Eye On Jackson May 2014

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Janet Carson Revists Alieta Rupp / Newcomer’s Club 33rd Annual Portfest and Julie Allen A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

May 2014

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2 0 1 5 Yu ko n W W W. G E O R G E K E L L M O T O R S . C O M

In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note

May’s Moving On

7/Great Tastes Strawberries

7

16

8

18

8/County Extension News Janet Carson Revisits

10/Cover Story

33rd Annual Portfest and Julie Allen

12/Seniors, can we talk?

Being Prepared Part 2

Home Town Days 2014

13/Faces 16/Feature

Newcomer’s Club and Alieta Rupp

18/I Do

Edmonds - Rowlett Wedding

10

20

13

23

22/Things To Do

Mark Manning,

LUTCF

- Agent

1400 Malcolm Ave., Newport, AR 72112 MManning@Shelterinsurance.com ShelterInsurance.com 870-523-6514 - Phone 870-523-6743 - Fax

AUTO HOME LIFE Cover photography Cheryl Mauldin / 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.

Randy Chlapecka is county extension agent – staff chair with the Jackson County Office of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. He provides educational information and programming in the areas of agriculture, 4-H, and community development.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: 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.

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 PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas

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.

Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Cheryl Mauldin PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

Eye On

Jackson

Editor’s Note May’s Moving On Joseph Thomas

Julie Allen does hold together a lot more than she will ever believe or admit and we would like to thank her for her service to this community! That being said, we so look forward to this year’s Portfest that she and her team of directors have put together this year.

Kimberlee and Joseph Thomas Read on faithful reader!

Photo by Cheryl Mauldin You will find Adrienne Freeman’s article on Strawberries, Randy Chlapecka’s piece on Janet Carson’s upcoming visit and the Edmons-Rowlett Wedding. This fine month of May, we feature Alieta Rupp and the Newcomer’s Club, we cover Julie Allen and Portfest and we have part two of Caroline Beauchamp’s Being

Prepared. We have T Tauri Movie Camp News, Arkansas Agriculture Depatment News and Arkansas Craft School’s upcoming Sustainability Weekend.

Read on, enjoy and here’s hoping that the sun doesn’t lay too long upon your shoulders. N

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Mother’s Day Ensembles New Spring Arrivals Dresses / Scarves Handbags / Jewelry

Great Tastes Strawberries

Adrienne Freeman Arkansans are gifted in the spring and summer with strawberries, one of the most widely loved fruits on any plate. The juicy heart shaped berry is so versatile it is featured in salads, soups, side dishes and a plethora of desserts.

Blushing berries are one of the first harbingers of spring and afficianados know where to find the sweetest scarlet delights. Although modern farming techniques produce the ruby red orbs year round, the quality of locally grown strawberries can’t be beat. Tender and naturally sweet, the crop is usually ready in late April to early May and the plants produce for six to eight weeks.

That is if fickle Mother Nature is on your side. With a record-breaking winter this year, the strawberry crop has been slower to arrive. Bill Landreth of Newport, owner of Bill’s Berries (Highway 67 at Exit 83) knows his crop is begging for sustained sunshine. “Heat means sweet,” Landreth said while a dozen men worked the rows that were mature enough for cultivation.

Strawberries are also popular crops for backyard gardeners. According to Better Homes and Gardens, no matter where you live in the country, there is a strawberry variety that will thrive in your home garden.

Whether you grow these sweet scarlet delights or buy them by the bushel at a farm stand, a few steps can be taken to preserve the pleasure. Be careful not to buy more than you can eat or preserve soon – the moist morsels can mold quickly at room temperature and refrigeration only gives you a couple more days. Wash, cut the hulls (stem and leaves) off and pop them into a freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible - by squeezing or using a vacuum sealer.

strawberries for a delicious treat. This recipe makes one for now, one for later.”

2 pie crusts (store bought or fresh) 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 2 bananas, sliced (tip: toss with a little lemon juice to keep from browning) 1 ½ cup cold water ¾ cup sugar 2 Tablespoons cornstarch 1 package strawberry jello Whipped cream topping (Makes two pies) Pre-bake pie crusts. Line the bottoms with sliced bananas, set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine cold water, sugar and cornstarch. Stir until well combined. Cook over mediumhigh heat until thick and clear. Add jello and stir until dissolved. Stir in the sliced berries. Pour over bananas and chill until set. Serve with whipped topping. N

STRAWBERRY BANANA PIE Beverly Smith is a strawberry expert. She has run the farm stand at Bill’s Berries in Newport every season he has been in business – fifteen years. She says, “The flavor of banana combine perfectly with the ripe, sweet

EYE ON JACKSON and EYE ON INDEPENDENCE!

email kthomas@eyeonmag .com or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150 May 2014 | 7

County Extension News Janet Carson Revisits Randy Chlapecka

$10,000 Wedding Giveaway!

Wedding will include: Invitations / Venue Photography / Catering and much more!

One of the highlights of the year for many gardening enthusiasts in Jackson County and much of northeastern Arkansas is the annual Day with Janet Carson presented by the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service, the White River Garden Club, and Arkansas State University – Newport.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, June 12th at the Larry N. Williams Student/Community Center on the campus of Arkansas State University – Newport. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. that day with the program concluding by 3:00 p.m.

The cost to attend the program is $15 which includes lunch and other goodies. Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments for breaks will be provided in part by the Jackson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Kroger, Price Chopper, and Wal-Mart.

Preregistration is required in order to assist the planners. To preregister, call the Jackson County Extension Office at 870-523-7450 or e-mail them at wbarker@uaex.edu or rchlapecka@uaex.edu. If paying by check, the check should be made out to White River Garden Club and mailed to 649 Jackson 917, Newport, AR 72112. Preregistration (including payment) should be completed no later than June 5th.

Janet is an Extension Horticulture Specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture – Cooperative Extension Service. She serves as the Arkansas Master Gardener Coordinator, and gives statewide leadership to the program of consumer horticulture.

She is responsible for providing information to the 75 counties for all areas of horticulture related to home gardening, with an emphasis on ornamentals. Her media work includes several statewide publications and media outlets. Her first book was published in 2010 titled In the Garden.

This program is open to all interested persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the county Extension office as soon as possible prior to the activity.

For more information, feel free to contact me at the Jackson County Office of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service at 523-7450 or by e-mail at rchlapecka@uaex.edu. N

A p p lic atio ns are available at: I maginatio ns Events Elizabeth’ s R estaurant Divine S tud io The Batesville C hamber

PARTNERS: Winner will be announced June 1st

Community Sponsors: Carlee's Hallmark / The Home Place / Living Spaces / Batesville Chamber of Commerce

WWW.IMAGINATIONSEVENTS.COM

Janet Carson 8 | www.eyeonmag.com

Get Connected to Your Medical Records Rebecca Pearrow

With the launch of the “My Health Home Portal” at Harris Hospital and Harris Medical Clinics, Inc., you can now have 24-hour access to your inpatient hospital medical records as well as physician clinic records. It’s a free service now offered to help patients become more informed about their own care. Harris Hospital is excited to offer the incredible benefits that these Patient Portals can offer patients. Patients can stay informed about their care and become an active partner in managing their overall health. Such engagement leads to improved patient compliance, better clinical outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, increased patient trust and provides an outreach vehicle for prompting recommended visits and education. According to a 2013 Pew survey, 85% of Americans use the internet and 59% of them have searched for health information in the past year. Additionally, 35% used the Internet to try to diagnose a condition. A study by the American Medical Association shows patients age 65+ actually adopted medical practice portals at a rate greater than patients aged 18-35. As a response to polls that demonstrate 75% of patient want access to their medical records online, Harris Hospital is proud to now offer this service.

Registration for a Patient Portal account is quick and easy, and begins at the hospital and at your doctor’s office. There are two different Patient Portals available: one for hospital inpatient and one for physician clinics.

In the hospital, once you share your photo ID and email address, you will be sent a link to complete your account set-up. If patients wish to see their medical records from their doctor’s office, they will now be provided a PIN number by the receptionist to register for access to the clinic patient portal.

From any device with Internet access, you can log into your Patient Portal accounts to: * View and share your information related to your hospital stay, including lab results, medications, diagnoses, test results and physician reports.

Information is available between 1-3 days after your hospital discharge. * Access your hospital discharge instructions to help you take better care of yourself once you are home. * Review and update your personal information. * Request outpatient clinic appointments and prescription refills, exchange messages with the physician practice, review and pay bills and update medical forms through the physician clinic patient portal.

You also will be able to access these features on behalf of your children or other dependents, once authorization is complete. Additionally, patients may authorize a representative to access their medical records. For example, a family member who oversees the Get Connected continues on page 22

May 2014 | 9

Eye On Cover Story 33rd Annual Portfest and Julie Allen Joseph Thomas

This is the eleventh year Newport Chamber Executive Director Julie Allen has headed up Portfest.

Asked what all has changed for her in those eleven years, she said her family has expanded, for one. Allen and her husband, Michael, have two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Meagan. She explains too, that the cost for everything has gone up, but the entertainment cost has risen exponentially. Allen adds, “We are very proud of that fact that we know of no other festivals where you can spend $15 for the level of entertainment we provide every year.” This year alone you can see the Marshall Tucker Band and opening band Blackfoot on Friday June 6 for $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Kids six and under get in free. Blackfoot hits the stage at 7 p.m. followed by the Marshall Tucker Band at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday June 7, admission is only $10 in advance or at the gate before 4 p.m. and $15 at the gate after 4 p.m.

Again kids under six get in free. The music will start Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. with Arkansas’s own Four West, Jon Pardi at 7 p.m. and Sammy Kershaw at 8:30 p.m. with a fireworks extravaganza to end the show.

1982 was the birth of Riverboat Days, created to bring people together for fellowship and fun, as well as to celebrate Jackson County’s relationship to the White River and its history. Jacksonport State Park was home to this celebration and it was well attended, but in order to grow the festival, headliner entertainment was added and a new identity created. Portfest “Rollin’ on the River” was the rebranding of Riverboat Days in 1989. Since that rebirth, headliners have included Tanya Tucker, Lee Greenwood, Pam Tillis, Marty Stuart, Tracy Lawrence, Lorrie Morgan, John Michael Montgomery, Neal McCoy, Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton to name a few. In 2005, rock acts were added to the line up with groups like 38 Special, Molly Hatchet and Loverboy.

Portfest is held the first weekend in June each year and welcomes well over 12,000 people through its gates for two days of sights, tasty treats, carnival rides, arts and top notch entertainment. Portfest has received many prestigious awards through the years thanks to hundreds of dedicated volunteers, including the “Grand Old Classic Special Event” and “Festival of the Year.”

If the entertainment for this year doesn’t immediately sound familiar: The Marshall Tucker Band sang, “Can’t You See” and “Fire On the Mountain.”

Blackfoot sang, “Train, Train” and “Highway Song.” Four West sings, “Strawberry River” and “Mama.” Jon Pardi sings, “Missin’ You Crazy,” and “Up All Night.” Sammy Kershaw sings, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” and “Cadillac Style.”

2014 marks the 33rd Annual Portfest Festival.

Leading up to the festival, Friday May 9 will be the Portfest Golf Tournament Two-Person Scramble at 1

p.m. in conjunction with the Hole-in-one contest from George Kell Motors at the Newport Country Club.

May 24 at 8 a.m. will be the 5K Walk & Run at ASUNewport sponsored by Cintas Corporation and ASUNewport. May 31 at 8 a.m. is the Kid’s Fishing Derby at the Lockwood Park Extension sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, Grady Auction & Realty and Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. June 6 at 6 a.m. is the Busch/Busch Light Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament in the White and Black Rivers, weigh in at Portfest at 3 p.m. sponsored by C&C Distributors. Also on June 6 at 10 a.m. is the Horseshoe Pitching Contest sponsored

by ASU-Newport. The usual fun found at Portfest includes pony rides, Cockrill Petting Zoo, Trackless Train Rides, Farm Bureau Mobile Ag Experience, Arkansas State Parks Program, and Arkansas Game & Fish Aquarium. For applications, further information and a complete schedule see www.portfest.org, like Portfest on Facebook, find Portfest Festival at Twitter@ portfest, bring your blankets and lawn chairs and come join the fun. PortFest Directors on the cover are Julie Allen, Brian Lindsey, Jennifer Ballard, Melissa Watson, John Watson and David Stewart. Not included in these photos are Jenna Austin, Craig Konkle and Bobby Tucker.

Get your tickets at: All Star Music in Batesville, Jonesboro and in All Star Sporting Goods in Paragould, Beautiful Noise Music in Searcy, Carter’s Corner in Jonesboro, Iberia Bank in Newport and Tuckerman, George’s Liquor Store in Newport, Merchants & Planters Bank in Newport, Batesville, Southside, McCrory, Newark, Tuckerman and Swifton, Newport Chamber in Newport, Old River Package Store in Elgin and Regions Bank in Newport.

Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs! Coolers are welcome, but there will be a $10 cooler fee at the gate. Free parking. For a complete schedule of events, go to www.portfest.org. Find Portfest Festival on Facebook or on Twitter @portfest.

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Eye On Seniors 2014 Each 2014 Senior will receive a copy at school.

Pick yours up at: May 5

Bingo – Newport

May 8

Mother’s Day Outing – Jonesboro

May 10

Hometown Days – Tuckerman

May 12

Beginning of Hospital Week activities

May 14

Lunch n Learn - Newport Fire Department

May 19

Bingo – Tuckerman

May 20

Movie Day 2 pm Harris Hospital community room

May 22

Memorial Day potluck – 5 pm HH community room

May 27

Senior Circle supper club – China Star – 4:30 – 7:00

For more information, contact Margaret Goodman, Senior Circle Advisor and Volunteer Coordinator for Harris Hospital at 870-512-3030. N

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Seniors, can we talk?

Being Prepared Part 2 Caroline Beauchamp

I thought I’d give you an update on Ruth and Bob. As you may recall from last month, Bob has had some health issues and Ruth has been his caregiver. It seems like in a real short time Bob has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, had a heart attack and diagnosed with cancer. They had bought a critical illness policy which certainly came in handy. It paid them a total of $30,000 - $10,000 after each of his three (3) diagnoses.

Bob is doing fine – under the circumstances. Ruth, on the other hand, is not. She’s tried to take care of Bob through each condition the very best she could. Now, it’s getting to the point where she just simply cannot take care of him any longer. Due to his Alzheimer’s, he leaves the house and wanders off, when he feels like it.

Ruth can get no rest 24/7 and always worries about him.

Ruth has visited several assisted living facilities – goodness, “facilities” sounds so cold. But at some point “you gotta do what you gotta do”. She has found a “second home” for him that she feels is suitable for him.

The care is what he needs. Hopefully he’ll be happy or at least not unhappy. Ruth plans on Bob moving there next week.

Even though the care is what Bob needs, it is expensive. I don’t mean to sound insensitive but at some point you’ve got to be realistic. The bill will have to be paid.

Fortunately, the long term care policies that Ruth

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All loans are subject to verification, underwriting aprovl, documentation & other lender requirements.All information is subject to change & revision & nothing herein is or should be interrupted as an obligation to lend.

12 | www.eyeonmag.com

and Bob purchased a few years ago provide assisted living coverage (that means the policy will reimburse Ruth for Bob’s care in an assisted living facility based on the benefit’s in Bob’s policy). Ruth and Bob selected a 90 day elimination/waiting period which means that (most) benefits will be reimbursed after care has been provided for 90 days. So after Bob has been in the assisted living facility for 90 days, the insurance company will reimburse Ruth for the cost of the assisted living facility based on Bob’s policy.

The amount that Ruth will be reimbursed will be based on the benefits that Ruth and Bob selected. They selected a $3000 a month benefit which means Ruth will be reimbursed up to $3000 a month for Bob’s care. If the assisted living facility is more than $3000 a month, Ruth will be responsible for paying that.

How long will Ruth be reimbursed for Bob’s care?

That also depends on the benefits Ruth and Bob selected when they bought their policy. Because both of them have family history of parents and grandparents living a long, long time and because there are so many medical procedures and advances that can prolong life, Ruth and Bob selected an “unlimited” benefit period. This means that benefits will never run out. Ruth will never receive a letter from her insurance company informing her that this is the last reimbursement check she will be getting.

Since costs of everything seem to be going up, when Ruth and Bob took out their long term care policy, they included a benefit called “inflation protection”. They felt that the cost of care would be more when they actually needed it than the cost of care when they took the policy out. Yes, inflation affects the cost of care in an assisted living facility, too! So much to Ruth’s surprise, Bob’s monthly benefit is actually $3477 a month instead of the $3000 she thought it was going to be.

Ruth and Bob’s friends who knew they had bought a long term care policy had asked them a lot of questions about their decision. At first, some asked “why are you spending that money to pay the premium for something you may never need?” Why not go on a trip?” They also had friends who had experienced caregivers at home, assisted living facilities and nursing homes for their family members who asked more serious questions like: what does Medicare cover? What are the odds that I’ll need care? What is the best age to start planning? Can you get care in your home? How much coverage is the right amount? Why is it important for women to plan?

If you have some of these same questions, ask a CERTIFIED long term care agent. How do you know if the person you talk with is certified? Just ask them. And make certain the person you talk with is knowledgeable and experienced about these issues.

Got questions or concerns today? Call 870-5236771 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” (Yes, I’m certified!)

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Family Medicine Cardiology

Roddy Lochala, DO • Matthew Jackson, MD • Matthew Haustein, MD

Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Newport

1500 McLain • 870-523-9337 NEABaptistClinic.com

Family Medicine Newport Family Medicine

Faces

Newport The 78th Annual Newport Chamber Banquet was a nice collection of beautiful local faces and community leaders. Many were deservedly awarded for their Family community service. We are lucky to have them all and thank them all for what they do and how Medicine they do it.

May 2014 | 13

870.307.0331

2550 Harrison St. in Batesville

The Family Practice Clinic of Dr. Roddy Lochala and Dr. Matthew Jackson recently underwent a change when they joined the NEA Baptist team. There was a nice crowd that gathered to hear Dr. Lochala talk about the ease with which NEA Baptist approached this change over helping to make a typically confusing and difficult process so much easier.

Alice James, Head Instructor of Sweeney’s Martial Arts Academy (pictured with Dr. Jackson lower left), was one of many of the clinic’s patience on hand to talk about the skilled care these home town doctors show on a daily basis.

The Jackson County Kiwanis Club met at the Newport Country Club Wednesday April 16 where CASA Representative, Susie Cover spoke about the program and their need for volunteers. At their weekly meeting on April 23, the guest speaker was Kelley Sourbeer from Arkansas Children Hospital and after she accepted a $3,600 donation from the Kiwanis Club.

There were over 425 names on display on the CANCER Wall Of Honor of people touched by cancer in Jackson County. The winners of the Mr. Relay contest-First place; Steve Horton alias Paulette Strecker; 2nd place Brock Walker alias Panda Dragbrooke and 3rd place Brian Adams alias Sugar Jugs, all three representing Walgreens.The Luminary Ceremony was held @ 9:00 p.m. The Luminarias and Luminary torches were lit and the names of those who lost the battle to cancer and the names of those who are battling or survived cancer were read to complete silence.

On Walking tract, Jenna Austin-Lindley Health & Rehab Center with Spirit Stick of a tornado from the Wizard of Oz. The Relay Theme was Disney-Once Upon A DreamOnce Upon A CURE!

Relay For Life 3rd place photo.

Relay For Life-survivors of cancer.

Bobby Bradley with wife Sherry, a cancer survivor.

Relay For Life- Remission Accomplished.

St. Michael’s booth at Relay for life.

Relay For Life Survivors of Cancer-Night of Hope.

Relay For Life-2nd place photo.

Relay For Life-luminaries.

Eye On Feature Newcomer’s Club and Alieta Rupp Joseph Thomas

Alieta Rupp laughs and says the first question you get when you move into a small town is, "What church do you go to?" Rob and Alieta Rupp made Newport their home in October of 2011, just after Rob became the new CEO of Harris Hospital. Alieta recently spoke with Eye On about Rob's dedication to the hospital's staff and their patience, ensuring that everyone's needs are met in a timely manner with an attitude of caring. She also talked about the warm welcome they both received from the people of the area; from neighbors bringing food and event invitations to help with groceries in the rain. She says she has never encountered such generosity from their travels and that they both love calling Newport home.

Rob retired after twenty-one years from the Air Force before joining Community Health Systems. He and Alieta have two daughters: Tara, who has a son and a daughter and Rachel, who has two boys. Rob and Alieta's daughters and grandchildren live in Texas.

Alieta says they both long to be closer to their children and grand children, but, "it would be hard to tear away from such a warm community. For now, this is home and this is the kind of place we were both looking forward to retiring in."

If you haven't met Alieta, she has quite a story worth hearing and is one of many concerned leaders that help hold this county together. The Rupp's are both very community minded and help in so many ways behind the scenes of many wonderful charities that give back so much. Alieta and Rob met when they were sixteen. Alieta's mother's family is from Ola in Yell County Arkansas. Her step-father's family is from Harrison, the County Seat of Boone County Arkansas.

He was a Country and Western performer and he pulled the whole family into the act. Alieta has memories of playing music with him and her mother on flatbed trucks and in honky tonks. Even Rob was taught to play bass and played with them on different outings. Alieta and Rob's first daughter was actually born in Calico Rock, "So, coming back to Arkansas was like coming full circle for us," explains Alieta.

Alieta is a part of the Service League, is on the board of Healthy Woman, was a volunteer with the Christian Health Clinic until it closed in December of 2013 and looks forward to helping with the Food Bank again.

Eye On met with Alieta because of her community involvement. She was invited to join the Newcomer's Club very quickly after her and Rob's arrival in Newport and was approached about becoming president in December 2012. Lindley Hodges started the Newcomer's Club as a welcome wagon to all new women in the area, but she didn't feel like the club was doing all it could, so in 1989 she revised the club with the intention of 16 | www.eyeonmag.com

easing new women into the area and aiding them with connections for daycare, schools, doctors, etc. The club officers would gather a list from the electric company, invite the newcomers to a luncheon and help any way they could. The Newcomer's Club still has a luncheon on the second Tuesday of every month. Some months they patronize local eateries and others they potluck in members homes.

"I have a great group of ladies to help me with official duties: Ollie Burton is the Vice President, Mary Berry is the Treasurer, but she also handles our computer work, Sandra Youngblood is our Secretary.

We've changed a few things, but our focus remains the same. We have a spring and fall fundraisers for the causes we support. The Newcomer's Club new cookbook will be available at the upcoming June Salad Luncheon," says Rupp. This book holds a surplus of tasty recipes, club history, officer information and a list of local needs the club meets. The club supported the Willa Black Daycare until it closed, now they raise and give upwards of $2500 a year to the White River Women's Shelter, Project New Start (www.projectnewstart.org), the Jackson County Humane Society (www.facebook.com/ JacksonCountyHumaneSocietyArkansas), the Jackson County Learning Center and the Back Pack Program. (foodbankofnea.org/backpack-program). When the Christian Health Clinic closed they shifted those resources to the new Food Bank. Their Salad and Soup Luncheons are their biggest source of these monetary donations and they ask for your help. Come to the Luncheon, buy a cookbook, give what you can to help further their cause. The Newcomer's Club also invites you to join and share in their monthly fellowship. Alieta asked me to share her cell phone number for anyone who would like to join the Newcomer's Club or find out more information about how to help with any of these other local causes. She can be reached at 254-205-7624.

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Dr. Dustin Taylor , D.C., CCEP New Location 920 Harrison St., Suite A Batesville, AR Accepting New Patients (870) 569-4909

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May 2014 |  17

I Do

Edmonds - Rowlett Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

On a warm August evening, the twelfth of 2010 to be exact, Kayla Edmonds and Andrew Rowlett crossed paths. “The scene was so romantic,” laughs Kayla. They were both putting gas in their respective vehicles at a gas station in Jonesboro. They were both just about to embark upon their final year of studies at Arkansas State University when fate stepped in.

When school started the following week they discovered that not only did they share several mutual friends they would also be classmates.

“We became really good friends really fast,” recalls Kayla. They shared four classes a day five days a week and it wasn’t very long before friendship blossomed into romance. Kayla shares, “I knew he was the one for me in just a few short months.”

The couple had been official for almost two years and Kayla was hearing wedding bells.

Andrew on the other hand, while he admitted to hearing them felt sure they were still some distance in their future together.

It was getting close to Christmas and the couple had been to Jonesboro to purchase their Christmas tree when Kayla ventured the wedding topic once more. Andrew was sticking to his guns and announced it was going to be a bit longer before that would come to pass.

Needless to say the ride home was pretty quiet.

Once home Andrew busied himself bringing in the tree while Kayla went in search of the decorations. As she was gathering things up Andrew called to her from the living room.

When she made her way to him she found him down on one knee, ring in hand. Standing at his side as witness to this special moment were the couple’s two golden retrievers, Splash and Hub. Her answer was a tearful, “yes.” Kayla admits, “Andrew had been planning a Christmas proposal for me, but since I had been so cranky on the way home he didn’t want me to have to wait any longer.” Kayla’s good natured advice to all you ladies in waiting is be patient, “you don’t want to ruin a well-planned proposal.”

Stan Jones Mallard Lodge in Clover Bend was the stunning backdrop for the couple’s outdoor wedding on October 12, 2013. Family and friends were abundant as Blake Burrow presided over the double ring ceremony. The couple wanted their wedding to be a personal affair, “We wrote our entire ceremony. Everything from the opening prayer, the officiates’ speech, our vows, to the closing prayer.” Another personal note was the participation of Splash and Hub or “the boys” as Kayla and Andrew affectionately refer

Megan Burges Photography

to them. After the flower girl made her way down the aisle, the boys were allowed to run to Andrew to join the groomsmen who stood in witness to the union. “After the ceremony, Andrew and I walked back up the aisle as husband and wife and when we got to the end we called for the boys to come join us,” Kayla shared.

There was a wonderful reception following the ceremony. The traditional dances were had along with cake and champagne toasts to accompany the sweet words of friends close to the bride and groom. The couple slipped away and spent their honeymoon in Phuket, Thailand. “We are travelers and we love exotic places with lots to do outdoors. The jungles of Thailand were amazing as were the elephants,” reminisces Kayla.

Kayla is a Registered Nurse in the operating room at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Andrew holds a pre-medicine degree from ASU, but chooses to follow his dream of farming. He and Kayla are partners in A & K Rowlett Farms. Kayla stated, “We are very blessed to have careers we love.”

They reside in Tuckerman with Splash and Hub. “We hope our future is as full of as much love and happiness as our past has been. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”

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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

Arkansas Agriculture Department Accepting Applications Submitted

The Arkansas Agriculture Department is accepting applications for proposals to enhance the competitiveness of Arkansas specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, floriculture and nuts. Applications will be considered for inclusion in Arkansas’ grant proposal for funds provided by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approximately $350,000 may be available to Arkansas under the program. Funds are available as a result of the Agricultural Act of 2014.

Under grant guidelines, state corporations, commodity associations, non-profit organizations, state and local government entities, and colleges and universities may be eligible. Applicants and/or their business or educational affiliation must be located in Arkansas.

Applicants are asked to submit proposals for projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by: * Assisting entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing Good Agricultural, Good Handling and Good Manufacturing practices, including cost share arrangements for funding audits of small farmer, packer and processor systems; 20 | www.eyeonmag.com

* Increasing the consumption of specialty crops by improving child and adult nutrition knowledge; * Increasing the competitiveness of Native American and disadvantaged farmers in producing specialty crops; * Improving access to specialty crop produce in underserved communities. * Enhancing food safety; * Investing in specialty crop research; * Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; * Developing new and improved specialty crop varieties; * Eradicating pest and plant health issues; * Fostering organic and sustainable production practices; and * Developing local and regional food systems.

Applications must be received by the department by close-of-business May 30, 2014. Questions regarding the program may be directed to Zachary Taylor, the department’s director of marketing, at 501-219-6324 or email Zachary.Taylor@aad.ar.gov. Application packets may be found at: www.aad.arkansas.gov . A complete list of eligible specialty crops may be found at www.ams. usda.gov/AMSv1.0/SCBGPdefinitions.

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Welcome To Jackson Bradfords Auto Sales, Inc 225 E. Darden (HWY 18) Grubbs

BUY HERE PAY HERE

Matt Ward, FIC

Advertising in Eye On is as easy as a day at the beach!

Managing Partner

Touching lives. Securing futures.

In House Financing

Offering fraternal financial services to help you reach your financial goals.

Newport, AR

(870) 252-3325 Owners: Doug Bradford, JR. & Dana Davis

For Rates Email: Kthomas@eyeonmag.com

870-217-3685 Matthew.Ward@mearep.org

Debra Thompson, CPA S u c c e s s i s a j o u r ne y , no t a d e s t i na t i o n!

(870) 523-3689 office (870) 512-8378 cell debra@dltcpa.com 1400 McLain St., Newport Taxes / Small Bu siness / C orporations / Payroll Farms / Tru cki ng / Reti rement / C ollege Planni ng

www.Cable15TV.com 2600 Doyle Street Newport, AR 72112 870-523-4447

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Eagle Pest

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We Mend It

Management, LLC 1775 Porter Street, Batesville

870-307-0582 Toll Free: 877-313-2453 Commercial and Residential Your Termite and Pest Control Services Specialist Serving North Central Arkansas Waymon Long President

wlong1@sbcglobal.net

   (870) 252-9495 225 E. Darden (HWY 18) Grubbs Owners: Danny & Dana Davis

May 2014 | 21

Registration Now Open for the 10th Annual T Tauri Movie Camp Bob Pest

The T Tauri Movie Camp is accepting registrations for its 10th annual summer youth program. Launched in 2005, T Tauri has offered a wide variety of video production workshops for aspiring filmmakers up to the age of 18.

Workshops range from two to three and a half days in duration.

The 2014 Movie Camp offers four workshops: Script to Screen Narrative Filmmaking, Music Video, Video Self Portrait, and Cut Paper Stop Motion Animation.

Workshops range from 2 to 3 ½ days in length and the cost is $60 to $100. T Tauri workshops are taught by experienced filmmaker/educators and the student to teacher ratio is 6 or 7 to 1. All supplies and equipment are included in the tuition cost.

The T Tauri Movie Camp is not a residential program.

Students and their parents or chaperones from outside the Batesville area are encouraged take advantage of a discounted rate at the Batesville Comfort Suites Hotel; the Movie Camp rate is available for reservations made before July 1. In addition to the workshop sessions, the T Tauri experience also includes an official T Tauri t-shirt, a DVD featuring all of the movies made at camp in the current year, and a Finale Screening on the evening of Saturday, August 2. The Finale Screening is open to the public and showcases all of the films created in the current year's workshops.

For dates and locations, biographies of instructors, detailed descriptions of workshop activities, and registration forms, visit www.ttauri.org or call 870-251-1189.

The T Tauri Movie Camp is the youth division of Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Inc., a 501(c)(3) rural non-profit organization dedicated to excellence and accessibility in the cinema arts. "T Tauri" is the astronomer's term for a The Jackson County Humane Society is in need of the new star. N following supplies: water buckets, dog houses, Clorox, laundry detergent, paper towels and blankets (without backing). Items can be dropped off at the Newport Area Get connected continues from page 9 Chamber office at 201 Hazel Street.

Things To Do HomeTown Days Tuckerman HomeTown Days is May 9th and 10th. On the 9th, the Fire Department will start selling BBQ at 11 and there will be live entertainment that evening.

The 10th is an all day event with Live entertainment, Vendors, and an auction that usually starts around 3 p.m. The Headline Entertainment for Saturday night is Jeff Bates with local entertainer Danny Baty opening.

A Day with Janet Carson The Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service and the White River Garden Club will host a gardening seminar “”A Day with Janet Carson” in Newport, Arkansas, on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at the ASU Newport Student/Community Center. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. The program will start at 9:30 a.m. and will end by 3:00 p.m.. The Cost is $15 (Paid in Advance) which includes lunch , door prizes and other goodies . The coffee break refreshments will be provided in part by the Jackson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee , Kroger, Walmart and Price Chopper. Other goodies will be provided by Harris Hospital and Newport Diagnostic Center. You must pre-register and your $15 be received by June 5. You may call the Jackson County Extension Office at 870 523 7450 or email them at wbarker@uaex.edu to pre-register and then mail your check for more information.

Portfest!

Mark your calendar for the 33rd Annual Portfest Festival on June 6-7 at Jacksonport State Park. For the most up-to-date information and announcements, like Portfest Festival on Facebook.

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medical care of a senior loved one may be given access as an approved representative by the patient.

Information in your Portal account is private, secure and protected; there are multiple safeguards in place to protect your health information. And only you, and those you authorize, can access your account.

Set up a free Portal account the next time you are at the hospital or doctor’s office. And once your account is set-up, be sure to log in regularly to view, download and share your information, and to check out new Portal features that will be added regularly.

This new capability is offered to patients in an effort to provide the best experience possible in managing their healthcare. Learn more about the advantages of setting up a My Health Home Portal account at HarrisHospital.com, and check out the brand new website experience that creates unification of voice and visual elements with new information architecture. The new website features new layout, font and pallet, as well as new visual imagery that is representative of our region. New copy elements add to consumer engagement, functionality and usefulness to patients! The new responsive design integrates well on any device such as tablets or mobile phones. Don’t forget you can always see the current average wait time in the Emergency Department on the website any time you may need to know. All these new features are implemented to address the desire patients have for access and functionality in today’s digital world. And as partners in healthcare, Harris Hospital is happy to comply. More than care…

Commitment!

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Support Our Advertisers Bradford’s Auto Sales, Inc.--------------- 21 Dairy Queen-------------------------------- 6 D & D Collision and Repair--------------- 21 Debra Thompson, CPA------------------- 21 Dr. Dustin Taylor D.C., CCEP------------17 Eagle Pest---------------------------------- 21 ENG Lending------------------------------ 5 George Kell Motors, Inc------------------ 3 Harris Hospital---------------------------- 2 H & R Block Tax Services----------------- 11 Imaginations-------------------------------8 Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry------------------ 17 Kent’s Firestone--------------------------- 7 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC--- 6 Living Spaces------------------------------ 14 Mark Martin Ford------------------------- 9 Merchants and Planters Bank------------ 12 Modern Woodmen------------------------ 21 NEA Baptist Clinic------------------------ 13 N E D C------------------------------------- 20 Newport Cable 15-------------------------- 21 Purdy’s Flowers and Gifts---------------- 6 Shelter Insurance-------------------------- 4 Something Extra--------------------------- 6 Southern Tire Mart------------------------ 11 St. Michael’s Place------------------------- 24 Studio 1910 Photography----------------- 3 Thompson’s Jewelry---------------------- 21 Welcome To Jackson---------------------- 21

Arkansas Craft School Sustainability Weekend Announces Menus Mark your calendars now for Sustainability Weekend May 30 – June 1, presented by the Arkansas Craft School. Activities for the weekend include classes in craft, foodways, and sustainable agriculture, artisan lunches, a farm-to-table candlelight dinner, and concert. All activities will take place at Tomahawk Creek Farm in beautiful rural Stone County, 10 miles southeast of Mountain View. Participants must preregister, and may choose from various components to create a fun and enlightening weekend.

Artisan lunches will be prepared all three days by one of the county’s favorite cooks - Kayt Matheson Fossler, who has dreamed up some delicious noonday meals. In addition, Patricia Stewart will be preparing the Saturday night meal, a complete farm-to-table dinner. Cost for lunch is $12.00 each day, and will be served from 12:00 – 1:00; the Saturday night dinner is $25.00, and will be served from 5:00 – 6:30. You do not need to be enrolled in classes to share a meal with us, but you will need to purchase meals at least three days in advance, to allow our cooks to obtain supplies. A reminder: meals are not included in the cost of a workshop.

Friday’s lunch menu will consist of Pasta with Bacon and Prosciutto, a Salad of Mixed Baby Greens served with home crafted salad dressings, Garlic Cheese Biscuits, and Gala Apple Torte - made with Gala apples, walnuts and honey on a wheat germ crust. On Saturday, Kayt will be preparing Jalapeno Cherry Pork Loin, Waldorf Slaw, Fresh Green Beans sautéed with garlic and panko breadcrumbs, Smashed Red-Skinned Potatoes with fresh herbs and bacon salt, and individual Cherry Key Lime Cheesecakes. Sunday lunch/brunch, includes a choice of Tomato, Basil, Feta Cheese Quiche or Green Chili Quiche, Spinach Salad, topped with grapes and blue cheese drizzled with a warm honey dressing, and Fresh Strawberries in a Sweet Balsamic.

Lunches are $12.00 each, and include iced tea, plain or sweet, and coffee, regular or decaffeinated.

Saturday night’s Candlelight Farm-to-Table Dinner features Trish’s Natural Pasture Raised Beef Cube Steak served with a French Onion Sauce, Herb Roasted Vegetables, Home Grown Skillet Corn, Creamy Honey Coleslaw, Deviled Country Eggs, Homemade Wheat Rolls served with Honey Maple Butter, and the grand finale - Wild Blackberry Fried Pie served with Goat Milk Ice Cream. All items on the dinner menu are naturally grown, naturally raised, and lovingly prepared by Patricia Stewart from Star Gap Farm in Mountain View, AR. The $25.00 dinner includes a wine tasting along with choices of ice tea and coffee; and immediately precedes the concert.

Visit the Arkansas Craft School’s website, www.arkansascraftschool. org for more information on Sustainability Weekend classes, meals, and the concert during the weekend, as well as registration forms and scholarship applications. You may also sign up for classes, or purchase meals or concert tickets by calling the Craft School at (870) 269-8397.

The Arkansas Craft School, located in Mountain View, Arkansas is dedicated to the education of aspiring and practicing craft artisans for success in the Creative Economy. The Craft School partners with Ozarka College and Pulaski Technical College, who offer Continuing Education credits for all of its courses. Support for the Arkansas Craft School is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment of the Arts.

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