News Taffy

Our August issue - the commemorative 8th anniversary issue of Jonesboro Occasions - celebrates the Inaugural Johnny Cash Music Festival. The amazing painting of Johnny Cash that we feature on our cover was painted by Jonesboro's own Sean Shrum, and we pay tribute to The Man in Black in a special section that delves into how The Johnny Cash Music Festival came to be, the restoration of Cash's boyhood home in Dyess and what it was like to grow up with J.R. Cash. We hope to see you at the festival!

Just as our past two issues have, our August issue features several Quick Response (QR) codes. Once you download a free app with your smart phone and scan the QR codes throughout the issue, you’ll be able to view additional information such as videos and photos. Let us know what you think of them!

This issue also features: a story on the 2011 Red Dress Gala - the Hearts of the Caribbean - and the three honorees of the event, Dr. Mark Levinson, Mary Jackson and Rennell Woods; the success of Nationwide Insurance's Bob Nichols, an All-Star who had the chance to play golf with Els and Nancy Lopez; The Polished Paw, a stylish local grooming salon owned by Rita Smith; a look at Joe's Pizza, Pasta and Subs; Mike Overall's column on the musical stylings of Johnny Cash; and Fab Finds that will have you ready for school in no time. Aa always, you can count on Occasions for our Datebook and our Dining Guide.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of their pets for the annual Jonesboro Occasions Pet Photo Contest. Our August issue features the 10 winners, as well as the Occasions staff's own pets. To go along with our pet section, Rita Smith of The Polished Paw borrowed Toby, a Japanese Chin, from the NEA Humane Society. She took him back to her grooming salon, helped him look his best, and now he's looking for a home. If you're interested, please call 932-5185.

July was a very busy month in Jonesboro, so our August issue has event photos from the Runway to the Cure Fashion Show and Luncheon, St Bernards Triple Swing, Oklahoma!, the River of Hope Foundation Fundraiser, CCCF's 10th Anniversary, Smile for a Lifetime's Junior Golf Classic, the Ragland/Armstrong Engagement Party, Ramsons Construction's 40th year in business, the St. Bernards Health and Wellness Meet and Greet, Body's Indulgence's Grand Opening, the AHEC New Physicians Reception, Joe McAlister's 80th Birthday Surprise Party and Stuff the Bus. For even more photos, click on “Event Galleries” on Jonesboro.com or scan the QR code in your copy of the magazine.

Click HERE to read our August issue online, and as always, you'll be able to find the magazine all around town at all of your favorite local businesses.