September, October 2016
Transcription
September, October 2016
Volume 11, Issue 2 • September/October 2016 Kyle L. Skinner, D.C. , C.C.S.P. Ten Years and Counting And this And this And this Shallon Mary Roger Connie Evan Kacey Phyllis And this Bear We protect the whole family! See this in focus * ** AIR OPTIX® AQUA Multifocal contact lenses are designed for seamless vision, near through far. SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR By age 40 chances are your vision is changing, especially when focusing close-up. See the way you used to with AIR OPTIX® AQUA Multifocal contact lenses. They’re specifically designed to work in unison with your eyes, to provide clear vision with an uninterrupted range of focus, near through far. •ELDER LAW •ESTATE PLANNING †† September/October 2016 •TRUSTS •WILLS •GUARDIANSHIPS •FAMILY LAW near 2 (501) 851-0040 • maumellelaw.com Learn more at airoptix.com/multifocal † Via prepaid card. On an annual supply of AIR OPTIX® AQUA Multifocal brand contact lenses. After manufacturer’s mail-in rebate. Limited time offer, while supplies last. Must meet certain criteria to be eligible for full rebate. See official rebate form for full details. † 103 Park Drive • Maumelle, AR Unique Precision Profile Design allows for a range of prescription strengths to blend across the lens for uninterrupted vision, near through far. Save up to $35 •ADOPTIONS •VA BENEFITS •MEDICAID •BUSINESS LAW •REAL ESTATE •CRIMINAL far intermediate THE LENS YOU CAN see what you've been missing IN. 102 Towne Centre Dr., Ste. 1 Maumelle, AR 72113 501-803-3937 www.MauMag.com 2015 Maumelle Chamber of Commerce *One-month refers to a recommended replacement schedule of up to 4 weeks as determined by the eye care practitioner. **Eye exam may be required. Professional fees may apply. At participating offices. ††Image is for illustrative purposes and not an exact representation. Important information for AIR OPTIX® AQUA Multifocal (Iotrafilcon B) contact lenses: For daily wear or extended wear up to 6 nights for near/far-sightedness and/or presbyopia. Risk of serious eye problems (i.e., corneal ulcer) is greater for extended wear. In rare cases, loss of vision may result. Side effects like discomfort, mild burning, or stinging may occur. Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care, and safety information. © 2012 Novartis 08/12 AOM12152JAD 3 THE ARTS 5 Meet Alisa Coffey, ASO Principal Harpist 8 Kyle L. Skinner D.C. , C.C.S.P., Ten Years and Counting By Marion Scott D r. Kyle Skinner has owned and operated the Skinner Chiropractic and Rehab Clinic here in Maumelle since 2006 making this year its tenth anniversary. Practices THE ARTS Arkansas A+ Schools: What A Difference The Arts Make! 11 such as Dr. Skinner’s have formed the backbone Counting on Each Other – a Well-Kept Secret Revealed of a great medical community here. Kyle was raised in Ponca, Oklahoma by 14 his parents, Randy and Barbara, and with his siblings, older brother Scott, and twin brother Kevin. Randy Skinner worked for Conoco but spent a lot of time with his boys, teaching POETRY........................................ 15 WINE............................................. 16 The Wave of The Future Is Here........................16 Be Kind or Be Quiet..........................................17 From Where You Sit - Plums, poetry, politicians, and perspective............................... 25 18 Hunting Season and All-Terrain Vehicles Straight Teeth in Six Months or Less 20 19 Two Issues Most People Overlook with Weight Loss and Health September/October 2016 Arkansas Children’s Hospital Coaching Kids through Weight Loss 22 4 23 Why Women Should Lift Weights Get Out of My Yard!....................................... 26 FICTION........................................ 27 Chapter’s End.................................................. 27 Minute With Maddox.................................... 28 FINANCIAL................................... 30 Planning For Your Personal Lifespan................ 30 PHOTOGRAPHY........................... 31 Understanding Histograms................................31 Maumelle Photography Club............................34 TECH TALK................................... 36 Quick Tip: How Do I Clean Up and Optimize My Pc Using Ccleaner?.....................36 Bluetooth 5 Spec To Be Announced..................36 Publisher/Editor Roger A. Frangieh Publisher/President RAFIMI Publishing LLC RAFIMI Advertising & Strategic Marketing [email protected] them to enjoy the outdoors and all kinds of sports - soccer, baseball, wrestling, basketball and golf. Kyle loved golfing and obtained his first college degree from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, in golf course management. Working in the field, however, proved to Art Director Jeremy Henderson be much less fun than golfing for pleasure. Six- To Advertise in Maumelle Magazine Call 501.960.6077 By email [email protected] summer sun impelled Kyle to look for some- day weeks of very long hours working in the thing else. But more on that later. Kyle and wife, Lindsay, daugher, Kinley, and son, Ethan. Writers & Contributors Mary Aitken, M.D., M.P.H. Bryan Austin, D.D.S. Christie Brooks, MS, RD, LD Ken Forrester Ken Grunewald Carlette Henderson Frank Howell, CFP Linda Kennedy Cary Maddox Michelle McCon Michae Orfanos Prunella Pinetree Austin Pittman Troy Pousardien Robyn D. Rektor Pam Rudkin Marion Scott MaryAnn Stafford Harding Stedler Kathy Wheeler The Serviceberry Tree...................................... 37 BOOK REVIEW............................. 38 Lily and the Octopus.........................................38 My Grandmother Asked Me toTell You She’s Sorry.........................................38 MauMag (Maumelle Magazine) is published by RAFIMI Publishing LLC. All contents are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced in any manner - including by electronic means - for any purpose without written permission from the publisher. My twin brother, Kevin and me on our first birthday My twin brother, Kevin on the left and me on the right after a successful day of fishing. Continued on next page > www.MauMag.com Reaping the Rhythms...................................... 15 5 After Dubai, the family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, then back “home” to Ponca for Kyle’s last year of high school. College and work in the golf field followed, then Kyle’s twin, who was already a Chiropractor, suggested that it was a line of work his brother would be suited to, since Kyle was already interested in men’s fitness and worked out frequently. Kyle completed his chiropractic education at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas in 2005. He worked for a year for another doctor in the Dallas area, learning all of the things not taught in the classroom. September/October 2016 6 Kyle and wife, Lindsay, in Maui on their wedding day. It was during his early career that Kyle returned to Ponca for a friend’s wedding and ran into the sister of his high school best friend. They had grown up together but little sister Lindsay was five years younger than Kyle and his BFF Chad Niemann and she had thought they were just rowdy boys during their high school friendship. She recalls them breaking the family’s trampoline and reminds them of it regularly. She was more quiet and shy than these older ruffians. But girls and boys grow up and they established a new friendship during that visit to Ponca. They stayed in touch when Kyle returned to Maumelle and gradually their relationship matured with them marrying in 2009. Since then they have had son Ethan who is five and Hudson who is 14 months. Kyle has an older daughter, Kinley, 10, from a prior marriage. During his early days in Maumelle, Kyle ran and operated the office by himself. Gradually he hired an office administrator, then a massage therapist. Now he has two massage therapists, a rehab specialist and two office personnel in the Maumelle office. In Mayflower, his business includes Dr. Fowler, two massage therapists, and one office person. His goal is to eventually be able to spend more time with his growing family, to be involved in the community, and to do other things he enjoys. Kyle and wife, Lindsay skiing. Day at the Masters in Augusta, GA. Two years ago, one of his clients, Sandie Kight, who is a fitness coach, got Kyle interested in men’s fitness competitions. Strict meal plans and workout routines are key to overall fitness. Fitness competitions are different from body building, as it takes in overall fitness, not just muscle building. It was perfect for Kyle who believes strongly that it’s important to lead by example, living and looking healthy, for patients and for his sons. In June, Kyle medaled in three divisions of a fitness competition in Kansas City. He was awarded third place in the “open” category which is most important because it qualifies him for national competition; he placed fourth in novice and fourth in masters, over a large field of competitors. Even more fun, his twin, Kevin, competed with him for the first time. You can tell by Kyle’s slender, strong physique that he takes this aspect of his life seriously and works hard at it. The Skinner Chiropractic and Rehab Clinic, located at 103 Park Drive, says this in their welcome letter: “At our office our main focus is to correct nerve interference to allow your body to function at 100%. Our first goal is to figure out what is causing your problems. When you visit our office, you will go through an extensive history and orthopedic exam. If necessary, we take digital x-rays to diagnose any changes in your spine that may have occurred causing a nerve to become pinched. We also use the Functional Movement Screen. This test is used in the NFL to assess a person’s risk for injury. We use it to check for changes in the way you move to compensate for weakness or mobility problems. This directs us to the proper type of rehab, because we know that not everyone presents with the same problem. We also have a machine that scans the bottom of your feet to check for flattening of the arches, which can affect not only your feet, but your knees, hips, and lower back. Once we get all this information, we then have the ability to figure out if we can help … and what is needed to correct that person’s problem.” The office offers an abundance of treatment options from “chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, corrective rehab techniques, physiotherapy, acupuncture, spinal decompression therapy, class IV laser therapy” to custom orthotics. They carry many home supplies as well. M PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG JANTZ Oklahoma winter with our sheepdog, Sally, older brother, Scott, mom, Barbara, twin brother, Kevin and me. Brother Kevin had already opened an office in Vilonia and planned a second office in Little Rock. Kevin provided moral support to twin Kyle as he established himself, opening an office in Maumelle. However, with the birth of Kevin’s first child, he and his wife moved back to the Dallas area to be closer to her parents. By then, Kyle was pretty well established here in Maumelle and opened his second clinic in Mayflower in 2011 which is manned by Dr. Tray Fowler. 2016 Arkansas State Championships Overall Novice Men’s Physique Their offices in Maumelle and Mayflower sincerely feel that their patients are like family. They always have time to talk and answer any questions clients might have. Dr. Kyle Skinner and his family have made a home, a business, and a future here in Maumelle. Stop by, for treatment, or just to say “Happy Anniversary”…ten years and counting. MM arion Scott has been a resident of Maumelle since 2006. Retired, she enjoys gardening, volunteering, and running, completing her eleventh marathon this spring. She is also a Ward 3 Alderman. You may contact her at [email protected] . www.MauMag.com My twin brother, Kevin, my dad, Randy, and myself playing golf together. During the boys’ youth, dad Randy took a position in Dubai. For three years the family lived there and the boys attended the “American School” which tends to be much more demanding than the education system in the U.S. Not only was it challenging academically, but it also introduced a cultural diversity few have the opportunity to experience. The Skinners took advantage of their overseas stay to travel extensively. They toured Europe, Australia, Bali and adventured into Africa twice, once in Zimbabwe and once in Botswana on safari. Kyle also played soccer while there in such exotic places as Cairo and Kuwait. 7 L.K.: When and why did you decide to major in music and where did you attend college? Meet Alisa Coffey, ASO Principal Harpist PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HICKS September/October 2016 8 oped from a hunting bow and had strings which were probably made from hair or plant fiber. Evidence of these early harps abounds in the wall paintings of Egyptian tombs dating from as early as 3000 B.C. Gradually over the centuries improvements were made by various means of strengthening the frame, the addition of strings and levers, and ultimately the invention of foot pedals in the 1800’s. In addition to being magnificent musical instruments, they also grace museums around the world as pieces of art representative of their periods. During the past season of concerts by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO), my eyes have been drawn to the beautiful harp which graces the stage and have thought it would be interesting to get to know the lovely young lady behind that harp. I am delighted to share with you my recent visit with Alisa Coffey, principal harpist for the ASO. Linda Kennedy: Where did you grow up and how did music enter your life? Alisa Coffey: We moved around a little when I was really young and then settled in northern Virginia when I was nine years old. My mother is an elementary band teacher; she had me start piano lessons when I was six and I studied piano through high school. When I was in fourth grade, she said it was time for me to pick a secondary instrument. We discussed a variety of instruments, and eventually I told her I wanted to play the harp. I had heard one often at my godmother’s home; she had two daughters who played. I was drawn to the beautiful sound. So my mom signed me up for lessons through my school, and we went from there. A.C.: A good friend of mine had been living in Little Rock and told me a lot about the AR Symphony Orchestra. When the harp position opened in 2010, I came to Little Rock to audition and was hired. The 2011 season was my first with the ASO. nities were there for a young harpist outside of the orchestra? A.C.: My private teachers had studio recitals for us, and I played at school and in churches a lot. I also entered a few competitions. My senior recital in high school was the first time I performed an entire recital by myself. A.C.: The pedal harp wasn’t invented until the 1800’s so most of our solo repertoire begins at that point. There is a lot of French music for harp, and one of my favorite composers is Henriette Renie. She was a harpist and pedagogue at the Paris Conservatory around the turn of the century. Her music is so beautiful, sentimental, and she has many epic works. There are also many transcriptions of works from other periods, particularly works originally written for piano. L.K.: What about your favorite orchestral composers? A.C.: I especially love the works of Debussy and Ravel. They were masters of color with their orchestrations. They use the harp not just as a solo instrument but in such a way that it enhances and creates its own color within the orchestral texture. They also knew how to take full advantage of the chromatic capabilities of the instrument. One of my favorite parts of Debussy’s La Mer is where the first harp plays a glissando in one chord going up the harp, and the second harp plays a glissando in a different chord (with a different pedal arrangement) going down the harp. This creates the sound of a wave between the two harps. I also love the grand scale and epic nature of the orchestral works of Mahler and Wagner. Their orchestrations are so large that they use multiple harps to be able to cut through the large texture. L.K.: How many strings does a concert harp have and what is its pitch range? A.C.: There are 47 strings which relate to the white keys of the piano. They range from the piano’s lowest C to its highest G, spanning seven octaves. There are seven pedals with which you can sharp or flat any note. Smaller harps have levers which serve that purpose. Red strings represent all the C’s and black strings are the F’s. They serve as markers for us in the scale of strings much as the groups of two or three black keys on the piano do for pianists. L.K.: I imagine most of us just envision that a harpist simply plucks the strings. What kinds of special touches/effects do composers ask for in their music? A.C.: There are all sorts of different ways to play the strings from plucking, scraping the wire L.K.: Did you just study privately or were you able to be part of a school orchestra? A.C.: I attended a small private school, and we did have a small school orchestra. But, when I was in sixth grade, I auditioned and got into the beginner level of the American Youth Philharmonic program. It is very similar to our Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles program. Over the next few years I advanced through the various levels and enjoyed being a part of it so much. L.K.: What kinds of performance opportu- Performing for family and friends over the holiday age 9. www.MauMag.com T he harp is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. Initially the harp was devel- L.K.: How did your move to Arkansas come about? L.K.: How much solo repertoire is there for the harp? By Linda Kennedy PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY HICKS A.C.: I really enjoyed being a part of the musician community through the youth orchestra experience, and I loved the challenges of the repertoire for harp. I majored in harp performance and started out at a small college, Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois. I later transferred to the Royal Conservatory in Toronto where I earned my bachelor’s degree in harp performance. I then moved to Philadelphia and received my master’s degree in harp performance at Temple University. Practicing at home - age 9 on first instrument. Personal Photo: Student Spring Recital, Memorial Day weekend 2016. Continued on next page > 9 L.K.: Do you teach private lessons and what age do you recommend for beginners? Performing Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto with ASO principal flutist, Carolyn Brown, and the ASO. May 2014. strings for a more metallic effect, swiping with the hand for a swishy sound, and striking them. In a section of Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra the harpist is instructed to strike the strings with spoon handles! Striking strings creates a xylophone effect and playing very close to the soundboard results in a sound very like that of the guitar. I enjoy demonstrating the wide range of effects possible when I do educational outreach presentations in schools. I did a lot of those in Philadelphia because there were some harps in the school system. L.K.: Do you ever have to edit or rearrange your part because the composer did not really know how to write for your instrument? A.C.: There are several orchestral excerpts that have been edited to be more playable, either with enharmonic spellings, pedals, or with special fingerings. Sometimes when working with new composers we do have to do a lot of editing, but most composers are very good about seeking direction and information when writing for our instrument. September/October 2016 L.K.: Have you composed or arranged any music for the harp? 10 A.C.: I do not compose for the harp; it is not my gift. However, I frequently arrange small portions of songs for weddings. My funniest arrangement was Walk the Line by Johnny Cash. L.K.: The piano is tuned in a tempered system which allows it to be played in any key. Is the harp similarly tuned, or do you vary the tuning when playing with an orchestra? A.C.: We tune in a tempered system exactly the same as a piano. I generally tune slightly higher (A 442) when playing with the orches- tra. Harps are notorious for always needing to be tuned. Whenever they are moved or if the temperature changes, they go out of tune quite quickly. It’s best to tune them once a day and then again whenever the instrument is moved. L.K.: The harp is a very large instrument and has such a magnificent presence on the concert stage. I am wondering how difficult it is for you to transport from place to place. A.C.: My harp weighs about 80 pounds, but it’s not that difficult to transport. Actually, more than the weight is the fact that it’s fairly unwieldy due to its shape, but, with my dolly it’s no problem. You do have to have a car in which it will fit, though! L.K.: Have there been any performances from which you have treasured memories? A.C.: Two that stand out in my memory would be playing in Carnegie Hall with my Youth Orchestra and playing Wagner’s Götterdämmerung with the Philadelphia Orchestra. It utilizes six harps and I got to play with my teachers. L.K.: Have you had any scary or comical moments during performances? A.C.: Having a string break is the scariest L A.C.: Yes, I have my own studio but often travel to students’ homes for lessons. I also teach a few students at Ovation Music Academy. I accept students as young as five but want them to be reading at that point. Harps come in various sizes so there are smaller ones for young students. L.K.: What do you do for fun or relaxation outside your busy world of music? A.C.: I love to cook and am very much an outdoor person. Arkansas is so beautiful, and I enjoy hiking at Petit Jean State Park and Pinnacle Mountain. L.K.: What’s the last great book you read? A.C.: The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas L.K.: Are there any special people in your life to whom you would like to give a “shout out” for their support and inspiration? A.C.: There have been many, but I definitely am so grateful to all my harp teachers from whom I learned so much, not just about music but also how to balance life with a family and career. I’ve also been blessed with wonderful parents who have always been so great and supportive. L.K.: To learn more about Alisa and hear her perform visit: www.alisacoffeyharpist.com MM inda Kennedy has taught music through the piano and theory/composition in her independent piano studio in Maumelle for the past 22 years. She is also organist/ accompanist at NLR First United Methodist Church. Linda may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Arkansas A+ Schools: What A Difference The Arts Make! A high school chemistry class focuses on chemical reactions by making their own pigments and using these colors to create individual works of art. In a 5th grade history class, students listen to the music from different periods and discuss how the musical selections highlight and complement the happenings from that time. These are examples from Arkansas schools using the A+ method of integrating arts throughout the curriculum. Students are using their creativity and learning by discovery in their own ways with less reliance on paper and pencil activities and assessments. Discipline has improved, test scores are rising, and classrooms are stress-free. Teachers are supported with extensive training and are collaborating across disciplines to intertwine art, drama, movement, music in math, history, science and literature curricula. Where is this happening? This summer, seventeen schools in Arkansas are part of the Arkansas A+ By MaryAnn Stafford ing from the 1970’s suggested that the arts are not frills, but are essential to learning and should be integrated throughout school curricula. Even after retirement from the Arkansas Department of Education, I did what I could to promote this concept consulting with individual schools and teachers in Pine Bluff and the Maumelle area to integrate the arts into core subject classrooms. Kindergarten students at a Jacksonville school act out a play they developed from a story they created together. Since then, there have been countless studies showing a direct correlation between arts involvement and increased performance in these other subjects. One such study noted that students taking four years of art outscored other students by 38 points in math and 58 Elementary school children make zebra figures from clay and form a diorama showing the zebras at a water hole in their natural habitat. Network which seeks to engage “school communities in transformative experiences that deepen understanding of the essential commitments required to sustain creative learning.” In other words, teaching the whole child by creating a different classroom culture – one based on experiential learning, critical thinking, teacher collaboration, and arts-integrated activities. The teaching model also incorporates Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences to teach to a broader range of talents and skills. Obviously, we live in an age of specialization – yet are we using all our brain cells? As an art and English teacher in the Arkansas Public School system for many years, I saw firsthand the benefits of art education in educating the whole child. Most of a school’s curricula affects only logical and analytic thinking and ignores creative and intuitive thinking. In fact, many scientific studies dat- Drawing is used in a high school math class studying circumference. Students constructed their own compasses and made mandalas to better understand the concept. Continued on next page > www.MauMag.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTHA GRAHAM thing that can happen to me on stage. I try to do everything possible to avoid it. I regularly check my strings for any fraying or weak points that might signal an upcoming break, but sometimes they can break suddenly for no apparent reason. During a solo performance I can stop if absolutely necessary to make the string change. During an orchestral performance I cannot. I have a string bag with me at all times and when needed I change the string as quickly as possible. This has happened several times. The percussion section which sits behind me gets quite a kick out of how quickly I can make a string change. 11 September/October 2016 method are required to infuse the arts into each area of the curriculum – math, science, history, and literature. Teachers and administrators are trained in a three-year cycle for full implementation: a summer institute, on-site professional development, and retreats. Thea has 35 qualified teaching fellows who do the training. There has to be at least an 85% vote of the entire school to join the A+ network. In the second and third years, emphasis is on curriculum development specific for each teacher’s content area and grade level. 12 Melanie Landrum, Executive Director of the Arkansas A+ Schools Network Upon talking to Landrum, I found that a recent evaluation of this program showed increased student achievement, better at- tendance among students and teachers, and significantly decreased discipline problems. Not studied was teacher enthusiasm, but she told me many stories about teachers who are no longer stressed out, are highly motivated and having fun; students who are no longer bored or disengaged, and much fewer school suspensions in the targeted schools. It is too early for a comprehensive evaluation of Arkansas A+ schools, but Oklahoma studies for the past ten years revealed that A+ schools scored higher than other schools not in the program. One of the first Arkansas schools using the model (Hugh Godwin Elementary School in El Dorado) found that disciplinary suspensions had dropped from 84 in 2005 to zero in 2007. In addition, literacy scores were increased by 278% and math scores by 138%. continued. “Students are no longer tied to paper and pencil activities, but are able to discover concepts on their own and learn in their own learning mode.” She gave the example of a physical education teacher who used movement to help kindergarten students learn the letters of the alphabet. Fifth and sixth teachers worked together to create a unit based on the book No Summit Out of Sight by Jordan Romero. Students read the book in English class; in math class they learned how to grid the coordinates of each summit; in art class they built models of summits out of papers, glue, and other materials; and in geography, they learned about time zones. The drama teacher taught the students a traditional Russian dance while they were reading about the Russian summit experience. This school district is planning to expand the program to the upper level school in the district in the near future. In conclusion, I am quoting the vision of the Thea Foundation. It’s a tall order, but with the determination of Paul Leopoulos and others like him, it shall be accomplished: “By 2025, we want to see a culture of creativity on display in every school in Arkansas; students have constant, diversified exposure to creative expression and enriched learning with great spaces, equipment, materials, instruction, and encouragement.” RESOURCES: Brawner, Steve, “How Great Is Art?” Report Card: The Journal of the Arkansas School Boards Association, November 2012, pp. 12-19. Puts Art in Academics”, Arkansas Times, January 2, 2013, pp.14-17. Poulin, Jeff. “Transforming Schools and Students Through A+ Schools,” Arts Link, Fall/ Winter 2015, pp.27-31. “Thea Foundation”, The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture, www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx (accessed June 8, 2016). MM Patrons of the Thea Foundation Discover the Gift Within,” www.littlerocksoiree. com, May 10, 2016 (Accessed June 6, 2015). Peacock, Leslie Newell. “Arkansas A+ Interesting to note, this model has been cited by state and federal agencies nationally and internationally. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan noted that the A+ schools model nurtures creativity in every student, boosts attendance and deceases disciplinary action. The Arkansas Department of Education is beginning to encourage school districts to investigate this teaching model. I also spoke to Beverly Froud, principal of White County Elementary School by telephone, and learned that her school is in its third year of implementation – one of the first schools to do this in the State. When I asked her what changes she had noted in teachers and students, she told me about one teacher who was scheduled to retire at the end of the school year after 32 years of teaching. This teacher was worn out, and looking forward to retirement, but became energized and enthusiastic with the placement of the A+ model. It changed her way of thinking about teaching, and she finished her year strong and successful. “Teachers collaborate and have freedom to take risks, to try creative methods”, Froud (Above) White County Elementary School in Judsonia show teachers working together to plan curricula and the use of drama, mosaic, and puppetry as examples of integrating the arts. M aryAnn Stafford taught visual arts, humanities, and English at Pine Bluff High School for many years before becoming an Assistant Principal. She retired from the Arkansas Department of Education in 1993. A teacher and an artist, she exhibits regularly and teaches drawing at the Maumelle Senior Wellness Center. Dr. Stafford holds signature membership in Mid-Southern Watercolorists, the Pastel Society of the Southwest, and the Arkansas League of Artists. Her art can be seen at Eurekan Art in Eureka Springs and Gallery 221 in Little Rock. Web sites are www. staffordart.com, www.fineartamerica.com, and www.arkansasartists.com. Her artists’ blog can be found at www.pastelanne.wordpress.com. www.MauMag.com confused with A+ Arkansas Schools). The model began in North Carolina in 1995 and is now in Oklahoma and Louisiana as well. In 2004, Hugh Goodwin Elementary in the El Dorado School District was funded by The Wingate Foundation to adopt the program. Leopoulos became excited about this program when he delivered some artwork to Hugh GoodHowever, as we all know, win Elementary in the El Dorado the arts are the first to go when a School district in 2006. He saw an school system is facing financial A+ sign outside the school but he Paul Leopoulus, difficulties. This was true when I Director of Thea didn’t know what that meant. The was teaching and is still true today. Foundation principal, Phillip Lansdale, invited Just last year the state of Kansas eliminated all of the arts from the public school him to visit a math classroom involved in the system. Arkansas state standards require arts program. Paul states: “The kids were so ento be taught in elementary schools and in high gaged in their learning that I was blown away schools as an elective, but do not include the and after the tour I called my wife, Linda, and arts as a core subject, and art teachers are woe- told her that we have found another critical elfully underfunded, supplementing art materi- ement of Thea’s arts advocacy.” The El Dorado school was the only one in Arkansas using this als from their own income. program at the time. The bright spot in this situation is the Since getting funded by Wingate, the Thea Thea Foundation, founded by Paul and Linda Leopoulos in 2002. The foundation is named Foundation has trained schools in eight counfor their daughter, Thea, who died in a car ac- ties as well as a mental health facility, Juvenile cident at the age of 17. Thea had been a low- Detention Center, and two charter schools in achieving student in high school until she be- the program. These schools are also part of a gan taking art, acting, dance, and competitive University Consortium to inject this teaching speech as a junior, and the change was dra- method into the education departments at matic. She started making A’s in subjects like those universities. These include the Univertrigonometry, but her parents didn’t under- sity of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University stand the change until they read her journal of Arkansas at Little Rock, The University of – her enthusiasm and interest in school had Central Arkansas. Henderson State University, skyrocketed. The creativity she discovered in Harding University, Arkansas Technical Univerherself caused her to use all of her brain and sity, Ouachita Baptist College, Arkansas State that had given her confidence. As a result, The University, and Central Baptist College. DirectThea Foundation formed in her memory by ing this state-wide program is Melanie Lanher parents now has five programs that con- drum, who was a principal at one of the first nect school children to the arts. three schools in Central Arkansas who piloted Thea Foundation’s newest program is the program in 2012. named ARKANSAS A+ SCHOOLS (not to be The schools that buy into this teaching points in the verbal sections of the SAT. A study by over 25,000 middle school and high school student conducted by the University of California discovered that students who take arts classes did better on standardized achievement tests, but also watched less TV and participated in more community activities that those who did not. 13 Reaping the Rhythms T he poetry of Harding Stedler written during the past half century has been governed by two definitions coined by him during different periods of his writing career: 1. Poetry is the invisible heartbeat of a people kept young by dreaming. ~and~ 2. The ultimate test of poetry is the degree to which it approximates music. Harding Stedler Poet, Poetry Editor By Carlette Henderson C ounting on Each Other, Inc. was formed to assist individual seniors in the Maumelle area and to support the City of Maumelle’s Department of Senior Services. This organization may be one of the area’s best kept secrets assisting se- Access to dental care was an early prior- niors in our city. Counting on Each Other, ity for the non-profit and in 2005 they began Inc. (CEO, Inc.) first met on September 10th, a partnership with local dentist offices, Austin 2004 and gained 501-c-3 tax status with the Family Dentistry and Lewis Family Dentistry, IRS early in 2005, developing hand-in-hand with Maumelle’s Department of Senior Services. Initially, the organization received a $75,000 grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation under the last funding cycle of their Faith in Action programs. The Foundation partnered with local faith- area to gain access to medically-necessary dental care. CEO, Inc. screens the applicants to ensure they are at or below poverty guidelines and the non-profit reimburses the local dental clinics for lab fees with the dental clinics performing all labor pro bono. kitchen supplies, craft items, lunches, vol- Counting on Each Other, Inc. has also unteer appreciation and other events, tech- goals of the Maumelle Senior Wellness Cen- assisted the City of Maumelle Department nology updates and equipment, to name a ter to advocate, through community out- of Senior Services by serving as a fiduciary few. Membership scholarships are available reach, the physical and mental well-being agent to receive donations from the pub- at the Senior Wellness Center for qualify- of seniors in the community. lic, including memorials, honorariums and ing low-income seniors, ensuring that all sponsorships of memberships. CEO, Inc. seniors are able to participate in social and has received and donated to the City over health programs, lunch services, and learn- $56,000 worth of items including furniture, ing opportunities. MM ed CEO, Inc. $10,000 to assist in funding the September/October 2016 to assist low income seniors in the Maumelle PRIVATE DONATIONS ALSO HELP GREATLY IN ALLOWING THE ORGANIZATION TO CONTINUE ITS WORK. based organizations. They assisted the In July of this year, Delta Dental awardimprovement of dental health for qualifying seniors. Such generous donations are rare, however, and the non-profit holds several fundraisers throughout the year such as Shred-it Identity Theft shredding held on the premises of Bank of the Ozarks in Maumelle and rummage sales held at the Jess Odom Community Center Gymnasium. Private donations also help greatly in allowing 14 Check Presentation to CEO. L to R. Cindy Vandenack, Carlette Henderson, Willa Black Sanders, David Hodges, Brodie Watson, Jim Payseno, Weldon Johnson (Executive Director, Delta Dental’s Arkansas Foundation). Absent Kathy Gibbs & Lawanda Sims. the organization to continue its work. C arlette Henderson has been a Maumelle resident since 2000 and she serves on the Counting On Each Other Board. After retirement, as the Executive Director of the City of Little Rock’s Racial & Cultural Diversity Commission, she started the non-profit The Stars Come Out, Inc. to raise monies for education programs to support children with special needs, disabilities and to send kids with Sickle Cell to Summer Youth Enrichment Camp. RANCHING DREAMCATCHER Cattle ranching gets in your blood, tending pastures, cows chewing cud. The view’s magnificent, pastoral scenes, cows meandering through the green. Spunky calves with soft, curly hair jump with joy for just being there. The pasture home smells sweet in spring. In the cold winter, hay bales we bring. Feeding each morning on snowy days, counting cattle to assure they are okay. Laying out salt licks, putting up wire, hauling off tree limbs for a bonfire. Driving in pastures down to the creek. Cows stand contented in water knee-deep, gently protecting their babes with the herd, sharing their fields with floating white birds. O’er the lush green grass and rippling brook, they trod curved paths with a sure foot. It’s simple pleasure watching them graze as Cicadas chirp on warm summer days. If this isn’t heaven, give me death in the field with my gentle cows where my sould is healed. I guard you, she says, with a willow hoop: inches in diameter, webbed with blood-red yarn, adorned with feathers and beads, first tied together by Ojibwe hands, brown and splintered, a stone’s shot north of the Great Lakes. The stretched quadrilaterals, those subconscious gatekeepers, will filter out what haunts you. Someday, one will break tradition and seep through. Do not worry; wake up next to me. Feel it shrivel, like everything else, in the heat of the sun. – Andrew Alexander Mobbs Austin, AR A FARMER’S CHOICE When does a farmer know it is time to find a woman? Not one to tickle his fancy or soothe his passion for a night or week or so, – Donna Alexander Smith but one to be his wife, Greenbrier, AR the strong, faithful type who will rise at 4 a.m., fix his breakfast, WOLF maybe deliver his lunch out to the fields. Ancient rhythms course her veins Keep and turn his house into a home, as primordial eyes gaze upon Cambrian landscapes. raise his children to help him Breath plumes crease the night air when they get old enough. as haunting songs pierce the vastness of infinity. She may starve for passion because he works so hard. Phosphorous moons shine upon stark, uplifted plains And what’s the reward? as snow-painted mesas illuminate her realm. Maybe when he parks the plow The icy winds from nowhere howl and passes the deeds to his children, as the mottled strands of a million hairs protect her. he can court the wife he found. Now, he really knows how In skillful silence, she prowls over crystallized earth to appreciate her. as velvet-pawed pups await her triumphant return. – Ken Grunewald Maumelle, AR Poet Profile – Vivian Hoskins Helena-West Helena, AR ANDREW ALEXANDER MOBBS A ndrew Alexander Mobbs has been writing poetry for nearly decade now, primarily as an undergraduate student at the University of Central Arkansas and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia. Along with Timothy Snediker, he co-founded Nude Bruce Review, a non-profit online literary magazine, just as he released his debut poetry collection, Strangers and Pilgrims (Six Gallery Press), in 2013. His work has also appeared in Vortex Magazine, Deep South Magazine, New Plains Review, Ghost Ocean Magazine, Calliope, Zetetikon, Gravel Literary Journal, The Montucky Review, and The Round. He was also a 2014 Pushcart Prize nominee. Beginning this autumn, Mobbs will be living in central Asia, where he will be teaching English to university students as well as training prospective teachers of English. MM www.MauMag.com Counting on Each Other – a Well-Kept Secret Revealed 15 By Ken Forrester cheerfully admit that throughout fifty of so years of writing about wine I have often criticized many of the wine practices I have encountered in Arkansas. Now, I am happy to write something positive; and here “positive” means just that. Without reservation. I speak of the wine festival on June 8-10 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Any number of words could be used to describe this festival but let’s just go with the descriptive official title “Uncorked” the 16th Annual Art Of Wine” presentation. This was indeed an event devoted to the art of wine. Its obvious purposes were to raise funds for a worthy cause, to present wine and food in the best possible manner and to have fun. It succeeded remarkably well in all three areas. During the festival, we stayed at the upscale Chancellor Hotel which is an easy walk from the Walton Arts Center but in view of the evenings spent tasting wine, we took advantage of hotel policy of free transportation (tips accepted) to the event and, when we called, transportation back to the hotel. Since I graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law shortly after the Civil War (or one of those big wars back there) and don’t now know many people in Fayetteville, the high point of the festival for my wife and me was the Thursday night dinner with its perfect service of wine and food, prepared and supervised by Chef Matthew Scott. September/October 2016 Matthew started by bussing tables while in college and has worked his way up through cook, sous-chef (under Michael Richard, a James Beard Foundation Award winner) and Chef to his present position of Executive Chef at Bordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar in Fayetteville. 16 To summarize, reception wines at the dinner were Allegrini Palazzo della Torre and Pieropan Soave. The first course was Whitefish Ceviche, with cucumber, watermelon, cilantro and lime, accompanied by a J Pinot Gris wine. The second course was Honey-Soy King Salmon with snow peas, baby bok choy, accompanied by a Talbot Logan Vineyards Chardonnay. The third course was braised rabbit, seasonal greens, and Fontina Cream Pollenta. The wine was a Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyards Pinot Noir. After tasting it, my totally subjective appraisal was that this may well be the best Pinot Noir I have ever experienced. In the mouth it retained all the Pinot Noir taste elements in balance and then, instead of fading at the end it seemed to burst forth in a most pleasant manner, leaving me to insist on another sip, just to be sure. And then perhaps another, just a bit more. production and significant sized towns, all within driving distance of Fayetteville, Arkansas. If we give this region a proper name, we have a new wine region we may designate as the Mid-America Wine Region and invite its wine lovers to the next wine festival in Fayetteville. This would require as much or as little effort as the interested parties felt like giving. The fourth course was Mango sorbet and Blackberry coulis featuring Arkansas blackberries. The fifth course was grilled beef tenderloin, with Hasselback-style Yukon Gold Potatoes, glazed baby carrots, pearl onions, English peas, and red wine demi-glace, accompanied by a Gallo Winery’s Signature Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The final course was a chocolate hazelnut mocha panna cotta made with organic Dagoba Scharffen Berger and Hershey’s chocolate. The accompanying wine was Gallo’s Signature Reserve Zinfandel. Such an idea may or not be adopted but my feeling is that the wine festival needs to get a lot more publicity. By way of explanation, I have been a published wine writer in Arkansas for many years and this is the sixteenth annual festival that has been offered. The simple fact is that I had never heard of it until Lorri Hambuchen wrote about it in her column in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette shortly before it happened. Surely a committee set up for the sole purpose of getting publicity would not be amiss, in fact would be immeasurably helpful. Regular news releases would be of great benefit, especially if a couple were sent out a short time before the festival. As an aside, this course emphasized the little known fact that chocolate is indeed a happy accompaniment to red wine. Don’t ask me why. I like it. If you haven’t tried it and wish to, let me know what you think. My thought is that for obvious reasons (at least to me) this dinner could well be the last event of the festival, leaving participants with an ongoing feeling that, wine-wise, Arkansas has indeed arrived. Named sponsors of the event: E & J Gallo, Hershey, Liquor World, Central Wine and Spirits, Constellation Brands, Moon Wine and Spirits, Glazer’s, Premium Brands, Magic 107.9 and Regions Bank. In the material furnished to me, some of the entries of sponsors’ names were so small I could only guess at them. My feeling is that any sponsor should get more and better attention. Then there is the matter of the hundreds of wines served. An admittedly inaccurate count for the three days: 84 Pinot Noirs, 30 Zinfandels, 25 Merlots, 15 Rieslings, more than 100 Cabernet Sauvignons, 96 Chardonnays, 19 Malbecs, others, with effective representation of Arkansas wines. This is a lot of wines. I’m not suggesting that the number be cut down, but a bit of organizing, perhaps with at least a few written descriptions and comment about his/her wines by any wine maker present (just ask them, they will come) , could well be helpful. Well, that’s my description of an entirely positive wine experience, which leads to the obvious conclusion: Arkansas is on its way. Do join in. MM Restaurant partners included 28 Springs, Apple Blossom Brewing Company, Arsagas at the Depot, Bordinos, Elite Catering, The Hive, Hog Haus Brewing Company, Jammin Java, Meijis Japanese Cuisine, Shogun and Vetro. Now, let’s dream a bit. In conventional but biased American thinking, New York and California (with a bemused nod to a couple of other states) are “wine country” and set the wine pace for the rest of the country which is designated as “fly-over” country. However, Arkansas is bordered by the states of Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma, all with some wine K en Forrester, a retired administrative law judge, is the published author of numerous articles and columns on wine. Ken is a member of the Authors League, the American Wine Society and the Society of Wine Educators. By Michelle McCon A s I sit here in my current space and time, somber and sober and a little on the hormonal side and not the least bit happy about any of it, trying to get that despicable “Sister Time” song from Elena of Avalor out of my head while simultaneously choking down some sort of kale concoction because it’s “good for me,” I can’t help but feel, well, like kale is the devil. Like I’d be way better off with a Bloody Mary and a Hershey Bar. I feel unsettled too. And low on hope. See, I’m also pondering the state of the world (such multitasking!), and it seems to me that the world is an especially unkind place right now. Did I mention I’m hormonal? I teach my children never to use the word hate. They “strongly dislike” brushing their teeth. Dinosaur Train is “not their favorite.” Asparagus makes them “want to barf.” But let it be known that I hate presidential election years. Hate. Hate, hate, hate. LOATHE. Now there’s a good word. See, I’m not politically minded. Not even close. My mind literally shuts down the instant a discussion turns to politics, and then I gag a bit and find the nearest escape route. Mostly, though, I hate all the anger and meanness and the “paid for by the such-and-such campaign” advertisements that o’ertake my telly and trash up an otherwise perfectly respectable reality TV show. And this year, sure, I’m particularly concerned about our options for leader of the U.S. of A. But you’ll never, ever catch me on Facebook bashing anybody who favors a different candidate than I do. You’re entitled to your beliefs, just as I am to mine, and (yaaaay!) we both get a vote, and that’s part of what is supposed to make our country so grand. Seriously. Bloody Mary and a Hershey Bar. Pronto. And call me naïve and gullible, but I’ll never understand why people can’t just get along in general. My children don’t see color, and they don’t care if you worship the God they talk about in Vacation Bible School or another god of your choosing or Ronald McDonald. All they see are potential friends and playmates. I feel the same way. I don’t care if you’re white or black or purple or polka dotted, whether your handbag says Michael Kors or Faded Glory, or you celebrate my God or a different one. As long as you’re a generally nice person and are kind to animals and me and my family and you politely place your shopping cart in a return bin when you’re finished and don’t leave your nasty popcorn tub and soda trash behind in a theater and you think Aerosmith is the greatest rock band of all time and you still clap along to Hall and Oates’s “Private Eyes,” we’re gonna get along just fine. We moved to Maumelle a little over two years ago. In our old non-Maumellean neighborhood, people rarely waved or smiled. They marched right on by, eyes set steadfastly ahead or directly at the ground, and the lady in the house behind us delighted in loudly ridiculing me to her dog each and every time she took him for a pee. How I wish I were joking. Needless to say, we wanted something different for our children…way different…way…and so we moved here. Rest assured that we haven’t regretted it for a moment. See, Maumelle might encounter a hiccup here or there, as every town does, but people regularly smile and wave, and not a single person has mocked me alongside a dog. I love the town’s charm, its festivals and events and hometown traditions. I love the Maumelle Library, complete with Mrs. Kathy and her magnificent story times. I adore the Shipley ladies and how they smile and slip my kids bonus doughnut holes. Score! And he doesn’t know it, but I’d totally love to adopt Mr. Willie so I could fist bump him and squeal BAM any time I needed an emotional lift. Like now. And I also adore the Kroger gentleman who never ceases to encourage me to have a highly satisfied shopping experience. Even as I’m leaving the store. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him in a while. I hope he’s okay and feeling highly satisfied. Maumelle is kind. I don’t remember when it started, but my children and I concocted this commitment or tradition or whatever you want to call it of performing at least one act of kindness per day. I mean, me? I wipe a minimum of one rear end other than my own every day and make octopus hot dogs and crustless sandwiches out the wazoo, but that doesn’t count. I must do good for someone outside of my home. It can be as simple as helping a neighbor search for a lost dog or taking dinner to a sick friend or sending a random thank-you treat to my daughter’s teacher or passing along my kids’ old clothes to a family in need. Whatever the case, kindness feels nice, and it makes others happy, and it gets my children in the habit of thinking of someone other than themselves on occasion. That’s a marvelous habit for everyone, I think. I’ve got a sign that hangs lovingly beside my computer desk: “Be kind or be quiet.”Wiser words have never been spoken, I dare say. It’s okay that we’re all different. It’s okay to disagree. Just do it respectfully. And it’s okay to toss this kale crap and grab some Hershey and a REAL drink. Feeling much better now. Highly satisfied even. MM M ichelle McCon is a stay-at-home mom, writer, and sometimes graphic designer. She enjoys the great outdoors, a good book, trashy television, word games, music and lots of it, sewing, biking, woodworking, Hershey Bars, kind people, and songs that involve clapping. Have a question or comment? Please feel free to email her at msmccon@ gmail.com. www.MauMag.com I Be Kind or Be Quiet The Wave of The Future Is Here 17 Hunting Season and All-Terrain Vehicles Straight Teeth in Six Months or Less By Mary Aitken, M.D., M.P.H. Professor, Department of Pediatrics – UAMS College of Medicine Director of the Injury Prevention Center – Arkansas Children’s Hospital By Dr. Bryan Austin In 2014, about 26 percent of ATVrelated injuries involved children under 16. Since 1982, there have been more than 3,000 fatalities of children under 16. Many also believe ATVs are stable because of their size. However, their structure causes them to flip easily. It’s important you not underestimate an ATV’s instability while operating it. N o matter the type of game, all-terrain vehicles have become synonymous with hunting. Before heading out to September/October 2016 the deer woods or duck blind this fall, make sure you understand the risk factors involved with ATVs and how to properly operate one. In 2014, there were nearly 94,000 ATV-related injuries treated by emergency departments across the country and 385 fatalities, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. From 1982 through 2014, the CPSC reports more than 13,600 people were killed due to an ATV-related injury. With so many using ATVs, and years’ worth of data showing nearly 100,000 ATVrelated injuries annually nationwide, identifying the risks involved and how to properly manage an ATV is vital. Myth vs. Reality 18 One of the biggest misconceptions regarding ATVs is that they are safe for children to operate. Another common belief is that it’s safe to drive an ATV on public roads or pavement. However, ATVs are specifically made for off-road use. An ATV’s tires are made to grip loose soil and gravel, which causes them to behave differently on pavement. Driving ATVs on public roads also creates opportunities to interact with cars and trucks, which can be hazardous. The size of the seat on ATVs leaves many to believe they are safe for passengers, but most are designed for only one person. The longer seat allows the driver to use his or her body weight to stabilize his or herself when encountering different terrain. Riding with a passenger is only recommended on ATVs with side-byside seating. Taking Precautions Because of the risk of collision or roll over when operating an ATV, you should take certain precautions when driving one. Most important is wearing a standard motorcycle helmet. The most serious, and among the most common, ATV-related injuries occur to the brain. Wearing an adequate helmet can reduce the likelihood of injury or death. It’s also important to wear eye protection, such as sunglasses. This can prevent dust and debris from obstructing your vision or causing an eye injury and increasing the risk of losing control of the ATV. Sturdy shoes or boots are also important. Riding barefoot or in flip flops or other flimsy footwear can increase the chance of injury or amputation in the event of an accident. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also protect you from injuries from branches or trees. If you are using an ATV while hunting, the gun should be unloaded and secured in a gun case while traveling. It’s important for all ATV operators to be properly trained how to operate the vehicle and its capabilities. Hands-on training is available through the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (http://www.uaex.edu/4hyouth/activities-programs/atv-safety.aspx) and the ATV Safety Institute (http://www.atvsafety. org/). Make sure everyone in your family is properly trained to operate an ATV so they can enjoy their time spent on the vehicle. For more information on ATV safety for children, contact the Injury Prevention Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital 501-364-3400 or http://www.archildrens.org/live-healthy/ injury-prevention-center/recreational-safety/ all-terrain-vehicle-safety. MM Mary Aitken, M.D., M.P.H. Professor, Department of Pediatrics UAMS College of Medicine Director of the Injury Prevention Center – Arkansas Children’s Hospital W hen I first began straightening teeth some 20 something years ago we only had metal brackets and stainless steel wires. The normal treatment time was around 3 years. There was quite a bit of pain because of how the stainless steel wires moved the teeth. It has changed drastically in the last 10 years. We now have clear brackets, nickel titanium wires and Invisalign (clear aligners). Treatment times have been cut in half with new techniques and materials. Another recent breakthrough has helped shorten treatment time even further. The technique is called micro osseous perforation. I know that’s a mouthful so let me explain. Propel is a company that introduced this concept to the dental community. You can look up the company “Propel” on the internet to find tons of information, videos and patient testimonials. I will just simply say that it is a way to soften the bone surrounding the teeth to allow the teeth to move much faster. The procedure is done while you are numb so it is painless. It roughly takes 10 to 15 minutes to perform the procedure. Its cost varies from $300 to $600 depending on the dentist you go to. It can literally cut the treatment time in half. It is mainly used in adult patients because the bone is not currently growing and is much harder than in a child. As I mentioned, we usually use Propel on adult patients so this is perfect to use in conjunction with Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. We can use Invisalign on teenagers but more adults use it than teens. Most of the Invisalign cases we perform are around 15 to 25 aligners. The patients will wear each aligner for 2 weeks to straighten the teeth. So lets say the patient needs to wear 25 aligners to straighten the teeth. At 2 weeks per aligner that will be 50 weeks or roughly a year of treatment. Here is where the exciting news is. With the use of Propel, the same patient will only have to wear each aligner for 1 week instead of 2 weeks. That correlates to 25 weeks and not 50 weeks of treatment. That equals roughly 6 months of treatment for straight teeth. Many people are getting straight teeth in only 3 to 4 months of treatment. This is definitely worth the extra $300 to $600 for Propel. Obviously every person is different and the degree and severity of the malocclusion will vary tremendously. It may take much longer than 6 months for some people. I am talking about the majority of adult patients wanting straight teeth that think it will take a few years to treat them. Now there is a solution for faster treatment. WITH THE USE OF PROPEL, THE SAME PATIENT WILL ONLY HAVE TO WEAR EACH ALIGNER FOR 1 WEEK INSTEAD OF 2 WEEKS. THAT CORRELATES TO 25 WEEKS AND NOT 50 WEEKS OF TREATMENT. For more information, call your local dentist and ask if they provide Propel along with Invisalign or braces. If they don’t, hopefully they can refer you to a dentist that does. It’s a great way to have a beautiful smile in a short period of time. MM D r. Bryan Austin graduated from Magnolia High School, University of Central Arkansas, and obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at Baylor College of Dentistry. He attends church at New Life. He has a wonderful son Gene. His hobbies are numerous and include hunting, fishing, travel and golfing. He also plays lead guitar in a band, and he loves to fly airplanes. He belongs to the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Central District Dental Society, Pulaski Dental Learning Society, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics. www.MauMag.com An ATV requires maturity, experience and good judgment. If a child is not old enough to drive a car, he or she should not operate an ATV. In fact, full-size ATVs are labeled to discourage children under 16 from operating the vehicle. 19 Are you in PAIN? Two Issues Most People Overlook with Weight Loss and Health Living with Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Headaches or Back Pain? By Christie Brooks, MS, RD, LD Registered Dietitian, CrossFit Trainer, Essential Oils Educator Why Weight Lifestyle Program - www.WhyWeightLifestsyle.com working out harder or longer as they become even more strict with their calories. Both of these routes can actually be detrimental to success. What is often overlooked is something extremely easy to fix, which will help them get back on the road to success. September/October 2016 Do you hit a feeling of NO ENERGY around the hours of 2:00-3:00pm? Our bodies should be mostly made up of water and protein substances along with the bones. Considering how our bodies are made, we can actually live without food for over a month because our metabolism will slow down and adjust to conserve. But our body can not live very long without water. Our bodies should be 65-75% water. Most people stay around 50-55%, which is called chronic dehydration (aka “slow metabolism”). Everything – I’m talking organs, metabolism, body functions – depends on water. You will feel tired during the afternoon hours if you are dehydrated. 20 Water is used for many different functions including breathing, perspiring and urinating. Water loss in a day averages 10 cups and water accumulated through food and metabolism averages only 4 cups. Water does several more things: • Flushes out toxins- kidneys require water to dissolve uric acid • Cools the body during exercise • Decreases water retention – the body is known to retain water to compensate • Relieves dehydration headaches • Promotes good skin tone (Helps with the wrinkles and decreases cellulite!) • Lubricates the joints • KEY ingredient to Weight Loss - water is needed to metabolize fat adequately So how much do we need? Take your body weight and divide it by 2. Your answer is the amount of ounces you will need to drink daily. This does NOT include coffee or sugar drinks (colas, sweet teas, sports drinks). You can flavor a gallon of water with lemons and mint to drink all day. It is best to have half of your water consumed by noon and not wait until right before bed to catch up! Another good indicator of dehydration is just noticing the coloration of your urine when you go to the bathroom. If it’s slightly tinged yellow but mostly clear, you are spot on. If it’s a dark yellow, start drinking water! Of course, if our body is being fed, hydrated, and exercised properly, you need to look at one more issue that could be detrimental to reaching your goal. As the years pass, our life seems to get busier and busier, cramming in more “to-do’s” on our daily list. So when do you sleep? And how much do you sleep? Did you know that our bodies reset during long periods of rest? Resetting the metabolism could just be your next ticket to the journey of health success! Studies show that if you get less than 7 hours of sleep, your body will NOT reset. By getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night (preferably uninterrupted sleep), your body will: Joints will be able to make synovial fluid for lubricating, Muscles will repair themselves from the day’s workout, Pancreas will get rest to prevent against diabetes, Heart rate along with Blood pressure will be closer to normal during the day, and Much less munching on foods (sugary and salty) during the day to “give you energy” to stay awake (those calories add up!!) SERVICES Of course, the worse thing to do is go grab up coffee to keep you going in the afternoon. Coffee is a diuretic – so it will dehydrate you! Plus, when you are dehydrated, drinking extra coffee to stay awake, consuming all the extra foods to stay awake (you know your body really isn’t hungry), and you are sleeping very little…you will eventually start wearing down your body organs which brings on disease or even adrenal fatigue. This is not the environment for a good and fast metabolism either! So when you are on that road to health and you hit that frustrating plateau, re-evaluate your sleep and your water intake before you start working out harder and longer or start making adjustments to your caloric/ macro intake. MM • Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Spinal Decompression Therapy • Acupuncture • Cold Laser Therapy Dr. Tray Fowler, D.C. Kyle L. Skinner D.C. , C.C.S.P. TWO LOCATIONS 103 Park Drive Maumelle C hristie Brooks is a Registered Dietitian and a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. She and her family live in Searcy. She has taught at Harding University, worked at several hospitals, a dialysis clinic, and a gym. She has also worked under a childhood obesity grant, diabetes and HIV clinics, and has owned a restaurant. She started the Why Weight Lifestyle Program, which is comprised of an individualized meal plan and weekly one-hour consults targeting hormone balancing, detoxing, clean eating, exercise, and disease prevention. More info can be found at www.WhyWeightLifestyle.com and www. facebook.com/WhyWeightLifestyle. Email: [email protected] 501.851.6685 663 Highway 365 Mayflower 501.470.9855 www.skinnerchiropractic.com www.MauMag.com O ften, dieters hit plateaus and frustration sets in. They start 21 I Provided by Arkansas Children’s Hospital f there is one thing Dr. Samiya Razzaq tells every family she encounters, it’s this: Cut out the sugary beverages. Families that are concerned about their child’s weight can ask their primary care provider for a referral to the clinic, which meets four days a week. The team approach creates a positive and educational atmosphere for families, as they start the weight loss journey together. “It’s really the devil in disguise,” says Razzaq, medical director of the Center for Obesity And its Consequences in Health (COACH) at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “People will gulp the beverages thinking they’re quenching thirst, but they’re drinking so many calories so fast that it tends to negate their other healthy lifestyle choices.” Each year she sees dozens of children in the COACH Clinic whose families are frustrated and unsure of what they can do to help their kids lose weight. She gently reminds them that they have the power to make changes that ensure everyone in the home is healthier. “Until they come to the clinic, they may not realize how something like a simple drink choice is going to change their health,” she said. September/October 2016 Razzaq tells parents and caregivers to think about a kid playing soccer or baseball. That athlete may burn 200 calories per game. But then they immediately chug a small bottle of orange juice or a sports drink. Now they’ve taken in even more calories than they burned. 22 “I tell my patients the biggest bang they can get is taking out those sugars they drink,” Razzaq said. “Then we begin working on food portions and choices, creating a balanced diet and moving more.” The COACH Clinic at ACH offers families the expertise of physicians trained in weight management. Families also have access to the Arkansas Children’s Center for Exercise and Nutrition Therapy, or ACCENT Clinic, where dedicated nutritionists, psychologists and physical therapists provide additional support. The comprehensive, streamlined approach gives kids the confidence to begin their weight loss journey. There’s no question that childhood obesity is one of the state’s biggest health challenges. Children who are overweight are more likely to face diabetes, high cholesterol, joint pain and even liver problems. The COACH Clinic at ACH offers the highest level of weight loss support for children, in accordance with national guidelines. The patients Dr. Razzaq and the rest of the team treats may be as young as 2 and as old as 17. Most have a body mass index (BMI) greater than the 97th percentile. Some have lower BMIs, but are already facing issues like high insulin, skyrocketing blood pressure and darkening skin around the neck — a sign of type 2 diabetes. “They’re having problems in school. They’re not able to keep up with their peers,” Dr. Razzaq said. “They tell us they’re short of breath. We tell them we can help.” Why Women Should Lift Weights A s a personal trainer who works mainly with women, I’ve heard it all too often “I only want to lose weight and tone my muscles. I don’t want “A child may be 30, 40 or 60 pounds overweight, but the impact begins well before she notices her clothes fitting differently,” Dr. Razzaq said. “The inside of the body feels better much sooner – even as soon as three days of habit changes.” to bulk up.” The misconception here is that women think that they need to spend hours on the treadmill and not lift anything more than 5-10 pounds or they are going to look like the hulk. What they don’t realize is that weightlifting won’t turn you into a she-hulk (as women we don’t possess the level of testosterone necessary to support a bulky physique), it will however help you gain confidence, self-esteem and fit into those skinny jeans. To learn more about the ACH COACH and ACCENT Clinics, visit archildrens.org/coach Here’s why women should lift and lift heavier weights 2 or 3 times a week: Dos and Don’ts for Making Changes The Entire Family Can Stick To: Your metabolism will soar Do: • Choose a healthy, balanced meal that includes food from all five food groups with smaller portion sizes. • Exercise for 60 minutes daily. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for Disease Control recommend an hour of moderate activity every day. • Know the facts. Check the nutrition label and follow the dietary recommendations of a health care professional. Don’t: • Drink sugary beverages. The best choice is water. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Some alternatives include unsweetened tea, flavored water (Crystal Light, Mio, etc.), or Powerade Zero. • Spend a lot of time in front of a screen (TV, phone, tablet, etc.). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than two hours per day. • Skip meals. Balanced meals and snacks throughout the day are a good thing, so long as the food choices are healthy and in small portions. MM By Kathy Wheeler As women age they naturally lose muscle mass. This causes your metabolism to slow, which means it’s harder to lose weight and you start building a spare tire around your middle. The big advantage to weight training is your body’s ability to burn fat during and after a lifting session. By challenging the muscles and lifting weights, you increase your lean muscle tissue. An increase in lean muscle tissue requires more calories to maintain, therefore an increase in metabolism. Your body will get tighter While cardiovascular exercise is good for your heart and will help burn fat, lifting weights help sculpt your body, creating curves and definition right where you want it. Besides, a pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat, therefore you are able to fit into and look good in those skinny jeans. Reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes Pumping iron can reduce your risk of heart disease and was approved by the American Heart Association as a healthy form of Five pounds of muscle vs. five pounds of fat. exercise. The AHA (www.heart.org) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise five days a week for overall cardiovascular health. And for added health benefits, moderate to high intensity strength training at least two days a week. Those who lift weights are less likely to have heart disease risk factors such as a large waist circumference, high triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and elevated glucose levels. It’s good for bone health As you age, not only do you risk losing muscle mass but you are also at risk of losing bone mass. Postmenopausal women however are at a greater risk for osteoarthritis because the body no longer secretes estrogen. Stressing the bones during a strength training session can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Maintaining strong muscles through weight training also helps to maintain balance and coordination, which helps to prevent falls which can lead to osteoporosis related fractures. K It can reduce stress Let’s face it, we all know life is not a walk in the park. It can get pretty stressful at times and what better way to relieve stress than in the weight room. Those who regularly strength train tend to manage stress better and experience fewer adverse reactions to stressful situations as those who do not exercise. What better way to blow off some steam and burn some calories than taking your stress out on a punching bag or weights. In addition, older adults who participate in moderate intensity weightlifting can improve their memory and cognitive function. So, next time you are at the gym and find yourself reaching for those five pound dumbbells, think about the many benefits of lifting heavier weights. Your body will thank you. *Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program. Lifting heavier weights requires proper form, so consult a personal trainer at your local gym. MM athy Wheeler is a nationally certified personal trainer with over 10 years experience who works for 10 FitnessMaumelle. She is an ACE-certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Cooper Institute Master Fitness Specialist, IDEA Professional Member, SCW Yoga and mat Pilates certified and CPR/AED certified. To learn more about personal training call 501-519-1746. www.MauMag.com Arkansas Children’s Hospital Coaching Kids through Weight Loss 23 Plums, poetry, politicians, and perspective By Robyn D. Rektor Of course she, he, she are going to have different voting agendas than mine I realized. What can each candidate offer these three that will make them ultimately cast a vote into that candidate’s ballot box? How will the candidates speak to these people’s experiences, to reach their perspective of this American life? I ’ve been thinking about perspective lately. It started last month on the beach one morning at Gulf Shores. I was doing my usual oceanic vacation ritual of rising for daybreak and sunrise to catch the show and happily tromp solo along the water’s edge for an hour or two before my companions and the rest of the world come alive. We cannot be anything other than what we are, a sum of our experiences and feelings about them. The man will vote with the experiences he has had and how they affect his expectations of the future. The mother will vote with a heart that has been shrouded in grief. I suppose one could rationalize his or her way out beyond feelings, but even that is still a part of who we are, where we have been, and how will feel about both. As I looked streetwards and took stock of the Pink Pony and then the Hangout, I recalled that the night before I was in the same spot, just further in, as I had stood on the public access beach entry between the Hangout and Surf Style. I had watched dusk then nightfall encroach upon the water and envelop it in a cloak of darkness. Looking down the beach and across the water right now, it looked so different that I had to keep checking that I was indeed aligned. “How can nothing look the same?” I kept wondering. A few weeks earlier I had told a friend that my sister and I remembered a thing from our childhood as completely different. I feared this meant I had a flawed memory, my greater fear that maybe I recall lots of things incorrectly. She said the difference came from perspective, that it was quite possible that both of us were totally right, that we put what we knew and how we felt on the moment, and later, the memory of it, but that both views while different could each be “True.” A touch of nightfall or crowd, a splash of noise or activity, and things look different. Perspective changes everything. It’s about where you sit. September/October 2016 I’m not very political. I exercise my right to vote in every election but often more to honor the women and men who fight for our country than to cast a vote for a certain politician. This year I was hanging out with a friend who was visiting from across the country when the Republican convention began. 24 I grew up and got through most of my adulthood thinking about people and the world in terms of wrong or right and good or bad. But that’s just not true, I now see. Perspective allows for many, probably at least fifty, shades of gray. “We gotta watch it,” he gushed, “Man, I love this stuff.” I deemed him nuts but begrudgingly obliged and --much to my surprise-- I was quickly suckered into the drama. The next week, though my friend had already left for his east coast, I found myself equally captivated by the other side. As I watched the two hours of network coverage each night, I was surprised at how emotionally involved I got. Tears flowed as I witnessed a husband catalog his wife’s many and significant accomplishments, women sobbing openly as the first female presidential candidate of a major party was officially nominated (I joined in the tearpalooza, and, rather ashamedly I admit, I had not given this historical moment much thought beforehand), and a father visibly moved deeply by his daughter’s words as she introduced her mother. I was fascinated by the words from people in the crowds randomly chosen to give impromptu interviews. For the first time, I thought about what a candidate looks like from a perspective other than my own. I saw the voting desires of a mother who lost her A while back I tried to make sense of a loss through the Buddhist principle of nothing is good or bad, it just is. This did not work for me. No matter how I tried, every argument was someone’s fault, every move deemable as wrong or right. I tried getting there by saying “that’s curious” instead of classifying actions. That worked until I got my feelings hurt and then it was back to wrong or right, good or bad. For three hours I melt here into the setting. I become an extension of the bench on which I rest. I belong here as much as the wisteria vine, the picnic table, the reddish finch that rests on the branch nearby. I only become aware of my difference when anatomy calls me out of this gentle reverie back to my room at the guest house when my perspective shifts from transcendental arbor dweller to regular ol’ human being who drank too much iced tea at lunch. My very wise sagey friend said recently that nothing is personal. The person having a bad day snapping at us at the cash register, when we unknowingly cross into their negative area, we may feel the effects, but it has nothing to do with us. It is not personal. The relationship that fails that you spend weeks, months trying to unravel and make sense of, the thread of wrongdoing you think you need to untangle in order to understand what to do differently next time, quite possibly, it has nothing to do with you. In a friendship, marriage, lives shared, a breakup, two people often think of it so differently that it seems they cannot be talking about the same people, the same events. How can perspectives that merged, for at least some space of time, also be so different? Because there can be more than one “true”? As I write this, I am sitting in the cool womb of one of my favorite spots in America, a wisteria enwrapped arbor on the grounds of a beloved abbey with a picnic bench that has been There’s a poem by William Carlos Williams I adore, partly because it’s about my favorite fruit but mostly because it captures the intensity of emotions in just a few words. Its depth in brevity astonishes me anew every time I read it. I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox .... forgive me they were delicious. (There’s a few more words but not many, that’s most of the poem.) I have used it as a dating screening tool. Read this and tell me what you think. Give me your perspective. (Don’t judge! I am an English major and college writing teacher after all. It’s in my training!) In my younger days, my friends swore I used When Harry Met Sally, later Beautiful Girls, to determine from the corner of my eye whether a guy and I had any compatibility. At least I have upgraded to literature. The he of the last relationship pronounced Plums “stupid.” I should’ve known then he wouldn’t last. Nobody I have dated thus far has loved this poem. Maybe it’s not such a good screening tool. Or maybe it is. The answer to that, I suppose, depends on your perspective. MM R obyn D. Rektor plays with words for a semi-living and also teaches writing for the University of Phoenix. Pen your perspective on plums or other pleasantries to [email protected]. www.MauMag.com From Where You Sit the scene of some of my deepest pennings and most influential readings. It’s one of my happy places. Even when it’s 90 degrees out like it is today, this spot feels magically cool, its own climate, its own universe. I long to return to this nest often, it has taken up residence inside my head and heart, but I rarely make it back more than once a year. son to racial violence, of a man who wanted protection for his LGBT community, of a 65-year-old African-American woman who was overjoyed to see the day coming that she could cast a vote for a woman president. 25 Get Out of My Yard! By Prunella Pinetree My imagination, all by its itty bitty self, twists sounds or shadows completely out of proportion within seconds. At just the mention of a prisoner escaping or an ongoing manhunt, I envision that my backyard instantly becomes the best hiding place for any dirt-bag in the continental U.S. I have no out-buildings, sheds or vast amounts of wooded property to help anyone disappear from the law, but I know he’s out there: I can just sense it. Mi casa is probably listed on the ArkansasHideouts.com website for any wrong-doer to research. They need only look for the big red X strategically marked on any state map generously provided for free inside your local tourism portal. is hurt, doesn’t that generally make it more aggressive and unpredictable? Please don’t be aggressive and unpredictable! To the average person, those mysterious sounds that go “bump” in the night are basically ignored. But to someone like me with the calm demeanor of Barney Fife, they are clear signs of intruders. So, just like Ralphie in “A Christmas Story” movie, I grabbed for Ol’ Blue at the first sign of danger. Actually, mine was more silver and black. His was bolt action, but mine had 5 bullets sitting on go and 45 more as backup. True to the movie warning, I was hoping not to put someone’s eye out with it…..especially my own. For all I knew, there were masked marauders and quite possibly Black Bart himself inching towards my tiny homestead, so it was up to me to protect the yellow-bellies who lived within it. It was either me or the bad guys, and by golly, it wasn’t going to be me. Sayonara, bad guys! September/October 2016 The large shade-producing trees in my yard tend to crank out bushels of dead, crackly leaves in the fall, thus carpeting the spotty grass and weed assortment I’ve got going out there. The wind is never quite able to blow them completely away, so I attempt to rake up what I can, even though my heart and soul are seldom in it. It generally doesn’t take long before I give up, and it becomes my version of ground cover with outdoor alarm. 26 I like to raise the windows to fully enjoy the crisp fresh air, but that also opens Pandora’s box of night sounds. Last night as the temperature dropped with the first winds of fall, I heard shuffling and crunching sounds from the back yard. I figured the squirrels were all snug in their beds, so I ruled them out completely. My fingers were crossed that it was not a skunk with a vendetta. The possibility of raccoons or possums was all too real, so I listened intently. Was this a 4-legged trespasser or even worse….…the dreaded 2-legged version? I swallowed hard. The foreboding sounds of dry, brittle leaves being displaced by feet were all too familiar. The disturbance was moving, very slowly, down the fence line from the back of the yard towards the front. Was it searching for something? Was it hurt? Could that explain the slow, deliberate pace with resting intervals? Ugh! I hope it’s not bleeding. (I faint seeing blood.) If something Chapter’s End I decided to go for broke and go on the offensive. Without peering out the window, I slithered back down the staircase to the living room. From there, I could turn on the back porch lights and change night into day. Aha! The bad guys’ positions would be exposed, and they would immediately flee. I could do this! I needed to do it now! I’m going on the count of three! I jumped up to flip on the outside lights and took off running back up the stairs to my vantage point. Apparently I’m not as light on my feet as I had thought, because when I looked out the window, there were 3 stocky deer staring up at me. They never flinched in surprise or even appeared disturbed in any manner. After a few seconds of the 4 of us staring, they dropped their heads in boredom and continued to shuffle through the leaves. I clapped my hands and made growling sounds, both to no avail. They turned their heads to one another as if having a brief discus- By Michae Orfanos T ears crept into Claire’s eyes, and spontaneously glided down her cheeks as she hung up the phone. Emotion was an unexpected tidal wave drowning her in its ferocity. Trying to come up for air, she took a deep breath, shocked by her reaction to such happy news; “I’m officially through with high school.” I belly crawled to the window, which was silly since it is 30 feet off the ground and not even floor length, but we ‘fraidy-cats do whatever we feel is best during stressful times. I froze in my tracks to interpret the latest data headed my way via the wind. It was closer. The resting intervals were lengthening. My heart was thumping louder than the crunching leaves outside. Could they hear me as clearly as I heard them? I had to remain calm. I needed the element of surprise. sion and then looked back up at me. Were they waiting for more aggressive action on my part or what? I was as confused as they were. There’s no way that I was going outside to attempt shooing them away: it’s spooky out there. I’ve come to the conclusion that I may pay the taxes on my little piece of Arkansas, but I certainly don’t control who uses it after sunset. Shhh! What was that noise? [email protected] MM “Congratulations, Honey I’m so proud of you”, she had cheered back to her son before ending the call. It was the last day of school before graduation, and Jake was checking in to share his joy. How could she feel so completely deflated by loss when she should be on cloud nine? This was a huge accomplishment for them both, why was she crying? She chided herself as she pulled tissues from the box sitting on her desk. Blotting the corners of her eyes she tried to compose herself by reconciling her heart and her mind. The problem was her heart knew the significance of the conversation before the rest of her had caught up. Her mind hadn’t yet recognized the sound her heart heard in that call, the sound of the door to her son’s childhood closing as he began his evolution to becoming an adult. This was a turning point, and Claire knew that from now on she would stand on one side of that door, and he the other. Jake would always take a piece of her with him, but no longer would he need her as much. And as proud as she was that her son was growing up to be a fine young man, she felt the sharp pain of mourning the loss of her baby. As Claire sat quietly at her desk so as not to draw attention to herself, her eyes settled on two photos pinned side by side on the bulletin board in front of her. In one picture a young man with a peppering of stubble on his chin looked over his shoulder, and the other of a baby boy with a toothless grin that smiled back at her. It was impossible that the images were of the same person. From time to time Claire caught herself staring into Jake’s face trying to see any semblance of the little one he once was, but it was always a man looking back at her. In Claire’s heart however, she saw Jake through a prism of his entire life. She saw him as a baby, a five year old, a tween, and a teenager all at once. It was a special kind of vision that only a parent can have, and a special kind of honor to know someone that well. For everyone around her it was just an ordinary day. For Claire a milestone had been reached. She remembered all the past milestones in Jake’s life, every step of childhood left behind by growing; four dimples on each chubby hand where knuckles would form, a big round belly perfect for blowing “raspberries” on that disappeared as he grew taller. Ears that felt like rose petals. She remembered the mispronounced words that became standard in the confines of their little world; heccahoccer, frigifreighter, and BenDonalds. Her mind wandered through road trips and pony rides, girlfriends and broken hearts. Deep inside Claire recognized that it was now her turn to be left behind as he grew up. Just like now, she wasn’t ready for the life change when she chose to have Jake. Leaving behind a budding career to move across the country, and be closer to family was, she thought, going to be easy. She had no idea how deep a chasm it would create in her identity, nor how much effort it would take to regain her balance. Her focus was forced to shift from herself to someone else. And up to that point considering someone else was completely alien. To her surprise, being a mother came naturally, and being each other’s world was effortless. Time passed, and as it always does life went along. Claire happened into a new field that she loved, and created a new happy existence. She considered hers a success story, and this moment was simply confirmation of that. She nodded in agreement to no one, sitting at her desk as she regained composure. She realized that simply a page in the story had turned, and a new chapter had begun. MM M ichae Orfanos lives in Maumelle with her family and three dogs. She has settled here after living in New York and Los Angeles, and working in the entertainment industry. After growing up in Arkansas and then living in the big city, Maumelle is a perfect place to raise her family and write stories. www.MauMag.com I don’t need to see scary movies, read frightening books or even watch the 10 o’clock news to become a little jittery at night. 27 Minute With Maddox By Cary Maddox App for your Smartphone. This allows you to (cart path) you will need to determine your click through and even search certain things. nearest point of relief where the ball does Now that we have an idea on how to read through and somewhat understand the S ome time ago in this space we discussed some of the most commons Rules of Golf that come up in a casual round of golf. Well, with all the goings on in the major championships involving the rules I thought it would be good to revisit some of them and even some new ones. The USGA Rules of Golf book can be a little intimidating at first glance. There is a lot of information and you feel like you have to be a lawyer to sort through it to figure something out. Yes there are a lot of procedures and penalties, but knowing and understanding the rules can benefit you when you play. Rules of Golf First let’s try and go about understanding the rules, then we will look at some basic rules that you see quite a bit over 18-holes. To best understand the Rules of Golf you must have a good understanding of the definitions. Understanding the definitions will help you as you begin to read each rule. There are over fifty terms and they form the foundation around which the Rules of Play are written. A good knowledge of the terms is very important to the correct application of the Rules. Once you have a good understanding of the definitions, you must consider the facts of the case in some detail. First identify the Rules of Golf book, let’s look at some common situations you might encounter in a round of golf. form of play, match or stroke. Then identify who is involved (player, partner, caddie, etc.). Know your condition where the incident occurred (green, bunker, water hazard, etc.). Some other facts to find out are a) what actually happened, what where the player’s intentions, and what was the timing of the incident. A lot of fact finding goes into understanding the situation. After the fact finding mission refer back to the book. Use the Rules of Play Index in the Rule book. The Index covers the 34 Rules of Golf. After you find out the information you should be able to look at the Names of each Rule and decide which Rule applies. Another great reference is the Rules of Golf I’m sure anyone who has ever played golf has hit a ball into the water. Rule 26 discusses the procedure for dealing with a ball in a water hazard. You probably know that it is a one shot penalty for doing so. How to proceed is always a good topic of discussion. First you must know if it is a Water Hazard (defined by yellow stakes and lines; photo A) or a Lateral Water Hazard (defined by red stakes and not lie in or on the Obstruction. Once that is determined you have one club-length (not nearer the hole) to drop your ball in. There is no penalty for taking this relief. The last Rule I would like to discuss is Rule 28: Ball Unplayable. The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable. Under a penalty of one stroke a player may play a ball from where he originally played from, drop a behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped (with no limit to how far back), or drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer to the hole. Most golfers elect to use the two-club lengths when really going back to the original spot or dropping well behind unplayable position is the better option. Knowing the Rules of Golf can help you through a round of golf. I encourage all golfers to have a basic understanding of the Rules. If you have any questions please contact your local PGA Golf Professional or reach out to the ASGA (Arkansas State Golf Association). Good luck! MM lines; photo B). Both water hazards have the same options; however a Lateral Water Hazard has an additional two options. Let’s start with a Water Hazard. We will call it a “Regular Water Hazard.” If you hit your ball into a Regular Water Hazard you have 3 options. A) play it as it lies (which can obviously be C ary Maddox is the PGA Head Golf Professional at the Maumelle Country Club. He has over 15 years of teaching experience working with men, women, seniors, and juniors. For more information on lessons contact him at [email protected]. Visit Cary on the web at www.carymaddoxpga.com. difficult), B) go back to the point where you hit it into the water from, or C) take the point flag and go back as far as you want to and drop it. The last option is always debated because some people will incorrectly think that it is the point where it crossed and the place where you hit it from. It is always the Resident Manager • Propane Refills Hazard. If your ball goes into a water hazard Computerized Gate Access options as a Regular Water Hazard, and also a few additional options. D) take the point Sizes: 5x5 to 12x45 Moving and Storage Supplies where it last crossed and take a drop within Commercial Deliveries two club-lengths of that point no closer to 24-Hour Access Available the hole, E) another option rarely used is to September/October 2016 Individual Door Alarms • Climate Controlled point and the flag. Now to the Lateral Water marked by a red line then you have the same take the same approach as option D, but take it from the other side of the hazard equidistant from the hole. The only other option for both would be if the committee has an established drop area that would be marked by a white circle and noted as a drop area. Another common situation that requires some knowledge to proceed under would be a cart path. We now have read the definitions 28 Gateway Self Storage 758-STOR (7867) 7101 Vestal Court Off Maumelle Blvd. (1/4 mile west of I-430) PROPANE REFILLS www.MauMag.com where it last crossed the yellow line and the so we know that a cart path is an Obstruction (Rule 24). To take relief from the Obstruction 29 Financial or thousands of years, life expectancy at birth for humans was 25 to 35 years. By 1900, it had However; if the gate attendant informed you before boarding that there was a 5% chance that the engines could fail causing the plane to crash before reaching your destination, would you still be willing to board the plane? The degree of failure would be low, but the magnitude of that failure (death) would be enormous. Keep in mind this is average life expectancy at birth. In other words, roughly half the population will live longer – often much longer. How many years can you expect to live in retirement? Obviously, as life expectancy grows, years spent in retirement increases. It is interesting to note when Social Security was passed in 1935, average time spent in retirement was about three years. By 1980 that average had increased to 13.6 years, by 1990 to 19.4 years, by 2000 from 20 to 30 years on average, and it this time the average continues to increase. Most married couples can expect a retirement lasting for 25 to 40 years. This lends itself to using a long term time frame for a large portion of retirement assets, rather than the reduction in risk called for by conventional historical financial models. One big mistake made in retirement planning is to use average life expectancy at birth. This creates a shorter life expectancy than what may actually occur. If we assume a too-short life expectancy, our distribution rate on retirement assets may be too high. We should really use life expectancy at age 65. For example, the chance of at least one spouse living to age 95 is 31% - a pretty large margin of error if you planned for age 76. You will notice that adding a second life greatly increase the odds of one party living to a specified age. September/October 2016 Another consideration - Life expectancy at age 65 is still based on the average. Affluent people tend to live longer than the average due to healthier lifestyles and access to better medical care. So for the people reading this article, life expectancy may actually be longer than shown on the chart! One thought that sticks with me is that “People do not have an expiration date.” Doctors rarely use “natural causes” as a reason for By Austin Pittman Photography by Alex Kent www.alexkentphoto.com The degree of failure would be high, but the magnitude of that failure (no snack) would be low. inched up to 47 years. In 1928, penicillin was invented. By 2000, life expectancy at birth had increased to 76.5 years! 30 Understanding Histograms Planning For Your Personal Lifespan death. Death certificates usually show the failure of some vital organ, or detail some other medical reason rather than “old age. Statistics and probabilities are useful tools when it comes to planning for contingencies. Unfortunately running out of money in retirement may cause much more than a slight inconvenience. If you were boarding a plane and were told that there was a 95% chance that snacks would not be served on that flight, due to turbulent conditions you would probably look forward to arrival at your destination and board the plane. F What can you do to prepare for the probability of an extended period of retirement living? Following are a few strategies which can be employed to make sure your retirement income outlives you: 1. Consider postponing Social Security Benefits to later 2. Consider Lifetime pension options rather than lump sums 3. Maintain A Stock Allocation To Foster Growth 4. Reposition Assets For Tax Efficiency Segment Assets Based Upon Investment Time Horizon MM rank B Howell, Jr. is a Certified Financial Planner ™ in Little Rock, AR and developer of the Tax Efficient Asset Movement process. No portion of this article is to be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell a security or to provide personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Frank can be reached by phone at 501-519-3280 or on the web at TaxEfficientAssetMovement.com. Frank B Howell, Jr. holds Arkansas Insurance Consultant License # 829849 / CFP Board ID # 116373 space in between, so it doesn’t look like a traditional bar graph, but that is essentially what it is. If your histogram is scaled more to the left side of the graph, your image is darker or underexposed. If it is scaled more to the right side of the graph, your image is brighter or overexposed. If more of the data is in the middle ranges of the histogram, the image contains more mid tones. There is no such thing as a “correct” histogram, but most ideal exposures look more like an even hill than mountain peaks. It should reach from edge to edge on the graph, but not climb the sides, A professional photographer and an amateur photographer are standing side by side shooting pictures of the same scene. After each shutter click, both look at their LCD screens to check the exposure of their respective images. The difference? The amateur is looking at the image itself, which may be influenced by bright sunlight, LCD brightness settings on their camera, or any number of other factors. The pro is looking at the histogram of his image, giving him an accurate representation of his exposure. Your LCD screen can be a great tool for checking the sharpness, depth of field, and composition of your image, but to check the accuracy of your exposure, the histogram is much more accurate. High Contrast “A histogram is a graphical representation of the tonal values of your image. In other words, it shows the amount of tones of particular brightness found in your photograph ranging from total black to total white” (Photography Life). A histogram is basically a bar graph, with each bar representing a numerical value from 0 (total black) to 255 (total white) along the horizontal (x) axis. The vertical (Y) axis shows the quantity of light at each particular value (between 0 and 255). The number of pixels that are at each respective value (0-255) determine how high the “peaks” are at each of those values. The bars are all squeezed together with no www.MauMag.com F By Frank Howell Continued on next page > 31 the dynamic range of your camera being exceeded is an interior shot of a house with a window letting in bright sunlight. In this situation, you are either going to have the interior properly exposed and the window over exposed or the window properly exposed and the interior under exposed. There is a technique called High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography in which you can take more than one image of the same scene at different exposures and then use software to combine the images. This allows you to obtain the correct exposure for each of the high contrast areas of your image. So looking at our interior window example, you would expose for the window and take one picture, expose for the interior and take another picture, and then combine them together. Make sure you are using a tripod or other device to make sure your composition is exactly the same so you don’t have an issue blending the images. High Contrast and should be heavier in the middle ranges than at the edges. As with most things in photography, there are exceptions to this histogram “rule”. Images of lightning, fireworks, or other night scenes with small portions of bright light will have histograms that have data heavily stacked on the left (all of the pixels with the night sky) and some on the right (the bright lightning or fireworks) but virtually no data in the middle (mid tones). A landscape image of a snow covered scene will show most of the histogram data on the far right side of the graph, with very little on the left or middle portions. Don’t think of “right” or “wrong”, use the histogram as a tool to provide information about tones. Understanding and utilizing your histogram will give you a much more accurate representation of your exposure. They can help you get your exposures right when shooting the image, which is much easier and less time consuming than trying to correct it on the back end. Histograms contain real data, and cannot be influenced by ambient light or settings in your camera or monitor, and therefore can be a very valuable tool to add to your photographic repertoire. MM 32 Low Contrast A ustin Pittman is the Vice President of Operations for Bedford’s Camera and Video stores in the Little Rock area. Austin has been a Certified Photographic Consultant since 2000. He lives in Maumelle with his wife Shannon and son Andrew. Austin may be reached by email at [email protected]. Underexposed Properly Exposed Overexposed www.MauMag.com September/October 2016 It is important to know that the sensor in your digital camera is not nearly as good at gathering information from a high contrast scene as the human eye. In other words, in a scene that has both very bright areas (highlights) and very dark areas (shadows) will not look the same once shot through your camera as your eyes see it. “In photography, dynamic range is the difference between the lightest light and the darkest dark which can be seen in a photo” (Ken Rockwell). So our eyes have a much broader dynamic range than your cameras sensor. Once the dynamic range of your camera has been exceeded, you lose detail in both the extreme highlights and the extreme shadows of your image. An example of 33 34 Roger A. Frangieh 35 www.MauMag.com September/October 2016 Tree Tips from the Maumelle Tree Board The Serviceberry Tree O QUICK TIP: HOW DO I CLEAN UP AND OPTIMIZE MY PC USING CCLEANER? C Cleaner is one of the best and free PC cleanup and optimization tools around. Clean up your system’s tempo- rary files, Internet temp file, and cache files. Also, see how you can utilize the System Registry cleaner as well as managing your system Start-Up programs. Plus, I’ll show you how to disable unwanted Internet browser plugins. I highly recommend you run CCleaner after your install a new program or after you uninstall a program from your system to keep it fresh and clean. This is true for the Cleaner and the Registry sections of CCleaner. Watch my short video tutorial to see more! http://go.greendragonpc.com/1eh CCleaner by Piriform can be freely downloaded here: http://go.greendragonpc.com/1ei BLUETOOTH 5 SPEC TO BE ANNOUNCED In an email sent by the Bluetooth SIG Executive Director, the Bluetooth 5 spec has been planned to be announced on June 16, and promises to improve in many aspects over existing Bluetooth technologies. Not much is known about what will be included in the new spec aside from a few broad, yet exciting, promises such as quadrupled range and twice as fast speed. One of the most interesting promises made, though, is that they are now increasing the “data broadcasting capacity” of devices by 800%. This broadcasting was initially intended for unpaired devices to be able to tell each other what names they have been given, making it easier to choose the right device to pair with. However, this extra space can now be used for more arbitrary information, allowing devices to have more meaningful conversations with each other without the need to pair. September/October 2016 From a security standpoint, this is can be somewhat worrying, as you will have to be more careful about what information your devices will be willing to give out. Still, seeing as how the Internet of Things continues to be pushed as being “the next big thing,” this can certainly be seen as a step in the right direction, since it lets devices communicate with each other without the need of a middle man. MM 36 T roy Pousardien owns and operates Green Dragon Technology in NLR. Working on computers since 1990 and holding a B.S. in Information Technology, Troy is ready to take on your computer challenges. Got a tech question, email Troy at techtips@ greendragonpc.com. By Ken Grunewald ne of our most striking trees is also one of the most overlooked. The serviceberry is of- ten referred to by its genus name, Amelanchier, a member of the rose family. Settlers from Maine to Iowa and Louisiana to Canada referred to them by common names unique to natural phenomenon occurring in their area of the country. Some of these common names you may have heard are: shadberry, shadblow, shad blossom and shadbush – in shad spawning areas of the country; juneberry – for their berries in June; and mountain blueberry and sarvis tree. The name serviceberry may have come from rural church -goers collecting branches from the tree in mid-winter and forcing them to bloom to provide early decorations for their church services. There are over 25 species of Amelanchier including the common serviceberry, or downy serviceberry, which we have in our front yard in Maumelle. It is one of the earliest blooming trees in central Arkansas, commonly poking out from woodland edges along our highways and rural roads and along stream banks. The serviceberry is definitely a tree for all seasons, unusual for its ability to provide interest year round. Gardeners and birdwatchers alike will particularly appreciate this tree, as will those who want a focal point in their yard or garden. Serviceberries are very impressive when planted in groups. In early spring they produce masses of showy white flowers that transition to brilliant reddish purple berries in June. These berries are delicacies for many species of our state birds. This past spring we were blessed when a pair of mockingbirds chose to build their nest and raise their chicks in a jasmine vine growing up a bamboo ladder K on our patio. Feeding their babies with berries from our serviceberry in our front yard, we were treated to days of spectacular aerobatics as the parents flew back and forth over our roof until the fledglings tumbled down and waddled off to begin their flight training. In the fall these trees explode with reddish orange colored leaves and after the leaves fall from these deciduous trees their ornamental light colored bark, streaked with a reddish cast, is very attractive in winter. If you select a multi – trunked tree you get the added benefit of an attractive “sculpture” in your yard during the winter. Cooks may appreciate its edible berries, which have a sweet blueberry - like flavor, for use in pies and to make jams and jellies. Serviceberries are considered small to medium trees that are usually multi-trunked en is a retired career air force officer with over 22 years of active service. After his air force career he worked for the State of Arkansas retiring after more than 18 years as director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Ken is an avid environmentalist with a particular interest in the welfare of all living creatures and habitat preservation. He is a master naturalist and a member of the Maumelle Tree Board. He has a B.S. degree in Geography and a M.A. degree in Public Administration. Ken has spent much of his seven years of retirement exploring remote vanishing indigenous cultures around the world. His next trip is to Bhutan in the fall. but also grow in a single trunk form. In their natural habitat they grow up to 25 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet in circumference. In urban settings, however, they normally grow to about 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Hardy and drought tolerant, they will grow in full sun but prefer partial shade, making them an excellent understory tree. They are adaptive to a wide range of soil conditions but will not tolerate poorly drained soils. Underutilized in our area, the serviceberry is a hardy, hassle free native beauty. An excellent alternative to the dogwood, it can offer variety in your garden and neighborhood, as it is not particularly well known in our neck of the woods. MM Mark your calendars for our next Maumelle neighborhood walk around with arborist Pete Rausch. If you want to learn more about trees, and how to best care for them, to be conducted Sun., Sept.17 in the Club Manner area. Also, the 2016 Arbor Day festivities are scheduled for Sat., Nov. 5. www.MauMag.com By Troy Pousardien 37 By Pam Rudkin Lily and the Octopus T by Steven Rowley his extraordinary story is a love story—a love story of a man and his dog, Lily. And I’m warning you here: if your heart has been broken recently because of the tragic loss of a pet, you may want skip on to the next page of the magazine. But I’ll also say, if you need an understanding release of emotion, this may just be the next read for you. Either way (and even if you don’t have a pet) this tender love story is the saga of Lily’s relationship with her owner, and it will touch you and remind you of whomever you’ve loved most. Ted and Lily have been together long enough that they are best friends. Ted talks to Lily, and he believes he hears Lily talk back to him. They have weekly routines. They play Monopoly. Ted frequently reminds Lily of how he came to bring her home. He reminds her that her mother’s name was Witchie-poo. (Lily loves that part of the story.) Together, Ted and Lily fight off a ferocious enemy—a cancerous tumor--battling to the bitter end, and Ted discovers that his love for Lily can never be replicated. This story is based on the author’s very real love for his Lily, his dog, and he describes her as maybe not the most heroic dog ever to live, but that “taught me everything I know about patience, kindness, strength, and unconditional love.” I think most of us, even the nonanimal people, will find this story moving, thought-provoking, and a joy to read. I personally zipped right through, loving Lily all the way to the end. MM Placing your ad in Maumelle Magazine guarantees you an attentive audience! My Grandmother Asked Me toTell You She’s Sorry 38 And now, another love story: no matter how well you know someone, no matter how much you love them—you never really know everything about them. Seven-year-old Elsa learned this about her grandmother, the one who told her fairytales with Elsa as the center of each story. Granny was the one who kept secrets between just she and Elsa. She was the one who invented a secret language for her and Elsa. Granny’s elaborate kingdom of Miamas was based on real live people who lived in the building with Elsa, as well as her mom and her stepfather, George. Elsa’s mother is expecting a baby (“Halfy,” as Elsa calls him) and Granny is dying. Elsa’s whole world is falling apart. This beautifully told story of the quirky “Granny” and her wild and fierce love for her granddaughter is narrated through Elsa’s eyes, thoughts, and perceptions. Most poignant, Granny’s past is slowly revealed after her death, as Elsa sets off to secretly deliver letters to individuals with Granny’s instructions to do so—her “greatest adventure.” The letters are all apology letters, in one form or another, and as Elsa coaxes the recipients into reading the letters to her, her grandmother’s theretofore unknown past is revealed. Elsa often quotes Granny’s views on people, cigarettes, beer, and Granny’s health (using very colorful language she learned from Granny), all the while seeing deep into the souls of those around her in ways seven-year-olds don’t usually see. P Elsa finds out that all the people around her are connected through Granny’s enigmatic past, and as she copes with her loss, she also finds friends in unexpected places. This book will make you laugh out loud, take a deep breath, and maybe even shed a tear. But it won’t disappoint. Backman has been featured here once before, and with good reason. For those who find they love this book as much as I do, there is a sequel that can be read before, after, or stand-alone with equal enjoyment: Britt-Marie was Here. • 9,750 mailed directly to all households and businesses in zip code 72113 • Ad positioning for maximum visibility • Devoted following and attentive audience All of these books are available in multiple formats to borrow and read free with your library card from the Central Arkansas Library System. Happy reading! MM am Rudkin is the librarian for the Maumelle Library, a branch of the Central Arkansas Library System. She is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University, where she earned her Master of Library Science degree. Rudkin grew up in Harrison, Arkansas and continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism. Pam is married and is the mother of three children. Her interests include reading and music composition. Reserve your Ad Space Today! 501.960.6077 [email protected] MauMag.com www.MauMag.com September/October 2016 by Fredrik Backman 39 40 September/October 2016