Eye On Jackson November 2014

Eye On www.eyeonmag.com

Brannon - Hardin Wedding Reaching Back to Move Forward The Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society’s Mission to Memorialize A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

November 2014

Families.

If you’re looking for quality care for your family, trust ours.

The Green Family Practice is proud to introduce our newest physician, Alison Green, M.D. Not only is she following in the footsteps of her father, Roger Green, M.D., but she also shares his passion for providing healthcare for all ages. Dr. Alison Green provides services that include wellness visits, treatment for everyday illnesses and the management of complex health conditions. She has a special interest in treating young patients and enjoys seeing

Roger Green, M.D. Family Medicine

the progress they make with each visit. Dr. Green is now accepting new patients. For an appointment, call 870-523-9852.

1200 McLain St., Suite G, Newport

Alison Green, M.D. Family Medicine

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note So Very Thankful

7/Great Tastes

Sweet Potatoes

8/County Economic Report

Reaching Back to Move Forward

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16

9/Seniors, can we talk?

Medicare Enrollment Time

10/Cover Story

Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society’s Mission to Memorialize

15/Faces 16/Feature

Thank You to all our fine Sponsors who made Depot Days 2014 a huge success

Ten Years of Toe Shoes

City of Newport www.NewportARCity.org

18/I Do

Bad Boy Mowers

Brannon - Hardin Wedding

20/Notes from the Clearing Tribal Lessons

20/Things To Do

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www.BadBoyMowers.com

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce www.NewportARChamber.org

21/Newport Chamber News Your Busy Chamber

Eye On

November 2014

om

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You’re busy...Let us make some noise for you! email kthomas@eyeonmag.com or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150

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Wedding

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land Media, Inc.

Meadow A Publication of

Cover Photography by Cheryl Mauldin of Studio 1910 Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

Meet Your Writers...

Hunting for a Home Loan?

Julie Allen has served as the executive director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce since 2002. She is a 1994 graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Communications - Radio/Television.

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 widely-published informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

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.

Adrienne Freeman is a Jackson County based food writer whose work is published statewide.

When not at the keyboard, she can be found in the kitchen, focusing on recipes and techniques that can be easily replicated by fellow enthusiastic home cooks. She always welcomes reader response at newport.foodies@yahoo. com.

Rebecca Pearrow is marketing director at Harris Hospital. She attained an AA at Central Baptist College followed by a BS at Arkansas Tech University.

She will complete an MBA from Harding University in December 2014. She was employed 12 years at White County Medical Center before her success in Community Relations brought her back to Newport.

She spends her free time traveling to support her kid’s athletics, gardening, raising chickens and scrap booking.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com PUBLISHER: Kimberlee Thomas Associate EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas

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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.

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For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Kimberlee Thomas, 870.503.1150, kthomas@eyeonmag.com.

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Eye On

Jackson

Editor’s Note So Very Thankful Joseph Thomas

Thank you for joining us for another exciting issue of Eye On Jackson. We are anxious to share these stories with you and hope you enjoy them immensely.

Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas I bring you the Photo by Cheryl Mauldin Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society and their memorial to our veterans and overall mission to preserve our local history. We feature the North Arkansas Dance Theatre’s tenth anniversary of performing “The Nutcracker,” Adrienne Freeman talks Sweet Potatoes and Caroline Beauchamp speaks Medicare Enrollment. Jon Chadwell writes about reaching back to move forward, Julie Allen explains just what she has been up to in chamber business lately and Kimberlee Thomas brings us the Brannon - Hardin Wedding. There are as usual many things to do, local faces and a little community news, find a nice warm spot and curl up with us. Happy Thanksgiving and much love to you all, from our family to yours! Also, we want to thank all of our veterans for their service. N

6 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

Great Tastes Sweet Potatoes Adrienne Freeman

Until low-carb diets came into vogue about ten years ago, many people saw sweet potatoes only on holidays and only under a charred mound of mini-marshmallows.

But with today’s laser-like focus on diabetes and obesity, the richly colored sweet potato has risen in stature and familiarity, migrating from fancy restaurant menus to appearing as tots and fries at drive thru burger joints everywhere.

But research from the USDA www.usda.gov shows that the two potato versions aren’t that different in nutritional value; in a medium (approx 100 gram) potato, the white potato has 92 calories, 21 grams of carbs, 2.3 grams of dietary fiber, 2.3 g of protein and 17% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. The same amount of sweet potato, on the other hand, has 90 calories, 21 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 35% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and 380% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A. Medical experts from the Mayo Clinic www. mayoclinic.com say that besides the evident vitamin values, the sweet potato is lower on the glycemic index - as a result, people don’t experience the same roller coaster of sugar highs and lows, which stresses the pancreas and can lead to hunger spikes. In the simplest terms, foods with lower glycemic indexes, like sweet potatoes and brown rice, make you feel full longer.

Sweet potatoes don’t have to be sweet – savory preparations are perfect for this tender, moist tuber as well. Especially tasty seasons with some spicy zing, like chipotle peppers, cinnamon or smoked paprika, they are also great with walnuts or pecans and even bright fruit flavors, like orange and apple.

Whether served as a side dish, in a salad or as a dessert, the vibrant warm colored vegetable can complete a plate with panache and leave the memory of charred marshmallows in the dark of Christmas past and take these fresh, flavorful dishes with the sparkly promise of Christmas future.

DIRECTIONS: Either boil or steam the cubed potatoes until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Do not overcook – potatoes should still hold their shape. Cool the cooked potatoes slightly.

Mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, balsamic vinegar, turmeric, chives, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Set aside Combine the bacon, green onions, red onion with the cooked potatoes, tossing carefully. Cover warm potatoes with the dressing. Serve warm garnished with extra chives or green onion.

CHIPOTLE SWEET POTATO PUREE INGREDIENTS: 2 large sweet potatoes, approx 2 pounds ½ stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces ½ to ¾ cup heavy cream, heated to warm 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 Tablespoons brown sugar 1 chipotle pepper packed in adobe sauce, minced, with 1 teaspoon adobe sauce from can (you can remove seeds when mincing if desired) DIRECTIONS: Peel potatoes, cutting into one inch pieces. Place in boiling salted water and cook until fork tender. Remove from heat and drain well. Add butter, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes and beat in enough warmed cream with hand mixer to make smooth. Stir in brown sugar, chipotle pepper and adobe sauce. Serve warm.

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WARM SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH BALSAMIC BACON VINEGARETTE INGREDIENTS: 3 large sweet potatoes, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes 3 nedium red potatoes, cut into 1 diced 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard ¼ cup balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon ground turmeric 1 Tablespoon chopped chives Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste 2 slices crisply cooked bacon, crumbled 2 green onions, finely chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped

November 2014 | 7

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 

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

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County Economic Report Reaching Back to Move Forward

Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director Do you remember graduating from high school? It has been a while, but I remember a few things. First, I was so ready to be done with high school that I had a severe case of senioritis. It seemed as if graduation would never come.

Second, I couldn’t wait to leave Oxford, Mississippi and go out into the world. I wasn’t sure what pasture I was headed toward, but I knew the grass just had to be greener.

In the decades since, I’ve come to realize that my hometown was a great place to grow up and through friends I’ve learned that they have made a lot of progress.

It is in many ways a much different place than when I left home, and yet, in some important ways it is much the same. Although, I have only been a resident of Newport for 10 years, I am sure those who graduated from one of the school systems in Jackson County could say similar things.

As we are growing, we are having some growing pains.

One of those is that our companies are looking for more and more highly qualified employees. It can be difficult to recruit people to smaller rural communities, especially if they’ve never lived in a small town. However, there is a lot of research that shows that people who have lived in small rural towns are often receptive to moving back in mid-life.

Maybe they want to provide that small town experience

they had growing up for their own children. Perhaps they just like the feeling of knowing your neighbors and caring that comes from small towns. People are even more open to moving back to their home town and its familiarity if they feel they can make a good living and provide for their families.

The Newport Economic Development Commission and a team of students from the Clinton School of Public Service are working on an ambitious project. The goal is to create a database of everyone who has graduated from a school in Jackson County and be able to share important information with those former residents. The information can include job opportunities, funding needs, improvements and developments in the community and much more. The team composed of Joyce Akadi, Alex Lanis and Shanell Ransom are helping produce a database template, a usage manual and a privacy policy for the database to ensure that the information is protected and used in an appropriate manner.

The database will allow us to reach back to the many people who have called Jackson County home and who are part of our proud past, and recruit them to help us move forward into our bright future! For more information on the project or if you’d like to help, contact the Newport Economic Development Commission at (870) 523-1009.

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8 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

Seniors, can we talk?

Medicare Enrollment Time Caroline Beauchamp

Ruth and her friend, Betty, both got new glasses and just in time to read about their Medicare plan changes.

Yes, it’s here! The annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 when you can change your Medicare prescription plan and/or Medicare Advantage plan. Ruth received her annual notice of change letter about her prescription plan and her friend, Betty, received her annual notice of change letter about her Medicare advantage plan. All Medicare Prescription and Medicare Advantage plans will change January 1.

The day Betty received her letter she called her agent.

Her Medicare Advantage plan is terminating December 31 and she’s got to get another plan. Betty’s agent represents several companies and talked with her about options. Betty was relieved that any option she chooses is guaranteed – no medical questions will be asked and she cannot be turned down. She can enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan that includes or does not include prescription coverage or a Medicare Supplement plan and a Prescription plan. She is guaranteed to get a Medicare Supplement plan since her Medicare Advantage plan ends December 31.

Years ago Betty had a Medicare Supplement plan then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan because the premium was lower. She has more medical issues now and more doctor visits. Since she has a copay every time she goes to the doctor, medical expenses are adding up. Betty’s doctor

has recommended a procedure which may result in surgery.

Since her costs could reach $6700, she has not had it done.

Betty just cannot pay that. Even though her premium would be more, she considered a Medicare Supplement policy last year because it would reduce her medical costs. Due to her medical history, she was turned down. Since her Medicare Advantage plan is terminating, she can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan - guaranteed.

Before jumping into anything, Betty checked to find out what Medicare Advantage plans her doctors accept.

Betty found one plan that all her doctors and her hospital accept and the premium fits in her budget.

If Betty enrolls in a Medicare Supplement plan, any provider (doctor or hospital) that accepts Medicare has to accept her plan. Her premium will be more but her out of pocket expenses will be less or even -0-. Betty could have her testing and even surgery at -0- cost to her. No more unexpected medical bills in exchange for a higher premium.

Does the premium fit in her budget? Betty has to decide if she wants to take advantage of this guaranteed issue opportunity.

Whether Betty enrolls in another Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage or a Medicare Supplement plan and a prescription plan, she is reviewing prescription benefits. Betty is making a list of medication she takes on a regular basis to give her agent to review.

If I can help you, too, call me at 870-523-6771 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”or call and ask for “the insurance lady”. N

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Dr. Dustin Taylor , D.C., CCEP November 2014 | 9

Eye On Cover Story Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society’s Mission to Memorialize Joseph Thomas

I have always felt a reverence for our every day heroes. The men and women that put themselves in a position to help those most in need during times of struggle, strife and trauma. For example, our armed forces and the soldiers that make them a force to be reckoned with. American's have a long, proud tradition of worthy heroes, as well as recognizing those that put their lives on the line to protect this land we call home.

The merits of any and every battle can be argued and moralized, but the soldier's fight is always just in that they are being used as a weapon and may not always agree or even know the ins and outs of the politics behind the wars they wage. The fact that they make themselves available and condition their bodies and minds to best serve our country makes them heroes in my book, and Kimberlee and I would like to thank them all for that selfless service.

I recently met with Mr. Tommy Young of Tuckerman, Arkansas and he wishes to memorialize those who have served our country as well. Young has been the President of the Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society since its inception in 2007. He is married to Amy Shoffner Young and they are raising their niece Haley Shoffner and two nephews, Cody and Andrew. The Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society is a non-profit, educational, historical organization that captures, preserves and archives the history of the Tuckerman area and makes it available to the public. They meet the first Monday night of each month at 6 p.m. while school is in session at the Tuckerman City Hall Courtroom for anyone interested in learning more about their work. You can also log onto www.trailstotuckerman. com for more information. Young says this historical society is the brain child of the T. A. Brown family of Tuckerman. The society has captured and digitalized over four thousand images and articles about the Tuckerman area that can be found on this website. This was there first goal, the second being the reason for this article in this month of November. The second goal of the Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society has been to create a memorial for the armed services and our fallen heroes. They have begun a fundraising campaign that is also a memorial within itself, accomplishing two things: memorializing our veterans, while raising funds for a permanent, distinguished structure that expresses our respect and gratitude.

This fundraising memorial is displayed November 11 through December 7 every year. For $15, anyone can honor their loved one by renting a flag that will be displayed in a field of American Flags and a placard of that loved one who has served this country by fighting overseas will be displayed with that flag. These placards show an image of the veteran being honored, name and rank, dates and units they served within, where they served and the medals they were awarded. This display will be located in front of Young's Irrigation and Equipment Office in Tuckerman, Arkansas at 808 Highway 367 South. In addition to being honored at the tribute site, every veteran honored will be listed and honored in the Newport Independent. To honor your loved one and their overseas service, you can log onto www.trailstotuckerman.com or call Vickie Williams at 870-930-6438. This is a great memorial and will help to raise funds for the permanent structure to be erected in the near future. Donations are welcomed and can be made at this website as well.

The Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society Board of Directors is: President Tommy Young Vice President Ed Nagel Secretary Vickie Williams Treasurer Bill Biggers Reporter Ollie Brown Board Member At Large Wayne Boyce, Debbie Brown and Sandra Brock.

The Archiving Committee is comprised of Ed Nagel, Sandra Brock, Debbie Brown and Vickie Williams.

Young spoke about the community's recent loss of T. A. Brown. Brown was the 1st Vice President of the historical society's Board of Directors and a major force behind its work. His work and passion for history and this community will be dearly missed.

Young, a Tuckerman High School graduate of '82, graduated Arkansas State University with a Management Degree in 1986. Young operates a Tuckerman farm, an irrigation dealership and hopper bottom grain trailer dealership with his two nephews, Blake and Jim Young. His two older brothers, James and Ronald Young have since retired, but Young says, "We have always been a family business since our father, James Norman Young Sr. moved into Tuckerman in 1947. If you need to find a Young in the Tuckerman area, come to Young Street because that is where we all live." James Sr. and Eva Young lived in the Charlotte, Arkansas community, often referred to as, 'The Hill Land.' After the war, James Sr. wanted to farm, so he and his bride bought forty acres in the Tuckerman area to start grain farming, the same land the family still farms today. Today, the Young's own four thousand acres and operate seven thousand acres all together, cultivating

10 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

rice, corn, wheat and soybeans. Tommy and his family just celebrated his mother, Eva's ninety-third birthday and Young adds, "She is still as active as ever. She loves to work in her garden and still runs her garden tiller; even push mows her lawn. Most every Friday she can be found selling her homemade jams and jellies and we love her dearly." Young goes on to explain that he is proud and very committed to the historical society he helped create and the work they do, because even though many may not see the value of the organizations work today, every year this collection of information, images and video tributes become more and more priceless.

History can't be bought or reproduced, it is either cared for or discarded and the Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society is collecting and caring for that history.

It is very easily understood that the Young family is a hard-working, God fearing, tightly knit family that loves their community. Young insists that this article not be about him, but reflect the Trails To Tuckerman Historical Society and their mission to preserve this rich community history that can so easily be lost to time if it is not fought for. But it is Young and his tenacious love for community that helps reflect those around him waging this protective battle, because protecting our history is a large part of honoring our lost loved ones that fought so hard to protect us in the past, those that protect us still and those who will protect us in the future. Tommy Young is one of the many fine Americans that work to pass on the stories and facts of yesterday that we need to keep us all grounded in the reality of how we got here. So the sacrifices that have been so dearly made will never be in vain and continue to be made if the need should ever again arise. Eye On thanks Tommy Young for his time and work towards this end and to all veterans in our history and the valuable lives they put in harms way to protect these wonderful communities we all hold so dear. N

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November 2014 | 11 Family Medicine

Thank You to all our fine Sponsors who made Depot Days 2014 a huge success City of Newport www.NewportARCity.org

Bad Boy Mowers www.BadBoyMowers.com

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce www.NewportARChamber.org

12 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

Thank you for your service.

November 2014 |  13

Newport Pediatric Clinic had their ribbon cutting on October 21. Members of the Newport Chamber Board of Directors, Harris Hospital employees and the community welcomed Dr. Kishore Gaddam to Newport as he begins his new pediatric practice. Dr. Gaddam has Extended Clinic hours until 7:00pm Monday – Friday providing maximum convenience for caregivers of children.

14 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

Faces

Harris Hospital employees showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness during October.

This year’s NADT performance of “The Nutcracker” will be November 21st at 7 p.m. and 22nd at 2:30 and 7 p.m. at UACCB’s Independence Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 10. So come join in this momentous time honoring tradition!

Harris Hospital received three awards at the Arkansas Hospital Association Annual Meeting in Little Rock on October 9. Robert Rupp, CEO was named Administrator of the Year by the AHAA; Rebecca Pearrow, Marketing Director received a Diamond Award for total ad campaign; and the hospital Auxiliary was awarded the 5-Star award. Robert Rupp said, “I was extremely surprised and honored when my name was announced. I am deeply appreciative of my entire team for the support they provide. I am proud of the way Harris Hospital was represented this year at the annual Arkansas Hospital Association meeting, true evidence of our continuing commitment to excellence.”

November 2014 | 15

Eye On Feature Ten Years of Toe Shoes Submitted

“Why not?”

That’s the question the NADT Board asked themselves in 2005 when they began the discussion on why they were not considering a performance of The Nutcracker. For many, The Nutcracker is an annual tradition. Traveling to Memphis or Little Rock to see a performance with ticket prices up to $70 was not unusual. The mission statement of the North Arkansas Dance Theatre is to “provide Arkansas communities and schools with a rich cultural experience through the fine art of classical ballet and other dance forms,” so why not present one of the best known ballets of all times: The Nutcracker. At that time, the board was composed of Cindy Hubberd – president and artistic director, Patrick Crommett, Judith Cox, Mona Neaville, Sherry Giovannini, Anne Luster, Lou Ann Hance and Stacy Gunderman. After much debate, a plan was developed, and they were off. The board knew a performance of this size would not be easy, so it was decided to build on the production year-by-year.

The 2005 performance was named “The Nutcracker in a Nutshell” and only included pieces from the second act of the ballet, a musical section provided by Barbara Reeves’ string group and a slide show courtesy of Dr. Dave Thomas.

“Patrick Crommett was a design genius,” added Gunderman. “His vision for the China Teapot and Mother Ginger was like no other ever seen on stage.” Crommett worked with Bob and Judith Cox, Marie Butler, and local welder Bob Ellis to design a Mother Ginger frame and skirt that was capable of free movement across the stage while carrying and concealing 6-8 children underneath. The China Teapot was built, in part, by the Batesville High School Ag Department and includes a slide for the soloists to slide down. The Batesville Area Arts Council and especially, Aileen McCracken painted the Teapot and helped design and construct the remainder of the set. Choreography was provided by Hubberd and Crommett. It was decided by the board to bring in visiting artists for the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Arabian to increase the quality of the production. It truly was a community project.

In the second year, a grant from the Arkansas Department of Heritage allowed for expanding sets and costumes. The Party Scene was added in the second year along with an additional 20 plus cast members, the “Patrick Tree”, the soldier and baby doll, hooped ball gowns and full tuxedoes. The third year, the Snow

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16 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

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Scene was added, more costumes were bought, and the cast continued to grow. The board also decided to move the performance to the weekend before Thanksgiving. “Everyone is so busy during December.”

As the performance grew, it became a strain to try and fit it all in before Christmas. The move to November allows for easier scheduling of UACCB, it allows for more flexibility with the visiting artists, and it lets the NADT family of dancers enjoy December without the extra activity of the performance. It also gives a great start to the Holiday season,” says Hubberd. Elaborately painted backdrops painted by Sissy Cook-Thorne added visual icing to the performance cake in 2009. Over the last nine years, the sets, costumes, choreography, dances, and cast have blossomed into a full, professional production with over 75 performers being in the cast in 2013 ranging from ages 3 to 98. Scenes are added or changed to accommodate the performers that audition and the skill level they possess. No one is turned away.

“Every time we think we have it finished, someone comes up with another idea,” laughs Hubberd. “For instance, this year, we are adding a dancing Nutcracker who comes to life in the 2nd act when Clara removes his huge Nutcracker mask.”

One thing that has not changed is the dedication of the performers, especially the NADT dancers and the family and community support for the production.

Four dancers have been part of all, soon to be 10, performances: Lauren Gunderman, Paige VanDyke,

Hannah Paulson-Wells, and Jamie Pickett. Outside artists are still brought in for the leading rolls; however the skill of the NADT dancers guarantees an excellent production. For all the dancers, roles may change from year to year as they age and move to more difficult roles, but their love for the ballet and the tradition provide inspiration for a high quality show. “The performance also allows us to remember Patrick who passed away in 2006,” says Gunderman. “Many of the dancers in NADT don’t remember Patrick Crommett, but his choreography and his vision will continue to be honored through this performance. Without Cindy, Patrick, Hannah, Judith, Bob, Jean Ann Johnson and the numerous other volunteers who have contributed to this production through the years, there is no way we could produce such an amazing show.”

This year’s performance will be November 21 at 7:00 p.m. and 22 at 2:30 and 7:00 at UACCB’s Independence Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 10. So come join us in this momentous time honoring tradition!

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November 2014 | 17

I Do Do

Brannon - Hardin Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

It is fair to say that Josie Jordan Brannon and Joseph Jack Hardin have known each other their entire lives. Being from the same small town of Newport, their families have known each other for as long as the couple can remember. Josie recalled, “Joe played football for my daddy and my mom taught him in class so we were always around each other. I can remember that he was always picking on me and pestering me. He couldn’t keep his hands off of me. There has always been a spark there.” It was 2006 when the two first spent time hanging out alone. “We would hang out off and on but we didn’t get serious until 2009,” Josie shared.

It was that year that things began to take a serious turn and the couple found themselves spending more and more time together. They would hang out after football practices and games, at football team bible studies, and in Mrs. Brannon’s classroom. “Joe would pick me up and we would go riding around town or back roading. We eventually became completely inseparable.” The two became an official couple on November 8, 2009.

Friday January 31, 2014 dawned like any other day in Josie’s life, or so she thought. “After a long night shift in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Jonesboro, all I wanted was a hot shower and to curl up in bed and get some much needed sleep.” Her wants were farther from her reach than she could imagine. She had already promised her friend, Kayla, that they would meet for a bit of pampering and get their nails done that morning.

Afterward she made a brief stop at the hospital to check in on her Mammaw. By now Josie was not only tired, she was hungry and she still had the long drive home to Newport ahead of her.

“That drive always gets me. By the time I make Newport I am doing everything I can think of to stay awake. I called Joe to tell him I didn’t think I was going to make the flying trip with Randy and Mrs. Susan that he had mentioned the day before.

I just wanted food and sleep.” Joseph insisted that he missed her and she must come flying with him for at least thirty minutes. Josie agreed but on the condition that he take her by El Puente to grab her favorite meal before they went. The couple arrived at the airport and boarded the plane. Joseph told Josie they were headed to Tupelo to look at some wheat that had been damaged and take photos for the insurance company. Josie shared, “I had no idea this was about to be one of the most exciting and special days of my entire life. I was busy looking out my window when Joe said, ‘look at that’ and pointed out his window. What I saw changed my life forever.” There in the midst of a 110 acre field were the words, “Will you marry me

Taylor Howard Photography

Jordan?” Joseph asked Josie to spend the rest of forever with him. After taking a moment to grasp what was happening her first response was, “Are you serious?”

He assured her he was very serious and Josie joyfully agreed to forever! “I felt like I was in a dream. It was the perfect proposal, the perfect ring, and the perfect man.

It could not have been more special.” Joseph had spared no detail from making sure to ask for Josie’s father’s blessing the night before, to the newly monogrammed pullovers with Josie’s soon to be initials which awaited her upon landing.

The couple married on July 12, 2014 at The Silos in Bono, Arkansas. Brother Herb Wilson presided over the double ring ceremony. The couple was surrounded by family and friends who had gathered to witness their beautiful southern summer barn wedding. Josie’s favorite moment was standing with her daddy outside the closed barn doors right before he walked her down the aisle. “I hadn’t been nervous really at all that day until that moment. It was like all the nerves finally hit me at once. The second the doors opened and I saw Joe at the end of the aisle smiling at me like I was the most beautiful girl in the world; an instant peace came over me. I realized that I was about to marry the man of my dreams, my soul mate, and my very best friend and that’s all that mattered.”

The newlyweds honeymooned at Excellence Playa Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico. Josie shared, “It was a little piece of paradise. Our two story suite had a private rooftop terrace with the most breathtaking view. We spent the week relaxing and enjoying being newlyweds.

It was absolutely perfect.”

Josie and Joseph live on the Hardin family farm in Tupelo where he works with his family. Josie is a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. The couple shares their home with their two dogs, Georgia and Lola.

Josie stated, “We are loving every minute of married life. Our plans for now are just to enjoy our time with each other and then someday start our own family here on the farm. We enjoy hunting together, spending time outdoors, and farming. We’re living a pretty simple life but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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Notes from the Clearing Tribal Lessons Joseph Thomas

Things To Do

Drops of rain fall upon the open stretch of earth like beats upon a drum, stirring up the tribal spirit within. A ghost dance begins a jig within, silently throwing about like a nervous tremor. I refrain from showing any movement, but a smile gives it all away and my over flowing of good cheer comes forth to become contagious.

I am thankful for this moment and all of the bad ones that fell before this great one, because they all led me here, made me who I am and conditioned this world around me to treat me as it does today. Every bad moment I’ve ever had could have been better if only I could have dealt with the previous moment better, which has matured my hand with a patient wisdom that basks in the knowledge that I can seek out the positive and release the negative energy to fall away like the wind that breaks around me. N

The March of Dimes “Duck N Run” 5K This 5K will be held Nov. 1 with a Halloween theme along the scenic banks of the White River at Jacksonport State Park. Committee Member Stephanie Baxter is looking for runners and corporate sponsors. Stephanie may be reached at 870-834-3532.

Jacksonport Holiday Gala November 22 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Jacksonport State Park featuring period costumes, music and dancing.

Green Friday - Blooming Paper Ornament Workshop Make paper ornaments for the holiday season, reservations can be made by calling 870-523-2143. November 28 from 9 a.m. to Noon. at Jacksonport State Park.

The ASU-Newport 2014-15 Patron Series Join us Tuesday, December 9 when the musical A Christmas Carol brings the Charles Dickens classic to life. Playing to sellout audiences across the country year after year, the musical is a production of the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester, N.H. As an added bonus, the production will bring costuming for up to 50 local high school choir students who will be invited to be in the chorus and will appear onstage during the production. To purchase season tickets, call 870-512-7802.

Newport Christmas Parade The Parade is on Thursday, December 11 beginning at 6 p.m.

Jackson County Book Nook The Jackson County Book Nook, located directly behind Umsted Methodist Church on McLain St., 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.

Tuckerman City Council Meeting The 2nd Tuesday of each month. Tuckerman Water & Sewer 870349-5336. N

2015 Ozark Foothills FilmFest Accepting Submissions

Submitted The 14th Annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest is currently accepting submissions. The festival will take place April 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2015 at several venues in Batesville, Arkansas.

Entries are accepted in two categories: OFFICIAL SELECTIONS. Narrative or documentary films forty-five minutes or longer. Special consideration is given to films of particular relevance to rural audiences based on setting, subject, or point of view. Filmmakers whose work is chosen as an Official Selection will be invited to attend and participate in a post screening discussion.

Lodging and a travel stipend are provided for filmmakers traveling more than 50 miles to attend.

SHORT FILM SHOWCASES. Narrative, documentary, animated, or experimental films less than forty-five minutes in length. Showcases are organized by theme or genre. Special consideration is given to filmmakers from Arkansas and neighboring states. A travel stipend

is provided for filmmakers with works fifteen minutes or more in length, who are traveling more than 50 miles to attend.

This year, the festival is introducing the “From Around Here” Arkansas Film Award. Cash prizes of $500 will be awarded to a narrative and a documentary film fifteen minutes or more in length, shot in Arkansas by an Arkansas filmmaker.

Entries should be submitted on DVD and accompanied by a $15 entry fee for Official Selection entries or a $10 fee for Short Film Showcase entries and an entry form.

Entry fees are waived for entries by Arkansas filmmakers received on or before November 30, 2014. Additional information and an entry from are available at www. ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org/2015_film_entries.html.

Material should be mailed to: Ozark Foothills FilmFest, 195 Peel Road, Locust Grove, AR 72550. The entry deadline is December 31, 2014. For additional information, call 870251-1189 or email ozarkfilm@wildblue.net.

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20 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

Newport Chamber News Your Busy Chamber

Julie Allen, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director This is a busy yet exciting time at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce! In September, we were thrilled to assist with the openings of two new members, Goodwill and Tractor Supply Store in the former WalMart building. If you have not had a chance to visit these stores yet, I would encourage you to do so soon. Newport is fortunate to have them as part of our community!

In October, the Chamber assisted with the promotion of three businesses via ribbon cuttings. First, we welcomed the new owners of Sears Hometown Store- Tom and Misty Carlyle. Sears, located inside Village Mall, is a great community partner, and we are glad that the Carlyle’s have ensured that Newport’s location will remain open in the future. Dr. Kishore Gaddam is a new pediatrician to join the Harris Hospital team at Newport Pediatric Clinic, which is located in the East Medical Clinic next to the former Newport Hospital property. Dr. Gaddam will be open after hours until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Absolute Care Management, based in Jonesboro, now has a Newport location at 106 Lindley Lane. They provide in-home care services for seniors and disabled adults and have done so since 2006. Ribbon cuttings are held to provide extra promotion for businesses, but they are also a great way for the community to network with new businesses or employees. Please feel free to join us for more upcoming ribbon cuttings!

If your business or organization is looking for a location for a meeting, don’t forget to consider the Newport Business Resource Center, 201 Hazel Street. This location, which houses the Newport Economic Development Commission and the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, can accommodate small or large meetings via four meeting rooms. Space is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The building also has great potential for receptions or special events in the lobby during business hours. Rooms can be reserved absolutely free of charge by calling the Chamber at (870) 523-3618.

If you would like to know more about Chamber or community events in and around Newport/Jackson County, call (870) 523-3618 or email director@ newportarchamber.org to sign up for our free “Upcoming Events” email. N

Harris November 4 November 5 November 5 November 11 November 11 November 12 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 17 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 25 November 27

Hospital

7 am Harris Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser – Uniform 2 U 2 10 am Bingo – Newport Noon - Lunch N Learn – Brand Moody “Available Speech Therapy Services at Harris Hospital” 7 am HH Auxiliary Fundraiser – Jewelry R Us Noon – VFW – Veterans luncheon 8 am HH Auxiliary Fundraiser – Betty’s Jewelry 9 am HH Tickled Pink Boutique Christmas Open House 9 am HH Auxiliary Fundraiser – Dillard’s 9 am HH Auxiliary Fundraiser – Dillard’s Noon Bingo – Tuckerman Senior Center 2 pm Movie Day – HH Community Room 5 pm Senior Circle Thanksgiving potluck Noon Lunch N Learn – Dr. Kishore Gaddam – Newport Pediatric Clinic 9 am HH Auxiliary Fundraiser – Boho FAB Boutique – Ladies & Girls clothing Happy Thanksgiving!

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November 2014 | 21

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22 | We are THANKFUL for the friends and family that make up Jackson County!

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“The mission of the Newport Economic Development Commission is to facilitate an environment that will be conducive to economic growth and stability. The commission will work to enhance, promote, and create increased opportunities for economic well being by developing and implementing strategies that will improve quality of life, community aesthetics, and encourage new investment in Newport and Jackson County.”

201 Hazel, Newport 870-523-1009

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email kthomas@eyeonmag .com or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150 November 2014 | 23