Eye Jackson On www.eyeonmag.com
Valentine’s Aphrodisiacs The Sixth Annual Delta Visual Arts Show Local Artist and Beloved Teacher, Kay Taylor Brand A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.
February 2014
Heart.
Your heart is his life’s work.
Harris Hospital welcomes Samuel Mortoti, M.D. to Newport Cardiology. Dr. Mortoti is a member of the American College of Cardiology and comes to us from Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Here on a fulltime basis, he is dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate heart care to his neighbors in Jackson County and surrounding areas. Dr. Mortoti is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 870-523-2404.
2000 McLain Street, Suite H • Newport 870-523-2404
Samuel Mortoti, M.D. Cardiologist
Member of the Medical Staff at Harris Hospital
Vision Care of Newport 2101 Malcolm Ave., Newport (870) 523-3333
Here! Let us introduce you! in the pages of EYE ON JACKSON email kthomas@eyeonmag .com or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150
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Mark Manning,
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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note
A Full February
7/Great Tastes
Valentine’s Aphrodisiacs
8/County Extension News February Tips
9/Newport Chamber News
8
16
10
18
12
22
13
23
Looking Ahead
10/Cover Story
The Sixth Annual Delta Visual Arts Show
11/Notes from the Clearing Echoes
12/Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Pink Poodle
13/Things To Do 13/Womens Run Clinic 15/County Economic Report
Placemaking as Part of Economic Development
16/Feature
Local Artist and Beloved Teacher, Kay Taylor Brand
18/I Do
Freeman / Reardon Wedding
20/Faces 22/ Paint the Town Red! 23/Physician’s Article Matters of the Heart
Eye JOacnkson
February 2014
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793-3303 755 St. Louis Street Batesville
Valentine’s Aphr
odisiacs Delta Visual Arts
Show
Beloved Teacher,
Kay Taylor Bran
The Sixth Annual Local Artist and
A Publication of
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Meadowland Med
Cover photography Cheryl Mauldin Cover design by Joseph Thomas
Meet Your Writers... Julie Allen has served as the executive director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce since 2002. She is a 1994 graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Communications - Radio/Television..
Jon Chadwell is the executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC). The NEDC is funded by a ½ cent sales tax collected in Newport and works to assist in the development of business and industry in Jackson County.
Randy Chlapecka is county extension agent – staff chair with the Jackson County Office of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. He provides educational information and programming in the areas of agriculture, 4-H, and community development.
Adrienne Freeman is a Jackson County based food writer whose work is published statewide. When not at the keyboard, she can be found in the kitchen, focusing on recipes and techniques that can be easily replicated by fellow enthusiastic home cooks. She always welcomes reader response at newport. foodies@yahoo.com. Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor and colorguard instructor at Batesville High School. She is the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. Leigh lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs. THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: Samual Mortoti is a full-time cardiologist at Newport Cardiology Clinic. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and completed a fellowship in cardiology at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is dedicated to providing skilled and compassionate heart care to Jackson County and surrounding areas. To schedule an appointment, call 870-523-2404. Rebecca Pearrow is marketing director at Harris Hospital. She attained an AA at Central Baptist College followed by a BS at Arkansas Tech University. She will complete an MBA from Harding University in December 2014. She was employed 12 years at White County Medical Center before her success in Community Relations brought her back to Newport. She spends her free time traveling to support her kid’s athletics, gardening, raising chickens and scrap booking.
MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Cheryl Mauldin PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing
Eye On Jackson is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2013 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher. All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.
For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.
Editor’s Note A Full February Joseph Thomas
Kimberlee and I spoke to Jon Chadwell about the upcoming Delta Visual Arts Show to be held February 22. Admittedly, we have been busy, but we can’t believe that we have missed the first five years and very much look forward to seeing this 6th annual event. It just goes to show how easy it is to miss out on the great things going on locally when we get disconnected. Our Cover this month is all about the Delta Visual Arts Show, while our Feature is local artist, Kay Brand, who has participated in this show since its inception. Joseph and Kimberlee Tjhomas Please read on to find Adrienne Freeman’s article on the Valentine’s Aphrodisiac, Oysters Rockefeller. Randy Chlapecka gives us some tips for this months farming season in his County Extension News. Julie Allen is looking ahead to upcoming Newport Chamber of Commerce events and Leigh Keller visits the Pink Poodle! My Notes From The Clearing this month speaks of echoes and Margaret Goodman lays out the February schedule for Senior Circle. See our Things To Do section to schedule a date night or two and enjoy. Jon Chadwell explains “Placemaking” and Kimberlee brings us another local wedding with the Freeman-Reardon union. Check out whose Faces we show off this month and don’t forget to see our digital photo albums at www. eyeonmag.com. Rebecca Pearrow invites us to Paint The Town Red and Dr. Samuel Mortoti writes about Matters of the Heart in this months Physicians Article. We hope you are well and thank you for your readership! N
Eye On
Jackson
“The mission of the Newport Economic Development Commission is to facilitate an environment that will be conducive to economic growth and stability. The commission will work to enhance, promote, and create increased opportunities for economic well being by developing and implementing strategies that will improve quality of life, community aesthetics, and encourage new investment in Newport and Jackson County.”
201 Hazel, Newport 870-523-1009
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Great Tastes Valentine’s Aphrodisiacs Adrienne Freeman
The great question of love…the answer to that puzzle has been studied literally since the beginning of time (remember Adam and Eve?), with little progress. Whether examined through an objective or subjective lens, the unavoidable attraction to someone else is often so perplexing, we just throw our hands up and chalk it up to that other black-hole of questions, fate. That brings us to the day that is celebrated as the Superbowl of Love, St. Valentine’s Day. Now, history tells us that the real St. Valentine was martyred in Rome in 269 AD and America offers it’s own claim to fame with the mob-related St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago in 1929, but let’s not let those pesky details derail our Hallmark happiness train. Modern day celebrations are happier times, marked with hearts, flowers, cards, candy and dreamy dinners. How about ramping up a night of romance with a few aphrodisiacs on the menu? The myth and mystery of foods that arouse desire is another puzzle with few solid answers, but it is a fact that certain foods reputations have stood the test of time as a sure way to the heart. There is fact that goes along with the fantasy – oysters and caviar are high in zinc, which is shown to increase testosterone production; chocolate contains both a sedative which relaxes and lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. And of course, a little festive champagne lowers inhibitions and instills a feeling of warmth and well-being. These foods may have aphrodisiac properties, it shouldn’t matter because one of the things that inspires love and increases desire is to make something special for your someone special. Gets the heart pounding every time!
1 pound (about) rock salt 24 fresh oysters, shucked, shells reserved OR 1 pint shucked oysters ½ cup panko breadcrumbs ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 450°F. Combine finely chopped garlic, spinach, and green onions. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan in separate bowl and set aside. In a heavy skillet, heat butter until bubbling. Add chopped spinach mixture, fennel seeds, nutmeg, pepper sauce and wine. Saute until spinach wilts and wine is reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover; chill.) In order to keep oyster shells from sliding on your pan, sprinkle rock salt over large baking sheet to depth of 1/2 inch (this salt will be discarded.) Mix panko, parmesan and remaining butter. Arrange oyster shells on top of rock salt. Top each oyster with 1 tablespoon spinach mixture, and one teaspoon breadcrumb mixture. Bake about 8 minutes until brown and bubbly, serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges. COOKS NOTE: If you can’t get freshly shucked oysters with the shell, don’t worry. My solution was to go to a restaurant that serves them and ask for several dozen shells. (They throw them away anyway.) You can actually keep them for years – I sterilize mine in the dishwasher after use and store them in a box between paper towels. Shucked oysters in plastic tubs are widely available in the seafood department of many supermarkets. N
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER The original recipe for this decadent, delicious dish was created at Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans 1899 and remains a secret to this day. The dish was so rich, it was named after the richest man in the world at the time, John D. Rockefeller. This version is very close to the classic. 1 garlic clove 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, chopped or 1 package chopped frozen spinach, thawed and excess liquid squeezed out ½ cup chopped green onions, white and green portions 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, divided use ¼ cup dry white wine 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, ground ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce Salt and pepper to taste
February 2014 | 7
County Extension News February Tips Randy Chlapecka
Strong. reliable. Committed. truSted. CuStomer-owned.
For wheat farmers, it’s time to start farming as we move into the month of February. Nitrogen fertilization should begin this month with specific timing of the applications based on the development of the crop and Lending for all your rural weather. financing needs! Any wheat that was planted late and hasn’t tillered or developed well yet would be my first priority as far as Operating Loans | Equipment Loans & Leases getting some nitrogen out. The bottom line on timing Vehicles | Farm Real Estate Mortgages is that all of the nitrogen should be applied by Growth Home & Acreage Loans Stage 6, or when internode elongation begins. In most years this occurs in early March. Total late winter nitrogen recommendations for the various soil types are 120 units on the sandy and silt Financing for your lifestyle. loam soils, and 140 units on the clay soils. I generally Call Vickie Jones | 800-698-5867 at 870-698-9044 • 800-572-8165 870-523-5867 like to see split applications because you never know www.agheritagefcs.com www.agheritagefcs.com what kind of weather you’re going to have between that first application and heading and if you have a lot of warm and wet weather you’re probably going to run out early. If you’re determined to use just one application, the well drained loamy soils are the best place to try and get by with this. If you’re making split applications, the second one should go out before or right around the time that internode movement begins. The first application of the split should be a little over half of the total amount. 20 units of sulfur is recommended on the sandy and sandy loam soils. 100 pounds of ammonium sulfate will get you 24 units of sulfur. There are always some concerns expressed about applying urea on wet ground. Nitrogen loss from urea on wet ground is not a big problem with the temperatures we normally see at this time of the year. It’s not like it is at the time that preflood urea applications are being made to rice and the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. I would like to see all or at least most of the standing water off of the field, but it doesn’t have to be white dry. There is still some debate on the benefit of using Agrotain-treated urea for wheat. It is more likely to be of benefit when it is unusually warm and wet at the time of application. For more information on agriculture in Jackson County, feel free to contact me at the Jackson County Office of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service at 523-7450. N
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Newport Chamber News Looking Ahead
Julie Allen, Chamber of Commerce Director The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is very excited to kick off the year welcoming a new employee, Krystal Worthington. A native of Newport with a background in real estate, Krystal began in January and will be the part-time administrative assistant. Krystal replaces Joyce Jarvis, who retired from the Chamber in November after eight years of service to the community. Please stop by and welcome Krystal to the Chamber! February and March are active months at our office in preparation for several events. The 78th Annual Chamber Banquet held at the Newport Country Club features a live auction, a fantastic dinner, a featured speaker and the presentation of annual awards including small and large business of the year, the ambassador award and the Jackson County outstanding citizen award. Not only is this a great networking opportunity for Chamber members, it is also a whole lot of fun. Call the Chamber for complete banquet details. Portfest directors have begun meeting weekly in preparation for the annual Portfest Festival, which will be held on June 6-7 at Jacksonport State Park. Eight volunteers commit three or more years to serve as one of these directors. The first order of business will be securing entertainment and confirming sponsors. Portfest is well-known for providing national-level performers at
a low cost thanks to the support of local and regional contributors. Vendor applications will be available at the end of February for arts and crafters and food vendors. Directors are also planning annual Portfest-related events that are held prior to Portfest weekend, including the twoperson golf scramble, 5k walk and run, and kid’s fishing derby as well as the buddy bass fishing tournament and horseshoe pitching tournament to be held June 7. The Chamber’s 11th New Vision Newport leadership development class is working on three team projects that should be completed prior to the class graduation in May. Group one is working with the Chamber to design an event to encourage residents and visitors to shop and support local businesses. Group two has partnered with Keep Newport Beautiful to design a program to encourage business owners to remove, replace or repaint old deteriorated signs. The group has plans to implement the strategy with at least one business. Group three will work with the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (DRIVE) to design the preservation of an old well in Sterling Park on Front Street. All three groups are coming up with great ideas, and I am excited to see what they will implement. If you would like to know more about Chamber or community events in and around Newport/Jackson County, call (870) 523-3618 or email director@ newportarchamber.org to sign up for our free “Upcoming Events” email. N February 2014 | 9
Eye On Cover Story The Sixth Annual Delta Visual Arts Show Joseph Thomas
Just over six years ago, John Connor III called NEDC Executive Director, Jon Chadwell, from Little Rock because the Clinton School of Public Service was sending teams of students into Arkansas communities to complete service projects. "I think Newport could benefit from this, they have one slot left," explained Connor. Chadwell wholeheartedly agreed, asking when the deadline would be, "noon tomorrow," answered Connor. Chadwell simply said okay, by now, used to having a moments notice for such endeavors. Chadwell talked to Sheridan, his lovely bride, about what they could do. The couple had actually been to an artist coop in downtown Mena, Arkansas a year previous and there, artist voluntarily ran the show in shifts to ensure their work would be displayed. "It worked really well, it was a fun and very lively event," says Chadwell. "So I called John back that evening and explained our idea for an artist coop here in Newport, and he said, 'no, it has got to be bigger than that. It can't just be Newport; it has to impact the delta.'" So, the idea expanded from there to be a wide reaching project. "The thing about the delta," says Chadwell, "it is full of people creating art in a place that is not fine art oriented. So, often, galleries from New York and Dallas, for instance, come and buy a painting for a hundred dollars and sell it for a thousand in their galleries. Obviously, we want our artists to profit from their work, not a middleman from another state." Therefore, Chadwell pitched the idea for a physical art center in Newport that would be called the Delta Visual Art Center. The idea spawned three goals: to nurture emerging artists in the delta, to bring good art to the delta, and to offer workshops and classes to help individuals from the delta learn to express their creativity to ensure an art rich delta for generations to come. A team of three students arrived from the Clinton School of Public Service and a committee was set up consisting of two members from the Iron Mountain Regional Arts Council (Frank Plegge and Lee Scoggins), two members from the Newport Economic Development Center (Jon Chadwell and Dean Sides), two members from the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (Jim Gowen, Sr. and Sheridan Chadwell), and David Stewart, the Mayor of Newport. The next task, as Clinton School student, Emily Fisher, suggested, was to prove that this project had staying power; the idea would have to show sustainability. Fisher said, "Why don't you establish an art show to prove you can do something of this nature and if you can keep it going five or six years, it will substantiate, when you apply for a large grant, that you can consistently fund a project of this magnitude." Fisher helped the committee design the first show, it was held
in the Depot on Front Street in Newport and they had seventeen artists exhibiting their work. Chadwell says it was huge, the committee was ecstatic that one hundred and eighty nine potential buyers attended. With two well attended workshops and three thousand dollars worth of art sold, it was a success! “Kay Brand was one of our first artists,” explains Chadwell. “She was one of four who had never sold art before and didn’t know how to price her work. That was the dynamic we were looking for, because a more experienced artist, whose booth was right next to hers, taught her how to put a price on her paintings.” The next year, another team of Clinton School students arrived to help name the art center that would be. Frank and Ann Hearn of Newport actually came up with the winning title, The Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts. The Newport High School East Lab created a logo for this currently virtual arts center that is in the making. The second show expanded to include the Depot and the Newport Chamber building, thirtyfour artists and around three hundred and fifty visitors. Chadwell and the committee were amazed that the show could double in its second year. By January of the third year, there were more artists signed up than would fit in both buildings, so Frank and Ann Hearn, who now live in the old post office, were asked if they would allow the downstairs to be used as the third location for the art show. They loved the idea and offered up the space to be used, allowing for eighty artists to make up the Third Annual Delta Visual Art Show. MJ’s Restaurant set up a cafe in the building to add to the ever expanding art show. The fourth year saw one hundred and one artists and one hundred and forty made up the fifth show; Chadwell thinks there were around twelve hundred visitors and around one hundred thousand dollars worth of art sold that one day in 2013. The committee usually puts out a call for artist to get the word out and so they know how many to expect. Before a call could be put out for 2014’s Sixth Annual Delta Visual Art Show, as of January 1, one hundred and seventy artists were signed up. Last year, huge tents were put up in the streets to hold the new artists and will be used again this year. “The 2014 show will have eight adult workshops with an adult art contest, four children’s workshops with a children’s contest, door prizes, and a Juried Art selection,” says Chadwell. The committee applied for an Arkansas Arts Council Grant last year for the 2014 show. This is a matching grant, so funds had to be raised before any money would be given from the state. The committee had raised just over forty-five hundred dollars for previous art shows, but this grant was for ninety-three hundred dollars. The committee read about similar shows asking artists to donate pieces for fundraising. They expected twenty-five pieces or so, but received one hundred and eight donated works
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Just some examples of art for sale at past shows.
of art. The pieces were hung to be sold for two months and if any were left, there would be an auction to sell the remaining work. Two of the artists, Matt Coburn and Lorie Weeks, with the Maumelle Art Group who love and believe in this show, actually came and painted during the auction and their paintings were auctioned at the end of the night. “Eighty-nine hundred dollars was raised in this endeavor and so our matching grant has been awarded so that we will have a budget of twenty thousand dollars to work with this year,” explains Chadwell with a laugh, “last years committee of eight said we better get some more help before this show gets too big to handle. So, we invited a number of volunteers and now have a committee of twenty-one.” It just goes to show, things are looking up in Jackson County, you just have to know where to look. With people like Jon Chadwell and his ideas and passion, the economic success of Jackson County will soon be hard to miss. The Delta Visual Arts Show is obviously a successful event for Newport, Jackson County and the surrounding area, and we invite you to join in the fun this year. Come see and buy some art again or for the first time, if you’ve never been. Workshops and mediums exhibited will include: watercolor, pastels, pen & Ink, acrylic, drawing, pottery, wood-burning, sculpting, jewelry and photography. Committee members include: Jon Chadwell, Tim Watson, Jr., Kevin Pearce, Kristen Smith, Ike Wheeler, Shirley Williams, Frank and Charlotte Plegge, David Stewart, Kristen Weatherford, Debra Bennett Jackson, Neal Panky, Cheryl Mauldin, Ward Massey, Lindley Pettie, Cindy Sides, Jack Osier, Tara Salinas, Ami Norris, Jennifer Ballard, Lee Scoggins, Rebecca Pearrow, Robert Summers, Cindy Summers, Julie Allen and Linda Treadway. N
“Newport Flag” by Matt Coburn - limited edition print
“Rollin' on the River” by Steve Jones - French rolling pin in wood
“USA” by Scott Dirksen - mixed media paint on barn wood
Untitled by Natalie Curtner original matted photograph Untitled by John Minor mixed media mirror
“Family Tradition” by Paige Dirksen February 2014 | 11
Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Pink Poodle Leigh Keller
When I heard that there was a cute store in Newport named “The Pink Poodle Boutique”, I knew it would be a place that I would love. I also knew that it probably would not be the best place to take my spirited three year old little boy, who is typically everywhere that I am (you’re welcome, Boutique owners, for not bringing him, and testing the durability of your shop shelves, and your patience). So, I got him settled with his daddy to do some playing in the dirt, and headed off with my mama to find this fabulous little boutique. On the outside, the Pink Poodle looks innocent enough, but once inside, when you are greeted by the very stylish mannequins, Monica and Erica (they have names! I love that), you discover that the Pink Poodle is an incredibly...... dangerous....place. (Dangerous mostly because I wanted pretty much everything they offered in their store). From the turquoise furniture (yes, I adore turquoise, so much that one weekend I painted my dining table, chairs, and china hutch bright turquoise), to the fun rugs, and the organization of the shop that leads you from room to room, the Pink Poodle is designed with female shoppers in mind. I met Kendall Marlar when I arrived, and recognized her from the Facebook posts, as she models most of the clothing they advertise. It turns out that her mother is the owner, and the Pink Poodle has been a long time coming. She and her mother have always wanted to own a boutique, and the name became kind of an inside joke with the family. They have dedicated themselves to providing individual customer service, and enjoy helping women find the perfect outfit. While I didn’t have the chance to meet Kendall’s mother, the owner, Kendall certainly was true to her word. I found the perfect faux fur vest, cute long sleeved Arkansas made top and fun necklace, all very friendly for my budget too, I might add. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Pink Poodle also carries very fashionable plus size clothing, and one of their other goals is to “help women feel comfortable in their own skin.” Not everyone is a size two, and beauty comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s always nice to find local shops where there are options for everyone, not just women size 0-12. The Pink Poodle carries shoes, bags, jewelry and clothing. The Boutique was decorated personally by the owners, and the decor creates a very fun atmosphere, and for most women, a happy shopping trip is all about atmosphere. The Pink Poodle has a little something for everyone, and I will definitely be back again (especially when they get more faux fur vests in!). You can follow the Pink Poodle on Facebook and Instagram, to see when they have sale items or new stock, and you can also shop online through both of those sources. Stop by their perfect little shop located at 223 Lindley Lane in Newport from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, to see why they have lots of happy people shopping locally with them. N
February 5 at Noon Lunch N Learn with UAMS – Stroke Awareness in the Harris Hospital Community Room. February 10 at 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Infinity Scrubs Fundraiser in the Harris Hospital Community Room. February 14 at Noon Senior Circle Valentine’s Banquet in the Harris Hospital Community Room. February 15 at 7 p.m. Center of the Arts at the ASUN Campus. February 18 at 11:45 a.m. Bingo at the Tuckerman Senior Center. February 20 at 2 p.m. Movie day –popcorn/coke in the Harris Hospital Community Room. February 21 at Noon Bingo at the Bald Knob Senior Center. February 22 at 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Delta Visual Arts Council in the “Pink Ladies” Food Booth. February 22 at 7 p.m. Texas Tenors at ASUN. February 25 at 4:30 – 7:00 Supper Club at the Smokehouse (formerly Ole Hickory). For more information, contact Margaret Goodman, Senior Circle Advisor and Volunteer Coordinator at 870512-3030. N
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Things To Do The Jackson County Humane Society is in need of the following supplies: water buckets, dog houses, Clorox, laundry detergent, paper towels and blankets (without backing). Items can be dropped off at the Newport Area Chamber office at 201 Hazel Street.
CHI OMEGA’s 5th Annual Run for a Wish 5K The ASU Chi Omega Chapter, Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter of N.E. Arkansas will present the Fifth Annual Run for a Wish 5K Walk/Run and Kids Fun Run (Ages 7 & Under) on the Campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South. Saturday, March 15 at 8 a.m. is the start of this 5K, registration begins at 6:45 a.m. The Kids Fun Run begins at 8:45 a.m. For Information and to Register Contact: Kendall at 870-664-0859
ASUN Concert-Lecture Series The Legends of Motown will hit the stage at ASUN February 8. For tickets, call the ASUN Business Office at 870-512-7802. ASUN Patron Series The Texas Tenors will perform at ASUN February 22 at 7 p.m. For tickets, call the ASUN Business Office at 870512-7802. 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge: Freezn’ For A Reason The Jackson County Learning Center will be hosting their second Polar Bear Plunge on March 1 at 11:00 a.m. on the White River at Jacksonport State Park. To find out how you can participate as an individual or team contact Glenda Rutledge-May at 870-523-8488. All proceeds raised will benefit the Jackson County Learning Center. N
Womens Run Clinic Bruce Oakley
Women looking to get on a fitness kick in the new year are invited to join an energetic, supportive group in a free 10-week program that will step off in March. The Women Run ArkansasBatesville clinic is one of dozens of free clinics around the state designed to take beginning runners and walkers from their first steps through a graduation 5K (3.1 miles) in Conway in May. The clinics emphasize help for beginners, but women of all ages, running experience and abilities are welcome. Athletes are divided into groups by running experience, and many of the group leaders are past participants whose 10-week plan became an enjoyable lifelong habit. The Batesville clinic meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. The statewide Women Run Arkansas program is in its 17th year and has encouraged thousands of women. The Women Can Run 5K caps the training program on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, this year May 10. Clinic participation is free, but the graduation race has a separate registration with a fee. The race features an open competition for all women, a competition for clinic participants only, and a special clinic Mother-Daughter
combined category. Last year’s clinics in more than 40 communities drew some 7,000 participants, and more than 2,000 took part in the 5K. In 2013, Batesville runners claimed first place in the 5K race’s youngest age group, Clara Nikkel in 0-9 years, and the oldest, Caliene Coop in 75 and older. Mrs. Coop was the oldest finisher, while Clara was one of the four youngest, all 7-year-olds. The local clinic receives coaching support from the White River Roadrunners, who this year will provide leaders who recently received certification as coaches by the Road Runners Club of America: Club President Bruce Oakley along with past clinic participants Suzy Oakley and Rebecca Patterson. The Oakleys co-direct the clinic with Suzanne Dickey and Stacey Cossey. The directors have tentatively set a local registration/information night for Tuesday, February 27, with the first workout to follow Tuesday, March 4. Further details will be announced in area media and in fliers at area businesses. The statewide Women Run Arkansas club and the White River Roadrunners are affiliates of the Road Runners Club of America. Those Web pages are http://
www.womenrunarkansas.net, http:// www.wrroadrunners.org and http:// www.rrca.org. The Batesville clinic has a Web page of its own, http:// www.wrroadrunners.org/WomenRun/ WRA-index.htm, with links to general information about the clinic and basic information for all beginning runners. The Web pages also all point to related Facebook groups. Support Bruce’s Take Steps CCFA team: http://online.ccfa.org/goto/boakley Support Suzy’s CCFA half-marathon: www.suzyandspice.com/donate. N
Gina Mohlke, Caliene Coop and Clara Nikkel. Mohlke finished second in the 45-49 age group and Coop and Nikkel show off their 2013 first place medals to the right. February 2014 | 13
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14 | Log onto eyeonmag.com for past issues, photo albums, and what’s happening in Jackson County right now!
County Economic Report Placemaking as Part of Economic Development Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director
As the Newport Economic Development Commission works toward growing Newport and Jackson County, we often hear, “We need more jobs in town!” And that is always true of any community. Should you be in a meeting in Little Rock, I imagine you’d hear the same refrain given by people there. All communities are seeking and working toward more and better employment opportunities for their communities. However, there is more than just adding jobs. A recent survey of our local employers revealed that over 800 people drive into Jackson County to work each day at jobs in and around Newport. When you consider that we have 650 unemployed people in the county, then technically we have enough jobs for our population. Now, we all know it doesn’t work that way. This demographic illustrates two things that are an important part of economic development. The first is workforce development. One reason that many of our local residents may not have the local jobs is that they aren’t prepared for those jobs. Preparing our citizens through education, training and teaching work place skills is a must. When someone who lives in Jackson County gets a job in Jackson County, then they spend the majority of their income here. But, if that job goes to someone outside of Jackson County, then often they take the majority of their salary to their home county and spend it there. That means we created the jobs here, but we are not getting the full benefit of those jobs. Making sure that our citizens are prepared for the jobs we create is a very important part of economic development. The second important part of economic development is called “Placemaking.” You cannot blame a business for hiring the most qualified person that applies regardless
of where they live. For a business to succeed they must make money, and for a business to make money they must have good employees. So a business must hire the best people they can regardless of where they live. The question is not, “Why did the business hire people who live outside Jackson County?” The question is, “How can we get the people who live outside Jackson County to desire to live in Newport and Jackson County?” And that is where placemaking fits in the picture. Placemaking is the strategy of making your community into a place that people desire to live. It encompasses things that everyone thinks about like housing, education and infrastructure. But, it also includes things you may not have considered like entertainment, childcare and cultural opportunities. Having things you want to do in town, places you want to go in town and activities that are important for your family in town are all part of what makes you desire to live in a community. The question each of us needs to ask of ourselves and our organizations is, “What are we doing to make sure that Newport and Jackson County is the kind of place to which people will want to relocate?” N
February 2014 | 15
Eye On Feature Local Artist and Beloved Teacher, Kay Taylor Brand Joseph Thomas
Kay Brand moved to Newport from Malvern, Arkansas in the Summer of 1969 and considers herself a Newport native. Brand's dad, Conrad Taylor, was a chiropractor who moved the family here to set up a practice. Brand graduated from Newport High School, then University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Science and Art. She is married to Mike Brand of Brand's Auto Body Repair and they have two children, Michael and Michelle. Michael is married to Julia and they have one son, Michael. Michelle is married to Justin Foshee and they live in North Little Rock. Brand's mother, Berna Taylor, who taught elementary school science at Newport, resides in their home. Brand and her mother both taught for thirty-one years. Brand began teaching art in 1976, beginning the art program in the Tuckerman school system, K-6 and 9-12. She taught there for six years before accepting a position in the Newark School System. One year later she was approached by Superintendent Steve Castleberry about a part time position at Newport Junior High. This part time position soon became full time and lasted from 1983, until she retired in 2009. "Junior High students were my favorite age to teach," says Brand with a joyful tone. "They are still creative and enjoy everything without the jaded attitudes that seem to come later. I dearly miss my kids more than anything." Brand says she lived in Osceola for a short time before coming to Newport and took private art lessons there. "Do what you love, is something I can say I've done. I have been so blessed to teach art in my life," confesses Brand. It has been said that those that can't do, teach, but Brand is herself an artist. She uses watercolors, acrylics, pen and ink, pottery and lately her canvasses reveal contemporary art with an incorporation of textures with perspectives and depth. Six years ago, when NEDC Executive Director, Jon Chadwell rang Brand's phone asking for art work to show in the first annual Delta Visual Arts Show, Brand had to collect the art from around town. Being a teacher didn't allow her much time for her own work and what she had done was given to friends and family for different occasions; she'd never sold any art. Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service, James L. "Skip" Rutherford III, encouraged Brand to see the value in her work, along with Chadwell, while helping to set up the first festival. "A friend priced one of my pieces and that was my first sold item," says Brand. She explains that all the work she did as a teacher, was for the school even if they were side projects; she never thought to make any money at it.
After the success of the first Delta Visual Arts Show, Brand began painting pieces just for the show and to sell. "This show has meant and done so much for me, but I can see what is has done for this city and county and all of the artists that come from states away. I am so glad to be a part of it," explains Brand. She believes that each person's art is an expression of themselves and therefore unique to that individual. She often would tell her students that everything was created as art in its original state; be it a blue print, a sketch or model. When asked what her plans were for this year's show, she answers with a laugh, "Oh, I'll be there. I have completed a few pieces and look forward to seeing you all in the Depot, where my booth has been located since the first year." A home has been purchased by Brand on Dill Street for the purpose of an art studio with a rental space for another artist or complementary small business. Brand will also give private lessons in this location. For more information about lessons or the space, Brand can be reached at 870-523-3533. N
Cover photography by Cheryl Mauldin. 16 | Log onto eyeonmag.com for past issues, photo albums, and what’s happening in Jackson County right now!
Notes from the Clearing Echoes Joseph Thomas
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The voice echoes through the rooms, like a ghost of a promise or day shuffled within the deck of the past. Each room a world of possibilities; a story within its setting, speaking of lives lived without the thought of being seen. Each moment a theory of what might have been and what might be. Thoughts of future days repeating the past, spoken phrases restated within the same desperate lovers clutch between different people speaking a different language. A mind blowing breeze of yesterdays dusty pieces, swirling so delicately it’s not even noticed except to the minds blind eye. A sense of pride and understanding with no spoken comprehension, with the most genuine clarification ever sought. Just another forgotten moment in an ordinary day, typically not ever talked about or contemplated. N
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February 2014 |  17
I Do
Freeman / Reardon Wedding Kimberlee Thomas
What happens when you take a Pioneer and a Southerner and put them in Greyhound territory? They unite. Such is the story of Julie Freeman and Brian Reardon. In late October of 2010, Julie and Brian were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. The designated meeting place was U.S. Pizza in Newport, Arkansas. Brian, a Newport native, had just moved back into the area from Fayetteville and had taken the position as Defensive Coordinator with the Southside football program. When asked if it was love at first sight Julie commented, “It was football season, he was coaching for Southside and my boys play Pioneer football, so at first we split in different directions. But once season was over and the dust settled on the turf, our relationship started to grow.” In the early summer of 2013, Julie and Brian traveled to Florida to join Julie’s family for a vacation at the Freeman’s family beach house. Brian had put a lot of thought into the proposal and had planned it all to take place at sunset on the beach. Three hours of traffic delays washed all those well-laid plans out to sea. Once they arrived at the beach house it was dark and Brian was fearful of dropping the ring in the sand and losing it, so he rethought his game plan. He took Julie for a beautiful moonlit stroll along the beach and upon returning back to
the house they settled in on the deck that overlooks the ocean. It was there that Brian dropped to one knee and presented Julie with a beautiful ring and his heart, “The first time I realized I had fallen in love with you was on this beach, so I knew asking you to be my wife here was only fitting.” “He asked me at the beach, so of course I said yes. If you still love someone after a family vacation it must be real love,” Julie laughingly shared. Julie and Brian were united in holy matrimony on July 25, 2013. The double ring ceremony was held in Jonesboro at the home of John and Lois Freeman, parents of the bride. Brian’s parents, Joe and Peg Reardon, along with his four brothers and their families, were in attendance. Julie’s sister and her family were also in attendance. It was a small, intimate outdoor ceremony. Julie’s sons, Chase and Caden, walked her down the aisle and gave her hand in marriage. Brian’s daughter, Madelyn, walked down the aisle and joined them at the altar. In this manner, the two families were united as one during the ceremony. Julie’s nieces served as flower girls and Brian’s nieces rang the bells announcing the union. Julie’s friend, Alyson Low, directed the wedding. “She did a beautiful job. I had no worries at all. The wedding was sweet and simple, just what we wanted,” Julie shared. The families stayed and shared dinner on the lawn following the ceremony. Afterward, they lined the sidewalks holding sparklers for the couple to pass through as they departed. It was the beginning of football season, so the honeymoon had to be put on hold. Julie commented, “He keeps telling me we will go this summer. My fingers are crossed for a nice surprise.” Brian is the Defensive Coordinator football coach at Southside High School. Julie teaches elementary art for Batesville schools at Eagle Mountain Magnet. Their time is spent either at athletic events, or traveling to Santa Rosa to relax at the beach. Brian’s daughter, Madelyn, is in her second year of college at Southeastern University in Louisiana and is transferring to Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge this month. Julie’s son, Chase, is a senior at Batesville High School and her son, Caden, is in 8th grade. Julie shared, “We have a divided house between Southside and Batesville schools which adds for lots of entertainment and fun.” The couple’s future plans include a lot of traveling. Brian would like to someday coach at the college level and Julie wants to continue being creative with her students, wherever they may be. N
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Amy Turner - One Crafty Thing Photography
February 2014 |  19
Faces Just some of the art that will be on exhibit and for sale in the upcoming Delta Visual Arts Show on February 22 by Kim Hoefer Musser.
ASUN RN graduates in the December 2013 ceremony on the Newport campus!
The Grubbs Christmas Parade is featured in the Eye On Jackson Photo Album at www.eyeonmag.com.
m ng Me Creati
Senior Circle members, during their annual Branson trip, beginning their tour of “Dogwood Canyon.” (L to R) front row: Lena Manuel , Virginia Austin, Jack Austin, Janie Mitchell, Tracy Emery, Pam Henson, Becky Easter, Ann McCoy, Elouise Hite, Phyllis Pippen.
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Paint the Town Red! Rebecca Pearrow
Wear your best red outfit and join your friends at the second annual “Paint the Town Red for a Healthy Heart” Healthy Woman event. Enjoy a red dress fashion show, heart-healthy hors d’oeuvres, a heart-healthy diet presentation, and a keynote address from Dr. Samuel Mortoti of Newport Cardiology. Dr. Mortoti will address women’s heart health issues during an evening of fun for women. The event is FREE, but space is limited and headcount is required. Register by February 25 at Harris Hospital.com/ HealthyWoman or by calling 870-512-3081. The following corporate partners help Harris Hospital make it possible to bring health events to Newport: Arkansas Steel Associates, The Pink Poodle, Charee’s Emporium, Purdy’s Flowers & Gifts, George Kell Motors, Arkansas State University-Newport, St. Michael’s Place, Merchants & Planters Bank, Bratcher Real Estate, Darlings Fine Things, Darlings Pharmacy, Lindley Health & Rehab Center. The 2014 Healthy Woman Advisory Council has been formed to best serve the health interests of women in Jackson County. Congratulations to these ladies: Rebecca Pearrow, Advisor; Margaret Goodman, Co-Advisor; Susan Fletcher, Chairwoman; Jenna Austin, Carol Falwell, Leslie Altom, Ginger Carlyle, Gina Slagley, Tara Salinas, Alieta Rupp, Ashley Thomley, Heather
Long, Kristen Smith, Raquel Nwokeji, Sherry Hanley, Teriann Dildine, Lisa Whitehead, Kimberlee Thomas and Amanda White. Paint the Town Red For a Healthy Heart Thursday, February 27 Village Mall Atrium 2109 Malcolm Ave., Newport 5:30 p.m. –Register for Door Prizes at Corporate Partner Vendor tables 6:00 p.m. –Red Dress Fashion Show 6:30 p.m. -Hors d’oeuvres 7:00 p.m. –Keynote Guest Speaker Samuel Mortoti, M.D. 7:45 p.m. –Q&A, Door Prizes N
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Physician’s Article
Support Our Advertisers Matters of the Heart AgHeritage Farm Credit Services------------ 8 Custom Eyes Vision Care--------------------- 3 Dairy Queen------------------------------------ 4 Debra Thompson, CPA, PA------------------ 14 ENG Lending---------------------------------- 5 George Kell Motors, Inc---------------------- 22 Harris Hospital-------------------------------- 2 H & R Block Tax Services--------------------- 19 Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry----------------------20 Kent’s Firestone------------------------------- 3 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC------- 19 Mark Martin Ford----------------------------- 9 Merchants and Planters Bank---------------- 8 Modern Woodmen---------------------------- 14 N E D C----------------------------------------- 6 Purdy’s Flowers and Gifts-------------------- 15 Serenity Massage------------------------------ 14 Shelter Insurance------------------------------ 3 Something Extra------------------------------- 3 Southern Tire Mart---------------------------- 17 St. Michael’s Place----------------------------- 24 Studio 1910 Photography --------------------17 The Pink Poodle-------------------------------14 Thompson’s Jewelry-------------------------- 14 Welcome To Jackson-------------------------- 14 White River Chiropractic -------------------- 21 Xtreme Graphix------------------------------- 14
Samuel Mortoti, M.D.
Good heart health is a combination of diet, exercise and knowing your risk factors for heart disease, as well as recognizing the signs of a heart attack. A heart attack rarely happens without warning – it’s up to us to identify the signals and act in time. In honor of American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, do your heart a favor: learn the facts about how to keep your and your loved one’s heart healthy and strong. If you’ve never had a heart attack, you may picture it as you’ve seen it depicted in the movies: the sudden, sharp chest pain, staggering and eventual collapse. Actually, the signs of a heart attack are much more subtle and are not the same for everyone. We’ve all heard about the differences between Mars and Venus when it comes to matters of the heart. These differences hold true when it comes to heart health, as well. Knowing how to recognize the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, can help men and women – and their doctors – to prevent it, or intervene in time to minimize the damaging effects on the heart. Men usually experience what we know as the “classic” signs of a heart attack: heavy squeezing or chest pain, discomfort in areas of the upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach); shortness of breath; a cold sweat or nausea. Women suffering a heart attack sometimes experience chest pain, but not as frequently as men do – and, they experience other symptoms that people don’t generally link to heart trouble: shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Women also experience symptoms earlier: for men, symptoms come either right before, or during a heart attack. Research by the National Institutes of Health indicates that women experience different physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing a heart attack. In a 2007 study of more than 500 women, 95 percent of participants reported experiencing new symptoms
at least a month before their heart attack, including unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance and shortness of breath. Less than 30 percent of women studied experienced chest pains prior to the attack, and 43 percent had no chest pain during the attack. Other symptoms included indigestion and anxiety. The study was one of the first to examine the differences in the way men and women experience a heart attack. Knowing the differences is important for many reasons. Women who experienced these non-traditional symptoms did not identify them as a heart attack and put off seeking medical attention – decreasing their chances for preventing, or surviving, the attack. The American Heart Association estimates that about 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. The reason these differences are just now coming to light is that heart disease has, for decades, been considered a man’s disease that did not generally affect women – so, research focused primarily on men. However, cardiovascular disease has claimed the lives of more women than men, every year since 1984. Talk to your doctor today about steps you can take to educate yourself about heart health and any recommended health screenings based on your individual profile. Remember that symptoms may come and go. Even if you’re not sure if it’s a heart attack, it’s important to be checked by a doctor. New medications and treatments are now available that can stop some heart attacks in progress and save lives – but these drugs must be administered at the first sign of heart attack symptoms, for maximum effectiveness. During American Heart Month, take care of the ones you love. Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack and how to minimize its effects will help ensure that you and your loved ones are heart-healthy for many a Valentine’s day to come. N February 2014 | 23