Eye On Jackson September 2016

September 2016 www.eyeonmag.com

Carol Falwell Wheat Planting Season Healthy Women of Unity Soiree A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

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We are happy to cheer on the Lewellyn Farm Family of the year!

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Congrats to the Lewellyn Family, Jackson County’s Farm Famiy of the year!

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In This Issue 6/Editor’s Note Farm Family

7

6/Healthy Women of Unity 7/Newport Chamber News

Trashiest Team Clean Up Contest

8/Seniors, can we talk?

Red, White and Blue

8/Notes from the Clearing

8

Ever Underway

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY:

9/Great Tastes

MeadowLand Media, Inc. P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431 870.503.1150 kthomas@eyeonmag.com

What’s For Dinner

10/Cover Story

PUBLISHER: Joseph Thomas

Carol Falwell

12/Depot Days Festival

10

15/Things To Do

Creative Director : Joseph Thomas

18/Farm Family of the Year 20/In the Field with Randy

12

The Passion that Drives Us All

22/U of A, Division of Agri, Research & Extension

The Depot Days Festival has been extended to include a second day! The festivities kick off Friday, September 23 with music from the Memphis AllStars.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Saturday, September 24, 2016

MANAGING EDITOR: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Adrienne Freeman

21/Central Baptist Brief

7 p.m. Deltones (Arkansas’ newest funky blues band) 8:15 p.m. Memphis AllStars (Decades of Memphis Soul)

Associate EDITOR: Kimberlee Thomas

13/Service Guide

Wheat

Depot Days Festival Schedule of Events

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

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

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

Jackson County 4-H

23/Our Part of Arkansas

AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company

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

Our Children 9:30 a.m. Lion’s Club Auction 12:45 p.m. Opening Ceremonies (Presentation of the Colors - NHS ROTC / National Anthem 1 p.m. The Jimmy Dunham Family (Rockin’ Gospel) 2 p.m. The Zyndall Raney Band (Classic Country Dance Rock) 3:15 p.m. J.R. Rogers and The Alstars (Smokin’ Piano Rock) 4:15 p.m. Ace Canon (Sax in the City!)

5:15 p.m. Sonny Burgess and The Pacers (Rock’n’Rol Pioneers) 6:15 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers (Genuine New Orleans Cajun Zydeco) 7:30 p.m. Memphis AlStars (Decades of Memphis Soul) Congratulations 8:45 p.m. Jason D. Williams (Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On)

20

Quinn Aviation, Inc.

Depot Days 2016 is organized and promoted by Henry H. Boyce and the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce Rock’n’Rol Highway 67 Museum open Noon to 4 p.m. Sonny Burges and Ace Cannon will be available for autographs and photogrphs.

23

Lewellyn Family from all of us at Quinn Aviation, Inc.

Quinn Aviation, Inc 6106 Southwest Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72404 (870) 932-1068

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

Editor’s Note Farm Family

Joseph Thomas

photo by Robert O. Seat

September 2016, here we are. This issue if packed full of stories and Farm Family congratulatory ads. I have the honor of bringing you the Lewellyn’s of Jackson County for their recognition as Farm Family of the Year.

I am pleased to introduce Michelle Foshee, marketing specialist at Unity Health, who will be bringing us Unity Health - Harris Medical Center News, and Arkansas Representative Michael John Gray, for District 47 who will be writing

about Our Part of Arkansas. Caroline Beauchamp’s subject is a little red, white and blue card, Jarred Elliott speaks of the passion that drives us all, Sarah Metzger shares a 4-H win, Randy Chlapecka talks wheat and Kacey Burge brings us our tenth powerful woman of this series, Carol Falwell (another deserved candidate).

Adrienne Freeman shares mail ordered meals and Depot Days, we have local faces and plenty of things to do, so read on and enjoy. N

Eye On is looking for local weddings, why not yours?

Healthy Women of Unity

Married in the last two years, let us show-off your special day!

Email me at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

Michelle Foshee

Health Centered Event with Unity Health Healthy Women of Unity to host Annual Soiree and Vendor Fair at ASU-Newport. The annual Healthy Women of Unity speaker event will be held Thursday, September 22, 2016 on the ASU-Newport Campus at 7648 Victory Blvd. The soiree will begin with a vendor fair at 4:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a keynote speaker.

This year’s speaker is Suzette Brawner of Branson, Mo. Suzette was born and raised in Little Rock, Ar. and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. She is a frequent radio guest speaker, the wife of her college blind date, the mother of three children and grandmother to eight grandchildren; which keeps Brawner on the cutting edge of real life situations.

Brawner is the author of three books: Bark Less Wag More, Uncommon Sense, and Taming the Family Zoo. The Healthy Women of Unity committee is eager to have Brawner help the women in attendance Find YOUR Balance. She is known to have cross-generational appeal and a timeless message most everyone needs to hear.

To learn more about Healthy Women of Unity and/ or purchase tickets for the event please visit Unity-Health.org/Healthy-Women-Unity or call (870) 512-3081.

HEALTHY WOMEN OF UNITY The group’s mission is to engage women as consumers and encourage dialogue about life choices for themselves and their families. It is a free community resource provided by Unity Health – Harris Medical 6 |

Center to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed wellness decisions; while having fun along the way. Healthy Women of Unity is guided by an advisory council of key influencers, supported by local partners, and geared toward women ages 25 to 65.

Most women have incredible demands every day and with all their obligations often forget to care for themselves. The program provides free health education designed to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. With nearly 700 members, it is the only organization of its kind in Jackson County. Some of the events hosted by Healthy Women of Unity each year include; the annual speaker event (September 22, 2016), Color Run for Kids (November 12, 2016 – In conjunction with Junior Auxiliary’s Gobble All the Way 5k), and Paint the Town Red (February 2017).

UNITY HEALTH – HARRIS MEDICAL CENTER: Unity Health – Harris Medical Center is a 133-bed facility with complete inpatient and outpatient care.

The Harris Medical Center staff believes in the power of people to create great care. Harris Medical Center is more than 225 healthcare professionals strong and works hard every day to create a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community they call home. In addition to the main campus, Unity Health – Harris Medical Center’s network includes Unity Health - Medical Clinic, Unity Health - Internal Medicine, Unity Health - Women’s Clinic and Unity Health - Pediatric Clinic. N

Share your good news, events or holiday images with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

September 2016 |  7

Seniors, can we talk?

Red, White and Blue

I’m so glad to hear from you! Several have called about getting their red, white and blue Medicare card. Here’s one call I received, “I’m turning 65 in October and I don’t have my red, white and blue Medicare card. My friend is turning 65 in October and she’s already received her card. Why did she get hers and I haven’t gotten mind?”

Let’s talk about some basic things related to Medicare.

First thing is getting your red, white and blue Medicare card. You will get your Medicare card automatically if one of these situations applies to you. If you’re already receiving Social Security, you will automatically get your red, white and blue Medicare card showing Medicare Part A and Part B. This will start the first day of the month you turn 65. (There is a tricky rule that if your birthday is the first day of the month, your Medicare will be effective the first of the previous month.) If you’re under 65 and are receiving Social Security disability benefits, you will get your Medicare card showing Part A and Part B on the 25th month of your disability (the 25th month since you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits.). If you have ALS, you will get your Medicare card showing Part A and Part B when your Medicare disability benefits begin. If you fall in one of these categories, you should receive your Medicare red, white and blue card 3 months before it goes into effect.

If you do not fall in one of these categories, you will

need to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. So if you’re not getting Social Security benefits or have ESRD, you will have to sign up. Where and when? You can either go to one of the local Social Security offices, call Social Security or, if you feel comfortable using the internet, you can enroll online.

Another person asked “When do I have to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B? I don’t want to have to pay a late penalty!” Good question because there are only certain times when you can sign up. Most people sign up when they are first eligible for Medicare benefits - when they turn 65. You have a 7 month “initial enrollment period”.

This enrollment period is 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after you turned 65.

Yes, there is a late enrollment penalty in most cases, if you do not sign up for Medicare Part B when you were first eligible. This late penalty will never go away – it will stay with you as long as you have Part B. There are 2 other times you can sign up for Part A and Part B. We’ll talk about those next time. If you need to know before then, call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent can we talk? I need for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She to talk about other offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelyenrollment periods.” published informational column, ‘Caroline, Can N We Talk?’.

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Great Tastes

What’s For Dinner The universal question… What’s for dinner? … There comes a time, usually at the end of seasons, when it is just hard to think of anything to cook. It can be the late days of summer when just looking at the oven makes you sweat, or sometime at the end of winter when another bowl of something makes you mad at all things potato. Or, it’s OMG! What can I make out of this pantry without a trip to the always busy grocery store. Now there are several meal services that bring the perfect (and fun!) solutions right to your front door.

First, this isn’t a replacement for the chopping and measuring of real cooking. All of that is still there, although greatly reduced and easily managed. If you like cooking with your spouse or children, this is a perfect activity with all pictures and simple instructions.

The first we tried was Blue Apron. The box showed up courtesy of Fed Ex. It was on my front porch but the company guarantees that the shipment is safe for 12 hours. There are other options, but we got three meals for two diners in our order. Opening it was almost as exciting as Christmas! A large silver bubble-wrapped sack filled the box. Inside I found fresh vegetables, fruits and starches, each one wrapped and labeled with just enough product for the meal. Need one carrot? One carrot in a Ziploc bag. Two celery ribs? Another labelled Ziploc. All of the produce was fresh and colorful. All of the protein was under the ample ice packs, still plenty cool. In each meal, the proteins were familiar things like beef, chicken, shrimp – even catfish!

Then there were three little brown sacks labeled Knick Knacks. One for each meal, these little sacks held anything from tablespoons of flour, butter or hot sauce to more exotic things like crème fraiche or jerk spice blend. Each recipe was on a large laminated card with lots of pictures and step by step directions. Each meal was supposed to take about half an hour to prepare which was pretty close.

As much as we enjoyed Blue Apron, the cook in me wondered what was the difference between the other services? We tried Hello Fresh and Plated. All were similar

in many ways; all had about a 50% discount on the first order, all came in well packaged cool boxes that would last on your porch for several hours, all had fresh vegetables, low-fat quality meats and fish and recipe cards to explain the dish and its preparation as well as being suitable for saving so you could make favorites again. All in all, the recipes were tasty and filling. The prices per meal are similar too – about $10 per portion. Not much different than a restaurant or fast-food. Conveniently, each service allows you to turn your subscription “on” and “off” easily to accommodate vacations or holidays. You could also quit at anytime with no penalty.

Trying new foods, new vegetables and seasonings was interesting as well. It was amazing to start preparing a meal with a name from a distant origin and find that a few familiar ingredients with some new spices turned into something that wasn’t that far from home – a beef tartine was a beef sandwich, or a shrimp banh mi was almost like a po-boy.

One of the best benefits of all the meal services was no shopping and no waste. The only ingredients you need to have on hand is salt, pepper and olive oil. With a mail order meal, you have every spice, vegetable and condiment that you need to make a full meal. And whether you order the two-person or four-person choice, it is just enough for each with no leftovers to store or waste.

If you are tired of the same old thing, cut out your shopping and let your fingers do the walking through cyber space and answer What’s for Dinner? with a delicious surprise for the whole table.

N

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.

www.fnbank.net We are honored to serve the working people and applaud the Lewellyn Family of Jackson County as Farm Family of the Year.

Eye On Cover Story Carol Falwell

Carol Falwell lives her life by one motto- treat others how you want to be treated. She believes in respect and commits to honesty in everything she does. From the home to the office, from her relationships with family and friends to customers and clients, Carol is steadfast in holding strong to the “Golden Rule”. The success she’s enjoyed as an Executive Real Estate Broker, she humbly accredits to being a dedicated student of this daily and lifelong practice.

A HEART OF SERVICE AND HARD WORK Carol grew up in Bradford, AR as a middle child to parents, Carl and Adred Siler. She, along with older sister, Rebecca, and younger brother, C.W., had a strong work ethic instilled in them at a young age. Being the children of local business owners, they learned about hard work and integrity from their mother and father who led by example. From a truck stop to the Bradford Skating Rink to Siler Variety Store, Carol learned a lot about customer service and adhering to the age old family motto of “the customer is always right.”

It wasn’t all work and no play for Carol and her siblings growing up. She has so many great childhood memories from her small, tight knit hometown where everyone knew everyone, people looked out for each other, and there was a general sense of community. “I grew up feeling safe everywhere, anytime,” Carol fondly recalls.

One particularly special memory Carol has of her girlhood days was summertime strawberry picking. She remembers catching the pickup truck at the corner early in the mornings to go out into the country to the local berry patch. “I enjoyed the ride, visiting with others picking for the day, and of course the 6 cents/quart the farmer paid,” Carol says with a smile.

RAISING A FAMILY WITH HEART Carol married her high-school sweetheart from Bradford High, a local farmer, Kenny Falwell after the pair went on to finish college. The couple had 2 beautiful daughters whom they raised to be hardworking, intelligent, and compassionate young adults. With kind hearts and giving spirits, it wasn’t a surprise that both women found themselves in the healthcare field.

Their first born, Vanessa Falwell went on to become a Registered Nurse and their youngest, Amelia F. Smith, a pharmacist.

Carol has lots of great memories from watching her children grow up. The girls were involved in lots of activities and when she and Kenny weren’t bouncing around from ball games and dance practice, to 4H meetings and church activities, they were swimming, roller skating, or just spending quality time together as a family. “I cherish those memories,” Carol says thinking

back on the fun they used to have.

THE HEART OF A TEACHER Carol went on to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro after high school, earning her BS degree in Education. In 1975, she came to Newport to practice teach, and was offered a position teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Biology by the Superintendent, John Mullins, of the Newport School District. “I loved teaching high school students,” Carol says enthusiastically. And her love and passion for education never died out, as she went on to teach for the next 31 years!

During her time as a teacher, she also went on to pursue a MS degree in Library Science/Educational Media and moved to the Library Media Center where she helped students research various topics and encouraged them to read.

A HEART TO LEARN AND SERVE So how did Carol make the transition from high school teacher to real estate broker? The answer resulted in the paperwork.

In 1977, Carol and Kenny purchased their first farm. The process required the couple to sign a lot of documents and drawn up paperwork, heavy in legalese and technical language that Carol was not familiar with. “I was brought up to never sign anything I did not understand,” Carol shares, “And if we were going to continue buying farms, I wanted to learn more about real estate.” So, the teacher became the student.

Carol decided to seek out a Real Estate Course to educate herself. In doing so, she reached out to a student

in her Chemistry class, Greg Sink, whose parents were in the real estate business. She sat down with John, Ralph, and Nancy Sink to inquire about getting a real estate license, and later was brought on as a real estate sales person with Sink Realty. “I enjoyed selling houses for Sink Realty from 1977 until 2012 when Ms. Nancy Sink retired,” Carol says of the opportunity she had to learn and grow her experience base.

That same year, Carol moved her licenses to Honey Realty where she currently works as an Executive Broker alongside owner and Executive Broker, Sandra Honey.

Interestingly enough, Carol is now helping former students purchase their first homes. “There is just something very pleasing about seeing them as young, working adults who are fulfilling the American Dream of owning their own homes,” Carol shares.

Carol also has the opportunity to work with people new to the area looking to buy a home. “It gives me a chance to tell them all the great things about living in Newport,” Carol says excitedly. She loves to interact with people everyday and provide guidance and helpful information in their real estate pursuits, no matter what they may be. She lists and sells real estate, and helps consumers by looking over documents and answering their questions. “I truly care about every person I work with in buying or selling a house,” Carol says thoughtfully. “I think there is a house for everyone, and someone for every house, and it is my job to put them

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A HEART FOR THE GOOD OF ALL When asked about her future goals, Carol Falwell responds with a quote from John Wesley. One that she keeps on her desk to remind, motivate and encourage.

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can.

In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you ever can.”

Because of her authenticity and strength in character, coupled with her strong and honest work ethic and passion for helping the people in the community, we are proud to be recognizing Carol Falwell as a woman of excellence in Jackson County and a “Shining Star” real estate broker in the city of Newport.

N

Kacey Clare Burge has a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University. She has written for a Southwest Florida lifestyles magazine and because of her outstanding work, she was featured in REAL Magazine as a contributing copy writer and editor. She has worked as a debt content writer for a financial advice website and had a successful freelance career for several years.

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

Depot Days Festival In the mid-1950s a cultural phenomenon captured the imagination of the world. A young man from Tupelo, Mississippi excited tens of millions of young people with his new style of music which was a cross between country and rhythm and blues. His stage presence and good looks immediately inspired thousands of other aspiring young musicians to emulate his style.

At the same time Jackson County and Newport, Arkansas already had an existing network of music venues which were providing live music and dance floors to fun lovers all over northeast Arkansas and beyond. When Elvis Presley toured through Jackson county in 1955, he completely revolutionized the way most young people thought about popular music. He has been given credit by historians for being the single most influential performer during the birth of rock 'n' roll.

Elvis also had an impact on Jackson County local musicians such as Sonny Burgess who had been playing clubs along US 67 for a couple of years already. Burgess had the opportunity to meet Presley and Presley was impressed with Burgess. Presley encouraged Burgess to travel to nearby Memphis to try and record his own music with Sam Phillips at the Sun Recording Service, as it was known then. Burgess followed Presley's advice and eventually was successful in recording several major hits at the nowfamous Sun Studios. At the same time Presley and Burgess were beginning their careers dozens of other musicians from all over the Mid-South were getting into the business of rock 'n' roll.

All of the major Sun recording artists at some point came to Jackson County to play those same road houses and nightclubs which had been hosting live music for years.

Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Conway Twitty were just a few of the artists who at the time were just beginning their careers. In the years to come they would all become international superstars.

The Depot Days festival is held each Fall on Front Street in downtown Newport. The festival was conceived

as a heritage event paying homage to the early days of rock 'n' roll. Over the past 19 years it has become a significant regional attraction drawing loyal fans back to Newport every year to hear the music which jammed the airwaves when rock 'n' roll began. Dozens of Jackson County high schools plan their class reunions in conjunction with the festival weekend. Fans of early rock 'n' roll from across the ocean regularly attend the festival. It is not uncommon for fans from England, Australia, Sweden as well as all over the United States to make the pilgrimage to front Street to catch a glimpse of living legends not to mention younger generations of musicians who were inspired by the elders.

The music heard at Depot days is widely recognized to have inspired later rock icons such as the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen and dozens more.

The festival also hosts several food vendors and allows crafters and civic organizations to set up booths to interact with the community. Activities for families and children are also scheduled which strive to provide a weekend of entertainment free of charge to the citizens of our community. The festival is completely underwritten and dependent upon the financial support of our individual and corporate sponsors. A barbecue contest will be held and admission to all activities remains FREE! For more information go to www.depotdays.org or call the Newport Area Chamber Adrienne Freeman is a Jackson County of Commerce at 870-523based food writer whose work is published statewide. When not at the keyboard, she can 3618 or email director@ be found in the kitchen, focusing on recipes and techniques that can be easily replicated newportarchamber.org. by fellow enthusiastic home cooks. She always welcomes reader response at newport.

N foodies@yahoo.com.

Heritage Agriculture of Arkansas

congratulates the Lewellyn Farm Family

of the Year! We are proud to serve this heritage!

Hoxie 870.886.6663 Pocahontas 870.892.2511 12 |

Share your good news, events or holiday images with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

Arkansas State University-Newport announced Thursday that Sara Baker, Felix Caballero, Sarah Howard, Courtney Jackson, Garrett Oliver, Tatum Roberson, Tristan Vance and Kylan Young have been selected to serve as Student Ambassadors on the Newport campus for the 2016-17 school year.

BridgeDowntown SalonNewport & Spa Haircuts / Colors Highlights / Perms Blow Outs / Glazes Tonya 870-612-7376

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Success is a journey, not a destination September 2016 | 13

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Every Child Is Ours recently held an open house for their new food pantry at 201.5 AR-367 N in Tuckerman, Arkansas. Jan Paschal spoke and introduced several speakers, thanking them all and many more for their contributions of time and heart to such a worthy establishment. Mrs. Kaye Person sang, like only she can, the National Anthem to start us off on the right frame of heart. Most of the speakers spoke of being ‘Paschaled’ by Jan and her sense of persistence for getting the needs of all of our children met. Many spoke on different subjects, but it all came back to our children and our duty to assure that every child in our community is fed and living in a safe environment.

Eye On Magazine is proud to have such caring leaders as Jan, her voluntary staff and all of those in and outside of Jackson County that help her fill the needs of our local children. We also want to thank Phyllis Holmes for helping to keep us in the know and for all she does for Jackson County.

If you would like to volunteer some of your time or to make a food or monetary dontation, call Jan Paschal at 870.349.2011 or email at info@everychildisours.net. More information can be found at www.everychildisours.net.

Things To Do

Fundraiser Golf Tournament White River Women’s Shelter Fundraiser Golf Tournament will be Thursday, September 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Village Creek Golf Club. This will be a four-person scramble, 18 holes, limited to the first 36 teams. Entry is $100 per person ($400 per team), open to everyone.

Includes a 50/50 pot, raffle prizes and lunch is provided.

The shelter is in need of a new facility to help provide a safe haven for women and children who are in a domestic violence situation. The new facility will also provide for homeless men/women who are in need of a place to sleep.

There will be all kinds of assistance for the clients from how to get a job, counseling, rehab assistance and to learn to become self-sufficient. For more info or to register, call 870.523.5403 or email wrbws@hotmail.com.

19th Annual Depot Days

The Depot Days music festival is set to take place on September 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the 24 on historic Front Street in downtown Newport, Arkansas. The festival is a showcase of local, regional and national talent paying tribute to the early history of Rock and Roll. Old U.S. Highway 67, which runs through the heart of Newport and Jackson County, was the home for dozens of roadhouses and nightclubs which hosted early shows by rock pioneers in the 1950’s and 60’s. The festival has expanded this year to include a Friday night live Blues show under a tent which will be utilized for expanded children’s activities on Saturday. The festival also offers food vendors, crafts, children’s activities, a BBQ contest and free prizes given away from the stage all day on Saturday! Coolers are welcome. Admission is FREE! For more information, see the Depot Days Facebook page, visit the website at www.depotdays.org or contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at director@newportarchamber.org 870.523.3618.

SACS SACS rally was postponed because the fallen officers in July. It is rescheduled for September 30th at the State Capital at 10 a.m. This rally is about Unfair Custody Cases.

2016 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference It’s time to register for the Southern Region Master Gardener Conference, hosted by the Tarrant County Master Gardeners in the great state of Texas! With a fantastic

lineup of keynote and breakout speakers, along with amazing tour options, this conference is sure to please! All who register before 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, September 5th will be entered to win: One of five full REGISTRATION FEES* (current value: $275.00) or One of five TOURS or THE COWBOY EXPERIENCE (winner’s choice; valued between $30.00 and $70.00). * Note: Only those registrants who stay at the Sheraton Arlington for one or more nights will be entered into the drawing. The draw will be made at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office of the Tarrant County Master Gardeners in Fort Worth, Texas on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. CONFERENCE DATES: NOVEMBER 1-4, 2016 / ARLINGTON, TX 2016southernregionmg.com.

Farmer’s Market Don’t forget to stop by the Farmers Market every Saturday and Wednesday mornings starting at 7 a.m.

Located in the market pavilion next to Newport Lake June through October.

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.

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

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

They also accept food donations. N

September September23 23&&2424 FFRROONNTT SST T. . • •NN EW PO EW P ROTR T

DEPOT DEPOT DAYS DAYSPRESENTS PRESENTS

& k c o R R

L U O S L U O S

The The

N I A R T N I A R T

! w e N !

New

FRIDAY NIGHT

DELTA BLUES TENT

FRIDAY NIGHT

wday e N r u Sat

DELTA BLUES TENT

MEMPHIS ALLSTARS & THE DELTATONES MEMPHIS 7PM ALLSTARS

CHILDREN’S wday e N r SatuTENT

CHILDREN’S TENT

FREE M us

& THE DELTATONES 7PM

u n fo rA F • LL i c ALL D a y

u n fo rA F FFeaturing REE M Jasona yD. Williams • L D L u L s i c A L SATURDAY SATURDAY

✿ SONNY BURGESS AND THE PACERS ✿ ACE CANNON ✿ J. R. ROGERS AND THE ALLSTARS ✿ ZYNDALL RANEY BAND

✿ THE JIMMY DUNHAM FAMILY ✿ DEWAYNE DOPSIE ✿ MEMPHIS ALLSTARS

Featuring Jason D. Williams

16 |

✿ SONNY BURGESS AND THE PACERS ✿ ACE CANNON ✿ J. R. ROGERS AND THE ALLSTARS eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com ✿ ZYNDALL RANEY BAND

WWW.DEPOTDAYS.ORG

✿ THE JIMMY DUNHAM FAMILY ✿ DEWAYNE DOPSIE ✿ MEMPHIS ALLSTARS

#2 Country Club

2802 Kimberly Street

2806 Stewart Drive

2813 Stewart Drive

Lovely Brick home w 4 br, 4 ba, Living/dining/den, fireplace, granite master bath, immaculate condition, double carport, near Newport Country Club and High School motivated sellers

Very Nice Brick home in Galeria 4 br, 2.5 ba, Living/Dining/Den w Fireplace, Island Kitchen, Double garage

Large 4 br, 3.5 ba brick home w/double garage, Fireplace, den, office, wood floors, storm cellar basement, workshop, much more

Custom built stucco exterior with courtyard/wrought iron railing, 4 br, 3.5 ba with tile floors, fireplace, curved wood stairway, beautiful design, detached office, cul de sac

$215,000

$159,000 / PENDING

$325,000

$285,000

8 Park Place

201 Adabelle, Tuckerman

1108 Nancy Ave

1305 Christi Drive

Brick 3 br, 2.5 ba, den/dining/sunken living room w fireplace, Recently remodeled, 2 story, Double garage

Brick, 3br, 1ba, wood floors, no carpet, recently updated in 2009, new stainless appliances, carport, near Tuckerman school Motivated sellers

Very Nice 4B, 2.5B, Brick home with privacy fence, fireplace, den/living/dining room, double garage

Brick 4br, 2.5 ba, living room, den with wood burning fireplace, wood floors, storage building, very nice Motivated Sellers

$139,000

Reduced to $99,500

$135,000

$149,500

414 Logan Street

415 Main Street $39,000

1100 – 1102 Walnut Street

2959 Meadowlake Rd., Bradford

$22,900

$50,000

$41,500

Great investment property, Brick 2bed/1ba, CHA, gas range gas heat, single carport

CUTE 2bed/1ba cottage near downtown and high school, CHA, alarm system, large family room, appliances included, patio

Income producing duplex, 2 – 2bed/1ba units on nice corner lot, wood and linoleum floors

2bed/1ba on 2 acres, large yard with lots of trees, has wheelchair ramp entry, large living and bathroom, metal roof, double garage, would be great for hunting lodge

7547 Hwy 18 E

124 Greenhaw Street, Tuckerman

203 Adabelle, Tuckerman

707 Hodges

Fabulous Custom Built 3 br, 2.5 ba, bonus room, fireplace, granite counter tops, cherry wood floors, 3 car garage, cypress/river rock exterior on 15.71 acres w shop

Built 2014, brick 3B/2B home with open floor plan, recessed lighting, vaulted ceilings, alarm system, all electric, double garage, laminate wood floors, and above ground pool.

Brick, 3 br, 2.5 ba, large den/living, new laminate flooring, new kitchen remodel w/counter tops, backsplash, cabinets, storm cellar

3br, 2ba brick w/large living/den/ fenced yard

$425,000

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Bratcher Real Estate Mary Reid, Realtor Mary Reid, Realtor

732 Malcolm Avenue, Newport (870) 512-8660 cell / (870) 523-5100 office www.bratcher1.com

Lauren Sampson, Realtor

Farm Family of the Year Joseph Thomas

Michael Lewellyn is a fourth generation farmer.

His father, Donald, placed him on a tractor when Michael was seven, the same age Donald was when his father put him on a tractor. Michael and his wife Kerri run their farm together, just as Michael's Parents, Donald and Marsha ran theirs and now they all work on different parts of the same family farm. They work the same ground that Michael's grandfather worked and they have added ground that spans four different counties. That is 5,800 acres, mostly in Jackson, about 600 in Independence, another 600 in Poinsett and 700 in Craighead.

Their charming Village Creek home is the setting for our visit, with the whole family in attendance: Donald, Marsha, Michael, Kerri along with son Quake and his fiance Gracie Essley (including one of their three dogs moaning behind closed doors wanting to be a part of this engaging conversation). Theirs was the fourth house built here and they've been here since 2006. Originally from Grubbs, Donald and Marsha left in 2003, relocating to Valley View for Marsha's work.

And now that they have picked up some ground in Craighead, Donald is perfectly located to handle that ground for this farm family. Grubbs is actually their main headquarters and a perfect central location for the entire operation.

Marsha says husband Donald is sixty-seven and he goes just like his son and grand-son, with no signs of slowing after forty-nine years of full-time farming.

Michael tells me about wife Kerri, who works at Norman and Baker Pharmacy in Newport, but also runs lunch out to different fields they are working and works some ground herself when there is work to be done. Michael actually began his career in farming at age six, when he would replace the flowers in his mother's flower bed with soy beans and rice. Marsha laughingly remarks, "I used to have such lovely flower beds too." Michael has been farming for twenty-one years, wife Kerri for five and their son Quake has been farming for six.

Michael believes that small 5000 acre farms will

double their size in upcoming years as other farmers are driven out by lower prices and more costly overhead.

The Lewellyn farm employees two people full time.

He says they have turned down options to rent more land because it is increasingly difficult to find help. He also feels as though famers have lost their voice in the government. Michael tells me that Senator Blanche Lincoln and Representative Robert Marion Berry were very accessable to the common farmer and they pushed for better prices and aid when the weather and market were working against them. "I used to call Lincoln and never waited for more than ten minutes. Berry and Lincoln both used to call me from the House and Senate floor, respectively, and we've lost that access.... we've lost that voice," explains Michael. "Farming is increasingly becoming corporate, when you're buying seed by the unit instead of the pound and I guess you're really just renting, because they tell you what you can do with that seed. It isn't yours to use freely." He continues telling me that a farmer borrows money from the bank and is expected to pay it back in January, but under the current PLC farm bill, a farmer has to wait one year later to receive price support for the previous year's crop. Michael would like to see better commodity loan rates for crops. This would help in years of low prices. Simply because he loves farming and would like to see Quake (as well as his fellow farmers), be able to continue a farming career throughout their lives if they so desire.

Michael obviously respects and trusts their banker, Kyle Blankenship, AVP-Agri-Commercial Lending at First National Bank in Jonesboro. He speaks very highly of Blankenship, saying that, "Dad and I are lucky to have such a close relationship with our banker on a business and personal level. He really understands farming, but he also really cares about us and I just want to thank him for that. He is always giving us great advice and is always helpful." Michael says that Quake and Kerri use ARM out of Jonesboro and that they are a very good financial institution as well.

"I believe that we have some of the best farmers in

Agri-Land, Inc.

Agri-Land, Inc. 2301 Mclain St. Newport, AR 72112 (870) 503-5000

Professional Crop Insurance salutes the Lewellyn Family for being selected the Farm Family of the Year.

Professional Crop Ins. 2117 Malcolm . Newport, AR 72112 . (870) 523-2767 18 |

Congratulations to the Lewellyn Family for their recognition as the 2016 Farm Family.

Share your good news, events or holiday images with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

Sandhill Land Co.

We would like to applaud the Lewellyn Family, the 2016 Farm Family.

Sandhill Land Company 2301 Mclain St. Newport, AR 72112 (870) 503-5000

the country right here in Jackson County. I mean, with the flooding issues and hard gumbo, you have to know what you are doing," adds Michael. "You might have one week out of the year to get it in and you'd better have the equipment and manpower to put it in. And Jackson County has Village Creek, Cash River, Black River and White River all converging right here and if one area is effected, they all are." Asked if there was anything he would like to add to this article, Michael insist that he would like to see some help for young farmers to get started. "My dad got me started, I helped Kerri get started and we helped Quake get started. Without help, new farmers just won't make it. To have enough money to buy equipment, ground and help, and still have enough left over to buy seed, you're either lucky or have help. I mean, a million dollar loan is a stressful endeavor for anyone."

Michael has a degree in Ag-Business and turned down banking jobs right out of college to do what he loves. As tough as it can get, farming is still his love and the entire family gathers together to bring in the harvest. They all agree that is their favorite time of the year. Michael says he takes one day for himself every year, and that is November 12 to deer hunt. Kerri's family has a farm in Hickory Ridge that dates back to 1885, so it is in this family's blood. Michael wanted to thank his father for this rich heritage and all the help he gave him along the way.

We are honored to live along side them in Jackson County and congratulate them on being nominated at the 2016 Farm Family of the Year.

N

September 2016 |  19

In the Field with Randy Wheat Wheat planting season is almost here. Much like the past several years, I don’t expect a lot of wheat to be planted in the area. The price of wheat is not good plus it is obviously not conducive to the early planting of soybeans. Soybean growers are continuing to like the results they see from planting soybeans in April, especially on the soils that are good for wheat production. Wheat acreage will likely mainly be limited to those farmers who really like the corn, wheat, soybean rotation and a few with dryland acreage that they prefer single cropping with wheat.

For those that do plant wheat, I strongly encourage the use of preemergence residual herbicides.

Just like with rice and soybeans, wheat growers are learning that the easiest way to control weeds is to keep them from ever coming up.

Resistance of ryegrass to most of our herbicides that we have previously relied on for ryegrass control makes it almost imperative that preemergence herbicides be used.

The most effective herbicide available for preemergence control of ryegrass is Zidua. Zidua is rated a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10 according to the

MP-44, Recommended Chemicals for does escape these preemergence Weed and Brush Control publication herbicides, Axial is really the only published by the University of option due to resistance issues with Arkansas Division of Agriculture – other postemergence herbicides and now even more and more ryegrass is Research and Extension.

Zidua should be applied in becoming resistant to Axial.

As you can tell from reading the delayed preemergence to early postemergence timeframe, which this article, ryegrass control can be means that the wheat should be very difficult in wheat. You can do germinated before the herbicide everything right and still grow up.

For more information, feel free is applied. A rainfall is obviously needed for activation of the herbicide. to contact me at the Tuckerman The rate is dependent on soil type Office of Farmers Supply Association and timing, so refer to the label (870-349-1316), on my cell at for this recommendation. Besides (870-318-0739), or by e-mail at ryegrass, Zidua also has good activity randychlapecka@gmail.com.

N on annual bluegrass, Carolina foxtail, cheat, horseweed, little barley, among other weeds.

Prowl and Axiom also have preemergence activity on ryegrass in wheat and can have a fit, but are only rated a 6 so they are not as effective as Zidua.

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association. He is retired from the University The drawback to all of the of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative above-mentioned preemergence Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid herbicides is that none of these are ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport labeled for a true preemergence Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening. application timing, so ryegrass can be germinating and emerging before they can  be applied and activated.

For ryegrass that



Notes from the Clearing

Ever Underway

Joseph Thomas The mark of the melody was depth, how very far it spread my chest and reached into the soul with something so contagious...feelings falling like rain, rippling the surface of my character, impacting every facet of being with a building momentum. The tune, the rhythm, the build and fall, the whole of the music was a ride on foreign thoughts found home within my heart.

The moment was an outside source of electric current introduced into the body that holds my everything, a contained voltage coursing with a power bigger than its vessel...and so the mark is made and understanding is ever underway. N 20 |

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

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

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

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

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

Central Baptist Brief

The Passion that Drives Us All

201 Hazel, Newport 870-523-1009 “The mission of the Newport Economic Development Commission is to facilitate an environment that will be conducive to economic growth and stability. The commission will work to enhance, promote, and create increased opportunities for economic well being by developing and implementing strategies that will improve quality of life, community aesthetics, and encourage new investment in Newport and Jackson County.”

My wife and I packed up our 3-year-old son and most of our belongings, along with our dog and sailed off to a week vacation at the lake with my unpredictable, handme-down jet ski in tow. Little would I know that the greater half of our vacation would be spent elbow-deep in the hull of the aforementioned jet-ski just trying to get it to run. With little hope and even less patience, we decided to take my parents’ pontoon out instead. On the stern, flapping in the steady breeze is a flag mounted on the Bimini top; the top half is purple with these awful gold letters that spell “LSU” and a hideous symbol of a tiger on it along with the lower half in red with this amazing symbol of a sprinting razorback. You see, my mom and step-father’s house is a house divided when it comes to college football. I was asked by a guy on the beach “So who’s the Tiger fan?!” with a trace of “it better not be you, bro” in his voice—but that’s just me speculating. I answered that question with great diplomacy and tact explaining how I’m for the Razorbacks.

As you look at the landscape of American life, even nestled here in Jackson County, you see many emblems, symbols, vehicles, colors, stripes of colors and even flags waving in the wind demonstrating someone’s passion.

For no one would want to broadcast something that they were ashamed of; much less something that they were embarrassed of. What we are most passionate about is what we are most enthusiastic about.

Christian, let me pose some of the questions that I have for you today, are you enthusiastic about the gospel? Do you find yourself unashamedly speaking about Jesus and His infinite goodness? Would people find you able to defend the truth of Scripture when they bring their objections or accusations? Do you leap out of your recliner with fists in the air when you hear the news of a person being birthed into the Kingdom of God? Do you cheer on the missionaries marching onto the field of the harvest to do the work many are not willing to do; much less, appreciate? Perhaps the reason unbelievers scorn our faith, is because the passion that drives God’s people is wrapped up in a sport or hobby far more than it is in their Savior.

N

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

September 2016 | 21

U of A, Division of Agri, Research & Extension Jackson County 4-H Jackson County wins 2016 Delta District 4-H Horseshow High Point Award! Those participating: Emma Goad, Ellie Goad, Emily Bright, Emily Smith, Zoei Smith, Blake Smith, Maggie Mason, Chancey Grandstaff, Anna Claire Shannon, Laura Buruss, and Stephen Toumajan. The Delta District Horseshow was held June 14, 2016 at the White County Fairgrounds in Searcy, Ar. If you would like to learn more about the Jackson County 4-H program call 870523-7450. N

Sarah Henry Metzger is County Extension Agent Staff Chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. She has worked for Extension the last 9 years, after obtaining a BS and MS from the University of Central Arkansas. She works in the following 4 initiative areas: Food and nutrition, health & aging, resource management and Marriage, parenting and Family Life. Also, 4-H is another important program she oversees. Her free time is spent with her two boys.

Pictured left to right: Amanda Free and Kim Free-Lucky Charms 4-H Club Leaders.

Every Child Is Ours was awarded a plaque from A State to symbolize their support of the new food pantry during their open house.

Make a Spectacle

of Yourself!

Custom Eyes Vision Care of Newport 2 1 0 5 S uite A , M alc o lm A ve 870-523-3333 Custom Eyes Vision Care of Pocahontas 1 1 0 W. Bro ad w ay 870-892-9169 Custom Eyes Vision Care of Trumann 8 0 7 W. M ain S uite A 870-483-0096

Dr. Gavin Mc Dowell and Dr. Amy Tolbert

www.seeourdocs.com 22 |

I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE LEWELLYN FAMILY FOR EARNING THE DESIGNATION OF FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR. THEY ARE A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHY I AM SO HONORED TO REPRESENT OUR PART OF ARKANSAS.

Share your good news, events or holiday images with us at eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

Our Part of Arkansas

Support Our Advertisers Agri-Land Inc.--------------------------------18 Bell Flying Service----------------------------4 Bratcher Real Estate--------------------------17 Custom Eyes Vision Care----------------------22 Debra Thompson, CPA------------------------13 D Q Grill & Chill--------------------------------4 Eagle Pest--------------------------------------13 First National Bank---------------------------9 Fortune Inn and Suites------------------------19 George Kell Motors, Inc-----------------------3 Gilliaum Graphics-----------------------------13 Greenway Equipment-------------------------4 Heritage Agriculture---------------------------12 Jackson’s Funeral Home----------------------14 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC---------4 Martin Barnes Land Leveling-----------------3 Merchants and Planters Bank------------------19 Merchants and Planters Insurance------------13 Michael John Gray, AR Rep-------------------22 N E D C-------------------------------------------21 Professional Crop Insurance------------------18 Quinn Aviation Inc------------------------------5 Robert O. Seat-----------------------------------7 Sandhill Land Company-----------------------18 Scott Wood---------------------------------------11 Service Directory--------------------------------13

Our Children

Two years ago my wife Amy and I welcomed our son into the world.

I’ll never forget the overwhelming feeling of holding him in my arms for the first time. He seemed so tiny wrapped up in his blanket. As I looked at him, I quietly wondered, what would he become when he grew up? How could I be the father that this little boy deserved?

In addition to becoming a new father, I have had the privilege of representing the people of Southern Jackson County, Woodruff County, and parts of White and Independence Counties. I’ve heard parents, grandparents, educators, and community members share their concerns and hopes for what our part of Arkansas is and what it could be. As I’ve reflected on their stories, I realized that my concerns are the same as those of everyone in our community. We all want the best for the children who are growing up in our part of Arkansas.

It is impossible to want the best for our next generation without ensuring that all children have the opportunity to receive a quality education. It is critical that these educational opportunities start early to ensure that we offer a strong start to even our youngest learners. The perfect way to do this is to make sure that Pre-K is available to every child in our area.

Historically, Arkansas has been a national leader in Pre-K education through our investment in the Arkansas Better Chance program.

However, ongoing investment in this critical program has remained flat funded for years leaving the program unable to meet demand. In Jackson County alone, nearly half of the children who are eligible for this program don’t have access to Pre-K. Study after study has demonstrated a link between Pre-K and improved social, emotional and academic outcomes for students. Children who have access to quality, affordable Pre-K programs have a better chance of graduating from high school and going on to attend college. In addition, Pre-K allows parents to return to the workforce with the knowledge that their children are in a nurturing and learning rich environment. Certainly, Pre-K is a better investment than spending exponentially more dollars on juvenile or adult incarceration. Across Arkansas local Chambers of Commerce have become so convinced of the positive link between Pre-K and workforce development that many have adopted Pre-K as one of their top priorities. Even economic impact studies show that for every dollar we invest in Pre-K, we get $7 in return.

I’m proud of what we’ve done for children in our area and I remain committed to their future.

It is an honor to serve each of you in the House of Representatives.

I appreciate the opportunity to share more about what’s going on in Our Part of Arkansas, listen to your ideas, and discuss the issues.

Our Part of Arkansas is a special place to all of us who call it home. Nestled against the White and Cache Rivers this fertile land is Arkansas’s Gateway to the Delta. N

Stamp Out Smoking-----------------------------7 T-L Irrigation Company------------------------20

Unity Health and Mayo Clinic Working Together- --24 Unity Health Harris Medical Center-----------2

White River Medical Center---------------------17

Michael John Gray is a farmer with a law degree in Augusta, Arkansas, who is a Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 47, which includes portions of Independence, Jackson, White and his own Woodruff counties in the eastern portion of his state. He is also the Arkansas House Democratic Caucus Leader.

September 2016 | 23