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.
1 Medical Park Drive | Benton, AR | SalineMemorial.org
Take a moment wherever you are and look around. What do you see? Did you know that at one point or another most everything you see was shipped on a truck? I am here to tell you about a whole other world that not many people know of. Trucking. and what it takes to get products on the shelf. Getting products from point A to point B may sound simple but for me, its become a way of life. When people ask what I do for a living and how did I get started. I always think of the quote by John F. Kennedy.
“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly� My name is Tiffany Riddell. I am 34 years old from Stuttgart, AR. I have been in the trucking industry for the last 15 years. As
a broker I have a fierce passion to provide logistical solutions in highly stressful situations, to serve our clients, customers, and carriers. Some of what I do every day includes negotiating freight rates, maintaining and developing relationships, dispatching and tracking shipments, ensuring on-time pickups and deliveries. I love learning and reading new things about the trucking industry. I enjoy the wonderful relationships we have made with our carriers and most of all our customers. I am very fortunate to be able to work with my partner in life Whitney Witcher. She is the yin to my yang, she organizes and makes all pickup and delivery appointments, builds our shipments, and makes sure all the information I dispatch out to the drivers is accurate. I could not do what I do without her, we truly do make a dynamic duo, her diligent work is what makes our office successful.
Partnering with P Clark gives us the ability day in and day out to be a part of something meaningful. Meaningful in the sense that everything we do, every shipment that we touch, every customer that we talk to, and every time with collaborate with a teammate from issue to a solution, it has a purpose and makes a difference. Pam - I am honored to call you my friend, my mentor, and my business partner. We took this leap of faith together to create a company that I am honored to be apart of, we are very blessed to have such a wonderful place to grow and call home.
- Tiffany Riddell
EDITOR’S LETTER
According to Mark Twain, if you ever have to eat a live frog, it’s best done first thing in the morning. I know this scenario is incredibly unlikely, but it’s good advice nonetheless. You might be asking, “Why would I eat a frog first thing in the morning?” But think of it: you could go through the rest of your day knowing the hardest task was already behind you. On what to-do list items are you most tempted to procrastinate? What goals have you had forever but not yet taken the first step towards accomplishing? What difficult decision have you been delaying? Those are your frogs! I suggest doing these worst tasks first—and by “worst,” I mean “most important.” It’s those tasks that can have the greatest positive impact on your life and results at that moment. First thing in the morning your mind is clear, the office is quiet, and you haven’t been pulled into twenty different directions—yet! Getting things done is a habit, and if you start every day off by accomplishing something important, you have already won. I get it; this might be a hard habit to swallow (sorry, I couldn’t resist). A good habit isn’t always easy to establish, especially a habit of doing first the things you want to do least. But if you want to win the day, you have to attack the day! This edition of Saline County Lifestyles features a few local frogeating business owners. COVID-19 has undoubtedly made owning a business a difficult feat, so one can only imagine the efforts it would take to keep multiple companies thriving. That is exactly what these owners have accomplished and their efforts deserve our attention. For the rest of us, the satisfaction of having achieved something, big or small, will help us stay focused, productive and motivated to keep achieving. So it’s time to eat that frog! Your town. Your life. Your magazine.
JOSH ELROD Publisher & Editor
2021 Volume 14, Issue 1
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod
jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com
ART DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com
CONTRIBUTORS Contributing Writers
Carrie Amox Dennia Beard Carolyn Buckner Cody Calhoun Charles Crowson Justin Elrod Jillian Jacuzzi Marietta McClure Nate Olson Gina Simpson 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
CONTENTS
A NEW Farmers Bank & Trust Branch SERVING BENTON & BRYANT NOW OPEN ON HIGHWAY 5
BENTON PARKS & REC
NOTES FROM DR SAM
FITNESS TIPS
HEALTH UPDATE
+MyFarmers iTeller ITM with expanded weekday and Saturday hours. BODIDDLE’S THE BARBER BODIDDLE’S WINE & SPIRITS
04 07 08 10 38 12 16 22 26 32 36 38 40 42
SECOND CHANCE YOUTH RANCH FAMILY CHURCH BRYANT KIDSOURCE THERAPY REACH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HABITAT RESTORE RIVERSIDE GROCERY RIVERSIDE CATERING
INSURANCE INSIGHT
FAITH FOCUS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
MyFarmers.Bank
BUILDING A LEGACY
Saline County Lifestyles • 3
A PLAN IN PLACE In business, as in life, it’s always good to have a Plan B. Sure, we construct a roadmap to give ourselves the best shot at a successful outcome, but it’s always smart to have an alternate route, just in case. In any given year, Stephanie Jones, Director of Benton Parks and Recreation, operates with that Plan A/Plan B approach. Serving more than 10,000 community members through a variety of programs and events designed to promote physical and mental health, she knows things don’t always go according to design, and being nimble is an important part of the job. Take, for instance, the entire year of 2020 and the response to COVID-19. “2020 was challenging to say the least. It seems like we always had a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C,” she said. “Like the rest of the country, we had
4 • Saline County Lifestyles
to take a close look at everything and begin making assessments due to the pandemic. This required us to be creative in the program offerings we made while also following the guidelines set out by the Arkansas Department of Health.” Like most of America, things in Saline County stopped momentarily 10 months ago, as leaders wrapped their minds around the crisis and began calculating responses. When things began reopening slowly in early spring, a lot of outdoor activities carried on, but at a reduced scale. “We had to draw back on the number of participants while putting in place different cleaning and sanitizing measures at activity sites,” Jones said. “With a sport like softball, we had to clean dugouts frequently between team uses, and we were forced to switch fields frequently. We were able to get the season in, but we did so while focusing on the safety
of everyone who was involved.” Jones admits, even in the face of COVID-19, Benton Parks and Recreation had a positive and successful year. A lot of the credit, she said, can be attributed to the partnership and open communication with Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Health. “We know several states took different approaches, but under Governor Hutchinson who values physical activity and personal health, we saw that it was still possible for children and adults to remain active even through the pandemic, as long as we were able to do so safely,” Jones said. “What’s been so positive about working with the Arkansas Department of Health has been how quickly they respond to our program proposals,” she added. “We’ve been able to submit our plans for specific events or programs weeks before the scheduled start. The
“We’re aware of what the pandemic will require in terms of our attentiveness, and we’re ready to make changes if and when they arise.” Department will review those plans quickly and make recommendations, and we’re able to make revisions and resubmit for approval.” And because of that close working relationship with the State, Jones said Benton Parks and Recreation was able to plan for projected positive case spikes in the fall and winter while also looking ahead to what she hoped would be a smooth 2021. “I can’t say enough about how
who make adjustments so well and so quickly when needed. I’m really proud of them.” So with many lessons learned and 2020 now in the rearview mirror, what’s in store for 2021? “We’re excited about the coming year,” Jones said. “We’re aware of what the pandemic will require in terms of our attentiveness, and we’re ready to make changes if and when they arise.”
well our staff has adapted during the past year. We have great team members
Saline County Lifestyles • 5
Among the upcoming events for February and March, Parks and Rec is planning:
• Rising Stars Session 2: February 2nd-February 25th • Father/Daughter Date Night: February 6th • Junior Team Tennis: March 1st-April 22nd • Tennis for Tots: March 1st-March 25th • Adaptive Baseball: March 2nd-March 30th • St. Patrick’s 5K/Fun Run: March 13th While the schedule appears full, Jones says program and event size will play a major role in their success. “Our program and event sizes can vary so much,” she said. “If it’s our Tennis For Tots class for three-year-old’s, we won’t have more than four students enrolled per session. But a larger event like a tournament or a run can have more than a thousand on hand.” With event size, social distancing and the threat of viral spread still running top-of-mind for almost everyone, Jones said her team is already planning for a possible Plan B regarding the St. Patrick’s 5k/Fun Run in mid-March. “We already have [an alternative] plan in place to conduct the event runs virtually and ask that our participants input their run times online so they can be counted,” she said. “We can’t say that these things are easy, but our goal is to keep our community involved and engaged in activities benefiting their physical and mental health.” For more information about Benton Parks and Recreation, go to www. bentonar.org/departments/parksrec or call 501.776.5970. Charles Crowson
6 • Saline County Lifestyles
FOR 2021 ILL F D N PON LAO C U
Last Day to Purchase November 24, 2021 at noon
Coupons Expire November 30, 2021
Good Day, I hope this note finds you well. I grew up in the 1940s and 1950s in rural east Arkansas. As you know, there was no such thing as Walmart or Family Dollar Stores. But in many small towns, especially those with an agricultural base, the mercantile was the go-to place for goods and services. Often, mercantile stores owners were the same families who owned the land, the cotton gins, the sawmills, and the banks. By the 1950s, these all-in-one stores were slowly being replaced by separate grocery, clothing, hardware, and auto parts stores. In the late 19th century, Emerson Conner created Conner Mercantile Co. in Augusta, Arkansas. For fifty-plus years Conner Mercantile dominated that small town’s economy. My father first worked as a rice farmer sharecropper for the Conners, and when they did away with that system he spent the rest of his professional life as a manager for the company. Each week, he totaled up the hours the men in his crew had worked and took those tallies to the mercantile to fill out the pay envelopes he then distributed to the men. To me, a small child who lived in
the country, it was a great treat to go into town with my parents and visit the Mercantile. I can clearly remember the smells emanating from the cavernous place. As we left our truck and approached the big glass front doors, the aroma of freshly ground coffee, leather goods, tobacco, fruits, candies, and perfumes fused in an exotic brew. Everything I could think of worth buying lay within the four walls of that store. In the center of the room was a raised platform with an office where all the money exchanges occurred. Above the platform, a large skylight further accentuated the importance of this spot. By the time I was five, my father let me roam the store while he did his work. I spent this precious time wandering around, immersing myself in the colors and smells. There were open wooden barrels of saltine crackers, candies, apples, and nuts. If I was lucky, I would catch the eye of one of the ladies working the floor and she would give me a candy. There were large bolts of brightly-colored material that someone’s mother would turn into clothes. In the mid-section of the store were fifty-pound bags of flour, corn meal, rice, and beans.
Near the backdoor was the area where trappers brought in their raccoon, rabbit, muskrat, and mink skins. At Christmas, we spent a good deal of time picking up pecans; when we had accumulated sufficient poundage, we took these to the same back area of the store and redeemed them for our Christmas money. The last time I was in the Conner Mercantile was in the early 1950s, over sixty-five years ago. But those sense memories remain almost as powerful now as they were then. Have a Good Journey, 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.
Saline County Lifestyles • 7
ACTIVE
Lifestyle
FITNESS TIPS Back to the Basics
By Marietta McClure, Head Trainer, McClure Fitness
Over the years I’ve covered many topics related to fitness, healthy eating, workout trends and even how to work out while pregnant. I feel the need to get back to the basics: how to get healthy and stay healthy. Let’s cover the two most basic questions: How many times a week should I work out to lose weight? How many calories should I eat to lose weight? How many times a week should I work out to lose weight? To lose weight, you’ve got to work out at least five times a week for more than 30 minutes. (Not exactly what you wanted to hear, I know.) Here is what you need to do to get healthy and shed those pesky pounds, whether you’ve got 50 pounds to lose or just ten. • Exercise five times a week for AT LEAST 45 minutes; 60 minutes is ideal. • Start slow with two workouts a week and add an additional workout every two weeks. • During the workout, push yourself to get uncomfortable and stay there briefly, then take a short break and jump back in. • Soreness is good! Don’t lie on the couch the next day; get moving again and the soreness will disappear! 8 • Saline County Lifestyles
• Be proud of yourself for trying something new. Your body was created to MOVE. It will reward you with renewed energy, focus, a great mood and a slimmer waistline.
Soreness is good! Don’t lie on the couch the next day; get moving again and the soreness will disappear! One important thing to point out is that all workouts are not equal. I’ve gotten slack for saying this in the past but it is a hard truth you’ll have to accept if you are finally ready to lose weight. 45 minutes of walking is very different than 45 minutes of a HIIT workout. High Intensity Interval Training or “HIIT” is the new name for a basic workout like a bootcamp or intervals class. You’ll alternate between cardio and strength training, which is the best use of your time to burn fat and keep/build muscle. I highly recommend finding a class or online program that specializes in these HIIT workouts if your goal is to lose weight. Stick to the basics: keep moving
and watch your body change! How many calories should I eat to lose weight? After years of running weight loss challenges, I’ve found that the ideal calorie intake for weight loss in females is to multiply your goal weight times 11 (never EVER go below 1,500 calories). For men, multiply your goal weight times ten. FEMALE
150LBS
GOAL WEIGHT
X 11 =
1,650 CALORIES A DAY
MALE
185LBS
GOAL WEIGHT
X 10 =
1,850 CALORIES A DAY
Your metabolism is a furnace— keep feeding the fire!
50 HIGH KNEE RUN
50 PUSH UPS
50 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
50 SIT UPS
• Each meal should be around 250-400 calories. • Eat four to five of these small meals throughout the day. • Aim for “five-a-day” fruits and vegetables. • Always eat breakfast to jumpstart your daily metabolism. • Your last meal of the day should be two hours before bedtime. This system will keep you on track for losing about a pound a week. Slow and steady wins the race. This is a lifestyle you’re creating, not a crash diet where you’ll gain all the weight (plus more) back as soon as you quit. Stick to the basics. Eat healthy and watch your body change! Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Don’t compare yourself to a past version of yourself, whether it was a year ago or ten years ago. Healthy looks different on everyone! Basic HIIT Workout Start with 50 reps, go through the entire set, then do 40, 30, 20, 10. 50 JUMPING JACKS
50 SQUATS
Saline County Lifestyles • 9
HEALTHY
Lifestyle
HEALTH UPDATE A Healthy Heart—Nothing Beats It
By Jeannie Otts R.T. (R) (CV) (ARRT), Cardiac Cath Lab Director, SMH
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America, and Arkansas is third in the country for the most deaths related to heart disease. Approximately 750,000 people in the U.S. have heart attacks each year, and of those, about 116,000 die. While these numbers are staggering, statistics show that by recognizing the early signs of a heart attack or stroke and taking action, many of these deaths could be prevented. In honor of February being heart month, we’re working to educate our community on how to prevent a heart attack, how to recognize the early signs, and what to do if you or someone you know has a heart attack. Saving lives starts with understanding who is at risk for having a heart attack and recognizing who around you may be affected.
What are the RISK FACTORS? These are the general risk factors. Discuss your risk with your doctor. • Intermittent chest pain, pressure, burning, aching, or tightness • A family history of cardiovascular disease • High blood pressure • Overweight status or obesity • Sedentary lifestyle • Using tobacco products • Metabolic disease, diabetes or other illnesses 10 • Saline County Lifestyles
• For women it can also include birth control pills, a history of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or having a low birth weight baby
What is the difference? MEN vs WOMEN Some heart attack symptoms can be different between men and women. Why does it matter? Women may be less likely to seek immediate medical care, which can cause more damage to the heart. • Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm or side of chest, but in women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. • Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous. • Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw. • Women may think their stomach pain is the flu, heartburn or an ulcer. M E N’S ODDS OF S U RVIVI NG A CAR DIAC EVE NT WE R E 23% H IG H E R THAN WOM E N’S
23%
What are ATYPICAL PRESENTATIONS? In an atypical presentation, the signs and symptoms are different. How? The patient may not complain about pain or pressure in the chest. Be alert for the following: • A sharp or “knife-like” pain that occurs with coughing or breathing. • Pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body. • Difficult or labored breathing. Understanding the Early Signs of Heart Attack The next step towards saving lives is to understand the early signs of a heart attack and what to do if you experience them. These signs include: Chest Discomfort - Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body - Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in either or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath - This can occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs - Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Together with the American Heart
IF YOU DO MISS THE EARLY SIGNS AND SOMEONE COLLAPSES, IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY CALM, CALL 9-1-1 AND BEGIN HANDS-ONLY CPR. Association, Saline Health System is asking people to take the EHAC (Early Heart Attack Care) Pledge from the Deputy Heart Attack Program from the American College of Cardiology. This pledge states: “I understand that heart attacks have beginnings that may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, shoulder and/ or arm pain, and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. I solemnly pledge that if it happens to me or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate our Emergency Medical Services.” If you do miss the early signs and someone collapses, it’s important to stay calm, call 9-1-1 and begin hands-only CPR. It takes just minutes to learn, but you could be adding years to someone’s life. If an AED is available, deploy it as soon as possible. AED’s provide easy to follow verbal instructions in order to help someone. If you’re interested in learning more about hands-only CPR, visit heart.org/handsonlycpr.
As the Cardiac Cath Lab Director, I’m passionate about making our communities healthier by providing education, resources and support around heart care. Learn more about heart care in our community by visiting salinememorial.org/heart-vascular. Information for this article provided by the American College of Cardiology Deputy Heart Attack Program and the American Heart Association.. Saline County Lifestyles • 11
E’S TH BODI DDL
E BAR B E
Hometown, local, family man and entrepreneur are a few words that come to mind when you think of Carl West, but most just simply know him as “Bodiddle.” For more than a century, the Green family name has been synonymous with business in Benton. From manufacturing, retail, and commercial development, the West’s have been instrumental in the city’s and Saline County’s growth since arriving in Central Arkansas in the mid-19th Century. “We have been here since the Chisholm Trail came through,” said Carl West. “My grandfather had sawmills, gas stations and a liquor store here back in the 1920’s. At one of his first locations, he started putting milk and bread on the shelves, creating the first convenience store of its kind in the area and was located where the Big Red now sits.” The family still calls Saline County home, and Carl West carries on his family’s legacy. As a board member of
R
the Benton Chamber of Commerce and the owner of both Bodiddle’s Wine & Spirits and Bodiddle’s Barber at 1611, you could say entrepreneurship and commitment to community are in his blood.
MERRY & BRIGHT
AS THE OWNER OF BOTH BODIDDLE’S WINE & SPIRITS AND BODIDDLE’S BARBER AT 1611, YOU COULD SAY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY ARE IN HIS BLOOD. “I’ve been here my whole life, and honestly, I can’t remember not working,” he said. “I’ve been mowing lawns since I was 12. I also remember helping with home remodeling when I was a kid, and I’m still involved with that today. “If you can make a dollar doing it, odds are I’d try it,” he added.
12 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
Opening his own liquor store in January 2017, “it was a pretty nerveracking time” he stated. “I started with a soft opening in 2016, just a few months before officially opening the store in order to get a feel for how
BO I D DL WI N E D & S PI RE’S ITS
things might go in the beginning. Keeping things in the family, as Carl is wont to do, he opened Bodiddle’s Wine & Spirits in the former Bass Pro Shop location at 1611 Military Road, a building his family constructed on in 1978. “We certainly didn’t start off as the biggest store in town” he said. “It was difficult to get full cases of products for the shelves, but we kept pushing forward. Today, we carry a large selection of brands and products.” With business doing well at Bodiddle’s, West began looking for his next opportunity a few years later. With longtime staple Young’s Jewelers flanking the liquor store as a tenant to one side, a vacant space in the building set West’s mind to wandering. “I was thinking about opening a bar there,” he said. “It wasn’t going to be a traditional bar, but instead, a spot where someone could come and hang out, maybe work remotely, if they wanted.”
After pursuing a few ideas that didn’t seem to be the correct fit, West got a suggestion from Shelley Platt, a local business owner of Rumors Hair Design in Benton. West and Platt began to trade business ideas during his visits to the salon. “When he’d come in to get his hair cut, we’d often discuss business opportunities and soon determined we had a very similar approach to business.” she said. “Carl had a friend who was trying to open a barber shop,” she added. “I suggested he open the barber shop in his vacant space Always open to a good idea, West didn’t immediately say, “no.” He knew his strength was marketing
and promotion, while Shelley’s strength was the salon business. “Shelley, having a successful salon business since its opening in 2006”, I told her, “I don’t know anything about running a barber shop” but she assured me we could make it work.” From there, the second location in
2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles • 13
the Bodiddle’s empire was born with the Barber Shop at 1611, located next to the Wine & Spirits store. While the business’ name still reads, “Barber Shop,” both West and Platt admit the offerings have expanded well beyond men’s hair care needs and now include offerings for women, too. “It’s hard to get in to see Shelley. She’s booked for the entire year,” West said. “We want our customers to be so happy with the services we offer that they’ll see us as their “go to” business from their first visit and for more in years to come.” West and Platt both agree, “It’s about the relationships we form along the way” West and Platt also highly value another key customer group: the men and women charged with keeping us safe each day. “I place a real priority on military service members, EMS, police and firefighters,” West said. “Some don’t really understand all the sacrifices made by our first responders and military and how hard they work protecting the public, so if these men and women shop with us, we try to make sure they know how much they matter.” Charles Crowson
A PASSION FOR FASHION
14 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
Dear Friends At the start of each year, our office takes time to review our victories as well as our shortcomings from the previous year. Based on this, we develop goals for the new year. Goal setting is not a strength of mine. Most people will agree that being intentional while taking the time to plan, develop and write down goals is a proven way to grow both personally and professionally. For me this process always proves to be difficult because it seems to hint at competition. And life as I see it, is certainly not all a competition. I never want my life to be about trying to get ahead of the next guy. Years back, I came to the realization that the important aspects of goal setting have more to do with the process than the results. Understanding this mentally freed me to be more able to set goals that were in line with my core values and beliefs without the worry of falling short or
failing. Because at the end of the day, without some sense of direction, we end up moving nowhere. The experts tell us a well thought out goal should be tracked and monitored. This is easy for anything involving a metric that can be measured, like new patient numbers, production numbers, etc. This proves to be difficult when your goals are more subjective. Goal setting always seems to be focused on tomorrow, on the future. That’s the rub for me. The Dalai Lama is quoted as saying: “There are two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, do, and mostly live.” I cannot do anything with yesterday or tomorrow. I can only control today.
This year, my goal is to live in each moment. To lead with love. To listen well. To empathize better. To speak positive truth. To bring the best to the office each morning for my staff and my patients. We cannot focus strictly on the outcome. We must remember that today, this moment, is the only thing we have control over. Slow down, and enjoy it. And don’t forget to floss.
Dr. Clint Fulks, DDS
Saline County Lifestyles • 15
E ANC H C NCH ON D S EC UTH RA YO Arguably one of the most respected modern-day entrepreneurs is Elon Musk. With no less than nine start-up companies under his belt, including SpaceX, Tesla and PayPal, Musk has some interesting perspectives on entrepreneurship. “My motivation
for all my companies has been to be involved in something I thought would have a significant impact on the world.” In a different interview, Musk adds, “People should pursue what they’re passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.” On a smaller scale, but not unlike Elon Musk, many Saline County entrepreneurs founded and actively manage more than one business or non-profit organization, and odds are the same factors drive their success: make a difference and pursue your passion. No other ventures exemplify these ideals better than Saline County’s Family Church Bryant (FCB) and its affiliates, Second Chance Youth Ranch (2CYR) and Arkansas Christian Academy. The “3-in-1” founder and leader of these organizations is Pastor Perry Black. Pastor Black, 69, was born in Malden, Missouri. He grew up in Jonesboro but moved to Little Rock in 1966 and later Bryant in
MERRY & BRIGHT
16 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
1986. Black committed his life to the Lord in 1972 and was soon called to preach. In 1990, the Lord led Black to plant Family Church Bryant. The first meeting space was a small, storefront-style building near Interstate 30. Around 100 people attended that first service. The church has continued to grow and prosper, and currently has 750 active members and “1,000-1,100 on Easter annually,” says Black. FCB’s campus includes 6 buildings and serves as host to Arkansas Christian Academy (ACA), who shares the campus. ACA is a private Christian school, founded in 2001 on solid Biblical principles, that invests into the lives of children from nursery through high school. According to the church’s website, FamilyChurchBryant.org, “Family Church Bryant is a place where people can meet Jesus, engage in life-giving community, and where everyone is welcome.” It goes on to say the church “believe(s) in creating a space where people can have authentic encounters
FAM I LY
CH U RC
H B RYA
NT
with Christ, discover their gifts and use them for God’s glory.” The overall mission of FCB is to create an atmosphere that is welcoming to those who desire to develop a closer relationship with the Father. “We also strive to reach those who are broken, hurting, disillusioned, and discontented at their home church, as well as through outreach ministries.”
Family Church Bryant reaches out with more than 14 mission programs in the states and abroad in places such as Tanzania and Hong Kong. Along with programs outside the church, FCB also offers children’s, youth, ladies’, and men’s ministries. Connect groups and community outreach opportunities like Trail Life also connect members and those interested in learning more. Before serving as FCB Senior Pastor and CEO of Second Chance Youth Ranch, Black spent most of his vocational ministry as a youth pastor and keynote speaker at conferences, churches and schools across the country. Black’s message of drug-free living and suicide prevention changed the lives of thousands of students. Also a professional contractor, Black blesses FCB and 2CYR by
overseeing all construction projects for without compensation, and he supervises more 100 full-time and 20 part-time employees. Second Chance Youth Ranch is one of the church’s most well-known local outreach programs, providing a community for children and teens needing a safe and stable home. Each child is welcomed into the home of a loving set of parents. The children receive therapeutic services according to their individual needs, to help them heal from past traumas. The primary focus of these homes is to welcome sibling groups and keep them together, which is difficult within the foster care system, as it serves over 4,000 children annually in Arkansas alone. “Second Chance Youth Ranch is a Foster Home Ministry with year-round, 24/7 family-style accommodations,” says Black. Students at 2CYR attend Bryant Schools or Arkansas Christian Academy, and they receive therapeutic services through a partnership with Counseling Clinic,
2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles • 17
Inc. in Benton. Blending traditional values with modern therapeutic techniques, Second Chance Youth Ranch provides caring homes for youth facing difficult situations and choices.
THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF THESE HOMES IS TO WELCOME SIBLING GROUPS AND KEEP THEM TOGETHER, WHICH IS DIFFICULT WITHIN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, As with all families, each 2CYR family is unique, but they all place a strong emphasis on prayer, encouragement, life skills, love, values, and safety. 2CYR.org summarizes the beliefs driving this non-profit. “Our philosophy is that the past doesn’t have to define our kids. We serve a God who restores and redeems. Jesus can provide hope in what may have felt like a completely hopeless situation. They can begin to see their own value and get excited about the good things that God has planned for them.” With over 47 years in ministry focused largely on young people, Pastor Black has dedicated his life to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with his community, across the country, and around the world. The calling behind Black’s many Holy Spirit-inspired ministries (or I guess you could call them divine entrepreneurships) seems to align with those of Elon Musk: pursue your passion and make a difference. Carolyn Buckner
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18 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
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Saline County Lifestyles • 19
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Benton’s River Ranch subdivision is the site of a brand-new custom home situated on a scenic 25-acre plot of land backing up to the Saline River. This picturesque southern colonialstyle residence with 3,700 square feet of living space is built on low land and takes many cues from Louisiana’s iconic turn-of-the-century architecture and design detailing. The front façade includes ornate detailing along the front porch parapet wall, complete with symmetrical rain chains. This stunning example of detail work is just one of many customization selections made by the owners, Jim and Hailey Kuhlmann, the Kuhlmanns are Louisiana natives. Once inside the spacious home, the all-white kitchen features exposed brick details, expansive bar seating and copious amounts of counter-top space. The back yard features a pool and courtyard complemented by custom
pavers interspersed with artificial turf, creating a dream scenario for outdoor entertaining.
The Kuhlmann’s vision for this project was to emulate a home they discovered in historic southern Louisiana, making this custom build project a true labor of love. Every square inch of the home was meticulously researched and resourced with specific materials from out of state including 12’ tall Roman Corinthian columns on the front and rear porches, in close partnership with their builder, Jayce Jones of Jones Development Company.
With vast experience in both residential and commercial building in both Saline and Pulaski County, Jones Development Company takes a team approach to projects of all sizes and will work to customize solutions to any construction-related needs. “This was a huge project, and we are thrilled with the end result,” said Hailey. “Jayce listened to our big ideas, made recommendations of how to make them better, and worked extremely well to bring our vision to life. Because he was so committed to the details, we now have the house we’ve always dreamed of.”
Saline County Lifestyles • 21
Meet Corey Tinkle and Penny Jester, the dynamic duo behind Saline County businesses Kidsource Therapy and Reach Behavioral Health. These highly dedicated professionals continue to answer the
door when opportunity knocks, and both are committed to empowering families in Central Arkansas by providing a highly inclusive service model for vital therapies. Corey received a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and has lived in both Saline and Pulaski Counties since opening Kidsource. And according to Penny, he leads by example, and is ‘extraordinarily hard working.’ Penny graduated from UALR with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, specializing in children ages birth through five and their families. She is a lifelong resident of Saline County, and while she graduated from Bryant High School, her children graduated from Benton. Both Corey and Penny are connected by their common belief in reaching children in their natural environment and
MORE THAN JUST MEDICINE
22 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
educating parents and caregivers as much as possible. They have aligned their careers and business ventures around these goals. Kidsource Therapy provides support to families and caregivers to enhance a child’s development through occupational, developmental, physical, and speech language therapies. The business serves children from birth to age 21. “At Kidsource, our purpose is to empower families and not make them dependent on us. What sets us apart from other businesses is our strong focus on inclusive services for children with special needs: we go to the natural environment where the child spends their time and focus on supporting the caregivers and parents.” The Kidsource team is comprised of highly motivated and professionally trained individuals who provide outpatient therapies at clinics, homes, preschools, daycares, schools and other locations appropriate for a child’s needs. “We are huge advocates for early intervention in children and
are the largest provider of First Connection services in the state,” shares Penny. “Our hope and goal is to transition kids to kindergarten so they do not need our services any more. However, we do have some kids we follow through their high school and beyond.” Upon opening in 1998, it did not take long for Kidsource to make a name for itself because of its unique approach to therapy, and growth opportunities soon abounded. In fact, according to Corey, “We had no intention to grow the way we have. Expanding Kidsource into other communities came about from our therapists who wanted to take the service model back to their home communities. They took leadership with their ideas, and we supported them.” Over the years, Kidsource consistently expanded and now has locations in Little Rock, Arkadelphia, North Little Rock, Malvern, Hot Springs, Sheridan and Conway.
Shares Penny, “We go to where the need is, and always listen to ideas for expanding our therapy offerings like our intensive parent training program for children with sensory processing challenges, our feeding clinic with lactation counseling services, and our hippotherapy program which use equine movement as therapy tool.” The pair’s second business is Reach Behavioral Health, which is the mental health arm of Kidsource Therapy. At its formation, Reach primarily focused on evaluations and services for individuals with autism and similar neurodevelopmental disorders. However, over time that diversified into outpatient counseling programs for a
wide variety of concerns including anxiety, trauma and stress disorder, disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders, as well as behavior problems, school issues and developmental delays.
2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles • 23
Reach Behavioral Health also serves adolescents and adults who suffer from anxiety and depression issues and equips families to better assist children with unique abilities. “We are committed to reaching as many people as possible,” says Holly Crutchfield, Director of Reach Behavioral Health.
OVER THE YEARS, KIDSOURCE CONSISTENTLY EXPANDED AND NOW HAS LOCATIONS IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKADELPHIA, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, MALVERN, HOT SPRINGS, SHERIDAN AND CONWAY. When asked what sets Saline County apart from the other areas of Arkansas where they do business, both Corey and Penny expressed strong opinions. According to Corey, “the close-knit community sometimes feels like family. They support local businesses, and we appreciate it so much.” Penny chimed in with “the people of Saline County actually smile at each other when they run into you in the parking lot or grocery store. That isn’t always the case anymore, even in the South.” The two local businesses are indeed owned by a dynamic duo. But they both say it’s not about them. “The extremely high level of dedication of our employees is what makes us who we are. We focus our energy on the meaningful way to do things—not the easy way—and that is what has gotten us where we are today.” Carrie Amox 24 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
Saline County Lifestyles • 25
26 • Saline County Lifestyles
SERV ING S AL INE COUNT Y SINCE 1982
Saline County Lifestyles • 27
AN ITY
M FOR H U T A T I B A H Perhaps no other two businesses go hand-in-hand like the homebuilding organization Habitat for Humanity and its corresponding Habitat ReStore. Both are dedicated to offering people things they might not have been able
to afford on their own. It’s more than just ownership of things, however. Habitat for Humanity and the organization’s ReStore are about giving individuals and communities a sense of pride and the value of hard work. “I love that Habitat is a ‘hand up, not a handout’ and that our partner families are just that,” says Stephanie Griffin, Executive Director of the Saline County affiliate. “They’re partners with Habitat in the construction of their home. They must complete sweat equity hours and pay a down payment on their home and then they make affordable mortgage payments back to Habitat until their home is paid off. Talk about financial stability.” The Saline County affiliate just celebrated
28 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
THE SALINE COUNTY AFFILIATE JUST CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY LAST YEAR. HABITAT IS HERE TO OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY OF HOMEOWNERSHIP TO THOSE WHO LIKELY OTHERWISE COULD NOT AFFORD IT. its 20th anniversary last year. Habitat is here to offer the opportunity of homeownership to those who likely otherwise could not afford it. It also provides opportunities for those in the community to help by volunteering their time, money and talents. “With each new home that’s built, that’s another taxpaying citizen investing in their community and, hopefully, the pride of homeownership reflects in the way the home is cared for and it improves the neighborhood around it.” Stephanie has been with Habitat for Humanity going on 15 years. This is
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SHOP • SAVE • VOLUNTEER The Habitat ReStore offers building material and home furnishings to the general public at a greatly discounted prices to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Saline County. Material is recycled, resold, and/or reused. This operation nty.
HAB ITAT
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Bring in your items or we will come pick them up!
124 S. MARKET • BENTON • 501-315-0011 Store Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
her fifth year with the Saline County affiliate. She previously served with Habitat in Pulaski County, working on the ReStore side. She lived in Benton during her tenure at the Pulaski County affiliate, so when the Executive Director position came open for the Saline County Habitat, she says she was excited about the possibility of working close to home. She also was excited to make the move from the ReStore side of things to the office “because you get to see the big picture of how everything fits together.” As Executive Director, Stephanie ensures the organization operates effectively, both morally and financially. On a typical day, her job entails a balance of office work, networking and a bit of supervising thrown in as well. Tuesdays are her favorite day at work, she says, because that is when the organization’s regular volunteer crew is out on the job site working. “We could not do what we do without our volunteers,” she says. “They, no doubt, are our lifeblood.”
The ReStore is a place to shop, volunteer, donate, “or all of the above,” Stephanie points out. People can donate gently used items, from furniture and appliances to clothing and fixtures, which ReStore then sells to the public at discounted prices. All proceeds help fund the construction of new homes for deserving Saline County residents. In 2002, Regions Bank donated the space where the Benton ReStore occupies on South Market Street. Just a year later, the ReStore already was the main source of revenue for Habitat, and it continues to be the affiliate’s first source of fundraising to this day,
Stephanie says. When residents of the community remodel their homes or just simply do some spring-cleaning, they can turn around and donate items to the ReStore. “Then, once those items are sold to someone who otherwise may
2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles • 29
not be able to afford a new stove or couch, that money collected helps to fund the construction of a new home for someone who otherwise would not have the opportunity to afford to purchase a home of their own.” Habitat provides the groundwork and foundation of what can directly affect generations to come, but it’s up to the homeowners to make wise use of their investment, Stephanie says. They must choose to make the most of the opportunity of a zero percent interest loan. “Another really cool thing about Habitat that not many people know is the ‘Fund for Humanity’ which is the way homeowner payments get ‘recycled’ to help fund construction of future Habitat homes,” Stephanie says. Having worked on the ReStore side for 10 years, Stephanie has countless stories of how the thrift store helped make a positive impact on so many families. “Stories like parents who could finally afford a bed for their kids or those who purchased their own washer and dryer so they didn’t have to take their kids to the Laundromat anymore.” In addition, she says, the neatest part about the whole Habitat experience is that volunteers and staff “get to be on the frontlines watching those seeds be planted, watered, and even blossom to better our community.” Jillian Jacuzzi
KEEPING KIDDOS CUTE
30 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
Saline County Lifestyles • 31
EG R IVE RS I D There was a time in the over 100year history of the old Riverside Grocery that it may not have survived a pandemic. However, thanks to Rick Bellinger’s vision in the early 2000s, the now-versatile business barely missed a beat during the great COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. “The store has done OK, decent this year,” Bellinger said. “A lot of
ROCE RY
businesses have struggled to stay afloat and our catering business really got knocked down this year, but our store business picked up, so overall, we are running about the same as we were a year ago. I hold my head up, and I’m thinking I’m more fortunate than a lot of others because we have such a versatile business and offer so many things to do.” When Bellinger bought the small convenience store and gas station situated outside of Benton on Highway 5 in 2004, he saw the potential that food, particularly catfish, could bring. By 2010, he started a small catering company that has now become a staple of his operation and has changed the name to Riverside Grocery and Catering. Catfish catering brought his business to a new level and the reputation of that catfish and a few
IT’S ABOUT TO GET WILD
32 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
THE SMALL STORE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SALINE RIVER AS ITS BACKDROP FEATURES GAS PUMPS FROM 1919 AND HAS HAD FOUR OWNERS SINCE WORLD WAR II. other services helped stabilize the business during the bizarre year. “[Catfish] is our staple item,” Bellinger said. “That’s what drives our business. Our whole business model revolves around it.” The small store on the highway with the Saline River as its backdrop features gas pumps from 1919 and has had four owners since World War II. Cecil Jones acquired the store first and operated it until the early 1980s. In 1983, new owner Stan Woodall rebuilt the store after a tornado destroyed it. When Woodall died, Diane Payne leased the store from Northern Oil and operated it with her mother until 2004.
The One Stop SHOP for all your convienence store, restaurant,and catering needs.
SERVING SALINE COUNTY SINCE 1931 R IVE R CATE RS I DE I NG
By then, Bellinger had already established a long grocery career. He had begun with the Food 4 Less chain and worked in management until it was bought out by Wal-Mart in the ‘90s. He then moved on to Searcy-based Sexton Foods, eventually becoming a district manager managing five stores. By the early 2000s, the owner was about to retire, and Bellinger wasn’t interested in
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working for a different boss. In the meantime, one of his Sexton co-workers attended church with Payne in Benton and discovered Payne wanted to sell the country store. Bellinger jumped at the chance, and he and a partner bought the business. Initially, Bellinger intended to focus on the grocery business, but he realized there was no way the location could compete with major supermarket chains. Fortunately, Riverside patrons had become used to Payne’s lunches. She and her mother had prepared their own lunches at the store and eaten while they worked, and soon patrons had noticed the enticing aromas and asked to buy the meals. The Paynes began serving lunch, and Catfish Fridays became a tradition for many customers. Bellinger expanded the menu and
offered more breakfast items and also offered a variety of lunch entrees, eventually adding Taco Tuesday and Barbecue Thursday to the Catfish Friday special. (Now, a catfish basket is always a menu choice but is featured on the lunch line on Fridays.) The focus on food grew the business and in 2010, Bellinger bought out his partner. Soon after, he addressed a demand for catering. Payne had used Riverside to cater small business lunches, delivering catfish to offices. But Bellinger admits the quality diminished while the fish was in transit. Shortly after he and his wife became the sole owners, he bought a catfish trailer from a Cabot proprietor. He even worked a few jobs with the owner to receive a tutorial on the operation. “When doing the business plan for the one trailer, I calculated that if I could do two jobs per month, I could pay this trailer off in three years. After it got rolling, all of a sudden we were
2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles • 33
doing two jobs per week and then two and three jobs per day,” Bellinger said. The operation grew to three trucks, and in 2019 the catering side of the business soared to record numbers. Bellinger got creative keeping his businesses running amidst the pandemic. Services such as propane bottle filling and deer processing took off and helped ease the burden of the loss of catering jobs. Like other restaurateurs, Bellinger marketed take-out and to-go orders of catfish and other meals and customers responded “We had to change our business model a little bit,” Bellinger said. “Especially, on Fridays where we are used to having 70 percent of our business sitting down in here. We still only have probably half of our tables in here right now.” Not only were business restrictions disappointing, but Bellinger couldn’t fulfill his duties as the President of the Board of Directors of the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce for 2020. But he will fill the President’s role in 2021 if the year should include some sense of normalcy. Bellinger is thankful 2020 wasn’t worse, and he is hopeful this year he can represent the Chamber and his businesses will begin to thrive again along with others in the area. When it does, he will host a large celebration. “As soon as this mask mandate is lifted, we’re going to have a big burn party,” Bellinger said. “We are going to have a live band and a big bonfire where you can come by and throw your mask in. That will be a great time.” Nate Olson
News & Community for Saline County Since 2007 Email with news or events or ask about advertising: info@mysaline.com
34 • 2-IN-1 FOR 2021 • Saline County Lifestyles
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FAMILY
Lifestyle
INSURANCE INSIGHT Life Insurance: A Simple Act of Love
By Dennia Beard, State Farm Insurance
A few nights ago my daughter was in tears sitting next to me on the couch, crumbling under the weight of an awful situation that had split her heart open into shattered, painful pieces. I told her how I felt her pain and I really meant it. More than she will ever know, I felt her pain. “I know, Mom,“ She whispered through her tears. But she does not know. She won’t truly know until she has children of her own. She couldn’t possibly understand the depths of emotions that come from millions of moments
36 • Saline County Lifestyles
filling days upon days of raising a child. She doesn’t see the expanse of the years spent watching the baby you held in your arms begin to walk and talk and grow into this person they have become. From the moment we become parents, we begin building new grooves in our hearts that deepen with time. The parenting journey is long, worrisome and wonderful. The intensity of my need to protect my children goes far beyond anything I have ever experienced. The thought of my passing away before they become independent adults makes my stomach
ache. They need me. They need my income. This profound protective passion is what drives me to do what I do in my agency every day. People want to protect their loved ones and one of the best ways to do that financially is life insurance. I remember when I first updated my life insurance after my family grew. As soon as that policy issued, it was like a massive relief fell over every cell in my body—like 100 pounds had lifted off my shoulders. I “geek out” on the topic of life insurance. I have been protecting lives for over 20 years. One memory involves one of the nicest people I have ever met. A few (many) years ago, I sold a gentleman a $1,000,000 10-Year Term policy to protect his ever-growing family. Over the years, we developed a friendship. Anytime he would call about billing or changing vehicles, he would always say hello to me. I would always wish him a Happy Birthday. He was such a cool guy. In the ninth year of his policy, I got a phone call I would never forget. He called to tell me that he had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was dying. The doctor had given him 12 months to live. Whoa. I called him back about a month later and he sounded worse than
FAMILY
From the moment we become parents, we begin building new grooves in our hearts that deepen with time. he had before. The experimental treatments were having a negative effect on him. I asked him if he needed money. I told him about a terminal illness rider that would allow him to get $250,000 as long as he provided me with a letter from his doctor indicating he was terminal. He was not aware of this feature of the policy. He provided what we needed and nine days later he had a check for $250,000. A few months later, I received a call from his son that he had passed away. Three weeks after that, I got a call from his wife. She described how much this policy meant to her and her family and how she wasn’t sure what their life would have been like if he hadn’t taken out the policy. As hard as this story hurts me to relive, it validates the importance of what I do. Do this for me: Take a moment to appreciate all of the little things we do and those everyday moments that shape our lives and give them meaning. Our days are often filled with simple acts of love, one followed by another, that over time create a better tomorrow. Life insurance is like that. It’s a simple act you can take today to ensure your loved ones are protected financially tomorrow. It is time for you to protect those moments with life insurance. This can seem like an overwhelming endeavor if you do not take the time to determine your needs. This part is crucial. Shopping around can be another gift of love to ensure you are getting top-notch benefits for a fair price. So, this Valentine’s Day, consider giving your family a true gift of love by ensuring they will be kept financially safe in case something happens to you unexpectedly. (Flowers never hurt, either.)
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Saline County Lifestyles • 37
FAMILY
Lifestyle
The Most Important Thing This Year and Every Year By Cody Calhoun, Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church
We’ve kicked off the New Year and I have to confess: I don’t make resolutions. I should. I know I should. By February, I find myself disappointed and feeling guilty. What’s the best way to avoid that? Don’t do it. Ok, I know that’s the wrong attitude, but allow me to give you—if you’ll receive it—the best New Year’s Resolution you can make. Spend time on the most important relationship you can possible have, your walk with your Lord. There is no other relationship you and I have that is greater, more fulfilling and transforming than our relationship with Christ. When we spend time with and grow in our knowledge of Jesus, it changes us like nothing and no one else. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” The work of growth comes as God shapes us to look more like Christ. So how do I dedicate myself this year to growing in my relationship with Christ? We start with the Word. God gave us His Word, not primarily for information, but for transformation. And what I may say now may hit you wrong, but I’m describing a level of depth deeper than a devotional book. 38 • Saline County Lifestyles
Devotionals are important, but there’s meat that we can’t get to over coffee. We can get deep into God’s Word for the promise of blessing to our souls and how it teaches us to treasure Christ. Some will start with reading plans. Those are great, but if you are like me, sometimes you may have to get help by Leviticus. Need another way to start? Go through a book of the Bible you’ve always wanted to read and know more about. Need help? Get a trusted commentary or ask your pastor for a recommended commentary. As we read any passage of Scripture, it’s important that we are reading through a lens that declares the greatness and beauty of Jesus Himself, even in the Old Testament. Relationships need communication, and while Scripture grounds us in truth, truth will come out in our prayers. The believer must not neglect prayer. To do so, as Jonathan Edwards put it, is to “live as if there were no God.” Prayer (through the example of Matthew 6) centers around worship, asking for God’s will, the needs of life, repentance/deliverance and in some manuscripts, again worship. Communion with Jesus in our prayer life brings joy, not obligation. It’s the joy of bringing our requests
It’s the joy of praying for the needs of others and sharing your prayers with them. Prayer is such a gift of grace to us that we should never get tired of talking with our Father. to a Father who loves to hear them and will never be pestered by them. It’s the joy of praying for the needs of others and sharing your prayers with them. Prayer is such a gift of grace to us that we should never get tired of talking with our Father. There are other ways that help grow our affection for Jesus. But there is one I would encourage you with in parting: If you are able to be in church, be in church. I know there are those who must be careful and we as churches ought to take pride in caring for those who come into our building with guidelines and protections. But you and I were saved into a family. That family will teach you, encourage you and support you as you grow in your faith. Your growing to look like Christ is a team sport! God bless you as you pursue Him this year!
Saline County Lifestyles • 39
FAMILY
Lifestyle
Cupid in Quarantine By Gina Simpson, Gina’s Catering/Grab & Go
The longer you’ve been with your significant other, the more challenging it becomes to find a creative way to tell that special someone that you love them. Add COVID and all the social distancing coming along with it, and you have a situation only Cupid himself could conquer. If he were to give advice for how to woo your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day during a pandemic, it might include some of the following ideas:
1. Write a love letter to each other In this day of text and PM, handwritten letters tend to mean more. Take the time to write your darling a love letter pointing out all the things you love about them.
2. Provide a private massage for your partner With all the stress and uncertainty that we’ve been dealing with for almost year now, who wouldn’t love a get a good back rub from the one they love? Massage tables can be rented or bought at reasonable prices online.
5. Go on a virtual tour
3. Send the love of your life on a scavenger hunt Write clues leading him/her to the first gift, then to the next and so on, until they reach the final token of your love for them.
Without having to leave your comfy couch, almost any tourist destination now offers virtual tours. Take your beloved anywhere they want to go this year and never even get out of your pajamas.
4. Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting An online pairing guide will give you the information you need to buy some wines and special chocolates to have your own private event.
6. Play a game to know your sweetie better
Valentine’s Day B lackened Red Snapp er wit
Games like “Never Have I Ever,” or “Would You Rather” are a great way to learn interesting facts about your Valentine’s date. You can make
DIR ECTION S: Cook the Fish:
ING REDIENTS:
- Blackened Seasoning - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - ½ tsp course ground black pepper - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper - 1 tsp paprika - ½ tsp dried thyme - ½ tsp dried oregano - - ¼ tsp garlic powder - ¼ tsp onion powder - Red Snapper 1lb filet red snapper (can be divided in to individual servings or cooked as one whole piece) - 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
40 • Saline County Lifestyles
h Strawberry Kiwi Salsa
- Generously coat the flesh side of the fish with the seasoning mixture (you will probably have leftover mix ture) - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a over medium-high heat. Onc large skillet e the oil is hot, make sure entire pan bottom is coated. - When skillet is very hot, plac e fish flesh side down and cook without touc until a blackened crust has form hing, the fish is almost cooked thro ed and ugh. This should take about 6 minutes . - Flip the fish onto the skin side and press down with a spatula to flatten the fish and the skin is flush with the Continue to cook until the fish skillet. is through or completely opaque cooked and easily flakes. About an additional 3 minutes. - Using your spatula, remove the fish from the skillet and transfer to plate. - Top fish with chilled salsa and lemon slices
Strawberry Kiwi Salsa
- 1 1/2c diced strawberries - 1-2 peeled diced kiwi - ½ medium sized cucumber, peeled & diced - 2 tbsp chopped, fresh cilan tro (if not a cilantro fan, this can be left out) - 2 tsp lemon juice - ¼ c thinly sliced red onion - ¼ seeded, minced jalapeno
(this can also be omitted)
INSTRU CTI ON S Blackened Seasoning: in a bowl, combine all the seasoning mixture ingredients and stir until well mixed Strawberry Kiwi Salsa: mix all ingredients and toss. Chill until serving.
up the questions yourself, cards games are available, or you can find a list online.
7. Slow dance to your favorite song A lot of men (and women) don’t like to dance in a crowd. Get dressed up and turn your living room into a romantic dance floor. Of course, you’ll want all the best love songs on your playlist . . . and after that, have fun flirting in the kitchen.
8. Prepare your favorite meal together You might discuss this with your significant other ahead of time so you will be sure to have all the ingredients you need. Below is one of my favorite “I love you” meals to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Serve with your favorite rice and salad or vegetable. A perfect Valentine’s Day dinner. Working in the food industry for over 10 years makes suggestion number eight my preferred love language, as cooking comes naturally to me and is a great way to show my love. For me, cooking is love made visible. But if showing off your culinary chops isn’t at the top of your list, hopefully you will be able to find a fun way to connect while in the comforts of your own home. Valentines Day might look a little different to some this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still taste delicious! Just remember, the secret ingredient is always LOVE!
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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. 42 • Saline County Lifestyles
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 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
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there. Another crucial document to have before you 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. 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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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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