Eye On Independence

www.eyeonmag.com

Jonathan Abbott

December 2010

“Half A Million and Counting”

a Publication of MeadowLand Media, Inc.

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In This Issue

6/Letter from the Publisher 7/Fork in the Road Serenity Farm Bread: Close to Perfect

10/Feature

Jonathan Abbott and the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights

16/I Do

Brett and Jade Bookout

19/A Visit with Carmel Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

20/Homes

7

24

10

29

16

41

20

48

Wildewood Independent Living Center

24/Youth

Young Archers Earn Worldwide Honors

26/The Arts

Arkansas Craft School Celebrates with Gala Fundraiser

28/Business

Roller-Crouch Funeral Home

29/Local Happenings Lyon Family Honored at Gala Ozark Foothills FoodFest WRMC Business After Hours

34/Organization

The American Legion Riders Post 114

38/Are You Smiling?

Why Bite Harmony Is So Important

39/Creative Writing Poetry by UACCB Students

40/Noteworthy Events

Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Parade

41/EOI Book Review

“Arkansas: An Explorer’s Guide”

44/Notes from the Clearing Awwwe, The Lights....

46/Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees Tarantulas Are Our Friends

48/EOI Movie Review “Winter’s Bone”

December 2010 www.eyeonmag.com

Jonathan Abbottnting” d Cou

“Half a Million an

wLand Media, Inc. a Publication of Meado

Cover photography by Robert O. Seat and Clayton Cavaness Cover design by Clayton Cavaness 4 | eyeonmag.com

Letter from the Publisher Kimberlee Thomas This month’s issue is filled with the soft warm glow of Christmas Lights, diligent service, and the images of many community events. Wildewood Independent Living Center opens its doors to us; Jonathan Abbott hangs his lights on the city he loves; and we find out why Tarantulas are our friends.

This fireside issue features Serenity Farm Bread, the Brett and Jade Bookout wedding, and tips on how not to over-eat this holiday season. To further keep you inside and out of the cold we bring you the Batesville Schools’ Archery Team, the Arkansas Crafts School from Mountain View, and images from the first annual Foothills FoodFest.

On the countdown to the upcoming holidays, that can be so hectic with shopping stress in crowded department stores, we remind you to breathe.

In these days filled with so many errands and no time to complete them all, we remind you that family is the most important errand you have. We remind ourselves that this season is about slowing down to appreciate what we miss in the rush all year. Breathe, love, laugh, and have a warm and safe holiday season.N

6 | eyeonmag.com

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY

Creative Director: Joseph Thomas

MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com

AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Mindy Shrable

PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Bob Pest MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Daisy Moore Kimberlee Thomas

PROOFING DEPartment: Gina Dearheart Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Clayton Cavaness Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas CIRCULATION: Daisy Moore Joseph Thomas PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

Eye On Independence is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

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

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 selectshots.com 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

Fork in the Road

Serenity Farm Bread: Close to Perfect

Bob Pest David Lower is passionate about bread. Visit his website, www. serenityfarmbread.us, and you’ll find a graduate school level essay on the sourdough starter that leavens (and distinguishes) his breads.

You’ll also learn about the importance of baking with certified organic flour, unrefined sea salt, and filtered water. Once he really gets your attention, Lower also offers a lesson in how to use and maintain wood-fired ovens. Or you can just skip the lessons and try some of his breads, focaccia, fruitfilled loaves, or cookies; once you do, you’ll be hooked just like me.

Lower’s passion for baking and his commitment to techniques perfected in European ovens over the centuries have made the Serenity Farm bakery a destination for food lovers and healthy eaters alike. To quote Southern Living magazine, "The aroma of the sourdough bread alone will win you over." The bakery, located in an old bank building in quaint downtown Leslie, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 to 4:00, and Sunday from 9:00 to 3:00. Leslie is located on Highway 65.

• Serenity Farm makes a total of eleven different breads: • Country French Hearth-made with organic, unbleached white flour.

• Country French Miches-large diameter rounds, great for sandwiches.

• Country French Baguettes-the classic long thin loaf.

• Country French Batards-just like the baguettes, except shorter, fatter, and better for sandwich slices.

• Cranberry-Pecan--Country French dough with toasted

• •

•

•

• •

pecans and dried cranberries added.

Whole Wheat Bread—the simplest, most basic bread.

Multi-Grain Bread—a blend of four organic flours, organic rolled oats, flax seeds, and sesame seeds.

Walnut-Raisin Bread—a blend of organic white and wheat flour, with organic raisins, and walnuts.

European-Style Rye Bread— organic whole (unsifted) rye flour has greater texture than sifted flour.

Whole Spelt Bread— Spelt is a tasty alternative for people who are sensitive to wheat.

Whole Wheat Banana-Nut Bread—fresh bananas, pecans, and halawi (sweet,

Photo by Bob Pest

sourdough cookies come in three varieties: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Molasses Spice.

In addition to the conventional breads, fruit-filled loaves, and cookies, Lower offers several varieties of focaccia. These ten-ounce rounds are the gourmet answer to the personal pan pizza. Focaccia toppings include roasted garlic cream sauce, pesto, Kalamata olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, sweet onions, and Honeysuckle Lane Cheddar Cheese from Rose Bud. Just warm and add your own toppings as desired. Garlic Herb, Whole Wheat, Spelt, and TomatoOlive focaccia can be shipped directly to your home.

Lower’s 6’ X 8’ red brick oven was built in 1993. He bakes with scraps of kiln-dried lumber discarded by a carpentry shop, supplemented with dried hardwood from thinning trees in local forests. Managing the oven temperature and baking the right thing at the right time of day is an art. In Lower’s own words,"There are many variables to juggle, and every day's bake is a dance of trying to time everything so that our goods come out as close to perfect as we can manage."

Photo by Bob Pest

soft) dates.

Lower’s Fruit-Filled Loaves are well worth the drive to Leslie. My personal favorite is the Apple-Filled Loaf--beautifully braided and filled with apples, walnuts, organic raisins, a little honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The equally memorable December 2010 | 7

8 | eyeonmag.com

Serenity Farm’s second location opened about eight years ago on Highway 65, about half a mile south of Leslie. If you are coming from the south it is the building with the green roof on the right side of the road. The highway location is a combination pastry shop, organic grocery, and café. The second location allows master pastry chef Linwood Hage to do his thing. Hage keeps the pastry case filled with his marvelous creations: almond croissants, fresh fruit tarts, cheese and fruit Danish, sticky buns, biscotti, chocolate éclairs, carrot cake, cheesecake, and occasional surprises. The almond croissants are my personal favorites, with the sticky buns a close second.

The highway location is the perfect place to stop for lunch. The daily offerings include a sandwich selection, soup, salad, and the quiche of the day. Focaccia are also available, heated on the spot. If a snack is all you have in mind, the pastry case is waiting for you. Lower also maintains a carefully chosen selection of organic groceries, including cheeses, nuts, juices, pasta, pasta sauces, and Rozark Hills organic coffee (beans or ground). Rozark Hills coffee is also served in the café. The highway location is open

Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 to 5:00, except Fridays when it is open until 6:00.

Serenity Farm is truly an Arkansas treasure and well worth the drive. From Batesville just drive to Mountain View and take Highway 66 West, which will get you to the bakery door; it’s about a 75 minute drive.

Serenity Farm bread is available at health food stores and other locations around the state, including the Ozark Country Market at 999 Heber Springs Road and the Truck Patch on Highway 62 East in Mountain Home.

Serenity Farm also ships its bread, fruit-filled loaves, focaccia, and sourdough cookies via UPS Ground Service to zones 2, 3, and 4, roughly a 500 mile radius from Leslie. Customers pay shipping charges. A $3.00 handling fee will be added to orders under $30. Arkansas residents add 8% sales tax. The bakery will send an invoice with shipment and expects payment upon receipt. Call (870) 447-2211 by Friday for shipment the following Monday or Tuesday.

Bon appétit!N

Photo by Bob Pest December 2010 | 9

Feature Joseph Thomas

Jonathan Abbott and the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights

Jonathan Abbott has worked for the City of Batesville for twenty years in one capacity or another. He is currently the city’s Cemetery and Landscape Department Supervisor. In this position, his duties include the display of Christmas Lights around the city.

Abbott became involved when a volunteer group of citizens who had decorated Riverside Park for years disbanded. Mayor Elumbaugh asked Abbott if participating in the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights was a reachable goal. Abbott, no stranger to hard work, took on this challenge with a keen sense that this holiday feature could be an image booster and visitor magnet for the city. It has become just that. The countless hours that go into this growing yearly project attest to the diligence and sacrifice that make small-town government work. Abbott and his crew create an annual visual statement about the pride and the fortitude of both city employees and residents. We met with Abbott at the Municipal Building in early November.

Eye On: I’ve heard you mention the sheer number of lights that you’re dealing with and I'm always amazed at the tedious work that must go into this.

Abbott: Well yes, it is a lot of work. We started out in 2008 with roughly 200,000 lights. That number included the lights at Riverside Park, the Municipal Building, the Court House, the Library, and on Main Street. Last year we put up 300,000 lights. We are shooting for 500,000 this year.

Eye On: I know that when I do something I tend to fumble my way around to get it done the first time and then fine tune my system, so each time it gets a little easier. How hard was this to organize?

Abbott: We were very unorganized going into this, not knowing the best way to do things. Last year we began to box and organize the lights and ornaments.

We have maps for each site so that at anytime any one of us can pull out a box and know where each strand goes. I can’t say enough about my crew and the work they put into this. John Riggs, Sergio Cruiz, Steven Lindsey, and Kevin McDonald are with me from daylight to dark. Warren Wade with the Community Service Program sends us help as well. We appreciate all of the help we get from them. My daughter and her East Lab classmates at Batesville Jr. High School have come on board to help design patterns for new light displays. Cassandra Stainbrook was a great asset, putting every map, every site layout, and every decoration layout on the computer. We also have hand drawn maps and layouts in an inch thick binder to help keep us organized.

10 | eyeonmag.com

Eye On: Hearing you talk about it, I think we can all get some sense of what you guys deal with, but what do we not see?

Abbott: Well, there are safety issues that you probably wouldn’t think about. We have to cover every electrical outlet on every strand of lights and extension cord that we use. We tape every male and female end together. We stake down every run so they don’t become a tripping hazard. One example of the work that most people don’t get to see is the amphitheater.

In 2008, we put a real tree in the amphitheater. That tree was 25 feet tall, 50 feet wide, and it took us two and a half days to put up. This huge tree looked considerably smaller inside the amphitheater. So, last year, we decided to make the amphitheater tree out of lights. It wasn’t necessarily any easier; it took 168 strands of lights, 16,800 lights. It was 80 feet wide; if you do the math, it gives you a good idea of how challenging it can be to make displays big enough for areas like Riverside Park.

Eye On: Did you have a clue what you were getting into when you took on this project?

Abbott: No. Of course, we are nowhere near where we want to be as far as number of lights, larger ornaments, and animated displays. We have many local businesses that donate material and many groups that donate money, but some of these lights and decorations are very expensive. The swags that flow over Main Street are priced at $1,000 each if you buy them. We actually made our own for about $35 each. We do our best to use our donations wisely and budget effectively.

Eye On: I think what amazes me most is that this is not your job. This is above and beyond your official duties and yet you add to it each year. You must have quite a passion for this.

Abbott: We do. We have to perform our regular duties while we are doing the lights, of course, and that can be tough. We start hanging lights in October and have to maintain them from then on. Sometimes, I bring my wife out and plug lights in for her to see and critique for me. She helps me ensure a good show for the community. What makes it all worth it is to see the awe on the faces of the families when we light them up the first time. That is payment enough and that is why I do it.

Eye On: What is the hardest part of this for you?

Abbott: Honestly, it is a stressful time of year for us. Getting the lights up, maintaining them, and keeping them up through the wind and weather is tough. I answer to five committees on other city matters and my hat is off to them for the patience they have in letting me deal with the lights. The hardest part, though, is dealing with vandalism, especially in the park. We could buy a higher grade of ornaments and displays, but when you expect them to be vandalized, you are hesitant to put the money into it. We really need the community to support us on this and let us know if you see any damage or vandalism going on.

Eye On: If someone reading this wanted to donate their time or money to this yearly project, what do they need to do?

Abbott: They can call City Hall at (870) 698-2400 and ask for me or Mayor Elumbaugh.

For more information on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights, grab a pamphlet at the Municipal Building, call 1-800-natural, or log onto www.arkansas. com and click on fall and winter travel, then click on attractions.N Jonathan’s Photos by Robert O. Seat

Independence County Library

Photos by Clayton Cavaness

“So, last year, we decided to make the amphitheater tree out of lights. It wasn’t necessarily any easier; it took 168 strands of lights, 16,800 lights. It was 80 feet wide; if you do the math, it gives you a good idea of how challenging it can be to make displays big enough for areas like Riverside Park.”

- Jonathan Abbott

Riverside Park Amphitheater

Independence County Courthouse

Riverside Park from across the River

“Last year we put up 300,000 lights. We are shooting for 500,000 this year.”

Jonathan’s Photos by Robert O. Seat

Photo by Clayton Cavaness

“We really need the community to support us on this and let us know if you see any damage or vandalism going on.”

Photo by Clayton Cavaness 14 | eyeonmag.com

@eyeonmag

December 2010 | 15

I Do Submitted

Brett and Jade Bookout

Love at first sight was not a phrase that Brett Bookout of Walnut Ridge or Jade Moser of Batesville held much belief in, at least not until April 28, 2008 when the couple met for the first time. For the next six months there was not a day that passed that the young couple did not spend time together. As Christmas grew closer the couples love for each other grew stronger. By the time the holidays arrived they both knew they had found in each other a once in a lifetime love. Brett knew that Jade was the woman he forever wanted by his side and made it official by presenting Jade with a beautiful ring and proposal on Christmas Eve. The couple set the date for August 29, 2010 and the planning began. Jade had long dreamed of a beach wedding. A beautiful beach in Jacksonville, Florida served as the scenic backdrop as friends and family gathered to witness the union of Brett and Jade. While rain had come each evening around 6 o’clock, it stayed away on the couple’s big day. The sun shined through as Brett and Jade recited their personalized vows to each other. It was the moment they had long awaited. The couple’s daughter, Addilyn Bookout, served as the Maid of Honor and Jade’s sister, Kayla Johnson, served as her Bride’s Maid. Brett’s father, Gary Bookout served as his Best Man while Tra Lee, the bride’s brother, served as 16 | eyeonmag.com

Today is a

great day to feel good.

Brett’s Groomsman.

After the ceremony the wedding party enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse where the red carpet was rolled out and personalized menus congratulated the newlyweds. Patty Knapp, grandmother of the Bride, presented the couple with a honeymoon in St. Lucia. Upon the couple’s arrival they were greeted by an awaiting helicopter that took them on a scenic tour of the island before delivering them to the Grande St. Lucian Hotel where they spent five relaxing days.

A reception was held at the Batesville County Club upon the Bookout’s return home. Friends and family unable to attend the wedding eagerly greeted the young couple with best wishes for a long and happy life together.N

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December 2010 | 17

Papa Joe’s Hot Spiced Cider "This recipe uses an automatic coffee maker to brew the cider. If you don't own one, heat it in a slow cooker or a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Grab your mugs and dive into this hot drink! Clean your coffee maker according to the manufacturer's instructions before using for coffee again."

Ingredients •1/4 cup packed brown sugar •1/2 teaspoon whole allspice •1 teaspoon whole cloves •1 cinnamon stick •1/4 teaspoon salt •1 pinch ground nutmeg •1 large orange, quartered with peel •2 quarts apple cider Directions 1.Place filter in coffee basket, and fill with brown sugar, allspice, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, nutmeg, and orange wedges. Pour apple cider into coffee pot where the water usually goes. Brew, and serve hot.

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Granny Mimo’s Hot Chocolate Ingredients •1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder •3/4 cup white sugar •1 pinch salt •1/3 cup boiling water •3 1/2 cups milk •3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract •1/2 cup half-and-half cream Directions Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water.

Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes.

Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

A Visit with Carmel Carmel Aaron

Eating healthy this time of year is a tough task for many of us. As we gather with friends and family during the holidays it is easy to over indulge in the holiday goodies. Following are just a few of my favorite tips for eating healthy this holiday season.

1. Preparation is key. Wherever I go I prepare. Do not be ambushed-prepare for each and every event.

2. When going to some else’s party, don’t go on empty. I like to take the edge off by eating something helpful first, in that way I am not ravenous and can control what I eat much easier.

3. Help the hostess by taking a covered dish recipe.

4. Generally parties are served banquet style; so socialize away from the sight of food.

5. When there’s a choice, use a smaller plate.

6. Eat whatever you love, only not much. If you choose your favorite dessert-and it’s not absolutely fabulous - Stop! Become a picky gourmet.

7. Don’t continue to eat because someone made it or you paid for it. That hurts you, not anyone

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating else. It is all right to say ‘No Thank You.’ 8. Decide in advance on your signal or cue to stop eating. I usually crush my napkin and lay it on my plate. It’s your cue to yourself that you’re finished.

For more tips on eating healthy this holiday season visit the following link. http://www.squidoo.com/Holidays-AnniversariesTrips-without-Weight-Gain.

You are worth the effort.

Carmel Aaron lives in Heber Springs, has a degree in biology and has been certified by Proevity in Nutrition and Glycemic Indexing, and enjoys ongoing Wellness classes. To get in touch with Carmel: AwellnessCoach@Gmail.com

December 2010 | 19

Homes Joseph Thomas We have stepped outside the box a bit with a previous At Home feature about the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch that we featured in the September issue of Eye On -- not your typical home. With further reflection you begin to realize that home is not the same for everyone and that the definition of home changes for some as life goes on. Kimberlee and I thought this holiday season was a great time to step outside of that box yet again and bring you a home that will truly reflect the spirit of this holiday season. Jane Vinson, Coordinator for Wildewood Independent Living Center, met with Kimberlee in early November for a tour of this well-designed facility.

Eye On: Tell us about Wildewood; how long have you been established and what you offer your residence.

Vinson: Wildewood was built in 1996 and is an apartment complex geared to those sixty-two and older. What Wildewood offers above and beyond other apartment complexes is a twenty-four hour

Wildewood Independent Living Center security staff; three wonderful meals a day; including a coffee and snack bar; transportation, and house-keeping, among other things. All amenities are included in the rent. We have thirty units and a guest house for visiting relatives and our current residents span from age sixty-three to ninety-eight.

We have three available units open right now.

Eye On: What are your guidelines for taking residents?

Vinson: We have an application for admission and that is simply a statement that says they are competent and capable of living alone. We do require a physician's certification clarifying that each resident is capable of physically taking care of themselves. Our leases are generally month to month with a thirty day notice to satisfy the lease agreement.

Eye On: What about activities and social events?

Vinson: That is the fun part. Monday through Friday at ten and two o’clock we have a variety of activities. We play Bingo, we play Dominoes, we have the Wii game system where we bowl and play

Wheel of Fortune, Horse Shoes, and Ring Toss. On weekends we have special activities as well. We have a walking track and we actually had a competition to see who could walk the most and had a lot of fun with that.

EyeOn: Obviously the amenities and activities are more than seniors could get in a single home, but what else do you think sets Wildewood apart from other comparable apartment complexes?

Vinson: We are little more upscale. We just recently remodeled and it is very elegant, comfortable, and modern. Our residents are very outgoing and compassionate people. They are proud of living here and they take care to make sure the public

rooms are left the way they found them. They share meal times and spend a lot of time together. They treat this as home and it is their home.

This is not a facility that our residents are stuck in and it is a great place for any of our seniors, but it is the perfect place for those that may have lost some of their independence, such as the loss of their driver's license or even oncoming dementia.

It is a place where they can make new friends, see them often, and get to any appointments that they may have. Wildewood is a place that can extend and even encourage the independence that our seniors so desperately want to hold onto. Our location is 2960 Neeley Street or feel free to call us at 870-793-4565.N

Elevated Photo by Clayton Cavaness

Photos by Kimberlee Thomas

The Dinning Hall

Christmas Decorations by Signature Baskets, Flowers, and Gifts

22  |  eyeonmag.com

Apartment Bedroom Apartment Dinning Area and Kitchen

May the season leave you rich with joyful memories.

mylibertybank.com MEMBER FDIC

Youth Julie M. Fidler Some Batesville students are right on target as they prepare for an archery tournament that may take them back to a worldwide competition where they were the reigning champions in 2009 and came home with a thirdplace trophy this past October.

Batesville’s Eagle Mountain Magnet Health and International Studies Elementary School is training fourth- through sixth-graders archery skills not only in physical education classes, but as part of an archery club now in its third year. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sponsors the national Archery in the Schools Program in Arkansas. This writer visited coach Susan Parker recently as a group of fourth-graders practiced after school to try out for the team.

Ronnie Jeffrey and Celsey Wood, both fifth-graders, helped the coach show the younger students the proper techniques. Ronnie and Celsey were among the top five grade level winners at the National Archery in Schools World Tournament Oct. 8-9 in Florida. Ronnie placed fourth worldwide in his grade level, and Celsey placed fifth.

Parker says the club itself has 90 members with 30 of them being on the team. Over 100 will try out to be on the team this January. The coach narrows that down to 30, with 24 regular team members and six alternates.

About 1,000 archers competed this fall in the world event, coming from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada, as well as 21 states.

It was a long road for the young Batesville athletes from their gymnasium to Orlando, Fla. “The big story is how these archers qualified to participate in this tournament,”

Young Archers Earn Worldwide Honors said Coach Parker. First, the students had to qualify at their state tournament last February. Both the Eagle Mountain team and the Batesville Junior High School team, making its first appearance, won at state. From there, they began preparing for the national tournament in Louisville, Ky., in May. “Finishing strong at the national tournament convinced the archers, their families and me that the only thing stopping them from attending the world tournament would be the financial burden of such a long trip,” said Parker.

Thanks to strong community support and dozens of fund-raisers, Batesville was well represented at the world tournament.

“The sacrifice was worth an exciting and educational experience that very few will ever encounter,” Parker said.

Defending world champions, Eagle Mountain Magnet School, finished in third place in Orlando.

Archers received a team trophy and individual medals for their performance. Celsey and Ronnie received individual plaques and medals for the fifth- and fourthplace finishes. Others finishing in the top ten in their grade level for Eagle Mountain were Jake Van Grouw (sixth), Lynnley Dodd (sixth), Eli Ray (tenth) and Natalie Craft (tenth).

Batesville Junior High’s team also had some top performers and the team finished fourth among the middle school division teams. Two archers, Anna Beth Conditt and Tristen Driver, were recognized for the top five performance. They placed fifth and fourth, respectively in their grade level. Junior high top 15 archers by grade level were Katlyn Dowell

(ninth), Haley Lindsey (11th) and Aaron Bristow (12th).

The school district’s archery program added teams at Central Math and Science Magnet School, Sulphur Rock Math and Science Magnet School and Batesville Junior High and Batesville High School. Grades seven and eight from the junior high compete in the middle school division while the high school division is for ninth- through 12th-graders.

Angela Insell is coach at Sulphur Rock, and Tanya Haigwood and Glenita Anderson coach at Central.

Parker coaches the junior high and high school teams in addition to the Eagle Mountain team.

“We’re very proud of the kids,” said Parker. “And, we’re very proud of the community for supporting us.”

Twenty-four Eagle Mountain students made the trek to the world championships, along with 22 from the junior high and one from the high school.

“We had some great individual performances and did great as teams, too,” Parker said. “They worked so hard through the summer to prepare for it. If they chose to participate in the fund raisers, it was up to the parents.”

Money raised was used to offset the expenses of the trip.

Rather than take a school bus to the competition, everyone had his or her own transportation to make sure each student had an adult on board. “Some drove, some flew,” said the coach. “Some rode together to cut expenses.” The trip included two days at Disney parks.

“It was a great experience for them,” said Parker. “A lot of them got to meet people from other countries and see what it’s like to Continued on page 36

24 | eyeonmag.com

Batesville Students Taking Aim

Photo by Julie M. Fidler

December 2010 | 25

The Arts Submitted

Arkansas Craft School Celebrates with Gala Fundraiser

Craft artisans, musicians and community supporters gathered together on Friday night, November 5 for an entertaining evening of festivity and fundraising for the Scholarship Fund of the Arkansas Craft School. Held at "Country Time Dining and More…" restaurant, the event featured dinner, a silent auction of artisan-donated, hand-crafted items and community donated goods and services; a raffle for a mandolin, door prizes and a live auction of artisan-donated fine contemporary craft. Music was presented by the Acousticatz, with a warm-up set provided by the Improbable Ensemble.

Proceeds from the live and silent auctions benefited the Scholarship Fund of the Arkansas Craft School, which bestows full or partial scholarships to students who would otherwise be unable to attend classes due to financial restraints. The enthusiastic audience bid generously in order to help replenish these funds; and happily took home hand-crafted treasures for gifts or for their own enjoyment.

The Arkansas Craft School, located in Mountain View, Arkansas is dedicated to the education of aspiring and practicing craft artisans for success in the Creative Economy. The Craft School partners with Ozarka College, 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. www.arkansascraftschool.org

Hand Blown Glass Bead

by Sage Holland

3 wood tops by Nick Cook

Ceramic Bowl, leaf pattern by Linda Armstrong

A large crowd attended the Arkansas Craft School Gala in Mountain View on Nov 5th 26 | eyeonmag.com

Photos by Freda Cruse Phillips

John and Teri Van Orman with Jeff Glover demonstrate Russina Folk Instruments and songs for the gala

Cheri McSwain tempts Pat Cash with a beautiful hand woven and dyed scarf

Liz Harris and Jane Shipman examPat “Aunt Minnie” Cash introduces Wright Pillow, Founder ine the many wonderful items in the silent auction of the Arkansas Craft School

Life in a Log Cabin Submitted

AIE Artist Melinda LaFevers, integrated her "Life in a Log Cabin" residency in Mrs. Jana Mead and Mr. Greg Clark's Social Studies classes in Southside Middle School during the last week of October. During the week the children participated in activities ranging from art, music, ballads, folk tales, songs, and dance creating an atmosphere of living in a different era.

LaFevers brought many items used in everyday life during the colonial days such as a rope bed, spinning wheel, and woodend dishes to name a few. She also worked with students in creating corn cob shooters, handmade cloth dolls and churned butter. LaFeverss believes providing hands on elements brings a more personal historical perspective to the study of American culture during that period of time.

This Artist in Residency was provided in part by the Southside School District, the Batesville Area Arts Council, and the Arkansas Arts Council, which is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

December 2010 | 27

Business Submitted

Roller-Crouch Funeral Homes Receives National Recognition for Innovative Service to Families, Outstanding Community Outreach On October 11, 2010, RollerCrouch Funeral Home was honored with the 2010 Pursuit of Excellence® Award by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) during its International Convention & Expo in New Orleans, La. Only 166 firms from around the world received this prestigious recognition, placing Roller-Crouch Funeral Home among an elite group of funeral service professionals. Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities.

To achieve the Pursuit of Excellence Award, NFDAmember funeral homes must evaluate components of their business against standards set forth by the Pursuit of Excellence program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of the funeral service profession. Participants are required to fulfill criteria in six categories of achievement that demonstrate

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Roller-Crouch Funeral Home commitment to: complying with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs.

"Roller-Crouch Funeral Home’s voluntary participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program reflects a clear determination to exceed the expectations of those they serve," said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper, CAE. "This prestigious recognition assures families of the high-quality, compassionate service they will receive

the moment they walk through the funeral home’s front door."

The staff of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home tries very much to take care of the families needs and strives to provide the utmost professional services to our families.

Roller-Crouch Funeral Home has been serving families in Independence County since 1891, that is a 119 years. Roller-Crouch Funeral Home is located at 510 E. College Ave., and offers all types of funeral services, from traditional burial to cremation services. This is the fifth time Roller-Crouch Funeral Home has received this award.

To learn more about NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence Award program, visit www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence.

NFDA is the world’s leading funeral service association, serving 18,500 individual members who represent more than 9,900 funeral homes in the United States and internationally.

From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Division office in Washington, D.C., NFDA informs, educates and advocates to help members enhance the quality of service they provide to families. For more information, visit www.nfda. org.N

Local Happenings Submitted

Lyon College recently said "thank you" to Dr. and Mrs. Frank Lyon, Jr., and their family at a "Lyonhearted Gala" held Friday October 22 in Becknell Center. The Lyon family was honored for its longtime support of the college over two generations.

The college, founded as Arkansas College in 1872, was renamed Lyon College in 1994 honor of Dr. Lyon’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Lyon, Sr. The Board of Trustees named Dr. Lyon chair emeritus and an honorary trustee. It is only the second time in the history of the college that anyone had been named chair emeritus. The first time was 20 years ago to the day when the honor was bestowed on Frank Lyon, Sr.

Dr. Frank and Jane Lyon

Mary Mosley and Cliff Tacket

Diane, Terrell, and Nell Tebbetts

John and Barbara Stevenson Photographs by Bruce Roberts

Rev. Brien Hall and Dr. Julea Garner

Carolyn Holloway and Linda Wann

Josh Manning and Anna Eudy

Karen Bailey Moloney and Lyon President Dr. Donald Weatherman

Dr. Tim and Susan Lindblom

Lyon Family Honored at Gala

Sam Cooke, Raye Rogers and Kate Cooke

Dr. Frank and Jane Lyon arrive at the Lyonhearted Gala December 2010 | 29

Ozark Foothills FoodFest Submitted

Ozark

Foothills

FilmFest

recenlty hosted its first annual Foothills FoodFest at Elizabeth’s Restaurant, 231 E. Main Street in historic downtown Batesville. Fifteen restaurants and other food-related businesses from five counties presented a signature dish or dishes. Participants included eleven Batesville establishments and four acclaimed participants from surrounding counties.

Several participating chefs were in attendance to discuss their food and their work. Guitar virtuoso David Grimes provided musical accompaniment for the event.

All proceeds benefit Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational corporation founded in 2001. The organization presents the annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest every spring, the T Tauri Youth Film Festival and Movie Camp every summer, and other educational programs throughout the year. Ozark Foothills FilmFest will celebrate its 10th anniversary March 23-27, 2011.

Chris and Tara Dickie Smokehouse Grill

Wes Obrigewitsch MorningSide Coffee House

Judy Pest and Anne Moore

Sean and Tamara Miller Tommy’s Famous

Jack and Anne Moore

Bob Pest and Chef Ira Mittelman

Anderson House Inn and Restaurant 30 | eyeonmag.com

Nancy Thomas, Mary Lee Thessen and Hannah Eisenberg

WRMC Business After Hours Photos and article submitted

In late October the Josephine Raye Rogers Center for Women and Imaging Conference Center was the scene of another Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event. Gary L. Bebow, Administrator/CEO of White River Medical Center welcomed everyone to the event and announced the addition of seven new physicians to the Medical Staff.

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The new physicians are (L - R below) Dr. Jennifer McLaughlin, Dermatology; Dr. Nathan McLaughlin; Internal Medicine/Hospitalist; Dr. François Rony Roche, Internal Medicine/ Hospitalist; Dr. Garrett Sanford, Cardiology; Dr. Jordan Weaver, Family Practice; Dr. David Yarnell, General Surgery; and Dr. Katherine Yarnell, Psychiatry.

Photo by Michael McGaha

Photo by Michael McGaha

December 2010 | 33

Organization Article by Julie M. Fidler Even though The American Legion Riders Post 114 in Batesville has only been in existence about half a year, the group of motorcycle enthusiasts is already making a difference in the community.

According to the organization’s secretary Carlene Morrison, the Riders was established in June. “The purpose of the American Legion Riders is to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with the aims and purposes of the American Legion,” she said. “We promote motorcycle safety programs and provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interests.

One of our goals is to use our association to promote and support programs of the American Legion through service to our community, state and nation.”

The Riders participated last month in “A Christmas Toy Convoy” to raise money for Toys for Tots, and they plan to escort the American Legion Post’s float in the Batesville Christmas parade Dec. 4.

“We have ridden escort in two funerals, promoted a Poker Run to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and hosted a yard sale to raise money for Toys for Tots,” said Morrison. “Not too bad for such a short period of time.”

The group is also donating money to the American Legion Post 114 Christmas Party to purchase toys for

The American Legion Riders Post 114 the children of local veterans.

The ALR is a family-oriented, non-profit organization, just as is its parent organization, the American Legion.

The ALR was founded in 1993 in Garden City, Michigan.

“It's not all work, though,” Morrison said. “Sometimes we get together for what we call ‘Fun Runs.’

Members and guests of the ALR get together to ride as a group for relaxation, enjoyment, camaraderie and the chance to see beautiful Arkansas scenery.”

By the middle of November this year, there were 26 active members at the Batesville post. The local ALR hopes to recruit more and more members to help in endeavors to provide assistance to various charities.

To become a member you must be active duty, reserve, retired, prior military or the descendent of one. You must also be a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary. Spouses and significant others are eligible to join with their primary member.

For more information, or to join the local Riders, contact the membership chairman at 870-668-0051 or Morrison at 870-613-4976. Both can provide information on becoming a member and how to obtain an application. You may also contact the American Legion

Photos submitted

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at 870-793-9720.

Morrison said, “We ride for Veterans and their families. We ride for POW/MIA's, our children and our flag. We ride for Freedom.

With us, it's more than just the ride, it's the destination. Contact the American Legion, and ride with us."N

December 2010 | 35

Young Archers Earn Worldwide Honors same way, with the same equipment, but in another country.”

“The kids also saw a lot of students with different types of physical disabilities and realized, they can still compete at this sport,” Parker said.

Fifth-grader Ronnie Jeffrey said, “There was a lot of practice” before the team was ready to go to the world competition.

“We had to come in a lot during the summer,” said team-mate Celsey Wood.

“I was excited,” Ronnie said. “I was really ready to go.”

Celsey said her first thought was “just the thought of flying. I haven’t flown since I was two, and I don’t even remember that.”

She said just seeing the huge arena at the competition was exciting. “There were a lot of different things to see,” said Celsey.

“There were a lot of shooters,” Ronnie said.

“And, a lot of places set up to buy stuff -- bow strings and arrows and stuff.”

Both students plan on continuing in

Continued from page 24

archery through high school graduation.

“I’m determined to at least get a 50,” said Celsey.

She explained that 50 points is a perfect score. Each shooter shoots five arrows in a two-minute period.

The very center of the target is worth 10 points, and from there, each ring is worth less until you get outside the target, which is worth no points at all.

Therefore, the most one shooter can get per round is a 50.

Ronnie smiled proudly, saying “I’ve shot it.”N

Photo Submitted

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December 2010 | 37

Are You Smiling?

Dr. Chunn, DDS One way to lose your teeth is to have teeth that do not fit together properly. The muscles in our face, our teeth, and our jaw joints are created to work in harmony and balance for proper chewing and swallowing. Occlusion is a term that describes how our upper and lower teeth fit together. An occlusion that is out of sync puts a strain on the teeth, the tempromandibular joints (TMJ), and the facial muscles. When this happens, some people begin to clench or grind their teeth together which begins a cycle of damage to the teeth, joints, and gums.

In the textbooks, a perfect occlusion does exist.

A specific area of one tooth is supposed to meet against another specific area on the opposing tooth. In reality most people do not have a perfect occlusion however they go through life without any significant problems. Those who do have problems may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms: • Sensitivity to temperatures • Worn or flat teeth • Broken teeth • Invisible fractures that cause shooting pain when biting • Cupped out or eroded teeth at the gum line • Shifting teeth • Tempromandibular joint symptoms that may include headaches,facial or joint pain, clicking or popping

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Why Bite Harmony Is So Important Things that may disturb your occlusal harmony: 1.

Injury to the jaw 2.

Shifting teeth due to gum disease 3.

Crooked or misaligned teeth 4.

Arthritis 5.

Poor fitting dental work 6.

Missing teeth There is no clear cut-and dried treatment plan for a bite that’s out of harmony. Not every dentist is experienced in treating tempromandibular disorder. Ask how much experience your dentist has in treating these problems. And not everyone needs to be treated for a bite disorder. There are many variables and factors that come into play. As with most things in life, the earlier you address these problems, the easier (and cheaper) they are to correct. Your individual situation should be carefully examined and discussed with your dentist before any treatment is started. Almost always, the dentist should choose the most conservative treatment first. A variety of treatments may be recommended that may include: • Simple bite adjustments (limited occlusal equilibration) • Complex bite adjustments (comprehensive occlusal equilibration) • A dental appliance (nightguard) • Splint therapy • Restorative work to correct more serious bite problems • Orthodontics • Surgery – a last resort for rare cases

Creative Writing

Poetry by UACCB Students

Poems written by students in Marla Bennett's Creative Writing course at UACCB. Students master four major poetic forms: haiku, sonnets, limericks, and free verse. The students also participated in a Poetry Slam at the Cinnamon Stick Coffee and Sandwich Shop as part of the October 2nd Friday Downtown celebration.

Congratulations to Marla Bennett for her outstanding work.

Limericks: "David" David loved to freestyle dance, But couldn't hold up his pants, With one fluid twirl, They dropped in a swirl, And he struck a shameful stance.

- Ashley Brumley

"The Cake" Rhodora decided to bake a very spectacular cake.

She threw a great fit When I tasted a bit And threw it right in my face -Ruanne Ellis

Sonnets: "Sonnet" by Tonya Zellar I find sonnets very difficult to write.

Its compilation harder than it seems.

Other non-poets understand my plight: Seven sets of rhymes haunt my dreams.

Three quatrains and a couplet to compose, A situation discussed, a scene set; Solutions to the dilemma purposed, The technical componenets must be met.

But, when all the components are present, The reader's imagination is stirred.

To my amazement, they are quite pleasant.

No longer complaints about sonnets heard.

Free Verse: "Wanderlust" by Halli Taylor At times I can only go so far.

At times I can't go far enough.

The wanderlust has captured me, And i must heed his call.

The search, the mystery, The unknown is mine to find, Mine to hold.

At times I can only go so far.

At times I can't go far enough.

Sonnets have a lot of technical parts, But sonnets are imbedded in our hearts.

December 2010  |  39

Noteworthy Events

Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Parade

This year’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be held at the municipal building located at 500 E. Main, on Saturday, December 4. Entertainment will begin at 5:15 p.m., followed by the annual Christmas parade at 6:00 p.m. This years theme is a Toyland Christmas. For more information, call the Chamber at 793-2378.

Cultural Events at Lyon College All events will be held on the Lyon College campus and all events are free and open to the public except as noted. An event’s calendar is updated throughout the year on the College’s Web site: www.lyon.edu.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony Wednesday, December 1, 5:00 p.m. This event is held on the steps of Brown Chapel. Lyon President, Dr. Donald Weatherman will light the Lyon College Christmas tree. A sing-along led by the Lyon College Concert Band, directed by Joel Plaag will follow.

the Poetry Writing Workshop will share their own poems created during the semester.

Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 5, 4:00 p.m. This event will be held at the Christian Science Society located at College and 18th streets. A Batesville tradition, this annual event features traditional Christmas music, interspersed with Scripture readings. The performers include organist Russell Stinson and the Lyon College Flute Choir, under the direction of Laura Stinson. The program will showcase the church’s neo-baroque Flentrop organ.

Student Recital Monday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. at Brown Chapel.

Lyon music students perform everything from Bach to Broadway, and Elgar to Evanescence.

Lyon College Concert Chorale: Christmas Concert

Friday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. at Brown Chapel.

Conducted by Joel Plaag, and joined by the BatesThursday, December 2, 7:30 p.m. There will be a ville Choral Society, this group presents a program Poetry Reading in the Bevens Music Room, adjacent of Christmas music, including Britten’s "Ceremony to Brown Chapel. Along with their instructor, Writer- of Carols" and congregational carols. in-Residence Andrea Hollander Budy, students in Contemporary Writers Series: Lyon College Poets

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EOI Book Review

“Arkansas: An Explorer’s Guide”

Bob Pest Jana Wood’s Arkansas: An Explorer’s Guide is the definitive guide to enjoying the Natural State. Wood, a native Arkansan and former communications director for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, is both knowledgeable and passionate; her love for the state and its people and places comes through on every page of this well-written, easy to use travel guide.

Wood is clearly the right person to undertake a comprehensive look at the state and its attractions. As she explains in the book’s introduction, "More than half of my career has been spent introducing folks from off (Arkansas-speak for nonArkansans) to the richness and diversity of my state’s landscape and culture." She also sets the tone for the book by referencing a 2008 Parks and Tourism study of our tourism industry, conducted

by Longwoods, a national tourism consulting company. "The results of that study were most surprising to Longwoods’ experts. Most significantly, the company said they had encountered something they had never seen before: a location burdened by a preconceived negative image that was completely dispelled following a visit to the location." To put a positive spin on this discovery, we not only have the opportunity to help visitors discover the natural beauty, rich history, and diverse cultures of our state, we can also send them home as ambassadors who will spread the word that Arkansas is much more than they expected.

The introduction also provides an overview of the state’s varied regions, stressing that "the geology of our state blessed each community with its own unique and rich natural resources and also created the natural barriers that isolated each of them from the rest

of the state." Wood points out that the state "didn’t come together to present a unified image of Arkansas to the rest of the world until the mid-70’s." So it’s not surprising that we are still playing catchup when it comes to our image and how we are perceived by the rest of the world.

Following the introduction, "What’s Where in Arkansas" offers an alphabetically-arranged list that highlights "the basics, special features, and helpful tips to know when travelling the Natural State."

Wood’s fifteen-page chapter covers a lot of ground, everything from antiques to wineries, Bill Clinton to Mark Martin, National Forests to pie. For visitors who want to get started before they read the entire book, "What’s Where in Arkansas" is perfect.

The core of the book is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 covers the history of our state parks system and highlights the major features that make each of the 52 parks unique. Wood offers an in-depth look at the Ozark Folk Center, "the only park in the country dedicated to the preservation and explanation of the Ozark Mountain way of life." She explains that the parks are about much more than camping and fishing by discussing the many "interpretive" programs offered at most parks, ranging from quilting to Dutch oven cooking. The chapter concludes with a section on arkansasstateparks.com, an extremely useful website where visitors can download maps; book cabins, campsites, or rooms at state park lodges; and browse the "Things To Do" section.

Chapters 2 through 7 showcase the state’s seven geographical/geological regions: The Mississippi Alluvial Plain (Arkansas Delta), Crowley’s Ridge, The West Gulf Coastal Plain, The Ouachita

Mountains, The Arkansas River Valley, and the Ozark Mountains.

Each chapter includes a detailed map; the history of the region; a list of area resources, such as chambers of commerce and tourist associations, sure to be useful to visitors; descriptions of towns and villages; and a list of museums and other sites well worth visiting.

Wood also covers the many festivals and annual events that help to characterize each region, from Helena’s King Biscuit Blues Festival to Batesville’s T Tauri Film Festival and Movie Camp. ("T Tauri" is the astronomer’s term for a new star.) Her descriptions are succinct and informative. For example: "[T Tauri] is a really cool event featuring movies made by filmmakers under the age of 18 from around the nation. The juried event features judges of the same age. Organizers offer a number of filmmaking workshops ranging from two days to five days in duration. Workshop topics include documentary filmmaking, narrative filmmaking, and animation."

One of the most useful features of the book is the detailed and well-informed discussion of restaurants, diners, and other eateries. Wood has wisely created two separate sections for Eating Out and Dining Out, "with the former devoted to casual dining and the December 2010 | 41

EOI Book Review

latter reserved for a more gourmand experience." She identifies those establishments that serve alcoholic beverages, extremely helpful information in a state dominated by "dry" counties, and provides information about prices at each restaurant.

Although the book focuses heavily on the major destinations-Little Rock, Hot Springs, Eureka Springs, and the Buffalo National River--it pays considerable attention to smaller but no less interesting communities like Hardy, Pocahontas, Heber Springs, and Helena. There is much more in this book than this review can cover.

Wood offers valuable shopping tips for each region and provides tips for exploring by car, by river, or on foot. She provides valuable insights on family entertainment, green spaces, and wild places.

Wood is also an accomplished photographer and provides dozens of original photographs, along with photos from state agency and archival sources.

Wood has not included franchise and chain food and lodging operations in the book, preferring "to take you along the back roads, not the highways, and show you the people and places that make our state unique." She has succeeded admirably. As she puts it, "Think of this guide as a backseat passenger on your adventure on your adventure on your adventure, here to provide directions and guidance, and fill you in on the legend and lore along the way." I couldn’t say it better.

Arkansas: An Explorer’s Guide is published by The Countryman Press and is available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and www.amazon.com.N

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Elizabeth’s Restaurant

December 2010 | 43

Notes from the Clearing Joseph Thomas

Awwwe, The Lights....

The String of Christmas Lights that ride the sky and loop the trees and buildings high.

They blink, tweet, twitter and shine and the reverie projects old movies on my mind.

And the people there look familiar and relative to this warm glow of inner….

Inner what? Strength, peace, or even innocence. That is perfectly in time with what I sense.

Like water in your ear puts you in a place or the smell of Mom’s kitchen stretches your face with a smile more secure than any spoken promise; like the long lost laugh of Grandma Thomas.

The Blue and every other hue that brings this night alive, like a busy, happy, contagious bee hive all over Riverside Park, the streets of Main, and the House of Court.

And the cold bite is a shoulder punch from a friend with a raucous retort that bellows laughter from the child inside that’s been long asleep and you realize that you are far from done and try not to weep This world is perfectly flawed and you are exactly where you were meant to be…

And with a deep inhale of the visible air, you open your eyes and what is there to see?

The glorious lights of Christmas that fill our city like an early present appears and not to worry, we’ll clean up the torn strips of wrapping paper later.

For now just let me hold you and cherish this perfect moment And breathe you into myself, so temporarily permanent.

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Support Our Advertisers First Community Bank----------------------2 White River Dental Center------------------3 The Neighborhood Cleaners----------------4 Western Trails-------------------------------5 The Medicine Shoppe-----------------------6 Scott Wood----------------------------------8 Thompson’s Jewelry-------------------------8 The Uniform Shop---------------------------9 Independence County ----------------------15 Recycling Center- ---------------------------15 Natalie’s Cafe, Casseroles, and Catering----15 Newport Eye Care---------------------------15 Studio Salon---------------------------------17 Farmers Insurance / Janet Smart-----------17 Etta’s Attic-----------------------------------18 Robert O. Seat-------------------------------19 Deni’s Inspirations---------------------------22 Liberty Bank---------------------------------23 Glen Marc Furniture-------------------------25 Teacher 2 Teacher---------------------------25 A Formal Affair------------------------------31 City Council Broadcast- ---------------------32 Autry’s---------------------------------------33 Lakeside-------------------------------------35 Coldwell Banker Choice Realty--------------35 Kent’s Firestone-----------------------------36 B & R Marine & Cycle------------------------37 Skinner’s Jewelry----------------------------39 First Southern Bank-------------------------40 Woodlawn, Inc------------------------------42 Elizabeth’s Restaurant-----------------------42 Stanley Wood-------------------------------43 Dairy Queen---------------------------------43 Fine Line Body Art---------------------------43 Charlie’s Mens Wear & Charlie’s Angels-----44 Carlee’s hallmark----------------------------45 Ozark Foothills FilmFest---------------------45 Heuer’s Family Shoes------------------------45 Mark Martin KIA-----------------------------46 The Flower Shoppe--------------------------47 Rich Realty----------------------------------47 Citizens Bank--------------------------------49 Suddenlink----------------------------------51 M & J Wholesale-----------------------------51 Frank Kallsnick, Inc.-------------------------51 Meacham Packing Co.-----------------------52 R. M. Weaver Real Estate--------------------52 Just Chillin’ Frozen Yougurt- ----------------52 Select Shots Elevated Photography---------53 Ivory Owl------------------------------------53 The Daisy Chain-----------------------------54 The Home Place-----------------------------54

December 2010 | 45

Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees Tarantulas Are Our Friends

Autumn Hunter The week of the autumnal equinox I saw three tarantulas in close proximity to my house at dusk. The first time I was a quarter of a mile from home when I saw something scurry on the side of the road. Like a good science pupil I went to investigate. When I saw that it was a tarantula I watched until it stopped, camouflaged in a pile of leaves. I marked the spot with a branch on the road, ran back home to grab the camera, and drove back to the spot to document my finding. Of course, I could not find it upon my return. I would not have to wait long for that photo, however. Two days later I walked into my bathroom and there was a tarantula just hanging out in the center of a blanket I have hung over a drafty doorway. I knew this was the subject of my next article.

This time the camera was nearby and I got pictures before and after I caught it. After I took the photos I carried it out to a grassy area behind the house and let it go.

My nieces came to stay overnight that weekend and I was happy that we saw another, half a mile from home. After three sightings in one

week, I had so many questions that I began research to find out why I would see so many at this time of the year and time of the day.

Tarantulas are the largest kinds of spiders. There are more than eight hundred species of tarantula in the world. There are around forty species in USA, most residing in the southwest. Only the Texas Brown Tarantula is thought to live in Arkansas. Some may refer to this species as the Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula. Tarantulas in Arkansas are isolated in open, preferably dry, habitats surrounded by forests. These spiders have long life spans. The males live eight to ten

burrows. Tarantulas in Arkansas are not active hunters who stalk their prey. Instead they spin a web at the entrance to their burrows.

Vibrations on the web alert the spider that prey is close. They do not use this web to catch their prey like other spiders. Some insects these spiders eat are beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ants, centipedes, wasps, and other spiders.

Fall is mating season for tarantulas. Mature males leave their burrows from August to October and may roam up to a mile and a half in search of females. Instead of using their very poor eyesight, males use chemical receptors to “taste and smell,” which aides in finding the burrows of receptive females. Males tap the silk web at the entrance to the female’s burrow and then retreats to a safe distance so he is not mistaken for food.

Once she realizes he in not prey he proceeds toward her with a courting display. After mating the males leave quickly so he does not become a meal for the female. Females plug up the holes to their burrows with dirt and silk to hibernate until years and females can live up to spring. They construct egg sacks in twenty-five years. The majority of summer and up to eight hundred, their life is spent in underground white, half dollar size spiderlings Continued on page 50

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December 2010 | 47

EOI Movie Review Reviewed by Tanner Smith Smith’s Verdict: **** Ree Dolly is an unflinching, tough, Southern 17-year-old girl who does not take "no" for an answer and believes that anything not offered shouldn’t be asked for. She acts as a parent to her two younger siblings, while her real mother is mentally absent and her father, a meth cooker, is out on bail.

She cares for them all (except her father, of course) with welfare and help from a friendly neighbor— they all live in the backlands of the Ozarks, near the Arkansas border . She is also the most engaging movie heroine in a long time. In Debra Granik’s film, "Winter’s Bone," she is forced to carry a task to save her family’s property. She is an ordinary person who must rise to an occasion.

The conflict: Ree’s father, who was arrested for cooking meth, is missing. He put everything on his bond, including the family house. Ree is visited by the sheriff, who tells her that if her dad doesn’t show up at court, she and her family lose the house. She looks into the woods in thought when the sheriff asks, "You got someplace to go?" She says, "I’ll find him." The sheriff doesn’t believe her—"Girl, I been lookin’." She looks back at him and sternly repeats, "I said I’ll find him." And just like that, she sets out to question many family members for clues or answers as to where her father is.

The whole family, except for Ree who would never want her siblings to fall into the habit as well, cooks methamphetamine and keeps to themselves. They give wary looks to outsiders (like the sheriff and the bond trader) who visit Ree and constantly remind her that the house will no longer be their property.

Ree’s uncle Teardrop doesn’t know where his brother (Ree’s father) is and advises Ree not to go looking for him either. But she does, and this leads to brutal confrontations—one of which brings a league of mountain women to beat her hard. (When she comes to, she asks if they’ll kill her. One of them says they were thinking about it.) It seems like this search will jeopardize her life, but she will never stop looking for her father, dead or alive.

"Winter’s Bone" was filmed on location in one of the bleakest of living environments. The rural area looks like it used to be a town but is now caught in a Depression-type state. There are houses, but there are also shacks, sheds, and piles of junk almost all around. With a few modern conveniences, the locals live here in relaxation. But from another perspective, it’s depressing rather than relaxing. I loved how director Debra Granik framed every shot to make us see something new about this place. Ree has lived 48 | eyeonmag.com

“Winter’s Bone” here her whole life and is becoming a strong, independent woman.

Her younger siblings are as cheerful as they can be without knowing what misfortune they have.

This may not be true, but maybe the reason that the mother is mentally absent is because of the depression of her surroundings—maybe she realized the dif- ficulty of her situations in parenting and couldn’t take it anymore. Maybe. But anyway, the rest of the people in this rural area are suspicious, violent, and cold-hearted.

Ree Dolly is played by Jennifer Lawrence in an excellent, star-making performance. There is no wrong note in this performance. This is her chance to show what she can do in a starring role (she was also in supporting roles in "The Burning Plain" and "The Poker House") and she has a convincing, forceful personality that really brings this character to life. This is a performance that I hope Oscar voters will remember in a few months. Also very effective is John Hawkes, as fearsome Uncle Teardrop, and Dale Dickey as one of the mountain women who assault Ree midway through the film. There are other effective performances from amateur actors who make their first appearances in this film and it’s amazing to see how natural they are—there is no cliché dealing with their characters.

"Winter’s Bone" has suspense, a compelling main character, intriguing supporting characters, a murky look to the Ozarks, and a story worth telling. To me, this is one of the best movies of 2010 and I certainly hope this film is remembered at Oscar season, most notably for Jennifer Lawrence’s flawless portrayal of an ordinary person rising to the occasion.

NOTE: "Winter’s Bone" won the Grand Jury Prizes at Sundance for "Best Picture" and "Best Adapted Screenplay." It also won the Golden Rock Award at the Little Rock Film Festival. (I won an award there too—a screenwriting award). I was fortunate enough to meet Shelley Waggener, the actress who played Sonya, the friendly neighbor who helps Ree and her family.N

Citizens Bank is first in Mortgage Loans.

We’re the Independence County leader when it comes to mortgage loans.

In fact, we’ve closed over a third more in dollar volume than the closest local bank so far in 2010.* It’s a reflection of our long-standing strength and investment in our community, and your continuing trust in Citizens to be your first choice when it comes to banking.

*Includes all residential and commercial mortgages filed in Independence County from 1/2010 to 10/2010 by banks headquartered in Independence County.

www.thecitizensbank.net 870-793-4441 FAX 870-698-4713 265 South Third St. PO Box 2156 Batesville, AR 72503-2156

December 2010 | 49

Tarantulas Are Our Friends emerge a couple months later.

Typically male tarantulas die not long after mating due to starvation because they have traveled far from their burrows and also fall prey to predators or to the colder temperatures of fall. In addition to chemoreceptors, tarantulas have hairs on their bodies. Nerves run along each hair and aid tarantulas in determining temperatures and touch by vibrations, air currents, and gravity.

Females keep the same burrow for a lifetime. The offspring do not travel far from the mother’s burrow but live in the same vicinity by finding or creating their own burrows. Because these animals are not far ranging, take many years to mature, and need specific habitats, they are at greater risk for localized extinction (extirpation) from environmental changes and habitat destruction. Tarantulas are also threatened in the wild due to large numbers of adults collected for pet trade.

All spiders are carnivores. You could compare spiders, more specifically tarantulas, to the wolf of the mammal world. They are the top predators of the insect kingdom. Predators are often misunderstood, unrealistically feared, and more often killed by humans who would rather eliminate first and ask questions later. It was almost too late by the time we figured out that the wolf was an essential part of the ecosystem and banished into the depths of Yellowstone. Tarantulas are necessary to keep other insects from over populating, the same as wolves would keep deer populations at healthy levels.

A professor of physiology and biophysics at the University of Buffalo is working on ground breaking research that may save many lives. He and his team have found a protein in tarantula venom that has potential for assisting in many health problems. His research is focusing on therapy for muscular dystrophy. Dr. Frederick Sachs 50 | eyeonmag.com

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and his team are running clinical trials and working toward obtaining FDA approval for human use.

These tests have also shown that this protein maybe useful in preventing or helping to control heart arrhythmia and inhibit pain receptors. It might also be useful in therapy for sickle cell anemia and arthritis.

William J. Baerg, a professor for the University of Arkansas in the early 1900s, did extensive research trying to understand the life cycle, behavior, and biology of tarantulas. He used himself in experimental trials to test the effects of venom on humans by inducing various Arachnids--including scorpions, spider, and ticks--to bite him and then published scientific papers on his findings.

It is well known that fear of spiders,” arachnophobia,” is a common phobia among people.

Actually, only a slight percentage of spiders can penetrate human skin. The majority of species are not poisonous and rarely are spider bites deadly. Tarantulas in the U.S. have only mild venom. A bite from one of these spiders is reportedly

“no more painful than a bee sting.”

This seems accurate since their venom is less toxic than that of a honeybee. Whether you like it or not, we live in close proximity to all kinds of spiders in our homes, in our vehicles, in our yards, and in our work place everyday. They are all around us working to keep cockroaches, house flies, aphids, and other plant-destroying insects at manageable levels. These spiders are a necessary and crucial element of our planet. Their population keeps our planet healthy by keeping ecological balance. Maybe next time you encounter a spider you might consider simply ignoring its presence or at least practice catch and release.N

Security DEFEND YOUR CASTLE.

Visit your local Suddenlink store or call 1-800-890-5220 www.suddenlink.com

Security

Home Security

CONNECTED. PROTECTED. Home Security

Home Security

“Tis The Season, for Family and Loved Ones, and the Time to Share in the Wonder of Life.”

December 2010 | 51

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@eyeonmag

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December 2010 | 55

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