Cherri Design

from Eye On Magazine November 2020

Thyme Enough

Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs. Cherri owns The Kitchen Shop at 2485 Harrison St. for all your kitchen needs.

Maybe you have heard this before, but this information was new to me. It so intrigued me that I had to do a bit of research about the dangers of using potting soil mix. I first discovered this health concern, when I read about a man contracting Legionnaires’ disease and dying after handling potting soil mix. Of course, I have never thought to look for warnings on a bag of soil, but this makes sense as you dig into it (a bit of humor there).

When handling potting soil mix, there are safety measure to follow, as bacteria can easily grow in the mix. Legionella longbeachae is one species that breeds in the warm, moist conditions inside the bags and inhaling the spores can cause the disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection caused by the bacteria known as Legionella. Also known as Legionella pneumonia, it is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. It is more easily contracted by the elderly, as well as people with pre-existing health issues, chronic illnesses and poor immune systems. There a few other health issues that can be contracted, but Legionnaires’ disease is the most Give Thanks Dr. Sandra Massey has been Chancellor of Arkansas State University-Newport since September, 2013. Previously serving in student affairs and academic leadership posts in Arkansas and Oklahoma, she and her husband Ward make Newport, Arkansas home. They have two children, Brittany and granddaughters Maggie and Ava of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Reese and granddaughter Maybelle Scout of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Massey enjoys running, lake activities and spending time with her granddaughters.

It is difficult to believe it is now November 2020, and we are wrapping on a year none of us will forget. Throughout 2020, we faced a global pandemic, fear of the unknown, remote work and learning, and loss. Our Jackson County community experienced loss along with outpourings of love and support. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, 2020 is nearing its end. The end of a year is a great time for reflection of the past and visions for the future. This year was difficult to navigate, but as we embark on the month of Thanksgiving, I encourage you all to join me in giving thanks for the things that shined bright during your year.

serious that I found in my research.

Composts are made different ways by different companies. The gardening industry is trying to find ways of making safer products for consumers. There is also a heat treatment of composts that is being used by some companies. The safest precautions to use at home are to carefully open the soil mix bags, wet the soil down well and leave it exposed to the air before using the mix. It is also suggested that you leave the soil in the sun, as this might reduce the amount of bacteria that is breeding inside the bag. Always work with the potting soil mix in a well-ventilated area. In addition, it is recommended that you wear gardening gloves and a face mask. Always wash hands thoroughly, after you finish playing in your dirt.

Gardening is very good for us, as we get some natural Vitamin D, earthing time in Creation and exercise. The probability of contracting a disease from potting soil mix is rare, but be aware of proper handling of potting soil mix to avoid any health issues. Now, go out there

and grow! N

It has been said that storms make trees take deeper roots. The “storm” of 2020 has certainly made those of us at ASUN dig deeper, and I gleam with pride as I reflect on how thankful I am for the ASU-Newport community and its response to this difficult year.

I give thanks to…

Students

Our students are an inspiration to us all. Community college students are unique in that they often face a number of unique barriers to completing their education. From family responsibilities to fulltime jobs, our students manage a lot. Nevertheless, 2020 pushed ASUN students even further, and yet our students never lost sight of their goals. They continued to prioritize their courses, all while caring for their families and fulfilling other responsibilities. I give thanks to each of our students for persevering and adapting to changes on campus with grace and patience.

ASUN’s Faculty and Staff

I have always known we have a strong team at ASUN. We are three campuses, but we are one college. I am continually amazed by our team’s efforts to provide the best educational opportunity for our students, and the innovation and dedication our faculty and staff have shown throughout 2020 is truly remarkable. I give thanks to each of these individuals for never giving up and always putting our students first.

Essential Workers

Community college graduates have always been valuable to the national economy and workforce, but the vitality of our students shined especially bright in 2020. Many of our programs at ASUN produce essential workers. Nurses, linemen, commercial truck drivers, mechanics, manufacturers, hospitality workers, agriculture technologist, computer networking technologist, and energy control professionals are just some of the many essential workers that kept our country going this year. I give thanks to essential workers for not only keeping our country running, but for inspiring the future heroes we are training today.

Community Supporters

ASU-Newport is your community college. We cannot succeed without the support of the communities we serve. The support Jackson County gives to ASUN is invaluable and proved even more so during 2020. The pandemic did not stop community partnerships like the Tech Depot. It did not stop industries from providing scholarships and internship opportunities. The generosity of our donors was more prevalent than ever. ASU-Newport is strong because our community supporters empower us. I give thanks to our community supporters that strengthen this institution.

The events of 2020 have helped put into perspective what is truly important in our lives. We have been pushed to prioritize our physical health, our mental health, and our happiness. I give thanks for continued health and happiness. And to those that have lost loved ones this year, I share my deepest sympathies. I hope

the legacies of those gone will inspire others to be kind, give grace and find happiness.

During the month of Thanksgiving, please join me in reflecting on what 2020 has given you. While we will remember this year for the hardships endured, we should also give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Our roots are stronger than ever, and we are ready for whatever 2021 brings. N

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