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On the Cover:
Eli, Evie, and Elissa McCumpsey Parents of Josh & Jessica McCumpsey Photography By:
George Dillin 501-268-9304 Publisher Christine Walker Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson Customer Service Angela Fisher Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell
Merry CHRISTmas! from your friends at Searcy Living Magazine
Makeover Coordinator Christine Locke Locally Owned and Operated
812 South Main Street Searcy, AR 72143 searcyliving@yahoo.com (501) 368-0095
For subscription information go to SearcyLiving.com
Copyright 2015 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 2015 Shark Promotions LLC Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.
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You Finish or We Finish At Unpainted Furniture we have real wood furniture at VERY AFFORDABLE prices. You can finish it yourself or we can custom paint or stain for you. We are located across from Searcy Medical Center. Unpainted Furniture 607 Marion • Searcy • 501-279-1303 unpaintedfurnituresearcy.com
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Tinsel, Trees,
& Toys
Benefitting Foster Children In White County See page 28 for last year’s trees. 1. You are invited to participate in the Tinsel, Trees and Toys fundraiser to benefit foster children in White County! White County businesses will be decorating their own Christmas trees and setting them on display at the Providence Assisted Living. 2. These trees will remain on display until December 13 when they will be auctioned off via silent auction. To cast your vote for a tree, simply place a child's present under that tree. 3. On December 13th the presents under the trees will be counted. Volunteers will contact the winning bidders to arrange pick up of the trees. All proceeds from the auction will be used to purchase Christmas presents for foster children in White County. 4. You can reserve a space for your tree or find out more information by contacting Jamie Bates at 501230-4670. Thank you, and we hope that you will join us in making Christmas special for over 100 foster children in White County!
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Decorative Iron From gazing balls to giant animals and home decor, Decorative Iron in Judsonia has it all! 833 Hwy. 367 • Judsonia 501-729-0140
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Symmetrix Salon and Day Spa Find the perfect gift with our great selection of jewelry, accessories and clothing. Also offering haircuts, colors, and perms and nails and massages. 501-268-4540 (Appts Mon-Sat) Charlestown Village 2305 W. Beebe Capps Searcy, AR
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My Favorite
Traditions!
Interviews by Jarred Moss Christmas is a favorite time of the year for most families for many reasons. Be it the merry spirit in the air, the chilly breeze against your coat, the many family dinners, or sound of carols, Christmas reminds us of the birth of Jesus Christ, and celebrating that day with family always holds a special place in our hearts. Most families develop certain traditions during the holiday seasons and each one has it’s own special meaning. Though we grow older and become busier, we can always look back to our childhood and remember our favorite Christmas moments, for nothing beats being a kid during Christmas. We asked seven kids what their favorite Christmas tradition is and what Christmas means to them. Their answers are sure to make you smile. Look for quotes like the one below throughout this catalog.
“ In my house, we draw names and whoever’s names we get, we get a present for them! We also make a cake for Jesus’ birthday! I love Christmas because it’s a time we all gather around and worship the Lord.”
~ Haley Reamer
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DIY STOCKING HANGER With Amanda Lutrell
One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is hanging stockings. My children love to pull their stockings out of storage each year and hang them with care while remembering Christmases past and wondering what goodies this Christmas will bring. Since our new home doesn’t have a fireplace mantle for our stockings it gave me the opportunity to do something a little different. I wanted to create a wall mounted stocking hanger with character and a little bit of rustic charm.
1 ~I began with a large old window (readily available at flea markets). I scraped off any peeling paint and gave it a good cleaning.
2 ~I fastened picture hangers to either side of the back of the window. (Make sure your hangers are big enough to support the weight of the window and stockings filled with lots of goodies!)
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~To personalize, I wrote each family member’s name on an ornament using a paint pen.
3 ~Next I drilled holes in the bottom of the window and installed a cabinet knob for each stocking. (A simple hook will work as well.)
5 ~I then hung the ornaments above each knob using jute string. To secure the ornaments I stapled the jute to the back side of the window.
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6 ~To finish the project I hung a floral swag at the top of the window. We each added our stocking under our ornament and are excitedly waiting for Christmas Eve!
“My favorite Christmas tradition is watching the nativity story on Christmas Eve with my family. To me, Christmas is about Jesus’ birth and worshipping Him and thanking God for bringing His son to earth.”
~ Audra Donnell
“ I really love the feeling of giving someone a present – when their faces light up opening it. I love it because it makes me feel good. It gives me a taste of giving and makes me want to give more! I love that feeling. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christians started because of God’s gift: giving his Son to us. What God gives to us, we give to others.”
~ Zeke Wallace SearcyLiving.com 21
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Tinsel, Trees,
& Toys
A few of last season’s trees See Page 11
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“ Sometimes we wake up early and then pray together and talk a lot and then open the presents and we have a BIG BIG breakfast with everything!!!! It’s a big day where everything is big! I think Christmas is all about when Jesus was born and how he made us so free. You have the feeling that Jesus is still alive and you can believe in Him!”
~ Lily Hendrix
Second grader Ashley Vazquez is the Sidney Deener Elementary Student Artist for December. Ashley is surrounded by some of her artwork done this year. SearcyLiving.com 29
“ In my family room, we read a story book and we have an ornament for each story. After each story, we put the ornament on the tree! Christmas is so special because it is a time of fellowship and family where you glorify God.”
~ Sophia Seger
“ I love sitting around the dinner table and spending time with my family.”
~ Lucas Simmons
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Veterans Day Assembly Wreaths Across America The administration, faculty, and students of Ahlf Junior High School cordially extend an invitation to all veterans, actively serving
military personnel, and members of the community to its annual Veterans Day Assembly, on November 11, 2015 and our Wreaths Across America assembly on December 11, 2015. The Veterans Day Assembly provides an opportunity for all Searcy residents to recognize the sacrifice made by our veterans in order to ensure the freedoms that all Americans hold dear. The Veterans Day Assembly’s speaker for this year is HMCS (FMF/EXW) Gordon R. Borst USNR (ret). who will speak on the importance of Veterans Day and what we can do to support our veterans. We would like to recognize all veterans in Searcy as well as any military personnel who are able to attend. Questions may be directed to Ty Hendricks, thendricks@searcyschools.org. In preparation for the holiday season and the Wreaths Across America assembly, Ahlf Junior High School will also commence a toy drive in coordination with Operation Homefront to benefit military families. The seventh and eighth grade classes will compete to see which class can collect the most donations. Toys should be new and unopened, and appropriate for children between the ages of 6-18. The toy drive begins Nov. 11th and will conclude Dec. 4th. More information and suggestions for donations will be sent home prior to the toy drive. Questions may be directed to Brenda Louis, blouis@searcyschools.org. Ahlf Junior High School is also excited to host Wreaths Across America on December 11, 2015. At this assembly speakers will discuss the importance of remembering our fallen heros by demonstrating their mission plan of laying wreaths on fallen soldiers graves. All veterans are invited to this assembly to be recognized.
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Events
Dates may change due to weather. Please visit SearcyLiving.com, our Facebook, or our Instagram page to see the most current schedule of events. Living Nativity December 4-6, 11-13 Friday 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. First Assembly of God Church www.livenativity.com Searcy Parks & Rec Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 5, 9-3 p.m. Carmichael Center www.facebook.com/ searcyparksandrecreation Pioneer Village Christmas Open House Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 - 3 p.m. Pioneer Village, 1200 Higginson St. www.whitecountypioneervillage.org Holiday of Lights Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Spring Park to Berryhill Park For more information, call (501) 268-2483. A Christmas Story December 4,5,11,12,18,19 @ 7:30p.m. December 6,13,20 @ 1:30p.m. Center On The Square www.centeronthesquare.org
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People, Places, & Holidays Around the World Art Reception Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m. Runs December 6-January Searcy Art Gallery/Black House Christmas Ring & Sing Cantata Organ Recital & Christmas Bells December 11, 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church www.searcyfumc.com The Miracle Worker December 10-12, 7 p.m. Ulrey Performing Arts Center www.harding.edu Pied Pipers Christmas Show December 12, 11 a.m. Ulrey Performing Arts Center www.harding.edu Christmas Cantata “The Ornament� December 18, 7 p.m. December 20, 6 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church www.tbcsearcy.org Santa Hut on the Square We will post links to their schedule on our FaceBook page and list on our website: SearcyLiving.com
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The
Nativ it y irst Assembly of God, 101 S. F Benton St., in Searcy welcomes visitors to experience the miraculous
birth of Jesus through the powerful message of The Living Nativity. The Christmas story comes alive in a remarkable way as First Assembly transforms the outside of the church to reflect the hustle and bustle of biblical times. Visitors take a trip back in time as they are immersed in all the sights, sounds and smells of Bethlehem. The spectacular production involves nearly 300 church members, exotic animals, handmade costumes and crafts to set the scene for the Nativity. As visitors come face-to-face with the intimidating Roman guards at the city
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gates, they are swept into an authentic and multi-dimensional experience of the first Christmas. True to the story told in Luke 2, the Nativity includes replicas of Harod’s palace, the inn with a ‘No Vacancy
sign, multiple storefronts, the temple, tents of the three wise men and the manger. Church members portray Bethlehem townspeople as they would have appeared on the first Christmas night. Children’s Pastor Mark Ferren is also the master craftsman of the town, constructing much of the Bethlehem scene from Styrofoam in phenomenal detail. “Our church started The Living Nativity 10 years ago to share the true story of Christmas,” he said. “Every building, character and costume in the Nativity was handmade to portray the biblical account of the night Christ was born. We want to give visitors a genuine experience of the night that changed the world.” According to Ferren, the church has welcomed 88,000 visitors from
throughout Arkansas and neighboring states to The Living Nativity over the past nine years. This year, he said they hope to welcome 12,000 visitors to reach a milestone of 100,000 guests. “It is a God-sized goal, but we believe what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, that ‘with God, all things are possible,’” he said. “And, we are making special arrangements for the 100,000 visitor – it will be a great celebration.” The Living Nativity is free to the public and will be open the weekends of December 5-7 and December 1214 -- Fridays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; and, Sundays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, please visit LiveNativity.com or contact Mark Ferren at (501) 278-6354.
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2015 Pictured on Cover: 2014 Pictured on Cover: 2013 Pictured on Cover: Eli, Evie, and Elissa Lena Grady, Ian Grady Maitland Gann McCumpsey (Center), and Jack Bashaw Parents: Taylor Gann Parents: Josh & Jessica Cover Photographer: Chris Gann McCumpsey Taylor Howard Cover Photographer: Photography By: (870) 917-8012 Kimberly Brackins George Dillin 501-279-1515 501-268-9304
2012 Pictured on Cover: Caden, Olivia, & Carver Higginbotham Parents: Josh & Lesley Higginbotham Riley & Lena Beth Smith Parents: Chad & Elizabeth Smith Cover Photographer: Taylor Howard Photography (870) 917-8012 thowardphotography.com 46 Your Hometown Magazine
2011 Pictured on Cover: Paxton Crum and Olivia Crum Parents: Parker and Amanda Crum Sloan Mercer Parents: Justin and Marcy Mercer Anna Claire Showalter Parents: Roy and Nancy Showalter Cover Photographer: Kimberly Brackins 501-279-1515
2010 Pictured on Cover: Kristen Tranum Avery Tranum Parents: Lynn & Carrie Tranum Cover Photographer: George Dillin 501-268-9304
2009 Pictured on Cover: Jordan, Reagan, & Morgan Feltrop Parents: Frank & Cassandra Feltrop Cover Photographer: Kimberly Brackins 501-279-1515
2007 Pictured on Cover: Christian Cox Parents: Jared & Casey Cox Cover Photographer: George Dillin 501-268-9304
2008 Pictured on Cover: Whitney Hays Parents: Monte & Tammy Hays Cooper McLeod • Lindey McLeod Parents: Todd & Casey McLeod Avery Lutrell Parents: David Lutrell Casey McLeod Cover Photographer: Maggie Hendrix 501-388-3256
2006 Pictured On Cover: Jadyn Ramsey Parents: Johnny & Betina Ramsey Landon & Keaton Hambrick Parents: John & Vicki Bates Photographer: Kevin Taylor SearcyLiving.com 47
A few volunteers helping pack shoeboxes at Trinity Baptist Church in Searcy.
In 1993 Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse International, adopted the organization known as Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a benevolent Christian organization which seeks to share the love of Christ with underprivileged children by filling regular shoe boxes with Christmas gifts. In the last few year’s Operation Christmas Child has reached into more than 135 countries and in 2013 celebrated the handing out of its one hundred millionth Christmas box. In the fall each year we dust off shoe boxes and collect items such as small toys, school supplies, hygiene items and 48 Your Hometown Magazine
stuffed animals to put inside the shoe boxes. However, the most important item that is placed in these boxes before they are distributed overseas is the pamphlet called “The Greatest Gift.” This pamphlet describes the greatest love story of all time, that of God’s love for all mankind. There are several ways of participating in Operation Christmas child; you can personally fill your own box, you can build a box online, you can donate money or items to fill boxes, participate with a local church supporting this ministry, or volunteer at one of several processing centers across the country.
“A small shoebox can teach a child about the love of God, lead him or her to faith in Christ, inspired pastors, and plant new churches. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out is eternal. Be a part of changing lives through the power of a simple gift.” Samaritan’s Purse is also involved in many other ministries throughout the United States and across the world and more information can be found on their website www.samaritanspurse.org
“Those who give mercy to others are happy. Mercy will be given to them.” Matthew 5:7
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$1,000
in Prizes!
• Win one of 2 gift baskets. • Each package has a value of $500!
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Merry CHRISTmas!
Drawing! 29
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Give away ! Winners will be notified and will be posted on SearcyLiving.com and Searcy Living Facebook!
Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________ City: _________________ Phone: ______________________ E-Mail: ___________________________ One entry per person. Photocopies of entry forms ARE permitted. No purchase necessary. Entries must be postmarked by December 16th. For a complete list of rules go to SearcyLiving.com Mail to Searcy Living address below: One Entry Per Person
Searcy Living Christmas P.O. Box 1922 Searcy, AR 72145
One Entry Per Person
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Junior Auxiliary of Searcy
Angel Tree Providing Christmas Gifts for Children Last year the Angel Tree project provided Christmas gifts to 597 less fortunate children in White County. Junior Auxiliary would like to ask members of the community to please come by one of these locations to adopt an Angel, and help those in need this Christmas. “Christmas is about giving to others, by adopting an Angel you will make a lasting impression on a child’s heart by making their Christmas wishes come true, and hopefully one day that child will in turn give back to others”, said Leah Cook, Junior Auxiliary President. Junior Auxiliary of Searcy was chartered in 1962 and currently has 32 active members who dedicate their time throughout the year on a variety of projects that focus on local children and families in need of assistance. In addition to Angel Tree, other JA of Searcy projects include Sunshine School, Searcy Learning Center, Food
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See dates below
Baskets, Covering Kids and A Day of Caring. Junior Auxiliary of Searcy is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, MS. NAJA has more than 15,000 active, associate, and life members in 101chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The NAJA slogan is “Care Today – Character Tomorrow” and when teamed with the current focus of the Association, Junior Auxiliary Chapters are working more than ever before to increase awareness of child health and welfare and how it affects their futures. If you would like more information on Junior Auxiliary of Searcy, and to keep up with all of their projects you can “Like” them on Facebook. The Junior Auxiliary of Searcy Angel Tree project officially kicks off on November 21st. Junior Auxiliary members will have Angels available for adoption: November 21-24 and November 29-December 11 at Hay’s and Harps in Searcy. • Hay’s Monday-Saturday 12-7:30pm and Sundays 1-4pm, • Harps Friday-Saturday 12-7pm and Sunday 1-4pm. • Angels will also be available to adopt at area banks.
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“ I love when we sit at the table and talk about Jesus Birth with family!”
~ Troy Miller “My favorite tradition is staying up until the next day and opening presents as SOON as it turns Christmas day!”
~ Joel Money Third graders at Sidney Deener Elementary created ornaments on the Christmas tree. These ornaments were inspired by the American glass artist Dale Chihuly. Instead of glass, the students used the bottom of soda bottoms, which were decorated with permanent marker and curled to resemble flowers. The students’ names (starting from the far left) are: Zoe Livingston, Fajjar Cheema, Lizzie Haynes and Kordai Akins.
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awh
33rd Annual
of Homes
A ss o c i at e d Wo m en f o r H ard i ng
Sunday, December 6th, 1 – 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour. Purchase your tickets at: Artistic Florist, The Boutique, Carren's, RadioShack, alumni office at Harding or at the door of each home on tour. All proceeds benefit need-based scholarships at Harding University.
Featuring The Homes Of
Lance and Tracy Bailey 3141 W. Country Club Road
Rick and Robbie Dunning 118 Emerald Lake Drive
Marilyn Elliott 2810 Kensington The Dominion
Steve and Donna England 103 Kohl Drive The Quarters
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Mike and Beth James 1135 Bent Tree Lane Saddlebrook
Matt and Carolyn Nunnally 702 W. Academy
Charlene Prock’s Home and Log Cabin 27 Harding Drive
Searcy Art Gallery • 300 E. Race Ave. Searcy Art Gallery will be open during the Tour of Homes featuring Beverly Austin‘s exhibit People, Places and Holidays Around the World. Refreshments will be served. SearcyLiving.com 71
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