Front Porch - Winter 2016

W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

A C E L E B R A T I O N O F A R K A N S A S . U N I Q U E P L A C E S A N D P E O P L E .

Arkansas ballet of beauty

An excerpt from

TALYA TATE BOERNERS

DEBUT NOVEL The Accidental

Salvation of Gracie Lee

2 Front Porch | ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU WINTER 2016

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Concerts Workshops Feasts Festivals Theres always something great going on at The Ozark Folk Center. Plan your visit today!

S E A S O N E V E N T SF E B R U A R Y13-14: Valentines Dinner & Show18-20: Ozark Quilters Retreat

M A R C H 10: Skillet Restaurant Opens10-12: Mountain View Annual Spring

Bluegrass Festival19-23: Ozark Folk School Spring Session29: Craft Village, Gift Shop, General Store Open 30-April 2: Annual Groundhog Kiln

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A P R I LEvery Saturday in April: Young Pioneers 14: Music Roots Concert15: Evening Concerts Begin15-16: OFC Craft Village Open House

Folk Festival 16: Feature Concert: Tennessee Gentlemen21-23: 38th Annual Dulcimer Jamboree29-30: Feature Concert: Jerron PaxtonM A YEvery Saturday in May: Young Pioneers 1: Sunday Court Square Music Concert Series6-7: Herbal Field Trip and Medicinal Herb

Workshop7: Women of Mountain Music Concert8: Mothers Day Buffet at the Skillet

Restaurant11: Feature Concert: Spencer & Rains 12-14: Thumbpicking Weekend Workshops21: Feature Concert: The Quebe Sisters27: Feature Concert: Dom Flemmons29-30: Memorial Day Celebration

J U N ETuesdays-Saturdays in June: Young

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5: Sunday Court Square Music Concert Series6-10: Day Camp9-11: Autoharp Workshop17-18: Farm to Table Weekend Ozark

Heritage Foods24: Feature Concert: Allison Williams24-25: String Band Camp

J U L YTuesdays-Saturdays in July: Young

Pioneers 3: Sunday Court Square Music Concert Series4: Independence Day Games and Races16: Handcrafted Evening in the Park18-22: Day Camp21-23: Mountain Dulcimer Workshop28-30: Hammered Dulcimer Workshop

A U G U S TEvery Saturday in August: Young Pioneers6-10: Ozark Folk School Summer Session7: Sunday Court Square Music Concert Series11-13: Old Time Fiddle Weekend19-20: Mountains, Music and Motorcycles

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O C T O B E REvery Saturday in October: Young Pioneers 2: Sunday Court Square Music Concert Series 6: Sumptuous Herb Harvest Supper7-8: Herb Harvest Festival27-29: Beanfest

29: Theme Concert and Potluck in the Large Auditorium

31: After Dark in the Park

N O V E M B E RSaturdays through Nov. 15: Young Pioneers 5: Folkies Music Awards6: Sunday Court Square Music Concert Series10-12: Annual Fall Bluegrass Festival24: Thanksgiving Day Buffet & Gospel

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2016 DAYS OF OPERATION March 29-November 26: Craft Village: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gift Shop: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. & Mon. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. General Store: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.April 15-September 30: Music Theater: Wed.-Sat. 7 p.m.October 1-30: Music Theater: Tues.-Sat. 7 p.m.Skillet Restaurant: Open 7 days a week March 10-November 26, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.Cabins at Dry Creek: Open year-round 800-264-3655

Log on or call for schedule changes before traveling.

The mission of the Ozark Folk Center State Park is to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner; through craft demonstrations, musical programs, the Heritage Herb Garden, workshops and other special events. Visit the website at OzarkFolkCenter.com for class listings, event information, to book a room at the Cabins and more.

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ON THE COVER

Trumpeter swans disappeared from Arkansas for more than 80 years. Now theyre back, and a visit to

their winter homes around Heber Springs may allow wildlife watchers to see and photograph

hundreds of these magnificent waterfowl.

Photo by Keith Sutton

Farm Bureau MattersRandy Veach | Page 3

Swan LakeKeith Sutton | Page 6

The Accidental Salvationof Gracie Lee

Talya Tate Boerner | Page 16

Taste ArkansasJamie Smith | Page 22

Land & PeopleKen Moore | Page 26

In the KitchenDebbie Arnold | Page 28

Building WealthBenjamin Waldrum | Page 32

Delta ChildTalya Tate Boerner | Page 36

I N T H I S I S S U E

Front Porch | ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU WINTER 2016 3

The views were slightly diff erent in Havana, Cuba than they were in Belfast, Ireland, though the discussion was remarkably consistent all about Arkansas agriculture on the recent trips I attended.

Th e Cuba trip last September was organized by the Arkansas World Trade Center and led by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Th e delegation included several business interests, though it was clear the focus was on agricultural trade. While in Havana, Gov. Hutchinson met with several trade offi cials and took part in an international news conference covered by CNN.

Upon our return, Gov. Hutchinson wrote letters to the leadership in both chambers of Congress, urging them to allow fl exibility in credit extension to Cuba. Arkansas was the fi rst state to send its governor and a trade delegation to Cuba since the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana.

I agree with Gov. Hutchinsons comments about U.S.-Cuba relations. We should be looking ahead with Cuba and not looking in the rearview mirror.

Its clear Cuba wants to attract more foreign investment. In fact, while there, the Cuban government announced a program to guarantee the value of investments made in the country.

Cuba cant raise enough food to feed its people, and there is an opportunity for Arkansas to help in so many ways. Obviously, poultry and rice are trade opportunities. Th ere are broad opportunities for just about every commodity grown and raised in Arkansas.

Th e overall living conditions in Havana are poor. And families have little opportunity to better their lifestyle. Th ey have to improve their economic situation. We went into a local grocery store that was only about 60 percent stocked. Th at is why theyre eager to encourage foreign investors to partner with them.

Th is trip affi rmed we have a good opportunity to sell more Arkansas farm products to the island country 90 miles from U.S. soil. Its clear to me that we must move forward normalizing trade relations with Cuba. Frankly, we need the Cuban government to move forward on a number of citizens-rights issues. Th at action will ease some of the

concerns over the U.S easing trade restrictions. Th ats no easy fi x, but its imperative.

My trip to Ireland was with the American Farm Bureau Trade Advisory Committee as part of the North American-European Union Agricultural Policy Congress in Belfast.

Th e conference was entitled Making Agriculture A Success, and was sponsored by the Ulster Farmers Union. Roughly 90 percent of those in attendance were farmers and ranchers, giving us a great opportunity to talk about common ground on important issues like big data, climate change, biotechnology, international trade, government farm programs, technology and drones. As you might imagine, discussion with farmers and not government agencies was the highlight of the conference.

Much of the EUs farm economy is built around farmer-directed cooperatives. And while we have some large agriculture cooperatives in the U.S. Riceland Foods, in fact, is one of the largest farmer cooperatives in the country we dont operate in quite the cooperative fashion as EU farmers.

We met with the secretary-general of COPA-COGECA, which serves as the united voice of farmers and their cooperatives in the European Union. COPA represents the farmers, and COGECA speaks on behalf of the agricultural cooperatives. Th eir organization struck me as very similar to one we encountered on our 2011 visit to South Korea, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation.

Europe was very diff erent from Cuba. Europe represents advanced capitalism. Cuba is communist and only beginning to engage in global trade. Th ese markets present unique challenges and opportunities. Its these opportunities that matter to Arkansas farmers and ranchers, and they stand to benefi t from these sorts of trade trips.

Th e future of Arkansas agriculture will be defi ned by what happens in both advanced and emerging markets around the world. So its critical that we put our best foot forward in each and every one, highlighting the unequaled quality of our products and the knowledge and experience of our people. I look forward to continuing these eff orts in 2016 and sharing more about our successes.

Farm Bureau Mattersby Randy Veach | President, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

A C E L E B R A T I O N O F A R K A N S A S . U N I Q U E P L A C E S A N D P E O P L E .

Tracking trade opportunities


Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation mailed to more than 190,000 member-families.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Included in membership dues

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU OFFICERS:

President Randy Veach, ManilaVice President Rich Hillman, CarlisleSecretary/Treasurer Joe Christian, JonesboroExecutive Vice President Warren Carter, Little Rock

DIRECTORS:

Troy Buck, AlpineJon Carroll, MoroTerry Dabbs, StuttgartSherry Felts, JoinerMike Freeze, EnglandBruce Jackson, LockesburgTom Jones, PottsvilleGene Pharr, LincolnCaleb Plyler, HopeRusty Smith, Des ArcLeo Sutterfield, Mountain ViewJoe Thrash, Toad SuckDan Wright, Waldron

EX OFFICIO

Donna Bemis, Little RockTrent Dabbs, StuttgartChase Groves, GarlandPeggy Miller, Lake Village

Executive Editor Steve Eddington

Editor Gregg Patterson

Contributing Writers Rob Anderson, Mollie Dykes, Ken Moore, Keith Sutton

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Front Porch (USPS 019-879) is published quarterly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211

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Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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Les Singley didnt know what a good looking guy he was. For years he would hold his hand in front of his mouth when talking or smiling because his teeth embarrassed him. I had problems eating.I would stick with soft foods because chewing was impossible,

says Les. There were even times when others made fun or even looked away when I spoke. I hated to be around crowds of people. Les explains, I decided it was time to have a better outlook about myself. I wanted to eat and smile like everyone else. I made an appointment and the minute I walked in the door I got a warm welcome. I met Dr. Jirik and he asked all about me and then he told me about himself and his

staff. He told me how my treatment would progress and what I could expect during the process. I decided to proceed with the treatment Dr. Jirik recommended. My mom and sisters were there every step of the way. My friends have also been a big part of this and love my new smile. Les smiles, This experience was worth every bit of the time and money I invested. I have a new outlook on myself and my life.

It is gratifying to see someone gain self-confi dence with their new smile. I believe the most important aspect of reconstructive dentistry is the certainty that a patient is going to enjoy a quality of life theyve forgotten, says Dr. Jirik. The ability to go to a restaurant with friends and family and eat a steak is a milestone for most of our patients. My staff and I are happiest when our friends like Les are able to do anything they want.


One of North Americas most impres-sive wildlife spectacles is the gathering of hundreds of magnifi cent trumpeter swans on Magness Lake and other waters near Heber Springs.

6


Jan. 2, 1991. Somewhere in the sky over mid-America, three young swans struggle through a snowstorm. Each has a 7-foot wingspan, but despite their huge size and powerful wing beats, the dusky-brown juveniles have been pushed off course by the winter squall. Th ey are tired and far from their normal migration route. Below, in the darkness, the calls of geese resound from a small oxbow lake just outside the Ozark Mountains community of Heber Springs. Th e swans hear the waterfowl and soar down to land nearby. Th e sheltered waters of Magness Lake provide the perfect place for them to rest and recuperate. Th e next morning, four avid birdwatchers driving by the lake see the swans and stop for a better look. My goodness, are those trumpeter swans? one asks as he looks through his binoculars. Surely it cant be.

7


Trumpeter swans in Arkansas oft en wear numbered neck collars and/or leg bands that help biologists track the birds movements. Viewers can report the unique combinations of numbers and let-ters by calling 1-800-327-BAND. Th is trumpeter swan, banded in Wisconsin while still a fl ightless youngster in 2004, has been seen several times since on Magness Lake near Heber Springs.

8 Front Porch | ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU WINTER 2016 9

Magness Lake was the focal point of trumpeter swan watching in Arkansas until recent years. Two other lakes on Hiram Road east of Heber Springs now have viewing areas, too. Scores of swans can be viewed on these waters throughout winter.

9


By the late 1800s, trumpeter swans had been hunted to the brink of extinction for their meat, feathers, down and quills. In 1933, 70 birds in Yellowstone National Park were the only known survivors. Extinction seemed imminent until 2,000 trumpeters were found in remote parts of Alaska. Reintroductions by wildlife agencies gradually restored the population to more than 46,000 birds by 2010. About 500 now winter in Arkansas.

Trumpeters arent the only swan species that may be seen on lakes near Heber Springs. Th e smaller, less vocal tundra swan (pictured top left ) is a regular but uncommon visitor in winter, and there also have been rare reports of mute swans, a species introduced from Eurasia to the U.S.

Because of their huge size, trumpeter swans require a long watery runway for takeoff s.

Th e trumpeter swan is the largest waterfowl in North America and the largest swan in the world. Its wingspan may be larger than an eagles, and a large individual may weigh half again as much as a big Th anksgiving turkey!

10


By the late 1800s, trumpeter swans had been hunted to the brink of extinction for their meat, feathers, down and quills. In 1933, 70 birds in Yellowstone National Park were the only known survivors. Extinction seemed imminent until 2,000 trumpeters were found in remote parts of Alaska. Reintroductions by wildlife agencies gradually restored the population to more than 46,000 birds by 2010. About 500 now winter in Arkansas.

Trumpeters arent the only swan species that may be seen on lakes near Heber Springs. Th e smaller, less vocal tundra swan (pictured top left ) is a regular but uncommon visitor in winter, and there also have been rare reports of mute swans, a species introduced from Eurasia to the U.S.

Because of their huge size, trumpeter swans require a long watery runway for takeoff s.

Th e trumpeter swan is the largest waterfowl in North America and the largest swan in the world. Its wingspan may be larger than an eagles, and a large individual may weigh half again as much as a big Th anksgiving turkey!

10 Front Porch | ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU WINTER 2016 11

Trumpeter swans mate for life and live together as family groups of dusky-brown juveniles and snowy-white adults. Th e young birds, called cygnets, learn their migration routes from their parents. Th e families return to several Heber Springs area lakes each November from breeding grounds in northern and western states.

Trumpeter swan pairs oft en squabble with each other, with aggressive squawking, nipping and wing fl apping that turns the water into a raucous battlefi eld.

11


When one of the birds calls, however, there is no doubt. Th e loud, trumpet-like sound from which the species takes its name is a dead giveaway. Th ese are not the quieter, more common tundra swans seen each winter in Arkansas. Th ey are trumpeter swans, and this is the fi rst time the species has been seen in the state in more than 80 years. Th e birds, which were near the brink of extinction throughout their range in the early 1900s, are an astounding fi nd. At the time, farmer Perry Lindner owns Magness Lake, and he oft en feeds corn to wintering waterfowl there. He welcomes these new visitors and when he spreads corn along the shore for them, the swans greedily partake. Th ey seem to enjoy their new home, and its not until Feb. 24 that they depart. During their almost two-monthlong visit, scores of people come to see them. Fast forward to November 2014. My son Zach, his friend Rebecca and my wife Th eresa join me for a trip to Magness Lake to photograph the swans. Its a sojourn Ive made several times annually since 1998. No one expected trumpeter swans would return to Magness Lake aft er the fi rst visit. But the birds must have liked what they found, because they came again and brought friends and families. Two adults appeared at Christmas in 1991 an adult female banded in Minnesota and her mate. Th ey stayed until the end of February along with two more adults that arrived in January. Th e next winter, the banded female and her mate returned with three cygnets (juvenile swans). Since then, the numbers have fl uctuated, but in recent years, more than 150 swans have been spotted on the lake at one time. Several nearby lakes now also host wintering populations.

When visiting last year, we arrived at sunrise and marveled at several dozen trumpeters that came to eat corn we scattered. Other birds fl ew in, touching down with loud honks and splashing. Many were juveniles dressed in dusky plumage, but most were snow-white adults with jet-black bills and legs. Ordinarily, trumpeter swans are hard to approach. Th e Heber Springs birds have become accustomed to humans, however, allowing people extraordinary opportunities to view and photograph them. Standing within a few feet of North Americas largest species of waterfowl is an experience few observers ever forget. Th e swans are gigantic, sometimes weighing 38 pounds and standing 4 feet tall. Th ey are strikingly beautiful, with long, graceful necks, snowy feathers and expressive black eyes. Zach and I photographed fl ying swans, swimming swans, feeding swans, preening swans and resting swans. We snapped pictures when they stood tall on the water and fl apped their wings, and captured images of family groups with parent birds and cygnets together. We laughed when one swan would chase another that had crowded its personal space, and gazed in wonder when the heaviest fl ying birds in North America would run hard across the waters surface to gain speed for takeoff . We did not see any swans wearing the bright-colored neck bands from restoration programs in other states. But on previous visits, Ive recorded numbers on the neck bands of several trumpeters. Information returned from the federal Bird Banding Laboratory indicates the Magness Lake swans come from as far away as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa.

Th e swans that visit the Heber Springs area each fall and winter provide unique opportunities for up-close photography and viewing.


Th e people who come to view the swans oft en travel long distances, as well. Ive met birders from as far away as New York, Montana, Arizona and Oregon who came to see the Heber Springs trumpeters. Ive even met a few from other countries like Japan and Great Britain. For the most part, though, the people who visit are from Arkansas, including many Heber Springs residents who come daily from Novem-ber through February to feed the swans and marvel at their beauty. By March, the birds will be gone, traveling north and west to their breed-ing grounds. But by Th anksgiving, theyll be back again to tug at the heartstrings of wildlife lovers who fl ock to Magness Lake to see them. If youve never seen the swans, by all means make time to go this year. Perhaps you will never witness the massive migration of wildebeests across the African plains, the gathering of millions of monarch butterfl ies in Mexico or the great spawning runs of salmon in rivers of Alaska and the Pacifi c Northwest. But right here in the Natural State, just outside Heber Springs, you can see one of the worlds most incredible gatherings of wildlife. To stand on the bank of this Cleburne County oxbow and see scores of trumpeter swans is an experience not to be missed. By some quirk of fate, where once there were no swans, now there are many. And when you see them, it will not be hard to imagine that the winter storm in 1991 brought these magnifi cent birds here for a reason so we might witness their beauty and be thankful for living in the Natural State where such things are truly appreciated.

Trip tips To view the swans, drive east toward Wilburn on Arkansas Highway 110 from its intersection with the Arkansas 5/25 bypass on

the eastern edge of Heber Springs. Go 3.9 miles from the intersection and turn left onto Hays Road (Little Red River Bible Church is directly across from the turn). Th e parking area beside Magness Lake is just before the S-curve about one-half mile down Hays Road. Magness Lake is on private land now owned by the family of Larry and Patti Eason. Visitors are asked to park only in the designated area and leave pets at home. Please avoid littering, climbing on the fence or blocking gated roads. In recent years, the trumpeter swans have wintered on two nearby lakes, as well. Both are on Hiram Road and provide viewing areas with gravel parking lots. To reach these lakes from Hays Road, continue on Highway 110 east toward Wilburn for 1 mile and turn right on Cutoff Road (gravel). Continue 0.7 of a mile to paved Hiram Road and turn left . Th e fi rst lake is on the left 2.1 miles from this turn. Youll pass through a white pipe gate into the parking area. Th e second lake is 0.6 of a mile past this one. Youll see a large red-and-white Water for Sale sign at the left hand turn into the parking area. Th ese, too, are privately owned lakes, so please show all courtesies. Th e trumpeters usually arrive around mid-November and stay until late February. Youre likely to see at least a few regardless of the time of day, but the best viewing and photo opportunities oft en are near dawn and dusk. Many guests bring deer corn to feed the birds and draw them near. Th is is OK but other items should not be fed to the swans, and people should not try to hand-feed or touch them. In addition to trumpeter swans, visitors oft en see the smaller tundra swan and a variety of ducks and geese, including ring-necked ducks, buffl eheads, mallards, canvasbacks, Canada geese and snow geese.

Although its only 30 acres in size, Magness Lake near Heber Springs provides a winter home for scores of trumpeter swans and other species of waterfowl. Th e Eason family, which owns the private lake, graciously al-lows visitors to observe and photograph these beautiful birds from a lakeside parking and viewing area.


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Front Porch readers know Talya Tate Boerner best for her Delta Child column she writes for the magazine. Talya is a Delta girl who grew up making mudpies on her familys cotton farm in Mississippi County. Aft er a career as a commercial banker in Dallas, she returned to Arkansas and now lives in Fayetteville with her husband, John, and two miniature schnauzers, Lucy and Annabelle. Talyas love of food, farming and nature is evident on her personal lifestyle blog, Grace Grits and Gardening. She loves to cook and believes most any dish can be improved with a side of collard greens. Th e Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, scheduled for release Jan. 28 from SYP Publishing, is her debut novel. Th is is an excerpt from her critically acclaimed book. Southern Yellow Pine Publishing, all rights reserved.

There must have been a rule that country churches should be plain and ordinary, because most of those around Mississippi County were that way. As Momma pulled into the circle drive, which was fi lled with more dandelions than gravel, I stared at the Boon Chapel Baptist Church sign out front. A few weeks ago, someone had painted over the n in Boon. Just for meanness, Nana had said.

Why hasnt someone fi xed the sign yet? I asked. It just looks pitiful, and everyone who drives by will think we changed the name to Boo Chapel. I could barely stand to even get out of the car and walk inside.

I doubt it, Momma said as she checked her lipstick in the rearview mirror.

Th e front porch had begun to lean to the right. Th e twisty vines wrapped along the columns and over the roof likely kept the building from collapsing. Over to the side, tombstones poked up through a carpet of clover, but it was the mound of fresh, black dirt that caught my eye.

Who died? A man from Sugar Ditch. No one you know, Momma said. Momma, if I die, dont bury me at Boo Chapel. I said

boo with extra emphasis.Momma laughed as we walked together up the front porch

steps, carrying our Bibles and wearing our Sunday best. Where would you like me to bury you, Gracie Lee?

I dont know, but not out there.Me neither! Abby, who was the biggest copycat in the

history of copycats, echoed me. I rolled my eyes at her.Beyond the graveyard, cotton and soybean fi elds splayed

out like a fan, the view broken only by weeds and wildfl owers growing on the ditch banks. All around the church, pecan trees kept watch, whether we were there or not.

But we were there. Everyone but Daddy, anyway. For as far back as I could remember, each Sunday morning

at nine a.m. sharp, Mr. Donaldson, the offi cial Boon Chapel church secretary, called service to order by saying a prayer and leading the congregation in the singing of a hymn. Aft er everyone was good and awake, we went to our designated Sunday school classes, which were determined mostly by age.

People like Aunt Fannie and Mrs. Donaldson went across the hall to the young-married class even though they werent young and had all been married long enough to have kids at least Abbys age. Th e largest class belonged to the old ladies Nana, Mrs. Sweet, Aunt Clara, and a few other women who all wore sweaters draped on their shoulders even in the summer. Since they were closest to dying, they took their Sunday school lesson as serious as anything. On any given day, Nanas lesson book could be found rolled up in her pocketbook like a treasure map.

Lumped together in a separate class away from the women, the Boon Chapel men stood around outside and leaned against Uncle Wills truck, drinking coff ee from paper cups. During the summer, when Momma opened our classroom window to let the hot air escape, we could hear them talking about farming. Farming was the only topic of interest to men in our corner of Arkansas.

I was in the youth class with Abby, our cousin, Dian, and the Donaldson twins, who were girls too. Th ere had never been any boys in our class, which seemed a little strange when I really stopped to think about it. But I wasnt complaining. Th e thing I did complain about was having

Th e front porch had begun to lean to the right. Th e twisty vines wrapped along the columns and over the roof likely kept the building from collapsing. Over to the side, tombstones poked up through a carpet of clover, but it was the mound of fresh, black dirt that caught my eye.


Momma for our Sunday school teacher. What sort of sense did it make for Abby and me to get up early every Sunday morning so that our own Momma could teach to us from the Bible?

Todays lesson is about the importance of church, Momma said. I know sometimes it would be nice to sleep late on Sunday morning, but God commands us to attend. If you knew Jesus was planning to walk into the doors of Boon Chapel and listen to Brother Browns sermon today, I bet you wouldnt think twice about coming. Right? A tractor passed by on the road in front of the church, rumbling louder and louder until it faded away in the distance.

Id wear my Easter dress, Abby said as she glanced down at her shirt that was already stained with a dribble of orange juice.

Mommas example was a good one, and I understood what she was saying, but still I didnt think it was fair that Daddy never had to go to church. And Momma never bugged him about it, either. In some ways, she lived as two diff erent people. At church, Momma talked about Jesus and reminded us to be kind and to do unto others, but where Daddy was concerned, she did whatever it took to survive. We all did.

Aft er Sunday school class when Mr. Donaldson rang the hall bell, everyone gathered back into the sanctuary for the reading of announcements and other important church information. Mr. Donaldson had all the best church jobs, including changing out the paper numbers on the wooden tote board that hung above the piano. It was a board much like the baseball scoreboard at school, only smaller. Th is weeks numbers didnt look very diff erent from last weeks numbers. Or the week before. Attendance this Sunday 39, Bibles brought 25, and off ering $52.43.

Aft er we dragged through a few too-slow hymns, Brother Brown walked up to the pulpit. Good Sunday morning, he said, while opening his Bible and paging through to the book he wanted. Slowly, slowly, he licked his thumb and continued turning pages. Why, oh, why didnt he know about bookmarks? Ah, here we are. He paused, looked at the congregation, and nodded. I glanced at my Cinderella watch. Brother Brown was allotted exactly 25 minutes. Hed best get on with it.

Brother Browns sermon drift ed over the congregation like crop defoliant, settling on the faithful Baptist like a fog. Week aft er week, the same tired tone, the same woeful words about Hell and sin and Satan. Th e pew beneath my rear end became rock hard, my eyelids heavy. Everyone, even the devout old ladies, seemed to have diffi culty listening. Nana sat with her Bible open to the days passages, her normally attentive eyes glazed over. Every few minutes, she pushed the short curls around her face behind her ears and sat a little taller as though trying her best to pay attention. Uncle Will snored from the back row. Brother

Browns words rarely reached my ears. I counted ceiling tiles to stay awake, un, deux, trois. I carefully peeled the silver lining away from my spearmint gum wrapper and made a tiny ball. I imagined the pot roast Momma left simmering in the oven. When my stomach yowled like a cat, Abby giggled.

Nana, draw a duck, I whispered, hoping for a distraction. Pulling an off ering envelope from the wooden pew in front of me, I handed it to her. In a pinch, off ering envelopes made good scrap paper.

Nana nodded and slipped a pencil from inside her Bible. In one graceful hand movement, she drew her own unique version of a duck, more of a one-legged fl amingo or strange swan.

Th at doesnt look like a duck, Abby muttered, stifl ing her laugh. Th en she hiccupped, and we teetered headfi rst into a fi t of silent, shoulder-shaking giggles, the sort easily mistaken for sobbing. Momma shot us the stink eye from her place at the piano bench. Since Momma was stuck sitting up front as the Boon Chapel piano player, Nana was tasked with keeping us quiet during preaching. It rarely worked. Nana had the biggest giggle box of all.

Sunday service always ended with Brother Browns invitation to join Boon Chapel Baptist Church, followed by fi ve, long stanzas of Just as I Am. Momma played a few chords of the introduction while Brother Brown reminded everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes. I saw no point in closing my eyes, so I lowered my head but watched the whole time. As I suspected, nothing much happened.

Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me.

While the congregation sang, Brother Brown shut his hymnal, clasped his Bible in the crook of his arm, and walked from the pulpit to the front of the sanctuary. Stooping toward the empty front pew, he picked up his hat then stood ready to greet all the potential new church members moved by his message. Once again, there were none. Th e invitational hymn was a waste of time. Boon Chapel membership had been stuck at 44 since I was in the nursery.

By the end of the second verse, I felt sorry for him. No one ever went up there. Not since Aunt Clara had pretended to rededicate her life. If anyone had her life straightened out, it was Aunt Clara. Everyone knew she was only trying to be supportive.

Well, today would be diff erent. Aft er doing some serious thinking last night, I decided to walk up during the invitational hymn and visit with Brother Brown. Even though I questioned whether or not Brother Brown had a direct link to Jesus, or if Jesus existed at all, I thought it would be a nice gesture and give me something to do during all those tedious stanzas. Plus, maybe Brother Brown could help Daddy or, at the very least, become inspired for future sermons.

Just as I am, though tossed about with many a confl ict, many a doubt.


Squeezing between Abby and the pew in front of us, I placed one foot onto the red aisle carpet. Where are you going? she whispered, tugging the back of my blouse. I ignored her and took another step forward, hardly feeling my feet. Th e untied lace on my right shoe fl opped with each step. I wished I had worn my black Mary Janes instead of my saddle Oxfords, even though they pinched my toes.

In the back of the church, the air conditioner kicked on with a sudden whooshing sound, making the fl oor pulsate and the walls groan. I was thankful for the timing, certain the racket would conceal the loud thump of my heartbeat. Th e lights hanging from the ceiling, dimmed for an instant, and maybe even swayed before returning to normal. I continued to stare at my slow-moving feet. Just keep walking.

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.Glancing toward Brother Brown, I noticed an upraised

bushy eyebrow, a hint of excitement at having a customer. I didnt look at Momma but felt her smile in my direction. When I reached the front of the church, he took my hand in his cold, clammy one and draped an arm around my shoulder, which felt surprisingly nice. His breath smelled of coff ee and peppermints, and tuft s of white hair protruded from inside each nostril.

Hello, Miss Grace. He smoothed the top of his deeply parted hair and smiled like I had made his day perfect.

Hi, Brother Brown. I smiled back but felt nervous. He had never really spoken to me before, and I was surprised he knew my name. Since I didnt know what to do with my hands, I crossed my arms over my chest, but when that didnt feel right, I dropped them to my side and let them hang, doing nothing.

Are you ready to turn your life over to Jesus? he asked in a low, soothing voice that moved my hair and tickled my ear.

No sir, I just came up to say hello and ask you to pray for my Daddy. Hes mean to Momma, he drinks too much beer,

and I think hes probably going to Hell. In fact, Im sure of it. I tugged on the hem of my dress and couldnt take my eyes from his amazing crop of nose hair. I had never before noticed how much he looked like the walrus at the Memphis Zoo.

With his hand fi rmly planted on my back, he guided me to the front pew and we knelt there, because Boon Chapel had no proper altar. Around us, the music swelled as though my walk to the pulpit had energized the church members. Brother Brown mumbled a few words that I could barely hear and read from the book of Matthew, something about all things being possible. Th e congregation continued singing and even started over with the fi rst verse. Th at made me feel bad, because I knew everyone wanted to go home for lunch. My mind blanked out, like it sometimes did during history class when the teacher went over something for the tenth time. My stomach growled and even cramped up from hunger. Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, I concentrated as hard as I could, hoping he might hear me with his mind. Yet, on he droned. A diff erent sort of sermon especially for me.

Why did I ever walk up here?My foot was asleep.Tingling. Tingling. I shift ed my balance and almost fell.I never heard Brother Brown actually pray for Daddy, but I

knew Mae would be proud that I made the eff ort. From my spot kneeling at the fi rst pew, Mommas piano playing sounded louder than normal and vibrated the fl oor beneath my knees. Finally, we stood. I stomped my dead foot to wake it up, but not too loud. He shook my hand as though we made some sort of deal, and the whole thing was over.

Aft er the torture of church, Mommas pot roast was pure deliverance. Loading my fork with a piece of meat and a wedge of potato, I savored the fl avor of Sunday aft ernoon.

Grace, dont you have some good news to share with Daddy? Momma jolted me from my perfect pot roast moment. Th at was what Momma always did, and I hated it. She tried to force Abby and me to chit-chat with Daddy, the man who would have rather pulled weeds with his teeth than make small talk. Daddy stabbed a chunk of meat, looked up from his plate, and waited for me to say something. My face fl ushed. I hated that too.

Not really, I said through clinched teeth. I didnt look at Daddy, but from the corner of my eye, I saw him shake his head like I was impossible.

Gracie got saved today, Abby blurted out and fl ashed a gigantic smile showing lots of rosy gum between several missing teeth.

Daddy shot me a knowing look, like he could see right through me, as though he knew there was more to the story.

I just went up to talk to Brother Brown. Its no big deal. I hid behind my glass of tea. When I attempted a gulp, the ice cubes moved in one giant mass to the front of my glass. Tea poured

Around us, the music swelled as though my walk to the pulpit had energized the church members. Brother Brown mumbled a few words that I could barely hear and read from the book of Matthew, something about all things being possible.


down the sides of my chin and onto my favorite T-shirt. Abby clasped her hand over her mouth to hold back a giggle.

Of course its a big deal. Its a huge deal, Momma said, handing me a dishtowel. Right, Lee? She tried once again to drag Daddy into the conversation.

If you say so, he mumbled. Do we have any of those hot peppers left ?

Momma popped up from her chair, opened the icebox door, grabbed a handful of jalapenos from the bottom drawer and rinsed them. Shell be getting baptized in a few weeks, Momma beamed. She placed the peppers on a saucer beside Daddys plate.

What? I stared at Momma. She looked as pleased as the time I won fi rst prize in the countywide essay contest and received a certifi cate of achievement signed by Governor Bumpers. My essay entitled What Makes Arkansas Special to Me was printed in the local Savage Crossing Crier, and my picture appeared on the front page of the gossip section. Today, I dont remember a word of what I wrote.

Maybe we should have a big baptism party to celebrate, invite the whole family over, Mamaw Pearl, Nana and Papa, Aunt Fannie. What do you think, Lee? Its been forever since we had a family party. I can make that chocolate cake you like, the one with the coconut. Momma grinned at Daddy. Her eyes fl itted around as though ideas churned in her head.

Daddy glared at me, his stare so sharp and cutting I could feel it inside my chest.

Abby wiggled in her chair like she had to pee. She cheered, Yes, a party!

I dropped my fork. It skipped off the edge of my plate and bounced to the fl oor.

Th is was the sort of thing that happened when I didnt mind my own business. My one and only attempt to be social with Brother Brown and to possibly help Daddy had resulted in a complete misunderstanding. And I had known something was up too. When the service was fi nally over,

most of the church members, including every old lady, formed a line and walked to the front to shake my hand and congratulate me like I was a celebrity or something. It was the craziest thing.

Do I have to get in that water with Brother Brown? I asked. As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt bad. Not 30 minutes before, Brother Brown talked with me and held my hand, and I smelled his coff ee breath and all.

Yes, Grace. Th ats the only way to Heaven. You know that. We talked about it in Sunday school just this morning, Momma said.

I didnt remember any such thing. S*!t. Th ats the whole problem with religion, Daddy said in

a mocking tone. Momma cut her eyes at him. She hated when he said bad words at the kitchen table and especially on Sunday. And we arent wasting a red cent on any damn party. In case youve all forgotten, our cotton is still underwater.

No one had forgotten.Aft er yesterdays fi restorm, no one dared blink or breathe

or swallow or speak another word until Daddy left the table. But I agreed with him about the whole religion problem, and that worried me a little.

Later that night as I tried to fall asleep, I stared at the shadowy space between our twin beds. Th e weatherman had forecasted more rain, and in the distance, I heard thunder. If God really and truly existed, he wouldnt let it rain again so soon. What had started out as a fun, pretend, backyard swimming pool turned bad all around, especially in the way our cotton was ruined. According to Daddy, we would probably end up in the poor house, wherever that was.

Abby, are you still awake?A little. Her sheet shift ed as she turned toward me. Most

of our best conversations happened in the dark just before we fell asleep.

If something ever happened to Momma, and Nana and Mamaw Pearl werent around anymore, I would go live with Mae.

Where would Nana and Mamaw Pearl be? Her words sounded thick and dreamy.

Dead. If all our grandmothers were dead and something happened to Momma, I would go live with Mae. Th eres no way Id stay and take care of Daddy. I explained it extra slowly because she was only 7 years old and sometimes didnt understand things.

Me too. Im going wherever you go. She turned the opposite direction from me. Her breathing became steady and even.

You can preorder a signed copy of Talyas book, Th e Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee from Southern Yellow Pine Publishing online at www.syppublishing.com. Unsigned copies are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

If God really and truly existed, he wouldnt let it rain again so soon. What had started out as a fun, pretend, backyard swimming pool turned bad all around, especially in the way our cotton was ruined.

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T A S T E A R K A N S A S

When people travel Arkansas Highway 112 and cross the Benton/Washington county line, they might be surprised to smell the faint scent of chocolate. Th e arousing aroma comes from the states fi rst bean-to-bar chocolate company, Kyya Chocolate in Elm Springs.

Th e complete chocolate-making process happens in this facility. Kyya is one of only about 10 percent of U.S. chocolatiers that own a cocoa press, allowing it to extract the powder and cocoa butter from the cocoa beans aft er roasting.

Pure chocolateKyyas name derives from the Greek word

kaia, which means pure. Th e owners, Rick and Cindy Boosey, make sure their chocolate is pure in every sense of the word from the ingredients to the mission behind the chocolate.

Many major chocolate companies make multiple chocolate batches every day, but Kyya takes three days to craft each batch. We in the South know that slow-cooked food brings out the best fl avor and quality and with chocolate, its no diff erent.

Kyya refers to its fl avors as origins, meaning where the cocoa beans grow. Each

single-origin chocolate bar has the same basic ingredients, but the cocoa beans growing conditions give each origin a unique fl avor. Th is concept is called terroir and is similar to how coff ee beans, tomatoes or wine grapes grown in diff erent places have fl avor profi les unique to their origin.

While some chocolatiers blend origins to create their chocolate, all of Kyyas chocolates are single origin, meaning the beans used in each batch all come from the same country. Most of its current bean selection comes from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Madagascar and Uganda. Kyya also tries other origins in small batches.

We made our fi rst batch of Nicaragua, and its far beyond anything Ive ever seen, Rick Boosey said.

For Christmas, they off ered a gift package of 12 Dark Bars of Christmas, which meant they were making 12 diff erent origins at 72.5 percent cocoa.

At one moment we had 12 origins in the shop, Boosey said. For a craft chocolatier, thats a pretty big undertaking.

Th e business experienced rapid growth in 2015 both in volume and product assortment. It went from selling about 2,500 bars a month in 2014 to almost 10,000 bars a

month by the end of December. Chocolate lovers can fi nd Kyya in approximately 125 retail locations throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. Th e bars are also available on the Kyya Chocolate website, kyyachocolate.com and the P. Allen Smith website, pallensmith.com.

Kyya also collaborates with other local artisan food companies to produce unique food products such as coff ee-infused chocolate and chocolate-infused beer. Th ey have several local artisan food partnerships planned in 2016.

In late 2014, Kyya introduced bakers chocolate and in 2015 started off ering cocoa powders and syrups to local bakeries, coff ee shops, breweries and restaurants. It is expanding its production of chocolate syrups to complement the single-origin chocolate bars.

In late 2015, Kyya received Food and Drug Administration approval for the new syrup manufacturing line, which gives the company the ability to add consumer-size bottles to the commercial off erings. Like the specialty single-origin bars, the consumer-size bottles are only available in its shop.

Th e addition of syrups will help us drive more business back to our farmers, Boosey said.

Kyya Chocolate, the home of Arkansas craft chocolateby Jamie Smith

Kyya makes single origin chocolates. This means the beans in each batch all come

from the same country. It takes three days to craft each batch of chocolate.


Mission behind the chocolateTh e idea to make chocolate came to life

during a mission trip to a Ugandan orphanage where the plan was to build a chicken farm. Th e trip inspired a bigger, longer-lasting idea that would eventually become Kyya Chocolate.

Th e Booseys started making chocolate in 2012 in a Fayetteville shop. Th ey moved operations to Elm Springs and rebranded to become Kyya Chocolate aft er their original partnership dissolved. Th ey spent several years perfecting the chocolate recipe and process then spent 2015 sharing their story (and chocolate).

Th eir story has resonated wherever its told. What it says to me is we had this idea and

its being embraced at every turn, Boosey said. A year down the road and this dream is fi nding its place in the marketplace.

Th ey purchase all the beans through fair trade brokers or directly from farmers. Th e Booseys goal is to build relationships with at least 40 individual farmers around

the world. Th ey will purchase beans from these farmers at higher-than-fair-trade prices and teach the farmers more sustainable growing practices. Th e Booseys have traveled to six countries so far, and they plan to get to Haiti as soon as possible and Costa Rica in February.

Kyya also donates a portion of its net profi ts to support orphan care a cause close to the Booseys hearts as they adopted all four of their children.

Th ats always going to be true, Boosey said of their dedication to adoption and orphan care. Orphans are always going to be a part of our life. Adoption has been a part of our families for generations.

Dedication to family, farmers and community are vital concepts the Booseys weave throughout Kyyas work. In recent months, theyve served as either sponsors or vendors for nonprofi t fundraisers. Th ey focus especially on events that involve women and children in northwest Arkansas.

A major highlight for Kyya and the community in 2015 was hosting Kamp Kyya during the summer. Each week for two months, a diff erent group of students spent four days at the manufacturing facility. Each group made chocolate from start to fi nish, including handcraft ing their own bars and bonbons. Th rough the process, the students learned about food science, geography and civics. Th ey later off ered an adult Kamp Kyya that was a single-themed, nighttime session.

We had 100 kids go through Kamp Kyya and about 50 adults, Boosey said. It was a lot of fun, and I learned even more about chocolate, about whats feasible and what isnt.

Kyya also engages the community through monthly tours and chocolate tasting events. Th e manufacturing facility has also become a popular student fi eld trip destination.

As of December, weve had about 10 diff erent schools come through, Boosey said. Th ats a lot of fun. I love doing that.

Parents are Rick and Cindy Boosey (back row) with daughters (from left to right)

Madison, Peyton, Cassie and Abby.


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Wildy Family Farms of Manila were named the 2015 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. As Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, the Wildys will compete in the 2016 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year program. A winner will be named from among 10 southeastern state winners next October in Moultrie, Ga.

David Wildy credits his family heritage for the honor.

Ive never been more proud of my family. Its one of the most rewarding, most exciting and most humbling things that has been bestowed upon us as a family, Wildy said. I think back in the 1920s, my grandfather, Ed Wildy, won the Arkansas Master Farm Family before this program and when I was about 4 years old my dad won it in the late 50s. It was in my dreams that this generation and my family could do the same thing.

My grandfather came to Mississippi County in 1914, and my dad came to the farm where were presently located back in 1938. So farming goes way back in our heritage. Ive got two sons and a son-in-law back on the farm with me, and theyre beginning to take hold and carry on the tradition and understand what it means to be a family farm, Wildy said. Its a very

humbling experience, but were very proud to be able to represent Arkansas agriculture as the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

David and Patty Wildy oversee the farm where they grow soybeans, cotton, wheat, milo and peanuts on 9,200 acres. Wildy Family Farms is a fi ft h-generation farm established in 1938. In addition to David and Patty Wildy, other partners include their sons and daughters, Justin and Kristi Wildy, Tab and Taylor Wildy, Hayley Wildy and Paul and Bethany Harris.

Environmental stewardship with an emphasis on energy and water conservation is a major consideration on the Wildy Farms. Th e farm is audited by a private fi rm dedicated to socially responsible environmental practices in on-farm production. Th e fi rm has certifi ed that Wildy Family Farms has met all standards and criteria in the process. New technologies are constantly being implemented to help increase profi t for all crops to $100 per acre. And, the family is developing a farm succession plan to ensure the successful transition to future generations.

David Wildy earned an animal science degree from the University of Arkansas in 1975 and was a member of the Mississippi County Farm Bureau board of directors for seven years. He served as its president in 1986. He also served

on the Arkansas Agriculture Department board from 2005-2010, is a member of the St. Francis Levee District board of directors, the University of Arkansas Agriculture Development Council and numerous other boards and associations. Th e Wildys are active members of First Lutheran Church of Blytheville.

Arkansas Farm Bureau congratulates Wildy Family Farms for being named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, said Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach, a cotton, soybean and wheat farmer from nearby Manila. Also being from Mississippi County, Ive known the Wildys for many years and served on the county Farm Bureau board of directors with David. Th ey have a model farming operation that not only has been successful in consistently producing high crop yields, but because of their business plan, will endure for generations to come.

Th e Farm Family of the Year program, now in its 68th year, is the longest-running farm family recognition program of its type in the United States. It begins with selection of the top farm family in each county. Th en, eight district Farm Families of the Year are selected. Th e competition is judged on production, effi ciency and management of farm operations, family life and rural/community leadership and values.

L A N D & P E O P L EL A N D & P E O P L E

Wildy Family Farms wins Arkansas Farm Family of the Year

by Ken Moore

The Wildy family of Manila is the 2015 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. Left to right: Paul Harris, Justin Wildy, David Wildy, Tab Wildy and Blaine Wildy pose in a field of peanuts, a new crop they planted for the first time in 2015. The family also raises

cotton, soybeans, wheat and milo on the 9,200 acres they farm in Mississippi County.photo by Keith Sutton

Mississippi Co. cotton, corn and soybean farmers earn 2015 honor


by Debbie Arnold

Chase winters chill with this Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Chili.photo by Debbie Arnold

Chasing winters chillSpicy smoked chicken chili

When winter settles in with those long, gray days, I turn to heartier menus. Soups, stews and chilies form the basis of many of our weekly meals. Th eyre economical, fi lling and warming and can usually be made in quantities suffi cient for two to three meals. Th is Slow Cooker Spicy Smoked Chicken Chili is one I rely upon not only for family meals but to share with neighbors and friends. Plus, it makes good use of smoked chicken or turkey left over from the holidays, as well as the stash of frozen peppers and corn from the garden.

Its spicy just as the name implies. In fact, some may think of it as hot. Th e heat may easily be adjusted to your tastes by reducing or increasing the peppers. Th is version satisfi es my taste for spicy but allows others who dont have quite the tolerance for heat to still enjoy it. Since this is such a fi lling chili, little else is needed to complete the meal.

I N T H E K I T C H E N

Ingredients 6 cups smoked chicken or turkey (breasts, thighs or a combination),

chopped or shredded 2 tablespoons canola or Riceland Rice Bran oil 2 teaspoons cumin seed 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cups chopped poblano peppers 3 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 teaspoons cumin 2 teaspoons ground ancho pepper 1 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth 2 cans Rotel (a combination of Mexican and regular), blended 1 jalapeno, minced 2 chipotle chilies in adobo, minced 1 cups fi nely crushed tortilla chips One 13.5-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed One 13.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed One 13.5-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1-1 cups frozen whole kernel corn cup chopped cilantro plus additional for garnish 1 can additional Rotel, optional (or diced tomatoes) For serving: lime wedges, grated cheese, pickled jalapenos, chopped cilantro, sour cream, corn chips

Directions1. Chop or shred smoked chicken; set aside.2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seed and

toast until just fragrant; add chopped poblanos, onions and garlic. Saut until tender.

3. Add cumin, ancho pepper, salt and black pepper to poblano-onion mixture and stir to coat. Saut 2-3 minutes.

4. Add chicken to slow cooker insert along with poblano-onion mixture. Pour chicken broth over it all.

5. Add in minced jalapeno and chipotles. Stir in crushed tortilla chips.6. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours, stirring once or twice.7. Approximately hour before serving, stir in beans, corn and

chopped cilantro.8. Stir in additional can of Rotel or diced tomatoes, if desired.9. Spoon chili into serving bowls and garnish as desired.

Slow Cooker Spicy Smoked Chicken ChiliYields: 6 quartsTotal Time: 6-8 hours not including preparation

Notes1. Flavor improves if prepared a day ahead.2. Chili may be refrigerated four to fi ve days or frozen two to three months.

Debbie Arnold pontifi cates and eats at Dining With Debbie. She and her hubby split their time between central and northwest Arkansas. She loves to cook, develop recipes and have play dates with her two perfect grands. Mostly, she has play dates with the Perfect Ones.


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866-758-0801 Ext. 203North Little Rock, AR 72113

Contact: Bill Ross

Osteoporosisscreening &

4 Ultrasound screenings only $135 for Members

Screen for Stroke, Aneurysm and Heart Disease.

FREE

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MembersSave up to $500

Off Select Tractors& Equipment

See Complete detailsat www.arfb.com

10%discount on Grainger ProductsAccount Number 805-059-599

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-FREE Hearing tests and discounted hearing instruments for members

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Members receive $100 discounton 4X6 and 4X8 Saferooms

w/ normal delivery and installation.Member discount of $200 on larger units.

Discounts also available on 3, 5 &10 year memberships where available

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM

For information on program availability

call 1-866-292-7822

Call 1-800-793-0010 for your Air Evac Membership and use Plan Code # 8172to take advantage of the discount.


by Benjamin Waldrum

B U I L D I N G W E A L T H

From colleges and churches to food banks and foundations, the recent holiday season was a time for charitable giving. And, although doing good is its own reward, those donations can come in handy around tax season, according to Laura Hendrix, assistant professor of family and consumer science with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

With the end of the holiday season comes the beginning of tax season, she said. If you give to charity before the end of the year, those contributions can be tax-deductible.

Specifi cally, charitable contributions can be claimed as itemized tax deductions. Th is includes charitable credit card charges made in 2015 and checks mailed by Dec. 31. Hendrix says so long as the transaction was completed by the end of the year, it counts.

Individual consumers are responsible for the lions share of charitable giving every year.

Americans donated an estimated $358.38 billion to charity in 2014, with 72 percent coming from individual donors, according to Giving USA 2015: Th e Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2014. Th e Giving USA Foundation, which advances philanthropy through research and education, has published the report every year for the last 60 years.

Arkansas ranks among the top states in the country for individual giving, according to Th e Chronicle of Philanthropy, an independent news organization serving philanthropic interests. Th e Natural State, along with most of the South, shows a high giving ratio per county the ratio of itemized charitable contributions to adjusted gross income.

For example, Pulaski County has a giving ratio of 4.18 percent, with the highest

contributions coming from low-income families. Households earning $25,000 or less per year showed the highest giving ratio, a whopping 12.15 percent.

Hendrix says thats a lot of tax-deductible donations, assuming the organization is eligible.

Only donations to eligible organizations are tax-deductible, she said. Check out eligible charities at IRS Select Check (www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profi ts/Exempt-Organizations-Select-Check) and learn more about qualifying deductions at www.irs.gov.

So, the organization is eligible and the donation has been made. Now what?

Make sure you itemize, Hendrix said. You can only claim the deduction for charitable donations if you itemize. Tax fi lers can either itemize or take the standard deduction. Th e standard deduction is $6,300 for single fi lers or $12,600 for married couples fi ling jointly, unless the itemized deductions will be more than that.

If your itemized total isnt more than the standard deduction, youll pay more in taxes, she said.

Remember to keep a written record of any donations. Th ese records are needed in order to claim a deduction. Th is can be a cancelled check, bank statement or credit card statement, as long as it includes the name of the charity, the amount and the date of the contribution.

Donations of $250 or more require an acknowledgement from the charity. Th is also applies to other types of donations, such as household items or clothing. Acknowledgements must include a description of the items contributed. Special rules apply for donations of vehicles, boats and planes when the value is more than $500.

All this information is easiest to obtain when the donation is made. Organize and store records and other tax-related paperwork in a safe place, and tax season will be a little jollier.

Give with all your heart, but use your head, Hendrix said. Tax season is almost here.

For more information about creating a spending plan, managing credit, building savings and investing for the future, contact your county extension offi ce or visit www.uaex.edu.

Paying it forwardGiving can improve your tax bottom line


by Benjamin Waldrum

B U I L D I N G W E A L T H

From colleges and churches to food banks and foundations, the recent holiday season was a time for charitable giving. And, although doing good is its own reward, those donations can come in handy around tax season, according to Laura Hendrix, assistant professor of family and consumer science with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

With the end of the holiday season comes the beginning of tax season, she said. If you give to charity before the end of the year, those contributions can be tax-deductible.

Specifi cally, charitable contributions can be claimed as itemized tax deductions. Th is includes charitable credit card charges made in 2015 and checks mailed by Dec. 31. Hendrix says so long as the transaction was completed by the end of the year, it counts.

Individual consumers are responsible for the lions share of charitable giving every year.

Americans donated an estimated $358.38 billion to charity in 2014, with 72 percent coming from individual donors, according to Giving USA 2015: Th e Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2014. Th e Giving USA Foundation, which advances philanthropy through research and education, has published the report every year for the last 60 years.

Arkansas ranks among the top states in the country for individual giving, according to Th e Chronicle of Philanthropy, an independent news organization serving philanthropic interests. Th e Natural State, along with most of the South, shows a high giving ratio per county the ratio of itemized charitable contributions to adjusted gross income.

For example, Pulaski County has a giving ratio of 4.18 percent, with the highest

contributions coming from low-income families. Households earning $25,000 or less per year showed the highest giving ratio, a whopping 12.15 percent.

Hendrix says thats a lot of tax-deductible donations, assuming the organization is eligible.

Only donations to eligible organizations are tax-deductible, she said. Check out eligible charities at IRS Select Check (www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profi ts/Exempt-Organizations-Select-Check) and learn more about qualifying deductions at www.irs.gov.

So, the organization is eligible and the donation has been made. Now what?

Make sure you itemize, Hendrix said. You can only claim the deduction for charitable donations if you itemize. Tax fi lers can either itemize or take the standard deduction. Th e standard deduction is $6,300 for single fi lers or $12,600 for married couples fi ling jointly, unless the itemized deductions will be more than that.

If your itemized total isnt more than the standard deduction, youll pay more in taxes, she said.

Remember to keep a written record of any donations. Th ese records are needed in order to claim a deduction. Th is can be a cancelled check, bank statement or credit card statement, as long as it includes the name of the charity, the amount and the date of the contribution.

Donations of $250 or more require an acknowledgement from the charity. Th is also applies to other types of donations, such as household items or clothing. Acknowledgements must include a description of the items contributed. Special rules apply for donations of vehicles, boats and planes when the value is more than $500.

All this information is easiest to obtain when the donation is made. Organize and store records and other tax-related paperwork in a safe place, and tax season will be a little jollier.

Give with all your heart, but use your head, Hendrix said. Tax season is almost here.

For more information about creating a spending plan, managing credit, building savings and investing for the future, contact your county extension offi ce or visit www.uaex.edu.

Paying it forwardGiving can improve your tax bottom line


Get it on

Officials & Agencies

Handy access to contactinformation for stateconstitutional officers and

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Use our app tomake your voiceheard. Weve madeit easier thanever to shareyour opinionson agricultureissues with yourRepresentativesand Senators.

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Front Porch - Winter 2016