Searcy Living Issue 2 by Searcy Living

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Issue 2 2012

f e at u r e s Million Dollar Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 A Spare Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ready For The Worst, Hoping For The Best . . . . 24 Winshape Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 The Birth Of Clover Bud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Yarnell’s Parade Pics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 White River Memoirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Fireflies In Searcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Letting Happiness Spill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Bald Knob Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Smart 911 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 I Am Not Afraid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 The Cycle Of Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 How Did I Get Here? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Power & Control Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Cover Family Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Football Toss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 ASU Searcy Egg Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

D e pa rtm e n t s Publisher’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 All American Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Fashion Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Living In Searcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 We The People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Financial Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Do It Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Hope Believe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Out & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Dinner & A Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Games & Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Smile!

On the Cover MAGIC

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Publisher Christine Walker Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson Graphic Assistant Ikey Ray Customer Service Stephanie McInturff Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell Makeover Coordinator Christine Locke Special Project Coordinator Hannah Elliott Contributing Independent Photographers Kimberly Brackins (501)279-1515 George Dillin (501)268-9304 Cassie Jones (501)230-0539 Roxy Creative (501)593-6866 Candace Skarda (501)281-6297 Homan Photography (501)268-2844 Taylor Howard Photography (870)917-8012 Feature Writers Cecelia Wilson Cassie Jones Erica Brooks

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 2012 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.

Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.

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More Favorite Quotes! “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you only look at what is, you might never attain what could be.” — Anonymous

“Unless we think of others and do something for them, we miss one of the greatest sources of happiness.” — Ray Lyman Wilbur

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always be a first rate version of

yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.” — Judy Garland

Thank you for reading Searcy Living:)

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Louise Beebe with Mike

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The White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Inc. will be hosting the Louise Beebe Endowed Scholarship Dinner in the main dining room of Harding University on Thursday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the dinner will be to recognize Louise Beebe, the mother of Governor Mike Beebe, for courageously raising her son as a single parent. Our goal is to establish an endowed scholarship in her name, with further plans to recognize Mrs. Beebe by awarding a Louise Beebe Endowed Scholarship annually. Governor and Mrs. Beebe will be in attendance at this inaugural dinner. Governor Beebe will be speaking, along with Judge Watson Bell and Debbie Elgin, one of our recent scholarship awardees. We will also be showing a video produced by KATV Channel 7 last year about Mrs. Beebe raising her son as a single parent. Craig O’Neill of KTHV Channel 11 has agreed to be our emcee for the event. He is working on the possibility of broadcasting the six o’clock news live from the event. To help fund the scholarship, we are asking interested businesses/individuals to donate $1,000 for sponsorship of this event. The $1,000 sponsorship will provide one table of 8 at the dinner. In addition, sponsors will be recognized at the event and in all advertising for the event. Individual tickets may also be purchased, with the cost of the tickets being $50 for individuals and $75 for couples. Please call Dan Newsom at 501-230-2414 or Betina Ramsey at 501-278-2926 to discuss being one of our sponsors and/or to purchase tickets. Come join us at a very special evening to honor a very special lady! 

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Deputy Sheriff Randy Reed with Magicon Von Permithius a.k.a. Magic.

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hen Deputy Sheriff Randy Reed, a 10 year veteran of the White County Sheriff’s Department, approached the Sheriff about adding a canine to the force, little did they know they would be adding an invaluable member to their ranks. With drug-related crimes on the rise in the county, there was a need to gain an upper hand in the war on drugs. Any ability to enhance drug detection could only help county officers be more efficient and effective. After researching the matter and deciding to move forward with the idea, it didn’t take long for local companies and corporations to donate to the cause. By the end of 2009, Chesapeake, Wal-Mart, the Elks Lodge and others around White County had raised the money needed to purchase a Hungarian Shepherd named Magic from Von Klein Stein Working Dogs in Sherwood. Magic may have cost $5,500, but he has more than paid for his price tag. To date, with help from the DEA, Arkansas State Police and countywide assistance including the Drug Task Force, and Searcy, Judsonia, Kensett and Beebe Police Departments, Magic’s efforts have garnered over $1 million in drugs (primarily ICE/meth) and cash. Magic (short for Magicon Von Permithius) had been fully trained in tracking and narcotics, with certifications in marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines. As his handler, Deputy Reed had to train for two weeks to learn Magic’s commands, but it didn’t take long for the two to bond. After all, during working hours Magic rides in the back seat of Reed’s K-9 unit and after they are off the clock, Magic is just another resident at Reed’s home. “He’s very loyal,” Reed says, “very protective and extremely attached.” And this hard working canine loves his job almost as much as Deputy Reed: “He thinks of it as a game.” Yet, for all his hard work, this 80 pound dog is excited and content just to be tossed a tennis ball after making an alert. That good ball drive (the drive the dog has to continue working based on receiving a tennis ball to chase afterward) means that with continued good health, fouryear-old Magic should be a good service dog for a decade. Though searching for drugs comprises the bulk of Magic’s service time, he has been just as successful in tracking. A year ago, Magic was credited with finding an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s who had driven from her home three counties away, wrecking her car in White County. Finding her vehicle, Reed led Magic to the driver’s door so the dog could lay on the scent. With his nose to the ground, following the scent and ground disturbance, Magic found the confused woman close to midnight, a quarter mile away, crawling on her hands and knees. She was okay, but fortunate that Magic had great tracking skills. Reed and Magic make themselves available 24/7 and may be asked to search vehicles, schools or buildings throughout White County. Magic’s biggest bust came in February 2011 when he

searched and found ten pounds of ICE with an estimated street value of $1.2 million on Hwy 167. While such busts make the evening news, it is the quiet work, the work to protect children, that may be the most rewarding for the dog and handler. Searcy High’s Principal, Claude Smith, calls the Deputy once or twice a year to make random drug searches on the high school campus. Under the Principal’s watchful eye and with help from Searcy Patrolman/SHS School Resource Officer Don Davis, Deputy Reed walks the locker-lined hallways letting Magic off-leash to sniff each bank of lockers. Excited to begin his “work,” Magic immediately lets out a bark that echoes in the otherwise empty halls. Teachers have been advised beforehand to keep their students in class so Magic can work uninhibited, and it isn’t long before the canine trots slowly back and forth and “alerts” on one particular locker. The sniffing becomes more intense, his exhiliration for this “game” more voracious as he barks and sniffs more furiously, slobbering all over the offending locker. Reed attempts to break the Shepherd’s concentration, pull his attention from the scent he has just detected, but Magic isn’t having any of it. He sits on all fours by the locker and the locker number is called out. Some drug, or possibly the residual scent of that drug, is present in the locker and the student will soon be called to face the music. After an hour of searching, Magic has made ten or so alerts on lockers. While no illegal substances were actually found in lockers on this particular day, it is a reminder to students that they are either heading down the wrong path in life or, at the very least, hanging with people that are. A similar search of cars on the parking lot brings worse news: marijuana has been found in two vehicles. The school has specific ramifications spelled out in its handbook for offenders, but Principal Smith stresses the primary reason for the searches: “the safety of our kids.” The day, he hopes, will prove to be a success, “If we can be proactive, if we can save just one child, it will have been worth it.” Despite the disturbance Magic’s barking causes in the school, SRO Davis agrees with Smith’s assessment of this exercise, “I’m glad [Magic] is barking. I want these kids to know he’s here. I want this to be a deterrent.” While marijuana is the most used drug among youth these students’ age, prescription drugs are the biggest problem. Magic can certainly work his magic to find street drugs, but the more accessible drugs found in parents’ and grandparents’ medicine cabinets are less likely to be detected. So, it becomes more and more important that we each take a page from Magic’s playbook and do a little “sniffing” out ourselves. The life you save could be your own child’s. In the meantime, it’s comforting to know that Magic is on the streets and highways around White County making million dollar busts and doing it all for the toss of a tennis ball.  SearcyLiving.com 17

Shara is a labor and delivery nurse and the answer to her prayer, and the prayers of many others, was a friend. Not someone she had known all her life, but someone who she and her husband Mike met in their Community Group. Shara and Mike Parsons have lived in Searcy for eleven years. Several years ago, they began attending Fellowship Bible Church, joining in their small group ministry to connect with others in fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. Bryan and Bobbi Jo Huddleston began attending the same community group about the same time as Mike and Shara. Bryan and Bobbi Jo had moved to Searcy for Bryan’s job. These couples shared more than a meal and a fellowship time; both were looking forward to becoming parents for the first time. But things didn’t go so well for Shara. She knew things might get complicated if her body reacted negatively to the pregnancy. Shara has lupus, an autoimmune disorder that can cause the body to turn on itself. Unfortunately, weeks into her pregnancy her kidneys began to function poorly. Soon she was receiving dialysis and was being watched carefully as her blood pressure soared dangerously high. The doctors wanted to deliver Addison as early as possible to try to relieve the symptoms the pregnancy was having on Shara’s kidneys. Just three days shy of the 28-week gestation mark they hoped to reach, Addison Grace came into the world, a very premature but viable baby. She was born weighing only 1 pound 12 ounces. Mike could slip his wedding ring up her tiny leg. After eleven weeks in the hospital, Addi came home. Shara got her first miracle. Addi did well and was so blessed to have a nurse for a mom who could capably provide for her intense monitoring and care. Mike 18 Your Hometown Magazine

was right beside Shara and Addi. He was so excited that they could be home together as a family. Shara’s doctors were hoping her kidneys would recover after Addi’s birth. As they waited it out, Shara spent her nights tethered to the machine that did the work her kidneys could no longer do. “I wanted a ‘normal’ life. I had to be hooked up to the dialysis machine by a certain time at night so I could be up for work the next day. At the same time, I was thinking, ‘If I have to do this the rest of my life, at least I am alive and I have a beautiful daughter who is alive and healthy.’” Bryan and Bobbi Jo became the proud parents of a healthy little girl, Maely. Bryan didn’t forget Mike and Shara and the daily hardships they faced. One day, he asked Mike about Shara’s prognosis. Mike mentioned that a transplant would likely become necessary. It would have to be the right kidney to make the operation a success.

Bryan told Mike to keep him updated. When the decision was made to proceed with a transplant, Bryan said he wanted to be tested to see if there was the possibility that he could give one of his kidneys to Shara. Both families knew from the beginning it was a long shot. The probability that Bryan could match Shara meant much more than matching in blood type. They began the testing on both Shara and Bryan. They soon found out that Bryan’s kidney was an ideal match. Shara got her second miracle. Although many people have seen Bryan’s gift as a selfless act, he sees it differently. He saw it as an opportunity. When tests proved that Bryan’s kidney would meet all the criteria, Bryan was happy to give what he called his “spare.” When they received the news,

he described his excitement at the time, “I was ready to roll.” Bobbi Jo supported him completely. Shara expressed her wonder at what God was orchestrating in their lives, “God was pulling this whole thing together. He knew from the beginning what the outcome was going to be. I know I doubted him at times throughout the entire process, but He kept proving me wrong.” On May 4, 2011 Shara and Bryan entered the hospital. The medical team had carefully assessed Bryan medically with the intent to minimize any risk to his health. The operations went without complications. Bryan was back on the job within two weeks. Shara’s recovery time was a little longer, but soon she was living a busy life as wife, mom and nurse. Shara is so grateful for Bryan’s gift. “Bryan is a genuinely good person. He and Bobbi have a big heart for kids and are now foster parents. Our families spend a lot of time together, enjoying each other’s company, and watching our girls play. I am so glad that their family is a part of our lives.” Bryan makes it clear that it isn’t a friendship based on obligation, “When you walk beside friends through the difficult times and in the miracles, you become more than friends, you become family.” 

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Sherry Landis enjoyed her makeover with an outfit from Hays designed by Kaila Hamm. April Robertson at Salon Milan styled Sherryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hair, and Cosmetic Studio applied her makeup. Sherryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employer, Byrd Haven, provided a tanning session and manicure, and George Dillin captured the day in portraits.

Before

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By Warren Watkins John Richards of Beebe was trying to find the words to describe his experience as a member of a team of volunteers who was deployed to New Orleans to help after Hurricane Katrina caused massive flooding. No one knows when a disaster will happen, but when an unexpected tragedy affects large numbers of people anywhere in the United States – usually tornadoes, floods and wildfires – there is a group of White County volunteers who are trained and equipped to offer relief. They are part of the Disaster Relief ministry of the Calvary Baptist Association, a feeding unit that is one of dozens across Arkansas that have been taking Jesus’ teachings seriously when He told His disciples to help those in need. On-scene aid is also offered to rescue and relief workers who come to help during disasters, allowing the firemen, utility workers, policemen and others to use their expertise in a crisis, often saving lives. At a recent training event held at Trinity Baptist Church in Searcy, Richards said he saw how much he and the other volunteers were both needed and able to accomplish in New Orleans, during their eight-day stay after Hurrican Katrina. The work with restaurant-style ovens and cooking equipment set up in a parking lot and done in the sub-tropical Louisiana sun was demanding. “It was amazing how tired you can be, yet also relying on Christ to give you strength,” said Richards, who is a member of First Baptist Church of Beebe. Hundreds of teams came from across the country, slept in a local jail and operated with Unit One, a tractor trailer owned by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention that fed millions of meals during months of deployment after Katrina.

One Disaster Relief worker had his world turned upside down, literally, when he and his family were victims of a 2008 tornado. Kyle Blanton, who is the pastor of Pee Dee Baptist Church, huddled inside the parsonage with his wife, Amy, and their children when the twister hit, destroying their home and leaving them out in the yard next to a concrete slab where the building had been moments before. “All of us were beat up pretty good, but Amy had a severe laceration on her ankle, and Chase, our five year old son, was cut up pretty good on his back, and pretty deep,” Blanton said. “He spent a week in the hospital and months in a healing process.” Along with other units, the team from White County was deployed to help after the tornado, a powerful storm that had stayed on the ground for well over 100 miles, killing several. “When they came immediately after, they showed up and provided food for the community,” Blanton said. Several hundred meals were provided by the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief workers, served at First Baptist Church of Clinton, where the cooking was done, and also at Pee Dee. Years before, Blanton had gone with his father, Lloyd Blanton, also a Southern Baptist pastor, to Pensacola, Florida, and worked in a feeding unit after a hurricane. “It’s remarkable how organized and structured they are,” Blanton said of that effort. “Thousands 24 Your Hometown Magazine

of meals were provided for people who had no homes, had no electricity, no food, no stores to go to so they could get food, no vehicles to get them to a place where they might be able to buy food or get shelter.” Some of the volunteers are trained chaplains, providing emotional and Spiritual help. “It’s not just meals, but a comforting word or a shoulder to cry on or someone to pray with,” Blanton said. “It is a clear demonstration of having a servant’s heart. I heard someone tell the volunteers, ‘Ya’ll are just angels.’ You can only imagine the confusion, the desperation immediately following a disaster like that, where people don’t know where they’re going to be able to get a meal and turn to a particular location, such as a church that now happens to be manned by a Southern Baptist feeding unit and find not just one meal, but three hot meals a day.” Blanton is now part of a recovery unit trained and equipped to use chainsaws to clear debris, recently formed in the North Central Baptist Association, which mostly consists of Van Buren County. Like the feeding units, the recovery units use utility trailers with equipment bought by donations and at their own expense. Arkansas Baptists have 10 feeding units, 19 recovery units, four shower units and one communication unit. The Calvary Association feeding unit can produce 8,000 meals a day and the Arkansas Baptist State Convention’s “Unit One” can produce 30,000 meals a day. 

ď&#x20AC;ś Shirley Knight serves Searcy Fire Department Battalion Chief Carl Raia a meal during a March 3 training event at her home church, Trinity Baptist in Searcy. The event was held for Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief workers across the state and included CPR training.

Individual Disaster Relief volunteers from Calvary Baptist Association have been deployed to the following locations: Scott, Arkansas New Orleans, Louisiana Vidor, Texas Imboden, Arkansas Minot, North Dakota Colorado New York, New York Florida Vinton, Louisiana Mississippi The Feeding and Recovery units have been deployed to: DeQueen, Arkansas Mena, Arkansas Marmaduke, Arkansas Vilonia, Arkansas Des Arc, Arkansas Mountain Home, Arkansas Mountain View, Arkansas Beebe, Arkansas

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IN SEARCY

he house at 510 West Arch in Searcy is over a hundred years old. The abstract’s first entry, dated 11th July, 1835, shows the United States of America as Grantor and Fredrick Pace as Grantee. Over twenty-two people owned the property between 1835 and 19th April, 1915, when O.M. Garrison and his wife Beulah Casteel Garrison bought the house. They owned Garrison Jewelry Store on the court square (now Leslie’s Jewelry) and farming interests. In December 1975, Dr. Robert Joe Dacus and his wife Helen bought the house from Arthur and Irene Bloodworth. Dr. Dacus had been told by his uncle, Fred West, that he (Fred) had rented a room from the Garrisons’ at this location when he was a young man and working in Searcy, eventually marrying their daughter, 26 Your Hometown Magazine

Story by Helen Dacus Johnnie Ruth. Dr. Dacus was thrilled to find his grandparents’ ownership in the abstract he was given, and set about restoring the house. The 11 ft. ceilings were lowered to 8 ft., new lights and wiring were installed, and the walls were covered in oak paneling. Many upgrades were made and it was rented to families for over thirty years. During those years it became worn and in disrepair. Dr. Dacus passed away in March 1999, and Helen Dacus was faced with either bulldozing the house and building something new, or restoring the structure. She chose to restore because of the family connections. A new roof came first, and then new insulated siding and windows were installed. They put new front and back porches on

 Descendants of O.M. and Beulah Garrison living in Searcy, pictured from left: Pat Dacus Homard and Nancy Dacus Thompson, granddaughters; Dr. Robert M. Dacus and Beth Cranford Wilson, great grandson and great granddaughter; Emily Orrel Crowson, great, great granddaughter There are 65 descendants of the Garrisons living in Arkansas and seven other states.

the north and south sides. An old porch on the east side had been turned into a sunroom, and when a new floor was installed in the room a large ceramic cistern was exposed on the ground. The cistern was used at one time to collect rain water. The old fixtures in the bathrooms were replaced except for the original iron claw-foot bathtub that was still in perfect condition. The once popular oak paneling was replaced with patterned wallpaper and painted. The original custommade baseboard was repaired in places and painted. Some of the old original doors with brass and porcelain knobs remain. New heat and air was installed and vinyl and oak laminate flooring was placed over the old pine floors. Jay Fornelli restored the complete exterior and Tommy Cranford restored the interior. West Arch and East Race were once the most prestigious streets in Searcy. Some of the beautiful homes have been taken down for commercial use, but some have been restored. Hopefully, more will be returned to their former dignity in some way. 

 Emily Orrel Crowson sits in the old iron claw-foot bathtub of her great, great grandmother. She is surrounded by her mother and relatives.

 Square head nails were taken out when new bracing was put on the joist under the house.

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 Picture of Garrison Jewelry Store in 1920’s, now the current Leslie Jewelers at 319 N. Spruce St. Mr. Garrison (owner) is on the right in the white shirt and bow tie.

 Leslie Jewelers today. Front Row, L to R: Emily Cates, Barbara Steward, and Joan Cole. Back Row, L to R: Robert Pitard, Shelly Mathews, and Keith Cole

 The old back porch on the east side had been turned into a sunroom at one time. When a new floor was put in this room a large ceramic cistern was exposed on the ground. The cistern was once used for water collection.

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Pictures of old fashioned (vintage) roses that are still there.

Go to SearcyLiving.com to see more home galleries! SearcyLiving.com 29

Westside Penny Drive

Westside Elementary students teamed up with Relay for Life sponsors Mrytle Hughes and Sherry Wilson and other Relay for Life members to participate in the “Pennies for Life Program.” Students used their Leader in Me character education program to “synergize” and raise $767.17 for Relay for Life. Mrs. Stacy Cook’s first grade class receive a $150 Books-A-Million gift card for raising the most money throughout Westside Elementary School. Pictured is Mrs. Cook’s class with Hughes, Wilson, and cancer survivor Lisa Crowe.

Hole-In-Ones!

David Johnston made successive hole-in-ones on March 17th and 18th at hole number 12 at the Searcy Country Club. The chances of doing this are similar to winning the $240,000,000 lottery. The witnesses on Saturday were Casey Dacus and Austin Brashears. The witnesses on Sunday were Grayling Wheeler and Tim Bass.

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National Doctor’s Day Pediatrician Mark Gustke, M.D., with Searcy Medical Center, visited Ms. Linda Bivens 1st grade class at Liberty Christian School in celebration of National Doctor’s Day. Dr. Gustke talked to the students about how doctors enjoy caring for people and helping them feel better.

This is Sara with her first turkey. She harvested the turkey during the Arkansas Youth Hunt recently. The turkey weighed 20 lbs, it had a 10 ½ inch beard, and 1 inch spurs. Sara is the daughter of Mike and Summer McCain of Searcy.

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Students from Ms. Carol Frank’s 4th grade class at Southwest Middle School recently made a special trip to White County Medical Center to meet the DaVinci(TM) Robotic Surgical System in person. The class was selected as having the winning name of the WCMC ‘Name the Robot’ Contest, in which the hospital invited 4th grade classes throughout Searcy to create a nickname for the DaVinci Robot. The name ‘Stitch’ submitted by Ms. Frank’s class was selected by a panel of judges, including hospital representatives and physicians, as the Robot’s new nickname.

Searcy High School FFA students participated in an Easter community service project. FFA members donated enough candy, money, and time to stuff 1,456 Easter eggs to be donated to special needs groups and community centers in Searcy. Pictured are FFA members Bailey Butler, Erica Miller, Taylor Quattlebaum, Kelsey Brown, and Austin Shourd stuffing baskets.

SHS National Honor Society members Micah Webb, Blake Forrest, Justin Rose, and Neale Zeringue, delivered approximately 900 food items to the community food pantry on March 9th. Good Samaritan workers expressed appreciation for the Searcy High School donation. 32 Your Hometown Magazine

There Is Help. There is Hope. Thank you to Jon and Deanna Cypert and to Chet Chaney from Monsanto Company, shown here presenting a check for $2,500 to White County Domestic Violence Prevention for the operation of Hope Cottage, the only battered womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter in White County. There is Help. There is Hope. If you need help or information, please call the HOPE HOTLINE at 501-2784673 or contact us at wcdvp1@sbcglobal.net. All e-mails are kept confidential. If you would like more information on how you can help Hope Cottage, call our office phone at 501-278-5130 or go to our website: http://www.hopecottage.info/15101.html.

Student Artist >>>>>

El Paso Volunteer Fire Department Pictured are the El Paso Volunteer Fire Department, L to R: Roy Dale Breckenridge, Virgil Turner, Randy Boaz, Chris Boaz, Nikki Boaz, Bobby Graham, Eddie Heater, Darin Dykes, Oscar Jones, Brandon Baker, Chris Baker

Sidney Deener Elementary congratulates Ethan Graham for being our April Student Artist. Ethan is in 3rd grade and is in Ms. Jordan Fergusonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class.

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 Mark Raines of BHP Billiton delivered art supplies to Searcy High School recently. Pictured is Raines with Mrs. Jeanne Dale’s third period Art I students accepting the supplies.

White County High Schools Receive Art Supplies Thea Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates the importance of art education in the academic and social development of children, has purchased and donated art supplies to eight high schools in White County. Those schools include Bald Knob, Bradford, Beebe, Pangburn, Riverview, Rose Bud, Searcy, and White County Central. “Art education is critical to the development and confidence of our youth, and these art supplies are the teachers’ tools to help their students dream and feel good about themselves,” said Paul Leopoulos, executive director and co-founder of the Thea Foundation.

Recent studies indicate that students who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, especially in math and science. BHP Billiton Petroleum of Houston, the second largest natural gas producer in the Fayetteville Shale, donated $30,000 to purchase the supplies, which will also be distributed to high schools in Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner and Van Buren Counties. In all, 19 high schools throughout the Fayetteville Shale Play will receive a year’s worth of art supplies, including paints, brushes, markers and paper. “Because of BHP Billiton’s generosity, these high schools now have the resources to help students achieve more in the classroom and in life,” Leopoulos said.

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Budget constraints have often created difficulty for schools to properly fund art education in public schools. Many times teachers are forced to use personal money to purchase the art supplies for their students. Recent studies indicate that students who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, especially in math and science. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Thea Foundation and hope the high schools in White County, as well as teachers and students, find this gift to be beneficial to learning,” said Danny Games, External Affairs Manager for BHP Billiton Petroleum. Thea Foundation, based in North Little Rock, was founded in 2001 following the untimely death of Leopoulos’ 17-yearold daughter, Thea, who was an accomplished artist, actress and writer. “When Thea found her hidden talents in art, drama and writing, it changed every aspect of her life in such a short amount of time,” said Leopoulos. “She had confidence and her self-actualization process took off like a rocket. She discovered something exciting and it taught our family the importance of art in a young person’s life.” Thea Foundation works in various areas of the arts to help develop the artistic abilities of interested students. Each year, several high school students receive the Thea Scholarship in both visual and performing arts.

Riverview Icon Retires After 35 Years of Service Mr. Tony Stark, a National Guard Veteran, retired from the Riverview School District recently after 35 years of service to the Riverview Schools in Searcy, Judsonia and Kensett, and 41 years total in Education. Mr. Stark spent his Riverview career as Riverview School District Maintenance Supervisor for 6 years, Middle School Principal for 7 years, Agriculture Teacher for 28 years, and school Bus Driver for 41 years. Friends and family attended his retirement reception to honor him on Sunday, February 26 at the Riverview High School Cafeteria. Superintendent Howard Morris presented Mr. Stark a plaque and a gift card for his years of service at Riverview. Mr. Morris spoke of Tony Stark’s hard work, commitment, knowledge, many talents, and expertise in every job that he did. Mr. Morris said, “He is one of a kind and will be greatly missed by Riverview.” Mr. Stark then gave thanks to Mr. Morris and the past Riverview Administrators for the many opportunities he was given during his 35 years at Riverview. Mr. Stark gave thanks to his parents and God for the person he is today. He attributed his work ethic to his upbringing of hard work on the farm. He thanked all of the Riverview teachers and staff members he worked with over the years for their support and friendship. He talked about Riverview and the special memories he will always treasure with his students while he was a teacher. Scrapbooks of Mr. Stark’s years as a teacher and FFA (Future Farmers of America) Club sponsor were available at the reception for viewing. Mr. Stark spoke of how the scrapbook pictures are his most treasured memories of Riverview. He said “The scrapbook pictures are memories of the good times I had with my students. Being a teacher are my most memorable years at Riverview.” Mr. Stark now looks forward to spending more time with his wife Sandra, grandchildren, family, and catching up on fishing and hunting.

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Florist For A Day Several residents of River Oaks Village Independent and Assisted Living became “Florists For A Day” when they made their own floral arrangements for themselves and others. The project gave the residents an opportunity to work with fresh flowers and allowed them to see that a lot of work goes into making the arrangements look good.

First Security Bank Donates Cookbook Proceeds to Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance First Security Bancorp Chairman/CEO Reynie Rutledge presented Arkansas Foodbank with a $25,000 check Thursday — the proceeds from more than 5,000 cookbooks sold during the holidays. The “What’s Cookin’ at First Security” cookbook featured more than 1,900 recipes contributed by employees and customers. The idea originated with employees as an opportunity to give to Arkansas Foodbank. First Security has previously participated in Golf for Food and Empty Bowls — the Foodbank’s largest fundraisers — but this is the first time the organization has held a fundraiser of its own. The money will be distributed among the Foodbank’s member agencies and through the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, which includes Arkansas Foodbank, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas Foodbank.

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What do you remember about camp? Is it the new friends that were made? Is it the cool new games you played? Is it the skills like archery, baking, and art that you learned and accomplished? Or is what you remember actually all lumped up into just one simple word... fun? Well, no matter what your specific memories are, most would agree that camp was FUN. his summer Searcy has a new and exciting opportunity to bring this camp experience to the children of the community, through Winshape Camps. Winshape is a wholesome, safe, incredible, and adventurous day camp. It has a team of professionally trained staff with a heart to help young people and a passion for growing them in their relationship with Christ. If you have a child that is interested in sports, drama, crafts, and/or baking, this camp is for them. There is so much fun to choose from. Winshape travels to over 60 cities in the United States during the summer, and the week of July 30th Searcy will be one of them. Having spoken with some of the camp directors, there are amazing stories of lives that have been changed during the week long camp. At one camp there was a special needs child with a

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caregiver present to aid her during the camp. Each day the caregiver went to the games, activities, small groups, and worship. At the conclusion of the week, she approached the camp director. She wanted to know how she too could know Jesus. One parent was asked why she sent her children to Winshape. She replied, “There are plenty of camps out there like sports camps, cheer camps, but this camp makes a lasting impression on children.” The dates of the camp are July 30th – August 3rd. Children that have completed grades 1-6 are eligible to attend. The camp will be located at Riverside High School. The cost is $185.00 but Winshape does offer a discount to families that have multiple children attending. Scholarships are also available. For more information please contact Chris Massey or Nan Tucker at 279-9900. To register go to WWW. WINSHAPECAMPS.ORG 

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with Jeff Kernodle & Ben Katon

Fill Those Financial Cavities Few things strike more fear in our hearts than a trip to the dentist. Aside from the normal apprehension surrounding the sound of drilling and other ominous sounding devices, there seems to be nothing fun about opening one’s mouth and subjecting it to potential judgment from someone who you think works on perfect mouths all day long. We know we could each be better about brushing and flossing; therefore, it is always intimidating to expose our imperfections. The truth, however, is that nobody has perfect oral hygiene and dentists are accustomed to seeing flaws every day. In fact, their survival depends on it. In our nearly 30 combined years of providing financial “hygiene”, we have discovered that there is a very similar dynamic when our new clients visit us for the first time. When people see someone walking into our office, some may assume that this person “has it all together”. The reality can very be different than this assumption. Many people do not believe that they have saved as much as they think they should. Few people are satisfied with every one of their investment decisions, and rarely is anyone content with every aspect of their financial circumstances. It is not uncommon to hear first time visitors say things like: “I know we’ve been burying our heads in the sand, but now we’re ready to get serious and figure out if we have done any damage to ourselves.” “I haven’t looked at my retirement plan statement in two years because I’m too scared.”

“We’re so far behind we’ll probably never get to retire.” “I’m ready to spend time with my grandkids, but I’m not sure I can afford to leave my job.” “I know I should study this stuff more, but when I get free time, the last thing I want to do is research investments.” “My wife has been on me for years to have a plan, and I know she’s right, but I don’t even know where to start”. For those who have serious apprehension about sitting down and facing their financial future, most find it is not as painful as they think: 1) to clarify their goals, 2) to create a personal plan to reflect those goals, and 3) proactively monitor that plan. Don’t let embarrassment or fear keep you from seeking help or advice. We assure you that your situation probably isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. Jeff Kernodle & Ben Katon - Senior Financial Advisors KERNODLE & KATON ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP 515 S. Main Street, Searcy, AR 72143 (501) 279-0101 or toll free (877) 279-0177 Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Member SIPC. Kernodle & Katon Asset Management Group is a separate entity from WFAFN. This article is a paid advertorial for Kernodle & Katon Asset Management Group. 

Kernodle & Katon Asset Management Group, a member of the Wells Fargo Financial Network, LLC in Searcy is located at 515 South Main Street. For more information on this and other articles, please call Jeff at 501-279-0101

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The Birth of

Clover Bud By Benjamin Williams

As my 4-H career was coming to an end after 15 years, I knew I wanted to do something to give back to the program. The 4-H program has helped shape me to become a better leader, and has given me many opportunities to volunteer in my community, country, and world. For years, I thought that the program should have a mascot. Most sports teams and even some clubs and businesses have mascots to promote their schools and products. For sports teams, they are especially good for spirit. I felt a mascot project could impact many to join the program and it could be a great catalyst for spirit. I also believed that a mascot could be a great way to educate people in areas such as safety, nutrition, fitness, and a multitude of other areas. Well, that was when I was encouraged by my mom to start doing research about other probable 4-H mascots in the U.S. To no avail, I came up empty handed. Then, I was directed to investigate businesses who build mascots. Many hours later, I secured two companies. After many more hours, I was faced with choices on the mascot’s design, colors, fabric, and cost! Cost, of course, was the biggest factor of all. Once I got this information, I was ready to meet with the state 4-H office to see if they could be as excited as I was. They all were on board. After I tweaked a few things, I told them I would try to raise the $6,000 needed to complete the official Arkansas 4-H mascot. It was a daunting task of writing notes to request for financial assistance with the project, as $6,000 was a lot of money for one person to raise. 4-H has taught me true perseverance. I was not going to give up. Almost two years later, Arkansas’ official 4-H mascot, ‘Clover Bud,’ was born! Within the first couple of months, ‘Clover Bud’ met people from over 14 states. He also got to meet P. Allen Smith, Governor Beebe, and First Lady Mrs. Ginger Beebe. ‘Clover Bud’ has already made appearances at The Southern Regional 4-H Forum, the Arkansas 4-H Gala, the Arkansas State Fair, and the White County 4-H banquet. ‘Clover Bud’ indeed put smiles on many people’s faces and gave way to a great way to promoting Arkansas 4-H. My name is Benjamin Williams and I am honored to be Arkansas’ first official 4-H mascot, ‘Clover Bud.’ One of my dreams has come true! Thank you all for your support for this project and for the 4-H program. The 4-H mascot has been an awesome investment and I hope that you all can benefit from him as much I have. Keep making the best better.

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 Benjamin Williams created the 4-H mascot program from its beginning and hopes many can benefit.

Clover Bud Responsibilities/Purposes • • • • • • • • • • •

4-H Camps: Meet and greet campers when they arrive and for spirit at general assemblies. Teen Leader: Meet and greet delegates when they arrive and for spirit at general assemblies. Operation Military Kids Camps: Spirit and 4-H Promotion 4-H District O-Rama’s: Spirit 4-H State O-Rama: Spirit Arkansas Schools: Education/Promotion County/District/State Fairs: Promotion, education Parades: Promotion U of A joint ventures such as body walk: Promotion/Education and spirit 4-H Horse Show: Spirit and 4-H promotion 4-H 5K: Spirit/Education

 Clover Bud with Governor Mike Beebe.  First Lady Mrs. Ginger Beebe with Clover Bud

This list is a start of a few activities where ‘Clover Bud’ could be involved. I have my sisters working on a song or jingle for ‘Bud.’ Thanks for being excited about ‘Bud’ the mascot: I’m over halfway there. Please know I appreciate your interest in helping raise money for this project. Let me know if I can assist you in anyway, otherwise, I’ll keep trying to raise the funds to finish our 4-H mascot. 

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Y a r n e l l â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s

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P a r a d e !

Thank you to Al Fowler for the pictures!

White River Memoirs: The Spoken History of a Liquid Legend

The Museum of the Ozarks is proud to announce an exciting historical preservation project now underway. In partnership with author/photographer Chris Engholm, we are conducting interviews to produce an important oral history entitled “White River Memoirs: The Spoken History of a Liquid Legend.” And we need your help. Currently, we are recording interviews with people and families who have lived along or near the Upper and Lower White River. These people include commercial fishermen, outdoor guides, artists, merchants, dam operators, loggers, farmers, journalists, riverboat residents, and others whose lives have been affected by the river. If you, or someone you know, are connected to the river with memories to share, we would like to include them in this important community memoir. We are also seeking family photographs of the river and its related lakes and dams to illustrate the remarkable stories to be made available for all to enjoy. Please contact Chris Engholm at chris@chrisengholm. com to set up your interview, or call him at 718.316.3702. Thank you very much.  Allyn Loyd Director Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Email: alord@springdalear.gov 479.750.8165 Chris Engholm Author/Photographer Web: www.chirsengholm.com Email: chris@chrisengholm.com 718.316.3702

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Written by: Tac

What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you hear welding? Industrial, metal, fire, dangerous, a man’s job…? Well, two women decided that would be the field to go into, not knowing what lay ahead. Carrie Hendrix has two girls and was raised in upstate New York. She joined the military and fabricated sheet metal for jets. During her eight years of service, she has lived in South Carolina, England and a six month deployment to Qatar. Carrie was honorably discharged from the military while in England. When she returned to the states, she stayed in St. Louis for six months until she decided to move to Arkansas. She is perfectly happy with her choice to be here in our fine state. Amanda Wyman has one girl and was born and raised in Houston, TX. In the early nineties, her father made the decision to move the family back to his home state of Arkansas, in Pangburn, where his family resides. When Amanda turned seventeen, she traveled all over the country as a utility locator and laborer with the pipeline. After eight years of much travel, she was ready to place roots somewhere, but where? On one of her trips coming through Arkansas, it hit her, “This is my HOME!” Her and Carrie’s artwork has been inspired by Arkansas Nature and organic form. Carrie and Amanda entered the Welding Program at Arkansas State University Searcy in the Fall of 2011 in order to make a decent wage and give their children the opportunity for a good life. When they had a few certifications under their belts, they were then given permission to make whatever creations they desired. Carrie and Amanda then joined forces to create their metal art. They craft their art together and individually. The two women were discovered by Chuck Davis, of the Small Business Administration of Little Rock. They think of him as their mentor. He has made it possible for their art to be displayed at the Thea Foundation Art Gallery in Little Rock recently. Carrie and Amanda feel the blessings that have been bestowed upon them would have not happened if not for the encouragement, support, and assistance through ASU-Searcy, Career Pathways, and their advisors, John Paul Reed and Terry McKinney. Carrie and Amanda graduated from ASU-Searcy in April 2012.  www.firefliesmetalart.com

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Amanda Wyman and Carrie Hendrix

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Visit my booth at The Beeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knees to see these projects and more!

Do It Yourself! Topiary

Floral arrangements can liven up a house and add a beautiful finishing touch to a room. In this article, I will show you how to make a professional looking topiary that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break the bank.

with Amanda Lutrell

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Topiary Form Container of Choice (I have chosen a plain terracotta pot that I have spray painted.) Hydrangea Stems (Approximately 6) Stick Bundle Sheet Moss Greenery Raffia Floral Pins

1 Cut your sticks to the length of the wooden stem of your topiary form. Place sticks around the stem and secure tightly at the very top and the very bottom with raffia. Place form into your container.

Glue sheet moss onto the bottom portion of the topiary form, being sure to cover all of the foam in the container.

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Pull the flowers off of the hydrangea stems.

Slide several flowers onto the floral pins creating miniature bouquets.

Insert the mini bouquets into the round top portion of your topiary form, making sure each bouquet is pushed snuggly together. Continue until entire top portion is covered.

6 Add a raffia bow around the stem and greenery into the container.

The perfect size piece for an end table, fireplace mantel, or night stand!

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By Glenna Barlow

“You can’t give happiness to others without spilling a little on yourself.” Several years ago, someone very important in my life told me It dawned on me that I could move Mom into the grandparent this, “You can’t give happiness to others without spilling a little quarters and Dad and I could live in the rest of the house. This way on yourself.” I have thought of that statement many times in my I could care for them both. life and every time I help others I am reminded how very true it is. Mom had a strong will to recover and regain the life she My name is Glenna Barlow. I am a Volunteer Coordinator knew before her accident. She had been an active senior, for Arkansas Hospice in Searcy, a job that resulted from volunteering at White County Medical Center, a personal journey that I have been asked to share. attending various church functions, and participating It all started with my father, Glenn Allen Cox, in the Golden Years group. She progressed to a a U.S. Army veteran who served for 21 years wheelchair, then to a walker, and then to a cane. and fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Dad wasn’t as fortunate. He began having He was a strong man who took great pride in more frequent episodes of confusion and his career and instilled in me at an early age falls. He forgot people in his past and his a sense of patriotism and a great love for present, although he never forgot me. I have my country. Divorced from my mother, he fond memories of how his face would light lived with my stepmother for many years up when I walked into the room. until she died in November 2008. Dad’s condition took a steep turn for the That’s when he became my responsibility, worse in February 2011, when he suffered and both of our lives changed forever. a stroke that affected his eyesight and his A few years earlier, he was diagnosed balance. He began to lose weight and refuse with dementia but was able to live somewhat his meals. One weekend, my son, who is a independently at a retirement community in nurse in Little Rock, came to visit and was Searcy. I needed to help him with doctor’s shocked by his dramatic decline. He said, appointments and other tasks, and as his “I think it’s time to consider hospice.” I was memory declined, he pleaded to come and live shocked at the suggestion and didn’t know what with me. to expect, but I agreed to talk to them. I called Glenn Allen Cox The very first week after he moved into my Dad’s doctor and he sent over the paperwork that small house on Lake Conway in 2009, I discovered would transfer my father’s care to Arkansas Hospice. that he could not be left alone. He became confused and Sharon Reynolds, a nurse at Arkansas Hospice, sometimes fell. Our roles were reversing, as I had to prompt came to our home and met with Dad, Mom and myself. She him on his every activity of daily living. Eventually, I had to quit explained that hospice is a program of care for patients and their my job to become his full-time caregiver. families who are facing a life-threatening illness. I had always Dad’s disease progressed steadily, although he would still have thought of hospice as a program for those who were “giving up” good days. He loved to sit on the porch for hours and watch the and in their final days of life. But Sharon clarified it was really birds on the lake. As long as he had a cup of coffee, the lake and about allowing the natural process of dying to take place while me, he was happy. also adding quality to the remaining days. The only thing I would Our worlds became even more complicated when – in a period of have done differently, as I think about it now, is to have contacted five weeks in late 2009 and early 2010 – Dad fell and fractured two Arkansas Hospice sooner. vertebrae, and my mother was critically injured in an automobile The visits from the Arkansas Hospice team became the bright accident. This left both my parents living in rehabilitation facilities spot of our day. The team consisted of a physician, nurse, chaplain, – one in North Little Rock and the other in Searcy. I tried to balance hospice aide and a social worker. Even the medical equipment my time between them, attending to their many needs. I was spread deliverymen were the kindest, most compassionate people I had quite thin at that time, and I began to pray each night for a solution. ever met. We also had an Arkansas Hospice volunteer visit with all God answered my prayers. I was looking through a real estate of us. She brought books that helped lead us through the physical, magazine one day and spotted a home with grandparent quarters. emotional and spiritual process of dying. Sharon walked me 54 Your Hometown Magazine

Harriet Hawkins, Glenna Barlow, Linda Tucke and Pet Therapy Dog Vincent. through each stage of Dad’s decline until he took his last breath, at age 80, on June 23, 2011. But that wasn’t the last time I heard from the amazing team of Arkansas Hospice workers. After Dad’s death, I received calls from the social worker and the bereavement specialist to see how we were dealing with our loss. About a month after dad’s passing, I found myself with way too much time on my hands and once again asked God to lead me where I should go next. The following morning, I picked up the job section of the Sunday newspaper and there was a listing by Arkansas Hospice asking for a volunteer coordinator. I decided to apply. If I got the job, then that’s where God wanted me to be. I met with a wonderful lady, Harriet Hawkins, who is the Director of Volunteer Services. God must have been right with me, because I got the job! As a Volunteer Coordinator, I am responsible for recruiting volunteers for Arkansas Hospice. It is such a rewarding job! There are so many different opportunities to help, including sitting with patients for caregiver relief; visiting nursing home patients; providing music therapy; helping with letter writing; reading to patients; providing pet therapy; helping around the office; performing chores or yard work; offering manicures; sewing memory pillows; crocheting lap blankets; and running errands.

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I feel honored to work for such an amazing organization, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Not everyone knows that Arkansas Hospice had its own bout of sadness in 2011. In 1992, Michael Aureli founded the organization after his own mother was diagnosed with cancer and was sent home to die. He wanted to create a company that enhanced the quality of life for those facing terminal illness and grief by surrounding them with love and embracing them with the best in physical, emotional and spiritual care. Last year, a week after my father died, Michael Aureli died after a hard-fought battle with cancer, living his final days as a patient in the care of the organization he had founded to help others. Michael was 61. Despite Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death, his work at Arkansas Hospice carries on. And now, so does mine. Arkansas Hospice is a local not-for-profit organization now celebrating its 20th anniversary of comfort, compassion and commitment to communities throughout the state. For more information on volunteering, please call Glenna at 305-3650 or visit www.arkansashospice.org. ď&#x192;?

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1,000

The Searcy Living Foster Care Boutique is simply a room we have dedicated in the Searcy Living business office. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations, and DHS case workers and foster parents get what they need for foster 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! We do our best to provide “shopping” bags for the foster parents and case workers so they can fill one up for every child. This also helps us keep up with approximately how many children are being served. So far we have gone through over 1000 bags in nearly three years! Thanks to you for helping!!!

Thank you to the donors and volunteers who make this happen!

Ladies’ Bible Class Mrs. Walter Porter (Genelle) Mrs. Lula Biegaj “We Care, We Share”

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event

Needed Items for the Foster Care Boutique: Thank you to all our camera shy donors! Little Indian Creek EH Ava Mason donated baby bottles A BIG thanks to Kids First for the large supply of pull-ups you donated to the Foster Care Boutique!

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• Volunteers to sort (no need to call for appointment, just stop by the Searcy Living office during volunteer hours between 1 pm and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.) • Socks • Under clothing • Diapers (all sizes but especially 2-4)

A group of 4-H volunteers organize clothing

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Volunteers and Donors

Halle Medley 60 Your Hometown Magazine

Twice As Nice Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Consignment Sale Cody Johnson and Edwin Sherwood

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Send us your photos: SearcyLivingPhotos@yahoo.com

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bald knob

parade

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Smart 911 When you call 9-1-1 today, the operator receives very little information about you – basically just your phone number and your general location. In a situation where seconds count, being able to provide the operator with other critical information about you and your family the instant your call is made can be the difference between life and death. Smart911 was created by leaders in the fields of privacy and information management, with the firm belief that providing 9-1-1 with additional timely information about you when you call can help speed and enhance the effectiveness of an emergency response. We are helping protect millions each and every day. Your safety is our business. Smart911 is a service of Rave Mobile Safety, a leading provider of safety software solutions. Learn more about our company at www.ravemobilesafety.com. The Safety Profile you create in Smart911 is completely private and only shared with 9-1-1 when you call from a registered phone. Some examples of the information you can include in your Safety Profile are below. • • • •

Personal Information Household Details Medical Information Special Needs

For more information visit their website www.smart911.com 

“Even the smallest candle burns brighter in the dark.” — Anonymous

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am a battered woman. There, I said it. Until recently, I didn’t believe that. I thought my husband was having one of his moods. I thought he was a very angry man. I thought I was too pushy, or needy, or dumb, and he had to hit me to “get my attention.” I thought everyone had a marriage like mine. And I guess I would still believe that if Hope Cottage hadn’t intervened. During my 10 year marriage, I suffered beatings, burns, and rape from my husband. He has run over me with our car, breaking multiple bones in both legs. He has dragged me around the house by my cast and by my hair. He has threatened to kill me, my children, my parents and anyone I called for help. Why? Because he thought I was having an affair. Because I talked back to him and needed to learn “my place.” Because beating me all night made him so tired that he overslept and got in trouble with his boss. One morning, he broke my nose because the yolk in his egg was too runny. He put nanny cameras all over our house and spied on me every minute of the day. He bugged my phone and listened to my conversations. He knew everywhere I went. For 10 years, I just took it. I never told anybody—I was afraid to. He let me know what would happen if I told. And besides, I thought it was nobody’s business. Things that shameful should be kept private. A few times, I called the police, but since he didn’t leave marks they couldn’t arrest him. When they left, it was worse, so I quit making that mistake. But one of the officers did tell me about Hope Cottage, the battered women’s shelter. One day after a beating, when he had gone to work, I called the hotline number.

I wasn’t trying to leave, I just wanted them to tell me it would get better. For the first time I could remember, I talked to someone who cared about me. She was worried about my safety and my kids’ safety. She told me I didn’t deserve to be treated like that. She told me how strong I was, and that if I could survive for 10 years like I have been, I could survive on my own. But most importantly, she told me I wouldn’t be alone. There are people who could help me. The staff at Hope Cottage would help me stay safe, and find a job and a place to live. I could stay at the cottage while I got on my feet and while my husband was looking for me. I could attend a support group and learn from other women who had been through the same things. I believe Hope Cottage saved my life. I think my husband would have eventually killed me, if I had stayed. And I can’t even think of what would have happened to my kids if we had stayed. It may sound strange, but the thing that is even more important than saving my life is that they gave me back a normal life. I’m not afraid any more. I don’t feel crazy any more. I don’t feel shame, and I don’t feel like I need someone to take care of me because I’m not competent to do it myself. Hope Cottage gave that to me, and I can’t thank you enough. I will always remember you all with love and thankfulness. God bless you!  Sincerely, Anonymous

If you need help or information, please call the HOPE HOTLINE at 501-278-4673 or contact us at wcdvp1@sbcglobal.net. All e-mails are kept confidential. If you would like more information on how you can help Hope Cottage, call our office phone at 501-278-5130 or go to our website: http://www.hopecottage.info/15101.html.

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the cycle of abuse There are three common phases within a domestic violence incident:

Minor incidents occur such as anger, rage, blame, and verbal abuse. The abuser may sulk, become depressed, hit walls, accuse, lecture, throw things, shove or push the woman around. Many women describe this phase as “walking on eggshells.” The victim feels the need to placate the abusive partner in order to try and prevent the abuse. This can perpetuate the abuse, as the abuser is receiving positive reinforcement for negative behavior. The tension becomes unbearable.

The littlest thing or nothing can set this off. Often the abuser will make up an excuse. It is during this stage the female is physically, mentally and emotionally abused. Usually, both the abuser and the victim believe the myth that he can’t control his behavior.

At this point, the batterer may say he’s sorry and promise to never do it again. He will sometimes offer gifts as an apology. He is charming and loving. He tries to elicit feelings of guilt and sympathy from the victim and pleads for understanding and “just one more chance.” He blames the victim for provoking the abuse. He will deny that the abuse took place or minimize it and say it wasn’t as bad as the victim claims. It is during this stage that the woman is most vulnerable to staying or returning to an abusive situation. She wants to believe that the relationship will be different. However, domestic violence almost always escalates – it rarely gets better. The loving behavior exhibited after a violent episode is confusing to the children as well as to the woman. Like the woman, the children want to believe that “Daddy is really sorry and will never do it again.” Due to the love the children naturally feel for their parents, they may even become defensive of the abusive parent should the victim attempt to leave. Children, too, want to believe things will be different next time. The cycle of abuse can complete and begin again within a short period of time, or may take much longer to complete – even years. In long-term abusive relationships the cycle can turn hundreds of times, and the honeymoon stage may disappear altogether. Usually the explosions of violence become more frequent and more severe. Some victims never consciously recognize the pattern of abuse. 

an epidemic: In recent years, the prevention of domestic violence has become a national and international public health priority. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared domestic violence a healthcare issue of epidemic proportions. The American Medical Association’s National Advisory Council on Violence and Abuse concluded that violence prevention can play a key role in reducing healthcare costs. Every year about 4.8 million women in the U.S. are assaulted and seriously hurt by their domestic partner (married, cohabiting, dating). Economic cost to medicine: Estimate of the direct cost is $4.1 billion annually, which includes primary care, emergency department visits and hospitalization. Indirect cost may be as high as $67 billion, which includes emotional, psychiatric, and other medical sequelae.

Hope Cottage Donation The students are Arianne Krulish and Elizabeth Elander from the Harding Physician Assistant Program. The donations came from the Physician Assistant Program, the School of Pharmacy and the Speech Pathology Program.

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~Anonymous

ou may be one of those people who thinks, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” But I want you to imagine waking up one day and just having your spouse completely change personalities and suddenly becoming abusive. In reality, I can now look back and clearly see that it was not an overnight change. It was little increments at a time and I just kept trying to be a better spouse, believing that things would get better. When the abuser does nice things in between their cruel moments, it really does make you feel like it could be your fault. But, I found out through educating myself that an abuser feels “rewarded” when their victim keeps tolerating their abusive behavior, thus encouraging them to continue. My abuse was emotional. No, I was never hit; I just had my self esteem chipped away one piece at a time. But Hope Cottage explained to me that the wheel of abuse can spin slowly in the beginning, and then go through phases where it goes faster and faster until the abuse is happening more often than not. They gave me the wheel of abuse that is featured on the opposite page and I highlighted the traits of my abuser when I submitted this story. In reading up on abuse, I learned that it does not just magically stop; it always escalates. But before you judge me, you need to realize that you don’t just leave your spouse because they called you vulgar names once or twice a year. But then, when it starts happening weekly, after years of it only being occasionally, it is confusing and I think it is common to blame yourself, but not healthy. Although I was not physically abused, there is no doubt in my mind that was inevitable. It got to the point in the last two months before leaving that I was scared to come home after work and always walked on eggshells. My spouse would be giving me the silent treatment one moment and screaming and calling me vulgar names the next. I knew it was time to leave when I was threatened with divorce (apparently for just existing) for the tenth time one minute and the next minute I was having things thrown at me and my spouse was punching furniture violently. The change in behavior was terrifying. The wheel was spinning faster, but I did not understand. How did I get here? Why can’t I make it better? Like so many victims, I left with very few belongings. I had to depend on friends and I learned to receive, which was very difficult for me. I was angry that I had lost not only my relationship, for reasons I did not understand, but everyday belongings that I had financially helped purchase for over a decade. While making my first meal in my new home I realized I

did not even have a spoon to stir with. I had to turn off the stove and go to the dollar store to buy a cheap set of silverware. Life seemed so unfair. The mental games from my spouse continued while we were separated until I drew a line in the sand and decided to stop letting someone besides God have control in my life. I realized I had made my relationship an idol. I have become stronger; scar tissue can do that. That is one thing that I believe the abuser always underestimates. You don’t become stronger because of opportunities and fluff in your life, you become stronger because of scar tissue. Some women make it to that point and others continue to watch the wheel spin faster and faster. Recognizing abuse for what it is can be the first step to healing.

A friend recommended “Love Must Be Tough” by James Dobson. It was a life changing read... I never stayed at Hope Cottage, but talking to them helped tremendously. I found out that it is common for a victim to “feel sorry” for the abuser. It took me months to stop having that sympathy for my abuser, months of having the abuser still trying to control my life from a distance. I had to learn that sometimes helping an abuser means letting them go through the natural consequences of their actions. I also learned a lot by reading. A friend recommended “Love Must Be Tough” by James Dobson. It was a life changing read that I would encourage anyone experiencing an unfaithful spouse or an abusive situation to get. When I had to leave, I put up a sign in my new home that said, “These are the days of miracle and wonder.” I thought it was a little bizarre that I would be attracted to that phrase, but I started keeping a miracle journal after a few months of amazing events continually unfolding in my life. Life is good now. I have experienced deeper friendships with my friends. I have witnessed many miracles. Although the grief process was hard, life is better now than I ever imagined. I have experienced joy that I had long ago forgotten. I am loved, cherished, and adored by an awesome God. I am happy. My life is peaceful. If you know someone or are experiencing this situation yourself, I hope my story gave you hope and encouragement. Now I know how I got there and I choose to never travel that path again. 

*Glibness and Superficial Charm * Manipulative and Cunning - They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims. * Grandiose Sense of Self - Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.” * Pathological Lying - Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing. * Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt - A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. * Shallow Emotions - When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises. * Callousness/Lack of Empathy - Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. * Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature - Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. * Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them. 68 Your Hometown Magazine

(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)

Physical and sexual assaults, or threats to commit them, are the most apparent forms of domestic violence and are usually the actions that allow others to become aware of the problem. However, regular use of other abusive behaviors by the batterer, when reinforced by one or more acts of physical violence, makes up a larger system of abuse. Although physical assaults may occur only once or occasionally, they instill threat of future violent attacks and allow the abuser to take control of the woman’s life and circumstances.

Making and/or carrying out threats to do something to hurt her. Threatening to leave her, commit suicide, or report her to welfare. Making her drop charges. Making her do illegal things.

Treating her like a servant. Making all the big decisions. Acting like the “master of the castle,” being the one to define men’s and women’s roles.

The Power & Control diagram is a particularly helpful tool in understanding the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors, which are used by a batterer to establish and maintain control over his partner. Very often, one or more violent incidents are accompanied by an array of these other types of abuse. They are less easily identified, yet firmly establish a pattern of intimidation and control in the relationship.

Making her afraid by using looks, actions, and gestures. Smashing things. Destroying her property. Abusing her pets. Displaying weapons.

Power & ontrol C

Preventing her from getting or keeping a job. Making her ask for money. Giving her an allowance. Taking her money. Not letting her know about or have access to family income.

Putting her down. Making her feel bad about herself. Calling her names. Making her think she’s crazy. Playing mind games. Humiliating her. Making her feel guilty.

Controlling what she does, who she sees and talks to, what she reads, and where she goes. Limiting her outside involvement. Using jealousy to justify actions. Making her feel guilty about the children. Using the children to relay messages. Using visitation to harass her. Threatening to take the children away.

Making light of the abuse and not taking her concerns about it seriously. Saying the abuse didn’t happen. Shifting responsibility for abusive behavior. Saying she caused it.

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Name of Group: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Phone#: _____________________________________Contact E-mail: _______________________________________ Individual names of the members in the group: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mail To: Searcy Living Cover Contest P.O. Box 1922 Searcy, AR 72145 *We encourage members of your group to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? our facebook page as we will periodically post throughout the contest; giving recognition to groups involved.

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A family or group will gather donations of disposable diapers, underwear, and socks for the Foster Care Boutique and other charitable causes in the community.

1st place winners will be featured on the cover of the Searcy Living Magazine 2nd and 3rd place winners will be featured on the inside of the magazine We will also feature a small story about all three groups in the magazine. Please see complete rules and deadlines for the Contest on our FaceBook page or Website. - Items to collect for the contest are disposable diapers, underwear, and socks. New items only. - Each individual diaper, piece of underwear, and pair of socks will count as one point. - Group or family with the most points wins. - An entry can be a family or group consisting of no more than 30 people. - In order to qualify for the contest a registration form must be turned in to the Searcy Living Magazine. - All items collected will be brought to the Searcy Living office on date specified in rules on SearcyLiving.com. We will coordinate a time for your group to bring in your donations.

See SearcyLiving.com for complete rules and details

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Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an Official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state!

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Congratulations to Bill Bager for winning the 32â&#x20AC;? flat screen TV from ORR Toyota!

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d nner

& A Magazine

BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

Recipe Submitted by Tanya Leckie

My nephew, Chandler, is very “food restricted by choice,” which is another way of saying he’s the pickiest eater I’ve ever known in my life. Long story short, he says these are the best pancakes he’s ever eaten. He says they’re better than the ones at Disneyworld, if that tells you anything. I like to make up a big batch of the dry ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the pantry, then when I get ready to make pancakes, I just scoop out the “pancake mix” and add my oil, eggs, honey, and buttermilk to it. We like ours with real butter, pure maple syrup (grade B if you’re lucky) and lots of good sausage made from the pigs at Freckle Face Farm.

INGREDIENTS 1 c. unbleached all purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt

Mix

3 Tbsp. canola oil

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine all the wet ingredients in another bowl, whisk together, and add to dry ingredients all at once. Mix well.

1 egg

Cook

¼ tsp. baking soda 1 Tbsp. honey

¾ to 1 c. buttermilk

Have your skillet (preferably one where you can adjust the temperature) ready and preheated to 400˚. Ladle batter onto skillet with a spring-type ice cream scoop or a 1/3 c. measure. When bubbles appear in the batter, flip them over to cook on the other side.

Enjoy!

This recipe makes about 8 medium sized pancakes. Transfer pancakes to a heated serving plate and get that butter and syrup ready!

Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Wear It’s At, Midnight Oil Coffee House, Harding University Bookstore, online at www.heylookicancook.com and by contacting her at lazydaygourmet@ sbcglobal.net

You can find more recipes on SearcyLiving.com!

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ACROSS

3. 4 H Clover ___ 4. Million Dollar Dog 5. ______ of BHP Billiton delivers art supplies to Searcy High School. 6. Cottage offering a lifeline to victims of domestic violence. 8. Easter pics of a local university. ___ Searcy 9. Dinner and a Magazine Recipe. 10. White County Medical Centers Robotic Surgical System.

Riddles What word is the same written forward, backward and upside down?

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DOWN

1. Amazing day camp coming to Searcy this summer! 2. Ice Cream Company that recently held a parade in downtown Searcy. 7. Florists for a day residents at River Oaks _______. 8. Anonymous story of a battered woman. I am not _______.

STUMPED? Get the answers, play games, download wallpaper and tons more online at SearcyLiving.com!

Some months have 30 days. Some have 31. How many have 28 days?

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TURKEY SCRATCH POSSUM GRAPE PICKLES GAP BALD KNOB FIRST SECURITY O N L Y

I N

A R K A N S A S

Life in Arkansas is unique. That’s one of the reasons why we love it here – and why we have no desire to go anywhere else. We’ve done a lot of growing in our past 80 years, and we’re glad it’s all been inside our borders. It’s how our family-owned bank likes doing business. And our customers seem to think it’s one of the many reasons why banking with us is better.

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Bank Better. fsbank.com