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4 Your Hometown Magazine
8 Your Hometown Magazine
issue 1 2017
48 A New Year, A New Logo, A New Focus
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Chip's Share It Forward 5K
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Joann Hall: Administrator Of The Year
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Junior Auxiliary Queen 2017
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Rescued: With Appreciation & Thanks
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The Unexpected Gift 54 The Amazing Read 60 Harding Students' Perspectives of Amazing Grace
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Shop Hometown 66 Arkansas Hospice Celebrates 25th Anniversary 74
Publisher’s Note 10 Over The Counter 18 Fashion Fun 20 We The People 24
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Out & About 40 Imagine & Believe 68 Hope Believe 70 Fab DIY 76 Dinner And A Magazine 78
Find Us On
Crossword & Riddles 80
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On the Cover
Dr. Bruce McLarty
Remember The Extras On
photo by: Jeff Montgomery
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Miracles
on Main Street
One day I was at the office alone when a lady walked in off the street and asked if she could pray with me. She then said, “You will never know on this side of Heaven how many lives this magazine has changed.” I don’t know her name, but ten years later I still remember that day. Another time, the theme we had planned for an upcoming issue changed when within a two week period another theme emerged. People from all over the community had sent in pictures and articles on a completely different theme that just begged to be used. That has actually happened several times. We just roll with it. One time I sent a pro-life issue we had done to a relative up north. That relative ran into someone I knew but had not seen in over 20 years, and gave her that copy. Two years later that girl's daughter became pregnant, and she was determined to have an abortion. That issue of Searcy Living that my friend had kept was a tool she used to talk her daughter out of having the abortion. She then contacted me and told me the story and the next time I made a trip up north to visit family, I was able to meet her new grandchild. A magazine that traveled over 700 miles to someone I had not seen or talked to in 20 plus years saved a life. That is no accident. Another issue we did featured a story on an organ donor recipient. The recipient's family developed a great friendship with the donor family, so every year they sent a gift to celebrate the life of the donor to the family. The donor family lived in another state. The donor's family was unaware that we had done that story... until a copy of that issue of Searcy Living
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mysteriously ended up in their local library AND they saw the story. They were so thankful and happy about the story, and we were once again astounded by another miracle when the recipient's family told us about this. How that issue ended up in that city so far away we will never know... on this side of Heaven anyway. I wish I had kept a Searcy Living miracle journal over the past 17 years. Too many things happen at the Searcy Living office to be a coincidence. The most recent miracle was a woman who came in last week. I was sitting at a desk up front, working on a computer. Our new Imagine & Believe Volunteer Coordinator was in the lobby. When she asked this woman if she could help her, the woman said, “I am looking for her,” and pointed at me. She came into the office, gave me a hug and said she had something for me. I looked at the envelope and said, “You must mean for the Imagine & Believe Foundation.” She nodded and tried to make a quick exit. But I stopped her and asked her what her story was and thanked her. She would not give us her name and wanted to remain anonymous, so I am hoping she reads this and knows that she is yet another miracle in our eyes. Life is full of hard days and obstacles. But it is also full of joy, sunny days and, yes, miracles. Thank you to ALL who have made our journey with this magazine a little brighter. And thank you for reading Searcy Living. I can’t wait to see the next miracle on Main Street!
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Publisher Christine Walker
Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson
Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell
Makeover Coordinator Evelyn Moss Contributing Independent Photographers Kimberly Brackins (501)279-1515 George Dillin (501)268-9304 Taylor Howard Photography (870)917-8012
Feature Writer Cecelia Wilson
Searcy Living 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 2017 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 2017 Shark Promotions LLC
Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.
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Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home.
Believe it can happen!
f o u n dat i o n Find Us On
imaginebelieve123.com
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A New Year, A New Logo,
A New Focus By Timothy R. Kamerman, D.C.
W
ith the New Year we have unleashed a new logo which represents the practice as it is 28 years after I opened the doors. Our practice is based on the idea that if you have a subluxation, you have an interference in the nervous system, which is the main computer of the whole body. D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic back in 1895, said that subluxations or “nerve interference” were caused by physical trauma, chemical trauma, or mental/emotional trauma. It is the same today. So our logo represents these thoughts. The spine in the middle of the logo represents the core of who we are at Chiropractic Care Clinic. It is the chiropractic techniques that we use to reduce the physical trauma to the spine. The gray, white & green surrounding the spine represent the chemical components. The gray represents the water which is essential to life. The white represents the oxygen which is essential to life. And the green represents the nutrition which is essential to life. If you don’t have all three of these in sufficient quantities, you will not be healthy and will produce nerve interference. The circle off to the right of the spine represents the mind or the mental/emotional component of subluxation. It also represents the techniques we do in addition to chiropractic, like Biocranial Therapy and Neurofeedback that help the body rebalance. We are excited to share this new logo with you and give you a better understanding of what is behind the logo. With the new year and the new logo comes a new focus, and this year is going to be a focus on two key words – “What’s missing?” As our patients come into the office, it will be a deep searching into the components represented by the logo to find out what’s missing
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that is causing the subluxation or nerve interference. So the question may be coming to your mind, where do I need to start to find out what’s missing in my pursuit of health? A good place to start would be NRT or Nutritional Response Testing. This can help us uncover different things that are interfering with you reaching your health goals and start you on a new path. We warmly invite you to join our practice on the continued quest for optimum health and living. Now would be the time for you to refocus on your health and we want to be part of your health team!
2924 Hawkins Drive • Searcy, AR Call 501-268-2273 www.searcychiropractor.com
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17
Chip’s 5k
By Dr. Jared Cox Here is my Wyldewood story and why we choose to Share It Forward to Camp Wyldewood today. I began working and counseling at Camp in 1996 and quickly found friends that were terrific friends. Nearly 20 years later, they are still some of the closest that I have ever had. I loved being at Wyldewood. I loved the chance that I had to impact kids and to be surrounded by people who share the common cause of Christ. It was a place where, for me, I grew up a lot. I transitioned from an action speaks louder than words kind of guy to a person where the importance of words and speaking my faith found new importance. Some of the lessons that I learned there are invaluable to my life today. I am very grateful for my time out there. I have been on the board now for nearly 12 years, and continue to serve at Wyldewood and look forward to many years to come. I support Wyldewood mostly because it’s a place that believes in kids. They believe in their future and what kids can become. They show a lot of hope, and I want to be a part of that. So, if you are reading this article, I encourage you to be part of that, too. I would like to invite you to join our race. It is a chance to become acquainted with Camp, see the grounds and meet some of the wonderful people that are associated with camp. 100% of the race proceeds goes to introduce a child to camp this summer. You sent 22 kids to camp in 2015 and 42 kids to camp in 2016. It is a great family-friendly time with tons of prizes, food, fun and music. To register go to www.drcoxsmile.com and click on Chip’s 5K, or call 268-3223 or come by our office at 400 South Main St. in Searcy. (Editor’s note: More information can also be found in Today’s Family Dentistry’s ad on page 82 in this issue.)
Dr. Cox with Dr. Sharp at Chip’s 5K race in 2015.
Dr. Cox, instructing a ropes course. 16 Your Hometown Magazine
Chad and Leslie Hudelson. Chad is the Assistant Director at Wyldewood.
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 Robert Powell, current Director at Wyldewood, baptizing his son.Â
Dri-fits available in 4 different colors for Women, Men and Youth. SearcyLiving.com 17
Over the Counter Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP Harding University College of Pharmacy
Know Your Numbers By Shunika Bryant, 2016 Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate and Rodney Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP It is important to monitor blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight as a way to prevent disease and improve your state of health. By drawing blood, your health care provider can conduct a blood lipid profile to check your blood cholesterol and glucose tests to check your blood sugar. Your weight and blood pressure are even easier to check with weight scales and a blood pressure monitor. Between doctor visits, you can monitor and track your blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight. Easy-to-use home glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors, and bathroom scales are readily available at discount retailers and pharmacies. By keeping track of your numbers on your own, you will be able to better manage your health. If your numbers are not at goal, work with your doctor to develop a plan to reach your goals. Keep in mind that there are no warning signs for people with pre-diabetes and no way of knowing that you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol without being tested. GET TESTED and KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! KNOW ABOUT BLOOD GLUCOSE A blood glucose test measures the amount of sugar in the blood. It is used to help diagnose diabetes and to monitor those who already have diabetes. Blood Glucose Ranges Less than 100 mg/dL: Normal 100-125 mg/dL: Pre-Diabetes 126 mg/dL or higher: Diabetes When to Test: Age 18-44: Initial test if you are overweight with other health risk factors. Age 45+: Initial test is you are overweight. If test results are normal, retest every 3 years. If test results indicate pre-diabetes, retest every 1-2 years. KNOW ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, or kidney failure. Blood Pressure Ranges Systolic (Top) and Diastolic (Bottom): Category 120 or less and 80 or less: Normal 120 – 139 or 80 – 89: Pre-HBP 140 or higher or 90 or higher: High BP 180 or higher or 110 or higher: HBP Crisis* *Seek emergency care When to Test: Age 20+: At each doctor visit or more often if your blood pressure is consistently over 140/90 mmHg.
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KNOW ABOUT CHOLESTEROL High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Other factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes increases your risk for coronary heart disease even more. Cholesterol Goals Total Cholesterol: Below 200 LDL (bad cholesterol): Below 100 HDL (good cholesterol): Above 60 When to Test: A cholesterol check is recommended beginning at age 20 years and then once every 5 years or as directed by your doctor. KNOW ABOUT BODY COMPOSITION Overweight and obesity increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and other health problems. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your weight relative to height and waist circumference indicates the amount of abdominal fat. BMI Levels Below 18.5: Underweight 18.5 – 24.9: Normal 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight 30.0+: Obese Waist Circumference Goals Men – Less than 40 inches Women – Less than 35 inches
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Diana Araiza
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Makeup by
Doris Yates
Evelyn Moss Makeover Coordinator
Hair by
By Doris
Yates
Carrie Birlson at
symmetrix salon
Clothing from
By carrie
birlson at
Charlestown Village 2305 W. Beebe Capps • Searcy (501) 268-4540
dale’s
Clothing & Accessories
701 W. Race, Searcy 501-388-0086 www.shopdalesclothing.com
Turn the page for more fashion & beauty retailers.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
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Serving Our Community For 17 Years
Looking Forward To Many More!
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Tree Winner
“Old Skool Riders”
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Outstanding Law Enforcement he Searcy Police Department held its annual awards dinner T in December. A number of outstanding officers, dispatchers, and staff were recognized for their efforts.
Lt. Mike Jones, Assistant Chief Steve Taylor, Chief Eric Webb, Lt. Roger Ahlf
Officer Spenser Dangerfield, Assistant Chief Steve Taylor, Chief Eric Webb, Mike McFarlin, Detective Mark Kidder
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Officer Spenser Dangerfield was named Officer of the Year for 2016. Dangerfield is from Searcy and has been a patrolman for the city since 2012. The Officer of the Year is voted on by the department. Chief Eric Webb said, “The officers likely chose Dangerfield because of his strong work ethic, outstanding leadership, and his commitment to the Field Training program. I look forward to Dangerfield’s continuing role as a leader in this department.” Officer Tim Smith was named Patrolman of the Year. Smith has lived in Searcy since 1996 and has been with the Searcy Police Department since 2012. Chief Webb said, “Officer Smith is a solid and dependable, role model in this department.” Detective Mark Kidder was named Investigator of the Year. Kidder is from Harrison, Arkansas and has worked for SPD since October of 2014. “Detective Kidder has proven himself as a true asset through his criminal investigations,” said Chief Webb. Mike McFarlin was named Civilian Employee of the Year. McFarlin is from Des Arc, Arkansas and began working for the police department as the mechanic in July of 2015. Chief Webb said, “Even though McFarlin has a large work load, he takes on even the most detailed repairs on the police cars. His knowledge and efforts save the city time and money.” Crystal King was named Dispatcher of the Year. King is from Coffeyville, Oklahoma and has worked for the Searcy Police department since February of 2015. Dispatch Supervisor Michelle Jobe said, “As a dispatcher and truly the first line when it comes to first responders, Crystal King does an exceptional job of being that voice of calm. She is always willing to help.” Two other officers were honored at the awards dinner. Lieutenant Mike Jones served the Searcy Police Department for more than 26 years. His retirement at the end of 2016 was a celebration of an outstanding career. Chief Webb said, “Mike Jones selflessly devoted his time and efforts toward the safety of this community. His influence and calm demeanor will serve as an example for officers for years to come.” Lt. Roger Ahlf also retired at the end of 2016. He spent the last six years of his law enforcement career at Searcy Police Department as the director of the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force. Chief Webb said, “Ahlf’s impact in this community has been far-reaching. People will be benefiting from his work for years to come.”
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4-H Bake-Off Contest Results he White County 4-H Bake-Off was held Saturday, January 14, at Harding University. T There were a total of 59 4-H members that participated. The Jr. and Sr. 4-H members had a choice of baking standard sugar cookies, cornbread, and/or biscuits. The Cloverbud 4-H members, those between the ages of 5 and 8, had a special cookie recipe created specifically for them so that they would not have to use the ovens. All 4-H members are responsible for bringing all of their own equipment, ingredients, etc. to the competition. The only thing provided for them are the ovens. All recipes must be made from scratch. All Cloverbud participants received a ribbon for participating. The following is a list of the winners from the Junior and Senior Bake-Off competition.
Sr. Sugar Cookie Winner: Trish Young Jr. Sugar Cookie Winner: Kalista Altom Sr. Cornbread Winner: Sarah Gaskin Jr. Cornbread Winner: Carson McFatridge Sr. Biscuits Winner: Katie Boone Jr. Biscuits Winner: Carson McFatridge For information on 4-H youth activities call Amy Heck at 501-268-5394. The University of Arkansas, System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
“Remember, always go out into the world and do well, but more importantly, go out into the world and do good.” – Minor Myers, Jr.
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Kids in the Garden etting children involved in gardening is an excellent way to share quality time with G them. You also have an opportunity to teach some basic botany and to instill a respect for nature and the environment.
The key to holding children’s interest is to make the activity fun and rewarding. Because children are anxious to see the results of their labor, plant fast‑germinating seeds or work with transplants that are quick to flower or set fruit. Here are some ideas to make gardening fun and fruitful for children:
Make it tasty. Growing something a child can eat and also serve to grown-ups creates special pride. Set aside a small plot (a 4x4 patch is ample space) for growing vegetables, fruits, or herbs for teas. Make it easy. Leaf lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, green beans, and cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and can be harvested in a few weeks. Strawberries are easy and fun to grow, and the flavor of the ripe berry is sweet. Tap their creativity. Mark the rows in a child’s garden with colorful drawings of the crop. Tape the drawing to a stake and protect it from the elements with a plastic bag. Feed the senses. Children love pretty flowers, especially if they smell good and are brightly colored. Plant seeds of moonflower vines and watch the large, fragrant white flowers unfurl at dusk each evening. Other favorite fragrant plants include dianthus, China pinks, scented geraniums, honeysuckle, and sweet peas. Zinnias and marigolds are bright and easy to grow from seed. Other fun flowers include snapdragons, hollyhocks, moneyplant, nasturtiums, and Johnny‑jump‑ups. Grow some drama. Children are fascinated with flamboyancy. They love plants that are huge and tower over their heads. Showy flowers include ‘Southern Belle’ hibiscus, sunflowers, hybrid clematis, hybrid iris, dahlias, Joe‑Pye weed, and Oriental lilies. Find the lessons. Teach your child that a garden must be nurtured and cared for if it is to flourish. As an adult, you should teach what needs to be done and help with the gardening chores, but allow your child to shoulder responsibility for his or her small plot. Take advantage of gardening information available at our office at 411 N. Spruce in Searcy, or call us at 268-5394. The University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/ equal access/affirmative action institution. -Sherri Sanders, County Extension Agent, Agriculture
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22 Years Of Service
S
gt. Steve Hacker retired on Sunday, January 22, 2016 after 22 years of service at the Searcy Police Department. Sgt. Hacker retired as a Patrol Sergeant, but he spent years in the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force, Criminal Investigative Division, and as a school Resource Officer at Ahlf Junior High School. “Sgt. Hacker was a primary figure on the SPD firing range and often won the Top Gun award at the end of the year. His dedication and service to this community will be remembered for years to come,� said Chief Eric Webb.
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“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.� ~unknown
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Unity Health Celebrates 50 Years
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n honor of Unity Health’s 50 Years of Excellence, associates, hospital Auxilians and members of the community attended an Open House event, Jan. 8, to commemorate the history of the hospital. Chief Medical Officer, John Henderson, M.D., and Chairman of the Board, Mitchell Hamilton, gave remarks and received a surprise from Searcy Mayor, Honorable David Morris, in the form of a key to the city for Unity Health. President/ CEO Ray Montgomery presented a historical reveal, with the WCMC cafeteria’s latest addition of a history wall. The wall spans throughout the cafeteria entrance and seating area and contains more than 50 years of history. It also includes room for expansion as time progresses. The theme of Unity Health’s anniversary year is “It Takes Everyone,” and honored guests each spoke of their part in the hospital’s history and their role in its development. Speakers included Unity Health Auxiliary member, Don Crow; Human Resources associate, Freda Volmer; Laboratory Blood Bank Supervisor, Brenda Maddock; David Johnson, M.D.; White County Judge, Honorable Michael Lincoln; Mayor of Searcy, Honorable David Morris; Unity Health Foundation and Hospital Board Member, Leah Miller; Human Resources Director, Pam Williams; Unity Health — Harris Medical Center VP/Administrator, Darren Caldwell; Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Buck Layne; Graduate Medical Education Program Director, Dewey McAfee, D.O.; Unity Health Ambassador, Laura Freppon; Unity Kid, Gowen Bailey; VP/Patient Care Services, LaDonna Johnston, and VP/ Treasurer, Stuart Hill. Each spoke on the ways in which they have contributed to the history of Unity Health.
Visitors were able to enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and view the wall as it wraps throughout the dining area. Videos of the hospital’s history play within the wall for viewers to learn of its past and present. To view the history wall, visit the WCMC cafeteria at 3214 E. Race Ave. in Searcy, to see the interactive and informative installment. ABOUT UNITY HEALTH – WHITE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER: As the leading healthcare provider in an eight-county area, Unity Health and its associates strive to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities it serves through compassionate care. Unity Health is the largest employer in an eight-county area with more than 2,000 associates. The facility has a combined total of 438 licensed beds and a medical staff of 150 physicians that specialize in various areas of healthcare. In addition to the White County Medical Center and Specialty Care Campuses, Unity Health in Searcy includes Unity Health – Clarity Health and Wellness; Unity Health – Family Practice Associates; Unity Health – After Hours Clinic; Unity Health Orthopaedic and Spine Center; Unity Health – Searcy Medical Center and Unity Health – Searcy Medical Center, West; Unity Health – Westside Family Medical Clinic; Unity Health Cardiology Clinic; and Unity Health Oncology Clinic.
Unity Health unveiled a history wall within the White County Medical Center cafeteria, to showcase more than 50 years of the hospital’s history. Al and Carla Fowler and Unity Health Auxilian, Brian Altmiller, view the contents of the piece.
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 Fred and Syble Picker, Unity Health Auxiliary members, sign in at the Open House, where giveaways were distributed.
 Unity Kid, Gowen Bailey, son of Lane and Betsy Bailey, spoke at the Unity Health 50th Anniversary Open House on his role as a Unity Kid.
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a celebration of Life & Marriage Jimmy Lin Reed and I were married for 5 1/2 years and were both blessed to have 5 grandchildren, with 1 granddaughter & 4 grandsons. He’s the love of my life and we both promised each other to support our family and be there for each other. I took care of my husband when he was sick with his cancer, with lots of ups and downs for the past year. Wow. It’s been hard for me to be all by myself since he passed away on June 11, 2016, especially in the winter season. Both of our birthdays are in November and the holidays were hard without him, too. But, I know that he’s in my heart as he is my Guardian Angel to protect me, and our families, too. Jimmy graduated from Pangburn High School, Class of 1987 and then served in the Navy for almost two years. We both are church members at Hot Springs Baptist Central, as we lived in Hot Springs for 2 years. When he passed away, I moved back to Searcy again. I love him so much, and know we will meet again someday. JoJo Reed
We went to Pensacola Beach for our 4th anniversary. That was the last time we were there.
Anniversary pictures
This is the last time he was in Little Rock VA Hospital. It’s our final picture of our 5 1/2 anniversary. June 2016.
He was a fighter, but cancer beat him, as he got cancer three times and was in remission for 6 years. He first got cancer in 2009. He had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer since 2015 to 2016.
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Our wedding was featured in a past issue of Searcy Living.
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Arkansas Health Care Association’s Administrator of the Year
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It wasn’t long until Joann started helping with the activities t age 7, she became known as “the milk girl” at her parents’ nursing home. At age 37, Joann Hall program, alongside her sister, Leanne. This was something Joann is now the Arkansas Health Care Association’s said she liked the most. “I liked the activities … doing all the games and just walking around visiting with the residents.” Administrator of the Year. In her younger years Joann could also be found folding clothes “I worked in the kitchen where they passed trays. I stood on a milk crate making sure the milk cartons I put on the trays in the laundry, greeting families in the lobby, or sharing her matched the residents’ diets,” remembered Hall, administrator at contagious smile with the residents throughout the nursing home. The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehab in Searcy and recent And she was always sure to earn a laugh or two from those who recipient of the Arkansas Health Care Association Administrator witnessed her and her brother, Joey, racing wheelchairs in the parking lot. “We would do wheelies and see who could hold them of the Year award. the longest,” she giggled. Born in 1979, then-Joann By the time Joann became a Wiggins spent a lot of her “The Crossing at Riverside is ranked as a senior in high school, she was childhood at Oakdale Nursing operating the switchboard at Home in Judsonia, owned by Five-Star facility by the Centers for Medicare the nurses’ station. Growing her parents Leonard and Ann and Medicaid Services, the highest ranking a up in the nursing home and Wiggins. Her heritage instilled nursing home can receive.” playing a part in the day-to-day in her a love for the elderly and operations had given her a solid a desire to serve them, and she foundation to return to after continues that legacy today. college. “My expectation and outlook After graduating from Searcy High School in 1997, Joann for today’s staff is the same that my parents had, one big family attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she caring for other families,” Joann said. At about age 10, Joann graduated from the milk crate and began earned a bachelor’s degree in small business and entrepreneurship. working alongside her mother, Ann, in the office at the nursing After college, she worked in banking for 10 years. She assisted home. “I sat in my mom’s floor and alphabetized all the bills that with the startup and then opened three new branches of Signature came in and then wrote the checks for my mom to sign. I also Bank of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She was promoted to the position of private banker and then vice president of private banking, a role organized the petty cash and receipts.” in which she managed a multi-million dollar portfolio. 44 Your Hometown Magazine
While living in Fayetteville, Joann met her husband, Jeff, and they started a family. They now have two children: Haden, 8, and Macy, 6. “Jeff worked in construction, and the market kind of crashed up there (Fayetteville) at the time. So we decided to move home,” she explained, adding, “My brother twisted my arm.” Joey had built a company, ConvaCare, in which he owned and managed several nursing homes. Also, part of the reason she returned to her childhood home was that her mother had passed away in 2002. “I knew I had big shoes to fill and had to live up to my mom’s expectations,” Joann said, explaining she managed the accounts receivable department for ConvaCare for two years before studying and receiving her nursing home administrator’s license in 2010. In January 2011, Joann became administrator at The Crossing at Riverside, a facility that opened in September 2009 at 2500 East Moore Avenue in Searcy. The new facility replaced decades-old Byrd Haven Nursing Home that was located on College Street, also in Searcy. (This building now houses an assisted living facility.) Although Joann had been out of the day-to-day operations of a nursing home for more than a decade, she had not forgotten the values instilled in her from the time she started tagging along with her parents. She said she has always used her mom’s motto and the example she demonstrated. Taken from Matthew 7:12: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This “Golden Rule” philosophy has earned Joann the respect of many residents,
families and team members and is just one attribute that helped her earn the title of Administrator of the Year. “Every army needs a general, every team needs a captain, and every long term care facility needs an administrator,” said Rachel Davis, executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Association, in a congratulatory letter presented to Joann. “You wear many hats and know what it means to walk in others’ shoes. Most importantly, you have a strong desire to provide the best care possible for your residents and the best work environment for your staff,” the letter continued. “Part fearless leader, part nurturing caretaker, you have received this award for your dedication to the long term care profession and the residents under your care.” Brandy Malone, RN, director of nursing at The Crossing at Riverside, had similar sentiments. “Joann is always willing to do anything for anyone at any time. She is everything an administrator should be and more. Joann is genuine, caring, compassionate, and has the strongest work ethic of anyone I have ever met. She was born to be an administrator; it is truly her life’s destiny and her family’s legacy.” In turn, Joann credits the team at The Crossing at Riverside for its success. “The award is for a single person, but it doesn’t speak enough volume for our staff. It is a team effort. It takes all of us to provide the quality of care we provide. I am definitely honored, but I owe a lot of it to the staff and my family.” Continued on next page Joann with department managers
“The award is for a single person, but it doesn’t speak enough volume for our staff. It is a team effort. It takes all of us to provide the quality of care we provide. I am definitely honored, but I owe a lot of it to the staff and my family.” –Joann Hall
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Award-winning facility The Crossing at Riverside is ranked as a Five-Star facility by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the highest ranking a nursing home can receive. The facility has held this ranking consistently for more than a year. The facility was also recognized earlier this year with the Governor’s Quality Award-commitment level. The awards include four award levels of Performance Excellence (in descending order of qualifications): the Governor’s Award, the Achievement Award, the Commitment Award and the Challenge Award. The goal of the Governor’s Quality Award Program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement, which leads to performance excellence, and to provide significant recognition to those organizations. The facility was also recognized as a 2015 recipient of the national Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The award is the first of three distinctions possible through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The program honors centers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Joann is always willing to do anything for anyone
at any time. She is everything an administrator should be and more. Joann is genuine, caring, compassionate, and has the strongest work ethic of anyone I have ever met.” – Brandy Malone, RN, Director of Nursing
Legacy of caring Joann’s great-grandmother, Mason Pennock, was a charter member of the Arkansas Nursing Home Association in the early 1960s and started business in the early ‘60s as a boarding home operator. Back then, nursing homes were called boarding homes. Marion and Dorothy Huckeby, Joann’s grandparents, joined Ms. Pennock as partners in the mid-‘60s in ownership of four nursing homes in Arkansas. Leonard and Ann Wiggins, Joann’s parents, purchased Oakdale Nursing Home in Judsonia from the Huckeby family in 1984. Their son, Joey, joined the family operation and started the management company ConvaCare after graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1992. The family continues ownership of Oakdale Nursing Home as well as a nursing facility in Memphis. ConvaCare was the management company of The Crossing at Riverside until January 2013 when management was assumed by Reliance Health Care, headquartered in Conway. Leonard Wiggins served in numerous capacities of the Nursing Home Association, including regional vice president, government relations chair and executive vice president. He served as regional representative for the Facility Standards Committee of the American Health Care Association. He became a charter member of the Workers’ Compensation program of the Nursing Home Association and served as chairman for 10-plus years. This program was recognized as one of the most outstanding programs nationwide. For more information: Kelly Fields, Community Relations kfields@reliancehealthcare.com • 501.730.3678 46 Your Hometown Magazine
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By Denice Eaves
A
ll I could say when Megan Matteri showed up in my office with beautiful flowers and told me that I had been nominated as this year’s Junior Auxiliary Queen was, “Wait. What? Me?!” I had a flood of emotions hit me all at the same time. I was shocked, speechless, overwhelmed and honored. Memories came flooding back to me from my years in Junior Auxiliary, and being able to participate in the crowning of other queens and watching the King and Queen dance. I always looked up to those women, and knowing that this year’s board had nominated me was very moving. I don’t think I told my husband, family and best friend until later that afternoon. I don’t think it truly sank in until being asked to tell a little bit about my story and my feelings about Junior Auxiliary of Searcy. When I moved to Searcy the summer of ’98 from Arlington Texas, it was a culture shock to say the least. I had never lived in a small town before and found it to be difficult to fit in when you are a transplant. I grew up being called an “army brat” and I had pride in that fact. I was raised to be tolerant and not to judge people, no matter what race, religion, or political party they were. I was taught to each his own and to always be kind, and to serve others. I grew up with my family having open doors at all times, especially during the holidays. There were so many soldiers and families alone, and they always made their way to our house. I loved it and have 48 Your Hometown Magazine
always tried to do that myself and to teach my children the love of giving as well. We moved to Searcy that summer so that my husband, Les Eaves, who is now in his 2nd term as our State Representative, could help his father with the family business, Delta Trailers. I didn’t know a soul and just concentrated on my family and helping us all adjust while trying to find our place in this new town. One day I was asked to come to a Junior Auxiliary meeting and met some amazing women, and became hooked. I found an organization that made me feel like I was actually accepted and a part of this community. It’s difficult to find your place in a small town where most of its residents grew up there, but these women made me feel like I was becoming a part of the Searcy family. I loved the hearts of these women and the service projects these women were so passionate about. Projects ranging from feeding families through the can drive which fed so many families during Thanksgiving, the Angel Tree project of providing Denice and necessities and wishes to other children Les Eaves in need and being able to teach my own children about putting others needs above their own wants during Christmas, to all of the fun and fulfilling Sunshine School activities I’ve been a part of throughout the years, including a fun Halloween event and a party at Easter. Yes, I even played the Easter bunny! To more amazing programs, including the Child Lures program which
educates elementary age children on how they can stay safe to ward off child abductions, to the Covering Kids program that helps families whose children need coats, clothing and backpack items throughout the year. During my time in Junior Auxiliary, a group of us became Certified Car Seat Safety Technicians and educated parents on proper car seat usage and laws. We also assisted and helped begin the “Day of Caring” in our community before turning it over to Unity Health. My children benefitted as much as I did, and we have some of the best memories of collecting and sorting cans, helping out at recess and parties at the Sunshine School, shopping for others’ families for the Covering Kids and Angel Tree. One of my daughters also enjoyed being a part of the very first Crown Club at Searcy High School. My life was forever changed during my 5.5 years in Junior Auxiliary, and I encourage all women invited to become involved in this wonderful organization of hard working women. This is a great organization full of very giving hearts that come together with the common goal of making a difference to those in need throughout our community. The women involved probably reap the most reward because of the unity and forever friendships it brings and because of the fun they have at the National conventions, meetings, and all of the events. This service organization can’t survive without the donations from our community, and all of these projects are funded through this one event, the Charity Ball. I remember when I was in charge of the ball when we held it at the White County Fairgrounds, and how much work, dedication and teamwork was involved. The reward of knowing how many lives are touched is life changing to us, and hopefully has made a difference in the lives of the recipients of the hard work as well!
“
My life was forever changed during my 5.5
years in Junior Auxiliary, and I encourage all women invited to become involved in this wonderful organization of hard working women.”
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I remember being so sad when my time was over and I was at the final banquet as a member, and how blessed I felt to be a part of something so great. Since my time in Junior Auxiliary, I have been able to stay involved in our community through several other organizations, such as the White County Safekids Coalition, Wise Coalition, and Main Street Searcy. My children still share in the love of giving and helping others and it truly warms my heart. I remember how excited I was to watch the crownings at the ball, and was excited when I was actually able to crown the King and Queen. To have been nominated as this year’s Queen is a huge honor that I do not take lightly. My husband and I would be honored and would love to share this night with all of you. Junior Auxiliary helped bring out my love of service in this community, and the fact that I could share that with my daughters as they grew up was an incredible reward that they will hopefully carry on with my grandchildren. I would like to encourage everyone to make a donation or please attend this year’s Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball on February 25, 2017. It will be a fun-filled night, and all proceeds will benefit the children and families in our community. Be sure to check out their Facebook page and reserve a table and/or tickets today.
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T
“ his service organization can’t survive without the donations from our community, and all of these projects are funded through this one event, the Charity Ball.”
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w i t h Ap p recia tion & tha nks
S
By Lena Rath
aturday January 14, 2017 started as most weekend days do around my house. My husband Jason and son Cash, 7, headed out early to do a little fishing before Cash’s first basketball game of the season. As usual, I wanted them to get back in plenty of time for the game. It is common for them to get up before sunrise to hunt whatever is in season or go fishing, either in bass tournaments or just spending some guy time together. Cash had gotten a new open faced reel and new rod from Santa and was so excited to try it out. Evidently, an open faced reel is a big boy reel and Santa came through for him. Now, he was going to be able to cast as far as his dad. I received a dropped phone call from Jason at 11:05. I called him back, with no answer, and I texted him to ask, “Is this an SOS?” But I was just kidding, as it isn’t unusual for them to be somewhere where there isn’t great coverage - or at least that’s what they tell me. However, this time it did feel different; I just felt like I needed to go check on them. I jumped in the car and headed toward Riverside Park, just a few minutes from the house. At the 4 way stop at Johnston and Main, I met the Searcy Fire Dept. rescue vehicle hooked up with a boat. The lights and siren were on, and I started praying as I fell in behind them. Once 52 Your Hometown Magazine
we arrived at the boat launch, the only truck that was there was Jason’s. My heart sank. When I pulled up to the first responder, Josh Oakes, and asked him if there was an issue, he informed me that there was a boat stuck on the dam. I asked if they were still IN the boat and told them that it was my husband and son. Josh told me they were okay, and in the boat. I sat in my car and waited. Several more men and trucks showed up, along with an ambulance. I then watched them launch the boat, along with the blow up rescue boat. A firefighter told me that if I wanted to see them, I could move to the VFW. When I arrived at the VFW parking lot, I found several more first responders, EMTs and fire trucks, and the situation became real. I ran down the bank to the river and could see them in the distance, but not close enough. I felt my adrenaline pumping, yet I had a strange calm over me. Wanting, actually needing, to get closer to them, I drove across the bridge to the east side of the river, found a driveway that could get me closer, and was able to get down to the dam. The roar of the water was deafening. This was the first time I could actually “see” what was happening. I could “see” my family. Unfortunately, I could also “see” the water rushing into the boat.
I saw Jason holding Cash, as the rescue boat got close enough for Jason to touch. Cash was bundled up and wearing 2 life jackets and a hunter orange stocking cap. The current was so strong, the rescue boat (which looked like a giant yellow banana that was open on both sides) wasn’t stable enough to transfer Cash onto. After a few attempts, the rescue boat came alongside Jason’s boat, and Jason passed Cash to Josh. I watched as both Josh and Cash went into the water and over the dam. At that point, the only thing I saw was the orange stocking cap being washed over the dam and down river. I had just witnessed my whole world disappearing in the form of an orange hat. Thankfully, it only took seconds, but felt like an eternity, until Josh stood up and Cash was in his arms. Simultaneously, Cash was placed in a waiting Game and Fish boat and Jason jumped into the rescue boat. I met the EMTs running up the river bank with my son. He was red from the cold water and was complaining of a hurt hand and leg, but he was still wearing his glasses and happy to see his mama. The EMTs took amazing care of him: put him in blankets with hot packets around him, and checked him over. Cash was a little banged up but ALIVE! God had answered my prayers. Cash told me they had caught 2 fish and that he had lost his new pole and all the tackle. Jason met us at the ambulance and carried Cash to the awaiting car with its heat on high. It was surreal, my family was safe and the ordeal was over. Later, an Arkansas Game and Fish officer brought a few items that they found to the house… a floating seat cushion and his orange hat. The hat is still sitting on my front porch. I cannot bring myself to pick it up. To me, it represents what could have happened. We missed Cash’s first basketball game that day, but have an even greater appreciation for all the rescue workers, our family and most importantly GOD!
“It was surreal, my family was safe and the ordeal was over.” –Lena Rath
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By Lisa Leonard www.lisaleonard.com
“I have a gift for you,” said the God of the Universe. “I made this precious gift just for you. I’m giving you this gift because I love you.” I closed my eyes and held out my hands with anticipation. “What will it be?” I wondered with childlike curiosity. “Is it something wonderful like traveling to a far away country to see exotic and amazing things?” I asked God. “No,” He replied. “It’s far more wonderful than that.” “Is it riches? I’ll have a large home, fine clothing, lovely things?” I asked. “No,” He replied. “It’s much finer than anything you can own.” “Is it beauty?” I asked. “Will I be graceful and pretty with bright eyes and long legs?”
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“No,” He replied. “This gift is far more valuable than physical beauty.” “Is it wisdom?” I asked. “Will I understand the great scholars and philosophers?” “No,” he replied. “It isn’t wisdom. Your gift will bring deeper insights than wisdom can provide.” “What is it?” I asked. God placed the wrapped gift in my hands. This wasn’t the gift I expected. I didn’t understand it. It felt heavy — so heavy I could hardly hold it. “Don’t unwrap it,” God said. “When the time is right, you’ll see the gift for what is truly is. Until then, trust me.” “This can’t be my gift,” I told God. “It’s much too heavy for me to hold. It hurts when I hold this gift.”
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“You can’t understand the gift yet,” God explained, “but this gift is made just for you.” “I don’t want this gift. Can I have a different gift? This gift is too much for me. This gift feels painful and raw. Please God, anything but this,” I pleaded. God spoke soothing words to me in quiet, hushed tones, “Just wait. Just breathe. Just be. Trust me. I made this beautiful gift just for you. You think it’s too heavy right now, but I will help you carry it.” “Okay,” I finally agreed. “I will accept the gift. I don’t want it, I don’t understand it, but you are the God of the Universe. You are a good and loving God.” I was surrounded by darkness. I felt afraid – nothing made sense. Those around me seemed to think everything was fine. Didn’t they understand? Nothing was fine. I couldn’t see the way forward. “I know you can’t make sense of this,” whispered God. “I will help you carry this gift. I will direct you each step of the way. I will walk beside you and soon you’ll begin to see things clearly.” I held my gift and began to cry heavy, salty tears. The tears came freely, so freely I wondered if they would ever stop. On and on they flowed, so many tears. “Let the tears come,” whispered God. “Every tear you cry makes room for more joy than you can imagine.” The ache in my heart was almost too much to bear. There were times I was sure my heart would break into a million tiny pieces. It was an ache so deep it seemed to come from a place inside me I didn’t know was there. “I know you’re hurting,” whispered God. “This ache is because I am growing and stretching your heart to make room for a love deeper than you can imagine.” With time my gift began to change me. After a while it didn’t feel quite so heavy. The tears made room for joy. So much joy. My heart grew and stretched to make room for love. So much love. As the darkness subsided, rays of light began to break through and something unexpected emerged. Beneath the tears, heartache and darkness I saw my gift. Hope. So much hope. It filled me up. My hope was light and bright and good. It was so beautiful my soul could hardly take it. God explained, “You had to walk through darkness to see the light. You had to cry heavy, salty tears to make room for joy. You had to ache deep in your heart to make room for love. This was the only way I could give you my true and lasting Hope.” “Thank you,” I said. “The darkness has subsided and I can see more clearly. My tears have dried and made room for joy. My heart is bigger and I can love more deeply. I have hope. Hope is a gift more precious and beautiful than I ever imagined.”
www.lisaleonard.com/blog/the-meaning-behind/the-unexpected-gift
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The amazing Read: Clapham Church
By Cecelia Wilson
D
President takes his faculty to the cemeteries in Searcy. Visiting the Doctorate until he was 50, but his graves of the people they have been discussing helps cement “who dissertation may have long-lasting we are as a people.” Speaking for the staff, Jana Rucker, Vice President for ramifications for Harding University. The essay focused on faith-based Communication and Marketing, agrees that the history and the schools’ tendencies to move away from faith traditions of the University is inspiring, “It’s comforting. their faith, given enough time. The We’re in a place where we’re all of the same mind, we’re on the project within the dissertation was a same track, and this University is on the same track. We are in a curriculum for helping first-year professors great place to be able to make a difference…I am at a place where at Harding embrace the spiritual mission I can be who I am as a Christian and encourage others to be that of the University. Given its initial success, way.” For students, their introduction to a mentor in faith came in that curriculum continues to be taught at Harding. But, encouraging the faculty is only part of the equation; earnest this past summer when the Harding Read was instituted, helping students understand the foundations of their school is the not as a requirement, but as an invitation to read and learn. Each incoming Freshman (as well as remainder. Standing firm in an each member of the Board of ever-changing world is certainly “Because of our faith roots, we have Trustees and all of the presidential a winning strategy, but walking in cabinet) was presented the book, the steps of those who forged the an opportunity to be a lot more “Amazing Grace: William trail in faith and social justice is than a school, a lot more than a Wilberforce and the Heroic greater progress. Campaign to End Slavery” by business, a lot more than just coTeaching the professors, Dr. Eric Metaxas. Born in England in McLarty begins with Harding’s workers. We have the opportunity 1759, Wilberforce was born into history and religious heritage, but wealth and comfort, attended St. then expands the focus to a world to be a kingdom community.” John’s College at Cambridge and view and what it means to teach was elected to Parliament at the from a Christian world view. age of 21. His affluence initially “The last chapter [is about] being a community,” McLarty says. “Because of our faith roots, we have led him to accomplish little outside of a comfortable lifestyle, but an opportunity to be a lot more than a school, a lot more than a conversion to evangelical Christianity brought about a radical business, a lot more than just co-workers. We have the opportunity change in not only his life, but his passion for changing the morals to be a kingdom community.” And to make the connection between of his day and abolishing the slave trade that was entrenched in those ideas and the individuals who put those ideas into action, the 18th century society. After his own vehement disapproval of
r. Bruce McLarty didn’t begin his
60 Your Hometown Magazine
“Today’s students have a huge heart for social justice and for righting the wrongs in society...” slavery, John Newton (who penned the hymn, “Amazing Grace”) encouraged Wilberforce to remain in Parliament to “serve God where he was.” It would not be easy. Enduring vicious attacks from all sides, it would be 20 years before Wilberforce would finally see the slave trade abolished, and the slaves’ emancipation in the British colonies would not be abolished for another 27 years - three days before Wilberforce’s death in 1833. The book is powerful. The man and his life’s work is unquestionably an inspirational powerhouse for the first Harding Read. But, Wilberforce is a name that is little known here and possibly lesser known today in his home country of England. That was not always the case. First infamous for his radical ideas on ending the slave trade against all popular conventions of the day, Wilberforce’s life journey saw his name revered by those who slowly embraced his ideology. Sadly, time has a way of slowly fading influential individuals from our minds. The Harding Read is resurrecting his memory for a new generation in a new century. The idea for a Harding Read was first floated during a meeting with President McLarty in the Spring of 2016 by three individuals representing the Library, First Year Experience and the American Studies Institute. Intrigued about other universities’ success with campus reads, they sold their suggestion to McLarty and the search for the best book to begin the Harding Read began. “I had run across Wilberforce years ago in preaching,” McLarty remembers, “and in the course of [searching for a book for the Harding Read], what kept coming back to me was Wilberforce. I think there is particular power in biography.” In graduate school, one of McLarty’s most memorable assignments had been to read a missionary biography and, in reading the biography, he found a story that inspired and has stayed with him ever since. Years later, the professor that gave that assignment shared some insight that has stayed with President McLarty as well: “[He] told us that in all the years he had taught and all the assignments he had given, he had gotten more positive response from that one requirement than anything else he had done because for the rest of your life you walk with that person.” Sure that a biography would make the most lasting impression on incoming students, McLarty made a call to Dr. Kevin Klein, Chairman of the History Department. “I asked if there was a good recent biography of Wilberforce and he mentioned the Metaxas book. So, I got it and when I read it I thought, ‘This is it.’ It has the power of biography and it is about someone who, because of his faith, endured incredible opposition and was responsible for tremendous world change,” McLarty shares. “Today’s students have a huge heart for social justice and for righting the wrongs in society, and Wilberforce famously said, ‘God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners (morals).” Dr. McLarty was sure that reading the story would provide students with an incredible motivator and an individual with whom Harding’s students would walk for the rest of their lives. But instead of just following those footsteps on paper, Dr. McLarty flew to England before the beginning of the Fall semester and literally followed in Wilberforce’s steps. When asked by London cabbies and locals why he had come to England, McLarty would explain he was there to take a William Wilberforce “tour.” Surprisingly, their response was always, “And who might he be?” Yet, London and several towns beyond had many permanent monuments to the Parliamentarian’s life. From his statue and burial plaque in
The Wilberforce House
“Dr. McLarty was sure that reading the story would provide students with an incredible motivator and an individual with whom Harding’s students would walk for the rest of their lives.”
Dr. McLarty at the grave of John Newton who penned the hymn “Amazing Grace.” SearcyLiving.com 61
Westminster Abbey, his unfinished portrait at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square, his birthplace in Hull and all the many locations in between where Wilberforce’s name is inscribed, the abolitionist became more alive for Harding’s President. McLarty held Wilberforce’s journals in his hands at Oxford University’s Bodelein Library. He stood in Parliament’s St. Stevens Hall where the House of Commons met in 1807 to abolish the slave trade. “One of the last speeches given [on that occasion in 1807] was a tribute to Wilberforce for all he had done,” McLarty remembers reading in Metaxas’ book. “And at the end of that [speech], Wilberforce puts his face in his hands and weeps, and all of Parliament weeps with him.” Harding University has grown substantially over the years and that growth continues today. But, there is a concerted effort to remain true to the school’s faith-based roots so its mission doesn’t become unrecognizable with the passage of time. Connecting with the life’s work of individuals of faith who changed the world is worthy of study, discussion and focus. The Harding Read of William Wilberforce’s life is certainly a step in reinforcing those inspirations and keeping the students, faculty and school grounded. As President Bruce McLarty explains, “When people from England come to Searcy, Arkansas and ask, ‘Who is William Wilberforce?’ Our students will NOT say, ‘And who might he be?’” After all, now that they know him, they will probably walk with him the rest of their lives.
“Connecting with the life’s work of individuals of faith who changed the world is worthy of study, discussion and focus.”
Dr. McLarty researching in the Bodleian Library, the main research library of the University of Oxford. 62 Your Hometown Magazine
The unfinished portrait of William Wilberforce at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
“Harding University has grown substantially over the years and that growth continues today. But, there is a concerted effort to remain true to the school’s faith-based roots...”
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Harding Students’
Perspectives of “Amazing Grace” By Cameron Avery
Having a hero is a part of growing up,
“
and even a part of adult life. After reading Amazing Grace, William Wilberforce has become my hero.” Throughout this school year, Harding University students are being called to read a book titled Amazing Grace, which is the compelling story of William Wilberforce, one of the most influential members of abolitionism in the United Kingdom in the late 18th century and early 19th century. If you were to ask the students what their perspectives were of the story of William Wilberforce, you would find one central reoccurring theme: Inspiration. Being a student of Harding University myself, I had the opportunity to ask my peers about their thoughts of Amazing Grace. Although each spoke differently about the narrative, one could see that every single person that read this book laid it down at the end inspired. Inspired to change. Inspired to serve. Inspired to learn. I began this article with a quote from Jared Ogburn, a senior at the university, and I can genuinely agree with him that William Wilberforce has become one of my personal heroes as well. Jared continued to state, “His goals were admirable, but more so his journey to achieving those goals is truly captured within the pages of his biography… Amazing Grace wonderfully exemplifies William’s determination, patience, and faith while showing its readers that his legacy and qualities are something we can all accomplish.” Mary Katherine Glazener, a December graduate, pulled her inspiration from Wilberforce’s service and his desire to pursue his calling. His actions gave Mary a new perspective on her own life, “The Lord has given a call to serve and we should serve [until] the end no matter what encounters are ahead.” Just like William Wilberforce. I also find it interesting how one person’s actions can ripple through time and be felt years later. Senior Madeline Jones agrees, “I don’t think William Wilberforce thought a 2017 Harding University graduate would use his story and his resilience as motivation for her future.” She went on to say, “This initially can seem like a strange avenue for encouragement since I am a 21-year-old college student living in Searcy Arkansas and William Wilberforce lived over two centuries. But, Wilberforce’s story gave me hope because it showed me that good character withstands time and that virtue does not go unvalued, even if we don’t see the fruits of it in our life time.” Amazing Grace describes a story like no other. One that will make you think, make you cry, make you rejoice. Above all, this story of William Wilberforce has inspired the students of Harding University, including myself, to learn more, to serve more, and to take action and produce change in our lives. Because of his faith and work, he has inspired us and he will inspire you.
“Wilberforce’s story gave me hope because it showed me that good character withstands time and that virtue does not go unvalued, even if we don’t see the fruits of it in our life time.”
— Madeline Jones 64 Your Hometown Magazine
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It benefits you!
You keep money in your local economy
Small businesses employ over 50 percent of our nation’s workforce
schools supported
Local businesses rent/buy commercial locations keeping buildings from being vacant and unattractive
money in community Celebrate the uniqueness of your community with hometown ownership
Make this community a destination with original businesses
more local taxes pay roads Hometown entrepreneurs are the main donors to multitudes of charitable events/causes (remember where silent auction items and donated services come from)
Produced by
66 Your Hometown Magazine
Hometown Entrepreneurs. At
We love to tell their stories!
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foundat i on Thank you for your amazing support for Imagine & Believe! Because of YOU this is what has been accomplished:
We have hired a part time Volunteer Coordinator. This was our most urgent need for several reasons, such as keeping the Foster Care Boutique sorted and clean, packing bags of different sizes for distribution to foster/adoptive families, and, of course, to coordinate volunteers. As we continue to grow and serve, we need your continued support. Thank you for being a part of serving!
Keri Worley of DHS receives pre-packed bags from Imagine & Believe to pass out to case workers who will give to children in foster care. Thank you to those who donated clothing and funds to fill these bags with neccessities for foster children, and thank you to Keri Worley for making the effort to get these bags to the foster homes. We appreciate all who made this possible!
Please send donations to:
Imagine & Believe Foundation • P.O. Box 2042 • Searcy, AR 72145 Phone (501) 593-5263 My check is enclosed to help wherever needed.
$5
$20
Other: ______________
I want to donate my time. My talent is: ___________________________________
Imagine & Believe is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) • Donations are Tax Deductible 501.593.5263 68 Your Hometown Magazine
Congratulation to Alan Stark!
Our First Imagine & Believe Foundation Award. Nominated by a foster/adoptive family.
Six times per year the Imagine & Believe Foundation will be featuring someone who works in the DHS system or in a volunteer or other organization who has made a difference in the lives of foster and adoptive families. The person featured will be presented with a recognition plaque and featured in the magazine. Foster and adoptive parents will submit the name and reason why they would like to see this person honored. The Imagine & Believe Foundation will then choose the final recipient. This month the Imagine & Believe Foundation would like to recognize Adoption Specialist, Mr. Alan Stark.
Congratulations!
Alan Stark started his almost 23 year career with the state as
a rehabilitation counselor, then as an investigator for approximately 12 years, until moving into adoptions a little over 5 years ago. Stark has served the children of Arkansas tirelessly working nights, weekends and sometimes holidays helping children find permanent homes. Many who have worked with Mr. Stark, from his coworkers to adoptive families, speak of his joyful demeanor and willingness to help. He not only performs his job well, but his caring attitude and concern for the children speak volumes about his character. Alan Stark closed an amazing 61 adoptions in the past fiscal year. When asked what adoption was the most memorable, he replied, “A sibling group of seven that nobody thought possible that they could all be adopted together. Every year to this day, they call me on my birthday and sing the Happy Birthday song to me. I have never had an adoption fail, nor have I ever finalized an adoption that I felt was not clearly meant to be. I am proud to think my life has made a difference in the lives of others.� The Imagine & Believe Foundation is convinced that Alan Stark has made a difference in the lives of countless others. Thank you Alan Stark!
fo u n dati o n SearcyLiving.com 69
What is the
Hope Believe
Foster Care & Adoption Boutique? * The Imagine and Believe Foster Care and Adoption Boutique is simply a room in the Searcy Living business office that we have dedicated for use in helping foster & adoptive families, and sometimes emergency situations. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations, enabling foster parents to be able to ‘shop’ for what they need for foster, adopted and disadvantaged children, at no cost. Our office is located at 812 S. Main Street in Searcy. We welcome gently used or new items. Thank you, Searcy, for your generosity and time spent to support the Foster Care Boutique!
Located In
Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home. Believe it can happen!
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Social Work Department from Harding University
Thanks to NorthStar EMS!
Thank You to Volunteers & Donors!
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Thank you to Showalter Family Dentistry! Thanks to Complete In Christ Church!
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Thanks So Much Volunteers & Donors!
Thanks Crosspointe! On the 100th day of school, Crosspointe used over 100 fingers on 100 hands carried by over 100 feet to donate over 100 pairs of socks. 468 pairs of socks, to be exact, to the Imagine & Believe Foster Care Boutique! Thank you Crosspointe!
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Arkansas Hospice Celebrates 25th Anniversary January 17 marked the 25th anniversary of Arkansas Hospice, the state’s largest hospice organization. Since its inception, the community-based, nonprofit organization has grown from one location to eight offices and three inpatient centers that serve more than 500 patients each day throughout a 33-county service area. Judith Wooten, President and CEO, remarked: “The early success of Arkansas Hospice can be attributed to our visionary founders, Dee Brazil-Dale and the late Michael V. Aureli. We have continued to thrive because of our wonderful employees, whose dedication and compassion set the standard for hospice care throughout the state. This year is not only a celebration of our history, but also a time to look to the future, as we continue to develop new and better ways to serve Arkansans facing serious illness and loss.” Dr. Brian Bell, Arkansas Hospice Chief Medical Officer, added, “Arkansas Hospice realizes that our patients are more than just the illness they have, and we strive not only to meet their physical
needs but their emotional and spiritual ones as well. Knowing and understanding them as a person is just as important to us as knowing their medical history. It is an honor and privilege to care for those living with a life-limiting illness. Our goal is to ensure that they and their loved ones get the highest quality care we can provide.”
What makes Arkansas Hospice different? As a nonprofit organization, Arkansas Hospice has a special commitment to patients and families in rural areas of the state, minorities, and other underserved populations, providing the same high-quality care to all, regardless of ability to pay. Arkansas Hospice is the state’s only Level 4 Partner with We Honor Veterans, a nationwide program that focuses on improving care for veterans nearing end-of-life. We are also the first hospice in the nation to employ a fully accredited veteran’s claims agent to help veterans secure the VA benefits they deserve. Arkansas Palliative Care, a subsidiary of Arkansas Hospice, was formed in 2015 to make palliative care services available to patients earlier in their disease process. Last year alone, we served almost 500 patients through our first community partnership with Unity Health – White County Medical Center. Arkansas Hospice is the only hospice in the state to have a dedicated pediatric team. Our pediatric program cared for the end-of-life needs of over 30 children and their families in fiscal year 2016. Over the last 25 years, Arkansas Hospice has won multiple awards for its service to Arkansans, most recently being named the Best Nonprofit/Charitable Organization in the 2016 Arkansas Business Best of Business Awards. In addition, Arkansas Hospice’s signature event, A Fair to Remember, was chosen as the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Event in 2016. The mission of Arkansas Hospice is to enhance the quality of life for those facing serious illness and loss by surrounding them with love and embracing them with the best in physical, emotional and spiritual care. For more information, please call 501-748-3333 or (toll-free) 877-713-2348 or visit www.arkansashospice.org.
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Fab
CHALKBOARD DOOR SIGN One of the most popular current trends in home design are signs. Whether large or small, rustic or modern, signs add texture, color, and interest to any space. Although purchasing signs can sometimes be a bit pricey, there are several good DIY options that won’t break the bank. One of my favorite sign options is a chalkboard sign. Not only is it a simple project but a very versatile one. For this particular project I chose a chalkboard door sign for my laundry room.
1
I began by purchasing a wooden address plaque. I chose the address plaque for its affordability (just under $6) and for the fact that it already has a good size and shape with curved lines and routing so there is no cutting involved.
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I simply removed all packaging and stickers from the plaque and painted it with my chalkboard paint, making sure to go in the direction of the wood grain. *Note: This project uses chalk BOARD paint, not “chalk paint� often used on furniture.
3 After allowing the paint to dry overnight I stapled twine to the back of the sign to serve as a hanger. Traditional picture hangers will work as well, but I liked the extra texture and interest that the twine provides.
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4
Using chalkboard chalk I wrote the word “Laundry� on my sign. The great thing about using chalkboard paint is that if I ever decide to change the sign, I simply erase the word and write something new!
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I hung the sign on my laundry room door and added a small green wreath above. I love the interest that it adds to my ordinary white door!
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This soup wins the award for most bizarre CRAZY GOOD soup that I’ve served. Recently we invited friends over for lunch after church and I served this. I explained that it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, but in soup form. Midway through the meal Jon David (my little friend) stopped eating, and with his eyes opened very wide, whispered, “Wow, this really DOES taste just like a bacon cheeseburger.” Yep, it really does. Totally gluten free, but as much as you think you need a bun on a burger, I don’t think you’ll miss it with this dish. This serves eight, but if you like it as much as we do it might only serve six people. It only gets better as leftovers, too! Enjoy!
Fry
In a large saucepan or stockpot, fry bacon until crispy. Set bacon aside and remove most of the bacon drippings from the pan.
1/2 pound bacon 2 pounds ground beef 1/4 c chopped onion 32 ounces good quality beef broth (Pacific, sold at Kroger, is very good) 14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes 2 dill pickle spears, diced 3 Tbsp yellow mustard 3 Tbsp ketchup 1 tsp liquid smoke 8 ounces American cheese (NOT processed cheese food; NOT “singles”)
Brown
Brown ground beef and onion in the same pot; add beef broth, tomatoes, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and liquid smoke.
Heat
Heat through and add American cheese and cream cheese, stirring well until it melts and gets incorporated into the soup.
Crumble
Crumble bacon and add back into the soup.
Enjoy
Serve while it is hot. Enjoy!
4 ounces cream cheese
Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook, Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Midnight Oil Coffee House, as well as through Tanya by e-mailing her at lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net. Partial proceeds through sales benefit the Makonde Team mission work in Tanzania, Africa. 78 Your Hometown Magazine
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Across 2. Dr. McLarty flew to England before the beginning of the Fall semester and literally followed in Wilberforce’s ________. 6. “Every army needs a general, every team needs a captain, and every long term care facility needs an ________…” 7. Denice does not take the honor of ________ lightly.
The more there is the less you see. what is it?
down 1. Although each student spoke differently about Amazing Grace, every single person that read this book laid it down at the end ________. 3. Cash’s orange ________ is still sitting on the Rath’s front porch. 4. ________ are a popular current trend in home design. 5. There is a concerted effort for Harding to remain ________ to its faith-based roots.
What asks but never answers?
Find The Answers On
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Keep your head up. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. 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. Let’s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state! SearcyLiving.com 81
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