Searcy Living Issue 4 2017

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4 Your Hometown Magazine

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issue 4 2017

Pets Or Mankind: Rescued Is My Favorite Breed 14 Screenagers 52 Community Pets 54 Great Airmen With Great Responsibilities

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ASU-Beebe To Celebrate 90 Years of Education

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Rice Queen 64 Tail From The Recliner 66 Church Doors 68 Making A Difference 74 Day Of Caring 78

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Publisher’s Note 10 Over The Counter 18 Fashion Fun 20 We The People 24 Out & About 46 Financial Focus 48 Imagine & Believe Foundation

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“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ~ Helen Keller

Fab DIY 92 Dinner & A Magazine 94 Crossword & Riddles 96

On the Cover bax and payne howell Photo by

Find Us On

Follow Us On

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Kimberly Brackins (501) 279-1515 www.kbrackins.com SearcyLiving.com 9

My own personal pet journey started when I was about four years old, when we moved to a 40-acre farm. By far, it was the best time of my childhood. We had plenty of pets during those few years, but my favorites were the horses. By the time I was five or six, I was leading a horse up to our tall front porch, jumping on bareback, and roaming the fields.

Then my parents made what I thought was the most horrible decision of my childhood.

We moved from the south to the frigid north, where there are only three seasons… June, July and Winter. We also lived in town with no rolling hills to roam, which I thought was barely survivable. On the bright side, however, we did get a Golden Retriever. Within a few months I had him trained to be a sled dog, and once again life had a little spark of fun, and the dreary gray-skied winters were more bearable.

Years later we moved once again, but only one state closer to the south (unacceptable!).

I had a few pets here and there, but none compared to the one I got at eighteen. I had moved out of my parents’ house and was on my own for the first time in my life. My neighbors, wanting to downsize their pet population, gave me one of their dogs – a slightly chubby Doberman Pinscher. One night, shortly after I got him, there was a knock on my door. Being young and naïve, I opened the door to a total stranger. I immediately had that horrible gut feeling, and knew I was in danger with this solicitor.

But the problem was soon solved when my Doberman came to the door and stood beside me, with a low, rumbling growl. I explained to the solicitor that he needed to leave, because I did not know what my new dog was capable of. To this day I believe that dog saved my life, or at the very least kept me from being seriously harmed. That dog was the most loyal pet from that day on that I have ever had. He was gentle, but also a great protector. I will always miss him.

A couple (ok, maybe almost a few) decades later, I found myself in a very difficult place in life. Once again, it was a pet that was comforting. This time it was not mine, but belonged to some friends. Friends who took me horseback riding and let me roam their peaceful fields. I will always be grateful.

Although right now I don’t have any pets, I have heard so many stories lately of pets helping people that I felt that it would be a great theme for this Searcy Living issue. I would personally like to thank my friend Kathy Lightle, as she is the inspiration for this.

As a surprise for her, two of her [and her husband Steve’s] grandchildren are our cover models for this issue. I want her to know that she has truly reminded me of the comfort a pet can bring. Thank you, Kathy! :) As always, to our loyal readers, thank you for reading Searcy Living. I hope this issue brings you fond memories of all the furry friends that have helped you through life.

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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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Pets or Mankind: Rescued Is My Favorite Breed

F

By Blakely Howell

I’ve always slower more laid back days by this time, and the boys got to had a pet by my side. My first dog was a black enjoy their ‘golden years.’

And then came Chief. Words cannot express the love Bax and lab named Ivory. She was my sidekick. Where we Payne had for this red Labrador from the moment we picked went, she went. Ivory loved going to the lake to swim at the water’s edge on the shore near our lake house. I have him up. You see, Chief was supposed to be my husband Chris’ hunting dog. We sent him off to training to learn to retrieve so many wonderful memories about my childhood ducks, but at the end of the day he was just a big pet; those memories have developed into a love lap dog. The boys literally laid on top of him, for animals that as an adult I have passed and he didn’t mind one bit. He loved to on to my own children as my parents fetch, jumping off the diving board into passed on to me. the swimming pool. At this point, we I’ve had several dogs over the had two dogs, Lola and Chief. Chief course of my life that have brought looked up to Lola like she was his me so much joy. In my mid mother and she took care of him.

20’s I adopted two black lab Many days I would look outside mixed breed puppies.

Oh and see them curled up into one boy, those two rascals tore big ball together in the shade. my house apart, as labs do. If My youngest son Payne has I even turned my head for a always been a terrible sleeper. second, something else was We tried everything to get shredded or across the house him to stay in his bed. At age from where it was supposed to 5, something had to change! be. But this was a time when That’s when he came to me and I needed companionship, so said, “Mom, I will stay in my those things didn’t matter a bit. bed if I can have a Dachshund.”

When I walked through the You should have seen the look door of my house after the end on my face. I’ve always had big of my teaching day, those two “ dogs, Labs. My initial reaction T he calming peace that comes from little stinkers were so excited was “No way! I can’t have an to see me. The thing with dogs a pet is something that can’t be inside dog that has to be let out that makes them so special is described, it has to be experienced.” during the day. I don’t have that they not only give you time to come home from work unconditional love, but they and let it out.” But, Payne was sense when things aren’t quite persistent. So I told him that if right with you. If I’d had a bad he stayed in his bed “forever day, I got extra cuddles from Lola. She was always the one to and ever more,” I believe is how I put it, he could have his snuggle. Chevy was more of the playful one. These two taught Dachshund. Thirty days later, guess what came home with us! me patience and grace.

The Searcy Animal Shelter knew what we were looking for A few years later, I got married and since have had two and called us to say they had the perfect dog. Oscar, then called handsome boys, Bax and Payne. Chevy and Lola were in their Toby, had been at the Searcy shelter before as a puppy and had

rom the time I was a little girl,

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“ The thing with dogs that makes them so special

is that they not only give you unconditional love, but they sense when things aren’t quite right with you.”

been adopted. Not much time had passed when one of the ladies helping at the shelter recognized him on an online yard sale. She immediately went and got him. And that was that, he was ours.

What I wasn’t prepared for was how attached I would get to Oscar. When I sat, he was in my lap. When I did laundry, he was at my feet curled up. When I slept, he was under the covers snuggled up next to my feet. Not long after we got Oscar, Lola and Chief escaped the invisible fence at our home and were gone overnight.

We searched and searched, but only Lola came home. My dad found Chief. He had been hit by a car and my family felt like we had been knocked off our feet with grief. Lola grieved for him as much as we did. Over the course of just a few months, we lost both of my beloved grandmothers as well. During this time I did a lot of crying. Lola and Oscar both sensed my sadness, and they spent a lot of time by my side. The calming peace that comes from a pet is something that can’t be described, it has to be experienced.

Just recently Lola passed away. She is greatly missed, but I know that she had the best 12 years any dog could have. Oscar has turned out to be the perfect dog. He’s a member of our family, our companion, and most of all a friend to my boys. I’m so thankful to my parents for raising me in a house with pets. So you see, it isn’t always the dog that is rescued, sometimes the dog rescues us.

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“I

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have so many wonderful memories about my childhood pet. Those memories have developed into a love for animals that as an adult I have passed on to my own children as my parents passed on to me.�

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Over the Counter Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP Harding University College of Pharmacy

What Can I Do About My High Blood Pressure?

By Eric Awuah, PharmD Candidate and Rodney Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP

H

igh blood pressure (hypertension) is a major health problem in the United States, and in Arkansas it is estimated that one in every three Americans has hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to a heart attack, chronic heart failure, and kidney disease, and is the number one cause of people having their first stroke. Unfortunately, among people with hypertension, only about half have their blood pressure under control. There are several factors that play a significant role in contributing to hypertension including family history, diet, and lifestyle among others. Further, a general lack of understanding about high blood pressure and poor communication between patients and healthcare providers have been shown to complicate its management.

What is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. Although there is wide variation an optimal blood pressure is generally defined as 120/80 (spoken as “120 over 80”). The top number (systolic pressure) represents the pressure of the blood flow on the artery walls when the heart beats or contracts, and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) represents the pressure on the artery walls between heartbeats or when the heart relaxes between contractions.

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed? High blood pressure has no warning signs or symptoms so many people do not know they have high blood pressure. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to measure your blood pressure. A blood pressure test is easy and painless and can be done in your healthcare provider’s office, the pharmacy, and even at home. Prior to the test you should: go to the bathroom; not drink coffee or smoke cigarettes within 30 minutes; and sit relaxed for 5 minutes before the actual measurement. Your healthcare provider usually takes 2–3 readings measured at different times to diagnose high blood pressure. Using the results of your blood pressure test, your healthcare provider will diagnose high blood pressure for most patients when blood pressure readings are consistently at or above 140/90; for people over 60 years of age the target is 150/90.

How Can I Control My Blood Pressure? Although you cannot control all of your risk factors for high blood pressure, you can take steps to prevent or control high blood pressure and its complications. You can make changes to your lifestyle that will help you control your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes are just as important as medication, and revolve around changes in diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

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Diet: One way to lower high blood pressure is to incorporate the DASH diet into your lifestyle. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a flexible and balanced heart-healthy eating plan. It requires no special foods and instead provides daily and weekly nutritional goals. This plan recommends a diet that is low is salt (sodium), total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and emphasizes eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy food, poultry, fish, meat, nuts, and beans. The focus is on the size and variety with the right nutrients. It is estimated that when on the DASH diet, people who are hypertensive lose an average of 11 units off their systolic and 6 units off their diastolic blood pressure.

Exercise: Routine physical activity can lower high blood pressure and reduce your risk for other health problems.

You should talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise plan and ask them how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you. Generally, you should try to participate in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least 2½ hours per week. The following table gives you some ideas on what constitutes moderate exercise.

Common Chores Washing and waxing a car for 45-60 minutes Washing windows or floors for 45-60 minutes Gardening for 30-45 minutes Wheeling self in wheelchair for 30-40 minutes Pushing a stroller 1½ miles in 30 minutes Raking leaves for 30 minutes Shoveling snow for 15 minutes Stair walking for 15 minutes Sporting Activities Playing volleyball for 45-60 minutes Playing touch football for 45 minutes Shooting baskets for 30 minutes Walking 2 miles in 30 minutes Bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes Dancing fast for 30 minutes Swimming laps for 20 minutes Running 1½ miles in 15 minutes

Smoking Cessation: Smoking can potentially harm nearly every organ in your body, including the lungs, eyes, mouth, reproductive organs, bones, bladder, and digestive organs–and especially the heart, blood vessels. One of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease including high blood pressure is to avoid tobacco smoke. Don’t start smoking, and if you already smoke, quit. No matter how much or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will benefit you. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking will reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart disease. For more details about the benefits of quitting smoking visit www.smokefree.gov.

Medication: If you already have high blood pressure, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications. It is important that you follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take your medication as prescribed. All drugs may have side effects but do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Be sure to have your blood pressure checked frequently, which can include monitoring your blood pressure at home, so that your healthcare provider can monitor your improvement.

Other important lifestyle changes that you should consider include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, getting enough sleep, and managing and coping with stress. To help make lifelong lifestyle changes, try making one healthy lifestyle change at a time and add another change when you feel that you have successfully adopted the earlier changes. When you practice several healthy lifestyle habits, you are more likely to lower your blood pressure and maintain normal blood pressure readings.

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Before

Tabatha 20 Your Hometown Magazine

Evelyn Moss Makeover Coordinator

3005 E. Race • Searcy (501) 268-0800 shophays2.com

By Heather

Steinbarger at

Charlestown Village 2305 W. Beebe Capps Searcy (501) 268-4540

Susie Dubose Independent Beauty Consultant

Turn the page for more fashion & beauty retailers. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

501-827-8932 www.marykay.com/sdubose SearcyLiving.com 21

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ASU Beebe: Moore Named Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations

K

eith Moore of Jacksonville has been named Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Arkansas State University-Beebe.

Moore holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Arkansas Air National Guard and has served as a senior public affairs officer for the Adjutant General at the Joint Force Headquarters for the past 11 years. His duties have included implementation of strategic communications, management of crisis communication, and maintaining brand awareness. Previously, Moore also served as the Marketing and Administrative Support Services Coordinator for BKD, LLP, a public accounting firm.

Moore received a bachelor’s degree in News Journalism from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in Media Communications from Webster University. He is also certified in FEMA as the Public Affairs Officer, and is experienced in interagency coordination for crisis event management.

As Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Moore will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all of the university’s marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities and provide oversight of branding and support materials and services in the areas of marketing, communication, and public relations.

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Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement, Rose Mary Jackson, stated “We are pleased to welcome Keith Moore to our university and the ASU System. He brings many years of experience in strategic communications and media relations, as well as brand and image development.”

For more information about ASU-Beebe and its programs, call (501) 882-3600, or visit the ASU-Beebe website at www.asub.edu.

Founded in 1927, Arkansas State University-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution of the Arkansas State University System. With campuses located in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, the Little Rock Air Force Base, and online, the university offers associate degrees, certificates, and noncredit training for business and industry. The Beebe campus also collaborates with Arkansas State, a four-year university in Jonesboro, to offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees on the Beebe campus. ASU-Beebe is nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute for student success rates.

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Searcy pediatric cancer survivor Heidi Abston received the CARTI Kids Memorial Fellowship Award along with a CARTI Kids Dennis Jungmeyer Scholarship valued at $3,500 during a special ceremony at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. (Pictured, from left: Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson; Heidi Abston; fellowship award sponsor Lisa Gondek; and Dennis Jungmeyer.)

Searcy Pediatric Cancer Survivor Heidi Abston Receives $3,500

CARTI Jungmeyer Scholarship eidi Abston, 22, of Searcy, is among 18 H pediatric cancer survivors selected this year to receive Dennis Jungmeyer Scholarships valued at

$3,500 each and awarded by the CARTI Foundation in Little Rock.

Presented annually to current or former CARTI pediatric cancer patients, the scholarships are named in honor of Dennis Jungmeyer, of North Little Rock.

Jungmeyer is a CARTI Foundation Board Member and prostate cancer survivor.

Recipients of the 20th annual CARTI Kids Dennis Jungmeyer Scholarship Awards were honored at a special presentation ceremony at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. First Lady Susan Hutchinson assisted Jungmeyer in presenting scholars with their awards.

Diagnosed with a ganglioneuroblastoma at the age of 14, Abston is currently an accounting major at Harding University. She is the daughter of Kara and Robert Abston of Searcy.

Abston was also recognized as the recipient of the CARTI Kids Memorial Fellowship Award. Presented for study in the liberal arts, the award is sponsored by Lisa and Gordon Gondek of Little Rock.

In addition to Abston, other 2017 Jungmeyer Scholarship recipients include: Elijah Barnes, of Mena; Brayden Beshears, of Greenwood; Lucas Cauthren, of

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Subiaco; Creed Chapman, of Norfork; Shelby Clinton, of North Little Rock; Spencer Ewing, of Little Rock; Haley Goodwin, of Conway; Ty Granberry, of New Boston, TX; Keori Guinn, of Hot Springs; Cheryl Harp, of Bentonville; Caleb Loe, of Prescott; Patrik Rollefson; Breanna Stoufer, of Fort Smith; CheyAnn Trantham, of Conway; Tasha Turner, of Pocahontas; Chase Wellenberger, of England; and Kirsten Worley, of Benton.

Mark V. Williamson and John Youngblood were named as recipients of the 2017 Z. Lynn Zeno Award in recognition of outstanding philanthropic leadership and volunteerism on behalf of CARTI Kids.

CARTI is a not-for-profit, multi-disciplinary cancer care provider offering medical and surgical oncology, diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology at locations throughout the state to provide convenient access for cancer patients. Chemotherapy is offered in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clinton, Conway, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Monticello, Russellville and Stuttgart.

Radiation therapy is offered in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Mountain Home and Searcy.

The CARTI Foundation was incorporated in 1983 as a non-profit organization to assist CARTI in meeting the current and future needs of Arkansas cancer patients and their families. For more information: Ron Standridge 501-660-7620, office or 501-837-7366, cell.

Blanton Named

Officer of the Month etective Terry Blanton was chosen as D Searcy Police Department’s Officer of the Month recently.

Terry Blanton is a Detective for the Searcy Police Department. He has been with the Searcy Police Department since October of 2007. He graduated from Bald Knob High School in 1993. He has a wife and two children. Blanton is a Certified IPMBA Bicycle Officer, Field Training Officer, Certified Police Professional Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and member of the Special Response Team. Blanton was also named Officer of the Month for January of this year.

“Our job can be very difficult. Poor decisions by others sometimes put police officers in situations they would rather not be in. However, it is our job to wade through the facts and circumstances and work with what we have to resolve the situation as best we can. Even through heartbreaking circumstances, Detective Blanton continually demonstrates his dedication and professionalism. Detective Blanton is one of a kind, and an asset to our department,” said Chief Eric Webb.

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Hernandez Named

Officer of the Month

Steve Hernandez was chosen as Searcy SSgt.ergeant Police Department’s Officer of the Month recently.

Hernandez is a patrol sergeant at SPD. Sgt. Hernandez began

his law enforcement career in 2001 at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. He then came to Searcy Police Department for a three-year stint before working at the White County Sheriff’s Office from 2007 to 2013. Sgt. Hernandez returned to the Searcy Police Department in 2013, was promoted to Corporal in June of 2013, and was promoted to Sergeant in February of 2015. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1999. Sgt. Hernandez spends much of his free time volunteering for Special Olympics Arkansas. He has been an International Delegate to the Law Enforcement Torch Run since 2008.

Chief Eric Webb said, “The Searcy Police Department is blessed to have many outstanding officers. Sergeant Hernandez is just one example of the outstanding caliber of officer we have serving this community. Sergeant Hernandez has shown, on more than one occasion, his dedication to the City of Searcy and the surrounding community. I am proud of him and his genuine caring nature.”

Pollinator Friendly Week

 Members of the Friendly Committee: Garrison, Michelle Sandlin, Peggy Alton,

Searcy Pollinator Allan Isom, Leta Keese, Bobbie Tom Miller.

Please contact Allan Isom at 278-7525

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WHEREAS, Pollinators come in many forms such as bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles, and other insects; and WHEREAS, seventy-five percent of the world’s flowering plants and about thirty-five percent of food crops depend on these pollinators to reproduce; and WHEREAS, some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators; and WHEREAS, pollinators are in sharp decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, parasites, diseases and non-native plants; and WHEREAS, the City of Searcy wishes to foster knowledge and understanding of the importance of pollinators to any community and to address issues related to fostering the pollinator’s populations; and WHEREAS, in 2016, the Searcy City Council established a Pollinator Friendly Committee for the City of Searcy; and WHEREAS, The Searcy Pollinator Friendly Committee makes recommendations to the City and to private citizens to foster a pollinator friendly community;

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Contestant Recruitment Underway for Mrs. Arkansas:

Officials Seeking Mrs. Searcy, Mrs. White County

 Kristen Thomas, of Crossett, will crown a new statewide representative at the 41st annual Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant on November 11 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Thomas was crowned as the statewide titleholder last October by Mrs. Arkansas America 2016 Drea Poteete, of Hot Springs.

ageant officials are actively recruiting P contestants statewide to represent local preliminary titles at the 41st annual Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant

scheduled for this fall in Hot Springs.

“We invite all married women throughout Arkansas who are interested in participating to claim their local title and begin preparing for competition,” says Lynn DeJarnette, executive director of the Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant.

Among the titles currently available for potential contestants this season are Mrs. Searcy and Mrs. White County. For details on how to qualify and register as a preliminary titleholder in the Mrs. Arkansas America contestant, visit www.mrsarkansas.org.

“Mrs. Arkansas America should be someone with a servant’s heart who wants to represent all of the women of Arkansas as they serve their community and state,” explains DeJarnette. “She should be someone who takes care of herself, is approachable and can communicate to others with love and passion for what she is doing. She is a giver, not a taker.”

DeJarnette would know. Before assuming her duties as executive director of the state pageant, DeJarnette was Mrs. Arkansas America 1994.

“Women today have eternal beauty and can compete at any age,” says DeJarnette. “We believe that wisdom and life experiences can only add to a woman’s beauty.”

“When women feel important, needed and beautiful, it can help their self esteem and open them up and into the person they should be, and that helps to make them a happier person in all areas of their lives,” says DeJarnette. “I have seen the lives of so many women changed, including my own, as a result of the pageant experience.”

Presented annually since 1978, the Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant is a direct preliminary to the Mrs. America Pageant.

In turn, the Mrs. America Pageant feeds into the Mrs. World Pageant.

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“The Mrs. Arkansas Pageant is all about family, and we feel God and family always come first,” says DeJarnette, the mother of two and grandmother of five. She and her husband, Ronnie DeJarnette, have been married for more than 40 years and now live in Hot Springs.

Mrs. Arkansas America 2017 is Kristen Thomas, an elementary school teacher from Crossett who competed last year as Mrs. Southeast Arkansas. Thomas will represent Arkansas this year at the Mrs. America Pageant on August 26 in Las Vegas.

With a platform titled “Farm to Table,” Thomas is using her year of service to travel throughout the state to promote healthier ways to feed America through non-processed foods.

“My title has given me the opportunity to reach even more children throughout the state,” says Thomas. “I am able to educate my students and their parents on the importance of eating healthy and utilizing the resources available in their area.”

Thomas has also been busy making public appearances on behalf of several nonprofit charities, including an annual partnership with CARTI. “Clay was very supportive in my efforts to become Mrs. Arkansas,” says Thomas, speaking of the husband she met in 2008 and married in 2014. “My husband knew that winning the title would be a year of excitement and he has embraced the journey with me.”

Deadline for registering as a contestant in the 41st annual Mrs. Arkansas America Pageant is September 1, 2017. For more information on how to become a qualified preliminary titleholder, visit www.mrsarkansas.org.

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Bittle Named Director of Concurrent Enrollment Tyler Bittle of Russellville has been named Director of Concurrent Enrollment at Arkansas State University-Beebe.

Previously, Bittle served as Resident Director at Arkansas Tech University and Admissions Counselor at the University of Central Arkansas. He received a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Arkansas Tech University.

As Director of Concurrent Enrollment, Bittle plans to visit with campus and community partners and align the university processes to any changes in higher education. Additionally, the department will work to ensure that the transition into post-secondary education remains seamless while concurrent enrollment evolves to meet the changing needs of students in Arkansas.

Bittle has also served as an alumni advisor for the Lambda Phi Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Dias Staff for Midwest Model United Nations, and is a member of the Arkansas Association for College Registrars and Admissions Officers (ArkACRAO).

“Although I am new to the Vanguard family, I am so excited to be a part of an institution that brings affordability, rigorous academic quality, and holistic development to the students we serve,” stated Bittle.

For more information about ASU-Beebe and its programs, call (501) 882-3600, or visit the ASU-Beebe website at www. asub.edu.

Founded in 1927, Arkansas State University-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution of the Arkansas State University System. With campuses located in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, the Little Rock Air Force Base, and online, the university offers associate degrees, certificates, and noncredit training for business and industry. The Beebe campus also collaborates with Arkansas State, a four-year university in Jonesboro, to offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees on the Beebe campus. ASU-Beebe is nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute for student success rates.

Officers Honored

T

wo Searcy police officers were honored recently for their efforts in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP). The University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute honored Officer Todd Dewitt in recognition of his work in Seat Belt/Child Safety Seat Enforcement and Officer Jason McGlawn in recognition of his work in the DWI Program.

L to R – Dewitt, McGlawn

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National Certified

Nursing Assistants Week

C

elebrating National Certified Nursing Assistants Week at The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation in Searcy are CNAs Heather Lopez, left, and Darlene Neal. The weeklong celebration had a super hero theme and included several events throughout the week, including a cookout and photo booth. Approximately 75 CNAs are part of the team at The Crossing at Riverside. “Our CNAs serve a vital role in our care team and we applaud their hard work and dedication to our residents,” said Joann Hall, administrator.

The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation is located at 2500 E. Moore Avenue in Searcy and offers both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. For more information on the services offered there, please call Vanessa Evans, LPN, Community Relations Director, or Glenna Copen, Admissions Director, at 501268-2324.

“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.”

-unknown

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Searcy Living friend Linda Hall enjoys decorating her tree for every season. It is enjoyed by friends and family year round. We thought her summer tree was a little extra spectacular!

“A heart full of joy and goodness

makes a cheerful face...� ~Proverbs 15:13

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Officer of the Month fficer John Springfield was chosen as Searcy O Police Department’s Officer of the Month recently.

John Springfield is a Patrolman for the Searcy Police

Department. He was hired in July of 2015. Springfield grew up in Pflugerville, Texas and graduated from Pflugerville High School. He is pursuing his Criminal Justice Degree from the University of Phoenix. Springfield previously worked for UPS and Anytime Fitness.

Springfield is married and has four children. He said working as a police officer has been a “dream come true” and he loves the welcoming atmosphere at the Searcy Police Department.

Chief Eric Webb said “I have been impressed by Officer Springfield’s performance as an officer. With officers like him working here, the future of Searcy Police Department looks great.”

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H H H H H Searcy 6U

All Stars

HHHHH

The Searcy 6U team played in the World Series in Ruston, Louisiana.

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We Loved Cow

Appreciation Day!

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Congratulations to Tyler & Emily Hays on the opening of

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Hays 2!

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Find more on

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“Help the life of one person and you can help the community.”

– Steven Sawalich

“Long before Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus, the tree was already planted to meet his need.”

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Financial Focus:

Help Older Parents Avoid Financial “Scams” Here’s a disturbing statistic: One out of every five Americans over the age of 65 has been victimized by a financial scheme, according to the Investor Protection Trust, a nonprofit organization devoted to investor education. If your parents are in this age group, should you be concerned? And can you help them avoid being “scammed” so that they maintain control over their finances?

The answer to the first question is “yes” — you should be concerned. Of course, as the numbers above show, most aging Americans are not being swindled, which suggests they can take care of themselves quite well. Still, it’s no secret that many fraud schemes target seniors because of their concentrated wealth and in many cases, trusting nature.

And as much as you’d like to think otherwise, your parents could be susceptible to rip-off artists.

Fortunately, in regard to the second question above, you can indeed take steps to help prevent your parents from being fleeced. Here are a few suggestions: • Observe their behavior. If you live close to your parents, listen closely to any new friends, investment deals or sweepstakes they mention during your normal interactions.

If you’re in a different city, try to stay abreast of your parents’ behavior by communicating with them frequently and by checking in with other family members or friends who have occasion to see your parents.

• Urge them to watch out for suspicious e-mails.

You’ve probably seen them — the e-mails offering to “reward” you with huge amounts of money if you will only contact such-and-such from a distant country and then put up a “small” sum to initiate some ill-defined transaction. You probably “spam” these without a moment’s thought — and you should urge your parents to do the same. Remind them that any offer that sounds “too good to be true” is, without question, neither “good” nor “true.”

• Encourage them to further their financial education. Law enforcement agencies, health care professionals and reputable financial services providers all offer personal financial management programs designed specifically for seniors. Look for these types of programs in your area, encourage your parents to attend — and even consider going with them.

48 Your Hometown Magazine

• Become familiar with their financial situation.

Having a serious discussion with your parents about their finances may not be easy — but it’s important. The more you know about their investments, retirement accounts and estate plans, the better prepared you’ll be to respond helpfully if they mention an action they’re considering taking that, to you, just doesn’t sound appropriate.

• Suggest professional help. If your parents are already working with a qualified financial professional, they’re probably less likely to be victimized by fraud than if they were managing their finances on their own. And it’s a good idea for you to know their financial advisor, and for him or her to know you, as you may well be involved in your parents’ legacy planning. But if your parents don’t already have a financial advisor, you may want to recommend one to them, particularly if it’s someone you already know and trust.

It’s entirely possible that your parents won’t need any assistance in avoiding financial scams. But, just in case, be prepared to act on the above suggestions. Your intervention could help preserve your parent’s financial independence.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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Screenagers Growing Up in the Digital Age

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hildren spend, on average, 6.5 hours a day on screens and that doesn’t include classroom or homework screen time. Boys average the equivalent of 1.5 days on video games every week. Fifty-three percent of kids feel they are addicted to their mobile devices and some recent studies show us that screen time increases dopamine production and causes behavior that mimics addition.

A documentary, “Screenagers”, explores the impact of screen technology on kids and offers parents proven solutions for navigating their children through the healthy use of current technology. “SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age” will be shown Thursday, September 21, at the Searcy High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

The event is being hosted by the Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation and is partially sponsored by a grant from the White County Community Foundation. Searcy Public Schools is also helping sponsor the event. “We believe the technology available today, which is great in many ways, needs to be monitored by parents of children from birth through high school for their mental and physical well-being. So many studies today point to screen time overuse leading to poor school performance, social problems, addiction and depression. We hope parents will attend ‘Screenagers’ and educate themselves to help guide their children through this digital age,” said Kimberly Brackins, Executive Director of the Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation. “In addition to the one-hour film, we will have a list of tips and resources available for parents to take with them that night.” Brackins added that the film is very appropriate for new parents as well so that they can make plans early as to how their family will handle screen time.

Parents can come alone or be their own judge as to whether they should bring their children with them. “The producers of the film have said it is appropriate for ages 10 and up and is a great way to begin a family discussion of the subject. But it is fine to bring younger children as well.”

According to the film’s co-producer, physician and mother, Delaney Ruston, decided to make “Screenagers” when she found herself constantly struggling with her two children about screen

52 Your Hometown Magazine

time. Ruston felt guilty and confused, not sure what limits were best, especially around mobile phones, social media, gaming, and how to monitor online homework. Hearing repeatedly how other parents were equally overwhelmed, she realized this is one of the biggest, unexplored parenting issues of our time. Movie themes include the use of screens in school, boys and video games, girls and social media, and addiction risk.

“We are so happy the Foundation is able to bring this film to the community. We hope churches, schools and day cares will help us encourage parents to attend and be informed of how screen time affects our children and how we, as parents, can teach them how to use it responsibly. I hope this screening will benefit the community tremendously,” said Marilyn Elliott, board member and widow of Dr. Robert Elliott. The Elliott Foundation was established in 2001 in honor of Dr. Elliott who lost his life to suicide after struggling with depression. The mission of the Foundation is to shine a light on the disease of depression and other mental illnesses and to prevent suicide. The Elliott Foundation offers a monthly suicide survivors support group, a yearly mental health seminar that provides continuing education credits to professionals, free depression screenings, scholarships to those entering mental health fields and educational programs to the community.

“We appreciate the support of Searcy Public Schools as we bring this film to the community to benefit our kids and families, and we thank the White County Community Foundation for the grant that is helping us bring this film free of charge,” Brackins said.

For more information about the “Screenagers” film or the Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation, go to www.elliottfoundation.com or follow the Foundation on Facebook. The Foundation phone number is 501.278.4357. “ We hope churches, schools and day cares will help us encourage parents to attend and be informed of how screen time affects our children and how we, as parents, can teach them how to use it responsibly.”

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Max Max is a 3 year old miniature Schnauzer.

He enjoys spending his day at work at Lynn’s Automotive, where he is the first to greet people. Some of the local delivery drivers are his best friends. In his leisure time he enjoys swimming, rounding up horses, napping and riding in the boat.

Max always likes meeting new people!

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Buddy In loving memory of Buddy. Buddy was a friend to many and a longtime member of the Moeller family. He was counselor, playmate, and friend to many foster children. Buddy will always be remembered with fondness.

Thank you Buddy for loving, protecting and being a friend to numerous hurting children.

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Coloring Contest

We had so many amazing entries that we will have 2 winners in the next issue!

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By Col. Charles Brown, 19 th Airlift Wing

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. —

M

any Airmen, enlisted and commissioned, enter the Air Force at young ages. Right out of the gate, new troops are trusted with immense responsibilities. These responsibilities, no matter how large or small they may be, play a role in shaping our Airmen’s work ethic. Their work ethic reflects their loyalty and devotion to the Air Force.

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Staff Sgt. Tommy Duncan, 19th Security Forces K9 trainer, is an example of an Airman who’s had great responsibilities entrusted to him, ultimately shaping the type of Airman he is today.

Imagine multiple families gathering around an airport gate, eagerly awaiting their loved one’s arrival with welcome home signs decorated with American flags. The first group of Airmen emerge and embrace their families.

Tommy walks out of the gate with his military working dog Ricsi, and sees his wife. In that moment, while Tommy wants nothing more than to hug his family, he must complete his mission to get Ricsi home. After passing Ricsi to the waiting handler and completing the transfer paperwork, Tommy was able to reunite with his family.

While deployed, Tommy volunteered to lead a project that would rebuild the kennels. The goal of the project was to boost the quality of life for the military working dogs. By volunteering to see the $1 million project to completion, Tommy extended his six-month deployment to eight months.

For nearly a year, Tommy and Ricsi spent every single waking moment together. While they were deployed, Ricsi gave Tommy care and protection. Now Tommy felt he owed his partner the same by making sure his dog’s needs were met before his own, even while travelling.

Tommy couldn’t just check into a hotel and sleep until his next flight. For each layover, Tommy had to kennel Ricsi and check in every four hours.

Tommy and Ricsi stopped four times before returning to Little Rock; taking them a week to return home. Most redeployers take about four days.

Upon arriving, Tommy chose to walk past his family, friends and coworkers. He chose to walk past his wife, whom he had left after being married for two months. He chose to place their precious reunion on hold so he could complete his duty and care for Ricsi as he had cared for him.

“Tommy’s commitment to his mission demonstrates Service Before Self, a vital Air Force core value.”

“Tommy and many other Airmen joined an organization to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Tommy’s commitment to his mission demonstrates Service Before Self, a vital Air Force core value. Tommy and many other Airmen joined an organization to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Their selfless dedication and sacrifice to this organization makes me proud to lead and serve with these Airmen.

Our Airmen learn a variety of skills throughout the Air Force.

Along with their skills, they gain and practice a superb work ethic that contributes to the world’s greatest Air Force, an Air Force driven by our Airmen. It is that work ethic, forged through responsibilities and dedication, that our Airmen bring with them as they go on to accomplish great things across the globe.

 Staff Sgt. Tommy Duncan, 19th Security Forces Squadron K9 trainer, and Ricsi, retired military working dog, pose for a photo at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Duncan adopted Ricsi after the dog retired in September 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor)

“Their selfless dedication and sacrifice to this organization makes me proud to lead and serve with these Airmen.”

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ASU-Beebe to Celebrate

9Y0ears

of Education

Arkansas State University-Beebe will celebrate its 90th Jonesboro, now known as Arkansas State University. In 1967, the

Anniversary this October with a series of community events.

ASU-Beebe’s history began in 1927, when State Senator William H. Abington, a medical doctor and a prominent member of the Beebe community, proposed and successfully lobbied for legislation to establish an agricultural school in the center of the state. The legislation was written specifically to set up such a school in Beebe, the only town that met the precise criteria.

Established as the Junior Agricultural School of Central Arkansas, the first classes were held in October 1929 with 38 students enrolled. The first graduating class was in 1933. With the need for funding beyond that provided by the legislature, the college soon began charging tuition at $7 per semester.

university was renamed again to Arkansas State University-Beebe Branch. Then in 2001, the Arkansas General Assembly removed the term ‘branch’ from the university’s name.

William Echols became the first to hold the title of Chancellor from 1977 until 1981. William H. Owen, Jr. served as Chancellor from 1981 until his death in 1994. The Owen Center was renamed in his memory. Dr. Eugene McKay was appointed chancellor in 1995, and served in that capacity until his retirement in January 2016. He was honored for his 50 years of service to the university, and the ASU System renamed the Student Center in his honor.

Expansion Relationships: “ASU-Beebe began offering classes at the Little Rock Air Force Base in 1965. This became the college’s first expansion campus.

As we looked to expand our mission further, we merged with White River Vocational Technical School to form ASU-Beebe/ Newport in 1991,” Fisher said. “In 2000, ASU-Newport became a stand-alone campus upon approval by the ASU Board of Trustees, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.”

Beebe Campus Dr. Karla Fisher, current chancellor at ASU-Beebe noted, “During the Great Depression years, the college and the [Beebe] high school shared the facilities and faculty. In fact, the college began running buses to pick up students who could not afford to live on campus. Even though this partnership eventually ended, the focus on student success was clearly a part of ASUB culture from the beginning.”

In 1955, the university was renamed Arkansas State CollegeBeebe Branch after it joined with Arkansas State College in

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Little Rock Air Force Base By the late 1990’s, plans were underway toward offering courses at Heber Springs. In 1997, ASU-Beebe began using classrooms at the Heber Springs High School. Later, in 1999, the Heber Springs campus was officially established, and classes were held for a time in the Courthouse Annex on Main Street using part-time faculty

Heber Springs Campus

along with compressed or interactive video courses. In the year 2000, the first facility was built in the Cleburne County Industrial Park, known as the John L. Latimer Skills Training Center. ASUBeebe later purchased 249 acres on the east side of the city of Heber Springs, and construction on the Heber Springs campus located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain was completed in 2007.

The new Heber Springs campus consists of the Academic Center and a combination Student Services/Administration Building.

ASU-Beebe further expanded its offerings through its partnership with Arkansas State University-Jonesboro in 1995 and began offering upper level business courses. Today, students may take baccalaureate and graduate degree coursework in areas, such as education, nursing, and business. The university also began delivering courses via the Internet in 1999. Since then, the demand for this alternative, online form of educational delivery has grown substantially.

opportunity to explore several of the trails that lead to the top of the mountain to behold the panoramic view of Heber Springs, nearby Little Red River and the ASU-Beebe at Heber Springs campus. A free BBQ lunch will be provided after the trail climb at the pavilion on the Heber Springs campus.

The premier event will be a FREE, community concert by Kris Allen at the ASU-Beebe campus on Saturday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. This event is open to the public. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, but no outside food or drink will be permitted through the gates.

The final event of the season will be a special Veteran’s Day celebration in honor of ASU-Beebe’s long relationship with Little Rock AFB and military students in the community. This event will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017, starting at 12:30 p.m. on the main campus at Beebe. This event is also open to the public, and all veterans are invited to attend.

For more information about the anniversary events, contact Community Relations Coordinator Carissa Gillam at (501) 8828957, or view the website at www.asub.edu. For more information about ASU-Beebe and programs offered, call (501) 882-3600.

Arkansas State University-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution of the Arkansas State University System. With campuses located in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, the Little Rock Air Force Base, and online. The university offers associate degrees, certificates, and non-credit training for business and industry. The Beebe campus also collaborates with Arkansas State, a four-year university in Jonesboro, to offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees on the Beebe campus.

Searcy Campus The ASU-Beebe at Searcy campus was added in 2003, following a merger with Foothills Vocational Technical School, which had operated at the site since 1966. The technical focus continued to prepare students for entering the workforce, and now has added other certification and degree options. The Searcy campus continues to serve a range of students from high school through the Regional Career Center, to students completing their General Educational Development (GED) diploma, to traditional and non-traditional students earning technical certificates or associate degrees. community events: In celebration of ASUB’s treasured history and the relationship we have shared with our surrounding campus communities, the university will present a series of community events this fall. This commemoration is being called “90 Years of Education, 90 Days of Celebration.”

“Our objective is to thank our communities for the great support provided to this university throughout the past 90 years. We hope everyone can celebrate this fall with us at one, or all, of these great events,” said Fisher.

The event series will begin with a lecture and book signing by author, and former ASU-Beebe student, Cara Brookins on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Searcy High School Performing Arts Center. Brookins book, “Rise, How a House Built a Family,” tells the true story of how she and her children built their own home with skills they learned by watching Youtube videos. This is a ticketed event. For ticket information and prices visit: www.

ASUB.TicketLeap.com.

The celebrations continue in October with several free community events. The first is on Saturday, October 21, 2017. It will be a ‘Climb and Dine’ event at Sugarloaf Mountain adjacent to the Heber Springs campus. This event provides visitors an SearcyLiving.com 63

Rice Queen

Courtney Dorton

ice Queen? Who has ever heard of Rice Queen!? Even when R I called my Grandma Wilmey and told her I was the 2017 Miss White County Rice Queen, she said, “What in the world is a Rice

Queen?!” Since I was crowned by Mrs. Dana Stewart at the Farm Bureau meeting in April I have learned so much about rice and the duties as Rice Queen.

There are three main kinds of rice: long grain rice, short grain rice and medium rice. There is sticky rice and non-sticky rice. Did you know that Arkansas is the largest rice producer in America? Americans consume approximately 14.3 kilograms of rice per year. There are over 13,800 acres of rice farms in White County.

Due to the excessive rainfall in 2017, several rice levies were breached and had to be reconstructed. Some fields were under water so long that other row crops such as soybeans had to be planted in their place. This could be some of the cause of rice acreage being down 375,000 acres this year from the 1.17 million acres reported last year.

Since becoming Rice Queen, I have been given so many opportunities that I would not have been given otherwise. In March, I toured Oxner Farms in Bald Knob and got to work with students from Riverview and Bald Knob in the education about and promotion of rice. I attended the Extension Homemakers Club potluck in El Paso, where Mrs. Judy Riley and friends cooked an amazing dinner and I got to share a rice dish with them. At Judsonia’s 4th of July pageant I was the crowner of each little Princess and Queen of the divisions, as well as passing out rice samples and my recipe. I was able to speak about rice and give different ways to prepare rice. I toured the Riceland foods plant and spent the day in Stuttgart learning with other Rice Queens from across the state, information about rice products and its distribution.

I will be in the 11th grade at White County Central when school begins in the fall. I am on the shooting sports team, a cheerleader, and basketball manager, but my favorite thing is showing pigs and chickens at the County and State fairs. I stay very busy with this new part of my life as Rice Queen and I hope to represent White County well as the winner of 2017 Miss Arkansas Rice Queen and make our state proud.

“ Did you know that Arkansas is the largest rice producer in America? ”

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Cappuccino Rice Pudding Below is my Cappuccino Rice Pudding recipe that my family and I love! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Ingredients 3 cups cooked medium or long grain white rice 2 cups whole or 2% milk 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules Sweetened whipped cream Ground cinnamon Chocolate shavings (optional)

Cook

Combine rice, milk and sweetened condensed milk in large saucepan over medium-high heat, bringing just to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently or until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in instant coffee granules until dissolved. Cool slightly.

Prepare

Spoon equal amounts of warm pudding* into 8 small coffee cups.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.

“ Since becoming Rice Queen, I have been given so many opportunities that I would not have been given otherwise.”

–Courtney Dorton

*If chilled, stir and reheat pudding in microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes or until warm before serving.

MAKES 8 SERVINGS. Each serving provides 300 calories, 8 grams protein, 6 grams fat, 53 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 20 milligrams cholesterol and 85 milligrams sodium.

 Courtney with her show pigs.

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Fro m The

By Fleta Mooney

M

y days and my nights seem to blend objects trying to get out of the way, but being on the inside is a together these days. I sleep more than I did in my horror all its own. There were so many smells, none familiar, and younger years and my joints tell me rain is on its many sounds, but few comforting. There were some kind hands way. Also, this old recliner has appeared to grow in height over that would try to comfort me occasionally, but the days were long time. However, I was able to navigate the jump today, so I am and the responsibilities too many in caring for the countless lonely grateful to be comfortably settled here. It doesn’t really matter and wounded all around me. where it is positioned in the room because I would know its But then the day came. She walked by me, she returned, she familiar dip in the cushion if it was planted on the surface of walked by me again. She came into my space and she stroked my the moon. This recliner has become my safe haven. hair with a gentleness I knew could heal me. I could trust again.

During these past few years, a great sense of contentment has Oh, what a joyous day! At that moment, I knew everything was settled over me like a comfortable blanket. I enjoy staying close going to be okay. I could hear the kindness in her voice. She was to home and I no longer feel the need to reduce the cat population. searching for a companion and confidante, and I could be both.

The cats have grown in years just as I have and by now they Just when I thought it was the perfect day, it got better and I met probably have recliners of their own. her family. I was going to live with a family! There would be It has always been my delight to many people to share my adventures greet my lady when she returns home, and I could be their companion and whether a short trip to the store, or a confidante as well. “...I believe a journey well weekend away to visit family, but I I was bathed and well groomed. lived is worth pondering.” no longer can hear her return. She is All the knots that pulled at my skin now the one who greets me as I doze. were removed. My hair was cut short Don’t get me wrong, I am not bitter enough that I could actually see clearly that my hearing and sight are almost again without looking through hair. gone, I have had a wonderful life and I felt better than I had felt in a very much longer than many. Besides, long time. They experimented with there are many who never get the my food until they found my favorite privilege of having a recliner. and then I got nice meals every day, My recliner has become a place of and I no longer had to drink out of reflection. Perhaps I am becoming ditches. My physical transformation contemplative in my old age, but I believe a journey well lived was remarkable, but no one could see the transformation taking is worth pondering. Of course, not all memories are pleasant, but place inside me. I felt hope. I felt loved. they are important threads that complete the tapestry.

My family and I have had many wonderful adventures together The raw memory of being left behind and expected to survive on through the years, many walks, many talks, a few tears and much my own is too painful to share in detail, so I will move forward to laughter, but it is the security and love that I remember most. It the next chapter and the story that ends with a happy ending. is the average days with a loving family and being included that I I can still hear the deafening echoes of the other dogs barking. cherish. However, like most families, there are some adventures Scared cannot begin to express my emotions during those first that must be shared with others. few days on the “inside.” Being on the street has its own terror, I hate to confess it, but when I was younger, I was a bit hardespecially the fanatical drivers who do not notice small dark headed. If I got out the door on my own, I ran, as fast and as far 66 Your Hometown Magazine

as I possibly could. All the coaxing, commanding, and pleading could not bring me back home until I was worn out and ready for the comfort of home. My family was a good family, but I did try their patience more than once.

For some reason, I thought dashing out the door was a good idea, although I knew it was not the behavior I had been taught.

Well, it’s not like I did it all the time, every time, but every once in a while, it just seemed like a good idea. I would roam around the neighborhood, smell the unfamiliar smells, rub in the unfamiliar smells, and on occasion, roll in the unfamiliar smells.

I always stayed to the west of the “busy” road. I had never had instructions to stay to the west of the highway, but for some reason I always ran west. Perhaps, it was because that was the route we took on our walks as a family. However, there was one day I decided to go east, across the busy highway. I had never been that direction, a new adventure, and oh, the smells, new smells, interesting smells coming from very large brown animals.

I smelled, I rubbed, and I rolled, and rolled, and rolled. The more I rolled, the more of the substance stuck to my hair. I think by the time I returned home, I was a pound heavier.

My family did not like this new unfamiliar smell. They did not like it at all. I thought they would be happy I was home safe once again, as they always were when I returned home, but no one really wanted to come close to me. The closer I would move toward them, the farther they would move away from me. I was really confused. After much discussion, I guess these types of situations always lean toward mom, the one who cleans the messes her offspring make.

maybe just a peek or just a quick snatch of something left over. The next thing I remember, the entirety of the contents was on the kitchen floor, tomato peels, fried okra, and, of course, the corncobs. You have guessed it. I ate the fried okra and corncobs.

I was never told that corncobs are not digestible or at least not easily digested. My family returned to find a mess in the kitchen and me with a bloated belly. I could not move. I would lie on my side and just grunt. Yes, that’s right, grunt. Every time my belly was gently rubbed, I would grunt. I am sure it was a sound they had never heard and will probably never hear again. To this day, I do not bother the trash and I will never, ever eat corn.

These were not huge adventures that happened in far-a-way lands. They are exploits that become embellished and more cherished with the passing of time and they still have the ability to make my family laugh until they cry upon the retelling. I am glad I have been able to make this small contribution toward their happiness.

Many years have passed since these occurrences... one family member off to college then married, another lost to illness. My home is much too quiet at times, but the comfort and love I have always felt is still here in my old age and I have the safe haven of my recliner and my dreams of unfamiliar smells.

“My family and I have had many wonderful adventures together through the years, many walks, many talks, a few tears and much laughter, but it is the security and love that I remember most.”

So a firm grip on my collar and a firm hold on the water hose was what the situation demanded. She kept telling me she was sorry, perhaps because the water was cold and not warm like my usual baths. I was under running water for what felt like eternity. Oh, but that wasn’t the end. I had to repeat the process in the house in the tub for another eternity, but at least that time the water was warm. I have never had the desire to travel east again.

That brings me to the subject of my aversion to corn. Never, ever will I eat corn. You can bet on the fact. If I am given leftover beef stew, the corn will remain on the plate, every last kernel.

I now have the unusual talent of recognizing even the smallest kernel of corn.

It all began on a nice summer evening. My family had prepared a wonderful meal of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, fried okra, and corn on the cob. They seemed to really enjoy this particular meal. Maybe it was due to everything being fresh out of the garden.

After the meal, they cleared the table and put everything away, and they put the scraps in the trash. (I was well known for never bothering the trash.) They had some sort of family errand, so I was left at home to guard the house. What happened next has no real explanation. Perhaps a short-term loss of sanity? There was something that smelled really, really good in the trash. Well, SearcyLiving.com 67

c hurc H Doors

In and Around Searcy

By Amy Adair Church is an important part of community life here in Searcy and I thought others might be interested in doors that welcome us to places of worship.

Bethlehem Baptist E. Pleasure

Grace Baptist W. McRae St.

First United Methodist Main St.

Honey Hill Christian Union Honey Hill Rd.

Cumberland Presbyterian Race St.

New Life Church Beebe Capps Country Valley Christian Hwy 267

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Harmony United Methodist Hwy 305

United Methodist Judsonia

Assembly of God Higginson

Church of Christ Higginson

Providence Methodist Church

First Baptist Judsonia SearcyLiving.com 69

Temple Baptist Church Moore

Smyrna Church Hwy 36

Downtown Church of Christ So. Main St.

First Presbyterian - Arch

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Trinity Episcopal N. Elm

Oakdale Missionary Baptist Judsonia Foster’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Hwy 16

St. Paul Methodist Beebe Capps

First Baptist Higginson

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y o u r

h o m e t o w n

m a g a z i n e

We Offer 17,000 Strong Long Shelf Life 35,000 Readers Strong Community Standing Unexpected Extras Marketing Expertise Office 368-0095 72 Your Hometown Magazine

ing in Searcy, is t r e v d a o t s e “ When it com er g. Nothing has ev

in we’ve tried everyth e have w s lt u s re t c e ir d compared to the earcy Living.

S h it w g in is rt e v d a received from usiness to the b r u o t e g s u d e lp e h It has really next level.”

Higginbotham, – Josh

Byron’s Jewelry

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making a difference B y K erry Ra in wat er

W

hen I got a call and was asked to write a on and are in wonderful loving families today. Some stay in short story on fostering dogs, I immediately said touch and update me occasionally. Foster and rescue is not for “sure”. Then I was asked if I would write it from the everyone. No, it isn’t easy letting them go. But as the old saying standpoint as to what it has done for me, how it has changed goes, “It’s easier than watching them die.” The stray dog issue me. I was stunned. What has fostering done for ME? I have (lack of spaying and neutering) in this county is bigger than I ever always looked at rescue and fostering as helping the dogs, imagined, but that’s a story for another time.

Now back to the reason I was asked to write this article, “What finding them wonderful homes that they would more than has fostering done for me?” Loving each of these dogs and letting likely never have been able to have, always concentrating on how I was impacting their lives. I had never considered what them go, has forever changed me. I believe my heart is bigger. I think my “purpose” is being fulfilled. I believe I am on a path God I was getting out of it.

I believe all humans are capable of making a change in this wanted me on. I can’t change the world, but maybe I can make world. I truly feel that if we follow our heart, that God will lead a small difference in it. My family wants to shoot me at times (we have four dogs of our us into an area where change is needed, where help is welcomed. own) when they see me An area we can walking through the door feel passionate with another scrawny, about. A calling “ scared mutt. They know that if we follow our that will satisfy they also usually fall in a need in us, heart, that God will lead us into an area love and know that we, as a the need to feel where change is needed, where help is family, make a difference. as if we make a Dog rescue and fostering difference, have welcomed.” may not be YOUR purpose a purpose. or difference maker. But The beautiful I believe we all have an face you see interest or love in life. in the picture is Jamie. She forever changed me. She was my Whether it’s helping a first rescue and foster. When I saw those eyes and we connected whale in the ocean that’s in on some level I may never understand, I knew I had to save her. danger, a bird that’s almost You see, Jamie was in a shelter, had been for some time, and was extinct, a forest that needs always passed by. She was a black dog, and part pit bull by looks, so odds were heavily against her ever leaving the shelter and saving, or precious children that need love, a family, or just a having a happy home. I knew I needed to help her. I made phone meal. Sometimes we see a challenge as overwhelming, but if we calls, I talked to lots of knowledgeable people in rescue, and I look at it one step at a time, it seems more obtainable. We all have researched. God was large and in charge on my path. He led to do our part to make this world a better place to live. Jamie me to the right people. Jamie is now living in Denver, CO, and forever changed ME. Keep your eyes open for YOUR Jamie.

I have also included a short story that helps explain why I is adored and loved and spoiled. I receive messages and pictures foster/rescue, I think of it often when I am saying goodbye. The often. These updates bring a smile to my face and often a tear.

I know I made a difference in her life, little did I know what a Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley. difference she made in mine.

Since Jamie came into my life, I have fostered/rescued lots “ of dogs and several litters of puppies. Those dogs have moved

I truly feel

We all have to do our part to make this world a better place to live.”

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the starfish story Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley (1907-1977)

O

nce upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all.

The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young man paused, looked up, and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”

So, can I encourage you to take the time to do something that will make a difference to someone else’s life... and it doesn’t have to be much and they don’t need to know. Just take a moment, do something special... the universe will know and that’s enough.

“It

made a difference for that one.”

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2017

A Day of Caring Community Neighbors in Need Receive Help from Medical Mission

U

nity Health recently held its 21st annual A Day of Caring. A total of 1,340 participants received assistance through the day of medical mission, which helps uninsured and underinsured residents of White County and the surrounding areas.

This year, more than 450 volunteers from Unity Health and the community joined to serve at the outreach event, which was held in the newly remodeled Harding University Ganus Athletic Center.

Also, 26 local organizations set up booths to provide educational materials to participants on health and social services.

“We are always amazed at the remarkable turnout of volunteers and sponsors,” Unity Health Marketing Director Brooke Pryor said. “The spirit of volunteerism in our community is tremendous, and our hospital is proud to be part of a community that cares for its neighbors. Thank you to each volunteer and sponsor who served at A Day of Caring.”

Physicians, physician residents, mid-level providers, dentists, eye doctors and pharmacies from the local medical community donated their time and services to see patients. As a result, 93 medical exams, 136 dental screenings and 76 eye screenings were performed and prescriptions were filled for 31 participants. Pap exams, depression screenings and blood sugar checks were also given.

A total of 590 bags of school supplies and 650 pairs of shoes were given to children present. Hair stylists gave 125 haircuts, 550 bags of groceries were distributed, 370 bags of personal care items, 60 car seat safety checks were given, and 1,070 Gideon Bibles were given out to participants.

Other items given out included additional personal care products, diapers, and children’s socks and underwear. Also, 1,400 lunches were distributed to participants and volunteers.

A Day of Caring 2017 was sponsored by the following: Sharing Sponsors: ARcare, Arkansas State University Beebe, CARTI, Centennial Bank, Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation, 78 Your Hometown Magazine

Eaton Corporation, Economic Recovery Consults, Edward Jones, Families, Inc., First Community Bank, First Security Bank, First United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, Kids Unlimited Learning Academy, NorthStar EMS, Radiology Associates Searcy Breast Center, Regions Bank, Simmons First Bank, Southern Bank, Valley Baptist Church, Walmart Foundation, White County Community Foundation, White County Farm Bureau, Unity Health Auxiliary, and Unity Health Clinics.

Caring Sponsors: Cool 104, Crain Media, Harding Press, Harding University, Harps Pharmacy, Junior Auxiliary of Searcy, Kiwanis Club of Searcy, Lions Club of Searcy, Marco’s Pizza, Quality Office, Quattlebaum Music Center, Rotary Club of Searcy, Searcy Beauty College, Stotts Drug Store, The Caring Dentist Group, The Daily Citizen, Three Rivers Edition, and White County Health Department.

ABOUT UNITY HEALTH: 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 Searcy 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.

“

The spirit of volunteerism in our community is tremendous, and our

hospital is proud to be part of a community that cares for its neighbors.”

– Brooke Pryor

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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 pave 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

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Hometown Entrepreneurs.

At

We love to tell their stories!

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foundat i on “ Preparing for a new baby is expensive, especially when you do not know the age, gender or when they are arriving.

The Imagine & Believe Foster Care Boutique’s generosity has helped numerous foster families by providing for the needs of voluminous foster children. As we prepare to open our home to foster children, Imagine & Believe has provided us with items including toys, bottles, diapers, a pack and play and clothing in various sizes for both boys and girls since we won’t know the size or gender. We appreciate the kindness of those who so willingly give and I know the children who will arrive in our care will as well.”

– Craig and Amber Bass

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 84 Your Hometown Magazine

The Imagine & Believe Foundation would like to congratulate the Parson Family on their new family addition!

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 SearcyLiving.com 85

What is the Foster Care & Adoption Boutique?

Hope Believe

* 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

“ Katherine Camferdam was in foster care in Thailand. So we had her friends bring baby wipes for foster babies in foster care instead of gifts.”

- Allison Camferdam

Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home.

Believe it can happen!

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Thank You to Volunteers & Donors!

Thank You All Volunteers & Donors!

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Several second graders from Harding Academy held a party and collected items for the Imagine & Believe Foster Care Boutique.

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Many Thanks Claudette Smith

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Thanks For Volunteering!

Harding University’s Honor Symposium

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Fab FARMHOUSE GLAM: DINING ROOM MAKEOVER PART 2 As seen in the previous issue of Searcy Living Magazine, I decided to give my dining room a “farmhouse glam” make over by using wallpaper and oversized faux wainscoting. I used a bold geometric print wall paper to add the “glamour” and to add a little bit of a modern element to the room. The oversized wainscoting will keep with the “farmhouse” theme and keep the wallpaper from overwhelming the room.

1

After allowing the wallpaper to dry overnight, I began my wainscoting by finding and marking all of the studs along the length of my walls.

Stud finders make quick work of this step. They are inexpensive and available at almost any hardware store.

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2

Next I hung a 1x4 MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) molding horizontally along the bottom of my wallpaper as a “chair rail,”making sure to keep it level and nail it into the studs.

MDF is a less expensive alternative to real wood and works just as well for trim. As an added bonus, it comes already primed!

3

After the 1x4 was in place, I hung 1x2 MDF moldings vertically from chair rail to baseboard.

I made sure to put them on my stud marks which placed them approximately 16 inches apart.

5

Once my moldings were complete, I caulked all around each piece and filled in all nail holes. I then allowed around an hour of dry time.

4

6

Although the wainscoting would look nice with only the vertical moldings, I decided to add more detail by adding the same 1x2s horizontally between each vertical piece. I hung these pieces 16 inches down from the bottom of the chair rail.

After the caulk was completely dry, I painted all of the moldings and the wall below the wallpaper, which gives the appearance of true wainscoting panels. I chose Satin White paint because the sheen makes cleaning the wall easy and the white color gives the room a bright and fresh look.

7

I brought my farm table with newly recovered seats back into the room, as well as my antique buffet and a few other accessories. I am very happy with my new dining room, which has the perfect balance of “farmhouse glam!�

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Almost Too Easy Roast Beef During the hot weather I almost cringe at the thought of turning my oven on,

much less leaving it on for hours in order to cook something delicious. Every time I make this for anybody, whether at my dinner table or sending it to a family, they comment on how wonderful it tastes and how it is SO unbelievably tender. It’s almost embarrassing to explain how to make it but here it is..... for all our Searcy Living readers to see. Please stop me when you see me in a store and tell me you tried it and let me know what you think. It truly is almost too easy! We had this just today because it was almost 100 degrees and cooking this didn’t heat up my kitchen one bit! The sides may have made me sweat just a tad, but they didn’t take long to make.

One Boneless Chuck Roast, 2-3 lb Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer (contains no MSG)

Sprinkle

In a medium-large size Crock Pot, sprinkle enough meat tenderizer in the bottom of the crock just to lightly cover it (maybe half a teaspoon).

Cook

Place roast (Even if it is frozen hard as a rock; this is how mine started out earlier today. I promise this works!) in Crock Pot and sprinkle with additional meat tenderizer just to lightly cover (maybe another half a teaspoon or so). Adding NO liquid, place lid on crock, plug it in on the back porch, front porch, in the garage, or the sunroom (this keeps it from heating up your house) and set it to HIGH; cook for 7-8 hours or more if it’s frozen and maybe 6 hours if it is not frozen.

Stir

Once it’s done remove any pieces of fat and discard them. Then, with a serving spoon or fork, stir the meat and juices, allowing the meat to become shredded beef.

Enjoy

Serve with mashed potatoes, lots of other vegetables, salad and rolls or biscuits. You’re going to wonder why you’ve been using more than two ingredients to make a roast your whole life. Now ya know! ENJOY!

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.

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Across 1. ASU-Beebe’s campus in Heber Springs is located at the base of ________ Mountain.

5. Children spend, on average, 6.5 hours a day on ________.

6. Tommy’s commitment to his mission demonstrates ________ Before Self, a vital Air Force core value.

7. Sometimes we see a ________ as overwhelming, but if we look at it one step at a time, it seems more obtainable.

Down 2. ________ changes are just as important as medication in controlling high blood pressure.

3. This year several rice levies were ________ and had to be reconstructed.

What man cannot live inside a house?

What has teeth but cannot eat?

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!

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