Eye On Jackson November 2016

November 2016

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Gentleness Evelyn Linvell Last Minute Thanksgiving A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note A Change in the Weather

6

6/Unity Health Harris Sarah Brown

7/Service Guide 8/I Do

Keller - Flanery Wedding

9/Central Baptist Brief

8

Gentleness

10/Cover Story

Evelyn Linvell, Captain - Air National Guard

13/Great Tastes

Last Minute Thanksgiving

19/In the Field with Randy Mid Harvest

9

20/NEDC Report

Honor Your Jackson County Veteran

21/Seniors, can we talk?

Annual Notice of Change Information

Eye On Jackson is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431.

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2013 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher.

All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Joseph Thomas ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Adrienne Freeman CREATIVE DIRECTOR : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN DEPARTMENT: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Robert O. Seat

10

PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company

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

13 19

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

Editor’s Note A Change in the Weather Joseph Thomas

November is already upon us, with 2017 just around the corner. We hope that you are all well.

Eye On November has the following in store for you: Randy Chlapecka talks midharvest, Michelle Foshee introduces Sarah Brown, Caroline Beauchamp photo by Robert O. Seat speaks information changes and Jarred Elliott touches on gentleness. Kacey Burge brings us powerful woman, Evelyn Linvell, Air National Guard Captian, as we honor our veterans for all their service has allowed us and the sacrifices they have made in the name of our freedom in this great country. Jon Chadwell writes of the Veteran’s Memorial soon to be built in downtown Newport, I share the Keller-Flanery Wedding, Adrienne Freeman cooks us up some last minute thanksgiving dishes and we have faces, things to do and more, so please read on as your day allows and enjoy this eleventh month of 2016. N

Unity Health Harris Sarah Brown

Making the move from the northeast portion of the nation to northeast Arkansas, Sarah Brown, APRN has joined the healthcare community to serve patients and families at the Unity Health Extended Hours Clinic in Newport.

A native of Jonesboro, Brown, her husband and their three children (having previously lived in Rhode Island and Maryland), moved back to Arkansas to be near family and friends. Married for eight years, she and her husband are enjoying raising their three children, each under the age of 3, in a familiar environment, close to family and friends.

Brown received her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Arkansas State University in 2006 and a master of science of nursing degree from Vanderbilt University in 2008. She has served as a nurse for 10 years and seven a half of those years as a nurse practitioner. She specializes in family practice and sees patients four days a week. Her duties include treating patients of all ages, routine primary care needs, acute sick visits and wellness physicals.

Since being welcomed to Newport and Unity Health, Brown says the experience has been a great one. “I really enjoy serving a small community, I feel like you get to know the patients very well on a more personal level,” Brown said. “I like that small town community feel and 6 |

coworkers are dedicated to their patients and do an excellent job at supporting the team and the patients that we see.”

Being back in the state has brought Brown the opportunity to enjoy her favorite hobbies including spending time with family and her kids, reading and running. While managing her job and family she is also training for the St. Jude half-marathon in Memphis, Tenn., in December. For more information about Brown or the Unity Health Extended Hours Clinic, please contact (870) 523-9852. N

Share photos of your wedding and celebrations with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

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

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Success is a journey, not a destination November 2016 | 7

I Do Keller - Flanery Wedding

Jason Brickey Freelance Photography Brandi Shultz with Key Moments Photography

Joseph Thomas Hannah Keller and Yule Flanery met at the Brickhouse Grill on her first visit to the Jonesboro hotspot (on a girls night out with friend Teresa). Yule wasn’t a regular either, but a friend was playing in a band there that night. The two ladies struck up a conversation with the band’s lead singer after the show, who in turn called over Yule and the rest was, “I guess you could say history,” explains Hannah. “We started talking and found out we grew up in the same area (he graduated in Cave City; I’m a Batesville native). Our meeting was really serendipity. We had been in the same areas our whole lives pretty much but never met until that night. It was definitely a case of right place, right time.”

The couple decided to take their kids to the Cave City Watermelon festival in August of 2015. Hannah’s son answered the door and told his mother that Yule brought something for her. Her son brought her a bouquet of flowers. “It took me a minute or two to notice the ring sitting in the middle of one of the big daisies in the bouquet,” says Hannah. “When he realized I saw it, he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.”

Hannah and Yule were married June 11, 2016 at Harmony Hills Vineyard in Bethesda. A friend of the family owns the vineyard and graciously allowed them to get married there. They had an outdoor ceremony with a reception to follow at the couple’s home, also in Bethesda. The Arkansas Brothers (the same band playing when they met), played at the reception.

8 |

Hannah adds, “Our ceremony was small and simple. My maid of honor was Teresa Rodriguez, my best friend I was out with the night I met Yule.

His best man was Bob Mingus, his close friend and coworker. My son, David Burney, walked me down the aisle. My cousin, Brian Keller, officiated the ceremony.”

Hannah says that as for what’s ahead, the couple is open to the changes that come with growing children and love in life. They have three boys, Cameron, Aidan, and David, and a house full of pets (three dogs, 2 cats). Hannah is assistant to the chancellor at UACCB and Yule now works at Intimidator. The couple loves being outdoors, love being with their family and both agree that they absolutely love having a partner that understands them, to do this thing called life with. N

Share photos of your wedding and celebrations with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

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Central Baptist Brief Gentleness

It’s one of the greatest proverbs in the Bible that reads, “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” More than likely you find a great connection with that statement; and rightly so, because of its reality.

James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus compared the tongue to a small rudder on a large ship; something that has great authority even though it is so small. The tongue is an amazing organ of the body; but at the end of the day, that’s all that it is—an organ. The tongue is not what is gentle, it expresses gentleness. The hands are not what are gentle, they express gentleness. Gentleness is a virtue that comes from a heart of genuine transformation in Christ.

Gentleness is not simply the speaking of kind words, the holding of doors, or the coddling of children; it’s something much deeper, much more inward. Gentleness, defined by our Lord, is something that is organic and is an expression that flows out of a place that is plumbed to a never-ending source of peace. Complete and flawless perfection was, and still is today, the demonstration that Christ put on display for all of His creation to witness when it comes to true gentleness. Christ was gentle because He was forgiving, compassionate, and submissive to the Father. “Anyone can be those things” you may say, and you would be correct! But nobody has ever been these things from a perfect heart before the eyes of God. Our obedience and submission can always be polluted with obscured motives, selfish ambition or competitiveness.

Unlike mainstream’s definition, Biblical forgiveness is the acquittal of not only the debt that we owed God for our sin and rebellion but also the stain of guilt that it leaves on our conscience. In other words, God not only takes away the legal offense done toward Him, but also the dreadful feeling of knowing that we have. Jesus took all of that away. Friend, when you offer up forgiveness, do you still have strings attached? You may not be very gentle. Do you have compassion toward those who are suffering unjustly?

Are you submissive no matter the outcome, good or bad? In the words of another pastor, “The meek are not the weak but rather are people who under the pressures of life, set aside their own notions and bend their wills as they stand before the greatness and the grace of God.” N

Jarred Elliott is the Teaching Pastor at Central Baptist Church Newport Campus. Jarred was called into the ministry in 2012 and has been pastor at the Newport Campus since the fall of 2014. When he is not tickling his son, Ethan, he enjoys flying airplanes and other types of aircraft with friends. You can learn more about Central Baptist Church and Jarred at www.centralbaptist.com.

November 2016 | 9

Eye On Cover Story Evelyn Linvell, Captain - Air National Guard A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Evelyn Linvell has lived a very interesting life and dedicated a significant portion of it to serving her country in the highest regard as a member of the United States military. From childhood to motherhood, from student to Captain in the Air National Guard to Auditor for the Arkansas Department of Finance. From her small town upbringing in Jumbo, AR to mission work in Brazil and a military career that started in San Antonio, Texas and spanned across the country from South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Mississippi to Colorado, Nebraska and across the state of Arkansas, Evelyn has a lot of stories to share, wisdom to impart, and appreciation to give for the opportunities she’s had throughout her life’s journey thus far. Getting to pen her story has been both a pleasure and an honor for me, as her life experiences and military work have been both inspirational and entertaining in the way she shares them with humility and candor.

A FAMILY OF FAITHFULNESS Evelyn grew up down a little gravel road in the small country community known as Jumbo, AR about 3 miles outside of Melbourne. Living in a hollow by the creek surrounded by relatives on the hill tops of each side, she remembers playing with her cousins who came in tow with her aunts and uncles to visit every Sunday.

The chickens roamed freely, Granny Vest told the kids spooky stories and Grandpa Hunt entertained the children with his smooth bass voice, singing “Sixteen Tons” at the family potlucks.

Country music was always played in the family home she shared with her parents, older brother and 2 younger siblings, which created an admiration for Norma Jean and later Dolly Parton

when she appeared on the Porter Wagoner show they watched every Saturday evening.

Evelyn was always inspired by her mother who was helpful and hardworking with a true heart after God. She remembers her momma taking care of any paperwork that needed to be done, handling household chores and lending a hand at the cattle farm. In fact, every summer until Evelyn was 10 years old, her family would pack up and head to the fruit harvest in Washington state, not knowing what type of work they would be assigned to do.

“My parents always had faith in God and in each other that everything would work out,” she says of their blind faith. In the fall they would come home for her dad to go to work at the saw mill. “Mom would take us to worship every Sunday and she and Daddy taught us right from wrong in hopes that our lives would be blessed,” she says with a smile. “I feel fortunate to come from such a good, God-fearing family.”

Evelyn married Grubbs native Raymond Linvell who brought two wonderful children from his previous marriage, Jeremy and Kristen, to the relationship. The couple went on to add 2 more children to their family, Travis and Mindy. “My husband is a good, hardworking man. All of the children are too,” she says proudly.

Jeremy and Kristen both hold supervisory positions at their jobs and Travis and Mindy are both excelling in college, preparing to graduate next year.

AN EDUCATION TO A HIGHER CALLING Evelyn graduated from Melbourne High School with her class of 20 students and went on to attend her first year of college at Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould where she took classes over three semesters during a slightly extended school year. She then transferred to Harding University where she lived on campus and worked as a server/hostess at one of the on-campus cafeterias for the next three years while she completed her degree in Accounting. “I didn’t own a car at the time so I didn’t get to visit home as much as I’d liked and unfortunately, because of that, I missed out on watching my younger siblings grow up,” she said regretfully, “But I was able to earn some spending money and working at the cafeteria helped teach me how to interact better socially as I was always a bit shy around strangers.”

When she did get back home on holiday breaks and summer vacation, she worked as a CNA at the local nursing home in Melbourne where she aided in the care of its residents. “Although some of the residents weren’t in the best shape, they did have good days now and then and it was always great to be part of those times when they smiled and laughed.”

After graduation, Evelyn expanded her horizons even further and traveled to Brazil with Harding’s International Church Campaign, spending 6 weeks in

various South American locations including São Paulo, Campinas and Bello Horizonte. “It was truly an eyeopening experience seeing some of the deep levels of poverty on one side of a town compared to the prosperity on the other,” she shares of her travels abroad.

A few months after she returned from her 6 week mission in Brazil, Evelyn relocated to Newport and started working for the Arkansas Department of Finance as a tax auditor where she worked primarily with sales tax and consumer use tax. It wasn’t long, though, before a lunch break conversation with Army Guard and State Trooper Max Jones at a local restaurant would redirect the course of Evelyn’s path and send her packing for Air National Guard basic training camp in San Antonio, TX. “Max starting telling my girlfriend and I about how the Guard was a great way to serve your country and see other parts of the world at the same time,” she recalls, “And that fired up a spark in me. I had nothing holding me back,” Evelyn wasted no time and joined Air National Guard’s 189th Air Refueling Group in Jacksonville and, with her family’s support, took a break from her job and headed off to her 6 week basic training program in South Texas.

TRAINING FOR LIFE Basic training was an interesting experience for Evelyn and a step outside her comfort zone but she adjusted well. With a very strict and regimented schedule, she, along with the 40 other girls in her unit, were up running track and cleaning their areas all

before breakfast. She spent her days in class learning about military history, safety, artillery training and communication skills, and spent her evenings studying her class work and perfecting her marching skills. “I think my few years of square dancing after I moved to Newport helped me out a little in this area,” she quips. Sunday nights were spent stripping and waxing the floors until they shined like glass and the Training Instructor was always there monitoring each minute of every day. Her efforts paid off and she was awarded an Honor Graduate ribbon.

As graduation from basic training approached, if the Instructors were particularly proud of their units’ skills, they would take time to show off and let them do what they called “razzle dazzle” in the waiting area outside of the chow hall, which were carefully planned combinations of quickly performed military moves.

“When our Instructor found out one of our own girls had learned to call out the moves for our unit, he let us dazzle the other units pretty often. We felt like his chest puffed out a little bit over it,” she laughs.

During basic training, the girls were required to carry small note cards around with them called “341’s” which included their names and various other pieces of information. If they were found on the training site doing anything they shouldn’t be, any other instructor taking notice would ask for one and send it to their instructor with notations so proper disciplinary action could be taken. Evelyn had a very interesting and entertaining

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story to share regarding her personal experience with a 341card that would actually turn into her getting an Achievement Medal!

“Let me start by explaining that guys and girls were not allowed to have public displays of affection (PDAs) and actually didn’t even touch,” she tells me. She goes on to say, “I should also explain that we attended a safety class the day before, teaching us the Heimlich Maneuver.”

Evelyn tells me about how she was sitting across from a boy at lunch, she made a joke and he laughed. “Gradually he started getting an odd look on his face and made a motion for someone to hit his back. I tried to get someone to help him but everyone just stared so I ran around behind him and helped him myself.” Promptly an instructor approached and asked her for a 341.

“I just knew I was in trouble for PDA, so when I was commended for my actions later when I returned from Jacksonville, you can probably understand that I simply felt I had fixed something that I had messed up!” Evelyn was just glad the boy was ok and she was proud that she was able to call on her training that ultimately saved the boy’s life.

DETERMINATION AND PERSISTENCE After graduation from basic training, where she earned an extra Airman’s stripe for entering as an enlist rank with a Bachelor’s degree, Evelyn set off to Gulfport, MS to train as a computer operator for 10 weeks and then after 2 years of meeting monthly drills in Jacksonville where part of their training involved searching and tagging body parts and possessions after a simulated plane crash, she was accepted for a position as Services Officer (over food, lodging and eventually the responsibilities of assistance in Mortuary and Search and Recovery). So, it was off to The Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, TN where she would face a tough first week of Officer School.

Evelyn struggled with learning to lead march. “My Instructor told me over and over that I was not supposed to show irritation on my face, but it did no good,” she recounts. The group attended class during the day and every evening they would round up smaller groups to practice. “I learned that sometimes you just have to say ‘regroup’ to get back some semblance of order but I’m sure my face showed no evidence of a calm demeanor,” Evelyn laughed.

Another struggle was the physical training aspect of Officer School. “I was supposed to have been doing some physical training in preparation before I left for AMS but hadn’t done a serious job, so when we were tested on the track the first week, I missed my allotted time by quite a bit, having to make some stops to bend over and catch my breath,” she admits. During her second attempt the following week, Evelyn had the support of her fellow classmates who ran along side her, encouraging her to push on. But unfortunately her efforts weren’t cutting it so she started alternating weight training with running for the remainder of her time there and 12 |

with determination and persistence, she worked hard everyday to increase her physical abilities.

Aside from her achievements in the classroom and on the running track, one of Evelyn’s most proud moments from Officer School took place on the volleyball court where the Instructors and Training Base authorities played against the students. “I blocked a spike from the Director himself and he came right over and high fived me,” she says with a smile, “It was like he was a proud parent!” The volleyball game and fellowship that took place that day was a special memory for Evelyn and her classmates as they knew with graduation commencing the next day that many of them would likely not see each other again.

Evelyn remained an officer from 1985 until the summer of 1993 when she resigned following the birth of her son, Travis. While the deep love and respect for her country remained, she felt her duties had changed.

During her time with the Air National Guard she had the opportunity to train in underground control centers, directing troops by hand radios during simulated chemical weapons attacks at the Eglin Air Force base in Florida. During this chemical weapons training, she also ran a mortuary where she was responsible for identifying victims and attaching ID tags to the bodies before they were shipped out. She fed troops from a cafeteria tent in Honduras and fed troops in the pouring rain in the woods of Camp Robinson from a field kitchen trailer while working 2 hour guard shifts day and night, donning bullet proof vests and helmets, armed with M-16 rifles.

EMBRACING THE FUTURE Her transition back to the civilian workforce was fairly seamless as she went back to her job with the Arkansas Department of Finance where she still remains today. She believes her military experience has helped her be more willing to face new challenges and is using those skills everyday in both her personal and professional life. As a new enrollee in the DROP program, Evelyn is required to retire from her job in the next 7 years and plans to spend more time with family and get more involved with church activities. “I also like digging in the dirt and planting flowers so I hope my arthritis holds off long enough to enjoy that too,” she says with a smile. We are sure that no matter what Evelyn decides to do in her retirement, it will include blessing and serving others!

We are proud to Kacey Clare Burge has a Master’s degree in Writing from Chatham Univerhonor her for all her Professional sity. She has written for a Southwest Florida lifestyles magazine and because of her outaccomplishments standing work, she was featured in REAL because she is truly Magazine as a contributing copy writer and editor. She has worked as a debt content worthy!

N writer for a financial advice website and had

Share photos of your wedding and celebrations with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

a successful freelance career for several years.

Kacey spends most of her free time with her husband, daugther and three rescue dogs, enjoying the outdoors and exploring what the state of Arkansas has to offer.

Great Tastes

Last Minute Thanksgiving ‘It was the best of times; it was the worst of times’.

This well-known first line of the Dickens novel The Tale of Two Cities isn’t specifically meant to describe holidays, but often it is just the perfect description of the crazy swirl of extended family, overly ambitious menus and attempts to recreate Great Aunt Clara’s stuffing recipe on Thanksgiving.

Even the most accomplished in the kitchen can be frazzled with the array of demands on Turkey Day, the Superbowl of Cooking. These last minute tips can help a drowning cook survive the unexpected waves of culinary expectation and emerge as a world champion, at least to their guests, and all diners will say “Thanks!”

The Bird: Fully defrost the turkey and bring it to room temperature. If you buy it frozen, it could take up to 2 days in the fridge. Taking this extra step will make for a more dependable timetable and more even roasting.

Pat the skin dry with paper towels if you want crispy goodness.

Brine if you have time. It’s a science thing, (www. foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roastturkey-recipe) but it is the best way to make a moist bird.

Deep frying should be classified as an extreme sport.

Read directions, be safe and do it far from the house.

EMERGENCY SOLUTION: Pre-roasted whole birds and breasts are available at most grocery stores. In a more dire situation, deli roast chicken can be portioned and served on a platter as a substitute.

The Gravy: Pour pan drippings into a gravy separator – a special “measuring cup” with a long spout that helps to pour off excess oil. If you don’t have one, just pour pan drippings in a slender container and allow to sit for 20 minutes while the oil separates from the flavorful juice for the gravy. Just spoon off the excess grease.

Flour or cornstarch will thicken your gravy but make sure you thin cornstarch with COLD water before adding to a simmering stock.

EMERGENCY SOLUTION: Jarred or can gravy can be easily pumped up with pan drippings, extra poultry stock and a healthy pinch of poultry seasoning or herbs. We won’t tell.

The Potatoes: Traditional mashed potatoes should be made with russet (baking) or buttery gold potatoes, not the smaller, round red skinned variety. Cut in uniform size for even cooking, and add WARMED cream or milk to the hot potatoes; cold liquid + hot potatoes = lumps. Stir in butter at the end.

Believe it or not, canned sweet potatoes are an acceptable substitute for fresh. Drain well, heat and proceed with your recipe.

Recipes for sweet potatoes are varied. Whipped, baked, or served in a pie are just a few of the methods. Remember,

sweet potatoes or yams aren’t as starchy as white potatoes, so don’t expect the same results. Basic rules are 1) chop into uniform sizes 2) add liquid that is warmed to the temp of the cooked vegetable. Perfect spices are cinnamon, maple, cloves, allspice or apple pie seasoning. A little butter and sugar/sugar substitute are always welcomed.

EMERGENCY SOLUTION: Refrigerated mashed potatoes from the grocery store beat boxed. Put in a greased casserole dish, stir in a little butter and sprinkle with grated cheese after heating for a home-cooked touch.

Or if KFC is open, just ask them to put the gravy on the side …..

The Dressing: Cornbread, sausage, oyster, white bread…everyone has an opinion. But universally, the bread should be a little stale to withstand the added liquid. Make it the day, week or month before. It freezes beautifully and results in the perfect day-old bread called for in your recipe.

EMERGENCY SOLUTION: Boxed stuffing mixture doesn’t have to be made on top of the stove. Use the dried cubes, soak in stock (canned or homemade), add sage, thyme, and a beaten egg to bind, but watch added salt!

Anything pre-made has a lot of salt for taste and also to make it shelf stable. Remember – you can always add more, but you can’t take any out.

The Centerpiece: Expensive flowers aren’t a must. Pine cones, a few “artful” branches anchored in acorns, candles in a large vase surrounded with popcorn can make any table festive.

EMERGENCY SOLUTION: Kill two birds with one stone and have any children sit down and color Thanksgiving placemats or trace their hands to make “turkey” themed place cards.

All in all, little mistakes in the kitchen are more visible to the cook than the guests.

Most important, everyone Adrienne Freeman is a Jackson County based food writer whose work is published is there to eat and give statewide. When not at the keyboard, she can be found in the kitchen, focusing on recipes thanks for their blessings. and techniques that can be easily replicated by fellow enthusiastic home cooks. She always welcomes reader response at newport.

N foodies@yahoo.com.

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Custom Eyes Vision Care of Newport 2105 Suite A, Malcolm Ave 870-523-3333 Custom Eyes Vision Care of Pocahontas 110 W. Broadway 870-892-9169

Dr. Gavin McDowell and Dr. Amy Tolbert

Custom Eyes Vision Care of Trumann 807 W. Main Suite A 870-483-0096

www.seeourdocs.com A good education starts with strong vision book eye exams for your children today

Things To Do

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox November means it’s time for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes! This is the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse which puts shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items and toys into the hands of children around the world.

This operation has delivered over 135 million shoeboxes to more than 150 countries to date.

Anyone can pack a box to bless a child in a war torn, impoverished, or refugee situation. Simply fill a shoebox with paper, pencils, crayons, toothbrush, soap, washcloth, hairbrush or comb, and toys like a ball, a doll, stuffed animal, toy cars, or yo-yos, add $7 for shipping and drop at the nearest collection center. For more details go to samaritanspurse/occ.org for details.

The collection week for these boxes is November 14-21st at Jacksonport Baptist Church located at 300 Dillard in Jacksonport.

Volunteers will be there during business hours to gladly accept your boxes and send them on their way to these waiting children. For more information, call (870)523-6083.

They are an open door pantry which means people that are in need can come in and choose the items that their family will enjoy. They do not go by any kind of income guide lines and are open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. They have partnered with the NEA food bank in jonesboro and so are able to help more people in need. Anyone looking to donate to the pantry can contact Cynthia Lochridge. at 870-219-0857 or can log on to www.newportpcg.com.

They also accept food donations. N

ASUN Patron Series

The 2016-2017 ASUN Patron Series continues with a “Rock & Soul Christmas” by Memphis-based G3 will help ring in the holidays with a December 6 performance, followed by a special Valentine’s Day performance of Embraceable You, set to the music of George Gershwin that will carry the audience back to 1948. the Patron Series will wrap up Saturday April 8 with “Sounds of Summer,” a tribute that tells the story of America’s band - The Beach Boys. Individual tickets for each performance are on sale now, but choice seats may be purchased now by supporting the series through Patron Sponsorship. Patron Sponsorship, at just $100 per couple $50 per individual, allows the sponsor to then select and purchase their season tickets in advance at more than 50% off the regular price.

To become a Patron Sponsor or for more information, contact Sandra Pankey at 870.523.5453 or 870.217.3711.

Dewana McIntosh Reception Artist Dewana McIntosh is the 5th artist featured in the Delta Visual Arts Series in downtown Newport, Arkansas! The show will be on display through November 23. Come see the work of this fantastic artist in the Newport Business Resource Center.

Jackson County Book Nook The Jackson County Book Nook, located directly behind Umsted Methodist Church on McLain St. in Newport, is open each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

They offer a wide range of books for all ages. Friends of the Jackson County Library operate the Book Nook and all proceeds go to help with programs and needs of the library.

Manna Manna Food Pantry is located in the Newport Pentecostal Church of God at 205 Ray street in Newport.

God Bless our Veterans, One and All for Their Honor, Dedication and Sacrifice!

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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 commission will work to enhance, promote, and create increased opportunities for economic well being by developing and implementing strategies that will improve quality of life, community aesthetics, and encourage new investment in Newport and Jackson County.�

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1.)

2.)

Faces 1.) P Allen Smith Tour: The path through the vegetable gardens down to the English Rose Garden affords a picturesque view of the Arkansas River valley beyond P. Allen Smith’s estate. Next image shows June Evans and Carolynn McDonald, both of Batesville, exploring the gardens at P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home and Farm. The third image shows a 300-year-old oak tree in front of P. Allen Smith’s three-story “cottage” provides welcome shade for (from left) Citizens Bank Travel Club members Betty Adams, Bill and Helen Fulbright, Charles and Sue Kibbe, Libby Pierce, Kathryn McDoniel, Patricia Dunegan, Lou Rooks, Jerry Hayes, Bill and Shirley Bundy, Grace Mullin, David Wesley and June Evans.

2.) Nearly 100 people attended the Ascent Children’s Health Services Family Movie Night Under the Stars.

November 2016 | 17

THE ALL-NEW 2017 ACADIA DENALI 4G WI-FI HOT SPOT

Signature Denali Style Hands Free Lift Gate Signature Denali Lighting Refined Crafted Interior

Toll Free: (800) 250-3664 Sales & Service (870) 523-2792 3808 S. Van Dyke Road, Newport, AR WWW.GEORGEKELLMOTORS.COM

Browse our entire inventory online and schedule an appointment without picking up the phone!

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In the Field with Randy Mid Harvest The harvest season is winding down and it has been a real mixed bag. As I mentioned in the October edition of Eye on Jackson, the 2016 rice crop in our area at that time could be classified as average to below average. I mentioned in that article that I was hoping that the remaining portion of the crop to be harvested would be better. Unfortunately, yields didn’t change much from start to finish. Again, at the end, the best description that can be used for the 2016 rice crop is average to below average. Overall, the Rice Tec hybrids did fare somewhat better than conventional varieties, in many cases about 30-40 bushels better.

Heat, and in some cases, diseases are being blamed for the lower yields although in my opinion the temperatures were not that extreme. Maybe we’ll learn more as the situation is studied.

Soybean yields have generally been on the other end of the spectrum with above average yields being reported in many cases. Earlier planting, better varieties and overall improved management are some of the factors contributing to these better yields. To be honest, a lot of farmers have become much more serious about managing their soybeans for higher yields over the past few years. The higher prices that we saw for several years plus the high yields documented in Arkansas’ Grow for the Green soybean yield contest are a couple of reasons

for the more intensive management practices.

There have been some reports of poor yielding fields in northeastern Arkansas and some of these are being blamed on Target Spot. Target Spot is a fungal disease. It is not a new disease but the severity which it has affected some fields has not been seen before. It appears that some varieties are very susceptible. There are fungicides that have activity on this disease. A lot of research and education is obviously needed on Target Spot in order for us to properly manage this disease.

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

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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.

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Notes from the Clearing

 

Uncontrolled

Joseph Thomas

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                                                

              

I’ve watched people drive themselves crazy trying to fix the lives of those they love, driving themselves crazy in return. I understand trying to fix what you see as broken, but we have to look again and ask ourselves if it is truely broken or just not the life we would choose for ourselves. If someone is happy living a life that is not mine, it is a good thing that it is not mine, but it is not mine to fix or change or improve. It is what it is and all is well, that is the truth more than not. Look again and enjoy your own life.

N November 2016 | 19

NEDC Report Honor Your Jackson County Veteran

Eye On

Jackson

Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.) is building a Veterans Memorial in downtown Newport, Arkansas. The memorial will honor veterans from Jackson County and veterans who have family members in Jackson County.

To honor your veteran, you can purchase a brick with your veteran’s name and details of their service and sacrifice to our country. The memorial is scheduled to open on Memorial Day 2017. Bricks range from $100 to $110 depending on the number of lines of text placed on the brick.

All brick orders are tax deductible as a donation to D.R.I.V.E., which is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Contact Courtney or Lindley at 870-523-1009 for more information on how to make sure your veteran is included in Jackson County’s memorial.

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VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS Collier-Massey Post 4683 2604 Brandenburg Lane Newport, AR 72112 Would like to invite everyone out to play BINGO!!

Every Friday Night Quarter Games Start 6pm Regular Bingo 7pm ALL CASH PRIZES __________________________________ ARE YOU A VETERAN? Come join us at our monthly meeting held on the first Monday of each month at 7pm.

VFW NOBODY DOES MORE FOR VETERANS

Jon Chadwell is the executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC). The NEDC is funded by a ½ cent sales tax collected in Newport and works to assist in the development of business and industry in Jackson County.

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Seniors, can we talk?

Annual Notice of Change Information Have you gotten yours yet? If you haven’t, you will soon.

What? Your Annual Notice of Change information from your Medicare Prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan.

Before the Annual Election Period, your Medicare Prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan mails you information about the changes that will begin January 1. What is your new premium?

What is your deductible? What drugs are covered and what are the copays? What’s changing with your Medicare Advantage plan?

Ruth has received her 2017 information and called the other day. She said “What do I do now that I’ve received my Annual Notice of Change? What do I do with this information?”

READ the information you received. You may need to make some changes. You have between October 15 and December 7 to make changes that will be effective January 1, 2017. If you want to make a change, be assured that you cannot be turned down.

Can you change to another Prescription plan even if you take lots of drugs or some expensive drugs? Yes, you may.

Do you have to make a change? No, you may keep the plan you have for 2017. If you want to keep you current plan, there is nothing you need to do.

Do you want to know that your plan is the best suited for you based on your situation?

Let’s talk about some things you should check into regarding your Prescription plan. Every plan does not cover the same prescriptions. Your current plan may not cover the prescriptions you’re taking now. There may be another plan that does cover all your prescriptions and has lower copays and a lower premium.

How can you find out? There are 22 Prescription plans offered in many counties. If you’ve real energetic, you can call every company and inquire about their plans. Or, if you are computer savvy, go to Medicare.gov and compare plans. Or, the easy way, call an agent certified to offer Medicare Prescription plans and ask them to compare plans for you. (The nice thing about working personally with an agent is that you have someone to contact later with questions. And someone who has taken a personal interest in you.)

Medicare Advantage plans require more attention. Your Medicare Advantage plan may not be offered in 2017. To continue with a Medicare Advantage plan you would need to review and enroll in a new plan. Not only do the benefits change (doctor copays, hospital copays, etc.) but the doctors and hospitals that accept the plan changes. Your doctor may have accepted your plan this year and may not in 2017. Do your homework.

Changes to your Prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan may only be made during the Annual Election Period October 15 through December 7 (for most Medicare Beneficiaries).

Start reviewing your current plan and options now.

Ruth already has made an Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent appointment for October 16! for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She She just called me at 501offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widely868-6650 and said “Caroline, published informational column, ‘Caroline, Can can we talk?”

N We Talk?’.

For a Limited Time Only See Store for Details

755 St. Louis Street Batesville 870-793-3303

November 2016 | 21

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