Searcy Living Issue 6 2013 by Searcy Living

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issue 6 2013

Out & About How To Catch Success

Healthy Boundaries

Local Artist Betsy Ridout

Cultivating A Servant’s Heart

Blessings In Guatemala

Chicken Soup For The Soul Book

A New Way To “Nuke” Cancer

Character Of The Sport

Comm”you”nity Theatre

A Dramatic Expression Of Art

Domestic Violence Prevention

Sleepless In Searcy

The Biggest Winner

Sports Safety

Warm Ups & Stretching

“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” – Paul “Bear” Bryant

Publisher’s Note

Hope Believe

Fashion Fun

Living In Searcy

We The People

Fab Do It Yourself

Out & About

Over The Counter

Dinner & A Magazine

Tiny Changes

Games & Puzzles

On the Cover

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Photo by Kimberly Brackins (501) 279-1515 www.kbrackins.com

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Publisher Christine Walker Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson Graphic Assistant Ikey Ray Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell Makeover Coordinator Christine Locke Customer Service Chasity Thomas Contributing Independent Photographers Kimberly Brackins (501)279-1515 George Dillin (501)268-9304 Cassie Jones (501)230-0539 Candace Skarda (501)281-6297 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 2013 Shark Promotions LLC. Searcy Living, Cabot Living, and Your Hometown Magazine are trademarks of Shark Promotions. All rights reserved. Ownership, rights, and logos are property of their respected businesses. No part may be reproduced without written permission. Shark Promotions LLC is not responsible for claims, misprints, discrepancies, advice of any kind, or content in advertisements or editorials, but will rectify errors in forthcoming issues.

Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.

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“Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points.” – Knute Rockne

In some things, it seems you just have to fail over and over again before you finally learn the right way to handle it, or just to leave it alone. But does it really have to be that way? This issue is full of suggestions that could help inspire us all. From steering clear of toxic relationships to character quotes from local teens, I hope this issue of Searcy Living makes a positive connection with you. After all, no one is perfect, but a journey to a more positive future for ourselves, our families and our community is a goal that I think most of us probably have in common. We love getting your photos and stories, because YOU are what Searcy Living is all about! Please remember to feel free to e-mail (searcylivingphotos@yahoo.com) those that you would like to share. And, as always, thank you for reading Searcy Living.

Christine

“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’”

Find Us On Remember The Extras On

– C. S. Lewis

Living In Searcy

“Life is a book unwritten.” Page 26

Healthy Boundaries

“Build your reputation, and do it carefully and consistently. It’s important that others know what you stand for and what to expect from you. Then, don’t waiver.”

Sports Safety

“...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...” Page 75

Page 24

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

Our H I S T O R Y

hirteen years ago I made the decision to leave another auto dealership and open East Park Autoplex. It was March 2000, and looking back now, I see that it was one of the best decisions of my life because it gave me the opportunity to work more closely with clients. Right from the beginning, we had a vision to create a family atmosphere where we could do business in a stress free environment. Not just for our employees, but for our customers as well. After I lost my son Marcus in 2002, I realized that those two years at the start-up had given me the opportunity to spend more time with him as my partner. This business means so much to me as I have that memory of the daily time I shared with my son as we worked together. It is a vital part of the core of this business that I will always treasure.

We have great financing with a variety of lenders to choose from. Every valued client has a different need that we can match up with one of our many lenders. These lenders can provide excellent interest rates to customers with an adequate credit rating, or assist people who might have had some bumps along the road. Another aspect that sets us apart is having our very own onsite service department. At East Park Autoplex, we service what we sell and we are there to help, not only when you purchase your vehicle, but if you encounter a service issue further down the road. Appointments can even be made on our website or our Facebook page, as well. At East Park Autoplex, our integrity, our commitment and our loyal customers are the reason for our success over the last 13 years, and we stand ready to continue to serve you! We have been voted best place to buy pre-owned vehicles the last nine out of eleven years. Complete customer satisfaction was and continues to be our number one goal. And I want to thank you for being a friend, neighbor, and a welcomed part of the East Park family.

Terry M urphy Owner East Park Autoplex

Our dealership was born with the principles of honesty and integrity in the way we treat our customers. Because we have established this set of values in our business, our customers can appreciate a pleasant and professional buying experience. We have been rewarded many times over with every happy customer that drives off of our lot. A part of our Mission Statement is: “We sell quality vehicles at reasonable prices, backed by superb service before and after the sale.” Those are not just empty words. It is what we stand for and it is the promise you receive with all your automotive needs for many years to come. We want your East Park experience of purchasing a quality vehicle to be the most pleasant transaction possible from start to finish.

East Park Autoplex Team Cecil Cranford, Ronnie Burress, Barry Webb, Terry Murphy, Rob Allen, Jason Harwell, Brenda Rash

1011 Truman Baker Drive • Searcy, Arkansas • (501) 368-0940 www.eastparkautoplex.com • Find Us On Facebook Open Monday-Friday 8-6, Saturday 8-4

Hope Believe

Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. Most are in care due to abuse or extreme neglect.

* The Searcy Living Foster Care Boutique

The Searcy Living Foster Care Boutique is simply a room we have dedicated in the Searcy Living business office to helping foster families in need. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations, and DHS case workers and foster parents are able to “shop” for what they need for foster and disadvantaged children at no cost. Our office is located at 812 S. Main Street in Searcy. We welcome gently used or new items. Thank you, Searcy, for your generosity and time spent to support the Foster Care Boutique!

Thank You! Professional Escrow & Title Company Thank you to Professional Escrow for hosting the diaper drive last month! And thank you to all the sponsors:

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” – Mother Teresa

Heart & Soul - Mark Mercer First Security Bank Yarnell’s Think Advertising Harps Calvary Baptist Church H2O Graphics

As the old Proverb says, sometimes it does take a village to raise a child. Not one entity can provide the resources and support for all the children in need, but we can pull together and do our part. The children that the Foster Care Boutique helps are sometimes the most extreme needs in the community. Thank you for the clothing, diapers, and volunteer hours you have provided to this project. 16 Your Hometown Magazine

Thank You!

1,000

We do our best to provide â&#x20AC;&#x153;shoppingâ&#x20AC;? bags for the foster parents and case workers so they can fill it up for every child. This used to help us keep up with how many children were being served. We were over 1,000 bags some time ago, however we have lost count over the past year or so. Just know that your donations are helping A LOT of children!

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Needed Items

for the Foster Care Boutique • Socks and under clothes. • Diapers! All sizes. Never ending need. • Volunteers to sort. (No need to call for appointment, just stop by the Searcy Living office during volunteer hours between 1pm and 5pm.)

“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.” – Mother Teresa

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Thank You!

o Thank Y

Thanks for the donation from the employees of UAMS Kids First - Searcy

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Melissa Prince of Hays selected a fashionable outfit for our autumn makeover, Mary Ann Goldman. Robin Martin of Bliss Salon & Boutique styled Mary Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hair, and Doris Yates of Before Cosmetic Studio provided cosmetics. Taylor Howard Photography preserved memories of the day. Many thanks to our generous makeover sponsors!

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SPONSORS

Christine Locke Makeover Coordinator

3005 E. Race St. • Searcy (501) 268-0800 www.haysstore.com Makeup by

Doris Yates at

In the Heart & Soul Plaza 1623 E. Beebe-Capps • Searcy (501) 279-2526 Hair by

robin martin at

219 W. Market Ave. Downtown Searcy (501) 279-2544

1625 E. Beebe-Capps • Searcy (870) 917-8012 www.thowardphotography.com Turn the page for more fashion and beauty retailers. >>>>>>>>

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Difficult relationships are far more

than a nuisance; they can cause anxiety, burnout, clinical depression and even physical illness. Healthy relationships at work can propel you to great heights of achievement; dysfunctional or toxic ones will tether you to mediocrity. When we mismanage relationships, the fall-out affects productivity and quite possibly our ability to advance. Your social and interpersonal success depends on your ability to set the kinds of boundaries that encourage mutual respect. Every relationship you have influences you. There are no neutral relationships; each one lifts you up or weighs you down. They move you forward or hold you back. They help you or they hurt you. When you know how to handle relationships appropriately, it will make the difference between a fulfilling work life or one that is riddled with disappointment, failure, and regret. Setting Boundaries with Toxic People One of the best ways to deal with unhealthy people is to set boundaries. Healthy boundaries keep frustration and confusion low. Boundaries remind people of what is acceptable to you and what is reasonable to expect from you. Boundaries prevent unhealthy people from taking up too much of your time, energy, or resources – all precious commodities. Be warned, toxic people don’t like boundaries because they want to shift responsibilities according to their mood. They will not set the boundaries for you.

“Healthy relationships at work can propel you to great heights of achievement.”

Here are 4 ways you can set boundaries: oo Manage Your Time. Set a limit on the amount of time you spend beyond the hours needed to be around the toxic individual. Rigidity douses the flames of collegiality but blurred lines lead to confusion and frustration. oo Express Yourself. Reveal aspects of your personality that will reinforce your values. Sometimes it’s a matter of letting people in a little bit to help keep your boundaries intact. oo Play Your Part. Everyone plays a role: the victim, the brown-noser, the star, the slacker, the go-to guy. Build your reputation, and do it carefully and consistently. It’s important that others know what you stand for and what to expect from you. Then, don’t waiver. oo Change the Conversation. Hanging out or working close quarters or for long periods of time sometimes blur the lines. Here are suggested words to say to help you stay focused and away from nonproductive behavior: “Let’s focus on finishing the task at hand instead of the latest gossip so we can get home.” ∂ ---1 Association for Psychological Type International, APTI

7 Tale-Tell Signs of a Toxic Relationship How to know? You’re in a toxic relationship when they: oo Stifle your talent and limit your opportunities for advancement. oo Twist circumstances and conversations to their benefit. oo Chide or punish you for a mistake rather than help you correct it. oo Remind you constantly or publicly of a disappointing experience or unmet expectation. oo Take credit or withhold recognition for new ideas and extra effort. oo Focus solely on meeting their goals and do so at your expense. oo Fail to respect your need for personal space and time.

Field expert Van Moody is the author of The People Factor (an upcoming release by publisher Thomas Nelson) and a motivational speaker who advises on matters related to relationships as they pertain to friends, family, significant others and the workplace. He is a “People Scholar” who helps others build their “Relational IQ” to achieve success at home, in their social circles, and in business. He may be reached online at www.vanmoody.com. Your heart is precious and should only be given (in friendships and other relationships) to people who love Jesus first and foremost. ~Unknown 24 Your Hometown Magazine

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Story by Hazel Halliburton IN SEARCY

inside t he reaper home

“I think that when you invite people to your home, you invite them into yourself.”

– Oprah Winfrey

hen being invited into the home of Frank and Tina W Reaper, you know you have been invited into something special. You can see the time and love that has been put into this place

that so many call home. Imagine a page from a Better Homes and Garden magazine and that is what you will see when you walk into the home of Frank and Tina Reaper, but only better. The house’s sprawling “New England” style has mass curb appeal with its grey rock boundaries and black brick paved sidewalks with winding ivy and blue vinca in the flower beds. Each window is adorned with cottage style window boxes, blooming with seasonal flowers and green ferns. Walking up the brick sidewalk into their house, you can tell that you are about to enter something special. Decorated with fall decor and colorful leaves, guests receive a warm seasonal welcome. The Reapers felt that the most important aspect of decorating their home should not be a certain style or theme, but more a collaboration of Reaper and Carter family stories and memories attached to each  The formal living room is a true testimonial to the early colonial idea of a front parlor provided for special company and good conversation.

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and every item that graces their home. This becomes evident on entering the foyer, where you are immediately reminded that home is where the heart is. To the right of the foyer, is the formal dining area. China once belonging to Tina’s grandmother and great-grandmother grace the table and fill built-in shelves. It brings to mind remembrances of times when visitors were accorded special dishes and the good silver, and furniture was made to last, with a reflection of one’s own heritage. The top half of the walls are painted in an antique blue, while the bottom half is covered with brown textured tin, showing that the Reapers truly pay attention to details. The downstairs floor plan is open and welcoming, with a touch of grace and elegance. White columns separate the formal dining room and living room. The formal living room is a true testimonial to the early colonial idea of a front parlor provided for special company and good conversation. The French door coffee table immediately draws your attention. According to Frank, it was an old door at a flea market, a $10 find. Repairing the glass panes, scraping and repainting and then attaching carved wooden legs and an old brass door handle, they set out to create a visual focal point. Candlewick goblets and an old side window added an additional layer of depth and interest to the center piece. Decorated with vintage hats, gloves, furs, and a silver tea service you can appreciate the love spent in placing each time honed object. From the formal living room you are afforded a view onto the back  Above the double windows and the kitchen sink hangs yellow patio and swimming pool, by wide windows and a set of chevron and burlap curtains which Tina made with the Reaper’s family French doors. name draped across. Opening into the kitchen, sunlight transitions changes into a

The Reaper’s felt that the most important aspect of decorating their home should not be a certain style or theme, but more a collaboration of Reaper and Carter family stories and memories attached to each and every item that graces their home.

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deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

 The Trophy Room

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cheerful yellow theme and adds a trendy French shabby chic look and a combination of the old and the new. Above the double windows and the kitchen sink hangs yellow chevron and burlap curtains which Tina made with the Reapers’ family name draped across. One of the most unique items in the kitchen had to have been the wedding dress tablecloth. Taking a 1950’s vintage wedding dress and cutting off the top, Tina made a lovely tablecloth that is truly elegant and feminine. Although the tablecloth was quite unique, I think the most impressive piece must have been the cabinet. Frank found this piece, which was once attached to a wall, in an apartment building that was being remodeled. Frank attached molding to the sides, a decorative trim all around, put cabinet legs on it and painted it the same antiqued cream as the French door coffee table and the furniture in the living room (an old wooden couch and chair found in Tina’s parents’ back barn, painted and reupholstered). One would assume the cabinet came from a furniture store, never knowing that it was a recycled piece. The next room is the trophy room. This is a room for the Reapers’ combined five boys to just be boys. Overly large, with painted concrete floors and comfortable easy to clean furniture, this room is kid-friendly and is a great place for family and friends to relax and have fun. Shelves wrap around the entire room filled with trophies, ribbons, plaques and pictures attesting to many years filled with basketball, football, baseball, and wrestling, with a few hunting tributes rounding out the entire male persona; sports are definitely a huge part of the Carter-Reaper family. When asking Tina what her favorite room in the house would be, she lead us to her dressing room and then into the solarium off the master bedroom, and it was easy to see

why. While the house was designed and decorated to provide a backdrop for raising five very active boys, there needed to be a space that was just about a girl. With a home filled with loud active men to contend with on a daily basis, privacy is at a premium. Frank and the boys know better than to enter the “inner sanctum” and disturb the peace, which could initiate a “Code Red” and a full evacuation. Frank’s sense of humor about his family is truly inspirational. Going upstairs, the first thing you see is the hallway wall painted as a chalkboard from the chair railing down. Each season the message is changed on the wall to reflect the sport or event in which the family is involved. Above the chair railing is an inspiring Carter family motto: “You play the way you practice.” With two out of their five boys still at home, Tina has made sure to put special effort into making sure each boy’s room has a mother’s loving touch and a reflection of their personal taste and styles. One is decorated in Searcy Lions’ red and black, while the other is decorated in neutral tones with the

The boys’ bedrooms

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lyrics of his favorite hymn displayed on the walls. The entire upstairs was designed to house a large family with livable yet interesting spaces. The guest room affords overnight visitors a warm and tranquil space to stay the night. The playroom is painted blue with sport wallpaper, curtains made from their football jerseys and a baseball diamond integrated into the carpet. The boys’ “man cave” walls are covered in their old baseball jerseys and quilts made by their “nana” after they graduated from high school, reflecting many of the activities and events they had participated in. Tina’s gym and workout room rounds off the upstairs nicely and reflects a very active family. The Reaper home was well designed, combining old with new and adorned with family touches. This house really was better than a magazine: picturesque but still inviting. Frank and Tina Reaper have perfected the art of making individuals into a family, and a house into a home. ∂ “When it comes to developing character strength, inner security and unique personal and interpersonal talents and skills in a child, [nothing compares to] the home’s potential for positive influence.” – Stephen Covey

 The guest bedroom.

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 The master bedroom.

DIY Some of our favorite ideas from the Reaper home. Chalkboard table

Eclectic mix of patterns and colors

What do we see in this basket? • A sign that says “what is important to our family” • One of the family’s favorite pastimes. • Decorative style. What do you see?

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Locks of Love Bill Golla, owner of U.S. Truck Accessories, recently donated his hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from longterm medical hair loss from any diagnosis. A special thanks to Stylist Robin Martin of Bliss Salon!

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WCSPSF, Inc. Alumni Council Workshop The first ever WCSPSF, Inc. Alumni Council Workshop was held recently at ASU Searcy, with 15 people in attendance. Amy Daniels, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, spoke to the single parent students on How to Survive On a Shoestring Budget. This photo shows the Alumni Council presenting a plaque of appreciation to Daniels. Pictured from left to right are Twany Meza, Christina Pinner, Amy Daniels, Debbie Elgen, and Tracey Jackson. The White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Inc. provides scholarships to White County single parents of minor children who are pursuing post-secondary education with the goal of attaining skilled employment. Since its beginning in 1999, WCSPSF, Inc. has awarded 425 scholarships with a combined value of almost $222,000. For more information about WCSPSF, Inc., contact Executive Director Dan Newsom at 501-230-2414.

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Ten Years of Service State Farm Agent Blake Hendrix presents office manager Marsha Williams with a crystal plaque honoring her 10 years of good neighbor service with his agency.

Special Olympics Bowling Tournament Ahlf Junior High School students in Mrs. Jona Bowmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class competed in the Special Olympics bowling tournament on November 5. Pictured are athletesÂ Ethan McGrath, Kelly Albright, Andrew Hearn, Kimberli Juarez, Ariana Montoya, Rachel Dietz, Jasper Jones, Ms. Ava Laidler (assistant coach), Ms. Jona Bowman (coach), and Mrs. Karlette Saunders (assistant coach).

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K-Life Golf Tournament

by Jennifer Skinner

How much was raised at the tournament? Approximately $12,000 Who won the different events? Hopkins Ortho won the entire tournament shooting a 53, Jerry Gooch won the Pro Drive, and Cam Woodruff won closest to the pin. Who won the bid to play on the John Daly team? Dr. Brad White won the bid to play with John Daly. Is K-Life a non-profit organization and what types of things will be done with the money raised? Yes, as an NPO, all of the money used to run and operate Searcy K-Life is from private donations. Between salaries for the Chapter Director (myself) and the Women’s Director (Beki Martin), location upkeep (house, utilities, maintenance), and money for activities and events it takes roughly $80,000 per year to keep the doors open. The golf tournament is our biggest fund raiser every year, roughly pulling in 1/8 of our yearly funding for the one event. And while this event was a huge success, it still leaves us incredibly short of what we need to operate. We are always looking for one-time or, even better, monthly donors who are willing to partner with us in this cause. How does the organization help build character in working with youth through sports? At K-Life our goal is to immerse ourselves in the Searcy community. It’s not just about our weekly Clubs where, through athletic activities, games and competitions, we teach the kids the value of good sportsmanship, cooperation, fair play and honesty. It’s also about being at all the athletic activities and showing what it means to be a fan that encourages enthusiastically without a negative attitude towards refs, coaches, or the other team. It’s helping a kid improve their skills by taking them out to go practice field goal kicking, helping with the rock wall at Zion, or helping coach at Upward Basketball. As a youth organization, we want kids to grow up to be productive members of society, but never lose that spark of imagination that seems to fade all too quickly the older we get. ~Josh Monroe

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Each year the Arkansas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Card Committee selects a Featured Artist to accompany the patient artist featured in the Holiday Card project. This year the committee selected Betsy Ridout. Betsy Ridout began painting with her handicapped brother, Danny, who suffered severe brain damage after a car accident. Betsy began to draw original art for her brother, setting each canvas up like a paint-by-number kit. It was in these endeavors with Danny that Betsy, an attorney and photographer, acquired her unconventional training in art. She lives and paints in Searcy with her husband and four sons. â&#x2C6;&#x201A;

By Featured Artist Betsy Ridout, Searcy, AR Inside Message: His eyes - how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! -Clement Moore May the magic of Christmas always live in your heart. 20 Cards $20.00 Card sponsored by The Ridout Companies To Order Cards: www.giving.archildrens.org/holidaycards

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Fab Visit my booth at The Bee’s Knees to see more projects!

PLAYROOM MAKEOVER PART:6

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Supplies

The simplest way to soften a room’s look and to give it that “homey” feeling is to add window treatments. To conclude our playroom makeover, I will show you how to make simple no-sew patchwork curtains. These curtains work especially well for a child’s room because the multi-colored effect gives versatility to easily change the room’s color without having to buy new window treatments.

. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Window Panels Per Window (Not Sheer) Fabric Remnants Fabric Adhesive Pinking Shears

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Start by ironing window panels and remnants making sure to get rid of any creases.

Cut out fabric remnants into “patches” making sizes and shapes of your choice. I have chosen to use pinking shears to avoid fraying and to add interest. If you choose to use regular scissors, be sure and use Fray Check.

Lay your curtain panel out flat on your work surface.

Apply fabric adhesive to one of your patches, making sure to apply well in the corners. There are many forms of fabric adhesive, but make sure to choose one that is permanent and washable.

Press patch firmly onto your curtain panel making sure the entire piece is lying flat. Continue with each patch. You can add only a few patches, cover the entire panel, or anywhere in between.

Allow adhesive to dry. (Usually overnight.)

The finished product is a whimsical burst of color that adds fun and texture to any room. SearcyLiving.com 39

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Kelly VanHook Exec. Broker

reduced

4 BedroomS

136 N. Sawmill MLS 10353474 $94,900 Janice Wright 501.230.7739

421 Palmer MLS 10359104 $229,900 Janice Wright 501.230.7739

NeW LISTING!

4 Bedroom/Shop

2416 Cattail, Searcy MLS NEW $154,900 Shelley Dietz 501.827.2239

46 Rosewood MLS 10336416 $195,000 Shelley Dietz 501.827.2239

reduced prIce

uNIQue deSIGN

1812 W. Center MLS 10359976 $135,000 Judy Johnson 501.305.1503

108 Ridge Place MLS 10359397 $159,900 Judy Johnson 501.305.1503

2 Ac.-NeW LISTING

NeW LISTING

164 Cut Off Rd. MLS 10365945 $29,000 Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

1001 W. Mcrae MLS 10365718 $68,000 Brenda Morea 501.322.5957

prIce reduced

4 AcreS

17 Meadowlane MLS 10357964 $139,000 Greg Angel 501.230.9707

663 Honey Hill MLS 10359678 $159,900 Greg Angel 501.230.9707

9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceILINGS

reduced-4Br/4BA

22 Meadowview MLS 10348876 $145,000 Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

156 Panther Trail MLS 10328940 $339,900 Kelly VanHook 501.230.4567

501.230.4567

Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

Roxanne Miles 501.827.5403

Greg Angel 501.230.9707

Janice Wright 501.230.7739

Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

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All Listings...One Site. SearcyHomes.com

501.268.2445 • 1560 W. Beebe-Capps, Suite A • Searcy, AR 72413 www.facebook.com/dalrympleresidential BUilding & 5 Acres

greAt BUilding site

Over 2 Acres

MAin level MAster

904 Eastline MLS 10356589 $650,000 Janice Wright 501.230.7739

2 Plainview Meadows MLS 10339483 $22,900 Janice Wright 501.230.7739

123 Adler Creek MLS 10346722 $133,900 Janice Wright 501.230.7739

2408 Deauville MLS 10354248 $239,900 Shelley Dietz 501.827.2239

.86 Acres/PAved rd.

redUced

redUced Price

112 Woodland MLS 10281373 $12,900 Tom Worley 501.278.0805

136 Ponderosa MLS 10362265 $136,000 Tom Worley 501.278.0805

112 Apache MLS 10356296 $114,900 Roxanne Miles 501.827.5403

141 Ponytail MLS 10335488 $259,900 Roxanne Miles 501.827.5403

30 Acres

lArge sUnrOOM

tAll ceilings

4 BedrOOM/2 BAth

1443 Hwy 64-Beebe MLS 10360397 $365,000 Judy Johnson 501.305.1503 Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

2401 Normandy MLS 10353904 $164,900 Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

2107 Daniel MLS 10352288 $179,500 Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

2028 Hwy 16 MLS 10351602 $109,000 Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

new listing

redUced

edge Of seArcy

5 Acres w/POnd

2955 Hwy 16 MLS 10360948 $62,900 Brenda Morea 501.322.5957

524 Peacock MLS 10332460 $80,900 David Dale 501.281.3017

272 Johnston MLS 10340413 $179,500 David Dale 501.281.3017

167 Fairview MLS 10333344 $124,900 David Dale 501.281.3017

5.64 Acres

4 Acres

new listing

1805 Del Sur MLS 10363440 $229,000 Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

164 Deer Trail MLS 10362748 $239,900 Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

2826 W Country Club MLS 10365880 $178,500 Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

2102 Jonathan Lane MLS 10366965 $125,000 Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

freshly PAinted

redUced/POOl

MOve-in reAdy

2111 Caleb MLS 10357538 $169,900 Kelly VanHook 501.230.4567

101 Kerryville MLS 10357666 $239,900 Kelly VanHook 501.230.4567

2309 Saxony MLS 10354317 $259,900 Kelly VanHook 501.230.4567

Tom Worley 501.278.0805

Brenda Morea 501.322.5957

Judy Johnson Exec. Broker 501.305.1503

Shelley Dietz 501.827.2239

David Dale 501.281.3017

We can show you any property listed by any company!

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ST M AR K

ED FRO M

HEAR T

Cultivating the heart of a servant is guiding the minds of children and teens to think outside of themselves. This kind of training stands opposed to the primary concerns we see today where the focus of our culture and society is more on seeking to fulfill our own personal happiness and comfort and making sure our kids have the same. This preoccupation for self-fulfillment can stand in the way of cultivating a life that is pleasing to God. So where do we start? I believe the heart of the servant first begins with submission to God and God-ordained authority. This frees the heart to look outside of self and seek to meet the real needs of others. There is no question that if our children are going to grow and mature into Christ-like character, they must experience progress in giving of themselves in ministry to and for others and to do whatever it takes to accomplish what is best for others. Philippians 2:3-5 calls us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Cultivating this servant heart in student L.I.F.E. (Living Intentionally For Eternity), CrossPointe students focused their attention on filling boxes for children in Nicaragua. For three weeks items were purchased or made, and shoe boxes were

wrapped. Then during L.I.F.E., they worked together in teams of older students helping younger students to put together 50 Christmas boxes. It was fun to watch as items were selected to put in the boxes and then nicely packed all together. After the Christmas box was ready, the individual group prayed for the child who would be receiving the box. It was a powerful teaching moment! The boxes will be delivered to the children of Nicaragua through the program “Smile For A Child At Christmas.” Last year’s program delivered more than 10,000 Christmas shoe boxes and still had more requests. CPP had a goal to do 10 more boxes than last year, hopefully providing a few more smiles. Praise God! You can find out more about this project by going to www.misionparacristo.com. ∂

“Cultivating the heart of a servant is guiding the minds of children and teens to think outside of themselves.”

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By Dr. Jason Bolding

A bout 16 years ago,

following a church service, Pastor shown in a mighty way. Our vision was to build a mobile dental clinic in a shipping Keith stopped me at the door. Little did I know that the words he spoke over me would impact my life for many years to container, so we could reach remote villages where other dentists come. As he put his hand on my shoulder, he began to speak of have not gone before and to have a platform to spread God’s how the talents God had given me in my profession would open word. Months of preparation in the logistics of how to ship the doors to places others could not go. At the time I did not fully container, acquiring the container, equipment, supplies, and construction would fly by quickly. So, in June, my wife understand what Pastor Keith had spoken over me. Becky and I, our son Jacob, and daughters Later that day, my wife and I spoke about Megan and Jordan left for Guatemala what was said and she revealed to me to meet up with the Siklosi’s and how God had placed a desire in “One thing that God really brought some students from Harding her heart for missions. And thus home with me is that no matter how old University to spread God’s love our journey began. through dentistry. Little did we From local missions, to you are you can make a difference and know that our vision for the Mexico, to Africa, and now change the world.” mobile clinic would be held up in to our most recent trip to customs. Through God’s wisdom, Guatemala, one thing that stands – Megan we planned ahead with our supplies in firm is that it has to be God’s plan. case we could not get to our container. One “For I know the plans I have for you,” of our biggest prayers throughout the preparation was declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you call on me and the ability for our team to use the container, but God had a different come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and plan. Instead, He found us a small village church to work out of. God’s plan was to take a small one room, cinder block church find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:1113) Our good friends Gabor and Candy Siklosi and their family and make it into a temporary dental clinic where His love could moved to Guatemala a little over a year ago and started Global be poured out. The church had a new pastor with only about a 20 Community Works. They enable members of a community to member congregation. Through the pastor’s generosity, over 100 obtain the knowledge, skills or tools to make a living and support new people came into God’s house where their dental and spiritual their family. They establish relationships where God’s love can be needs could be taken care of. “One of the major benefits of this

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trip was the credibility it brought to us as an organization. We were promising a dental clinic, and we were able to deliver on our word. All the work was done with quality and genuine concern for the patient. They were treated with dignity and grace, which is surely an opportunity to show the love of God,” stated Gabor Siklosi, leader of GCW. Part of the culture in Monjas is if you’re invited into the home for a meal, then you are considered accepted into the community or family. The village leader invited our team and the pastor to his house for a meal, demonstrating how God used His plan to open doors in the area. God’s spirit was thick sitting around a dinner table eating chicken soup. We spent three days in the church treating the people of the village. It was awesome watching how our team functioned as a unit, and seeing how everyone stepped in and took over a role. From translating, information gathering, sterilization and assisting, to the best part - playing with the kids and expressing God’s love. I was especially proud of how our team’s children took over roles and ministered to the villagers as well. Jordan, my 11 year old daughter, said, “Getting to play with all of the children was one of the things I loved. This one kid would come up with his brother every day and wait for me to come and play with him. The beautiful country was a display of God’s wonderful creation.”

Jason and Becky treating a patient. My daughter Megan reflected on the trip as well, “One of my favorite experiences was the first day. We went to the little concrete church and got to meet some amazing people. It was my favorite because all of the people there just had a feeling of innocence and complete and genuine thankfulness about them. It blew me away that we just take simply going to the dentist for granted and they didn’t show an ounce of fear or regret. The pastor of the church told us that he had never seen that many people around that area before. I feel that the bond we formed with the people led more souls to Christ, and when he said that I knew that is what God wanted and He was pleased with us. One thing that God really brought home with me is that no matter how old you are, you can make a difference and change the world. We touched the lives of so many people and I can’t even describe the impact that their beautiful smiles had on me. I hope that I can go back soon and that more people will realize the difference that they can make.”

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“Getting to play with all of the children was one of the things I loved. This one kid would come up with his brother every day and wait for me to come and play with him. The beautiful country was a display of God’s wonderful creation.” – Jordan The next day we drove a couple of hours up into mountains, and saw some of the most breathtaking views of the country. Beautiful jungle areas, mountain streams, and, planted on the steep hillsides, elaborate rows of coffee plants. It was just amazing to see how steep of a hillside they harvest the coffee beans from. As we emerged from the jungle, there sat a small wood-planked farm house - our dental clinic for the day. When we began to set up for the day, you could just feel that God was there. He had provided a special place for us to work out of. Soon after we had prayed to get our day started, from out of the edge of the jungle emerged our patients. They were walking in from the hillsides with sacks of coffee beans on their shoulders. One of my most memorable thoughts from the mountain clinic is of one special little boy. As I was working on a patient, I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye. Peeking in from the edge of the door was this five year old little boy. He was just watching us work and wondering what we would have to do to him. When it was his turn to be seen, I could tell he was very frightened. He began to cry, knowing I would have to take out one of his teeth. I saw someone grab the boy’s hand and begin to tell him it would be ok. It was his father. I was a little stunned that it was the boy’s father there comforting him instead of a mother. How precious it was to see the father take care of his son. What a great example of how our heavenly Father takes care of us. My son Jacob said, “Getting to do work on the

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– Psalm 127:1 SearcyLiving.com 51

“Getting to do work on the people less fortunate than I am was a blessing.” – Jacob

“My experience in Guatemala was one of AWE...” – Becky

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people less fortunate than I am was a blessing. They were super nice and always treated us with the highest respect. It showed me how much I really do have and how good I really have it.” “My experience in Guatemala was one of AWE,” my wife Becky added. “Getting to go and do what God has put in my heart for many, many years was just amazing. Getting the people to trust us enough to even come sit in the chair for us to examine and do dental work was something we didn’t have to worry about. God went before us and prepared the way. He prepared the people of Guatemala, as well as, [having] prepared us for the amount of work that needed to be done. Without Him, we would not have accomplished all that we did. Another cool thing was to get to serve God and serve the communities in Guatemala with my whole family. I got to watch my kids serving others with a smile.” The trip was amazing. Even without our mobile dental clinic, through God’s help we were able to see around 130 people. We did over 160 extractions, and we did over 230 fillings. Our goal was to save more teeth than we took out. The container is now out of customs and we are planning another trip to get the clinic ready. Not only will we use it next time we go, but other medical and dental groups are planning on trips in the near future to use the mobile clinic. None of this would have been possible with out the local support and donations from dentists, businesses, and man power. To God be the glory. ∂

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Local Resident Shares Story In Chicken Soup For The Soul: Miraculous Messages From Heaven Ann Elizabeth Robertson

Searcy resident Ann Elizabeth Robertson’s story

“Ears to Hear” is featured in the new Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miraculous Messages from Heaven. Ann Elizabeth Robertson’s years teaching secondary English and art (M.A. in writing) continue in her love of combining artistic and written expressions: relevant symbols of struggles and triumphs in God’s powerful scheme of things. She and her husband have four children and five grandchildren. Learn more at www.annelizabethrobertson.com. The contributors to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miraculous Messages from Heaven (Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, October 2013, 978-1611599268, $14.95), experienced a painful loss but were inspired and comforted by a connection from beyond. From stories of dreams and premonitions, to heavenly messengers and answered prayers, to divine visits from loved ones, the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miraculous Messages from Heaven demonstrate that powerful and miraculous signs from beyond can happen to anyone. These miraculous accounts of answered prayers, love that doesn’t die and heavenly messages will renew your faith. They are truly hopeful and inspiring – and wonderful for anyone who has lost a loved one. ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes the famous “Chicken Soup for Soul” book series. In 2007, USA Today named “Chicken Soup for the Soul” one of the five most memorable books in the last quarter century. With over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada alone, almost 250 titles in print and translations into more than 40 languages, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” is one of the world’s

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best-known phrases. Today, 20 years after it first began sharing readers’ experiences, Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to provide extraordinary stories through its new books but has also evolved beyond the bookstore. Chicken Soup for the Soul is known for high quality products including wholesome and balanced pet food that recognizes the unique relationship between pets and people and a new line of delicious nutritious comfort food inspired by the connection between food and feelings. Chicken Soup for the Soul is “always there for you.” For more information visit www.chickensoup.com ∂

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When Gary Telford, of Bald Knob, finally received the ‘all clear’ from his oncologists after 13 chemotherapy treatments and 34 sessions of radiation, he thought he was well on his way to returning to his favorite activities – almost. Mr. Telford’s journey began two and a half years ago when he developed a cough that became more and more persistent as time passed. Eventually, he struggled to talk above a loud whisper and had to clear his throat every time he tried to speak. His primary care doctor suggested perhaps the cough was allergy related. After it continued, Mr. Telford suspected a different cause and sought the specialty care of Otolaryngologist – Ear, Nose and Throat physician – David Hatfield, M.D. His instinct was confirmed when a computed tomography, or CT, scan revealed three masses, the sizes of a softball, baseball and golf ball, in his right lung. “Aside from the cough, I didn’t feel any differently,” Mr. Telford recalled. “What I, myself, think probably caused all this lung cancer was that I smoked for 55 years. The doctors never told me that, mind you, but I think the lung cancers developed from years of smoking.” “It turned out that the tumors were interfering with the nerve that governs one of his vocal cords, so it was paralyzed,” said Mr. Telford’s longtime friend Linda Kennedy, who has been by his side the whole time. “The masses were intertwined with the aorta and all the major vessels that stem from the center of the body, so they could not be removed with surgery because it would be too risky.” Smooth Sailing Following the diagnosis, Mr. Telford was referred to Medical Oncologist Stacie McCord, M.D., with White County Oncology. The trek through chemotherapy and radiation treatments was surprisingly smooth. “Everyone told me ‘Oh, the chemo is going to make you sick,’ but, amazingly, I never once got sick,” Mr. Telford said. “Dr. McCord told me I was going to sail right through the treatments, and I did! Plus, the chemotherapy nurses are so wonderful and a lot of fun – they all loved me!” “The nausea medicine they give patients during chemotherapy treatments is fantastic,” Ms. Kennedy added. “He didn’t feel great when he got home from the treatments, and it would take him a day or two to get back to ‘normal,’ but he did well and has looked wonderful this whole time. The only thing was that he actually gained weight over the course of the treatments.” As a former jockey, Mr. Telford was accustomed to having a slim build, which is best when racing horses. Between steroid shots as part of his treatment plan, and the good, downhome cooking of Ms. Kennedy, he gained nearly 50 pounds since his initial diagnosis. “When he started radiation treatments, Dr. Cheryl Payne said ‘feed him good,’ and I did,” Ms. Kennedy said. “The next time we were there, I told her I was cooking pinto beans, turnip greens, vegetable soup, cornbread – that’s food for the soul. Dr. Payne said she wanted to come eat, too!” 56 Your Hometown Magazine

A Step Ahead About the time Mr. Telford thought he was finished with treatments and cancer free, a tiny spot appeared in a follow-up CT scan. “It was only a BB-size spot in my left lung, and it started showing up in my CT and PET scans,” he said. “Dr. McCord was keeping a watchful eye on it and sent me to have a CT or PET scan every 30 days to monitor it. On the last scan, she said it had grown a little bit and sent me straight to Dr. Aguinaga.” After looking at Mr. Telford’s most recent scans and visiting with him during his appointment, Cardiothoracic Surgeon Miguel Aguinaga, M.D., determined the best course of action to eliminate the cancer. “Interestingly, the new tumor was a different type of lung cancer than Mr. Telford had previously,” Dr. Aguinaga stated. “After chemotherapy and radiation with the first lung cancer, his body simply could not tolerate more of those treatments; removing the tumor surgically was the best option for him.” Dr. Aguinaga thoughtfully developed a plan for surgery in which he would first try to use the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique to remove the lung cancer by cutting around the tumor to remove it. He was also mindful that the tumor was near the aorta, the largest artery in the body, and other vital organs, which would make surgical removal of the tumor incredibly complex.

 Cardiothoracic Surgeon Miguel Aguinaga, M.D., patient Gary Telford, and Nurse Stephanie Butler, review Mr. Telford’s information from previous doctor’s appointments.  Cardiothoracic Surgeon Miguel Aguinaga, M.D., points out the mass in patient Gary Telford’s lung that was cancerous prior to a new, innovative procedure called microwave ablation.

“I am so grateful and want to thank the three doctors who were so important in getting me cancer free: Dr. Cheryl Payne of CARTI, Dr. Stacie McCord of White County Oncology and, of course, Dr. Aguinaga.”

Once Dr. Aguinaga was able to see inside Mr. Telford’s chest cavity, he realized VATS would not be possible and employed an innovative way to kill the cancerous cells – by microwaving them. According to Dr. Aguinaga, microwave ablation was originally used to treat liver cancers and has only been used in treating lung cancers for the past two years. “With microwave ablation, an antenna, which looks like a long needle, is inserted into the tumor; it is very similar to a biopsy procedure,” he said. “Then, the microwave is used as a source of heat energy that is delivered directly into the tumor, in which the heat essentially liquefies the cancerous cells. The wonderful thing about microwave ablation is that it burns the cancerous cells and leaves the rest of the lung intact.” “The surrounding tissues will eventually absorb the tissue, and the mass will begin to shrink,” Dr. Aguinaga added. “If the cancer is still present, it would continue to grow and it would show up as a hot spot in scans. When Mr. Telford came back in for scans, we noticed that the mass was already beginning to get smaller, so we know that the microwave ablation procedure was a success.” Dr. Aguinaga will continue to monitor the mass with a CT scan in November and PET scan in March. In the meantime, Mr. Telford is living life to the fullest by doing what he loves, which includes dancing and genealogy research for people around the White County area. “I feel like a new man,” Mr. Telford exclaimed. “I’m telling you, Dr. Aguinaga has got me back to doing what I enjoy best – the Texas two-step! I think he is one of the finest physicians around and may go down in history in White County, Arkansas. I am so grateful and want to thank the three doctors who were so important in getting me cancer free: Dr. Cheryl Payne of CARTI, Dr. Stacie McCord of White County Oncology and, of course, Dr. Aguinaga.” ∂

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Send us your favorite photos to searcylivingphotos@yahoo.com

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“Life can be a lot broader... when you realize one simple thing: And that is that everything around us that we call life was made up by people who were no smarter than you. And you can build your own life that other people can live in. So build a life. Don’t live one. Build one. Find your opportunity.” – Ashton Kutcher

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Junior High How has football improved your character? What have you learned?

Football teaches us to “show discipline and to act right” and to stay “in shape.” – Bradley Chalk, Rosebud

Football “Helps with teamwork and working hard.” – Dylan Bradley, Bald Knob

It’s about “The team aspect of working hard together.” – Ryan Turley, Harding Academy

Football teaches us to “Set goals; help achieve things.” – Alfredo Diarcos, Riverview

Football “teaches discipline and respect for adults and parents and work ethic.” – Logan Gunter, Beebe

“It teaches me discipline, to keep my grades up in school and to work with others.” – Tanner Thomas, Searcy

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Photo by Melanie Frazier

The “Circle of Life” is the theme of one of my favorite movies as a

kid. I never understood the actual meaning of the circle of life until I was much older and looked back through time. Being involved in theatre as a kid was such a rewarding time in my life. I was able to express myself through the lives and actions of fictional characters that were still relatable to my own life. I started my involvement with Center on the Square as a member of Land O’Frost Kidstage. This program was the best experience in providing a positive theatre environment for a kid who loved the theatre world. My first director was Keba Rogers. She saw potential in me that I didn’t see at my young age. After doing Kidstage, I started getting involved with main-stage shows directed by Lana Hallmark. Lana, along with Keba, saw potential in me that I was still missing. She began casting me in several shows where the characters were completely different. As a young actor that was a hard undertaking, but Lana believed in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone to perform these roles. Throughout the years, I continued at Center

“The beauty of community theatre is the gift of giving back.” on the Square not only as an actor, but also I started interning with Keba as an assistant director to Kidstage. I learned so much about theatre interning, but that wasn’t the only role I started exploring. Being involved at Center on the Square, if you’re willing you can do, learn and experience anything. Along with being a Kidstage intern, I also started learning technical theatre that involved lighting and sound. This opened up a whole new area that you can’t get in professional theatre without experience. Center on the Square allows volunteers to act as well as learn anything they want to about the theatre world, such as lights, sound, set, painting, or anything else they were interested in. After I spent some time learning about the lights and sound, I wanted to experience another area of community theatre. That’s when I started getting involved with the dinner and live music that is offered. I served as a waiter for the dinner and on my off nights for the show I would play piano - dinner music for the guests. This allowed me to take a break from acting, directing, or technical theatre but also allowed me to still be involved in the theatre itself. The amazing opportunities that are offered at Center on the

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Square are simply unbeatable. Even if you know nothing about theatre, the opportunities to learn and grow are extensive. Center on the Square is filled with people who have a passion for family friendly theatre and a community experience that is handled in the most professional way possible. We strive for professionalism in a community theatre because Searcy has professionals in every sense of the word involved in the theatre. Continuing with the quote from the Lion King, I started being involved with Center on the Square as a Kidstage actor, and I’m now currently co-directing the Kidstage program with two other directors that also started their personal involvement with Center on the Square as Kidstage actors/actresses many years ago. We start off as young actors and actresses in this theatre, but over the years we are all given amazing chances to evolve, grow, and most importantly learn about the true meaning of theatre. I think I can speak for the directors when I say that it is truly an amazing blessing and gift to be able to give back to Center on the Square for everything they provided me growing up. I can honestly say if it wasn’t for Center on the Square I wouldn’t have gone into the field of Musical Theatre. Center on the Square helped shape me into the teacher, director, choreographer, and actor that I am today. I currently direct Kidstage at Center on the Square and have also taught music, dance, and theatre at Tender Loving Care Early Learning Center where I directed three musical productions there along with hosting/guest judging

at local talent shows. I have also judged forensics tournaments and currently choreograph for local high schools and programs like Searcy High School’s production of Seussical the Musical and Searcy Community Children’s Choir. I have also been involved with a number of professional theatres as an actor and dancer, but without Center on the Square seeing potential in me, I honestly would have never pursued anything in the theatre world. The completion of the irony of the “circle of life” is that a circle seems complete as a whole, but at Center on the Square our circle doesn’t end, it simply expands. The beauty of community theatre is the gift of giving back. Center on the Square has given people of all ages, races, genders, or anything else the chance to be involved and urges the community to stay involved or begin their involvement. This theatre allows a safe and family friendly environment in Searcy that is simply a blessing. As a personal supporter and volunteer of Center on the Square I implore everyone to find a way and become involved. Start your own circle of life experience and help us to expand our ongoing story. ∂

Carson has been cast as the lead, George Bailey, in our upcoming Christmas show “It’s a Wonderful Life.” December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 for Evening Performances (dinner at 6:30pm and curtain at 7:30pm).

December 12 and 19 are Dessert Theater performances (dessert and coffee at 6:30 and curtain at 7:00 pm). December 15 is our Sunday Matinee (brunch at 12:30 pm and curtain at 1:30pm).

www.centeronthesquare.org

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Photos by Jeff Montgomery of HU PR and Steven Frye, Professor of Theatre

than its set, props and script. A musical is more than a score of notes, steps of choreography and a vast array of costumes. At Harding University, theater is more than a dramatic expression of art. The University’s department of theater is comprised of a community of talented students and accomplished faculty and staff working year-round to produce shows while maintaining their ultimate dedication to Christ. The theater department has been in existence at Harding since 2010, offering two majors and 37 courses. Through years of growth and development, students have been able to experience theatrical productions and gain knowledge of the theater and its multiple components. The department stepped into full swing and opened its fall show season during the first week of classes. A tight-knit group of six students performed the Tony-nominated musical “A Year With Frog and Toad” by brothers Robert and Willie Reale. The musical portrays a timeless story of friendship across the seasons between optimistic frog and worrisome toad. The show was a continuation of the annual Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre series. The colorful and hilarious cast included a snail mail carrier, 66 Your Hometown Magazine

mouse, lizard, squirrels, moles and a friendly flock of birds. Sophomore Jon Andrew played the leading role of Frog. Andrew, a theater major from Pittsburg, said that one of the interesting and exceptional aspects of performing the show was that all of the cast members were friends even before auditions. Andrew was selected from an audition group of approximately 20 students after script reading, role-playing and singing. Quick learning was essential for him as he learned the entire show of “A Year with Frog and Toad” in a speedy three weeks. The process required strenuous memorization of lines, songs and choreography, as well as blocking, polishing and continuous rehearsal. “I love that we as a cast already knew each other and are so close,” Andrew said. “We knew how one another worked and how we learned things quickly.” Andrew’s role as Frog was one among many that he has filled during his year at Harding University. He landed his first role as Gad in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the 2012 Homecoming musical. He also staked a spot in the traveling children’s theater troupe, Pied Pipers. In spring 2013, he was one of five hosts for Spring Sing, Harding’s annual production that showcases the musical, visual, staging, entertainment and spirit

of more than 1,000 students from 20 different social clubs and organizations on campus. He also performed in this year’s homecoming musical, “Pirates!?! A Pillaging of Gilbert and Sullivan,” as a pirate. Though his time at Harding is still young, Andrew has experienced refinement in his abilities and growth in his decision to mature in the field through the department of theater. In high school, he knew that he wanted to pursue theater but later moved toward communication sciences and disorders. Through seasons of prayer and dependence, Andrew asked that before each audition at Harding, God would let things happen as they ought. In the process, Andrew reflected that doors were opened and prayers were answered. He quickly realized that theater was to be his true, lifelong pursuit.

“Through seasons of prayer and dependence, Andrew asked that before each audition at Harding, God would let things happen as they ought. In the process, Andrew reflected that doors were opened and prayers were answered. He quickly realized that theater was to be his true, lifelong pursuit.” “I love being able to communicate with an audience,” Andrew said. “It’s such a give and take; performers put it out there, and the audience takes it in return. You don’t have to worry about impressing people, you can be whoever you want to be.” Andrew said that through each theatrical performance he has participated in at Harding, he draws strength and energy from Dottie Frye, assistant professor of theater. She rotated as director from Spring Sing to Pied Pipers to “A Year With Frog and Toad.” Frye has been a constant for Andrew throughout every performance she has directed. She is there with love and compassion whenever she is needed, Andrew explained, and for that he gives her great respect. Andrew and senior Erin McBride, a member of the cast of “A Year With Frog and Toad” and a senior communication sciences and disorders major from Williamstown, N.J., share a deep bond that was formed at the start of their friendship. Andrew, visiting for the first time on campus during his senior year of high school, met McBride in the Reynolds Center on campus. She was soon his very first friend at Harding. McBride talked with Andrew about the CSD major versus a career in theater. From that point on, the two have become great friends, whether under the spotlights or behind the scenes. “A Year with Frog and Toad” was among many shows that McBride has played in during SearcyLiving.com 67

Benji Holder playing Toad (left) sits atop a bridge with Andrew (right) performing the role of Frog in “A Year With Frog and Toad.” The musical tells a sweet story of friendship between the two amphibians season after season.

her college career. In summer of 2012, she played in the SSDT musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and was able to share the stage with two of the people who inspire her in life the most: her siblings Mary and Stephen. Part of the entire process of entering into the theater scene at Harding was due to the encouragement of her brother and sister, McBride said. Before even beginning her first week of classes freshman year, she auditioned and received a role in ensemble for the 2010 Homecoming musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” She has continued to perform in a number of roles during her college career, including playing Mrs. Greer in “Annie,” Gay Wellington in “You Can’t Take It with You,” Mrs. Gibbs in “Our Town,” and a member of ensemble in Spring Sing. McBride expressed that her love for theater came later for her than the rest of her siblings, but she immediately hit the ground running her sophomore year of high school. Through several roles she discovered not only a passion, but a huge element of whom she now is. “It was more than just finding out that I loved it,” McBride said. “It was finding something that I was really good at it, and what I felt I was good at – I found a lot of who I am in theater.” From McBride’s first Harding show to her latest, she has always taken joy in sharing a bond and appreciation for theater with her older sister, Mary, who has striven to be an encouragement and example for McBride. Playing an array of roles in her career at Harding as well, McBride is following in her sister’s footsteps.

“I’ve looked up to her my entire life, and she has always been there for me,” McBride said. “She’s played all the amazing roles, and it would be wonderful if I could have half of the ones that she had.” Two other influential women in McBride’s life are the dynamic duo, Cindee Stockstill, producer of theater and Frye. Stockstill produced the fall homecoming musical “Pirates!?! A Pillaging of Gilbert and Sullivan.” Unlike most Harding homecoming musicals, this particular show had a special originality, having been adapted and re-written by Dr. Michael Claxton, associate professor of English. Claxton collaborated with the department of theater to replace archaic language, move scenes, delete songs, add songs and make the entire show more “Hardingcentric,” Stockstill said. The show went from a comic opera to a musical theater comedy. Following the homecoming production, the department of theater will debut its final fall show with “A Company of Wayward Saints,” a two-act comedy by Samuel French. The show will be performed Nov. 14-16 at 7 p.m. in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center. The theater department will start a new year in February with its first spring production of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, debuting Feb. 27-28 and March 1. “Radium Girls” will be the next spring show, set to run March 27-29. Spring Sing, will be held April 17-20 in Benson Auditorium. The final productions for the academic year will be three nights of “An Evening of One Acts,” May 1-3. These performances are chosen and directed by senior theater majors within the department. Harding University is a home to students and an environment where spirituality is encouraged and talents can flourish. For students and faculty of the department of theater, the show must always go on. Regardless of the stage that is being performed on or the show that is being produced, this family of dedicated and determined performers never ceases to entertain and impress. Whether it is a hopping frog or a pirate king, theater productions at Harding University continue to leave memorable moments for audiences to enjoy. ∂ 68 Your Hometown Magazine

Preparing to fly south for the winter, McBride sings and struts in “A Year With Frog and Toad,” acting as an animal in a number of scenes varying between a mouse, squirrel and mole.

“ Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” ~ Babe Ruth

QUOTE: “Remembering where you came from is the first step to where you are going!” PERSON WHO INSPIRES ME THE MOST: My Mom SearcyLiving.com 69

White County Domestic Violence PReVENTION Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other.

Examples of abuse include: Name-Calling Or Putdowns Keeping A Partner From Contacting Their Family/Friends Withholding Money/Information About Finances Stopping A Partner From Getting Or Keeping A Job Actual Or Threatened Physical Harm Sexual Assault Stalking Intimidation

White County Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc. P.O. Box 1196, Searcy, Arkansas 72143 Office: 501-278-5130 Hotline: 501-278-4673 www.hopecottage.info 70 Your Hometown Magazine

By Casey McLeod, Medical Center Pharmacy

We all live such busy lives. I rarely come in contact with folks that are looking for something extra to do. In fact, most people I interact with at the pharmacy would love an opportunity for some good old fashioned “down time.” It just doesn’t make much sense, then, that so many of us are struggling to get a good night’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation says that up to 40% of people report insomnia occasionally and 20% report difficulty sleeping every night. Lack of sleep has a much more significant effect on our health than most of us are aware. People with insomnia are more likely to suffer from depression and may experience an increased risk of heart disease. There are several possible causes for the lack of sleep so many experience. Stress, anxiety, acid reflux, and poor sleep habits are some of the sources of sleep deprivation. Better sleep hygiene is the first step to regaining control over your sleep cycle. These tips may help improve your sleep rhythm. • Keep a consistent sleep schedule. In other words, go to bed and get up at approximately the same time every day. • Don’t eat close to bedtime, especially food high in acid or fat content. • Avoid caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime. • Avoid nicotine. Some people experience insomnia due to a lack of MELATONIN. Melatonin is your “sleep hormone.” Your body makes melatonin naturally and releases it to keep your sleep rhythm in order. However, melatonin production decreases as we age and during times of stress. Melatonin is also important for proper immune function and the production of youthful growth hormones, which protect your cells from damage and dysfunction. This type of cell damage is often a precursor to some types of cancer. Studies show that women with low levels of melatonin are at higher risk of breast cancer. You can see now why poor sleep habits are indirectly tied to other health issues.

Melatonin can be depleted by prescription drugs, also. Below is a list of drugs that are known to deplete melatonin: • Blood pressure medications (atenolol, metoprolol, amlodipine, verapamil) • Acid blockers (Pepcid, Prilosec) • Antacids (Tums, Mylanta) • Pain medications (Naproxen, hydrocodone) • Antianxiety medications (alprazolam, clonazepam) • Antidepressants (fluoxetine or Prozac) If you are taking one or more of these medications and have difficulty sleeping, you might want to consider taking a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is an easily absorbed and inexpensive supplement that not only regulates sleep, but also aids in protecting your body from hormone related cancers. A dose of 1 to 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime can replace what your body needs. Whether your lack of sleep is due to stress, other medications or the natural depletion of melatonin with age, supplementing melatonin is a safe and effective option. ∂

By Casey McLeod, Medical Center Pharmacy

SearcyLiving.com 71

By Amy Martin

My senior year of high school I was awarded a trip to the Student Television Network in Orlando, Fla., an organization set up for aspiring broadcast journalism students from around the country to compete in different challenges. A CNN scholarship award was given to five people in the nation and I was one of them. I was told when I reached the summer of my sophomore year in college, I had an internship with CNN. In the two to three years that came in between the time for my internship a lot of personal things happened in my life. My mother was going through breast cancer on top of my parent’s separation which led to their divorce. My sister had left home after she graduated and married, leaving my mom and I to pick up the pieces. I struggled balancing being a full-time college student and working three jobs. When my sophomore year came, I was behind in credit hours. I wasn’t a sophomore and I wasn’t able to intern with CNN. I was 22 and overweight with only pieces of my broken dreams. Dreams of working in the film industry quickly deteriorated over time and I had unknowingly chosen to eat my feelings. In between all of this, I had met my best friend and soulmate. I was engaged to be married on Dec. 12, 2012. My husband and I decided not to have a wedding. As a little girl I had of course always imagined that special day and had a vision of how it would be. I couldn’t handle having to settle for a dress that I hadn’t dreamed about. I had let my weight control one of the happiest days of my life and I knew I had to do something about it. I applied to be on NBC’s TV show “The Biggest Loser.” I won a VIP pass and had a call back for the one-on-one interview with the casting directors. In the end I found out I was not a finalist and was crushed again. But I will always remember what my husband told me; he said to not let the Biggest Loser’s rejection stop me from doing something that I really wanted to do. Literally at my lowest point, I

Amy and Daniel wanted to see how people would respond to my story, so I made my audition video public on my Facebook page. At first I took the video down as soon as I posted it, out of fear of rejection again. I remember telling myself I could be helping someone else somewhere. I came to the point where I realized I really didn’t have anything holding me back, so I re-posted the video, but this time it wasn’t coming down. The response at the end of the day was enough proof to me that people believed I could do anything, and it gave me a little hope. After that one decision, I flew to Colorado Springs, Co. to stay with my sister and start my version of the Biggest Loser with my 100 pound weight loss journey. I started by doing spin-offs of the Biggest Losers’ weigh-in videos and made them my own.

“...I had unknowingly chosen to eat my feelings.” 72 Your Hometown Magazine

At first I was trying to help myself, but when I had lost a total of 30 pounds and 19.5 inches in the first month of my journey, I couldn’t help but want to reach out to people to help them along their own journeys. I didn’t expect to have as many people supporting me along the way, but with more than 2,100 followers, I have been proven wrong. I now help people with their own journeys while I’m on my own. I enjoy it and feel good at the end of the day because by sharing my story it has helped pay it forward. Be sure to follow “Amy Martin’s Biggest Loser” on Facebook. ∂

Pounds Lost: 54 lbs. Before

Inches Lost: 44 in.

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Flu Shots Can Prevent More Than A Bad Couple Of Days

By William Doles, PharmD and Rodney Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP With flu season already upon us here in Arkansas it is of upmost importance that we all remember to get our flu vaccinations as soon as possible. Many people believe the flu is nothing more than a few days in bed, but the flu virus can actually lead to serious complications and even death; especially in the elderly and children of our communities. Harding University Center for The flu is spread by a highly contagious Drug and Health Information virus that spreads from person to person, but can usually be prevented with vaccinations. These vaccines work by teaching your body to fight off the virus before it causes you to become sick, but they must be taken before you are exposed to the virus. This means that you should get your flu vaccine as early as possible every year. The flu season usually begins every year around October, so receive your vaccine as soon as they are available, which is usually in the late summer or early fall of the year. The flu virus changes every season, so it is important to remember that you must receive a new vaccine each year. Many people avoid getting the vaccine because they believe that it may cause them to develop the flu, but this is not the case. The vaccine is an

Over The Counter

74 Your Hometown Magazine

inactivated portion of the virus that cannot cause you to develop an actual case of the flu. Some parents also refuse to have their children vaccinated because they feel it may cause the development of autism, but this has also been disproven in recent years. There are some measures that can be taken to prevent catching the virus like frequently washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, sneezing into your sleeve, or avoiding people that are sick, but none of these are as effective as getting vaccinated. The vaccine is also available in a nasal spray for most individuals, especially those that are afraid of receiving the shot. The Arkansas Department of Health will be conducting mass flu vaccination clinics around the state, so contact your local health department to find out the date and time of your nearest flu clinic. Vaccinations are also readily available at most pharmacies, doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offices, and health departments, so contact your healthcare provider today and get your vaccination. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and being vaccinated today can prevent more than just a couple of bad days in the future. â&#x2C6;&#x201A;

Sports Safety: Practical Information for Parents & Athletes

By Deanna Curtis, APN Curtis Family Clinic Caring for Illness Promoting Wellness

porting activities have a wealth of benefits. Sports can promote physical health with improved agility and endurance, strengthening muscles and bones while reducing the risks of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Team sports foster friendships, teamwork and problem solving skills. On an individual level beyond the physical health benefits sports can foster a strong sense of self-confidence, self-esteem and help prevent depression. As a parent I have encouraged involvement in sports in my own children but as an overprotective mother I worry about injures. So how do we strike a balance between all these amazing benefits while protecting our precious children? Preparation: Health exams before starting any sport to screen for unknown risks are now required by most programs. Health screening before high activity levels that sports can demand can find issues before an athlete demonstrates symptoms such as undiagnosed heart murmurs, hypertension or lung disorders such as asthma. Protective Gear: Most people realize the essential use of protective gear in a sport like football but properly fitted footwear can be one of the most protective items for any sport. Your ability to maintain proper balance and avoid injury is highly dependent on properly fitted footwear. Skin Care: Not what you expected in a sports injury article huh? Proper care and cleaning of your gear is more important than one might think. Staph is a common bacteria and lack of proper attention to cleaning of your protective equipment can leave an athlete open to skin infections. Athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foot and jock itch, although

less concerning than staph infections, can still be an unwanted side effect of sweaty sports related fun. Keeping your gear and equipment clean and dry is your first line of defense. Sunscreen is a simple step to help avoid problems now and in the future. Avoid painful sunburn now by remembering your sunscreen and help your children avoid skin cancer in the future. Training: Proper training and being in good physical shape will help protect you from injury. Conditioning and running drills may not be as much fun as that scrimmage game, but listen to your coach. They are improving your overall fitness and reducing your potential for injury for when the real fun starts. Stretching: Always engage in stretching before practices and games. The simple act of warming up will prepare your joints and muscles for the physical stress of competition. This is your best defense against strains and sprains, the two most common sports related injuries. Hydration: Hydrate before, during and after sports to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. Heat related injuries are all too common and highly preventable. Arkansas is hot and humid by nature more days than not and dehydration can happen even faster in such conditions. Avoid caffeine-based beverages and encourage water intake before, during and after. The old adage of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is easy to apply where sports related injuries are concerned. Be prepared and play on! â&#x2C6;&#x201A;

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By Tina Reaper

2 Warm up - Warming up is exercising at a lower intensity in order to get the blood circulating and let your body know that you are preparing for exercise. For many, it may only be necessary to warm up about five minutes. As you progress through your program you will need to warm up longer on days you will do higher intensity workouts.

Flexibility exercises - These exercises are part of your

warm up and should be done after you have warmed up with 5 to 10 minutes of easy walking. The higher the intensity of your workouts the more time you will need to dedicate to flexibility exercises. There are many different exercises in this group. Here are a few to try: Toe points - Stand on one leg and lift the other foot off the floor. Gently point your toe and hold for a few seconds. Next flex your foot pointing your toes up. Do this five or ten times on each foot. Ankle Circles - While standing on one leg lift the other foot off the floor. Gently point your toe and rotate your ankle. Do about ten circles in each direction. This exercise can be performed while standing, sitting, or lying on your back with leg raised. Overhead Reach - Stand with your feet hip distance apart. Reach up with one arm and then reach over your head and to the opposite side. Keep your hips steady and your shoulders straight. Relax and repeat with the other side. While standing on one leg lift the other foot off the floor. Gently point your toe and rotate your ankle. Do about ten circles in each direction. This exercise can be performed while standing, sitting, or lying on your back with leg raised. The Twist - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms straight out, parallel to ground. Keep your lower body stationary while swinging your arms from side to side. Do this several times to loosen up your waist, back, and shoulders. Arm Circles - Hold your arms straight out to your side parallel to the ground. Make small circles going backward, gradually getting larger and larger. Rest for a second and do the same thing in the forward direction.

After you exercise then:

Cool down - The harder you have worked out the

longer you should cool down. In the beginning your workouts are very short and you only need to cool down a couple of minutes. As your workout time and intensity extends so should your cool down period.

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Stretch - This is such a neglected area for many people. Start off right and take the time to stretch AFTER every workout. In the beginning stretches should take at least 5 minutes. As you increase distance and pace you will probably need to stretch longer. Important rules for stretching: Never stretch cold muscles. The best time to stretch is after your workout. If you have problem areas they can be stretched prior to your workout, but only do this after you have warmed up. Do not bounce. Go into a stretch slowly and hold gently. Stretch to the point of feeling a gentle pull, but never to the point of pain. Hold each stretch for 30 to 40 seconds. If you have problems with a particular area stretch that area twice. (hold for 30-40 seconds release, then stretch again.)

There are so many stretches it is impossible to cover them all. Be sure to stretch all the major muscle groups, and put extra focus on any areas you have trouble with. Find a few recommended stretches below: Calf Stretch -- Stand on your toes on a step or curb. Hold on to something for balance. Remove your left foot and slowly allow the right heel to move down. Hold this position. Be sure to keep you body upright and straight. Release and repeat on the other side. Another calf stretch -- Take a big step forward with your left foot, keeping you right heel on the ground. Hold the position and repeat on the other side. Be sure to keep your body upright and your abs tight, do not arch your back. Shin Stretch -- Standing up, hold on to a stationary object. Stand with your weight on one leg and straighten it. Place your other foot on the ground, with toes pointed and your toenails toward the floor. With the tops of your toes touching the ground, roll your foot and leg forward, from the ankle. Release and repeat on the other side. Hamstring and Lower Back -- Slowly bend forward from your waist with your knees slightly bent. Reach for the floor and hold. Only bend as far as comfortable.

Quadriceps Stretch -- Standing up, hold on to a stationary object. Bend your right knee, bringing your foot toward your buttocks. Keeping your left knee slightly bent, grasp your right ankle with the opposite hand. Slowly pull your leg up and back, bringing your foot at high as comfortable. Repeat with other leg. (To protect your knee... think of pulling the quads back rather than pulling the foot toward your buttocks.) Shoulder Stretch -- Standing upright, cross left arm over chest. Place your right hand on your upper arm and pull arm in tight to chest. Be sure to keep shoulders down and do not pull at the elbow. Hold, and then repeat stretch with other arm. Neck Relaxer -- Turn and look over your right shoulder and hold. Repeat on the left side. Don’t hyper-extend the neck, or tilt it backwards. Next, gently drop the head so that the ear goes towards the right shoulder and hold. Return to upright position. Repeat forward and on the left side. Keep the spine in an upright position and don’t hyper-extend the neck, jerk, or tilt the head backwards. ∂ Source http://www.thewalkingsite.com

Outer thigh and buttocks and spine -- While lying on your back bring your right knee up. Place your left hand on your thigh and gently pull it over to your left side. Do not pull at the knee. Your shoulders, left leg and back should remain flat. Pull gently. Then repeat on the left side. Lower back -- While lying on your back, bring both knees up towards the chest with the hands. Round the lower back and relax into the stretch. Don’t do this stretch on a hard surface...it will bruise the spine!

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Grown up grilled cheese I found this recipe on the Internet and just couldn’t wait to try it. Trust me. It was worth the wait and everybody I serve it to agrees. I served it to the teachers at CrossPointe Preparatory school during their teachers’ meeting recently and most requested the recipe; the only ones who did not were the men teachers who had their wives request it later. The creamy filling is far superior to any other grilled cheese you may have had. Sourdough bread or homemade is what I normally use, but this would even make store bought bread seem divine! If you’re feeling frisky, you could even top the filling with bacon (from Freckle Face Farm, of course), jalapeños, or anything else that you like with cheese. This keeps well in the fridge for at least two weeks, so you can make it ahead of time and have it on hand when the need arises. Let me know what you think after you’ve tried it! Lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net

Combine 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. mayonnaise (I use homemade or Hain’s safflower mayo) 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar (Tilamook is a great option) 1 c. shredded mozzarella 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. salt Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Tonya’s Consignment, Midnight Oil Coffee House, as well as through Tanya by e-mailing her at lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net. Partial proceeds through sales benefit the Makonde Team mission work in Tanzania, Africa.

78 Your Hometown Magazine

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; spread on your favorite bread (our favorite is San Francisco sourdough),

COOK

Sandwich two pieces together, and cook on a buttered hot skillet, turning once to toast both sides. Enjoy!

Find More Recipes On

Focus on one project to complete this week.

Use music to energize you or relax you.

By Beth Dargis of the My Simpler Life blog. www.mysimplerlife.com Listen to an encouraging podcast or watch an inspirational movie.

Decide to go on a spending fast for a week or a month (other than regular bills) and use the money saved for a special project.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

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Down

1. Dr. Bolding and his family traveled here. 2. Setting these is one of the best ways to deal with toxic people. 3. The table cloth in the Reaper’s kitchen. 5. Some people experience _____ due to a lack of melatonin. 7. The benefits of playing football outweigh the _____. 8. Betsy’s unconventional training in art began by drawing for her _____. 10. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of _____.

Across

4. The Harding Theater Department offers this number of majors. 6. The gift of community theatre. 9. The _____ is used as a source of heat energy that is delivered directly to the tumor. 11. A servant’s heart begins by thinking _____ ourselves. 12. You play the way you _____.

Find The Answers On

I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, and all the patients were shouting, “13...13...13!” The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on. Someone poked me in the eye with a stick, then they all started shouting, “14, 14, 14!” And THAT’S how I learned to mind my own business. 80 Your Hometown Magazine

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. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state! SearcyLiving.com 81

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84 Your Hometown Magazine