Eye On Magazine April 2023

Editor’s Note

April Flowers

Joey Thomas

April Showers bring May Flowers, or so they say. We’ll see, but the flowers thus far bloomed sure are lovely. It is nice to get outside and see the world, even with the bugs that are enjoying us being out there. It is always a give and take, and finding the zen space to be joyful more often, despite what has to be given up in the moment, can be difficult. It is learning to take the irritations for the pleasant sensations they can be. Good Luck! It is also about letting go of what we were taught to think about

NATIONAL JUNIOR AUXILIARY WEEK

Lindsey Allen

Junior Auxiliary of Jackson County celebrated National JA Week, April 2-8, 2023. This annual celebration is a time to pause and thank the community, sponsors and volunteer members who work so hard year-round to make a positive difference.

The week began with our 5K run out at ASU Newport April 1st and continued with an honorary proclamation from Mayor Derrick Ratliffe. He commended the JA volunteers for their work in the community.

JA of Jackson County has been a part of the county community since 1994 and has many active members who donated over 120 hours in 2021 – 2022 to the Chapter's various projects. The chapter raises funds each year through butterbraid sales, sponsors, and our first 5K.

"It was an exciting week for us, because it gave us a chance to thank all of the citizens of Jackson County for supporting us in this work, and to recognize our wonderful corporate sponsors who finance these projects," President Lindsey Allen, said. "The families and children we serve are so deserving and thankful for this assistance, and none of that would be possible without the support of the entire community."

As we hit the second half of the 81st year for

everything, and see that every thing has its place, even the mosquitoes. Either way, we got over a couple of months before they are in full swing, enjoy all that you can!

Also, TRIPPING NEVADA is up for preorder on Amazon.com. This is my third novel, a psychological thriller about a young man chasing freedom. A road trip through Nevada reveals the cracks in his soul as he is caught up in a traumatic web of deceit and darkness.

the National Association of Junior Auxiliary, we are sharing our challenge and theme this year put forth by our National President, Noel Smith-Howe. She asked us all to have a “Heart of a Warrior”. This message has tremendous opportunity during JA week to spread hope, and share what we do in our local chapters. Let it serve as an inspiration for others to get involved. There is no better subject to receive hope than the children that benefit from Junior Auxiliary and its projects.

Junior Auxiliary of Jackson County is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, MS. NAJA has 16,028 active, associate, and life members in 93 Chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Junior Auxiliary members (worked or volunteered) 100,256 hours in their communities in 2021-22 to serve 226,516 people, and invested $3,600,000 in seven southeastern states.

The NAJA slogan is “Caring hearts. Helping hands. Changing lives.” Junior Auxiliary chapters are working more than ever to provide care to those less fortunate in order to make their tomorrows better.

For more information, or to make a tax deductible donation to JA of Jackson County, call our treasurer Taylor Honey-Shelton at 870-217-2239 or email us at jaofjacksonco@gmail.com. For more information on NAJA, visit www.najanet.org or call (662) 332-3000.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com. ASSOCIATE EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joey Thomas

ADVERTISING / PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas, PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joey Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joey Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: MAGNA PUBLISHING COMPANY

Eye On Magazine 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: 504 Guffey Street / Newport, AR 72112. 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 © 2010 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 Joey Thomas, 870.503.2226 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council awarded Eye On Independence the 2014 Wilson Powell Media Support Award for its dedication to tourism in the Gateway Region and Arkansas.

Cover Photos by Joey Thomas

Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Cherri Design

Shower and Tub Finishes

The average adult spends 200 hours a year in the bathroom, making it one of the most used rooms in your home. As much as we use our bathrooms, they are one of the first rooms to deteriorate without constant maintenance. This is especially true the older your bathroom, as today’s latest bathroom materials are engineered to last longer without the need for constant cleaning and maintenance. Renovating your bathroom can be the ideal home improvement project, as bathrooms affect the value of your entire home and a first impression to guests.

Renovating a bathroom can include many features, but upgrading your shower is generally the most impactful. There are numerous shower finishes available, but one of the most popular is

tile. Tile increases the value of your home, making it a great addition to any home. Due to the expense, tile can get quite costly, so compare prices before choosing, if budget is an issue. Also, tile tends to have a long life, making the cost worth it in some cases. Tile is available in a wide range of materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, stone and glass. Tile also adds character, and you can choose a design and/or pattern that makes a statement in an otherwise typically boring room.

Porcelain and ceramic tend to be smooth and uniform, while stone tile has a natural look, in addition to adding texture to your bathroom. Stone tile is more expensive than porcelain or ceramic. Glass tile is typically the most expensive option, and installation is more difficult, as glass tile is fragile and breaks. Glass tile is a great way to give the perception of a larger shower, due to the light reflecting capabilities of glass.

Crushed shower walls are a blend of crushed stone, along with other natural materials that provide reinforcement and strength. When combined, these make a surface stronger and longer lasting than

tile, acrylic, and other common shower surfaces. Crushed stone shower walls do not chip or discolor with time, giving you a beautiful custom shower that stands up to your busy family.

For those of us on a tight budget and wanting the easiest shower wall option, fiberglass and acrylic are a great choice. Fiberglass and acrylic materials are the most widely used shower materials in new home construction and seen in older homes, as well. These options are so popular, because these surfaces are low maintenance, extremely durable and budget friendly. High quality materials specifically engineered to resist mold and mildew make acrylic showers very easy to clean. These surfaces come in prefabricated sheets, engineered to fit easily over your current shower walls.

Wall board is also an option, but this material is not used much anymore with all the newer, longer lasting options available. Wall board is easy to install with adhesive, cut to fit your space and more budget friendly.

An updated shower adds beauty, value and a fresh look to your bathroom. Shower updates are money well spent.

Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY

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.

Things To Do

Batesville

Reading on the River, Join us for free April 1, from 10 to noon, hosted by Pioneers RISE at Riverside Park.

Cave City Easter Run, April 8 at 9am. 1/2 marathon, 10k, or 5k. All races start at the Cave City Park. All funds raised will cover race expenses and benefit the Cave City Police Department. Packet pickup and registration will be April 8 from 7am to 8:45am. Amy Finster 870.262.1450

Batesville Easter Egg Drop, at Pioneer Stadium, April 8 from 10 to noon, free. Campus Southside Easter Egg Drop, April 8 from 10:30 to noon at the Southside High School Auditorium.

You’re So Golden Spring Gala, April 13 from 6 to 8pm for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County.

Eagle Mountain Elementary School Talent Show, April 13 from 6:30 to 8pm at 115 West Main Street in Batesville, Admission $3.

Red Hot Ladies Luncheon, April 14 from 11am to 1:30pm, tickets $25 each, sponsorship tables for eight are $200. Ashely Engles 870.698.9650 Riverside Spring Market, April 22 from 9am to 4pm. Tons of small business and crafters, riversidemarketvendors@gmail.com.

Mountain View

Arkansas Craft School

https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Sept 6, 2022: 16 Week Training Program 870.269.8397

Newport

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber

Also see newportarcity.org/calendar/

Newport Advanced Physical Therapy is hosting a free workshop on Women’s Health Physical Therapy on Thursday, April 6, at 5:30 p.m. Topics will include pelvic pain, urinary leakage, and constipation. To register call (870) 523-6500 and learn how pelvic floor physical therapy can help you.

Jackson County Community Theatre will hold auditions for The Wizard of Oz on April 10 – 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. located at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

John 3:17 Ministry is having its 2nd Annual 5k on Saturday, April 22, located at Jacksonport State Park. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the race begins at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds will go towards general maintenance and upkeep of the existing track plus the purchase of a fountain for the pond. For more information call Amanda Waugh at (870) 217-1838.

Jackson County Community Choir will have its Spring Concert on Sunday, April 30, starting at 3:00 p.m. located at the Jane Parnell Performing Arts Hall. The community is invited to attend. N

Unity Health Harris

illness at two years old. The work of her physicians saved her life and he wanted to be able to provide that type of help to others in the future.

Dr. Paul Silveri has been practicing in our community a little over a year. He is board certified in Family Medicine and provides care for patients of all ages.

He is an Arkansas native from Marion, Arkansas where he attended and graduated High School. He received his training at UAMS and UAMS Northeast. After completing medical school. he began his career in Massachusetts and then practiced in Southern Maine before moving back to Arkansas. He has been practicing medicine since 2012.

Dr. Silveri pursued a medical career because his youngest sister was hospitalized with an unknown

Dr. Silveri was introduced to his wife, Dr. Alison Green by a mutual friend in college. They now have two boys, Arlo and Alton. When not working and spending time with his family he enjoys cooking, gardening, and hiking. He said, “ I enjoy the broad range of patients that I see in Newport - from infants to elderly and in between.”

Dr. Silveri practices at Unity Health Green Famliy Practice at 1200 McLain st. Suite G in Newport. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call (870) 523-0193

Michelle Foshee is a wife, mother, dog lover, and Newport native who promotes Unity Health Harris Medical Center to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities we serve through compassionate care. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and prior to joining Unity Health, she worked in sales and marketing in Little Rock. She challenges herself and others to be Health Centered – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Seniors, Can We Talk?

Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

Last month at lunch Ruth told me how happy her sister-in-law, Toni is. Toni’s sister, Linda, and best friend, Judy, both moved to Arkansas.

They are adjusting great and love Arkansas! They’ve both updated their medical and prescription coverage and are ready for adventures.

Last week Ruth, Toni, Linda and Judy had a nice relaxing “ladies” lunch. They enjoyed their meal and decided to splurge with dessert. Dessert was about over when Linda let out an “OUCH!” She thought she had bitten down on a pecan shell. Yes, and damaged her tooth. She was now holding her crown in her hand! A trip to the dentist was imminent.

When Linda and I talked last month, I reminded her that neither Medicare nor a Medicare Supplement cover dental. We talked about dental plans and the benefits they provide/ cover. There is no “enrollment period”

for dental insurance so you can enroll in a dental plan anytime. I told her there is a six (6) month waiting period for minor and major services. Linda said she takes great care of her teeth, gets annual checkups and has only one crown she got years ago. She said she was fine with the waiting period, and she would call me when she was ready to talk further when she was more settled.

Yes, I just got a call from Linda telling me that she was looking at her crown in her hand. “Can I buy dental insurance now?” Yes, she can buy dental insurance now but . . . it will not cover getting her crown repaired or replaced. There is that six (6) month waiting period for minor and major services – a crown is considered a “major” service.

Linda wanted to know if there was any way she could get her crown issue covered so she would not have to write a check for the full amount $$. We talked about the six (6) month waiting period again and I referred her to the dental brochure I had given her. The brochure

outlines the criteria for getting the waiting period waived.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you I had a dental plan in Florida that ended March 1.” (Yes, she did forget to tell me!). Ok, different guidelines now.

If Linda applies for a dental plan within 30 days of terminating her existing dental plan, she may be able to have the six (6) month period waived and her crown work might be covered! She will need to apply right now, provide a copy of her existing dental policy’s benefit schedule and a certificate of coverage showing the dates she was covered and when her coverage ended.

Linda is thrilled. She is applying for a dental plan to be effective April 1. Will her dentist be able to do something temporary to help her situation until after April 1 when her policy goes into effect? Fingers crossed.

Accidents happen even with good teeth. Do we need to talk? Call 501-8686650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

Local Faces

Southside Senior Introduces Bill to House Education Committee

Rachel Harville

Southside senior Carys Clark joined Representative Shad Pearce at the House Education Committee on Thursday, February 23. Together, they introduced House Bill 1393, recognizing the first full week of May classes in Arkansas public schools as “Mental Health Awareness Week”.

Clark’s testimony in support of the bill reminded the committee that “mental health is not just an issue at my school and this bill is an opportunity to impact all students in Arkansas. It gives me confidence that future generations of Arkansas will have healthy and successful lives.” Clark and other members of the Bring Change 2 Mind Club at Southside

Charter High School piloted this concept in April of 2022. She shared with the committee, “Last year, the week was focused on teaching students healthy coping methods like putting new rhythms in their life to lead to a healthier mind, introducing them to new tools being implemented, while also making sure they are aware of the resources already available to them.” With community support, the student organization provided a week of activities that culminated in a community carnival and 5K Color Run that attracted hundreds of attendees.

Representative Pearce’s bill passed out of committee and now moves on for a vote in the Arkansas House of Representatives. N

UACCB robotics team places in state competition

Zach Perrine

The team from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) placed second overall in the FIRST Robotics Arkansas Regionals this past weekend. Teams from around the state met in Searcy for the event. Students Christopher Burns of Batesville High School, Matthew Steltz of Cave City High School, and Seth Burrier of Cave City High

School worked with UACCB faculty members Randall Warn, Andrew Muse and Loyd Barry, along with Chester Marshall, Business and Industry Mentor from FutureFuel Chemical Company, for months to design, build, and test their 125-pound robot to compete in a series of challenges. N

First Community Bank has announced that Misty Stahr has been promoted to branch manager for the financial institution’s full-service branch location at 3 Eagle Mountain Boulevard in Batesville, Arkansas.

“I’m grateful for this promotion, and I look forward to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives by ensuring that they enjoy a premier banking experience,” said Stahr. “First Community Bank genuinely cares for their employees, and that helps us to deliver the personalized service that we’re known for.”

UACCB Robotics Faculty Mr. Warn on left and Mr. Muse on right, Students Burns, Burrier, Steltz in middle from left to right.

Misty Stahr

2023 Red Hot Ladies Luncheon Tickets Available

Sara Doerfler

White River Health’s Women’s Clinic selected as beneficiary.

Pat Cash, AKA Aunt Minnie Miles, a Mountain View native and entertainer, has been selected as the featured speaker for the 2023 Red Hot Ladies Luncheon. The event with be held Friday, April 14th, in Independence Hall at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.

The luncheon serves to raise awareness about issues impacting the lives of women and inspire them to make positive changes and commit to a healthy lifestyle. An estimated 300 women are expected to attend the festive affair, which includes a popular silent auction.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit White River Health’s Women’s Clinic, whose mission is to provide quality healthcare to improve the health of their communities through obstetrics and gynecology care.

Since its inception as “The Go Red for Women” luncheon in 2006, this series of popular ladies’ events has raised approximately $160,000 for various nonprofit organizations that serve the health-related needs of women and their families in Batesville, Independence County, and the surrounding communities. Citizens Bank is the event’s lead sponsor again this year, marking its 17th year of involvement.

The doors will open at 11 a.m. for the silent auction, which features items and services donated by dozens of local businesses. Reserved sponsorship tables for eight guests for the Red Hot Ladies Luncheon are available for $200. Individual tickets are available for $25 each with open seating. To reserve tables or obtain other information, call Ashley Engles at 870-698-9650 Luncheon tickets may also be purchased at the event or in advance at Citizens Bank’s Headquarters Branch.

About Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank was founded in 1953 by a group of business and civic leaders. With assets exceeding $1.3 billion, Citizens Bank is a financial services organization committed to serving the needs of the communities it serves. Its progressive community banking model focuses on delivering exceptional customer service while employing advanced technology and products that allow its customers to have one bank to serve all their needs. The bank takes pride in a heritage of independence that honors the vision of its founders and remains dedicated to the financial progress of the people it serves. For more information about Citizens Bank and its talented team of leaders, visit TheCitizensBank.net.

For additional information, contact: Sandra Starnes, 870.698.9625. N

BACC Held Ribbon-Cutting for The Ex Salon & Bou tique

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of The Ex Salon & Boutique.

The Ex Salon & Boutique is a full-service salon and boutique with Nashville-scene clothing.

With 12 years of experience, Jeri is a blonding specialist and offers various services. Esthetics by

Laura now offers spa services like facials, lashes, waxing, and more!

The Ex Salon & Boutique, located at 359 E. Main Street in Batesville, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more by calling 870.612.7045. N

BACC celebrates the opening of JM Lean Choice Meals

Chris Hill

JM Lean Choice Meals offers healthy meals prepared daily and large party trays for salads, wraps, and desserts. JM Lean Choice Meals makes clean meals and, with a certified nutritionist onsite, can make meals to meet specific dietary needs.

In addition to their daily lunch specials, JM Lean Choice Meals keeps a refrigerator stocked daily with grab-and-go fresh meals and has a wide

selection of high-protein, keto-friendly, and glutenfree desserts.

"Whatever diet or lifestyle plan you're on, we have you covered," concluded Wooldridge.

JM Lean Choice Meals, located at 1375 E. College Street in Batesville, is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. N

2023 Independence County Spelling Bee Winner Announced

Jodi

Hightower

Seventh-grader, Jacey McIntosh, out-spelled eight other competitors from area schools to become the 2023 Independence County Spelling Bee winner Thursday, February 16. McIntosh is a student at Batesville Junior High School.

Citizens Bank is the sponsor of the Independence County Spelling Bee. The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville hosted the event in

Independence Hall with nine competitors from area schools ranging from fifth to eighth grades competing in the bee. Katelynn Williford, a sixth-grade student from Midland, was the runner-up. Jacey and Katlynn received a $50 and a $25 gift card, respectively, courtesy of Citizens Bank. Citizens Bank’s CeeBee was on hand to present the awards. N

Pearce Named ASU-Newport Softball Coach

Jeremy Shirley

Arkansas State University-Newport is proud to announce the appointment of Kevin Pearce as the new Women's Softball Coach for the upcoming softball season. Pearce, a native of Newport, Ark., brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked for ASUNewport for 12 years as a Career Coach, Student Recruiter and Community Engagement Coordinator.

Pearce is a former three-sport athlete at Newport High School. He played baseball at Williams Baptist College before graduating from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management in 2002.

Pearce has 11 years of softball coaching experience where he’s mentored players of all ages. His impressive track record includes four years as the Newport Junior High Head Softball Coach, where he led the team

to a 34-4 overall record in his last two seasons. Pearce also spent four years coaching at Newport High School, where he served as Head Coach for two years and led the team to Regionals for the first time in a decade. In addition, Pearce founded the Newport Junior High softball program in 2016 and a softball travel organization based out of Newport in 2020.

Pearce’s dedication to youth sports earned him the Hometown Hero Award in 2019 for his volunteer work with the youth of Jackson County. He is also known for his 13 years as the radio play-by-play announcer for Newport High School, earning the Sully Award in 2022.

“I am certain that Kevin will be an aspiring coach for softball players and a great ambassador for ASUN,” said Dr. Johnny M. Moore, Chancellor of ASUNewport. “His commitment and passion

Merchants and Planters Bank Announces Promotions

Tara Salinas

Merchants and Planters Bank is pleased to recognize the growth and expansion of their organization and the need for greater leadership that comes with it. To fill this need, the bank proudly announces the promotion of seven of their staff members.

Leslie Lowery has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Financial Officer. Leslie celebrated her twenty-fourth anniversary with Merchants and Planters Bank in August of last year. She has experienced many changes in the banking industry and has led Merchants and

for the game, along with his love for the university, is a winning combination that will build a competitive softball program and support our efforts to ensure student success.”

Pearce lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas with his wife Shannon and three daughters, Kathryn (19), Charley (5), and Annabeth (7 months).

Planters through numerous innovations and acquisitions. In addition to her executive management responsibilities, Lowery also serves as Information Security Officer, Secretary to the Board, and Vendor Management Officer. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lyon College and is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking.

Thelma Welch has received a promotion to Senior Vice President. Welch has a wealth of experience in numerous facets of the financial industry, but she has spent the majority of her forty-year banking career as a lender of agricultural, business, and personal loans in the Jackson County market. Her natural aptitude for helping others makes her a trusted lender and a mentor to her team.

Thelma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agnes Scott College.

Elizabeth Canard has been promoted to President of the Tuckerman market. Elizabeth began her career with Merchants and Planters Bank thirteen years ago and has been a lender and a leader in the Tuckerman market for three years. Elizabeth has made a positive impact in Tuckerman because of her lending expertise and the genuine love she has for the community. She is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking and serves as Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors.

Waverle Doyle has been promoted to Vice President – Compliance and CRA Officer. Waverle has worked in lending and compliance at Merchants and Planters for ten years and has over twenty-four years of experience in the finance industry. In addition to her management duties, Doyle is responsible for ensuring the organization follows all mandated rules and regulations. She is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking and is an ICBA Certified Community Banker Compliance Officer.

Sue Gates has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and BSA Officer. Sue has an extensive twentyfour years of experience at Merchants and Planters Bank and has excelled in a variety of roles. Currently, Gates manages the high-volume Newport office on Highway 67. She is a valued member of the organization, serves on numerous committees, and is an ICBA Certified Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Professional.

Laci Cameron has been promoted to the Assistant Information Technology Officer for Merchants and Planters Bank. Laci started working for the bank in 2015, after receiving her Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Networking and Computer Hardware from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Laci ensures that all bank data is securely protected and is relied upon daily by her co-workers to assist them with their hardware and software issues. Cameron is also certified in Networking Software.

Ann Ring has been promoted to Assistant Cashier in the Newark market. Ann began her career with Merchants and Planters Bank in 2013 and has over twenty-two years of experience in the banking industry. Ring’s exemplary customer service skills coupled with her attention to details

Laverne Hurd celebrated her 95th birthday in January with friends and others in Salem recently. Hurd is a consumer of Network of Community Options, Inc., which is based in Batesville. She loves playing bingo, going to the Salem Senior Citizens Center with her friends, and eating catfish. Up until a few years ago, she was still attending The Martin Center, a day treatment program for adults with developmental disabilities, and she also loves to socialize and visit with friends, said her Direct Support Professional, Betty Andrews.

make her a key member of the Newark team.

Jim S. Gowen, Jr., President and CEO of Merchants and Planters congratulates all staff members. “I’m proud to recognize the accomplishments and professional potential of each of these team members. They represent our organization with integrity and are invested in the success of our bank and our community. I’m always pleased to promote from within the organization because it opens the door for others to excel and allows us to add new members to our M&P family,” says Jim.

M&P Community Bancshares, Inc. currently has assets estimated around $330 million and is the holding company for Merchants and Planters Bank and M & P Insurance Services in Newport. Merchants and Planters Bank has offices serving the communities of Batesville, Southside, Newark, Newport, Tuckerman, Swifton, Searcy, McCrory and Des Arc. N

A Journey to Self

When asked about her journey to opening Hands of Light Reiki studio Kimberlee’s first response was, “Where do I even start! I’ve been on this journey for much longer than I knew.”

She mulled over many starting points before settling on, spending New Year’s Eve of 2020 in the White River Medical Center in Mt. View. “My husband and I were out delivering magazines, yes this very publication, and my left arm and jaw began to ache. I decided, better safe than sorry, and walked into the ER telling the receptionist I might be having a heart attack.” The staff flew into motion following protocol and giving her a thorough going over. She was admitted for observation and would meet Dr. C. Adam Pearrow, DO the next morning. The good news is her heart was and still is just fine, anxiety was the culprit and this was not the first time it had sent her to the ER.

Dr. Pearrow was there to see another patient, named Kimberly Thomas. Coincidence?

She told me, “There are no coincidences or happy accidents; there are only synchronicities, Divine interventions shining light upon our path.” Dr. Pearrow would schedule her for a follow up the next week to work on unhealed injuries from an auto accident in 2010 he discovered during his exam. It was during this follow up that she would experience great emotional release from the memories of past traumas that were trapped within her physical body. Dr. Pearrow works on the body’s myofascial layer, this is the multi-layered connective tissue in your body that holds, stabilizes, and connects everything. Without it we would just be a blob of bones, muscles, organs and skin lying on the ground. “I was simply in awe of how the body could hold onto past emotions, packing them away to be forgotten until they manifest into illness,” explains Kimberlee. It was during that visit and several follow ups the ember that would grow to illuminate her path was coaxed to life.

2020 would hold many endings for Kimberlee. She would seasonally close her beloved froyo shop, Unique Nosh, to discover she could not reopen due to the arrival of Covid. July would bring the loss of her son in-law, followed by the loss of her step-father in September. All of these losses were unexpected and left her feeling overwhelmed as how to help herself and her loved ones navigate life beyond the pain and grief of such losses.

She began looking for answers; her faith in something, someone greater than herself was solid.

“God, as he is lovingly referred to by so many, although He also answers to so many other names, was always at my side. I knew as long as I was looking within the Light, I would find the answer.” It was in the strength of this faith that she searched for ways to heal herself and those around her. Her determination, love of self and others would lead her to the answer.

Enter Reiki. This is a word that would begin to pop up during her web searches and in conversation with friends. Soon, as is the way with social media, Reiki information began to appear within her feeds. Kimberlee shared, “It was as if it was raining Reiki! Everywhere I looked there it was.” She would spend hours researching, reading, watching videos and attending healers for herself. The more she experienced the more she wanted to share with not just her friends and family but with everyone, “I discovered that our Creator bestowed upon us the ability to heal ourselves and one another. Reiki is just one of those ways. It is the way that I am drawn to share.”

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and provides a sense of well-being to the recipient. Mikao Usui developed reiki in the early 1900’s, deriving the term from the Japanese words rei, meaning “universal,” and ki, which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Reiki is now being used all over the world, including in hospital and hospices to complement other forms of health treatments.

Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, which improves the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. Kimberlee notes, “As a reiki practitioner, I act as a conduit between the client and the source of the vital life force energy. The energy flows through my hands to the client.”

Reiki treatments typically last about 50 minutes, “During a session, the client will lie on my massage table fully clothed. I will gently place my hands, palms down, on or just above the client’s body in specific energy locations. The length of time I leave my hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through my hands being received by the client.” Kimberlee says, the client is always in charge of how much energy they receive, their energy field knows how much to take to balance itself. Reiki differs from other touch therapies in that there is no pressure, massage or manipulation involved.

You may be wondering what reiki feels like, “You may experience the energy in the form of sensations like tingling, pulsing or heat where I place my hands. There are times when people feel sensations moving throughout their body. Other times people seem to feel nothing. It can sometimes be a very emotional

Joey Thomas is the graphic designer, editor and one of the various writers of this publication. He is elevated by five children, five grandchildren and is currently writing his eighth novel. You can buy his first three novels now, at www.amazon.com.

experience with laughter or tears. However, most everyone feels very relaxed and peaceful during reiki treatment, some even fall asleep.” Kimberlee says not to worry, as the vital life force energy knows what the client needs and is still working even as they are resting.

We live in a world that is often unkind; physically and emotionally. We suffer from traumas that, left unaddressed, take up residence within our physical and energy bodies. Left unattended, they become illnesses that can present as physical or mental. Kimberlee explained that, “Reiki is a healing modality that provides a pathway for riding ourselves of these ignored traumas, and restoring balance. Through my own experience with Reiki and other energy healing modalities, I have been able to heal from traumas associated with my childhood as well as guilt and many other emotions that I’ve collected through my adult years.”

There are many health benefits of reiki. Studies show it promotes relaxation, stress reduction, feelings of peace, security, and symptom relief to improve overall health and well-being. It has also been shown to: Bring on a meditative state. Foster tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery. Stimulate your body’s immune system. Promote natural selfhealing. Relieve pain and tension. It also supports the well-being of people receiving traditional medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and kidney dialysis. If you are already in good health, regular reiki treatments can enhance your ability to respond to stress and serve as a form of preventive medicine.

Kimberlee cautions, “Reiki treatment should not be used as a substitute for the consultation of a physician or a psychotherapist. However, reiki complements other types of medical and therapeutic treatments. It has been shown to increase the efficacy

of other types of healing.”

Reiki works on the entire self; mind, body and emotions. “Reiki is vital life force energy and therefore may be successful in all types of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual healing: cancer, infertility, digestive problems, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, stress-related illnesses, depression and anxiety.”

Reiki can prepare a person for surgery and boost recovery afterward. “Looking back, I realize I used this modality in conjunction with meditation prior to my hysterectomy in 2019, back then I didn’t know it had a name, I was simply following my intuition.” She explained her stress level going into surgery was decreased significantly and her recovery was smooth.

“The knowledge of reiki has changed my life for the better,” she shared. There are 5 principles of reiki set down by Master Mikao Usui. At least for today: I will not be angry. I will not worry. I will be grateful. I work with diligence. I will be kind to every living thing. Kimberlee has these tenets taped to her bathroom mirror, so every morning and every night, she is reminded. “I read them daily and do my best, at least for today, to practice each one.”

Our journeys are our own and require us to be present in this moment. Kimberlee’s thoughts in closing, “If you are always looking back or always looking ahead, you will surely miss what is happening in your life right now. Be present in your journey to self. It is here where all the joy lives. Now, is everything.”

Kimberlee would like to invite you to find her on Facebook at Hands of Light Reiki Therapy and Instagram at handsoflight111. She may also be reached by email at HandsofLight111@gmail.com She is currently taking new clients by appointment only, at her studio space located at 311 S. Main Street – Suite 26, in Jonesboro. N

Book Review

In the Valley by Ron

Rash

Terrell Tebbetts has taught English at Lyon College for over 50 years.

Ron Rash has published an excellent novella following up on his 2008 best-seller “Serena.” He has titled this sequel “In the Valley” and has included it with several new short stories in a volume with that same title which he published in 2020.

In this new volume, Rash fills in a gap and answers a question left hanging at the end of “Serena.” In that earlier novel, it’s 1929 when the title character, young Serena Pemberton, arrives at the North Carolina lumbering operation run by her rich new husband George. Serena proves herself driven and ruthless, so ruthless that mysterious deaths follow in the wake of any serious

disagreements with her. She deserves the sobriquet critics have given her: she’s a 20th-Century Lady Macbeth.

But by the end of “Serena,” despite all her successes, this new Lady Macbeth could not accomplish two murders she was set on. When she found she cannot have children, she determined to murder a young local woman and her child. Why? Because this woman, Rachel Harmon, had been George’s lover, and her child Jacob was the son she had before he and Serena married.

Serena is so determined that she even has George killed when she discovers that he has been protecting Rachel and Jacob. Yet in the novel’s epilogue set 50 years later in 1979, mother and son have escaped the knife of Serena’s henchman Galloway, and both Serena and Galloway are also still living when a man who might be Jacob executes a final form of justice.

That left a span of 50 years during which Serena would surely have had her henchman continuing the search for Rachel and Jacob, yet

clearly Galloway failed to find them. So readers want to know why: how was it that Serena failed when she had 50 years to get the grisly job done?

Rash’s new novella answers that question. “In the Valley” takes readers back to 1929 and the lumber operation. George is dead, and Rachel and Jacob have just escaped, crossing the country by rail and ending up in Seattle, as far as they can get from Serena. But Serena still wants Galloway to find and kill them.

Galloway depends on his mother to trail them, for this aged crone has ESP that allows her to sense where to find people anywhere. Well, not quite anywhere. She has told Galloway that Rachel is too far away and they must head west to get nearer to wherever Rachel is in order for her to pick up the signal.

Always dressed in black, this ominous-looking crone represents the evil, prophesying witches in “Macbeth.” She has told Galloway that they must leave soon. But Serena has told him to wait until an approaching

lumbering deadline that will mean a financial boon to her. That deadline will be soon enough, she says.

Rash devotes much of the novella to the men actually doing the lumbering, bringing one team of lumberjacks alive to readers. Serena has put them under terrible pressure to complete clearing the last mountainside before her deadline.

One lumberjack, named Ross, is different from the others. He’s a local man like them, but he had gone to college and had become a high-school math teacher. Yet when Ross apparently brought home diphtheria from school, diphtheria that ended up killing his wife and children but sparing him, he quit teaching and joined the lumbering crew, the hard, concentrated, day-long physical labor relieving some of his constant guilt and grief . . . and providing the possibility of “accidental suicide,” the death-rate among lumbering men being very high. The operation has its own graveyard, and one member of Ross’s crew and many men from other crews already lie buried there.

Ross knows about Rachel and Jacob, as well as about the mysterious deaths of so many who got in Serena’s way. And he knows that Galloway is her henchman and that the old crone is Galloway’s guide. Yet while others fear Galloway and avoid him, Ross repeatedly stands up to him, even after Galloway warns him that his time is coming. Ross tells Galloway that he can’t take anything from him that he values, and readers know that includes his life.

As the climax nears, readers sense that Ross must be the key to the survival of Rachel and Jacob. But readers of “Serena” also know that Galloway will still be alive in 1979, so Ross can’t be about to murder him. So what’s going to happen! How will this man grieving at the loss of his wife and children save the lives of a woman and child begotten by one of Serena’s recent victims, her own husband?

Read “In the Valley” and find out! N

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Here at Lyon College, students don’t just earn a degree. They don’t just have the college experience. They find their why Small class sizes, dedicated staff and faculty, and our mission to nourish the whole person and not just the student is what makes Lyon different. Our liberal arts education creates a fuller, richer understanding of your community and yourself, while also preparing you for your future. Take the first step to finding your why at lyon.edu

In The Field with Randy

Rice Weed

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association, retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

As I write the April article for Eye On Magazine on March 14th, we’re off to another wet start. I heard a few days ago that it was the wettest January 1 through March 9 since 1950, or a lifetime for many of us. It has started off as another one of those years where you have very short periods of time to get things done in, often a day or two (or less). I make recommendations on much of the wheat in our area and it has been hard to get fertilized and sprayed. It’s either raining, there’s rain in the immediate forecast, there’s water standing, or it’s windy. Of course, we all know we can miss one rain and then everything starts changing. Everything (except maybe cotton) will start going in the ground.

I want to focus on rice weed (mainly barnyardgrass) control this month. I have been collecting and submitting barnyardgrass seedhead samples from Farmers Supply Association members over the last 4 years to have tested for herbicide resistance by the University of Arkansas. Of course, these are from fields where there are escapes so they are more likely to have resistance issues.

I sent off 6 samples in 2022. All 6 were resistant to propanil and Facet, 2 were resistant to Newpath/Preface, and 2 were resistant to Regiment. Of note, none of the 6 were resistant to Clincher, Command, or Provisia/Highcard.

Over the four year period, 27 samples were submitted. 21 were resistant to propanil, 21 to Facet, 14 to Newpath, 5 to Clincher, and 2 to Regiment. None of the samples have been resistant to Command or Provisia/Highcard. One of the samples had 40% reduced control from glyphosate but none have been resistant.

Barnyardgrass is considered by most to be the number one weed of concern in rice although red rice and the annual sedges are certainly in the running for some. These test results continue to add to the mountain of evidence of what we already know, barnyardgrass is much easier to control before it emerges than after.

Starting clean and keeping residuals active from planting until permanent flood is the name of the game. This may mean up to 3 separate residual applications. I like to have the overlapped residuals activated no later than 3 weeks from the time of the activation of the previously applied residual. I’m usually looking for opportunities to get those overlaps applied no later than 2 weeks from the previous activation, depending on the forecast. Activating rains are the key to the whole program, so you need to be watching forecasts closely.

Besides Newpath and Preface in the Clearfield and FullPage systems, residuals available for barnyardgrass control are Command, Facet, Prowl, and Bolero. There are

also premixes available including Obey (Command plus Facet) and RiceOne (Command plus Prowl). Command and Facet can be applied immediately at planting while Prowl and Bolero should be applied delayed preemergence (after the rice seed has imbibed the moisture it needs for germination).

Sharpen and League are residuals that have a fit in fields with certain weed spectrums and can be applied in a tank mix with your Command. Sharpen has an 8 rating on the annual sedges and has activity on several broadleaves including pigweed. League has good activity on coffeebean, indigo, and yellow nutsedge. It has decent activity on redstem and smartweed.

For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association at 870-318-0739 (cell) or by e-mail at randychlapecka@gmail.com.

Notes from the Clearing

Joey Thomas

What if time is not linear? What if we only thinks so because it is all our three-dimensional bodies can percieve? What if every moment of our lives are stretched out like a stop-motion movie, existing all at the same time? What if our consciousness, spirit, soul, can only experience each moment as a circuit to run through? What will a fourth dimensional next life look like? Will we be afraid of everything in it as well? There is nothing to fear? Death is a new beginning. Nothing is lost, nothing is wasted. N