FRONT PORCH Sept.-Oct. 2012
arfb.com
Celebrating an Arkansas literary treasure
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS 323-HORSEPOWER BENEFITS. PRESENTING A PRIVATE OFFER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS.
$500 ON TOP OF MOST CURRENT OFFERS1
You choose Farm Bureau because you never know where life will take you. And now, with this $500 private offer1 good toward the purchase or lease of nearly any new Chevrolet vehicle, life can take you there in style. Don’t wait, get your personal authorization number now at fbverify.com/gm and visit your Chevrolet dealer today.
1 Offer available through 4/1/14. Available on all 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet vehicles (excluding Volt). This offer is not available with some other offers, including private offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 60 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB national logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein under license from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
$500
Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private offer toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles,including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500hD and 3500hD lineup. Visit fbverify. com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3And through the GM Business Choice Program,4 business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com for details.
Stanley Wood Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac 290 South Central Avenue, Batesville 870-793-840
PRIVATE OFFER
in BENTON
Everett-Maxey Everett
Landers Chevrolet 19236 Interstate 30, Benton 501-315-2500
Central Stanley Wood Holly
Rhodes Hug
Orr
Smith Gwatney Buick/GMC Bale
Bull
Gwatney Chevy Russell Crain Gerren
Everett Landers
Allen Tillery
Everett Buick-GMC I-30 Alcoa Exit, Bryant 501-315-7100 EverettBGMC.com
SSmith Chevrolet-Cadillac Co. 1215 Hwy 71 S, Fort Smith 479-646-7301 Crain Chevrolet, LLC 9911 Interstate 30, Little Rock 501 255-5300 www.crainchevy.com
Lucky’s
Smart Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC 515 W 5th, Pine Bluff 870-534-8122 www.smartdrive.com
Holt
- GM Dealership locations - Select dealer contact info on the right.
Exclusive $500 Member Private Offer is Available at any Arkansas Chevy, GMC or Buick Dealer.
Gerren Motor Company Chevrolet Buick GMC 2190 US Hwy 165 W, England 501-842-2527
HUG
Continuing the Hometown Experience
Smart
Classic
Everett-Maxey Buick-GMC Moberly Lane, Bentonville 866-812-3307 EverettMaxey.com
Bull Motor Company 729 Hwy 64 W, Wynne 870-238-2800 www.BullMotorCo.com
Holt Auto Group 905 Unity Rd., Crossett (870)364-4424 www.holtautogroup.net
758&.6
! % ( "' ( # $%"! ( ( & "
Central Chevrolet-Cadillac 3207 Stadium Blvd, Jonesboro 870-935-5575 Everett Chevrolet I-540 at Elm Springs Road, Springdale 888-536-0352 EverettChevroletNWA.com Lucky’s of Monticello 1215 hway 425 North, Monticello 870-367-6000 www.autobylucky.com
Allen Tillery Auto 4573 Central, Hot Springs 1-888-TILLERY www.allentilleryauto.com
1
Offer valid toward the purchase of new 2011, 2012 and 2013 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models, excluding Chevrolet Volt. Requires Regular Cab model and gas engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. 3 Requires available 6.6L DuramaxŽ diesel engine. Maximum trailer ratings assume a properly-equipped base vehicle plus driver. See dealer for details. 4 To qualify, vehicles must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. This program may not be compatible with other offers or incentive programs. Consult your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com for program compatibility and other restrictions. Take delivery by 4/1/2014. Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau FederationŽ are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein (or by GM) under license.Š2011 General Motors LLC 2
ÂŽ
Rhodes Chevrolet 2800 Alma Hwy.Exit 2A/I-540 Van Buren 1-866-679-2438 www.rhodeschevy.com
Holly Chevrolet 6601 Interstate 55 N, Marion 870-739-7337
Russell Chevrolet 6100 Landers Road, Sherwood 800-511-5823 www.russellchevrolet.com
Gwatney Chevrolet Gregory Street Exit Jacksonville 800-697-9586 www.GoGwatney.com
Gwatney Buick/GMC 5700 Landers Road, North Little Rock www.GoGwatney.com
Bale Chevrolet 13101 Chenal Pky Little Rock 800-467-2253 www.balechevrolet.com
R E T I R E M E N T
F O R
F A R M E R S
Yes, farmers can retire. And by investing your assets in a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, you can signiďŹ cantly reduce your tax burden, generously provide for your golden years with regular income payments and leave a legacy that supports farming around the world forever. To learn more visit www.farmersforheifer.org or call us at (888) 422-1161. 2
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
FRONT PORCH
Farm Bureau
Matters
September-October 2012 C
O
V E
R
by RANDY VEACH
FRONT PORCH
President, Arkansas Farm Bureau
Sept.-Oct. 2012
arfb.com
E
Even though it’s a presidential
H wEriters’ WRITER Celebrating an Arkansas literary treasure
election year, the extended drought
released in late August. For perspective,
seems to be the biggest story of the year
though, a box of corn flakes has about
so far. It’s certainly been that as far as
5 cents worth of corn in it and a loaf of
farmers and ranchers are concerned. It’s
wheat bread has about 7 cents worth of
been called the worst drought in the
wheat.
United States since the Dust Bowl days of
On the cover — We pay literary homage to the author of True Grit and one of the best novelists ever — Charles Portis. A compilation of the 79-year-old’s work, Escape Velocity, comes out Oct. 2.
Photo by Keith Sutton Send comments to: frontporch@arfb.com
THE writers’ WRITER Jay Jennings
3 4
Farm Bureau Matters Randy Veach Food for Thought Ewell Welch
14 Taste Arkansas Tara Johnson 24
26
In the Kitchen Tara Jonson Health & Safety Jennifer Victory
retail cost you pay for food at the grocery
have suffered because of it.
store or when eating out is affected by
The drought has caused Arkansas
you pay is tied up in things like food
because they lack the necessary food
processing, packaging, food services,
to feed their animals. Cattle numbers
retail trade, energy and transportation
here are at their lowest in 40 years. The
costs, finance and other things that have
drought seriously stunted this year’s hay
nothing to do with what the farmer gets
crop making the cost to feed livestock
paid. Even if all commodity prices doubled
more expensive.
(which they haven’t), retail food prices
Publishing Concepts, Inc. vrobertson@pcipublishing.com 14109 Taylor Loop Road • Little Rock, AR 72223
For address changes, contact: 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.
would increase by only about 14 percent.
million available from the Governor’s
Americans spend less than 10 percent of
Disaster Fund to help ranchers adversely
disposable income for food, far less than
affected by the persistent drought. We’re
any other country in the world.
supportive and thankful to the governor
Farmers who were able to irrigate their
for doing this. The response has been
crops experienced major cost increases due
tremendous with more than 5,000
to the drought. Unlike other businesses,
applicants. More assistant is needed,
farmers can’t compensate for increased
especially for our dairy farms.
production costs by building a profit into
What does the drought mean for you
their product before it’s sold. They don’t
at the grocery store? The U.S. Department
get to set the price. Price is determined by
of Agriculture (USDA) expects overall
commodity markets. Farmers receive only
inflation for this year’s food prices to be
what the market is willing to pay on the
3 percent. That’s normal. USDA is also
day they sell their crop. Take it or leave
predicting an increase of 3.5 percent
it. It’s not a business for the squeamish,
in 2013; that half a percent above the
especially in a drought year.
drought.
Virginia Robertson, Publisher
commodity prices. The other 86 percent
ranchers to sell off much of their herds,
normal increase is attributed to the Created by
Only 14 percent of the combined
the 1930s. The great majority of farmers
In August, Gov. Mike Beebe made $2
6
of Arkansas Division of Agriculture report
Farmers and ranchers are resilient. They survived the Dust Bowl and will
Beef prices could rise, because the
survive this drought, continuing to
overall U.S. herd is at its lowest level
provide the most abundant, safest and
since the 1950s. Even at higher prices,
most affordable food, fiber and shelter
beef is one of the best bargains for
for America than any other place in the
providing protein in our diets. Prices for
world.
products containing corn, soybeans and
God bless you and your families. God
other commodity crops could increase as
bless the farmers and ranchers, and God
early as this fall according to a University
bless Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Edition 82 FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
3
Food for Thought
FRONT PORCH Arkansas Farm Bureau © 2012 Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Front Porch is mailed to approximately 212,000 member-families.
by EWELL WELCH
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 Ewell Welch 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
Executive Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau
G
EX OFFICIO Sue Billiot, Smithville Janice Marsh, McCrory Kirk Meins, Stuttgart Brian Walker, Horatio Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Editors: 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.
Gov. Mike Beebe has joined other state
requirements of the renewable fuel standard
governors issuing letters and statements
program in whole or in part. This can
urging United States Environmental
occur if implementing that standard would
Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson
severely harm the economy or environment
to temporarily waive the Renewable Fuel
of a state, a region or the U.S., or if it’s
Standard. The governor believes reducing
determined that there is an inadequate
the fuel standard would bring much-needed
domestic supply of renewable fuel.
relief to the thousands of livestock farmers
Arkansas Farm Bureau has no policy on
in Arkansas and across the country who
the governor’s waiver request, but many of
experienced the effects of the nation’s worst
our members have strong feelings about the
drought since the Dust Bowl days of the
RFS. To make it easier to file your comment,
1930s.
you can go to arfb.com. The site also provides
As a result of the governor’s request
more information about the issue.
(the governor of North Carolina also made
EPA requests comment specifically
the same request) the U.S. Environmental
including (but not limited to) information
Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public
on:
comment on letters like Gov. Beebe’s
• Whether compliance with the RFS
requesting a waiver of the Renewable Fuel
would severely harm the economy of
Standard (RFS) and matters relevant to EPA’s
Arkansas, North Carolina, other states, a
consideration of those requests. Comments
region or the U.S.;
must be submitted before Sept. 30. That’s where you come in.
• Whether the relief requested will remedy the harm;
Whether you’re aware of it or not, the
• To what extent, if any, a waiver would
RFS affects everyone who buys gas for their
change demand for ethanol and affect
vehicle. You’ve probably seen the stickers on
prices of corn, other feed-stocks, feed
the gas pump that say “this product contains 10 percent ethanol.” Corn presently is the
and food; • The amount of ethanol that is likely
primary crop used to make ethanol, and it’s
to be consumed in the U.S. during
also one of the most important ingredients
the relevant time period, based on
in feed for cattle, poultry and swine. The
its value to refiners for octane and
drought, which began last year, resulted in
other characteristics and other market
poor hay crops throughout Arkansas and the
conditions in the absence of the RFS
South. That shortage of hay has forced cattle ranchers to buy much more grain than they
volume requirements; and • if a waiver were appropriate, the
normally do to feed their cattle. With the
amount of required renewable fuel
drought extending throughout the major
volume appropriate to waive, the
Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
corn-producing regions of the country, lower
date on which any waiver should
projected crop yields pushed corn prices to
commence and end, and to which
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests.
a record high, causing financial hardship for
compliance years it would apply.
cattle, poultry and swine farmers. That’s why Gov. Beebe requested the waiver from EPA. The Clean Air Act allows the EPA administrator to waive the national volume
4
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
I encourage you to let your voice be heard.
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
5
$)"3-&4 1035*4
was born and raised in south Arkansas, graduating from Hamburg High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, earne da journalism degree from the University of Arkan sas at Fayetteville, and became a newspaper report er. He worked for the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, the Arkansas Gazet te in Little Rock, and the New York Herald Tribun e, eventually becom ing London bureau chief. He left that job to return to Arkansas—where he still lives—and write fiction. He is the author of five acclaimed novels : Norwood, True Grit, The Dog of the South, Maste rs of Atlant and Gringos. True is, Grit was adapted into two awardwinning films, the first in 1969 starring John Wayne and the other in 2010 directed by the Coen brothers.
“Mr. Port decency.
“Char
“N
“His fiction is t have in min the world in ea shout, “G
+": +&//*/(4
lives in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, where he is a freela nce writer. His work appears regula rly in the New York Times Book Review, and his writing has been recogn ized by the Best American Sports Writing annua l and has been included in the humor anthologies Mirth of a Nation and The Lowbr ow Reader Reader. His book Carry the Rock: Race, Football, and the Soul of an American City was named a 2010 Okra Pick by the Southern Independen t Booksellers Allian ce.
*!#+%4 $%3)'. "9 -)+% 2%
-
-
$$9
Glenn Wheeler
Butler Center
-
6
FRONT PORCH
I a rf b . co m
T
Celebrating an Arkansas literary treasure
to Arkansas in an introduction to an influential collection of reporting from the 1970s called The New Journalism: “Portis quit cold one day; just like that, without a warning. He returned to the
by Jay Jennings
United States an and moved into a fishing Arkansa In six months he shack in Arkansas.
4
s fiction is the funn iest have in mind is putti I know, but the last thing in the world ng themselves acros his characters s as comical. They world in earnest. ... are taking on Lesser shout, “Get a load of comic writers drag their characters onstage this guy!� Portis’s char acters just show up.� and ˆ2/9 ",/5.4 *2
%,,!.9 %$)4%$ "9 *!9 *%..).'3
-*5&3"3: $0--&$5*0/4 (&/&3"-
Norwood. Then he wrote For those who care about literature or simply love a good laugh (or both) , Charles Portis has long been one of America’s most admired novelists. His 1968 novel True Grit is fixed in the contemporary canon, and his four other novels have been hailed as comic masterpieces. Now, for the first time, his other writings—journalism, travel stories, short fiction, memoir, and even a play—have been broug ht together in Escape Velocity: A Charles Portis Misce llany, his first new book in more than twenty years. All the familiar Porti s elements are here: picaresque adventures, deadpan humor, an expert eye for detail and keen ear for the spoken word, and encou nters with oddball characters both real and imagi ned. The collection encom passes the breadth of his fiftyyear writing career, from his gripping repor tage of the civil rights move ment for the New York Herald Tribune to a comic short story about the demise of journalism in the 21st century. New to even the most ardent fan is his three -act play, Delray’s New Moon, performed onstage in 1996 and published here for the first time.
Escape Velocity will take you on a ride with Portis as he explores the rough roads of Baja California and anatomizes his hilarious experience s with cheap motels. You’l l laugh as he docum ents the absurd history of a land called Viborra and the “thirty-year contract� of a health club’s “Let’ s Get Acquainted� deal. And you’ll smile at his touching portraits of his famil y in a lovely memo ir of his south Arkansas child hood.
ADPT
',/"%
“No living Southern writer captures the spoken idioms of the South as artfu lly as Portis does.� ˆ$/..! 4!24
&4$"1& 7&-0$*5: ! $ )"3-&4 1035*4 -)3#
“Mr. Portis is a soft-s poken American geniu decency. They ough t to name a hotel after s and his work breathes pure him, or at least a bus station.� ˆ'!22)3/. +%),,/2 “Charles Portis is the goods: a deadpan repor ter of human folly, a master of pathos, a comp assio nate portr of life’s absolute absu rdity, and a man with ayer a voice.� ˆ+!4(%2).% ! 0/7%23 " /34/.
wrote a b beautiful little novel called
Collected Nonfiction,
T
Whether this is your first encounter with the world of Portis or a long-a waited return, you’ll agree with critic Ron Rosenbaum —whose essay appea rs here alongside tributes by other writers—that Portis “will come to be regarded as the author of class ics on the order of a twentiethcentury Mark Twain , a writer who captures the soul of America.�
Short Stories, and Drama by the Auth or of and
True Grit, which was a best seller. The reviews w were terrific ‌ He sold b both books to the movies ‌ He made a fortune ... A fishing shack! In Arkansas! It was too ‌ perfect to be tr true, and yet there it was.� Knowing Portis a bit as I do, I suspect that he gav gave appropriate notice to his employers and that the fish shing shack was actually a cab cabin, but that’s Tom Wolfe
for you.
ti off Ch l Velocity, the new collection Charles
ti hi lf off th the li line tto P Portis himself.
Portis’ journalism, short stories,
When he has allowed bios on his book
nonfiction and drama that I edited, comes
jackets (the first editions of The Dog of the
from a line spoken by narrator Ray Midge
South and Masters of Atlantis have none),
in Portis’ novel The Dog of the South: “A lot
they summarize his career thusly: Born
of people leave Arkansas and most of them
and educated in Arkansas, he served
come back sooner or later. They can’t quite
in Korea as a Marine and worked as a
achieve escape velocity.�
journalist in Memphis, Little Rock, New
It’s one of my favorite Portis lines,
York and London, where he was bureau
and it’s fairly representative. It’s funny as
chief of the New York Herald Tribune; he
hell (I won’t drain the humor out of it by
moved back to Arkansas in 1964, and
trying to explain why) and surprisingly
except for road-trip research in Mexico
poignant, and it’s both specific and
and elsewhere, he’s remained there ever
universal. It refers to the mysterious
since, working as a freelance
gravitational pull of the particular
writer.
place called Arkansas, but you
Butler Center
The title of Escape
Charles Portis
“In Arkansas!� Wolfe wrote, the assumption being that Arkansas was
Tom Wolfe, his colleague
a kind of nowhere, and his italics and
don’t have to be from there to
at the Herald Tribune in the
exclamation point are a descendent of
appreciate the hold that everyone’s
early 1960s and now a well-
Mark Twain’s tweaking of the state as full
home has on them. Also, it’s about
known book author himself
of “lunkheads� (in Huckleberry Finn) and
wandering off and returning, a
(Bonfire of the Vanities,
of H. L. Mencken’s hyperbolic decrying
theme as old as the Odyssey.
The Right Stuff), famously
of its “miasmatic jungles.� In any case,
summed up Portis’ return
Portis set up his writing shop there, and
It’s tempting to extend the truth
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
7
Saturday night is alright for racing. if it wasn’t exactly a
but seems more a citizen of
jungle, it was a good
his own phlegmatic state of
place to go to work, far
mind than anyplace else as
enough from both coasts
he deliberately hunts his wife
as to be invisible to them.
and her paramour through
A writer in Arkansas,
Texas and into Mexico. And
especially in 1964, could
the word “Arkansas” makes
go peacefully about the
a lone appearance each in
daily grind of making perfect novels without
Masters of Atlantis (“Moaler
the distracting noise emanating from literary
was in his Arkansas duck
fashion in Manhattan or the movie world
blind”) and Gringos, where
in Hollywood. Here in Arkansas, Portis
Jimmy Burns IDs himself as
produced five: in chronological order,
being from the Arklatex, and
Norwood (1966), True Grit (1968), The Dog of
even then from Louisiana.
the South (1979), Masters of Atlantis (1985)
With each novel, Arkansas
and Gringos (1991).
recedes.
How perfect are they? Each fan has his or her own ranking,
If Arkansas has a claim on him, it’s as the place where
but unlike, say, Robert Penn Warren, who
he learned to listen. We hear
produced one generally acknowledged
about this in a rare interview
great novel (All the King’s Men) and many
Portis did with his former
dismissible lesser works, Portis wrote at least
Arkansas Gazette colleague
one great novel, True Grit, and four maybe
Roy Reed, which was
better ones. Ed Park’s essay on Portis that
originally conducted for the
originally appeared in the Believer magazine
University of Arkansas’ oral
in 2003 and is included in Escape Velocity’s
history project on the Gazette
appendix (along with tributes by other
(and which is published
writers) sums it up this way: “He has written
as an epilogue in Escape
five remarkable, deeply entertaining novels
Velocity). In it, Portis notes
(three of them masterpieces, though which
that, though his mother
three is up for debate).”
“liked writing and had a gift
Although he has lived 70 or so years in
for it, but never the time to
Arkansas, the state is not a fundamental
work at it much,” his father’s
part of the imaginative world of his novels
side of the family “were talkers rather than
reading, too. He worked for the Northwest
in the way that Oxford, Miss. is for William
readers or writers. A lot of cigar smoke and
Arkansas Times when he was a journalism
Faulkner or Los Angeles is for Raymond
laughing when my father and his brothers
student at the University of Arkansas and
Chandler. His first fictional character,
got together. Long anecdotes. The
edited dispatches from “lady stringers in
Norwood Pratt, lives in east
spoken word.”
Goshen and Elkins,” he tells Reed, and his
Texas and merely passes through
We read more about his family
job “was to edit out all the life and charm
Arkansas — slamming on the
in the one piece of direct memoir he
from these homely reports. Some fine old
brakes once, disastrously, to
has written so far, “Combinations of
country expression, or a nice turn of phrase
watch a possum climb through a
Jacksons.” In it, he describes how his
— out they went.” Ed Park suggests that he
fence — on his way to New York
great-uncle Sat discoursed at length
created the voice of Mattie Ross in “penance”
and back. Mattie Ross of True Grit
and “may well have been the last
for that act.
fame is proudly from Yell County
man in America who without being
but lights out for the Indian
facetious called food ‘vittles’ (‘victuals,’
As far away as his imagination travels, Portis has stuck fast to Arkansas, where he
Territory on her revenge quest before coming
a perfectly good word, and correctly pronounced
has obviously paid careful heed to those not
home to spend her spinsterhood and
“vittles,” but for some reason thought to be
usually given close attention, whether they’re
eventually tell her tale. Ray Midge of The Dog
countrified and comical).”
passing through, native, or long deceased: he
of the South departs and returns to Little Rock
8
Portis’ ear was honed in Arkansas while
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
has listened closely to salesmen, bar regulars,
Paramount Pictures
even sixteenth-century explorers
The Duke Portis on location with John Wayne during the filming of True Grit. Wayne won an Oscar for his portrayal of Sheriff Rooster Cogburn.
(“Those earnest enunciators who say ‘bean’ for ‘been’ should know that Hakluyt, the Oxford scholar, spelled it ‘bin,’ as did, off and on, the poet John Donne,”
because he chose to listen to the people he The ex-Marine and wannabe country
encountered here.
he writes in a piece about the Ouachita
singer Norwood Pratt, from Portis’ first novel,
River, originally published in the Arkansas
isn’t the most reliable guide to life, but he
Times). He has learned from local historians,
affirms one truth in the face of pretension,
Rock, where he is a freelance writer. His work
Confederate generals, elderly people (“Don’t
when his passenger to New York, Yvonne
has appeared in Garden & Gun, the Oxford
you have any chirren to look after you?” says
Phillips, claims New Orleans rather than
American, the Wall Street Journal, Sports
one of the characters in his play, Delray’s
Belzoni, Miss., as her home because, “If you
Illustrated and the New York Times Book
Jay Jennings was born and lives in Little
New Moon), random citizens (“We know a
live someplace a long time you can count it as
Review. His book Carry the Rock: Race,
man in South Arkansas who says ‘Pass those
your home.” He counters, “Naw you can’t. …
Football and the Soul of an American
molasses’ and ‘Those sure are good cheese’”),
You could live in Hong Kong for seventy-five
City about Little Rock Central High School
and cafe waitresses (“That woman that runs it,
years and Belzoni would still be your home.”
was named a 2010 Okra Pick by the Southern
that was her sister that run it at night, and she got married and moved to Shreesport”).
Portis has always counted Arkansas as
Independent Booksellers Alliance.
home, and American literature is richer
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
9
A Portis family memoir by Charles Portis
was a strong and fluent talker with far-
hush, Sat. All you know is what you read
ranging opinions. Attention wandered in
in The Sheridan Headlight.”
the family as he ran on, except when he
Wounding indeed, if true.
spoke from experience. There would be bits of hunting lore (“A real turkey could
From “Combinations of Jacksons”
never win a turkey-calling contest.”)
(1999), in Escape Velocity: A Charles Portis Miscellany
I was only eight years old but I
and tips on growing unfashionable corn
remember the day well, early in 1942,
(nonhybrid) and bumblebee cotton (hill
when [great-uncle Sat] told me the war
cotton — stunted, unfluffy bolls) and on
Escape Velocity: A Charles Portis
the best ways of dynamiting fish
Miscellany ($27.95), published by Butler
— that we would sink the
(“dinnamite,” he called it) in
Center Books (a division of the Central
Japanese fleet in no time, just
the Saline River and Hurricane
Arkansas Library System), will be released
as we had taken care of the
Creek.
on Oct. 2 through local independent
would be over in ninety days
Spanish fleet at Manila Bay
There was some sort of
bookstores (like WordsWorth and
family gathering on that day
River Market Books in Little Rock, That
hours. He also told me that if
at his farm, small but his own,
Bookstore in Blytheville, and Nightbird
I would dip a brand of snuff
in the backwoods of Grant
Books in Fayetteville), national chain
called Garrett Scotch, I would
County, Arkansas, and everyone
bookstores like Barnes & Noble, and
never get TB, but that Garrett Sweet was
was scoffing and laughing at his
online outlets like Amazon.com and
in 1898, the work of a few
no good and I would do well to leave it
notions about the war. Always impatient
IndieBound.org. On Oct. 9, the Butler
alone.
with him, groaning and rolling her eyes,
Center will hold a release party for the
Uncle Sat shot deer the year round,
his sister Emma (my grandmother) could
book at the main library’s Darragh Center
like Robin Hood, in season and out, as
be counted on to check him in his longer
(100 Rock Street, Little Rock); it will be free
the whim or the need moved him ... He
flights with “Oh, why don’t you just
and open to the public.
Family portrait Charles Portis, second from left, with his mother, father and brothers.
10
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
Life Changing Denture Alternative If you’ve been tormented for years by bad teeth or dentures, now you can get a permanent solution utilizing the latest dental implant technology.
s %AT WHAT YOU WANT s 'ET YOUR SMILE BACK IN A DAY s #OMPUTER GUIDED !LL ON &OUR IMPLANT TECHNIQUE )NVEST IN A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE Call 1-888-778-3384 and set up your no-obligation consultation, which includes a computerized 3-D image of your mouth if necessary.
You know you’re going to be taken care of at Dental Solutions of Little Rock.
DentalSolutionsLR.com
General Dentists
Located on the Baptist Health Medical Campus
the rural
! s t r e p x e g n i financ lifestyle
• homes & home construction • land & acreage • farms of all sizes • livestock
farmcredit.com FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
trucks, vehicles & ATVs • recreational property • refinancing • operating loans & MORE! •
800-444-3276 11
! EW N
The Fastest, Easiest Way EVER to
HALT INVASIVE TREES! The patented Paramount Pictures
DRÂŽ TREE-CHOPPER™ is the only low-cost way to reclaim pastures, meadows, fence lines, trails and ďŹ re-breaks from invasive trees! ‡ (/,0,1$7(6 5(' &('$5 0(648,7( JUNIPER and other invasive trees that rob land of water and space, create allergens, and create ďŹ re hazards. ‡ &876 75((6 83 72 ,1 ',$0(7(5 ush to the ground so there’s nothing to trip over or regrow.
It’s like a pipe cutter for trees! ™
You simply drive the Tree-Chopper into trees up to 4" thick. Circular discs slice through the trunk, while a rear trailing blade shears the stump ush to the ground. Used by ranchers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, state and local agencies, conservation groups, hunting and snowmobile clubs throughout the country.
76397X Š 2012 CHP
‡ CUTS HUNDREDS OF TREES PER HOUR while driving your ATV.
Size 33 x 45 x10 42 x 60 x12 60 x102 x12
Prices From* $7,397 $10,897 $21,897
*Prices vary based on codes, loads and accessories.
Call for FREE Information Kit! TOLL FREE
1-888-208-5693
1.800.643.5555 | heritagebuildings.com
www.DRTreeChopper.com
One thing will always be true about farming:
Conditions change. From weather, to soil, to technology, you have a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, you’ve got real insurance that keeps up with you. If there’s anything you need to know, just call us. You’ll always have questions. Your Farm Bureau agent always has answers.
ARKANSAS-GROWN INSURANCE FOR ARKANSAS GROWERS
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Jackson MS
12
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
© 2012 Gorilla Glue Company
Wood Glue Just Got Tougher
Custom Buildings That Fit Your Style and Budget
Made in #3722/#62-4496
USA
G a ra g e s | E q u i n e | Fa r m S t o ra g e | G e n e ra l P u r p o s e
A workshop where you can indulge your hobby, a garage to house your car collection, a storage building for your toys or just a place where you can relax and have fun with your friends and family— whatever your idea is of the perfect building, Morton can make it a reality. For over 100 years, we have provided our customers exceptional quality and customer service. At Morton Buildings, we work with you from concept through completion, taking the hassle out of your construction project.
Scan for Video
COUNTDOWN to $avings
Don’t miss discount pricing on your new building during our off-peak construction season sale. Call today, limited building spots are available.
To learn more and to get started, contact Morton Buildings today.
www.GorillaTough.com 1-800-966-3458
800-447-7436 • mortonbuildings.com ©2012 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses.aspx. Reference Code 641
(;;,5;065 46)03, /64,
6>5,9: ,?7,9; 05:;(33(;065 05:<9(5*, *9,+0;
30-,;04, >(99(5;@
9,+<*,+ ,3,*;90* )033
05*9,(:,+ /64, =(3<,
: ; 6 7 3,(2:
56 469, 966- 9<4)3,
®
:PUJL
YVVMV]LY JVT
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
13
Taste Arkansas From farm to table compiled by Tara Johnson
T Banana bread Moist banana bread is the perfect accompaniment to a morning tailgate that you can prepare before the day of the big game.
Tailgate time anytime Tailgating season is in full swing.
For breakfast tailgates I like to bring
1 teaspoon cinnamon
a loaf of banana bread. Usually, we also
2 eggs
Football fans meet in their favorite
have something like fried potatoes,
¼ teaspoon salt
parking spots with tents, games,
sausage biscuits or other warm dishes
2 teaspoons baking soda
grills and a number of different
that are all very good. However, I like the
2-¼ cups flour
dishes. Depending on the kick-
banana bread, because you can prepare
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
off time, the types of food differ
it beforehand, and it’s an easy way to
greatly. If it’s a morning kick-off,
provide more options for picky eaters. Not
you want breakfast food that’s
to mention, it’s really good. Cream butter, brown sugar and sugar.
easy to prepare, because there isn’t as much time before the game. Afternoon kick-off times are good for your favorite snack recipes. I
Instructions
Banana Bread Ingredients
Stir in bananas, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Sift in salt, baking soda and flour. Fold
think the best tailgating happens
6 tablespoons butter, softened
in nuts. Divide batter between two bread
when kick-off is at night. You can
½ cup brown sugar
pans sprayed with cooking oil. Bake at 300
spend all day cooking and making
½ cup sugar
degrees 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick
memories with friends. I gathered
3 ripe bananas, mashed well
inserted in the center comes out clean.
my favorite recipes for tailgating in
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Makes two loaves.
the morning, midday and at night.
1 teaspoon vanilla
14
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
There are many recipes I use for a
½ medium onion, diced
Ribs are definitely a labor of
midday tailgate. I’ve shared a few of
Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
love. It takes hours to pull together
them on tastearkansas.com, like the
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
a perfect rack of ribs, but it’s always
cheese ball, sausage balls, party dips and
1 clove garlic, minced
worth it. When kick-off is at night,
many others. I’ve yet to share a classic dip that’s always welcome at a tailgate,
I can’t help but demand that ribs
Instructions
are on the menu. Don’t let the time
guacamole.
commitment deter you. These ribs In a large bowl, place the scooped
Guacamole Ingredients
are worth it.
avocado pulp and lime juice, and toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice after all the avocados are coated.
3 avocados, halved, seeded and
Add salt, cumin and cayenne, and
peeled
mash using a potato masher. Then,
1 lime, juiced
fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro
½ teaspoon kosher salt
and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the
½ teaspoon ground cumin
reserved lime juice. Let sit at room
½ teaspoon cayenne
temperature for 1 hour and then serve.
BBQ Pork Ribs Ingredients The Ribs 2 racks (2 to 2½ pounds each) St. Louis-style pork ribs vegetable oil, for grill rack The Rub 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar 2 tablespoons coarse salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper 2 teaspoons hot paprika 2 teaspoons mustard powder 1 teaspoon celery seed The Sauce 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes ¼ cup tomato paste ¼ cup bourbon 1 cup strained tomatoes ½ cup cider vinegar ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 1 cup water ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons lightbrown sugar Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Guacamole Keep the dishes at your midday tailgate light and flavorful. Make easy snack recipes like this tasty guacamole.
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
15
Taste Arkansas Cont’d
slightly. Puree in a blender until smooth. (You should have about 2 cups.) Use immediately, or let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate. Set up the grill: Place a 9x13-inch, disposable aluminum pan in the center of bottom grill rack. If using a charcoal grill, place a chimney starter on top grill rack, and fill with about 60 charcoal briquettes (about 4 pounds). Stuff newspaper under chimney and ignite. Heat briquettes until just covered in ash. Wearing oven mitts, carefully lift chimney, remove top rack, and pour coals onto bottom rack along both sides of pan. Top coals with one or two chunks of your favorite smoking wood or wood chips that have been soaked in water for an hour and
Ribs For evening kick-off times, slow cook a beautiful rack of ribs, and you’ll definitely be voted most valuable player.
drained. Fill pan halfway with hot water. Replace top rack. If using a gas grill, heat to medium-low.
Instructions
Grill the ribs: Let ribs stand at room
Prepare the ribs: Place one rib rack,
1. Plan your menu and do prep work in advance. Your tailgate will run smoother if you have a plan and minimize on-site preparation. 2. Food should be ready at least two hours before the game starts. This gives you time to eat and pack up before heading into the stadium. 3. Freeze bottled water, and use that to keep your cooler cold. You’ll have cold water to drink without the mess of melting ice.
temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
meat side down, on a work surface. With
Fold a paper towel into a thick rectangle,
a knife, cut a small slit through the silvery
and dip it in oil. Hold towel with tongs,
membrane at one end of the rack. Using
and brush oil on top grill rack. Place both
a paper towel, grip the cut portion of the
rib racks, bone side down, on top grill
membrane, gently peel it from the rack and
rack, directly over pan. Cover, keeping
discard. Repeat with remaining rack(s).
top grill vents halfway open and bottom
Make the rub: Combine sugar, salt,
vents completely open to maintain grill
pepper, paprika, mustard powder and celery
temperature of 275 to 325 degrees. Cook ribs,
seed in a bowl. (If mixture is clumpy, pass
without turning, until the meat is tender
through a medium sieve.) Rub mixture
but not falling off bones, and has shrunk ½
on both sides of each rack. Place ribs on a
inch from ends, 3 to 3½ hours, adding eight
rimmed baking sheet; cover and refrigerate
briquettes to each charcoal pile every hour.
for at least two hours (or overnight). Let
Baste the ribs: Transfer 1 cup sauce to a
stand at room temperature for 30 minutes
small serving bowl. Brush both sides of ribs
before cooking.
with remaining 1 cup sauce. Cover, and grill
Make the sauce: Heat oil in a medium
until ribs are glistening and deep mahogany
saucepan over medium heat. Add onion
brown, about 15 minutes. Let stand for 10
and garlic, and cook until onion is tender,
minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.
2 to 3 minutes. Add red-pepper flakes and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute.
Be prepared for every kick-off time and
Stir in bourbon, scraping the pan. Stir in
plan your recipes accordingly. Don’t forget
tomatoes, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce,
to visit tastearkansas.com for more tailgating
water and sugar, and cook, continuing to
recipes.
stir, until sugar dissolves. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to
16
Tara Johnson is a contributor to Arkansas
a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until
Farm Bureau’s Taste Arkansas blog. For
reduced by one-third, about 30 minutes.
recipes, videos and farmer profiles visit
Season with salt and pepper. Let cool
tastearkansas.com today.
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
N A K AR
E T S A T OM FARM FR
COM . S SA
BL A T TO
E
r. ethe g o t us
s ring b , e els ts. ing e ea h n t og o o ery en d bl v k o i e l o , , h f l d r al trut ew Foo n e l a p Afte , im sas his s k an t r , A u in aste ted urea T s B e n r hers O te c rm a n n i F a e dr sas thos s an kan r g r e n A i t m e c by anc e far nne d h t n u h is co b wit . an a h tion t i c ucts u d w d o s r p pro eu ural t l ovid r food u p c gri who sas a n a rk of A
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
17
hunter: another word for conservationist
Service to others A legacy of service to farmers, community and Farm Bureau
Hunters do more to conserve habitat than any other group. And they have achieved great things for wildlife and wild places by supporting conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited. With their support, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres of habitat across the continent. Come share our vision of skies filled with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. To find out more go to www.ducks.org
FOUNDATION PROBLEMS?
M
Call us Today for a FREE Estimate RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL
Piers to Stable Clay
Slab Repair • • • • •
t www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau t www.youtube.com/arkansasfarmbureau t twitter.com/ARFB
Keith Sutton
t www.arfb.cPN Oow ‘Share This’ FOBCMFE
Pressed Pilings to Refusal
Pier & Beam
DuraSteel Piers Pilings Mud Pumping Raising & Leveling Brick Repairs
• • • • •
Sills Replaced Joist Replaced Rotten Floors Replaced Raising & Leveling Termite Damage Repair
Home Services Inc.
18
Share Your Thoughts
Providing critically ill and grieving children, teens, and their families our Kaleidoscope of Caring Services: Peer Support Bereavement Groups Individual & Family Grief Counseling Camp Healing Hearts Grief Camp Kids Club Social Activities Supportive Care for Critically Ill Kids School-based Education Professional Trainings
Kaleidoscope Grief Center is a nonprofit organization offering fun and rewarding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities:
Locally Owned and Operated
Hands-On Program Assistance Kaleidoscope Resale Boutique Assistance Fundraising Marketing/Public Relations Office/Clerical
Call 870-798-3807 • Toll-Free 1-877-256-7900
Kaleidoscope Grief Center
HOME SERVICES, INC. SAVES YOU MONEY!
501-978-5437 t 877-357-5437
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
1600 Aldersgate Road Little Rock, AR 72205
www.kaleidoscopekids.org
(;;,5;065 46)03, /64,
6>5,9:
ALASKA CRUISE Space is filling quickly on this unique and popular ber. Fly to tour departing May through Septemb Seattle and board Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel for your 7-night cruise to Ketchikan, Juneau, Sawyer Glacier, Skagway and Victoria, B.C. before disembarking in Seattle. Enjoy a city tour before boarding Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train. Travel through the Pacific Northwest to Napa Valley and San Francisco. Call for Open Dates & Low-Cost Airfare.
,?7,9; 05:;(33(;065
30-,;04, >(99(5;@
J
05:<9(5*, *9,+0;
Plus West Coast Train Tour 13-Day Cruise and Tour from $1998* Departs May thru September 2013
9,+<*,+ ,3,*;90* )033
05*9,(:,+ /64, =(3<,
: ; 6 7 3,(2:
56 469, 966- 9<4)3,
®
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy Taxes & Services included. Airfare is extra. (Add $150 for May, $250 for June, & $450 forJuly-August Departures.)
Join other Arkansans on this Trip. For Details and Itinerary, Call
1-800-888-8204 FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
:PUJL
YVVMV]LY JVT
19
Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provideâ&#x20AC;Ś Safe, affordable food
T
FOOD
24% of Arkansas Jobs
JOBS
75% of Wildlife Habitat
Meet Lacy Glover
ENVIRONMENT
Former Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson on for the Arkansas n for Agriculture Foundation
Protecting the Environment
Arkansas
Foundation for Agriculture
20
FRONT PORCH
I
www.growingarkansas.org
ar f b . co m
JOHN DEERE EXPRESS
Shown is John Deere’s classic 5010—the most powerful tractor of its day!
Meticulous detailing re-creates each historic tractor!
Fine collectible. Not intended for children under 14.
You’ll marvel at the wealth of authentic details and craftsmanship that goes into each train car—including flat cars featuring fully-sculpted, classic John Deere tractors like the Model 5010, GP, B, D and A to name a few. And you’ll delight in the vintage farmscape images and classic advertising slogans that boldly decorate the train cars recalling John Deere’s proud history as the workhorse of America’s farmer.
Authentically detailed with vintage graphics & slogans that bring the train & tractors to life!
Built Tough…like John Deere Tractors!
©Hawthorne Village
14-00900-001-BI75LC
www.bradfordexchange.com/JDtrain
Extremely limited quantities remain so you are encouraged not to wait! Send no money now. Just mail the coupon today!
LAST CHANCE! Act now!
Begin your illuminated HO-scale train collection with the Diesel Locomotive. You will be billed the first of three easy payments of $25.00* before it is shipped. Soon, you can look forward to adding coordinating John Deere Express cars—including historic, fully-sculpted John Deere tractors—and the FREE tracks, power-pack and speed controller ... a $70 value! They will be billed separately at each the same attractive price and shipped about one every other month. Our best-in-the-business 365day guarantee assures your satisfaction and you can cancel at any time.
An exceptional value!
FEATURING
Zip
917372-E15301
Certificate of Authenticity and 365-day Unconditional Guarantee
State
Apt. No.
* Plus $9.99 shipping and service. All sales subject to acceptance and product availability. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
City
Address
Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
Signature
Please enter my order for one John Deere Express illuminated electric HO-scale train collection, beginning with the “Diesel Locomotive” as described in SEND NO MONEY NOW. this announcement.
Yes!
Limited-time Offer—Please Respond Promptly
9210 N. MARYLAND ST., NILES, IL 60714-1322
LIMITED QUANTITIES REMAIN!
LAST CHANCE! EXTREMELY
AUTHENTICALLY DETAILED, FULLY-SCULPTED VINTAGE JOHN DEERE TRACTORS!
Masterfully crafted with a solid metal chassis and gleaming brass wheels, your John Deere Express will bring you years of enjoyment as you watch its powerful diesel locomotive and cars plow around the tracks.
Shipment One: Diesel Locomotive
Shipment Two: Engine and FREE Track Set
Shipment Three: Flat Bed Car with sculpted Classic 5010 Tractor and FREE Power Pack and Speed Controller
I l l u m i n a t e d , R e a l W o r k i n g H O - S c a l e E l e c t r i c TTrr a i n C o l l e c t i o n
The
America was built on farming and for over decades, farmers have relied on John Deere equipment to get the job done of helping to feed the world. In tribute, Hawthorne is proud to bring you the John Deere Express.
HANCE C T S A L DER! TO OR
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Front Porch Magazine
#1 Largest Bi-Monthly audited circulation in Arkansas
Y
*Statewide 700,000 plus readership *Interesting-TimelyPertinent *Invest your advertising dollars securely & wisely *Circulation Audited by Verified Audit Circulation
387 '2:1 7+$7 5$.( Rest easy with the DR® LEAF and LAWN VACUUM THE HARD WORKING DR® LEAF and LAWN VACUUM collects leaves, grass clippings, pine needles, pine cones, and twigs with an unstoppable 85 mph suction. What used to be a weekend chore can be accomplished in just a few hours, all from the comfort of your riding mower. 76396X © 2012 CHP
6+5('6 $1' 5('8&(6 0$7(5,$/ 10:1 for large load capacity and less emptying! %8,/7 ,1 &+,33(5 Clears your yard of
those nuisance branches up to 2" thick! /,)(7,0( :$55$17< on our
1.800.561.4686
Patented Shark-Tooth® impeller! 237,21$/ 9$&880 +26(
for those hard to reach areas!
dbrown@pcipublishing.com
CALL NOW! Get a FREE DVD and Catalog with complete details including model specifications, factorydirect prices, and Limited-Time 1-YEAR Hands-On Trial offer! TOLL FREE
1-888-208-5693
www.DRleafvac.com
22
Call or e-mail David Brown
3/86 Self-Propelled models available!
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
23
InTheKitchen Winning rice recipe
Rice is nice for just about any part of a meal including this wonderful dessert, Pineapple Rice Delight, made by Miss Arkansas Rice 201213, Meredith Williams from Searcy.
by Tara Johnson
R
Recently, I had the pleasure of judging
St. Francis County Rice, was first runner-
incredible, I recommend trying them all.
the Miss Arkansas Rice contest in Brinkley.
up, and second runner-up was Bailey
The contestants’ use of flavors, textures
I was impressed by the class, poise and
Davis, Miss Craighead County Rice. Other
and presentation blew me away. I had to
confidence each of the seven contestants
county winners participating in the state
resist the urge to tell each contestant to
demonstrated. The goal of the Miss
finals were Stephanie Palmerin Sanchez,
give me a second serving.
Arkansas Rice program is to encourage
Miss Arkansas County Rice; Brooklyn
youth interest in rice promotion and
Devazier, Miss Cross County Rice;
2012-13 Miss Arkansas Rice, Meredith
to publicize the importance of the
Elizabeth Pack, Miss Lonoke County Rice;
Williams, is a special young lady. She
Arkansas rice industry to the state’s
and Ashtyn Lowry, Miss Monroe County
was poised, knowledgeable and engaging.
economy. Contestants are judged on their
Rice. The girls were engaging, bright and
Meredith is a joy to talk to and her recipe,
promotion activities, knowledge of the
knowledgeable.
Pineapple Rice Delight, is an interesting,
rice industry and rice-cooking skills. Each of the participants represented
their home county. Bailey Dillinger, Miss
As you can imagine, I was particularly interested in each contestant’s recipe and
The competition was tough, but the
versatile and delicious concoction that I can’t wait to recreate.
ability to cook rice. Every single recipe is
Pineapple Rice Delight
Instructions
Ingredients
and stir in flavored gelatin with sugar until dissolved. Spoon
In a microwavable bowl, heat pineapple for 1 to 1½ minutes
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
in cooked rice and mix thoroughly. Cool and fold in whipped
• ½ cup sugar
pecans. Chill until served. It makes approximately 16 servings.
topping and cottage cheese. If desired, add ½ to 1 cup chopped
• 1 (3-ounce) box of strawberry gelatin (or
flavor of your choice)
Serve by putting mounds onto lettuce leaves as a salad or into sherbet glasses as a dessert. Garnish with chopped nuts, sliced fruit or mint sprigs. Make it on the lite side by adding pineapple in its own juice,
• 3 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
lite cottage cheese, lite Cool Whip and sugar free Jell-O. The regular recipe is 100 calories per ½ cup serving, and the lite
• 1 (16-ounce) carton small curd cottage
version is 60 calories. It can be stored in an airtight container up
cheese
to five days. The color of the Jell-O can be changed for seasonal
• 1 (16-ounce) container non-dairy whipped
use. Tara Johnson is a contributor to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Taste
topping
Arkansas blog. For the rest of the Miss Arkansas Rice contest recipes
• ½ to 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
24
visit tastearkansas.com.
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
Keith Sutton
Eat dessert first for a nutritious rice dish
C L A S S I F I E D S Mobile Home Owners: ROOF KING
Mobile Home Super Insulated Roof Over Systems 40 Year Warranty Factory Direct From Roof King
1-800-748-0645 Established in
1982 Grower Direct
Grow half-dollar size
Muscadines and Blackberries. We also offer over 200 varieties of Fruit a Nut Trees plus Vine and and Berry Plants.
Isonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery
Since 1934
Free Catalog
PO Box 190 Brooks, GA 30205 1-800-733-0324 s isons.com
Earn $75,000/yr Part Time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. (800) 488-7570
Smart Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC 515 W 5th, Pine Bluff 870-534-8122 www.smartdrive.com FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
25
Health&Safety M*A*S*H camps successful again Pine Bluff camp celebrates 25th anniversary by Jennifer Victory
T
Twenty five years ago, a small group
of high school juniors and seniors walked through the doors of the Pine Bluff Area Health Education Center (AHEC), excited and a little nervous, not really knowing what the next two weeks would bring. These students would become the pioneer class of M*A*S*H (Medical Applications of Science for Health), the first of more
than 5,500 students to participate in this two-week introduction to health professions. The need for this program
Silver anniversary class Front row (left to right) Richaundra Randle, DaShara Pugh, Gabrielle Smith. Second row (left to right) Sarai Nicholson, Bess Jenkins, Sonam Balani, Alycia Brown, Haley Thompson. Back row (left to right) Curtis Burnley, Samantha Bearden, Mary Jane Lytle, Andrew Lee, Hunter Medsker, Alyssa Holland.
came because of a lack of health professionals in rural areas. It was
learning medical terminology, working
established to help recruit rural students
in the lab along with collaborative work
future of health care,” said Merrell. “It’s
to those fields. Introducing rural
through team-building exercises.
comforting and exciting to see their love
students to health professions at an
During the past 25 years, M*A*S*H
“These high school students are the
for people, healing and learning.” During Pine Bluff’s 25th anniversary
early age and in a rural setting increases
has evolved into not only a learning
the likelihood they will return to a rural
experience for the students, but also a
celebration, J.E. “Eddie” Maples, Jr.,
area to practice.
way for them to be involved in their
director of the South Central AHEC,
community. Yalanda Young Merrell has
spoke of the impact M*A*S*H has had on
to include locations across Arkansas.
been coordinating the M*A*S*H camp at
rural communities in Arkansas.
This summer more than 400 students
AHEC Northeast in Jonesboro for three
participated in 29 M*A*S*H camps. The
years.
Since then, M*A*S*H has expanded
majority of the camps are located in
“Over the past 25 years, M*A*S*H has provided thousands of rural high school
“I have seen the demand and
students with an insight into the world of
AHECs and rural hospitals. M*A*S*H
interest for certain careers change. But
health care that has solidified the desire
is designed to allow students who
the one thing that stays constant is
to become a health-care professional.
are interested in a medical career an
the desire within each student to help
Many of the M*A*S*H participants have
opportunity for an intensive experience
people,” Merrell said.
completed their chosen field of training
in the medical field. These students
This year, the Jonesboro students
and are now practicing in rural areas of
engage in hands-on learning experiences
took part in their first ever community
that introduce them to all areas of
service project, a blood drive for the
health professions. Activities include
American Red Cross. Organized by the
each year and the number of applicants
CPR and first aid training, suturing class,
students, the drive was a success as
increasing, M*A*S*H is sure to continue
dissection, casting class and shadowing
they were able to meet their goal of
helping fill the need for health-care
physicians. Students also spend time
collecting 22 units of blood.
professionals in rural areas.
26
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
Arkansas,” Maples said. With new hospitals being added
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, November 30, 2012, in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs, Arkansas. The purpose of this meeting is to elect a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Ewell R. Welch Executive Vice President
More service. Same auto discounts.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF ARKANSAS, INC.
Any insurance company can offer “discounts”. But with us, you talk with your local agent face to face. That way, you know you’re getting the premium discounts you qualify for, from day one. And you know we’ll check for more discounts every six months. That’s why our customers stay happy. And we think you will, too. Call today.
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2012, in Rooms A & B at the Embassy Suites, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Real service. Real people. www.afbic.com
Tom Jones Secretary
ARAUPR41596
The purpose of this meeting is to elect a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
*Not all discounts are subject to semi-annual automatic review. *Discounts may vary, and do not apply to life insurance products. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
FRONT PORCH
I
ar f b . co m
27
Picture this!
Dust off your cameras and take part in Rural ReďŹ&#x201A;ections, FBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Front Porch photo contest.
F
arm Bureau members now have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception and their ďŹ&#x201A;air for the dramatic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or the comical or even the tragic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in Front Porchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third Rural ReďŹ&#x201A;ections Photo Contest. This competition offers amateur photographers the chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture, and Farm Bureau, in Arkansas. The contest includes two divisions, High School (ages 14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18) and Adult (19 and older). The winner of each receives $250. In addition, one entry will receive a Grand Prize of $500. The winners and honorable mentions may have their works published, with credit, in Front Porch and Arkansas Agriculture magazines, on Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, arfb.com, and in other publications. Arkansas Farm Bureau has the ďŹ nal decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility, prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Rural ReďŹ&#x201A;ections Photo Contest.
RULES t "OZ QIPUP UBLFO CFUXFFO +BO BOE 0DU NBZ CF FOUFSFE t 'JMFT NVTU CF IJHI SFTPMVUJPO KQFHT BU MFBTU EQJ t &BDI FOUSBOU NBZ FOUFS POMZ POF QIPUP t &OUFS CZ VQMPBEJOH ZPVS QIPUP BU arfb.com/get-involved/contests/ t "MM FOUSJFT NVTU CF TVCNJUUFE CZ midnight Oct. 31, 2012
t 5IF 3VSBM 3FøFDUJPOT 1IPUP $POUFTU JT PQFO UP NFNCFST PG "SLBOTBT 'BSN #VSFBV BOE UIFJS JNNFEJBUF GBNJMJFT &NQMPZFFT PG 'BSN #VSFBV JUT BóMJBUFE DPNQBOJFT BOE TFSWJDF DPNQBOJFT BSF OPU FMJHJCMF t 8JOOJOH PS IPOPSBCMF NFOUJPO QIPUPT BMTP NBZ CF QVCMJTIFE PO "SLBOTBT 'BSN #VSFBV T XFCTJUF arfb. com BOE JO PUIFS 'BSN #VSFBV QVCMJDB UJPOT BT BQQSPQSJBUF
A free catalog you should
SAVE TUOP 8 0%
Disappearing Hearing Aid
about Reported by The Wall Street Journal ★ “Sound was crisp and clear.”
Tiny In-the-Ear
Great fit!
★ “With different tip sizes to choose from, this fit our ears the best, resulting in minimal feedback.”
FREE Shop from Home Hearing Aid Catalog! Choose from many high-quality hearing aids at remarkably low prices. Order by mail from a family business with over 600,000 satisfied customers and 32 years selling hearing aids by mail.
www.HearingHelpExpress.com/WSJ
World’s Best Hearing Value! ★ Order from home and SAVE up to 80% ... you avoid big mark-ups, long office waits and salesmen. ★ Risk-FREE offer
Very discreet!
FREE CATALOG!
★ Order with no money down
CALL TOLL-FREE
★ Arrives ready to use ★ Compare to hearing aids costing $1,000 or more
ext. 23-379 www.HearingHelpExpress.com/23379
Don’t pay another dime until you clip and mail this coupon for your free catalog!
Actual quotes from our customers. Printed with their permission. “People have stopped mumbling. I hear everything so clearly. It fits so comfortably in my ear.” M.V. – Eagleville, TN “My hearing aids are wonderful, now my friends and family say I’m back to my old self.” J.C. – Andrews, TX “Hearing aid is working fine! You would not know I am wearing it (it is so small).” G.G. – Oil City, PA
“My wife is highly pleased with her new hearing aid. It works so much better than her $2,000 ones. It can hardly be seen.” P.W. – Kansas “They used to call me ‘grandma huh’. Now I can hear real good – no more ‘what’ or ‘huh’!” M.C. – Colton, CA
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Hearing Help Express 105 North First St, Dept 23-379 DeKalb, IL 60115-0586
✓ YES!
Please rush me a free shop-at-home catalog. I understand there is no obligation and I get FREE shipping. Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms
“I hear – No – I understand what I hear much better.” R.H. – Ft Recovery, OH
Address
© Hearing Help Express®, Inc
State/Zip
City
One Simple Rate for New & Used Vehicles
AS LOW AS Save with one low rate on 2003 to new vehicle TVKLSZ ^OLU `V\ Ă&#x201E;UHUJL VY YLĂ&#x201E;UHUJL ^P[O \Z >L VMMLY TLTILY ZWLJPHS WYPJPUN Ă&#x2026;L_PISL [LYTZ and affordable protection plans. We made it so convenient, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a good time to apply.
2.99
%
APR*
36-MONTH TERM
Contact your local Farm Bureau office to apply today! Existing Farm Bureau Bank recreational loans are excluded from this offer. *Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and is based on automated payments (ACH) and acquiring one of the following collateral protection products: Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), Debit Cancellation (DC) or Major Mechanical Protection (MMP). Additional discounts do apply for purchas-ing more than one collateral protection product. The advertised APR of 2.99% is effective as of 5/18/2012. Final APR may differ from the loan interest rate due to additional fees (such as a loan documentation fee) which may be applicable. :\WWVZL `V\ IVYYV^ HUK [OLYL PZ H KVJ\TLU[H[PVU MLL MVY H [V[HS SVHU VM ^P[O HU PU[LYLZ[ YH[L VM [OL JHSJ\SH[LK (79 MVY H TVU[O SVHU ^P[O H KH` Ă&#x201E;YZ[ payment date would be 3.17%, with payments of $554.62. To qualify for the disclosed rate, customer must be a Farm Bureau member. Finance charges accrue from origination date of [OL SVHU 9H[LZ HUK Ă&#x201E;UHUJPUN HYL SPTP[LK [V ]LOPJSLZ TVKLSZ HUK UL^LY (SS SVHUZ HYL Z\IQLJ[ [V JYLKP[ HWWYV]HS ]LYPĂ&#x201E;JH[PVU HUK JVSSH[LYHS L]HS\H[PVU 6[OLY YH[LZ HUK Ă&#x201E;UHUJPUN options are available. Non-member rates may be 1-3% higher than posted rates. This offer is not available in all states and rates are subject to change without notice. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB.