Inspirational Program Slated for the Museum
“This I Believe” will be the inspiring program topic at Old Independence Regional Museum on Sunday afternoon, July 12, at 4 p.m. Six people will share their committed beliefs during this meeting.
Tate Lawrence, Sheriff of Izard County, will center his remarks on patriotism and what Americans owe to their country. “I want citizens to remember those who have ‘fought the fight’ for democracy in the past and to enjoy the freedom they now have in America,” he said. Tate grew up in Izard County, graduated from Melbourne High School, and attended A.S.U. in Jonesboro. He is a U.S. Army veteran and retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. He moved to Batesville and worked 25 years for ConAgra Foods. Presently Tate is serving his third term as sheriff, and has a son serving with the Army at the Pentagon.
Sarah Sexton will speak on Environmental Stewardship: A Legacy for Earth’s Children. She said, “I will focus on the importance of making responsible environmental choices.” Sexton has an Associate of Arts in Business management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Arkansas State University. She has been with the White River Planning and Development District, Inc. in Batesville for ten years. As Recycling Coordinator for the White River Solid Waste Management District, she is committed to caring for the environment. “In my position, I provide solid waste education and recycling technical assistance to local government, plus providing education programs on recycling and litter prevention to communities, schools and local organizations,” Sexton recounted.
James Sturch is a recent Southside High School graduate. He was salutatorian for his class and was active in student government, the Student Council, and Future Business Leaders of America. He will be attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and plans to pursue degrees in political science and public administration and hopes to hold political office. He says, “I want to share my belief in ‘The Importance of Public Service.’” Sturch will trace how public service has changed through the years, why it matters today, and how people can make a difference. He will conclude with why he chose public service.
Kathy Walter works for the Batesville School District as an English As a Second Language teacher. She said, “I believe in the freedom of speech. I believe that the Bill of Rights embedded in the Constitution of the United States guarantees every citizen the right to freely express their convictions.” Walter grew up on a farm close to Egypt, Arkansas. After graduating with degrees in English and Education, she married Bob Walter. After he retired from the U.S. Army, they moved to Batesville with their two children. “I believe that we are free to do what we ought to do, not what we want to do. I believe that liberty is not license,” Walter stated.
Twyla Gill Wright says she believes in preserving the past for families in the present. She will answer the question during her talk, “Why have you devoted the past 18 years to the museum?” She served as chairperson of the museum planning committee, starting in 1991, then as the museum’s founding Board President when it opened in 1998.
Since that time she has volunteered as the museum’s Curator. She holds a B.S. in Ed. degree, has taught school, and been a published writer for over three decades. “Remnants of the past, whether in objects, in photos, or in letters and documents, all remind us of people and times that came before us. All hold bits of truth, hard lessons learned, loves won or lost, ways people made do or adapted to change,” Wright said. “These are important to pass on to today’s young people.”
To end the program, Bill Hoskins will read a poem that he wrote from his heart, “My Name is Freedom.” He retired as a Master Chief in the U.S. Navy after 21 years of service, and then worked as a utility operator at Arkansas Eastman for 19 years. After his second retirement, he serves the public as Secretary-Treasurer and training officer for the Bethesda Area Volunteer Fire Department. He is also a valued member of the volunteer docent team at Old Independence Regional Museum.
Old Independence Regional Museum, located at 380 South Ninth Street in Batesville is non-profit institution serving 12-counties in north central Arkansas. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is located at 380 South 9th street, between Boswell and Vine Streets in Batesville. The Museum’s Gift Shop is open to the public and has an extensive collection of books, historical reproductions and gift items related to local history and culture for all ages. Call 870-793-2121 for more information.
