film), and while that’s not necessarily “fun” to watch, it is still captivating, well-acted, and intriguing for those who don’t know how N.W.A. went through the downward spiral. I can’t complain that much about it, except for the argument that it suffers from a few pacing issues as a result; I feel like it stalls at certain parts, particularly at the melodramatic material.

The casting is pitch-perfect all around. In particular, Jason Mitchell is abrasive and charismatic as EazyE, Corey Hawkins is immensely appealing as Dr. Dre, Paul Giamatti is smooth as a slick album producer who manipulates Eazy-E to betray certain people in the group, and then there’s O’Shea Jackson, Jr. as Ice Cube—damn is he good! This is a truly remarkable performance, bringing Ice Cube’s look and feel to authentic levels. Oh, and did I mention he’s actually Ice Cube’s son? And it’s not just an imitation either, which is more than a plus. Also solid are Aldis Hodge as MC Ren and Neil Brown Jr. as DJ Yella, and I was also impressed by Keith Stanfield (who I remembered from “Short Term 12”) in a brief cameo appearance as Snoop Dogg; I wish he had more screen time.

I mentioned in an above paragraph that the film isn’t entirely “risk-taking.” For one thing, it doesn’t mention Dr. Dre’s violence toward women, which is well-known to quite a lot of people. I get that the writers, Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff, chose to keep some things out for the actual band members’ sake, but it’s not like the film portrays them as role models anyway (it does show them as misogynistic at times, even throwing in a “Bye Felicia” joke midway through), so it’s not like they have that much to lose.

“Straight Outta Compton” does work surprisingly well as commentary…unfortunately a little too well.

Think about what Ice Cube was rapping about almost 30 years ago and what’s going on in the news even to this day. But “Straight Outta Compton” is still an entertaining film for the power of the material, the live performances which are entertaining, the acting which is spot-on, and the screenplay which is very wellwritten. I mentioned in my “Love & Mercy” review that I wouldn’t be able to listen to a Beach Boys song the same way again; I feel the same way about N.W.A. songs after seeing this film.

N

38 As the blossoms scent the air with earthen perfumes, the sun watches on with a warm smile..

Thyme Enough Rheadene’s Bread Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 56 years and are still having fun cooking and living!

I’ve enjoyed baking bread for a number of years now. I hope this will be the beginning for lots of bread bakers in this area. I love good bread and have many recipes to share. Here was my launch: This recipe came from Rheadene Sheffield about 35 – 40 years ago. Time flies when you’re having fun! Miss Sheffield was a valued employee at Brothers Department Store for a number of years, but has passed away now. Back then, when all the ladies at the store began talking about this bread, my curiosity was aroused and I began baking bread. Rheadene gave me my first starter. I shared it several years later with a neighbor, Cherry Harkey. Then a few years after that I broke the jar I kept my starter in and lost my starter. Cherry gave me a new batch of starter from hers, so the link was kept alive. Cherry froze her starter and only fed it when she wanted to make bread, a good tip. I keep mine in the refrigerator and feed it every week or two. Either will work.

First, the Starter 3 Tablespoons instant potato flakes 3 Tablespoons white sugar 1 cup warm water 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1. Combine instant potatoes, sugar, water, and yeast in a covered container. Let the starter sit on the counter for 5 days, stirring daily with a wooden spoon.

2. On the morning of the 5th day, feed the starter with 3 tablespoons instant potato flakes, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup warm water. In the evening, take out 1 cup of the starter to be used in the sourdough recipe. Refrigerate the remaining starter.

3. Every 5 days, feed the refrigerated starter 3 tablespoons instant potato flakes, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 cup warm water. If the starter is not being used in a recipe, keep refrigerated and discard 1 cup of starter after each feeding.

4. For Bread: 5. Mix with 1 cup of starter: 6. 1/3 cup sugar 7. 1 teaspoon salt 8. ½ cup vegetable oil 9. 1 cup starter 10. ½ teaspoon dry yeast (this speeds rising) 11. 1 ½ cups warm tap water 12. 6 cups flour (I use 2 cups bread flour and 4 cups whole wheat flour) 13. Mix well. Oil the bowl. Turn dough in bowl so it is oiled all over.

Cover bowl. Let rise until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Knead 8 times on flat surface. Divide into 3 loaves in oiled pans. Or, make into rolls or buns. Let rise again until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks.

14. This bread is a good staple, and as shown above can be used in loaves, buns or rolls. I have used it to make cinnamon rolls with good success. I’ve shared the bread with friends who said it was the best! Try it! Questions??? Contact me at cogy37@gmail.com Thanks for reading.

N

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March 2017 39

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