Eye On Independence October 2015

EyeIndependence On www.eyeonmag.com

Al Crouch HealthFirst Women’s Expo Power Couple Adam and Mandi Curtwright A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

October 2015

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BATESVILLE 1325 Harrison St. • 3 Eagle Mountain Blvd.

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CHEROKEE VILLAGE 1 Iroquois Dr.

In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note It’s Me Again

8/ Batesville Area Arts Council 9/ DownTown Guide 12/ Cover Story

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Al Crouch, Local Businessman

16/ Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista Kindergarten Mama

19/ Local Faces 20/ Feature

Adam and Mandi Curtwright

22/ Smith’s Verdict ***1/2 The Sandlot

23/ The Myopic Life Tammie Head

24/ Things To Do 28/ Notes from the Clearing Second Guessing

34/ I Do

Christopher - Varner Wedding

36/ Seniors, can we talk?

Mrs. Sims

38/ Experiencing God in the Everyday Sent Out Ones

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

Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1 793-3303 755 St. Louis Street Batesville

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

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

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

Kacey Clare Burge received her Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2011. Relocating to Tampa, Florida proffered the opportunity to write for a Southwest Florida lifestyles magazine.

Her outstanding work won her the attention of editors and readers alike, prompting her to be featured in REAL Magazine as a contributing copy writer and editor. She has also done work as a debt content writer for a financial advice website and had a successful freelance career for several years. Kacey spends most of her free time with her husband and three rescue dogs, enjoying the outdoors and exploring what the state of Arkansas has to offer.

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.

Chad Grigsby is a church planting strategist with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Chad is a graduate of Williams Baptist College and Mid-America Seminary. He is passionate about seeing the gospel become central in the life of every Christian and in every church. Before joining the convention he was a church planter and Pastor for Teaching and Shepherding at Compass Church in Batesville for 6 years. Chad also served at a church plant in the Memphis, TN area. Chad enjoys running, cycling, and watching soccer. He lives with his wife Jessica and son Ezra in Northwest Arkansas.

Caitlyn Robillard is an aspiring writer on the search for the most fascinating and inspiring stories that the world has to offer. She spends most of her time as freelance artist and blogging at a-place-calledthere.blogspot.com. The moments which she’s not in creativity mode are spent with books, films, traveling, and surrounding herself with interesting people.

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.

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.

Meet Your Writers...

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.

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October 2015

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

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

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

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

Al Crouch en’s Expo

HealthFirst Wom

di Curtwright

m and Man Power Couple Ada A Publication

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nd Media, Inc

of Meadowla

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

www.eyeonmag.com

MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas

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

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

Editor’s Note It’s Me Again

Joseph Thomas

photo by Robert O. Seat

It’s good to be able to reach out to you with our news and thoughts yet again. I am excited to share this month’s plethora of goodness with you and hope all is well with you and yours.

Kristie Price tells us about an upcoming event “Becoming: A Women’s Event”, Leigh Keller shares her experience as

a Kindergarten Mama, Chad Grigsby speaks of Sent Ones and we have the Christopher Varner Wedding.

We welcome Caroline Beauchamp to these Independence pages, along with our new Feature writer, Caitlyn Robbillard who shares the first installment and couple of our Power Couple series, Adam and Mandi Curtwright.

Tanner Smith shares his thoughts on the movie “The Sandlot”, we have many many upcoming events in our Things To Do, lots of Local Faces and much more, so without further ado, enjoy and we’ll see you around town.

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6 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

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It is probably safe to assume that the challenges that they face are minor compared to the challenges that W Heart W participants face on an everyday basis.

In its first year, W Heart W Therapeutic Riding Stables has worked with persons with MS and autism, stroke victims, paralyzed veterans, special needs children, and adult participants--the list goes on. Each participant has his or her unique therapy that is tailored

by W Heart W Owner Shana Wheat. Within a year, W Heart W has positively changed many lives and the hearts of many families. All of those who have been involved have had the pleasure of witnessing the mental and physical progress.

Please join W Heart W Therapeutic Riding Stables’ One-Year Celebration of making a difference in our community and beyond on Friday, October 2 at 2 p.m.

Come see for yourself and enjoy the heart-warming experience! FREE FOOD, DRINKS, & LIVE MUSIC! RSVP to swheat@wheartw.com. N

UACCB nursing program meets accreditation requirement Hannah Keller The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s nursing program has met full accreditation compliance for Standard 2: Faculty Degree Requirements.

According to Marietta Candler, UACCB interim division chair of nursing and allied health, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing determined after a follow-up report the community college’s RN program had 100 percent of full-time faculty possessing a master’s degree and greater than 50 percent of part-time faculty possessing a master’s degree. ACEN accreditation is a voluntary process that is peer reviewed and enhances quality improvement in nursing education.

“We are proud to be accredited by ACEN. The accrediting body supports the excellence and integrity

of nursing programs,” Candler said. According to the ACEN website, “Accreditation also assists in the future improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed and results achieved.”

The ACEN report conducted in spring of 2015 was accepted by its board of commissioners and now holds UACCB under full compliance for accreditation. This acceptance will stay in effect until the fall semester of 2020, when another self-study report will be required of the RN program.

“UACCB has a wonderful nursing program and we are excited to help bring more nurses into the local job force upon completion of their degree,” Candler said.

N October 2015 7

8 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

 Self-serve Soft-serve Frozen Treats!

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First Community Bank named Rising Star Lender Hannah Sturch

First Community Bank was named Rising Star Lender at the 2015 Region VI Mid-America Lender’s Conference in Dallas on August 31.

Region VI is made up of banks in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

The bank greatly increased its number of Small Business Administration loans over the previous year, according to Linda Nelson, the SBA’s district director for Arkansas. First Community generated 30 smallbusiness loans totaling $3.2 million from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

“Working with financial partners and investing in communities by helping fund growing businesses is 10 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

what the SBA lending program is designed to do, and we are pleased to have our lenders in Arkansas recognized for their work,” Nelson said.

Dale Cole, chairman and chief executive officer of First Community Bank, said seeing growth in small business is a positive sign of a healthy and thriving community.

“We’re pleased to help businesses expand,” Cole said.

“Small businesses are important to every economy. By supporting these businesses, we are growing a healthier community. As a community bank, we are committed to living up to our motto of putting community first.” N

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

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October 2015 11

Eye On Cover Story Al Crouch, Local Businessman Kacey Clare Burge

“At Crouch Insurance, our company is dedicated to the fair and honest treatment of our customers. We believe in the value of great personal service being top priority.”

True Southern Roots Al Crouch’s roots run deep in Batesville, Arkansas.

Spending the first 10 years of his childhood on his parent’s cattle farm in Newark before moving to Batesville in 1960, Al was your typical southern boy. He loved to play outdoors and help on the farm, and was brought up with good old fashioned manners and morals typical of a true southern gentleman. Those values held true even after the Crouch family moved from the farm to a family-friendly neighborhood in Batesville and Al embraced this new and exciting environment full of resident kids to play with and lots of things to do.

It was an added bonus that most of the locals already knew him as his paternal grandparents Francis and Allie Crouch owned the funeral home in town.

Al’s maternal grandparents, George and Opal Rutherford were also no strangers to farming or running a family business either and they also did their part to instill those same southern principles into their grandchildren of lending a helping hand to those in need. An award winning, 4th generation of farmers, the Rutherfords worked their land east of Batesville.

Known around town as Doc, Al’s grandfather was a fine role model for him because of his strength and good character. He attributes his even-keeled ability to think things through to his grandfather’s influence. Doc was a great source of wisdom even in Al’s adult life, as a lot of his insight dealing with others can be drawn from his experience and advice he received from his grandfather growing up.

Personal Growth Leads to Community Development Al Crouch graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1972 with a degree in Industrial Management and quickly into his first post-college job at Ward Supply in Little Rock, determined he wanted to be a self-employed businessman and steadily started working toward that goal.

Following the Crouch family tradition, Al joined Kiwanis and started honing his welding skills, creating camper trailer shells as his first endeavor as a young businessman. However, 1975’s gas crisis made truck sales plummet, and Al’s success as an independent business owner was much more short-lived than anticipated, forcing him to regroup. Next, he went to work in Quality Control at General Tire which required him to travel often to Detroit and other northern manufacturing facilities. While the new position in a new field gave him some great experience, Al wasn’t yet where he wanted to be in business or in his career. So, he moved on once again.

12 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

This time, he decided to go to work in the family business at Crouch Funeral Homes. He moved into the Funeral Director position where he obtained his first insurance license for burial insurance. During this time he also took an interest in project construction and entered into a building project, erecting the Boswell Street Apartments. His success in selling insurance at the funeral home and in building the apartment complex both acted as catalysts for propelling him into 2 new business ventures that would allow him to effectively and positively serve the people of Batesville.

Between 1983 and 1984, Al left his position at the funeral home and started working full time selling insurance for New York Life, soon branching out to offer Group Health Insurance for small businesses which is the cornerstone of Crouch Insurance today. During this time Al also started collaborating with some prominent local businessmen- John Freemsan, Charlie Scaff, and Preston Grace Jr.- to build the Ramada Inn, the first of several hotels lining Highway 167 on the north side of Batesville.

In 1988, Al built a new office complex at 400 Harrison Street in downtown Batesville which became home to Home Savings Bank, White River Insurance

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

Edward Jones and Crouch Insurance. And in 2004 he built another office complex at 249 Eagle Mountain Blvd where he moved his insurance office, allowing him to expand his services once again to add Lyon College alum and specialized insurance agent Nancy Elam and the unofficial greeter of Crouch Insurance, the family’s beloved golden retriever Gracie. Soon, the new location of Crouch Insurance welcomed Whimire & Robinson CPA, Edward Jones, Onin Personnel services and the Courtyard Spa to the complex.

Some of Al’s other construction ventures that have successfully graced the Batesville area include, the Village of Eagle Mountain garden homes and a redirection project. The Village of Eagle Mountain is a community of garden homes where Al manages construction of this “new-to-Batesville” home residence concept. His wife Vicky is contributing her skills to the project by overseeing aspects of design for the 11 newly occupied condos adjoining the Course at Eagle Mountain. The redirection project in town is a renovation development where an old office building was purchased, revamped and now occupied by 4 new businesses: Integrated Therapy (owned by Brittany

Harwell), Precise Electric (owned by Mike Arnold), Impulse Boutique (newly owned by Lynn Newingham), and HR Synergy (owned by Justin Keister).

His Team, His Family Al Crouch attributes his success in life and in business to his family, for which none of the things he’s accomplished would be possible without them.

Although he is the proclaimed “idea man” behind all the business ventures, he describes his wife Vicky as the “detail person”, taking care of all the things he does not see, all while running 2 successful businesses of her own.

In 1987, she opened the first massage therapy practice in Batesville, North Ark Natural Therapy, which has since evolved into the Courtyard Spa and in 2012 she partnered in business with Rodan and Fields Skincare Specialists. Together, Al and Vicky have raised 3 wonderful children and are now the proud grandparents of 7 amazing grandchildren. When you look at all that Al Crouch has accomplished in his personal life, in business and in his service to his community, it’s no wonder he has become a highly respected member of the city of Batesville. N

HealthFirst Women’s Health Expo set for October 6 Hannah Sturch

The HealthFirst Women’s Expo will be presented from 4-7 p.m. October 6 in Independence Hall at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.

The primary purpose of the expo is to raise awareness while providing practical options for prevention and overall good health. The expo will include free screenings for body fat percentage, body mass index, blood pressure, bone density (heel), cholesterol/glucose, heart disease risk, pulse oximetry, stroke screening and more. Mega Brain, a walk through, interactive educational model of the human brain will be at HealthFirst, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to learn more about the brain and central Leadership Consultant, Stacey Mason to speak at Women In Business Conference Friday, October 16 in Independence Hall on the UACCB campus.

Registration is $99 and includes breakfast, lunch and all conference materials. The deadline to register is October 1. For more information or to register, contact BACC Director of Programs and Events Jamie Beck at Jamie.

Beck@mybatesville.org or 870-793-2378.

Women in Business Conference keynote speaker, Stacey Mason, takes humor seriously.

nervous system. The display is a part of a stroke awareness and education campaign.

This year the expo will highlight the benefits of spicing up your diet with herbs. Herbs not only are a great way to make food a little tastier, they can help boost body immunity levels and fight against germs and toxins.

“First Community Bank is delighted to be able to work with WRMC and hopes to encourage women to pause for a moment to think about their own health,” said Laura Cornett, First Community Bank senior vice president and marketing director.

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 FROZEN YOGURT

GELATO

Self-serve Soft-serve Frozen Treats!

15 Flavors! Over 40 Yummy Toppings!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Sun - Thur Noon to 9:00pm Fri & Sat Noon to 10:00pm

Daily Treats All Month Long!

Magic Mondays - First 50 customers receive a color changing spoon!

Two Spot Tuesdays - Earn 2 Spots per visit! That Free treat is getting closer!

Waffle Cone Wednesdays - 50% Off all Waffle Cones!

Tasty Toping Thursdays - Select Topping FREE* Fan Fridays - 10% Off Your treat by wearing your School Spirit Shirt!* Share it Saturdays - Buy one treat get Second treat 1/2 price!* Sunny Sundays - Bring in your current church bulletin for 10% Off! * See in Store for Details

October 2015 13

Batesville Rotary Celebrates 25 Years Submitted

Amanda Dickey is an Insurance Agent and Agency Trainer with Community Insurance Professionals – a subsidiary of First Community Bank. She began her insurance career in 2001. She obtained her CISR designation in 2006 and CPIA designation in 2015. In 2009 she was named by the National Alliance as Arkansas’ Outstanding Insurance Representative of the Year. She was a 4 year term board member on the Young Agents Committee for the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas; served on the Commercial Lines Advisory Board for The Hartford Insurance Company; and is currently a board member for Young Insurance Professionals with the Professional Insurance Agents of Arkansas.

She is a UACCB business graduate and Batesville High School graduate where she was a Prancer and served as Key Club President and Yearbook editor in 1997 and was a Girl’s State Delegate in 1996.

Amanda is the currently the 75th President and 5th Woman President of the Rotary Club of Batesville where

she has been an active member for the past 5 years. She has served them as Board Member and Service Chair as well.

She was also named as the club’s “Rotarian of the Year” in 2013-2014.

She is the daughter of Jeff and Angela Zelasko. She and her husband, Bryan, have been married for 16 years and reside in Batesville with their Yorkie, Daisy. She enjoys spending time with her family and Trap Shooting.

“I get asked why I joined Rotary often,” says Amanda.

“To be honest, it was because my father asked me to. He was a Rotarian and wanted me to join him – to get a little extra “father/daughter” time in each week. What girl doesn’t want to have lunch with her father – I couldn’t say No.” What does Rotary mean?

“Rotary is an organization of business and professional person united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.”

What is the Object of Rotary?

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster

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Providing Insurance and Financial Services 2860 Harrison Street, Batesville 870-793-5422 Office / 870-793-3039 Fax

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the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Rotary is a 1.2 million-member organization that started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. Harris was a lonely attorney who formed the Rotary Club of Chicago, on February 23, 1905 when he and 3 other professional men decided to begin meeting for lunch to form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

Within five years clubs had formed across the country, from San Francisco to New York.

In August 1910, Rotarians held their first convention in Chicago. The 16 clubs that existed at that time united to form the National Association of Rotary Clubs.

In 1912, the name changed to International Association of Rotary Clubs to reflect the addition of clubs in other countries. The name Rotary International (or RI) was adopted in 1922.

By July 1925, Rotary had grown to more than 2,000 clubs and an estimated 108,000 members on six continents.

As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of club members. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve communities in need. The organization’s dedication to this ideal is best expressed in its principal motto: Service Above Self. Rotary also later embraced a code of ethics, called The 4-Way Test.

In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The FourWay Test. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages. As Rotarians we end each meeting with our 4 Way Test. These are questions we should ask ourselves daily.

Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? / Is it FAIR to all concerned? / Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? / Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

How did Women get into in Rotary?

Until 1989, the Constitution and Bylaws of RI stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978 the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, invited three women to become members. The RI board withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the RI Constitution. The club brought suit against RI claiming a violation of a state civil rights law which prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club’s charter merely for inducting women into the club.

On May 4 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that

Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. Rotary issues a policy statement that any Rotary club in the United States can admit qualified women into membership.

The Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise, California was chartered on May 28, 1987. It becomes the first club after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to have women as charter members.

Sylvia Whitlock, of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, becomes the first female Rotary club president.

1989: Year of the Women At its first meeting after the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Council on Legislation votes to eliminate the requirement in the RI Constitution that membership in Rotary clubs be limited to men. Women are welcomed into Rotary clubs around the world and The RI constitutional change was made to eliminate the “male only” provision for all of Rotary.

2010: More than 199,000 women are members of Rotary clubs worldwide, with an increasing number serving as district governors.

2013: Anne L. Matthews begins her term as the first woman to serve as RI vice president.

The Rotary Club of Batesville The Batesville Club has a long, proud history. The club was chartered by RI on November 25th, 1940. The club was sponsored by the Newport Rotary Club. This year we celebrate out 75th year as a club. The club began meeting on October 23, 1940 to begin the process of receiving a charter.

Meetings took place at the Marvin Hotel on Main Street.

At the time of the club’s inception, there were 23 charter members.

Jared Trevathen was elected as President, S.E. Coleman was elected as Vice-President, J. Hugh Kennard was elected as Secretary, Dr. L.T Evans was elected as Treasurer, and Lawrence Smith was elected as Sergeant-at-arms. It should be noted that a fire at Arkansas Power & Light on April 12, 1944 destroyed all of the club’s original records, and much of the information about the early history of the club is incomplete. Doyle Rogers and Leland Roll were charter members who were both active members up until their passing a few years ago.

Polly Livingston was our club’s first woman inductee on 9/1/1989 and was the first woman to serve as President in 1996-1997. There have been 4 other woman Presidents: Debbie Allen, Audrey Pool, Cathy Drew and now myself.

Our club currently has 48 active members. 12 of those members have each been in the club for over 25 years and 14 of these members are women.

We meet at noon every Monday in the Maxfield Room on Lyon College Campus. We run about 75% attendance each week and we still have 17 past presidents who are active members of the club. Our club has also produced 4 District Govenors with Tim Bruner being last year.

We are very involved in our community with several projects: Best Foot Forward, Coats for Kids, Boy Scouts, Volunteer for the Ind. Co. Fair and other community projects where bodies are needed, Highway Cleanup, RYLA, Scholarships, Book Donations to the Ind Co Library, Dictionaries to 3rd graders and many, many more.

Good, Better, Best – never let it rest – until your good is better – and your better is best.

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Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista

Kindergarten Mama Leigh Keller

Cole has been in daycare or preschool since he was six months old. In my single, childless life, I hoarded up my sick leave, and accumulated enough time to be off with him for that long after his birth, and it was glorious. But, I knew that eventually he would need to learn some social skills, that children can really only learn around other children like sharing and wearing clothing all the time (the struggle is real with my kid). So back to work I went on a part time basis at first. The first drop off at a well trusted daycare at my new employer was pretty horrific for me and for him, but the next days got easier. He loved making new friends, learning, talking, and laughing. The happy days came and went, and suddenly I was sitting at our preschool celebration. All summer we played and played. I have often said that I get to have the best of both worlds as an educator. When he is at school, I am at school, and then I get to be home with him when he is on vacation. By the end of the summer he always gets a little tired of me, so he was absolutely ready for Kindergarten.

I am not sure what about Kindergarten terrified me so much. I guess it was the idea that this is it....real school.

Some of my mommy friends with older kids say that I should not blink, because he will soon be on the football field receiving his diploma (from me, nonetheless). But for now, I was a nervous wreck about Kindergarten. We got the announcement in the mail about his assigned teacher (I was just as excited as he was), and then it was time for Open House. He got to meet his teacher, see his “awesome classroom” (complete with a class guinea pig, which I prayed would not get to come home to visit the kids on the weekends, like our class guinea pig in my own second grade class), and get the feel of his school. He was pumped.

Soon enough, the first day came. I made sure to wear my waterproof mascara, in case I made a terrible scene. I can typically hold it together, but I am a crier. I cry when I am happy, sad, hungry, tired or mad (don’t I sound fun?).

Since I got to walk him in with his daddy, I felt pretty good about it, until we left the cafeteria and took them to the gym, where he looked so very tiny in his Minions backpack. The excited look on his face took me right back to the moment he let go of the couch when he was thirteen months old (he was a late walker, mostly because we carried him everywhere, and he was pretty speedy in that walker), ready to take on the world with his new skill.

We took pictures, felt like crying, and then were finally kind of ushered out when they lined up to go down the Kindergarten hallway, and I simply lost it. In my job, I take care of lots of people, kids, parents, faculty and staff, so I don’t expect people to really take care of me. But, my child goes to Central Elementary, and while I might be a smidge biased, seeing how they treated him and me (his sobbing mother) on that first day, really reassured me that he is in the best place he can possibly be.

After two days of walking him in to the building, he thought he was ready to get out of the car by himself and go in (and I think, super tired of me, already), so I let him

out and watched him go up the little stairs with his giant backpack on. Mr. Difani, whom the children absolutely adore, tapped on my hood and said “it’s ok, mom”, then said to Cole “say bye to your mama!”. I drove to work that day, crying, of course, because of the anxiety I felt about my child getting lost in the building, about him not knowing anyone (I am pretty certain he knows everyone in the building now, since he is my kid), and about him being picked on by bigger kids (mostly because I am a neurotic mother, I promise to do better). I had to pray about this anxiety and let it go, because I need for him to love school, like I did, and not pick up on my anxiety about letting him grow up.

Fast forward four weeks, and he is such a happy little man. On the days when I get to walk him in, everyone greets him, and me, with a big smile. It means so much to me that they know his name, and greet him with big hugs, and sometimes fist bumps. I cannot say that at his graduation on the football field, when I get to help award his diploma I will not be a mess (we all know that I will be), but I can say that I will survive Kindergarten. N

Citizens Bank Awards Education Initiative Grants to Creative School Teachers

Chuck Jones Twelve inventive curriculum projects conceived by Batesville and Southside educators gained $20,000 in the 2015 Citizens Bank Education Initiative grants program for the local school districts.

Since 2011, Batesville educators have benefited from $75,000 in bank grants to implement ideas and projects that otherwise might have gone unfunded.

Citizens Bank now has committed $115,000 in Education Initiative grants over the past five years to area teachers in the Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland, Mountain View and Southside school districts.

“These grants are well-deserved recognition for exceptional teachers who develop innovative ideas to further their curriculum,” said Phil Baldwin, Citizens Bank President and Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to be impressed each year by their creativity and their commitment to educating our children.”

A panel representing the Social Sciences and Teacher Education divisions at Lyon College selected this year’s recipient projects from all of the grant applications.

The panel reviews each project anonymously and then determines the amount of each grant.

“Every time we have needed them, Citizens Bank – the hometown bank – was there,” said Batesville School Superintendent Gary Anderson.

“We are so fortunate to have partners like Citizens Bank who believe in us and who help us so much with what we do,” said Southside School Superintendent Roger Rich.

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Dr. Gavin McDowell and Dr. Amy Tolbert

www.seeourdocs.com

Mon - Thur 10am to 10pm Fri & Sat 10am to 11pm Sunday 11am to 9pm

60 Batesville Blvd.

870-569-4894

3rd Annual Hats Off to CASA October 17 Ashley Walker

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the 16th Judicial District is hosting its 3rd Annual Hats Off to CASA event October 17 at the Red Apple Inn. The event features a silent auction of more than 100 items including everything from art to travel and live entertainment by Kathy Brown. Event goers join in the fun by wearing a hat and competing in the best hat competition to win a prize valued at $200.00.

CASA is a nonprofit volunteer-based program that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.

CASA volunteers are appointed by the juvenile judge to work with families who have children in foster care.

They assist in recommending the best possible outcome for an abused or neglected child’s future. The ultimate goal of the CASA volunteer is to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving, and permanent home.

The annual Hats Off to CASA event provides much needed financial support to continue serving these children in our communities. CASA is solely funded by the fundraiser, state grants and private donations.

Funds are used to employee three full-time employees

and to recruit and train volunteer advocates.

“While the auction is a great way to raise funds for our cause, it is also a great way to bring awareness to the foster care situation in our communities,” Colleen McKenzie, Executive Director, said. The 16th Judicial District advocates for children in Independence, Cleburne, Stone, Izard and Fulton counties. “We are always in need of volunteers who have a special place in their hearts for children,” McKenzie said. There are over 400 children taken into care in these counties each year.

It is her hope that every child in care will have a CASA volunteer by their side. To do this the program needs to recruit 100 additional volunteer.

Event sponsors include BKD Wealth Advisors; Ms. Millie Wilson; Chris and Kelly Buckliew of McDonald’s; Robert E. L. Wilson, V; McKenzie Realty Group; and First Community Bank of Batesville.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include a buffet style dinner, drink tickets, live entertainment

by Kathy Brown, and the silent auction. Tickets are available at the door. For additional information about the event or to become a volunteer you can contact Colleen McKenzie at 501-691-3231 or email casa16th5@hotmail.com.

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Scenes from a Puppy Pool Party with the Humane Society of Independence County.

Local Faces

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Eye On Feature Power Couples: Adam and Mandi Curtwright

Caitlyn Robillard

The term “power couple” can conjure an array of images: celebrities, industrial moguls, royalty. It rarely dawns on us that the kind of impact those titles can imply can be found anywhere and in anyone. I found it in the offices of the Centennial Bank on Batesville’s Main Street, blocks away from where the new version of the old Melba Theater will be soon opening, where I met Adam and Mandi Curtwright.

In their 13 year long relationship, of which they’ve been married 9, they’ve written their own love story. It all began in the all-American way, with the two meeting at church, bonding amid the faith-based community and events. Four years later, they were wed. Today they live in the very same house that Adam grew up in. They’re now joined by three children: Eli, Easton, and Ellie.

Before any of this, though, there was the struggle with balancing jobs, education, and a new marriage. Their efforts paid off, however. Adam is now a loan officer at Centennial Bank and Mandi is a membership director for the Batesville Chamber of Commerce.

Their services to society are not just limited to their day jobs. “We’ve always been service oriented, serving in clubs. We knew it’d play some kind of role throughout our lives,” Mandi said of their community involvement They took turns bragging on one another, proud of their combined accomplishments. Mandi announced Adam’s position on the Kiwanis Board and his leadership role in a Missional Community Financial Peace program at their church. He then gave his input on his wife’s contributions: Mandi has had a hand in countless Main Street projects, about which she said, “We want to see Main Street do well and now it’s getting to where it needs to be.” The couple also played a role in the IMPACT Independence County project that was held this summer. “People just appreciate the opportunity to have a say-so, instead of being told how it’s going to be.”

When it comes to the community of Batesville, it’s clear to see this is a subject they each hold dear to their hearts. “Batesville’s always been home to me,” Adam says with a reminiscent smile. “I grew up on White Drive. I don’t know if I could call anywhere else home.”

Mandi doesn’t hesitate to agree: “We want our kids to go to school here and live here. And if they leave for college, we want them to want to come back here.”

The adventure they are now embarking upon is the renovation of the Melba Theater, a long-time dream of Adam’s. His grandmother walked across that stage to receive her High School Diploma and he worked there himself as a teenager. “I would just see people come to the theater there, whole families. Just to know that it was affordable, and in a kid’s mind it’s just as good as going anywhere else. They didn’t care that it cost two bucks. You could see a stress relief for the parents.

20 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

They didn’t have to miss out on anything or break the bank,” he explained. The family-focused environment is important to the Curtwrights. Mandi expressed her hopes that it would be passed down to their children, that they would feel as passionate about it as their parents do. They want their children to feel the same wonder and excitement as they did when they were selling tickets or scooping popcorn or even just to see a show. “I think back to when I was little,” Adam said, “and what we would do on weekends. I can remember coming down Main Street and seeing the Landers on the left and the Melba to the right and it all being lit up.

A movie can change your whole attitude.” Of course, I had to ask the inevitable question: what is your favorite movie to watch together as a family? Adam and Mandi looked at each other and agreed on “Jurassic Park.”

“It’s on our DVR. The kids must watch it about twice a week,” Mandi laughed.

The business venture has only seemed to enrich their marriage. “We work real well together. Where one of us lacks, the other picks it up,” Adam said. “You have to be patient. It’s still a marriage, but it’s also a business partnership,” Mandi nods at her husband with a smile.

“You have to be willing to accept change. You can’t always push back. And it helps that he’s my best friend.”

The meeting ended with a sort of confession: “We are really big Disney people.” The theme park was the destination for their honeymoon and an annual vacation spot for the whole family. Mandi even hangs a Walt Disney quote in her office: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” There’s a recognizable irony that this couple has the type of relationship that could be comparable to a real-life Disney movie. A fairy tale set in the real world is an accurate description because the love for their hometown, their families, their jobs, and each other are every bit as magical. N

Joe and Janell Shell (a power couple in their own right), with Melba partners, Mandi and Adam Curtwright in front of their cinematic project.

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

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

Happy Fall Y'all!

October 2015 21

Smith’s Verdict ***1/2

The Sandlot

Reviewed by Tanner Smith “The Sandlot” presents a kind, innocent, comic portrait of boyhood, baseball, and summertime. It’s told as a baseball announcer narrates this story in flashback, looking back on his sandlot days with his friends in the early 1960s. These are just kids being kids—having fun and having misadventures.

Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry), who will grow up to be the narrator of the story, is a shy ten-year-old who moves to a new neighborhood in a new town, with his mother (Karen Allen) and his stepfather (Denis Leary) with whom he’s trying to connect with. Smalls would love to play baseball, but is so ignorant of the game that he can’t throw a ball, he can’t catch, and he doesn’t even know who Babe Ruth is. His stepdad tries to teach him to play catch, but he winds up a black eye after being hit with the ball.

Smalls tries to fit in with a local sandlot team of eight players, figuring he could be the ninth. The leader Benny Rodriguez (Mike Vitar) takes Smalls in and teaches him to catch and throw. Now he’s in with the team and they have their own adventures. One of the highlights is when one of the kids—nicknamed “Squints” (Chauncey Leopardi)—tries so hard to gain the attention of the sexy lifeguard at the town swimming pool, even risking probable drowning. The outcome is most hilarious.

But the second half of the movie leads the kids into more fearsome territory, as Smalls swipes his stepdad’s Babe Ruth-autographed baseball—a family heirloom— to use to play in a game. When he’s up at bat, he accidentally hits into the neighbor’s yard, behind a fence past left field. It’s then he discovers who Babe Ruth is and realizes he must get the ball back. However, it’s not so simple to just hop over the fence and get the ball, because the yard is guarded by a dog so ferocious that it’s even labeled the “Beast,” who is said to have killed trespassers and even ate a kid who hopped over there once. This leads to the kids desperately attempting many strange schemes to retrieve it before it winds up in the Beast’s possession. They try everything they can think of in a series of more funny misadventures—including a kid-sized harness, a series of vacuum cleaners, and even an Erector set.

There’s a nice comic rhythm within the kids’ misadventures and a sense of innocence throughout.

This doesn’t resort to the usual clichés you see in family movies, let alone baseball movies. “The Sandlot” is an effective feel-good family movie that provides entertainment and nostalgia for childhood. This movie was directed by David Mickey Evans, who also gave us the deplorable “Radio Flyer,” which tried to capture this same sort of delight, but ultimately failed. With “The Sandlot,” he hits a triple, if not a home run.

There are little problems with the movie (like how Babe Ruth is misspelled by one of the kids who know his statistics), but so what? Evans remembers what it was 22 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

like to be a kid—awkwardness, nervousness, friendship, free-spiritedness, etc. This is a movie kids can relate to with its sense of fun and adventure, and adults can see it as a nostalgia trip. Even if you didn’t grow up in the 1960s, you still feel the spirit of things here.

There’s a lot of baseball that these kids play in this movie, and it still proves to be America’s pastime. The kids play mostly for practice, as Benny believes he’ll go on to play in the major leagues in the future (which he may be). And there’s one quick game in the middle of the movie that comes as a pushover, since there is no big game at the end, which is a pleasant surprise. The movie isn’t about winning or losing. It’s a coming-of-age story about growing up and facing your fears.

There’s also a welcome cameo by James Earl Jones, a blind former baseball player who remembers the game fondly. It adds to the conception that is the greatness of baseball.

The kids are appealing comic actors and hold the screen nicely—even Chauncey Leopardi as knowit-all Squints, who can get grating at times with his constant screaming in eagerness, gets points for being a convincing know-it-all. They add to the charm and humor of “The Sandlot.”

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r October is BMreonastht !Cance s Awarenes It’s time to...

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To learn how to qualify for a free mammogram at White River Medical Center, Stone County Medical Center, or the WRMC Medical Complex, call (870) 262-1035.

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Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

The Myopic Life Tammie Head Kristi Price

Small town living, while chock-full of benefits, can have certain downsides. We have limited options when it comes to many things. Shopping, dining, and cultural arts come to mind. Those who can, scour Ticketmaster for stage shows, theatrical events, and concerts coming to large cities. The rest settle for televised versions.

Some travel far and wide for dance, ball, and other extracurriculars. And some just can’t.

All this travel is very expensive and not a reality for many families. And with it comes a degree of stressful living that many are more than happy to do without.

I remember a friend from Dallas asking me with real horror how I manage to survive in such a “backwater.” I returned her horror when I heard about her after-school commute times. It’s all a matter of perspective.

That’s why it is a real treat when local businesses work together to bring the arts to us. I have enjoyed many of the events held at UACCB, brought about by partnerships committed to expanding our opportunities. When businesses underwrite quality

entertainers and speakers, the entire community benefits.

On October 9 and 10, women in our community have such an opportunity. Becoming: A Women’s Event 2015 welcomes Tammie Head to The Landers Theater.

Tammie is a speaker and author of women’s books and Bible studies including More: From Messes to Miracles and Duty or Delight. A protégé of Beth Moore, and published and promoted by Lifeway Christian Resources, Tammie is both tenacious and tender in her ministry to women.

This two day event will feature live worship and two teaching sessions with Tammie. Women will not have to miss work, travel, book a hotel, fight traffic, or give up large chunks of family time in order to seek a deeper understanding of Christian life or God’s Word.

Tickets are $15 and available at Deni’s Inspirations, Bread of Life, Heavenly Treasures Resale Shop, and online at www.eventbrite.com. Call 870-698-9244 for more information.

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The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

October 2015 23

Things To Do

Batesville/WRMCRuntheWave5k. For more information call Jennifer Dorris at (870) 262-1161.

Chamber University - Go Social Series First Community Bank and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a five workshop series to assist businesses with effective social media usage. Tom Massey of Community Business Resources, a division of First Community Bank, has prepared the curriculum for the series and will be the featured presenter. All workshops will be held from 9 a.m. until noon in the George Rider room at First Community Bank on Friday, October 2. The registration fee is $75 for one workshop or $250 for the entire series. Please direct all questions to Jamie Beck, Director of Progams & Events at 870-793-2378 or Jamie. beck@mybatesville.org.

Veterans & Families Appreciation Dinner Saturday, October 24, 4 thru 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge on Batesville Blvd.

All Over Independence

The Mud Run “Little Rock’s Dirtiest 5K” – Created for those who think a little differently about this runnin’ stuff. The Mud Run is for the adventuresome spirit and is a family friendly race. Participants run, walk, skip, trot and even cavort through our 5Kish course, which winds through a scenic Little Rock Park. The point is not to finish fast but to finish with style. Visit www.mudrun.org “Like” us on Facebook!

Friday, October 02, 2015 7 p.m. at the Two Rivers Park in Little Rock. Contact Geneva Lamm at 501-371-4639 or glamm@littlerock.org.

Joyful Heart Ball The Joyful Heart Ball is a community dance party thrown especially for teens and adults with special needs. Dates, friends, family, and caregivers are welcome to join us! 7-10 p.m. Saturday, October 10. We will have the Knights and Princesses Ball for younger children with special needs from 2-3:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church at 615 E. Main Street. Contact Sara Moore at 972-514-7710 or joyfulheartball@gmail.com.

The Great Adventure @ Camp Crossed Arrows Friday, October 16, come join Camp Crossed Arrows for a weekend filled with adventure! Learn the basics of rock climbing and bouldering, try your hand at canoeing, find your way using a map and compass, and practice your archery skills. Then, team up with girls from around the area to complete the Camp Crossed Arrows Adventure Race! This event starts Friday night at 7:30pm and wraps up Sunday morning at 10 a.m.. at Camp Crossed Arrows Girl Scouts - Diamonds 250 Crossed Arrows Lane in Floral.

For more information contact Linda Archer at 870-2511292 or larcher@girlscoutsdiamonds.org.

White River Medical Center Run the Wave 5k Saturday, October 17 at WRMC, registration is 6:30 a.m.7:30 a.m. and pre-registration Fees are (WRHS Employee) $15 and (General Public) $20. Kids’ run for only $10. Preregistration deadline is Oct. 9. After this deadline, the entry fee will be $25 per person. The Kids’ Run fee will remain at $10. To pre-register, visit www.runsignup.com/race/AR/

Autumn in the Ozarks, Hill ‘N Hollow Quilters Guild Thursday, October 22, Arts Quilt Show at the Educational Building – Baxter County Fairgrounds at 1507 Fairground Drive in Mountain Home. Over 250 Quilts, Country Store, Vendors, Food, Professional Judge Beverly Fine, Appraiser available. For more Information, call Maureen Forster at 870-491-7567 or quiltmaur@yahoo. com.

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

Hutchinson Community Center Available Huge Yard Sale Saturday October 3, 7 a.m. till we run out. Vendor space available $10, donations accepted, concessions on site and all proceeds go for Community Center upkeep. Call number below for information.

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

Alzheimer’s Arkansas Caregiver Support Group of Batesville As a caregiver, family member or friend of someone who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another memory loss disorder, there may be times when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated.

The Caregiver Support Group of Batesville provides an opportunity for you to talk with others who really understand what you are going through, others who know just how you feel.

Please join us every second Thursday at 5:45 p.m. in the WRMC Josephine Raye Rogers Women’s Center Conference Center. Contact Deanna Green at 443.651.9686 for more information.

Glowin’ Down Main Children’s Clinic at WRMC is hosting a free community event on October 17, Glowin’ Down Main!

There will be a sign in at 7 pm and the event will start at 8 pm. Some glow sticks will be provided. There will be an after party in the pocket park with music and prizes/ treats.

Women In Business Leadership Consultant, Stacey Mason to speak at Women In Business Conference Friday, October 16 in Independence Hall on the UACCB campus. Registration is $99 and includes breakfast, lunch and all conference materials. The deadline to register is October 1. For more information or to register, contact BACC Director of Programs and Events Jamie Beck at Jamie.Beck@ mybatesville.org or 870-793-2378.

Cake Decorating Julie Gosser, owner of Julie’s Piece of Cake, will teach the fundamentals of basic cake decorating. You will learn to ice and smooth cakes and ice and fill cupcakes. You will drop flowers, make stars, rosettes, shell and bead border, a shaggy mum, regular roses, ribbon roses, leaves, piping, writing, and more.

The deadline to register is Sept. 14. The supply fee is $80, payable to the instructor on the first night of class. Mondays, four sessions, UACCB Fine Arts, 603. Sept. 28 - Oct. 19 / 6 - 8 p.m. Fee: $40 +.

Basic Knitting Whether you are new to knitting or need a refresher, this class is for you. By the end of this class, you will be able to knit a simple scarf, cowl (neck warmer) or afghan. Bring one skein of knitting worsted-weight yarn in a color that is neither too dark nor too bright. Knitting needles will be provided. Lisa Krause, instructor. Supply fee is $7, payable to instructor on first night of class. Tuesdays, UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 242.

Oct. 6 - 27 / 6 - 8 p.m., Fee: $25+.

Intro to Microsoft Word 2013 Learn how to use Word 2013 to create impressive documents. Topics include creating, editing, formatting and adding graphic elements to your documents. Keyboarding skills are an asset but not a requirement for registration.

No textbook required. Gayla Dahl, instructor. Tuesdays/ Thursdays, 4 sessions. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 223. Oct. 6 - 15 / 5 - 7 p.m., Fee: $55.

Beginner Computer Basics Turn the computer on. Get familiar with the keyboard and mouse. Send and check email and surf the web. This class is an introduction to the basic knowledge that will be the foundation for any other computer-related functions you may want to learn. Kim Lowry, instructor. Thursdays, 4 sessions.

UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 222. Oct. 8 - 29 / 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Fee: $40.

Couponing 101 Who doesn’t love to save money? Learn the ins and outs of couponing. Go from coupon-shy to coupon-savvy with cartloads of money-saving tips on cutting your grocery bill.

Deann Castleberry, instructor. UACCB Row Johns Bldg, 802.

Oct. 13/ 6 - 8 p.m. , Fee: $15.

How to Sell on eBay eBay is the world’s largest yard sale and a fantastic place to build your online brand. You can sell a little or build a fulltime business. Kat Simpson, instructor. Monday/Thursday, 2 sessions. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 223. Oct. 19 - 22 / 6 - 8 p.m., Fee: $35.

Defensive Living Self-defense is more than learning physical techniques.

It’s about developing a greater sense of situational awareness.

Designed for couples as well as individuals, this two-hour class will teach effective physical techniques, both emptyhanded and best weapons use, along with maximizing current technologies to protect yourself and your loved ones. Don

Gregory, instructor. UACCB Annex Bldg, 406. Oct. 20 / 6 - 8 p.m., Fee: $20.

Intro to Photoshop Discover the power and flexibility of designing and creating in Photoshop. Instructor Jim Krause, co-owner of Deux Bijoux Bijoux of Evening Shade, will teach students in this 5-session hands-on class Thursdays, UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 240. Oct. 22 - Nov. 19 / 6 - 8 p.m., Fee: $60.

Electrical Code Update The seminar covers the most significant changes to the 2014-2015 National Electric Code (NEC). Instructor is Terry Waldrop of ACEF (Arkansas Construction Education Foundation). Bring your NEC 2014-2015 code book for reference. Fee: $75 (includes all course materials). UACCB Nursing Allied Health Bldg, 902. To register, contact Terry Waldrop at ACEF at (501) 372-1590. Oct. 24 / 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fee: $75.

Cake Decorating Course 2 Julie Gosser, owner of Julie’s Piece of Cake, will teach Cake Decorating Course 2. This class will focus on flowers and cake design. You will learn how to make fondant and gumpaste flowers, a ruffle petal and a rose petal. You will use royal buttercream icing to make designs on the cake and also make designs off the cake. Deadline to register: Oct 12.

A book and kit is included in the supply fee. Supply fee is $90, payable to the instructor on first night of class. Mondays, 4 sessions, UACCB Fine Arts Bldg, 603. For more information or to register, contact 870.612.2082 or email katrina.stevens@ uaccb.edu. Oct 26-Nov 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $40+.

Extreme Couponing 202 Deann Castleberry will take extreme couponing to the next level. This class is for advanced shoppers. UACCB Row Johns Bldg, 801. For more information or to register, contact 870.612.2082 or email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu. Oct 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $15.

Intermediate Knitting This class takes you beyond the basic knit and purl stitches. Lisa Krause will teach you how to increase and decrease, fix basic mistakes, do the cable and more advanced stitches, and read more complex patterns. Bring one skein of knitting worsted weight yarn in a color that is neither too dark nor too bright. Knitting needles will be provided. Supply fee is $7, payable to instructor on first night of class. Thursdays, UACCB Main Campus Bldg, Room 242. For more information or to register, contact 870.612.2082 or email katrina.stevens@ uaccb.edu. Oct 29-Nov 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. $25+.

Intro to Microsoft Excel 2013 Learn to use the ribbon, toolbars and menus; open, create and modify simple workbooks and worksheets; manage files in backstage view; work with data tables; and perform simple calculations. You must be able to navigate your desktop and have basic computer skills. No textbook required. Gayla Dahl, instructor. Tuesdays/Thursdays, 4 sessions. UACCB Main Campus Bldg, 223. For more information or to register, contact 870.612.2082 or email katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

Nov 10-19, 5:00-7:00 p.m. $55. N

Local Faces

Hidden Treasures Upscale Resale is a ministry of Alpha Center, Inc. Isaiah 45:3 “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”

Hidden Treasures is located at 115 East Main Street - downtown Batesville (next to Autry’s White River Furniture). We are open Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. We can be reached at 870251-6192 or hiddentreasuresbatesville@gmail.com. “Like” us on Facebook at Hidden TreasuresBatesville under Thrift or Consignment Store.

Your kind donations of clothing, furniture, housewares, electronics, etc...(even stained and worn fabric, shoes, purses are sold to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Little Rock for payment per pound) are greatly appreciated. Our prayer is Hidden Treasures will fund the vision we have for the future of Alpha Center as well as give us another avenue to love and serve the Lord. You can also support us by becoming one of our loyal shoppers!

Alpha Center is a faith based ministry formed in 1982.

Our mission is to empower people to choose and cherish life through the love of Christ.

Our center provides families with parenting classes, sexual health education, post abortion healing, pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. For more information on post abortion healing, please email postabhealing@hotmail.com. Completely confidential- your privacy will be protected.

We are incorporated as a 501(C)3. All donations are tax deductible.

Hidden Treasures Upscale Resale at 115 E. Main in Batesville is a mission of the Alpha Pregnancy Center open Wed-Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Below is just a small selection of what you’ll find.

WF Advertising Agency ribbon cutting.

First Community Bank had a balloon launch to celebrate the bank achieving a billion dollars in assets with employees participating in a balloon release at each of the bank’s 17 locations Friday, September 4.

26 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

Keep your pets safe in a disaster: PREPARE

Kennadi Pretty.

Photo by Stacy Pretty

White River Water Carnival Parade Winners Announced Danell Hetrick

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is pleased to announce the winners of the 72nd Annual White River Water Carnival Parade.

Water Carnival Parade floats are judged in two categories—Non-Profit/Civic and Commercial.

The winner for the Non-Profit/Civic category is NADT Dance Academy. The winner for the Commercial category is First Community Bank.

This year’s parade theme was “Hog Wild on the River.” The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the White River Water Carnival Planning Committee congratulates this year’s parade winners and thanks them for another great Water Carnival Parade.

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2015 WRWC Parade Winner in the NonProfit Civic category was NADT.

2015 WRWC Parade Winner in the Commercial category was First Community Bank.

Hurricanes … floods … wildfires … mudslides … the evening news reminds us frequently of the possibility of disaster. You may have a plan for your family in the event of a disaster, but do you have one for your pets? If not, you need to develop one. Our pets depend on us, so PREPARE:1 • Plan — Plan for two scenarios: one if you are confined to your home for several days and another if you and your pet have to evacuate. Plans should provide for necessary supplies, including food and medications, the safest parts of your home, and escape routes should you need to evacuate.

• Research — Map out alternative evacuation routes in case one or more are impassable. Practice a “dry run” for each route so that you will be able to do it quickly should a disaster occur.

• Equip — Make sure your home and vehicle are stocked with emergency supplies and provisions (see below). Don’t forget permanent identification such as a microchip for pets. Microchipping is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pets are reunited if you are separated. Be sure to keep the microchip registration up-to-date, and include at least one emergency number of a friend or relative who resides out of your immediate area.

• Practice — Include your pets in practice drills for each type of emergency. Whether “in home” or “on the road,” make it a game for your pets. They, and you, will be more at ease if disaster strikes.

• Add — Subtract and change supplies periodically, particularly medications.

• Review — Your plans regularly.

“Safe havens” may change or cease to exist. If friends have volunteered to help, make sure those offers are still viable. Your plans and preparation should be appropriate for various seasons.

• Establish — Establishing an ongoing relationship with local authorities, such as offices of emergency management (OEMs) and dog clubs in your area, may provide a critical support network in challenging times.

Prepare an emergency kit for each animal2 Stock up on the items you may need during a disaster now so you’re not caught unprepared.

Below are basic items you should include in your pets’ disaster kits.

Store your disaster kit supplies in an easy-to-grab container.

• One-week supply of food. Store it in a water-tight container and rotate it every three months to keep it fresh. If you use canned food, include a manual can opener.

• One-week supply of fresh water.

If officials declare your household water unfit to drink, it’s also unsafe for your pets. Follow American Red Cross3 guidelines for storing emergency water for your family and your pets.

• Medication. If your animal takes medication, a replacement supply may not be easily available following a disaster.

• Copies of vaccination records.

Take a photo of records and store in your smartphone.

• Photographs of you with your pets to prove ownership.

• Photographs of your pets in case you need to make “lost pet” fliers.

• Pet first aid kit.

• Carrier or leash for each animal.

Planning ahead is key Make sure your pets are protected when disaster strikes.

For more information visit RedRover. org. Download the Animal Disaster Preparedness checklist.

1http://www.akc.org/news/disaster_ preparedness/be_proactive_prepare.cfm 2http://www.redrover.org/pet-disasterpreparedness 3https://www.redcross.org/images/ MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/ m4440181_Food_and_Water-English. revised_7-09.pdf

Janet Smart Agency 870-793-5757 jsmart@farmersagent.com 11 Eagle Mtn Blvd Batesville, AR 72501 Arkansas Insurance Producer License No. 344724

Smart Thoughts Janet Smart

October 2015 27

Notes from the Clearing

Second Guessing Joseph Thomas

(870)793-8287 / 2401 Harrison Street Batesville, Arkansas www.jonathanssnejewelry.net

Days evolve into dusty memories like unseen floating particles on a cloud covered day. Hours are transformed by the run cycle of days, becoming compounded minutes, a spinning wheel of seconds and a plethura of thoughts lost and found and lost again. The collective of days grouped into a month, then grouped into a year and thus a lifetime in which we are born and unborn. If luck is an entity that is naturally bound to your every thought process, you may live a successful and complete life between the first and last turn of the wheel. Make it what you will, for you are the final limiter in the process.

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BATESVILLE’S MAIN STREET

ARMERS FMARKET MAIN STREET POCKET PARK • 8 AM - NOON

Every Sat. (July, Aug., & Sept.) • 1st & 3rd Sat. (Sept. & Nov.)

Contact Jean Larson, Market Manager, at (208) 869-1445 or jeallo16@gmail.com for booth space information.

Check out Main Street Batesville’s Facebook page for updates

NEW NIKKI LISSONI!

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Magic Mondays - First 50 customers receive a color changing spoon!

Two Spot Tuesdays - Earn 2 Spots per visit! That Free treat is getting closer!

Waffle Cone Wednesdays - 50% Off all Waffle Cones!

Tasty Toping Thursdays - Select Topping FREE* Fan Fridays - 10% Off Your treat by wearing your School Spirit Shirt!* Share it Saturdays - Buy oneLane treat get-Second treat 1/2 3000 Jennings Suite G,price!* Batesville Sunny Sundays - Bring in your current church bulletin for 10% Off!

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Local Faces Oscar's Barbecue and Catering ribbon cutting.

The ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Integrated Therapy Services was held on Thursday, August 13. Integrated Therapy Services is located at 3246 Harrison St. in Batesville and offers pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

Virtue Boutique ribbon cutting at 246 East Main Street.

The ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Shaytique Boutique and Tanning was held on Thursday, August 20. Shaytique Boutique and Tanning is located at 951 Batesville Blvd. and offers some of the latest fashion trends, traditional tanning, spray tanning, and red light therapy.

30 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

246 Gallery just moved to at 243 East Main Street in Downtown Batesville and here are some images from their grand opening bottom left and below.

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

First Community Bank secures $16,000 for Community Enrichment Organization to assist homeless community Hannah Sturch

Independence County’s proposed homeless shelter will receive $16,000 in grant and matching funds, thanks to a grant proposal written by First Community Bank.

A $12,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas will be coupled with a $4,000 gift from the bank to A Step Forward, the proposed shelter for the area’s homeless. Under the direction of the Community Enrichment Program, the non-profit organization’s mission will be to provide lodging for individuals and families for up to six months and help them transition back into the workforce, according to Autumn Hunter, director of A Step Forward and college-prep counselor for low-income high school students.

“We were ecstatic to learn that we will be receiving the $16,000 matching grant funds,” Hunter said. “We realize that getting this important project off the ground will take time and the support of others in our community. This grant not only helps us reach our goal to start the shelter but also provides hope for those who do not have a safe place to return at night. We can’t thank First Community Bank enough for the work they have put into this grant and for the additional funds the bank contributed.”

Dale Cole, First Community Bank’s chairman and chief executive officer, said investing in every aspect of the community is of great importance, from businessbuilding projects to helping the homeless.

“Securing money for worthy community organizations has been a special project of First Community Bank,” Cole said. “Because of the Federal Home Loan Bank’s grant program, our $4,000 gift has been multiplied to $16,000. We are honored to be able to support the Community Enrichment Organization, as caring for the homeless has become of greater importance in Independence County.”

Hunter emphasized the need for funding for the Community Enrichment Organization and finding volunteers for the shelter. If you’d like to make a donation or serve, please call Hunter at (870) 612-2168.

You can follow the organization on Facebook at https://

www.facebook.com/groups/AStepForwardBatesvilleAR. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank that supports housing and economic development in the communities served by member institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. The grant program was developed to provide funding for the operational needs of community-based organizations, nonprofits involved in affordable housing, community local development funds and small-business technical assistance providers.

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Dale Cole, chairman and CEO of First Community Bank, and Autumn Hunter, director of A Step Forward, deposit funds into the Community Enrichment Organization account.

Eagle Pest

Management, LLC 1775 Porter Street, Batesville

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

wlong1@sbcglobal.net

October 2015 31

Central Magnet News Pam Baxter Central Magnet recently held a Cowboy Roundup Meal for Parents and students to announce the PTO and make the School Public Report.

Principal, Mr. Difani, talked about Central Magnet’s initiative in becoming 1 to 1 with technology in 3rd- 6th.

Last year the school bought just over a 100 chromebooks.

The school needs to order another 55 and we will be 1 to 1.

Next, he said the school will be looking at what K-2 needs. 5 mini ipads were ordered for each of the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms.

This year Central has hired a retired teacher to be our interventionist to help in mainly in K-3. She is also helping students with dyslexia Mr. Difani is expecting the PARCC scores to be released in the Fall and he reminded parents that in the Spring we will be having the ACT- Aspire test instead of PARCC. We have a certified STEM teacher at Central Magnet and we are excited about the STEM program this year.

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Central Staff, (from left) Mrs. Rhonda Kersh, Mrs. Kris Ursin, LouAnn Fulbright, Amy Fairchild, and Kay Treadway served hotdogs, chips and ice cream to all who came to the Roundup.

Central Magnet 3rd grade teachers, Mrs. Kathy Woodward and Mrs. Rhonda Kersh invited Officer Howard West and Captain Mike McCullum from the Batesville Fire Dept. to their classes to speak to them on Patriots Day about the Heroes in our community.

Central Magnet Music classes with Ms. Jenny KeeSee were discovering sound waves by putting Oobleck(corn starch and water) on the speakers. The Oobleck gave the students a visual of what sound waves look like. In the picture(from left) are 5th graders, Tyler Dowell, Callie Moffit, Keeley Brewer, Jatavia Decker, and Katie Griffis (in the back). They are watching the Oobleck dance to the music.

Below, Officer Rick Davis and his dog, Logic came to visit Central Magnet 5th and 6th grade students. Officer Davis wanted to introduce himself and his dog to the students and explain his duties. The Batesville Police Department are trying to make a more visible appearance at the area schools this year.

District Representative, James Sturch, came to visit the 5th and 6th grade students at Central Magnet School recently. He talked to them about growing up in this area and how he came to a decision to run for the Representative position. After he spoke, he had a question and answer session with the students about his job.

Batesville City Police Officer Cody Headley came to Central Magnet school to eat lunch with the students. Sitting across from him is Emily Cole, Kylie Croslin, and Gracie Dockins. Next to Officer Headley is AshLee Mathews.

September was Officer appreciation month and Central Magnet invited all officers to eat lunch with the students.

Local Faces

Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Mrs Woodward, 3rd grade teacher at Central Magnet had her class study and write their own "preamble" in honor of Constitution Day. They all signed and took part in writing their class preamble.

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines

McMullin Promoted to Director at WRMC Annie Solis Gary Bebow, White River Medical Center (WRMC) Administrator/CEO, is pleased to announce the promotion of Toi McMullin as Director of Volunteer Services at WRMC. As the Director of Volunteer Services, McMullin is responsible for working with more than 100 volunteers.

These volunteers donate more than 23,000 hours of their time each year to provide services to patients and visitors at WRMC. Services range from greeting and escorting visitors, manning the information desks, serving as hosts in the waiting rooms, shuttling patients and visitors to and from their cars, offering individualized hospitality to patients, and assisting with clerical functions throughout the hospital. The volunteers also manage and staff the WRMC gift shop, The Cheering Section. McMullin’s responsibilities also include working with a team to choose the inventory for The Cheering Section. Proceeds from the gift shop are used to fund scholarships and capital equipment purchases and facility improvements.

She is also responsible for leading the Patient/ Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a team consisting of former patients and family members of patients.

The PFAC draws off of personal experiences to provide input used to improve the overall care provided to patients and their families.

Additionally, McMullin leads the Patient Experience Team, which is the team that develops and presents monthly All Committed to Excellence (ACE) customer service trainings for employees.

McMullin has been an employee at WRMC for 10 years. She began her career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT), and has worked in other departments of WRMC. She has spent the last 8 years as a Registered Nurse in WRMC’s CardioPulmonary

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

Rehabilitation program.

She attended the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“Toi has shown great dedication to our facility throughout her time with us,” said Gary Bebow. “She is a high performer at WRMC, and I’m confident that her ambition and positive attitude make her a perfect fit for this position.”

McMullin was chosen as the WRMC Employee of the Month in January for best demonstrating the Leadership Standard of Behavior.

“I am honored and excited to promote the success of our organization through my new endeavor as Director of Volunteer Services,” said McMullin. “I admire the dedication of our treasured volunteers, and I look forward to working closely with them to continue enhancing the care provided to our patients and their families.”

McMullin, a lifelong resident of Batesville, is the daughter of David and Sandra Cullins. She and her husband, Johnny, have been married for 26 years and have one daughter, Toi McMullin, RN Kirbi, 23.

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I Do

Christopher - Varner Wedding Submitted

Ashley Christopher met Christian Varner when she was fourteen and he was sixteen on a state choir tour for the Pentecostal Church of God Organization.

They were introduced by the state youth director, Paul DeHaan. They became a couple on July 23, 2010.

They found all that they were searching for in each other and neither one of them ever considered anyone else because they knew that they had found “the one”!

Ashley lived across the state in Hatfield, Arkansas, near Mena, which made the long distance relationship very challenging. Since they couldn’t see each other in person as often as they wanted to, they “Face-timed” each other daily, spent many long hours on the phone and saw each other every single time that they possibly could.

Over the next three years, Christian realized that he could not stop thinking about Ashley and prayed continually for God’s will for his and Ashley’s future, and on March 29, 2013 Christian proposed to Ashley at a state talent event in Russellville. While hundreds of onlookers watched, Ashley was called to the stage, thinking that she had won a prize. The curtain was pulled back and Christian was waiting behind the curtain with a dozen red roses and a diamond engagement ring. Christian got down on his knee and asked Ashley to marry him, while the crowd cheered excitedly. She said, “Yes”!

On May 23, 2015 in an afternoon wedding with over 200 guests present, Christian and Ashley were married at Peaceful Harbor Pentecostal Church of God in Batesville. Pastor, Wally Varner, father of the groom, performed the double-ring ceremony. The sanctuary was decorated with swags of vintage lace, tulle, and flowers. The color scheme was Malibu blue, lime

34 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

K. M. Warford Photography

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

. ........ .

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of honor Cheyenne Burdess, bride's maid Hannah Varner, and flower girlMallory Christopher. The groom's attendants were best man Jared Dake, groomsmen Paul DeHaan and Josh Jefferson, ring bearer Kaiden Hatfield.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the assembling of the unity cross. They green, and ivory. The bride wore unity cross represents the strength of the groom, a beautiful fit and flare gown, with the beauty of the bride, while the pins that hold it beading and sequins, and a sweep train. all together represent God the Father, Jesus Christ the Her veil was handmade by Debbie Varner, mother Son, and the Holy Spirit. of the groom. It featured vintage lace with sequins Christian is a 2012 graduate of Batesville Christian and pearls and was chapel length. She carried a hand School and is currently seeking a degree in Industrial tied bouquet of ivory and lime green roses, lilies, and Maintenance at UACCB, where he is also employed freesia. The bridal attendants were: matron of honor in the maintenance department. Christian is also the Monica Christopher, sister-in-law to the bride, maid youth director for Peaceful Harbor Church. Ashley is a 2015 graduate from Cossattot River High School, near Mena. She is currently enrolled in UACCB and is pursuing a degree 2016 . .... ......................... . in nursing. Ashley serves on the worship team and ministers with her husband.

They have purchased an older home in West Batesville, which has been totally renovated with the help of the King’s Men Ministry, an outreach program of Peaceful Harbor Church, where men invest their abilities to bless others. What a blessing this has been for this couple FOR 2016 OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT: JAMIE BECK AT (870) 793-2378 OR JAMIE.BECK@MYBATESVILLE.ORG as they start their life together. N

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October 2015 35

Seniors, can we talk?

Mrs. Sims

Caroline Beauchamp My friend Ruth’s mother, Mrs. Sims, lives out of town. She‘s in pretty good health, lives by herself in the house Ruth grew up in but has recently had some short term memory loss.

Ruth called to share this story. In fact, Ruth said she’s going to pass this along to as many people as she can.

As she does every night, Ruth called her mother.

Mrs. Sims told her that someone was coming over to her house the next day to sell her insurance. Ruth asked “what kind of insurance”? Her mother wasn’t sure but thought it was health insurance. Mrs. Sims assured Ruth that she was not going to buy anything. Ruth asked if she knew this person and Mrs. Sims told her no. In fact she could not remember his name.

Ruth asked how this person got her name and phone number. Mrs. Sims didn’t know. Ruth told her that she didn’t think it was a good, safe idea to meet with a stranger alone in her home and suggested that she ask a neighbor to join them. Ruth reminded her mother that she has all the insurance she needs. Her mother agreed to invite a neighbor and promised she would not sign anything.

Early the next day Ruth called her mother and asked how the meeting went. Mrs. Sims told her it went fine and told Ruth he was a nice young man who was selling dental insurance. He left her some papers since she told him she did not think she had a dental plan - but she does.

Thinking about her mother’s welfare and the welfare of others in her mother’s situation, Ruth asked for the agent’s name and phone number and called him. She told the agent she was curious as to how he got her mother’s name and phone number. The agent told Ruth from the church directory.

Ruth asked the agent if he thought her mother understood what he told her. He said she did seem confused and unsure at times. Ruth then told him her mother was recently diagnosed with short term memory loss. Ruth strongly suggested that when he’s talking with someone who appears confused about what he’s saying that he needs to immediately end the appointment. He should suggest they reschedule the appointment and meet when either a family member or close friend can be there.

As the Annual Election Period (AEP) quickly approaches on October 15 (yes, it’s right around the corner), you may be overwhelmed with mail and/or TV ads. Be aware of information you request through the mail and agents you don’t know who call you (CMS – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services - has strict rules against this).

It’s always prudent to review your plans . . . with a certified, professional agent.

Thank you, Ruth, for sharing this story. Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk? I’ve got a story to share”.

N 36 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

September 30 - Nov 4, Wednesdays 1:00 - 4:30 6 WEEKS OF WOODTURNING with Thomas Dunn

Wood turning is an exciting craft skill, an expressive art form and a fun a hobby for people of all ages. This class offers beginners a chance to learn the basics to develop a firm foundation in woodturning skills, equipment and safety. For those already versed in woodturning, it offers a place to practice your techniques under the guidance of Thomas Dunn. Tom has been tuning wood for 20 years and perfecting his skill making segmented bowls for 10 years. Always pushing himself to take his craft skills higher Tom is a lifelong learner always ready to try something new and more challenging. Tom is a member of the Arkansas Craft Guild and shows his work throughout the state. Location: Arkansas Craft School .Materials Fee: $15 .Tuition: $225 .

October 6 - Nov 23, Tuesday 1:00 - 4:30 PM: 8 WEEKS OF CLAY with David Dahlstedt Learn to throw on the potter’s wheel, to hand build, fire and glaze as a beginner or use this class to improve your skills under the guidance of a master. David’s work may be found in numerous public and private collections around the country, including the permanent collection of the Arkansas Arts Center, where he received the purchase award in the Regional Craft Biennial. Location: Arkansas Craft School .Materials Fee: $15 .Tuition: $280 .

October 2 - 4, 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Introduction to Ceramics - Beginning Wheel Throwing with David Dahlstedt Throwing clay on a wheel is mesmerizing. The quiet focus and sensitivity to the clay calms the mind, while the satisfaction of pulling a form is utterly magical. In this workshop you will watch demonstrations for turning basic shapes, such as bowl, a cylinders, platters, and then be given plenty of hands-on assisted wheel time. Finishing processes of trimming and adding handles and lids will also be covered. Glazing and firing will be discussed and examples provided.

Location: Arkansas Craft School. Materials fee: $15. Tuition: $300. Skill level: No experience required.

October 9 - 11, 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Introduction to Tapestry Weaving with Jennifer Sargent

Curious about tapestry? Want to create shapes and images with weaving and play with color? Try it out in this three-day workshop and get started with a few simple techniques. The process of weaving tapestry is done at a relaxed pace compared to loom controlled weaving, its’ basis being a straightforward plain weave structure (technically, this is described as weft predominant plain weave using discontinuous wefts across the warp to create shapes). Come and learn the fundamentals of tapestry making for yourself.

Location: Arkansas Craft School. Tuition: $330. Materials fee: $38. Skill level: Advanced.

October 16 - 18, 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Beginning Bladesmithing with Jim Crowell Forging a knife blade is exciting physical work. The satisfaction of creating a beautiful shaped knife by hand cannot be compared. This workshop will cover all the basic processes of blade forging knives, from pulling out a cutting edge and forging a full tang, to making a perfect point. Students will learn how to rough grind and selectively heat-treat a forged blade and prepare it for a handle. The classes will be limited to only five students per session, which will allow for a lot of individual attention. Students can expect to go home with a forged, selectively heat treated blade, ready for handling.

Location: Jim Crowell’s Knife Making Studio near Timbo, AR. Materials Fee: $75. Tuition: $450. Beginner ages 15 and up.

October 31 - November 1, 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Beginning Digital Photography with Ed Alexander This workshop is aimed at achieving creative artful photograph through individual one-on-one instruction, hands-on experience both in the field and in the classroom.

Students will be guided through subject selection, composition, and use of light, depth of field, and color to discover and develop their personal style. The mechanics of digital camera settings; shutter speed, f-stop, focus, ISO, white balance and camera maintenance, will be covered, as well as image storage, photo processing and printing through Adobe Photoshop Elements. Students will receive one 8×10 photo print of their work.

Location: Ozarka College, Mountain View. Tuition: $150. Materials needed: Digital camera Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

(please, no camera phones). Skill level: Beginner.

November 5 at 6:30 pm: !GALA FUNDRAISER! November 6 – 8: Precious Metal Clay and Glass with Sage Holland November 7 – 9: Basic Blacksmithing with Bob Patrick

For more information on these and other classes visit Arkansas Craft School’s website, www.arkansascraftschool. org. Here you can learn more about these and other upcoming classes. Find registration forms, and information about scholarships as well as scholarship application forms.

Students may also sign up for classes by calling Lucia Vinograd at (870) 269-8397. N

WRMC nurses and phlebotomists take blood samples from participants during the first part of the Prostate Cancer Screening event. The samples were then sent to the lab to determine the men’s PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels.

In some cases, a high PSA could be a sign of prostate cancer. Approximately 308 men were screened during the three hour event, which is held at WRMC every year in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

WRMC Prostate Cancer Screening a Success Annie Solis

White River Medical Center (WRMC) in association with Drs. John Allgood, Hunter Brown, Raman Desikan, and Robert Emery, recently wrapped up its Annual Free Prostate Cancer Screening event. During the three hour event, 308 men were screened.

The free Prostate Cancer Screening is held in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men.

In the event’s 18 years, thousands of men have attended, and hundreds of abnormalities have been detected either in the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, and/or the physical exam.

All participants are mailed their results after the event.

“If detected early, prostate cancer has a higher survival rate,” said Michele Wood, Director of Marketing at WRMC. “Oftentimes prostate cancer symptoms are not present in the early stages, which is why we feel this event is so important.”

Approximately 30 hospital employees volunteered their time to organize and manage the event.

“This annual screening is one way we put our mission of creating a healthier community into action,” said Gary Bebow, White River Health System (WRHS) Administrator/CEO. “Many physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, staff, and hospital volunteers willingly dedicate their time and skills to make this important event possible.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 220,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015.

Men should be screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 50. African American men or men with a family history should be screened beginning at age 40.

WRMC offers several treatment options for men suffering from prostate cancer including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), da Vinci® prostatectomy, brachytherapy (a form of radiation therapy), and cryotherapy (a treatment method using cold temperatures). Men should consult a Urologist to discuss treatment options.

To learn more about prostate cancer including symptoms and risk factors, visit WRHS’ health library at healthlibrary. whiteriverhealthsystem.com and search ‘Prostate Cancer’.

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The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

October 2015 37

Experiencing God in the Everyday Sent Out Ones

Pastor Chad Grigsby “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you’.” (John 20:21 ESV) God is a missionary God. He has been sending His people since the very beginning. In Genesis 12 God sent out Abraham to go to a country he didn’t know.

He didn’t even tell him where He was sending him.

Similarly, in Isaiah 6, we see God asking, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

The pinnacle of this sending language is found in the gospel of John in the New Testament. The word sent is used over 40 times. Jesus uses this word often himself to show that He was sent from God. One of the more prominent uses is when Jesus heals a blind man by rubbing dirt on his eyes and telling him to go wash at a pool called Siloam. I’ll give you one guess what the word Siloam means in Aramaic.

Sent.

So, Jesus heals a blind man by rubbing dirt on his face and telling him to wash at the pool called sent. Jesus was trying to communicate something. He was sent from God to accomplish the mission that God had given Him. But He wasn’t just sent from God but John 20:21 tells us that He was now sending His disciples. Just as the Father was sending Him, He was now sending those that follow Him. If being sent was the primary activity of Jesus while He was on the earth, that activity has now passed to those of us that follow Him. In fact, we are following Him today because those 11 men were sent out by Jesus. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them taking that sending nature seriously.

But a quick analysis of the church today will show that we have forgotten this sent out identity. Most churches are based on a “come and see” approach to

38 ITS ON YOUR SHOULDER! Oh, it just Halloween.

church rather than a “go and tell” approach. We have bought into a “Field of Dreams” methodology for doing church. The classic line from that 1989 film is, “If you build it, they will come.” The main character Ray, played by Kevin Costner, keeps hearing a voice telling him to build a baseball field in the middle of his corn crop in rural Iowa. He thinks he’s crazy, but as soon as he actually builds it, players from old appear to play on it. Eventually, people come from everywhere to see the field and the baseball that is played there.

This Field of Dreams, attractional way of doing church has permeated North America. And the results of this have been devastating. We have lost the sentness (if I can use that word) of the early church. Brad Brisco, a church planting catalyst in Kansas City, says it this way, “If we fail to go to people who don’t know Jesus, then we are requiring them to come to us. We are expecting the lost to cross the cultural barriers to come to Jesus.

We are expecting them to be the missionary.”

Did you catch that last phrase?

“We are expecting those that don’t know Jesus to be the missionary.”

Let that sink in. The church now postures itself to our culture in a way that the culture has to do all the work to come to Christ. What we need is a radical return to the sentness of the church. We need to recapture this missionary nature of God and the church. Where the church doesn’t just send missionaries but where the church IS the missionary. We must recapture the words of Jesus, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

This is life or death stuff we are talking about here.

Why? If Jesus hadn’t decided to be sent by God, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Who out there is therefore dependent on our sentness? N

Eye On Independence - A Community of Character.

IMPACT Independence County Committees Formed, Begin Project Planning Process Danell Hetrick

The survey results for the IMPACT Independence County strategic planning initiative were released at a community-wide meeting that was held on Thursday, September 10 at UACCB. Four committees were formed that will focus on different aspects of the survey results. The committees, comprised of and chaired by Independence County volunteers, include the Economic Prosperity Committee, the Educational Excellence Committee, the Healthy Living and Wellbeing Committee, and the Tourism Committee.

“The committees were formed based on the final results of the 1,110 surveys that were received.

The top-ranked 25% of the results will be included in the IMPACT Independence County planning process,” said Crystal Johnson, President/CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The committees are expected to complete their project concepts

by November 21. The projects will be compiled into a comprehensive document that will be released at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting scheduled for January 22, 2016.

The co-chairs were selected by committee vote following the reveal of the results. The co-chairs are as follows: Economic Prosperity Committee Eric Mohlke Robb Roberts

Randy Seale Angela Wilcoxon Educational Excellence Committee Andy Ashley Beth Bruce Jennifer Daniels Carmen McDonald Brian Shonk Lisa Sullins Healthy Living and Wellbeing Committee Clayton Bulias Georgeanne Ford Mincie Thomas Tourism Committee DeeDee Baldwin Amelia Bowman Dale Cole Carly Dahl Carter Ford The minutes for each committee’s initial meeting can be found online at www.impactindependencecounty. com. For more information about committee projects and progress, please contact the appropriate committee co-chairs using the contact information provided on the IMPACT Independence County website.

About IMPACT Independence County: IMPACT Independence County is a county-wide strategic planning initiative that will utilize Independence County residents’ opinions and efforts to create a comprehensive long-range action plan to meet Independence County’s needs and values.

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The IMPACT Independence County committee co-chairs met on September 17 at UACCB to discuss the best praqctices for conducting committee meetings, important project development strategies and the overall IMPACT strategic plan. Above Amy Whitehead talks to the group.

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