Eye On Magazine February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 www.eyeonmag.com

Eye On

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Network of Community Options

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Editor’s Note Surviving

Joey Thomas We hope that you all are doing more than just surviving, but with the cost of everything rising, we know that getting through is tougher than it’s been. Living pay check to pay check, deciding what you can do without, it can be maddening and frustrating. We hope more for you all, wishing you joy in what you have, hope in what will be, and love all the while.

Life doesn’t always seem fair, but it always comes around, and staying kind is the only best way through.

What you put out will be what you get back, at least that has always been our experience. I’ve watched hateful, mean people get sucker punched by life after sending harm my way. I’ve received money by giving money away to those seemingly in more need, and I’m talking $30 here and there, but always got what I needed just in time to stay afloat. I hope that this life, that can seem so hard on the little, the kind, the good, gives you a break, lets you find your footing when it has had you down. We hope that you discover, learn, while finding laughter in the simple things, and lean into the love that is around you.

Enjoy your February! We hope to bring you just that, more hope, an ease to the struggle, a smile to the mudane, a warmth to the chilly days ahead. Thank You for keeping Your Eye On us!

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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Mitchell Keel, MD

Kayla Crawford, APRN

Marlo Hargrave, APRN

Providers You Can Trust All Insurance Plans Accepted Walk-Ins Welcome Comprehensive Outpatient Services: Bone Density Testing CT Diabetes Management Diagnostic Cardiology EKG Family Medicine

Internal Medicine Laboratory Minor Procedures Pediatrics X-Ray

White River Health Family Care 2200 Malcolm Avenue, Suite B Newport, AR 72112 (870) 512-2500

Caring Beyond Healthcare

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FEBRUARY 2023

8

now. She is board certified in family medicine and can take care of acute and chronically ill patients of all ages. She focuses on prevention to try and keep patients from getting sick.

Green was born and raised in Newport and graduated from Newport High School. She completed medical school at UAMS Little Rock in 2011 and residency in 2014 at UAMS Jonesboro, she has been out of training for almost nine years. Before moving home to practice she practiced in Massachusetts and Maine. When asked why she decided to pursue a career in medicine, Green stated, “I watched my dad who was really respected by his patients and could seem to make such a difference in so many lives. I knew from a very young age I wanted to be able to do that too.”

For advertising, distribution, or THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Dr. Green wasGuffey introduced to her AR husband, Dr. Paulcontribution, Silveri by her college editorial contact Media, Inc. / 504 St. / Newport, 72112 Joey Thomas, 870.503.2226 or 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

ASSOCIATE roommate at age nineteen, but they never dated until residency. Now

15

ALISON GREEN, M.D.

22

EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joey Thomas eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com. / PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Kimberlee Eye working On Independence received their they have two boys, ADVERTISING Arlo and Alton.

Most of her time is dedicated to and raising Thomas, PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joey Thomas, Kimberlee the 2012 Innovative Project award for Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, for children, but she enjoys baking when she finds the time. She always bakes birthday cakes Joey Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: MAGNA outstanding, innovative, continuous or everyone in the familyPUBLISHING and even made her own wedding cake.

COMPANY

effective coverage of literacy issues,

Eye On Magazine is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. EditoUnity Health and our community are tocan behave hereresulting to care forchange our patients and rial, advertising and generalblessed business information obtained byher calling (870) in positive 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: 504 Guffey Street / Newport, AR 72112. or improvement. community. Green said, “It’sOpinions been like a homecoming for me working back in this community. expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been Being near my parents and made helping carepresented for the patients my dad The tended to forTourist 50+ Council years has to ensure thatto all information in this issue is accurate and neither Ozark Gateway MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or informathat has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Copyright © 2010 Meadowawarded Eye and On Independence the 2014 more practicing anywhere else feeling any been incredibly rewarding.tion I can’t imagine Land 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, Wilson Powell Media Support Award for fulfilled than here.” 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

its dedication to

Dr. Green practices at Unity HealthwithGreen Family Practice at 1200 tourism McLaininSt. the Suite G in Newport. that it is reproduced 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. 8 a.m.

Office hours are Monday through Friday to 5 p.m.

Gateway Region Arkansas.

To schedule an appointment, please call (870)and523-0193.

Cover Photos by Storyteller Images Cover Design by Joey Thomas

Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY

4 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Lyon College has been helping students find their why for 150 years.

87%

Medical school acceptance rate over the last 20 years–more than double the national average of 41%

11:1

student-to-faculty ratio

lyon.edu • 1-800-423-2542

Find Your Why Campus Mural by Lyon College Alumnus Daisy Hall, '22

2300 Highland Rd., Batesville, AR

Here at Lyon College, students don’t just earn a degree. They don’t just have the college experience. They find their why.

Small class sizes, dedicated staff and faculty, and our mission to nourish the whole person and not just the student is what makes Lyon different. Our liberal arts education creates a fuller, richer understanding of your community and yourself, while also preparing you for your future. Take the first step to finding your why at lyon.edu.

In This Issue 3/ Editor’s Note Surviving

6/ Cherri Design

Small Bathroom Ideas

7/ Things To Do 8/ Unity Health Harris 9/ Local Faces 12/ Seniors, Can We Talk?

Haleigh used her single-parent scholarship to earn a nursing degree so she can take care of patients — and her daughter.

Ready to help hardworking single parents succeed? Donate now at aspsf.org.

“I was not alone in this journey. There were people who wanted to help me!”

Plan for the Inevitable

16/ Book Review

Haleigh S. & her daughter Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Recipient

The First Phone Call from Heaven

18/ Cover Story

Network of Community Options and Jennie Lee

21/ In The Field with Randy Sidedress Applications

22/ Thyme Enough

Crab and Corn Chowder

22/ Notes from the Clearing Fluttering Joy

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FEBRUARY 2023 5

Cherri Design Small Bathroom Ideas

Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs. Cherri owns The Kitchen Shop at 610 Saint Louis Street in Batesville for all your kitchen needs.

Our bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in our homes. Every day, we use our bathrooms multiple times to maintain our hygiene and health. Most baths in newer homes are more than adequate in size, but for some of us who live in older homes, our bathrooms are most often quite small. If your home has a small bath, every bit of available space must be utilized.

To create a larger feeling bathroom, eliminate clutter, as this will make the room feel more open and cleaner. Keep countertops clear and clean, as well as the floor, and eliminate all the products that are no longer used. Another idea to give the illusion of a larger space is to use a large mirror, making the room feel more open and airy. Flooring works in the same way, if you choose a flooring that appears to extend on and on.

Creating storage can be a problem in a small space. If your bath is large enough for a cabinet beneath the sink, this will allow for storage. However, a pedestal sink or small wall mounted sink takes up less visual space. A laundry basket can be stored under a wall mounted sink. If space allows, install a tall, narrow cabinet for linens. Square or rectangle baskets hung on the wall provide storage and an attractive display.

Hanging shelves, as well as a shelf or cabinet, over the toilet are a great option. If there is wall space that can be cut into, consider built-in shelving in the wall. Towel bars hung on the back of the door frees up much needed space. Hooks appropriately placed can be used for towels, clothes or hair dryer.

If your bath has a window, hang the curtain higher than the frame to give the illusion of a higher ceiling. If you prefer to use a shade, you might opt for one with a design or artwork on it. Dark walls offer a stylish flair and comfort, and despite the myth, dark does not make the room feel smaller. Another place to add artwork is the shower curtain. Use this space as a focal point in your bathroom and spruce up a dull area. Add air purifying plants that do well in humidity, as plants add life and a fresh feeling. Toilet paper holders, soap dispensers and faucets can also add a pop of color and art.

For a spa feel, roll towels in two or three soft colors and stack in a basket or shelf hung on the wall. If your style is more modern, use coppers, golds or neutrals. Also, geometric shapes and lines will lend a contemporary feel to your bathroom.

Hopefully, you have been inspired to tackle your small bath, creating the illusion of a larger space. If your bathrooms are like mine, they are cozy in size, but they can feel larger, clean, clutter free and inviting. N

6 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Adult Education A Parent?

Low-income?

Need basic skills for employment or GED?

We can help!

Workforce Preparation Workforce Training Job Search and Resume Building Costs associated with: Tuition Earning Credentials Earning Certificates Childcare Transportation (gas cards)

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(food/shelter/clothing)

Serving Independence and Sharp Counties (870) 612-2164 adulted@uaccb.edu This ad paid for with funds from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program

Things To Do

Newport

Batesville

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber

Chess, a Lyon College Musical Theatre Production on ThursdaySaturday, Feb. 9-11, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m., will be in the Sloan Auditorium, Brown Fine Arts Building. Lyon College, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville. Kristian Ameigh, Stage Director With original music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and lyrics by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice, “Chess” is the story of an American chess champion, his Russian opponent who defects to the west, and a Hungarian born American who transfers her affections from the American to the Russian. $10 general admission; free admission for Lyon College students, faculty and staff with ID. Jerry Fields and the Journey of Jazz, Monday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. in Sloan Auditorium, Brown Fine Arts Building on Lyon College Campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville. Atlanta-based jazz trio presents an evening of jazz music with special guests Eric South and Tim Crouch. The free event is open to the public.

Heritage Market, Sat., March 4th 10am-4pm at First Baptist Church (610 E. Main St.). Come enjoy a fun experience with us celebrating our history!

This family-friendly event includes unique shopping, photo booth, era games, State Park Interpreter, Living History, Civil War Re-enactors, and more. Admission is free, but asking for a non-perishable food donation for the church food pantry.

Also see newportarcity.org/calendar/

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Mountain View

Arkansas Craft School https://arkansascraftschool.org/calendar

Sept 6, 2022: 16 Week Training Program 870.269.8397 Turning Thirteen in May!

Available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com eyeonmag.com

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FEBRUARY 2023 7

Unity Health Harris Michelle Foshee is a wife, mother, dog lover, and Newport native who promotes Unity Health Harris Medical Center to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities we serve through compassionate care.

She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and prior to joining Unity Health, she worked in sales and marketing in Little Rock. She challenges herself and others to be Health Centered – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Provider Spotlight | Alison Green, M.D. Dr. Alison Green has been practicing in our community just over a year now. She is board certified in family medicine and can take care of acute and chronically ill patients of all ages. She focuses on prevention to try and keep patients from getting sick.

Green was born and raised in Newport and graduated from Newport High School. She completed medical school at UAMS Little Rock in 2011 and residency in 2014 at UAMS Jonesboro, she has been out of training for almost nine years. Before moving home to practice, she practiced in Massachusetts and Maine. When asked why she decided to pursue a career in medicine, Green stated, “I watched my dad who was really respected by his patients and could seem to make such a difference in so many lives. I knew from a very young age I wanted to be able to do that too.”

Dr. Green was introduced to her husband, Dr. Paul Silveri by her college roommate at age nineteen, but they never dated until residency. Now, they have two boys, Arlo and

Dr. Aliso now. Sh and chr and kee Green w School. residen almost Massac career respect many li too.”

Dr. Gree roomm

Alton. Most of her time is dedicated to working and raising their children, but she enjoys baking when she finds the time. She always bakes birthday cakes for everyone in the family and even made her own wedding cake. Unity Health and our community ALISON GREEN, M.D. are blessed to have they have two boys, Arlo and her here to care for our patients and community.

Green said, “It’sshe beenenjoys like a bakin children, but homecoming for me workingeveryone back in this community. in the family and eve Being near my parents and helping to care for the patients Unity Health and our commu my dad tended to for 50+ years has been incredibly rewarding.

I can’t imagine practicing anywhere else and feeling any community. Green more said, “It’s b fulfilled than here.”

Being near my parents and he Dr. Green practices at Unity Health Green Family Practice incredibly rewarding.

I at 1200 McLain St. Suite Gbeen in Newport.

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To schedule an fulfilled than here.” appointment, please call (870) 523-0193. N Dr. Green practices at Unit Office h To sche

8 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

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Local Faces

2200 Malcolm Ave. Suite C Newport, AR 72112 870.523.2408

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Dry Clean Darlin's at 101 Lindley Lane. Congratulations!

In observance of Black History Month, Arkansas State University-Newport is excited to host acclaimed author, Clifton Taulbert. This former migrant cotton field worker is now an award-winning author, a TIME Magazine recognized entrepreneur, an educator and CEO of two companies. Taulbert will present on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. inside the ASU-Newport Center for the Arts. The auditorium is located at 7648 Victory Boulevard in Newport. This presentation is free and community members are invited to attend.

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FEBRUARY 2023 11

Seniors, Can We Talk?

Plan for the Inevitable

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 widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

Happy New Year to each of you. I hope 2023 offers you good health and happy memories. Talk about resolutions and make plans for 2023 to be a good year to look back on.

Ruth did not end 2022 on a happy note. I have not told you about Ruth’s brother, Greg. About five years ago a tree fell on his leg. The accident, in combination with his diabetes, required that his leg be amputated up to his knee.

Greg never really got used to wearing his prosthetic. It seemed like he seldom felt good; there was always something bothering him. Even though Greg was retired, he had always been active before his accident (he was a young 70 year old).

In late 2022 Greg really started having health problems. He required injections every couple of hours at home.

His wife, Toni, worked. Financially she had to continue working. Friends

(including Ruth) took shifts every day giving Greg his injections while Toni worked.

Greg and Toni were wonderful people. Like many, they did not save for retirement or unexpected expenses they might have (like the every 2 hour injections he needed).

Greg continued to feel bad. After going to several doctors with no diagnosis or treatment, he finally found a doctor who thought he knew the problem. An exploratory procedure was performed which confirmed that he had an infection in his brain that was not treatable.

Ruth continued to see her brother every day. She always took a smile and an uplifting, loving conversation trying to put a smile on his face.

Greg was buried two days after Christmas.

Ruth is continuing to help Toni, his wife/widow. When Greg worked, he had life insurance through his employer. When he retired, he lost that life insurance. That was the only life insurance he had (like so many, he depended on his employer for medical and life insurance). When he retired, he enrolled in Medicare and

heart 12 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Medicare plans. He didn’t think about life insurance; it was simply overlooked. Greg overestimated the cost, thought it was more than he could afford and didn’t get any details.

Even though Greg’s wife, Toni, is turning 65 this year, she must continue working. She is losing his monthly income she depended on.

If you know Ruth, be prepared to get a call from her suggesting you review your life insurance and that you have enough so that your family is not put in a financial burden when you die. Yes, Ruth, has reviewed her life insurance. She feels she has enough life insurance to do what she wants – not a huge amount. Enough to pay any outstanding bills like credit cards, continue the care and insurance on her house and car until they are sold, and monies to give to the charities and friends who touch her heart.

Please think about Gary and Toni – have peace with the plans you’ve made. If you want to talk, always feel free to call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

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www.mandp.bank

Crawford Moves to New Location Jerrkia Davis Kayla Crawford, APRN, Family Medicine provider, is now seeing patients at White River Health Family Care, previously known as the Newport Medical Diagnostic Clinic. She joins providers Dr. Mitchell Keel and Marlo Hargrave, APRN. As an APRN, Kayla provides primary care, including wellness exams, to patients of all ages. She is focused on providing quality care to residents of Newport and surrounding areas, as well as maintaining direct communication with her patients and the healthcare community.

Kayla completed the LPN to RN program at University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) in 2004. She graduated

with her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in May of this year. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Kayla has over 19 years of nursing experience.

Patients who see Kayla at White River Health Family Care in Southside, previously known as the WRMC Medical Complex Southside, will be transferred to the care of one of the other providers at White River Health Family Care Southside: Jennifer Blaney, APRN; James Bridgeman, APRN; Tanner Oliver, APRN; or Brandon Wommack, APRN. White River Health Family Care is located at 2200 Malcolm Avenue,

Suite B, in Newport. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8AM to 5PM. To make an appointment, call (870) 512-2500. N

New Provider Announced at the Children’s Clinic Jerrika Davis

Katie Webb, APRN, is accepting patients at White River Health Pediatrics, previously known as The Children’s Clinic, located at 1700 Harrison Street, Suite N in Batesville.

Katie is working alongside Drs. Melody Moody, Amanda Smith, Meagan Smith, and Tyler Sandlin, APRN. As an APRN at White River Health Pediatrics, Katie is focusing on treatment of sick patients from infancy to young adulthood. She offers appointments scheduled in advance and same-day appointments.

She is focused on treating residents in Batesville and surrounding areas, as well as maintaining direct communication with her patients and the healthcare community.

Katie completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University. She completed a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University.

Katie found her calling to become a nurse during high school after her grandpa had an accident that almost cost him his life. However, because of the amazing nurses and healthcare staff, her grandpa survived and shared 13 additional years with his family.

This experience led Katie to pursue

nursing.

Katie started her career in healthcare as an LPN working in nursing homes and urgent care. After becoming an RN, she focused in on pediatric care with Cardiovascular ICU experience. She worked in the infant toddler unit caring for patients from newborn to three years of age.

“One thing I loved about Cardiovascular ICU is the relationship you build with the patients and families because of the amount of time you spend with them. I loved watching the kids grow-up and seeing where they started and being there through thick and thin with them,” said Katie.

“In this role I will be able to do the same, and help them grow into young adults. My goal for my career to have the reputation of being compassionate and caring, that parents and caregivers know their child is not just a number or diagnosis.”

During her time working with children, Katie was nominated for a Daisy Award three times. A Daisy Award is given to a nurse monthly or quarterly based on criteria established through a hospital’s mission and values.

“Being a mother myself, there is

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nothing more precious to me than my children,” said Katie. “I understand the level of trust families are giving me and I do not take that for granted.”

Katie and her husband have two sons and lots of chickens. She is from Wilburn, AR. In her spare time, she loves all things outdoors including mowing and days at the lake. She also enjoys cooking and baking.

White River Health Pediatrics is open Monday thru Friday from 8am5pm. To make an appointment with Katie, call (870) 262-2200. N

eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

FEBRUARY 2023 13

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund accepting Summer 2023 scholarship applications Jen Para Eligible single parents are invited to apply for Summer 2023 scholarships at aspsf.org/applynow. The deadline to apply is March 15.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) awards scholarships up to $1,200 to eligible single parents who are attending college or obtaining technical training.

A full list of eligibility guidelines is available at aspsf.org/ eligibility.

“ASPSF has impacted me by allowing me to drive to Jonesboro three days a week for classes without having to worry about gas money,” said Batesville resident Kailee who’s studying communication disorders at Arkansas State University.

If awarded, recipients can use the funds for any combination of school and/or household expenses that remove a financial burden and help the student stay in school.

Scholarships are combined with wraparound services — including workshops, mentorships, and tutoring — to create a support system helping single parents along their higher education journey to graduation and professional employment.

If a single parent is not attending summer school, he or she can apply later for another semester. Here are upcoming ASPSF scholarship application openings and deadlines: Fall 2023 Semester: Apply between April 15-June 15, 2023 Spring 2024 Semester: Apply between Aug. 15-Oct. 15, 2023 For more information about Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund — which has awarded more than $30 million in scholarships across the state to single parents since 1990 — contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or 479-318-2885.

About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund works to create

stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families.

Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org. N

Kailee has received a scholarship from Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund for several semesters as she studies hard to become a speech-language pathologist.

14 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station

World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953

Chuck Jones

Foster Your Community would like to thank the Batesville Junior High School Beta Club for recently organizing a collection event. The BJHS Beta Club was able to provide over 700 items for children in need through their efforts!

Housh New Director of Nursing at UACCB Jodie Hightower Ramonda Housh has been hired as the director of nursing at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Housh most recently served as clinical research coordinator at Baptist Clinical Research Institute in Jonesboro.

“I am excited to join the nursing department at UACCB and look forward to contributing to the education of future nurses for Batesville and our surrounding communities. I have been in nursing education since 2004 and am impressed with the hard work and dedication of the UACCB nursing faculty, staff, and students,” Housh said. “It is evident that the nursing program has the support of the UACCB administration, faculty, staff, and its community partners. I am proud to be a member of the team!”

Housh, a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, has 30 years of nursing and higher education experience in the areas of instruction, research,

accreditation, program development, grant management, assessment, and academic administration. She currently serves on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing as the chair of the education committee.

“I am excited to bring Ramonda’s expertise and experience in nursing education and administration to our team. The nursing program, UACCB, and the community will all benefit from having a proven leader in this role,” said Becky Warren, dean of health professions.

Housh is known as a leader in nursing education through-out the state and has been instrumental in developing policy, partnerships, and programs. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to add Ramonda as our director of nursing at UACCB. She brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and experience in nursing education and nurse preparation programs,” Dr. Holly Smith, vice chancellor for

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academics said. “Her experiences in nursing education bring a great deal of opportunity for UACCB to grow our nursing and allied health programs and increase our capacity to serve the needs of our communities and our healthcare partners.” Housh began her new role January 9, 2023. N

Ramonda Housh

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FEBRUARY 2023 15

Book Review

The First Phone Call from Heaven

Terrell Tebbetts has taught English at Lyon College for over 50 years.

A few months ago I reviewed Mitch Albom’s recent bestseller “The Stranger in the Lifeboat,” the first novel by Albom I’d read. I just finished another of his novels, his 2013 “The First Phone Call from Heaven.” It has many of the fine qualities Albom displayed in “Lifeboat.”

First, there’s the way Albom makes you care about his cast of characters. The protagonist is Sully Harding, a career Navy flier booted out and put in the brig for 10 months for one tiny, harmless mistake on his part and a huge mistake on the part of another. During his brig time his wife Giselle died leaving their 5-yearold son with Sully’s parents in the small town of Coldwater in northern Michigan.

All this happened just before the novel opens with Sully back in that small hometown, grieving, angry, jobless, and clueless about what should come next after the life he loved has fallen to ruin.

The other main characters are distinct human beings every reader will recognize—police chief Jack Sellers, whose wife Doreen divorced him after their son Robbie was killed in Afghanistan; real estate agent Katherine Yellin, a single woman dearly missing her recently passed sister Diane; Tess Harper, a daycare owner living alone in the house she grew up in and missing her departed mother; young librarian Liz, a possible future love interest for Sully; and news reporter Amy Penn, in Coldwater to cover the town’s big story.

That “big story” provides the plot of the novel. It seems that seven folks in Coldwater start getting phone calls from their departed loved ones—Jack and Doreen from Robbie, Katherine from Diane, Tess from her mom. They all recognize the voices as those of their loved ones. The voices all speak

of the love they’re surrounded by, the light they live in, the peace they share with all they’re with. Robbie assures Jack that the “the end is not the end.”

Once these calls get into the news, Coldwater, a village of just over 3,000, becomes the center of national and even international attention.

Travelers come from all over hoping for such a call from their loved ones.

They form prayer groups in the yards of “the chosen” ones. They fill the pews of the Baptist church where Katherine first broke the news and the Catholic church where Tess attends.

They fill every vacant spot in town and camp in fields at the edge of town. Coldwater’s one cafe has to stay open 24/7 just to feed everyone.

Protesters soon follow, adding to the growing crowds and claiming the calls are a hoax and disrupting the prayer groups with chants like “This life, not the next.” Yet the calls keep coming.

Television news crews descend upon the town, from larger neighboring towns, from Detroit, and even from New York, with ABC’s Nightly News anchor on site. You can imagine the impact on “the chosen,” who’d first been shocked and then comforted by the repeated calls from heaven but who increasingly feel almost assaulted.

Our protagonist Sully, in his grief over the loss of Giselle, is among the doubters. He’s not among “the chosen,” and he does not much believe in any form of afterlife. He’s convinced the calls are a hoax—perpetrated not by those getting the calls but by someone somehow convincing them that they’re hearing from those they dearly miss.

So Sully starts looking for leads.

As the plot thickens, he develops several suspects and begins checking them out: the operator of the town’s cell phone store, the lady at the funeral home who writes the obituaries, the town newspaper’s single reporter. Will one of them be a hoaxer? Or will it be someone unsuspected? Or are the calls genuine and Sully wrong? Clues pop up and then lead to dead ends as Albom keeps you guessing.

16 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

The novel climaxes with a huge event at the high school’s stadium with Katherine and the other “chosen” on a raised platform, the bleachers filled, dozens of TV cameras pointed all around. Katherine has agreed to have Diane’s call broadcast and to ask Diane to answer some questions.

Suddenly simultaneous calls come to all the other “chosen” there on the platform, and then Katherine’s cellphone rings.

Sully is not there. He’s speeding to the spot he hopes to catch his latest suspect in the act. What a surprise awaits Sully when he gets there! What another surprise awaits him as he heads back to Coldwater!

A cover blurb calls the novel a beautiful tale of faith and redemption.

I couldn’t agree more. N

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FEBRUARY 2023 17

Andrea Bruner is the executive coordinator of Network of Community Options, Inc. An Independence County native, she is a retired newspaper editor.

She and her husband Gary are the proud parents of a daughter, Kaylee, who attends West Elementary. They attend North Heights Church of Christ.

Cover Story

Network of Community Options and Jennie Lee

For nearly five decades, Network of Community Options, Inc. has been committed to helping people with developmental disabilities, which turned out to be a perfect fit for Jennie Lee Stobaugh.

As a young girl growing up in northern Alabama, Stobaugh always wanted to be a teacher. She attended what was then Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. “When I got my bachelor’s I went ahead to ASU in Jonesboro and got my master’s in special ed. …

My certification was in moderate-profound disabilities. I was the second person in the state of Arkansas to get that certification,” she said.

In 1975, she and Jerry Stobaugh married, and she became a stepmom to two boys, David and Jeff, who were 11 and 12 at the time. Michael John was born two years later, and it wasn’t long before she and Jerry realized he needed specialized medical attention. “I remember after we got home from the hospital, he didn’t cry,” Stobaugh said. “He just sounded like a little kitten; you could barely hear him.”

Within days, Michael developed projectile vomiting and he was rushed to a pediatrician, who referred the family to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. “They found a blockage in his duodenum - duodenal stenosis, it was called,” Stobaugh said. “He weighed only 4 pounds, 12 ounces. He weighed 6 pounds when he was born. He just kept throwing up and couldn’t keep his formula down.”

Much later on, their pediatrician told Stobaugh when he first examined Michael after he was born, he started to say he thought Michael might have Down syndrome because he had almond-shaped eyes. Then he saw Stobaugh was of Asian descent, and he attributed the eye crease to her heritage rather than a possible genetic disorder so he said nothing. Le Bonheur ran some genetic tests to determine whether Michael was indeed born with Down syndrome. Stobaugh explained she and Jerry were sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for him to come.

On the corner of the desk was a manila envelope with Michael’s name on it.

“I opened it up and it had X-rays and reports in there that said his hips were abducted (wide apart), which was consistent with infants who had Down syndrome. I was reading that out loud and Jerry asked, ‘What’s that?’”

Stobaugh said she noticed several books in the doctor’s office and pulled down a volume that might have an explanation. She compared the book to the doctor’s report and told her husband, “The baby has Down syndrome.”

The doctor arrived and sat down, confirming Michael, who was just 2 weeks old, did have Down syndrome and that he needed surgery. Michael ended up staying a couple months in the hospital.

“It was scary,” Stobaugh said, but she soon became

Michael’s best advocate. In that time, she found Network of Community Options, which then was called Helping Hands School.

In August of 1980, Stobaugh went to work for the organization and wore a number of hats. “Besides executive director, I was also the head special ed teacher because we had school age children there. I wrote all the IEPs and IPPs (plans developed to address a student’s individual learning needs), and then I also taught in the school-age classroom part of the day. Then I transported people in my van, taking them home, because I live in Batesville.

“I cooked some days if the cook didn’t make it.”

Stobaugh said they soon partnered with The Community School to apply for a HUD grant, which paved the way for the Catherine R. Barnett Home in Batesville and the Russell J. Stuebing Home in Ash Flat; the first move-in was in 1984. NCO manages both sites and operates the Stuebing Home (The Community School manages the Barnett Home).

Eventually, there was a change in the laws that would guarantee all children a free, appropriate public education, and NCO quit providing school-age services.

The goal was integration and when that was not possible, the law required children be placed in the least restrictive environment as possible.

“The waiver program came along in 1989,” Stobaugh continued. “It gave us the opportunity to access community-based services for our clientele; it gave us the opportunity to have a worker and get the supports they needed to participate in the community and remain at home instead of going to a state institution or even a group home setting.”

In the 1990s, NCO continued to expand as it acquired the group home in Salem, called Clayton Court, followed by two daycares in Highland. Wee Care Day Care serves 3-5 year olds while Wee Care Child Enrichment Center has ages 0-3.

It was during that time frame that the name changed.

From its incorporation in 1974, the name had been Helping Hands for some 20 years, but Stobaugh said the majority of the adults in the day program disliked the idea that they were “going to school.”

Stobaugh said a contest was held to find a name that would better fit the organization’s mission, and people submitted names, then voted. The name Network of Community Options was suggested by Alice Hinson, an LPN who lived in Horseshoe Bend and worked for NCO for several years. As Stobaugh explained, networking played a major part in the organization and it felt like a perfect fit.

With all the facilities and clients, Stobaugh said, NCO networks with other organizations that serve people with disabilities. This includes therapy companies, adaptive

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“Stobaugh was named Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Professional Woman of the Year in 1999, and in 2019 Arkansas State Rep. Stu Smith presented a citation honoring Stobaugh for her years of service.”

equipment companies, transportation companies.

“There’s no way we could do everything ourselves,” she said. “You have to have many resources available to you.”

Besides the other agencies, NCO works with state legislators to better meet the needs of the clients it serves, not to mention three different boards of directors.

In addition to the NCO board, there are also the North Arkansas Special Housing board and the Fulton County Community Housing board.

Stobaugh said she could not imagine the exponential growth NCO has experienced, and while that was never her goal, she said she wanted to help people access services that weren’t available to them.

“NCO has really grown a lot in the last 40 years - we started serving two counties, and now it’s 21. We started with 18 clients and one site location. Now, have 11 site locations, and at one time we had over 400 clients,” she said. “And we have consistently been in the top five largest (non-manufacturing) employers in the county, as listed in First Community Bank’s (annual publication Batesville and Independence County) Economic Report.”

Stobaugh stated this growth is the result of having long time employees and Board of Directors that shared the vision and worked hard to promote quality services.

Stobaugh was named Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Professional Woman of the Year in 1999, and in 2019 Arkansas State Rep. Stu Smith presented a citation honoring Stobaugh for her years of service.

She has presented at Family Leadership conferences, been a member of Developmental Disabilities Providers Association, Arkansas Transit Association and other organizations.

Stobaugh stepped down as NCO, Inc.’s executive director to take on a role as administrative consultant but plans to retire and continue to spend time traveling with Michael. Whenever they visit new places, Stobaugh likes to “go pickin’ and junkin’.”

In 2009, she opened a booth inside Etta’s Attic on Main Street in Batesville, and in 2011 there was an opportunity to purchase the business. Stobaugh loves talking with the customers about their interests and seeing their faces light up when they find a particular piece.

Stepping down is hard, she admitted, saying she would miss the clientele the most. “They still come in the store and I still see them. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at Network of Community Options - it’s been very rewarding,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of friends and gotten to know a lot of families.” N Jennie Lee Stobaugh, Administrative Consultant for NCO, Inc., attended Betty Waser’s 100th birthday party at the Hardy Civic Center last May. The two met in the mid 1980’s. It was the beginning of a long and close friendship. Shortly after that first meeting, Betty began serving on the board of directors for NCO, Inc. and our two HUD organizations, North Arkansas Special Housing, Inc. and Fulton County Community Housing, Inc. Ms. Betty passed the evening of January, the 20th, 2023. She is already missed.

20 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

In The Field with Randy Sidedress Applications Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association, retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

February is here and one of the first field items to take care of is wheat fertilization. As I write this on January 17th our wheat is responding well to the mostly above normal temperatures we have experienced in the first half of January. It was hammered pretty hard by the extreme cold around Christmas but has responded well since then.

The first sidedress application of nitrogen to wheat is typically made in February. For late planted wheat that may not have tillered well, I typically like to see those applications made in the first half of the month. For wheat planted in the early to normal timeframe that has developed and tillered well, I typically like to see those applications made in the last half of February.

Let’s talk about rates. The normal recommendation is 120 units of nitrogen per acre. I would be hesitant to cut much if any from these recommended rates unless you feel that you don’t have good yield potential for whatever reason. On the other hand, if you typically apply higher rates than this you may want to cut back to the normal recommendation unless you know for sure that you’re getting a profitable yield response from higher rates. I have a few that tell me they can get a response up to higher rates (around 140 units) but be pretty confident of this before

spending the extra money.

Split applications are normally recommended with the second application being made at beginning internode movement. This can vary anywhere from the end of February to mid-March but often falls in that March 10-15 timeframe. There are some that make 3 applications on the sandiest soils that are prone to leaching especially in wetter years.

Agrotain can be beneficial depending on soil moisture and temperature. The wetter it is and the warmer it is, the more likely you are to see a benefit from a urease inhibitor such as Agrotain. Of course this is only needed on urea.

Sulfur applications to sandy soils are not a place to make any cuts and you will pay if you do. The University of Arkansas recommends 20 units of sulfur on sandy and sandy loam soils with the first nitrogen application. On some of the sandier soils in our area (especially north of Newport and west of Tuckerman), we often see a need for more sulfur especially in wetter years. I typically recommend sulfur in both applications (or all 3 for a few that make 3 applications). My normal recommendation is 75 pounds of ammonium sulfate per acre blended in with the urea or maybe 50 pounds for those making 3 applications.

For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association by cell at 870-318-0739 or by e-mail at randychlapecka@gmail.com.

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FEBRUARY 2023 21

Thyme Enough Crab and Corn Chowder

Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 59 years and are still having fun cooking and living! Find Sandy’s newly published thriller Dead in the Shadow of Doubt on Amazon.com.

I ran across this recipe online and it caught my eye.

We’ve always loved soup and have good memories of chowder on both coasts. Sounds like we travel all the time, and we don’t, not as much as we’d like to! This chowder is a little different and very good. I found it in spicy/southernkitchen.com. I used imitation crab, even though the recipe told me not to, and the result was good, but not as good as with the real thing. Since we can’t get fresh crab meat, I suggest the packaged fresh crab from your grocery. I think that will make this recipe much above average. Also, I whirled the corn in the food processor a couple of times, and it made the soup creamier. So, pretend you are on the coast of Maine, and enjoy this chowder!

Ingredients 4 slices bacon (chopped), 1 celery rib (chopped), ½ medium onion (diced), ½ red bell pepper (diced), ½ jalapeno (seeded and diced), 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 ½ cups chicken broth, 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, ¾ cups whipping cream, ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, 12 ounces fresh lump crab meat, picked over, chopped fresh cilantro, and oyster crackers.

Instructions Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Leave 2 tablespoons bacon grease in the Dutch oven and cook the celery, onion, red bell pepper and jalapeno until soft.

Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring it in well.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Add the corn.

Bring mixture to a boil and simmer 15 minutes.

Add the whipping cream, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, cumin, and crab meat. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve topped with bacon, cilantro, and oyster crackers.

N

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Notes from the Clearing Joey Thomas

The black birds swam past in a fabric blowing in the wind, a collective mind with a strength as large as they expanded. Out and in they broiled, and dove, and turned to shape the peppered ball into everything imaginable.

They climbed and fell and breathed out again, until the breathing string of them disappeared beyond the horizon. Just another touch of magic not wasted on my enjoyment, as I took in the fluttering joy that dropped from their effort.

N

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