Eye On Jackson January 2014

EyeJackson On www.eyeonmag.com

Dr. Sandra Massey Bricks and Mortar Community Benefits A Publication of Meadowland Media, Inc.

January 2014

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.

Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LTZ 4x4 shown in Deep Ruby Metallic

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

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 Enter 2014

7/Great Tastes

Ward off Winter Chill

8/Smith’s Verdict

7

12

9

18

10

21

11

22

The Straight Story ****

9/Hospital Services at Your Fingertips 9/Harris Hospital Happenings Senior Circle

10/County Extension News No Rest for the Farmer

11/County Economic Report Bricks and Mortar

12/Cover Story

ASUN Chancellor, Dr. Sandra Massey

14/Faces 18/I Do

Henderson / McKenney Wedding

20/Things To Do 21/Newport Chamber News Community Benefits

21/Notes from the Clearing A Dandelion Breeze

22/Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista The Weather Outside is Frightful!

Let Us Advertise For You

EYE ON JACKSON is word of mouth...for your eyes. Let us promote your business and let’s grow together. email kthomas@eyeonmag .com or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150

Cover Photography by Cheryl Mauldin Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

Meet Your Writers...

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..

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.

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.

Guest Writers Leigh Keller is a high school Guidance Counselor and Colorguard instructor at Batesville High School. She is the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. Leigh lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.

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

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.

Tanner Smith is a native of Manila, Arkansas. He has written movie reviews for the T Tauri Galaxy (www.ttauri.org/galaxy) for several years and is a five year veteran of the T Tauri Movie Camp.

He has made a number of films, ranging from horror to documentary, and has won awards in filmmaking and screenwriting.

ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas Creative Director : Joseph Thomas AD DESIGN Department: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas PROOFING Department: Joseph Thomas Kimberlee Thomas Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas Joseph Thomas COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Cheryl Mauldin PRINTING COMPANY: Rockwell Publishing

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 © 2010 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.

Editor’s Note Enter 2014

Joseph Thomas

Photo by Robert O. Seat

The holidays came and went with a family longing that we hope you were able to fill with traveling loved ones and time well spent. I once found January disappointing because it was such a long way from the next Christmas, but now I find it such a renewing time of year; to reset and begin anew. May your New Years resolutions find success, if you so strive.

We’d like to thank our writers and our photographer, Cheryl Mauldin for helping us put together, what we believe to be, a wonderful publication. We were so happy with your response to our first issue and will challenge ourselves to bring you a better issue each month. Please join us as we bring you another such issue filled with local events, happenings and faces!

This month Kimberlee brings you the Henderson / McKenney Wedding. Adrienne Freeman cooks up some Chicken Soup fit to ward off Winter Chills and Rebecca Pearrow has an app for that, easy access to Harris Hospital’s ER status that is. Randy Chlapecka tells of upcoming educational meetings to help farmers prepare for the 2014 crop year, Julie Allen speaks chamber benefits, Jon Chadwell shares upcoming changes to expect this new year in Jackson County and Kimberlee and I have the honor of talking with Dr. Sandra Massey, ASUN Chancellor for our Cover Story. Leigh Keller joins us again with a descriptive look at her recent bout with cabin fever and Tanner Smith jumps into this issue with a review of the movie, The Straight Story, directed by David Lynch.

Look for Eye On Jackson on facebook and let us know what you think of our publication and what you’d like to see in upcoming issues. For now, I will leave you to read at your leisure and enjoy your January proper.

N

6

www.eyeonmag.com

Eye On

Jackson

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

Great Tastes

Ward off Winter Chill Adrienne Freeman

In the chill of winter, on dreary gray days, almost nothing is as satisfying as a piping hot bowl of chicken soup, its luxurious golden broth warming both body and soul. Perhaps that is why January is designated as National Soup Month. The savory taste of rich chicken broth flavored with the “Trinity of Cooking” - onion, celery and carrot – needs nothing further. Yet flavor can be significantly elevated when adding a seemingly endless number of ingredients that yield delicious variations on this very simple recipe.

Spices, pastas, dumplings, vegetables and grains appear in a dizzying number of recipes for this quintessential comfort dish. Cultures around the world have their own favorites that rely on the basic fundamental ingredients of versatile chicken, flavored with the most ordinary vegetable combinations to make the chicken stock that serves as the foundation to support literally thousands of satisfying variations.

Tortilla Soup from Mexico, Egg Drop Soup recognized in Chinese fare, French consommé – all familiar because of their simple base.

Homemade chicken stock is the gold standard among chefs, and is easily made when time is not a problem. But excellent packaged broths and stocks are widely available and are perfectly acceptable substitutes. To save even more prep time, supermarket rotisserie chickens can be used as well as frozen, precut vegetables. Cooks should take care to account for any added salt or spices when using store-bought substitutes for convenience.

Homestyle Chicken Soup Meat from one fryer chicken, stewed, poached or roasted or meat from one store-bought rotisserie chicken 2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 medium white or yellow onions, diced 3 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds 3 large celery ribs, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf 8 cups chicken stock Remove the chicken meat from the chicken, discarding bones and skin. Cut or shred the chicken meat into bite-size pieces (approx. 4 cups chicken).

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onion, carrots, celery and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir about 6 minutes until vegetables are soft but not browned. Remove the bay leaf; add the stock and the thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Add chicken and simmer long enough to warm through.

Variations - Add the following ingredients and simmer 15 additional minutes. * Chicken Noodle Soup – add three cups egg noodles, 1 cup frozen green peas and ½ cup chopped fresh

parsley. * Chicken and Rice Soup – ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice, 1 cup frozen peas and ½ chopped fresh parsley. * Chicken and Cheese Ravioli Soup – 1 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese ravioli; 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with their juice; 2 medium zucchini, diced; 2 teaspoons dried basil.

White Chicken Chili 1 ½ pounds cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (store bought rotisserie chicken is fine here for a great time saver) 1 Tablespoon oil ½ cup onion, chopped 1 rib celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 poblano pepper or large green pepper, diced 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 Tablespoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 cans (15-ounces each) white cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed Juice of 1 lime ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil hot but not smoking. Add the onion, garlic, celery and pepper and saute for 3-4 minutes.

Add the chicken broth and stir in the cumin, salt, pepper, oregano and chili powder. Add the rinsed beans.

Simmer on medium for 10 minutes. Remove ½ cup of the heated, softened beans with a little broth to a small mixing bowl. With a potato masher or fork, mash beans until mostly smooth. Add back to soup and stir in thoroughly.

Shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken to the soup and cook until heated through.

Finish with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If desired, top with sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese or tortilla chips. N

January 2014 7

793-3303 755 St. Louis Street Batesville

M-F 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 3pm

1370 Neeley Street - Batesville

(870) 698-1181

Smith’s Verdict: **** The Straight Story

Reviewed by Tanner Smith Before I get into what a treasure “The Straight Story” is, that it’s based on a true story, and it features the best performance from veteran actor Richard Farnsworth, let me express a surprising thought from the opening credits. Let’s see, there was the “Walt Disney Pictures” logo, followed by a starry sky, the first text appeared— “Walt Disney Pictures presents.” But then, something unusual happened—not that the director was credited before the title and lead actors’ credit (in a late-‘90s Disney film), but who the director turned out to be.

David Lynch. I couldn’t believe my eyes, but there it was—“A Film by David Lynch.”

I contained my surprise and my interest. I never would have believed that David Lynch, one of the oddest, revealing, visionary filmmakers around (see “Twin Peaks,” see “Blue Velvet”), would make a G-rated family film for Disney. But I guess every filmmaker wants to try something new every now and then, much like how Francis Ford Coppola wanted to try something new after such gripping masterpieces as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” would make something like “The Outsiders,” “Peggy Sue Got Married,” or (to a much lesser extent) “Jack.” Then again, it’s not like Lynch hasn’t ventured into different territory before “The 8

www.eyeonmag.com

Straight Story” (see “Dune,” for example), but this is about as new as he could venture.

And for the record, I want to make something perfectly clear. Just because a film is rated G, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a children’s film. Actually, I think “The Straight Story” was more aimed for adults than children who, despite the Disney distribution, could be bored out of their minds. Oh, you can show it to them, but they might not care much for it. However, if you do, I’m sure they’ll remember it more fondly as they get older and more mature, and thank you for showing it to them. “The Straight Story” is an excellent movie. It’s touching, effective, interesting, colorful, brilliantly-executed, wonderfully-acted, and with a real feel-good spirit to it.

You read that last part right—this is a feelgood movie. While Lynch’s “Eraserhead” featured nightmarish elements and “Blue Velvet” had extreme views on happiness and bleakness, “The Straight Story” features sincerity and positive elements that make this something special and of course make you feel glad you watched it. It’s practically impossible not to love this movie.

Smith’s verdict continues on page 14 We are word of mouth for your eyes!

Access to ER Wait Times and Hospital Services at Your Fingertips Rebecca Pearrow

Traditionally, the highest Emergency Room volumes occur between January and April. Easy access to digital tools can help you make healthcare decisions in the event of accident, injury or illness during these next few months. In the world of mobile technology, there are a few “must haves” for every smartphone – quick access to your favorite restaurant, music, social networking sites and, now, Harris Hospital.

Want to know the average wait time for the ER at Harris Hospital? It’s just one touch away. The same goes for directions and maps to the facility, contact information for hospital services and much more. By visiting the Harris Hospital mobile site, you can quickly see what kind of wait you can expect before ever heading to the ER. “Our goal is to reduce the time it takes our community to get the information they want or need about the hospital,” said Robert Rupp, CEO. “Whether someone is headed to a health seminar, has a question about a service or needs to check our ER wait time, it’s all available via our mobile website. Anyone with a

smartphone can get fast access to our mobile site.”

Another “techie” advance the community might have noticed is the QR Code (that’s short for Quick Release Code) Harris Hospital recently used in its ER advertising. It’s a square bar code that is becoming more and more standard on advertising and in catalogs.

Smartphones with barcode reading applications, which are available for free, can scan the code and be directed to the hospital’s mobile site. The Harris Hospital website (www.harrishospital.com) will undergo an exciting migration to a newly updated and consumer friendly website early in the New Year. More information about what this means to you as a patient will be shared next month.

It’s all about convenience for our patients in 2014. We’re using new technology to make sure the community can connect with us and have quick access to the services they need. Have a Happy New Year Jackson County!

N

Harris Hospital Happenings Senior Circle

Margaret Goodman Senior Circle is a community education resource open to seniors age 50 and above. Monthly programs are held giving seniors the necessary information to make the best health decisions for themselves and loved ones.

If you would be interested in joining our “Circle of Friends”, please contact the Senior Circle office at 870512-3030 for additional information. We look forward to the opportunity.

N

January Calendar of Events Jan 6 10:00 a.m. Bingo Jan 14 2:00 p.m.

Movie Day Jan 28 4:30 p.m. Supper Club – Hungry Man Restaurant Jan 30 Noon Lunch N Learn – Dr. Jason Smith Jan 31 Imperial Dinner Theater Patsy Cline Presentation Bingo at Tuckerman Senior Center always third Monday of month.

Bingo at Bald Knob Senior Center always third Friday of month.

January 2014 9

County Extension News No Rest for the Farmer Randy Chlapecka

Hopefully harvest is totally complete by the time you read this. There were still soybeans in the field when I wrote this article. Regardless, a new year is here and that means that it’s time to begin planning for the 2014 crop.

In reality, most farmers have probably already started this process as there’s really not much of a winter break anymore.

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture – Cooperative Extension Service has a couple of educational meetings coming up in January to help producers prepare for the 2014 crop year.

The first meeting will be our annual Jackson County Extension Service Crop Production Meeting which will be held on Friday, January 17th. The meeting will be held EYE ON JACKSON in the Larry N. Williams Student/Community Center at ASU-Newport. In my opinion there is not a better facility email kthomas@eyeonmag .com in the state to hold a meeting such as this. Our speakers or call Kimberlee at (870) 503-1150 who speak at several locations around the state often compliment the facility as the best or one of the best that they speak at in the state.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. We will cover rice and soybean related topics in the morning, followed by a sponsored lunch at noon and then information on corn, grain sorghum and wheat beginning at 1:00 p.m. trong eliable ommitted University of Arkansas researchers and specialists scheduled to speak on their topics of expertise include: ruSted uStomer wned Extension Rice Specialist Jarrod Hardke, Extension Soybean Specialist Jeremy Ross, Extension Weed Scientist Bob Scott, Soil Fertility and Cover Crop Specialist Trent Roberts, and Extension Wheat and Feed Grains Specialist Jason Kelley.

The second will be our annual Pesticide Applicator Training which will be held on Tuesday, January 28th beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Jackson County Extension Office. Producers of agricultural commodities must have a license in order to purchase and apply Restricted Use Pesticides and must attend one of these training sessions every 5 years to remain certified.

Lending for all your rural These meetings are open to all interested persons financing needs! without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other Operating Loans | Equipment Loans & Leases legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who Vehicles | Farm Real Estate Mortgages require alternative means for communication of program Home & Acreage Loans information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the county Extension office as soon as possible prior to the activity.

For more information on either of these meetings, Financing for your lifestyle. feel free to contact me at the Jackson County Office of the Call Vickie Jones | 800-698-5867 at 870-698-9044 • 800-572-8165 870-523-5867 University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service at www.agheritagefcs.com www.agheritagefcs.com 870-523-7450.

N

Here! Let us introduce you!

S t

10

www.eyeonmag.com

.r .C

.C -o

.

.

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

County Economic Report Bricks and Mortar

Jon Chadwell, Economic Development Director Newport and Jackson County will see many changes in 2014, with one of the largest construction seasons in recent history, and maybe even in distant history! The projects are a great combination of state projects, local government projects and private investment projects showing that many sectors of our economy are growing and thriving. One of the measures of peoples’ confidence in a community is investment in “bricks and mortar” construction projects because the construction of buildings and infrastructure is not a temporary investment for a few years, but a major investment for decades.

So what all is going on? Well, from a money standpoint, the construction of the new White River Bridge is going to be the largest project in Jackson County in a very long time.

The price tag comes in at just over $31 million and will provide a large number of construction jobs in the County for the next three years as the project progresses. Increasing our transportation infrastructure is the key to remaining competitive.

Jackson County will start construction on the new jail in 2014. This $9 million project will again create a large number of construction jobs and significantly increase the ability of the Sheriff’s office to provide for public safety. Although, on a national scale used for public safety, the crime rate in Jackson County is a 58 compared to a national average of 100, we can still make strides to keep Newport and Jackson

County even safer and the new facilities will play a big part in that.

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department awarded the City of Newport a grant for $250,000 for new sidewalks in the downtown area. This will be matched with $50,000 of local funds and will significantly improve the appearance and accessibility of the Front Street corridor. Also, a team of New Vision Newport participants are working to preserve the well that was discovered under the old Sterling building as a historic feature for downtown Newport.

On the private investment side, George Kell Motors and Harris Ford have announced that they will both start construction on new dealerships in 2014. Construction on these projects will cost several million dollars and will create a very attractive business presence on US Hwy 67 for people driving to or through Newport. A nationwide company that sells fuel has already applied for a building permit and will start construction in early 2014. Two other national retailers have approached the community and are exploring the opportunity to construct buildings in Newport.

Adding all of this together, Newport should see something in excess of $50 million in new construction in 2014. These projects will produce a large number of construction jobs over the next year or two and will build the infrastructure and business offerings and resources of our community! Bricks and mortar might not be everything, but they are certainly a sign that investors believe we are moving in the direction of a bright future! N

“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

January 2014 11

Eye On Cover Story ASUN Chancellor, Dr. Sandra Massey Joseph Thomas

Kimberlee and I met with Dr. Sandra Massey, who graciously invited us into her office to talk about her new position as ASUN Chancellor. Kimberlee and I were both, being ASUN Alumni, very nostalgic on the growing campus of the time when we roamed between classes.

Massey actually grew up on the ASU Jonesboro campus, where her father was a professor. He served as counseling, education, psychology department division chair and faculty member. “I literally played on the campus most of my life and have very strong ties to Arkansas State,” states Massey. She says she comes from a long line of pioneering women.

Her grandmother, in 1908, attended the Morse School of Expression and by the age of nineteen was teaching Dramatic Arts in a small town in Southeast Missouri. Her mother taught school at Westside in Jonesboro and her sister is a medical doctor. “My mother was actually a first generation high school and college graduate. She, my sister and I all earned our Masters Degree from Arkansas State, so coming to ASU Newport was like coming home for me.”

Massey says her heart is at the two year college but loves that they are able to be a feeder for the four year institutions. Massey and her husband, Ward, have two children, daughter Brittany McKelroy of Jonesboro, and son, Reese of Tulsa, Oklahoma; they are very blessed with two granddaughters through Brittany and one through Reese. Massey looks forward to continuing the progress that Dr. Williams brought to ASUN. As a counselor, Massey entered a grant program in Oklahoma, similar to ASU Newport’s Career Pathways, and worked with individuals who were under resourced and needed additional skills in order to enter the work force. Massey’s career path in higher education led to a mental health counselor position, a student success position, dean of student affairs, vice-president and then campus provost before becoming vice chancellor for academic affairs for ASUN in 2011. When Dr. Williams stepped down from his position as Chancellor, Massey was one of forty-six applications for the position. Dr. Charles Welch, Arkansas State University System President, said that Dr. Massey stood out because of her leadership experience in higher education.

“My short term goals,” says Massey, “are to continue to get to know the dreams and passions of individuals on campus and off. What can we do to better serve our communities and help make those dreams a reality?” Massey lists degree completion, work force and economic development and serving the community as her priorities. She says strategic 12

www.eyeonmag.com

Walton Hall

Student Community Center

Center for the Arts

ASUN students Kari Cooper (Jonesboro) and Kourtnee Pennington (McCrory), Chancellor Dr. Sandra Massey, ASUN student Jeremy Wortham (Jonesboro) Director of Surgical Technology Christopher Madden and ASUN student Whitney Jackson (Marked Tree) receive the CAAHEP accreditation certificate in the ASUN surgical technology lab. Pictures submitted and found at asun.edu.

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

planning is underway so that this new ASUN team has ownership of its direction, focusing on a culture of accountability and data. Massey says the successful Surgical Technology Program at ASU Newport will be replicated on the Mark Tree campus and that it is only a part of future expansion. “We are excited about this program, because you can graduate high school, train with us for one year in this program and get practically a guaranteed job making good money, but the potential from there is tremendous,” explains Massey. It is a nationally accredited program and ASUN has a state of the art OR room with all of the equipment. This is an exceptional opportunity for the area, especially if the Veterans Administration Hospital chooses to set up in Newport.

ASU Newport is still very dependent on the community for scholarship funding, so there will soon be a capital campaign to help ensure these contributions continue. The expansion of this two year institution is on going and exciting to see. Eye On Jackson is happy to bring you monthly updates on events and news from the ASUN campus and very delighted to see Dr. Sandra Massey as Chancellor of this amazing and progressive learning institution.

N

Photography by Cheryl Mauldin.

January 2014 13

Smith’s verdict continued from page 8

Like most feel-good stories, “The Straight Story” is based on a real event that occurred in the life of a real person. The story follows a 73-year-old man named Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth), who lives in Laurens, Iowa with his daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek).

Alvin has a hip problem (that requires him to walk with two canes), has bad vision, and is dealing with the fact that he just doesn’t feel as young as he did. One day, he hears that his estranged brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has suffered a stroke, and decides that he must go see him. With no driver’s license and poor eyesight, he is going to make the trip from Laurens, Iowa to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin (about 320 miles) with his own John Deere lawnmower and a homemade trailer. (I’m sure this was probably Lynch’s hook to direct this movie—an unusual road trip with a slow-moving lawnmower.)

As unusual and possibly as silly as that might sound, Lynch plays the story straight (forgive the pun) with a real sense of sincerity in the way that Alvin makes the trip in about six weeks, stopping at night to camp out in nearby fields and meets some good-natured, interesting people along the way (as you see in just about every road movie). That’s not to say there isn’t quirkiness involved, but it’s more measured than you might expect.

“The Straight Story” showcases Lynch’s talent as

Faces

14

www.eyeonmag.com

a filmmaker in just about every scene, mainly because he is in constant control. Every shot is perfectly set up and has a purpose, and everything in the foreground and background is focused upon interestingly. Some of the best examples are the earlier scenes that give us an atmospheric look at the South, which from the standpoint of a person who has lived in a rural area most of his life, is captured perfectly.

There are many masterful sequences during this six-week trip, which is shown almost episodically. One of which has to do with a young female hitchhiker who shares a campfire with Alvin, who manages to give her helpful advice. We don’t know what happens to her later, after she has left the following morning, but we can imagine that she made the right choice. Then, there’s a scene in which a frightened woman breaks down when she accidentally hits another deer on the street (and it was her thirteenth accident). This scene has nothing to do with anything else, but you can feel the sadness the woman must be going through, even if the scene only lasts about two or three minutes. And there’s a particularly well-edited, tense sequence that sort-of serves as the sole action sequence, as it features Alvin losing control of the mower and speeding down a hill, nearly getting himself killed, into a town where more people come into his life, most of which are goodnatured, helpful individuals.

Smith’s verdict continues on page 23

These wonderful faces, above and on page 14 were captured in attendance at the ASUN 2013 Christmas Reception.

The Meet and Greet photographs below are from ASUN’s Patron Series on December 14, 2013 with Country Star Tracy Lawrence.

See more of our FACES at www.eyeonmag.com.

Welcome To Jackson Owners: Chris and Julie Keton

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

SCREEN PRINTING EMBROIDERY FAN WEAR TROPHIES 870-495-3897 827 Malcolm Ave., Newport Xtremegraphix11@gmail.com

Brenda Benish, FIC, LUTCF

(870) 523-3689 office (870) 512-8378 cell debra@dltcpa.com 1400 McLain St., Newport

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

Taxes / Small Bu siness / C orporations / Payroll

Newport, AR

Farms / Tru cki ng / Reti rement / C ollege Planni ng

Touching lives. Securing futures.

870-523-2977

870-217-3684

S e c u r i t i e s o f f e r e d t hr o u gh H . D . V e s t I n v e s t m e n t S e r v i c e s sm, M e m b e r S I P C

Rates as low as $30 per month!

Caught You Looking!

“It’s no secret, Eye On’s rates are Great!”

For Rates Email: Kthomas@eyeonmag.com

Kthomas@eyeonmag.com

Matt Ward, FIC Managing Partner

Touching lives. Securing futures.

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

Newport, AR

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

Problem with your Remote Entry Key Fob? Let

on’s mps Tho ir it! a Rep

Thompson’s Jewelry 255 East Main Street Batesville, AR

16

www.eyeonmag.com

870-793-7136

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

Spinal Decompression

White River Chiropractic Life Center Dr. Thomas D. Taylor, D.C., FICA & Dr. Dustin Taylor, D.C., CCEP

1361 White Drive, Batesville, AR 72501 Call 870-698-1650 to Schedule Your FREE Consultation

I Do

Henderson / McKenney Wedding Kimberlee Thomas

Tara Henderson and Alex McKenney first met in 2009 at a mutual friend’s birthday party. The festive group had gathered outdoors to celebrate the special occasion and tailgates were the seat of choice. Tara had attended the event alone and after making the rounds to say hello to everyone she knew and wishing her friend a happy birthday she took a seat on an empty tailgate. Tara recalls, “I was just sitting there enjoy the party when Alex walked up and sat down beside me. I commented that I sure hope whoever owned the truck didn’t mind me sitting there. He laughed and said he was sure it would be okay because the truck was his.” However, it was not in the stars for Tara and Alex to become a couple just yet. The two would run across each other several times in the coming years after their first meeting. Each time, however, one or both would be in a relationship with someone else. As fate would have it that same mutual friend whose birthday they had celebrated together so many years before would be the reason for them to cross paths once more.

It was now February 2012, and this time each of them was single. “We were both so nervous that we barely talked to each other all night. After Alex left with a friend of his I asked my girlfriend to tell me everything about him. Little did I know he was asking his friend tons of questions all about me,” Tara shared. A few short weeks later Tara received a Facebook message from Alex asking if she would like to hang out. The two began to see each other off and on and officially became a couple in mid-July. Looking back, Tara explains that she feels it was love at first sight; it just took the earth spinning around the sun a few more times for things to fall into place and give them “their time.”

The proposal came as a surprise to Tara. “We had only been dating about five months. We had talked casually about marriage a time or two, but I was not expecting anything this soon.” It was New Year’s Eve 2012 and the young couple had decided to stay close to home for the festivities.

They made an evening of eating out at U.S. Pizza.

“We didn’t want to go out of town and I really wanted one of their great sandwiches,” recalls Tara. Alex’s original plan had been to wait until midnight and make his proposal of marriage to Tara, but on the drive home his nerves and excitement got the better of him and he slid the ring onto her finger and asked her to be his wife.

On October 5, 2013, Tara and Alex were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the

Christy Breshears Photography

home of Alex’s grandparents, Lowell and Deanne McKenney, in Rector, Arkansas. The day of their wedding the weather dawned dismal and rainy.

“I was more than a bit nervous when I awoke to find it raining that morning. We decided to move the ceremony from beside the pond to the shelter of the gazebo. We had already set up tents in that area of the yard for the reception so it worked out perfectly,” Tara stated. Tara’s parents, Rickey and Cindy Henderson, along with Alex’s parents, Delayne and Patricia McKenney, and all their family and friends in attendance were able to stay dry and still have a great view of the ceremony.

John Franks, Youth Minister at the First Assembly of God Church in Swifton, presided over the double ring ceremony. The bride’s sister, Miranda Russell, served as Matron of Honor.

Ciera Morris and Charm McClendon served as Bride’s Maids. Wil Hubbard stood as Alex’s Best Man. Grant Black and Zach Malone served as Groomsmen. Addison Russell and McKenzie McClendon served as flower girls.

Tara and Alex shared their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. McKenney to Tim McGraw’s My Best Friend. As the music faded, Tara’s father took her hand for the traditional Father Daughter dance.

There was not a dry eye to been found as they danced to Tim McGraw’s My Little Girl. Alex then escorted his mother to the dance floor where they danced to Jason Matthews’ That’s What Momma’s Do. Following the reception the couple traveled to Pocahontas, Arkansas and spent a splendid honeymoon at the Shady River Getaway.

Tara is currently a junior at Arkansas State University and is majoring in Plant Science. She also works part time at ASU in the Farm Research Program and at Pizza Hut in Newport. Alex is employed full time at Eagle Lake Farms. The newlyweds reside in Newport and have dreams of building their own home in a few years and eventually starting a family of their own.

N January 2014 19

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.

ASUN Patron Series The Texas Tenors will perform at ASUN February 22 at 7 p.m. For tickets, call the ASUN Business Office at 870512-7802.

N

Ducks Unlimited The Cache River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting it’s Annual Banquet at the Newport Country Club on Saturday, January 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6:00 p.m., and the Auction starts at 7:00 p.m. There will be 1 free gift per child in attendance.

Tickets available at door.

ASUN Concert-Lecture Series Bryan Hendricks will be on hand for this ASUN event January 30. Call ASUN Business Office for more information at 870-512-7802.

ASUN Concert-Lecture Series The Legends of Motown will hit the stage at ASUN February 8. For tickets, call the ASUN Business Office at 870-512-7802.

20

www.eyeonmag.com

JACKSON COUNTY LIBRARY 213 Walnut Street P.O. Box 748 Newport, Arkansas 72112 (870) 523-2952 www.jacksoncolibrary.net Hours of Operation: Mon - Fri 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat. 9:30 a.m.- Noon

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

Newport Chamber News Community Benefits

Julie Allen, Chamber of Commerce Director The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization of like-minded business men and women who have a vested interest in the well being of the community. We are using your membership investment to its fullest, putting your dollars back to work for you through business promotion and representation, community and education support, and improvements to the quality of life in Newport and Jackson County.

Below is a sample of some of the programs and services offered by the Chamber. * New Vision Newport, our local leadership training course, encourages participants to become an active leader in the future success of Newport and Jackson County. * Jackson County Council on Tourism works to improve the tourism industry in our community through statewide advertising, hospitality training and cultivating community partnerships to increase tourism opportunities. * The annual Chamber Banquet honors members annually with several awards including the Small Business of the Year, Industrial Citizen of the Year and Corporate Citizen of the Year. * The Arkansas Scholars Program challenges Newport High School students to excel. Seniors who have met the Arkansas Scholars criteria during their four years of high school are rewarded with a luncheon in their honor and higher education opportunities at participating colleges in many states. * More than $25,000 in scholarships is awarded annually to Jackson County seniors by local businesses and organizations that utilize the Chamber-sponsored Scholarship Program. * The Chamber offers visitors, newcomers and

Notes from the Clearing

A Dandelion Breeze Joseph Thomas

residents a variety of area phone books, city/county and state maps, merchandise and general information about Newport and Jackson County. We are honored to serve as the gateway to the community. * The Portfest Festival welcomes more than 10,000 people to the area for two days of headliner entertainment, children’s activities and low-cost entertainment for the entire family. Festival related contest include a 5K Walk & Run, Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament, Fishing Derby and Golf Tournament.

Portfest is held on the banks of the White River at beautiful Jacksonport State Park. * Held at the Iron Mountain Depot on Front Street, the Depot Days Festival features live entertainment by original Sun Studio recording artists. Other attractions include Jackson County’s Best Backyard Barbecue Championship Cookoff, Lions Club auction, arts & crafters and kids’ activities. Approximately 2,500 attend this free event each fall. * The Trashiest Team Contest is a friendly clean up competition held in conjunction with the Great Arkansas Cleanup. * Shop Til You Drop is the annual $1,000 shopping spree holiday promotion offered to the Chamber’s retail members to encourage shopping locally. * The Business Expo is a great opportunity to allow business members to showcase their products or services to the community.

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

N

Mark Manning,

LUTCF

- Agent

1400 Malcolm Ave., Newport, AR 72112 MManning@Shelterinsurance.com

Spiraling into control, like a spirit at peace, roaming the small town alleys with the intensity of a dandelion blown upon the breeze between buildings. The urban sprawl of this rural metropolis seems dirty under the fallen rain but I know it is anything but. It is home and comfort and tradition and birth and death. It is God’s Little Acre and the Devil’s Fire Sale. It is what you make it, like the life we are given and all is well. N

ShelterInsurance.com 870-523-6514 - Phone 870-523-6743 - Fax

AUTO HOME LIFE January 2014 21

Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista

The Weather Outside is Frightful!

Leigh Keller

When I was in elementary and high school (and even in college), my dream was to wake up in the morning, and look out the window to a yard full of snow, to rush to the television and find that school is canceled for the day. I would dream of snow, hot cocoa, sleigh rides and just the magic of snow. When I became a teacher, it was still kind of my dream. A little snow day here and there can save your sanity if your career is to take care of highly emotional teenagers (whose moods fluctuate with the moons, seriously, they do).

Give a mommy of a little one a snow day, and she is good. Give a mommy a couple of snow days and she gets a little nervous. Give that same mama seven days being iced in and her house will have returned to a primal state, where the children sit in their pajamas all day, eat cookies for breakfast, and have declared martial law on the household.

It becomes just like Lord of the Flies.

December fifth started like any normal day at BHS with ice and snow in the forecast. The kids were all wishing and hoping (and freaking out and trying to go back home). So, when school was canceled at 10:40 a.m., a cheer went up around the building (from students and teachers alike).

Since this storm had been predicted, all of our grocery stores sold out of milk, bread and bananas, which I completely do not understand. If I am going to be stranded, I want coffee, chocolate and Pinterest, and maybe my handy glue gun.

We gathered all four dogs and a cat (no lie, we are dog people, they and Cole basically run our house, and lives). I honestly didn’t think the weather would be as bad as it was, and that we would be iced in for that long. I had my coffee and Pinterest, my Glamour and Oprah magazines, and my fuzzy pajamas. Then I got the flu. For the first couple of days of the break, I kind of drifted in and out of a fever, stuffy head, aches and misery, but by day three I was over it and beginning to feel the madness of being cooped up.

Thank goodness Cole had his daddy to entertain him during my ice sickness (that everyone had, and my body finally gave in to).

Most little kids would miss their friends from preschool, and, while Cole did miss his friends, he morphed into something like an elf. In an attempt to keep him entertained, I baked, colored, painted, decorated, sang songs (kind of just a regular day for me, if you know me), played race cars, played monster trucks, watched Christmas movies, and entertained the pack of dogs and one disgruntled cat. I cleaned out closets, balanced my checkbook and actually read a book. By Monday afternoon, I had had it. It was time to go back to school. I managed to only leave the house a couple of times, because this just wasn’t the fun kind if snow. Cole kept wanting to build a snowman, and have snowball fights. I think his daddy took a couple of hits to the head with chunks of ice more than once.

I am an avid Twitter fan, and usually try to check in on my high school kids from time to time (mostly to see what could be waiting for me in my office the next day). Twitter 22

www.eyeonmag.com

was buzzing with lots of energy (see also: drama, it was buzzing with drama), signaling that everyone had just been inside for way too long. The kids all seemed to sound just as desperate as the adults to get back to some kind of normal schedule. We went back to school the next Thursday, and it was a welcomed change for everyone. I really kind of needed a break from my “ice break” to recover. My mother and father both got out in the ice and fell more than once (I cannot control them anymore, we have a complete and total role reversal); and so many of my wacko students got hurt “sledding” down ice covered streets. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting lots more snow before this school year is over, so we may all be replaying these harrowing days soon. I did get all of my Santa gifts for Cole purchased online in the time off and got lots of snuggle time with my little man. I will keep trying to see the silver lining in those snow filled clouds, even if it means our next holiday off will be summer break (if we ever get to have it!). N

Get peak performance from your tires.

See us for winter tires and the highest level of service.

Southern Tire Mart, LLC 1100 N Saint Louis, Batesville (870) 698-6099 Alignment - Brake Service Free rotation for the life of the tire www.stmtires.com Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm Sat. 8am - Noon

We are word of mouth for your eyes!

50% off any additional pair of glasses after purchase of one complete pair of glasses

50% off any pair of glasses

after purchase of a year supply of contacts PUT YOUR TAX MONEY TO GOOD USE

Vision Care of Newport 2101 Malcolm Ave., Newport (870) 523-3333

Support Our Advertisers AgHeritage Farm Credit Services--- 10 ASUN-----------------------------6 Custom Eyes Vision Care-------- 23 Dairy Queen---------------------- 8 Debra Thompson / CPA----------16 ENG Lending--------------------- 5 George Kell Motors--------------- 3 H & R Block-----------------------3 Harris Hospital--------------------2 Kent’s Firestone------------------8 Lindley Health Care & Rehab---- 3 Mark Martin Ford----------------- 20 Merchants and Planters Bank----6

Image credit: <a href='hp://www.123rf.com/photo_4878910_comic-woman-in-twospectacles-concept.html'>poznyakov / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Modern Woodmen----------------16 NEDC -----------------------------11 Purdy’s Flowers and Gifts--------19 Serenity Massage----------------16 Shelter Insurance---------------- 21 Something Extra----------------- 8

Smith’s verdict continued from page 14

The setting of the town is possibly the best of Alvin’s stops. We see more memorable side characters, including a bickering pair of brothers (which symbolize the past relationship of Alvin and his own brother who the trip is for) and a retired John Deere employee who lets Alvin camp out in his backyard while he fixes the lawnmower’s transmission. (By the way, if you’re wondering, Alvin won’t come into the house, even to use the phone.) And this is also where we get a heartbreaking monologue, delivered perfectly by Richard Farnsworth, as he tells the story of being a sniper in World War II and the fatal mistake he made. It’s a great scene and an excellent monologue—one I’ll never forget.

Richard Farnsworth is perfectly cast as Alvin Straight. With his kindly voice and sweet manner, Farnsworth is one of those actors whose presence helps make the movie. He has the right spirit, the perfect sense of conviction, great clarity, and real effectiveness.

We’re with him throughout this movie and he is believable and likable from the first minute to the last.

“The Straight Story” is a wonderful film. It features an artist in top form while stepping into new territory, a veteran actor in his best (and unfortunately, last) performance of his career, and a nice respectful feel to it.

If David Lynch has to show that he doesn’t have to resort to shock tactics to get people’s attention, especially to studios, this is the film that is a prime example of him as a more-than-capable filmmaker.

N

Southern Tire Mart--------------- 22 Studio 1910--------------- ------13 St. Michael’s Place---------------24 Thompson’s Jewelry------------- 16 Welcome To Jackson------------- 16 White River Chiropractic---------17 Xtreme Graphix------------------ 16

January 2014 23