Eye On Jackson July 2014

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There’s an App for That Jackson County Tourism and Director Phyllis Holmes Jacksonport State Park and Superintendent Mark Ballard A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

July 2014

Excellence.

The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality ® Measures 2012 • Heart Failure ®

• Pneumonia • Surgical Care

*National Healthcare of Newport, Inc. d/b/a Harris Hospital

Right Here.

By focusing on quality care for patients and doing what’s right, we have received national recognition. The Joint Commission recognizes Harris Hospital* with the distinction of 2012 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for attaining and sustaining excellence in the following measure sets: Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care.

So what does this recognition in using evidence-based care mean for you? Peace of mind in knowing that our local care is recognized for excellence.

Find out more at HarrisHospital.com.

HarrisHospital.com

“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

Toll Free: (800) 250-3664 Sales & Service: (870) 523-2792 501 Hwy 367 North Newport, AR 72112 Visit us today, and test drive one of our new or used cars, trucks or SUVs, and see how easy it is to buy from George Kell Motors.

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 July Is My Time

7/Great Tastes

Blueberry Bonanza

8/County Extension News Farm Family of the Year

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18

10

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9/Seniors, can we talk?

Ruth’s Story Continued

10/Cover Story

Jacksonport State Park and Superintendent Mark Ballard

14/County Economic Report There’s an App for That

15/Newport Chamber News

What Does Your Chamber Do for You?

16/Feature

Jackson County Tourism

18/I Do

Lowery-Runyan Wedding

22/ Medical News

Get the Most out of your Insurance

23/Things To Do 23/ Notes from the Clearing Home

July 2014 om

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A UTHORIZED D EA LER

Remodeling Rooong Metal Buildings

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There’s an App for Jackson County Jack

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Tourism and Dire

ctor Phyllis Holm

and Supe sonport State Park

Meadowland A Publication of

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rintendent Mark

Ballard

Media, Inc.

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Cover photography Cheryl Mauldin / Studio 1910 Cover design by Joseph Thomas

Meet Your Writers...

Fishing 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.

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.

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 July Is My Time Joseph Thomas

I guess everyone is drawn to the month of their birth, carried by the essence of childhood birthdays and yummy cake and ice cream. Mine was always surrounded Joseph and Kimberlee Thomas by fireworks and Photo by Cheryl Mauldin sparklers and brilliant family time.

Please tag along and try Adrienne Freeman’s tantalizing Blueberry recipes and read about the 2014 Farm Family with Randy Chlapecka. Caroline Beauchamp continues Ruth’s journey and Jon Chadwell brings us the NEDC Report and the Chamber News this month. I bring you another installment of Notes from the Clearing, the Cover on Jackson County State Park and its Superintendent, Mark Ballard and our Feature on Jackson County Tourism with its Director, Phyllis Holmes. Kimberlee brings us the Lowery-Runyan Wedding and there is various news, Senior Circle dates and Things To Do, so tag along and enjoy! N

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Happy Birthday America!

Great Tastes Blueberry Bonanza Adrienne Freeman

Mark Manning,

LUTCF

- Agent

1400 Malcolm Ave., Newport, AR 72112

Mother Nature has stopped her petulant tantrum and she seems to finally have renewed her sisterhood with the sun. The short but succulently sweet Arkansas blueberry season is right on track to shine during June and July. July 10th is ‘Pick Your Own Blueberries Day’, so pick up a sack or a basket and gather all of the juicy and healthy treats that you can. The “Little Blue Dynamo” is available all over the state in nearly a dozen varieties and colors ranging from deep purple to blueblack, most veiled with a silvery sheen called a “bloom.”

The buzz on blueberries has been big in recent years – they really pack a nutritional punch. According to the USDA, the fruit is very low in calories and high in antioxidants and minerals. Blueberries are thought to help with nighttime vision and even with the short term memory loss associated with aging.

BLUEBERRY SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries For the topping: ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup chopped pecans 1 tablespoon confectioners or turbinado sugar for dusting Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan.

MManning@Shelterinsurance.com ShelterInsurance.com 870-523-6514 - Phone 870-523-6743 - Fax

AUTO HOME LIFE Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

BLUEBERRY SANGRIA Ingredients: 1 ½ cups commercial blueberry or pomegranate juice 1 ½ cups chilled white wine or apple juice ¼ cup orange liqueur (optional) 1 orange, sliced 1 lemon, sliced 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 ½ cups chilled lemon-lime soda (diet is fine) Directions: In a two quart pitcher, combine blueberry juice, wine and liqueur, if used. Add orange and lemon slices and fresh blueberries. Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, stir in soda. Serve in tall glasses over ice cubes.

FRESH TRIPLE-BERRY PIE Ingredients: 1 prepared 9”graham cracker crust 2 to 3 cups of fresh mixed Arkansas raspberries, blueberries and blackberries 1 cup sugar 3 Tbsp cornstarch 1¼ cup water ½ tsp. vanilla extract 1 (3 oz) package raspberry gelatin Whipped cream or whipped topping Directions: Stir together cornstarch and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan; slowly whisk in water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, for 7 to 8 minutes or until mixture thickens.

Mix raspberry gelatin and vanilla into the warm cornstarch mixture.

Spoon berries into piecrust. Pour glaze evenly over berries, pressing down gently with a spoon to be sure all berries are coated. Chill 2½ hours. Serve with whipped cream, if desired. N

July 2014 | 7

County Extension News Farm Family of the Year Randy Chlapecka

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Congratulations to the Hervey and Adele Madden Family for being selected as the 2014 Jackson County Farm Family of the Year. Hervey and Adele live and farm in the Cowlake community east of Beedeville. The farm consists of 2,400 acres divided equally between rice and soybeans.

Hervey is from a fourth generation farm family. Six brothers farmed together for over 40 years. Hervey has been farming alone for the last 12 years.

Hervey and Adele have two children and six grandchildren. Their daughter Tracy teaches first grade at Harrisburg Elementary School and their son Dr. Mac Madden is a child psychiatrist in Searcy.

Hervey and Adele have always been active in community activities. Hervey is a Past President of the boards of both Jackson County Farm Bureau and Farmers Oil. He has served on the Cowlake Drainage District and been a Deacon in the Beedeville Church of Christ.

Hervey has been a National Weather Service Recorder for 27 years submitting daily weather information from his backyard to the National Weather Service. He has been to Haiti for six years working in agriculture and mission work.

Adele is a retired elementary school teacher. She is active in quilting and photography having entered award winning entries in the Three County, Northeast District and Arkansas State Fairs.

The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program is sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau, the Arkansas Press Association, Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Midsouth Associations, and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. Cooperating agencies include the Arkansas Press Association, Arkansas Department of Workforce Education, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; and USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development.

The county selection committee is comprised of 10-15 community leaders including representatives of government agricultural agencies, farm organizations, agricultural lenders, equipment dealers, grain buyers, and other community and business leaders.

Emphasis is placed on efficiency of production, conservation of energy and resources, leadership in agricultural and community affairs, home and farm improvement, and home and farm management.

Again, congratulations to the Hervey Madden Family on this well deserved honor.

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

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

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

The Hervey and Adele Madden Family, the 2014 Jackson County Farm Family of the Year.

Happy Birthday America!

Seniors, can we talk?

Ruth’s Story Continued Caroline Beauchamp

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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.

Ruth continues on her new path since Bob died. She has experienced a lot in the past few years – Bob had a heart attack, then Alzheimer’s and then cancer. She took care of him at home as long as she could and then had to transition him to a nursing home. Ruth quickly learned the benefits of Bob’s critical illness and long term care policies. Learning and making financial decisions feels like a daily event.

Now Ruth needs to review her own insurance. Major life changing events have changed her needs. Annual reviews are important as well as reviews when life changes occur – retirement, death, divorce.

What kind of insurance does Ruth need to consider?

First, let’s review what she has. Ruth has a small life insurance policy that she and Bob bought when they got married. It’s only $5000 – it was enough to “bury her” years ago – and it is paid up (she does not pay any premiums). Sound familiar?

She also has Critical Illness and Long term policies.

Ruth told me she would like to leave her children and grandchildren some money/cash when she dies. (She does not want them to use their money to pay for her funeral and any final expenses.) Instead of feeling like “she’s spending her children’s inheritance” when she buys something or goes on a trip, she wants to buy a life insurance policy. She wants to make certain when she dies her heirs will receive the cash she intended for them. Any pressure of making poor investment decisions that could affect her children’s inheritance will be gone. Ruth is applying for a life insurance policy that is guaranteed to stay in effect until she dies. The rates will not change as she gets older. “What a relief” she said. Now she can comfortably live and spend the way Bob intended for her to.

Since Bob used his Critical Illness policy, Ruth has seen the benefits it provides. Her policy provides the same benefits including $10,000 lump sum if Ruth is diagnosed with a heart attack or stroke or bypass surgery, another $10,000 will be paid if she is diagnosed with invasive cancer and another $10,000 will be paid if she is diagnosed with Alzheimers or kidney failure. Yes, she is keeping her policy.

Now let’s look at her long term care policy. Her policy is the same as Bob’s. It initially provided $3000 monthly benefit which has increased to $3477 due to the “inflation protection”. She will be reimbursed up to this amount for care she receives at home, in an assisted living facility, adult day care facility or a nursing home. Since Bob was in a nursing home, Ruth realizes this is not enough; his care was about $4500 a month. Ruth wants to increase her benefit to $4500.

Ask yourself some questions - think about them and answer honestly. What do you want your heirs to receive?

What is your plan if you are diagnosed with any of the conditions Bob had? And then needed to transition to a nursing home?

Got questions? Call me at 870-523-6771 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

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July 2014 | 9

Eye On Cover Story Jacksonport State Park and Superintendent Mark Ballard Joseph Thomas

The town of Jacksonport, Arkansas was created in 1829 and established by Thomas Todd Tunstall, one of the first steamboat pilots to ever venture up the White River to Batesville, Arkansas. Tunstall bought the land the would be incorporated in December 17th of 1852. July 12th of 1853, the county seat was moved to Jacksonport and Tunstall donated eight lots that would become the town square where in December 24th of 1872 the Courthouse would finally be constructed.

By 1875, Jacksonport was a thriving riverboat town until 1892 when the county seat was moved because of shifting population due to railroad operations in Newport. In 1895, the Courthouse building was repurposed as a school for seven years, sat vacant for two years before being used as a cotton gin from 1905 to 1910 when it became the County Hospital for the sick, aged, poor and orphaned for the next forty-three years. The Courthouse was again used to store grain for the area farmers in 1954 and 1955 before sitting vacant another seven years when Lady Elizabeth Luker established the Jackson County Historical Society that would purchase the Courthouse in 1962 and begin restoration in 1963. State Park Superintendent Mark Ballard recognizes Lady Elizabeth Luker and the Jackson County Historical Society for the very existence of the Park today.

Mark Ballard was born in Atlanta and relocated to Germantown, Tennessee in his youth before graduating from Memphis State University in 1989. He was a park ranger at Dardanelle State Park in Russellville for a year before transferring and serving another year at Jacksonport State Park. Ballard became and has remained park superintendent since 1991. Ballard’s wife of six years, Jennifer Ballard of Pleasant Grove, earned her Masters in Library Science with a major in English. She is the ASU Newport Library Director and a Portfest Director. Their lovely daughter, Annaleigh, will be five in October.

As Jacksonport State Park Superintendent, Ballard is the primary official onsite that oversees the entire operation, but that often entails that he be a jack of all trades. Ballard can be found filling in on any given position when employees are sick or off grounds on park business. “I’ve done maintenance, janitorial, budget number crunching, interpretive park tours and law enforcement in the park. The Sheriffs Office, the State Police and Newport Police officer’s are always a big help during Portfest and any given circumstance,” adds Ballard.

Ballard recounts all of the major events of his tour with the state park, mostly weather related. His first event was the ‘97 tornado which damaged the Courthouse and Mary Woods #2. Millions of dollars 10 | www.eyeonmag.com

were spent restoring the Courthouse and Steamboat which reopened to the public May 14th of 2002 at a Grand Re-Opening ceremony with keynote speaker, Governor Mike Huckabee. On January 27th of 2009, a major ice storm hit northern Arkansas causing much damage to the park.

One of the worst six floods in recorded history hit Jacksonport in 2008. The park required a major cleanup, but with a lot of hard work from the park service, was reopened by Memorial Day. The Mary Woods #2 sank on January 31st of 2010 due to a rusted inlet pipe. The wooden super structure of the steel hulled steamboat was completely demolished and has since been sold, possibly to become an attraction at the Batesville Riverside Park. In the 2011 flood, the Black River crested at its highest level in recorded history. It was also the worse than previous floods because it was the Black River that overflowed its banks instead of the White River. The Black River brought so much river silt and sand with it that clean up was made much more difficult.

“The park has twenty campsites with water and electricity, a bathhouse and a waste water dump station for RV’s and motor homes visiting the area,” says Ballard. “The park is open year round, but our busy season is May and June for Memorial Day and Portfest.” Ballard says that obviously the park sees local visitors who come to fish and camp, but they also have Snowbirds that often stop as they travel through the area between their southern Winter homes and their northern Summer homes. “A few weeks ago, a young man from Switzerland flew to Chicago, walked to Arkansas where he bought a canoe and floated the Buffalo River to the White River. He docked on the beach in Batesville and walked into town for supplies only to return and find his canoe gone. The Swiss native, named Felix, walked to the Sheriffs Office to report his canoe stolen. A gentleman overhearing the mans claims, lends him a canoe to finish his trip, apparently on the grounds that Felix send along the money if he can sell the canoe at the end of his journey. Felix continued down to Jacksonport and camped for two nights before continuing on his goal of floating to New Orleans.”

Ballard gave the young man a ride to the laundrymat and bank during his stay in Jacksonport just to help him out. The loan of the canoe and the lift into town are shining examples of the generosity often found in this area. Just another reason, besides the natural beauty, to visit and enjoy our Arkansas State Parks.

Ballard says the future of Jacksonport State Park is in line with Newport City’s moto, ‘Proud Past, Bright Future.’ “A new ten-thousand square foot Visitor’s Center will be built where the monument now stands Happy Birthday America!

facing the Courthouse and the monument will be relocated halfway between the two proud structures. The view from either will be spectacular across the Courtyard. A multi-purpose room will look out West toward the White River to capture the river’s beauty for weddings, receptions and every type of meeting. Many more classes and exhibits will then be available and the park officials are looking ahead with excitement. “We tell the history of Jacksonport here, but also the history of Newport and the surrounding area and these renovations will allow us to do that more completely,” explains Ballard.

“I have enjoyed living and working in Jacksonport. My fellow citizens of Jacksonport help one another through storm damage and come together to meet any needs in the small tight knit community. It has meant much to me and become my home,” confesses Ballard. He speaks highly of his caring staff and loving community. Ballard is a Jacksonport Volunteer Fireman and served a few years as the Fire Chief.

The Jacksonport State Park holds many events and classes, educational and otherwise, throughout the year that we will keep you informed of in our Things To Do, so keep your eyes on Eye On and for more information about the Jacksonport State Park log onto www.arkansasstateparks.com/ jacksonport or call 870-523-2143. It is often easy to overlook the beauty, attraction and value in our own backyard. Let’s discover and rediscover what Arkansas really offers this Summer!

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July 2014 | 11

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Happy Birthday America!

Naunee’s Thoughts Grandbabies Kimberlee Thomas

The joys of being a grandmother, a.k.a. Naunee, are endless. Seeing my first grandchild come into this world and draw his first precious breath is a moment I will never forget. Having given birth twice myself, I felt like I knew what to expect, boy was I wrong. There is nothing that can prepare you for watching your baby have a baby. The privilege of sharing those moments with my daughter and her husband are priceless to me as I know they are to her grandmother and her father who were also in attendance. Yes, there were quite a few folks there in the room to assist and witness the arrival of Hunter Gage Wolf on February 23, 2012.

Two years have flown right on by. Joseph, a.k.a. Pop Pop, and I had the wonderful fortune of being able to keep Gage during the week while his mommy and daddy worked. Our home looks as if we had the baby. We have everything; highchair, crib, pack-n-play, swing, stroller, walker, toys, baby gates, bottles, sippy cups, he even has his own shelf in the pantry and oh, did I mention toys? We kept him for eighteen months and were able to witness so many of his first moments; smiling, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, pulling up, taking those first timid steps, and making his first attempts at sign language. What a treasure trove of memories we made during our days together. Pop Pop and I agree the naps were the best! There is nothing like a sleeping baby cuddled up in your arms to send you right off to sleep yourself, the sandman would win every time.

You did read correctly, I said sign language. Let me say that Gage’s hearing is fine, I simply wanted to be able to communicate with him early and figured I would give it a try. So, I purchased the book Sign with Your Baby by Dr. Joseph Garcia it is based on American Sign Language (ASL). And I taught myself a few basic signs; more, finished, eat, cup, cookie, please, sorry, thank you, and the all-important NO, along with a few others. I even took a beginners class offered at UACCB in Batesville. I started with him when he was about eight and half months old and at ten months he made his first sign, “more”. I was thrilled! He caught on and before long we were communicating before he could speak much more than mama and dada. I challenge parents, grandparents and caregivers alike to give it a try. It really eased frustration around meal time for us as he was able to express clearly his desire for more of something or that he was finished.

As Gage approached nineteen months it was evident that he needed some interaction with other children his age and that I needed to get back to work full time. So it was with a heavy heart and many tears that we sent him on to daycare. He has acclimated well for the most part. We discovered he does better in a home daycare environment versus larger daycare facilities. He has charged head long into the terrible twos and is currently struggling with a desire to bite. Let me just tell you now

the information out there concerning biting is endless but it all basically boils down to the same bottom line, this too shall pass.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our second grandchild, Natalee Hope, in September. We have been promised the opportunity to keep her in the beginning as well. I’m going to need to brush up on some of my sign language. I’ve gotten a bit rusty not using it every day.

Grandchildren are a truly unique gift. The hearts ability to expand and love to such a new and unbelievable depth leaves me awe struck. For those of you fortunate enough to be grandparents, you know what I mean. For the rest of you, you will simply have to wait your turn.

N

July 2014 | 13

Did we catch your eye?

We caught your customer’s too in the pages of

EYE ON JACKSON and EYE ON INDEPENDENCE! neomam.com/industry/all-the-benefits-of-a-visual-content

County Economic Report There’s an App for That

Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director Would you like to be able to find the phone number of any Newport business at your fingertips at any time?

Guess what, there’s an app for that! How about getting turn by turn directions from your location right to the front door of the business you seek? There’s an app for that too! What about a mobile community calendar that highlights the events coming up in Newport and Jackson County over the remainder of the year? You got it, there’s an app for that as well!

The brand new Newport mobile app is now available to download on all mobile phones; IPhones, Android phones and Windows phones. The app is made available by the Newport Economic Development Commission to help local residents and guests to the community connect with our businesses. You can download the app from your app store by typing “Newport Arkansas” into the search function and you will see a Newport, Arkansas app.

The Newport Economic Development Commission and the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce worked together with the City of Newport to obtain as complete a list of businesses as possible from the phone book, business license list and Chamber membership list.

Corrections may be needed on a few businesses and changes can easily be made. Just email any changes to director@newportaredc.org or call 870-523-1009 and submit the changes that need to be made. It takes about a week for the changes to update on the app.

14 | www.eyeonmag.com

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

The app has a Business Directory that lists local businesses by alphabetical name or by category. The business listing has the name of the business, the address and a place for a two sentence description.

Businesses need to submit the two sentence description to the Newport Economic Development Office if they would like to have it included. There is a “Call Business” feature that allows you to dial the business directly from the app and a “Show Map” feature that locates the business on a map of Newport. Using the convenient “Directions” feature you can actually get turn by turn directions from your location to the front door of the businesses you seek.

The Events Directory lists upcoming events in Newport and Jackson County that will be of interest to the entire family. The directory includes the title of the event, a brief description of the event, the event location, date and time. To have your community events included in the calendar, please email them to either director@newportaredc.org or director@ newportarchamber.org.

Additional features of the app include the weather, a place to sign up for the Newport Economic Development Commission’s newsletter, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming events email, a link to the Facebook and Twitter pages and place to request information.

So, you want something that will help you keep your spending local and find exactly what you need while also keeping you informed of everything that is going on, guess what, there’s an app for that! The Newport Arkansas app! Download it today!

N Happy Birthday America!

Newport Chamber News What Does Your Chamber Do for You?

Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce conducts a wide range of activities designed to help businesses, improve the community and elevate the quality of life for the citizens of Newport and Jackson County. Sometimes people ask, “What does the Chamber do for me?” So this seemed to be a good time to illustrate some of the fun and exciting things we work on each and every day.

The most visible activity of the Chamber are the festivals and events that come around each year. Portfest, Depot Days, the Christmas Parade, the Business Expo and more are designed to bring people to town. These events boost our local economy by bringing guests to our community who spend money with local businesses. They give our hometown folks access to great entertainment.

And they show people who visit, a wonderful side of Newport and Jackson County.

The Chamber works to help those who are interested in doing business in Newport, whether they are just starting out or they have been in business for 40 years.

By coordinating workshops for businesses owners, the Chamber helps our businesses have access to training that keeps them up to date with the best business practices.

Hosting activities like the recent Merchants in May, which was conducted by this year’s New Vision Newport class, highlights the businesses we have in town, giving local businesses inexpensive marketing opportunities.

Probably the best way the Chamber promotes business is by being the referring agent for local member businesses.

Each day the Chamber gets dozens of calls from people who are looking for a product, a service or even a place to rent and the Chamber staff refers the callers to the appropriate local business. Hundreds of times a year someone asks, “Is there anyone in Newport who does ________?” And hundreds of times a year the Chamber helps keep that spending in town by referring people to someone local.

People wanting to start a business can get a “How to Start a Business in Arkansas” step by step guide in the Chamber office. They can also get a list of available

buildings, contact information for the Arkansas State University Small Business Development Center and a list of other resources that can help an entrepreneur start their own business. By becoming a Chamber member, the new business gets a free ribbon cutting and a coupon good for free advertising in the Newport Independent.

Another program the Chamber works diligently on is the New Vision Newport leadership development program. New Vision helps train local leaders who will help us move forward to our bright future. Each year 20 men and women learn more about the community and more about leadership skills so that they can move into positions of leadership in local government, civic clubs and community organizations. Over eleven years the Chamber has seen more than 230 people graduate from the program, many of whom are currently in positions of leadership in Jackson County.

Marketing Newport and Jackson County for tourism and to attract new residents is another area of emphasis.

Whether it is working with the Ozark Gateways Tourist Council or hosting video groups doing projects on the county, there is always something going on to highlight the area. And the Chamber is right in the middle of them, making sure the information is accurate and that the community is showing its best side.

Research is another area on which the Chamber staff spends time. The request can be anything from needing information on the White River Monster to giving the history of the button industry in Newport. And if the Chamber doesn’t have the information, they know who does and make frequent referrals to local experts on a number of topics.

Well our 500 words are up and we haven’t talked about literature distribution, working with local nonprofits, downtown revitalization or a number of other areas in which the chamber is active. But hopefully this short article helps you understand the many ways in which Your Chamber works everyday to make all our lives better. If you ever need us don’t hesitate to call! N

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

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

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July 2014 | Family Medicine

15

Eye On Feature Jackson County Tourism Joseph Thomas

Jackson County Tourism Director, Mrs. Phyllis Holmes of Newport, Arkansas, says that, “no visitor is a stranger for long.” She is the manager of Pearls Unique, (Arkansas’ only pearl shop featuring pearls from the White River and it tributaries) and carries a wealth of Jackson County history and pearls behind her Amber eyes. Holmes honored me with an interview and enlightened me on what all really makes up tourism.

She is a self proclaimed historian and although she says she doesn’t remember dates very well, she loves the tapestry in the details.

Holmes began helping with Jackson County tourism with the first Portfest, then called Riverboat Days.

Glen Hahn, John Clark and Kaneaster Hodges, who started the Peanut Festival transitioned to overseeing Riverboat Days, in place of Van Manning. Of course, this later became Portfest and is still going strong today.

Holmes says that was quite an experience. “All of us that volunteered, agreed that we would always buy our own tickets to help fund the festival. The road to the park wasn’t paved then and there was no electricity.” She says they invited Ned Perme of Little Rock’s KATV to the first Captain’s Ball on the lawn of the Jacksonport Courthouse. “Everyone wore costumes and we had a street dance,” details Holmes. “We put Kathy Robinson on the balcony of the Courthouse and she sang so beautiful. We had James Hyter and the Memphis Symphony perform ‘Old Man River’.” Eventually, Holmes says, the Ozark Gateway stepped in to help make it an even bigger festival. She says there are so many tourist attractions in Jackson County that we so easily overlook, because to us it is just everyday life. At one time, through the Ozark Gateway Tourism Council, the Jackson County Tourism Board began doing farm tours with Mid-West Tours. Tourists were bussed in to tour a rice farm and then the Farm Bureau women would prepare them a rice lunch.

“It was the shock of my life to find out that a funeral is technically a tourist attraction,” declares Holmes.

“Family reunions, class reunions, cemeteries...anything that brings in people from out of the area.” She speaks of Rock n Roll Highway 67 of the 1950’s and 60’s and how exciting it all was, “My cousin, Kern Kennedy, who plays the piano for Sonny Burgess and the Pacers was asked by Elvis to join him on the road to play the keys for him. Kern’s said, ‘Man, I’m making $35 a week at Planter’s Gin in Tuckerman.’” Most everyone has heard stories about Johnny Cash coming through Newport and Swifton with the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Conway Twitty, but Holmes said they also had the captains of the Big Band scene as well. Two of Holmes favorites were Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame always touted Newport native, Sonny Burgess as an inspiration. The crooners 16 | www.eyeonmag.com

that performed in this area so often at that time made highway 67 internationally famous.

“Jackson County has three rivers and numerous lakes with wonderful fishing and hunting. Duck Hunting is a huge draw for Jackson right now,” says Holmes. Her son, Price, earned the first Duck Hunting Guide License in the area and would have hunters in from as far as South Carolina that he took out on old school river hunt. “Now we have Marvin and Trey Hare guiding for the area, along with Greg James. The Newport Duck Club on the Hare Farm began hosting Wounded Warriors in 2011, even going so far as to reserve the opening week for them,” exclaims Holmes.

“We have the best Croppie and Catfish and everyone is still searching for the White River Monster!” Holmes says Donna Hahn painted some White River Monster shirts up one year for Portfest and they sold out very quickly.

Just some of the many attractions in Jackson County are: W. A. Billingsley Memorial Library, Genealogy Room / Many Gift Shops, Flea Markets, Antique Shops, Craft Shops, Motels, Civil War Sites and Restaurants / Shoffner Research Farms / Arnett’s Doll Museum at 2001 Eastern Avenue in Newport / Jackson’s Funeral Home Museum / Newport Raceway Drag Strip every Sunday at the Airbase / Silver Moon Club / The Swifton and Amagon Community Centers / Remmel Park and Lockwood Park / Newport Airport / George Kell Baseball Park / ASWF Wrestling in Tuckerman / The Annual Delta Visual Arts Show / Depot Days / Portfest / Hometown Days.

Holmes married her husband Douglas Holmes and relocated from Tuckerman to Newport sixty years ago.

They are so very proud of their two children and four grandchildren and are a very close family. She speaks very highly of Cathy Drew, executive director of the Ozark Gateway Tourism Council and the passion she has for her job. She also touts the kind and always helpful Mark Ballard as an asset to this community. She says the Jackson County Tourism Board always raised their own money for festivals and the like, but the city of Newport stepped in years ago to help with that cost. “We have hosted State Parks and Tourism here several times and it has been a wonderful thing. They stay three days, we treat them to dinner and they get to see what the area has to offer,” says Holmes. Holmes invites us all to see what is in our own backyard and perhaps we don’t have to travel all that far to find this years Summer escape.

Pearls Unique is located at 1902-D McLain Street in Pratt Square. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and tours are conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but call ahead to make an appointment at 870-523-3638 or 800-6373233. N Happy Birthday America!

Harris

Hospital

July 3 – 4th of July Potluck – 5 pm July 7 – Bingo – Newport 10 am July 15 - Lunch N Learn – Noon HH Community Room July 17 – Movie Day – 2 pm HH Community Room July 18 – Bingo – Bald Knob Sr. Center - Noon July 21-Bingo – Tuckerman Sr. Center - Noon July 29 – Senior Circle Supper Club – US Pizza 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm July 31 – Harris Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser –“Christmas In July” HH community room 10:00 am – 2:00 pm N

July 2014 | 17

I Do Do

Lowery-Runyan Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

Grade school crushes are often recalled years later in our adult lives as sweet and fleeting. But, for a lucky few they stick and hold constant through the passing years of pre-teen and teenage angst. Macey Lowery and Hunter Runyan is one such lucky couple. When Macey was in fourth grade, a friend of hers called her up and asked if she knew who Hunter was, “I told my friend no.

He then told me that Hunter was also on the line, threeway calling was big back then, and that he was going to hang up so Hunter and I could talk.” Hunter was in sixth grade at the time and thought Macey was pretty cute and so he asked her if she would be his girlfriend. “Of course I said yes, what fourth grade girl wouldn’t want a sixth grade boyfriend,” laughs Macey. She recalls looking Hunter up in her yearbook just so she would know what her new boyfriend looked like. Of course all of us that have ever had a grade school romance know that that was pretty much the beginning and the end of it. Time moved along and Macey and Hunter found themselves sharing classes in high school. “We didn’t really speak to each other at first, but one day I ended up sitting in his chair and so he sat behind me. He asked me for a phone number for a friend of mine. I jokingly gave him mine instead.” When Hunter realized the number didn’t belong to the person he had asked for he asked Macey if it was hers and if he could call her later. That second

phone call was the beginning of the last seven years and the relationship and romance that blossomed.

On November 20, 2012 Macey and Hunter welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Brailey, into the world. Hunter had known for quite a while that Macey was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He had wanted to propose to Macey for some time and had been waiting for just the right time to do it; little things just seemed to keep popping up. He picked out and purchased the perfect ring and carried it for months thinking of ways to propose to Macey that would steal her heart forever.

The couple had been looking at houses to purchase and had finally found the one they wanted to call “home”.

They were to close on the house on August 16, 2013. “I thought he might propose once we closed on the house, but I wasn’t sure,” recalls Macey. On August 12 Hunter decided he couldn’t wait any longer and that he would propose that night with the aid of his young daughter.

He was so anxious and quite the day of the proposal that his co-worker was sure he was ill. When Macey arrived home to their apartment after work, Hunter made a fuss over Brailey’s shirt being dirty and took her to get a clean one on before starting supper. “I was just unwinding a little after a long day of work and Hunter called to me from the kitchen to come help with dinner.

I noticed that Brailey had something all on the front of her shirt and when I went to take closer look I realized he had written on it, ‘Will you marry dada?’, when I turned around, Hunter was down on one knee with the ring in his hand. I began to cry and kept asking, ‘really.’”

Hunter patiently waited on bended knee for Macey to regain her composer. He finally asked, “Will you please say yes or something?”

The couple wed on April 5, 2014 at Remmel Baptist Church. David Bowman presided over the double ring

Curtner Photography

ceremony. Macey was escorted down the aisle and given in marriage by her father, Scott Lowery. Morgan Bobbitt and Heather Graham, sisters of the bride and groom, served as matrons of honor. Eden Kinard, Savannah Honey and Charm McClendon served as bridesmaids while Dagan Pretty, Sadey Bowen and Kamren Hicks served as junior bridesmaids. Hunter’s brother, Harrison Runyan, stood witness as his best man. Trey Coffey, Tyler Altom, Cody Coffey and Trey Graham served as groomsmen. The couple’s daughter, Brailey, served as flower girl and their niece, Anistyn Graham, was honorary flower girl. Nephew, Gatlin Bobbitt, served as ring bearer for the couple’s big day. The groom’s cousins, Sierra and Khya Carson sang ‘No Place that Far’ by Sara Evans.

Family and friends gathered for a reception following the ceremony. The theme was vintage rustic with mason jars, vintage books and wood stumps. The wedding color was Tiffany blue and was carried through to the reception. McCrory Flower Shop & Market place provided the wedding flowers and floral arrangements.

The wedding and grooms cakes were done by Brooke’s Cakes.

Macey is employed at Darling’s Fine Things and is a student at ASU where she is perusing her degree in secondary education with an emphasis in math. Hunter is employed at White River Beverage. The young couple resides in their new home in Diaz and looks forward to raising their daughter there. N

Sign up now for July Craft Classes at the Arkansas Craft School Teri Van Orman

July is a happy time of celebration in Mountain View. With fire flies and fireworks, creativity is inspired.

The Arkansas Craft School celebrates wood this month offering classes in making beautiful bowls, Native American baskets and musical instruments If you have had some wood turning experience and want to take it further by adding carving to your skill set, Dennis Paullus will be offering Hollow Vessels Embellished with Carving and Texture - July 11-Tuition for the three-day class is $250.00 + materials fee of $10-$50.

Next up Jim Adkins will be teaching Native American Style Baskets Turned on a Lathe July 15 - 18.

Beginners are accepted in this workshop because classes are small allowing instructors the opportunity to work closely with each student.. This is a four day workshop with a tuition of $250 + materials fee of $100.

We close out the month with music. John Van Orman will be teaching a five day workshop on

Constructing Your Own Ukulele. This is a beginners class in which you will build your own soprano Ukulele.

Tuition is $300 + materials fee of $165(mahogany) or $270 (Koa-wood) Visit the Arkansas Craft School’s website, www. arkansascraftschool.org for more information on these and other upcoming classes, as well as registration forms and scholarship applications. Students may also sign up for classes by calling Lucia Vinograd 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 Craft School 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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National Square Dance Convention News Ed & Lynda Willis

Unless you live in Springfield, or possibly New England, you probably know little about the city. I know we did not at first either. One of the most impressive things we learned, of which Springfield is very proud is that it is a city of many FIRSTS. The newest first will be hosting the National Square Dance Convention in 2015. The first time it has been held in New England. One of the firsts seems to be the Invention of Basketball in 1891. Springfield is home to the Basketball Hall of Fame, not far from the MassMutual Center. Springfield was the first Springfield in the US and the home of the first Sheraton Hotel in the US in 1937.

Springfield has published a list of over fifty firsts, but I also have a list that contains a lot more FIRSTS. Who knew that Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat” was written in Springfield?

That Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel) lived in Springfield and many things in his books relate to Springfield.

Springfield has a sculpture garden with some of his characters, well worth visiting not far from the MassMutual Center.

The first American made 20 | www.eyeonmag.com

automobile: a Steam Carriage by Thomas Blanchard in 1825, a gas powered motorcycle: the Indian, the largest gun maker: Smith and Wesson, the rubber stamp, and even the dreaded windowed envelope.

The first US Armory was founded in Springfield in 1777, the first Revolver Club in 1886, the Springfield rifle in 1903, and metallic cartridges by Smith & Wesson in 1854.

On the lighter side Springfield is home to the board game, the Publication of Emily Dickinson’s Poems, Fastened Ice Skates and famed storyteller of Peter Cottontail, Thornton W. Burgess’.

There are many more, but this short list is to whet your appetite as to what Springfield is all about. You can visit a number of attractions and tourist hot spots while exploring.

Springfield is also home to MassMutual Insurance, one of the top ten insurance agencies in the US, providing the namesake of the MassMutual Center, home of the 64th National Square Dance Convention® on June 24th – 27th, 2015. Come dance with us and enjoy the endless things to see and do in

Springfield, Massachusetts in 2015.

We will discuss the many tours offered in a later release.

N

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877-869-7016 Our Certified Home Care Assistants help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation and light housekeeping.

Access to transportation for errands like shopping is available.

HCAs also help clients manage their household by assisting in basic needs, planning menus, essential shopping and light housework.

WRAAA serves White, Independence, Cleburne, Woodruff, Jackson, Sharp, Izard, Fulton, Stone and Van Buren counties.

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Support Our Advertisers Arkansas Hospice------------------------- 23 Batesville Spine & Health Solutions----- 21 Bradford’s Auto Sales, Inc.--------------- 12 CustomEyes Vision Care------------------ 6 Dairy Queen-------------------------------- 17 D & D Collision and Repair--------------- 12 Debra Thompson, CPA------------------- 12 Eagle Pest---------------------------------- 12 ENG Lending------------------------------ 5 George Kell Motors, Inc------------------ 3 Harris Hospital---------------------------- 2 H & R Block Tax Services----------------- 19 Kent’s Firestone--------------------------- 9 Lindley Health & Rehab Center, LLC--- 17 Living Spaces------------------------------ 21 Merchants and Planters Bank------------ 9 Modern Woodmen------------------------ 12 NEA Baptist Clinic------------------------ 15 N E D C------------------------------------- 3 Newark Furniture, Flowers and More-- 11 Newport Cable 15-------------------------- 12 Newport Construction-------------------- 4 Purdy’s Flowers and Gifts---------------- 14 Shelter Insurance-------------------------- 7 Something Extra--------------------------- 11 Southern Tire Mart------------------------ 18 St. Michael’s Place------------------------- 24 Studio 1910 Photography----------------- 6 Thompson’s Jewelry---------------------- 12 T-L Irrigation Company------------------ 8 White River Area Agency on Aging------20 Welcome To Jackson---------------------- 12

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Get the Most out of your Insurance with FREE Preventive Care Services Rebecca Pearrow

Because of the Affordable Care Act, most health plans must now cover a set of preventive services like shots and screening tests that can help you stay healthy. This includes Exchange/Marketplace insurance plans, and most private insurance and employer plans. And the best news is, they’re free*, with no copays or deductibles, as long as the services are delivered by a doctor within your insurance network. The premise behind providing these preventive care screenings free of charge, is that insurance plans want to help you to stay as healthy as possible – and hopefully prevent you from needing serious medical services down the road.

Getting the right screenings and medical tests at the right time can help prevent many illnesses, and stop others before they become serious or even present symptoms. Depending on your age, gender and other risk factors, your doctor may tell you it’s time for an anemia, diabetes, breast cancer screening or other screening that can detect cancer or disease in its earliest, most treatable stages. Or, it may be time to screen for high blood pressure or high cholesterol to give your doctor information that can help prevent a stroke or heart attack. Your doctor may also suggest tests, screenings or counseling for the following and more: * Diabetes * Depression * Obesity * Hearing or vision loss * Sexually transmitted diseases There’s even more good news for women. Many preventive care screenings, tests and supplies that can help you with family planning and pregnancy are now covered, along with services such as: * Well-woman checkups * Contraceptives and birth control counseling * Screenings during pregnancy for a variety of conditions * Breastfeeding supplies, support and counseling Most insurance plans also cover preventive care services for children*, depending on age and risk factors: * Screenings for autism, high blood pressure, some cancers, depression, developmental disorders, lipid disorders, hearing problems, blood diseases, HIV, hypothyroidism, lead levels, obesity, PKU, and vision problems. * Behavioral assessments * Fluoride and iron supplements * Height, weight and body mass index measurements * Immunizations for a variety of conditions * Medical history * Obesity counseling * Oral health risk assessment * Sexually transmitted infection prevention counseling and screening * Tuberculin testing If your insurance covers preventive care services at no charge, skipping them is like leaving money on the table. Talk with your doctor about how to get the most out of your insurance plan. And if you don’t have a doctor, we can help you with that, too. Call Harris Hospital at 870-523-8911 to find a doctor near you, visit www.HarrisHospital.com or pick up one of our handy new Directory of Physicians and Services at the hospital or a clinic. *Preventive care services often depend on age and risk factors. Depending on your health insurance, preventive care services may be covered without your having to pay a copayment, coinsurance or meet your deductible. This applies only when you use your plan’s network providers. Medicaid benefits vary by state. To confirm your level of coverage for preventive care and to make sure your insurance is on your doctor’s list of accepted plans, check with your insurance provider, employer or your doctor’s office.

N Happy Birthday America!

Things To Do

The Jackson County Humane Society is in need of the following supplies: water buckets, dog houses, Clorox, laundry detergent, paper towels and blankets (without backing). Items can be dropped off at the Newport Area Chamber office at 201 Hazel Street.

KASU Bluesday Tuesday July 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Newport Country Club.

The Jokers will perform and the hat will be passed. This event is sponsored by KASU Public Radio, ASU-Newport, C & C Distributors and Harris Ford.

Summer Science Day The Summer Science Day Camp runs from 9 to Noon July 16, 17 and 18. Call Jacksonport State Park ata 870-5232143 or email jacksonport@arkansas.com and reservation is required.

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Notes from the Clearing Home Joseph Thomas

Naturally hurried by her cries, taken by her eyes. Forever held by her presence, and lost in her absence.

Together is the mingled breath we breathe under the blanket of the sun bleached grassy meadow that calls our hearts home. Rolling like the hills of our meadow, healing all the wounds we’ve ever known, and never regretting the children we have become in our old age. Giggling in the clutches of the firefly filled darkness that comes only to put on her stories for the starry theatre occupied with elfish creatures that throw mushrooms at the screen of leafy trees.

N July 2014 |  23