FRONT PORCH Nov.-Dec. 2013
arfb.com
Mississippi River
State Park 50 years in the making Holiday help on the way: appetizers buttermilk pie time saving tips
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Thank You for 20 YEARS of support for
A s h Since 1994, MASH (Medical Applications of Science for Health) has provided an important early start toward medical education for rural Arkansas high school students. They’re the ones most likely to come back home to practice. 2013 MENTOR Partners UAMS Regional Centers Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Arkansas Farm Bureau Baptist Health 2013 Platinum Level Contributors ($1001&up) St. Francis County Farm Bureau Ken & Karen Tillman 2013 Gold Level Contributors ($501-$1000) Baxter County Farm Bureau Boone County Farm Bureau Clark County Farm Bureau Cleburne County Farm Bureau Cleveland County Farm Bureau 2
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Front Porch November - December 2013 C
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Farm Bureau
Matters
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by Randy Veach
President, Arkansas Farm Bureau
My parents were around when the
private sectors are working to address those
meaning electricity had gotten to the
challenges. I also serve on the Fast Access
countryside in the late 1930s. It was a life-
for Students, Teachers and Economic Results
changing experience.
(FASTER) Committee, formed by Gov. Mike
A similar sensation swept in with
telephone service to rural Arkansas,
On the Cover — The St. Francis and Mississippi rivers flow together in a landscape of picturesque wetlands on the easternmost edge of Arkansas’ newest state park, Mississippi River State Park. The park was 50 years in the making and was primarily funded through the 1/8 of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Send comments to: frontporch@arfb.com
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Mississippi River State Park Keith Sutton
Farm Bureau Matters Randy Veach Thinking Out Loud Rodney Baker
14 Taste Arkansas
Tara Johnson
16 Garden Home Design 20 22 24
P. Allen Smith Do It Yourself Monte Burch Health & Safety Jennifer Victory In the Kitchen Tayla Tate Boerner
Rhonda Whitley at rhonda.whitley@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau Center P.O. Box 31 • Little Rock, AR 72203-0031 Fax: (501) 228-1557 Please provide membership number.
pcipublishing.com Created by Publishing Concepts, Inc. For Advertising info contact David Brown • 1-800-561-4686 dbrown@pcipublishing.com
Beebe because of his strong support for adequate bandwidth.
mandated in the 1930s by the Federal
From my view, our state has a lot of
Communications Commission (FCC),
work to do to bring equal and adequate
though it was many years before access was
broadband services to our schools, businesses
available for many. In the early days we
and rural communities. Agriculture and
shared a “party line,” and each home on that
our rural communities are codependent.
party line had a distinctive ring.
Without access to adequate broadband our
The goal of the FCC’s Universal Services
Act then – and remains today – was to
ensure all Americans, regardless of where
rural communities will not succeed. Nor will agriculture. In the 1960s, one farmer averaged feeding
they live, receive quality telephone service at
26 people. Today, that one farmer feeds 155
reasonable rates.
people. We’ve been able to do that because of
A combination of government
incredible expansions in livestock and crop
involvement and entrepreneurial vigor was
yields, driven by research and technology.
needed to bring those technologies to people
With the world’s population expected
who had been without something that was
to reach 9 billion by 2050, technology
commonplace in the larger communities in
innovations, including broadband, will play
our state.
a vital role in feeding the world.
We face a similar situation in 2013 with
Without access to adequate broadband,
broadband access in Arkansas. Our state
some of our schools seem as isolated as the
ranks at or near the bottom in national
one-room schoolhouse of my grandparents’
rankings of digital learning and broadband
generation. Today, distance learning
access. TechNet’s 2012 Broadband Index
capabilities can provide any student,
listed Arkansas 50th among all state for
regardless of location, access to the best
broadband access. The rural nature of
teachers and subject matter.
Arkansas compounds the problem.
For address changes, contact:
and state leaders from both the public and
“lights came on” in rural Mississippi County,
If the future difference makers for
That does not mean to imply all of
Arkansas are to come from Arkansas, we need
rural Arkansas is a broadband wasteland.
to do everything we can to ensure our school
Ritter Communications and South Arkansas
systems are delivering what they need.
Telephone offer some of the fastest
Adequate broadband is central to that goal.
connectivity speeds in the country in some
We should use the Universal Service Act
of Arkansas’ most rural areas. But there
as a template for broadband coverage and
are large parts of our state where adequate
ensure that our citizens, regardless of where
broadband access is still a vision.
they live, can receive quality broadband
I was fortunate to be part of the recent
service at reasonable rates. To do that will,
Connecting Arkansas Internet Conference.
once again, be a life-changing experience.
There, the challenges of delivering high-
God bless you and your families. God
speed Internet to all Arkansans were
bless our farmers and ranchers. And God
debated, along with how local, regional,
bless Arkansas Farm Bureau.
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Thinking Out Loud
Front Porch Arkansas Farm Bureau © 2013 Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Front Porch is mailed to more than 200,000 member-families. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.
Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers: President Randy Veach Manila Vice President Rich Hillman Carlisle Secretary/Treasurer Tom Jones Pottsville Executive Vice President Rodney Baker Little Rock Directors: Richard Armstrong, Ozark Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Mike Freeze, England Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View
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Ex Officio Sherry Felts, Joiner Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory Brian Walker, Horatio Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory ADVERTISING: Contact David Brown at Publishing Concepts, Inc. for advertising rates. dbrown@pcipublishing.com (501) 221-9986 Fax (501) 225-3735 Front Porch (USPS 019-879) is published bi-monthly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211. Periodicals Postage paid at Little Rock, Ark. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Front Porch, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203. Issue #89. Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests.
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by RODNEY BAKER
Executive Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau
This issue of Front Porch coincides with
practices. There is a growing attitude that
the beginning of my tenure as executive
public opinion should trump science and
vice president of Arkansas Farm Bureau. I’m
property rights, and we must be ready to
grateful and appreciative for the opportunity
stand solidly with our family farms on these
to continue serving this organization and its
issues. The recent controversy surrounding
members.
the good folks at C&H hog farm in Newton
I grew up in a farm family in northeast
County and court decisions on endangered
Arkansas, served as state FFA president,
species are examples of issues that can be
earned undergraduate and graduate degrees
skewed by outside forces.
in agriculture. I have been fortunate to live
To equip ourselves to face these
out my passions with the Arkansas Farm
challenges, we must embrace changes in
Bureau for more than 36 years, most recently
technology that allow us to effectively
leading the lobbying and advocacy efforts.
connect with the public, as well as our own
The column title, Thinking Out Loud, is
a reflection of how I operate with those I
membership. We must also remain acutely aware that
am closest to. I usually arrange thoughts in
our greatest strength is our members, our
my mind, while at the same time sharing
county Farm Bureau organizations. Many
them with others. It’s a process that has been
already do a great job. Now, more than
helpful to me.
ever, it’s essential we all attend and actively
So indulge me, if you will, while I think out loud.
participate in our county board meetings, annual meetings, and legislative functions.
My vision of the future of Farm Bureau
Our best work is done at the local level.
is an organization that continues to reflect
These efforts are critical to the success of our
the beliefs and purposes on which it was
organization. They’re also opportunities to
originally founded, but recognizes and is
develop and equip local leaders. Additional
equipped to meet the challenges of our
participation, training and attention to detail
rapidly changing society.
will result in stronger, more effective county
Farm Bureau exists to represent and serve you. To do this we effectively must
organizations. I’m optimistic about the future of
be prepared to meet your needs and
Arkansas Farm Bureau. The work we do to
expectations.
improve conditions for farmers and ranchers
The challenges we will face are complicated by the shrinking population
is a part of our DNA and always will be. The ability of the farming and ranching
of farmers and ranchers and successive
community to feed, clothe and provide
generations farther removed from the land.
shelter to our state, our country and much
Many of our challenges are familiar but
of the world is one of America’s greatest
will continue to grow in momentum and
strengths. It’s noble work and something for
complexity.
which we should all take great pride. Let’s
Public concerns about the environment
continue the good work of this organization,
and food safety are easily manipulated by
embrace our challenges and prepare ourselves
alarmist groups against modern farming
to meet the future.
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craft your
holIday adventure
isten to live performances of acoustic Southern mountain music. Visit with artisans creating handcrafted heirloom treasures. Meander through the beauty of the ever-changing herb gardens. Enjoy the home-style fare at the Skillet Restaurant. Relax in comfort in one of the Cabins at Dry Creek. Experience the adventure and challenge of Loco Ropes. The Craft Village is open through November 30th for your holiday shopping enjoyment. Register now for one of our holiday events.
Upcoming Events November
7-9 • Annual Fall Bluegrass Festival 2 8 • Thanksgiving Day Buffet and Gospel
Concert with Pam Setser and Joni Bishop
29 • Christmas Concert with
Pam Setser and Joni Bishop
December
13 • Ozark Christmas Feast and Dinner Theater
M O U N T A I N V I E W, A R K A N S A S
Cabin Reservations: 800-264-3655 • Information: 870-269-3851 • OzarkFolkCenter.com Front Porch
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Mississippi River
State Park
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Crowley’s Ridge gets a new park Story and photos by Keith Sutton
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Arkansas’ newest state park,
Mississippi River State Park, is predominantly on the southern end of Crowley’s Ridge and briefly borders the Mississippi River where the St. Francis River enters the “Father of Waters.” The park takes in some of the unique geological features of Crowley’s Ridge, a special place that the big river helped birth.
The Delta of eastern Arkansas
Open for business Opened this spring, the visitor center at Mississippi River State Park provides educational exhibits for guests, who come to study, observe and explore the Arkansas Delta, the Mississippi River and Crowley’s Ridge.
looks as flat as a tabletop except for this narrow 200-mile-long band of rolling hills locals call “The Ridge.” It arises north of Missouri’s bootheel and bisects Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Cross, St. Francis, Lee and Phillips counties in Arkansas before ending near Helena. No other place in the Natural State is like it. If you visit Crowley’s Ridge, you can see this ancient history exposed in tall, beautiful bluffs sheltering gravel-bottomed creeks. A walk through the woods is like a hike in the Appalachians. Rock maples and tulip poplars grace the hogbacks and hollows. Lady’sJAMESON Architects PA and Switch Photo
slippers, ginseng and bloodroot blossom in spring. The lyrical notes of songbirds enliven the woodlands. Rainbow darters flitter in creek riffles where softshell turtles forage and frogs sing. Deer, raccoons, bobcats and other mammals forage on the forested hillsides.
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establishment, Village Creek SP in
voted to partner with the U.S. Forest
Cross and St. Francis counties was
Service (USFS) to develop the park
opened. This brought into the public
within St. Francis NF. This led to
trust a much larger tract of Crowley’s
a memorandum of understanding
Ridge — almost 7,000 acres. In
between ASP and the USFS signed
that Crowley’s Ridge was a place
fact, Village Creek is the largest of
Nov. 22, 1999, and the two agencies
of great natural beauty that should
Arkansas’ 52 state parks, providing
began formulating plans for the new
be protected for future generations.
extensive opportunities for camping,
park.
Efforts began in 1933 with the
wildlife watching, fishing, swimming,
establishment of 291-acre Crowley’s
boating, horseback riding and other
national forest will comprise
Ridge State Park (SP) on the original
activities. Five trails totaling seven
Mississippi River SP, including the
homesite of Benjamin Crowley,
miles allow hikers to explore the
recreation area on 625-acre Bear
the pioneer homesteader for whom
unique geology, abundant wildlife
Creek Lake near Marianna; the
the ridge is named. Today, visitors
and unusual plant communities of
access area at Horner’s Neck Lake,
still use the native stone-and-wood
Crowley’s Ridge.
an oxbow on the national forest’s
State parks on Crowley’s Ridge Arkansans realized long ago
facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the park’s earliest years. Swimmers bathe in waters from a spring once used by Quapaw Indians. Wildflower and
eastern edge; the access area at
Mississippi River State Park The state parks just mentioned
the confluence of the St. Francis and Mississippi rivers, also on the east side; and the recreation area on 425-acre Storm Creek Lake
birding enthusiasts enjoy hiking on
were established following a north
near the national forest’s southern
Dancing Rabbit Trail. Anglers try
to south progression. Perhaps it was
end. Some projects are completed,
their luck in the park’s 31-acre fishing
to be expected then that the next
foremost among them the new
lake.
park on Crowley’s Ridge would be
12,208-square-foot information and
created even farther south, this
education facility. Inside, visitors
Fish Commission built 640-acre Lake
time in Lee and Phillips counties.
can enjoy interactive exhibits
Poinsett on Crowley’s Ridge near
Mississippi River SP, first proposed
about the area’s wildlife, plants,
Harrisburg. Lake Poinsett SP was
almost 50 years ago, was dedicated
history and geological features. The
established on the lake’s northern
on May 16 this year. It eventually
facility offers access to the half-mile
end in 1963, complete with scenic
will encompass 536 acres within
Trotting Fox Trail, an amphitheater
camping and picnicking facilities on
22,600-acre St. Francis National
for outdoor programs and Ranger
132 wooded acres. Most visitors come
Forest (NF), including upland tracts
Pond for fishing and aquatic
for the superb fishing, casting for
on Crowley’s Ridge and wetland
exploration. An adjacent multi-
Poinsett’s abundant bream, crappie,
areas adjacent the Father of Waters.
purpose building allows groups to
In 1960, the Arkansas Game and
bass and catfish.
In 1966, this area was proposed
meet here and serves as a discovery
Lake Frierson SP in southern
as a state park, but the idea was
center for visitors and students.
Greene County joined the line-up
dropped due to lack of funding.
Interpretive programs are offered,
of public lands on Crowley’s Ridge
The concept for a park adjacent
too, including guided hikes and
in 1975. The park originally was
the Mississippi wasn’t forgotten,
kayak tours.
built for day use only and offered
however, and in 1973, the state
only picnic sites, a boat ramp and
legislature authorized development
Bear Creek Lake has been renovated,
restrooms. Facilities have since been
of Mississippi River SP. It wasn’t
and now features 14 campsites with
expanded to include a visitor’s center,
until 1996, however, when
water/electric/sewer hookups, three
campsites, pavilions and nature trails.
Arkansas voters passed a 1/8-cent
walk-in tent sites and a bathhouse.
The 335-acre lake is home to a variety
conservation sales tax to help
Two new courtesy docks here
of sportfish, and the park is renowned
fund park projects, that efforts to
provide easy access to the lake.
for the beauty of its many blooming
find a park site began in earnest.
The adjacent day-use area includes
dogwood trees in spring.
On May 20, 1999, the State Parks,
picnic sites, swimming, a boat ramp
Recreation and Travel Commission
and the mile-long Bear Creek Lake
A year after Frierson’s
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Several separate sites in the
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Beech Point Campground on
Hortus Ltd.
Crappie catch An osprey feeds on a crappie caught in Bear Creek Lake. Wildlife watchers can observe a varied assortment of creatures that live in Mississippi River State Park and St. Francis National Forest, including common animals such as deer, turkeys, raccoons, squirrels and dozens of bird species.
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Nature Trail.
The U.S. Forest Service will continue
Facilities at Storm Creek Lake soon
its role in the resource management
will be renovated, too, with plans
of the forest, including timber
to construct an enclosed pavilion,
and wildlife management, habitat
restrooms, new parking and lake-access
improvement, wildfire suppression and
facilities, and more.
law enforcement. Arkansas State Parks
According to State Parks Director
will continue improving facilities,
Greg Butts, “Arkansas State Parks is
constructing new ones and managing
experiencing one of the most exciting
these recreational facilities, including
stages in its history. Mississippi River
park maintenance, law enforcement
State Park is an important part of this.
and interpretation/education.”
Building a connection between phone callers with ease! Dial 7-1-1 and communicate with any caller – 24 hours a day! Arkansas Relay is a free service that provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and speech-disabled. This service allows TTY (text-telephone) users to communicate with standard telephone users through specially trained relay operators. For more information, contact Jeff Prail, Account Manager 501-221-1285 (Voice) email: jeffrey.prail@sprint.com (Email) visit our website: www.arkansasrelay.com
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Supervisor Judith Henry said, “The partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Arkansas State Parks should be very evident to the public when visiting Mississippi River State Park. Our staffs will work side-byside here, committed to managing these outstanding natural and
Captioned Telephone (CapTel ) Service – Talk, listen and read! ®
recreational resources on the St. Francis National Forest and making the collective national forest and
If a person with a hearing loss has difficulty hearing on the phone, not anymore! They can hear everything other callers say, just like a traditional call. At the same time, the captioning service transcribes everything they say into captions, which appear on the CapTel display window. For more information, - Visit www.arkansasrelay.com/captel
state park experience all it can be for visitors. This will be a great benefit to the local communities and area businesses, as well. “It will be an opportunity for neighbors to continue enjoying the recreation opportunities on the St. Francis, while planned state
- Contact Arkansas TAP at 800-981-4463 or 501-686-9693 (TTY/Voice)
park amenities may encourage new visitors to enjoy exploring this unique part of Arkansas. It is the
* Offered by the Arkansas Department of Career Education/Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division. ©2012 Arkansas Relay. All rights reserved. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.
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only national forest that touches the Mississippi River.”
Fishin’ in the park Two park lakes — 625-acre Bear Creek Lake near Marianna and 425-acre Storm Creek Lake near West Helena — serve up excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegills, redear sunfish, crappie and catfish.
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Let Community Health Centers serve as your “guide” and assist YOU in enrolling in a qualified health plan in the new Health Insurance Marketplace!
Find Us Online:
To locate a Community Health Center near you, call 1-877-666-CHCA or visit CHCA website at www.chc-ar.org
facebook.com/CommunityHealthCentersofAR twitter.com/chc_ar
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World of wonder I visited Mississippi River SP recently
Later, I drove several hours along
mink hunting the shore of a pond.
scenic roadways that meander through
Every habitat bristled with birds:
with nothing more than a fishing pole, a
the park and national forest, including
flycatchers, vireos, warblers, tanagers,
camera and binoculars. It was a memorable
portions of the Great River Road,
egrets, hawks, doves, hummingbirds,
day.
Crowley’s Ridge Scenic Byway and
woodpeckers, swallows, wrens,
Audubon’s Great River Birding Trail.
chickadees and more — 34 species in
Bear Creek Lake, I caught dozens of fish,
Wildlife was everywhere, from wooded
all. At Storm Creek Lake, I watched
including a 4-pound largemouth bass,
ridgetops to the river bottoms. I saw
an osprey catch a crappie. Great blue
several jumbo bluegills and redear sunfish,
several whitetail does with fawns,
herons were feeding young in nests
and two whopper crappie that wound up on
a solid-black fox squirrel, a mother
on Horner’s Neck Lake. Near the
my dinner plate the next day.
raccoon with three babies and a
sandy shore of the Mississippi River, I
Casting a spinner from the shore of
photographed a docile yet intimidating canebrake rattlesnake. As I was about to leave the park, an amazing sight stopped me: fields of yellow flowers that had attracted
More Bang for Your Bucks RTV1100, RTV1140, RTV900, RTV500 Utility Vehicles
thousands of swallowtail butterflies. Never have I seen so many of the gorgeous insects. I spent several more hours in the park photographing them. Together, flitting from flower to flower on wings of black and gold, they created an unforgettable scene. A visit to Mississippi River State Park can be like that. Surprises await around every corner — good surprises that will make you want to return again and again.
Getting There To reach Mississippi River State Park from Interstate 40, take Exit 239 near Forrest City and follow Ark. Highway 1 south to Marianna. (Alternatively, from Helena, take Ark. 49 west to Walnut Corner, then Ark. 1 north to
Pick your options: Diesel or gas, two seats or four. Open air or factory-installed cab. Whichever RTV you choose, you’ll get more bang for your buck… with a utility vehicle that works hard today and holds its value tomorrow.
Marianna.) From Marianna, follow Ark. 1B to Ark. 44 (Great River Road/ Crowley’s Ridge Parkway) and go 3 miles southeast to the visitor center, or 6 miles to the Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area.
Family Owned
For more information, visit www. arkansasstateparks.com/mississippiriver/ or phone (870) 295-4040.
Since 1976
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Your membership is
growing tomorrow.
• www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau • www.youtube.com/user/arkansasfarmbureau • twitter.com/ARFB
www.mountainharborresort.com · Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa on Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’ premier resort – with everything to offer in one exciting place! · Find an award-winning restaurant, one of the state’s largest full-service marinas and rental boat fleet, a renowned spa experience at Turtle Cove Spa and Salon, a variety of hiking/biking trails, and gorgeous scenery on the surrounding Lake Ouachita and Ouachita National Forest · Enjoy a special Fall package in our rustic-luxury, log-sided cottages with hot tubs, full kitchens and living rooms, native stone fireplace, as well as complimentary boat slip and firewood bundles for each day of your stay! · Call 870-867-2191 and ask for the “Fall Value Package.” · Prices range from $288-$432 nightly (plus lodging tax), in two and three-bedroom cottages. Visit www.mountainharborresort.com for more information. Our families LOVE taking care of yours!
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Also visit our sister resorts: www.selfcreek.com www.iron-mountain.com
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Hundreds of student members benefit annually from more than $140,000 in scholarships from Farm Bureaus across Arkansas.
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Taste Arkansas From farm to table compiled by Tara Johnson
T
Thanksgiving is a week later
this year. Usually it falls on the third Thursday of November. This year, it’s the fourth Thursday. I don’t know about you, but I normally don’t start doing the bulk of my Christmas shopping until after Thanksgiving. So, I have one less week to get everything! One week might not seem
like much, but with today’s busy schedules the weeks tend to get away quickly. With that “lost week,” I know if I don’t keep on top of it, I’ll really get behind. Not getting stuff shipped to me on time is my pet holiday peeve. It always happens with at least one gift. This year, I have a plan to stay organized and make this holiday season easier. Try it, and let me know how it goes, or post your holiday time-saving tips on our Facebook page. (www.facebook.com/ ArkansasFarmBureau) Step One Note all of your holiday parties,
Plan ahead Create a menu for any dinners or parties you might be hosting at least two weeks in advance to give you time to take advantage of any grocery store sales.
dinners and any other events on your smart phone calendar. Also, make
up making you scramble to get a
parties you might be hosting. This
reminder notes if you need to buy a
potluck dish ready in time.
allows time to take advantage of
hostess gift, a new outfit or bring food. Then, set reminders for those events on your computer or email. There’s always at least one event that sneaks
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any sales at the grocery store and to Step Two
check with guests about possible food
At least two weeks in advance, create a menu for any dinners or
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allergies to take into consideration. Once the menu is finalized, gather
time as possible.
How to $ave on Thanksgiving dinner
Step Three
expensive, especially if you’re
the opportunity to have face-time
supplies and make as much ahead of
Thanksgiving dinner can be During November, write down
who provides the food on our plate. It’s simply so accessible, we take it for granted. Many people don’t have
cooking for a crowd. This time of
with a farmer, but it’s farm families
names and addresses of those you’re
year is special, and I struggle to save
like mine who carefully raise turkeys,
sending cards or gifts. If you’re
money, because I want everything
rice, apples and many other foods we
planning to send gifts, brainstorm
perfect. So, I spent some time
love. Corporations aren’t caring for
ideas during November, so you aren’t
thinking about a few ways to cut cost
animals and making decisions about
trying to find something last minute.
without sacrificing quality.
crops, it’s American farm families.
When possible, I’ll casually bring up
Some friends ask their guests to
Keep them in mind this season and,
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items I think the person would like
bring their favorite dish to dinner.
and gauge their reaction. Another
This is a great idea. Everyone gets at
good idea is a homemade gift. Cookies
least one thing they like, and it’s a
are a favorite in my family, and we
great conversation starter. In fact, it
Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Taste Arkansas
often send tins of cookies to family
would be really fun for everyone to
blog. For recipes, videos and farmer
members.
bring recipe cards for their dish to
profiles visit www.tastearkansas.com
pass around.
today.
Step Four The designer in me loves wrapping
Tara Johnson is a contributor to
Another way to lower costs of your meal is buy store-brand items
paper. I like buying two to three
instead of brand name. Often,
different rolls with some kind of
these products are exactly the
theme. For example, one year I did
same with different packaging. I’ll
winter white with three different
admit there are a few brands I’m
patterns. Buy wrapping paper early.
fiercely loyal to but not many.
In December, the selection starts
if you can, thank a farmer.
My favorite tip is to make the
to get picked over. Plus, if you buy
most of leftovers. Use leftover
wrapping paper early, you can wrap as
turkey and cranberry sauce for
you buy presents to avoid a marathon
turkey and cranberry sandwiches.
wrapping session later.
Use leftover dinner rolls to make
1. Make sure to thaw your turkey completely before cooking.
sliders. Have leftover mashed Step Five Have fun decorating your home.
potatoes and gravy as a side with another meal. Don’t just eat the
Don’t make it a chore. Plan it like an
same meal until the leftovers are
activity with hot cocoa and holiday
gone, get creative and make new
cookies. Give yourself plenty of time
recipes.
and include the family members. These are memory makers, and this time of year is all about family and close friends, so enjoy it together. Finally, remember to slow down
3. Skip basting your bird, it can make the skin soggy.
Thank a farmer This holiday season, thank a farmer. The hardworking men and
and try to stay stress free. This is the
women in agriculture use skills
part I have trouble with the most.
handed down for generations,
Sometimes your casserole gets a little
new technology, good old
crispier than you intended. Sometimes
fashioned ingenuity and elbow
your decorations might break. Other
grease to provide our country
times you might forget to include
with safe, affordable, sustainable
someone on your card list. These
and delicious food. One of the
things happen. The holidays aren’t
wonderful things about living in
ruined because of it.
this country is it’s easy to forget
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2. The perfect oven temperature for cooking a whole bird is 400 degrees.
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4. Let your bird rest for 20 minutes before cutting into it.
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Garden Home Design Home for the holidays Five essential holiday homemaking tips
2. Mood music I have a wonderful list of favorite holiday songs I play throughout the season, whether I’m decorating, cooking or entertaining.
T
• “The Christmas Song”
by P. Allen Smith
The holiday season is one of my
favorite times of year. I always look
• “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” • “Let It Snow” • “Rockin’ Around the Christmas 1. Holiday greenery
Tree”
Decorating your home with
• “A Holly Jolly Christmas”
forward to filling the Garden Retreat
greenery is a great way to usher in
• “White Christmas”
with the sights, sounds, scents and
the holiday season. Each piece in my
• “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like
tastes of the holidays. Fill your home
Holiday Greenery Collection provides
with some of my holiday favorites
the perfect accent to your holiday
and be ready to share the season with
décor, and fills your home with the
your family and friends.
fresh scent of pine.
Christmas” • “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” • “Have Yourself a Merry Little
Mark Fonville
Hortus Ltd.
Christmas”
Seasonal greenery Decorating your home with winter greenery helps set the holiday mood. Using spray painted gourds or angelic figures can also add to the festive atmosphere. 16
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• “Jingle Bells” • “Do You Hear What I Hear” • “Silent Night” • “O Holy Night” • “The 12 Days of Christmas” • “What Child is This” • “Carol of the Bells” • The entire “Nutcracker Suite” 3. Food What I love most about the holidays is cooking. Preparing meals is my gift to those I love. This time of year, I love to finish a meal by serving Buttermilk Pecan Pie.
Ingredients: 1 cup pecan halves ¼ cup firmly packed lightbrown sugar
¼ cup dark corn syrup
8 tablespoons butter, melted 1 ½ cups sugar 3 eggs, beaten
Pie to die for Buttermilk pie is a taste and texture sensation that will liven up any holiday season meal.
¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lower the oven to 325 degrees F.
Volunteering is also a great way to
1 cup buttermilk
Combine all the remaining
help organizations get through the
ingredients in a mixing bowl, and
holidays while giving back to your
pour the mixture into the unbaked
community.
1 unbaked pie crust, 9-inch
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil, and lightly grease the foil. Stir the pecan halves, light-brown sugar and dark corn syrup together
pie crust. Scatter the chopped glazed pecans evenly on top of the pie filling.
While the food, music and
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour,
stirring every 4 minutes, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the glaze thickens. Remove the pan from the oven
decorations provide everything
or until set. Let the pie cool on a
needed for a festive season, what
wire rack before serving at room
matters most is being able to share
temperature.
it all with my family and friends. I
in a small bowl. Spread the mixture out on the jelly-roll pan and bake,
5. Family and friends
share this time of year with those 4. Philanthropy
closest to me. We share laughs,
I’m always mindful of my many blessings. This is a great time of year
delicious meals and memories of holidays past.
to remember your blessings, and
and spread the pecans in a single
support a charitable organization.
layer on wax paper. Let the pecans
Many organizations allow you to
cool completely, separating them
make a donation in someone’s
with a spoon as they cool.
name. What a meaningful gift.
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Season’s greetings and best wishes for a joyous and prosperous New Year.
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CELEBRATE
AT THE GARDEN HOME! TOURS NOV 8, 15, 22 DEC 12, 13, 19, 20 $90 per person
The Garden Home Retreat at Moss Mountain Farm in Roland is decked out in all of its holiday finery, and you’re sure to find inspiration for your own holiday home! Join us for our annual winter celebration, which includes a tour of the house and gardens, followed by a seasonal plated lunch from Allen’s new cookbook.
Allen in the er at me winrtden Ho Ga
the gard
Allen at h
ome
Space is limited. Visit www.PAllenSmith.com, email gardenhome@pallensmith.com or call Joyce at 501.519.5793 to make your reservation! 18
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en
Home The Garden - 2012
Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide‌ 24% of Arkansas Jobs
Jobs
Safe, affordable food
Food
75% of Wildlife Habitat
Lacy Glover
Former Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture
Wildlife Habitat While Protecting the Environment
Arkansas
Foundation for Agriculture www.growingarkansas.org
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DoItYourself Build a rod case An easy-to-build gift idea
by Monte Burch
rods, such as below-the-dam catfishing or surf rods, can be a hassle. A good rod case can protect rods strapped to an automobile roof, stored in the back of a pickup or even on a plane. In one
screw it on to. For more secure
overseas airline flight, my purchased
transport, attach a small padlock
rod case came out of the luggage
hasp to the end cap and pipe.
conveyor almost bent into a U-shape. I
This can be further secured with
knew then the trip wasn’t going to be
a small padlock. You will need
good.
to bend the hasp pieces slightly
You can, however, build a rod
to fit the pipe and cap contours.
case that’s not only solid but is also
Then attach a screen door
simple. All you need is a section of PVC
handle as a carry handle. Cut
plumbing pipe. The diameter of the
two foam or heavy felt pieces
pipe is determined by the amount and
and add one to each end to
size of rods you intend to transport.
protect rod tips and butts.
You’ll also need a couple of end caps of the appropriate size. Cut the pipe to the correct length using a hacksaw.
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Materials
Then carefully sand all cut edges
Plastic PVC plumbing pipe — length and diameter to suit
extremely smooth.
Matching PVC end caps (2 required)
Plastic pipe can cut, so you might want to wear leather gloves while sanding. Using PVC glue, fasten one
or
one smooth end cap and one threaded end cap with matching threaded joint
end cap in place. Sand the inside of
PVC glue
the second cap so it will slide on and
Hasp (1 optional)
off the pipe easily. If you want a non-
Screen door handle (1 optional)
secure transport case, simply use a pair
Small bolts & lock nuts to fit hasp & screen
of eye hooks and a small bungee cord to hold the end cap in place. Or use
door handle Foam or felt (2 small pieces required)
a threaded end cap with a matching threaded joint glued to the PVC pipe to
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Gregg Patterson
T
Transporting rods, especially long
Rod protection Transporting fishing rods can sometimes be a hassle. This rod transport case is sturdy and easy to build. If you prefer, glue a threaded joint on one end of the PVC pipe, and get a threaded cap to screw on it.
We believe your sense of security is more important than your sense of humor. It seems insurance ads have just become a way to have a few laughs. But we don’t think there’s anything funny about protecting our members with dependable auto coverage. When it comes to helping you get through the worst life has to offer, we’re all business.
Real service. Real people.
TASTE ArkAnsAs.com from farm to table
Food, like nothing else, brings us together. After all, everyone eats.
afbic.com ARAUPR42160
On Taste Arkansas, a food blog by Arkansas Farm Bureau, this simple truth is connecting those interested in food production with the farmers and ranchers who provide us with an abundance of Arkansas agricultural products.
*Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Co. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
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Health&Safety Rural regional health care Improving efficiency, cost and effectiveness
A by Jennifer Victory
A name change for several medical
facilities around the state is bringing a familiar face to rural communities. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Regional Programs has been offering medical care in rural communities for many years through its Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). Many familiar with UAMS may not realize the connection between the two. As a result, during the last several months, AHECs have undergone a name change. The eight centers scattered around the state are now known as UAMS Regional Centers. According to Dr. Mark Mengel, vice
the centers. “As the largest provider for
chancellor for regional programs at UAMS,
Medicaid patients in the counties where
we realized many of our facilities were
the new title provides citizens in rural
our regional centers are located, we
inadequate for this new model. The
communities a better idea of UAMS’s reach.
needed to find a method that would yield
physical arrangement of a clinic is very
“UAMS is seen by many as a big medical
better outcomes for our patients with
important to this particular model of care,”
center in Little Rock. We want everyone to
lower costs. A team-based approach that
Mengel said.
be aware of the network of care we have
focuses on management and prevention
that extends to every part of the state,” he
of chronic illnesses is the first step in
design, allowing team members to be based
said.
accomplishing that, “said Mengel.
in the middle with exam rooms around
All UAMS Regional Centers emphasize
This approach offers patients several
“As we moved to team-based care,
Clinics will now be a pod-shaped
them, versus the old system where exam
primary care and educating resident and
medical professionals working together on
rooms were located down a long hall. This
medical students. Along with these services,
their case, along with a care coordinator
gives medical professionals easy access to
each one is becoming individualized to its
helping coordinate care and monitor
other team members during a consultation.
patients’ needs by focusing on areas that
the patient’s disease. Chronic illnesses
are critical to the communities they serve.
management, such as diabetes and heart
realizes there will be challenges. “The
Some centers are expanding telemedicine
disease, is important, because it prevents
outcomes we have measured so far have
in their facility, while others see the need
unnecessary visits to the emergency
been less than desirable. We have a long
to bring in more specialists. For example,
room and decreases hospital stays for the
way to go to improve health care in
UAMS SW in Texarkana is working with
patient.
Arkansas. But with a new model of care
Arkansas Children’s Hospital to establish pediatric subspecialty clinics. Incorporating a team-based approach to medical care is a new priority for
22
Introducing a new model of care
As with any major change, Mengel
and new facility design, we’re heading in
means not only changes in the treatment
the right direction.” For more information
of patients but also changes in the
about UAMS Regional Centers, please visit
physical facility.
www.ruralhealth.uams.edu.
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*Price per person, double occupancy. Includes taxes and services, 7-night cruise, meals onboard, hotels and sightseeing. Add $200 for May and August departures and $400 for June and July departures. Call for low-cost airfare from your closest major airport.
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23
InTheKitchen
Gregg Patterson
Bacon-wrapped Dates Stuffed with Almonds and Feta An adventure in making do with what you have
A
The winner is ... Bacon-wrapped Dates Stuffed with Almonds and Feta cheese dipped in a miso-soy sweet orange marmalade sauce was the winning recipe at the 2013 Arkansas Women Bloggers conference. The winning team was (from left to right) Kellee Mayfield, Talya Boerner, Ashley Mayo, Ceri Wilkin and Lenora Riedel.
by Talya Tate Boerner
Arkansas Women Bloggers held its
annual conference in September at Ferncliff Camp just outside Little Rock. On the agenda for Day One — a food challenge demanding quick, sharp skills not unlike today’s Food Network reality cooking shows. Seven teams received boxes of
According to the impressive slate of important part of the food equation.
foodie judges from Memphis and Little
identical ingredients along with a pantry
The appetizer our team created was
stocked with basics. To add a twist to the
inspired by one of my favorite Southern
marmalade and miso soy would make
event, each team could use one secret
Living party recipes, Bacon-wrapped
plywood taste great!
ingredient. With only 45 minutes to create
Almond-Stuffed Apricots. Our first
It’s that good.
an appetizer dish, competition was intense.
stumbling block — the pantry had no
I was part of the winning team led
Rock, our dipping sauce made with orange
The saltiness of Petit Jean bacon and
apricots. Instead, we substituted dates
crumbly feta paired with sweet dates and
by Kellee Mayfield of Lake Village. Kellee
then put our heads together to produce
sweet orange marmalade proved to be a
came prepared for cooking battle, arriving
the winning dish using Arkansas Petit
delicious combination and possibly even
with a box of tricks including our team’s
Jean bacon and other ingredients. (I can’t
better than the original apricot recipe that
secret ingredient, miso soy, along with
disclose specifics, but a bit of bartering was
inspired it.
decorative napkins and serving platters.
necessary to secure the feta cheese from
Every southern girl knows presentation is an
another team.)
Bacon-wrapped Dates Stuffed with Almonds and Feta
Ingredients
This appetizer will be a crowd pleaser at your next holiday gathering.
Place on wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once to brown each side.
•
12 slices bacon, cut into halves
•
24 dates
(according to package instructions) to make ½ cup. Add to
•
24 whole raw almonds, unsalted
marmalade and heat in a small, microwave-safe bowl 1 minute or
•
feta cheese crumbles
until blended.
•
3-4 green onions, chopped
Arrange appetizers on a serving platter. Drizzle with dipping
•
1 cup orange marmalade
sauce and top with chopped green onions. You can add a sprinkle
•
miso soy paste to make ½ cup (or ½ cup of soy sauce)
of extra feta, too.
While the dates bake, mix miso soy paste with water
Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping. Makes 24 pieces.
Directions
Enjoy!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice a pocket into each date and stuff with one almond and a crumble of feta cheese. Squeeze the stuffed date back together and wrap with a bacon slice. Secure with wooden toothpick.
24
Talya Tate Boerner writes about southern life on her blog “Grace, Grits and Gardening.” She grew up on a cotton farm in Mississippi County her family still operates. She lives in Dallas. Follow her at gracegritsgarden.com.
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Health&Safety Strike Out Stroke Health pitch SAVES lives
B H by Jennifer Victory
Health Care Reform raises a lot of questions. We’ve got AGENTS with answers. Health insurance is complicated. And with Health Care Reform on the way, it’s not getting any simpler. But don’t worry – your local agent can walk you through the changes and offer you the right health care plan with the right benefits for you. Health care may be changing, but our superior service isn’t.
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*Farm Bureau ® Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau ® Casualty Insurance Co., Jackson, MS *Southern Farm Bureau ® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
Real Service. Real People. That’s Farm Bureau Insurance. TM
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LILFPR41005
www.sfbli.com
U. S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). 1. Publication title: Front Porch. 2. Publication number: 01-9879. 3. Filing date: 9/20/13. 4. Issue frequency: Bi-monthly. 5. No. of issues published annually: six. 6. Annual Subscription Price: 0. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR 72211-3825. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters of General Business office of Publisher: Same as #7. 9. Full names and complete mailing address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation; Executive Editor, Steve Eddington; Editor, Gregg Patterson. All addresses same as #7. 10. Owner: Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. 11. Know Bondholders, Mortgages and other Security Holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 12. Tax Status: unchanged. 13. Publication title: Front Porch. 14. Issue date for Circulation date: Sept./ Oct. 2013. 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: Actural no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date. 15a. Total no. of copies net press run average each issue 194,044 (issued published nearest to filing date 197,707). 15b. Paid/ Requested outside-country mail subscription: 192,644 (most recent 197,307). 15c. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 192,644 (most recent 196,307). 15d., e. Not Applicable. 15f. Total Distribution: 192,644 (most recent 196,307). 15g. Copies not distributed: 1,400 (most recent 1,400). 15h. Total: 194,044 (most recent 197,707). 15i. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 100%. 16. This statement of ownership will be printed in the November/December 2013 issue of the publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner:
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
Gregg Patterson Date: 9/20/13
ATTENTION MOBILE HOME
OWNERS EXPERT INSTALLATION
LIFETIME WARRANTY INCREASED HOME VALUE
INSURANCE CREDIT
REDUCED ELECTRIC BILL
STOP LEAKS
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Since 1983
roofover.com
800.633.8969
Get what you want and save money - just in time for the holidays. Take advantage of Farm Bureau Bank’s special member rates on new and used recreational vehicle loans, plus flexible terms and affordable protection plans.
Contact your local agent today! Existing Farm Bureau Bank vehicle loans are excluded from this offer. * Rates disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and are based on acquiring Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP). The advertised APR of 3.99% is effective as of September 13, 2013. Final APR may differ from the loan interest rate due to additional fees (such as a loan documentation fee, which may be applicable). For a $25,050 vehicle loan with a term of 36 months, a 45 day first payment date and a 3.99% APR, the monthly payment will be $739.08. To qualify for the disclosed rate, customer must be a Farm Bureau member. Rates may vary based on the amount financed, term and first payment date. Non-member rates may vary. Finance charges accrue from origination date of the loan. Some restrictions apply based on the make and model of vehicle offered as collateral. All loans are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Other rates and financing options are available. Non-member rates may be 1-3% higher than posted rates. This offer is not available in all states and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates and financing are limited to vehicle models 2004 and newer and subject to change. Farm Bureau Bank does not finance totaled, rebuilt or salvaged vehicles. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.