Eye On Independence JULY

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Leaders in Literacy Freedom / Community The Digital Divide / Main Street A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

July 2012

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In This Issue 6/Publisher’s Note

Days of Independence

7/Life in the Ozarks

Mountain View: A Crafts Community and More

9/The Morning Line Community

10/ Freedom and Independence 14/Cover Story

6

26

7

33

14

34

18

40

Leaders in Literacy / Vanessa Adams and Nicole Stroud

16/ Fairy Godmothers and Glass Slippers 16/Your Health Portion Distortion vs Serving Size

18/The Nature of Things

More than Meets the Eye

20/Faces 23/ Country Girl and Mountain Man 24/Faces 26/I Do Caraway Wedding

28/Batesville Area Arts Council 30/Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista What Not to Wear (for Summer)

32/Notes from the Clearing Oblivion Sparks

33/The Myopic Life

Life Lessons from a Nintendo DS

34/Feature

Main Street Batesville

36/Things To Do 38/We’re Still Out Here The Digital Divide

40/Smith’s Verdict The Avengers

42/Travel On

***1/2

House Found...Continued 44/Arkansas Craft School

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46/ETS Students Attend Space Camp

July 2012

Leaders in Literacy Freedom and Commun

ity

The Digital Divide and

Main Street

Serving Batesville’s BEST Pizza, Salad Sandwiches and more!

Cold Pizza for Breakfast.

10 out of 10 men prefer it over bran cereal.

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owland Media, Inc.

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Cover photography by Robert O. Seat Design by Joseph Thomas

Eye On Mag.com

Meet Your Writers...

Tanner Smith is a native of Manila, Arkansas. He has written movie reviews for the T Tauri Galaxy (www.ttauri.org/galaxy) for several years and is a five year veteran of the T Tauri Movie Camp.

He has made a number of films, ranging from horror to documentary, and has won awards in filmmaking and screenwriting.

Autumn Hunter obtained a Wildlife Biology degree from Arkansas Tech University. She worked in a number of zoo organizations training birds of prey for educational performances. Currently, Autumn works for North Arkansas College as an Educational Talent Search (ETS) Counselor hosted at UACCB. The E.T.S. program is a national student assistance TRIO program. Autumn does college preparation workshops each month at Cave City, Midland, and Pangburn highschools.

Leigh Keller is now a high school Spanish teacher. She is also a colorguard coordinator for Batesville Public Schools. She received her BA in English, Spanish and ESL from Arkansas Tech University, and an MS in Counseling from John Brown University. She is married to Allen and they have one son, Cole.

John M. Belew is a local lawyer in the firm of Belew & Bell located at 500 East Main, Suite 301, Batesville, Arkansas 72501; 870.793.4247.

A seasoned attorney, Belew has been practicing in Batesville for 38 years. He handles cases involving medical malpractice, professional negligence, personal injury, banking law and products liability. He was admitted to practice in Arkansas in 1973, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western District of Arkansas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit in 1975.

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

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

Photograph by Keith Sturch.

Alisa R. Lancaster is an Advanced Practice Nurse for the U of A Medical Sciences Area Health Education Center. She has been in health care since 1983, the last 17 years with the UAMS system. Alisa and husband Scott have four children and a granddaughter. Alisa’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of others through education and practice. She welcomes feedback at AlisaAPN@gmail.com or 870.698.1023.

Associate EDITOR: Bob Pest 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

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

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

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

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

PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

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

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

Visit us @ Eye On

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Publisher’s Note

Days of Independence Kimberlee Thomas

Kimberlee and Joseph Thomas photo by Robert O. Seat

Eye On Mag.com

6

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

July 2012 finds us gripped by the Summer heat, overcome with the smell of fresh mown grass, and with a desire for some cold ice tea. My Joseph turns 38 on the 3rd of this month as we relish in the further adventures of parent and grandparent hood. We are also looking forward to celebrating our Independence.

We have put together another fine collection of things we would like to see in a magazine, hopefully they appeal to you as well. John Belew joins us with his first of many articles in Eye On, welcome Mr. Belew. Renee Taylor’s article from June continues to finalize the journey of the House Found. Bob Pest gives us a glimpse into Mountain View life and delves into the digital divide in rural America. Mark Lamberth talks about the progress our community has made and Autumn Hunter takes a closer look at nature. Kristi Price learns that money does indeed grow on trees if you know which ones to shake and Leigh Keller shares her Summer tastes in fashion. We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to catching you all again in August. You can always see what we have our EYE ON at www.eyeonmag.com and find us on Facebook.

Our youngest daughter, Dakota Cheyenne, has flown to Honolulu, Hawaii to visit her mother, who is stationed there in the Army. She will celebrate her 16th birthday there and we send along the best of birthday wishes to her with much love. N

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Life in the Ozarks

Mountain View: A Crafts Community and More Bob Pest

Mountain View still maintains the easy-going lifestyle that the back-to-nature advocates who moved there decades ago enjoyed. The Ozark Folk Center has contributed significantly to both the rhythm and the character of the charming Ozark Foothills community.

And while this unique state park is devoted to preserving the culture, music, and heritage of the Ozarks, it has also contributed to the development of a crafts community that is among the most creative and productive in the country. The center invites visitors to take advantage of continuous demonstrations of basketry, blacksmithing, candle-making, jewelry making, pottery, quilting, and other traditional crafts. The Homespun Gift Shop at the Center offers a variety of high-quality craft items, as well as books on music, crafts, and herbs.

The Arkansas Craft Guild, established as a cooperative, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The guild has grown steadily and today contains over 200 juried artists and crafters. The Arkansas Craft Guild Gallery, located at 104 W. Main, just outside of the always humming courthouse square, is open yearround and features work by guild members. The guild also sponsors a number of annual events, including an annual Christmas Crafts Show held annually in Little

Rock at the Statehouse Convention Center.

One of the most successful initiatives undertaken by the crafts community is the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, launched in 2001 to showcase the artisans whose homes also include their studios. A free self-guided driving tour allows shoppers and craft enthusiasts to visit as many as thirty working artists' studios. The Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour has been honored by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The popular events takes place each year in mid-September.

The Arkansas Craft School is a center for craft education dedicated to helping aspiring and practicing craft artisans gain the skills they need for success in the creative economy. The school was created as a partnership with Ozarka College and launched with support from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the Arkansas Arts Council. Located just two doors from the Craft Guild Gallery, the Craft School offers weekend and week long workshops in clay, glass, metal, fiber, wood, and other craft related media. Ozarka has been extremely effective at developing an ‘Entrepreneurship for Artisans’ certificate that helps artists learn how to manage their resources and market their creations.

Obviously, there is much more to Mountain View July 2012 | 7

than crafts, including scenic mountain rides, fishing on the White River, camping, biking the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, catching the comedy and music with Aunt Minnie at Cash's White River Hoedown, or feeding your “adrenaline junkie” at Loco Ropes. Like many visitors, you can always enjoy yourself listening to the impromptu jam sessions that take place on the courthouse square most any time. Mountain View is also home to the Stone Drive-In, one of the few remaining drive-ins in Arkansas.

Mountain View has been known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World” for good reason. The Folk Center hosts as many as a dozen concerts by nationally-known performers annually, as well as regular performances by local bands. In addition to annual tribute events that honor the likes of Jimmy Driftwood, Merle Travis, and Grandpa Jones, musical events feature Irish dance and music, Appalachian clogging, and Cowboy music. You're never too far from music in Mountain View.

Mountain View is also well-known for its excellent selection of Bed & Breakfasts. Among the many choices are Holiday Mountain Resort, Wildflower Bed & Breakfast, Aunt Minnie's Scenic Lodge, Pinewood Cabin on the Square, Julie's Hide-a-Way Guest House, and Country Oaks B & B. For a memorable meal be sure to try Tommy's Famous Pizza, BBQ, and Ribs, a regular feature on the statewide Best Pizza lists. Be sure to visit with Tommy, one of the Ozarks' most colorful characters. You'll also find a great meal at Kin Folks Bar-B-Q. Mountain View brings back memories of a time when shoppers strolled around a courthouse square, when small shop owners were always glad to chat with their customers, when smiles were the order of the day, and when soda fountains were hot spots for teens and adults alike. Mountain View even has one of those, the Old Fashioned Soda Fountain at Woods Pharmacy. Stop by, nostalgia has never been more delicious.

For more information visit www.ozarkgateway.com or call 1-800-264-0316.

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

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

DO YOU NEED HELP IN YOUR HOME? Personal Care

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

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

Local Musicians enjoy the opportunity to share their musical talent with visitors

8

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

Eye On Mag.com

WE ARE NOW AN AUTHORIZED

DEALER

Come See Us for All Your Polaris Needs!

675 HEBER SPRINGS RD BATESVILLE, AR 72501 870-251-2468 The Morning Line Community

Mark Lamberth

A momentous change took place in the status of Batesville recently but there was no apparent notice taken by any of its citizens. No ceremony at the local Chamber of Commerce or City Hall marked the eventno proclamation declared by the Mayor’s Office. But it does have the potential to greatly affect each citizen not only in Batesville, but Independence County and beyond. It, perhaps, will alter the way people in other parts of the nation, as well as those inside Arkansas, perceive our city and its potential. We have been striving mightily to reach this plateau for years and finally got over the hump.

I’m referring to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department road map for 2012 and Batesville’s designation in the new addition. We have graduated from a red dot encompassed in a diamond to a white dot encompassed in a yellow blob that outlines the area of the city. And just what is the significance of this color and shape change? It means that Batesville, Arkansas and its entire population have arrived. We have finally broken through the 10,000 in population barrier – 10,248 to be exact. This is a milestone in economic development and how we are viewed by potential new employers as well as existing ones. For decades, we have pointed to our education venues including Lyon College and UACCB, our infrastructure, which now includes our new nearly completed waste water treatment facility, and the overall quality of life that we all enjoy in the Batesville area as positives in the competition to keep existing and draw new businesses and industry.

And just as the population increase didn’t occur overnight, neither will the economic opportunities.

Our geographic area must exhibit a cooperative spirit in which all of our regional communities work together

for the common good. In other words, what’s good for Batesville is good for Independence County.

Everyone that drives into Batesville to work, shop, go to school or play has a stake in its growth just as its citizens do. We all share in the successes as well as the disappointments. Batesville has made great strides over the past few years as evidenced by its progress regarding infrastructure and recreation. It has also experienced setbacks as businesses adjust to a dramatic slowdown in growth by eliminating jobs. We have learned Batesville is not exempt from this nationwide trend. Hopefully, the population change which correlates to the work force will create new opportunities that were not possible in the pre-10,000 era. But it will take more than just a color and a shape change on a map to turn possibilities into realities. That is only one piece of the puzzle, albeit a significant one.

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July 2012 | 9

Freedom John M. Belew To quote a dear friend, “The thing we want the most is the thing we had the least of last”. Human nature is such that we fail to appreciate those things that are common place. For more than 200 years, freedom has been common in our lives. We take for granted the right to vote, exercise freedom of religion, say our mind, own a gun, travel, assemble and many other Constitutionally granted freedoms.

If these freedoms were taken away, we would want them back and we would want them most. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been given to preserve our “common place” FREEDOM. This month we celebrate two hundred thirty six years of freedom in this great nation. On that day, many will be on vacation, at the lake or eating homemade ice cream.

Without FREEDOM, we couldn’t travel, own a boat, or enjoy the creamy custard. We are blessed. God gave us this life. Humility and gratitude are expressed through our actions. This year, say a prayer of thanks. Ask a friend to remember and appreciate our freedom. Take a minute to tell your children about FREEDOM. Winston Churchill said: “All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: Freedom, Justice, Honor, Duty, Mercy, Hope.” The men and women of our local National Guard Unit have sacrificed greatly to preserve our freedom in the war against terrorism that resulted from the heinous attack on this country on September 11, 2001. These men and women along with our military have preserved our way of life for generations. We salute them.

WE pray this life will be preserved for generations to come. That can’t be and we will falter if we are not mindful of the greatest gift of all, FREEDOM. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We don’t pass it to our children in the blood stream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on to them to do the same,” Ronald Reagan.

GOD BLESS AMERICA. N 10

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

Gratitude “May the Angels dip their wings to wash away their broken dreams, take their camofluage and give them time for better things than the wars that took them much too soon from our gratitude.

We take for granted so much these days because they made us free They took the burden from our shoulders so we wouldn’t have to see the red that fell between the green and blue, They deserve our gratitude.

Let them hear Edwin sing, “Let Them In Peter Please” Let them hear the bells they rung, the bells of Freedom that ring, on and on and on.

And to those of you who made it never falter from your pride.

It’s not your fault you chose the fight beside them when they had to die.

And know that no Army could take you away from our gratitude.”

We honor our soldiers this July with a humble thanks and all of the gratitude that they have earned as we recognize their character and valor. You can hear this song at www.eyeonmag.com and please find a way to express your gratitude to the soldier in your life this Independence Day. Joseph

“Let them in, Peter, for they are very tired.

Give them couches where the Angles sleep and light those fires.

Let them wake up whole again to brand new dawns fired by the sun, not war-times bloody guns.

May their peace be deep, remember where the broken bodies lie God knows how young they were to have to die.

Give them things they like, let them make some noise.

Give dance hall bands, not golden harps, to these our boys.

Let them love Peter, for they’ve had no time.

They should have birds songs and trees and hills to climb.

The taste of Summer in a ripened pear and girls sweet as meadow wind with flowing hair Tell them how they are missed, remember where the broken bodies lie God knows how young they were to have to die.”

This song was reportedly an anonymous poem scribed on a hospital wall during WWII, and John Gorka put it to music. It has since been performed by Edwin McCain and is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to those Fathers, Mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters who have given their lives for our country. Edwin McCain’s version can also be heard at www.eyeonmag.com.

Eye On Mag.com

Adopt A Soldier We have soldiers serving around the world that would love to hear from you!

If you or your organization is interested in adopting a Soldier contact the Arkansas National Guard at (501) 212-4102 or 1-800446-4645 . There are many Soldiers serving our country that don't receive mail. By agreeing to adopt a Soldier you have to remember that the Soldier is on a mission and you may or may not receive a reply from him or her. If you do, it is just an added reward to what you are doing.

You do not have to send

elaborate packages - soldiers will appreciate a simple letter just as much. Just place your letter in a regular envelope with a regular stamp. It is also advisable that you include your email address as many soldiers prefer to communicate in this manner.

You cannot address a package or envelope to "any solider." All mail must be addressed to an individual.

Custom form 2976-A is required for all mail weighing 16 ounces or more. This form is available at your local post office.

Address your package or letter with the exact information provided to you when you adopted your solider. Be sure to include your

return address.

For shipping restrictions, please visit http://www.oconus. com/zipcodes.asp and enter the APO AE Zip code.

For more information on how you or your group can adopt a soldier please visit http://www. arguard.org/Family/AAS.htm. N

Celebrate America and Fireworks display

Riverside Park in Batesville July 4 Schedule of Events!

6:30 pm - Rocky Clements, Magician takes center stage 7:15 pm Patriotic Salute 7:30 pm Lance McDaniel

9:15 pm a Spectacular Fireworks Presentation!!!

Linda Creighton, Contact for Citizens Bank said, “plans are still developing for this year’s event which promises to be a fun evening for the entire family. We want to encourage everyone to come to Riverside Park, bring your lawn chairs and join us for an award winning reworks display and lots of activities in the park for all ages to enjoy.”

Food vendors, bounce houses for the kids and other activities are being nalized for the 2012 celebration.

Citizens Bank proudly serves as Corporate Sponsor for the Celebrate America and Fireworks display at Riverside Park in Batesville on July 4. Local sponsors also help to make the event possible. A complete list of sponsors will be posted in the July issue of Eye on Independence, along with photos from this annual patriotic celebration.

Closer to July 4th complete details will be available on the Batesville Chamber Web site and at www.thecitizensbank.net

July 2012 | 11

Welcome to Independence

Humane Society of Independence County needs help!

We are currently trying to help out 3 large cat colonies in the area (one has over 70 cats), but our shelter is way too full to bring in any more cats/kittens. We would like to catch at least the female cats in these colonies, get them fixed, then release them back to their colony, where at least they will not be able to breed. We cannot afford to fix and release, since we depend on adoption fees to help offset the cost of running our shelter. We are asking all the animal lovers out there to help us raise the funds to get these cats fixed. If everyone who cares could send in just $10 (more if you can) we could start getting these cats fixed next week.

One colony of females is locked in a chicken coop so they can't breed with the males, but as the weather gets hotter, they can't stay there.

If you can send$$$, address is HSIC PO Box 3477, Batesville, AR 72503. Please note with donation "Cat Colony Fund"!! If you want to put on a credit/debit card, call the shelter during office hours (Tues-Fri 12-5:30/Sat 11-4) These cats are here in Independence County, AR!!!! See video at www.eyeonmag.com.

Please HELP make a difference!

Thank you!!

Humane Society of Independence County PO Box 3477 Batesville, AR 72503 870-793-0090 Like us on Facebook ~ Humane Society of Independence County.

July 2012 |  13

Eye On Cover Story Leaders in Literacy / Vanessa Adams and Nicole Stroud Joseph Thomas

Vanessa Adams and Nicole Stroud are "Leaders in Literacy" in Independence County. They have become fast friends in their partnership to spread their resources and make literacy possible for everyone in this community. Kimberlee and I sat down with them in the County Library to discuss what has come from this partnership. Adams celebrates a year as our County Librarian this month, just as Stroud will enjoy two years as Director of the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project. We are privileged to have them in our community sharing their wisdom and passion.

Adams was drawn from her home town of Jonesboro to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia to earn her Master's in Library Science. She says it seemed more of an academic decision than a passionate one, but she soon discovered that her heart was all in on this journey. She immediately took a job in South Georgia and a year and a half later, heard about the County Librarian position opening in Batesville. Wanting to be closer to her family in Jonesboro, Adams moved to Independence County and found her calling.

Adams says, “The Independence County Regional Library was a blank canvas. Because our regional director is stretched so thin overseeing fourteen branches, I was free to fashion a program for all ages that promotes love for reading.” With the Summer Reading Program already in place, Adams has implemented free computer literacy classes with students from the ages of twenty to eighty-five. She has also started a book club that meets one Thursday a month to discuss the book of the month. She says she has thirteen women currently meeting but that men are more than welcome to join. She gives the ASU Library accolades for supplying those books and is proud of their many wonderful programs. Adams is excited about having the Batesville Community Theater come act out some books and give some live performances in the Library this year. Adams also does Story Time on Wednesday’s during the school year, has begun a teen movie time on Thursdays during the summer, will make the Regional Library a part of Second Friday, and is working on a teen book club. She is working towards making every age group feel welcome and excited about having community events centered on literacy and fun.

Stroud is originally from Forrest City. She earned a degree in English, and spent the beginning of her career doing computer work and networking for law firms before tiring of the late nights and weekends that type of work involves. “I knew something needed

to change. One day I walked into a library in Southern Florida and just felt like I belonged,” says Stroud. She attended Florida State University to earn a Masters in Library Science.

A short time later, she ended up back in Arkansas and found the opening as Director of the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project. Stroud felt as though this position was a perfect combination of reading, information, and teaching. “I couldn’t be happier than in this position, interacting with and teaching our students to read or to

speak English,” she says.

Adams found a poster hanging in the Library for the Literacy Project and called Stroud within two weeks of becoming County Librarian. “I knew I had to meet her and we needed to work together,” Adams says, “and we began that alliance with a Rural Health Clinic on National Rural Health Day in partnership with the Arkansas Area Health Educational Center. Adams says that Stroud has inspired her to add a Hispanic Speaking section in the

library for adults. Adams also wants everyone to know that there are computers at the County Library that anyone can use at no cost for homework or personal use; they also have free wireless. The County Library is also allocating resources to provide the OFLP with books for their students. Stroud expresses her appreciation for this perfect partnership; these students will pick up their books at the County Library so they will immediately be given a library card and become familiar with the resources offered there.

Adams also expresses her need for a new facility. There is need for a community room, Adams is in need of an office, there is need for more parking and pressing need for expansion. Library hours are Monday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 1:30pm to 5pm.

Stroud says that literacy is more than reading and writing. It is every part of leading a functional life, including computer literacy and even health literacy. She says this is what makes their alliance so perfect. Adams reads for the OFLP Family Reading Night once a month at the Batesville pre-school for children up to five. “That cafeteria is overflowing every month,” exclaims Stroud. Asked what it’s like to read for that many children, you can see the love in Adams’ eyes. “I love it! Most of them are just riveted, while I had one boy ask me, quite bored, if I was done yet,” Adams explains laughing.

“I would say 60% of our fifty or so students are learning English and the other 40% are learning to read.” says Stroud. Asked to share a story she adds, “One of our students has always been the assistant Sunday school teacher and he’s been reading so well that they asked him to be the teacher. He is so excited and so every time he passes by, I think, he stops and wants an additional thirty minutes of tutoring here or there. It is just so rewarding.” Stroud says that currently it is all she can do to keep up with the demand for one on one tutoring. The Literacy Project needs more volunteers and all are invited to help out.

Visit info@literacyindependence. org or call 870-793-591. Anyone who would like to volunteer with the Literacy Project or would like some help learning to read or speak English should stop by the OFLP office located inside the Jubilee Family Church, where it was founded, at 45 Thunderbird Drive in Batesville, Arkansas. They will schedule a brief interview and assessment before enrollment. Once enrolled there is a two hour a week commitment for students and volunteers alike. The Ozark Foothills Literacy Project is also a United Way Agency.

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Fairy Godmothers and Glass Slippers Kimberlee Thomas

Leigh Keller is a high school Spanish teacher, color guard coordinator, regular contributor to Eye On, wife, mommy, Fashionista, and Fairy Godmother extraordinaire. Keller moved to Batesville from Fayetteville three years ago after marrying her husband, Allen. When Keller left Fayetteville she left behind a project that is very near and dear to her heart, the Glass Slipper Project.

In 1999 The Glass Slipper Project was established in Chicago. The project has grown in popularity and has been established in many different cities around the country, some carry different names but the mission remains the same. The aim of the GSP is to match girls living at or below the poverty line with free, donated new or like new prom dresses and accessories. “Every girl deserves to be a princess at least once in her lifetime. I think there are many opportunities for special moments, but high school prom is one of the most important ones to young girls” states Keller.

Keller felt certain after moving here that her days of being a Fairy Godmother were over. She was afraid

Your Health

that she would never again play match maker between a beautiful young lady and her perfect dress. But everyone knows that when you wish upon a star dreams do come true, and with some help from Debbie Frazier, the Independence County Glass Slipper Project was born.

The original idea was to house the boutique at Cushman and serve the county. However, when Keller accepted her employment with the Batesville Public School System in 2011 the project followed her there.

This past Prom season Keller and her band of merry volunteers matched thirtyfive ladies to the dress of their dreams. “We meet with girls after school and during lunch making sure they had what they needed. Jeanne Roepcke graciously allowed me to store the prom dresses in her classroom closet. Through Glass Slippers continues on page 33

Portion Distortion vs Serving Size Alisa R. Lancaster Looking at the significant increase in the portion size of food served today, is it any wonder that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 65% of Americans are overweight and 23% are considered obese? You can super-size anything in today's fast food market! Dine in restaurant portions have grown as well and many times provide enough food for two or more people. The portions served have little, if any, correlation to recommended serving sizes. So what's the difference?

A portion is the amount of specific food one chooses to eat, usually based on individual likes and dislikes. If we like a food we tend to have a bigger portion. Disliked foods may have smaller, if any, portions eaten. Typically, neither choice has any resemblance to a serving size.

A serving size, on the other hand, is an actual unit of measurement that describes the amount of food recommended from each food group. It is the amount referenced on package labels that detail the nutritional facts. It is also the amount of food recommended in the Food Guide Pyramid as well as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Some examples ~ 2-3 ounces is a serving size for

Photo found at http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/super-sizeshock-ad-campaign-links-soda-intake-amputations-article 16

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

French fries. This is typically the small order option.

So a "super-sized" portion is almost three servings! A beverage serving size is 8 ounces. The child's cup holds a 12 ounce portion which is 1 1/2 serving sizes. So that large, 32 ounce, thirst quenching drink is four servings and that's before we SUPER-SIZED it to 42 ounces!

Here are some quick references to keep in mind. A serving size of red meat or fish is 3 ounces which is the size of one’s palm or a deck of playing cards. A serving of fish should resemble your check book. A baked potato serving compares to a baseball. One serving of pancakes looks like a CD and a serving of spaghetti is only 32 strands! One teaspoon equals a thumb tip, one tablespoon approximates a poker chip, two tablespoons a ping pong ball, and one cup is close to the size of a woman's fist.

So, if you wonder why you just can't shed that extra weight, try evaluating your portion choices and see just how many servings you actually consume. Here's a couple of tips ~ Eat your portions slower! The average person finishes a meal in 10 minutes, yet it takes 20 minutes for our stomach to register that it's full! Don't be tempted by the "super-size" option as today's bargain will "cost" you more in the future. When dining out ask that your salad dressing be placed on the side. Have half of your meal placed into a "to go" box BEFORE they bring it to your table. And, when dining with others, look into sharing a meal - you'll not only save calories, but money as well!

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The Nature of Things

More than Meets the Eye Autumn Hunter

My yard proudly displays perennial, ornamental plants. The Spiderwort is one of my favorite native wildflowers due to its flowering style and the fact that you can’t commonly purchase them in stores. This flowering herb can grow over a foot tall. Color variations of the triangular flowers include blue, purple, occasionally pink, and uncommonly white. Each one is made up of three small petals and six bright yellow stamens. Flowers are open in the morning, overcast, or cooler parts of the day. The blooms grow in clusters that last for only a day or two. New clusters bloom constantly throughout the spring and early summer. This species grows hearty in wet soil conditions with lots of sun and partial shade.

However, the plant is adaptable and found in meadows, roadsides, open forests, hillsides, rocky bluffs, bogs, streams, and prairies. Thanks to my Aunt Marie for dividing and sharing her established plant since this species is easier to grow from root than from seed. However, when a stalk falls onto the ground, a new one will begin to grow. Therefore, many people like to use Spiderwort as a border.

This plant is not just an ornamental. At www.gardenguides. com we learn, “The Cherokee and other Native American tribes used Virginia spiderwort for various food and medicinal purposes.” The

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Promoting Independence

Native Americans ate the leaves as salad or cooked like other greens.

From multiple sources we discover that Spiderwort is used as an ingredient in teas and poultices to treat irritating insect bites, mild stomachaches, female reproductive illness, kidney problems, some cancers, and made into a drinkable laxative. Many modern herbalists use it today to treat some of these same ailments. At www. wildfoodforagers.org you can find recipes for cream of spiderwort soup, candied flowers, and other uses for this species.

At the Arkansas Division of Agriculture website www. arhomeandgarden.org, we discover, “It was one of the earliest New World plants introduced to Europe, primarily because it was mistaken for a plant Algonquin Indians used in weaving.” Spiderworts scientific name, “Tradescantia virginiana,” is named after John Tradescant Sr. the head gardener for King Charles I of England. The common name, Virginia Spiderwort, was named by John Gerard who was an English herbalist and botany writer whose illustrated book, Generall Historie of Plantes was published in 1633, two decades after his death.

In the Reader’s Digest field guide aptly named Wildflowers, is the most interesting information.

“Spiderworts are among the world’s most sensitive devices for detecting nuclear radiation. The stamen hairs on the plant that has been exposed to low-level radiation change from blue to pink in proportion to the dose “of exposure. Orrin Morris, a writer for the Rockdale Citizen, reports, “The stamens are subjects for biology classes. The stem that holds the pollen-bearing anthers looks like a chain. The walls of the cells are very thin and are a favorite

subject for observing the cytoplasm and nucleus through a microscope.”

Discovering the deeper purpose for more than meets the eye is one of my favorite parts of nature. Get out and enjoy your natural surrounding this summer!

N Banner above pulled from arhomeandgarden.org.

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Does your smile get you down?

Do you want a bright smile for your wedding/special event?

Do you work in a job where a nice, whiter smile is important?

Faces

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A.) Ashton Weaver (L) and Natalie Ives (R) in training for the July 14 triathlon. The First Annual Bad Boy Kids Triathlon for Literacy will take place the morning of July 14, 2012 at Lyon College. Kids will swim, bike and run to benefit the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project.

B.) A retirement party for Larry Carter was recently hosted by Williams Equipment Co. He has worked for over 36 years as Parts Manager for the John Deere dealership in Batesville (22 for Williams Equipment). Larry was presented with a fish fry with his customers and friends, along with a John Deere cake and plaque recognizing his dedication and willingness to the area’s farmers and homeowners over the years. He is irreplaceable and a fixture in the community. Larry’s son Mike Carter will assume the duties of managing the Parts Department for Williams Equipment.

C.) These photos were taken at the Chamber Mixer at US Pizza in Batesville. Attending were Randy and Michelle Reichardt, Mandy Curtwritght and Kyle Christopher, Richard Hawkins II, Michael and Jill Johnson, Waymon and Kathy Long, Mrs. Long with Carolyn Thompson, Chintan Patel and Crystal Johnson, Penny Nugent Thornton and Pat Felton Franks, and Mayor Rick Elumbaugh with Damon and Crystal Johnson. Also in attendance were Paul and Vonda Oberbeck in their ‘57 Thunderbird featured on the top of the next page. A few not photographed are Missy Aaron , Randy Scaggs, and Mike Ennis.

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E. D.) Brandie Engles submitted this photo of the Junior Auxiliary of Independence County during a recent Awards Luncheon honoring all the great teens and women in the chapter.

E.) The Small Business Association’s Herb Lawrence hosted a class for new and starting businesses entitled Next Level at UACCB. This is their graduation dinner at The Course at Eagle Mountain. The classes offered to area businesses in this program are an asset to the community. Local Banks, First Community, Citizens, and Liberty help to host and sponsor such local classes to ensure local businesses succeed. To learn more about future classes log onto http://www.mybatesville.org/ small-business-association-sba.

Country Girl and Mountain Man Kimberlee Thomas

You can take a girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl! Shannon Edwards, owner of Fine Line Body Art, is no exception to this rule. Raised in the Black Lands south west of Oil Trough Edwards has always been a bit of a spit fire. When she sets her mind to something you had better watch out because she is going to get it done. Most recently that meant bringing Mountain Man of A&E Duck Dynasty fame to Batesville for a little meet and greet.

This past February Edwards’ father acquired a staph infection accompanied by a blood clot following knee surgery and was hospitalized at WRMC for over two weeks. Edwards recalls that her father had been quite during those trying days as she stayed by his side

in the hospital. One evening they were watching A & E and she saw the previews for an upcoming episode of Duck Dynasty. She said, “Look at those Louisiana Rednecks Dad; anybody can get their own reality show these days!” He responded with a simple smile and a nod of his head. Edwards’ told me, “It was the best feeling to see a little bit of his old self shine through. I knew right then I had to get these guys to come see my dad.”

Edwards held good to her vow and recently made a trip to West Monroe, Louisiana in search of the Robertson family. Turns out she’s pretty resourceful.

She found the church the family attends and then proceeded to find the Duck Commander Warehouse.

The Robertson family was gone on vacation but as luck would have it, Mountain Man just happened to show up at the shop while Edwards’ was there visiting with Duck Commander Staff member, Lyle. After a brief visit Edwards left Mountain Man her business card with her cell number written on the back and they parted ways. When I asked Mountain Man how she had managed to talk him into coming to Arkansas this was the story he told. “After taking a few pictures and signing autographs for Shannon and Samantha I went on home. I was gonna pop in a TV dinner and I thought well I’ll just give Shannon a call. I hated to just leave ‘em sittin'. They didn’t know nothing about West Monroe, Louisiana. So I called her up, they were still in town. I told her if she would like to see some of the country side that I would be glad to take them around. They invited me to eat with them and said they would pay for my breakfast. Well, that was the icing on the cake I couldn’t turn that down. We went to IHOP and ate breakfast and then I took them around West Monroe. Before she left Shannon said that we have a lot of Batesville fans and that she would take me fishin' if I was to come up. I’m a fishing fool, so I called and told her I was headed this way. Her daddy has a couple hundred acres, a great place to hunt and fish, and I had been wantin' to get away for a while. She has a nice Christian family. I’ve enjoyed Country Girl...continues on page 29 June 2012 | 23

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1.) Serenity Massage had a Ribbon Cutting at their new location at 70 Batesville Blvd. Suite A. Owner, Sarah Westervelt was on hand to operate the giant scissors and Christen her new site.

2.) Paula Grimes, from Main Street Batesville, and guests drawing for a necklace donated by Thompson’s Jewelry, given away during Second Friday at the BAAC Art Gallery on Main.

3.) Mountain Man from A&E’s Duck Dynasty appeared at a Meet and Greet hosted by Fine Line Body Art Studio in South Side. Pictured L to R are Kay Edwards, Bud Edwards, Mountain Man, Chance Daniels, Caramia Daniels, and Shannon Edwards, owner of Fine Line.

Lisa Powell and Martha Bentley recently hosted a Dallas watch party.

Dallas ran for 14 seasons from 1979-1993. I’m sure most of us can remember characters such as JR, Bobby, and Sue Ellen Ewing. Photos were submitted by Chris Caruthers.

A.) Hostesses Lisa Powell and Martha Bentley B.) Kay Southerland, Susie Carter, Glenda Bowers, Marianne Malone, Tasabah Malone, Martha Bently, and Lynn Walton (front) C.) Susie Carter D.) The Cake E.) Trudy Hall, Diane Wilmuth, Susie Carter

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“See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.” Great advice from Mom, like, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” We agree with such sage advice. Luckily we have so many great things to talk about. Help us promote Independence for as little as $80 a month. Place your ad here.

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Caraway Wedding Kimberlee Thomas I believe everyone would agree that when you think of romance your local banking institution is not the first place that comes to mind. But it just so happens that for local couple, Laura Marotta and Blake Caraway, First Community Bank was the backdrop for their conversion from single life to a joint account.

Laura recalls the first day she saw Blake. “Human Resources will bring each new employee around the bank and introduce them to each department. I remember scooting my chair back in my cubical and leaning out to see the new hire. When I saw him, I thought, WOW, he is gorgeous! I will never forget that.” Blake on the other hand was certain that Laura was not available, “She was just too beautiful to be single.”

Laura said, “I think just about everyone in the bank tried to set us up. They would tell me how cute we would be together, and they were always asking me why we weren’t together. Blake tells how nervous Laura would be when he would arrive at her desk to fix her computer.

“She would say, ‘I gotta go’ and take off somewhere else until I was finished with my work.” They were both so shy that it took over a year for the couple to work up the courage to attend a group outing together. It was after this initial outing that they started talking and soon began dating.

On the evening of December seventeenth Blake and Laura took in a movie at the local theater. Afterwards Blake asked Laura if she would like to go for a walk by the river and enjoy the Christmas lights she loved so much. “I knew he didn’t care anything about Christmas lights so I thought to myself, wow, he is being extra sweet tonight” recalls Laura. The couple parked near Josie’s and walked hand in hand through the twinkling lighted park and across the small bridge to the pavilion were a massive Christmas tree made of hundreds of strands of colored lights shined brightly in the brisk winter night air. Laura smiles softly remembering how Blake wrapped her in his arms and told her how much he loved her. She said, “Everything goes fuzzy after that, but I know he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!” Laura

later asked Blake if she had even said yes through all of her screaming. She said it was a complete surprise and very romantic. Blake is certain that he and Laura are Soul Mates, and Laura claims that she could not agree more.

Laura and Blake were married May 5, 2012 in a double ring ceremony at the Cornerstone Community Church in Cushman. Blake has attended Cornerstone for many years and it was important to both of them that they marry there. Best friend of the Groom’s father, Pastor Billy Brooks, presided over the ceremony. Blake said that Brooks is like a second dad to him, as he spent about as much time in the Brooks’ home as he did in his own growing up.

The sanctuary of the church was veiled in candle light that shimmered from water filled vases lining the aisle. Red rose petals were scattered down each side of the aisle runner which was trimmed in thick red satin ribbon. The front of the church held three very large hurricane vases filled with water and red gladiolus. Each vase held a floating candle adding to the romantic glow. Three trees strung with Christmas lights balanced out each side of the front of the church. The couple exchanged traditional wedding vows in a very short and sweet ceremony. The couple’s families, Blake, and the Groomsmen walked out to an instrumental version of “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.

The Bridesmaids, flower girls, and the Bride escorted by her father, walked out to Pachelbel’s “Cannon in D.” The couple honeymooned in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “We enjoyed being right on the beach, it was absolutely beautiful” stated Laura.

Both Laura and Blake attended UCA in Conway.

“I lived in Conway for about eight years and Blake was there for about one year. We discovered while dating that we had both lived and gone to school in Conway at the same time. If we ever met each other we don’t remember. Blake says that if I had met him back then that I would definitely remember him!” commented Laura. Laura received a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from UCA. Blake received an A.S. in

Photographed by Cheryl and Nicole of Studio 1910 Photography. www.studio1910.net

Computer Networking from UACCB. Both Laura and Blake are employed at First Community Bank. Laura works in Consumer Lending and Blake works in the IT Department. The couple resides in a home that Laura bought shortly before they started dating. They enjoy being close to family and friends and have hopes of starting a family soon. N

50% off all holiday merchandise going on the whole month of July

Also check for weekly specials: Week 1: 50% off Fossil watches, jewelry, fashion watches, jewelry.

Week 2: 50% off wine glasses, kitchen towels, aprons.

Week 3: 50% off Reef flip flops, house shoes.

Week 4: 50% off tote bags, fashion purses, Fossil purses.

Friday Painters: This group, made up of cancer survivors, care givers, and friends, meets for the purpose of using art as therapy. The group meets each Friday to paint and share experiences within the casual atmosphere of friendly conversation and encouragement. Materials for beginning painters are provided by the WRMC Cancer Care Center.

Participants usually enjoy a lunch together at Elizabeth’s Restaurant across the street from the gallery.

Contact B AAC at www.baac @suddenli nkmail.co call us at 8 m 70-793-3 3 82 mail us at P. O. Box 2 636 Batesville, Arkansas 7 2501 or come by 246 E. Ma in St

Help Us Get Some "Green" Cash!

Donate your old ink jet cartridges, toner cartridges, cell phones, and ipods to the BAAC. We are able to get money back for recycling these items. The "green" dollars that we earn go to helping us fund our programs in the community.

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Promoting the Virtues of Independence

The Batesville Community Theater will be casting the actors/actresses for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” summer production. The performance dates are July 26th at 7:00 p.m., July 27th 1:00 and 7:00 p.m., July 28 at 7:00 p.m., and July 29th at 2:00 p.m.

These performances will be held at the Batesville Auditorium on Water Street, currently the Batesville Administration site.

BAAC Kid’s Summer Art Camp July 30th – August 3rd BAAC is bringing Arts in Education (AIE) artists from TRIKE THEATRE - Professional Theatre for Youth of Northwest Arkansas to create extraordinary experiences for young people and families through its theatre for youth. They know good theatre inspires, excites and challenges and we invite you to join these professional teaching artists and discover new worlds through theatre.

Session I: 9:00 a.m. – noon “Young Artists Camp” for students finishing K through 2nd grade. Participants will create a script of a familiar fairy tale incorporating acting basics, making props and costumes. A public performance will be scheduled on the last day of the camp.

Cost is $90 Session II: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

“Acting Out Loud” for students in grades 3rd – 8th.

Participants will develop an original script using song and dance as well as set design and costuming. A public performance will be scheduled on the last day of the camp. Cost: $95 All registered participants will receive a BAAC Summer Art Cap T-Shirt.

Registration Forms are available at the BAAC Art Gallery on Main at 246 E. Main Street or through our website at www.batesvillearts.org.

For further information, contact BAAC at (870) 793-3382.

For more information about the artists, visit their website at www.triketheatre.org.

BAAC’s Summer Art Camp is sponsored in part by the Batesville Area Arts Council and First Community Bank.

Eye On Mag.com

Country Girl...continued from page 23

every minute of being here and staying with them in their home. They treat me like family.

Mrs. Kay, fed me real good. I even jumped up a deer, got my blood going. Shannon arranged all this. Oh yeah, I out fished her!” It seems there had been a bit of a fishing challenge put forth by Edwards’.

When I asked Mountain Man about Duck Dynasty he shared with me that Willie had invited him to be a part of the show and that after he spent a day around the producers shooting his “yard sale squirrel” scene they decided they would keep him on. “I’ve been in eleven episodes so far, they only let me talk in four. They say I talk too slow and eat up all the minutes,” states Mountain Man. This writer must confess, Mountain Man, does have a long southern Louisiana drawl. Mountain Man told me that he and the Robertson’s are most proud of the fact that they are sending a message to the American television viewer, “We are letting America know that we can have a reality TV show with good moral family values. We give them a TV show that their kids can watch. This means more than the show itself; just knowing we can set such a good example.”

Edwards’ dad has since made a full recovery. When asked about his daughter’s recent adventure, he just smiled, shook his head, laughed and went to take his post as door security for Batesville’s encounter with Duck Dynasty’s Mountain Man, thanks to one little Country Girl.

To find out more about the Robertson family, Duck Dynasty, and the Mountain Man you can log on to www.aetv.com/duckdynasty/about. N July 2012 | 29

Tales Of a Transplanted Fashionista What Not to Wear (for Summer) Leigh Keller Summer for me is all about flowing dresses, sparkly sandals and not much makeup. It is so hot and humid outside you could melt at any moment, from March to October. Everyone slows down a little, and your wardrobe can and should be a little more relaxed.

Not everyone subscribes to my own personal fashion theory that you have to leave a little bit to the imagination and/or if you’ve got it, you should flaunt it. Whether you feel confident in your figure, or feel like you need a little work, showing some skin is completely ok in moderation, but showing a lot of skin is only appropriate on the beach or at the pool.

Short shorts may work for some body types, but they do not work for every body type.

Here’s an example of a look that is great if you are tiny and have not eaten in four days.

You can take the same look, tame it down a little (like the selection below), take away the midriff top (which is rarely appropriate for anyone over the age of five) and do something like this first outfit instead.

You still have the look of short shorts, but it’s a little more grown up and pulled together.

The second look is another casual look, the sundress. I live in dresses during the summer, and basically the rest of the year. While a sundress, either short or maxilength, is appropriate for pretty much anything, according to

your accessories, some dresses are not appropriate for anything.

This Pink dress reminds me of Jersey Shore. This is not what you want people to think of when they see you. The straps are too skimpy to be appropriate, and if you have any bumps on your body at all, they will show through the fabric.

An alternative to the minidress look is a chic A line sheath dress, like the one shown below. The pop of color in the dress and accessories keeps your look fun for summer and the nude heels create a long line for your legs.

The two main rules for summer fashion are to have fun with color and keep cool with the hot weather, and still look appropriate.

No one really wants to see parts of your body that they shouldn’t see, and just because it is ridiculously hot outside does not mean all bets are off for cleavage.

The looks represented here came from www. polyvore.com, www.pinterest.com and www.ycostumes.com (the pink dress… yikes). Next month’s article will feature shopping in Independence County on a budget. I look forward to shopping with you!!

N

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Promoting the Virtues of Independence

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Notes from the Clearing Oblivion Sparks Joseph Thomas The blackness seems at first all consuming and feeds endlessly the fear that is born within the deepest reaches of us all. This is where our monsters find footing and hand holds to pull themselves into this world and this is where we falter and grasp those things less solid than ourselves. Those things only capable of sinking us within ourselves so as to escape the mirrors glance.

But it is also here that we can find, if only to open our eyes wide with expanding pupils, the space where opportunity grows. A light is needed but it can be just a glint in another’s eye or the reflection of the moon upon your up turned face. The seed of that harnessed energy not yet comprehended releases it’s determined and persistent vine. It reaches through the tangled darkness for that light and is driven up and onward for greater things than even it’s very design can know. And seemingly from oblivion, a spark ignites the passion that drives an action combusting the possible into the very fire that sustains us through the long cold winters of our hearts.

N Background image pulled from http://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campfire_and_sparks_in_Anttoora_4.jpg

870.307.0331 2550 Harrison 32

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Glass Slippers continued from page 16

sponsorships, we were able to provide several tuxedo rentals for boys as well” shares Keller.

In March of this year Dr. Randy Willison, Superintendent of the Batesville School District, granted the GSP a new home for their boutique in the former Middle School art room. Keller stated, “With the move we decided to change the name to the Batesville High School Glass Slipper Project.”

Work began June nineteenth on the newly donated space. Keller projects that renovations will be complete and that the boutique will be ready by August of this

year. “We are working steadily every week during the summer, see teachers do work in the summer! We will be cleaning and painting the new space to prepare it for the official unveiling this fall”explained Keller.

I didn’t see a magic wand during my interview with Keller, unless of course you count the paint brush she was wielding. But the sparkle in her eye when she speaks of the BHS GSP is unmistakably that of a true Fairy Godmother.

For more information about the Batesville High School Glass Slipper Project and how you may donate dresses, shoes, jewelry, accessories, make up, or your time contact Leigh Keller at leigh.keller@ batesvilleschools.org N

The Myopic Life Life Lessons from a Nintendo DS Kristi Price We're trying to teach our kids the value of a dollar.

For some reason, it's a more difficult concept than the value of time. Time, they get. They understand that a trip to Nana's house is one hour, or 3600 seconds. They understand that when mom yells, "Five more minutes!" they need to start picking up, because they only have 300 seconds. Ethan knows that one second is roughly the time it takes for the baseball the leave the machine after the umpire signals the pitch. Four minutes (240 seconds) is the general length of Maggie's time-out when she's caught, once again, trying to initiate a faceto-face meeting between the guinea pig and the dog.

(Because two seconds is all the time it will take for the dog to eat the pig.)

I decided they are adept with time because they spend it, every day, all day. It is the currency of life.

We're allotted just so much time once we're born, and the clock is ticking. Money, instead, is a much more abstract notion for my kids, mostly because they never have to spend any. My husband and I supply all their needs. In response to this, we're slowly moving to a system where they will be more responsible for securing, saving, and spending more of their own money.

So it was with pleasure that I listened to Ethan, my eight-year-old, describe his new favorite video game. In it, he builds a town, works at a job, writes

correspondence, and cares for his own house. He said that he's in the middle of "renovations" right now. "Oh?" I queried with a smile. "What are those?" "You know, where I make the house bigger," he answered. "Now that I've paid off the loan on the house, I can afford to remodel."

I was stunned. It was the most mature conversation we'd ever had. He had picked up on the lingo of adulthood quickly. This money thing might be made all the easier, now that this terrific video game is teaching him some fundamental facts of life! Excitedly, I said, "So tell me about earning the money to pay off your loan. How long did you have to work to do that?"

He frowned while his little fingers pushed buttons and the synthesized video game music squawked from the speakers. "I didn't have to work," he said, deep in concentration. The little character made another turn on the screen and stood in front of a bush. "I just have to walk around and shake the trees. See? The money falls right out of them."

And so it did. My work will be harder than I thought.

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Eye On Feature Main Street Batesville Joseph Thomas

Kimberlee and I, along with our grandson Gage were downtown recently visiting with the owners of Archie’s You Name It Shop located at 151 West Main Street when we bumped into Paula Grimes, Main Street Batesville Director. She talked to us about her concern that not everyone knew the great things happening on Main Street and the Citizens for Downtown Batesville funding program for businesses located there. We thought it might be helpful to help spread the word.

With events like the Second Friday Frolic, the Annual Antiques, Arts, and Crafts Festival, concerts, new business openings, Fun and Safe Halloween, the Winter Gala and much more, Main Street Is very much alive. The historical district is the heart of the city, but the decline of downtown traffic has taken its toll.

The partnership between Main Street Batesville and Citizens Bank offers a program for just that.

In 2011, Citizens Bank created Citizens for Downtown Batesville, a grant and a loan program designed to assist property owners and merchants located within the Main Street district. The bank set aside $15,000 per year in grant funds to be distributed to those who want to improve the facade of their buildings. Many applications have already been approved, but funds are still available. Projects considered include new paint, awnings, windows, signage, sidewalk improvements, and sidewalk repair.

The loan program is designed to stimulate the downtown economy through a low interest loan program for both exterior and interior improvements.

Projects considered for funding include interior improvements, such as new flooring, central heat and air or a new roof, just to mention a couple of examples.

Projects that exceed the program limit of $100,000 can be considered but would reflect blended rates and terms.

The application process begins with the Main Street Batesville office. To apply, please call Paula Grimes at 870-793-4632.

The mission of Main Street Batesville is to promote the community of Batesville and citizens quality of life by maintaining and enhancing the historic downtown business district and by encouraging the preservation and revitalization of that district.

Their vision is to see the downtown historic district grow and continue to be the heart of the city. Main Street Batesville is one of 15 Main Street programs located in the state of Arkansas. They are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), and all donations to this program are tax-deductible.

The Main Street Batesville office is located at 108 W. Main, Suite 101, Batesville, AR 72501. Executive Director is Paula Grimes.

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This photo and the Shop Local poster pulled from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Main-Street-Batesville-Arkansas 34

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

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July 2012 | 35

Things To Do INDEPENDENCE REGIONAL LIBRARY NEWS

Summer Reading Program (SRP) begins June 1 and ends July 28. It's a nearly nationwide collaborative program and this year's theme is "Dream Big, Read!"

Children of all ages are in encouraged to register, beginning June 1. They will set a goal of how many books they plan to read this summer, each week they will write down the titles in a log book we keep at the library, and receive rewards every week for pursuing their goal. At the end of the program, those who have completed the program will receive a certificate and a t-shirt. Parents may read to preschoolers.

During SRP, we will have Children's Story Time every Tuesday. 10am for preschoolers, 2pm for grade school children. I'll read stories, poetry, show short videos, and play a game or do a craft. We also have Batesville Community Theatre coming once in July to do live performances. That's never been done during SRP, so we're looking forward to it.

Teens are welcome to come for Teen Movie Time every Thursday at 2pm from June 7 to July 26. We will show great films such as "Hugo" and "War Horse" and the last two Harry Potter movies. Ages 12 to 16 are my target for this program. - Vanessa Adams Mountain View Events for July July 4th join us for an Old Time Gathering on the Square. This small town festival full of games, music, and watermelon makes for good old time fun. A fireworks celebration concludes the festivities.

1st Annual Hot Wing Eating Contest Finale coming soon.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Liberty Bank of Arkansas are proud to present the 1st Annual Hot Wing Eating Contest. The grand finale will be held on September 8th at 7:00pm during the 69th Annual White River Water Carnival. The wings will be prepared by US Pizza of Batesville. There were two preliminaries held before the final competition at Riverside Park Amphitheater in Batesville. These preliminary were held on June 9th at 8:00pm during Batesville, Bikes & Backroads.

The top five “gurgitators” eating the most wings will proceed to grand finale. The overall winner will receive a championship belt, $500 cash, and claim the title as “The Bone Collector”.

Contestants must be 18 years of age or older.

The registration fee is $20. For complete rules and registration visit www.mybatesville.org or call Mandi at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 870.793.2378.

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Promoting the Virtues of Independence

92nd Annual Independence County Fair Join us July the 16th -21st, 2012 for family fun.

Monday the 16th at 6:30pm we begin our 2nd Annual Family Fun Night with a drawing for free armbands, cotton candy, candy apples, discount admission and more! Great Prizes will be given away! Monday’s schedule is: Kids Games.....................6:30 - 7:30 Youth Games..................6:30 - 7:30 Farmer for the Day.........6:30 - 8 Dog Show & Drawings...8 - ????

Entertainment for the week begins Wednesday the 18th at 8pm with Cody Slaughter, Thursday the 19th at 8pm with Brian Staples, Friday the 20th at 8pm with Gene Watson, and Saturday the 21st at 8pm will culminate with Billy Dean performing his best.

Saturday the 21st is also Veteran’s Appreciation Day beginning at 9am and ending at 1pm. With so much fun to be had, please visit our website so you don’t miss a thing. www.icfair.com for further information, such as; Livestock Events Commercial and Educational Booths Carnival Rides and Games.

And so much more!

The Chamber Quarterly Membership Luncheon will be Tuesday, July the 10th, 2012 from 11:30am to 1pm at the First Community Bank inside the George Rider Room.

Guest Speaker will be Jessie Wilson with Dale Carnegie Training of the Mid-South. The topic will be "Dealing with Difficult People."

The Whtie River Water Carnival will be Saturday, September the 8th, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM in Riverside and Kennedy Parks. Mark your calenders and come join us for the fun.

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Let us be your word on the street!

Let us advertise your business here.

Fireworks at the River will be Wednesday July the 4th at 9pm at Riverside Park provided by Citizens Bank.

USCS Sprint Cars will be rounding the tracks of the Batesville Motor Speedway Friday July the 6th starting at 6pm. For more information call 870.251.0011 or email infor@bms-ar.com.

Isle of Capri Weekly Point Racing, All Classes at the Batesville Motor Speedway Friday July the 13th at 6pm.

Kid's Triathlon For Literacy will be Saturday July the 14th at 10am on the Lyon College Campus. For more information email info@ literacyindependence.org.

Native American Workshop is crafts and hands-on activities that teach children about the Native American culture. Open to rising Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Graders. Join us at the Old Independence Regional Museum Tuesday July the 24th through Friday July the 27th from 9am to 5pm. For more information call 870.793.2121.

Kennadi LeeAnne Pretty

Photo by Stacy Pretty

Fine Line Body Art Studio

The Orpheum Summer Movie Series continues in July with “Casper” and “Psycho” / “The Shining” - Double Feature on the 13th. “The Princess Bride” will show July the 20th and “Blazing Saddles” July the 27th. See www.orpheum-memphis.com/events for more information.

Music: Ledisi B.G.T.Y. tour with special guest Eric Benet is schedule for July the 14th.

Live Shows: July the 22nd is when you can catch “Super WHY Live: You’ve Got the Power.”

ASU Newport Schedule for July: Monday the 2nd Summer 2012 Second Term - Classes Begin. Wednesday the 4th is Independence Day Holiday Observed. Friday the 6th is when Summer 2012 - Registration Ends. www.asun.edu.

UACCB’s schedule for July is listed at www.uaccb.edu.

Lyon College’s schedule for July is listed at www.lyon.edu.

Find more at www.mybatesville.org

Tattoos & Piercing ms.tattooed@yahoo.com

1695 Batesville Blvd.

870.251.4520 July 2012 | 37

We’re Still Out Here The Digital Divide Bob Pest

A 2009 U. S. Census survey revealed that 64 percent of American homes have broadband internet access, up from 55 percent in 2007. Unfortunately, the undeniable importance and value of internet access is unavailable in a large percentage of rural communities. Surprisingly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ranks America 12th in the world among developed nations for internet access. So the United State, the country that invented the Internet and still leads the world in telecommunications innovation, is lagging far behind in actual use of that technology.

Rural citizens and communities suffer the most from this surprising detail. The Census Survey revealed that in 2009 only 54 percent of rural households accessed broadband internet service. On a national level, the most common reason for not having wired, high-speed internet service is cost; in many rural areas, such service is simply not available at any cost.

Rural individuals or families that want or need internet access must rely on the archaic, but low-cost dial-up, still fairly common in states like Arkansas and West Virginia. Satellite internet services such as Wild Blue are considerably more expensive than dial-up, but provide significantly faster internet, although still much slower than wired high-speed. Satellite internet is also subject to black-outs due to heavy rain, snow, and lightening; it requires a satellite disc either mounted on the home or on a tall pole; and in many cases requires that trees be trimmed or removed to allow for the signal to reach the satellite.

The lack of broadband access has negative impacts on both the culture and the economy of rural America.

The internet has become an increasingly important source of entertainment, with movies available “On Demand” from HBO, Net Flix, Time Warner, and the Sundance Film Festival. This service, of course, requires broadband internet. Online businesses, becoming more and more popular, require broadband. Webinars, short for web-based seminars, allow conferencing events to be shared from remote locations. These real-time, pointto-point communications eliminate expensive and time demanding travel to meetings. They have also become popular ways to hold training events and are becoming increasingly useful for educational institutions. Even President Obama has held on-line meetings with supporters.

In 1935, when electricity was common in most cities but largely unavailable in rural areas, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 7037 establishing the Rural Electrification Administration, followed in 1936 by the Rural Electrification Act. The act provided loans for the distribution of electricity to serve rural areas. The funding was funneled through cooperative electrical power companies. These member-owned cooperatives, many of which still exist today, purchased 38

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

power on a wholesale basis and distributed it using their own network of transmission and distribution lines.

The coming of electricity to rural America led to an economic surge stimulated by the demand for electrical appliances, as well as creating jobs for electricians and plumbers. Electrical service also brought revolutionary new mediums of communication to rural farms, firms and households. Radio was followed by television, and the new streams of information narrowed the cultural, educational, and commercial divide between urban and rural America.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Community Connect Broadband program provides grants to businesses that provide broadband service to residents of remote, rural communities. Community Connect grants are made available to the most rural, unserved and economically challenged areas. The funds are used to build broadband infrastructure. Awardees are also required to establish community centers that offer free public access to broadband. America will prosper if the same vision, creativity, and resolve that led to rural electrification inform and inspire this initiative.

We need one America, united by an “information and communication super highway.”

For more information, visit the Benton Foundation at www.benton.org; the foundation “works to ensure that media and telecommunications serve the public interest and enhance democracy.” Other useful sources include Economic History Services (www.eh.net), www. digitaldivide.net, and www.edutopia.org.

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digital-divide pulled from at http://www.digitaldivide.org/ category/digital-divide/

Eye On Mag.com

Smith’s Verdict The Avengers ***1/2 Reviewed by Tanner Smith Hey, guys! Wanna see Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the Incredible Hulk banding together, in a summer blockbuster, to fight evil?

I do too! And this movie has been built up for about four years, since the original “Iron Man” was released to success in May 2008. It began simply with a credit cookie featuring the one-eyed Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) telling billionaire/genius/hero Tony “Iron Man” Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) that he plans to start the Avengers. And a month later, “The Incredible Hulk” was released, with a scene at the end that featured Tony Stark mentioning the Avengers. 2010’s “Iron Man 2” had a little more input to the idea (for those who don’t know the Avengers’ history in comic books), as 2011’s “Thor” and “Captain America” introduced two new candidates, as well as setting up certain plot elements for…2012’s “The Avengers!” And the verdict is that this inevitable summer-blockbuster lives up to its hype.

I’m not a comic book reader, per se, but I was still intrigued when hearing the basic storyline for “The Avengers”—Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America band together. Having seen and liked all of these characters’ earlier movies (particularly the first “Iron Man”), I was hyped. There’s no way I wouldn’t be interested in seeing this movie.

Well, first, we get a introduction featuring the story’s McGuffin (a story’s catalyst)—a device that opens a tesseract (a portal through other dimensions)— and the arrival of our main villain, which turns out to be Thor’s adopted brother Loki (reprised from the earlier movie by Tom Hiddleston), who plans to use the tesseract to unleash an army of monstrous beings from his own world in order to conquer the Earth. This leads to Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson, of course) planning to assemble a team of superheroes in a race to stop him from carrying out his plan. Now, while I have to admit this introduction is somewhat tedious in the way it plays out (with certain “techno-babble,” exposition, and…well, the very idea of another villain planning to take over the world—of course), it is necessary to set up the rest of the movie.

We’re met again with those intriguing Marvel characters introduced in earlier film adaptations of their comic books. We have the rich, bright, and constantly wisecracking billionaire/hero Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) a.k.a. Iron Man, complete with flying iron suit. We have weakling-turned-superman Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) a.k.a. Captain America, who has a costume that is essentially a bulls-eye, but a shield that deflects bullets—now that’s cool. We have Norse god Thor (Chris Hemsworth) with his mighty hammer.

And of course, we have Natasha (Scarlett Johansson), a feisty femme fatale introduced in “Iron Man 2” and also known as Black Widow, as she is told by S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg, reprising his character 40

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

from earlier movies) to enlist the help of Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo, taking over for Edward Norton)—for those who don’t know, let’s just say Bruce Banner has a condition that comes with some serious anger issues.

As these heroes are teamed up together and planning out their next move, they also have to face each other. There’s a struggle between Iron Man and Thor when they first meet, Stark and Rogers banter a lot, and mostly, they don’t seem to want to rely on each other as much. But they realize that they’re all in this together and they’ll stand and fight Loki’s invading army on the battlegrounds of Manhattan, turning it into a disaster of epic proportions.

I’m just going to come out and say it—I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Loki as a villain in this movie.

In “Thor,” I didn’t find him charismatic nor did I find him particularly interesting, and here, that feeling’s kind of the same. But there were a few scenes where I found myself laughing at his expense, rather than being menaced by his continuing plan. There’s a scene in which he gathers people in the city and orders them to “kneel” before him and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing so hard because all I was thinking was, “He’s turned into General Zod!” Yeah, remember how “menacing” that villain was in “Superman II?” That’s Loki for “The Avengers” for you. And there’s another scene that got the biggest applause in the screening I attended—it involves a showdown between delusionalwith-superiority Loki and damn-angry Hulk, and gives new meaning to the phrase “punch line.”

And speaking of which, “The Avengers” does indeed have a sense of humor. In fact, this movie maybe has the funniest moments I’ve heard in a movie so far this year.

It’s self-aware, but that doesn’t mean it condescends to its iconic characters or its target audience. I wouldn’t dream of giving away the film’s best moments, so I won’t.

Sure, there is a lot of humor in “The Avengers,” and that

Pictures found at teaser-trailer.com/movie/avengers

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keeps “The Avengers” from getting too serious—that’s not a criticism, mind you, because it’s a masterstroke when it doesn’t descend itself into campiness.

There’s great action in this movie—it’s involving, features top-notch special effects, and showcases some pretty nifty fight sequences. Two sequences in particular stand out—one is an attack from Loki’s minions on S.H.I.E.L.D.’s flying, camouflaged ship, and the other is the battle in the streets (and rooftops and skies) of Manhattan, which takes the final half-hour of the movie. That final sequence is jaw-droppingly intense, and we’re involved because we like these characters and we admire the stages of action and special effects.

But what’s also important is that each character has moments to shine in the midst of the action.

All the actors are game and their characters are still strong. Tony Stark, again played perfectly by Robert Downey, Jr., keeps his unique personality—constantly cracking one-liners even in the face of danger. (In a talkdown between Stark and Loki, it’s obviously who the cooler person is, even if you could take Loki seriously.)

He’s great in this movie. Rogers, or Captain America, is a likable guy and is reasonably strong, though that costume still looks somewhat ridiculous. Thor is as awesome as ever, with his barbarian manner that contrasts heart of gold. Natasha, or Black Widow, is still sexy and shows some feisty moves. We’re also introduced

to a new recruit midway through the movie, a sharpshooter nicknamed Hawkeye (played well by Jeremy Renner), whose bow has laser scope for his arrows to never miss—awesome. As for Bruce Banner, with Mark Ruffalo’s vulnerable performance and upgraded CGI “Hulk” form, this is the best representation of the Incredible Hulk I’ve seen.

And like I said, it’s absolutely great that these heroes are all here, like the toughest kids on the block who learn to work well with others. It’s also great that Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury has something better to do than spew ominous foresights (as he did in the earlier movies, to annoying effect).

“The Avengers” has been built up for four years—it was worth the wait. It’s exciting, entertaining, and a lot of fun. N

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610 W. Pleasure Searcy, AR (501) 305-3780 or (877) 305-3789 renee@rtaylortravel.com July 2012 | 41

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Travel On House Found...Continued from June Article Renee Taylor

The following story is written by Bill Meador, whose daughter, Scarlett Barnes lives in Batesville and is continued from the June Issue of Eye On Independence.

We flew from Little Rock to Chicago and then to Brussels. I was driving 120 Kilometers Per Hour( about 75MPH) and cars were zooming by us like we were sitting still. There is no speed limit. We were heading for Sprimont, Belgium which is near the German/ Belgium border. We finally saw a sign for Sprimont and headed that way. I was looking for a city hall, but did not see anything like that in the little quaint village.

I noticed a garden shop with a couple of cars in the parking lot. I pulled in and went inside with a picture I had made of the painting of the house where Daddy had stayed. There were two ladies inside neither of whom spoke English. I showed them the picture, but could not communicate with them. The grandmother went outside and brought her grandson in (probably about 16 years old). He spoke English. I showed him the picture and told him my story. The owner of the home (an artist) had signed the painting and dated it.

I said it looked like his name was Paul Dispo. No luck.

I said it may end in an A. It may be Paul Dispa. All of a sudden their eyes lit up...”Dispa, Dispa” they said and 42

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

started talking among themselves. Then the young man turned to me and said “I know where that house is. The lady does not live there anymore, but I know where she lives would you like for me to take you to that house and then to that lady.” That would be wonderful,” I said, and headed out to tell Sandy this news. The young man and his grandmother took us through the little streets of the village. As we headed up a small hill I spotted the iron fence and the impressive pillars of the gate. Before I ever saw the house I turned to Sandy with tears in my eyes and said “This is it”. I couldn’t believe it!. The first stop in this little village and in fifteen minutes here we are. We got out and looked around. We took pictures outside the house. We knocked on the door and a young man came to the door and the neighbor explained what was going on. We went in and took pictures. I imagined my Daddy in this far away place walking these very floors as an American Soldier as he fought against Hitler’s tyranny.

We then headed for our next quest . . .find the lady that was born there 65 years ago. Once again we followed the young man and grandmother to another home. This one appeared to be much older and was

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not quite as nice as the other home. We drove up into their driveway and the grandmother talked to a lady waiting there. She looked young to be 65. She spoke no English, but invited us into her home. Her husband spoke broken English. With he as our interpreter, we found that this was AnneMarie Dispa born 2-261945. One of four days Daddy was there. She was just as excited to meet us as we were to meet her. Her father had told her the story of the American Soldier that was there the night of her birth. He even helped out and she said he saved her life. She said her children and grandchildren knew the story. We visited

in their home for more than an hour. She went upstairs and brought down a painting almost identical to the painting I had of the other home.

Sandy told me she had prayed that we would find the home and this lady because she knew how important it was to me. Divine Intervention.

The next day we found the remains of the Remagen Bridge and visited the museum there. We went to Trier, Germany-Lucerne, Switzerland-Salzburg, Austria-Florence, ItalyPositano, Italy-Rome, Italy. We stayed two nights in each place. We traveled by train. It was a trip of a lifetime, but you can imagine what we will remember most.

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July 2012 |  43

Early July craft classes at the Arkansas Craft School It’s hot outside, but the air-conditioned studios at the Arkansas Craft School will keep you cool and invigorated with fun and informative classes during the first part of July.

The month starts out with a class for woodturners - ‘Native American-style Baskets Turned on a Lathe’.

Instructor Jim Adkins creates turned wooden objects that upon first glance look to be authentic, traditional tribal baskets; but instead are constructed from wood, using distinctive turning, and other woodworking techniques. Tuition is $200.00 for the four-day class, and as the class is almost full, please contact the Craft School immediately to reserve your space.

July 9 – 13, traditional woodworker, Michael Langford will be in town to teach ‘Build a Shave Horse, Carve a Spoon’. In this class, Michael will cover the basics of working with green wood to produce a handcarved spoon, as well as how to build a shave horse – that

44

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

age old combination of vice and workbench, which is also used in coopering. After building their shave horse, students will then use drawknives and spoke shaves to carve and fashion their completed maple or cherry spoon. Tuition for the five-day class is $250.00.

It’s boating season! More woodworking is on tap for the week of July 16 – 20, when John Van Orman offers his popular ‘Building a Pirogue’ boat-making class.

Using contemporary stitch-n-glue techniques, these finished pirogues are sturdier, of lighter weight and more water-tight than traditionally constructed vessels.

Students go home at the end of the week with their very own hand-crafted pirogue flat-bottomed canoe, ready for painting and then sailing. Materials fee for the class is $310.00, and tuition is $250.00.

Also during the week of July 16 – 20, Terri Van Orman will be teaching ‘4-Harness Weaving’ at the Craft School’s fiber studio. This is the perfect introduction

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to weaving on the 4-harness loom, for those who have always wanted to learn to create hand-woven placemats, rugs or cloth for clothing. Students will be creating a sampler of several different threadings combined with many different treadlings; as well as a final, individual project. In addition, intermediate weavers are invited to expand their skills by exploring more advanced techniques such as lace-weave or overshot weave.

Tuition is $250.00 for this five-day initiation into the fascinating world of weaving.

Visit the Arkansas Craft School’s website, www. arkansascraftschool.org for more information on these

and other upcoming classes, as well as registration forms and scholarship applications. The Arkansas Craft School, located on Main Street in Mountain View, Arkansas is dedicated to the education of aspiring and practicing craft artisans for success in the Creative Economy. The Craft School partners with Ozarka College which offers Continuing Education credits for all of its courses. Support for the Arkansas Craft School is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment of the Arts.

N July 2012 | 45

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Educational Talent Search Students Attend Space Camp On June 7, 2012, twenty-four Educational Talent Search (ETS) students left for Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Seven local students were selected to attend: Courtney Croy, Kim Downs, and Zack Slagley from Cave City, Laura Boswell and Makayla Robinson from Midland, as well as Gary Lindsey and Kara Moreland from Pangburn.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is the world’s largest space museum and home of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s official Visitor Center. The students saw the first rocket to put an American into space and the massive Saturn V that took Americans to the moon.

During this intense three day program the students explored the history of manned space flight. Participants were immersed in hands-on training

A. 46

Promoting the Virtues of Independence

Eye On Mag.com

for a space shuttle mission to Mars and treated to a giant-screen IMAX at the Spacedome Theater. They also experienced “4 G’s” of liftoff force and the sensation of weightlessness on multiple simulators.

Students were housed in a dorm at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and toured the engineering university previous to arrival at camp.

ETS is a TRIO college prep program based out of North Arkansas College and operates in 13 counties and 28 schools in northern Arkansas. N

B.

E. A.) ETS students with Autumn Hunter at Space Camp.

B.) Zack and Laura in the museum.

C.) View from side of shuttle.

D.) Gary on the one sixth chair.

E.) Makayla on the Multi Access Trainer. Photos and article submitted

by Autumn Hunter.

C. D.

870-793-8287 2401 Harrison Street, Batesville

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July 2012 | 47

Spinal Decompression

White River Chiropractic Life Center Dr. Thomas D. Taylor & Dr. Dustin Taylor 1361 White Drive, Batesville, AR 72501

Call 870-698-1650 to Schedule Your FREE Consultation