CENTER
Saline Health System is proud to announce its recognition as an Accredited Chest Pain Center. Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional quality in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. From evaluation to diagnosis and treatment, all the way through post-discharge care, Saline Health System provides the heart care you and your family deserve. It’s just one more way we’re making our communities healthier.
5 Medical Park Drive | Benton, AR | SalineMemorial.org
EDITOR’S LETTER
In 1999, a group of 80 young men from Adelaide, South Australia decided to grow moustaches to raise money for charity throughout the month of November, coining the term “Movember.” Their idea has since become a worldwide phenomenon. It has evolved over the years from just moustaches to full grown beards, creating what is now known as “No Shave November.” Men around the world participate in this “masculine” tradition for many reasons, including raising awareness of men’s health issues, to help keep warm during the early transitions of winter, to prove their manliness, or possibly out of sheer laziness. For the past nine years, I too have shared in this time-honored tradition. As I write this, I am currently sitting at Day 14 of my razor strike, growing more brutish by the minute. Even though the month of November gets a lot of the credit for overgrown facial hair, the beard’s history goes much farther back than 1990. In the Victorian era, doctors prescribed beards as a way to prevent illness. Back in those days, doctors believed that a thick beard could act as a filter that would help to trap harmful particles before entering the body through the mouth. In these crazy COVID days, if I don’t have my mask, at least I have my beard for protection. The Russian Tsar, Peter the Great didn’t like beards, so he placed a tax on them. Russian noblemen who still chose to rock beards during his reign had to pay a hefty price just to carry around a beard license. I get it! I know firsthand that my beard acts as a homing beacon, attracting the jealousy and admiration of the beardless. It might seem impossible to come up with a more popular bearded man than Santa Claus, especially this time of year! This portly, red-suit-wearing, white-bearded, jolly fellow brings smiles to the faces of children all over the world as he arrives with his bag full of toys. I’m no Kris Kringle, and I may or may not have a red suit somewhere—but I am a jolly, bearded magazine publisher who finds happiness in bringing the people of Saline County “good tidings of great joy” from our community each year. Saline County Lifestyles is proud to continue to be a part of your holiday season, with our 13thAnnual Christmas Edition. On behalf of everyone who contributed to this issue, let me wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Your town. Your life. Your magazine.
JOSH ELROD Publisher & Editor
2020 Volume 13, Issue 6
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod
jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com
ART DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com
CONTRIBUTORS Contributing Writers
Carrie Amox Dennia Beard Carolyn Buckner Charles Crowson Chad Denmon Justin Elrod Jillian Jacuzzi Ashley Leopoulos Marietta McClure Jeannie Otts Dr. Sam Taggart IDEAS/COMMENTS If you have a story idea or comment, please email us at: feedback@salinecountylifestyles.com
ADVERTISING If you are interested in advertising in Saline County Lifestyles please email us at: info@ignite-mediagroup.com Saline County Lifestyles is published by:
Ignite Media Group P.O. Box 861 Bryant, AR 72089 www.salinecountylifestyles.com Articles should not be considered specific advice as circumstances vary per individual. Advertised products and/or services are not necessarily endorsed by Ignite Media Group.
2 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
CONTENTS
A NEW Farmers Bank & Trust Branch
THE GIFT OF NEW BEGINNINGS
NOTES FROM DR SAM
FITNESS TIPS
SERVING BENTON & BRYANT OPENING EARLY 2021 ON HWY 5
HEALTH UPDATE
+MyFarmers iTeller ITM with expanded weekday and Saturday hours.
04 07 12 10
BAKER’S JEWLERY......................16 BLUSH BOUTIQUE.......................18 STATED APPAREL.......................22 BRYANT FAMILY PHARMACY.......24 TANTRUMS..............................26 SOCO BOUTIQUE.........................30 THIS LITTLE PIGGY........................32 WILD BOUTIQUE.........................34
INSURANCE INSIGHT
FAITH FOCUS
MyFarmers.Bank
TIME TO MOVE FORWARD
38 40 42
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 3
At some point in life, everyone needs a fresh start—a clean slate, a doover, a new beginning. Myself, I love to benefit from the wisdom of others. One way I do this is by considering quotes like this one from Harvard graduate and author Ralph Blum: “Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings,” and, “If
anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, and new is here,” written by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Saline County is blessed to have an organization that specializes in second chances and the gift of real life change. New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, located on Conrad Street in Benton, started in 2003 by a group of volunteers from the Central Baptist Association who were passionate about helping new and expectant mothers. The mission of New Beginnings is to promote the value of life through education and mentoring young families with biblical teaching and sharing God’s love. Presently, six part-time employees and four board members continue the work started in 2003, managing about 230 client visits per month. Over the years, New Beginnings has helped thousands of mothers and babies. “Clients come to have pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Others come for parenting classes, Bible studies, and to “shop” for baby items, such as diapers, wipes, baby clothing and formula,” says Janet Dixon, New Beginnings Executive
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Director. The Center also offers the “Baby Bucks” program, which allows clients to earn rewards to spend on supplies by participating in various activities like visiting the doctor,
going to work or school, or attending a Bible study or church service. There is no other organization in Saline County offering the services New Beginnings provides. “Although pregnancy tests are inexpensive and available in stores, young women need someone to process with. Many times, family members or friends pressure women to make a decision about their pregnancies. We offer a non-judgmental place to explore all the options of pregnancy: parenting, adoption and abortion. We don’t offer abortions or referrals for abortions, but we can educate about the procedure and empower a woman to make a decision that she feels comfortable with,” Janet says. New Beginnings also provides pregnancy confirmation necessary to register for pregnancy Medicaid and WIC, which is a governmentsponsored program designed to ensure that women and their children get the nutrition they need. “The health department offers pregnancy tests, but they have been very busy with COVID, and have referred many people to us during the
pandemic. This helps clients get services they need, such as obstetric care, faster and at no additional cost to the public,” adds Janet. The new beginnings that this non-profit offers extend beyond obstetric and pediatric services. “We also point young families to other services, such as food pantries, CADC, and employment assistance. Of course, we encourage them to find a local church for support.” Janet says that some people would say that helping a pregnant woman to “choose life” is the ultimate goal, meaning that she chooses to continue her pregnancy instead of having an abortion. While that is one of the goals, the most desirable outcome is seeing young women (and men) choosing to follow Jesus Christ. “We believe that by allowing God to equip them, they will be better parents and
empowered to make good, healthy choices. One young mom recently said that by coming to New Beginnings, she realized she was ‘worthy’ of being a mother. This perspective gives her the energy and emotional stamina to strive to be a good mom to her little one.” Many clients who come for pregnancy confirmation are using drugs. Often pregnancy is the encouragement a woman needs to get out of a bad living situation and start living a sober lifestyle. The trained staff at New Beginnings listens to each person’s struggles related to addiction and abuse and encourages the client to seek help. “When they do see that they can have a fresh start and be the kind of parent they want to be, that is a great
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 5
‘new beginning.’ We see ourselves as cheerleaders and mentors, communicating to young women that they have the ability to change the trajectory of their family and make a better way for their children.” New Beginnings is a non-profit, and as such relies on the support and generosity of the community. “We always need larger size diapers and wipes. Our families often need strollers that are in good shape, including double strollers. We also need new items to be given to new moms right after delivery such as bath sets, thermometers and first aid kits.” As a safety precaution, car seats and cribs are not accepted. A tax-deductible financial contribution is the best way to help New Beginnings. A one-time tribute in honor or in memory of someone, or sending monthly donations, is the perfect way to show support for the building of healthy families in Saline County through the gift of a new beginning. For more information about New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, visit nbpregnancy.com, or Facebook at New Beginnings Pregnancy Center. Carolyn Buckner
SCAN TO DONATE Crazy4Life Virtual Fundraiser
Your financial gifts help us continue our mission of serving women with unplanned pregnancies. Gifts may be given online at nbpregnancy.com.
6 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
Good Day, I hope this note finds you well. At the bottom of our stairs is a small closet that we use for storage. On the top shelf in that closet is an old Stetson hat book; my father always wore Stetson Hats. That box is full of photos of the life of my family; for me it is the source of all variety of magical memories. Magical memories are the stories and tales you “remember” though there was no way you could have been there, or you were too young to possibly remember; but, you’ve heard the stories so many times, you just know you remember them. There is one photo of my Grandfather Taggart holding me as an infant. In the picture, I am screaming bloody murder and Grandpa has a strained look on his face. He died within months of when the picture was taken. Once when we were going through her picture albums, Mom laughed and said I had just messed in my diapers and Grandpa Jim was not the least bit happy with the smell. Something in me remembers that event. Holidays, and especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
were big events for the women of the family. But not so the men—if there was work to be done, my father and his brothers went to work. Their one concession was the lunch meal on the three holidays. Aside from my mother, the women of the Taggart and McAlexander families were skilled cooks. (Don’t get me wrong: my mother was a wonderful, loving human and a devoted caregiver, but she was not a good cook.) There are several groups of photos in my stash of images that were clearly taken on Christmas. One depicts us at the home of Grandma and Grandpa McAlexander. They have the look of having been taken by a professional photographer. In one picture I am no more than three or four years old and dressed in a cowboy outfit; it was apparently a Christmas gift. True or not, I remember my mother’s warning that we were to have our pictures made and not to get my clothes dirty. It is clear from the picture that I had not achieved that goal. This would have been one of the times I would have heard my middle name. “Sammy Dale, what did I tell you about getting dirty?”
house, shows us all in formal poses on the front steps of her house. Dad and Uncle John are dressed in work clothes and, per the usual, my father and his brother are horsing around. In one of the photos Uncle John has pulled a Bowie knife and has it aimed at my father’s mid-section. I can remember my Aunt Forrestine’s saying, “John Ed, put that up; you are going to scare the children.” Except for my sister and I, all of those dear people are now gone. But they live on in my magical memories. Have a good journey, and make as many magical memories as you can. Sam
Dr. Sam Taggart is a retired doctor/ writer/ marathon runner in practice in Benton for the last 35 years. He recently published The Public’s Health: A narrative history of health and disease in Arkansas, published by the Arkansas Times. His two other books, With a Heavy Heart and We All Hear Voices are available at your local booksellers or online at Amazon.com.
Another set of photos, this time created at my Grandmother Taggart’s Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 7
ACTIVE
Lifestyle
FITNESS TIPS
Motivation—sometimes we got it, sometimes we don’t.
By Marietta McClure, Head Trainer, McClure Fitness
For those of us who frequent a group fitness gym or an equipmentbased gym, our routines ground to an abrupt halt in March. Fast forward eight months to November and December of 2020, and some folks still have not made it back to their exercise routines. I truly believe that it is not a matter of whether someone CAN, it’s a matter of WILL—motivation, in the end. I polled some of my clients (group fitness fans) on the “why” behind their break because the longer I do this—ten years now to be exact—I realize how very differently each person prioritizes exercise. And I am talking about any kind of break, not just the forced COVID break we all recently experienced. Here are reasons people took breaks and then struggled to get going again: “I slack every year between Halloween and New Year’s; I look at it as a little break for me, since I am consistent the rest of the year. But I regret it in January, every single time. This year I am going to be aware and keep moving in November and December. The ‘holiday 15’ aren’t worth it.” “Motherhood! The ‘momguilt’ is real. I feel horrible for
leaving my child to exercise.” “Depression. Working out is the only thing I do for myself. When I don’t, it is tough on me mentally.” “COVID and the quarantine stopped me in my tracks and mentally dragged me through the mud. Once things started opening back up, it still felt like we had one foot in quarantine and one foot in normal conditions.” “Depression overtook my desire to do anything. Even though I knew what I needed, I couldn’t pull myself out of it. What finally brought me back to my fitness routine is my desire to feel good, physically and mentally.” On the flip side, post-break, what is a motivating factor to actually get you to start again? You need to pick a reason to keep moving! • I want to have energy again. • I want to button my skinny jeans again. • I want my depression to subside. • I want to age well and keep healthy. • I want to take back my body. Don’t think about what you have to do (work out), think about what you will get if you do it. You will feel better, you’ll look better and your health will be better.
8 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
IF YOU’VE BEEN LACKING MOTIVATION TO START AGAIN, KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE. ASK A FRIEND TO GO WITH YOU. This is one of my go-to motivating phrases that I say over and over. It doesn’t matter WHY you walked in the doors today. Maybe it was to burn calories or to release stress; both are good reasons to show up. You will reap ALL the benefits when you exercise. Those who merely wanted a calorie burn also left stress-free and cleared their headspace. Those who walked in to burn off a bad workday also burned calories and got stronger. Every week we see more and more people getting back to their fitness routines. If you’ve been lacking motivation to start again, know that you are not alone. Ask a friend to go with you. Start slow and steady. Do not compare yourself to the “you” you were a year ago. We’ve all gone through a bad year. You’ve got a chance to come out of it stronger. I’m cheering for you!
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 9
HEALTHY
Lifestyle
HEALTH UPDATE
Efficient and Effective Care of Acute Coronary Syndrome
By Jeannie Otts R.T. (R) (CV) (ARRT), Cardiac Cath Lab Director, SMH
Arkansas ranks highest in the nation for heart attack mortality. Heart disease is the number one killer of Arkansans. From 2016–2018, for every 100,000 Arkansans, 80 died of cardiovascular disease. That is why we have made it our mission to make our communities healthy, and to work to provide them with excellent evidence-based care for heart disease.
care for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome refers to symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia, which is when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked partially or completely due to buildup of plaque. What this means for Saline County is we are taking heart disease head on, approaching it systematically through guidelines and evidence-based practice.
Saline Health System has provided cardiovascular care for our community for many years. Our Heart & Vascular program has multiple areas within the hospital that focus on testing for and treating heart disease. We provide diagnostic, non-invasive testing and invasive services along with 24/7 call coverage. Heart & Vascular services are provided within a variety of areas throughout the hospital, including the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (invasive testing and interventions), Heart Station (non-invasive testing), emergency department, ambulance service, and on-campus cardiology clinics.
To take on heart disease we need to make sure we are not only caring for patients within the walls of the hospital but also others elsewhere in our communities. I would like to share our approach to the fight against heart disease.
In September 2020, we received our Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Designation through the American College of Cardiology. The American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center accreditation is a quality improvement program designed for hospital teams that are focused on providing efficient and effective
We have created a solid foundation for our Chest Pain Center by forming a multidisciplinary committee to provide the Center with structure and leadership. The executive leadership, medical staff leadership, physician champions and frontline staff members of the chest pain committee are dedicated to providing clinical processes for low risk chest pain, non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions and ST elevation myocardial infarctions. Again, community outreach is key in the fight against heart disease. We currently provide Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC) and a hands-only CPR curriculum in a variety of community settings. This includes but is not limited to education on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, signs and
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symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, early warning signs, and importance of calling 9-1-1. The message we want to get out is that heart attacks, like other diseases, have early signs and symptoms. 50% of patients with heart disease will show such signs, which if recognized can lead to preventive treatment ahead of a heart attack. I would also like to express the importance of not staying home for fear of going to the hospital because of COVID-19. We have taken great measures to provide a safe place for our patients to come for health care. If you are experiencing a heart attack, the following is what you can expect from a percutaneous coronary intervention designation. We work to intervene and stop the heart attack by opening the blockage with a balloon, thrombectomy or stent placement. Time is muscle when you have a blocked artery, and the goal for reperfusion is a door-todevice time of 90 minutes or less. If you call 9-1-1, Saline Memorial Ambulance Service, MedTran, is responsible for your pre-hospital care here in Saline County. It has protocols in place to start treatment on the scene, working to provide first-medicalcontact-to-device times for heart attacks of 90 minutes or less. You can expect the ambulance crew to perform and ECG and treat your chest pain per protocol as they are transporting you to
the hospital. If you are actively having a heart attack, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the ambulance crew will activate a STEMI alert so the cardiologist on call and Cath Lab team can be activated. Once arriving to the emergency department, the cardiac Cath Lab team will take you to the catheterization lab for a diagnostic coronary angiogram with percutaneous intervention to stop the heart attack. When arriving by private vehicle to the hospital with signs and symptoms of a heart attack, protocols are in place to meet our goal of door-to-device time of 90 minutes or less and save that heart muscle. An RN at the front desk will greet you, take your information, and within 10 minutes perform an ECG. If the ECG should show you are having a heart attack, a STEMI alert will be activated. As above, the cardiologist and Cath Lab teams notified of the STEMI will prepare to take you to the cardiac Cath Lab for a diagnostic coronary angiogram with percutaneous intervention to stop the heart attack. But having a Chest Pain Center means your care goes beyond the cardiac catheterization lab once the blockage has been opened and the heart attack stops. You will be admitted to our Acute Care areas where we will provide you post-heart attack care. You will have a team of professionals working to give you excellent evidencebased care and education to make sure your heart muscle function is preserved, to get you on the road to healing and lifestyle changes. We are always working to promote healing and prevention of another heart attack. I leave you with the pledge of Dr. Raymond Bahr, the founder of American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services and leader of the EHAC movement. “I understand that heart attacks have beginnings that may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/ or arm pain, and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. I solemnly swear that if it happens to me or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate our Emergency Medical Services.” Please join Saline Health System and thousands of other individuals in taking Dr. Bahr’s pledge.
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 11
TOGETHER FOR Better. Arkansans appreciate community. We work and raise families. Care for our neighbors. And come together in good times and bad. At First Security, that local strength is what we love best about our home state. There is commitment here. And heart. And hope. Thank you to everyone who is standing together, learning from one another, and making Arkansas a place we all love to call home.
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MERRY & BRIGHT An Arkansas jewelry destination thrives on its three-generation legacy. Baker’s Fine Jewelry in Bryant has built a reputation as the spot for bridal jewelry and custom creations. “People come from all over the state to shop our bridal collection,” says Carla Baggett, daughter of founder Pat Baker. “We also have our own goldsmith in house, so someone can bring in their precious diamond ring heirloom from their grandmother, for example, modernize it and really make it their own.” Pat established the business in 1981 in Warren, with her love of people and fine jewelry in mind. She believes she has always had the “most amazing”
job she could have ever hoped for, helping people find the perfect piece of jewelry for the perfect occasion. In February 2005, Pat made the decision to relocate to Bryant to expand the business with her daughter and granddaughter, Madeline Baggett Dunlap. “When I transitioned the store to Bryant I knew I wanted my daughter and granddaughter to be a part of it. Saline County is a growing county and I knew with my family living here it could only help get our name out in the community,” Pat says. “Warren is small and wasn’t growing in the direction I had envisioned. I also knew
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with a larger and younger population in Saline County with higher incomes, it would only help our business grow to the next level.” Pat and Carla joined forces, becoming partners in the business, with Madeline being their next working hand as the third generation. The three-generation team has worked diligently over the last several years to reach their goals and achieve success. Pat organizes the books and maintains great involvement in the community. Carla is the bridal specialist with an expertise in custom designing, and Madeline does all the social media engagement that drives clientele to the business. Twice a year, the trio travels across the United States to jewelry markets, which allows them to hand select the most updated and fashionable jewelry to bring back home to their clients. During the challenges this year, the business has focused on not giving up, remaining positive and getting creative. “We have had to pull our heads together as a team and get creative with our approach to still reach people and bring people into our store,” Madeline says. “We have taken all precautions and regulations to ensure everyone’s safety by creating appointments, curbside pick-ups and over-the-phone transactions.” Baker’s has built business on trust, integrity and customer service. They pride themselves on membership in the Bryant Rotary, Bryant and Benton chambers of commerce, Independent Jewelers Organization, Arkansas Jewelers, and the Bryant Rotary Kids Closet of Saline County. By supporting local businesses, people support the entire
community, Madeline points out. “We are supporting our community, our city employees, and fire and police department, which allows for a come-together in times that have been so tough. Remember, local small businesses are the ones that support kids’ baseball teams, dance teams and school events.” Pat adds, “We are blessed and forever grateful for our loyal customers who have allowed us to service them for the past 39 years.” Follow Baker’s Fine Jewelry on Facebook at facebook.com/ bakersfinejewelry and Instagram @ bakersfinejewelry to keep up with trends, special announcements and giveaways. Jillian Jacuzzi
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Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 17
A PASSION FOR FASHION Blush Boutique on Military Road in Benton belongs to Sandy and Sarah Baka, longtime Saline County residents. A women’s apparel store, Blush also carries accessories, shoes, candles and paper goods, and is well-known for the lines they carry: Karlie, Chase, Dolce Vita. Sandy is a native of Hot Springs who moved to Benton 24 years ago when her husband opened the Benton Women’s Clinic. She is currently a nurse at the clinic as well as owner of Blush. Sarah graduated from Benton High School in 2011 and attended UCA in Conway, where she studied Biology. Sarah and Sandy love spending time together, and they decided to open
the store so they could do just that. “Our goal is for every woman to feel beautiful and confident while she is in the store. We make the shopping experience personal, and absolutely love getting to know our customers,” said Sarah. “Our store is known for impeccable customer service. We build personal relationships with our shoppers and take time to know them and make a personal connection with them. When a customer walks into the store, we really want to know how they are doing—we aren’t concerned with selling them something. We understand that relationships are what make this business— and community—stronger.” “If we don’t have what our
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shopper needs, we send them to another store here in town that has it. We want people to know we care about them and want to help when we can,” said Sandy. When asked what Blush Boutique is most known for, Sarah laughingly tells the story of the store’s “magic mirror.” Several years ago during a store remodel, a framed mirror was being moved into the store and sustained a crack in the frame, bending the mirror slightly. Sarah said, “We now call it the magic mirror, and people come into the store specifically to take selfies, claiming it makes them look magically better!” Blush Boutique participates in the local Small Business Saturday bingo cards, making holiday shopping even more fun for locals. According to Sarah, the hot holiday items for 2020 are “Sweaters, coats and booties— they are already flying off the shelves. We can’t keep them in stock!” The store’s social media accounts are active: Instagram is a great way to keep informed about store news and the latest merchandise. The store’s handle is @blushofbenton. “We love Saline County so much, especially that it is a community rooted in Christianity,” said Sandy. “I love that Saline County is a close-knit, family-oriented community and there is a strong sense that others are rooting for your business to succeed,” said Sarah. In 2017, Sandy was named Volunteer of the Year by the Junior Auxiliary of Benton. Blush Boutique is commonly a proud sponsor of many local non-profit organizations and events, including the Benton Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club of Saline County
and The John 3:16 Rehabilitation Center. Sandy and Sarah are always excited and honored to partner with local elementary schools for their various fundraising activities. “We support our community and are so thankful for how they have supported us through the years. We look for every way possible to help them out.” Carrie Amox
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 19
Happy Holidays During this holiday season, we wish you all the best.
Brent Jones
News & Community for Saline County Since 2007
Financial Advisor 1107 Ferguson Dr. Benton, AR 72015 501-776-1414 www.edwardjones.com
Email with news or events or ask about advertising: info@mysaline.com
20 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
Member SIPC
IRT-1948E-A
Dear Friends This is my son Max who is now nine years old. When this picture was taken, he was six. Indeed, all he wanted for Christmas were his “two front teeth”. Not long after the picture was taken, Max’s Christmas wish came true. Two healthy, adult/permanent teeth replaced his missing baby teeth. Baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth replace them - for most people.
Restoring my smile, both functionally and cosmetically, required a team approach involving orthodontists, oral surgeons, and restorative dentists. As a child, I wore two sets of braces. During my freshman year of college, I underwent surgery which included grafting bone from my hip and placing multiple dental implants. In fact, I remember going one whole semester of college missing several lower, anterior teeth. Amazingly, this did not inhibit me from flirting with girls, including my future wife, Hannah.
My dental history is a little different. At an early age, probably around six, it was discovered that 12 of my permanent teeth were missing. In other words, they failed to develop. In the dental world, we know this as oligodontia. It is not all that uncommon for a person to have one or two permanent teeth that don’t develop. But 12?
Now all these years later, I know what I’m most grateful for. I can honestly empathize with and relate to my patients who are undergoing any surgical, restorative procedures because I have been there. I have an honest appreciation for the value of healthy teeth, both functionally and cosmetically.
That’s not typical. My situation was more like one in a million.
I am so grateful to have been born today, in a time when we have amazing restorative options.
We have come so far from George Washington’s ivory teeth. While on complicated cases like my own we work closely with excellent specialists and take a team approach, for straight forward implant cases, we can do that in house. We have invested in technology and training that allows us to predictably place and restore dental implants. For those of you in Max’s position who find yourself wanting new teeth for Christmas, give us a call. We can help with that. For those of you who are fortunate to naturally have healthy, beautiful teeth, we would love to help you maintain your smile. Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Don’t forget to floss.
Dr. Clint Fulks, DDS
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MAKING A STATEMENT When Chris Jordan started his clothing company, Stated Apparel, more than a decade ago, selling t-shirts bearing catchy—and in some cases snarky—messages wasn’t his idea of a possible business empire. In fact, it wasn’t even his idea of serious business. “I was in real estate back then and had no desire to get into the apparel business,” Chris said. “But I had a buddy who was making shirts and selling them everywhere we went. It seemed we couldn’t go anywhere without him bringing along some shirts and making $100 selling them everywhere we went. “We both had a shared interest
in the Razorbacks and wanted to have some fun with that, too,” he added. “So we started a little side thing, setting up at places like RiverFest and mall kiosks.” During the fledgling business’ first five years, Jordan says their humorous t-shirts gained a following, and in 2015, he and his family relocated to Bryant where he allowed the business to continue growing organically. “That’s when I realized, ‘Yeah. I guess this is my job now,’” he said. “At that point, I started focusing more on the wholesale side of things.” Move ahead five years, and Stated Apparel’s popularity is through the roof, both in
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Arkansas and across the country. The shirts can be found in stores across 44 states and include the Lake Bum, Smart Mouth and Savannah Grace. “This has all grown so fast, I couldn’t begin to guess what the next three to five years might look like,” he said. Jordan, his wife Casey and their business partner, Adam Barnes, have also expanded to a storefront location in the former Gingles Building in historic downtown Benton. The move allowed the company to be a key part of local business’ efforts to revitalize the downtown area. It also allowed the families to establish roots and demonstrate their commitment to Saline County. “My wife and I have really been focusing on building relationships within the community,” he said. “From opening the store in the Gingles Building to being a part of this amazing revitalization effort, we wanted to share our love of this community with others and show our appreciation as we’ve kept growing.” In the recent months, the Jordan’s have seen their love for Saline County returned their way, following Casey Jordan’s diagnosis with a rare form of NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma (acute lymphoblastic lymphoma). “We’re proud to report (Casey) has had an overwhelming, almost miraculous response to the first few rounds of chemotherapy,” Chris said. “She’s going through this with her head high, but she knows she has a real fight on her hands.” And both Casey and Chris believe that Casey’s strong response to her treatment has
in large part resulted from the support of their friends, loved ones and the people of Saline County. “We’ve said, ‘Thank you’ to so many people, but we can never really say it enough,” he said. “They’re really making a difference in Casey’s and our family’s lives. Every kind word or encouragement given to her is having such an incredible impact on her mental and physical health.” Stated Apparel is located in the former Gingles Building at 145 W. South St. in Benton. You can reach them by phone at 501.794.6363 and online though Facebook, Twitter and at www.statedapparel.com. Charles Crowson
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 23
MORE THAN JUST MEDICINE Bryant Family Pharmacy on Highway 5 is indeed a traditional pharmacy, praised in the community for its efficient service and unique clothing and gift items. The store owners, Jonathan and Bricin Martin, both Bryant natives, are quick to say that their business is all about people. “We’ve been here since we were kids, and it still feels like the same small town, even though it’s grown so much. We both graduated from Bryant High School, and our teachers and classmates from Bryant High School are now our customers.” Their store mascot, the couple’s Portuguese water dog, Finn, is also a fixture in the community. “He is
so well known by our customers— they absolutely love seeing him when they drive up,” said Bricin. Bricin received her undergraduate degree from Arkansas State in Jonesboro, and went on to earn a Master’s degree from UAMS as a Nurse Practitioner. Jonathan also attended UAMS, where he received his Master’s degree in Pharmacy, and both settled back in Saline County, where Jonathan worked at the now-closed USA Drug location in Bryant. A few years later, the Bryant Family Pharmacy doors officially opened April 1, 2013, after many months of hard work, preparation and lots of prayer.
24 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
At that time, Bricin also went to work on the retail side, investing an initial $500 of their own money on inventory, just to see if there would be interest from customers. What they saw at the beginning was interest in clothing, which sold consistently. From there, Bricin branched out into gifts, home décor, accessories, and took her first trip to market. “At first our customers came in for the pharmacy run and made an impulse purchase. Then customers started coming in to shop.” The Bryant Family Pharmacy has several must-have items for anyone on a holiday shopping list. According to Bricin, “Brumate insulated cups are a top seller, as is the Tyler Candle Company laundry detergent—it smells so good! Of course our biggest crowd favorite is the Capri Blue Volcano candle, of which we are the exclusive sellers in Saline County. We have something for everyone and can make the holiday extremely easy!” As business owners, the Martins share that it is easy to find things to appreciate about the Saline County community. “We are always blown away by how this community makes a conscious effort to shop local and support small businesses.” The Martins have attended Midtown Church in Benton for 13 years and believe wholeheartedly that their business came about because of a lot of prayer and a series of events orchestrated to allow them to open their doors. According to Bricin, “The whole story of how we came to own this business is such a God thing!”
Bryant Family Pharmacy proudly supports the local community, which includes the Boys & Girls Club of Bryant and Saline County, the C.A.L.L of Arkansas local chapter, Second Chance Youth Ranch, and sports teams and schools. “Really whatever we can do to help, we want to. If we get a request to support something, we make every effort to make it happen. It’s so important to give back to this community that has been so good to us.” Carrie Amox
Looking for the perfect gift ideas? Custom frame something special for everyone on your list! Tammy Iosbaker | 501-316-4113 216 East Sevier St. Benton, AR 72015 (inside Madison’s of Benton)
@TheFrameMakerAR
Making A List & Checking it Twice -Check off your Christmas list in our Boutique! -
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Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 25
A ONE STOP BABY SHOP A refashioned children’s boutique, formerly known as Lillian Trails, hopes to give downtown Benton shoppers a shop worth throwing a fit over. Accordingly named “Tantrums,” the boutique reopened at the end of October. Like its predecessor, Tantrums provides “all things kiddo,” says owner Kelsi Evans. The shop has children’s apparel and gifts for babies and toddlers through adolescence. If anything, Kelsi says she hopes Tantrums will bring “a bit of happy” to Saline County. “I try my best to give moms their time in the shop,” she says. “My favorite part is loving and playing with the kiddos who come in. We have one sweet boy who has
his mama message us on Instagram to check on his ‘friends’ (my daughters and me) and it just warms my heart.” Kelsi’s hope is that every parent can come and shop knowing Kelsi “gets it”—the ups and downs of parenting and the tantrums in between. “My motto is, let’s read a book or color or dance and let your mom shop.” Kelsi says she just wants Tantrums to be a fun spot for moms and children. “Mommin’ isn’t easy and it takes a village.” She also tries to make sure the price points are affordable while
26 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
remaining competitive. “It’s hard being a small business and competing with big box store prices and that’s always a challenge, but I truly try.” Like many individuals and small businesses, Kelsi has seen challenges this year. Lillian Trails closed its doors pre-pandemic in January for renovation, per the landlord’s request. Weeks turned into months, and then Kelsi learned her store wasn’t included in the renovation plans. After much prayer, another local business owner contacted Kelsi and offered her building space, and Kelsi was off to new adventures. “It was the fastest whirlwind of a month, but I’m totally happy to be back, and the outpouring of love and support from our town is amazing.” Being shut down from January to October was difficult. From being at the house to watching what felt like her business falling apart, Kelsi says a bright spot is she’s grown in many ways. Kelsi got her start in retail at a young age and had always dreamed of having a shop in downtown Benton. She jumped into retail when she worked at Forsyth’s and Kristen Todd in Little Rock with her “Nana” from the time she could work, through college. She worked in medical social work following college until her oldest was headed to kindergarten. What motivates her to keep going are her girls, Sawyer and Harper. “I’ve been thrown a few curveballs this year, and the last thing I want
them to see is their mama giving up,” she says. The girls were some of her biggest cheerleaders when deciding to take the offer to reopen. With the holidays approaching, Kelsi says to look out for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. “We will have 20 percent off all apparel and a chance to win a Kate Spade bag. I always offer promotions during the holiday season—it’s my favorite time of year.” She encourages shoppers to follow Tantrums on social media to keep up with all of the deals: https:// www.facebook.com/Shop.Tantrums. Downtown on Facebook and @shop_ tantrums on Instagram. Jillian Jacuzzi
Throwing a Fit Over
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
20% off all apparel and a chance to win a Kate Spade bag! Peep the social media channels to keep up with all deals/promos!
105 N. Main St • Benton AR 72015 • 501.794.6235 www.shoptantrums.com Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 27
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for your business and friendship
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3348 Main St Ste 200 Bryant, AR 72022 501-847-2231 LCalley@ShelterInsurance.com ® AUTO • HOME • LIFE
28 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
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Merry Christm as!
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 29
STYLE SO GOOD You never want to let a good opportunity go to waste. It’s a good practice in life, just as it is in business. Almost three years ago, Kate Moore and Aimee Brown launched their first business, This Little Piggy, a children’s clothing boutique targeting the niche market of trendy clothing for youngsters living in Saline County. That business began online. But as popularity grew, the two women and their husbands collectively decided it was time to open a physical location. “The building we found just sort of fell in our laps,” Kate said. That building was the historic Bush Building in the heart of downtown
Benton. Known as the “Iron Palace” for its iron storefront, it had been the home to many businesses since its construction in the 1880’s. And that’s where things got interesting for Kate and Aimee, who intended to open and focus on their original business venture, This Little Piggy. “In addition to opening our store for children’s apparel, we ended up inheriting a women’s clothing store (formerly McClain & Co.), which was also open in the building,” Aimee said. They decided to keep the women’s boutique, and within two months, the partners changed that store’s name to SoCo South + CoCo (named
30 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
for their children) and operate SoCo and Piggy to complement one another. “We never dreamt of having a women’s store,” Kate said. “Our idea was all about kids’ clothing, and this turned out to be a great opportunity. We were nervous at first since this wasn’t the plan, but I think it’s worked out well for us and our customers.” Since the previous owner only used half of the Bush Building for the existing women’s store and Kate and Aimee intended to use the other half for their store, the question became, why not combine the two and market to both children and their families? “When you look at it from the street, it looks like two separate stores, each with its own entrance,” Kate said. “After you come in, though, we’ve set things up to allow customers to pass through from one store to the other. We have some remodeling ideas we want to put in place, but it’s time consuming, and with COVID, we have to be patient.” Kate and Aimee currently work with two buyers who help with clothing selections to coordinate with their children’s products. “Working with them has been amazing,” Kate said. “We couldn’t have asked for two better people to be in business with.” As projected, Kate and Aimee said the two boutiques play well off one another, with families coming in to shop for everyone in one location. “One of the perks to having the locations side-by-side, is that a mother may come in to shop for a child’s outfit for family pictures,”
Aimee said. “While here, she’ll be able to find a matching outfit for herself. It wasn’t something we necessarily planned, and it works out great.” SoCo has continued growing consistently since moving into the space in 2018. The boutique offers brands like Pistola Jeans, Dolce Vita and Steve Madden, along with skin care products from Capri Blue. SoCo Boutique is located at 117 South St. in downtown Benton. Reach them at 501.337.3027, or visit them online at www.shopthislittlepiggy. com. Charles Crowson
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 31
KEEPING KIDDOS CUTE Where two moms saw the need, they found the way. That’s how Kate Moore and Aimee Brown describe their inspiration to launce This Little Piggy (TLP) children’s boutique and clothier. “I have four children, and Aimee has two. We’d been talking about it with our husbands for years, but the time never seemed right,” Kate said. “When my husband (country music singer/songwriter, Justin Moore) and I had our fourth child, a little boy, he saw how I was struggling to find clothes and was ordering everything online. Aimee and I talked again, this time deciding, ‘Let’s do this.’” Convincing Justin, and Aimee’s husband, Ross, took a little more time, but the four agreed to give it a shot
by first starting as an online business. “Our husbands are heavily involved with this, and this really is a partnership with the four of us,” Aimee said. “In fact, they thought of the store name. It comes from their love of the Arkansas Razorbacks, but it’s also a play on the children’s game.” As online sales grew and This Little Piggy developed a following, the families decided it was time to find a storefront. They purchased the historic Bush Building (built in 1883) in downtown Benton, and in September 2018,
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This Little Piggy opened its doors. “The [Bush] building is so cool with a lot of its original architecture and design still in place,” Kate said. “An interesting twist also came along when we bought [the Bush Building],” Aimee added. “In addition to opening our store, we inherited a women’s clothing store (formerly McClain & Co.), which was also open in the building.” The families chose to keep that boutique, too, and just a few months later, SoCo was in business. “That name comes from two of our children,” Kate said. “My son’s name is South, and Aimee’s youngest daughter is named Conlee. It was a nice fit.” Kate and Aimee both come from retail backgrounds, and both admitted to some serious nerves when the day came to open This Little Piggy. “That day we were getting ready, and I turned to my husband and said, ‘What if no one shows up?’” Kate said. “He encouraged me, saying not to worry and that everything would work out. I needed to hear that.” As it turns out, Kate’s husband was right. “We opened for just four hours on a Sunday,” Kate said. “It that time, we did what we would normally do on a Black Friday. It was amazing, and we’ve kept going from there.” Aimee said This Little Piggy’s customer base has grown since opening, and the two women are consistently busy balancing their businesses with their families and other responsibilities. She added that their
stores have continued performing well during the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot of businesses have struggled these past few months, and while things have been different, we’ve kept things steady,” she said. To attract those customers looking for trendier fashion choices for their children, This Little Piggy offers brands like Ugg’s Boots & Shoes, Pink Chicken, Nativ, Joe’s Jeans and Jelly Cat. The boutique is located at 117 South St. in the heart of downtown Benton. They can be reached at 501.337.3027, or you can visit them online at www.shopthislittlepiggy. com Charles Crowson
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 33
IT’S ABOUT TO GET WILD Chris Jordan knows what sells. For the past decade, he and his wife Casey have owned and operated a successful screen-printing business, Stated Apparel. Throughout the years, their business has grown from mall kiosks to a wildly successful online store supported by an 8,000 squarefoot warehouse and a staff of twenty employees. Their business is now the parent company for multiple apparel brands inspired by local flavor that ship all across the country. With the great success of their business, Chris and Casey began dreaming of the next evolution of their brand and Wild Boutique was born. “We are a part of a close-knit community,” explains Chris. “Every business owner pulls together to
support one another and that kind of attitude has helped our downtown evolve. When we dreamed about our brick and mortar boutique, I pictured my business downtown and seeing everyone pull in the same direction. It’s been cool to see downtown become a destination spot. We are a hip downtown.” Wild Boutique pop-up shop opened in November, and the storefront is slated to open in spring of 2021. Located at 102 North Market Street in downtown Benton, the new boutique offers a modern, aesthetically pleasing vibe for customers of all walks of life. No matter your price point, Wild Boutique has a range of apparel, accessories and shoes that speaks to nearly everyone’s style.
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Lyndsey Taylor is the marketing director for Stated Apparel as well as a buyer and an influencer for Wild Boutique. Her eye for trends and her attention to detail have inspired the look and feel of the new boutique’s brand. When it comes to her style influences, she says, “I stay on top of boutiques on the west coast and in New York. We are looking for things that Arkansas is usually the last to have.” For Lyndsey, the timing to lead the marketing efforts for Wild Boutique could not have come at a better time. After growing up near all the glitz and fashion of the pageant world in Arkansas and owning her store for years, she jumped at the chance to support a new fashion endeavor. “Literally everything about this job makes me excited,” said Lyndsey. “I’ve always dreamed of influencing a boutique like this and in this location.” Her must haves for this fall are denim jackets, 90s combat boots, and loungewear; all of which you can find at Wild Boutique. The boutique will also sell Stated Apparel brand favorites, Savannah Grace and Smart Mouth. Wanting to keep the local feel, Chris and Casey’s vision for the new boutique remains simple and authentic. “At Wild Boutique, we understand trends,” says Lyndsey. “There’s something for everyone.” “We have a really talented team,” said Chris. “The boutique will appeal to a multifaceted audience. You can shop and follow looks from Lyndsey, Catarenna, Maddy and Stephanie
at Wild Boutique. On social, we will showcase their personalities, authentically, in a reality-televisionstyle and host sales on Facebook Live. We’ll showcase the work in our boutique and warehouse business. We are excited to see our audiences grow.” To find out more about Wild Boutique, find them online at shopwild.online. You can follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ shopwildonline/ and Instagram @ shopwild.online. Each week, they will offer a chance for their followers to win giveaways. Be sure to shop local and stay wild! Ashley Leopoulos
Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 35
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INSURANCE INSIGHT How to Manage Movie Moments
By Dennia Beard, State Farm Insurance
“I think you have a problem,” my daughter said to me one early night last November as I bounced from the bedroom to the den, alternating between wrapping gifts and watching a holiday movie I’d seen at least twice before. “A problem?” I said distractedly, adjusting the bright gold bow I’d just placed atop a festively wrapped gift. “Yes,” she replied, half-joking and half-genuinely concerned. “All these Christmas movies! You’re obsessed! You might have a problem.” I paused to consider her words.
Watching Christmas movies is a problem? Okay, I watch a lot during the holidays, but what’s wrong with that? I like them. I rattled this reasoning to her and went back to wrapping and watching. While I don’t think I am holiday movie obsessed, I couldn’t help but wonder why I really do like these movies so much. Of course I love the positive messages that are so often found; I do also love the holiday classics that show us the calamity of the holiday season. And, while one hopes no one actually has to endure these
disasters, they sure are fun to watch! Ever wonder whether if one of those movie debacles ever happened in real life, insurance would cover it? Remember when Uncle Lewis lit his cigar a little too close to the Grizzwold’s Christmas tree in Christmas Vacation and it caught on fire? Fortunately, they were able to keep this fire under control, but what if this had happened in real life? Well, homeowner’s insurance will pay for damages or destruction by fire and other disasters listed on your policy for your structure. The personal property coverage portion of your home insurance would cover any gifts or household items. Your homeowner’s insurance could also cover additional living expenses from living away from your home if necessary because you are unable to live in your home due to fire. One of my very favorite holiday movies of all time is Home Alone. Little Kevin McCallister was my childhood hero as I watched him defend his home from burglars after accidentally being left behind. In reality, there likely wouldn’t be traps set up outside to create slippery surfaces for our guests to slip on, but it is certainly realistic to think that someone could slip on an ice-covered sidewalk causing an injury accident on your
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Of course I love the positive messages that are so often found; I do also love the holiday classics that show us the calamity of the holiday season. property. This is where your liability protection of your homeowner’s insurance would cover you. Policies could also include a medical payments provision that can be used for medical expenses of those injured. The jokes in this next movie are just as funny for adults as they are for kids. It was a gigantic moment when Tim Allen’s character in The Santa Clause heard, “You put on the suit, you’re the big guy.” But he put on the suit, forever becoming Santa, because the Santa before him fell off the roof. If someone other than a resident of the house falls off the roof, your homeowners insurance could cover it. If you hired a professional Christmas light installer, their business should have an insurance policy or worker’s comp policy that will cover the fall and resulting injuries. It would be a good idea to make sure they have such insurance before they start work. But if you fell off your own roof, you would need to take a look at your own health insurance for coverage. Homeowner’s coverage doesn’t cover injuries to members of the household. So, in case you’re not holiday movie obsessed like I am, I hope you can agree that insurance policies are important to own. They not only protect you in the event of an unfortunate situation, but they can also provide you peace of mind, so you can focus on what really matters. This fun walk through movie memory lane should serve as a cue that there really can be magic (and danger) in the holiday season.
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Dennia Beard, Agent 1408 Military Road Benton, AR 72015 501-778-6066 www.insurebenton.com SERVICES: Auto Insurance Home and Property Insurance Life InsuranceHealth Insurance Banking Products Annuities Mutual Funds
Over the next few weeks, let’s get obsessed and watch a couple of these flicks with our family and friends, and thank our lucky stars that we won’t be experiencing a Christmas quite like those film families did. I wish you all a very happy holiday season. Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 39
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Lifestyle
Taking the First Step By Chad Denmon, Pastor at New Life Church
While reminiscing about 2020, there are a lot of feelings and thoughts that come to mind (not all good). I would assume that most of you would feel the same way. But when I think about Christmas, there is so much HOPE that comes with this time of the year. Why? Simply put, because of Jesus and all that He has given us. He fills our lives with the hope of His love, peace, joy, grace and forgiveness. I don’t know about you, but I need His forgiveness! Christmas is all about a gift exchange, right? You will get gifts and you will give them. We should look at the inaugural Christmas in that way as well. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.“ Ephesians 2:8. We need to know that forgiveness is not a gift just to be received; it’s also a gift to give away. This is illustrated in Colossians 3:13 as it reads, “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Forgiving others is a complex topic. So to understand what it is, let’s talk about what it is not. Some think forgiveness is forgetting what happened. Nope! It’s forgiving while you still remember. Unforgiveness is
like a ball and chain that you carry around. It will exhaust you, while also potentially hurting those around you. Others might think that forgiveness is trusting again. That, also, is not always the case. Trust may or may not ever be earned again. But forgiveness can still be given, even without renewed trust. It could be thought that by offering forgiveness, you are demeaning the offense. For example, “I guess it wasn’t that bad” or “that didn’t hurt so bad.” It’s ok to say it was bad, or that it did indeed hurt. That’s why you remember it. Jesus never downgraded our sin to forgive us. I’m reminded of a story of a Christmas truce. On Christmas Eve, 1914, in World War 1, the French, Germans and British soldiers made a truce. It started when the British and French heard the Germans singing “Silent Night.” After singing, the Germans started yelling out “Merry Christmas” and ultimately started walking towards their enemies. The British thought it was a trick but when they saw their weapons were down they reluctantly walked toward them too. They all started singing together in their native languages. They exchanged simple gifts like food and trinkets as they sang together.
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“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..” Ephesians 2:8. Interestingly enough, the next day when the war commenced, the generals couldn’t get the soldiers to fight each other again. So the commanding officers literally had to reassign them to different fronts. It is important for us to know that forgiveness can be even more powerful than war. There are three things worth noting from this story: First off, someone had to take the first step. From there, they all had to drop their weapons. What weapons would you need to drop in order to give or receive forgiveness? Then finally, they focused on what united them. It was their faith. Let us stay in a place where we remember the forgiveness that Jesus has given to us. That way we can give forgiveness to those around us. I’m thankful that Jesus took the first step towards me; aren’t you?
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Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition • 41
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TIME TO MOVE FORWARD By: Justin S. Elrod, Certified Elder Law Attorney, The Elrod Firm Unless you know someone who has been living in a cave for the past twelve months, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single person who isn’t happy to see 2020 come to a close. Most people would agree that COVID-19 tops the list of horrible things the world faced. The record number of infections, the overwhelming number of hospitalizations, and the staggering number of deaths were bad enough. When you add to that the widespread shutdowns of businesses and restaurants and the devastating economic impact the disease had in America and around the world, it’s hard to imagine how it could have been worse. The world economy shrank more this year than at any point since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Unfortunately, though, the coronavirus was not the only troubling thing to hit in 2020. No matter where your loyalties lie, you’d probably agree that this year brought serious political tension, highlighted by only the third presidential impeachment in the history of our nation. Civil unrest was high, with protests breaking out from coast to coast. Tension was high internationally as well.
Across the globe, we saw bombings, terrorist attacks, and plane crashes. Don’t forget the natural disasters. Wildfires in Australia and in the western part of the United States brought severe devastation. Cyclone Amphan in India forced the evacuation of more than 4 million people and caused over $13 billion in damage. Multiple hurricanes ravaged Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. There were earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods—and now we have “murder hornets” in the US! With 2020 also came the deaths of several prominent figures that were heroes to many, from Kobe Bryant to Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Chadwick Boseman. Yes, most would agree, 2020 can’t come to an end soon enough. If we didn’t know it already, 2020 should have taught us that we all need a plan. It’s almost impossible to predict the future, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan for it. First and foremost, 2020 has prompted many to prepare healthcare directives with a sense of urgency, and rightfully so. When it comes to healthcare directives, you need to have three things: 1) a healthcare power
42 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
of attorney, 2) a medical records release to deal with HIPAA, and 3) a living will or advance directive. Each of these three documents does something different, so you can’t get by with just one or two. The healthcare power of attorney authorizes a person of your choosing to make healthcare decisions for you (big or small) when you cannot make them for yourself because of age, accident, or illness. But to ensure this person (called an agent) can obtain all the important health information he or she might need to make those decisions, you must have a medical records release of some kind to deal with the HIPAA restrictions your agent may face. And to guide your healthcare agent through the decisions he or she must make when it comes to end-of-life care specifically, you should also have a living will or advance directive. It is in this document that most people choose to state their desire that they not be left on machines if they are ever deemed permanently unconscious with no hope of recovery. Healthcare directives are important— now more than ever—but your planning shouldn’t stop there. Another crucial document to have before you
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need it is a general durable power of attorney. This is the document that will allow a person of your choosing to make business and financial decisions on your behalf when you cannot handle those matters for yourself because of age, accident, or illness. From there, planning can go in different directions based on your age, the make-up of your family, and your mix of assets.
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Some people need to have a Last Will and Testament to make sure the right person is in place to take care of their minor children. Others need to aggressively plan to stay out of an expensive and time-consuming probate court process through the use of a Living Trust or other estate planning strategies. Still others need more specialized planning because they see the possible need for long-term care around the corner and they don’t want to risk going broke in a nursing home. Every family is different, so every plan is different. But no matter what stage of life you’re in, and no matter what year it is, you need a plan.
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44 • Saline County Lifestyles • Holiday Edition
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