GIFT GUIDEDECEMBER 2014VLR

Magazine

BETSY MCGUIRE AND CHRISTIE GRAHAM BRING WINTER WONDERLAND DOWNTOWN | PAGE 7

Lighting up Downtown

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RVL Magazine 3

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Happy Holidays! It’s time to enjoy the busiest time of the year! The staff of RVL magazine has been busy gathering ideas for great gifts, family-fun events, new holiday projects and recipes to plan for the busy month ahead. As always, the win-ter issue of RVL Magazine is dedicated to our River Valley Gift Guide, where we do our best to present a broad range of local gift ideas offered by our area merchants. You will also find other features offering holiday cheer.

In our cover story, Russellville Advertising and Promotions Director Christie Graham talks about passing the torch to Betsy McGuire of Main Street Russellville for the Winter Wonderland Christmas lights display. The lights display will also see a new location this year — historic downtown Russellville.

Inside, see how Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is getting into the spirit by hosting the Be a Santa to a Senior Tree. Also, find out how Pottsville Elementary School students celebrate be-fore Christmas break with performances and charitable activities.

This issue highlights professional women in the area from newly-elected State Auditor Andrea Lea to local businesswomen Helen Price and Toni Laws. See how serving in the River Valley prepared Lea to enter state politics and read about the journey Price and Laws took to become successful.

Also in this issue you will find great new recipes and projects presented by our creative team: Meagan Wilson, advertising

representative, Katelynn McAlister, graphics department and Judy Manning, advertising representative. All have worked hard to bring new and inspiring ideas to your holiday dining table for parties or family gatherings. Expect to start a new tradition or two after seeing these great new ideas.

As always, we invite you to enter to win our annual holiday shopping spree. See page 45 for a complete list of participating merchants. Be sure to register at each and every one this holiday season, and remember that every dollar spent locally goes to sup-port our neighbors, family and friends.

Also, don’t forget that if you have an upcoming event (e.g. class reunion, business gatherings, fundraisers, etc.) we would love for you to send us your photos for publication consideration. Email michelle@couriernews.com

Finally, thank you to our readers and advertisers, for supporting this publication. Best wishes to you, and to your family, for a safe and happy holiday season.

Michelle HarrisAdvertising Director

behind the lines

RVL Magazine 5

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what ’s insideMcGuire inherits Christmas light display . . . 7Winter Wonderland display sees new organizer, location

Helen Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Business owner, local leader and grandmother is a valuable asset to the River Valley

A Conversation Piece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12The store that really gets people talking about local artists

Black Friday shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Heather Sprinkle tells you how to shop, not drop

Top holiday gift items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18From fancy to fandom, check out these gift ideas

Dazzling light display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22It’s lights, music, action at Sportscene

Be A Santa to a Senior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Christmas is for people of all ages

Toni Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Laws brings her love of learning to the world of finance

Andrea Lea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Local service leads Lea to state politics

Pottsville holiday cheer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Students donate, perform to get in the spirit

Holiday style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38‘Bronding’ over the perfect color

DIY cocoa snowman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44A snowman to melt in your mouth

Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Sweet treats for the season

Mistletoe Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52All your shopping in one location

Opus Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Gala benefits the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

Publisher/EditorDavid Meadows

CirculationMike Geiss

Ad DesignKatelynn McAlister

Advertising DirectorMichelle Harris

Account ExecutivesJim Kelley

Lauren LampkinJudy Manning

Meagan Wilson

Photography Joshua Mashon

ProductionDavid Weaver

Published quarterly byThe Courier, Russellville, Ark.

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Annual Year End Red Tag SaleLayaway Now for Christmas

RVL Magazine 7

By Jeanette andeRton and tanneR ott

Russellville Advertising and Promotions (A&P) Commis-sion Director Christie Gra-ham is passing the torch, or strands of lights in this case, to Main Street Russellville Director Betsy McGuire for this year’s Winter Wonder-land Christmas light display.

Instead of its usual location in Pleasant View Park, the display will be moved to downtown Russellville beginning this year.

“Hopefully, it will bring a sense of unity to downtown,” Graham said of the move.

The A&P Commission first approved supporting the lights display in 2010.

“The commission was looking to put money into something for the community with longevity,” Graham said. “We didn’t really have anything at the time in De-cember and January that would draw people in.”

Graham said McGuire is in-heriting a larger display than the A&P Commission started with.

McGuire inherits

Christmas light display

from Graham

“It has grown,” she said. “Each year, we’ve bought additional pieces.”

Graham said some of the benefits of moving the display to historical downtown Russellville include offer-ing the display to the community for free, staying open every night instead of just weekends and staying open later each night.

McGuire said the display will see another major change as well — being able to walk or drive through the dis-play. In past years, spectators could only drive through the display.

“We want people to stroll through downtown and see the lights,” she said. “It changes the whole atmosphere of a holiday light display.”

The Winter Wonderland Christmas lights display will be open each night at dark from Nov. 29 to Jan. 6.

McGuire said Main Street Russellville was happy to give back to the community through this light display.

“This is a really big endeavor,” she said. “We want the community as a whole to be proud of it. We are doing our part to improve the quality of life we all want in our community.” •

8 RVL Magazine

By LauRa Bean

It was the fall of 1951 when Helen first laid eyes on Jack.

She was sitting in a freshman English class at Baylor University when the boy from Russellville caught her attention.

He said he was from Arkansas, Helen recalled, not too far from Petit Jean.

Helen had visited Petit Jean two summers before. When she re-turned to her home in Waco, Texas, she told her mom she was going to live there one day.

“It’s the prettiest place, and I wanted to live there,” Helen said. “And my mom asked, ‘Where people leave their appliances on

the right PriceBusiness owner, local leader and grandmother is a valuable asset

to the River Valley

RVL Magazine 9

their front porch?’”And it was true, Helen said.

She had noticed many appli-ances on the front porch of worn houses on a trip to rural Arkansas, but she didn’t care. And Jack was her way back to God’s country.

The two began a courtship, and one year from now, they will be celebrating 60 years of marriage.

“Jack is a very patient man,” Helen said. “When you’ve been married that long, you really do become one.”

The two graduated from Baylor and pursued Jack’s ambition of becoming a pilot for the Air Force. But after 21⁄2 years in Wyoming, Ten-nessee and Florida, Jack was discharged from pilot training because of poor depth percep-tion. So they moved home to

“Jack is a very patient man. When you’ve been married that long, you real ly do become one.”

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Russellville to work with Jack’s dad at his general store.

The store’s name was changed to Bill Price and Son to reflect Jack’s newest position, and the couple worked at the building on South Commerce Avenue

until Jack wanted to branch out.

“Jack wanted to expand the feed division,” Helen said, “so we did that in 1964.”

It’s been 50 years, one name change and one new building since then, but

Price’s Town and Country Store remains nearly the same. The couple still owns and manages the store, with Helen acting as a “mother hen,” she said.

“I come in at least 3 days a week, and sometimes I just come in to have lunch with Jack,” Helen said. “But Jack is here every day at 6 in the morning.”

Though Helen and Jack still tend to the store, their kids are starting to take more ownership. Their son Jay and daughter Andrea keep the operation alive, along with Andrea’s husband, John Looper.

Helen’s passion for horses has added more equestrian supplies to the store, but her favorite items up for sale are Corinthian Bells.

“They have such a beautiful tone, almost like an organ,” Helen said.

Helen has acted as the vital organ in the Price family since giving birth to four children. In line after Jay was Randy, followed by daughters Lisa Roys, who is the associate director of the Arkansas Tech University Wesley Foundation, and

“I served two or three terms, and then I was the city clerk for 11.5 years. I thoroughly en-joyed having a little part in how Russel lvil le developed.”

RVL Magazine 11

Andrea. Though Helen admitted it was

tough losing her son Randy, his 43 years of life were well served.

“I always said God needed him in Heaven,” Helen said. “And that’s OK,

because I plan on seeing him again.”Six grandchildren -- Chelsey, Mary,

Grace, Will, John and Nicole --are also a blessing in her life, Helen said.

Though Helen committed herself to her children and the store, she also

had time to be involved in the com-munity.

She served on the Russellville Plan-ning Commission until a position was open on the Russellville City Council.

“I served two or three terms, and then I was the city clerk for 111⁄2 years,” Helen said. “I thoroughly enjoyed having a little part in how Russellville developed.”

Helen has also attended First Bap-tist Church for more than 50 years and said she enjoys a weekly Bible study. Helen is a member of PEO International, a philanthropic sister-hood, and has played bridge for years with her friends.

Though Helen said she has been blessed throughout her 81 years of life, it would have been worthless without her husband.

“Through the happy times and hard times,” Helen said, “it’s great to have someone in the harness with you.” •

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12 RVL Magazine

By LauRa Bean

A conversation piece — an object that evokes conversation based on its uniqueness, interest and authenticity.

A Russellville business bearing the same name is new to the downtown area, but its concept is not new to Arkansas River Valley artists.

Handmade pottery, crocheted headbands, wooden hutches, beaded jewelry, landscape photography...all are handcrafted and all are for sale by owner at A Conversation Piece.

“This is just to give them a place to sell,” owner Buster Smith said. “They pick their price, and we just add a commission.”

Located at 312 W. 2nd St., A Conversation Piece opened in September and features work made exclusively in Arkansas.

“This is 99 percent from the River Valley area,” Smith said. “There is nothing from outside the state.”

Smith, who also features his own pottery at the shop, said he knew the need for such an outlet was great.

“I knew there’d be other people like me that needed a place to sell,”

opens in downtown Russel lvil leA Conversation Piece

RVL Magazine 13

opens in downtown Russel lvil leA Conversation Piece

Smith said. “The number of the artists in this area is really pretty cool.”

Smith said he also credits the River Valley Art Center’s Winston Taylor for not only fostering his hobby of creating pottery but also directing him to open such a store.

“We are fortunate to have that type of artist in the area,” Smith said. “He is a living treasure.”

Nearly 30 local artists display their work at the downtown shop, manager Mary Ann Knight said.

“Prices range from $3 to more than $1,500,” Knight said. “The only requirement is that is has to be handcrafted by the artist.”

Not only is the shop an outlet for artists, it allows prospective buyers to purchase a custom-made piece.

“You can’t go to an outlet store and buy this,” Knight said. “People feel special when they get a handcrafted item.”

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Just as the art on A Conversation Piece, The Extended Conversation allows Freeman to display his work for sale.

“Each month we are planning to have a different show and style,” Freeman said.

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RVL Magazine 15

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RVL Magazine 17

Forays into Black Friday shopping

By HeatHeR SpRinkLe

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! That’s been the message at many area retailers for months and

now that Halloween has come and gone, every retailer has jumped aboard the Thanksgiving and Christmas bandwagon.

Commercials have already begun airing proclaiming Black Friday prices and my inbox is full of messages promoting sale after sale.

Black Friday shopping is serious business. In the last few years it has actually become more of a Grey Thursday for some retailers who choose to start sales late Thursday night.

I’m definitely in the minor leagues when it comes to Black Friday shopping.

I remember my first Black Friday experience. I conned my mother into getting up at the crack of dawn to go with me to Little Rock because my kids needed a swing set that was marked crazy down. Our Black Friday adventure was an epic fail! I had no idea that many of the large ticket items were supplied in low quantity and the early line standers would get “tickets” to purchase the items.

That was my only foray into the hectic shopping day held annu-ally after Thanksgiving for many years. Then several years ago I was invited to tag along with a family on their Black Friday adventure. And I learned several lessons that have helped me participate in the Superbowl of shopping that not only alleviated the stress of the event, but helped make it an annual girls’ night out tradition I eagerly look forward to all year.

First, have a plan. Find the store with the best deal for whatever item your heart most desires and have a starting quarterback, a backup quarterback and a running back. That first year the family wanted a new television and a coffeemaker. So father and daughter made their way to the electronic section and now at almost 18, the daughter still loves telling the story of how she leapt to defend, I mean grab, the last television. While the two quarterbacks were vying for the TV, the mother made her way to the coffee maker and all was well that ended with both items purchased.

Next, dress in layers and bring a comfy blanket. Line squatters need to stay warm and comfy to stay positive, focused and alert to line breakers. When possible have a tag-team approach or at the very least a system that allows some to stay in line and some to bring warm caf-feinated beverages to the crazy, I mean brave, souls waiting in line.

The most important lesson I learned… don’t take yourself or the event too seriously. My annual Grey Thursday or Black Friday revolves around the best boot sale in town and hoping year after year I’m the lucky line squatter who wins the $1,000 gift card.

Last year we split boys and girls up in our first ever couples night out Black Friday event. The men folk took care of waiting in line for electronics, kitchen items, toys and even discounted tights at one retailer, while we waited in line for our precious boots.

We didn’t win the big prize, but we did get extra discount cards because the men folk shopped quickly and joined us in our effort to purchase boots. They even brought hot, caffeinated beverages!

No Black Friday would be complete without the celebratory carb-loaded meal shared with friends at your favorite all-night eatery.

The couple that survives Black Friday together, stays together. •

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18 RVL Magazine

THE GIFT THAT GIVES BACKBuy “A Bag Named Give,” which provides toys for those in need, available at Millyn’s.

HUNT OUT THE PERFECT PRESENTWilkins Brothers Outdoors has the Gerber hunting knives for your hunter’s needs.

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‘Tis theSeasonTop holiday items

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RVL Magazine 19

‘TIS THE (FOOTBALL) SEASONRazorback ornaments available at Flowers Etc.

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RVL Magazine 21

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22 RVL Magazine

dazzlinglightdisplay

By LauRa Bean

It was a video of a synchronized light display that inspired Stephen Adams, son of the Sportscene owners Bobby and Kim Adams, to construct his

own holiday light display. Ten years later, more than 25,000 lights illuminate the

store-front window in hope of bringing area residents a bit more Christmas cheer.

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RVL Magazine 23

“In 2003, we saw a video of a house’s lights synchronized to music, and I wanted to do it,” Stephen said. “My mom, Kim, had the great idea of doing it here at the store.”

Bobby and Kim said they wanted to light up the downtown area.“We were just wanting to do something for the community,”

Kim said. “We just have a great venue with our store front.”The radiant glow of lights are synchronized with about 20 of the

most popular Christmas songs.Three Christmas trees and a Russellville Cyclone in the center

“In 2003, we saw a video of a house’s lights synchronized to music, and I wanted to do it. My mom, Kim, had the great idea of doing it

here at the store.”

Continued on Page 43

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24 RVL Magazine

Monday, dec. 1Visual art association student art sale, 9 a.m., Norman Art Gallery on the campus of Arkansas Tech University, (479) 968-0389.

Thursday, dec. 4community christmas tree lighting, 6 p.m., Russellville, (479) 967-1437.

2014 russellVille christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m., begins at 10th and South Arkansas and ends at West Main and El Paso, (479) 968-1272.

Friday, dec. 5downtown art walk, 6-9 p.m., downtown Russellville, (479) 967-1437.

saTurday, dec. 6winter at the lake “a celebration of our winter wildlife,” 9 a.m., Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, (479) 967-5516.

Friday, dec. 12siP and shoP, 6-9 p.m., downtown Russellville, (479) 967-1437.

Friday, dec. 19men’s night out, 6-9 p.m., downtown Russellville, (479) 967-1437.

arkansas tech graduate college graduation, Tucker Coliseum on the campus of Arkansas Tech University, (479) 968-0389.

saTurday, dec. 20arkansas tech graduation, Tucker Coliseum on the campus of Arkansas Tech University, (479) 968-0389.

Wednesday, dec. 31arkansas dePartment of health of hosPice new years eVe gala, 7 p.m., Russellville Country Club, 186 Country Club Plaza, (479) 968-4177 ext. 128.

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26 RVL Magazine

Santa seniorbe a

to aBy CouRieR Staff

C hristmas is a time for children of all ages, but while little ones are most likely to have presents under the tree, homebound elders or seniors

who live alone may be overlooked. Saint Mary’s Re-gional Medical Center and Home Instead Senior Care are bringing Be A Santa To A Senior to the River Valley for the sixth year.

The program provides presents to older adults who otherwise might not be remembered during this fes-tive time. With your help, more than 300 older adults throughout the River Valley will get a gift of love to unwrap this year.

This holiday season, the local Be A Santa To A Se-nior tree will once again be located in the Outpatient Services Department of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

The tree is decorated with paper gift tags featuring the seniors’ names and gift requests.

You simply choose a paper gift tag from the tree, purchase the requested items and return them to the hospital for wrapping and distribution.

“This year we are especially proud to be partnering the Russellville Jr. Auxiliary to display a Be A Santa To A Senior tree at the Boys and Girls Club during Mistle-toe Market,” said Brenda Harrison, Director of Com-munity Relations at Saint Mary’s. “This will give shoppers an opportunity to more easily fulfill a senior’s Christmas wish.”

Patty Freeman, Outpatient Office Co-ordinator at Saint Mary’s, helps with the distribution of gift tags and gathering of the gifts for these special seniors.

“Their gift requests are so precious,” she said. “They often ask for such simple things — puzzle books, PJs, lotion, socks, stuffed animals, a doll and sometimes even a coke and a Snickers bar.”

Santas can purchase items listed on the

RVL Magazine 27

gift tags and return them unwrapped to the reception desk at Saint Mary’s Outpatient Services by Friday, Dec. 12.

After the collection of gift donations, Home Instead Senior Care works with the Pope County Senior Center and commu-nity volunteers to wrap and distribute the gifts.

If you or your organization would like to be a Santa To A Senior, here are a few ways you can help:

• Pick up an ornament or two at Saint Mary’s Outpatient Ser-vices entrance facing ‘C’ Street next to the Emergency Room.

• Recommend lonely or financially challenged seniors who could benefit from the program.

• Organize a gift drive within your organization where you and fellow employees adopt a group of seniors and collect gifts.

• Area school children can write Christmas letters and do artwork on white paper bags.

• Send a monetary donation to cover the cost of wrapping supplies or requests for gifts not yet purchased.

• Volunteer to help wrap or deliver gifts.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 9 percent of U.S. se-

niors live in poverty and 27 percent are widowed. “Most people aren’t aware that there are literally hundreds of

seniors in our community who are alone and have no family,” said Flora Owens, RN, Saint Mary’s House Supervisor. “This holiday season finds many older adults struggling to make ends

Continued on Page 43

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28 RVL Magazine

RVL Magazine 29

30 RVL Magazine

Laws puts community firstBy tanneR ott

Fr Toni Laws, serving as an Executive Vice President at First

State Bank in Russellville is not enough. Outside of her daily duties, Laws has found time to serve her community in a number of ways.

Laws’ work ethic began long before she took a posi-tion in finance. Growing up in Hot Springs, Laws spent many summers enjoying Magic Springs; her enjoy-ment evolved into her first job at a funnel cake shop where Laws said her work was interesting and fun.

Upon graduating from high school, Laws attended

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RVL Magazine 31

Laws puts community first the University of Arkansas, where she met her husband, Allen. The couple married in 1984 and moved to the River Valley in 1986, where Laws landed her first banking job as a teller.

Laws held jobs at a number of banks in Russellville including positions as a customer service representative and new accounts before being contacted by Charles Blanchard of First State Bank.

Laws jumped on board in 1998, and hasn’t looked back.

“It was a lot of fun getting back to what I did at a community bank,” Laws said. “I have been able to do work building a brand, and we have built this location (East Main Street) and purchased our West Main location since I’ve been here.”

Laws stressed the importance of Rus-sellville maintaining the health of its community banks.

“I think it is important for this commu-nity to keep a community bank,” Laws said. “I want to work to see community banks survive. It’s my goal to help this bank and its shareholders be successful.”

It’s easy to tell Laws has a passion for her position at First State Bank. Still, the work involved in keeping her bank on track is not enough to fill Laws’ plate.

“One of the things I love about a com-munity bank is that you can do your job and serve in the community,” Laws said. “I am blessed to have good bosses and mentors who have set an example and encourage me to be involved.”

Among Laws’ wealth of service to the community includes being the first president of Main Street Russellville and serving on the board for a decade. Laws has also served as president of the River Valley Arts Center, is a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary and has served as Renaissance President at Russellville

High School, where her son, Matt, is a junior.

“I love seeing the difference it makes in people’s lives and the community,” Laws said. “It is amazing how different down-town looked prior to the organization. It has been successful and a good thing for our community.”

Laws noted the revitalization of the Russellville Depot and Depot Park as major accomplishments of Main Street Russellville.

Away from work, Laws enjoys garden-ing, entertaining, traveling and spending time with her family.

“I enjoy life and being around other people,” Laws said. “I like learning from others. You can always learn.”

Lessons like those came from early in life, Laws said.

“My parents instilled in me that I was as good as anyone else, but not better,” Laws said. “They told me that you could be successful if you have the confidence to do it and to always put your best effort forward.” •

“I like learning from others. You can always learn.”

Dr. “K” & Staff want to wish all of our

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By Jeanette andeRtonMost people in the Arkansas River Valley recog-

nize the name Andrea Lea.The stateswoman will finish her third and final

two-year term representing District 71, which in-cludes some of Pope County, in the Arkansas House of Representatives in December. She will take office as Auditor of the State on Jan. 1, 2015, after receiv-ing more than 57 percent of the vote in the Nov. 4 midterm election.

Lea, 57, got her political start in Pope County, serving six years on the Pope County Quorum Court and two years on the Russellville City Council.

“I loved serving the people of Pope County in each office,” Lea said. “As a JP and councilman, I learned about every department from the street department to the ambulance service to the fire departments.”

Lea said lessons she learned while serving local government made her want to pursue politics at the state level.

“While learning about the budget process, I saw

Lea serves family, community, state

32 RVL Magazine

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RVL Magazine 33

state leaders and local leaders not communicating clearly,” Lea said. “Too many unfunded mandates were coming from Little Rock. I knew I could posi-tively affect that and that was part of my motivation for running for state representative. I believe I accom-plished that.”

She and her husband of 36 years, Phillip, have three children, two daughters-in-law and three grandchil-dren.

“My children were still in school when I first ran for office,” Lea said. “They have grown up with me in poli-tics, and have gracefully taken the good with the bad.”

Lea said her children motivated her to run for of-fice.

“The main reason I chose to serve is for their future, and I believe they know that,” she said. “It was tough at times being in a position to choose whether to at-tend a meeting representing constituents or one of the children’s school events. I often endeavored to do both and also to include them in events I needed to attend.”

She said it wouldn’t have been possible without Phillip’s help.

“A supportive spouse is essential when serving in public office,” Lea said. “I am fortunate to have Phillip always there supporting and, when needed, taking up slack for the household.” •

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36 RVL Magazine

By Jeanette andeRton

Before Pottsville Elementary School students leave for Christmas break, they have plenty of opportunities to par-ticipate in activities to help them get into the holiday spirit.

Whether through performing, donating or helping, the school offers several ways for students to get involved leading up to the break.

For starters, the school participates in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program each year.

A great number of children who receive toys and other Christmas gifts through the program get them from area schools who participate, according to the Salvation Army.

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In addition to the Angel Tree, Potts-ville Elementary School each year hosts a food drive where students bring in non-perishable items to donate to the Pottsville Pantry and Main Street Mis-sion in Russellville.

Students in the second and third grade Music for Kids program perform in front of the entire school each year before break with a Christmas-themed recital.

The students practice each Wednes-day after school leading up to the perfor-mance.

But, students who aren’t in the Music for Kids group aren’t excluded, and nei-ther are elementary school employees.

Faculty and staff join students in Kindergarten through third grade in the Pottsville Elementary School Cafeteria for a Christmas sing-a-long.

This boisterous performance prepares

Kindergarten students who go Christ-mas caroling each year in downtown Russellville.

Pottsville junior high and high school students aren’t too old to get in on the fun either. Both the junior high and the senior high bands and choirs have an-nual performances.

This year, the Pottsville Junior High School choir will perform at the State Capitol Rotunda in December.

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38 RVL Magazine

By LauRa Bean

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday sea-son, shoppers are likely

to forget to put one person on their gift list — themselves.

A Perfect Image salon, located at 502 E. Parkway Drive in Russell-ville, offers clients a way to pamper themselves during the busy holiday season.

When it comes to holiday hair color, A Perfect Image suggests bronding.

“Bronding is a perfect way to go dark but still have that summer flare,” styl-ist Amanda Chilcoat said. “Instead of highlighting all over, skip the highlights on top and go for a scattering of honey blond around the face to keep it bright and sum-mery as you gradually shift into darker fall colors.”

Chilcoat said sombre gives more of a natural look and is a good transition from a dramatic ombre.

“All over copper and dark chocolate colors are very popular this season as well,” Chilcoat said.

with a new style

complete

holiday shopping

RVL Magazine 39

“Braids are all the rage this season and have been seen on the runways of the fall fashion weeks. Classic French, fishtail and milkmaid braids are the perfect accessory to any holiday style.”

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And when its time to head to a holiday party, dance or family event, focus on easy hairstyles.

“Soft, wavy hair looks fabulous for any of these events,” Chilcoat said.

Chilcoat also suggested styling hair into a sleek, high pony or ballerina bun.

“Braids are all the rage this season and have been seen on the runways of the fall fashion weeks,” Chilcoat said. “Classic French, fishtail and milkmaid braids are the perfect accessory to any holiday style.”

And to achieve sleek, soft hair in the dry win-ter months, A Perfect Image suggests Moroccan Oil, which is its No. 1 seller. Hair that is straight and fine or thick and curly can benefit from the right Moroccan Oil product, Chilcoat said.

“The antioxidant infused, nutrient rich, in-novative formulas are unmatched and provide dramatic results,” Chilcoat said. “It is a great product to restore moisture, tame frizz and repair damaged hair.”

Along with hair and waxing, A Perfect Image Salon also offers airbrush makeup.

“A classic, elegant look is a smokey eye with some shimmer paired with a light lip color,” Chilcoat said. “Deep red lips with a light eye is also a go-to holiday favorite.” •

“A classic, elegant look is a smokey eye with some shimmer paired with a light lip color.”

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42 RVL Magazine

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RVL Magazine 43

meet. Our hope is to brighten their lives with gifts and com-panionship.”

The community is encour-aged to support these efforts as a way of giving back to those in the area who have given so much of themselves. For many seniors, knowing that someone cares is the greatest gift of all.

“We are honored to host the Be A Santa To A Senior tree again this year and are grateful for the opportunity to bring joy to those in need and share in the spirit of giving,” said Mike McCoy, Interim CEO for Saint Mary’s.

Home Instead Senior Care has worked with community partners to spread holiday cheer to lonely or financially-challenged seniors for nearly a decade. Nationwide, the pro-gram has attracted more than 60,000 volunteers distribut-ing gifts to deserving seniors. Since introducing the Be a Santa to a Senior program, Home Instead Senior Care has helped provide 1.2 million gifts to more than 700,000 seniors.

For more information on this worthwhile program, visit www.besantatoasenior.com or www.saintmarysregional.com or call Harrison at (479) 964-5687. •

SeniorContinued from Page 27

window of the Sportscene act as the centerpiece of Stephen’s artwork.

“You could say they are the rhythm of the entire show,” Stephen said as he pointed to his hand-made Cyclone.

Kim said because Sportscene is a local sporting goods store, this display is formed around area teams, such as the local high schools, Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys and Golden Suns and the Arkansas

Razorbacks.The Sportscene continue to light up

downtown Russellville this holiday season, starting near the end of November and last-ing until the beginning of January. •

LightsContinued from Page 23

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44 RVL Magazine

Holiday DIYDo you wanna build a hot cocoa snowman?

What you’ll need:• 3 small canning jars• 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows• 10 peppermint candies• Pemanent black marker• Permanent orange marker• 1 black cupcake wrapper• Craft glue• 15-inch strip of red fabric

Step 1: Start with small canning jars. Fill one jar with the peppermint candies, one jar with the hot cocoa mix and one jar with the mini marshmallows. The peppermint candy jar will act as the lower body of the snowman, and the hot cocoa mix jar will act as the torso of the snowman. The mini marshmallow jar will act as the head of the snowman.

Step 2: Using the black permanent marker, draw eyes and a smile on the snowman’s head, or the mini marshmallow jar. Then draw buttons on the snowman’s torso, or hot cocoa mix jar. Using the orange permanent marker,

Rather than allowing children to pick out presents to give to loved ones, allow them to make their own gift. A hot cocoa snow-

man is an easy way for children to personalize a their gift. The hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and peppermint candies are the perfect present to give on a chilly day. For an added touch, make your own hot chocolate mix using the recipe fol-lowing this project.

draw a carrot nose on the snowman’s head between the eyes and smile.

Step 3: Using craft glue, attach the black cupcake wrapper to the snowman’s head to act as a hat.

Step 4: Also using craft glue, attach the jars to form the snowman’s body. Starting with the snowman’s lower body, apply glue to the lid of the peppermint candy jar. Then, firmly place the snowman’s torso, or hot cocoa mix jar, to the craft glue base. After ensuring a bond is created, repeat the process with the snow-man’s head, or mini marshmallow jar.

Step 5: To complete the snowman, tie a strip of red fabric around the lid of the torso, or hot cocoa mix jar, to act as a scarf.

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RVL Magazine 45

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46 RVL Magazine

Bringing new ideas to the table

When most of us serve fruit, vegetables or

candy, it’s usually in a bowl or dish. Since you will be serving most of these items with your holiday meals anyway, why not make a better presentation with creative shapes and candy trees? Most items will be on hand; all you will need is a few supplies to make it happen. Our creative team decided to visit some popular food sites to see what was “hot” for the holidays and try out a few of the new ideas. We each selected a project and found most of them easy and very cost effective...all you need is a little extra time. The variations are endless. The candy trees on the following pages can be easily customized; it doesn’t have to be made of sweets (although this is my favorite kind!) Most of all have fun, we did! Just don’t eat all the goodies before they get to the tree. You can use toffees, truffles, lollipops, chocolate dipped strawberries, dried roses, dyed colored pastas, orna-ments in different sizes and colors, the possibilities are endless for easy and beauti-ful table arrangements that are sure to be great conversation pieces. Many of the projects featured would also serve as great gift ideas.

Serves 10-12 people3 heads of red leaf lettuce3 stalks of celery cut in to 6-inch strips1 large bag of baby carrots - slice lengthwise1 large bunch of asparagus1 large red pepper sliced1 large green pepper sliced1 large yellow pepper sliced

1 English cucumber sliced1 pint of cherry tomatoes1 yellow squash 2 black olive slicesLarge round platter

Clean and wash all vegetables and allow to dry. Slice and cut vegetables. This can be done a day ahead. Start by arranging

Turkey Vegetable Platter

RVL Magazine 47

lettuce on large round platter. Then, layer the following vegetables in order: celery sticks, carrot sticks, aspara-gus, red pepper, yellow pepper and green pepper. Next, cut the end off of the squash and place next to the green pepper slices. Add tomatoes around the back of squash and arrange cucumber slices. For eyes we used two black olive slices, a carrot for the beak and a slice of red pepper for the wattle. Insert two celery sticks for the feet. Serve with your favorite dips.

Prepared and submitted by Michelle Harris, Advertising

Turkey Vegetable Tray

Serves 6-8 people1 large stalk of celery (save tops for tail)1 English cucumber; 1/2 cut in strips, save the other half for turkey neck1 pint of cherry tomatoes1-2 bags baby carrots cut in strips1 bag of radishes1 jar of green olives1 can large black olives1 yellow squash for head

First, arrange top of the squash and cucumber for the turkey body. Cut a triangle from one of the carrots for

the beak and attach to the squash using a tooth-pick. Slice off part of an olive for the turkey’s eye and secure with a toothpick. Use a slice of radish for turkey’s wattle and secure with a toothpick. Shape tail with celery tops. Fill in center with olives and vegetables in a fan pattern.

Prepared and submitted by Meagan Wilson, advertising

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Peppermint Box

2-16 oz bags of peppermints1 Kraft box - medium sizeHot glue gun/sticksRibbon or tulle

Open the peppermints and place them in a bowl. Start at a corner and glue each peppermint so they touch. Continue to do this until the box is covered (make sure to leave enough space to place the lid back on the box.) Do the same steps to cover the lid of the box. Once the glue has completely dried, tie a bow around the box as if it were a package or gift. Arrangement is for decoration only. Candy should not be eaten.

Prepared and submitted by Katelynn McAlister, graphics

1 box brownie mix for 9x13 pan

Ingredients for mix, usually water, oil and eggs

1 container vanilla or cream cheese frosting

1 container of strawberries

Biscuit cutter or small round cookie cutter

Prepare brownies as directed on box, bake

and let cool for 15 minutes. While brownies

are cooling, wash strawberries and set aside to

dry. Using the biscuit cutter cut several circles

out of the brownies. Slice off strawberry tops

so they will sit evenly on the

brownie circles and place a

strawberry on each circle. Spoon frosting

into a piping bag or plastic storage bag, snip

the end and carefully pipe frosting around each

strawberry topped brownie. Pipe a thick bead

on top of each strawberry.

Prepared and submitted by Meagan Wilson, advertising

Brownie Santa Hats

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vv

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Fruit and Candy Kabobs One package of 12-inch skewers 4-6 inch container6-inch Styrofoam ball (can be trimmed to fit)Red grapes Green grapes StrawberriesLarge marshmallows Small marshmallows Gumdrops or any type of gummy candy Aluminum foil

Wash fruit - allow time to dry. Trim Styrofoam ball, if necessary, to fit container. Then, wrap ball with aluminum foil and be sure ball fits tightly in container. Next, alternate marshmallows and fruit on skewers. Place skewers into Styrofoam ball to form an arrangement. Use remaining marshmallows at base to hide foil. Decorative picks may be used to fill in and add holiday flair. Great gift idea or table decoration.

Prepared and submitted by Judy Manning, advertising

Donut Tree60 powdered donut holesOne tree-shaped coneWhite tissue paperToothpicksHolly decorationsDecorative toothpicks

Wrap the cone in the white tissue paper. Trim excess and secure with small pieces of tape or with glue. Start at the top and place toothpicks approximately 1 inch apart. Place donut holes on the toothpicks. Fill empty spots with holly decorations and decorative toothpicks. This is a very quick and easy project. Great for Christmas morning.

Prepared and submitted by Michelle Harris, advertising

One-piece arrangement with a large and small Styrofoam ball

(We found our double ball arrangement at a local hobby and craft store.)

White tissue paper6 bags of candy gumdrops — 9.25-ounce packageOne small bag of marshmallows6-8” flower pot or container to hold the tree2 packages of toothpicks, 250 count eachScotch tapeBow to wrap around the container

Wrap both balls with white tissue paper and secure ends with tape. Starting at the

top, place toothpicks in each ball ap-proximately 1 inch apart. On the smaller ball, you may need to half toothpicks so they don’t go through the candy and show. Place candies next to each other on the toothpicks so they are touching. Complete process until both balls are covered. Once completed, the tree will be heavy. To secure the tree in the planter we wrapped the base with newspaper and duct tape; then we added additional paper between the Styrofoam base and container for a tight fit. Add marshmal-lows and spice drops to decorate around the tree base. Wrap the pot with green tissue paper or foil and add a ribbon. This arrangement is for decoration only.

Prepared and submitted by Michelle Harris, advertising

Gumdrop Topiary Tree

410 N. Elmira • Russellville, AR 72802Bryan BoydOwner

479-890-6198Cell 479-567-9824

10% DISCOUNT WITH AD$15 OFF FULL DETAIL

Accessorize your Christmas List with jewelry, candles,

purses, holiday decor & more at

Flowers, Etc. 968-3600 900 W. “B”.

Let us help you with your Christmas list...

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50 RVL Magazine

Gold Candy Topiary Tree60-65 Ferrero Rocher Gold TrufflesHot glueStyrofoam ball - medium size, 6-7 inchesSmall box of toothpicksCandlestickGold ribbon for bow

Wrap the white Styrofoam ball in gold tissue paper or foil. Place the toothpicks in, approximately 1 ½-inch apart. Be-fore placing on the toothpick, I placed a dime- sized amount of hot glue to the bottom of the candy wrapper before sliding it on the toothpick. Hold a few seconds until glue dries. This will help keep the candies from sliding - they are heavy once placed on the ball. Be careful that the toothpick doesn’t go all the way through the candy. Continue doing this step until the ball is covered. Leave a 3-inch open diameter at the bot-tom of the ball. Place on a candlestick and use gold ribbon to tie a bow. Great gift idea or table arrangement.

Prepared and submitted by Katelynn McAlister, graphics

Wrap the aluminum foil around the green cone; glue edges. Starting at the top of the cone insert toothpicks working your way from the top to the bottom or left to right. Allow Kisses to touch but not bunch or overlap. Then slide the candy onto the toothpick, Continue down the cone, avoiding matching color Kisses if all possible. I chose to go down in a spiral to make sure I didn’t have any overlapping and to completely cover the cone.

Prepared and submitted by Katelynn McAlister, graphics

Hershey Kisses Chocolate Candy Tree4 16-oz bags of Holiday Hershey Kisses12 x 4-inch Styrofoam tree-shaped cone1 250-count box of toothpicks1 sheet of aluminum foil Bow or additional decorations (optional)

407 N. ARKANSAS AVE, SUITE 10 ~ CITY MALLRUSSELLVILLE • 479-280-1933

www.kitchenessentials.net

Gourmet Coff ee & Foods • Cookware/Bakeware • Cutlery • Electrics Gadgets • Bridal Registry • Gift Cards • Wish Lists

k • C •B k • C tl • E

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Are you Ready?

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1 honeydew 1 cantaloupe 1 pineapple 2 green apples 2 red apples 1-2 quarts of strawberries 1-2 bunches of grapes 1 large head iceberg lettuce 1 head leafy lettuce or kale 1 lemon

special toolsSmall & large knife Large cutting board Large tray Melon Baller Flower shaped cookie cutter Small bowl Bowl, flower pot or wide container for bouquet Wooden skewers (use various lengths or wire cutters to trim skewers)

Wash fruit and lettuce and let dry. Peel honeydew and cut in half; use the melon baller on one half and scoop out a few balls for the center of the flowers. Slice the other honeydew half into wedges and put on the tray. Peel cantaloupe, half and slice into wedges, and then add to tray of fruit. Remove pineapple top carefully and set aside. Cut pineapple into several slices (almost an inch thick).

Press cookie cutter over each slice and add flowers to tray of fruit. Fill small bowl with 2 or 3 cups water and add juice from lemon. Cut apples into 8 wedges each, removing core (apple slicer is very helpful for this step). Dip apples into lemon water for a few seconds and set aside to dry.

Place head of lettuce into the con-tainer. It may be helpful to slice a little off one side to make it flat. Cover head of lettuce with pieces of leafy lettuce or kale, pinning in place with skewers as needed. Put a long skewer into the pineapple top and fix into the center of your arrangement. (Starting near the pineapple top, put the tallest skewers in the center of the arrangement, working out with medium length skewers and filling in with small skewers at the base.)

Make a few long skewers with strawberries and grapes and put them around the pineapple top. Then, fix the melon balls to the pineapple flowers with skewers and add to arrangement. Put melon wedges onto skewers and add several to the arrangement; you may need to half or trim the wedges. Look for empty spaces in the arrangement and fill with various fruit skewers; since the apple pieces are small they work perfect-ly for this. Last, take pieces of leaf lettuce or kale and fill in where the skewers are visible. The bouquet is ready to serve immediately or carefully wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Prepared and submitted by Meagan Wilson, advertising

This makes a very large fruit arrangement, enough to feed 8-10 people. To make a smaller arrangement use only one type of melon and half of the apples, strawberries and grapes and arrange in a small flower pot or vase. Make sure to use firm, fresh fruit. Softer fruits like peaches or bananas won’t work as well.

Fruit Bouquet

TRUCK • RV • AUTO

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Mistletoe Market

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Mistletoe MarketPhoToS by LAUrA beAn

Christmas Time, Wintertime, Anytime

is a great time for Muck Boots

207 South Knoxville • Russellville

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OpusBall

PhoToS by KeLLey hiCKS

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