Eye On Independence August 2014

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August 2014

Independence

Follow Me 2014 White River Water Carnival White River Water Carnival Dance History A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

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In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note Beautiful Community

8/ Your Health

Baby Boomers Beware

10/ We’re Still Out Here

A Family’s Look at Vietnam

12/ Cover Story

8

23

12

26

14

36

18

39

White River Water Carnival History

14/ Feature

White River Water Carnival

16/ Master Gardeners

Succulents: A Lazy Gardener’s Dream Is It ‘BAY-ZLE’ or ‘BAH-ZLE’?

18/ I Do

Cornett-Bixler Wedding

20/ Smith’s Verdict **** Mask

23/ Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Polka Dots and Hot Wheels

24/ Things To Do 26/ Faces 29/ The Myopic Life

Lessons from Loco Ropes

32/ Batesville Area Arts Council 34/ Downtown Guide 36/ Experiencing God in the Everyday Follow Me

39/ Notes from the Clearing

August 2014 m

ag.co www.eyeonm

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Cover Photography by Robert O. Seat 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.

The fondest memories are made When gathered around the table

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

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.

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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.

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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 © 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.

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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

as the weather is really settling Back.’ I have the honor of bringing you some Beautiful Community intoJust Summer, we offer you another great White River Water Carnival Dance History, Joseph Thomas

Kimberlee and Joseph Thomas

look into your beautiful community. Read along to find Chad Grigsby's article, "Follow Me" and Kristi Price tells of Lessons learned at Loco Ropes. Alisa R. Lancaster speaks a word of warning to the Baby Boomer generation while Tanner Smith reviews "Mask." Leigh Keller talks Polka Dots and Hot Wheels, Kimberlee brings us another great wedding and Bob Pest reviews the book, 'Valentine’s Day: A Marine Looks

as well as to Feature this years White River Water Carnival. We have articles from our local Master Gardeners with tips and recipes for those green thumbs out there. There are Things To Do, Faces, and many happenings you might just find very interesting, and sweet. Please enjoy this issue, the weather as it winds toward Fall and one another’s company in this beautiful community of Independence County. N

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Citizens Bank Announces ‘Celebrate America’ Prize Winners Chuck Jones Billy E. Meeks was shooting off fireworks for friends and family on his farm near Floral when his wife, Jannette, received a text message on her cell phone that he had won a new car in Citizens Bank’s “Celebrate America 2014” drawings on the Fourth of July in Riverside Park in Batesville.

“I’ve never won anything so I didn’t pay much attention to it, and just kept shooting fireworks,” Meeks said. “But we got more text messages, and then friends started calling me, saying, ‘Billy, you won the car!’ ” Sure enough, Miss Batesville Rachel Roebuck had picked out an entry form with Meeks’ name on it during a live drawing in Riverside Park just before the “Celebrate America” fireworks.

Meeks said he was confused at first because he had not filled out an entry form. As a customer of the Citizens Bank, however, his name had been automatically entered in the giveaway contest 10 times for each of three personal accounts he holds with the bank.

“I was flabbergasted; I still don’t really believe it,” said Meeks, who was an Independence County sheriff’s deputy for nearly 24 years. He and his wife visited the Wood Family of dealerships in Batesville the following Monday to select a car, truck or SUV from an assortment of vehicles with a similar value. They selected a bright red 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, one of the best selling SUVs in America and a 2014 top safety pick of the Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety.

Two additional “Celebrate America” prizes also were awarded on the Fourth of July to Lanelle G. Wilmeth of Fox, whose name was drawn as the winner of an Intimidator UTV, and Susann S. Hackney of Batesville, who won a 60-inch Bad Boy riding mower.

Citizens Bank conducted a six-week promotion, attracting nearly 12,000 paper entries, plus the 10 entries that bank customers automatically received for each personal account they own.

“We want to thank the Wood Family of dealerships, Intimidator and Bad Boy for participating in our unique promotion,” said Phil Baldwin, Citizens Bank President and Chief Executive Officer. “We also appreciate all of our ‘Celebrate America’ sponsors for their support in making the entire day possible.” N

August 2014 7

Your Health

Baby Boomers Beware Alisa R. Lancaster

2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the Hepatitis C virus. Unfortunately, this is nothing to celebrate as 5.3 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C and don’t know it. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which can cause serious health problems progressing to liver failure. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver cancer and the #1 cause of liver transplants. While anyone can get the disease, 75% of those with Hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1965……those we affectionately call the “Baby Boomers”.

The Centers for Disease Control recently issued a recommendation that all Baby Boomers be tested, as they are five times more likely to have the virus. People with hepatitis can live for decades without symptoms even though damage to the liver is occurring. By the time symptoms appear, it’s usually a sign of advanced liver disease. Early diagnosis can lead to successful treatment, thereby eliminating the virus from the body and preventing liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. The only way to determine if someone is infected is through testing by your health care provider.

Hepatitis C is not spread by casual contact such as kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing, breastfeeding, or sharing of eating utensils. It is transmitted from one person to another through blood. It is thought

that those born between 1945 and 1965 were exposed during the 70’s and 80’s when the virus rates were the highest. It could be spread through transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening of blood products in 1992. And still others may have gotten infected by injecting drugs and sharing needles, even if it was only one time. Obtaining a tattoo or body piercing from a facility that is not regulated will also increase the risk of contracting Hepatitis C. There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C, but medical treatment is available. Infection with Hepatitis C is not a death sentence. Many people do not have disease progression, or if it does progress it does so very slowly. Early treatment can decrease the chance of transmission, improve quality of life, and decrease any immediate and/or lifelong health care costs. So, if you are a Baby Boomer ask your health care provider about being tested for the Hepatitis C virus. It may just save your life. N

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BACC staff attends A State Chamber conference Danell Hetrick

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce staff attended the Arkansas State Chamber summer conference July 20 through July 23 in Heber Springs. Among the ACCE workshop topics were economic development, member retention, chambers as liaisons during natural disaster recovery, and festivals. Gubernatorial candidates Mike Ross and Asa Hutchinson visited with the conference attendees and discussed state policy matters and each candidate’s plans for office.

Batesville Area Chamber President/CEO Crystal Johnson said of the conference: “The ACCE conferences are always beneficial to our staff and organization.

These workshops are necessary if we are to better serve our membership and community through economic development and advocacy. We, as a staff, always gain so much by learning from other chambers of commerce.

This summer’s conference was particularly intriguing, because we had the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the most important matters of state and the future of Arkansas with the gubernatorial candidates.”

The next ACCE conference will be held in November of 2014. The BACC will also attend this conference.

N

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We’re Still Out Here

A Family’s Look at Vietnam Bob Pest

A Review of Valentine’s Day: A Marine Looks Back I was very fortunate to run into Charles A. Van Bibber a few days before Memorial Day at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville, NC. Mr. Van Bibber shared some of his Vietnam experiences. More importantly, he pointed out that his book was not just about Vietnam but, to quote the author, “also a look at changes in men affected by the war.” When we talked I could tell that he had spent decades where he struggled to be true to his faith and to Marines everywhere. He also said he was relying on the letters from home, the memories of others, and his own memories. Once you start reading you will be captivated by the mothers, fathers, sons, and families willing to share their experiences either in Vietnam or at home. There are quite a few letters, especially in the early stages of the book. For example:

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"Dear Folks" "Well here I am finally, I have been quite busy lately and haven't had a chance to write. I am in Viet Nam, and have been here since Friday the 16th, which was Thursday the 15th back in Texas.” Chuck, the son, went to war and shared every action with his family. His letter is clear: “Here's how it went; no sooner did we land at Da Nang air base and we were taken right out to an outpost south of Da Nang.”

The female approach enters with the first of several letters from Mom: “I got that little package you sent me. Wow! When you said you'd send 30# of stuff I'd never figured on getting 30 # or rather 25#.” After getting in touch with the family, Mom read her very serious letter from her son.

“We've had three missing in action, two killed, and three wounded.” Dear Dad is a short letter from Chuck reassuring the family by saying “war isn't fought to be told but to win.” The variety of feelings about the war in Viet 75912_HARR_Smith_2_34x4_83c.indd Nam demonstrate the impact the letters have had on soldiers at war and soldiers at home, families, citizens, and writers.

As you continue to read the book begins to focus more on the Da Nang Air Base. Beautiful Viet girls were being used to “seduce and destroy soldiers.” This part of the book covers combat, patrols, and the steamy, unpleasant dampness. The family members continue to send letters, largely to keep up with active soldiers they know. Once you get to Chapter Five you will become deeply involved in the war and warriors. You will also hear from the veterans who will live forever with the impact of the war in the jungles .

Mr. Van Bibber wrote his book in 2013. It contains eight pages of photos of Marines in action and resting and a photo of the Battle for the Cam Le Bridge from the view point of the 1st Battalion. My conversation with him made it clear to me that many veterans felt that they had not received the care, patience, and attention they deserved. His book will help this generation understand that the battles in the steamy jungles of Vietnam were real, not a movie—battles that will be remembered forever. We will also remember the family that remained connected through letters that share experiences, never to be forgotten.

N Note: Nearly four million rural Americans are military veterans.

10

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

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3/19/14 12:14 PM

Lyon College Receives $1 Million Gift from Wilson Family Hannah Keller As the beginning phase of construction begins on new residence halls, Lyon College is proud to announce the receipt of a $1 million lead pledge from the R.E. Lee Wilson Trust Foundation to help fund the new residence halls.

“Lyon College is blessed with a long series of Board Chairmen who have been willing to lead by example. Chairman Wilson, I am pleased to say, is continuing that tradition. Lyon is at a critical time in its history, and Chairman Wilson’s leadership sets the right tone at this time for the college and the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Donald Weatherman, president of Lyon.

Lyon will receive the funds in five installments over the next five years. Perry Wilson, Lyon’s chairman of the Board of Trustees as well as a trustee with the foundation, said the foundation trustees believe in the merits of a liberal arts education, which is the foundation of Lyon’s curriculum.

Wilson serves as one of the foundation trustees along with his uncles, Steve and Bobby Wilson.

“The gift from the R.E. Lee Wilson Trust Foundation was prompted by a recognition of the trustees of the foundation as to the important role that Lyon College plays in the State of Arkansas, and by the realization that Lyon College can only succeed in its dynamic growth plan if private foundations and individuals who believe in the merits of a liberal arts education step up and help to fund that vision,” Wilson said.

Two new residence halls, projected to be completed in the fall 2015, will accommodate 100 students each. In addition to the new facilities, Brown and Barton Apartments will be completely renovated. Lyon is set to welcome its largest incoming-freshman class in the institution’s history this fall.

“Both as chairman of the board of trustees of Lyon College and as a proponent of liberal arts education in general, I am thrilled with the direction in which Lyon is headed. Lyon has made several huge changes in the past couple of years, and those changes are paying off already in increased enrollment and a higher profile for Lyon College without compromising admission standards,” Wilson said.

Wilson joined the Lyon Board of Trustees in 2009 and was

Carlee’s Hallmark

elected as chairman in the spring of 2012. His father, Mike Wilson, was a longtime board member and instilled a passion for education and appreciation for Lyon College in his son.

“As a moderate private liberal arts college, Lyon has a significant and unique place in Arkansas higher education. I’ve had several people tell me that Lyon College is Arkansas’ bestkept secret. Let it be a secret no more! With high admission standards, an incredibly appealing teacher to student ratio, and rigorous academic programs, Lyon College produces graduates who are exceedingly well-prepared to succeed in life and to make a significant impact on the world around them,” Wilson said.

Lyon College is an undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Founded in 1872, it is the most established independent college in Arkansas. Lyon provides a residential learning community distinguished by its unique student-driven honor system, innovative house system, and endowed Nichols International Studies program. Lyon has been ranked in the top tier of best national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report and Washington Monthly and named one of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes.com. Fourteen Lyon College faculty members have earned the distinguished Arkansas Professor of the Year award. N

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Eye On Cover Story White River Water Carnival History Joseph Thomas

Our friend, Chris Caruthers, has invited Kimberlee and I to the White River Water Carnival Dance the last few years. Regrettably, we haven‘t been able to do much more than grab some photos, but thought it was time to focus on this tradition that died twice and was reborn in 2009 thanks to Caruthers' nostalgic sensibility. I asked Caruthers about covering the dance for this issue and he quickly brought together a wonderful group to reminisce about the early days of this event. Our interview consisted of Dr. and Mrs. Robert (Lit) Craig, their daughter Sarah Craig, Butch Ketz, Kay Southerland, Marcus Bowers, Nelson Barnett, Mickey Powell, Jim Waan, Jane Powell Henson, Chris Caruthers and Dennis Headrick. It was lovely and many vivid memories waltzed within Caruthers’ home that evening, which he and Dennis Headrick hosted well.

The laughs that were shared here, I’m sure, are only a spark of the fire that has been the White River Water Carnival Dance over the years.

Mickey Powell began by telling us about the RolloRink skating rink owned by Norman Gray that used to sit just behind where the Quizno’s building is located just off of St. Louis Street. Powell says, “The band I remember real well from that location is Clyde McCoy,” and someone else shouts, “Sugar Blues.” Powell thinks Ted Williams played there once before too, Jim Waan is pretty sure that was in 1951.

Not many of the group remembered the dance happening in that old skating rink, but there was a consensus that the dance began in 1938 and ceased after 1941 because of World War II. Dr. Robert (Lit) Craig talked about the first White River Water Carnival. The dance was held in the Crouch Building that stood where Robertson Hardware resided later on 4th and Main until it burnt. Dr. Craig says it was a spacious building that had once been a furniture store with a balcony and a big basement. He says it was a great place for a band and a dance, except for the heat. The basement had outside steps where, the group heartily remembers, some locals set up their own bar.

The group agrees that the dance picked up again in 1948 at Gray’s Rollo-Rink until 1954 when it was moved

12

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

to the Armory. It was held there until 1965 when it was held at the White River Stadium’s Jaycee Building and stayed there until 1983, possibly through 1987 when it changed location to the Batesville Country Club. 1988, the White River Water Carnival Dance was held at the Ramada Inn’s Duck Blind and it then changed locations to Riverside Park in 2000. 2009 and 2010 were held at the Batesville Country Club and ever since has been held at Josie’s Lockhouse.

Mickey Powell says he only remembers attending two dances and they were at the Armory. He worked for the Young Business Men’s Association (YBMA), during his Junior and Senior year of high school, which was ‘59 and ‘60. He and Danny Yager were paid $.75 an hour to clean up the Armory and move chairs and tables from different churches all over town to the Armory and clean and paint the numbers in the stadium, “Man, it was hot and hard work out at the stadium. We got lots of help with the dance though because everyone that volunteered got two tickets, and I believe they were $10 per couple at that time.” Powell reported to football camp the next Summer and never made it to another dance.

Nelson Barnett says, “My time in the carnival was in the 1950’s. When I was sixteen, they were looking for young men to escort the Bathing Beauties. Luther Bearden and I volunteered and we were really set up, because we had the two young ladies from Clacksville, Arkansas, Miss Peach and whatever it was,” Barnett laughs, “and anyway, we thought we were somebody leading those ladies around town. Later when I was in college, I invited a whole bunch of kids here for the water carnival and one of the girls didn‘t have a date.

Now, you all will remember Ed Huff. Ed was still in high school and I set him up with her. I told Ed how beautiful she was and she was, but I told him, ‘be careful dancing with her because she wears a wig,’ of course she didn‘t but it was the funniest thing to watch him try and spin her with his arm raised ever so high so as to not disrupt her wig.” Barnett says he always felt so grown up participating in the dance, “We all danced then, even those who couldn’t dance and they always had good

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Dr. Dustin Taylor , D.C., CCEP music. I‘ve loved ‘Sugar Blues’ ever since I heard Clyde McCoy play it on his trumpet at the dance when I was fifteen or sixteen.”

Everyone laughs about the Armory having a fan, because there was no heat and air conditioning to be had and their fan made all of the difference. Everyone agrees that common attire was a gentleman’s jacket and tie armed with ladies dressed to the nines. They also agree that the Armory was “hotter than blue blazes.”

Everyone remembers the dance starting after the pageant around 10:30 p.m. and lasting until around 2 a.m. The pageants consisted of Miss North Arkansas Beauty Revue (Bathing Beauties) and the Queen White River Beauty Revue (Formal Gowns). Dr. Craig says arrival of the White River Water Carnival Magazines were always anxiously awaited because everyone loved to look at all the pretty girls.

Waan says, “In 1955, Perry Sims and I rented

space at the stadium and set up a stand for hotdogs, hamburgers and sodas. There was a young man that came in from Memphis that night. Elvis came and performed, though he wasn’t very well known then; he wasn’t the main performer and it wasn’t on the main night.” Waan and Sims didn’t get to see him because of where they set up their stand and that was the Summer before Waan joined the Navy. Not many of the group were worried about seeing Elvis that night, save for Kay Southerland who “loved” him.

Southerland says in 1960 to 1962, she volunteered for the Batesville Chamber of Commerce (which was located at the barber shop East of Citizens Bank main branch), and she would take reservations for the stadium. “The water carnival was the biggest thing in this town. We lived to go to the water carnival. My Cover story continues on page 37

August 2014 13

Eye On Feature White River Water Carnival Joseph Thomas

Chamber President and CEO Crystal Johnson and the rest of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce have been busy rebranding their White River Water Carnival, talking to vendors and doing all of the 'behind-the-scenes' things they do so very well. There is an energy about the chamber office that feels like progress and buzzes with the hope of things to come. I know change can be unwanted when it breaks with tradition, but I see the Chamber Board trying to make the best of all situations and reaching to pull everyone together in new traditions that can be every bit as meaningful as the first days of the carnival were to this wonderful city.

The chamber office is located at 409 Vine Street and registrations for all events can be picked up and turned in there. I would like to thank the entire staff of ladies of the chamber, as well as Chairman of the Board, Scott Lancaster, the entire Board of Directors and all of the Ambassadors for what they do everyday to further improve local businesses, to provide free entertainment for us all

and for doing it with a positive and caring attitude.

Johnson is excited about this years event and hopes you can join them and enjoy the days events at Riverside Park along side the beautiful White River. The 2014 White River Water Carnival schedule of events is as follows: 10 a.m. MDA Firetruck Pull 10 a.m. White River Drag Races 10 a.m. Car Show 11 a.m. Vendors Open 2 p.m. "Rollin' On The River" Parade at Riverside Park 2 p.m. Carnival Rides Open 4 p.m. Local Acts On Stage 5:30 p.m. Bone Collector: Hot Wing Eating Contest 6 p.m. White River's Got Talent 7:30 p.m. Country Artist Maggie Rose www.iammaggierose.com 9 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. Afterglow 5K & After Party www.afterglowrace.com.

N

The Farmer’s Market Line Up Jean Larson

Historic Batesville's Main Street Farmers Market will fill the Pocket Park on Main Street Saturday, August 9 with over 15 vendors selling fresh local produce and local handmade crafts. Market events will include early morning yoga, a cooking demonstration, Danny Dozier on acoustic guitar, and a children's dance class with NADT Dance Academy. The Market will open at 8 a.m. and continue til about noon.

The August Market will again feature local and much organic produce from Garden Girl Produce and Five Acre Farm both from Pleasant Plains; pasture raised beef, pork and chickens from Freckle Face Farm in McRae; pastured cow cheeses from Honeysuckle Lane Farm in Rosebud and pasture raised chicken eggs and goat milk soap from Brood Farm in Cave City. Local blackberries, delicious home baked breads and muffins, jams and jellies, and hand squeezed lemonade will 14

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also be available at the August 9 Market. Local artists and craftspeople will be selling jewelry, hand painted signs, wood crafts, children's items, quilts, and other beautifully crafted handmade items.

The August 9 Market Events will include a children's dance class with NADT Dance Academy from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Girls and boys are welcome to come for a fun dance class with teacher Nicky Noble featuring different forms of music and movement. Call the Academy at 866-GOT-NADT for more information. At 7:30 a.m., Batesville yoga teacher, Marnee Davis, will conduct a yoga class for beginners as well as experienced students before the market opens to give students a great yoga session before they shop. Danny Dozier will play his acoustic guitar from 9:45 until 11 a.m. and at 10 a.m., Ashely Beller, from Brood Farm, will talk about cheese making and her cheese making classes as a guest chef demonstrates how to make fresh cow's milk mozzarella.

Main Street shops and restaurants will be open as

well as the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery at 226 E. Main Street. Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Gallery is currently featuring a show

by Dusty Mitchell that fits in perfectly with the farmers market, All You Can Eat. Call the Gallery for more information and to confirm hours at 870-793-3382.

Join the fun, support your local farmers and artisans, meet your friends, listen to great music, enrich your children, and be part of the history of Main Street. Historic Batesville's Main Street Farmer's Market is held the second Saturday of each month through November: Saturday, August 9, September 13, October 11 and November 8, 2014.

For more information, or if you are a local grower, producer or artisan interested in becoming a vendor, or you would like to offer an activity for the Main Street Farmers Market, please contact Jean Larson at (208) 869-1445.

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WRAAA serves White, Independence, Cleburne, Woodruff, Jackson, Sharp, Izard, Fulton, Stone and Van Buren counties.

August 2014  15

Succulents: A Lazy Gardener’s Dream Susanne Coots and Beth Gooch

Succulents are booming in popularity for two reasons: they are beautiful and nearly indestructible, therefore the perfect plant for forgetful gardeners.

Technically, a succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. These plants have adapted to survive arid conditions throughout the world, from Africa to the deserts of North America. Fortunately for us, this adaptive mechanism has resulted in an incredible variety of interesting leaf forms and plant shapes, including paddle leaves, tight rosettes, and bushy or trailing columns of teardrop leaves.

The color variation of succulents seems almost endless: blue-green, chartreuse, pink, red, yellow, white, burgundy, almost black, variegated, and many combinations. The leaves may be rounded, needlelike, berrylike, ruffled or spiky. Many have enticing “touch me” qualities—even cacti.

Remember: all cacti are

succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

Some common noncacti succulents include aloe, jade, agave, kalanchoe, echeveria, and hen and chicks. While researching the succulents we found a dozen striking and unusual varieties in Proven Winners Top Picks, including Burgundy Ice (Dyckia hybrid), Violet Queen ( Echeveria hybrid), Flap Jacks (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora), Tip Top (Aeonium arborescens), Fire Sticks (Euphorbia tirucallii ) and Angelina (Sedum rupestre). There is a cultivar for every taste.

Succulents are the perfect houseplant. They like the low humidity and warm conditions found in most homes, and while they thrive in direct light, they can adapt to lower light conditions. They all prefer a fast draining potting medium, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. While the lone specimen in a pot is lovely, a combination of colors, textures and sizes can make a spectacular display. A more tailored look is rows of gorgeous succulents

nestled in a rustic wooden planter. Let your imagination run wild! Maybe you would like the whimsical look of your initial planted or outlined in succulents – either hanging on a wall or displayed in a garden.

Another great look is to use hardy succulents for an outdoor rock garden.

While not all are hardy, there is a good selection of succulents hardy in zone 7. We are all familiar with sedums and kalanchoes.

You may want to visit a website for more in-depth information on selecting and growing your favorite succulents. If you would like to see a slide show featuring beautiful succulents go to SimplySucculents. com. N

Is It ‘BAY-ZLE’ or ‘BAH-ZLE’?

Susan Shawver

So how do you pronounce basil? Marie Fowler said it can be pronounced either way but she always used ‘Bah-zle’ - like razzle-dazzle!

Basil is in the family of Lamiaceae of the genus and species Ocimum basilicum. It is a warm season annual grown for its smooth 2-4 inch leaves. Basil has a rich and spicy, mildly peppery flavor with a trace of mint and clove. Both leaves and flowers are edible. It is fragrant and colorful making it a nice addition to floral arrangements.

Although a native to India, the Middle East, and some Pacific Islands, it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for thousands of years. It is widely used in Vietnamese and Thai cooking but perhaps is best known as an ingredient in many Italian dishes including pesto.

The name comes from the Greek “basileus,” meaning king. Ancient Greeks believed that uttering a curse when sowing basil would ensure its germination and Romans believed basil would ward off dragons. But leave it to those romantic Italians to use basil as a sign of love. Italian 16

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tradition says when a woman puts a pot of basil on the balcony outside her room, it means she is ready to receive her suitor. Another says when a man gives a woman a sprig of basil, she will fall in love with him and never leave him.

GROWING AND MAINTAINING To grow basil you will need a location with full sun and a little late afternoon protection. It is a tropical plant that needs warm, frost-free weather and prefers fertile, slightly moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0. Basil will typically grow 1-2 feet tall and spreads 6-12 inches. While some consider basil a difficult herb to grow indoors, with care, certain varieties can be grown indoors.

Basil can be propagated by seed, plants or cuttings.

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep after frost and when soil warms to 50 degrees (consider planting it the same time as your tomatoes), or start indoors in early spring. Basil has a tap root so be careful when transplanting and space plants about one foot apart. Because the leaves are so attractive, consider planting the green and purple varieties together.

Try planting the red basil with marigolds for a striking contrast. Or, use the ruffles varieties for a different texture.

Basil is said to repel flying insects such as flies, mosquitos, etc. It makes a good companion plant for asparagus, carrots, peppers and tomatoes. Basil will protect tomatoes against tomato hornworms and conditions the soil with nutrients tomatoes need. But it is considered a bad companion for cucumbers.

Potted basil can be trained into a nice topiary. Look for basil selections that have smaller leaves and tight or upright forms, such as ‘Boxwood,’ ‘Greek Columnar,’ and ‘Pesto Perpetuo.’ Remove soil from one side of each rootball and place them close together in the center. Tie stems together with twine in several spots, remove lower leaves and shape top into a ball with clippers.

Water your basil mid-day since it doesn’t like to go to bed wet. Fertilize every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer (such as 20-20-20) or, use a slow release fertilizer. And don’t let the small white flower heads form. Cut back at least six sets of leaves to encourage new leaf production and keep plants bushy looking.

Basil is subject to a fungal disease called fusarium wilt (the plant looks healthy and then suddenly wilts). If you notice this, remove and destroy affected plants. Do not compost the plants and do not replant basil in the contaminated soil.

VARIETIES Of the common basil or Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), ‘Genovese’ is the traditional choice for pesto.

It is bright green with large, fragrant leaves. ‘Genovese Compact’ has the classic flavor but on a smaller plant making it great for containers.

‘Mammoth Sweet’ has crinkled leaves large enough to stuff with meat, rice or veggies. One leaf can cover a whole sandwich.

‘Dwarf Bush Fine Leaf’, ‘Boxwood’, and ‘Spicy Globe’ basil all have tiny foliage that doesn’t need to be chopped.

‘Pesto Perpetuo’ has leaves with a white variegated edge, does not flower, and is a good basil to grow indoors.

‘Anise’ has purple leaves and a sweet anise flavor and fragrance. ‘Cinnamon’ basil looks like the sweet basil but with a cinnamon flavor and fragrance. ‘Thai’ basil (a/k/a holy basil) has a distinctive cinnamon/clove/mint flavor.

Look for “Queenette’ basil to complement Asian recipes.

Dark Opal (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurescens’) has striking deep purple, shiny leaves and is excellent in vinegar. Or try ‘Red Rubin’ which has a slightly spicy flavor and full-size leaves on a compact plant.

‘Green Ruffles’ and ‘Purple Ruffles’ look good in cut flower arrangements. These are very ornamental with long, serrated, ruffled leaves in either lime green or purple.

Greek basil (Ocimum minimum ‘Greek’) is a fine-leaved miniature basil. This is one of the easiest basils to grow and does well in pots. The Greeks put this basil on their tables to deter flies.

Lemon basil (Ocimum americanum) (look for ‘Mrs. Burns’) taste like lemon drops and smells like citrus. ‘Lime’

also has a subtle citrus flavor, often used in Thai recipes and is a nice addition to teas, salads, salsas and even desserts.

There are some perennial basils available that are hybrids. Look for ‘All Year’ with green leaves or ‘African Blue’ with purple leaves. Tree basil or East Indian basil (Ocimum gratissimum) is also a perennial.

COOKING WITH BASIL To use in cooking remember your best flavor always comes from fresh basil. Gently tear leaves with fingers to keep from bruising the leaves. It can be dried but is best stored in an oil, vinegar, or frozen paste. To prevent basil from turning black while frozen, dip it in boiling water for 20 seconds, then in ice water, chop leaves with just enough olive oil to moisten and freeze.

The Italian way to preserve basil is to layer the leaves in a jar and sprinkle each layer with salt. At the top add olive oil. Seal the jar and store in the refrigerator. After several days the oil will be infused with the basil flavor and can be drizzled over pizzas, salads or in marinades. Or, use the leaves and oil to make pesto.

In cooked dishes, basil quickly loses its aroma and the leaves tend to darken so add it to give depth of flavor during cooking and then, for fragrance and visual appeal, stir in a little more just before serving.

Basil’s sweetness makes it a natural in desserts.

Try infusing whipped cream with basil or add basil to strawberries for strawberry shortcake.

For a classically Italian dish try Insalata Caprese (“salad in the style of Capri”). Arrange tomato slices on a plate interspersed with slices of fresh baby mozzarella and basil leaves. Season with salt, pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

So you may not need to ward off dragons and you don’t have to curse to plant it, but I promise if you try it you will see why the Italians use it as a sign of love. Everybody loves basil no matter how you pronounce it.

WARNINGS: Beware of ‘Perilla’, called a hearty red basil. Although a beautiful plant it can be very aggressive. It is used in Japanese cooking but is not a true basil.

Martha Stewart’s Basil Pesto recipe: 1 or 2 cloves of garlic 2 cups fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (or you can use walnuts or almonds) ½ teaspoon coarse salt 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (I use plain old parmesan) ½ cup extra virgin olive oil It is named pesto because traditionally you use a mortar and pestle to make this but feel free to use your food processor if you prefer. Pound together basil, garlic, pine nuts and salt until pulverized and pine nuts and garlic are pasty. Add the cheese and pound to incorporate.

Mixing vigorously, pour in the oil in a slow steady stream and mix until combined. This will last in the refrigerator about three days. N

August 2014 17

I Do

Cornett-Bixler Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

Vintage Wedding on Family Farm

Jordan Cornett had always dreamed of getting married on her family’s farm in Drasco, AR. So, it came as no surprise that she was adamant about doing her bridal portraits there as well. Ironically, Mother Nature had a surprise in store on February 9th the day of her portraits; a pristine snow covered the rolling fields and pastures. The decision to continue on with the photo session in the snow resulted in some very unique bridal photos.

With a year-long engagement, Jordan and her mom, Laura Cornett, enjoyed planning the wedding and searching for vintage pieces that would complement the outdoor/ country theme.

On March 22, 2014 Jordan’s dream came true as she and Mike Bixler of Conway were married in an outdoor ceremony conducted by Willie Stone on the farm where Jordan was raised.

The farm was the perfect setting as guests watched the ceremony from church pews and hay bales covered with handmade quilts. The groom handcrafted an arbor with lumber reclaimed from a barn located on the property which had belonged to Jordan’s grandparents. Her dad, Wayne Cornett, not only escorted her down the aisle, he drove her to the wedding site in a 65 Fastback Mustang, a classic that has been in the family for years.

Jordan wore a Maggie Sottero lace gown and a vintage bird nest head piece containing crystals, silver leaves and white flowers. Mike’s daughter, Tinley was the flower girl and his son, Sam served as a groomsman. Other attendants were; Amanda Williams, Maid of Honor, Lauren Rains, Bridesmaid and Jason Harvey, Best Man. Jordan’s nephew, Gavin Cornett, carried a hand painted barn-wood sign that announced “Here comes my Jo Jo.” After the exchange of vows, a reception followed where family and friends enjoyed classic BBQ sandwiches with all the trimmings served from antique crocks and enamel cookware and a BBQ Nacho bar.

The simple 3-tier white wedding cake, accented with burlap, was the centerpiece of a dessert table that was filled with homemade cakes. Another dessert table was filled with homemade pies courtesy of family and friends of the bride.

The indoor/outdoor reception area was decorated with vignettes of vintage furniture and relics from the past.

Chandeliers and silk fabric were used to convert a shop building into a fairy tale reception complete with a live DJ, dancing and great fellowship for all.

The couple resides in Conway. Mike is the owner of Superior Overhead Door and Superior Fencing.

Jordan manages the office for their business and operates Jordan’s Vintage Rentals. N

Catchlight Photography

Smith’s Verdict ****

Mask

Reviewed by Tanner Smith “Mask’s” opening scene in which the central, disfigured young character first appears on screen delivers a visceral reaction. With a strange face, he certainly doesn’t look like a normal teenage boy. But as he talks and goes about his day, we realize he is a teenage boy. His name is Rocky Dennis, and he’s just a normal kid with an unfortunate facial abnormality. He collects baseball cards, he has dreams of traveling the world, and there’s no reason as to why he shouldn’t attend public school like other kids his age.

Rocky’s face resembles that of a lion, as his disease is sometimes known as “Lion-itis.” It’s called craniodiaphyseal dyaplasia, and it causes calcium on his skull to distort the face. People see him, and keep staring in disbelief, to which he likes to ask, “What’s the matter?

You never seen anyone from the planet Vulcan before?”

But just because he looks different doesn’t mean he’s any less special. He’s a good kid; just see the good in him.

That’s why we accept Rocky almost immediately after we’ve seen what he looks like. And right away, you see the point “Mask” makes—don’t judge people by how they look.

Rocky does encounter people who judge too quickly. In an early scene, his mother, Rusty (Cher), registers Rocky at a new school district and sees the school principal who takes one look at the boy and suggests “special schools” that fit his “needs.” “Do you teach algebra, biology, and English here?” “Of course,” the principal responds reluctantly. “Those are his needs,” Rusty says with a grin.

She shows him the report card from Rocky’s last school, which shows he’s a good student, and she practically calls him a jerk before giving the name of her lawyer. (She doesn’t really have one, but who doesn’t cringe at that word?)

That’s just less than 10 minutes into “Mask” and we’re

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already absorbed into the material. Right at that scene, you can see that Rusty is the ideal mom for Rocky. But that’s not to say she’s normal; far from it. She rides with a motorcycle gang, heavily takes drugs, brings strange men home with her night after night, and I wouldn’t guess she’s employed. She’s a free-spirited, wild, complicated, angry-at-the-world woman who does love her son, even if he sometimes gets on her nerves as he tries to get her to stop taking drugs. But she will if it will make him happy, or at least she’ll try. This is an outstanding character study, and Cher turns in an excellent performance as Rusty, bringing further effectiveness to an already wellwritten role.

Eric Stoltz, buried under a very convincing latex mask, does a terrific job at making Rocky into a normal teenager with a handicap, and not some special case like the Elephant Man. He’s very likeable and convincing, and we accept him as Rocky Dennis.

“Mask,” directed by Peter Bogdanovich and written

by Anna Hamilton Phelan, shows us almost a year in the life of these characters. We spend time with them and get into their relationships—the relationship with Rocky and Rusty, the relationships they have with the motorcycle gang who acts as surrogate fathers to Rocky, the relationship between Rusty and her old lover Gar (Sam Elliott) whom she really loves, and also there’s even a sweet romance between Rocky and a cute blind girl (Laura Dern) who feels Rocky’s face and says, “You look all right to me.” (And unfortunately, wouldn’t you know it, her parents see his face and that’s all they notice of him.)

All of these make “Mask” into a unique, wonderful movie full of high spirits and good intentions, but never to a point where this could have been a stale Disease-ofthe-Week TV movie. It’s smartly written, nicely-executed, and we like and care for the characters. The point of “Mask” is delivered effectively—looks don’t matter.

Anyone who accepts Rocky right away at the beginning of the movie is most likely to apply that lesson to life. N

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. ories.. g Mem in t a e r C

(870)793-8287 / 2401 Harrison Street - Batesville, Arkansas w w w.j o nat hanss nej ewel r y.net

August 2014  21

WRHS Implements New Online Tool to Help Patients Annie Solis

While it may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, the new patient portal offered by White River Health System (WRHS), called My WRHS Health, is actually a great tool that will bring an even greater convenience to patients.

A patient portal is a secure website that gives patients of WRHS Facilities, including White River Medical Center and/or Stone County Medical Center, 24/7 access to their health records. From the site, users can update personal information and insurance information, pre-register, request appointments for outpatient services, and review test results and medication information.

Online access to health information has been made possible by WRHS’ conversion to an Electronic Health Record. Hospitals across the country are implementing Electronic Health Records to improve the coordination of care between hospitals, providers and patients. Convenient access to personal health information is also a good way to engage patients and help them participate more fully in their care.

“The patient portal fits with the modern generation’s 22

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custom of receiving information quickly and conveniently,” said Gary Paxson, Associate Administrator and Chief Information Officer at WRHS. “We are excited to be able to offer this option to patients and hope they take advantage of this service.”

Members from several departments made up a team that aided in the development and implementation of the portal.

My WRHS Health is currently available to the public.

In the future, the option to pay bills online will be available.

A tutorial for how to enroll, as well as how to use the features of the program, can be viewed on White River Health System’s YouTube page.

To register for the patient portal, visit www. whiteriverhealthsystem.com and click on the My WRHS Health link. Patients will need a valid email address on file with WRHS and their unique medical record number (MRN) to register. The MRN can be obtained by visiting the Medical Records department with a photo ID inside White River Medical Center. For more information, contact medical records at (870) 262-1294.

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Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Polka Dots and Hot Wheels Leigh Keller

Living in a smaller town can be a challenge when you love fashion and shopping. I am always up for a challenge and think of shopping sometimes as a fun adventure, and less like a chore (because really, fashion should be a little bit fun, even if you are dressing for work and church, right?). I spend the bulk of my time in Batesville. Working full time, and being a full time mama to an increasingly involved four year old (who has more of a packed social life than I do) can make shopping just for fun kind of impossible. Four year old boys tend to not love girly boutiques as much as their mamas. So, when presented with a Saturday without tball, soccer, swim lessons, play dates at the park, or a play date with our tractors and our dirt pile, I decided to go on a mission to explore some of the best boutiques in Independence and Jackson Counties. I grabbed my mama and off we went.

We started our day trip in Newport, where some of my favorite haunts are. We started our day at the Pink Poodle Boutique, with two of my favorite people, Carole and Kendall.

It is very rare in this day and age that you can walk into a shop and the owners greet you with a genuine smile and conversation. It is even more rare that you can find such cute pieces at every price point in your budget. I love the Pink Poodle, first, because of their selection. I always find something I love. Even as a little girl I loved to play with clothes. My mama made a lot of my dresses, so I developed a love of accessories early on. My favorite part of shopping is taking something and making it my own, dressing it up or down. Carole and Kendall have a passion for fashion, and they like to keep things exciting. The last time I visited them, Cole was with me, and they were just so kind to him. Most shop owners are simply not excited to see a rambunctious four year old boy in their shop, but they rolled with the punches, and he got to write on their chalkboard wall and charm the handyman there working on a project. I found some cute Tory Burch look alike sandals (without the Tory Burch price) and a cute Arkansas pendant. My mama had to nudge me that it was time to move on to the next shop, because they make you feel so welcome, you just don’t want to leave.

I have followed Charee’s Emporium for as long as they have been on Instagram. I am a wild Pinterest lover (and have had my share of Pinterest fails) and Charee’s offers some furniture that is ready for your Pinterest project, new furniture and some Boutique items. I had heard that Charee was a truly fun person, so I knew she was someone I needed to meet. Being a blonde myself, I am instantly drawn to other blondes who speak with their hands (it is like I am playing charades all the time). Charee did not disappoint. She moved from Newport at the age of four, ultimately landing in the Houston area. She did not think she would ever come back to Newport, but I am betting that Newport is glad that she did. She has an elementary education background (but said she probably should have leaned more towards police work, like her daddy), and says that she fell into business ownership kind of by accident. “God has a pathway for each of our lives,” and it seems like she is pretty content with the pathway she is on. In the near future, Charee plans to expand her business by

offering some possible Annie Sloan classes. It is always nice to find another business owner who loves people, and seems to love her job. It is no secret why she is experiencing the success that she is.

I will admit that I am kind of Instagram in love with Darling’s Fine Things. They post daily outfits and amazing pieces (I have a jewelry problem) that make me want to get in my car and drive there immediately. But, their shop is full of tiny things, and tiny things and Cole do not go well together. I relished the opportunity to just go and look. Darling’s appeals to a certain kind of shopper (um...me) because they have pieces people cannot find anywhere else in the local area. They like to offer products made in the USA, and specifically products made in the South. Some of their most popular brands include Free People, Pandora and Waxing Poetic. I am always drawn to the jewelry display, and today was no different. I ended up leaving with a leather cuff with a metal plate that I simply had to have. I am convinced that you could be in Darling’s for quite some time and still not see everything, because of the volume of what they have in stock.

As we traveled back to Batesville, we stopped at the Simply Southern Boutique. This shop is like Piko heaven. Their most popular items are their Piko tops, patterned leggings and jewelry. They have been open since January 2014, and now offer facebook shopping and are working on creating a website for shoppers as well. The dog greeter outside was my favorite part of that shop, because I feel like everyone should have a dog (or three).

After a quick pit stop to eat lunch (shopping is simply exhausting, men do not understand how much hard work it is), we were off to our final stop of the day, Siloe Boutique (which I pronounce differently every single time that I say it, my apologies).

After a tricky dash with my mother across the road, we discovered that their customer service and product selection were why people enjoyed shopping with them. I was also pleased to find a wide range of sizes at Siloe. They do carry plus sizes in stylish clothes (as does the Pink Poodle and Simply Southern) and they were also so very friendly. I found a cute Fourth of July tank and tried on some terrifying on me crochet shorts, that made me look like I was wearing a pull-up, but look precious on other people (I think they have an age limit, honestly). My mama found some fabulous sandals and it was meant to be, because they happened to be on sale. Siloe has been open since November of 2012, and have experienced an amazing amount of success in Batesville, and through their online shopping.

When you shop at your local boutiques, you help the economy of your own town. I am not saying that your entire wardrobe needs to be purchased locally, because I am tall, and I get it...unless I want to look like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, I cannot buy denim locally. I love knowing that I have a relationship with shop owners, and that they genuinely care about their customers. If you have a local boutique that is your favorite, please feel free to message me, and I will be happy to check it out! (I technically travel with an entourage of a little man and several toy Transformers, though, just a disclaimer). N August 2014 23

Things To Do 2014 Hunter Education Classes: August 16, 2014 8:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Nursing Allied Health Building, Room 902 October 4, 2014 8:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Nursing Allied Health Building, Room 902 To register for Hunter Education, contact Mary Zirkle at 501-345-0367.

Log onto www.lyon.edu for more information.

T Tauri Movie Camp T Tauri Move Camp Workshop in the Maxfield Room #119 from 8 a.m. to Noon with Finale Screening in the same room from 7 to 9 p.m.

Log onto www.lyon.edu for more information.

T Tauri Movie Camp Script to Screen Workshop will be in the Landers Theater Building, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Aug 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. Noon.

Main Street Farmers Market The first two Downtown Farmers Markets have been a huge success! Jean Larson invites you all to come out and join the festivities, grab some produce and learn some planting tips from Dan Guyette while you’re at it. Saturday, August 9 from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Main Street Pocket Park. Email jeallo16@gmail.com or call 208-869-1445 for more information.

Humane Society of Independence County Dog Bath/ Dip Bring your dogs on down to get them dipped and or bathed to be protected this flea and tick season. Donations help the shelter fund these events, so join them at #5 Environmental Drive in Batesville Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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, August 1 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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ENDORSE HERE

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Faces Electric Wonderland Tattoo Ribbon Cutting.

Anytime Fitness Remodel Ribbon Cutting.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a Ribbon Cutting for the new Harris Podiatry Clinic location at 3443 Harrison St. Dr. Jason Smith now sees patients in Batesville as well as Newport.

Call 870-523-9100 for appointments.

White River Area Agency on Aging 35th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting.

Harris

Chamber Staff Members, Allison and Mandi, saved three lives by donating blood at the American Red Cross ‘Rock & Roll Up Your Sleeves Blood Drive’ recently.

Hospital

Neurologist joins Batesville Neurology

August 4 Bingo Newport August 6 March of Dimes Kick Off – Harris Hospital comm. room August 8 Bingo/Health Fair - Bald Knob Sr. Center August 9 Tunica Trip August 11 Red Cross Blood Drive – Harris Hospital comm. room August 14 Movie Day August 18 Bingo – Tuckerman Sr. Center August 19 Lunch N Learn August 23 Healthy Woman event August 29 Dillard’s Fundraiser – HH Auxiliary N

Annie Solis Gary L. Bebow, CEO of White River Medical Center at West Lake Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, and completed (WRMC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Krishna Mylavarapu, his Neurology residency training at Robert Wood Johnson Neurologist, to the Medical Staff at WRMC and Batesville University Hospital in New Jersey. He received Fellowship Neurology. training in Clinical Neurophysiology at Detroit Medical Neurologists provide diagnosis and treatment of Center, a teaching hospital in Michigan integrated with nervous system disorders, including diseases of the Wayne State University. brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Dr. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mylavarapu is accepting patients by referral Mylavarapu to WRMC,” said Bebow. “He for the treatment of neurological conditions, has excelled in his education and is very including stroke, migraine headaches, seizure knowledgeable in his specialty, which will disorders, multiple sclerosis, and other benefit patients needing neurological care.” neuromuscular disorders. He specializes in Dr. Mylavarapu and his wife Saranya the care of patients with epileptic conditions appreciate all that Arkansas has to offer, and stroke. He will assume responsibility including its many educational opportunities for current patients of Batesville Neurology and the scenic beauty of the region.

Clinic.

Dr. Mylavarapu is currently accepting Dr. Mylavarapu received his medical new patients. He will be located at Batesville degree from the Kempegowda Institute of Neurology Clinic, next to WRMC PROS on Medical Sciences in Bangalore, India. He Harrison Street, and can be reached at (870) completed an Internship in Internal Medicine Dr. Krishna Mylavarapu 262-6282.

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Citizens Bank mascot, CeeBee the Money Bee, greets a young fan in Riverside Park on the Fourth of July.

Darcie Davis gets her face painted by her sister, Tori, on the Fourth of July in Riverside Park.

Megan Watson of Batesville sings the National Anthem, accompanied by an Honor Guard from Company B.

Citizens Bank President Phillip Baldwin announces the winner of the Grand Prize Car Giveaway.

Shannon Freeman, lead singer for the high-energy band “Everyday Life,” belts out a song to open the evening’s entertainment.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS – Jannette and Billy Meeks had to decide which vehicle to choose after winning the Grand Prize in Citizens Bank’s “Celebrate America” drawing on the Fourth of July in Riverfront Park. (They chose the red Chevrolet Equinox.).

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Presents Karaoke for a Cause Luanne Gregory

First Community Bank is the presenting sponsor of Karaoke for a Cause, which will take place on Saturday, August 23, at Josie’s at the Lockhouse in Batesville. Karaoke for a Cause is a way for businesses, individuals, and organizations to raise money for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.

According to Amber Bass, a board member and the contestant recruiter for this year’s event, Big Brother/ Big Sister is currently searching for contestants for the upcoming event.

The theme is The Great White Way, a tribute to Broadway. Participants are asked to pick their favorite song from a Broadway hit to perform.

“There is practically no limit to the types of music that have been performed on Broadway,” said Bass.

“Simply pick your favorite Broadway song and join us for a night of fun entertainment.”

While the big winners of this event are the children who receive mentoring and companionship, two contestants will take home awards.

Trophies will be awarded to the best

overall performer, picked by a panel of judges and to the contestant who raises the most money for the event.

Contestants often find a local business sponsor and spend the weeks prior to and during the night of competition raising money.

“The Big Brother/Big Sister program is an investment in the future of our area,” said Boris Dover, president and COO of First Community Bank. “We are excited to do our part in bringing our community together for a fun event that pays off by impacting the lives of at-risk children. The great thing about Karaoke for a Cause is that it doesn’t matter whether you have a great voice or not. Changing the lives of children is truly the most beautiful music of all.”

According to the Big Brother/ Big Sister organization, children from single parent households are at greater risks from negative influences and are more likely to perform poorly in school or become involved in drug and alcohol use. By partnering at-risk children with carefully screened

positive role models, or “bigs,” the Big Brother/Big Sister organization helps children beat the odds.

“While there is absolutely no cost to the children in our BIG program, there are expenses involved in running the program,” said Jennifer Rodgers, development director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for Batesville. “We are excited about this year’s BIG Karaoke fundraiser and we are particularly grateful to First Community Bank for again agreeing to be our presenting sponsor.”

If you are interested in participating in Karaoke for a Cause, contact Jennifer Rodgers at 612-8888 to find out how you, your business or organization can participate. N

Chris Treat and Jennifer Rodgers.

August 2014 27

WRHS Foundation Golf Tournament a Record Success Annie Solis The White River Health System (WRHS) Foundation raised a record $168,400 during the 20th Annual Golf Classic at the Course at Eagle Mountain on June 14. The funds will be used to expand and renovate the White River Medical Center (WRMC) Emergency Room.

“Our tournament’s success is due in major part to the participating teams and sponsors,” said Dick Bernard, President of the WRHS Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Their generosity allows us to continually improve the facilities and technologies throughout WRHS, which benefits our community members and area residents. We can’t thank them enough. ” Forty teams participated in the tournament, and more than 100 sponsors stepped up to show their support. The Major Event sponsors included Clark Contractors, Citizens Bank, Consumer Collection Management, Inc, The Course At Eagle Mountain, Cromwell Architects Engineers, The Mash Program, Pepsi Beverage Company, Professional Consulting Services, Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency/ Central United Life, and White River Insurance Agency/ White River Financial Services.

Additionally, more than 35 WRHS employees and friends of WRHS volunteered at the tournament.

“The volunteers generously contribute their time to make sure this tournament is a success each year,” said Gary Bebow, WRHS CEO. “We greatly appreciate all their hard work and dedication.”

The WRHS Foundation kicked off this year’s tournament with a reception for those involved in the tournament, including players and sponsors, on June 13 at The Course at Eagle Mountain. Mr. Walt Coleman, Controller of Coleman Dairy (now Hiland Dairy) and top NFL referee, was the guest speaker. The Foundation also hosted the first ever golf ball drop, sponsored by First

Community Bank and Hospital Wing of Memphis. Upon registration, each player drew a number, and a ball for that number was put into a bucket. During the drop, 160 golf balls were dropped out of a hovering helicopter, and whoever had the number that matched the ball closest to the hole was awarded a prize.

“We tried to add a few new features to this year’s tournament that were different,” said Matt McDonald, Director of the WRHS Foundation. “Each year the Foundation works to bring new and exciting things to the tournament to keep it fun and interesting.”

The team members from Bad Boy Mowers were the tournament winners. Team members included Will Bradshaw, Jeff Tosh, John Patrick McShane, and Chris Smith.

The Putting Contest Winner was Kenny Tosh. The Ladies’ Longest Drive Winner was Leslie Gitz while the winner of the Men’s Longest Drive was Brett Swenson.

Sydney Nail was the Closest to the Line winner. The Closest to the Pin winners were players Tommy Ford, Ray LaCroix, Lowen Lermitte, and Peter Mamula. The Golf Ball Drop winner was Gary McDonald.

Established in 1992, the WRHS Foundation supports the mission of White River Health System by connecting the generosity of a caring community with opportunities to improve lives through better healthcare. The vision of the WRHS Foundation is to build a strong Foundation to support quality healthcare for patients and families.

In the last 20 years, the Golf Classic has raised over $2 million for vital programs and projects such as nursing scholarships, community health programs, the WRMC Cancer Care Center, the Josephine Raye Rogers Center for Women and Imaging, the Ground Floor Renovation and Patient Tower Expansion project, and, most currently, the WRMC ER expansion and renovation.

For more information about the White River Health System Foundation and opportunities for giving, please call Amanda Foster, Foundation Coordinator at (870) 2621784 or email afoster@wrmc.com. N

www.eyeonmag.com Above a member of Hospital Wing of Memphis drops 160 golf balls from the helicopter to the ground during a new contest held at this year’s WRHS Foundation Golf Tournament. The Golf Ball Drop was sponsored by Hospital Wing and First Community Bank.

Top right the helicopter from Hospital Wing of Memphis flies in to pick up the golf balls for the first ever golf ball drop, while players warmup below.

Lower right the winners of this year’s WRHS Foundation Golf Classic were Jeff Tosh, John Patrick McShane, Chris Smith and Will Bradshaw from Bad Boy Mowers.

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The Myopic Life

Lessons from Loco Ropes

Kristi Price Those who read my columns might think I sit around contemplating community all the time. And in a sense, I do. Even when I’m busy raising my children, I’m always mindful that I’m raising them to be in community. This definitely influences my parenting decisions.

One such recent decision led us to Loco Ropes in Mt. View, AR. My children have begged to visit Loco Ropes for well over a year now. They had to wait until Maggie, the baby of the family, had grown tall enough to meet the course requirements. Her daddy measured her against the door frame a few weeks ago. “Still a little short, babe,” he sighed.

“Measure again!” she insisted. He pulled the tape again, and by golly, the kid had stretched herself another half inch! We called and made our reservation for the next day.

I was immediately impressed with the organization of the ropes crew. It helped that we reserved the first spot of the day, 10 a.m. Two guides had us strapped in and in training within five minutes. By 10:15, we were on the first course. My smallest child, the almost-weightless one, floated through it. Since the shaky high wires barely registered her weight, they hardly moved. My middle child, the nervous one, cried through the entire course but insisted on completing it. She still chalks it up as one of the worst family days of her life, but she’s grudgingly glad she did it. My oldest child, my full-of-bravado son, got halfway out onto the first element and froze.

This child was petrified. His face had drained of color. The guide calmly stepped out, pulled him back to the platform, and gave him some time to breathe before deciding whether to try again, or turn back. I was conflicted, needing to stay with my son (because children under a certain age must be accompanied at all times) and encourage him, but also needing to be out with my girls, especially since one was sobbing her way from element to element.

And here’s the point. Total strangers saved the day for me. Total strangers reminded me that community can be formed anywhere, at any time, and function properly.

While I was stranded on the platform, a married couple from Marion followed my girls out onto the course.

They learned their names and spent the next half hour encouraging each. When my husband, the lead person, would step out and leave the girls alone high on a platform in the trees, this couple engaged them in cheerful conversation, attempted to calm Emily, and helped them move their lines forward.

Ethan eventually mastered his fear and shuffled forward, one brave foot at a time, until he conquered this course with the confidence I knew he would find. It was exhilarating. But my best memory will be this couple who put their own fun aside and helped care for my girls. I never learned their names, but they served us that day. It really does take a village. N

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The Rebirth of the Mary Woods 2 Kimberlee Thomas

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First Community Bank President Dale Cole, Bob Pest and Looney Ricks Kiss Architecture Firm’s Steve Auterman and Andy Hays met on the South bank of the White River to discuss the three proposed options of the Mary Woods 2 rebirth. One option is to moor the steamer on posts in the river channel. A second is to modify the bank to lessen the current upon the vessel and the third is to create an inlet completely out of the current that would only ever be effected by flood water.

Senator David Wyatt has secured $35,000 to get the boat to Batesville. Then a fundraiser will help the 501 3c nonprofit secure the monies to rebuild the vessel and secure it for tourism. The projected time line is two to three years and the history of the river will come alive in the museum piece. Cole says, “Children will be able to interact with an onboard computer that will tell the history and we hope to see a full sized helm or steering wheel with an interactive screen displaying a virtual river journey driven by that child.

The project is off to an exciting start, the rebirth of the Mary Woods 2 nonprofit will seek community involvement for the best ideas of the final set up of the historic vessel.

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The Batesville Area Chamber Announces Belong Campaign Mandi Curtwright As a non-profit organization, the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce relies on the support of its membership to help fund the essential role the chamber plays in Independence County through economic, community and member development. All three elements work together to make the Batesville Area a great place to live, work, and play. Those who help support the Batesville Area Chamber as members are making the Batesville Area a city of choice.

The 2014 Belong Campaign is a three-week initiative where volunteers from the existing membership encourage others to join the chamber. The campaign kicks off on July 30th and will end with a celebration on August 13th.

“The Belong Campaign is a great way for chamber members to get involved in the growing of the chamber.

There are currently 455 chamber members and the 30

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Batesville Area Chamber is listed as one of the top 25 chambers in the state of Arkansas in size and revenue. We want area businesses to belong to the chamber and join us in moving Independence County forward,” says Mandi Curtwright, Membership Director.

To find out more about how you can help the Belong Campaign, email mandi.curtwright@mybatesville.org or call the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 870.793.2378.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in Independence County, providing advocacy, promotion and resources for chamber members. The Chamber of Commerce sets the standard for excellence in member service, community collaboration, business growth and achieving a high quality of life in the Batesville Area. N

First Community Bank Gives Batesville Help and Hope a Helping Hand

Luanne Gregory Boris Dover, President and COO of First Community Bank met with volunteers of Batesville Help and Hope to thank them for their hard work and to present the organization with a $500 check on behalf of the bank.

“Batesville is fortunate to have individuals who are willing to give up their personal time to make sure that friends and neighbors have food for their families,” said Dover. “We at First Community Bank applaud their efforts and are glad to provide financial support to this organization.

Batesville Help and Hope leads the way, providing an example of a caring and compassionate community.”

Boris Dover, Suzanne Evans and James “We are grateful to First Community Bank for their generous donation,” Dixon lending their helping hands. said Carolyn Wilson, board member, organizer and volunteer for the organization. “We are fortunate to have the support of local grocers, food manufacturers and the postal service in supplying groceries. Those combined with the hard work of our volunteers and financial donations like the one we received from First Community Bank, make it possible for us to continue to help others to make ends meet.”

Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 to 12:00, Batesville Help and Hope provides groceries, clothing and small household items to low income families in Independence County. They count on donations from the food bank, individuals and local businesses to keep the organization adequately stocked. Located at 2622 E. Main Street (on the old highway), donations are accepted during office hours.

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Sign Up Now for July Craft Classes at the Arkansas Craft School Lucia Vinograd August at the Arkansas Craft School is as hot as the weather.

Starting off the month with a visit by all star wood-turner, renegade, and free thinker Jimmy Clewes, who will be sharing his creative mind, amazing talents and unending wit in a Woodturning workshop August 1-3.

You may want to liven up your summer by learning how to make a Flat Bottom Canoe (otherwise known as a Pirogue) so one day you can float down the river in your own hand crafted craft. This workshop with John Van Orman runs August 5-9. By the way he’ll also show you how to Construct Your Own Ukulele if you catch his workshop July 22-26.

Imagine yourself floating down stream serenading your honey with Hawaiian twang. If either of these ideas floats your boat, there are still a few spots left... no woodworking or hula experience required.

Gene Sparling is also headed the way of the Arkansas Craft School to share his deep connection with the natural forms found in wood. He will take you on an creative exploration to find elegant shapes hidden in the wood grain, and to discover and design

Natural Edge Bowls from green tree sections. This wood turning workshop is Aug. 29 For pricing and more information on these and other upcoming classes, visit the Arkansas Craft School’s website, www.arkansascraftschool.org or call (870) 269-8397. Registration forms and scholarship applications are available on line. All workshops run from 9AM to 4PM with an hour for lunch.

The Arkansas Craft School, located in Mountain View, Arkansas is dedicated to the education of aspiring and practicing craft artisans for success in the Creative Economy. The Craft School partners with Ozarka College and Pulaski Technical College, offering Continuing Education credits for all Craft School courses. Support for the Arkansas Craft School is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment of the Arts. N

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Photo by Stacy Pretty August 2014 31

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(Inside Batesville’s historic train depot)

August 2014  33

Back In Time Antiques http: //v al er ian as toc k . d ev ian tar t. c om/

217 E. Main Street (870)793-6445

Steampunk is a reimagining and blending of two or more distinct time periods and the fanciful and functional inventions that are produced. Imagine if the Victorian or Industrial Age happened at the same time as the modern or Information Age. What would have been produced in art, inventions, innovations, gadgets, art, dress and jewelry? Really, you can steampunk anything.

At its essence, steampunk infuses and synthesizes opposites to create the best of both worlds: future and past, old world craftsmanship and modern objects, humanism and technology, utopian and dystopian futures, art Thr oug h the F r on t Door : and science, self and society. – Bruce Rosenbaum What the hec k is Steampun k ? By Jan Col v in

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August 2014 35

Experiencing God in the Everyday Follow Me

Pastor Chad Grigsby Two little words, one small command, “Follow me.”

This is what Jesus said to his first disciple, a tax collector, named Matthew. He didn’t make any promises; he didn’t give any explanations about his demands. All he said was, “Follow me.” But in this two-word appeal, we see the gospel clearly laid out. And Matthew responded without hesitation. The call extended to Matthew is the same one extended to us. But what exactly does Jesus call us to when he calls us to follow him?

1. He calls us to leave some things behind.

The old Matthew was dead. His old life was over.

Things would never be the same. When we come to know Jesus, he doesn’t make us better; he makes us new. The things that used to shame us are now gone because he bore our shame on the cross. The habits that used to control us have been crushed by his death, and we don’t have to live our lives under their rule anymore. When we come to follow Jesus, everything changes. The way we see everything changes. From our priorities to our finances, it’s a complete change. We leave behind our old sinful patterns, and we get his righteousness instead. We leave behind our old life in exchange for a new one. Have you been made new? What did it cost us to follow Jesus?

What did we leave behind?

2. He calls us to a relationship with him.

Following Jesus not only means that we leave some things behind, but also we get to enjoy the new life he gives. We get a personal relationship with the creator of the universe. The call to follow him is a call to be with him, to go where he goes, to see life like he sees it, and to do what he does. We are invited inside the life of God himself. We get to see him in everyday life and experience him personally. No other religion has this type of access to God himself.

I’m always amazed to hear people talk about “being saved,” but not once in their entire story of salvation do they even mention Jesus one time. How can that be? How can someone really be saved but not mention Jesus? Isn’t Jesus central to the saving process? Isn’t he the reason we are saved? Isn’t he the real treasure of our salvation? Yes, we leave things behind when we follow him, but we also get him! And anything we leave behind cannot compare with what we receive in him. Following Jesus is not about a religious history or a church history; it’s about a Jesus history. Do you have a Jesus history? Is your story one of religious practices or a personal relationship? Have you been “saved,” or have you come to know a person?

3. He calls us to a process.

Finally, “Follow me” means that we are invited into a process. Jesus doesn’t say, “Get your life together and then come follow me.” He doesn’t ask Matthew to clean up his act in order to be in a relationship with him. To be clear, this always comes out of our relationship with Jesus, but Jesus calls us into a process. The call to follow him is a call to be in a process. Following him is not just 36

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something that happens at a point in time. There is a time when we weren’t following him and we begin to follow him for sure, but that is not the end; it is just the beginning. We are invited into a process. So, if you find yourself far from where you should be and you don’t think you can answer the call to follow Jesus, think about Matthew. Realize that you can’t change before you come to know him. In fact, the only way to change is to come to know him. It’s a process. Sometimes it’s slow, other times it’s fast. There is definitely life change that takes place in the life of followers of Jesus but it’s always a process.

And Jesus invites us into that process. Just look at Jesus’ interactions with Peter in the gospels. We all have a long way to go but because of our relationship with Jesus by his grace, we now have a means to get there.

Do you know this Jesus? Have you heard his call to follow him? He is calling, the question is, are we responding? N

School bells will be ringing soon!

If your little scholars haven’t had their well-child checkups yet, or physicals for school sports and kindergarten, call your family doctor and schedule an appointment.

To see our physician directory, or have a hard copy mailed to you, visit our website or call (870) 262-6149.

www.WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com White River Health System is an Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer

Cover Story continued from page 13

parents were very strict and never let me go until after my freshman year in college in ‘63 and because I finally went to the White River Water Carnival Dance, I had officially grown up.” Southerland was runner up to Miss Batesville in 1961, who was Barbara Jo Rogers. Southerland’s father was J. K. Southerland and as strict as he might have been, Dr. Craig says J. K. was a huge supporter of the water carnival, with floats, advertisements and chicken dinners. Kay says her friend, Glenda Bowers’ parents wouldn’t let her go either, so she and her girlfriends decided to sneak out to the dance. Apparently her dad got wind of this intention and met them outside the door when they made their attempted escape. Twenty years later, however, her husband Marcus finally took her to her first water carnival dance.

Dr. Craig says the first White River Water Carnival in 1938 had the boat races and they all watched from the mud bank (the stadium was built in 1939 with an awning that blew away fairly quickly). “Everyone loved the river. They had a showboat at the stadium that served beer and every night of the water carnival, boaters would pull out from the stadium about of quarter of a mile and sing ‘The Beer Barrel Polka.’ I can still hear it resonate across the water now. After the first year or two, they came out with these W. R. Water Carnival Hats.” Dr. Craig added, “It became so that if you weren’t wearing a water carnival hat, a month prior

summer

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to the event, you were ostracized. But, there were tennis matches, horse exhibitions and a mile swim. My good friend Norman Grammer and a guy from Calico Rock were taken a mile from the stadium and they swam back where we were all watching. Grammer won, but he told me later that about one hundred yards from the stadium, he ran out of gas!”

Butch Ketz bought so many 45 records from Poplar Tunes in Memphis (the store where Elvis would walk over to because he lived so close and would shyly hang out in the corner watching people buy his records), that he got to know owner Joe Cuoghi pretty well. Cuoghi was friends with musician Bill Black. Ketz, with Cuoghi’s help, was able to get Bill Black and his band to eat dinner at Ketz's parent's house before they played at the dance that night. He said it didn’t take much convincing to get his mother to permit that visit. Ketz shared a list he made of the entertainment for each White River Water Carnival Dance since the beginning: This list is posted at www.eyeonmag.com if you would like to see it.

There are many stories in the history of the W. R. Water Carnival and Dance. I am leaving this audio interview with the Independence County Regional Museum at the request of Mr. Barnett for the purpose of posterity. Caruthers has some of the early magazines which are a treat to peruse. This is such a rich history and I want to thank Caruthers and the entire group that participated for allowing us to be involved. The date of the 2014 White River Water Carnival Dance is Saturday Sept. 13 at Josie’s Lockhouse. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the band, The Jokers, start at 8 p.m. Call Chris Caruthers at 901-489-3693 or Josie’s at 870-793-7000 to make your reservations, for ticketing info and more. Help Caruthers keep this tradition alive and we'll see you there.

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Lyon alums have fairy-tale engagement on Nichols trip Hannah Keller When Maggie Hance told her boyfriend, Drew Nolley, about a proposal she witnessed at Disney World, she never imagined he’d propose to her at Stirling Castle in Scotland during a Nichols Trip with Lyon College students and faculty members.

“I was at Disney for a dance competition, and we saw a proposal happen while we were there. I told him I wanted to be proposed to at a castle, thinking maybe he’d do it at the castle at Disney. I never thought he’d do it at an actual castle,” Hance said.

Hance, a 2013 psychology major of Batesville, and Nolley, a 2014 English major of Benton, met at Lyon during Nolley’s freshman year. By November of that year, they were officially a couple.

“She told me repeatedly that her other boyfriends hadn’t lasted very long,” Nolley said laughing. Nolley took the comment in stride.

“He’s really relaxed,” Hance said. “He’d always just laugh when I’d say that. When we had been dating over a month, he said, ‘I won. I’m still here.’”

Dr. Jennifer Daniels, assistant professor of psychology, and Dr. Nikki Yonts, assistant professor of psychology/ education, were the faculty members leading the trip. They agreed it was a natural fit to have Hance along on the trip as an alumni since she was unable to go on a Nichols trip as a student because of medical issues.

“She worked with both of us. She had become our colleague, and we knew Drew was going on the trip, so it was just a natural fit. It worked out just the way it was supposed to,” Daniels said.

Yonts said Nolley made her responsible for holding on to the engagement ring until the opportune moment presented itself.

“I carried that ring everywhere for two weeks,” Yonts said. “I didn’t let it leave my person. We were both so honored to be part of the process. To have that kind of relationship with our students that would make them want us to be a part of such a memorable event is truly amazing.”

The group visited Edinburgh, the Highlands, St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Stirling Castle during the trip.

While visiting an art museum, Yonts unknowingly found another integral piece to add to Nolley’s proposal.

“I found this book called The Art of Letter Writing.

I handed it to Jenn, because she’s a social psychologist, and I thought she’d find it interesting. One of the letter examples was of a proposal. She showed it to Drew because it was such a perfect fit,” Yonts said.

With only a few days remaining on the trip, Nolley decided the top of Stirling Castle would be the perfect setting to pop the question.

“I was confused at first because we had already been up there once taking photos. Then when we went back up there, he got out this book. I was freezing, and I asked him, ‘Are you about to read to me,’” Hance said laughing. “He said, ‘No, you’re going to read it.’ While I was reading, he started getting down on one knee. Then I was crying.”

Hance said she repeatedly stopped Nolley from asking 38

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

her to marry him trying to regain her composure.

“I kept saying, ‘Wait, I’m not ready!’ But I couldn’t stop crying, so finally he went ahead and asked me,” she said.

Nolley said Daniels and Yonts almost missed the big moment because they were trying to keep the other students occupied in order to give he and Hance some privacy.

“I kept waiting and waiting for them to come back over, but finally I gave up and got down on my knee,” Nolley said. “That’s when I hear Dr. Daniels yell, ‘Oh my God, we’re missing it!’”

Luckily, Yonts did capture pictures of the proposal.

The couple said they haven’t set a date as of yet. Hance is preparing to attend Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas for her master’s degree in the fall. She said she hopes to go on to earn her Ph.D. in psychology and eventually teach. Nolley is working with the Democratic Party of Arkansas helping with the campaign efforts for Mike Ross and Mark Pryor.

“There will never be another trip quite like that one,” Daniels said, although she and Yonts both hope the trip to Scotland becomes a Lyon tradition.

“We had such interest in this trip, we had to turn people away,” Daniels said. “It was truly a life-changing experience. The proposal was icing on the cake.” N

“I kept waiting for them to come back over, but finally I gave up and got down on my knee,”said Nolly.

Drew Nolley, a 2014 Lyon College graduate, proposes to Maggie Hance, a 2013 Lyon graduate, atop Stirling Castle in Scotland during a Nichols trip sponsored by Lyon College.

Photo by Nikki Yonts.

Notes from the Clearing

The Ant and the Elephant

Joseph Thomas The ant pulled the last of the elephant’s carcass up the last hill on the path home and stopped to catch his breath. He was excited to present his family with such a trophy, not because anyone told him he couldn’t pull an elephant, but because he wasn’t sure he could do it. The doubt he hurtled over to start his endeavor was far larger than the feat itself, but luckily his curiosity was far stronger than his common sense and took him farther in life than most even thought about. This wouldn’t cure the sickness that swept over his loved ones from time to time or even defeat the famine his kind would someday be faced with yet again, but it was a gift that would bring peace to his community for a time and that was all he could have hoped for. Catching his breath and feeling just in his break, he grabbed the poor elephants tail and headed once again for home. N

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