Eye On Mag February 2022

COVERAGE THAT COUNTS WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

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Editor’s Note

The Sun and the Snow Joey Thomas Grubbs missed the January 15th snow that Batesville received, and again on the 19th. We were hoping for some creme, but alas, the air should be clean for the next opportunity. We hope you all have been safe, warm, and well, protected from the howling winter winds.

For those with family under the weather, or more seriously ill, we are thinking of you and sending our best wishes your way. For those who have lost loved ones, our hearts are with you in you time of mourning.

May the memories of the laughter and the love sustain you.

We have our usual cast of writers, sharing new and exciting articles, recipes, and knowledge that we could all use to live better lives. And, in that line of thinking, live on, love more, and laugh at every possible opportunity.

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FEBRUARY IS

AMERICAN

HEART MONTH Schedule an appointment today to talk matters of the heart with your family provider or cardiologist.

Whi teRi verHealthSystem.c om

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THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

PUBLISHER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MANAGING EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas, PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company Eye On Magazine 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: 504 Guffey Street / Newport, AR 72112.

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.

Cover Photos submitted by ACS Cover Design by Joseph Thomas

For advertising, distribution, or editorial contribution, contact Joseph Thomas, 870.503.2226 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com.

Eye On Independence received the 2012 Innovative Project award for outstanding, innovative, continuous or effective coverage of literacy issues, resulting in positive change or improvement.

The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council awarded Eye On Independence the 2014 Wilson Powell Media Support Award for its dedication to tourism in the Gateway Region and Arkansas.

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

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

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

In This Issue 3/ Editor’s Note

18/ Cover Story

6/ Cherri Design

21/ In The Field with Randy

The Sun and the Snow

The Importance of Art

Preparing For the Future - Aging in Place Part 1

7/ Things To Do 8/ Unity Health Harris

Wheat Fertilization

22/ Thyme Enough

On the Return of the Crock Pot

22/ Notes from the Clearing Home

Primary Care

10/ Trending @ ASUN

The 3F’s at ASU-Newport

12/ Seniors, Can We Talk?

Moving Forward

13/ Local Faces 17/ Book Review

Sing, Unburied, Sing

ELEVEN YEARS STRONG

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February 2022 5

Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY

Cherri Design

Preparing For the Future - Aging in Place Part 1 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.

Rarely do we think about preparing for the future in our own home, until we are faced with a situation requiring it. Not long ago, I became challenged in my own home. While I knew my home was not equipped with safety features, I gave it little thought, as I still have lots of years before I am ‘elderly’. Yet sometimes in life, we may face illness or injury that requires safety features during recovery. Our homes should meet the safety and comfort of people in all stages of life, taking into account decline in mobility, dexterity and cognitive function that can come with age.

After a two week hospital stay, I came home to a house that I had trouble manipulating. A shower was not possible, and there are at least two steps at every entryway. My challenges forced me to think about preparing for the future. If by some chance my parents need to move in with me, my home should be accessible to them. Injury or illness can happen at any age, so walk through your home, accessing the challenges that you or a loved one might face. Ideally if you live in a two-story house, an accessible bedroom and bath should be on the first floor.

My biggest challenge being my bathrooms, I began to look at how to modify. The shower was my toughest obstacle, so grab bars are always a good safety feature. If budget allows, install a step-free shower with a seat and hand-held showerhead (in my future plans). If a new shower is not affordable, a shower seat will serve the purpose, preventing falls and providing support with limited strength or mobility. A hand-held showerhead adjusts for people of all sizes and abilities, as well as for bathing small children. Non-slip strips can be used on the shower basin to prevent slipping. Install grab bars in the bath and toilet area.

An accessible toilet is 17-19 inches tall, instead of the standard 15”. A taller toilet reduces bending down as far and is more comfortable for the body. Be sure that bathroom floors are not a slippery surface, and loose rugs should be avoided. If you prefer rugs, secure with adhesive or rug pad.

Nighttime lighting helps when up at night and gives a sense of comfort. Suffering from disorientation from medicines in the hospital, my bathroom nightlight was comforting to me when I woke in the dark. Also, check storage for safety and ease. My storage is cabinets, and since I was told not to bend or move my head a lot, I had to figure out access to needed items.

My second greatest challenge was the entryways.

Fortunately, my garage and patio door have grab bars that I never really paid attention to before. If possible, a ramp is much safer than stairs. Just as in the bath, be sure flooring is non-slip and secure all rugs. Ample lighting improves safety and security.

A keyless entry digital lock reduces fumbling with keys.

Next month, we will discuss kitchen and bedroom ideas in preparing for your future. N

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

Things To Do

Batesville

UACCB Basic Life Support Class /Feb. 3 / 5pm The (BLS) CPR certification course provides healthcare providers and public safety professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adult, child and infant patients. Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a 2-year Basic Life Support digital certificate. This course meets the requirements for healthcare professionals. Katrina Stevens / 870.612.2082 / katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

UACCB Intro to Embroidery / Feb. 22 / 6pm In this introductory embroidery class, Instructor Deann Castleberry will teach you how to embroider names, initials and patterns onto clothing and household items. Feel free to bring your own machine or items you wish to embroider. This class will be held on Tuesday nights. Katrina Stevens / 870.612.2082 / katrina. stevens@uaccb.edu.

UACCB Suicide Prevention & Awareness Free / Feb 24 Maggie Beshears, LPC, and Lindsey Bowers, MRC, will be presenting a free class on Suicide Prevention and Awareness on February 24th from 6-8 p.m. in the Independence Hall Auditorium at UACCB. This presentation will help you recognize the signs and symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, suicide myths, and recognizing the warning signs and risk factors related to those individuals who are facing mental health challenges leading to suicidal thinking and behaviors. Pre-registration is required. Katrina Stevens / 8706122082 /katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

UACCB Intro to Welding / March 1 / 6pm Welding instructor Loyd Barry will teach an introduction to the machines, metal preparation and welding butt and T-joints. No prior welding experience is necessary. Minimum age is 15. Katrina Stevens / 870.612.2082 / katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

UACCB Growing with Grief / March 3 / 6pm There is not a timeline for grief and loss, it is a normal and vulnerable pain that brings up many thoughts and emotions. Instructor Maggie Beshears, LPC, is a Behavioral Health Therapist with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ms. Beshears will guide you through the grief cycle and symptoms that arise from grief, teach coping skills to help you survive the hurt. This course is provided in partnership with White River Health System and UACCB. Katrina Stevens / 870.612.2082 / katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

UACCB Intro to Digital Photography / March 5 / 9am Learn the basics of operating a DSLR camera and photo composition, to utilize the manual functions, basic photo composition rules, how to achieve proper exposure, and troubleshooting techniques. Instructor Hannah Keller Flanery has a background in journalism and years of experience as a freelance photographer.

Bring your DSLR camera along with your owner’s ELEVEN YEARS STRONG

manual for this one-session class. Katrina Stevens / 870.612.2082 / katrina.stevens@uaccb.edu.

Mountain View

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

Newport

www.facebook.com/newportarchamber newportarcity.org/calendar/

Also

see

IMAD Premiere Event Center presents KIDS WORLD on Saturday, February 5, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Skating, bouncy houses, games, face paintings and more will be available. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets call IMAD Premiere Event Center (870) 495-3048.

Gränges Hiring Event is Friday, February 11, at the Newport Economic Development Commission from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Gränges starting pay is $15.37/hour with opportunities to advance quickly.

Newport Kiwanis Club is having its annual Boston Butt Sale. The cost is $40, and all proceeds go to help children of Newport and Jackson County. Pick up will be at the Downtown Newport Farmers Market on Saturday, February 12. To purchase a Boston Butt contact Courtney (870) 523-3618 or stop by the Newport Chamber of Commerce (201 Hazel Street) for a ticket.

Arkansas Department of Corrections will have a Job Fair Friday, February 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. located at the Newport Economic Development Commission. For a job application contact Crystal (870) 512-2214 or visit the AR Careers Website at https:// arcareers.arkansas.gov. Starting pay is $20.00/hour with great benefits.

ASU-Newport is offering Microsoft Excel February 15-16 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. located at Tech Depot (425 Front Street). Cost is $175 person. This course teaches formatting, alignment, indenting, and merging cells. Intermediate Microsoft Excel will be March 8-10.

This course covers grids, IF Statements, insert or move columns and rows. Cost is $175 per person. ASUNewport offers courses for Leadership, Safety, and Manufacturing as well. For more information contact Sharon Wilson (870) 680-8743 or email sharon_wilson@ asun.edu.

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February 2022 7

Unity Health Harris Primary Care 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.

At Unity Health | Newport we know easy access to primary care is important to you. Our highly qualified team of physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses will take the time to get to know you as a person and a patient. We believe you should have options, so you can find a provider with which you are comfortable and there’s no need to travel far to get the quality care you need.

Our family medicine providers can take care of your entire family. They see patients of all ages – from children to grandparents. Family medicine providers treat both acute and chronic diseases.

Our passion for wellness and prevention is a cornerstone of the primary care services we offer. Through checkups and other preventative health services, we work with you to help you stay healthy. We enjoy teaching you about healthy lifestyle choices to eat right, get fit and maintain a healthy weight. If a health problem does develop, our primary care providers are here to take care of you. If you need to see another specialist, your primary provider can help keep up with that too by making

referrals and tracking your care.

Our primary care providers can take care of all of your routine healthcare needs including: wellness and physical exams, child and adult immunizations, chronic disease care, and sick care to name a few. If you do not have a primary care provider, please see a list below of our providers and contact information below. For more information about our services visit our website at unity-health.org.

Independence County Recycle Center

We Recycle:

Unity Health Primary Care Clinic. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .Newport 1200 McLain St., Suite B | Newport, AR 72112 Weekdays: 8 am - 5 pm Virgincita Fuentes, M.D. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(870) 523.2320 Unity Health Green Family Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newport 1200 McLain St., Suite G | Newport, AR 72112 Weekdays: 8 am - 5 pm Alison Green, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (870) 523.0193 Paul Silveri M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(870) 523.0193 Tanya Walker, APRN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(870) 523.0193 Unity Health Pediatric Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newport 1200 McLain St., Suite D | Newport, AR 72112 Weekdays: 8 am - 5 pm Leanna Heisler, APRN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (870) 495.1594

Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans 870 793 8892 Cardboard 110 Environmental Drive Batesville, AR Newspaper Call to receive your Glass FREE RECYCLING BIN today!

Magazines

Kennadi and Ethan Pretty, Proud Pioneers.

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

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ATTENTION MEDICAL SUPPLY

“Where you get the ATTENTION You deserve!”

Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924

Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1

Family owned and operated Scott Kallsnick , Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick Eric Shoffner, BPhram, P.D. Pharmacist / Owner

1117 Mclain Street Suite 400 Newport, Arkansas 72112 (870) 523-5555 www.iCareRx.com

2200 Malcolm Ave., Suite C Newport, AR 72112 (870) 523-2408

We're your local lender. Which means we know the community you're wanting to live in. You can be confident that we'll find the best loan to fit your financial goals - we've been doing it since 1898!

Kenny Thaxton – Senior Loan Officer / NMLS#

73845 1

2105 Malcolm Ave., Ste. 118 Newport, Arkansas Ph o n e: ( 870) 495- 3931 Email: k thax ton@boemor tgage.c om

Bank of England Mortgage is a division of Bank of England. NMLS 418481. Member FDIC

Mallory Black

The 3F’s at ASU-Newport Your life can’t always revolve around seasons, so why should your education? Fall and Spring terms aren’t always what a student needs, and ASU-Newport recognizes that students have different needs, commitments and schedules.

That’s why ASU-Newport has the 3F Term Model. The 3F model gives students year-round access to courses at ASUN. It provides students with a variety of course lengths to make sure each student can reach their potential on their own time.

• The 3F Term Model stands for Full, Flex and Fast-Terms.

• Full Terms are the traditional 16-week course models • Flex Terms are 8-week course models • Fast Terms are 4-week course models Flex terms are offered twice a semester, while Fast Term courses are offered four times during a fall or spring semester.

When you add Fast Terms to ASUN’s Intersession and summer options, students have the flexibility to start college whenever they are ready.

Benefits of Fast Terms: • Students can concentrate on one class at a time • Flexible class schedules that better align with personal and professional commitments

More opportunities to complete prerequisite courses for program acceptance • Add classes every four weeks 3F’s in college can be a good thing with more options for students to soar. Enroll now and you can be on your way to earning your degree. Check out the following dates and some of the courses offered!

Spring 2022 Term Begins Term Ends Fast Term II Feb. 14, 2022 March 8, 2022 Flex II March 9, 2022 May 9, 2022 Fast Term III March 9, 2022 April 8, 2022 Fast Term IV April 11, 2022 May 9, 2022 Summer Intercession May 11, 2022 May 31, 2022 Courses include: Fine Arts Visual / Introduction to Nutrition / Foundations of Early Childhood Education / Composition I / Elementary Spanish II / Writing Seminar / Body Structure and Function / Math for Health Professions If you are interested in these new terms, contact your advisor for help with creating the best schedule for you!

Not a student yet? Email admissions@asun.edu to enroll as a visiting or degree seeking student!

Find more information at asun.edu.

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

•

WWW.KENTSFIRESTONE.COM 1316 E. Main, “at ST. Louis and Main”

ELEVEN YEARS STRONG

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February 2022 11

Seniors, Can We Talk?

Moving Forward

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?’.

The start of each new year is a time to reflect on the year just past and make plans for the future. New opportunities and the possibility to change our lives. Time to forget the past, celebrate a new start and move forward, right? New adventures to fill your blank book of 2022.

For many “moving forward” means retirement or turning age 65. Since many have called asking how to get the process started, let’s talk about different situations.

Some get Medicare automatically. If you applied for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security before you turn 65, that serves as your application for Medicare. Once you were approved for Social Security, you automatically get Part A coverage when you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65.

If you’re receiving benefits from Social Security at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically get Part A. You will also be signed up for Part B. Since there is a premium (cost) for Part B, you can choose to keep it or decline it.

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to sign up for Part A and Part B. You are eligible to sign up for Medicare as soon as 3 months before you turn

65. There are 3 ways to do this: 1) apply online at Medicare. gov, 2) call 800-772-1213 or 3) contact a local Social Security office.

If you have Part A and not Part B, you will need to sign up for Part B using a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The most common situation is if you turned 65 and stayed on a group health plan. In this situation you will need to complete forms applying for Part B, declaring you’ve had group health coverage and evidence of that employment/group health coverage completed by your employer.

If you did not sign up for Part B when you were first eligible and did NOT have other health coverage, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium for Part B. This higher monthly premium due to your delayed sign up for Part B will continue as long as you have Part B. When will your Part A or Part B go into effect? For most, Part A and Part B will be effective the first day of the month you turn 65 (or to complicate the situation, if your birthday is the first day of the month, your effective date will be the first of the previous month – really).

If you have Part A and are later signing up for Part B because you’re losing group health insurance, you might want your Part B to be effective the first of the month after your group coverage ends.

When can you enroll in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan? Once you are enrolled in both Part A and Part B. Cheers to a year full of happiness and health. Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

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

Local Faces 2022 Winter Gala

Mandi Curtwright The 2022 Main Street Batesville (MSB) Winter Gala will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Street Loft located at 267 East Main on the third floor.

The gala is a fundraiser for the non-profit, Main Street Batesville, Inc. The gala will take you back in time to the 80s and, of course, the need to dance. The “Rock of Ages” theme will bring an ultimate high-energy tribute to classic rock n’ roll with performances of legendary rock anthems. The live band will feature the following local musicians: Penny Wolfe, John Parks, Jason Moser, Mike Foster, Mark Reeves, and Shannon Rounds. These individuals are band members of “Jaded Heart” and “Secret Service”. The band will start performing at 9:00 p.m There will be awards given to the best dressed, best dance moves, and more. The recipient of the “Spirit of Main Street” award will also be announced during the event. The “Spirit of Main Street” award is given each year

M&P Bank Announces Promotions Tara Salinas

Merchants and Planters Bank is pleased to recognize the growth and expansion of their organization and the need for greater leadership that comes with it. To fill this need, the bank proudly announces the promotion of four of their staff members.

Josh Brandt has been promoted to Vice President – Trust Operations Officer. Josh has been with Merchants and Planters Bank since August 2011.

Josh’s drive to help others prosper

to an individual or group that has gone above and beyond to help carry out the mission of Main Street Batesville.

The 2022 Winter Gala will feature drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a live + silent auction, a tattoo parlor, and an art show. The art show will feature submissions from the community. Guests to the gala will vote on their favorites during the event. The winners will receive a prize. Among the items for the live auction are a youth four-wheeler and an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to the birthplace of rock n’ roll — Memphis, TN. Event coordinator Jenifer Floyd added, “As Starship sings - We built this city on rock n’ roll! We want everyone to come out and enjoy an evening that supports a great cause.”

Tickets are $35 for individuals and $500 for a VIP table of 10. Tickets are available online at mainstreetbatesville. org. Other ticket locations include Merchants and Planters Bank, Studio Salon, and Batesville Mercantile.

For more information, email mainstreetbatesville@ gmail.com. PS: We would like to wish Mandi Curtwright the best in her next endeavor and the best to all of her family. N

has helped propel him forward and become a well-versed leader in the organization.

Elizabeth Canard has been promoted to Vice President - Loan Officer in the Tuckerman market.

Elizabeth began her career with Merchants and Planters Bank twelve years ago as a loan assistant in the Newport market and has been a lender and a leader in the Tuckerman office for the past two years. Elizabeth has made a positive impact in Tuckerman because of her lending expertise and the genuine love she has for the

community. She is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking.

Josh Brandt

Elizabeth Canard

Thompson’s Jewelry Serving you since 1924

24k Gold Trimmed Laquer dipped Rose*

870-793-7136 255 E. Main Street - Historic Downtown - Batesville Where your hometown jeweler should be

For 98 Years we have been your

Valentine’s Day Headquarters

*vases available

ELEVEN YEARS STRONG

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February 2022 13

M&P Bank Announces Promotions Tara Salinas Sue Gates has been promoted to Assistant Cashier. Sue has an extensive twenty-three years of knowledge and experience at Merchants and Planters Bank and has excelled in a variety of roles. Whether she is serving customers, working behind the scenes to keep things operational, or mentoring new team members, Gates always goes above

Sue Gates

and beyond to help others and can be trusted to get the job done. She is a valued member of the organization, serves on numerous committees, and is an ICBA Certified Bank Secrecy Act/ Anti Money Laundering Professional.

Dan Larson has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Card Operations Officer. Dan began his career with Merchants and Planters Bank in 2008 and has worked in a variety of customer service and operational roles. He has spent the last few years managing credit and debit card services and has demonstrated great problem-solving and leadership abilities. Larson holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas State University and is a graduate of the Barret School of Banking.

Jim S. Gowen, Jr., President and CEO of Merchants and Planters congratulates all staff members.

“I’m proud to recognize the accomplishments and professional

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

potential of each of these team members.

They represent our organization with integrity and are invested in the success of our bank and our community. I’m always pleased to promote from within the organization, because it opens the door for others to excel and allows us to add new members to our M&P family,” says Jim. N

Dan Larson

First Community Bank Welcomes Richardson Angela Connell First Community Bank has announced the hiring of Ronald Richardson as assistant vice president, CRA specialist. In this role, Richardson will be responsible for ensuring that the bank remains in compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. “I could not be happier about the chance to rejoin First Community Bank and the opportunity to be a part of a great team of people who truly strive to be excellent in all they do,” said Richardson. “First Community Bank is second to none when it comes to community spirit and outstanding leadership, and that’s why I believe that the organization is uniquely positioned for continued growth.”

Richardson earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Arkansas State University. He is also a certified human resources generalist. He and his wife, Deborah, vice president, consumer digital banking at First Community Bank, have five children: Alen, 28, Hannah, 27, Gunnar, 27, Kathryn, 25, and Walker, 22.

They also have three grandchildren: Norman, 4, Raegan, 2, and Ruby, 2.

Richardson is an active member in the community and is a covenant member of The Compass Church where he serves on the praise and worship team. He is also the color commentator for Batesville Pioneer football radio broadcasts, the public address announcer

for both Batesville Pioneer basketball and Lyon College football, and the play-by-play voice of Lyon College basketball.

“Adding Ronald to our team will strengthen our compliance functions and will further support the bank’s growth,” said Craig Amos, senior vice president, compliance and bank secrecy act (BSA) officer of First Community Bank. “I look forward to watching his success in his new role, and I am confident that he will bring a great deal of value to the company and to our customers.”

For more information about First Community Bank, call 870-612-3400 or visit www.firstcommunity. net.

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Ronald Richardson

Move On In! Ad Space Available 870.503.1150 or eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com ask about our low rates!

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February 2022 15

White River Wonderland Ferris Wheel Attracts Visitors from Across the Country Chris Hill The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) announced that the White River Wonderland Ferris Wheel attracted 5,387 riders during December’s ten-day run, despite persistent inclement weather.

“In 2020, we partnered with the City to add the Ferris Wheel to the already impressive list of attractions at the White River Wonderland. Our goal was to enhance the visitor experience and create an annual tradition that will bring guests back year after year,” said Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Crystal Johnson. “Attracting dollars from outside of our local community is a great way to support our small businesses and strengthen our local economy.”

Tooth Be Told Pediatric Dentistry sponsored the White River Wonderland Ferris Wheel, along with ARcare, Bank of Cave City, First Community Bank, LifePlus, Merchants & Planters Bank, Bad Boy, Ozark Mountain Poultry, The Home Depot, Peco, Centennial Bank, CenterPoint Energy, FNBC Bank, Intimidator, Entergy, Southern Bank, and Walmart.

“We are thankful for our Ferris Wheel sponsors who recognize the need to invest in tourism-related opportunities,” continued Johnson.

Through targeted marketing, BACC was able to draw the interest of travelers from thirty-three states and twelve countries. Ferris Wheel riders came from as far away as California and Maine and as close as Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas. Just fifty-five percent of riders hailed from the state of Arkansas.

“We hear from families from across the country who have built their holiday traditions around their trip to Batesville, Arkansas,” said Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. “We are proud to have earned the designation as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas. The hard work of Johnathan Abbott and the City of Batesville Landscaping Department continues to pay off every year.”

“Our community and partners consistently step up to the plate to support great events like this,” concluded Elumbaugh.

If you would like to support future White River Wonderland events or develop new signature events, contact the Chamber of Commerce at projects@ batesvilleareachamber.com.

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Eye On Magazine 16 Batesville . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Tuckerman

Sing, Unburied, Sing

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

ASU Newport-------------------------------- 5 Attention Medical Supply------------------- 9 Autry’s White River Furniture-------------- 9 Bad Boy Mowers---------------------------- 6 Bank of England---------------------------- 10 CustomEyes Vision Care of Newport------- 22 Delta Medical-------------------------------- 14 First Community Bank---------------------- 2 Hunan chinese Buffet----------------------- 17 iCare Pharmacy----------------------------- 9 Independence County Library-------------- 5 Independence County Recycling Center--- 8 Kallsnick, Inc.------------------------------- 9 KBAP 88.1 FM------------------------------- 4 Kent’s Firestone----------------------------- 11 Merchants and Planters Bank-------------- 12 M & P Insurance and Investment Services-12 Red Tie Meat Shop-------------------------- 21 Southern Tire Mart-------------------------- 4 Southside School District------------------- 11 Studio Salon-------------------------------- 21 The IMAD Village Community Talk Show-- 3 Thompson’s Jewelry------------------------ 13 UACCB--------------------------------------- 20 Unity Health Harris Medical Center-------- 24 White River Health Systems---------------- 23 White River Medical Center----------------- 3 eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com

870.523.4600

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ELEVEN YEARS STRONG

The other ghost is the boy Richie, who was a prison-mate of Pop when he was falsely imprisoned as a teen decades ago. Richie comes to Jojo when the family arrives at Parchman to get Michael and accompanies them back home. Jojo and Kayla can see and interact with him, but no one else can. Richie wants something from Pop in order to rest in death, and that something is the hidden secret Pop carries with him.

Richie describes the afterlife he has been waiting to enter as a “song” that the dead become part of, “the most beautiful song I ever heard.” Thus the novel’s title.

You see why I call this a rich novel. I highly recommend it. N

CHINESE BUFFET

Jesmyn Ward’s 2017 Sing, Unburied, Sing is one of the richest novels I’ve read in recent years. You can read it in many different ways.

You can read it as a “road” novel growing out of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, like many predecessors in that genre like Suzan-Lori Park’s Getting Mother’s Body and Graham Swift’s Last Orders. Ward even structures the novel like Faulkner’s, with the various characters narrating parts of the story, the narrators’ names heading the chapters they narrate.

In this version of the old road story, “Mam,” the matriarch of this Black family, lies at home dying while her family takes off on a trip—her daughter Leonie and Leonie’s mixed-race son Jojo and daughter Kayla. They’re traveling from coastal Mississippi up to Parchman to pick up Michael, their white husband and father, as he’s released after three years in prison on a drug conviction.

Reading it this way, you’ll see Ward inserting today’s issues with drugs and race into Faulkner’s allwhite, substance-free tale of the Bundren family and their road trip to bury mother rather than to fetch father home.

You can also read this novel as family drama. Ward draws each character distinctly.

Mam has been both an herbal healer and a seer, as well as a practitioner of a mixture of Catholicism and Black folk religion.

Her husband, Pop, is a rock-solid man devoted to his family but carrying a hidden secret.

Michael and Leonie love each other deeply but are very distant from the children. Jojo, who’s just 13, is the primary care-giver of his

baby sister Kyla and has inherited some of his grandmother’s powers as seer—as has Kayla.

Jojo is the novel’s sympathetic protagonist, a boy you just have to love and want the best for. As neglected as he has been by his parents, he gives Kayla everything he never got from them, and she clings to him steadily and cries for him if they’re parted.

It’s as if Jojo knows the only way to get the love you long for is to give love to others, for he sure gets it back from little Kayla. Fittingly, Jojo’s narrations open and close the novel and appear frequently within, mixed with Leonie’s and a few others.

With Jojo so central, you can also read this novel as a “coming of age” story. Jojo is just on the verge of puberty and, loving though he is, he still must learn how to take charge of his world. He’s all heart but still needs a stiffer spine and broader shoulders.

Instead of challenging Leonie and asserting what Kayla needs, for example, he sneaks around to protect and provide for Kayla, using change he’s supposed to return to buy her a treat and pouring out the sketchy herbal concoction Leone cooks up to cure her nausea.

Toward the end of the novel, Jojo shows all the signs of maturing. You see this description of him standing before the family with “all the bowlegged softness of his preadolescence dissolved to a granite stance.”

And surprisingly, given how realistic the novel is when read in these first ways, you can also read it as a ghost story. It has two ghosts interacting with the living characters.

One is Leonie’s brother Given, who was murdered by a fellow high school football player in a hunting accident that was no accident. He visits Leonie when she is high on drugs, so at first you might think he’s a hallucination. But that’s not how it works out. Even Jojo interacts with him toward the end.

HUNAN

e

Book Review

February 2022 17

Kimberlee Dannette Thomas is a Chandler, Oklahoma native. She relocated to Jackson County in 1986. She has five children, five grandchildren, is co-owner and creator of Eye On Magazine. She is recognized from her years of co-hosting on many Cable Channel 15 & 6 broadcast with Bud & David Black. She earned her Associates from ASUN in Fine Arts.

Cover Story The Importance of Art

Art- (noun) the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

Art is such an important part of who we are as humans. We can express our emotions through the varying mediums of art when our words fall short. Art is therapeutic for the artist as well as for the beholder. Art can be functional as well. The skill to create functional art is passed from one craft artesian to the next and in this way the tradition of the craft is kept alive. Often in today’s hurried pace of life we forget to take time to practice and appreciate art. I am grateful there are places and people who still understand and are willing to provide space to nurture the creative spirit. The Arkansas Craft School is such a place.

General Manger, Michael E. Doyle, recently took some time visit with me about The Arkansas Craft School in Mountain View. But first, I wanted to know a bit more about Dr. Mike himself. He joined the Craft School on the first of November 2021. An academic, he is a retired federal executive with thirty-seven years of combined military and civilian service. He was responsible for educational and training programs of national impact and was twice assigned to the Executive Offices of the President.

Following his retirement, Dr. Mike has been working as an interim executive with colleges and universities. At the Arkansas Craft School, he is responsible for the school’s operation and leads the schools administrative team. Dr. Mike explained the current emphasis at the school is returning to regular business operations following the COVID pandemic of 2020-2021, and expanding instruction to include career education for aspiring and practicing craft artisans.

He further explained that The Arkansas Craft School is a nonprofit [501(c)3] corporation formed in 2007 in response to the 2007 Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation’s publication, “Creativity in the Natural State: Growing Arkansas’ Creative Economy.” The report documented the importance of the creativity economy to Arkansas, especially in the state’s rural regions, and argued for the establishment of formal educational programs to maintain the viability of the craft artisan tradition in rural Arkansas.

Dr. Mike shared how in 2008, ACS was accepted into the Arkansas Arts Council’s Expansion Arts Program and it began teaching craft classes in a one-room building in rural Mountain View, in the heart of rural north-central Arkansas. “From its founding, ACS participated in local festivals, offered community arts education and operated a children’s summer camp, as it struggled in its efforts to develop and offer comprehensive career training programs due to a lack of space and educational program management expertise,” he stated. The result was the establishment of a robust community enrichment program that offers short courses in a wide-variety of art and the hosting of regional art exhibits and programs.

As regional support of ACS grew, in 2017, it acquired the historic two-story Peabody Building located on Mountain View’s Courthouse Square. The Wingate Annex was acquired in 2020. Dr. Mike

stated, “From February 2017 to March 2020, ACS’s community enrichment program met with success and grew. We’ve more than doubled the number of courses we offered, art shows and exhibits were held, a membership program was established, the retail store was opened and after-school and weekend children’s art classes were implemented. And then, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an inevitable reduction in programming.” The good news is ACS resumed normal operations as of December 1, 2021.

During our visit Dr. Mike explained that the overarching mission of the Arkansas Craft School is to promote a vibrant, creative community that inspires life-affirming appreciation of and support for the arts. He explained that this mission and vision are best expressed in the school’s community enrichment programs.

The upcoming showing of “Last Out: Elegy for a Green Beret” on February 26th at the main auditorium of the Ozark Folk Center is a good example of the types of art enrichment the Craft School brings to the region.

As the Craft School reopens and once again becomes fully operational, the staff is working on an exhibition of local photographs, writings, letters, painting and other memorabilia documenting life and art in this region of the Ozarks. They hope to do that in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts “Big Read” program. At the other end of its operations, the Craft School provides aspiring artists with access to fully equipped studios to express themselves in ceramics, jewelry making, wood working, painting and other art forms.

I asked Dr. Mike to share with me the importance felt behind their mission. He replied, “Art matters because we matter, and our stories matter.” He went on, “For centuries, great art has been the product of the studio process. It is in the studio where artists discover their vision, their voice, and begin to hone their skills.”

The Arkansas Craft School provides such a place, a space where aspiring artists can be mentored as they initially discover and engage in the studio experience. It is also home to accomplished artists as they continue to advance their craft. Dr. Mike shared further, “In Arkansas, art also matters in the larger economy. The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation’s publication, “Creativity in the Natural State: Growing Arkansas’ Creative Economy” really documents the economic and cultural importance of the Craft School mission.”

The Arkansas Craft School teaches a wide variety of art classes.

Classes can be as short as a couple of hours on a weekday night or may extend over 15 weeks, meeting once or twice a week. The Craft School’s instructional program is driven by the school’s students.

If they have students that want to learn weaving by working on a large piece of textile art, they have an accomplished instructor to teach the necessary skills and techniques. The Craft School has studios for Artistic Blacksmithing, Jewelry Making, Fine Wood Working, Ceramics, Photography, Textile Arts, Painting, and Song Writing.

The school provides courses for all ages and abilities. Dr. Mike explained that for those interested in art but unable, or don’t want to work in a studio, they offer a video learning program that can help them learn more about art, music, literature, and other subjects from the comfort of their home. ACS also offers children’s classes, and they have special classes for seniors.

I asked about the upcoming film screening he mentioned earlier, “The film is of the stage play, “Last Out: Elegy of a Green

Beret.” The play was written by former Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann and is based on real events. It’s a story as old as war but rarely told and even more rarely understood.”

The play, performed by a professional cast of military veterans, examines the impact of war on the warrior and his/her family. Dr. Mike stated, “It is a story first told by the Greek poet Homer in the “Odyssey” about the struggles of Odysseus and his family endure as he struggled to return home from the Trojan War. Lieutenant Colonel Mann has written a modern day “Odyssey” and it is a white-knuckle ride through the after-math of war.”

Dr. Mike feels that, “In an era of persistent conflicts, and a small voluntary force, it’s critical for America’s citizens and political leaders to understand what we are asking our sons and daughters to do and the long-term impact war has on their individual lives.” The Arkansas Craft School has a Veterans’ Art Program and the proceeds from the play will be used to fund that program. The play will air on February 26th at 7 p.m. at the main auditorium of the Ozark Folk Center. Tickets are $10 per person; $7.50 for veterans. They can be pre-purchased at the Arkansas Craft School’s website https://arkansascraftschool.org or by contacting Len Basham at 870-269-8397.

The Arkansas Craft School in Mountain View is a valuable asset not only to the artist that it serves, but to its local community and to all those who visit and carry its beauty with them into the world beyond.

N

MAKE A CHANGE Quality Education, Affordable Tuition and People Who Care

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

In The Field with Randy Wheat Fertilization

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 that means it’s time to begin field work. Wheat fertilization and burndown herbicide applications are typically the first things going on in the field unless it’s dry enough for tillage. In this article I’ll discuss wheat fertilization followed by burndown herbicides in the next edition of Eye On Magazine.

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. With the record breaking warm temperatures we experienced prior to the beginning of 2022, much of our wheat falls into that latter category, so we don’t have to be in a big hurry to get any nitrogen out before the middle of the month on a large percentage of the acreage.

Let’s talk about rates. With the high price of urea, many will be considering cutting 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.

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.

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.

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.

Feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association by e-mail at randychlapecka@gmail.com or by cell at 870-318-0739.

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February 2022 21

Thyme Enough

On the Return of the Crock Pot Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 58 years and are still having fun cooking and living! Find Sandy’s newly published thriller Dead in the Shadow of Doubt on Amazon.com.

Chicken, Tomato and Olive Sauce Did you know that the patent for the first slow cooker, aka Crock Pot, was given to Irving Nachumsohn, aka Naxon, on January 23, 1940. And No, Nelson, I did not start cooking with it. In 1940 I was still in nappies, as we would say in Liverpool, if we were in Liverpool, which we are not! Anyway, I did buy my first Crock Pot sometime in the 70s when our girls were children.

I can’t remember any brilliant culinary successes but the Crock Pot was a novel invention, it was handy, and full of possibilities. Then as things go, at some point and for some reason lost in time, I quit using it.

Then the Pandemic arrived. And with it came constant grocery lists, menu ideas, recipes, new and rediscovered. And of course, with food prep the dishwasher either needed to be loaded or unloaded constantly. And what does this have to do with me ordering a new Crockpot? Beats me, but it must somehow because I bought one, and I’m loving it. So

far I’ve made two dishes. A wonderful white bean and kale soup, and the dish I’m about to tell you about. Easy peasy, and muy sabroso, as we might say in Madrid.

Chicken, Tomato and Olive Sauce 1 Onion, minced 6 Garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin (ridiculous term) Olive Oil 1 Tbsp minced fresh Thyme ( or 1 t. Dried) ¼ t. Red Pepper Flakes 1 Cup Chicken Broth ¼ Dry White Wine ( No, Coke is not a substitute, Ethel) 1 Can 14 1/2 oz diced Tomatoes 1 15oz Tomato Sauce 2 Tbsp Tapioca ( I didn’t have any. Did without. It would have helped thicken it a bit) 1 ½ lbs skinless, boneless ( poor dear) chicken thighs. Trimmed Salted and peppered (chick) to taste ½ Cup Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped Minced parsley to decorate.

1. Put first 5 ingredients in a bowl and microwave about five minutes, stirring once or twice, to soften onions—Put in Slow Cooker.

2. Stir Broth,Wine, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Tapioca( silly word) into Slow Cooker.

3. Salt and pepper chicken thighs and nestle into Crock pot 4. Cook 4–6 hours until chick is tender.

5. Remove chicken and shred, 6. put chicken back in sauce ADD OLIVES. …. LET ALL HEAT TOGETHER bout 5 minutes.

7. Serve on your favorite pasta.

N

Notes from the Clearing Joey Thomas

Custom Eyes Vision Care of Newport 1920 Malcolm Ave

The faux Lady-Bug stench and musty aroma of disuse wore the old house like a child with no sense of how the buttons work. The ghosts that worked and played upon the property saw nothing of its current state, only the replay of their memories laid over it. Their joy was complete, content and the structure sighed in the relief of it. It felt the age, the wear, and the tear of the battering winds, the eroding rains, the tiny teeth at work on its wood, its brick, and its plaster. The land that scarved the musty erection breathed in the relentless air of life between douses of the sogging rains and held firm to the legacy of all that was experienced here. Of all the superstition and myth that can be mustered by the human spirit, this assembly was good, it was rebuilt, cared for, and loved. It was as wholesome as the mediums of construction can be, and it will be remembered as dearly as the people who called it Home.

N

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

AMERICAN HEART MONTH FEBRUARY 2022

Treat your heart with a Heart Healthy CT, a 128-Slice Calcium Scoring CT that can uncover heart disease in five minutes. Tests are painless and safe.

This test is for men and women over 40 with a known risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, who have not had a cardiac scoring procedure in the last five years, and have not had cardiac stenting or surgery.

Men and women with one or more of the following risk factors should consider the scan:

Diabetic Family History of Heart Disease

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A charge of $49 is to be collected prior to the exam. Call (870) 262-2929 for more information.

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