Eye On Independence March 2015

Eye On Independence www.eyeonmag.com

Brood Farm Albert Austin “Sonny” Burgess U. S. Air Force Band of Mid- America A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

March 2015

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Finally, a place for your pup. . .

Many of us in Independence County love our dogs, but we’ve never had a place for them to go and get pampered. . . until now. In December of 2014 a much needed business came to town; Bleu Dog.

Bleu Dog is a Professional Dog Groomer and Boarding facility in Batesville.

Opened by Jamie and Jeff Johnson. Bleu Dog was created to provide worldclass grooming and service at an “affordable to all” price. Jamie has been groooming professionally for nearly 10 years, grooming everything from family dogs to champion show dogs. With years of experience, knowing all the basic clips, all away to the advanced show clips on any breed, Jamie has earned herself a loyal customer base, and plans to show her appreciation to them with this new shop.

Bleu Dog is a full service grooming facility that serves all sizes of dogs and every breed. On top of that, they offer many add-on’s that take that groom to the next level. The De-Shed Treatment can help your pup shed all that hair that would normally end up on your couch. When your dog finds out the penalty of pestering a skunk, Bleu Dog has a treatment to help remove that smell. Of if you’d just like to add a little extra fun, Bleu Dog offers temporary hair color for your pup. They are open Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm, and most Saturdays 8am to noon. With the instant popularity of their services, Bleu Dog recommends scheduling your appointment at least 1 week prior to your desired date.

Jamie attributes a lot of the success of Bleu Dog to community support, especially on Facebook. In return, they have offered many sales and specials exclusively to their Facebook followers. The biggest and most recent promotion is something that everyone would want, free grooming, for 1 year! Bleu Dog has said that upon reaching 1000 Facebook “likes”, they will be giving this prize away. To register for the drawing, simply “like” them on facebook at “TheBleuDog”.

The heart of this company can be seen by their actions, and no action is bigger than giving back. Coming this April 4th from 10am to 2pm, Bleu Dog will be hosting the first ever “Adopt A Bleu Dog” event. Everyone is invited down! If you’re looking to add a family member, the Humane Society of Independence County will be there with many pups who desperately need their forever home. Not ready for a new pup, come enjoy the festivities as title sponsor, Southern Bank, will be putting on some entertaining events and contests. Along with many other sponsors and vendors who will be on hand, KWOZ and Chad Whiteaker will be at the event, broadcasting live. You can even join Bleu Dog for their official ribbon cutting at 11am.

Bleu Dog has many exciting things planned for the Batesville area over the next year. I think we are all excited to see what’s next!

You can reach Bleu Dog at 870.805.1041, online at www.TheBleuDog.com, or stop by. They are located in the Cottage Market (by Kroger) at 1375 College St, in Batesville.

In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note Coming Soon

8/ Batesville Area Arts Council 9/ Downtown Guide 11/ The Myopic Life

8

18

11

19

12

26

14

36

Compassion

12/ Cover Story Brood Farm

14/ Feature

Albert Austin “Sonny” Burgess

18/ I Do

Are You The Next Wedding

19/ Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista The Struggle is Real

20/ Smith’s Verdict ***1/2 Looper

21/ Notes from the Clearing Too Cold for Play

24/ Things To Do

Arkansas Craft School Spring workshops

26/ Faces

36/ Experiencing God in the Everyday

“Going Through the Big D” (and I don’t mean Dallas)

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

Cover Photography by Brandi Schulz of Key Moments Photography Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

Meet Your Writers...

Chad Grigsby is a 32 year old native of Tennessee but now calls Arkansas home. He is the Pastor for Teaching & Shepherding at the Compass Church. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Jessica and they have one son, Ezra.

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

Alisa R. Lancaster is an advanced practice nurse for the U of A Medical Sciences North Central. She has been in healthcare since 1983, the last 18 years with the UAMS system. Alisa and husband, Scott, have four children, two grandchildren, and two spoiled puppies. Alisa’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of others through education and practice. She welcomes feedback or comments at AlisaAPRN@gmail.com or 870.698.1023 Kristi Price is on staff with Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville as Ministry Coordinator.

She enjoys conversations about community and connection, and she loves small town living.

Kristi is married and mother to three children.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: 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.

MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Joseph Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas

Eagle Pest

Management, LLC 1775 Porter Street, Batesville

Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

Eye On Independence is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at 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 Š 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

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

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

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870-307-0582 Toll Free: 877-313-2453 Commercial and Residential Your Termite and Pest Control Services Specialist Serving North Central Arkansas Waymon Long President

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Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award, which is presented to an agency or organization for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

Editor’s Note Coming Soon Joseph Thomas

Hello Everyone! There are so many great things coming! From the new Community Center to the awakening of Main Street, we are excited to share in the telling of this bright Kimberlee and Joseph Thomas future. First day of Spring is March 20 and the year is plugging right along with no signs of slowing.

Stay with us and enjoy Kristi Price’s article on compassion and Leigh Keller’s look at the struggle of todays mothers. Jessica Grigsby speaks about the big “D”, Tanner Smith reviews Looper and I have the honor to bring you area legend Sonny Burgess in this month’s feature. Ashley Beller gives us an exciting look at Brood Farm to get us ready for next month’s Main Street Farmer’s Market. We also have information about the U. S. Air Force Band of Mid-America’s performance which is free to the public.

There are many things to do and local events to attend. So, unwind and enjoy. We shall see you around. N

March 8

6 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

Citizens Bank ‘Blue Jeans Fund’ Benefits White River Specialized Industries Chuck Jones About a dozen employees of Citizens Bank recently toured White River Specialized Industries and presented the organization with a $500 contribution from the bank employees’ “Blue Jeans Fund.”

Joe McAdams, executive director of White River Specialized Industries, thanked the bank employees for the contribution and provided a tour of the facility.

White River Specialized Industries provides training and a sheltered workplace for about 40 developmentally disabled adults who are available to perform various contracted jobs for local companies. Since the early

1970s, White River Specialized Industries has provided a wide variety of programs for adults with developmental disabilities that prevent them from entering the mainstream workforce.

The Citizens Bank Blue Jeans Fund now has surpassed $10,500 in financial support to worthwhile causes and charitable organizations in the past two years. Money in the fund accumulates as bank employees donate $1 per week to be allowed to wear blue jeans to work on Fridays.

Each time the fund reaches $500, bank employees select a charity to receive a donation.

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We are proud to welcome Renee Long back to our team!

Stop by our Main Bank today and talk to Renee about your consumer loan needs!

Renee Long

Senior Vice President, Consumer Lending

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Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines

870 793 8892 110 Environmental Drive Batesville, AR Call to receive your FREE RECYCLING BIN today!

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The Myopic Life Compassion Kristi Price

My friend became a widow at an age when most women become brides. Left suddenly with a tiny toddler and a gaping hole in her life, she looked to people she trusted to help lead her out of the land of grief and loss, into a new paradigm of living, working, supporting, and raising, all as a newly singled parent. My friend and her husband had been a part of our life group, or “small group,” at church.

In his absence, we committed to circling around her. We committed not just to a month, or even a year, of caring for her, but for however long it took. There are probably handbooks on how to best do this, but I’d never read one.

And grief is such an intensely personal experience that no two people live it out the same. So we mostly just stayed engaged with her, responded accordingly, and loved hard.

Recently, someone pointed something out that I had not observed. During that first year of grief, while we were busy caring for my friend, our children were mirroring our “protective harbor” during playtime with her little daughter, Harlie. In fact, Harlie wanted for nothing. If she stumbled, children flocked to her side, righting her and brushing her off. Even our sons developed tender, protective attitudes toward the child. They were simply caring for the daughter the way they had seen us care for the mother.

I think one of the minor tragedies of the modern world is the way we tend to segment and compartmentalize our lives. Much of our “personal” interaction is virtual, done via texting and social media. We are busy, so our physical encounters are often truncated. If we are parents and do manage a lengthy visit with someone, it’s likely that our children are not with us or are engaged in a device. It’s easier on us if their attention is focused elsewhere.

Let me raise my hand and plead guilty to this. It’s all too easy to live this way. But it must change. One of the best ways we teach compassion and selfless behavior to children is by actually living it out in front of them. If we are not actually modeling this behavior in their presence, how will they learn? And I know that I do not want to live in a world where compassion and selfless behavior are absent.

I am thankful for this town and for the myriad of ways its smallness yields opportunities to care for one another, to be up close and personal with one another. Let’s just make sure that we are including our children in this essential part of life. Heaven forbid, truly, that they grow up callous and indifferent to suffering, all because they were shielded from it.

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March 2015 11

Eye On Cover Story Brood Farm Ashley Beller

A decade ago, high heels and sensible suits were a part of my everyday life in the big city. Now that our family cares for a small goat herd and a flock of chickens here in rural Arkansas, I’ve traded those in for farm boots and overalls.

Certainly a lot about our lives has changed over the course of that decade. Looking back, I blame books. Books are dangerous. Through reading, we’ve learned about healthy eating, our food system, sustainable agriculture, and more. And, once you know a thing, it’s pretty difficult to un-know it; so, you either deny it, ignore it, or absorb it and let it change you.

We certainly did not set out to build a market farm. A backyard garden and its canned goodness throughout the winter left us wondering how difficult it could be to add a few hens that could fertilize the soil, eat garden refuse, and turn it into something beautiful. And once we’d graduated to animals, how much harder could it be to add a backyard dairy goat?

It turns out that this type of farming is hard. It’s not that the daily physical demands are great – though being able to manage a 50-pound feedbag is certainly prerequisite -- so much as that this farming lifestyle requires such great commitment to this place. Someone must be here to care for well over a hundred chickens, closing them up safely at night and then releasing them back out into the pasture in the morning. Every morning. Every day. And milking time comes twice a day. Every day. We live our lives on a 12-hour leash. With three young kids, we wonder whether this is a worthwhile sacrifice. But, when I read our 5-yearold’s journal entry about how his Momma’s soap smells good or witness our 8-year-old beam with pride as her class piles off the school bus for their field trip here at the farm, or work in tandem with our 10-year-old as we go through the familiar rhythms of the evening milking routine, I know that the benefits for them are worth the sacrifices.

And, with each passing season our connection to this place feels less like we are bound and more like we are putting roots down into this patch of earth with which we’ve been entrusted, growing where we’ve been planted.

Like we learn from the most dangerous book of all, God created all this and called it good – and, oh, it is so very good – and then He charged us with its care. Our Brood Farm mission is “to take care of the land on which we live and work and to eat well from its harvest, sharing the increase with our friends and neighbors.” To take care is a calling; to eat well is a reward. Creation’s systems and the way they work together to feed us are good, very good. And, when you’ve discovered something this good, you just can’t keep it to yourself. It’s a gospel to be shared with friends and neighbors. And, so Brood Farm has grown. We’ve invested even more time in packaging soap and stocking stores and delivering eggs and selling at market and teaching cheese classes and showing folks around the farm and sharing our

adventures with others through our blog.

Every bite of food has a history, and we all do well to know it. Read about sustainable agriculture and raising animals naturally; ask questions of the farmers you meet at market; visit farms like ours. Come feed the chickens and scratch the goats behind the ears and experience for yourself the story behind our products. Bridge the gap between farm and table. But, be careful: you may wind up with a backyard full of chickens.

Not everyone is called to trade in the high heels to dig in the dirt or tend God’s creatures. But, everyone can take care and eat well by supporting local farms like ours and the others represented at the Main Street Farmers’ Market and by making our farms your farms.

Brood Farm is located in Cave City. We currently sell goat milk soaps, pastured eggs, and raw goat milk. Email us at ashley@broodfarm.com to arrange a farm visit or visit virtually at www.BroodFarm.com. We look forward to meeting you at the Main Street Farmers’ Market this spring.

Ashley Beller, her husband John, and their three children Esther, Millie, and Elijah live in Cave City. Together they run Brood Farm, a small market farm that is also home to their flock of pastured chickens and naturally-raised dairy goats.

John works both on and off farm while Ashley manages dayto-day farm operations: milking goats, making soaps, stocking stores, and building relationships with their loyal customers.

N Key Moments Photography

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March 2015 13

Eye On Feature Albert Austin “Sonny” Burgess

Joseph Thomas

For those of you who know Sonny Burgess, I don’t have to tell you how very humble and grounded he is. He calls Newport, Arkansas home because he wants to. Of all of the globe that he has traveled and toured with his band, The Legendary Pacers, he chooses Newport to plant his feet between musical gigs. He says, “It’s just home.”

Burgess adds that there was never any reason to leave and that he once knew everyone in town when he worked for Mr. William Keedy at Keedy’s Sporting Goods Store.

Burgess and Depot Days Promoter and Coordinator Henry Boyce sit with me at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Highway 67 Museum on the second floor of the NEDC / Chamber building. We are surrounded by black and white photos of days gone by in images of Porky’s Rooftop, a Jackson County visit from Wanda Jackson and Sonny and the Pacers in action.

For our younger readers out there that may not know exactly who Sonny Burgess is, he and his band formed in 1955 in Newport, Arkansas. They had five singles on SUN Records: “Red Headed Woman”, “We Wanna Boogie”, “Thunderbird”, “Ain’t Got a Thing”, “Buckets Got a Hole In It”, and “Sadies Back In Town”. They also had a hit in 1965 on Razorback Records with “The Short Squashed Texan”. “Red Headed Woman and We Wanna Boogie” has been voted the wildest record ever recorded. Sonny and

the Pacers played clubs, festivals, shows, and colleges all over the US and Canada. They were one of the pioneers of rock and roll and traveled with Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Danny and the Juniors, Conway Twitty, Patsy Cline, Ronnie Hawkins, Billy Lee Riley, Ace Cannon, Charlie Rich, Teddy Riedell, Narvel Felts, and many more. Sun Records was the label of Sam Phillips, a DJ from Muscle Shoals, Alabama that set up shop in Memphis, Tennessee.

Albert Austin “Sonny” Burgess grew up in Anderson, Arkansas near Black River with his parents, Albert and Esta Burgess. He picked his share of cotton and decided picking a guitar was the way to go. Burgess wanted to be a baseball player but two of his uncles were both musicians and would take their nephew to meet and hear various musicians on Sundays. They’d play country dances on Saturday nights. Burgess attended Anderson school through the ninth grade and finished high school at Newport.

Burgess says, “Paul Whaley from Grubbs sang for us.

He sounded like Hank Thompson, who was popular at that time. Whaley decided he’d go back to California, so that left us with Bob Armstrong, the sometimes piano player and sometimes accordian player who sung a little.”

Burgess says he sang one song regularly for the band, so he didn’t consider himself a singer, but nobody else wanted to sing. Henry Boyce points out that over the years, Burgess’ growling voice and bold guitar playing was what really sustained his career. “We had a little different sound, that’s why Sam liked us,” says Burgess, speaking of Sam Phillips of Sun Record fame. According to Burgess, if Phillips ever had any money, he would have had them all the radio air time they could handle. Phillips struggled to get radio play for many of his musicians in the beginning.

“That’s why Riley got mad at Phillips, he couldn’t even support two hits at the same time. Riley had a hit with Red Hot at the same time Jerry Lee Lewis came out with Whole Lotta Shaken,” explains Burgess. He is referring to Billy Lee Riley who played harmonica on Thunderbird and Itchy, lived upstairs at the Sun Recording Studios for a time and had quite a rockabilly music career in his own right.

Burgess says that Sam Phillips would book through Bob Neal’s booking agency, Stars Inc. and that is what turned his career into a money making one. “He booked us along with other Sun artists of the time, like Warren Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, us (meaning Sonny and the Pacers), Billy Lee Riley, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison,” Burgess remembers. He also remembers when Orbison’s two band members left for Canada looking for greener pastures. Bob Neal booked Sonny and the Pacers and Orbison together on a tour, so Sonny and the Pacers could back Orbison during his performances, “We had an old stretch limo that would seat six with our instruments racked on top. We drove thousands of miles, he never paid for a nickels worth of gas. He’d pay $5 for a roll away that he slept on in the hotel room we paid for, but he was a great guy, really talented guitar player,” admits Burgess.

14 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

“He was just like us, none of us had any money at the time.” Under Bob Neal’s bookings, Sonny and The Pacers’ hot spot was the West Coast.

Burgess’ found radio fame with hits like “We Wanna Boogie”, “Red Headed Woman”, and “Hole In My Bucket”.

More recently, Led Zeppelin recorded “My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It” and lead singer Robert Plant has been quick to pay homage to Burgess when asked about inspiration during interviews.

Burgess talks about playing South by Southwest (SXSW), “There were 1900 bands coming in for the event and there were already over a thousand bands in the Austin area. Of course, they can’t all play. If they’ve got fifty clubs, they still can’t play ‘em all.” The Pacer’s 2015 tour dates and many Hall of Fame inductions can be found at www.legendarypacers.com and an August 7 and 8 performace at the Ink & Iron Festival at Bicentennial Mall Park in Nashville, Tennessee is among many. However, a March 21 performance at the Ward Dance Hall is just around the corner, so log on now to make your upcoming concert plans.

Burgess says that they played tons of Grand Ole Opry shows but never got to play at the Opry, “It was the Ozark Jubilee that Red Foley started in Springfield, Missouri. We played with Bobby Lord, Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, Roy Orbison and many others.” Ozark Jubilee brought national fame to eleven year old Brenda Lee and stars like Patsy Cline and Eddy Arnold played often. Burgess talks about touring with Carl Perkins, “He was a great showman, boy he was really good.” Burgess also speaks of performing on stage with the Pacers when Elvis and his band came up and started playing the Pacer’s instruments around them until the Pacers were able to back off and just watch as Elvis and his band took over.

I could listen to this legend tell tales all day. Burgess talks of his time in the Army, stationed in Germany from 1951 to 1953. The Service held a Grand Ole Opry in Frankfurt, Germany at a country club. “I was playing with some boys out of the Second Armor Division that I was stationed with, all from Texas. We auditioned and made it in. Well, Thumbs Carlyle was in the Army then and he was playing for Little Jimmy Dickens. He played a Fender Telecaster on his lap and boy he was good. There were eight bands and we got to play every Saturday night until I left Germany.” Burgess says he liked the Telecaster’s, because Carlyle played it so good. “Let’s face it, I had it made, I just didn’t care for the Army. I bought a Framus guitar while I was in Germany. Paul McCartney had a Framus Bass when they first came to America. I always had a little money, because I didn’t spend it all on wine, whiskey and women like the rest of the guys, so I bought me a Framus Guitar and amplifier. It was black, oh it was pretty and it had the prettiest neck you’d ever seen,” adds Burgess. He says they boxed that guitar up like a coffin to ship it home when he finished his tour in the Army and when he opened it up, the neck was warped, so he bought a Telecaster.

After the interview, I also watched Bud Blacks interview with this legendary musician on www.cable15tv. com’s Remember When program. I could listen to Mr. Black talk all day, too. This is a great interview if you have not seen it, give it a look see and see the other great interviews there as well. If you haven’t seen the Rock ‘N’ Roll Highway 67 Museum, plan a visit at the 201 Hazel Street Museum in Newport, Arkansas. To think of all of those legends driving up and down 67 to play in Newport or Swifton (because this is where the money was), sure paints a clear picture of how much the world has changed.

Marvin Schwartz has just released a book telling stories with more detail, it is called We Wanna Boogie: The Rockabilly Roots of Sonny Burgess and the Pacers. Schwartz also has written a screenplay with a movie in the works.

Look for these and listen to Burgess when he hosts with June Taylor on KASU 91.9 FM for We Wanna Boogie for some unique musical flavor every Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. N

March 2015 15

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Lyon College president to fill leadership role with Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities Hannah Keller

Lyon College President Dr. Donald Weatherman was recently named the president of the board of directors for Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities.

Weatherman said as president of the board he will work in conjunction with the AICU’s president, Rex Nelson, to continue to educate the public and state legislators about the importance of private colleges in Arkansas.

“Only 10 percent of collegebound students in Arkansas attend a private college, and yet 20 percent of college graduates in the state graduate from private institutions,” Weatherman said. “This says volumes about the education

students receive. Our students at private colleges and universities aren’t just attending college. They are graduating and going on to be productive, successful citizens.”

The AICU was founded in 1954 as the Arkansas Foundation of Associated College. It provides governmental affairs and public affairs support for its 11 member institutions.

“The 11 institutions represented by AICU play a vital role in improving Arkansas. I’m proud to be a graduate of an AICU institution and to have a son who attends another AICU institution.

I look forward to ensuring that more Arkansans understand the

importance of private higher education,” said Nelson in an address on the organization’s website.

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Lyon College President Dr. Donald Weatherman.

Lyon couple named new Spragins House mentors Hannah Keller Assistant Professor of Art they miss their dog back home. It’s Dustyn Bork and Carly Dahl, just another way to make them feel advancement coordinator, will soon more at home here on campus.” call the Lyon College campus home The couple will also continue — literally. The husband and wife the tradition of hosting events at team, who have been working at the Spragins House to help students Lyon for five years, will step into discover the many resources the roles of the new Spragins House available to them on campus and Resident Mentors. provide an opportunity for new As Spragins House mentors, students to get to know the faculty Bork and Dahl will help freshmen and staff. Bork said he hopes to start students with the transition into a series of “quirkshops” that would college life. feature a faculty or staff member “We’re looking forward to sharing a personal hobby or interest continuing that tradition of being a with students that’s not necessarily helpful presence for those who are related to their professional field. new to campus,” Bork said. “When Bork and Dahl were notified just I arrived, Tim Lindblom was the before the Christmas break that they Spragins House mentor, and my had been chosen as the new resident move as a new faculty member mentors. wouldn’t have been as smooth without his help. That help is even more crucial to new students.”

The couple will move into the Spragins House, located in the center of campus, this summer with their two dogs.

“Having the dogs on campus is just another way we can connect with the students,” Dahl said. “Even when we are walking them on campus now, students will want to come pet them and tell us how much Dustyn Bork and Carly Dahl.

“Dustyn is an engaging teacher, strong student advocate, and he has sponsored a number of programs which have reached students well beyond his academic discipline.

His energy and broad perspective bodes well for his work helping new students adjust to Lyon. Carly will provide a fine compliment to Dustyn’s skills. Their teamwork approach and desire to serve students is what we seek in Spragins House mentors,” said Vice President for Student Life Dr. Bruce Johnston.

The couple follows Dr. Patrick Mulick who will leave his post as Spragins House Resident Mentor to take Johnston’s position as vice president of student life. Johnston is retiring at the end of this semester.

“Dustyn and Carly will be wonderful in Spragins House. Their energy and investment in the lives of students is perfect for this position.

They have plans to offer a variety of programs which will engage students from across the campus. The great thing about Spragins House is that each resident brings in his or her own ideas and personality. I am excited for students and the college as a whole to have them in this role,” Mulick said.

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I Do

Are You The Next Wedding Did you say “I Do” within the past six months? Do you currently live in Independence County? Would you like to see your wedding featured in the pages of Eye On Independence? If you answered yes to all three questions simply email Kimberlee at Kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Put the words “I Do” in the subject line. She will reply with a list of questions and instructions. It is that simple. Congratulations on your recent wedding!

We look forward to sharing your story.

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in the pages of EYE ON INDEPENDENCE email kthomas@eyeonmag .com or call Kimberlee at (870) 252-0013

Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista

The Struggle is Real Leigh Keller

Let’s face it. It is more difficult being a woman than being a man (sorry guys, I speak the truth). We are expected to be soft with our babies, strong at work, keep a perfect home (simply not happening here), cook four star healthy meals full of green vegetables that our exquisitely dressed, squeaky clean, vegetable loving children will eat (children without constant dirt or playdoh under their fingernails, the boy mom struggle). We should also manage to be thin enough to pose in our gym clothes at any time, since we have time to go to the gym in between mommy and work life, or even better, stay at home mommy life, where you feel guilty enough for doing anything for yourself.

If it is so difficult to be a woman, then why, as women, do we feel the constant need to compare ourselves to other struggling women? We are kind of programmed from a young age as to what happiness should look like, so we get the idea in our heads of how things should be.

One of the best lectures I ever sat through in counseling graduate school, with wonderful Dr. John Carmack, was him saying that there is no such thing as normal. As a person, and as a family, your normal may look so different from someone else’s. Normal for Cole and I is either he and I together, or he and his daddy together, and sometimes even, all three of us together (because I would like to raise my mini me without a need for excessive counseling when he is grown). But normal could be kids being raised by their aunt and uncle or grandparents, since that is the healthiest, safest place for them to be.

Normal could be a stay at home mama, or a stay at home daddy, or two working parents who depend on Batesville Preschool from 7:35 a.m.-3:35 p.m. every day (HOLLA).

When we compare ourselves to other people, we are robbed of our joy, the joy we deserve for getting to raise these tiny people, or the joy of going to a job you love every day.

Every woman I know struggles with something in their life. I have friends from all stages in life, and we all say the same thing, at one point in our lives we have felt isolated and alone. My single friends who have never been married say they feel isolated from their married or mommy friends, and I remember feeling the same.

My divorced friends (why can’t I just say newly single? I will say that....my newly single friends) feel isolated from my single friends because they have never been married and do not know the sting of a divorce, and how much those wounds still hurt, years later, even if you don’t have children with them (a minor bone with me...people think a relationship only matters if you have children sometimes. WRONG), and they feel isolated from their married friends because they are still hurting from their divorce and they cannot sometimes relate when you talk about how FABULOUS your husband is. Ugh. Stop.

I recently connected with a group of strong mama bear single mama friends after a particularly moving

sermon at church one morning about how we never know what other people are going through, if we do not care enough to ask. Wow. So true. So many times we sit in our little house, with our little kid and our pack of animals (or maybe that is just me?) and that is enough for us. We don’t need to invite more drama into our lives, so we think, so we don’t reach out to someone who might be hurting and just need someone. Being a single mama is an interesting place to be in life, because sometimes you are both mama and daddy. Cole is blessed, in that he has both, and grandparents who adore him, but many single mothers do not have this. You can sometimes feel like your other mommy friends don’t get what you deal with every day, because they have a husband to share the constant burden of taking care of the bills, the yard (gross), the cleaning, the cooking, and all of the child rearing, alone. I do a lot of deep breathing and counting to ten. But I had to learn to do that. I also had to learn to let some things go.

I said all this to say, STOP. Stop comparing. Stop thinking that someone else’s life is how you think it is. Because you know what? That mama who seems to have it all together, probably doesn’t. She is probably in her laundry room full of dirty clothes, eating a hidden hershey’s kiss (again. Maybe just me) and feeling like she is a giant mommy failure because she looks hideous, her house is a hot mess, and she really does not feel like playing any more Hungry Hungry Hippo. So I challenge you this year to reach out to two women (start with two, please reach out to more) who you don’t know well. I am betting they could use your friendship and your ear.

We all have so much to offer other women, with our life experiences. I am in a new chapter of my life, where Cole is about to go to Kindergarten, so I feel like I can help new mamas. I can listen, I can take them a Sonic drink so that they can go pee while I snuggle their little one.

Other women are not the enemy. Your only enemy is you, honestly, as weird as that sounds. N

Smith’s Verdict ***1/2

Looper

Reviewed by Tanner Smith I love movies that involve time-travel. You have to shut your mind out to logic and science, and let the paradox elements win you over, if the script is smart enough not to overanalyze them. “Looper,” an especially tricky sci-fi story, does indeed play it smart. Instead of overruling all of the time-travel paradoxes, this film plays off from them and gives us a wild and brilliant sci-fi thriller.

The story takes place in the future. It looks somewhat normal, like a realistic variation of the American present-day, but it wouldn’t be a sci-fi thriller if there wasn’t something wrong (and unusual), now would it? In this case, it’s 2044 and hired assassins called “loopers” are called upon to kill time-travelers. You see, time-travel hasn’t been discovered yet, but it will be, about thirty years later. But it’s illegal and used only by the most powerful criminals (when I say “powerful,” I mean some people have telekinetic abilities in this time period—but face it; they’ve got nothing against the kids in “Chronicle”). A mafia company in Kansas City hires loopers to dispose of agents sent back in time (by their corporate employers in Shanghai). The way it works is; a looper stands at a certain place and time, the timetraveler is put in front of him, and the looper shoots him at close range. In return, they get paid with silver.

The main rules—don’t hesitate and don’t let your target get away.

But corporate has a unique way of terminating a looper’s contract, or “closing the loop,” by sending their older versions to be killed by their younger versions (they get paid in gold). This is what leads to the main conflict of the story, in which the best of the loopers, Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), doesn’t succeed in assassinating his older self (Bruce Willis).

With young Joe and old Joe now in the same time period and on the run from the mob, they meet in a small countryside diner, where they discuss terms of this truly bizarre situation. This is one of the best scenes in the movie, one of the joys of time-travel in a movie is you can have a scene in which younger and older versions of the same person can have a conversation together. But instead of playing it merely for intrigue, it plays with the reactions and metaphysics of their current position. The result is a deeply effective scene— it’s portrayed in a realistic manner, as is the rest of the movie.

The realistic style of the film’s execution is what makes “Looper” special. It brings about emotional depth, human relations, and a surprising amount of grittiness to the quieter moments. This isn’t one of those time-travel stories in which common twists and turns take place, leaving the plot to be bogged down into overuse of clichéd detail. There’s a genuine richness to the story here. It only gets better as young Joe is

forced to hole up in the boondocks with the aid of a strong, independent woman named Sara (Emily Blunt, sporting a more-than-capable American accent), who wields a shotgun and does what she can to keep her five-year-old son safe. She doesn’t trust Joe at first and wants nothing to do with him, but she does help him as long as he helps her from any suspicious visitors…

The problems I have with “Looper” are slight, and no worries about the sci-fi “logic,” because these criticisms have nothing to do with them. It’s just that there are some little inconsistencies and pointless shots that get a little distracting—for example, what was the point of Sara having T.K. if she only uses it once for play? Also, I have trouble with the speech of that little kid Cid—he doesn’t come off as natural; he sounds like a teenager, at least, in a five-year-old body. And the supposed twist approaching the final half of the movie is a letdown because I saw it coming miles away. I won’t give it away, but you can probably guess it as well as I did. A little more development in that area would have created a great flow.

Many time-travel stories wear out by the time their climaxes approach—not “Looper,” however. Instead, “Looper” provides us with a conclusion that pays off from the introduced elements and gives us some real surprises. You care about the outcome, which is important of any sci-fi thriller.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, continuing to show his reputation as one of the best actors of this generation, gives a strong performance as the antihero Joe; tough but likable enough for us to connect with him and root for him. Oh, and I forgot to mention—if Joseph GordonLevitt looks just the slightest unfamiliar to you, he was made up to appear as if he were the younger version of…let’s say Bruce Willis. Speaking of which, Willis makes a nice impression as old Joe, mixing humanity with elements of an action-hero. There are times when you may hate him for the things he winds up doing, but strangely enough, you can see why he does them and feel even more disturbed for having understanding.

Emily Blunt is more than the “love interest” that her character Sara could easily have become. She brings a lot of weight to her role. Also strong are the performances

by Jeff Daniels as the calm mob boss and Paul Dano as a looper who also breaks the main rules.

“Looper” takes the interesting concept of taking the younger and older versions of the same character and have them heading off against each other, and creates with it a powerfully-told tale of time-travel and its effects, while also delivering well-developed characters and plenty of human elements among the action and suspense. It’s energetic, well-told, and interesting from start to finish. N

20 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

Notes from the Clearing

More than just Propane ad - Reeves Propane - 8/12/11 1/2 pg - 8”w x 5”h - full color - Avenues Magazine

Too Cold for Play Joseph Thomas

I hear the fabric of the shelter we call home, pulling apart to the seductive fingers of the cold blowing wind that pours from the North.

It nestles me closer to the fire, as if the mere sound of her moaning is cold enough to reach every exposed inch of my skin. My mind drifts innocent through thoughts of the two stories of this home shredding away in unsecured board teeth that pull back as the mouth is opened to the night. What then will keep the tongue warm without the teeth and essence of breath to curl cozy within. What will then salivate the inner juices but the lack of water. No kitchen for hot chocolate preparation, or clawfoot bathtub ocean liners to warm and clean our bones. No hallway to lay in staring at the ceiling upside down and crooked because we’ve never seen this angle before. No fireplace to watch a tribe of flames waltz for the first time as they are awakened by the match head creator that is struck by the abrasive strip of its intention.

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March 20

March 2015 21

United Way Announces New Executive Director It is with pleasure that the Board of Directors for United Way of Independence County announces that Allison Phelps will serve as the Executive Director of United Way starting February 16, 2015.

Phelps comes to us from the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she has served as the Director of Programs and Events since she and her husband, Kyle, relocated here in 2013.

We are excited to have Allison join our team. Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas and is an active member of the community. An energetic and dynamic leader, her skills and experience with strategic planning, fundraising, as well as her commitment to community impact, make her a perfect fit for United Way. Phelps said of the appointment, “I am honored to have been chosen to lead an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community. Working at the Chamber has been great experience for me and I am excited to expand my reach in the non-profit sector.�

The search for Phelps began in early December and Allison was selected for the position by a local executive committee comprised of United Way Board members, and we are honored to have her lead this organization.

Please join us in welcoming Allison to United Way of Independence County.

N 22 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

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March 2015 23

Things To Do

educational reading material is based on a sixth-grade reading level. Mary Zirkle, instructor. UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 902. To register, contact Mary Zirkle at 501.345.0367.

April Classes

Burlap Wreath Mar 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Deann Castleberry will show you how to make your own burlap wreath. Bring ribbon, balls, bows, decorative items of your choice and a group of friends to have fun.

Supply fee $20, payable to instructor on first night of class.

UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 240. To register, email katrina. stevens@uaccb.edu or call 870-612-2082.

Defensive Living Mar 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $20 Self-defense is more than learning physical techniques.

It’s about developing a greater sense of situational awareness. Designed for couples as well as individuals, this two hour class will teach effective physical techniques, both empty-handed and best weapons use, along with maximizing current technologies to protect yourself and your loved ones. Don Gregory, instructor. UACCB Annex, 406. To register, email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu or call 870-612-2082.

ServSafe Food Mar 10, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. $30 Food safety training is a non-negotiable activity for all members of the restaurant and foodservice industry.

It is a highly dangerous gamble to cut corners by reducing or eliminating training. To decrease the risk of food borne illness outbreaks, take advantage of the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe program which provides value beyond certification and is the industry’s best dayto-day food safety source. Registration deadline is March 3. Participants must register two weeks prior to class.

Renee Smith, instructor. Fee: $30 (includes 6th edition textbook and exam). UACCB Independence Hall, 103. To register, contact Kristen Smith of the Arkansas Hospitality Association at 501.376.2323. To register, email katrina. stevens@uaccb.edu or call 870-612-2082.

Organic Gardening Basics Mar 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $15 Cheryl Anderson, Master Gardener and owner of Garden Girl, will teach you how to prepare soil and start plants from seeds. You will take home a huge list of resources. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 240. To register, email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu or call 870-612-2082.

Hunter Education Mar 14, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. FREE This free class, sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1969. 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

Couponing 101 Apr 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $15 Who doesn’t love to save money? Learn the ins and outs of couponing. Go from coupon-shy to coupon-savvy with cartloads of money-saving tips on cutting your grocery bill. Deann Castleberry, instructor. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 242. To register, contact 870-612-2082 or email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

Intro to Photoshop Apr 2-30, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $60 Discover the power and flexibility of designing and creating in Photoshop. Instructor Jim Krause, co-owner of a local art business, will teach students in this 5-session hands-on class to use the workspace, panels, brushes, selection tools, filters and terminology. Thursdays, UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 240. To register, contact 870-612-2082 or email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

Crocheting for Beginners Apr 2-23, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $20 Feed your brain, exercise your fingers and discover the art form of crocheting! Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to expand your skills, Lisa Krause will show you how to choose the right tools, create basic stitches and finish off your work. Bring one skein of yarn in a solid color that is not too dark or too bright and a crochet hook, any size from H through J. Thursdays, UACCB Independence Hall, 102. To register, contact 870-612-2082 or email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

Heasley Prize/Writer's Life Public Interview The ALPHIN HUMANITIES BUILDING Alphin Board Room will be the place to see a lecture by Tom Franklin on Tuesday, March 3 from 11 to Noon.

Tom Franklin is the New York Times bestselling author of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, which won the Lost Angeles Times Book Prize and the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger Award. His previous works include Poachers, Hell at the Breech, and Smonk. He teaches in the University of mississippi's M.F.A. program.

Contact Wesley Beal at 870-307-7174 for more information.

All Over Independence

4th Annual Chamber Trap Tournament The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Centennial Bank will host the 4th Annual Chamber Trap Tournament on March 27, 2015 at the Independence County Shooting Sports Complex at 3600 Saint Louis

24 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

Street from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the first pull will be at 10 a.m.

Each team of five will shoot 25 targets per round. At the end of the first round, event officials will tally the scores and divide teams into evenly matched flights. Flights will be assigned similar to a golf tournament. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams in each flight.

Amateur shooters are encouraged to participate. Practice will be available the day before the tournament. Sponsorship opportunities are available and corporate teams are encouraged to participate. Team registration is $350 for five shooters and includes lunch. Registration forms are available on the Chamber website at www. mybatesville.org.

Monthly Fish Fry and Chicken Dinner The Hutchinson Mountain Community Center at 3370 Camp Tahkodah Road will be hosting their monthly Fish Fry and Chicken Dinner on Friday, March 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost for adults and children 12 and up is only $10.00. Children 11 and under eat FREE. Buffet, drink, and dessert are included. Take-out is available $10.00 for adult and $5.00 for children. For more information you may call 870-251-3458. The center is also available for rental by contacting Lea Barber at 870-612-4718.

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Arkansas Craft School Spring workshops Lucia Vinograd

The Arkansas Craft School introduces an exciting Spring workshop line-up for March and April.

March 21 & 22: The Exquisite Easter Egg - Ukrainian Pysanky.

These elaborate and intricate designed Easter eggs are filled with history, mythology and story. Bob Byers will be your guide, as you learn the ancient art form in this fun filled workshop.

March 27: Art at night- An Evening with Molten Glass – Free open house presentation with Sage and Tom Holland.

Celebrated glass artists Sage and Tom Holland, will share their passion for the amazing history of glass.

March 28: A Brief Introduction to Glass Bead Making This is a one day workshop that offers the opportunity to works with molten glass and try your hand at making multicolored glass beads‌ taught by Sage Holland April 4 & 5: Fundamentals of Digital Photography Learn techniques to create truly artful photographs and begin to develop your own personal style. Ed Alexander will be your guide from first concept to final print.

April 3 - 5: - Basic Woodturning Wood turning is an exciting craft skill, an expressive art form or just a fun a hobby for people of all ages. This workshop, taught by local artist Thomas Dunn, is for people new to woodturning.

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Photo by Stacy Pretty

793-3303 755 St. Louis Street Batesville

Kennadi Pretty March 2015 25

Faces

Chamber Expo, Allison and Danell painted up for the festivities.

Chamber Expo reception entertainment.

Annual Meeting and Awards and 2015 Business Expo

Danell Hetrick The Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony and the Business Expo were huge hits! The Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, formerly held in conjunction with the Expo, was held on Tuesday, January 27 in the Scottish Heritage building at Lyon College. Every table was filled as the 2014 Chamber year was reviewed and the 2015 program of work was announced. The first Leadership Batesville graduates were honored with awards of completion, Janelle Shell was recognized for her years of service as a Chamber Ambassador, and Adam Curtwright was announced as the 2014 Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Four outstanding Chamber members were recognized for their achievements in 2014. From a pool of deserving nominees for New Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, and Outstanding Leadership, BIG's, Cup'd Up Outdoors, UACCB, and Bob Carius of Main Street Batesville took home the awards, respectively. The 2015 Business Expo, held on Wednesday, January 28 at UACCB, truly was the Greatest Showcase on Earth! Over 1,000 attendees were awed by the 82 vendors, the on-stage demonstrations, and the live circus performances!

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26 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

Fiesta accessories add that perfect splash of color!

So go ahead...

Stir up a little excitement in your kitchen this spring!

Carlee’s Hallmark 870-793-8086 / 682 Harrison Street - Batesville

Literacy Project MLK Day Book Drive Nets Over 1,200 Books Lauren Willette In January, millions of AmeriCorps members throughout the nation came together to volunteer and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, who never stopped asking the question, “What are you doing for others?” The Ozark Foothills Literacy Project’s three 2015 AmeriCorps members, Lauren Willette, Ronica Williamson and Andrew Bridgers, conducted a book drive to benefit various area organizations.

The Literacy Project, which serves Independence, Sharp, Fulton, and Izard Counties, gave donated books to Family Violence Prevention of Batesville, AR, Health Resources of Arkansas, and the Ash Flat Public Library.

Members of the community donated new or used books for adults and children, journals, coloring books, and crayons. Many local business, churches, and restaurants helped in the collection of the requested items. The Literacy Project’s goal of 500 books and other items was far exceeded. Staff members were surprised and delighted when they learned that over 1200 books were donated. Children’s books were donated to the Family Violence Prevention, to help build the library of books

available to children who stay in the shelter. Other children’s books were donated to Health Resources of Arkansas’ Care to Share event, where families in need were able to select books and other items. Adult books were donated to the Ash Flat Public Library, a library that has been built almost entirely on donations from the surrounding community.

AmeriCorps is a federal program aimed at promoting community volunteering. AmeriCorps members across the country work to meet critical community needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. There are thousands of AmeriCorps positions in the United States each year, each of which provides a unique opportunity for members to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. The Literacy Project’s three AmeriCorps positions are funded almost entirely by the United Way of Independence County.

For more information about the Literacy Project, please call 870-793-5912 or visit www.oflp.org. N March 2015 27

The White River Water Carnival was awarded second place in the Arkansas Festivals and Events Association's Promotional Materials category at the 2015 Alfie Awards on Friday, January 30. Membership Director Mandi Curtwright(shown right), attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the BACC and the White River Water Carnival Committee.

AEDC PREP Training for Independence County Danell Hetrick The Arkansas Economic Development Commission hosted a Prospect Readiness Education Program training on Thursday, February 5. The PREP training was designed to provide communities with hands-on training in all aspects of the economic development prospect visit.

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Crystal Johnson said of the training: “It is important that our community’s leaders are trained so that we will have a base of qualified persons to meet and negotiate with industrial prospects. Once our community’s leaders are trained, our community will be recognized as one that is open to and ready for new business.”

The PREP training took place at Lyon College.

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Danny Garner, a Batesville resident, was recently surprised with a celebratory farewell party by the White River Medical Center (WRMC) Inpatient Rehabilitation team. Garner spent nine weeks in an Arizona hospital after becoming ill while visiting family. He was transferred to WRMC, where he finished up his care with six weeks of rehabilitation therapy.

Fifteen weeks after becoming ill, Garner was well enough to return home with his wife, Melanie. Back Row: Hileigh Richardson, LPN; Misty Wilson, LPN, Clinical Liaison; Dr. Homer Brooks; Barbara Crotts, PT. Middle Row: Autumn Smith, PTA; Roger Barker, OT; Angie Wilder, RN. Front Row: Garner and his wife.

Employees at White River Medical Center recently recognized February as American Heart Month by wearing red. Several employees who wore red joined to form a heart shape in support of the observance. Heart Disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Since Heart Disease is largely preventable in many cases, it’s important to talk to your doctor about risk factors and possible lifestyle changes to prevent or control the disease.

28 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

Batesville Downtown Foundation, Inc. Formed Joel Williams

Main Street Batesville has officially formed the Batesville Downtown Foundation, Inc. A letter dated 21 January 2015 from the Internal Revenue Service informed the Foundation’s Board of Trustees that its application for the 501 (c) (3) status had been approved.

This means that any individual’s donation to the Foundation can be itemized on the proper IRS form making it federal-tax exempt.

The Foundation was formed to provide the sustainability needed to ensure that the work being done to revitalize and preserve the downtown is continued. It will assist in raising funds to be disbursed to elements of downtown that are part of this effort.

The Board will meet soon to plan the approach that it will adopt to carry out the stated purposes of the Foundation. It is anticipated that the Foundation will have brochures and printed material available for its use shortly. This material will make it possible for the board to contact individuals and organizations that are interested in the revitalization and preservation of the downtown business district. Opportunities for endowments relating to the Foundation’s purpose will be made available. Persons desiring to have their legacy ensured with an endowment for a project downtown

will now have that opportunity.

The year’s effort was taken up by creating, editing and rewriting the Foundation By-laws; defining the “Downtown” area; selecting the Foundation Board of Trustees; having the Articles of Incorporation approved by the state of Arkansas; creating the various forms needed for the Foundation; writing, editing and rewriting the extensive application form required by the IRS; and responding to questions posed by the IRS. The By-laws require that at least four (4) members of the twelve (12) member board be residents outside of the city of Batesville and within Independence County.

There actually are six (6) members that met that criterion.

Board members are: Ron Autry (county); Phil Baldwin (county); Tracy Baxter; Richard Black; Bob Carius (county – President); Pat Jones (Vice President); Renee Long; John Richardson (county); Robb Roberts; David Wilkins (Treasurer); Rita Wilson (county); and Dennis Wright (county-Secretary). Pre-approval secretary (Jennette Duke); Legal advisor (Steve Bell); Financial advisors (Robin Brock and Boris Dover).

Files and records will be maintained in the Main Street Batesville office.

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March 2015 29

Chamber to Host Regional Grant Writing Seminar Danell Hetrick The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a full-day grant writing seminar on Thursday, April 2 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. in the George Rider Room at First Community Bank.

Cheryl Kester will lead the seminar. Kester (CFRE) is Principal of The Kester Group, a grants consulting firm specializing in assisting education, non-profit, public safety, health care and county/municipal clients across the nation in winning state and federal grants. She has helped secure more than $96 million in funding from grants and contracts. The firm also serves as an external evaluator.

An engaging speaker, Kester teaches workshops, is a keynote speaker, conducts board workshops, is a Grants Professional Association approved trainer and serves as a grant reviewer for private and federal funders. She is co-author of the forthcoming book “Writing to Win Federal Grants” and the accompanying “Writing to Win Federal Grants Workbook.”

The seminar, sponsored by White River Planning and Development District and ARcare, features two sessions.

The first session, held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. includes intermediate and advanced insight into grant narratives, budgeting, and appealing to funders. The second session, held from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., will guide attendees through post-award stewardship practices and the secrets

of securing federal funding. Following the seminar, Cheryl will hold a book signing.

The seminar is open to all Chamber members and nonmembers, and regional partners are encouraged to attend.

The registration fee is $99 for one session and $150 for the entire day. US Pizza will provide lunch. Contact Danell Hetrick at (870) 793-2378 or danell.hetrick@mybatesville. org for more information or to register. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event. N

Winter's Art Studio ribbon cutting.

Janine Winters talking about her new studio and its mission.

30 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

United Way Announces Name Change Allison Phelps

United Way of Independence County is proud to announce the organization’s name change to United Way of North Central Arkansas.

The change is the first step of the organization’s five-year strategic plan to expand the services offered across the five-county region it supports. The new identity will allow United Way to expand its programs and services, create partnership opportunities and seek resources from other communities that are supported by the United Way efforts but do not have fundraising campaigns to support the needs in their areas. In 2014, United Way reached its goal of $300,000 and those funds were distributed to fourteen funded partners across the service area.

Executive Director Allison Phelps says, “It is vital to the success and growth of our United Way for the name to accurately reflect the service area of our organization.

The previous name suggested that we only service Independence County and this name change will help us to expand our reach and ultimately impact more individuals, which is what we are all about.”

United Way of North Central Arkansas has been serving this community since its inception as Community Chest in 1980. In January of 1981, articles of incorporation were filed as United Way of Independence County and in 2013 a tag line was added to show that United Way of Independence County also serves North Cleburne, Izard, Sharp and Stone Counties. An amendment to the original articles of incorporation to change the name to United Way of North Central Arkansas was filed and became effective February 12, 2015.

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Sulphur Rock 2015 Science Fair Pam Baxter Sulphur Rock held its 2015 Science Fair involving every student on campus with an individual or classroom science project.

The class projects winners won ribbons, the individual category winners won medals and the overall winners won trophies.

The student winners were: K-3 Classes 3rd Place: Ryley McCuiston 1st Place: Heringer, Success 3-4 grades Chemistry 2nd Place: Manry- First Grade 1st Place: Laney Thompson and Larson Bailey (tie) 3rd Place: Baxter- First Grade 2nd Place: Jacob Birkhead Teams 3rd Place: Colyn Wentz; Destany Lee; and Chloie Coles 1st Place: Nathan Richardson and Sincere Smith (3-way tie) 2nd Place: Riley Blevins and Mattie Self Earth Science 3rd Place: Abby Fraley and Kara Maya 1st Place: Carl Owens Medical /Health 2nd Place: Dentton Winningham 1st Place: Jack Lanier 3rd Place: Olivia Allen and Merra McGowen (tie) 2nd Place: Karson Dentton: and Colby Harris (tie) Zoology: 3rd Place: Brennan Dodson 1st Place: Tyas Rush Bio-Chemistry 2nd Place: Stephannie Laslo 1st Place: Avri Rudisill Space Science 2nd Place: Jace Matthews; Ben Hopper; and BJ Sanchez First Place: Clayton Campbell (3-way tie) Overall Winners for 2015 at Sulphur Rock Manet 3rd Place: Austin Davis 1st Place Overall- Daniel Latus in Botany Mathematics Runner up Overall- (tie) Victoria Vance in Environmental 1st Place: Matthew Hays and Eli Livingston in Physics, Force and Motion. N 2nd Place: Casyn Tate 3rd Place: Brianna Brown Behavioral Science 1st Place: Hannah Kimmer Consumer Science 1st Place: Ethan Price 2nd Place: Solomen Nast 3rd Place: Thomas Morgan Botany 1st Place: Daniel Latus 2nd Place: Taylor Rush 3rd Place: Wes Lange Engineering 1st Place: Lance Pinkston SR2 Group Science Fair Winners.

2nd Place: Jamie Branscum 3rd Place: Preston Rowe Environmental 1st Place: Victoria Vance 2nd Place: Evan McLean 3rd Place: Peyton Landreth Physics: Force and Motion 1st Place: Eli Livingston 2nd Place: Josh Ward 3rd Place: Breanna Rea and Sara Smith (tie) Physics: Miscellaneous 1st Place: Gavin Alveti 2nd Place: Ethan Davidson 3rd Place: Belen Sanchez Overall trophy winners -(left) Daniel Latus overall, Eli Physics: Electricity Livingston, runner up and Victoria Vance, runner up.

1st Place: Cole Weaver 2nd Place: Gage Wood 32 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

Chamber Announces Upcoming Trap Tournament Danell Hetrick

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Centennial Bank will host the 4th Annual Chamber Trap Tournament on March 27, 2015 at the Independence County Shooting Sports Complex from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the first pull will be at 10 a.m.

Each team of five will shoot 25 targets per round.

At the end of the first round, event officials will tally the scores and divide teams into evenly matched flights.

Flights will be assigned similar to a golf tournament.

Prizes will be awarded to winning teams in each flight.

Amateur shooters are encouraged to participate.

Practice will be available the day before the tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and corporate teams are encouraged to participate. Team registration is $350 for five shooters and includes lunch. Registration forms are available on the Chamber website at www. mybatesville.org. For more information about the trap tournament, contact Crystal Johnson at (870) 7932378 or crystal.johnson@mybatesville.org.

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BACC Releases 2015 Leadership Batesville Application Danell Hetrick

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 2015 Leadership Batesville applications have been released. Leadership Batesville is an annual program of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce that is designed to identify, educate, and prepare potential leaders for leadership roles in our community. Twelve individuals will be selected for the 2015 Leadership class.

BACC President/CEO Crystal Johnson said, “The

2014 Leadership Batesville class greatly benefitted from the program. Each Leadership session is designed to enhance the knowledge and involvement of our future leaders in the areas of government, industrial development, healthcare, education, quality of life and other important aspects of our community.

The Leadership Batesville program is an asset to the businesses who employ the Leadership participants and to the entire community.”

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Love Letters Batesville Community Theatre is proud to present A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Performances will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13 at Halloway Theatre on the campus of Lyon College.

Love Letters, which premiered on Broadway in 1989, tells the story of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (played by Colyn Bowman) and Melissa Gardner (played

by Gia Taylor), whose lives have been entwined since they met in second grade. Using the epistolary form sometimes found in novels, the actors sit at desks and read notes, cards and letters that chronicle 50 years of hopes, dreams, successes and disappointments. Their poignant story unfolds from what was written, what was between the lines and what was left unsaid.

Love Letters, which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for

drama in 1990, has been performed by a variety of wellknow actors for many years in various venues in the U.S. and around the world. It enjoyed a recent revival on Broadway, opening on September 2014 starring Brian Dennehy and Mia Farrow. Other actors in this recent rotating cast included Carol Burnett, Alan Alda and Candice Bergen. A national tour is set to begin in the fall of 2015.

Admission is $8. Tickets are available for purchase at the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery on Main Street, White River Veterinary Clinic, and Village Veterinary Care. They will also be available for purchase at the door but seating is limited.

Due to the adult nature and content of this play, it is more suited for mature audiences.

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Sixth Annual All Rise Century Bike Ride Chaney Taylor

White River Medical Center Cycling (WRMCC) is sponsoring a bicycle ride to benefit the Independence County DWI Court (ICDC) program. It is an out-andback course so riders may choose any distance of 1-100 miles. Riders of all skill levels are welcome as there are no major climbs. This is a fundraiser so participants should obtain sponsors as soon as possible. Ride is Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. beginning at the Jubliee Family Church, 45 Thunderbird Drive, just off Hwy 69S, 2 miles past the Batesville Wal-Mart. Registration fee

of $20 includes event T-shirt, drinks & refreshments.

Riders who raise $250 or more will receive a special award. Helmets are required for all riders. Riders under 18 must be signed for & accompanied by an adult. This is a supported ride - sag support will be available. For more details & entry form, contact Donald Vaulner at 870-793-8897 or see the ALL RISE Century Ride Facebook page. Route may be viewed on line at http:// www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/17479502 N

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Experiencing God in the Everyday

“Going Through the Big D” (and I don’t mean Dallas) Jessica Grigsby

The 90s were all about country music for me. I was probably eight when I first heard the song lyrics, “Going through the Big D, and I don’t mean Dallas.” Let’s just say that my taste in music has improved through the years. If you love this song it is completely okay with me, well maybe. Actually we should probably have a talk about this one. The “D word” in this song is divorce. My “D word” really has nothing to do with the song lyrics. I just made the random correlation with it and this song.

Weird connections come in my mind all the time, so there you go. My “D word” is depression and four years ago it became very real in my life.

I’ll never forget when the counselor I was seeing said that word, my life shattered. I had been in denial and yet somewhat hopeful to never have that word become a part of my life; however, in reality I knew it already was. At this point in my life I had quit my job because of it and was sleeping all day. I could have won the lottery and still would have been the loneliest and most miserable person on the planet. I was surrounded by people, yet I felt utterly alone.

Through my journey, I have resonated with David many times. “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

-Psalm 13:1 I thought if I could just be closer to Jesus, memorize more scripture, and read my Bible more then all would align and find its right place in my world. Don’t get me wrong, Jesus is enough; he’s more than enough. But there was more to take place in my life than my comfort. When my counselor uttered that word, so much shame came along with it in my mind. The sequences to follow it only busted my pride more. From going to the pharmacy and being asked if I had ever taken a psychiatric drug, to a church member finding my prescription on my computer and asking my husband about it. True stuff, real stuff.

You see, Jesus was using these events and the “D word” to do something in my life; shatter my pride.

I’m the type of person that likes events and life to play out perfectly. I felt I was like the older moral brother in the Prodigal Son story. I looked shiny and clean on the outside yet was sinful and just as yucky on the inside. I have not really ever had to struggle in life for anything.

I was born on third and headed to home plate as the saying goes. The depression eliminated that illusion of perfection in my life. Four years ago, I would have never wanted or even thought about writing about something so personal. The church itself doesn’t even know how to handle mental illness. It’s like the scarlet letter. Four years ago, I was longing for a place where I knew someone loved Jesus and yet also struggled with depression. This is my hope in sharing my story here and on my blog; I want to let others know there is a place of refuge, encouragement and realness.

I would be lying if I said every day is easy breezy and all has been perfect. It’s not, and it probably never will be.

I’m still learning to be okay with that idea. God has taken away every facade that I could hold onto. I desperately wanted, and many times still want to, to cling to an image of perfection. Who doesn’t want to appear to have the perfect life, marriage, child, personality, etc.? But if we truly believe the Bible, we know that is a figment of our imagination and an illusion. What God wanted four years ago and still wants from me today is for me to realize how needy and dependent I am on Him. I’m reminded on my good days of my desperation for Jesus just as much as my bad days.

I’m reminded as I sit across from the young lady with tears streaming down her face because she struggles with the “D word” that my struggle and hurt has not been in vain. Before depression I could love her and pray for her, but I would not have felt her pain. The “D word” has been a purification process in my life. Elisabeth Elliot’s words ring true in my life when it comes to depression, “God will not protect you from anything that will make you more like Jesus.”

There have been many times in the past and times recently I have cried out, “WHY?” At times it seems like more than I can handle and that is when the whys come.

But with the question comes the answers. “WHY?”, because He has a purpose and a plan. “WHY?”, because we aren’t promised a life free of hardships.

As each day and struggle passes, I realize that I may never fully understand “WHY” on this side of eternity.

But my prayer is that as I am going through the “Big D” that I can love Jesus and encourage others. The words of my pastor-husband come to mind, “Suffering has great purpose in our lives. God NEVER wastes anything.” I cling to that promise. I can write this message today because GOD NEVER WASTES ANYTHING. Jessica Grigsby is mom to the adventurous E, wife to Chado and new blogger. She has been a church planter’s wife for a couple of years and admits she is still learning what that means, “How to love people and serve the Lord.” She loves to travel and drink coffee. Most of all, Jessica loves Jesus and is continually learning about His grace in her life. Read more from Jessica and friends at thekindredwomen.com. N

36 Help us keep our Eyes On Independence..what would you like to see? Tell us on facebook or at eyeonmag.com.

United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Paige Dirksen The Batesville Area Arts Council and UACCB will be co-sponsoring a concert by the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America on Saturday, March 21st in Independence Hall at UACCB. The concert will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The concert is FREE and open to the public. Tickets for admission are available at UACCB, Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, & the BAAC Gallery on Main.

The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Concert Band represents the professionalism and excellence found every day throughout the Air Force.

This diverse, 45-piece ensemble’s repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks, to traditional marches, to modern compositions, to pops and jazz. During a concert, you are likely to hear stirring works from contemporary composers as well as the familiar sounds of John Philip Sousa or Major Glenn Miller. The band also features talented vocal soloists, performing a wide variety of popular, classical, and patriotic selections.

This ensemble primarily performs free civic outreach and recruiting concerts for audiences throughout the Midwest, playing more than 100 engagements each year. In its broader travels, the band has performed in New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, the Gulf Coast, Germany, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Barbados, Grenada, Guatemala, Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Azores. Each year, band members perform live before hundreds of thousands of people, and for millions more on television and radio broadcasts.

The Commander of the USAF Band of Mid-America, Captain Plosch enlisted in the United States Air Force in

July 2001 and began his first assignment as a trumpeter with the USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio in September 2001. As an enlisted member of the USAF Band of Flight, he performed in seven different ensembles and was versatile in all styles of music. He was a member of the first USAF brass ensemble, Hot Brass, to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2008, Captain Plosch was commissioned through the Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama where he was a Distinguished Graduate. After attending OTS, Captain Plosch served as deputy commander, and later as commander, of the United States Air Force Academy Band in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was selected to command The USAF Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California, in July 2012 and has been stationed at Scott AFB, IL as commander of the USAF Band of MidAmerica since July 2014.

The theme of the Concert Band's Spring 2015 tour is titled, Journeys. Captain Plosch chose this theme because as he was programming this concert tour, he realized so much of the music stemmed from composers across the globe. Through music, the audience will journey through Great Britian, Austria, the South Pacific and the United States. The concert will also feature the Band of Mid-America's newest performing group, Roots in Blue. It is a folk group influenced in the styles of Celtic, Bluegrass and Country music. Of course, it wouldn't be a military band concert if there weren't wonderful vocals, patriotic favorites and a tribute to our veterans.

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