North Entrance
White County Medical Center is
partnering with local healthcare providers: CARTI, Radiology Associates PA and White County Oncology to bring a Cancer Center of Excellence to our community. This new center will provide radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and will be
home to an Imaging Center, Breast Center and Appearance Center among other services. We invite you to join us as we partner with our community to raise funds together for advancing healthcare for our region.
My/Our tax-deductable contribution to the White County Medical Foundation, in the amount of $ is enclosed. Please PRINT name(s) as you would like for it to appear for recognition purposes: Name:
Please Make Check Payable to: White County Medical Foundation Attention: Cassandra Feltrop 3214 E. Race Ave. Searcy, AR 72143
(in memory/honor of) Address: City:
State:
E-mail: Credit Card Payment: Account Number:
Amount to Charge: Signature:
[ ] Visa
Zip:
[ ] Mastercard
[ ] Discover
Exp. Date:
/
/
SearcyLiving.com 3
4 Your Hometown Magazine
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All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. — Anatole France
If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living. — Gail Sheehy
It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird; it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad. — C. S. Lewis
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. — Frederick Douglass
Relentless, repetitive self talk is what changes our self-image. — Denis Waitley
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. — Mohandas Gandhi
6 Your Hometown Magazine
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Issue № 2 j 2011
Contents
Features Change Feed Your Family Under $50 A Week Hope Cottage Firehouse Heroes Light The Night Playhouse Auction Habitat For Humanity ReStore Amplify Your Faith Women Build Kindness Shows No Boundaries Stride To Prevent Suicide Recipe For Success Hold Close Those That You Love Life Begins When You Begin To Live Protect Us From Harm Building Bonds Tea Time Bethlehem Baptist
6 12 29 30 32 33 36 37 37 38 42 44 46 48 54 62 64 73
48 “ A boat is safe in the harbor. But this is not the purpose of the boat. ” — Paulo Coelho
Departments Publisher’s Note 11 All American Citizen 14 Fashion Fun 16 Living In Searcy 20 We The People 26 Financial Focus 34 Health 40 Hope Believe 60 Dinner & A Magazine 66 Out & About 70 Games & Puzzles 72
On the Cover Bethlehem Baptist & Katrina mccandless Photo by Roxy Creative
27 “ Don’t get too comfortable with who you are at any given time - you may miss the opportunity to become who you want to be. ” ~Jon Bon Jovi
SearcyLiving.com 9
Publisher Christine Walker Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson Graphic Assistant Ikey Ray Customer Service Stephanie McInturff Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell Makeover Coordinator Christine Locke Contributing Independent Photographers Cassie Jones (501) 230-0539 Roxy Creative (501) 593-6866 Maggie Hendrix (501) 388-3256 Homan Photography (501) 268-2844 Kimberly Brackins (501) 279-1515 George Dillin (501) 268-9304 Feature Writers Cecelia Wilson Cassie Jones Erica Brooks
Searcy Living is Locally Owned and Operated 812 South Main Street Searcy, AR 72143 searcyliving@yahoo.com (501) 368-0095 SearcyLiving.com For subscription information go to SearcyLiving.com
Copyright 2011 Shark Promotions LLC. Searcy Living, Cabot Living, and Your Hometown Magazine are trademarks of Shark Promotions. All rights reserved. Ownership, rights, and logos are property of their respected businesses. No part may be reproduced without written permission. Shark Promotions LLC is not responsible for claims, misprints, discrepancies, advice of any kind, or content in advertisements or editorials, but will rectify errors in forthcoming issues.
Copyright Š 2011 Shark Promotions LLC
Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.
10 Your Hometown Magazine
Publisher’s Note
Something to Talk About If you have read Searcy Living for any length of time, then you know I love quotes. Here are a few I found recently. Thank you for reading Searcy Living.
“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.”
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” ~ Mother Teresa
~ Henry Ward Beecher
“
Don’t confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the other. ~ Erma Bombeck
“
”
”
~ Winston Churchill
“
By watching her, I am encouraged — as is everyone who knows her.
”
Page 46
”
~ Winston Churchill
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Hold Close Those That You Love
“
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
“Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.” ~ Jon Bon Jovi
~ Martin Luther King, Jr
Life Begins When You Begin to Live
I write, I remember feeling these “ Asemotions, how real they were... ” Page 48
girls dressed up as princesses and “ The had their nails, hair and make-up done. Tea Time
The boys dressed up in suits and other formal wear to escort them.
”
Page 64
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by Erica Brooks
For the budget wise family of four, we have designed some tips & simple meals for under $50 a week. With some preparation, your family will be sure not to break the bank at the grocery store this month! Check the Sale Ads Weekly Some grocery stores honor other store ads, meaning you may be able to get the same sales prices, but shop at just one store. Family Packs Buy your meats in family packs at the beginning of the month, when they are usually on sale, and divide them.
A family of four can buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 13-14 lb. packs for around $1.78 lb., with approximately 12 chicken breasts in the package. Cut the chicken breasts into halves, as they are generally huge. Package 4 halves into freezer safe bags and freeze. This should give you 6 bags for 6 different meals. Hamburger Meat is the same basic concept. A family of four can buy 10 lbs. for around $1.89 lb. This can be divided into 2 lb. packs to make 5 different meals. (for a total of 11 meals)
Meals
10 lb. Bag Potatoes (use only 4) $2.99 Store Brand Biscuits 99¢ 2 Cans Green Beans 49¢ each 4 Chicken Breasts (previously purchased)
10 Pack Tortillas (use 8) $1.50 2 Cans Refried Beans $.79¢ each 1 Package Taco Rice $1.00 2 lbs. Ground Beef (previously purchased)
2 Cans Tuna 50¢ 1 Loaf Bread (use 8 slices) $1.50 Store Brand Chips $2.00 4 Apples 89¢ lb.
Stouffer’s Lasagna $8.99 1 Loaf Bread (use 8 slices) $1.50 2 Cans Green Beans 49¢ each
Go to SearcyLiving.com for the rest of the menu
12 Your Hometown Magazine
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All American Citizen
Heath Hoofman
Determination drives me to always do more than what is asked of me.
– Heath Hoofman
14 Your Hometown Magazine
Congratulations to Riverview High School Senior Heath Hoofman for being selected to the Air Force Academy, with a scholarship valued at approximately $500,000. Hello, I am Heath Hoofman. I have attended Riverview since kindergarten. My lifelong dream has been to be a fighter pilot. The best way to be a fighter pilot is to graduate from the Air Force Academy. Being a pilot means that you’re good, but being a fighter pilot means being the best, and I wanted to prove myself in that top margin. So, I decided to apply for admission to the Academy. I knew that if I did not make it, I still had nothing to lose. Getting in the academy is difficult, and to me whatever I had to do would be worth it all. I began the long process in the 9th grade by taking as many Honors and Advanced Placement courses as possible, and the best math and science courses. This would be my task for the next four years to prepare myself to be competitive and to receive a nomination for the academy. I have been blessed with the ability to easily make good grades and to excel in sports. During my junior high and high school years, I chose to be involved in all of the clubs I could possibly participate in, so that I could develop strong leadership skills and improve my social skills. I have loved every minute of it. I have received academic and athletic rewards, and maintained a GPA of 3.75. My experiences in the classroom and on the football field have helped me to be a better leader, which led to my confidence. I have never told myself that anything was impossible. I continually keep high expectations for myself, try to do my best, and work hard. Determination drives me to always do more than what is asked of me. It wasn’t until my freshman year in high school that I realized how my grades and everything I do for the next four years would determine my future goals. The spring and summer months before my senior year were spent getting the required physicals and exams to get the paperwork started for the academy. The 1st semester of my senior year was a process of completing and submitting the application to the Air Force Academy in order to be nominated and then, hopefully, selected. Many people have been involved to help me to get the necessary information for my application and recommendations.Hours were spent completing the online application and writing essays. Without God and the motivation and support of my parents and teachers (Mrs. Loren Beason, Ms. Robin Burge, Ms. Sterling), and my friends, this would not have been possible. The first exciting news I received was that I had received congressional nomination from Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, and from Representative Vic Snyder. I felt privileged to have been one of the many applicants and then one of their final choices. Finally, in March, 2011, Legislative Republican Tim Griffin called and said that I had been accepted. AWESOME! With heartfelt thanks and gratitude, I suddenly realized that a whole new world is ahead of me. My years at Riverview have allowed me to develop into the person I need to be in order to begin a new life and give back to my country. I feel so blessed, honored, and humbled to receive such a great Honor. I look forward to serving my country and giving it all I’ve got. This is a BIG deal to me. •
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Tanya WEBB Tanya Webb enjoyed her day, courtesy of all our wonderful sponsors. Hayley and Melissa of Hays assembled her new spring outfit, complemented by sandals from Janet at Shoetique and jewelry from Diana’s newest shipment at the Unique Boutique. April at Salon Milan styled Tanya’s hair, and Doris of the Cosmetic Studio provided new makeup. Many thanks to George Dillon for the special photography.
16 Your Hometown Magazine
Christine Locke Makeover Coordinator
3005 E. Race St. • Searcy (501) 268-0800
1407 E. Moore Ave. • Searcy (501) 268-9304
1211 E. Race St. • Searcy (501) 268-1700
Town & Country Plaza Searcy • (501 ) 268-7035
In the Heart & Soul Plaza 1623 E. Beebe-Capps • Searcy (501) 279-2526
Town & Country Plaza Searcy • (501) 268-0447 SearcyLiving.com 17
18 Your Hometown Magazine
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in Searcy
20 Your Hometown Magazine
y mother was a single parent and we never really had a home growing up. This was her treasure house and I wanted it to be exactly how she imagined it,” Melissa Coleman said about the home she and her husband built for her mother. Driving up on the farm house, any passer-by would imagine it to be a regular home. But when a guest steps inside, it’s like stepping back in time. With all the conveniences of modern technology, Melissa and her husband created a home for her mother that kept all the characteristics that it was meant to have, paying homage to a rich legacy and family heritage. “The land and the house has been in my family for over 60 years,” Melissa said. “My family has lived here in Jackson County for 150 years.” Melissa grew up on the property next door. Her grandfather and uncle owned the adjoining land and bought the property after the war. Her great aunt and uncle bought a house and brought it to the property--and it was still there when the Colemans bought the land in 2007. Melissa and her husband gutted and re-built the home, adding about 1,000 square feet to the original structure. Now, at just over 2,000 square feet, with three bedrooms and two baths, this beautiful home boasts beautiful architecture that is unique in so many ways. Melissa and her husband own a company called La Puerta Originals based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, specializing in reclaiming doors and cabinetry from around the world. Using antique materials and woods, the home’s mid to late century feel brings in intriguing pieces from even as far away as Pakistan and Afghanistan. Arriving at the house, a visitor is greeted with a traditional porch overlooking the countryside and warm colors around the exterior. Walking through the front door, the open floor plan is conducive to family life and entertaining. The great room includes a spacious living area, kitchen and
>>>
The Colemans own a company called La Puerta Originals based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, specializing in reclaiming doors and cabinetry from around the world. SearcyLiving.com 21
 The great room includes a spacious living area, kitchen and dining room, as well as a custom built office area. 
22 Your Hometown Magazine
dining room, as well as a custom built office area. Through the dining room, a guest is whisked away to another time in the laundry room, decorated in unique antiques that add a one of a kind homey feel. To the left of the living room and down a hallway lined with artifacts and photographs of the heritage of Melissa’s family, are two guest bedrooms and one bathroom, as well as the master bedroom and bath. The warm colors create an open feel through the bedrooms. The walls throughout the home bring another unique element to the home. Melissa wanted to bring a touch of Santa Fe to Arkansas with the beautiful walls and several details placed throughout the home. “One of our main focuses was to retain the character of the home,” Melissa said. “We feel we did just that.” Melissa and her family currently reside in New Mexico and still enjoy traveling back to Arkansas to spend time with family and friends. More information about their specialty in reclaimed doors and wood can be found on SearcyLiving.com. •
The warm colors create an open feel through the bedrooms.
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Online Extra Go to SearcyLiving.com to see more home galleries!
www.SearcyLiving.com
24 Your Hometown Magazine
SearcyLiving.com 25
We the People
Protecting the Innocent Tami Baker, Senator Jonathan Dismang, Governor Mike Beebe, Meisha Stewart, Bailey Reynolds
Rose Bud High School EAST student, Bailey Reynolds, started a Peer Counseling program at her school. Her team wanted to do something to help protect the innocence of children across the state. After looking at Arkansas laws and after talking with teachers, the team realized that changes needed to be made. Bailey presented Senator Jonathan Dismang with a bill proposal that would, among other things, require schools to provide professional development training for teachers to help recognize the signs of sexual child abuse. Senator Dismang approved of the project, rewrote the bill, and began fighting for it. In the end, SB527 was written to include professional development training to recognize child maltreatment, including sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of physical violence. The bill passed the senate 35-0 on March 31st, and Governor Beebe signed it into law on Wednesday, April 6th. Bailey; fellow EAST student, Meisha Stewart; their EAST Facilitator, Tami Baker; and Senator Jonathan Dismang all attended the signing of the bill. Governor Beebe presented each of them with an ink pen used to sign the bill. SB527 is now Act 1236. Not only have the Rose Bud EAST students, with the help of Senator Dismang, taken a stand against child violence, they have also realized that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference in this world.
Ruby Williams (Retired School Teacher)
Student Artist >>>
J.L. Hutchison (Retired Educator) He made the comment, “As I recall there is a dangerous end to this furry animal.” (We couldn’t stop laughing.)
Sidney Deener Elementary congratulates Garrett Meeds for being our April student artist. Garrett is in 2nd grade and is in Ms. Amanda Blansett’s class.
More bunny photos on SearcyLiving.com!
Bunny Bonding
A rabbit was brought in for the residents of River Oaks Village to hold. What we didn’t expect was the emotional bond that the residents had instantly with the rabbit or how it would conjure up memories of their farm living days. (The rabbit was borrowed from The Fish Bowl.) 26 Your Hometown Magazine
The Searcy Police Department honored Rudy Ripka as the Officer of the Month for March. He is a patrolman for the Searcy Police Department. Ripka earned Officer of the Month honors in October and December of 2010 also. Ripka was hired as a patrolman in May of 2010. He has a Bachelors Degree in History from Williams Baptist College and is married and has one child. Ripka enjoys being a police officer because it is not routine. Every day and every shift is different. His favorite part about working at the Searcy Police Department is the support of the officers and the helpfulness of everyone. Searcy’s Chief of Police, Kyle Osborne said, “Officer Rudy Ripka is a valuable officer in this department. He continues to show the administration his dedication to this profession.”
Allen Fore, Director for Community Relations at Kinder Morgan, presents a $3,500 grant to the Searcy High School English Department. Pictured are Searcy High School English teachers Steve Snow, April Butler, Edie Hightower, Jessica Lynch, Shannon Holeyfield, Kinder Morgan’s Allen Fore, English departmental chairperson Miles Watson, Suzanne Rand, Trisha White, Sherry Farhatt, Jamie Brown, and SHS principal Claude Smith.
Technology Grant
The Kinder Morgan Foundation recently announced a technology grant for Searcy High School. The school’s eligibility is due to its proximity to Kinder Morgan’s partnered project, the Fayetteville Express Pipeline. The grant was applied for in late 2010. The $3,500 grant will be used by the school to provide document cameras for the school’s English Department. “We are happy to continue to partner with the Searcy community and Searcy Schools to make sure young people have every opportunity to excel,” said Allen Fore, Director of Community Relations for Kinder Morgan. The Fayetteville Express Pipeline donated surplus pipe to
Searcy High School for use by student welders in October 2010. Claude Smith, Searcy High School principal, remarked, “We are very appreciative of the grant that Kinder Morgan has provided us. The new document cameras will benefit our students and teachers greatly and will enhance the educational opportunities in the classroom.” The Kinder Morgan Foundation supports nonprofit youth programs that focus on education, the arts and the environment. Every year, grants support thousands of youth in communities large and small across North America. To learn more about the programs Kinder Morgan funds, please visit their website (http://www.kindermorgan.com/community/).
JA’s Principal of the Day
Officer of the Month
Powell Funeral Home’s Limo and driver picked up Tate Gibson and 6 of his friends recently at his home. They were taken to Maddies on the Square where they had breakfast. From there they loaded back up in the Limo and headed to school.
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<<< Reaching Heights Pictured are (L to R) Mike Stavola, Juan Carro, and Bob Homan of Searcy. Bob and his climbing buddies were awarded certificates by the Appalachian Mountain Club for their acceptance into the New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hundred Highest Club. This required that they climb to the summits of all its official peaks in New England. Many people have a bucket list, but Bob and his climbing buddies have numerous lists on their bucket list. Bob has previously received awards for climbing all the 1) White Mountain 4000 footers, 2) Northeast 111 peaks, 3) ADK 46ers and 4) New England 4000 footers. What is next? High Points--a list of the highest locations in each of the 50 states.
Thank You! Searcy Living would like to thank our neighbors at R&E Supply. For years they have helped us with projects at our office, unloaded deliveries for us with their fork lift, and just been great neighbors. Thank you R&E Supply!
L
arry Johnson Pastor
of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bald Knob Arkansas and his wife Patricia Johnson celebrated 23 years of service recently. Go to SearcyLiving.com for the rest of the story.
28 Your Hometown Magazine
Thank you to everyone who donated to Hope Cottage recently. We will continue to collect donations for this cause. Please mark â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hope Cottageâ&#x20AC;? on the bag or box of your donated items.
Hope Cottage can always use the following donations: Paper Towels Batteries ( AA, D) Furniture Polish Dish Soap Bleach Spray Disinfectant Underwear (12 and up) Floor Cleaner Alarm Clocks Ziploc Bags
Bar Soap Body Wash Disposable Latex Free Vinyl Gloves Coffee Laundry Detergent Flashlights Kitchen/Bathroom Cleaner Trash Bags Non Perishable Food Items: (Canned goods, cereal, macaroni and cheese, tuna...etc.)
You can bring the donations to the Searcy Livng business office at 812 S. Main St. and we can call Hope Cottage to pick them up. PLEASE mark on bags or boxes that the donation is for Hope Cottage. SearcyLiving.com 29
Gum Springs Fire Department
Left to Right: Chief Heath Taylor, Willie Prichard, Albert Green, Jeff Butler, Jim Caldwell, Mike Freeling, Kevin Miller, Nick Miller, & Josh Scarbrough. Not shown: Neil Boyce, Aron Wooten, Jo-Pat Black, Carl Raia, Craig Harvey
Georgetown Fire Department
Seated Atop Left to Right: Christina Softley (alderman), Ron Snyder (Mayor), and Carl Softley. Along Truck Left to Right: Gene Starks, Chuck Lang (alderman), Judy Stephenson, Mark Stephenson, Eddie Stephenson (alderman/ Fire Chief), Patsy Stephenson, Corky Stephenson, Elizabeth Hampton (alderman), Kenneth Hampton, and Cliff Christman.
30 Your Hometown Magazine
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“A happy childhood lasts a lifetime” is a motto that we want to support and promote in our community. CASA hopes to focus on efforts to identify more volunteers to help with children in need, to create opportunities for children to feel safe in revealing their concerns and needs, and for children to know what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior with strangers, as well as family members. Our Light the Night Event attempts to: • Honor and support the people and organizations that are serving children in Foster Care in White County. • Tie the community together and encourage the community to support all children within the community by pledging their time and energy. • Strengthen the family unit by providing information to parents and 3rd graders with posters in the classroom. • Expand its volunteer base of advocates in the Juvenile Courts for children in Foster Care. What is CASA? CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, currently has 64 advocates, who are a diverse group of White County citizens that are trained to investigate, monitor, encourage and make recommendations to the juvenile court judge solely on behalf of a foster child. • Local Email: director@wccasa.org National CASA: http://www.casaforchildren.org
32 Your Hometown Magazine
To all who participated in the
Pl yhouse Auction
Thank you for supporting the White County Safety Center
SearcyLiving.com 33
Financial Focus
with Jeff Kernodle
#83916
CAR Approval Number 0410-1871A
How Interest Rate Changes May Affect Your Investments
The rise and fall of interest rates is one of the biggest factors influencing the economy, financial markets and our daily lives. It is important to have a basic understanding of how interest rate changes could affect not only your wallet but also your investment portfolio. Simply put, interest rates help control the flow of money in the economy. Typically the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates to jump-start the economy. Lower interest rates mean consumers may be willing to spend more money as the cost to finance a purchase is relatively inexpensive. This stimulates the economy in a variety of ways, including increased revenues from products sold to the consumers and taxes generated from those sales. Investors, on the other hand, have a different perspective. Bound Investors: As interest rates fall, the prices of previously issued bonds tend to rise. The new issues are offered at lower, less appealing rates. That makes bonds with higher interest rates much more desirable and that much more in demand. On the other hand, those who plan to hold their bonds to maturity aren’t really affected by falling rates, with the exception of reinvestment risk.
One way issuers may take advantage of falling rates, is by calling their outstanding bonds and issuing new bonds at lower rates. Once the higher interest paying bonds are called, investors looking for a fixed rate of return are faced with lower yielding fixed income alternatives. To offset this risk, it’s important to have a diverse portfolio of fixed income investments with a variety of maturities and call features to withstand fluctuations in rates. Stock Investors: Falling interest rates tend to have a positive impact on the stock market, especially stocks of growth companies. Companies that tend to borrow money to finance expansions tend to benefit from declining rates. Paying lower rates of interest decreases the cost of the debt, which may positively affect a company’s bottom line. The stock prices of those companies may rise as a result, driving the market in such a way that prices of other stocks may follow suit. When the Federal Reserve decides to raise interest rates, its goal is usually to slow down an overheating economy. Changes in interest rates tend to affect the economy slowly – it can take as long as 12 to 18 months for the effects of the change to permeate the entire economy. Slowly, as the cost of borrowing increases, banks lend less money and businesses put growth and expansion on hold. Consumers may begin to cut back on spending as the expense of financing a purchase increases. This reverses the effects that lower interest rates had on the economy and, again, investors are affected differently. Bond Investors: In a rising interest rate scenario, the demand for bonds with lower interest rates declines. New bond issues are offered at higher, more appealing rates, driving the price of existing bonds lower. Stock Investors: Rising interest can have a positive or negative impact on the
stock market. In some cases, rising rates can send jitters through the market, resulting in falling stock prices. In other cases, the stock market may respond favorably. In addition, rising interest rates may affect certain industry groups more than others. For instance, growth companies often find it necessary to borrow money in order to expand. Rising interest rates increase the cost of their debt, which in turn decreases profit. As a result, the prices of their stocks may fall. If you’re interest in learning more about what changing interest rates mean for you, a Financial Advisor can help you better understand the effects interest rates may have on your portfolio.
Stocks offer long-term growth potential, but may fluctuate more and provide less current income than other investments. Bonds offer a fixed rate of return and investment principal if held to maturity. In addition to market and interest rate risk, bonds are also subject to default risk, the risk that companies or individuals will be unable to make the required payments on their debt obligations. This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Jeff Kernodle, Sr. Financial Advisor in Searcy, Arkansas at 501279-0101. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOF FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Newtwork, LLC (WFAFN), and member SIPC. Kernodle and Katon Asset Management Group is a separate entity from WFAFN. • ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0410-1871A[83916-v1] 06/10 c6707
About the Writer Jeff Kernodle is a Senior Financial Advisor with Kernodle & Katon Asset Management Group, member of the Wells Fargo Financial Network, LLC in Searcy located at 107 West Beebe-Capps Expressway. For more information on this and other articles, please call Jeff at 501-279-0101
34 Your Hometown Magazine
SearcyLiving.com 35
T
he Habitat for Humanity of White County ReStore Manager, Gary Yarbrough, was born in Searcy and has lived here his entire life. I believe Searcy is a wonderful town in which to live and raise a family. Our Christian community, all the churches, Searcy School system, local leaders, civic clubs, and Harding University make Searcy the city it has become over all these years. My work in the automobile business for over 40 years let me get to know people over the whole state. When I retired in March of 2008, within a few months off, I realized I would have to find something to keep me busy. I'm a person who loves to work, especially if it is for a good cause. One morning I was reading the local newspaper and noticed an ad for a Habitat for Humanity ReStore Manager. I knew Karen Davis, as we graduated Searcy High School in the same class and I go to church with her, and knew she was on the Habitat for Humanity board. I picked up the phone and called her. We talked and set a time to meet at the Habitat office along with Paula Petty, another board member. We met and talked about Habitat and the goals for a Habitat ReStore in Searcy. The ReStore was a new goal of Karen and Paula’s for Habitat for Humanity in Searcy. I visited the North Little Rock ReStore, Benton and Hot Springs ReStore and talked with the Managers. Since the Searcy ReStore didn't yet exist, we had to find a location and start from scratch. I didn't accept the position at first, praying a lot to see what God wanted me to do. It took me a few weeks to know God wanted me to do this. The goal for Habitat is to build as many homes for needy families as possible. God had me to read the ad in the newspaper and call Karen Davis. I want to do what I can in my life to make a difference in needy families’ lives and anyone else’s lives I can. Therefore, I decided to accept the ReStore Manager position. Karen, Paula and I then found an old run down building at 210 W. Mulberry Street here in Searcy. The Habitat board members probably thought we were crazy. In August of 2008 and until our ReStore opening in October 2008, I started cleaning the building, doing carpentry work, painting, building shelves and working on the outside grounds. There were vines growing up the outside walls and I got wasp stung several different times. You would not believe how bad the store looked. I thought, “What has God sent me to do?" I spent several weeks going to local businesses talking about Habitat and the ReStore and our goals to build homes for needy families. I sent out letters to hundreds of my previous automobile customers and friends. If it wasn't for the generosity of businesses and individuals in the surrounding counties giving donations to the 36 Your Hometown Magazine
ReStore, it wouldn't have been possible to grow to where we are today in less than three years. Everything that is donated to the ReStore is sold back to the public at bargain prices. All the items donated are tax deductible. We also recycle appliances and metal. We need almost anything in donations to sell. The proceeds from the ReStore help build more homes for needy families. White County Habitat has built two homes in Searcy, one in Pangburn and one in Bald Knob. We have just finished a third one on Woodruff St. in Searcy. Habitat also started its first Women Build -- yes, a Women Build. Isn't that great? There are plans to build a home in Beebe and we have two more lots in Searcy that we will build on when we have the resources. We also need property donated for future homes. The Habitat for Humanity of White County has a board meeting once a month. The board is partly made up of different committees tasked to help do what it takes to continue to reach our goals. All the board members are committed to go forward and to grow, helping to build all the homes possible. I really appreciate the Habitat board members in their dedication and hard work. They are from all walks of life and many different professions. We have a prayer at each meeting, letting God know we need his help and grace. The ReStore couldn't make it without all the volunteers who work so hard to help in the ReStore itself. They take time out of their lives to help a needy family have a home in which to live. I did not know many of these volunteers until they started working in the ReStore. Now I respect them and they have become my friends. I can't express how much I appreciate them, and I know God sent them to Habitat. I am currently blessed with an intern, Jordan Goldinger, from Charlotte, North Carolina, who attends Harding University and is my Assistant Manager. Anyone who would like to help in the ReStore can come by and visit with me. I really enjoy meeting and getting to know so many repeat customers. There are so many home builders and handymen that bring in donations, which really help. The ReStore wouldn't have even been in Searcy if Karen and Paula, with the grace of God, hadn't done what they have for Habitat. Psalms 127:1 reads, "Unless the Lord builds the house they labor in vain who build it." The ReStore is located at 210 W. Mulberry Street, parallel to West Beebe Capps, across from the Street and Sanitation Department in Searcy. Our telephone number is 501-278-5530. •
Amplify Your Faith
This year, local youth groups of Searcy got together and attended the event called Amplify Your Faith. This event was supposed to occur the weekend after Fields of Faith. But, due to not having enough time to organize the event, the youth leaders decided to hold the event in the spring. Fields of Faith is a great opportunity to get to know other people from different churches and to worship God, but Amplify Your Faith gives the youth groups an opportunity to help and to give back to the community. There were four groups, all working at different locations. One of the locations was at the Habitat ReStore. At the store, one of the groups painted the outside of the building the Habitat for Humanity colors. The work was long and hard, but with the help of God and the amazing weather He gave that weekend, the group left with a feeling of accomplishment. The other groups worked at one of the Habitat for Humanity homes, helping move furniture and paint, and the last group helped do lawn work. The youth worked very hard and did an amazing job working in the community.
Women Build
Habitat for Humanity not only finished a house, but also broke ground at this year’s Women Build. This build gives the women of Searcy an opportunity to show the men what they are made of. Of course, Habitat for Humanity is very grateful and will always need help from men, but now it’s the women’s turn. This year there is a music video that will help promote the Women Build. Habitat for Humanity hopes that every available woman will be a part of this great opportunity to help a very deserving family. • Written by Krista Nolte
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by David Copeland
It’s a story I’ll take to my grave. My mother was a quadriplegic the last 2 years of her life as the result of disease and surgery. As part of her treatment, she was sent to the old Baptist Hospital located near today’s Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her room was on the fourth floor, Northwest corner. She shared her room with an African American lady who had been paralyzed on one side of her body by a stroke. Both were there for physical therapy. Because of my mom’s paralysis, neither of her legs functioned. She had difficulty breathing and had frequent bouts of pneumonia. One of my mom’s hands was paralyzed in an open position. The other one was closed, and because of limited movement in her arms she couldn’t do the simplest things that you and I take for granted. One of those simple things was the ability to scratch her own head when it itched. On one of my visits down there to see her, she told me about what happened on one those times when her head itched terribly, but there was nothing she could do. Lying in her bed, miserable, she said to herself, “I wish I could just reach up and scratch my head.” Her focus on her itching head was broken by movement that she saw out of the corner of her eye, followed by the squeaking sound of something moving. She turned to see her roommate struggling to move towards her, in spite of her paralyzed side, one side of her face frozen by the stroke, the other side straining in her effort to get the wheelchair to move. With all her might, using only her one good leg, she was inching closer to my mother’s bedside. My mother watched as she ever so slowly, but with great determination, made her way right up next to my mom’s bed. And then, that sweet lady, with her one good arm, reached over and began to 38 Your Hometown Magazine
scratch my mother’s head with her long fingernails. “How’s that honey?” she asked my mom. With tears streaming down her face my mother answered, “Aww, that’s wonderful! Thank you so much!” And it was WONDERFUL! This story was shared with me by my mother when I was only 17 years old. To my shame, I must admit that I have forgotten the angel’s name who was my mother’s roommate, but I will never forget the lessons she and my mother taught me. For one, your own needs are not an excuse for not reaching out to help others in their time of need. This dear lady had an excuse for not helping another, but she didn’t use it. Neither should we. Another lesson is that kindness should know no boundaries. Here were two women in a struggle together. One was black and the other white. Neither one allowed anything to determine who they would or would not help. Acts of kindness should have no restrictions. We should also be grateful for the kindnesses shown to us. The words, “Thank you,” seem to be fading fast from our vocabulary today. Shame on us when we don’t thank others and God for the blessing they’ve given to us. And finally, never take your life and health for granted. Even the simplest of things we are able to do should cause our hearts to fill with praise to God for His grace. Even now, almost 35 years later, when I reach up to scratch my head I think of those two ladies in that hospital room and what I’ve learned from them. And I whisper a prayer, “Thank you, Lord, that I can scratch my head. And Lord, is there anyone else’s head out there that I can scratch for them?” David Copeland has been the pastor of Chapel Lane Free Will Baptist Church in Searcy since 1986. He is also a Chaplain with the White County Sheriff’s Department. •
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Health
with Timothy R. Kamerman, D.C.
How To Increase Energy For The Body Even though a low energy level is not the main complaint for patients coming into our office, it is routinely seen. It is not uncommon for those under our care for some time to start saying that they sleep better and have more energy. At first glance that may seem odd, but when you start to break it down into pieces it’s easy to understand and makes sense. This is especially true with a technique called biocranial therapy. In my office, I routinely talk about the function of the nervous system. It is the nervous system that has to be impacted by one method or another to improve vitality and energy. The nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic divisions. Let’s call the sympathetic division your accelerator or go button, and your parasympathetic division your brakes or stop button. If you are driving a car and have an accelerator but no brakes, guess what is going to happen? That’s right, you are going to eventually crash. On the other hand, if you have brakes and no accelerator, you are going to do what? You guessed it, you are going nowhere. This could mean that your go button is not working as efficiently as it could be, or your stop button is working too much, not allowing you to go.You really need to have balance between your accelerator and your brakes to navigate your body, just like a car has to have both to be maneuvered properly. Biocranial therapy allows the body to release tension off the nervous system. There is no jerking, popping, or cracking, but a sustained pressure. Since 80 percent of the nervous system is housed in the skull, it is vital that the cranial bones have proper alignment with the spine. The less tension you have on the nervous system, the greater your body has an ability to adapt and change. This means that it is able to regulate all functions in the body better than when there is tension added to it. Although the majority of patients in our office are in due to pain, numbness, tingling, or some other nervous system disorder, they invariably notice that a change in their energy and vitality levels starts showing up. If your body seems like it is in low gear and has lost its zip, then it may be that your nervous system is over-stressed and it is time to see if a biocranial treatment is in order. You can also visit www.biocranialinstitute.com for more information on this wonderful technique. •
About the Writer Dr. Tim Kamerman is the founder of The Chiropractic Care Clinic on Hawkins Drive in Searcy. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kamerman, please call (501) 268-2273
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Stride to Prevent Suicide
The Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation held the 2011 “Stride to Prevent Suicide” event on Saturday, April 2nd in Spring Park. This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease of depression and suicide prevention and features a 5K, 1 Mile Run and Fun Walk. There were 450 registered participants in this year’s event. The money raised will be used to fund related programs in our community. For more information on the Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation, call 501.278.4357 or visit www.robertelliottfdn.com.
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Some of the programs and services the Elliott Foundation provides are: • Monthly Survivors of Suicide (S.O.S.) meetings • Free literature on depression and suicide prevention • Resource Line manned by the Elliott Foundation • “Understanding Depression” Seminars for the community • Free Depression Screenings • Mental Health Provider Resource List • Public speaking and presentations for your organization
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by Cassie Jones As a family, Bill, Ruth, Ben, Meredith, Stephanie, Emma and Daniel Williams spend countless hours cooking—something that has come to be more than just a family hobby. Earlier this year, Meredith received a call from the National Spam Competition saying that she’d won first place. “The hardest thing,” Meredith said with a laugh, “was to keep it a secret for so long.” CNN broke the story just a few weeks later and since then, a whirlwind has taken the Williams family by storm with interviews and television opportunities, along with several national opportunities as well, which Meredith has handled with humility and wisdom beyond her age. A sophomore at Harding Academy, Meredith has been cooking competitively since the age of five. Cooking as a family introduced her to what she loved, and she later went on to join a 4H Club—which encouraged her to mastering her skill. With 4H, Meredith took her recipe to the county fair. From the county fair, she was chosen to go on to the State Fair and from the State Fair her recipe went to Minneapolis to be judged by Hormel Foods and The Blue Ribbon Group.
Meredith has enjoyed several opportunities to demonstrate her cooking skills at different fairs with the 4H Club and, for the past four years, has joined her family on Saturday Day Break on Channel 7 KATV for cooking demonstrations. As a leader in 4H, Meredith was selected as one of four 4H students to attend the National 4H Conference in Washington, D.C. Along with 4H, Meredith also enjoys piano, track, and singing in her school group called “Cross-Eyed.” When asked about how she handles television and cooking, along with her leadership in 4H and her other extra-curricular activities, Meredith smiled. “Well, I can drive now, so that certainly makes it a lot easier,” she said with a laugh. “But when you give God His time, everything else seems to fall into place.” Meredith has given $200 of her winnings to the Church and plans to help a family in need in their congregation. While being extremely talented, Meredith is also committed to helping others, service and her family. She is a great inspiration to many in our community. As a family, the Williams strive to honor God in their activities. Spending time as a family comes first after spending time with God. The television being turned on is an oddity in their home, and there’s normally a sweet aroma coming from the kitchen. •
44 Your Hometown Magazine
ď&#x20AC;ł As a family, Bill, Ruth, Ben, Meredith, Stephanie, Emma and Daniel Williams spend countless hours cooking.
ď&#x20AC;´ Spending time as a family comes first after spending time with God.
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Written by Debbie Sebastian • Photo by Roxy Creative
H
ave you ever met someone that you liked instantly? I knew I did, when I met Katrina McCandless. She’s the kind of person you wish were your sister, or daughter or friend. Kind, thoughtful, and generous are all words that describe her sweet personality. She is married to Chase McCandless, and is the daughter of Phillip and Sheila Evans. She is one of eight children, Candace Ventura, Crystal, Isaac, Oakland, Canessa, Elizabeth, and William. She is the granddaughter of Winford and Hazel Evans, Leonard and Jeanie Barnett, and the late Elveda Barnett. Katrina was a home school graduate in 2002, and graduated from the UAMS Dental Hygiene Program in 2006. After two years of marriage, she and husband Chase just bought their first home. With a wonderful career in Dental Hygiene at Searcy Dental Associates and Chase working for R.D. Williams & Co., their future was bright and starting a family was the next step for this young couple. While attending a continuing education course in Memphis, Katrina started experiencing stomach pains. As the pain got worse over the weekend, she decided to go to the doctor on Monday (January 17th). At that time, Dr. William White was on call for her primary care physician, Dr. Joseph Dugger. Thinking it was her gallbladder he ordered several tests and lab work. An ultrasound confirmed that there was a mass near or on her liver. After further tests, she was sent to UAMS where a biopsy was performed. The result suggested that the mass was a biliary cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. She underwent surgery on February 11th with the doctors feeling that it was probably not cancerous. However, during surgery multiple spots of cancer were found throughout her abdomen. Final Pathology revealed that it was Peritoneal Mesothelioma.The doctors at UAMS decided it would be best for Katrina to go to the world’s authority on this type of cancer, Dr. Paul Sugarbaker in Washington, D.C. She saw Dr. Sugarbaker for a consult on April 4th. He has recommended a second surgery to remove the lining of her abdomen and 5 days of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Her surgery is scheduled for early summer. At age 26, Katrina is one of the youngest people in the United States to have this type of cancer. This is a cancer of
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the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs. It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. I thought this cancer was only for the old, working to take down buildings laced with asbestos. No, asbestos is everywhere. It is in ceiling tiles, insulation, drum brakes, old radiators, the covering of old wires, old siding, and many other things. Asbestos is not dangerous until disturbed. It doesn’t settle like dust would, it just continues to float in the air after remodeling old homes or buildings or changing brakes, for instance. When breathed in or ingested it can cause mesothelioma.There are three types of mesothelioma: peritoneal(abdomen), pleural(lungs), and pericardial(heart). Some people are more prone to developing mesothelioma than others. It has also been known to just happen without a known asbestos exposure. Katrina and Chase have individual insurance coverage, but the loss of Katrina’s income jeopardizes her insurance coverage, not to mention the fact that individual policy premiums tend to increase in monthly amounts upon use of the insurance. With out of pocket Katrina expenses, co-pays and the additional cost of travel, her expenses will be astronomical. To aid the couple as they proceed in this financial crisis are their ever loving family, their church, Revival Church of Searcy, and friends. There have been garage sales and raffles and a benefit concert is being held (go to SearcyLiving.com for details) at the Searcy Events Center. A few of the groups to be at the concert are: Final Flight, Mercy River Boys, Justin Lawson, Chasing Delaware, Knox Hamilton, The Quatros, and The Beautiful Pursuit. The sponsors for this event are Searcy Dental Associates, Qwik Way, Aaron Reynolds Excavating, First Security Bank, the Treece family and White River Flooring. Tickets will be sold for $5 and a love offering will be taken. With the help of Venita Davis at First Security Bank an account has been set up for donations in Katrina’s name. Any donation, whether large or small will help this family as they face this crisis. I think of every day I’ve spent on this earth and how blessed I am. I couldn’t help but donate to such a wonderful person facing such difficult struggles. When asking Chase how he was facing all these struggles he said, “Katrina is the strong one.” And in fact she is. I am
amazed at her optimism and her faith in the controlling sovereignty of God. God’s grace is at work in her struggles, but faith is her witness to His grace. By watching her, I am encouraged -- as is everyone who knows her. She gathers information, works out the details of their travel to Washington and goes forward to a difficult surgery with the strength and peace of one who knows her destiny is in the hands of her Creator. In her words, “‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Isaiah 41:10) This has become one of my favorite scriptures. Anytime I start to get down about any of this, I just recite it to myself and things seem so much brighter. Also, I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. I’m not sure what I would do without their prayers. Desert Song by Hillsong seems to almost sum up my life, and probably the lives of many others. My favorite line says ‘All of my life in every season You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship.’ Even through difficult times, I will bring praise.” Friends are surely a blessing to all of us. Hold close those that you love and always look for those special people who come along that will bless your life. Katrina has blessed my life in more ways than she will ever begin to know. The hope for all of us is that we will always be a blessing to those around us even in our deepest struggles. I know Katrina is! •
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and how did I find my way back? Moments before disappearing, I was a high school senior in Searcy, Arkansas, pondering the possibilities of life after 17. Had I overindulged in the fictional fantasies of Star Trek, captivated by the thought of ‘boldly going where no man had been before’, or were Mr. Spock’s alien alliances really bidding for my brain? If only it had been that simple. The year was 1979, and life was in my command. At the brink of adulthood, I anticipated challenging adventures for my future, but nothing like the one which would be laid upon my lap and eventually hammered into my soul. Be aware, less we ever believe we are in control. When the shadow of sickness silences one’s dreams, that shadow, regardless of its size, is in control. I know. Sitting at a stop light in Springfield, Missouri, is the last thing I remember. My mother and sister had brought me to Central Bible College where I would settle into dorm life. Supposing I was drunk, strangers rescued traffic from my violent driving and brought me to my mother and sister’s hotel. Exhausted and disoriented, I began to come out of what seemed to be a merciless dream. Something was wrong, but correctly labeling that “something” would be a 25 year challenge. Twenty-five years of grand mal, psychomotor, and partial complex seizures, refusing medication or other forms of traditional treatment. They would eventually number at about 5,000 individual episodes, with as many as six occurrences in one day, at times. Seizures which would leave me misunderstood, physically injured, brain damaged, and barren. Seizures capable of overpowering my very existence at the moment it so desired, ever demanding instant gratification. Seizures which would mock my pride while it convinced others I was mentally retarded, psychologically ill, or demon possessed. Sadly, some people believed just that. I never did. “Janet, Janet! It’s just me, Janet. It’s your grandma!” Daily multiple grand mal seizures made up the decade of the 80’s. I would come out of them screaming as my grandma Beulah and other family members attempted to console me. Gripped with terror and defenseless, I know the devil took advantage of my vulnerable state. Violent seizures caused my body to jerk and twist itself into positions which left my back injured, and my brain devastated. So severe was the damage that I lost my ability to communicate. Like a stroke victim, I knew what I wanted to say but could not express words. Conversations consisted of me pointing at objects, grunting words one might associate with the object, but never quite able to pinpoint 48 Your Hometown Magazine
the appropriate noun. Slowly, I learned to connect a rhyming word to the word I really wanted to say, making communication slow but possible. It would take years for my brain to fully recover from the trauma of seizures and mind altering drugs I never really needed. Brown Paper Bag. Even as I write, I pause and shake my head, smiling to hold back the tears. That was my last trio of conquering words – the worst and most difficult to relearn. And who really needs to be able to say “brown paper bag”? No one I guess… until you can’t do it. I don’t know a lot from the late 70’s or 80’s. The weddings of my friends and the birth of their children are some of the special things I simply have no memory of. I do remember certain episodes of my own wedding in 1989. I managed not to have a seizure during the small ceremony at my parent’s home, but the evening of the honeymoon was interrupted with a grand mal seizure. I don’t remember the first time I made love to my husband…or the last time. I only know the next 13 years of marriage would be a prison of humiliating shame, over which I am still recovering. Abuse may wear a variety of hats, and I have worn my share: Hats blending so well with the overall wardrobe that one could be convinced they are supposed to go together; perfectly camouflaged to the point of denial, easy as a smile. Women with strong personalities wear these hats just as well as the meek. Why? In doing so we believe we hide our weakness, attempting to save ourselves from the shame of being overpowered by
someone who is supposed to love and protect. But that’s another story. Doctors couldn’t find my problem. CT scans revealed no physical problem with my brain, leading them to suspect psychological disorders. Vaguely I remember writing down my dreams and presenting them to a mental health professional. Anti-seizure medications invaded me with side effects which were almost as devastating as the seizures themselves. I tried them all. When that didn’t work, my family doctor tried valium in desperation. For two weeks I had no seizures – the longest I had ever gone. But that was temporary. Doctors would leave me on valium for fifteen years, because it was the only thing that had ever had any kind of positive effect against the seizures, and they felt they had to do something. The early 90’s were my years of recuperating from constant grand mal seizures, as my method of communication improved and signs of brain damage were somewhat less obvious. Its decade also brought a new sense of hopelessness. I began to long for motherhood, but was warned by my doctor never to have children, that there would be no telling what might come out of my body with all the drugs I was on. I hated myself for going through with tubaligation surgery, though now (and even then) I knew it was the right choice. Between the age of about 32 and 42, I sometimes sat on my living room floor and literally howled in emotional pain over being barren. I suffered alone, keeping my mourning between the walls and me. Perhaps some things just can’t be expressed among even the closest of friends and family. God and age delivered me from such sorrow, and I now live a productive fulfilling life. Nevertheless my barrenness still
makes me feel like less of a woman at times. Not less loved, not less important, not even less of a person. Just less of a woman. I couldn’t have tried any harder to work. Convulsing on the floors of a department store in front of customers eventually resulted in me being fired and drawing social security disability, however, which is what I needed at the time. In the 90’s, I attempted to go back to work, as my seizures of a more violent nature had subsided somewhat. But there were more than seizures to contend with. Mind altering medicine prohibited me from thinking straight, making practical decisions, and performing tasks. My people skills and personality almost always got me jobs, but that wasn’t enough to keep them. I went from working in department stores and offices, where my bosses worried about me having seizures before their customers, to working alone cleaning houses. After dropping and breaking a few knick knacks, putting myself and other people’s homes in danger, and urinating all over myself during black out spells, I gave up working. Never have I doubted my family’s love for me, and they expressed it well on my 40th birthday. The year was 2001 and a surprise celebration was on the agenda. We did the usual with black balloons, Epson salt, dentures, and anti-aging cream. My husband was the only person who didn’t show up. Less than a year later, he would walk out on me and move in with another woman. I didn’t love him, yet the abandonment was overwhelming. Today I see it as it truly was: the beginning of hope. In April of 2002, my sister shared with me a prophesy God had given her about 12 years earlier. She had prayed about my healing, and God gave her a word… something about the month SearcyLiving.com 49
“Janet, I believe God has allowed him to leave so that you may go on with His will.”
of June. Now, 12 years later, sitting on the front pew near the altar area of Faith Assembly of God Church on a Wednesday night, my sister knelt beside me with these words: “Janet, I believe God has allowed him (my husband) to leave so that you may go on with His will. And Janet, God says He has a month for you. That month is June. Now I want you to tell me, Janet. Tell me if something happens in June.” Two months later June came and left. June came and left again in 2003. I continued healing from my anger and abandonment issues, learning to deal with poverty as my mobile home was reclaimed. My parents purchased a used single wide trailer for me to live in and put it on their land. Seizures continued and I was tired of living without a life. With nothing left to lose, I decided to fight my seizure disorder like never before. And if I die, I die. Late in 2003, I went to see a new family doctor, Jennifer Faith. I told her of multiple CT scans to no avail, a visit to a local neurologist who said he simply couldn’t do anything for me, my 25 years of trying every drug and diet in the book. Dr. Faith ordered an MRI, and I waited on pins and needles for its results. When the hospital called, it was actually a relief that they had found something odd. So, I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t demon possessed. I wasn’t even mentally retarded. Tests revealed what I knew all along: There was a physical problem in my brain. Thank God the rest of the world now knew that. At first, the problem in my brain was misdiagnosed, though at least acknowledged. Dr. Faith sent me to a neurologist in Little Rock, who was just as confused as the local neurologist years earlier. He then recommended a neurologist who specialized in epileptic seizures, Dr. Victor Batton. I was placed in a double blind study for the newest anti-seizure medication, which left me hallucinating and experiencing effects similar to paranoid schizophrenia. Convinced I was going to hell and nothing in the world could stop it, I sat on the floor terrorized at the fate before me, which even the blood of Jesus could not prevent. As I write, I remember feeling these emotions, how real they were, how sure I was of burning in a dark pit throughout eternity. Through the power of medically prescribed chemicals in a bottle I have come face to face with hate and terror. Don’t take drugs if you don’t need them. Unable to continue with the double blind study, Dr. Batton went on to plan B: brain surgery. On my 44th birthday, May 18th, I met with neurosurgeon Dr. Fredrick Boop, the first person to correctly diagnose my condition. Dr. Boop believed the tiny irregular spot on the left temporal lobe of my brain was a slow growing benign tumor, hiding behind a membrane. He believed it could be successfully removed, and said someone would call me to make arrangements for brain surgery. 50 Your Hometown Magazine
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A few days later I got a call from the Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The secretary wanted to set up my hospitalization stay for the surgery. “Ms. Morris, I’m thinking we can work you in soon, and I’m thinking… could you come in on, uh, how about June? June 1st?” On June 1st, I had my last seizure ever in the bathroom of the Methodist Hospital, hours before my surgery. On June 2nd, the surgery was successfully performed. I spent June 3rd in recovery, and went home on June 4th. After 25 agonizing years, it was that simple. Like being born again, I left the hospital frail but free, like a baby becoming acquainted with her new world.
Recovery is a step by step process; that I know well. Some of my stages included shock, fear, anger, excitement, and the step I hope to always remain in: growth. Social Security and Rehabilitation worked together to help me establish a new life through education. Twenty-five years earlier, my education had been interrupted. In January of 2004, six months after my surgery, I went back to college at Arkansas State University in Beebe. I will always be grateful for a small school with special teachers who held my hand through the challenging process of getting my Associates degree. The last two years of my undergraduate degree were finished at Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas. I left with a BA in Music with an emphasis in voice, and a minor in…you guessed it, rehabilitation. In December of 2011, I will complete my graduate work with a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. My goal is to work with those who are both mentally and physically disabled, and I will begin with a practicum and internship at the Wilbur D. Mills Treatment Center this summer here in Searcy. My growth has been steady and ongoing. Little things like a change in hair style, clothing, and personal preferences really aren’t so little. There is a story behind them. I am not what I once was, praise God. I still battle certain issues, some previously mentioned. More than once I have embarrassed myself and made others feel uneasy by saying, “I look forward to getting to know you.” You see, those I’ve said that to have sometimes been people who grew up with me, and have known me all of their life. But I don’t know them. The last seven years have been filled with re-generating old friendships, learning, and relearning. I don’t go to high school reunions. Many of my classmates wouldn’t understand that I don’t know them, and attempting to rekindle the memory with old stories probably wouldn’t help. That’s not to say I remember nothing. I know some of those I grew up with (though not all) by name – just not by heart. But that is changing. God has blessed me seven fold. I recently built my own house on the land my parents gave me, and I live surrounded by family. I’ve had the opportunity to tell my story to Celebrate Recovery groups, Hope Outdoors ministries, and other functions. I am working on my third and final degree. (Well, maybe! How would “Dr. J” sound?) My big dream is to build a therapeutic recreational center for people with disabilities someday on my 25 acres of land. I don’t know how. God knows, and for now that is enough. May 18th, 2011, marks my 50th birthday, and it will be a great year, of that I am sure. However, some say life begins at the age of 30... some say 40 or 50. For me, it was at the age of 44, and my favorite month will always be June. I say, “Life begins, when you begin to live.” •
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nd debates if car keys. A frie ’ ds ki e th l al ol son’s es — he’s taking to her high scho l ri or ho w co al no t ng bu vi ys she’s gi a teen party, . A co-worker sa ys he is hosting th sa or w or ’s hb it ig an ne r th You trouble ume at a time. ng age is more h they can cons uc m w the legal drinki ho on can keep watch friends so she
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, you would think we are a normal, average American family. For the most part we are. I’m the EAST facilitator and business teacher at Rose Bud High School. I’ve been married to my amazing husband and best friend, Chris, for 21 years, and we have three boys—Brandon is 19, Justin is 15, and Scott Allan is 10. Brandon is in college at ASU-Beebe and stays busy with his school work, Justin is in the 9th grade and LOVES football, and Scott Allan is in the 4th grade and keeps us all on our toes with his “Dennis the Menace” antics! We are members of the Romance Church of Christ congregation, and are very active with our church family. Sounds normal, doesn’t it? Well, what if I added the fact that Chris is an alcoholic? (Some reading this article probably just cringed!) Almost 10 years ago, Chris was working on his family’s farm in south Arkansas. They had just finished harvesting rice and were getting ready to cut beans. Chris was cleaning out a grain cart when his brother accidentally engaged the auger, amputating Chris’s arm just above the elbow. Brandon and Justin were both right beside Chris when the accident happened. I still can’t imagine how scared my babies must have been. Chris had recently been diagnosed as a diabetic, controlling it with diet and exercise. The trauma of the accident, however, shocked his body into insulin dependency. He kind of had two whammies at once! This was such a life-changing experience for all of us. Family, friends, and our wonderful McGehee church family were very supportive, and everyone kept telling us how great we were handling things…or so they thought. Somewhere along the way, Chris turned to alcohol. He was almost instantly addicted. He never intended to become an alcoholic, but what alcoholic ever did? We were not drinkers, not even socially. Neither were his parents. The loss of his arm, the diabetes, and now alcoholism…it was a tough pill for us to swallow. Trying to make a fresh start and thinking life would be better, we left our south Arkansas home and headed north to Hammonsville (between El Paso and Romance). We built a house on my family’s farm and I got a teaching job in Rose Bud. About two years after we moved, Chris, for whatever reason, couldn’t take any more and finally reached for help. In his words, “Addiction will take you to the darkest place in your soul that can’t even be described. Any addict trying to recover will tell you it’s worse than any horror movie ever made, except it doesn’t last 1 ½ hours: it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I was sick of being sick.” He spent almost three months at the Wilbur D. Mills Treatment Center in Searcy. It was so hard for all of us to be apart, but we knew it was the right thing. The boys and I will never forget the day he came home; it was like we had gotten our life back! After my first year of teaching at Rose Bud, the school started an EAST program and I became the facilitator. That year, an amazing lady by the name of Pat Hambrick came to visit me at school. She introduced me and my students to this thing called WISE. EAST is a service-learning-type class, and WISE seemed to be a great opportunity for my students to work with the community. But the more I learned about WISE and its mission to prevent underage drinking, the more I realized that it wasn’t just a community partner, it was also a much needed blessing for me and my family.
Nationwide, alcoholrelated accidents are the leading cause of death among young people 15 to 24 years of age and alcohol kills more young people than all other drugs combined. Alcohol is a factor in 2/3 of all date rapes.
I’ve always been a protective Moma…just ask my kids! But, after Chris became an alcoholic, my protective instincts kicked into over drive. I have been determined to do whatever I could to ensure my kids wouldn’t have to go through the struggle of alcoholism like their daddy has had to. I made sure they were in church every time the doors were open, they attended Al-Ateen meetings, and now I had WISE. Brandon was one of my EAST students and worked with WISE as his community partner. He created and filmed a drinking and driving video, recorded PSAs for the coalition, hosted a school assembly on the dangers of underage drinking, and worked as a volunteer whenever needed. Justin wasn’t old enough to be in EAST yet, but he was guilty by association (his Moma is the facilitator) and so he tagged along to every WISE meeting Brandon and I attended and that’s how he became involved. The two of them were asked by the coalition to attend CADCA’s National Youth Leadership Conference in St. Louis, where they learned how to develop underage drinking prevention programs in their school. Justin was also invited to attend the conference again the next year, and I was asked to serve on the WISE Board of Directors. Chris also serves as a volunteer. His favorite is working the WISE booth at the White County Fair. You might have seen him…he was the guy with one arm, enticing visitors to our booth with popcorn. Once the popcorn got their attention, he would tell them all about WISE. If they didn’t want popcorn, he would just jump out in the isle and tell them about it anyway! And Scott Allan, even at his age, has volunteered at different events, such as our Larry’s Pizza fundraiser where he stood by the road and held our “Help WISE” posters. After all, who could resist that cute face? According to the CDC, 21.1% of students drink alcohol (other than a few sips) for the first time before the age of 13. People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop a serious alcohol problem later in life than those who wait until they are 21. They have also identified a number of other risk factors for serious alcohol problems, most of which have to do with a young person’s environment. Young people who have strong relationships with their parents are less likely to have serious alcohol problems than those who don’t. Poor parenting skills and parental problems with alcohol or other drug use SearcyLiving.com 55
are other contributing factors. Unstable living arrangements and the influence of siblings and other family members or friends who may drink and use drugs also can increase the risk. Permissive attitudes about alcohol, even in families where alcoholism isn’t present, can also have a profound impact on youth. Though far more kids drink than use illicit drugs, parents are more likely to excuse getting drunk as a “rite of passage.” Some parents even illegally provide the alcohol for their kids. Parents who drink and who have favorable attitudes about alcohol encourage children to start drinking and to keep drinking. Just as important as risk factors are protective factors - variables that that can protect kids. These include:
in school or work
family relationships
with peers who don’t drink or use other drugs
teachers, preachers, and other protective adults in positive recreational activities
While this information may be boring, the facts are real. I say all of this because I want parents to realize that by providing alcohol to their kids for whatever reason, they are potentially creating a future alcoholic. I want kids to realize that taking that first drink could be the most devastating thing they ever do. If you ask any of my boys what advice about alcohol they have for families, it’s to protect your family and stay away from it. If you ask my husband’s advice, he would say don’t ever take that first drink, no matter how old you are, even if you think you can handle it. Alcoholism is always only one drink away. Chris will continually struggle with his alcoholism because once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. But we have survived and we will continue the fight together as a family. And WISE will continue their fight to prevent underage drinking. See, it’s like we were meant to be together. Even with all we’ve been through, we count ourselves extremely BLESSED! WISE is not just an organization that we got involved with because we needed something else to do; it’s a mission for us. It’s something we believe in, heart and soul, and it has become a family affair. •
The Baker Family
56 Your Hometown Magazine
are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment of their driving skills. Drinking drivers aged 16 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drinking drivers who are 21 or older. indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction. when drinking starts affects future drinking problems.
Online Extra
(HB 1586) provides criminal liability for a social host who knowingly serves alcohol to minors and who knowingly allows minors to consume alcohol on his or her property.
Go to SearcyLiving.com to read more articles on this topic.
The act does not apply to any consumption of alcohol during religious ceremonies or for religious purposes.
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The Searcy Living Foster Care Boutique is simply a room in the Searcy Living business office where foster parents and case workers can pick up things they need for foster children. The donations come from you!
THANK YOU to HOPKINS ORTHODONTICS for collecting donations for the Searcy Living Foster Care Boutique with your “Helping Hands with Hopkins” contest. Patients donating earned Hopkins bucks for their donations. Hopkins bucks can be used to buy cool prizes such as Vera Bradley bags, Hopkins merchandise, giftcards, sports items and they were also entered in a drawing for a limo ride and dinner for 3! Congratulations to Kyle Burton on winning the limo ride and dinner!
Thank you to Amanda Lutrell for her family’s continued support of the Foster Care Boutique.
“ Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. ” ~ Mother Teresa
Have you thought about becoming a foster parent? There are children in need waiting for a families love and stability. Go to SearcyLiving.com for more information. Click on Foster Care Boutique. “One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody.” ~ Mother Teresa
“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” ~ Haim Ginott
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Thank you to these Harding students who participated in the Bisons for Christ day. These students washed blinds, baseboards, and thoroughly cleaned and sorted the Foster Care Boutique. Thank You!!!
Thank you to Rebaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a Formal Wear for the donation of dresses to the Foster Care Boutique.
Thank you to the Denny Biard family for your great donation of boys clothing for the Foster Care Boutique.
Thank you to all of our camera shy donors! Thank you to Harding Place for their donation of tooth brushes for the Foster Care Boutique. Our tooth brush supply was completely depleted.
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Thank you to First Christian Church for your continued envolvement.
Kathy Murphy delivered bags for foster care children donated and assembled by White County Community Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Advisory Council (YAC). YAC members include high school students from Harding Academy and Searcy High School.
Thank you to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church!
Thank you Rhea Lanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for another great donation to the Searcy Living Foster Care Boutique! Thank you also to Chuck Lang at the White County Fairgrounds for helping with the logistics of this donation.
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S
By Mary Kay James The goal was to help others... but in doing so they helped themselves.
aint Paul United Methodist Men in Searcy, consuming step. Saw horses and long pipes provided the Arkansas, are impacting the community, White ideal solution for several hundred crosses to dry. A bond County, Arkansas and the Nation through their of brotherhood began to grow in these men as they met Crosses for Christ ministry. In December of 2010, Lee each Tuesday and Thursday morning to pray and work Stephenson, then president of UMM. contacted Travis together in a shared common goal. and Patty Arnold of Russellville, Arkansas, regarding The first 100 crosses were quickly distributed within their constructing and giving away small crosses to the St. Paul congregation and requests for more began place in front lawns as a symbol of Christian faith and a pouring in. The men began bundling them into groups reminder that we are one of 10 for transport from nation under God. the construction site to “A bond of brotherhood began to grow in fter several phone the church in our St. conversations Paul trailer. Over 1,000 these men as they met...to pray and work with the Arnolds, have been distributed together in a shared common goal.” Lee began discussing through the ecumenical this project with the group, Sons of Thunder. Methodist men. In mid Those who attended the December they decided to build and paint 100 crosses United Methodist Women’s North District “Spring Day and give them away during Christmas week. One person Apart” held at St. Paul UMC in Searcy in April carried compiled information about the crosses and contact home 126 crosses. Many of the churches in Searcy and information that could be rubber banded to each cross. in neighboring towns have requested several bundles of Lee’s large, heated, work building and power tools crosses and requests have come from friends on Facebook provided the setting for the construction. Larry James in other states. Front page coverage and pictures in the acquired scrap lumber from building sites, and local paint local newspaper brought more requests. Glen Norman, stores provided paint. Rubber bands were donated by local current UMM president, continues to lead this ministry. banks. The project took on a life of its own when more The Crosses for Christ construction continues as Saint and more of the retired Methodist Men became involved. Paul members share crosses with their neighbors, and Some were retired contractors, others skilled with power persons from other churches and communities request tools and one construction foreman came early and stayed crosses and information on construction. The end is not late when his crews were not working. One man designed in sight. • a template so the wood could be placed and power And as for you, you meant evil against me, [but] God meant it for good in order to about this present result, to preserve many people alive. stapled quickly. Painting the crosses was the most time bring ~ Gen 50:20
A
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The following information is rubber banded to each cross: St. Paul United Methodist Men, Searcy, AR give you this Latin cross to display in your front yard as a testament of your Christian faith and as a reminder that we are One Nation Under God. In 2009 Travis and Patty Arnold of Russellville, AR received an email about an atheist in Michigan who successfully got two small crosses removed from a town. In protest, hundreds of people began to place crosses in their yards making their opinions known. The Arnolds were so touched by the story that they made a small cross, placed it in their yard and offered one to a neighbor. When the neighbor accepted they made more and gave them away. The requests for crosses began pouring in. The Arnolds have given away over 1000 crosses and their goal is to have a cross in every yard in Russellville, AR. and eventually a small cross, the symbol of faith for all Christians in yards throughout the state of Arkansas. In mid December 2010, Saint Paul United Methodist Men began to make crosses and give them away to be displayed as a silent symbol of Christian faith. It is hoped that other churches throughout Arkansas
will join in this endeavor so that the entire state will be covered with symbols of our Christian faith. As of April 2011, over 5000 have been given away. To donate wood and/or paint or to request a constructed cross contact St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2905 W. Beebe Capps Expy., Searcy, AR 501-2685159 www.spumcsearcy.com Click on Photo Albums to see “Crosses for Christ” being constructed. •
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The four and five year old pre-K students at Tender Loving Care Early Learning Center recently studied about eating at restaurants and using their manners. Tender Loving Care hosted “Mother-Child Teas” for the students to show off their new skills. The girls dressed up as princesses and had their nails, hair and make-up done. The boys dressed up in suits and other formal wear to escort them. The mothers helped the children decorate hats and enjoyed song presentations by the children. The children had the opportunity to thank their mothers for all they do and for them to have their picture taken together. The children served their mothers lunch
Tender Loving Care hosted “MotherChild Teas” for the students to show off their new skills they learned about eating at restaurants and using their manners.
64 Your Hometown Magazine
(including the fruit kabobs they made in class as a patterning activity) and practiced using their manners. It was terrific seeing how many mothers (or aunts or grandmas) took time out of their busy schedules to participate in such a special time with their child! They also host a “Daddy-Dog Day” each spring which is an opportunity for the Dads (or uncles and grandpas) to come read a story, play a game of “wiffle” ball outside and have a picnic lunch with their child. The children love having this special time to play together, not just with their Dad, but with their friends’ Dads, too. •
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d nner
Recipe Submitted by Tanya Leckie
& A Magazine
(This recipe is NOT in my cookbook, so if you have a copy... and I hope you do... just clip this one out and stick it in the back of the book!) Keeping healthy eating habits in mind and STILL wanting foods to taste good, I recently went searching for a really good breakfast sausage recipe. I could not find sausage in the supermarkets that weren’t loaded with MSG or preservatives (some like BHT and BHA... check it out online
and you’ll see why I steer clear of them). After a few batches, I finally landed on one I think is superior to any brand in the stores. Use ground turkey if you’d rather... I just happen to use pork in mine. This can be used in any recipe calling for bulk pork sausage (lasagna, sausage gravy, Sausage Sauerkraut Casserole, etc.) or simply form into sausage patties. Enjoy!
ingredients Photo by D. Sharon Pruitt
1 pound ground pork
(pre-ground can be found at Kroger or grind 1# of pork shoulder)
1 Tbsp ground sage 3/4 tsp salt 3/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp dark brown sugar 1/4 c. buttermilk red pepper flakes to taste
(I use about 1/4 tsp for mild, but you choose how hot you like it)
combine
Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
fry
Divide into “large egg size” sections and fry on a griddle just like you would any sausage patties BUT KEEP IN MIND... there will be no grease (unlike every other sausage you’ve ever tried from the supermarket).
or freeze for later
If you’d like to make these ahead of time and freeze the patties, simply scoop out sections onto a large sheet of parchment lining a large baking sheet. Once you have all the scoops on the parchment, cover with another sheet of parchment the same size as the lower sheet. Flatten each section with your hand or a flat object until the sausage patty is as thin as you like it. Place entire baking sheet holding all the sausage patties in the freezer. Once the sausage patties are frozen, remove baking sheet from freezer and cut parchment between patties with scissors and place individual sections in a large zip-top bag until ready to use. You are SO gonna love this! Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Midnight Oil Coffee House, Harding University Bookstore, online at www. heylookicancook.com, and by contacting her at lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net
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d nner
Recipe Submitted by Miguel Espina
& A Magazine
ingredients Butter, salted 1 TBS Red Bell Peppers, roasted and chopped 4@ Onion, yellow, finely chopped 1@ Garlic, fresh, finely minced 3 cloves Chicken Broth 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream ¼ cup Black Pepper, fresh, ground 1/8 teaspoon Gouda Cheese, smoked, shredded 1 cup
broil
Cut peppers in half and roast 8-10 min on Broil until skins char and start to come off. Allow to cool. Peel skins off peppers and chop into rough pieces.
sauté
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Place the red bell pepper, onion and garlic in the saucepan and sauté for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
puree
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
heat
Return the liquid to the saucepan over medium low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, the ground black pepper and cheese, and allow to heat through, about 5 to 10 minutes. Yields 8 servings Miguel is working on writing a cookbook with all the dinner party recipes at the Searcy Country Club. It will include at least 12 dinners, one for each month of the year, with each dinner consisting of 6 to 7 dishes, so you will be looking at not less than 78 mouth watering original recipes.
Online Extra You can find more recipes on SearcyLiving.com!
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OUT&ABOUT
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” ~Walt Disney 70 Your Hometown Magazine
Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an Official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration.
Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state!
Find more OUT&ABOUT on SearcyLiving.com! SearcyLiving.com 71
Games & Puzzles
DOWN
1. Life Begins Author 2. White County invested In Substance Abuse Eradication 3. St. Paul United Methodist men give one of these to place in your yard as a sign of Christian Faith. 4. Chiropractic Career Writer 5. Foundation helping children in need. Imagine and _______. 8. All Amercian Citizen receiving scholarship to the Air Force Academy.
ACROSS
3. Light the Night 6. Habitat for Humanity 7. 21.1% of students drink alchohol for the first time before the age of _____ years. 9. Living in Searcy Home 10. National Spam competition winner.
STUMPED? Get the answers, play games, download wallpaper and tons more online at SearcyLiving.com!
www.SearcyLiving.com
Riddles You have a barrel of oil, and you need to measure out just one gallon. How do you do this if you only have a threegallon container and a fivegallon container? Why is it always hot at the end of a soccer game?
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Bethlehem Baptist Church
Pastor J. L. McClure’s Bio Pastor Jerry L. McClure is a native of West Memphis, Arkansas. Pastor McClure has been a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, for over 31 years. He has been employed with the Little Rock School District for 25 years as a Preventative Maintenance Foreman of the Building Engineers. He is a proud husband of 29 years to Sandra McClure and father of two sons, Justin and Jakeel McClure. Pastor McClure obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arkansas Baptist College. Pastor McClure answered his call to the ministry at First Baptist Higgins, AR in 1987 under the leadership of Pastor Michael Payne. He received his license and was ordained in 1992. He served as Pastor for 4 years at Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Keo, AR and is presently serving his flock as Pastor of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Searcy, AR. With God’s Grace and Mercy, this commission has lasted for 13 years. Sandra’s Bio First Lady Sandra McClure is a devoted wife of 29 years and a loving mother of two wonderful sons, Justin and Jakeel McClure, who attend Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. She is a graduate of the Wilbur D. Mills Universities High School, Pulaski County Special School District. She also managed a supervisors career for 30 years with Levis Strauss Co. and is a graduate of Remington College of Little Rock. First Lady Sandra McClure is actively involved in assisting her husband in the ministry and works to support other ministries where ever she can. First Lady Sandra McClure is now gainfully employed at Practice Plus, a division of Baptist Health in Little Rock, AR.
photos by Roxy Creative Church Vision Bethlehem Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jerry L. McClure, plans to expand the community services that so many have enjoyed in the past. And as we continue to help uplift the spirit of hope by helping others, we pledge to work harmoniously as a church body to invest in the future growth and well-being of our community. This investment in our community will come in the form of further advancement of the Kingdom of God with a new family life center as the first phase of our God inspired vision to start a building project. We trust, with the proper facility, we will be better equipped with the necessary tools and space to carry our ministry further into the heart of the community and eventually into the hearts of men and women as we affect their lives in ways that are both personal and positive. With God’s help and our prayers, we will succeed. •
Community Service The Bethlehem Baptist Church has worked for many years in the fair city of Searcy, providing youth intervention, assisting the elderly with meals, visiting the nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and offering emergency care in times of crisis as well as providing a list of other helpful services in our community while establishing as positive image of hope. SearcyLiving.com 73
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