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4 Your Hometown Magazine
8 Your Hometown Magazine
issue 5 2016
Out & About
44
What Is True Community? 16 Are You On Track To Meet Your Financial Goals? 48 Home Is Where The Dream Happens
52
My Balance Journey 58 Let There Be Light 60 Ricky Shourd: The Myth, The Man, The Sheriff
64
Behind The Badge: Stories From The Heart
68
The Spouses’ Perspective 71 A Passion For Service: Sgt. Todd Wells
72
Will McGary Foundation: Heroes Live Forever
74
Life Starts At Sixty 76 Hope On The Ranch 86 A Calling At The Crossing 90
Publisher’s Note 11
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”
Hope Believe 12
~Mae Jemison
Fashion Fun 18 We The People 22 Out & About 44
Out & About
44
Over The Counter 84 Fab Do It Yourself 92 Dinner & A Magazine 94 Crossword & Riddles 96
On the Cover
Pangburn Chief Buddy Sims, Bald Knob Chief John Hopkins, Judsonia Chief Ray Coffmann, White Co. Sheriff Ricky Shourd, Searcy Sgt. Todd Wells, WCSO Chief Deputy Phillip Miller and Children SearcyLiving.com 9
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 2016 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 2016 Shark Promotions LLC
Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.
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Respect, Boundaries and Dead Ends What a great community we live in that celebrates the security and protection that law enforcement helps give us. Most of us know that any life or community without respect and boundaries leads to a dead end road. In this issue we give you a look behind the badge and we hope that it inspires you to keep up your encouragement to those who help protect our community. And please continue to remember the families of those who serve also. And speaking of serving… I am already excited for the next issue of Searcy Living. We have some amazing ways you can serve also and we cannot wait to give you details! Until then and as always, thank you for reading Searcy Living. We appreciate you!
A Community with
Confidence
“Confidence thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness
of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.”
Find Us On
~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Follow Us On
Remember The Extras On
What Is True Community?
Let There Be Light
“....I now felt a part of this community, because I was being intentional.”
“....Learning through this process that life
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is not about outward performance has been exceptionally beneficial in my story.”
Home Is Where The Dream Happens
“I believe when you do things with the right intentions, they work.” Page 52
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What is
Hope Believe
Foster Care & Adoption Boutique? * The Searcy Living 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!
Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home. Believe it can happen!
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PrimeCare and HU pharmacy students team up to transport clothing for local foster children.
Thank You to Volunteers & Donors! Thank you Habitat For Humanity!
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Details Coming Soon!
f o u n dat i o n
Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home.
Believe it can happen!
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By Cameron Avery Photos by Jacob McCall
W
hen you are a prospective high school student visiting Harding
University for the first time, the one thing you hear the most about, above all the classes and the social clubs, is the Harding community. When I made my first visit to campus, I learned a whole lot about many things, but the one thing that was a reoccurring topic everyone mentioned was how great the community was. I didn’t believe them. Even after I enrolled, was accepted and stepped foot onto the campus as a freshman, I didn’t believe them. Even after I joined a social club, made some friends and finished my freshman year, the only thing I believed was that this “community” everyone kept talking about was just a cliché. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year that my views changed. The truth of the entire situation hit me like a ton of bricks all at once. I was not really having a good start to my college career. I was on a collegiate sports team; I was in a social club; and I was doing extremely well in my classes. On the outside, my life looked pretty nice. But on the inside, I was alone; I definitely didn’t feel like I was a part of a community. Long story short, God showed me that I wasn’t making an effort to be a part of anything. The second I started trusting in Him, and being intentional with my relationships here, I truly started to understand this whole community thing Harding was advertising about. It was like a whole other world was introduced to me. God began to open so many doors. When before I was feeling so alone, I now felt a part of this community, because I was being intentional. Campus life was completely different to me now. Although Harding is not the biggest school, it is amazing how at a university of this size you cannot walk through campus without seeing multiple people that you know. Through social clubs, classes, other societies, intramural sports, and many other things, you have ample opportunities to meet people. And that community is only amplified by the location of the school itself: Searcy, Arkansas. If Harding University was not located in Searcy, I truly believe the school dynamic would be completely different, and this huge community aspect would not be the same. I do believe “When before I was feeling so alone, I that Searcy plays a huge role in the community that Harding now felt a part of this community , continues to advertise. With its because I was being intentional .” many restaurants, churches, parks, trails, and most 16 Your Hometown Magazine
importantly its people, the community of Searcy opens up its doors for students from around the world to have opportunities to invest not only in their school, but also their new city. And when you invest in your city, the collective community grows and succeeds along with everything in it. Now I understood, now it all made sense. Although, I needed to make the effort, all the opportunities and experiences I was missing and longed for were all right there. Without the Harding community, without the entire community of Searcy welcoming in thousands of new members to their family each year, I would have been lost and God would not have been able to work in the ways that He did. So, now I am entering into my senior year and I can truthfully look back on my entire experience and truly say that this community everyone speaks of is not a clichĂŠ, but a reality. Thank you, Searcy, for playing a huge role in my life and, I guarantee, the lives of multiple others throughout the years and years to come.
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T ori
Boggs
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Makeup by Doris Yates at
Cosmetic Studio
Evelyn Moss Makeover Coordinator
Hair by heather steinbarger at
By Doris Yates at
Symmetrix Salon
Clothing from
Dale’s Clothing
In the Heart & Soul Plaza 1623 E. Beebe-Capps • Searcy (501) 279-2526
By Heather Steinbarger at
Charlestown Village 2305 W. Beebe Capps • Searcy (501) 268-4540
Clothing & Accessories
701 W. Race, Searcy 501-388-0086 www.shopdalesclothing.com
Turn the page for more fashion & beauty retailers.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
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Rotary Club Of Searcy’s “Coats For Kids” We place barrels at each location listed below and collect coats in October, November and December. Hall’s Cleaners on Race Street does the cleaning for us. We notify all of the schools in the County, who then contact us when coats are needed. We also have provided coats for Compassion House, Jacob’s Place and His House. We give out 150-400 coats a year. Committee Chair: Karen Gossett 501-230-6158
Unity Health Race Street
Centennial Bank Beebe-Capps
Unity Health South Main Street
Southern Bank
Arkansas Federal Credit Bureau Main Street
First Methodist Church
First Security Bank Main Branch
Valley Baptist Church
Regions Bank Main Branch
St. Paul United Methodist Church
Simmons First Bank Main Branch
Eaton
First Community Bank East Beebe-Capps
White County Area On Aging
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Photos by Dwayne LaForce
! s n o i t a l u t a r Cong
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Charles Gilpin recently presented Dr. Stacie McCord and the Cancer Center of Excellence with a painting in loving memory of his wife, Rosalinde, who passed away from breast cancer in 2013.
Painting Donated in Memory of Wife harles Gilpin, local resident and professional artist, recently donated a painting C in memory of his wife, Rosalinde Gilpin. Gilpin said he used painting to cope with Roselinde’s battle with breast cancer and her passing in 2013.
“This place is the greatest place on earth,” said Gilpin. “The people and what they do is nothing short of a miracle. I don’t know how they do it, but there are no words to describe the quality of care they give. They gave my wife a better life during her battle with cancer, and I love the staff here because they are like our family.” Gilpin’s wife received chemotherapy treatments at the Cancer Center of Excellence for two years. The original painting of his wife’s hometown of Baunach, Germany will be displayed in the Cancer Center of Excellence.
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Rain Gutter Regatta ub Scout Pack 98 recently held their annual C Rain Gutter Regatta with winners being: 1st Jacob Abrams, 2nd - Tyler Money and 3rd - Alec
Chappell. Willie Abrams, troop leader, is shown sharing the moment. Pack 98 serves boys at Westside & Sidney Deener Elementary Schools and Southwest Middle School in grades 1 through 5. The pack meets at 6:30 on Tuesday nights at First Christian Church, located at 2721 West Hwy 36. The members of First Christian are proud to sponsor Pack 98.
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Brandon McCabe of Searcy caught this 22 inch brown trout while fishing in his kayak on the Little Red River in Heber Springs.
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A Day of Caring nity Health recently held its 20th Annual A Day U of Caring. A total of 1,384 participants received assistance throughout the day of medical missions, which helps uninsured and underinsured residents of White County and the surrounding areas. This year, more than 391 volunteers from Unity Health and the community united to serve at the outreach event, which was held in the Harding Academy High School gym. Also, 29 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, dentists, eye doctors and pharmacies from the local medical community donated their time and services to see patients. As a result, 71 medical exams, 161 dental screenings and 62 eye screenings were performed and prescriptions were filled for 51 participants. Pap exams, depression screenings and blood sugar checks were also given. A total of 652 bags of school supplies and 680 pairs of shoes were given to children present. Hair stylists gave 157 haircuts, 545 bags of groceries were distributed and 1,116 Gideon Bibles were given out to participants. Other items given out included personal care products, diapers, and children’s socks and underwear. Also, 1,700 lunches were distributed to participants and volunteers. A Day of Caring 2016 was sponsored by the following: ARcare; Arkansas State University, Searcy; CARTI; Caring Dentist Group; Centennial Bank; Cool 104; Cousin’s Office Furniture; Covenant Fellowship Church; Crain Media; Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation; Eaton Corporation; Economic Recovery
Serves
Consult; Families, Inc.; First Community Bank; First Security Bank; First United Methodist Church Thrift Shop; Harding Press; Harding Academy; Harding University; Junior Auxiliary of Searcy; Kids Unlimited Learning Academy; Kiwanis Club of Searcy; Lions Club of Searcy; NorthStar EMS; Quality Office; Quattlebaum Music Center; Regions Bank; Radiology Associates Searcy Breast Center; Rotary Club of Searcy; Searcy Beauty College; Simmons First Bank; Southern Bank; The Daily Citizen; Three Rivers Edition; Valley Baptist Church; Walmart Foundation; White County Community Foundation; White County Farm Bureau; White County Health Department; Unity Health; Unity Health Auxiliary; Unity Health Clinics. The 23rd Annual Shots for Tots and Teens was held in conjunction with A Day of Caring, as four immunizations were given. About Unity Health – White County Medical Center: As the leading healthcare provider in a seven-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 a seven-county area with more than 2,000 associates. The facility has a combined total of 438 licensed beds and a medical staff of 150 physicians that specialize in various areas of healthcare. In addition to the White County Medical Center and Specialty Care Campuses, Unity Health in Searcy includes Unity Health – Clarity Health and Wellness, Unity Health – Family Practice Associates, Unity Health – After Hours Clinic, Unity Health – McAfee Medical 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.
Find more photos on this event at SearcyLiving.com
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“The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
Find more photos of events on SearcyLiving.com
Lion Serve Day The SHS Lion Football team took part in our 2nd annual Lion Serve Day with 7 groups going out and volunteering to help with various tasks around the community.
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Junior Auxiliary of Searcy 2016-2017 Board Members (Seated L to R): Natalie Horton, Vice President; Alicia Hamner, President; Amy Gustke, Corresponding Secretary; Tessa Floyd, Co-Treasurer (Standing L to R): Anne Marie Cason, Co-Education Chair; Kristi Valencia, Recording Secretary and Co-Finance Chair; Amy Crawford, Parliamentarian; Jessica Collins, Education Chair; Amanda Henard, Sunshine School Co-Chair; Christina Pinner, Public Relations; Leah Cook, Ex Officio Not Pictured: Megan Matteri, Finance Chair; Mallory Sain, Sunshine School Chair; Jamie Jackson, Alumni Liaison; Carolyn Nunnally, Treasurer
Junior Auxiliary of Searcy Welcomes New Board Members unior Auxiliary of Searcy recently selected J board members for the 2016-2017 year. The new board members are: Alicia Hamner, President; Natalie Horton,
Vice President; Leah Cook, Ex Officio; Amy Crawford, Parliamentarian; Kristi Valencia, Recording Secretary; Amy Gustke, Corresponding Secretary; Carolyn Nunnally, Treasurer; Tessa Floyd, Co-Treasurer; Jessica Collins, Education Chair; Anne Marie Cason, Co-Education Chair; Jamie Jackson, Alumni Liaison; Christina Pinner, Public Relations; Mallory Sain, Sunshine School Chair; Amanda Henard, Sunshine School Co-Chair; Megan Matteri, Finance Chair; Kristi Valencia, Co-Finance Chair. Junior Auxiliary of Searcy was chartered in 1962 and currently has 23 active members who volunteer throughout the year on a variety of projects that focus on local children and families in need of assistance. Projects JA of Searcy supports include the
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Sunshine School, Searcy Learning Center, Food Baskets, Angel Tree, A Day of Caring and Covering Kids. Junior Auxiliary of Searcy is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with Headquarters in Greenville, MS. NAJA has more than 15,800 active, associate, and life members in 95 chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. The NAJA slogan is “Care Today – Character Tomorrow” and when teamed with the current focus of the Association, Junior Auxiliary Chapters are working more than ever before to increase awareness of child health and welfare and how it affects their futures. For more information on Junior Auxiliary of Searcy, and to keep up with all of their projects you can “Like” them on Facebook.
Favorite Facebook Quotes
It interests me that God frequently made promises in the days of old based on obedience. It interests me because we don’t talk much about our God who put conditions on blessings. We tend to speak only of unconditional love… but there were conditions… and I truly believe there still are. “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send rain, increase your crops… you will have plenty and live safely in your land… I will grant you peace… You will have nothing to fear…your enemies will fall… I will look on you with favor… and I will walk among you.” My heart aches for our world, a world that cries for peace… and unwittingly does everything it can to deny His very existence. “O Master from the mountainside make haste to heal these hearts of pain. Among these restless throngs abide. O tread these cities’ streets again.” Amen.
~Chuck Hicks
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International Food Fest
he 9th annual International Food Fest Feb. 4, T 2017 promises to be another great evening of numerous ethnic foods, good fellowship and widespread participation at
St. James Catholic Church’s parish hall in Searcy. The annual church fundraiser relies on more than 100 volunteer workers, led by the co-chair team of Joe and Kathy Giezeman who were among those in the initial IFF in 2009. The turnout reaches out beyond White County to other areas of central Arkansas. “We anticipate more than 600 ticketed guests and should be another great turnout since its beginning in 2009,” Joe Giezeman said. After the conclusion of each IFF, several team members convene to discuss ways to make the next annual event even better. Rooms throughout the parish hall are designated for particular ethnic foods so guests can move about to receive samples from several countries. In past years, ethnic dishes included selections from Ireland, Greece, the Philippines, Indonesia, Italy, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Cameroon, Spain, India, Nicaragua, Asia, the U.S. and several Latin American countries. U.S. dishes may include Cajun, Southern home style, New England other recipes familiar to American regions. Father Mathew Malapati, pastor at St. James Church and St. Richard at Bald Knob, has assisted in the preparation and serving of dishes from his native India. Sandra Chena has coordinated the serving of Latin American dishes, working with Harding University and Harding Academy students who have been on hand at serving lines in past years. Kathy Giezeman has handled the IFF advertising promotion focusing on the massive array of items donated by businesses, industries and private citizens that will be available for silent auction bidding . Jim Palmer, a long-time parishioner and Wisconsin native, works the live auction. The past two years he acquired an official National Football League football autographed by members of the Green Bay Packers for the raffle. Palmer owns an iconic Green Bay Cheese Head that dates back to the first and second Super Bowls won by the Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders, respectively, in 1967-68. Cathy Willems has worked closely with Chena and other planning committee members. They have been among regular donors of ethnic foods as well. Guest tickets for the 2016 IFF sold for $10 in advance and $20 at the door. No decision yet about 2017 ticket prices. Giezeman said tickets will remain affordable for such a unique annual event. Tickets will be available at St. James Catholic Church, 1102 Pioneer Road in Searcy, St. Richard’s on Hickory Street in Bald Knob, St. Albert’s in Heber Springs and from church members. Tom Lercher has manned ticket sales at St. James. Roberta Spencer has served as the ticket chairperson at St. Richard. Guests found the new permanent walkway with a metal roof put into operation in time for the 2016 IFF very accommodating. Parish crews will again get that system set prior to the 2017 event.
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Junior Auxiliary of Searcy
Congratulates Associate and Life Members unior Auxiliary of Searcy congratulates members J TJ Higgs, Ashley Harvey, Ashley Marshall, Marcy Mercer, and Audra Wray on achieving Associate and Life status. These
Junior Auxiliary of Searcy 2016 Associate and Life Members (L to R): Marcy Mercer, Ashley Marshall, Audra Wray, Ashley Harvey and TJ Higgs
five women have dedicated the past five and a half years to volunteering their time and talent to serve their community through this organization. Junior Auxiliary of Searcy was chartered in 1962 and currently has 23 active members who dedicate many hours throughout the year on a variety of projects that focus on local children and families in need of assistance. Projects JA of Searcy supports include the Sunshine School, Searcy Learning Center, Food Baskets, Angel Tree, A Day of Caring and Covering Kids. Junior Auxiliary of Searcy is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with Headquarters in Greenville, MS. NAJA has more than 15,800 active, associate, and life members in 95 chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. The NAJA slogan is “Care Today – Character Tomorrow” and when teamed with the current focus of the Association, Junior Auxiliary Chapters are working more than ever before to increase awareness of child health and welfare and how it affects their futures. For more information on Junior Auxiliary of Searcy, visit www. facebook.com/JAofSearcy. For more information on NAJA, visit www. najanet.org.
Sunshine School Grants hite County Community Foundation, W an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation, partnered with Rotary Club of Searcy, AR, Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Amy L. Daniels, and Haymond Insurance Inc., to present grants totaling $3,040 to Sunshine School in Searcy. The funds will be used to purchase iPads that are changing and enhancing the way these students learn. Arkansas Community Foundation offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars as they learn more about community needs. By making grants and sharing knowledge, the Community Foundation supports charitable programs that work for Arkansas and partners to create new initiatives that address the gaps. Since 1976, the Community Foundation has provided more than $140 million in grants and partnered with thousands of Arkansans to help them improve our neighborhoods, our towns and our entire state. Contributions to the Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 27 affiliates are fully tax deductible.
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Pictured are Dana Stewart, White County Community Foundation Executive Director; Ralph Haymond, Haymond Insurance, Inc.; Mary Lou Dunn, Sunshine School Executive Director; Tom Carr, Rotary Club of Searcy; Amy Daniels, Edward Jones; and Sunshine School Students. Photo courtesy of The Daily Citizen.
“We see with our
eyes. We know with our hearts. Outside...Inside.” ~ Cantus Fraggle
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National Youth Conference of The Churches of Christ By Mira Hagood he NYC just completed its 64th annual youth T conference in Searcy, AR. It began in 1952 in Michigan by Orum L. Trone Sr. and a group of
other men, Dual Ghant, Calvin Bowers and Carl Swanigan. They wanted to create an avenue for young Christian youth, ages 13-20, to study the word of God, engage with other young Christians from around the country, and socialize in hopes of meeting Christian mates. The vision was huge, but with the strength of the Lord and persistence of these men, the National Youth Conference has continued to be a lively and highly anticipated event of our youth. The conference takes place in the summer when students are on their summer breaks. It has traveled to many college campuses across the United States through the years. The original week long events included nightly devotions, spiritual workshops for
students and adults, singing, marches through the cities where the conferences were held, sightseeing, sporting activities, group singing, community service projects and a pageant. All of these activities are still included in the present day conference, however, the length of the conference has had to shorten to 5.5 days. This is such an incredible event. Many of those who still attend today have had lifelong relationships with people they’ve met here, many years ago. Whether it’s by air, road or rail, the National Youth Conference of the Churches of Christ is still changing lives of our youth and attendees. Hopefully, this good thing will not come to end!
Mystery Plant What on earth can this plant be? Photo submitted by Jim Woodroof.
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The Elks Lodge presents a $500 check to the Searcy Children’s home for providing car seats.
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Look For Our
Filled with coupons, local events, recipes and more!
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New Book From Searcy Living Feature Writer Searcy Living’s Feature Writer, Cecelia Wilson, has a book coming to bookstores in early 2017! Follow the book’s progress from editing to cover design to publication at www. facebook.com/CeceliaWilsonAuthor. The non-fiction book to be published by Oghma Creative Media is tentatively entitled, “Something Better Than Death.” Set in Bremen, Germany during the Second World War, the book is a unique perspective from the German home front immersing the reader into the lives of Edith Röpke, her seven siblings and her remarkable mother. Seen through Edith’s eyes as a child and through her memories as an adult 70 years after the war’s end, the emotional true story conveys the fear of a child seeing death in the streets of her hometown. It highlights the determination of a mother intent on keeping her children alive through air raids, separation and Soviet captivity, and reveals the sheer will of these refugees risking it all to return home despite hunger, loss and a 9-week journey through war-torn Germany. The book is a vivid reminder that war creates countless victims, but the hope of sustaining life makes heroes of the most common among us. The story is one Searcy Living readers might recall from a more condensed version. Edith, who now lives in Cabot, first sat down with Cecelia for an interview years ago, and a shortened summary of her story appeared in an issue soon afterward. The book, on the other hand, is a platform that provides the details of Edith’s childhood during the war, and gives readers from middle school
to adulthood an historic chronicle of that tumultuous period. A Batesville High and University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate, Cecelia is an avid lover of history and biographies. She has been the Feature Writer for Searcy Living for over a decade and focuses on the backstories of the individuals she interviews, providing readers an insider’s view into the lives of her subjects. The results are articles – and now a book – that inspire, intrigue and entertain. “I learned a long time ago,” Cecelia shares, “that everyone has a story.” And discovering that story from either a lifetime of memories or just one extraordinary day has been a little like panning for gold. “Most people I talk to are convinced they have nothing to share, but in the course of our conversation, there is usually some unpolished diamond, some hidden nugget that comes to light – some amazing story they think no one else will find interesting. Edith’s story is one I have loved for almost two decades and I’m excited to be able to share it in this new book. I like fiction, but I’ve always believed non-fiction is even more fascinating. After all, truth isn’t scripted, it really is stranger than fiction!”
Edith Röpke
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Find more galleries on
“How would our relationships change if we viewed others as the possesions of God?�
~Tim Noel 44 Your Hometown Magazine
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Are You On Track To Meet
Your Financial Goals? Why not take the opportunity to determine if you’re on the right path toward meeting your financial goals?
Consider taking these steps: ■■ Identify your goals. To know if you’re making progress toward your goals, you first have to identify them. Of course, you’ll have a variety of goals in life, such as helping pay for your children’s college educations. More than likely, though, your most important long-term financial goal is to build enough resources to enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. But we all have different ideas for how we want to spend our retirement years. Some of us may want to stay close to home, volunteering and pursuing our hobbies, while others want to visit the vineyards of Bordeaux or explore the pyramids of Egypt. So, name your goals and, as much as possible, put a price tag on them. Once you know about how much your retirement is going to cost, you can create an investment strategy that may ultimately provide you with the income you will need. ■■ Don’t underestimate your cost of living. Even after you’ve identified some of your retirement goals, and estimated their costs, you still haven’t developed a complete picture of your future cost of living. You also need to take into account other potential major expenses, such as health care. Once you’re 65, you’ll get Medicare, but that won’t cover all your medical costs – and it might cover only a tiny portion of those expenses connected with long-term care, such as a nursing home stay or services provided by a home health aide. A financial professional can help you explore specific methods of dealing with these types of long-term care costs. ■■ Locate “gaps” – and work to fill them. After you’ve had your investment strategy in place for a while, you may see that some “gaps” exist. Is your portfolio not growing as fast as it should to help you reach your goals? If not, you may need to review your asset allocation to make sure it is aligned with your risk tolerance and portfolio objective. Do you find that you own too many of the same types of investments? This overconcentration could be
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harmful to you if a downturn affects one particular asset class, and you own too much of that asset. To help prevent this from happening, be sure to diversify your dollars across a range of investment vehicles. Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against all losses. ■■ Protect yourself – and your family. Saving for your ideal retirement is certainly a worthy goal, but you have other ones – such as providing for your family in case you aren’t around, or if you become ill or incapacitated and can’t work for a while. That’s why you will need adequate life insurance, and possibly disability insurance, too. Your employer may offer you both these types of coverage as an employee benefit, but it might not be enough – so you may want to explore private coverage as well. By following the above suggestions, you can create some strategies that will bring you a lifetime of benefits. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
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Home
Is Where The
Dream Happens
means different things to different H ome people.
Generally, home is where we relax, enjoy family time, eat dinner together, and build our lives. For others, home is something more. A place to dream, create and build, not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. For the American entrepreneur, home is where the dream begins, and for Tracy Simpson, a Searcy resident entrepreneur, the dream has only just begun. For 9 years Tracy and her husband Jimmy have shared a beautiful stead in west Searcy that they call home. It’s built with beautiful interiors, finished with unique, stained concrete, warm earth-tone paint colors, and high-rise ceilings in the living area which provide an infinitely high-feeling as they run perpendicular with second story windows that span the width of the wall, allowing natural light into the center of the home. While the home contains many rooms, each room has a special theme that plays a part in the overall joy of the home.
52 Your Hometown Magazine
By Jarred Moss
Walking through the house, one will find a workout room, a game-room complete with a pool table and a TV for watching sports, as well as a special guest room and a gorgeous kitchen. The Simpsons’ backyard is picture-perfect, staring back at you through the glass windows in the living room, opening up the home to a tranquil feel that brings a sense of peace and relaxation to all who enter. Of all the rooms and features of the home, however, perhaps the most interesting room is the front office that looks out across the circle driveway winding through the front yard. This office is where Tracy chases a dream. A dream that drives her to bring change. Mrs. Simpson, an energetic woman with a goal to better help people, set out on a journey just several years ago when she launched a startup business called Clinicpass. After working 16 years in the medical industry as a pharmaceutical representative, the Fayetteville-raised go-getter had an industry-changing idea. After years of helping physicians and medical clinics better serve their patients with quality pharmaceutical enhancements and
devices, the wife and mother of two came to a place of re-evaluation as the industry underwent a strong shift. For those not familiar with the pharmaceutical representative need in medical clinics, “reps,” as Tracy calls them, do business with clinics by demonstrating and providing the materials physicians need to help their patients. In the past few years, however, governmental policy changes have instituted a heavy yoke of regulations on medical clinics and pharmaceutical/device manufactures, making the process of physician-representative relationships more burdensome and time consuming. “The average clinic spends 40 hours per month managing pharmaceutical reps,” says Tracy. Simpson began to hear rumblings from fellow representatives and clinics, the groaning of regulations and constraints becoming all the more evident. Tracy never thought she would be a business owner, but as the need arose, a special moment caught Mrs. Simpson by surprise – the moment that launched what would come to be known as Clinicpass. “I remember right where I was when I had the idea” says Simpson. “I was in my car right outside one of the hospitals. I had just had a conversation with one of my doctors about the Sunshine Act and some of the regulations that had been newly implemented. As I was leaving, I remember thinking to myself, if something’s not done, unemployment rates are going to sky rocket & there will be a toll on patient care!” Immediately after that thought, the dream of Clinicpass came to Tracy, causing her to pull her car over and write down the details. Continued on next page
The Simpson Family
Stained concrete, warm earth-tone paint colors, and highrise ceilings in the living area provide an infinitely high-feeling as they run perpendicular with the second story windows.
“For the American entrepreneur,
home is where the dream begins.”
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“ I just want to make a difference. I wanted to be in an industry where I could help people, and I believe in what (pharmaceutical) reps do.”
54 Your Hometown Magazine
Clinicpass began with the core value that the medical industry helps people, and helping people is what Tracy is all about. “I just want to make a difference. I wanted to be in an industry where I could help people, and I believe in what (pharmaceutical) reps do.” While Tracy had spent 16 years helping physicians help patients, she felt a higher calling to help clinics and reps maintain healthy relationships, which she believes will help countless patients overtime: “The goal is to keep reps in the clinics giving the clinics the management tools needed to navigate through a very regulated environment.” Tracy’s idea was to create a top-notch web-based platform that clinics could use to show availability, easily schedule reps for educational discussions, and make their requirements known, and above all, SAVE TIME and money. This benefit, conversely, for the rep would be better communication and cooperation, an enjoyable experience for the clinic, and a promoted, streamlined process of clinic outreach. After writing down her idea, driving home, and having a conversation with Jimmy, her husband, Mrs. Simpson felt total peace about moving forward. “Jimmy said ‘Let’ s do it,’” says Tracy, smiling. “Jimmy has been wonderful through this process with his legal expertise [Simpson Law Firm] and helping navigate through negotiations.” The next season would prove to be costly. Mrs. Simpson gave up her career of 16 years, her income, and a lot of her time and money to help get Clinicpass off the ground and going. “I’m not a risk taker. But Jimmy & I took a risk for ourselves & our family,” says the businessowner. As time would tell, the risk wasn’t without reward. Clinicpass now currently utilizes state of the art Internet software to deliver a beautiful platform that combines and streamlines all the pharmaceutical rep’s requirements, as well as contextualizes and categorizes clinic requirements, credentialing, appointments, and accounting. Clinicpass shows
“ It’s been exciting. We’re committed. We hope to go nationwide!” the weekly available hours for each of the 78 clinics it represents to each potential representative interested setting an appointment and introducing physicians and clinic managers to various products. The result is a simple, quick, and efficient user-experience for all parties. Today Clinicpass is the preferred and used rep-relationship platform for 78 clinics spread across the state of Arkansas and Memphis. And as Simpson points out, with 618,000 practicing physicians in the United States in need of such a platform to help with representative management, the future looks bright for the Searcy-based company. “It’s been exciting. We’re committed. We hope to go nationwide!” says Tracy, beaming. “Imagine that! Clinicpass being a Nationwide company, being headquartered in the little bitty town of Searcy.” People like Tracy Simpson show us that no matter where you’re from, no matter what your background, and no matter if you have an office or if you have to pioneer your dream from scratch inside your home, you can make a difference on a large scale. To anyone with a dream to start a business, launch an idea, or build a dream, Mrs. Simpson gives the following advice:
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While the home contains many rooms, each room has a special theme that plays a part in the overall joy of the home.
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“Don’t live with regret. If you don’t do it, someone else will! I believe when you do things with the right intentions, they work.” And last but certainly not least, she admonishes us further: “Do it!” The life that the Simpsons live in their beautiful home is a good one, but the dream they’re building within their home will bring rewarding memories for years to come. Regardless of your dream, and regardless of your floor plan, you should be encouraged to know that you CAN make a difference, and you CAN fulfill your dream. Even if you start in the front corner of your house. And in case you get discouraged along the way, just remember Tracy Simpson’s words. “If you don’t do it, someone else will!” Home is where the heart is, but Home is also where the dream happens!
56 Your Hometown Magazine
“Don’t live with regret.
If you don’t do it, someone else will! I believe when you do things with the right intentions, they work.”
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By Lori Sansom, RYT200
I
am not a tall person. This is important information, my own practice instead of competing with others. She taught me
because vertically challenged people have a different to be strong in my poses, and yes…to stay grounded so that I could existence than others. Short people climb. Often the find my balance. With time I became a stronger and calmer person, with improved world is just beyond our reach. For example, in my kitchen, the stuff I actually use is on the lower shelves; however, sometimes agility and steadiness. It was not long before my sweet husband was gently encouraging me to make sure I went to I need to get to a higher shelf so I hop up on the yoga class each day. (I readily admit that it countertop to get what I need. WalMart has has softened my emotional edges!) He is an annoying habit of placing items on the an avid tennis player and was having “Yoga provides an excellent setting top shelves. Clearly it is necessary for pain in his hips, so I shared some poses those of us of smaller stature to climb for me to work toward these spiritual with him. He experienced almost to retrieve the needed merchandise. disciplines by balancing my life immediate and sustained relief, and What does this have to do with yoga? physically, mentally and spiritually.” also improvement in his game, and now About ten years ago, I began to notice practices regularly. that my balance was a little off. I couldn’t I found the meditation time allows me to scale the kitchen counter and store shelves lay aside my mental lists and turn my attention as steadily as I once had. I knew that yoga had to a truth from scripture or other encouraging message. some balance element to it, so decided to see if I could get some help. I started class with Kelly James, and learned that I have learned that deep belly breathing lowers heart rate, blood I had stumbled upon a master teacher! She encouraged proper pressure, and anxiety levels. The poses we practice have helped me body alignment ensuring safety, and helped me to find my best become stronger and more flexible, and improve my life in simple expression of each pose. She reminded me to meditate and breathe ways. For instance, I am now able to turn to look behind my car to calm my mind, and to honor my body by doing what pose was when backing out, to sit and rise from the floor when playing with available to me on that day. She emphasized paying attention to a child, and to tie my shoes without fear of injury! 58 Your Hometown Magazine
I decided to train to teach yoga, but was uncomfortable with how to deal with its Hindu religious roots. As a Christian, I was concerned that I not encourage worship of false gods. I was blessed to find Yahweh Yoga, a program that teaches yoga from a Christ-centered perspective, and is accredited by Yoga Alliance, a globally recognized body that governs credentials in the field of teaching and training of yoga. I completed my training as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) in January 2016 and teach classes for Marci Blackshear, at Natural State Yoga. For information about our classes, please visit www.thenaturalstateyoga.com. I also teach a class at Harding University in the Ganus Athletic Center from noon to one on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, please contact me at lorisansom@gmail.com Scripture instructs us to take care of our bodies, and to take time to meditate and pray. Yoga provides an excellent setting for me to work toward these spiritual disciplines by balancing my life physically, mentally and spiritually.
“I found the meditation time allows me to lay aside my mental lists and turn my attention to a truth from scripture or other encouraging message.�
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By Elizabeth Hendrix Smith Photos by Maggie Hendrix light is in all our beloved inspirational phrases... “Let your light shine.” “Be the Light.” And who can forget “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” my baby sings in Sunday school. Our Bible is filled with scripture and knowledge about Light. Most importantly, Jesus - our Light of the World - and his teachings. Is this symbolic Light something we can only find in the Bible, and access through church? It is there, without a doubt, but what a marvelous story it makes when God uses other paths to bring you into His presence. My light became dim and damaged. Even though I had read a hundred times, “Cease striving,” it was not until the process of yoga that I learned to stop trying to micromanage my little world. Gradually I gave up the struggle I had been trained to perfect. In doing so, “Truly my soul finds rest in God...” (Psalm 62:1). Yoga, for me, is a breath-taking process of selfdiscovery, becoming aware of and learning how to reach for that light within. It’s definitely not the only path, but it’s the one that was there for me on my sweet journey from darkness to Light. Like most everyone in my generation, I lived a very energetic lifestyle. Thirty something with two beautiful active children, career as a CPA, volunteer & church activities, constant social engagements, and the finest “pleaser” personality in the south. Still, I was motivated and sought to attain perfection in everything I laid my hands on. Unfortunately, my attempt at picture perfect came to a lifeless halt. After a trying day, I took off on my usual run down Gum Springs Road. My mind was racing 100 times faster than I was running. Just when I hit my pace, my hands and face began to swell and itch like crazy. I stopped, completely freaked out, and in moments my mouth and throat became so swollen it was hard to breathe. A friend picked me up and took me to the ER where the doctor treated me for “anaphylactic shock” and asked me what I was allergic to. This absurd and frightening meltdown happened a few more times, with no explanation. Each time was more severe, leaving me weaker physically and in a more muddled and fearful emotional state. Specialist called it idiopathic anaphylaxis, because there was no known allergen. I learned that anaphylaxis is 60 Your Hometown Magazine
the physiological equivalent of lightning — you never know just when or where it will happen, but the likelihood that its effects can be devastating are very high. In the beginning of 2014, I had the most devastating reaction yet and was hospitalized in ICU. My body wiped out. When I woke up I heard doctors telling me that my body systems went through the shut-down that happens immediately prior to death. I spent the next year with nerve damage, severe anemia, migraines, and chronic fatigue. I had an extremely difficult time being social, my mind felt blank. My doctor and therapist later unfolded all this confusion to be stress responses as a result of developing Complex-PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome). It was starting to become clear that my emotional being was so desperate to get my attention, it literally put a stop to my physical world in order to do so. I grew up working like a boy on a farm in south Arkansas. I considered myself tough and unstoppable, but now my heart ached with exhaustion and fear. I felt fragile, like shattered glass. My children were the miracle that kept me going.
“for me this is a breath-taking process of self-discovery, becoming aware of and learning how to reach for that light within.” Thankfully the strength of being a mother is more powerful than natural laws. They are part of my being, my heart walking around outside my body. This God-given role provided God-given tenacity to keep moving forward even when the steps were small. I was friends with Kelly James, owner of Yoga in the Valley, although I had never attended her classes. I felt compelled to go and see what this thing was all about. Kelly’s class turned out to be remarkable. Even though I cried through classes, I felt so refreshed after. Kelly was a breath of fresh air, light beamed out of her. I felt loved and peaceful in her presence. We talked about her journey and she referred me to Balance Yoga and Wellness School. I immediately signed up for the RYT 200 hr program being held at Blue Yoga Nyla in Little Rock. Their mission “to offer education in the study of yoga with integrity, compassion, and authenticity” was just that. My former cardio-junkie, over-achiever lifestyle knew nothing about how to be still, meditate and find peace from within. This exquisite Blue Yoga studio where our teacher training was held became my sanctuary. I spent one weekend a month for almost 2 years. How breathing is not just breathing. No wonder the Bible refers to it as “breath of life, breath of the Almighty.” “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:22) We studied the work of B.K.S. Iyengar, named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine, who can be credited for bringing Yoga to the Western civilization in the 1950’s. In his first book Light on Yoga, which has been referred to as the Bible of yoga, Iyengar’s states, “It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity.” Another required reading was the The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which was written around the 3rd century B.C. Patanjali explains what yoga is, how it works, making it one of the most spiritual texts in the world. In these pages I learned that yoga is NOT just the physical postures. There is a rich history and I became enthralled with learning and sharing. The word yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning to bind, join, yoke, union. Yoga is the true union of our will with the will of God. All this history was parallel with everything I’ve learned about Christianity. I was truly astounded. Through the practice of yoga, we settle our body, mind, soul into one and in that stillness we are able to commune with God. My mind was constantly reminded of scriptures from the Bible with that exact correlation. Using God’s instructions, such
“This helped me comprehend that whatever I obsess over in my mind becomes my reality, good or bad.”
“Thankfully the strength of being a mother is more powerful than natural laws.” SearcyLiving.com 61
as “Be still, and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10) with Yoga principles, for me, turned out to be the ultimate combination for peace and enlightenment here on earth. I’ve learned the scripture through church, but soon after life kicks in and I become distracted. Even attempting quiet time at home, my body gets restless, my mind wanders, suddenly I’m hungry, check my phone, fix more coffee, lose my place, wiggle, etc., etc. Our lifestyles are packed full of stress, tension and worries which can settle into our joints, tissues and organs causing all kinds of issues and illness. Through the ancient steps of yoga, our nervous system becomes purified, bringing our body, mind, and spirit all into the present moment. The eight limbs of yoga are almost a frame work on how we achieve “being still.” With yoga postures, breathing, and moral guidelines, we are able to work out all the kinks, bad vibes and tension before they manifest into major issues. Through continued practice, along with other principles, our physical being is able to “be still” for longer periods of time so we can turn inward and focus on the meditation and spiritual side of the practice.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10 “The eight limbs of Yoga are almost a frame work on how we achieve ‘being still’.”
“...I have to let go of the past, not worry about the future, to find joy in each precious moment of my day.” 62 Your Hometown Magazine
Everything I learned about yoga has brought me closer to God. And when I say closer to God, I mean “God is within her (Me), she (I) will not fall,” (Psalm 46:5), his Holy Spirit living in me, the light within guiding me through each moment. This guidance system is alive and active within, more and more available to me the more I use it. In order to do this I have to let go of the past, not worry about the future, to find joy in each precious moment of my day. Staying present is as simple as being aware of my breath and keeping my mind from hamster wheeling out of control. A mind at peace miraculously alleviates worrying and stress. The Bible instructs “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely... think about such things,” (Phil 4:9). They call it the law of attraction these days, but it’s not a new thing. Study of the power of the mind has been around since the beginning of time. Yoga finally helped me comprehend that whatever I obsess over in my mind becomes my reality, good or bad. When I remove this obstacle of over-thinking I can create space where I was once stuck, unveil layers of protection I had built around my heart and make peace with who I am and where I am. I became “how I feel in the moment oriented” and realized that I can be the creator of my journey, not for just one goal or end result but for the joy of living each moment. I listened to hours of podcast and tedTalks about enlightenment. My favorite was Wayne Dyer, an internationally renowned philosopher in the field of self-development. The most inspiring idea I learned from him was that, “I am not a human being that has an occasional spiritual experience, I am a spiritual being having a temporary human experience.” And realizing that every one of us is a spiritual being. God’s children, His Light shining from within. Every person I meet is a little piece of divinity just like me. Each individual’s journey, the ups and downs, mistakes and achievements, is their own way of coming into a perfect reflection of what is within. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” And how cool that this famous yoga teacher Iyengar agrees and shares the same thoughts: “Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek, but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.” Furthermore, learning through this process that life is not about outward performance has been exceptionally beneficial in my story. I relish in the fact that I have God’s ever-shining, all knowing, glorious, radiant Light living within me. And that makes me full of JOY - on the ugliest of days I can still beam with love, light, and joy. I still work hard, I still sweat, get up early and stay up late. But I don’t have to prove myself to anyone anymore. I can let go, knowing the Light is gonna shine and the blessings from it are pure heaven on earth.
Light Class
I am a 200hr RYT, instructing and subbing classes at Searcy Athletic Club. My goal is for the classes to have a meditative feel, as we move our bodies and work the kinks out, yet take time for stillness too. People never really get a chance to turn inward; our days are filled with demands and running. I feel so strongly about creating times to shut the busy-ness out. As little as 30 minutes of stretching can do amazing things for your health, productivity, happiness. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15) When we really practice these things, mindfully, our Light within begins to awaken and shine, thus moving us from mundane, routine, checked out to feeling alive and in love with each moment of our day.
Yoga for Littles I spend lots of time on the floor with my own children, stretching and playing, talking and breathing. I love sharing this lifestyle with them; I truly believe learning these principles at a young age will have a vast positive influence in their lives. From teaching them how to control their emotions though breathing to how yoga can help heal the body to simple posture and stretching, it’s all beneficial. I once showed my 8 year old how to forward fold in bed to help him fall asleep. Now, without help from me, if he ever wakes and can’t go back to sleep he remembers what to do to put himself back to sleep easily. My daughter asked me if I would teach her friends yoga, so over the summer we started the Yoga for Littles program at Searcy Athletic Club. I’ve heard that when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. I cannot even express how much I cherish teaching the little yogi’s, and the most adorable part was how much they loved and looked forward to it!
Spiritual Gangster
I also began carrying a line of yoga apparel I feel passionate about, Spiritual Gangster. The comfy cotton shirts express happy phrases such as “LOVE & LIGHT… good vibes only… Grateful Warrior…Trust your SouL” I’ve always loved fashion, and felt clothing was truly an expression of one’s self. With all the clothing that has the name brand plastered across the front of it or just some random saying or text, I got really excited to see words that actually expressed something I needed to feel on the inside. The company’s tagline is “Yoga clothing for high vibration living, representing a new generation of yogis who seek balance between the ancient practice of yoga and today.” The company really focuses on giving back. For every item sold, Spiritual Gangster donates proceeds to provide a meal to a person in need. Their sales are also used to support amazing national and international charities such as Feeding America, the Cambodian Children’s Fund, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Children’s First Academy, the Make a Wish Foundation and many others. Follow Light Yoga Company on FB & Instagram for class schedules, Spiritual Gangster gear and daily yoga inspiration! ~ Elizabeth Hendrix Smith
“As little as 30 minutes of stretching can do amazing things for your health, productivity, happiness.”
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64 Your Hometown Magazine
By Sha Fordyce
It’s not every day that you get to sit down with one of White County’s most prominent elected officials. I had the privilege of doing just that when I was given the opportunity to interview none other than Sheriff Ricky Shourd.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the name, priority warrants, drug warrants, barricaded situations, and active Sheriff Shourd is a native of Searcy, Arkansas and has been shooters. in law enforcement here for almost 40 years! He was hired as As you can see, a lot has been done to make the White County a deputy for White County in 1977. In 1978 he began as a patrol Sheriff’s Office better. Along with the additions mentioned, Sheriff officer with the Searcy Police Department and remained with Shourd also increased the training for his employees which brought Searcy until 2006, when he retired as a Lieutenant. He then was about more consistency and structure. Everyone in White County elected as White County Sheriff and can be proud of the Sheriff’s Office took office January 1, 2007, and has from what it was to what it is now. continued to be re-elected since then. After discussing the history and Since taking over as Sheriff, the improvements, I asked Sheriff Shourd White County Sheriff’s Office has about the future of the White County had some major improvements. The Sheriff’s Office, his career, and what Detention Center was updated. Two the job is like. weeks after taking office, Sheriff ME: Do you have any goals to Shourd oversaw the movement of expand or add? more than one hundred detainees to the new facility. The WCSO has also been SHOURD: To keep it all together, able to employ more people, which is which is a big job! I’d like to see our always good for the community. The property crimes division increase Crimes Against Women and Children because of the case load that they division has been developed. And handle each and every day. They go the Drug Task Force has been very from month to month with over 100 “It’s just being able to help people. I’ve successful. It’s located in Searcy and cases each. This is the 2nd largest incorporates White County, Prairie always been a person that wanted to help.” county in the state by road mileage, so County, and Lonoke County. There there is a lot of area to cover, whether is even a drug interdiction officer that on patrol or property crimes. works the main roads to help keep ME: What is a requirement to do a good job at the White drugs off of our streets, and 2 dogs that specialize in detecting County Sheriff’s Office? drugs. In the month of August the White County Sheriff’s Office had a bust for 6 pounds of meth, and shortly after made another SHOURD: The biggest part is a desire to help the community. one for a couple more pounds! In 2016, they started the Special Thank goodness we have some dedicated people that want Response Team (SRT) which will be the first responders for high a career in law enforcement and want to serve and help their SearcyLiving.com 65
“I, Chief Ray Coffman love being the Chief of Police of my town, Judsonia. I enjoy helping all the citizens, especially the kids. I know everybody’s name and they all know me personally. I have watched the kids grow up and now they have kids of their own. They all know they can come to me and talk to me on a personal level or a professional level, and I will listen and do what I can, because I genuinely care about the citizens of my town. They all respect me and I respect them as well!” – Ray Coffman, Judsonia Chief of Police
“In the recent weeks, community leaders, news media and activists groups have successfully blamed law enforcement for the issues they are having, and sometimes have created, in their communities. In contrast, the Bald Knob community has really rallied around its police department in ways only a small town can. We have had numerous treats and meals baked and purchased for our officers, and this continues still today. The Bald Knob Police Department is fortunate to serve a community that is supportive and caring of everyone, especially those that serve them. It is as it should be, everyone working together for the common good.” – Jon Hopkins, Bald Knob Chief of Police
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communities. The deputies handle so many different situations. There is a big variety from civil to medical to disputes over land. And then you go from that to responding to severe cases, shootings, major crimes. I’m still learning. And it’s hard for the public to understand sometimes the laws that we have to go by. It’s hard on the officers, too, because the laws change every year. ME: What is one of your proudest moments since you’ve been sheriff? SHOURD: I can’t really say there’s been one, because some of the most proud moments that I can remember are when you get that phone call or somebody comes by, and they thank you and tell you what kind of job you’re doing and that they’re thankful that I’m their Sheriff and hope I continue to be their Sheriff. The reason why they do that is because we have a good group of men and women who are out doing their jobs. ME: What about in your career? SHOURD: You know, you can think back to a big drug arrest you’ve made, or a bust you’ve made, delivered a baby, or done CPR on babies and got them back. Those are always rewarding. But when you see them later on in life and they give you a big hug thanking you, that gets you. IT’S JUST BEING ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE. I’ve always been a person that wanted to help. I got that from my mom and dad. When people ask why I do this, it’s because I get to help make something that went wrong go right. ME: What is a challenge in being the sheriff? SHOURD: The hardest thing about being the Sheriff is the politics on the job. Something I’ve had to learn is being politically right. I think about any Sheriff would say the political part, that and the jail. Having a jail is always stressful. ME: Would you ever be a deputy again for a week, and have one of the employees switch roles with you? SHOURD: For a week? Oh yes! No one really realizes until they sit in the seat of the sheriff how stressful it really is. You’re trying to make your employees happy, plus the community. And then you also have home. ME: Has being the sheriff changed you? SHOURD: It’s made me a better person. I’ve gotten to open my eyes to a lot of things that if I hadn’t been sheriff I wouldn’t have ever seen or been a part of. And there’s people that I’ve gotten to meet. One of the special things about this job is going to the rural fire departments for fundraisers. There are just some genuinely nice people that I get to meet. I’ll miss that when it’s my time to go. ME: What is a day as sheriff like? SHOURD: Depends on the day! It’s different every day. You take each day as it comes. There’s some things that you schedule and it never works out because something happens. Or you need to go out in the county and someone shows up at the office and wonder why you’re not there. ME: What is a misconception that people have about being sheriff? SHOURD: I think the biggest misconception is that the public thinks that since I am sheriff I can let anybody I want out of jail. And that’s not the truth. I have nothing to say about who gets in and out of jail. If a judge puts someone in jail, it takes a judge or a bond to get them out. ME: What is something you would change? SHOURD: I think there would be something like an under-sheriff. A Number 2 that controls the jails. The hardest part about being a sheriff is if you have a jail. It’s not the criminal side of it. It’s the jail and the inmates. My hat is off to those deputy jailers. Can you imagine if it was privately owned? Probably a little more than $3 million goes towards the jail.
ME: What is the best thing about White County Sheriff’s Office? SHOURD: Our best asset is having good people work here. People
will say, “Sheriff, you’re doing a good job.” And I will say, “My people are doing a good job.” If you don’t have good people, you don’t have a good department. If you don’t have good people working in the jail, you’re not going to have a good jail. Having good people is what makes it. ME: Is Ricky Shourd the man different than Ricky Shourd the sheriff? SHOURD: No. Same person. Just because I was elected sheriff, it didn’t change the way I act. I still try to be that little hometown farm boy. ME: Anything else you would like people to know? SHOURD: How proud I am to get to be Sheriff. It means a lot to me. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to sit down with Sheriff Shourd. He seems to be a man about community and families, and simply making White County better. He is described by staff as “a good Christian man” who is “down to earth and cares about his people.” He cares about the truth and being fair. He weighs all sides and gets input before making important decisions. He’s always level headed and not easily swayed by emotion. The mission for the WCSO is: “To maintain a high quality of life for all residents and visitors of White County. We have adopted a philosophy of Community Oriented Law Enforcement working in partnership with the citizens to develop law enforcement services to meet the unique needs of the community, while assuring fairness, equal treatment, and protection to all.” And I believe that this is the heart of Ricky Shourd. So next time you pass by the law enforcement center or see a car or person with that unmistakable sheriff’s star symbol, say a prayer for the department and for Sheriff Shourd and know that White County is in good hands.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” – Romans 13:1-6
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Honoring Our law enforcement
By Terri Lee
Stories from the Hearts Behind the Badge: I asked the same questions to five different officers, from the Chief down to patrolman, and a few in between. I asked why they got into law enforcement and what stuck out in their minds about their careers. I saw the exact same look from each of them. The look of remembering, sadness, happiness, fulfillment, and the look that I give, too. The one that says, “You can’t possibly know or understand what just went through my mind - the horrors that I cannot repeat, and the joys that will make me cry - so I will hold those in and tell you a scrubbed answer to what you are asking.”
Chief of Police, Eric Webb: When I came to work for Searcy PD I had preconceived ideas of what being a police officer would be. It didn’t take long to realize that, on many levels, I was mistaken. First and foremost, it was not non-stop excitement. There are times when it is downright boring. We see people at their worst and at their best. We have the unique privilege of interacting with every facet of society. As a police officer I have met world dignitaries, former U.S. presidents, “juke box heroes” (AKA country and rock musicians), Arkansas governors, state and U.S. senators, and many outstanding law enforcement officers and supporters. On the other end of the spectrum, I have met convicted murderers, thieves, child molesters, and every part of what society deems as “less than desirable” company. In the middle of all of it, we have to find our own identity. Every situation, every person, every fear, every hope and every pain (physical and emotional), for better or worse, have molded us into who we are. My role within the department has changed. I have transformed from police officer to trainer/teacher to supervisor to administrator. I miss the days of actually serving the community “hands on,” but I realize that I am not as physically capable of doing the dayto-day patrolman’s job. I am satisfied to be an administrator and cheerleader at this stage of my life. I love this city, community and police department. I am blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to work here. I have never seriously considered working anywhere else. There is one incident that has bothered me more than most. Several years ago I assisted with an accident involving a young mother who lost her life. She had done everything right to protect 68 Your Hometown Magazine
“I love this city, community, and police department. I am blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to work here.” her children and herself. She had her two young boys strapped into child safety seats in the back seat of her SUV. She had been wearing her seatbelt as well. She came to an intersection and stopped. As the young mother started through the intersection, a young lady entered the intersection and “T-boned” her. She lost her life, and the kids lost their mother. We got the children out of the SUV and were trying to calm them. There was no question that the mother was deceased. The younger of the two boys was with me, and he was constantly saying, “I want my momma, when can I see my momma?” I had no answer for that little boy. When I returned to my car, I sat there and cried. That was the first time that I recall ever becoming emotional in that type of situation and, frankly, I have never been the same since.
Patrolman, Jason Denison: As I was growing up, I was taught the benefit of high morals and values. I have always wanted to pass those along and help other people realize their benefit as well. My family has a history of drug abuse. I saw the effects of that, and knew I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. I have noticed that many people are in a hurry, always rushing, always trying to get ahead. And while I know that our society gets more and more demanding, I also know the benefits of stopping and thinking. Many people
“The greatest moments I have had as an officer are when I see people I have dealt with in the past, changed into people that are succeeding in life.” are aggravated when we pull them over for a seemingly small infraction, like a seatbelt or a tag expired. I wish people could see that each time we do that, it makes people slow down and notice things. I may not change people’s minds about wearing their seatbelt, but that trip, when they leave the traffic stop, I know they are safer. While each traffic stop is potentially dangerous to us as officers, it could save someone’s life in the long run. The greatest moments I have had as an officer are when I see people I have dealt with in the past, changed into people that are succeeding in life. They have stopped the negative things in their lives and have turned their lives around. I get to see that what I do makes a difference. Crimes Against Women Detective, Mary Broadway:
Thinking back on my most influential cases, there is one which sticks out in my mind more than the others. I worked a domestic battery case where the victim had been in an abusive relationship for years with her husband, who was well respected in the community. I helped walk her through the reporting process and was able to obtain a protection order, as well as an arrest warrant for the husband. The difference between this case and countless others is that she was able to stay away from him, creating a new life for herself in the process. She never went back to him, which is rare in these types of cases. I knew after that case that I could do this for others – someone else could be counting on me to help them get out, and stay out, of an abusive relationship. There are frustrating times where someone does not have the resources available to them to start over new. Those are the times where it means even more for me to keep doing my job and help those in need. Someone has to speak for those without a voice, and I’m glad I can do that.
“Someone has to speak for those without a voice and I’m glad I can do that.”
Patrolman, John Aska: I had a resource officer in high school who I noticed went above and beyond when it came to helping the students, myself included. He always had fun, interacted with the students, and helped students with not only school work, but also with home and social problems. I was inspired by his example and knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Recently, I responded to a call involving a small child who was obviously scared of me. We come across these children occasionally that have had scary interactions (parent arrested) with police or had parents convincing them they should be scared of us. During the recent incident, I had the chance to change that child’s image of police officers. By the end of the call, the child was being comforted by myself and other officers and you could tell by his demeanor that he would be forever changed by this interaction. I am also involved with Special Olympics Arkansas and have had multiple opportunities to volunteer at the state and local games and help raise money for the organization. The look on an athlete’s face when I show up in uniform and hand out stickers makes it all worth it. There are times when I have to work – when storms are coming through or we are preparing for something major – that I would rather be home comforting my family. During these times, I often remind myself of the small child or the Special Olympic athlete and remember why I do this job. The sacrifices are worth it if I have helped one person. “The sacrifices are worth it if I have helped one person.”
Investigator, Josh King: When I look back on why I became an officer, it is apparent that the tough times made me want to change things. My family had its fair share of run-ins with drug problems and trouble with the law. I knew there was a way I could help others in the same situations. I recently had someone send me a message on Facebook, thanking me for how I treated her like a person, when arresting her a year prior. She is a changed person, productive, active in church, and appreciative of how she was able to alter the path of her life. Sometimes we are able to give people a little hope and that is all they need to turn it around. Then there are the cases that stick with you for different reasons.
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Eric Webb
A few years ago, I responded to a possible drowning of a child. I arrived first and jumped into the pool, pulling the young child out. I administered CPR on the child all the way to the hospital, where they pronounced him dead. My wife and I had just recently had a son and for a while, after the incident, I would have nightmares where I pulled a child out of the water, just to see my son’s face instead of the other child. I have changed the way I parent since that happened, always remembering that scene when my child is in the bath or in a pool. There are some things that never leave your mind. I still think often about being a part of the investigation surrounding Malik Drummond. There was a sense of closure with that case where justice was sought and found for an innocent child. It makes such a huge difference when our community backs us up. We have been thanked and patted on the back and fed, and it all helps us know we are making a difference. We are making our streets safer.
“It makes such a huge difference when our community backs us up.�
70 Your Hometown Magazine
Honoring Our law enforcement
By Terri Lee I spoke to Candace Wyatt. She has been married to Lt. Brian Wyatt for 12 years and she works for the Searcy Police Department as a Records Clerk. I asked Candace about Brian working as an officer and how it has changed their lives. Her response is below: “I worry about him, but I also know he is trained well. He has always been fortunate to work with people that back him up. When the worry seems to be too much, I fall back on prayer and on my family. You must have a supportive system of family and friends in this profession, because there are times when he is on a scene and I don’t know what is going on. I rely on my family and I also remind myself that I know who he works with, and I know they will get the job done.”
The Kidders
Candace Wyatt
I spoke to Lindsey Kidder and asked her the same questions. She is married to Detective Mark Kidder. Lindsey and Mark have been married for 2 years. Her response is below: “I have noticed we all have become more aware of our surroundings. We know when we go into a restaurant, Mark will sit near the back, facing the doors. Our family notices things now that we never would have before he was an officer. When he first started and was on night shift, I never slept. I was always up worrying. I’ve gotten to know many of the people he works with and know that they have his back, which gives me a peace that I did not have at first. I have a church family that is very law enforcement friendly. Many officers and their spouses go to church there, so I know if I’m stressed about something he is involved in, I can text a group and ask for prayers. I also trust his ability and the ability of his coworkers. I wish more people realized officers are real people, with fairly normal lives. They go home at the end of the day and want to relax with their families, just like everyone else. Searcy Police Department is like a huge family for us. Everyone cares about everyone. I just love it.”
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Honoring Our law enforcement
By Terri Lee
Sergeant Todd Wells has been with the Searcy thankful for that opportunity. I noticed immediately that I was Police Department since July 2007. He is currently working with some of the men I grew up looking up to like T.C. a patrol sergeant. He has worked as a patrolman and as a Poskey, Eric Webb, and Tom McGee. I was immediately impressed misdemeanor investigator. He has lived in the Searcy area all by those in the department ready to help me succeed. I distinctly remember Mike Jones going out of his life. He is married and has his way to help me learn the ropes. three children, one in college and I quickly realized police work two in high school. was not all fast cars, police chases, “I grew up in Kensett in a middle and taking people to jail all day. class, working family. I’m the And yet, it was my dream job. I middle child between two sisters also figured out that this ‘job’ was and we had parents that loved not just while I was at work. I was us and showed us a great work expected to look, act, and have ethic. My dad worked mostly answers like a police officer all the in the automotive business and time. I had to be on my guard 24/7. then worked for a local wholesale I had this new passion of service to florist company for years. My my community and realized then it mom retired from Wal-Mart and was a calling. then took up the almost full-time Through a number of different job of babysitting and spoiling my activities, I was brought out of my kids. Before she passed away this shell. I got involved in the Law year, my mom was my greatest Enforcement Torch Run for Special cheerleader, always encouraging Olympics and have had so many me. “I had this new passion of service to my meaningful experiences through I remember growing up, when I community and realized then it was a calling.” that organization. I went to schools was eight or nine, seeing Officer and talked to kids. Every new event T.C. Poskey working as an officer led to the realization that this new in Kensett where we lived. I looked profession was so much more than what I originally thought. Those up to him and appreciated the way he was so personable and were the experiences which shaped me and gave me a gratitude relatable. I think that was the first time I got it into my head that I would like to be a police officer one day. I recall seeing Tom for the other officers at my department, the dispatchers, the office McGee patrolling as well, and now I get to work with both of those workers, and our city as a whole. It might look as though this is the perfect job, but there are things guys. I miss. I think of those birthdays or holidays when my family I was working a steady job, but was approached by a previous chief’s nephew, who urged me to put in an application. He said he celebrates a day late, so I can make it to the festivities. I’ve tried to thought I would make a good officer, so he introduced me to then work it out where the officers on my shift get to be with their little captain, Kyle Osborne. At the time, I was worried about leaving ones on important holidays, even if it is for just an hour. There are a secure job for an unknown, while raising a family on a tight weeks when I have worked many more hours than I expected and budget. Osborne called and gave me the invitation to continue the rarely saw my family. There are countless events where volunteers hiring process, but I declined. After a year or so, I heard Searcy are needed, and I have to walk the walk and talk the talk if I want Police Department was short-staffed and needed officers. I felt like others to do the same. Then there are the calls that never leave you. I vividly remember the time was right for my family, and I applied again. Chief Kyle Osborne hired me in July of 2007 and I went to police academy getting the call that a small child ‘wandered away and just in January of 2008. I have never regretted that decision and am vanished,’ that we quickly knew would end badly. Those make it tough to sleep at night (or days if you’re working nights). One 72 Your Hometown Magazine
story sticks out to me and reminds me of why I do what I do. I wrote a guy a ticket on an accident, and he took it to court. The court proceeding was pushed to another court date, and on that date the guy pled guilty. I did not think much about it, other than it was strange to try to contest the ticket, just to plead guilty later. A few months passed, and I saw the guy in a restaurant. He came over and spoke to me, and told me he saw how much I did in the community and realized it was not worth fighting the ticket when I did my job. I forget sometimes how much of an impact we can have on people. We have those ups and downs, just like everybody else. We have to find a way to get rid of the stress and be ‘normal.’ We have to appreciate that our families make sacrifices for us to do this job. I am still amazed that I get paid to live out my dream in this profession. We are just ordinary people doing a not-soordinary job.” “I began this career excited about landing my dream job. Serving this community was what I had wanted to do for a long time. The job has become so much more than that. I have developed a love for this community, a deep appreciation for the camaraderie in our department, and a calling to promote justice in times where evil thrives. I hope to continue to get to do this job as long as they’ll let me.”
Sergeant Todd Wells Searcy Police Department
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Honoring Our law enforcement
W ill M c G ary F oundation
O
ne hundred years from now the name of Officer William Michael McGary will still be etched in stone on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., along with 20,000 others. What sets these names apart from the rest of humanity? The answer lies within a quote upon those walls by Vivian Cross which states, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” Will’s death was tragic. It was untimely and unexpected. A senseless crime sent this 26-year-old officer to his death. His survivors, though struggling to adapt to their lives without him, chose to allow Will’s legacy to continue to make a powerful and positive impact on the communities he loved through the creation of the Officer Will McGary Memorial Foundation. Established by a group consisting of Will’s church family and friends, the Foundation initially set out to raise money for memorial awards to grant to high school seniors to help with college tuition. While this is still a large part of what we do through the Foundation, we have also incorporated the general support of law enforcement. Through personal experience, the McGary family came to realize the need for assistance and support to the families and brothers-inarms of fallen law enforcement officers. After the traumatic loss of a loved one, counseling and therapy are often needed to help survivors on their way to healing, but this is not always financially possible for these families. While
there are established support groups of this sort in existence, they are often not locally based. The Foundation provides financial assistance to these officers to be able to attend post critical incident stress seminars after traumas and tragedies they face in the line of duty. The Foundation also helps with needs that law enforcement officers may face, such as protective gear and general equipment related to their duty as officers. We want these men and women to know that we are aware of the everyday struggles they face. Regarding their willingness to put their lives, increasingly, these days, at risk for little pay and little appreciation, we want them to feel supported and respected by those they serve. They are the thin blue line that stands between us and a lawless society. The Officer Will McGary Memorial Foundation continues to assist the youth of our community by providing an annual monetary award to a high school senior who is selected by Foundation board members from a pool of applicants. This student is nominated by his/her teachers and coaches based on attributes which lead them to believe the student they nominate will be a true asset to the community. We feel that it is important to recognize and promote social responsibility in our young people. To date, the Will McGary Memorial Award has gone out to four seniors: Will Dunavan, Connor English, Traike Elliott and Jacob Rose. Will was athletic and good-natured with a magnetic personality and great sense of humor,
“We are proud to serve those who serve and protect us.” 74 Your Hometown Magazine
and was a positive role model from an early age. He had a loving and generous heart and provided for the possibility of continuing to save and change lives even after his death through the process of organ donation. We actively raise awareness of the need for organ donors. We provide education regarding the impact that the choice to become an organ donor can have on those in need and their families. Will’s story has inspired many, young and old alike. His legacy carries itself forward in the lives of everyone he touched, both in life and in death. We are proud to serve those who serve and protect us.
“His legacy carries itself forward in the lives of everyone he touched, both in life and in death.”
The Officer Will McGary Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization and 100% of your donation goes to support police and youth. To learn more about us, please visit willmcgaryfoundation.org. You may contact us at contact@willmcgaryfoundation.org or by calling 501.288.0790. If you wish to support us, please visit our website or Facebook page where you may donate online, or mail donations to Post Office Box 2128, Conway, AR 72033. We appreciate your support.
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By Jarred Moss
H
ow do you picture yourself in your 60’s? Are you calm? Settled? Retired? Relaxed? Or are you full of life and vigor, fervent and determined? When most people think about 60, they think about retirement – settling down, catching their breath, and taking things slow. But not Don Sebourn. At age 65, Don, a Searcy citizen, is looking to conquer his 11th mountain. Adventure is nothing new to Don, who has proudly visited all 48 of the continental United States. “We might (have) hit three states one year (on vacation,) and 13 or 14 the next, but we stayed in all 48!” All of Don’s life, he’s had a desire to travel, experience the world and accomplish what many view as impossible or unnecessary, but his thirst for adventure has propelled him quite literally to great heights, and wonderful views, teaching him plenty of life lessons along the way. On Don’s walls, one will find an array of pictures featuring himself along with his son, Mitch, a 33-year-old husband and attorney, who also lives in Searcy, standing shoulder to shoulder, beaming from ear-to-ear as they take in what is clearly an astonishing view in the background. Sebourn, a residential remodeler, got into mountain climbing at the age of 59, well later than most people who climb for sport.
“I just thought, ‘I’ll see what I can do.’ That was the main objective,” says Don, a married father of two. “Now I’ve got something to prove to myself. HOW MANY CAN I DO!?” That is the new question. Sebourn wasn’t looking to climb any mountains in his later years. But that all changed one fateful day when his son Mitch extended an invitation to him. It was simple. The two would travel to Colorado, where any mountain enthusiast in America would make a pilgrimage, and trek up a 13,000 ft. hill, with the goal of simply taking in the view. Not one to turn down a challenge, Don gladly accepted the invite, not knowing that it would birth a hobby for himself and his son for years to come. Now 65, Don has climbed 10 mountains in Colorado, 8 of which are higher than 14,000 feet! Or, as Sebourn calls them, “14ers.” Having reached the pinnacle of eight 14ers, Don has a specific system that he and Mitch follow: “We start about 3 a.m. and do our first two or three hours with flashlights. Whatever we miss (seeing) in the dark, we catch on our way back down.” Pointing to pictures of mountain goats, the avid adventurer recounts the experience that one will have reaching the pinnacles of Colorado. Aside from the sense of accomplishment, the two
“We start about 3am and do our first two or three hours with flashlights. Whatever we miss (seeing) in the dark, we catch on our way back down.”
Don Sebourn with son Mitch 76 Your Hometown Magazine
Don and Beverly Sebourn
“So, when you think of retirement, think of all the possibilities! Think of all the opportunities! Think of every proverbial and literal mountain you can, and set out to conquer it.”
always cross paths with multiple climbers, from states all over the nation, all of whom come to check off one more mountain on their list. Most of the time spent ascending is spent in a standard hike. However, the hike doesn’t always come without its challenges. Varying boulder fields come now and then that require a steep climb. In addition, the air is dry and thin, unlike the Arkansas humidity that we are aquainted with, testing the lungs that know a different type of oxygen. “We breathe water here!” says Don, laughing. “I might have to stop every 30 yards or so and lean on a walking stick, but I say, ‘alright, let’s get back up and go again!’” The view atop each 14er always gives ample time and perspective to reflect on what really matters in life, and what is possible when you let go of your fears and try something new. As Sebourn says, “There’s nothing more exciting than being on top of the world!” The average hike is 9 to 10 hours round trip, placing the pair back on the ground around one or two in the afternoon, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, with a picture and a memory to take home. At 65, you’d think a man who’s accomplished 14
hikes as tall as Don has, would be ready to hang his adventure cap up. Hardly. Together, Mitch and Don have intentions of traveling to Southern Colorado and climbing two more 14er’s this year. “We do one or two per year,” says Don, casually. Sebourn has his sights set on getting another 10 to 20 peaks under his belt before the age of 70! At which point, he’ll consider slowing down. But if you know Don as well as his family does, you can’t imagine that’s the case. Though he’s preparing to “officially” retire in the next half-decade, he has no plans of settling down. While others may look at their retired years with quaintness and simplicity, Don looks at his coming years with excitement. “You don’t just have to retire and sit down. There’s more to it. I’d just like people in my age group to know that.” Though Don doesn’t suggest young people wait until they’re 59 to start climbing mountains, he’s enjoying this season of his life with fervency and purpose. “Mitch can’t even find a friend in his age group to do this,” Sebourn says. But he’s up to the challenge each year. Climbing isn’t everything to Don. The lifelong Central Arkansas native cherishes his family above all else, but hiking
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up the steep hillsides to see what only God could have designed gives him perspective, drive, ambition, and motivation to make the most of what he’s come to view as the greatest season of his life. While many his age would view their golden years as the ones behind them, Don is determined to accomplish what few do in the coming years, seeing more, doing more, and achieving more than most will, even in their youth. Whoever said age is just a frame of mind truly must have been thinking about Don. Indeed, his admonishment encourages all who hear: “I want people to realize that there is more to life than retirement.” Challenge accepted. So, when you think of retirement, think of all the possibilities! Think of all the opportunities! Think of every proverbial and literal mountain you can, and set out to conquer it. After all, if Don Sebourn has taught us nothing else, he’s taught us that life starts at 60!
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“Searcy is a place where thousands live like millions wish they could.” ~ Dr. Jimmy Carr 80 Your Hometown Magazine
Photo by Al Fowler
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Thank you to the businesses in this community.
You provide jobs, goods and services. You donate goods and financial help to local charities. You rent or buy real estate and make our town attractive and welcoming. And let’s not forget you also pay plenty of taxes.
You care about this community. You are appreciated!
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Before you buy, consider... How much of your $100 purchase stays in your community when spent at an independent local store
an in-town chain outlet
a remote online store (if delivery driver resides locally)
Information compliments of Š 2015 amiba.net Learn more! bit.do/multiplier
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Over the Counter Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP Harding University College of Pharmacy
Zika Virus Disease By Ana Tran, PharmD Candidate and Jeanie Smith, PharmD, Experiential Education Director What is Zika Virus Disease: Zika virus disease is commonly spread by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.1 Currently, the majority of Zika virus disease cases in the United States are from international travelers returning from countries with active Zika virus disease. As of August 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 29 locally acquired mosquito-borne cases.2 This means that the Zika virus disease is now being carried by the mosquitoes in the United States. Zika Cases Reported in the United States Signs and Symptoms of Zika Virus Disease: Most people with Zika virus disease experience mild symptoms such
as fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain, and headache.3 According to the World Health Organization (WHO) these symptoms usually last 2-7 days.4 In an average adult, Zika virus disease does not lead to serious health problems. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease has been documented.5 Women should wait at least eight weeks and men should wait at least six months if they are infected with Zika virus before trying to get pregnant.6 Health Complications of Zika Virus Disease: The most severe health consequences of Zika virus disease occur in pregnancy. Babies born to mothers with Zika virus disease may develop microcephaly (small head) and other birth defects that can affect the brain. Infants with microcephaly are at risk for seizures, swallowing difficulty, hearing and vision problems, and general developmental delay. These problems can range from mild to severe. There is no cure for microcephaly. Infants with microcephaly may require therapies for developmental delays and medications to control seizures.7 84 Your Hometown Magazine
How to Avoid Zika Virus Disease: There is no vaccine for Zika virus disease.8 The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid mosquito bites and travel to countries with active Zika virus disease. Currently, Zika has been found in central America, South America, the Pacific Islands, and the United States.9 If pregnant women must travel to areas with active Zika virus disease they should talk to their doctors before they leave. All women should avoid mosquito bites by using Environmental Protection Agencyregistered insect repellents such as DEET or oil of citronella.10 Other precautions include wearing long sleeves and long pants and sleeping under mosquito netting.11
References
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/united-states.html http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/symptoms.html http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/ http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/sexual-transmission.html http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/women-and-their-partners.html http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
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Hope By Sha Fordyce hat do you get when you mix some cows, W horses, 600 acres of land, a few houses, displaced children, and all the Sheriffs in Arkansas? THE ARKANSAS
SHERIFF’S YOUTH RANCH! Never heard of it? Neither had I until recently, but after learning of this wonderful gem in our natural state I believe that everyone in Arkansas needs to know about it! I sat down with Matt Cleveland, the Chief Development Officer, to learn more about this wonderful program. The Youth Ranch was founded in 1976 when all of the Sheriffs in Arkansas recognized a need to take care of the children in our state that slip through the cracks and end up displaced and without family to care for them. They sought out a way to reach the children that aren’t usually successful in the foster system, but wouldn’t be successful on their own either. After looking into some programs in other states, namely Alabama and Florida, the Sheriffs answered the call and the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch was born. Did I mention that ALL 75 sheriffs in Arkansas signed the papers to incorporate this program? 86 Your Hometown Magazine
The RANCH: “Like the name sounds, we are actually a working ranch.” The ASYR has horses and a registered beef herd. They raise the cattle, and through that process get lots of education and life experience that the kids can apply long after their time on the Ranch. They hope to reach a herd of 100 cows within a year. The HOMES: “Most of them look like a family style home.” Currently the Batesville campus has four family style homes which are gender specific. There are 3 boys’ homes and 1 girls’ home. Each home has assigned house parents that live in an attached apartment. The house parents care for, raise, and guide the children that live in that specific home. There is also independent living housing on campus for those that have graduated, but desire to continue their journey and transition into adulthood near the people that have been family to them. The YOUTH: “We’re not a summer camp. It’s really like group foster care.” The ASYR kids are admitted from ages 6-17. They specialize in
siblings and also don’t kick out the kids after they turn 18. Instead, they have independent living housing available, which gives them the opportunity to go to college and work with the safety net of family nearby. Just like foster care, the ASYR provides everything that the underage kids need, from food to clothing to counseling through a local center. The families all attend churches, and the kids get to participate in youth groups and enjoy true family upbringing. “We offer permanent homes for kids. It’s not just an in-and-out facility.” The FACTS: There are currently 32 children housed at the Batesville campus, which is full capacity until more cottages can be built. The ASYR has been home to more than 1,300 kids since its founding! The ASYR is 90-95% privately funded. The ASYR is celebrating 40 years of operation! The ASYR serves children in White County, as well. The call to HELP: Finances! Since the program is majority privately funded, the biggest asset you can offer is money to help them continue to operate and expand.
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Has been home to more than 1,300 kids since its founding!
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Is 90-95% privately funded.
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Is celebrating 40 years of operation!
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Serves children in White County, as well.
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There will be a Party at the Ranch this fall to celebrate their 40th anniversary. This is a great event to see first hand the impact this program is making, and be able to support it. You can also help by being a “Hope Builder� (which is a monthly donor) or give to the Barn Raising event. A non-financial way to help is to sign up to be a Relief House Parent. These volunteers step in to give the house parents a vacation and time off. Get in Touch: The website to get more information is: www.youthranches.com They have a Facebook page: @facebook.com/YouthRanches You can also sign up to receive updates from the program. This program is a priceless jewel in our state. There is a foster care crisis in Arkansas. Having a campus that tries to keep siblings together, helps nurture them into successful adults, and continues assistance beyond 18 and graduation is nothing short of a blessing! Not everyone is able to help through fostering, but everyone is able to help a program like this that gives hope and life to kids!
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Business Profile
A Calling
At The Crossing By Kelly Fields
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Her role had reversed from daughter to caregiver. And now, after making the difficult decision to place her dad back into the nursing with her father is one she will never forget. “Tell me a story. Make me laugh,” Glenna remembered home at the advice of her doctor, the roles switched back to what him saying in sign language, sitting eagerly in his she knew as a youngster… a girl and her dad. When Mr. Tatum told Glenna that he wasn’t angry with her anymore, she said he wheelchair in front of her. Glenna’s dad, Calvin Tatum, was a resident at The Crossing told her, “I had lost my daughter. You weren’t funny anymore. at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation in Searcy, where she still Now, you’re funny again.” Glenna explained, “That was my enlightening moment. I had works as the admissions director. Mr. Tatum had made his way to her office that day because he wanted to visit with his daughter shifted from daughter to caregiver and back. It opened my eyes to and hear a funny story. “So, I said, ‘How about the time I drank the necessity of the nursing home. Even though it was important for him to be there, it was more ant poison when I was a little girl,’” important to him to have that father/ Glenna smiled, adding that over the “Each family is unique and has daughter relationship back.” years she had already reminisced The long-standing tale of her about that childhood occurrence with their own story…” ingesting ant poison was the last her dad many times. “By the time I funny story Glenna got to tell her was done, he was laughing out loud, father. He unexpectedly passed and he continued laughing as he away before she saw him again. The wheeled himself back to his room.” Just a couple of days before that, Mr. Tatum had told Glenna memory of her dad’s laughter echoing in the hallway as he wheeled that he wasn’t angry with her anymore. Why, she thought, would himself back to his room brings both a smile and a tear to her face her dad be upset with her? “He was mad at me for putting him in each time she recalls that day. After Glenna placed her father at The Crossing at Riverside, the nursing home,” she explained. “But he told me he wasn’t mad she was hired there to teach sign language to the team members anymore, because God had given him back his daughter.” Glenna had been caring for her father at home for about two so that they could better communicate and meet his needs. She years before her doctor advised her to find alternate care due to the had grown up using sign language because that was how she effects it was having on her health. Mr. Tatum had a stroke, plus communicated with her father and other members of her family he was a diabetic and, above all, he needed special care because who were also deaf. Plus, over the years, Glenna had taught special he was deaf. After the stroke, Glenna admitted her father into a needs children. So it only made sense for her to teach the people rehabilitation center, but later chose to take him home and become who would be caring for her loved one. Her duties at The Crossing at Riverside didn’t stop there. It his full-time caregiver. “He had become totally dependant,” she wasn’t long until she became a part-time receptionist and then said. “We never left him alone.” eventually the full-time admissions director.
he last conversation Glenna Copen had
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Administration knew they had made the best choice when filling the position because of the experience Glenna had with caring for a loved one, and then being faced with the decision to place him in the nursing home. Since beginning her role at The Crossing at Riverside almost seven years ago, Glenna has had the pleasure of helping more than 1,000 families, something in which she takes a lot of pride. Glenna understands that family members feel guilt, feel like they are losing control and are overwhelmed with emotions. “Each family is unique and has their own story … their own set of challenges. Some are crying. Some are laughing. It is an emotional time to spend with a family.” Glenna’s empathy is real. She has been there. She has experienced all of it. And that is the reason Glenna is certain that her position as admissions director at The Crossing at Riverside is a calling from God. “God placed me where He wanted me to be.”
“The memory of her dad’s laughter echoing in the hallway as he wheeled himself back to his room brings both a smile and a tear to her face each time she recalls that day.”
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Fab
DIY NIGHTSTANDS As a part of my recent bedroom makeover, I was in need of a new pair of nightstands. They needed to be tall to go with my bed height, and I preferred real wood so they will last. After checking out the price of a new pair of real wood nightstands I decided that a DIY project would be my best option. While scoping out flea markets, I came across a tall wooden desk for only $55. With a little tweaking it would be the perfect solution for my room.
2 I spray painted the body and drawers of the nightstands. As an optional step, I chose to distress the nightstands as well.
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I began by removing the small middle drawer. I then cut the top out of the middle of the desk, making sure to leave enough overhang to support a new top. This created two individual night stands.
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For the new tops I used reclaimed wooden wall slats from a 1920’s house here in Searcy. I simply cut them to size and attached them with a brad gun. For a more “finished” look, I trimmed out the sides of the new top using the same slats. (I used reclaimed wood to add character. New wood boards work just as well if reclaimed wood is not available or if you prefer a more uniform look.)
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I spray painted and reused the existing hardware. Tip: When spray painting a metal surface, clean it with alcohol first to remove any dirt or oils and to insure the paint will adhere properly.
With a little creativity and a few simple steps, I now have the perfect pair of nightstands for my bedroom that didn’t break the bank!
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Chocolate Swirls Makes Approximately 2 Dozen Cookies
If you are looking for the perfect cookie recipe, this might just very well be what ends your search. The flavor of a really good chocolate chip cookie with the perfect compliment of cream cheese, it almost cannot get any better. At my house we use Zulka sugar, organic dark brown sugar and dark chocolate chips (Guittard or Fair Trade), and these cookies last no longer than a couple of days. I have a friend who requests them when we’re asked to bring a dessert to a function we are attending. Get ready to share the recipe because you will be asked. Follow the directions well when it says not to overstir the melted chocolate into the batter; you want it to have a marbled look. Enjoy!
Combine 1/2 c. sugar (1/3 c. if using Zulka raw sugar, found at Walmart) 1/2 c. dark brown sugar 1/2 c. softened butter 3 oz cream cheese 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 2 c. unbleached flour
In a large mixing bowl combine both sugars and the butter and cream well. Add cream cheese, egg, and vanilla and cream again. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk to incorporate. Add dry mixture to the wet, creamed mixture and mix well. STIR in the cooled chocolate just until it looks marbled; do not over-stir!
Scoop
With a cookie dough scoop, drop by scoopfuls onto ungreased shiny baking sheets and bake in a 350 degree, preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Allow to cool and remove from baking sheets.
1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 c. dark chocolate chips, melted then cooled to room temperature
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. 94 Your Hometown Magazine
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Across 1. A ______ at peace miraculously alleviates worrying and stress. 6. Don typically mountain climbs with his son ______. 7. Cameron believes that feeling part of a community must be ______. 8. ASYR hopes to reach a herd of a ______ cows within a year.
What word is shorter when you add two letters to it?
Down 2. People like Tracy show us that no matter what your background, you can make a ______ on a large scale. 3. Lori found that meditation time allows her to lay aside her mental ______. 4. Patrolman Denison explains that while many people are in a hurry and try to get ahead, it is good to stop and ______. 5. White County is the ______ largest county in the state by road mileage.
Can you rearrange the letters in new door to make one word?
Find The Answers On
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Keep your head up. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an Official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration. Let’s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state! SearcyLiving.com 97
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