Eye On Magazine June 2018

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42 For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joseph Thomas, 870.252.0013 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

PUBLISHER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MANAGING EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas, Adrienne Freeman PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning 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: 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 Š 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.

Cover Photo by Robert O. Seat Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

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.

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In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note

7/ Trending @ ASUN

22/ Local Faces 30/ Things To Do 32/ Thyme Enough

9/ The Often Overlooked

33/ The Often Overlooked

10/ Smith’s Verdict ***1/2

34/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista

13/ Cole’s Canine Corner

37/ Batesville Area Arts Council 39/ Uncle Occam

The Fall of Spring Movies in the Park Skeeters

Brigsby Bear

All About Echo

14/ Cherri Design Attic Heat Loss

18/ A Minute in Mich’s Mind 20/ Seniors, Can We Talk?

HDHP / HSA

22/ Tasty Talk

Dangers of Food Additives Part 2

The Many Sides of Cooking Out Chiggers

Family Ties

Overtoun Bridge

40/ In The Field with Randy On the Agenda

42/ Cover Story

Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market

46/ Notes from the Clearing The Weight of One Sock

'Most of my life I have wished for a pretty smile, but even after braces didn't get that. Dr Chunn and his staff went above and beyond to help me achieve that dream.' -Brenda R

Editor’s Note

The Fall of Spring Joseph Thomas

Okay, first of all, let me apologize to Scott Parker for omitting the last 3 paragraphs of his Skeeter article (you can find this entire article reprinted on page 9) and next to Hannah Rogers for my misspelling of additives in the title of her May article. We appreciate their work and wouldn’t be where we are without great writers like them.

We would like to thank the White River Reading Council, an affiliate of the Arkansas Reading Association, for recognizing Kimberlee and myself as Community Persons of the Year and honoring us with this years WRRC’s annual literacy awards! And to JimBob Turner for submitting us for such an honor. We also want to thank Leigh and Cole Keller for accepting this award on our behalf as we were busy with our oldest grandson’s kindergarten graduation, congratulations Hunter Gage Wolf. And again, we have you, our lovely reader to thank for picking us up and digging through our website for community tidbits.

So, this month, please read on to find Uncle Occam’s look at Overtoun Bridge, Scott Parker takes his eyes off of the skeeters just long enough to eyeball the chiggers, Leigh Keller speaks of family ties, Nelson and Sandy Barnett talk cooking out and I have the seventh installment of The Weight of One Sock. Cole Keller introduces us to Echo, Dr. Sandra Massey updates us on ASU-Newport’s Movies in the Park and invites us all to join them under the stars for a movie. Kacey Burge brings us our cover yet again, this month she spotlights Jim and Jammie Hardin and the Downtown Newports Farmers’ Market, Hannah Rogers continues her look at additives and Cherri Rodgers talks about Attic Heat Loss. Randy Chlapecka tells us what is on the Agenda, Tanner Smith reviews Brigsby Bear, and we get another Minute in Mich’s Mind. Caroline Beauchamp talks HDHP / HSA, we have faces and things to do and so much more to keep you entertained for a bit this month of June 2018.

If you are seeing our magazines in your area and would like to see more content from your

hometown, please email me at eyeonjoseph@gmail. com with any story leads, weddings or community events you’d like to share.

N photo by Robert O. Seat

Creating Memories 2401 Harrison St, Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-8287

6 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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Movies in the Park 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.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of summer.

The long days, the sunshine, the freedom, and the fun all roll into a season we love at Arkansas State University-Newport. While we are still excelling in the classroom through the summer months, we also find time to go outside and enjoy the beauty Newport and Jackson County have to offer.

In an effort to support our students, community members, area businesses and just have a little fun, ASUN partnered with the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce to bring Movies in the Park to Downtown Newport this summer.

On the second Saturday of each month, adults and children alike can enjoy a hit movie on the big screen under the stars at Front Street Park. This partnership is part of the Downtown Entertainment Series.

Julie Allen, Executive Director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, said there has been nothing but enthusiastic remarks when discussing ASU-Newport Movies in the Park. Allen said it’s not only bringing the community together for a fun evening but also utilizing the great outdoor space we have available to us at Front Street Park.

April’s movie was Back to the Future. Even though spring hadn’t quite decided to make its debut, more than 150 community members attended the event.

Wrapped up in blankets while sipping hot chocolate, a great crowd watched as Marty McFly time-traveled thirty years to the past. It may have almost seemed as though we time-traveled as well, because we had our very own DeLorean, just like the one Marty used to travel to 1955. The car definitely caught the eye of the moviegoers. Many stopped to snap photos with the DeLorean including some Newport High School students on the way to prom.

With warmer weather, we had another great turnout for Movies in the Park in May. More than 100 people watched Toy Story on the big screen. Many brought their blankets and lawn chairs to see Woody and Buzz Lightyear in action. Refreshments were available along with neon glow bracelets for the kids.

At ASU-Newport, we strive to help students grow academically and personally. Our faculty and staff work hard to help each student set and achieve goals both in and out of the classroom. While enjoying a movie and being an integral part of the community, our students are also raising money to further their educational goals.

ASUN student organizations have volunteered to serve concessions at each movie event. Those who purchase

refreshments are helping support our students in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). PTK is the world’s largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year colleges, and PBL is the largest student business and career organization for college students.

Our goals in supporting the Downtown Entertainment Series do not stop with just promoting the great work our students, faculty, and staff do at ASUN. We also find it vital to support the community that supports us time and time again. We hope Movies in the Park provides an opportunity for our community to engage in something lively and unique for all ages.

The upcoming movies for the rest of the 2018 series include: June 9: Moana July 14: Star Wars: The Last Jedi August 11: Coco September 8: Ghostbusters We hope you will join us for Movies in the Park as we continue to work with and support the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce’s efforts in providing safe and enjoyable entertainment opportunities for all those living in Newport and Jackson County. For the latest information on events happening in Downtown Newport, visit DRIVE Newport on Facebook.

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JUNE 2018 7

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The Often Overlooked Skeeters

Scott Parker is a native of Harrisburg Arkansas who never felt the need to stray very far from home for any real length of time. He is an amateur Herpetologist, amateur Entomologist, amateur Mycologist, amateur Botanist, amateur Woodworker, amateur Writer, and a professional Dog and Cat lover.

I often go on and on about Arkansas and the things that I love about this beautiful state. I love the outdoors and I do love to share my feelings about the plants and animals with which I share this beautiful land. But this month, just this once, I'm going yo share with you something that I do NOT like. Something so vile, so insidious, that though I rarely use the word hate, I will here. And though some people do not like snakes, or beetles, or worms, cats, dogs, or even turtles, and we would disagree on all of those, I will guarantee, that we will all agree that in this case, the use of the word "hate" is justified. I hate mosquitos. Hate,hatey hate HATE!!!

I have walked this earth for 51 years so far, and my ears have heard some very questionable things uttered by some equally questionable people, but I've yet to hear anyone, anywhere say " Don't kill it, I LOVE MOSQUITOS!!!!". And just between you and I, If I ever do, it will probably be the last day that one of us walks said earth.

But in the spirit of Sun Tzu, I feel that knowing our common enemy better might ease the struggle a bit, soooo, Despite their being a blood sucking, itch causing, irritating, aggervating little pestilence, Mosquitos are, in fact , an amazingly successful family of insects. So lets take a moment and look at a few of this spawn of hells attritbutes.

The word Mosquito is a Spanish inspired amalgam of two words, loosely meaning Little Fly. Mosquitos are one of, if not the, most prolific disease vectors known to mankind. Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikumgunya, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, Filariscis, and Zika Virus, among others, are all transmitted to humans. And whilie we, in North America, are spared many of these, Mosquito transmitted diseases account for more human deaths per year worldwide than any other vector. This gives the Mosquito the undisputed title of Worlds Most Dangerous Animal.

Interesting fact... Every single mosquito that has ever bitten you, every one, was a female. Each and every itching, stinging, irratating bite was given to you by a female... The males peacefully feed on plant juices... Just saying...

After a female feeds (on your BLOOD), she lays between 50 and 100 eggs, in water. This water can be anything from a 500 acre rice field to a discarded soup can that has collected a bit of rain water. Roughly 10 days later adult mosquitos emerge, ready to feed and repeat the cycle. Females can begin to reproduce in about 28 hours after emerging, and can live up to 2 months. Males typically live about 10 days. Do the math...

This rapid fire reproduction is the main reason for the mosquitos sucess. A female can only lay eggs after a blood meal, but she can lay eggs after EVERY blood meal. A few mosquitos become many in a very short amount of time. And with only about 14 days from egg to sexual maturity, that number compounds exponentially for the entire season. Since unlike most predators, their prey survives, it can continue to be a steady food source indeffintely . And since the huge population potential allows for mass expendability of both males and females, extinction is not an issue. Mosquitos have never been eradicated from an area even with the most agressive of attempts. No where. EVER. The mosquitos mouth is actually a very sophisticated apperartus, not the rusty dagger and lapping tounge one might imagine. Called a probiscus, it consists of 6 thin, needle like parts, called stylets. These pierce the skin and fan out , probing and searching for blood vessels. Siliva is injected to prevent coagulation of the blood and faliciltate a quick, uninterupted flow. The itching assocated with the bite is your bodies histimine reaction to this siliva.

I have always tried to offer some sort of a fond, nostalgic memory of my monthly subject in these pages, but in this case, there just simply isn't one. My ONLY fond recollection of mosquitos is that of my weekly sprayings at my shop. During the warm months, the mosquitos congergate in the rafters and corners of an outdoor shed, by the thousands. And every Saturday morning, I take great pleasure in plowing through their masses with a can of insect killer. And right or wrong, judge me if you wish, I do so relish watching with unabashed glee, as their tiny bodies rain down by the hundreds. To paraphrase a line from Apocalypse Now, " I love the smell of RAID! in the morning. It smells like VICTORY." So, the next time your trying to grill a burger, catch a fish, or just simply mow your yard and you feel that familar stinging itch, take a second to admire the awesomely successful , highly evolved insect on you. Then, KILL IT! TWICE! And when your sure it is dead, grind its body into a gray smear. Extra points if you giggle as you do. N

JUNE 2018 9

Smith’s Verdict ***1/2

Brigsby Bear

Tanner Smith is a native of Manila, Arkansas. He has written movie reviews for the T Tauri Galaxy (www.ttauri.org/galaxy) for several years and is a five year veteran of the T Tauri Movie Camp. He has made a number of films, ranging from horror to documentary, and has won awards in filmmaking and screenwriting.

SPOILER WARNING! Originally, I wasn’t going to write about “Brigsby Bear.”

Why? Well, because I think the best way to see this movie is to not know much about it beforehand. I came into this movie cold, without much knowledge of the plot, other than it involved some kind of children’s program involving a guy in a ratty bear costume, with a gigantic bear helmet with a moving mouth. And so, I thought it was best for everyone else to do the same…not that many people read my blog anyway—when I had that in mind, I thought, just do it already.

Anyway, I’ll repeat: SPOILER WARNING! “Brigsby Bear” is an original piece of independent cinema; one that I think should be cherished and studied.

Even when it’s in danger of becoming one of those indie Sundance-fitting “dramedies” that seem too high on their own spirits, it continues to bounce back with loads of charm and sentimentality (and originality) that I can’t help but want to hug this movie for being what it is. And what it is, is one of my favorite films of recent years. (This would have been high up on my best-of-2017 list, had I seen it a few months before. But better late than never, right?)

I’ll tread lightly here as I go into the story of “Brigsby Bear.” For starters, just who is Brigsby Bear, anyway?

Well, he’s the star of a low-budget, educational sci-fi television show that teaches unusual moral lessons such as “curiosity is an unnatural emotion!” He’s a heroic bear with loyal sidekicks (the Smile Sisters) with whom to team up and battle a dastardly villain called the Sun Snatcher.

Each episode features something new and educational (including complicated math problems) and ends with a lesson addressed to the show’s viewing audience. (If you thought Barney was too much for little children, wait until you see what Brigsby Bear has to offer. We do get to see many clips of the show, and it’s a riot.)

Who’s watching the show? James. He has an obsession with the show and everything within it, having grown up with it throughout the years. James (played by the film’s co-writer, Kyle Mooney) is in his mid-20s and has collected every VHS volume of the series since childhood. He’s way too old to still be trapped in the world of Brigsby, and yes, you could say it’s an unhealthy obsession, but then we see his upbringing and we see that it’s all he knows. This is where things get even stranger, particularly with his parents (Mark Hamill and Jane Adams), who speak to him with the tact and sensitivity a parent gives to a young child, and his home, which is actually an underground bunker. (I watched this film with my fiancée, and her reaction was the same as mine: what’s going on here??)

10 Eye On Magazine

OK, that’s the setup. Where is this going? There are many ways this story could go from here. Are they in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, in which they’re the only survivors? Is that why they wear gas masks when they go outside? Well, it turns out that James’ “parents” aren’t his parents at all; they abducted James when he was an infant and created this whole ruse to keep James from going outside. Not only that; they created the Brigsby Bear show themselves, to teach James about the way things are outside to keep him entertained, to educate him, and to keep him from wanting anything else out of life.

Now rescued by police and reunited with his birth parents (Matt Walsh and Michaela Watkins), James has to adapt to a whole new world with a whole new family (including a younger sister, played by Ryan Simpkins), numerous activities, and all kinds of different pop culture.

Much of it is nice and welcoming, including people who want to help him (such as a friendly cop played by Greg Kinnear, a therapist played by Claire Danes, and a creative teen played by Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) and entertaining movies (such as a satirical look at family sports comedies), but everything else overwhelms James, as it’s all too much for him to take in, making him feel lost in this strange, big universe. He’s also still transfixed on the power brought to him by Brigsby, which makes sense as it’s the only source of entertainment he’s been used to for decades. He needs to see the next episode…or make one on his own…

And this is where I, as an aspiring filmmaker, fell in love with “Brigsby Bear.” Much of the movie involves James, his new friend who likes to experiment with visual effects, and many helpful others making their own Brigsby Bear movie, complete with costume. If I thought the making-a-movie sequences in “Be Kind Rewind” were wonderfully strange and whimsical, I hadn’t seen anything yet. What’s even better is that it’s also sweet.

And that’s where I’ll stop writing about the story.

There’s more to enjoy about “Brigsby Bear,” and I don’t feel like I’ve spoiled too much of the movie. But again, I warned you there would be spoilers and that it’s best to go into this movie as cold as possible. Maybe I’m writing this review for myself, because I immediately felt like writing about it after I saw it.

It would’ve been so easy to make James the butt of so many mean-spirited jokes about how he doesn’t understand the way the world is and/or how socially awkward he is as a result. But thankfully, this movie treats the situation delicately, because Mooney, director David McCary, and co-writer Kevin Costello like James and don’t want to embarrass him. That’s what I admire most about “Brigsby Bear.” (I dare even say I actually enjoyed this fishout-of-water story a lot more than “Being There,” with Peter Sellers, an obvious comparison.)

“Brigsby Bear” is a wonderful film with a good sense of humor and an even greater heart to go with it. If there’s anything more important than a comedy that can make you laugh, it’s a comedy that can make you feel. That’s exactly how I describe “Brigsby Bear.” N

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e l l i v s e t a B n w o t Down H I S TO R I C

SHOP

BIG’s of Batesville CIX 109 Main Elizabeth’s Restaurant The Pinto coffee and comida Unique Nosh

Autry’s Furniture Clara Jane & Jax Home, Holidays, & More Thompson’s Jewelry Village Adventures

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Independence County Library Maxfield Park Pocket Park

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Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery 246 Melba Theater

The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

12 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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Thank You

Independence County Carol and I appreciate the awesome support and encouragement we received during the past year.

I am honored to be your representative elect and promise to serve everyone with an attitude of excellence.

Paid for by the Stu Smith for House Campaign

Cole’s Canine Corner

All About Echo

Cole is a second grader at Central Elementary.

He loves Math, Playing outside, laughing with friends and family, tortellini, and of course, dogs.

Echo has been at the Independence County Humane Society for 107 days. He usually stays in a tiny cage in the lobby.

Echo is two years old, he is fixed, not good with dogs or cats but he is good with kids. No one knows if he is housetrained, but he seems very smart. Echo likes to dig (I always let him have some digging time when I see him) and he is always happy (except for when he gets hurt). Echo likes to greet people who come into the humane society, and he also likes chew toys, dog treats, tennis balls, and kids. Echo is hoping to find a good and loving home. Echo’s previous owner brought him to the shelter. Will you adopt Echo? N

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Cherri Design

Attic Heat Loss

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 now has The Kitchen Shop at 2485 Harrison St. for all your kitchen needs.

In the winter, heat loss through your attic can greatly increase your electric bill. Don’t wait until you get that first cold weather energy bill to make your attic a priority. Winterizing your attic will generally be an inexpensive project that can save you hundreds of dollars, during the cold months. Head on up there with a bright flashlight or drop light, gloves and a tape measure to check out what could be a major heat loss source in you home.

Attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to lower both heating and cooling energy costs. You need to be sure you have enough insulation to cover your home. Insulation will also create a sound barrier that keeps your home quieter from outside noises. It also adds privacy to your home, as it helps keep noise from inside your home from being audible outside.

Most homes have loose-fill cellulose or batt insulation. Batt insulation is the roll type insulation and is also called Blanket insulation. Batt is the fuzzy and usually pink or yellow insulation that comes with a brown paper sack type backing. It is typically made of

fiberglass and is the least expensive way to insulate your home. This type is easy, as all you do is just roll it out.

Be sure to wear long sleeves, gloves and a mask to cover your nose and mouth when working with insulation.

Loose-fill cellulose insulation is blown-in insulation and does a better job at filling in all the cavities. It is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and performs very well. You can usually rent a blower at your local hardware store or purchase one for this type.

To properly insulate your attic, you need to know the R-value. R-value measures the ability to transfer heat from hot to cold. R-value refers to the ability of insulation to block heat and not to its thickness. The higher the R-value, the better it will be at insulating your attic. A quick internet search will provide a chart for zones and give you the R-value needed for your zone.

R-value is printed on the backing of batt insulation. You will need to measure the depth of loose-fill insulation to determine if you are properly insulated.

Check your attic for holes and gaps, especially around recessed lighting, ceiling fans, vent-a-hoods and bathroom vents. Also check around any plumbing, ductwork or flues. Seal these smaller areas with spray foam insulation or caulk. The attic door can be sealed with weather stripping, so don’t neglect this area of heat leakage.

Adding insulation in your attic is a cost-effective way to save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bill throughout the year. It is also an easy project that you can do yourself in a couple of days.

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14 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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St. Michael’s Place of Newport is a certified skilled nursing facility. The facility offers 24 -hour nursing services to you and your loved one. We have a team of registered nurses, licensed nurses and nursing assistants dedicated to providing the highest quality of care by working hand in hand with physicians.

The facility offers Rehab to home program/Short Term Rehabilitation. Our rehab team is dedicated to helping our residents achieve their highest possible potential. They help rebuild confidence, hope, and self-respect.

If you have any question about the facility’s rehab program or any other services, the facility offers please feel free to call.

Help your Kids make a SPLASH this Summer Morgan Winston

The Ozark Foothills Literacy Project in partnership with the John Herman Hickman Foundation and the Bank of Cave City presents SPLASH, or a Summer Partnership for Literacy Achievement at School and Home. Debuting for the first time in Cave City and Batesville, the SPLASH program is open to children in 1st-6th grade who are below grade level in reading.

SPLASH is also offering volunteer opportunities for high school students. High school mentors will work with elementary students one hour per week to help them advance or maintain their reading levels over the summer. One junior or senior from each campus will be selected for a $300 internship with OFLP. Interested parties may apply online or contact the Literacy Project at 870-793-5912 or by emailing info@oflp. org. More information is available on the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ literacyindependence. Find Batesville and Cave City SPLASH programs under “Events.”

The Literacy Project is a United Way member agency and part of the Adult Learning Alliance network of adult literacy organizations. Office space is provided by Citizen's Bank. For more information about the Literacy Project, please call 870793-5912 or visit www.oflp.org. If your church, organization, or civic group would like to learn more, please contact OFLP to set up a date.

N JUNE 2018 15

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JUNE 2018 17

A Minute in Mich's Mind What Should You Do When You Have a Property Insurance Claim? When you are a part of the world of insurance terms and concepts, it is easy to start to think that everyone knows and understands how insurance works, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! We hear from people almost daily who have suffered some type of property loss and need our guidance to navigate the insurance claims process. Because of our experience, and frankly, all the wide-eyed people we’ve helped, I thought this would be a great topic to cover.

First, it is important to understand that insurance policies provide the funds for repairs, they do not provide the repairs. There are a few things you will need to do. It is always the insured’s responsibility to first secure and protect your loved ones and your property. This means to take measures to be certain that your property is safe for others and yourself. If power lines are involved, or gas, or even water you need to contact the appropriate provider. The exception would be if you could safely turn the service off yourself such as in the case of turning a shutoff valve in the happening of a water leak. With electricity, or gas line damage your best bet is to call the company and let their crew handle the shut-off safely. Remember, safety is always first! Next, you should contact your insurance company to report a claim. Sometimes in the event of widespread storm damage or other natural disasters, it may take a longer time to meet with your adjuster. Most companies do have a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week claim number where you can begin your claim and be given information on what to do next, and numbers if there are any preferred vendors. Your local agent is another contact you should try to make. Most agents are happy to assist you, after all, they’re usually your neighbors. We (RRI) do not have an answering service but will respond to messages left by phone, or online at our website as quickly as possible! If you are not able to contact your company, you still need to move to the next step of preventing further damage.

Mitigation of damage just means that you do your best to stop further damage from happening. So, this is a good time to take some pictures for your claims adjuster. After you take pictures to show/document how the damage took place, you can begin to protect your belongings and clean up. This means stopping the leak or drip, covering windows or roof with plastic tarps or sheeting, using towels or a shop vacuum to remove water, or whatever the case may be. You can also: move wet items to drier areas, place plastic or blocks between furniture legs and wet

carpets, remove wet rugs from floors, and if safe to do so, use fans to circulate air and encourage drying. If damage was done by a falling tree or limb and damage was “to” a covered structure such as the house, fence, outbuildings; there is usually a small amount of coverage in policies for tree removal. This coverage will vary from policy to policy, so it is important to check your coverages, deductibles, and limits. If a tree falls in the yard without damage to a structure, there is usually no coverage. You will want to save all damaged items for the inspection of your adjuster. You’ll also save and turn in all claim-related bills and receipts and keep a list of all temporary repairs you make.

Finally, you will be expected to collect some estimates for repairs needed. The sooner you can get these steps done, the faster the process will move, and you and your family can get back to normal.

Hopefully, this helps with knowing what to do in case of a property claim. If you have any questions I didn’t cover, visit or call us at Reichardt Insurance. We are always happy to help!

Michelle has been a licensed Property/Casualty & Life/Health agent since 2007. Before joining Randy and the Reichardt Insurance Agency, she was the owner of multiple small businesses. Outside of work Michelle enjoys volunteering, beekeeping, reading, and travel with her family. She loves being mom to daughter Bailey, and fur-kid Abby.

Michelle Reichardt

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201 Hazel, Newport 870-523-1009 “The mission of the Newport Economic Development Commission is to facilitate an environment that will be conducive to economic growth and stability. The

HopePlace Newport

commission will work to enhance, promote,

Joseph Thomas

and create increased opportunities for

The HopePlace Newport are in the process of instituting a nationally acclaimed program called Earn While You Learn, so that expectant women and new mothers can earn baby clothes, diapers and other necessities by learning. The program pairs a woman with a client advocate who meets with her every week.

Every lesson earns her $10 in Baby Bucks and completed homework earns her another $3. The baby bucks can be spent in HopePlace's Baby Boutique. The relationship with a loving advocate, acquiring life skills, as well as earning baby bucks are motivation for young parents to continue coming weekly to learn positive parenting strategies.

Some of the topics covered are: First Trimester, Nutrition, Bonding with Your Baby, Newborn Care, Breast Feeding Basics, Postpartum, Time Management, Prenatal Care and Time Management.

The HopePlace knows that this program makes a positive impact on the lives of mothers and a lifelong impact on their children. It is the heartbeat of their ministry. Their mission is to break the cycles of neglect and abuse. They are seeking men, women and businesses to partner with them in this endeavor. Your donation could help a family earn items they need and gain the knowledge they need to be successful.

Help them provide encouragement and restore dignity, self-worth and purpose to so many if you can.

Contact HopePlace Newport at 704.280.6253 for Dr. Greg Dills, 870.723.4149 for Robin Caldwell or email hopeplacenewport@gmail.com.

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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.�

JUNE 2018 19

Seniors, Can We Talk?

HDHP / HSA

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?’.

Tom, a long time friend of Ruth’s, joined Ruth and I for lunch. He was full of questions! He is turning 65 and wanted to talk about his options. He is still working and can stay on his employer’s group health insurance plan. Stay where he is or enroll in Medicare and Medicare products?

I asked Tom to tell me about his current health insurance - always a good place to start. He has a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and contributes to a health savings account (HSA). Tom does not like the high deductible but does like being able to contribute to the HSA account. He makes contributions pre-tax and uses those monies to pay for “qualified” medical expenses plus his unused balance rolls over from year to year.

Let’s talk about HDHP and HSA accounts. Tom must have a HDHP to contribute to his HSA. High deductible health plans have large deductibles that must be met before the insurance company pays.

You must pay all or most health care services until you

reach that deductible. Then the HDHP should cover your eligible medical expenses.

HSA’s were designed as a healthcare savings vehicle that employers and employees may contribute before tax monies to. HSA’s also make HDHP more attractive.

Tom’s first question was “If I enroll in Medicare Part A and/or B, can I continue to contribute to my HSA account?” Since the HSA account is only available with a high deductible health plan (HDHP), he would no longer be able to make contributions into his HSA. If Tom enrolls in Medicare Part A and Part B, not only can he no longer contribute to an HSA account but no one else can contribute to it for him. This could be an issue if the HDHP plan is the only option he has with his employer.

If Tom chooses to delay Medicare enrollment, since he is working and wants to continue contributing to his HSA, he must also await to collect Social Security retirement benefits. Most people who are collecting Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. Since Tom cannot decline Part A while collecting Social Security benefits, he may want to delay receiving his Social Security retirement benefits.

If Tom delays enrolling in Medicare, will he have to stop contributing to his HSA at least 6 months before he enrolls in Medicare to avoid a tax penalty? Is this getting complicated?

Newport Newark Batesville Southside Tuckerman Swifton Searcy McCrory Des Arc

Check out our

channel @ M & P InsuranceNewport

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What about the monies Tom already has in his HSA account? Tom may keep and continue to use those monies for qualified medical expenses.

Whether Tom should delay enrolling in Medicare so he can continue contributing to his HSA depends on his circumstances. Since this process can be tricky and complicated, it is very important to consult your tax professional for advice. Understand how enrolling in Medicare will affect you before you make any decisions.

Thanks again for calling 501-868-6650 and asking, “Caroline, can we talk?�

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Southern Bank Names Roberts as Market President Tiffany Jenkins

Southern Bank announced Chris Roberts has been promoted to Market President. In his new role, Roberts will be responsible for overseeing commercial lending and branch operations in Central Arkansas, which will include oversight of the bank branches in Searcy, Bald Knob, Batesville and Bradford. He will be responsible for Business Development in the Greater Little Rock area. Roberts has been with Southern Bank six years and previously served as Community Bank President at the Searcy location.

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JUNE 2018 21

Tasty Talk

Dangers of Food Additives Part 2

Hannah Rogers recently returned home after serving 5 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a cook. She enjoys time with her dog, baking, hiking, and serving others.

Hannah is currently in the process of establishing Hananel Bakery in Batesville

Last month we discussed four of the food additives that the Asthma and Food Allergy Foundation of America has shown to cause adverse reactions in people.

This month we will discuss the other four additives mentioned.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the worst food additives. It enhances the flavor of foods, making meats and frozen foods smell better and taste fresher.

The umami taste of glutamate is a savory flavor that tricks our tongue into thinking that our food tastes heartier and more robust. MSGs contain an excitotoxin, which overexcites our cells to the point of damage and even death in some cases. This has been shown to cause brain damage, trigger and even worsen learning disabilities, and cause obesity, eye damage, headaches, fatigue, depression, numbness, and a rapid heartbeat.

Nitrates and nitrites are from a class of chemicals called nitrosamines, which are formed from a chemical reaction between nitrites or other proteins. They preserve food, as well as prevent deadly botulism infections, color foods, and enhance flavor. They are commonly found in processed meats and fish, more than 90% of nitrosamines are shown to be carcinogens.

They are widely found in fertilizers, pesticides and cosmetics. At a cellular level, nitrosamines are reactive and can alter gene expression and cause DNA damage.

Nitrosamine cellular alterations result in a process

Local Faces

like accelerated aging in the body and can spur the development of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Type 2 diabetes.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are preservatives that help prevent changes in color, odor, and flavor. They are commonly used to prevent oils and fats in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals from oxidizing and going rancid. BHA is known to be in chewing gum, cereals, grain products, butter, beer, snack foods, packaged foods, as well as cosmetics, petroleum products, and rubber. BHT is also found in packaged foods, shortening, and packaging materials. They have been known to promote tumor growth, impair blood clotting, cause adverse reproductive effects, and negatively interact with birth control and steroid hormones.

Benzoates are preservatives commonly found in sweets, condiments, fermented foods, margarine, oils, and dry yeast, and the interior of metal cans that contain beverages or liquid foods. They are also found in health and beauty products, like lotions, deodorant, mouthwash, shampoo, pharmaceuticals, cough syrups, and topical medications. Benzoates are known to cause hyperactivity and ADHD, impulsivity, asthma attacks, sleep problems, dizziness, high blood pressure, allergy symptoms, cancer, DNA damage, Parkinson disease and rapid aging, and can have adverse reactions on the fetus when consumed while pregnant.

While many countries have banned these chemicals from being used in their country, the United States have deemed each of these to be generally safe. They are freely allowed to be used in manufactured products.

Unfortunately, the only way to get away from them is to go back to the basics, live a life more like our forefathers, and eat a clean, raw diet.

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New workforce training center to boast makerspace along with class, lab space Hannah Keller Flanery

Laura Fleming, author of Worlds of Making, said, “If you build it, they will come and if you let them build it, they will learn.” The new workforce training and secondary career center at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville will provide a space for students and volunteers to do just that – build and learn.

The new 15,000 square-foot facility will house a makerspace along with classroom and lab space for career and technical education. “It’s going to be the most exciting space in the building,” said Brian Shonk, vice chancellor for academics.

The makerspace will provide the facilities and equipment for students and volunteers to collaborate

and bring creative ideas to life. The space will have large format printers, computers with high-processing capabilities, 3D printers and scanners, electronic components such as small motors and a variety of metal and woodworking tools from hand tools to CNC mills and lathes.

“The idea is if you build it, they will come,” Shonk said. “Not only students but expert volunteers within the community who can guide students and help them develop their ideas into realities. We also see it as a mentorship opportunity for UACCB students. For example, if a project requires something to be welded, a UACCB welding student could provide that service for their fellow students who lack welding training.” N

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ASU-Newport Practical Nursing Students Win at ALPNA Competition Jeremy Shirley

The 22nd Annual Arkansas Licensed Practical Nursing Association (ALPNA) PN Student Skills Competitions and Conference was recently held in Hope, Arkansas. Eight schools competed in various competitions such as 2-person CPR, nursing skills, spelling bee, quiz bowl, prepared speaking, and various written exams. With over 300 students in attendance, ASU-Newport attended with 11 practical nursing students.

Disa Tierce of Bono won first place in the talent show singing “Revelation Song� by Kari Jobe.

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These students competed against 10 teams to win first place in Quiz Bowl. From left, Maegan Brown, Jillian Wagner, Gillian Nagel, Jennifer Rios.

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Cody Bailey of Jonesboro brings home third place in Anatomy and Physiology written exam.

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Our 11 Practical Nursing students brought their team spirit and won second place in the spirit award.

From left: (back) Sarah Mangrum, Morgan Bice, Maegan Brown, Cody Bailey, Jennifer Rios, Disa Tierce and Jillian Wagner (front) Joseph Cagle, Gillian Nagel, Whitney Clark and Samantha Solis.

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OIRM Book Talk / Sandy Slaughter Joseph Thomas

Sandy Slaughter recently talked about her new book Dead in the Shadow of Doubt at the Old Independence Regional Museum. You might recognize some characters and places from around Independence County when you read this local mystery. Sandy Slaughter Barnett shared her thoughts on the book and her timeline. She said it is never too late to do what you love and to be who you always wanted to be.

We are glad to have her as a community neighbor, local celebrity and regular column writer for Eye On Magazine N JUNE 2018 23

UACCB Creative Writing Club celebrates poetry month with first competition Hannah Keller Flanery

Luanne Gregory Thrivent Financial representatives Luanne Gregory and Keith Davis, recently earned the designation of Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) after completing an intensive course offered by The American College of Bryn Mawr, Pa., in conjunction with LIMRA International and GAMA International.

Gregory and Davis serve Christians and their family members in Batesville and surrounding areas by providing financial guidance and solutions to help them achieve their financial goals.

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The creative writing club at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville celebrated poetry month in April by sponsoring the club’s first poetry competition. Kenneth Wilson took first place for his poem “llabrorrim mirrorball” and honorable mention for “Haiku 379.” There were 25 entries submitted from eight competitors.

Wilson, of Judsonia, is a senior at Lyon College working toward a bachelor’s degree in English. He is also taking classes at UACCB through the Transfer and Exchange Collaboration agreement between the two colleges. He said the inspiration behind “llabrorrim mirrorball” was the concept of self-image.

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Kenneth Wilson

Batesville’s recent acknowledgment with the 2017 Trendsetter Award for Public Safety, which it competed for among communities of up to 20,000 across Arkansas, comes after several years of increased attention for local and state-wide outreach in public safety. The relatively new Batesville Police Department formed, in addition to the county’s existing agency, to expand and improve upon what was already being done. Local organizations partnered with the police to provide vital support by fundraising and generating free programs for the public. These innovative and cooperative efforts continue to draw acclaim from outside the district as Batesville becomes a leader in law enforcement and impacts communities beyond Independence County.

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Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines

Congratulations to Alton Walker for this recognition. He is definetly deserving for all that he does for his Jackson County Community. We wish nothing but great things to him in his future endeavors.

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UACCB nursing student takes first place in public speaking competition

Hannah Keller Flanery

At her first major public speaking endeavor, Alice Crabtree struck gold. Crabtree took home first place in the prepared public speaking competition at the Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurses Association Conference.

“The other competitors were so good, I didn’t think I would even place. I’ve never won first place for anything. I was shocked and very excited when they called my name,” Crabtree said.

Crabtree is a practical nursing student at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. She enrolled in college immediately after graduating high school in 2013 but left school in her second semester. Her aunt, Trisha Venegas, who graduated from the PN program and is enrolled in the registered nursing program at UACCB, convinced her to return to college and enroll in the nursing program.

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From left Ike Wheeler, ASUN Dean for Community Engagement Hannah Roberts; Ashley Buchman, ASUN Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Alice Crabtree Jeremy Mullins

ASU-Newport Student “Head of the Class” Mallory Jordan

Ants / Bed-Bugs / Fire Ants / Fleas Mice / Millipedes / Roaches / Spiders ...and more Eagle Pest Management, LLC Corporate Office 1775 Porter Street P.O. Box 3943 Batesville AR 72503-3943 (877) 313-2453

Additional Offices: Heber Springs Cherokee Village Providing service for the entire state of Arkansas for Commercial Work

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A leading industry manufacturer recognized an Arkansas State University-Newport student for his excellence in the Energy Control Technology Program.

Jeremy Mullins, from Harrisburg, was presented the “Head of the Class” award by Malco Products. From over 500 technical schools and community colleges, students are selected by Malco Products based on their performance and commitment to the industry.

Mark Constant, Advanced Instructor of Energy Control Technology, said Mullins was chosen because of his commitment to excellence in the Heating, Ventilating, AirConditioning and Refrigeration, or HVACR, industry while also exuding professionalism.

“ASUN-Marked Tree’s Energy Control Technology Program salutes and admires the hard work and dedication Jeremy showed while completing his degree, we wish him all the best,” Constant said.

Mullins will graduate this May with his Associate of Applied Science and enter the HVACR industry.

Along with the recognition, Malco Products also awarded Mullins with a variety of tools to take with him in his career.

Malco Products is a leader in HVACR industry standards while also producing tools needed by industry professionals.

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WWW.KENTSFIRESTONE.COM 1316 E. Main, “at ST. Louis and Main”

ASU-Newport Students Place at PBL Conference Jeremy Shirley

Eight Arkansas State University-Newport students earned recognition at the Future Business Leaders of AmericaPhi Beta Lambda Leadership Conference and State Competition held earlier this month in North Little Rock.

Business students Meghan Cantara of Jonesboro and Jessica Rucker of Bono came in first place in the Hospitality Management competition. Rucker also placed first in Desktop Publishing, and Cantara was recognized for Who’s Who in Arkansas PBL. Rucker and Cantara’s performance makes them eligible for the national competition held in Baltimore, Md. in June.

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Leydi Sherwood (left), a business student from Columbia in South America, captured first place in the Microeconomics competition while Kim Groom (right), a business student from Jonesboro, received second place in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.

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Brandi Barksdale, a business student from Jonesboro, won second place in Spreadsheet Applications and third place in Computer Applications.

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Business student Wesley Wade of Jonesboro placed fourth in Networking Concepts, and hospitality student Rachel Morgan of Jonesboro placed fourth in Human Resource Management. Business student Jenny Tran of Kennett, Mo. placed fifth in Spreadsheet Applications.

ASU-Newport's faculty advisers were also recognized for their continued service to Phi Beta Lambda. Janna Ellis has served for 20 years. Paula Morgan has completed 10 years of service, and Kristina Taylor has five years of service.

ASU-Newport received the Gold Chapter Award and placed third for the largest professional division membership in Arkansas.

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JUNE 2018 27

Introductions & Ribbon Cuttings Shelly Hendrix

Sulphur Rock

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for ESA Staffing & Screening, Tuesday, May 22, 2018. ESA Staffing & Screening is a family owned and operated firm that primarily services the light industrial/manufacturing, construction and administrative/clerical fields. ESA is located at 400 Harrison Street, Suite 203 in Batesville. For more information please visit www.esa-staffing.com or call 870-569-8084.

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Welcome Dr. Emily Smith!

Dr. Smith is a Batesville High School graduate of 2006, UCA graduate of 2010 and a Southern College of Optometry graduate of 2014. Dr. Smith is married to her wonderful husband Kevin, who is an Occupational Therpaist at WRMC, and has a 2 year old son, named Hank. Dr. Smith has practiced in Little Rock the last four years, and enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, fishing. To make an appointment please call Ladd Eye Care at 870793-6857.

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Southside

West

Central Four Independence County schools – Batesville’s Central and West Elementaries and Southside Charter High School – have been named among Arkansas’s 204 Reward Schools.

Additionally, Batesville’s Sulphur Rock and West Elementary Schools were two of Arkansas’s 163 schools receiving an ‘A’ on the State Report Cards, based on performance, growth, student success, school quality, and in the case of high schools, graduation rates N Dr. Emily Smith

ASUN's Dr. Ashley Buchman named Arkansas' ACT Postsecondary Champion Mallory Jordan Arkansas State University-Newport's Dr. Ashley Buchman was named Arkansas' ACT College and Career Readiness Champion for the postsecondary professional category.

Dr. Ashley Buchman 28 Eye On Magazine

Buchman is the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at ASUN. She was chosen by ACT for her commitment to helping people achieve education and workplace success. ACT also recognizes the positive impact Buchman makes through her efforts to advance college and career readiness for all.

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Ms. Deborah Frazier, UACCB Chancellor, and Dr. W. Joseph King, Lyon president, signed five Memoranda of Understanding that lay out the course pathways that will allow UACCB students completing the Associate of Arts in General Education to move directly into Lyon’s Elementary Education program and or the Secondary Education programs in English and history. The degree plans will afford students the opportunity to earn degrees from both institutions efficiently, which will reduce both time to degree and overall cost. Qualified UACCB graduates will thus enter Lyon as juniors.

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Congratulations to Community Best Care!

Community Best Care is located at 400 Harrison Street in Batesville. Community Best Care provides high quality, client-centered, and affordable home care services. Owners Scott Perkey and Amanda Younger Merritt, who is also serves Director, and Anne Davidson, Care Coordinator are committed to serving those in need in our community. To learn more about Community Best Care please contact them at 870-569-8082 or visit their website www. communitybestcare.com. N

Congratulations to Grass Roots Equipment and Outdoors! Grass Roots is a local dealer for Massey Ferguson, Stihl, Bush Hog, eXmark, Gravley, and Rhino.

To learn more about their products, please contact them at 870-569-8086 or stop by at 925 Batesville Blvd in Southside.

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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for The Food Lot, Friday, May 18, 2018. The Food Lot is a central location for food trucks to park and serve their amazing street food. They have picnic tables, umbrellas (to provide shade on those hot summer days), games, etc., so you can sit and enjoy your street food with your friends, family, or coworkers. The Food Lot is located at 201 Central Ave in Batesville. For more information please visit them on Facebook or call 870-307-5026.

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The 4th Annual Macy’s Stroll and Roll for Angelman Syndrome was held on April 21, 2018 at Riverside Park in Batesville. The Batesville Kiwanis Club and Macy’s Miracle hosted the event to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) in honor of five-year old Macy Bryant, of Batesville. The event raised $13,550 this year, which was sent to FAST for scientific research in developing a cure for Angelman Syndrome (AS). Collectively the two groups have donated approximately $40,000 to FAST to date.

Approximately 300 people were in attendance at the event. Macy Bryant is the daughter of Josh and Ronda Bryant of Batesville, and granddaughter of Ron and Martha Lewallen of Batesville, and Jesse and Trena Bryant of Springdale. *photos by Barry Hammers.

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Macy’s Stroll and Roll JUNE 2018 29

Newport Senior Center opens in new location Jeanni Brosius

Although, reminders of its roots are on the “boys” and “girls” restroom doors, a building that once housed kindergarteners is now a bustling senior center.

New life has been breathed into the Sue Vine Kindergarten building on the Castleberry Elementary Campus. The once derelict building sat vacant for years before it was transformed into the new Newport Senior Center. The center will offer programs and activities to enrich the lives of Jackson County’s senior citizens, and many activities and most special events are also open to the public.

Newport Special School District superintendent Dr. Larry Bennett shared his vision for the facility with the school board members, who voted on June 2016 to lease it to White River Area Agency on Aging. This lease offered the ability for the City of Newport and White River Planning and Development District to apply for funding to renovate the building. Newport Mayor David Stewart was able to have an application approved by Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) for $200,000 in construction funding.

A contract with Frank A. Rogers & Company Inc. was signed in March 2017, and Zack Mobley of Batesville was the architect for the project. The construction was completed in November 2017.

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JCYAA 2018 Jamboree. photos by Alton T. Walker

Things To Do

Local Faces

Fairgrounds. Call 501.366.1205 or email dadhenley@ aol.com.

Batesville

Essential Oils Classes Want to get started using essential oils and just NADT presents The Wizard of Oz don’t know where to start? Join us on the journey to June 1 at 7pm and June 2 at 6pm in the Southside knowledge and wellness with a 4-part essential oils High School Auditorium. Call 870.GOT.NADT www. class from June 11th-14th. Monday night is Essential nadt.info.

Oils 101, Tuesday night is Making Your Own Oils, Southern Food Festival Wednesday night is an In-Depth Discussion of Oils June 2 from 9am to 4pm Main Street Batesville. & Ailment Uses, and Thursday night is Cooking and Baking with Oils. All classes will be held at Hananel BACC Expo Bakery (inside The Kitchen Shop) from 4pm to 5:30pm.

June 6 from 10am to 3pm in the Batesville Come prepared to learn and leave being a user of Community Center Gymnasium at 1420 20th Street. essential oils! For more information, or to register for Batesville Rotary Yard Sale classes, please contact Hannah at (870) 283-2343.

June 8 beginning at noon at the Batesville 30 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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ASC Warranty Street Stock $4000 to Win June 15 & 16 at noon at the Batesville Motor Speedway. www.batesvillemotorspeedway.com.

Batesville Area Arts Council Summer Celebration June 22 at noon. 870.793.3382 info@ batesvilleareaartscouncil.org.

Kids Workshop June 23 at noon. 870.793.3382 info@ batesvilleareaartscouncil.org.

Friends With Food Allergies Join us this month as we learn how to make raw, fresh goat’s milk products, such as cheese, ice cream, and much more for free! Brood Farm will be hosting the event, where we will see first-hand their farm and learn from them. The meeting will be at 6pm on Tuesday, June 26th at 1054 Cypress Lane in Cave City. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information or carpooling, contact Hannah at (870) 283-2343.

Bad Boy Splash and Dash and Super Sprint Adult Triatholon Please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/ Batesville/BadBoySplashandDash for more information or to register for this July 14th event.

Batesville’s Farmer’s Market June 2, June 16, June 30, July 7 at 7am in the Main St. Pocket Park.

UACCB Classes Citizenship Preparation Class (Clase de preparación para la ciudadanía) - $35 June 2-9 870.612.2082.

Southern Food Festival

1st Annual Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars Festival Thursday May 31 at Noon through Saturday June 2 at 5pm in Mountain View. For more information, log onto tomorrowsbluegrassstars.org or Clancey Stewart at 870.615.2273.

Newport Farmers Electric Bright Star Children’s Theater June 8 from 10 to 11 am. Upcycled Cinderella at the Jackson County Library. Later at the Downtown Newport Park from 3:30 to 4:30pm will be the play Happily Ever After. For more information call 870.523.1009.

ASUN Movies in the Park June 9 from 8:30 to 10:30pm, Moana will be playing.

Arkansas Steel Associates Bluesday Tuesday June 19 from 7 to 9pm, featuring Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.

The Artist in U by Unity Health - Elementary Join Maggie Maddison in Acrylic painting for your children in elementary school June 27 from 10:30 to noon in the Downtown Newport Park. From 12:30 to 2pm, elementary students can join Carol Davis in the technique of Paint Pouring.

M&P, Insurance and Investment River Country Concerts Featuring the Roadies in the Downtown Newport Park from 7 to 9pm.

Jackson County Library Children June 6 DIY Tambourine / June 13 June 2 at 9am to 4pm on Main St., Batesville Drumming / June 20 Sounds of Nature / June 27 Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Strumming on a Banjo (all at 10am). For Tweens & The Caregiver Support Group provides opportunities Teens June 7 Rock Painting / June 14 Sound Wave for you to talk with others who really understand what Art / June 21 Rock n’ Roll Hwy Museum / June 28 you are going through. Join us every second Thursday Experimental Music (all at 2pm). at 5:15 p.m. in the WRMC Josephine Raye Rogers Manna Women’s Center Conference Center. Contact Deanna Manna Food Pantry is located in the Newport Green at 870.307.1406 for more information.

Pentecostal Church of God at 205 Ray Street in Newport. They open every Tuesday at 8 a.m. until food Melbourne is gone. First Tuesday of every month is for Jackson Recycling Program County pickups only. They have partnered with the The City of Melbourne has implemented a NEA food bank in jonesboro. Donate to the pantry by comprehensive recycling program to collect aluminum, contacting Gail Poole at 501-473-1560 or log on to metal cans, plastics, paper and cardboard. The collection www.newportpcg.com. Accepting food donations. site is located at 300 Circle Drive, next to the Izard County Sheriff's Office off Hwy 9 Spur. Collection dates are Tuesday and Saturday afternoons from noon-4pm.

Flatten all boxes. Pizza delivery boxes are OK but no Tuckerman City Library June 5 Making Music / June 12 Music in Nature / wax-coated or frozen food boxes.

June 19 Can You Hear the Music? / June 26 A World www.mymelbournearkansas.com Full of Music (all at 10:30am).

If your community is not represented here, Mountain View please send us any upcoming event information www.yourplaceinthemountains.com. and we will be happy to share with our other communities. N

Tuckerman

JUNE 2018 31

Thyme Enough

The Many Sides of Cooking Out

Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 56 years and are still having fun cooking and living!

It’s been a little unpredictable, but I believe we are going to have a typical Arkansas Summer. You know, the Scorching, Blistering, Blazingly HOT part of our year that is almost always heralded by an Overly Short, Perfectly Gorgeous, and Sneezy, Wheezy, Stormy Spring.

But you know what? We Arkies like our seasons, and we like to brag that we have four of them. We’ve even been known to say, “If you don’t like the weather just hang around awhile… it‘ll change.” But, there is one of the four that gets more than its fair share of grievance.

SUMMER, especially in August. We don’t glow…we sweat. But June, and July? Hey, what’s not to like?

School is out, it’s time to relax, to go fishing, to plant a new garden, to go to the beach or mountains. It’s time to play. And, if you’re the cook in your house, it’s time to move your kitchen outdoors, which often times has the added pleasure of handing the pot-holders to someone else. Simple and Easy is the ticket.

Simple and Easy Cookout Sides you could Forget Simply because they are so Simple and Easy!

A Big Platter of Sliced Fresh Tomatoes from your Garden or from the Farmer’s Market. Dress it up a bit (although it doesn’t need any dressing up) with alternating slices of Red Onion, or go Italian, add Mozzarella Cheese Slices and Fresh Basil, and a thin drizzle of Olive Oil.

mint leaves.

A: make the balsamic reduction, add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slight boil and reduce by half, about 6-8 minutes; set aside and let cool.

B. Serve watermelon wedges with goat cheese and mint, drizzled with balsamic reduction.

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Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924

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Black Bean and Corn Salad – Rachael’s 14 ounces or 1 can, Black beans, rinsed and drained, 2 cups frozen corn kernels, 1 small Red or Green Bell Pepper, seeded and diced, 1/2 red Onion, diced, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, recommended: Tabasco) 1 Lime, juiced, Black Olives to taste, 1 Can Water Chestnuts (optional).

Dressing: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve. The corn will also place a quick-chill on this easy side-salad as it defrosts -- no need to refrigerate!

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Reduction--Wow! Makes my mouth water.

(Note: I’ve never made this, but I will. If you beat me to it, email me what you think.)

Ingredients: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed, 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into wedges, 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese,1/4 cup 32 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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The Often Overlooked Chiggers

Scott Parker is a native of Harrisburg Arkansas who never felt the need to stray very far from home for any real length of time. He is an amateur Herpetologist, amateur Entomologist, amateur Mycologist, amateur Botanist, amateur Woodworker, amateur Writer, and a professional Dog and Cat lover.

Let’s see a show of figurative hands. Who of you have ever went walking in the summer and got off the trail, walking through weeds, grass or leaves out in the woods?

Or maybe got off in a Blackberry thicket picking those lushious berries? Or maybe just rested your backside on a convenient fallen log? Now, of those whose hands are up, how many of you woke up the next morning sporting an angry red welt that itched unbearably? Chances are, if you live in Arkansas, the percentage of yes to no will be about 99 to 1. And that one, well, your day is coming...

Those itchy, oozing welts, as I’m sure you know are caused by Chiggers. Chiggers, Redbugs, Berrybugs, Itch mites or Jiggers, whatever you call them, are a bane that we in the hot, humid south bear every summer. On the Scott Scale of Dislike, Chiggers rank slightly below Mosquitos (because you, in all fairness, must go to them) and slightly above ticks (which are at least big enough to see).

The term Chigger is actually a catch all term for several types of biting mites, but the two that Arkansas is most “blessed” with are Trambecula Alfreddugesi and Pyemotes Herfsi. Both reside in moist areas, prefering tall grass or heavy leaf litter, but trust me, it’s possible to pick up a random one or twenty by walking barefoot across your own rural backyard.

Both are tiny creatures, falling right on the borderline of microscopic and are both small enough to be dispersed into new territory by wind. P. Herfsi, commonly refered to as an Oak Mite is also regularly dispersed by birds. P. Hersfi, like its cousin the tick, actually bites and sucks fluid from its prey. But T. Alfreddugesi, or just plain chiggers, take feeding to the next level.

Instead of merely piercing your skin and sucking out blood, Chiggers literally eat your flesh. They use a rasp like mouth part to bore a hole though your outer layer of skin, and then procede to tear away at the tender inner layers. So, instead of a neat, clean puncture wound, you are left with a small but ragged wound. This extremely irratated wound coupled with the unbearable itching caused by the Chigger’s digestive fluids causes scratching which keeps the wound open.

Like most insect bites or stings, reactions to Chigger bites vary from person to person. Some people could lay down in weeds or leaves and maybe get a few nips that are mildly itchy and go away over night. I, on the other hand, firmly believe that I can drive past a chigger infested area and pick up a few. And if I actually walk off in the woods...

I was 15 and had gone turkey hunting in south Arkansas with my dad. The weather had been very warm and I was wearing a tee shirt and jeans. After a half hearted quick spritz of OFF, I headed out into the thick Oak and Pine forest. Somewhere along the way I nestled into a fallen treetop and did a little calling before heading back to camp later. Sometime during the night, I woke, my legs, back and arms on fire. The next day, back at home, I counted 62 angry weeping, red wheals on my left leg alone. My right leg had almost as many and as many again scattered on my arms, back, stomach, and less mentionable places.

It was a full two months before all of them fully healed, and I had scars on the back of my knees long after I graduated high school. After that, I was more careful, but it happened again in my mid 20s. Not quite as bad, but enough to make me eventually give up turkey hunting. I simply could not get in the woods during warm weather.

And even now ANY trip off the beaten path means rubber boots, jeans tucked into my boots, insect repellant, ect.

If I could find a big enough hamster ball (and I could get my mushroom hunting partner to promise to help if I got stuck between trees) I’d give it a try.

Returning home means boots off outside, boots, jeans and shirt sprayed with insect killer and promtly washed alone. A hot bath with a touch of bleach added, an alcohol rub down afterwards and alot of prayer rounds out my ritual. And I’ll still have a couple of bites. As it turns out I’m allergic to Chigger bites, and bites that would be mildly irritating to some, become swollen weeping wounds that take a minimum of two weeks to heal. But, I don’t have a reaction to posion ivy, so, nah, nah, nah, Mother Nature.

So, if your like me and feel like OFF is the offical perfume of summer, harken back to your childhood and remember the words of your mother, “Stay out of that thicket! Your gonna get CHIGGERS!” N

JUNE 2018 33

Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Family Ties

Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor at Batesville HIgh School and the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. She lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.

Growing up in a huge extended family certainly had it’s moments.

There were the huge holidays and big reunions, funny stories of our happy childhoods, and having 267 people have a deeply personal opinion about so many of the things you do every day (it turns out that aunts and cousins can have quite a bit of tough love and get away with it more than regular people). I have an older brother, but we were raised with a pack of cousins nearby. So many of my happy childhood memories include time with aunts and uncles, and wild cousins, and of course, delicious food (calories don’t count at family get togethers). Traits I come by honestly on both sides are unfailing loyalty, humor in every situation and work ethic. My dad retired to Batesville a few years ago, but I cannot seem to get him to stay retired.

He’s a busy bee.

Recently, I had the sad occasion to go back to my mom’s hometown, Mulberry, for a funeral for a beloved uncle, my mom’s brother, Jess. He was always larger than life to me as a kid, with his cowboy hats and belt buckles won at rodeos, fiercely loyal to our large family. My mom is the youngest of 12 siblings, so I think he may have been larger than life to her too. I love to hear her tell stories about their country raising (my dad has some stories too!!) and about their happy life. I keep telling my mom that I want to write a book about their family, but there would be so much to include

34 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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(and everyone would disagree on the details, since they also argue about silly things).

I am kind of unwilling to admit that a chapter of my life has closed, the one where my cousins and I are the kids, and our parents are the ones taking care of us. Sadly, the tide has turned. So many of my cousins are taking care of their aging parents.

I joke often that my parents and I have had a total role reversal. They run around without a care in the world (retirement looks pretty good!). If there is a predicted thunderstorm or sleet, rest assured they are probably on the road somewhere, scaring me to death (and don’t even think about getting them to answer their phones, which are more than likely on silent). I am paying for someone else’s raising with these wild two, obviously not mine, right? Since I was always in right before curfew (turning in on two wheels on the dot) and they never wondered where I was.

I would say that I am prepared to care for my parents as they age (if they would just sit still already), but they have both had a couple of health scares in the last year, and shown me just how bullheaded they can be, with taking care of themselves. We all have so much to learn from our parents, our aunts and uncles, and our grandparents.

I realize that sometimes family relationships are just hard. So many harbor the most pain from the things their family has done or said to them, in which case, there’s still quite a bit to learn from them, about how not to treat people.

My parents have a keen interest in not living in a granny pod in my backyard, although I assured them, I will build them quite a swanky one. This first photo is of them in front of the church where they wed, Main Street Missionary Baptist Church in Mulberry, almost 50 years ago (in October!!). Hug your parents if you’ve still got them (and tell them to turn their ringtone back on on their phone ).

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38 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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Uncle Occam Overtoun Bridge

Scott Parker is a native of Harrisburg Arkansas who never felt the need to stray very far from home for any real length of time. He is an amateur Herpetologist, amateur Entomologist, amateur Mycologist, amateur Botanist, amateur Woodworker, amateur Writer, and a professional Dog and Cat lover. He now shaves with Occam’s Razor.

Suicide Bridge I’m the first to admit that sometimes the oddest things strike me as interesting. But in this particular case, I never even had a chance. Two words, used in the same sentence and BOOM, there went my brain. Dog and mysterious.

Hook, line.and sinker.

Seems that in Dunbartonshire Scotland there is a bridge, Overtoun Bridge, to be precise, that has a mysterious secret.

According to some, dogs have, for years, been mysteriously jumping to their deaths while crossing the bridge.

Documentation shows that since the 50’s an estimated 100600 dogs have leapt from the bridge. The only links to these events are that most dogs jumped from the same side of the bridge, on clear sunny days, and that all were breeds with long snouts.

These canine deaths have from time to time recieved international attention, garnering input from canine Psycologists, hunters, local athorities and even Paranormal investigators. Offered explanations range from the odor of mink urine, perceptual problems due to the dogs vision, and that since the bridge has historically been cloaked in a shroud of paranormal activity, fairies, spirits, ghosts, earth energies, and “presences”.

So, what could be causing this phenomenon? Let’s break down the facts.

Overton Bridge was completed in 1895, spans a deep valley at the bottom of which flows Overtoun Burn. One particular note of intrest is that its rough faced stone walls are about 48” tall and are solid for the length of the bridge.

As was the style of the times the walls are roughly 24” wide with a slightly arched top. This seemingly unrelated fact is actually the most telling point of this entire conversation, so we will revisit it shortly.

As for the claims of paranormal involvment, anyone familar with Scotish folklore knows that one would be hardpressed to find an old bridge, castle, road, or even a large rock in the Scotish countryside that isn’t steeped in

tales of ghosts, fairies, spirits and such. And if you do find something that isn’t, just give it a bit and someone will whip up a little something. So basicly if tales of fairies and spirits caused dogs to commit suicide, there wouldn’t be a dog left in Scotland.

The odor of mink and other wild animals is probably a contributing factor, as are the perceptual problems, but are by no means the cause. And that brings us back to the all important wall. 48” tall, 24” wide solid with no gaps, and running the length of the bridge...

The stated point that all of the dogs were, and I quote, “ Breeds with long snouts.” seems minor at first, but actually gives us a very telling clue. Now, you might ask what would be significant about that? Well, read between the lines.

Breeds with long snouts? In Scotland that means mostly Collies and Terriers. Medium sized, energitic breeds with realitivly short legs.

A collie, when reared up on its hind legs stands about 48” tall to its head. Just tall enough to rear up and see over a 48” wall. But when looking at a 24” wide top what would he see?

He sees a flat area on top.

Notice that most dogs jumped on a clear, sunny day. Clear skies. Clear blue skies. Now anyone familar with dogs knows that while not totally color blind, dogs see in a limited color spectrum. Our best guess is that greens, blues and grays all look basicly the same to a dog. So, a clear blue sky would probably look quite similar to the gray stone of the bridges wall top.

As was stated ealier, the walls to Overtoun Bridge are solid with no holes, gaps, or openings to see through.

Basicly if your shorter than 48”, you simply cannot see what is on the other side. Now take an energetic breed, possibly curious about the tantalizing smells of animals and birds that are just out of sight. He rears up on the wall, sniffing, and can’t see over. With no holes to see through, and everything he sees telling him that since it’s the same color, the flat area on top must be very wide. So, what does he do?

He jumps, expecting to land on a wide flat table, and only too late discovers that what looked like a wide flat expanse is actually a narrow ledge terminating in thin air.

So, when I asked Uncle Occam what he thought he said, “ This is just another case of people reaching for a mystery.

Overtoun Bridge is just an unfortunate perfect storm casused by a shortsighted design flaw. There is nothing supernatural or mysterious, no fairies or goblins, just dogs being dogs. N

JUNE 2018 39

In The Field with Randy

On the Agenda

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association. He is 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.

After an April with slow planting progress and much below normal temperatures, things changed abruptly on May 1 with planting progress and crop development speeding up considerably with the onset of above normal temperatures and drier conditions. We did face some issues relating to low soil moisture during the middle of the month but overall considerable progress was made in May. Finishing up soybean planting, weed control in general, and fertilizing and flooding rice will be some of the main items on the agenda as we move into June.

Not too long ago, it was thought by many that soybean farmers should switch to later maturing Group 5 varieties when planting later. Research has shown, however, that the Group 4 varieties continue to hold up with later plantings and there is no need to switch to later maturing varieties if you don’t want to.

I would highly recommend the use of a seed treatment inoculant when planting soybeans late. Inoculants provide the bacteria needed for the soybean plant to fix nitrogen.

It was previously thought that inoculant was only needed when fields had been out of soybean production for several years. But University of Arkansas research has shown a significant increase in yields from use of an inoculant when planting later, and the later it gets the more that increase is.

As I’ve said many times before, weed control is all about doing whatever it takes to start clean (tillage and/or herbicides), overlapping residual herbicides, and making timely applications of the appropriate postemergence herbicides. The lack of good activating rains during the first half of May has been an issue and has lessened the activity of these preemergence residual herbicides. This makes it even more critical that we be on our toes scouting these fields and getting them sprayed in a timely manner.

We did get beneficial rains over much of the area on May 20-21 and hopefully these will continue periodically in order to provide moisture for postemergence herbicide activity and to activate residual herbicides.

Although there are many weeds that can be an issue, our number one concerns are generally barnyardgrass in rice (besides red rice which hopefully you are controlling with the Clearfield or Provisia system) and pigweeds in soybeans. Postemergence options for barnyardgrass in rice include Loyant, Ricestar HT, Clincher, propanil or propanil-containing products (if not propanil- resistant), Facet (if not Facet-resistant), and Regiment or Grasp (if not als-resistant). With pigweed in soybeans, you’re pretty much limited to Liberty in Liberty Link soybeans and Flexstar (and possibly Blazer) in conventional,

Roundup Ready, and Xtend beans and hope the pigweeds aren’t ppo-resistant.

For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association at 870-318-0739, my e-mail is randychlapecka@gmail.com.

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40 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market Kacey Burge graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and later received her Master of Art degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University. She has had a successful writing and editing career as both an on-staff writer, as well as on a freelance basis for almost a decade.

She has written dozens of features for a Southwest Florida Lifestyles publication, as well as a wide array of content for the web. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Kacey is a health and fitness enthusiast, yoga aficionado and animal lover.

Jim and Jammie Hardin Farmers’ Markets: An American Staple Farmers’ markets have been around for centuries, dating back to 1730 when one of the first known markets was established in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Here, city planners designated a 120 square foot lot in the center of town to use as a public market. According to USDA.gov, the buying and selling of fresh produce was so essential to daily life around the time the Lancaster Market was established, that from about 1818 until after World War I, “curb markets” started popping up as well. These mobile markets consisted of local farmers and merchants setting up their wagons along the curb of the street and selling their goods to the community.

Farmers’ markets are deep rooted in American history and have continued to be a staple in supplying families across the country with farm to table sustainable nutrition. There’s actually been a resurgence in their popularity over the last 2 decades with people becoming more aware of, and educated about the food industry and corporate practices.

Consumers have become interested in shopping local, supporting sustainability and embracing the farm-totable social movement. According to smithsonianmag. com, the renaissance of farmers’ markets began 20 years ago in places like California and New York, where “preservation of farmland and the livelihood of small farmers was key.” Since then they’ve grown to be much more than that.

The farmers’ markets of today have evolved from their “curbside market” past, where circles of wagons gathered along the street with local farmers peddling their produce and merchants trading their wares.

There are over 8,000 markets operating across the United States today according to the Department of Agriculture’s National Farmers’ Market Directory.

They’ve become event-like in their presentation, featuring things like live music, family friendly activities and vendors showcasing a wide array of creations from baked goods to hand made soaps and home décor. In some of the more densely populated cities, markets even offer food trucks and specialty cocktail stands serving up drinks like Bloody Marys and mimosas to market goers. At markets of all sizes, you can often enjoy arts and crafts expositions or live cooking demos on site. Farmers’ markets are appreciated for their family, and often pet-friendly, atmosphere, the sense of

Cover Story community they foster and the platform for open lines of communication they facilitate between consumers and growers.

The “Fresh” Perspectives With the farmers’ market season upon us, we want to shine the spotlight on one in particularthe Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market- as they are geared up to offer what they hope to be another successful and progressive season complete with great entertainment and wholesome family fun.

With new managers Jim and Jammie Hardin on board this year, the couple brings a refreshing enthusiasm and some great new ideas to the table.

The Hardin’s are no strangers to farming, as Jim has a degree in Agricultural Business from Arkansas State University and farmed for 25 years, and the pair are both avid gardeners. They are also no strangers to the Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market either, as Jammie has manned a vendor’s booth there since 2011, initially selling fresh squeezed lemonade, homemade granola and lemon cupcakes. “We have never been an organizer of a farmers’ market before,” she tells me. “So when they approached me at the close of last year’s season about being the manager this year, I had to take the opportunity. I love the market and I felt like it was ‘my turn’!” With her husband Jim on board, she was ready to take the lead.

“Growing” Into a New Decade The very first Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market came to fruition thanks to the combined efforts of a dedicated group of citizens-turned-committee and the Downtown Revitalization Improvement Volunteer Effort (DRIVE). They purchased 10 large blue tents and opened for business in July 2007 in the parking lot of the NEDC building under the management of Ann Hearn, who would lead a succession of successful market seasons after that. Several years later in 2011 a new pavilion was constructed next to the lake on Malcolm Avenue, complete with electricity, and all paid for by grants and through fundraisers. “We are proud to say that NO tax money was used for this,” Jammie points out. The pavilion with electric capabilities has allowed them to host live music performances, put on live cooking demonstrations and has recently provided them the opportunity to hold the first of what they hope to be many, Friday Night Flea Markets. This event took place under the lights on May 4th and booths were available to the public to rent for a special one-night price of $10. “The flea market was packed!” Jammie says happily. “It was a great success.” So much so, that they are considering putting on a Fall Market or Bazaar, so stay tuned for details on that front.

42 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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There is a lot to be excited about this season, as opening day kicks off on June 2nd, with a grand opening on June 9th. “Due to some April frost this year, we had to push our Grand Opening day back to accommodate for the loss of vegetables. But our “soft opening” will still offer lots of delicious baked goods and an assortment of some wonderful spring fruits and veggies,” explains Jammie. With a host of great themed events that will follow all summer long, you need to mark your calendars. Among those are Kids Day, Farm Day and Pie Baking Day taking place over several dates in July, where there will be a slew of fun activities for kids like the Farm Bureau Milk a Cow simulator booth, scavenger hunts, and a Little Red Hen art class. August will play host for Friday Night Flea Market! The young lady standing the Dog Days of Summer (given they are located across from the brought her cupcakes and sold out in 8 MINUTES, so town dog park). Stay turned for more potential developments don’t wait too long to come get yours next Flea Market. surrounding this themed month, as I am sure there will more exciting activities being announced as August approaches. You can also expect to hear some great tunes throughout the season as the local band Sweet Medley is a regular performer at the Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market and will dazzle your ear drums with their unique folk sound.

Homemade Goods and Farm-To-Table Freshness These are photos from past farmers markets 2015-2017.

Consumers can expect to find lots of beautiful and farm fresh produce over the next 3 months at the Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market, along with fresh eggs, baked goods and handcrafted items like soaps and décor. Bedding flowers and hanging baskets are also very popular all season long. This month, you can expect to see lots of fresh lettuce, spinach, radishes, onions, beets and cucumbers. In the later months of summer, you can expect to find the ever popular tomatoes, okra, peppers and peas, and delicious fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe. “This year we will be offering coffee and the occasional biscuits and chocolate gravy,” Jammie shares. And if you have a sweet tooth or need a refresher from the heat this summer, you’ll be in the right place, as Jamie sells fresh squeezed lemonade, fruit infused water, homemade granola, muffins and crème brûlée from her booth at the market.

A SPECIAL THANKS There is a host of people that have made the Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market a success, both in years past and today. In addition to the farmers, vendors, and consumers, a special thanks goes out to the following organizations for their unwavering support and helping to make the farmers’ market a growing success: The Arkansas Agricultural Department and Farm Credit for the 2018 Farmers’ Market Publicity Grant River Country 96.7 for donating $500 in radio spots that was purchased at the Lion Club auction The Newport Chamber of Commerce for their help in grant writing and advertisement of events The Newport Independent for running ads and including the market on the Community Calendar 2 Chicks Nursery and Gifts for sponsoring the official Downtown Newport Farmers’ Market T-shirts The market is open for business on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 7am until noon, or until they run out of produce.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest happenings. A current list of vendors and their items available for purchase are listed below: William and Sandy Brooks of Newport- Birdhouses, Tomatoes, Eggplants, Chinese Cabbage, Broccoli, Burpless Cucumbers, Ghost Peppers, Habaneros, JalapeĂąos, Purple Hull Peas and Pickled Green Tomatoes Benoni and Brenda Bullard of Bradford- Blackberries, Plums, Tomatoes, Squash, Cucumbers, Peppers, Eggplants, Potatoes, Onions, Green Beans, Okra, Top Pick Peas, Purple Hull Peas and Cabbage William Bullard of Bradford- a variety of vegetables Wayne and Ann Daniels of Newport- Potatoes, Tomatoes, Beets, Lettuce, Onions, Radishes, Okra, Squash, Cucumbers, and Eggplants Dennis and Judy Fletcher of Newport- a variety of vegetables, bedding plants and hanging baskets Angela Gibbs of Newport with Classic Culture Soap Company- Handmade soaps, Bath & Body products Whitney Haigwood of Newport- Baked Goods (assortments of cupcakes, brownies, cookies and cakes) Aaron Newman & Angie Daniels of Newport- variety of vegetables and canned goods Dean Phillips of Newport- Tomatoes, Peppers and Squash Sam and Barsha Porter of Tuckerman- Tomatoes, Onions, Cabbage, Peas, Green Beans, Beets, Peppers, Melons, Okra, Squash, Zucchini, Jelly & Jam Tasha Tweedle of NewportBread, Eggs, Assorted Vegetables and Honey, Pecans, Herbs and Pears (later in season) Terry Masters of Bradfordvariety of vegetables Matthew Davis/ Jackson County 4-H students- TBD Bonnie Daniels of Newportvariety of vegetables and canned goods Jammie Hardin (manager)Fresh Lemonade, Fruit-infused Water, Muffins, Homemade Granola, Coffee & Tea N

44 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

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JUNE 2018 45

Notes from the Clearing

The Weight of One Sock Joseph Thomas

Part VII

“Well....Uh....I,” Maddi full stomach felt punched at the words insurance and expired. She fell into a sitting position on the bed as her legs gave out, “Yeah, okay, I did have some plans but they are becoming looser and looser as people are backing out on me.” Maddi checked the bedside clock, “Geeez, it’s already one? How did that happen? Okay, so what do you think, I’ll meet you at Big’s at 5? I know that is your favorite place.”

“That sounds perfect. You good?”

“Yeah, just distracted a bit. Catching up with you sounds fun though. I’ll see ya at 5.”

“Alright Babydoll, love you.”

“Love you too, Mom.” Maddi’s stomach felt overwhelmed by the flooding cortisol that now flowed so freely in her system. “No insurance....” Maddi said to the room with a sharp touch of hysterics exposed around the edges of her voice. Maddi’s mind visualized the back door as she saw it before the Fire Department arrived and crowded upon the scene. She could see the closed door with smoke pouring out of the cracks, just as it did when she was choosing whether to open it back up or not. She was just about to decide to leave it closed, lost to the visual, when her cell phone rang in her back right pocket. It vibrated her bum and jolted her into the action of retrieving it. The phone was lit up with Emily’s profile picture, which was her and Maddi at Great Lawn Amusement Park. Maddi blew out a sigh, debating on whether to answer or not. She was still upset with her, but decided she couldn’t not answer.

She inhaled and swiped the green phone up.

“What is it Emily?”

“MADDI! YOU’VE GOT TO HELP ME!” “Emily, what is it?” she was very concerned at the way Emily sounded.

“GARY TOOK ME OUT TO EAT AND ON OUR WAY BACK TO HIS HOUSE WE....WE HIT....AAAHHHHH.” Her voice broke into sobs.

“Okay, calm down Emily. Are you okay?”

“Yes.” “Okay, is Gary okay?”

“I don’t know, the clown...” “the clown?”

“Gary ran over a cat and a dog. They came out of nowhere and he hit them both I think. Then the clown was there AND HE JUST.....STARTED SHOOTING. GARY TOOK OFF RUNNING AND THE CLOWN RAN AFTER HIM.” “Jesus Emily, where are you?”

Maddi let Emily finish and ran to her car with nothing on her mind but her friend. It was the cold brake pedal that brought her left bare foot back to her mind. She’d never stopped using her left foot as her breaking foot, no matter how hard her father fought to make her use her right. She slammed the car into R and swiveled to watch the drive as she peeled out of it, bouncing out into the street. She slammed the transmission into D before the car was at a

full stop and zoomed to the rescue...or retrieval...or at the very least, to her friends side, just five blocks away.

The possible scene raced through her mind as she raced through the neighborhood; colorful scene of clown make up, the red Bozo hair, red, white and blue costume with large red, floppy shoes and red blood hazed over the whole scene of the circus freak waving his shotgun around.

It was movement to her left that distracted this new graphic visual. Two blocks over at the first stop sign from her Pop’s house, Maddi saw the obnoxious Gary running from Krusty (Maddie was unsure of how to think of this clown), who was waving the double barrel weapon severly from side to side as he high kneed it over the floppy foot wear. Maddi pondered whether she should try to break up the scene and smiled ever so slightly as she decided to leave Gary to his own devices, and Bozo’s. Besides, her friend needed her and that his where she was headed. Her car lurched forward with that decision and quickly ran upon Emily’s dark blue sedan. Emily was pacing around the driver’s-side with a look of panic and indecision.

Maddi stopped with a lurch next to her watching Em’s face throughout the process, realizing all too late that she almost hit the rear of the parked car. Emily backed up nervously, but let it go as Maddi stepped out of her own car with a ready hug.

The two fell together in an embrace, “Girl? What happened?” Emily vomited a stream of pushed together words with no room between to break it all up into meaningful communication. Maddi backed out of the hug watching her friends face in horror at the moaning that sounded as if it was supposed to be the answer to her question. “Emily!” Emily’s slurring, extended word stopped abruptly and she looked at Maddi like a sad puppy questioning her loud shout. “Breathe Honey.”

Emily burst into tears and shook as she waved a hand before her eyes as if it would stop the tears. Maddi couldn’t stand to see people do that, as if the tears brought so much heat that they needed to be waved to cool them.

Maddi grabbed Emily’s waving hand in frustration, “Emily, calm down. What do you want to do?” When Emily didn’t answer quick enough to suit Maddi, she said, “I saw Gary being chased and I’m fine with it to be honest.” Emily looked shocked and slapped by that, but simply broke into sobs again. “Okay,” Maddi said, “I’m sorry. I can tell you are scared. Calm down and talk to me.” N

46 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Southside . Swifton . Tuckerman

To Be Continued... eyeonmag.com

NOW ACCEPTING

NEW PATIENTS Walk-Ins Welcome!

Melissa Wright, MD

is accepting new patients at the Newport Diagnostic Medical Clinic (inside the WRMC Medical Complex Newport), 2200 Malcolm Avenue. Dr. Wright’s scope of practice includes primary care, wellness exams, and treating a wide range of health conditions. She sees patients of all ages and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and all private insurances.

She works alongside Dr. Nicole Lawson and Dr. Randall Hunt.

Same-day appointments available. To schedule your appointment, call (870) 512-2500!

White River Medical Center felt like home. It was exactly the environment I wanted for my delivery.

Mary Elizabeth Davis, Batesville

As a native of Batesville, small town values and care are important to Mary. That is why the care she received at White River Medical Center made all the difference. By the time she left the hospital, she felt like she was leaving family.

State-of-the-Art Maternity Care White River Medical Center works hard to provide the quality care you need right where you need it.

WRMC’s state-of-the-art birthing suites, Board-Certified physicians, and Certified nursing staff, ensure you and your little one’s stay is comfortable every step of the way.

WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com

WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com

1710 Harrison Street | Batesville, AR (870) 262-1200

JUNE 2018 47