Searcy Living - Issue 5 2013 by Searcy Living

2 Your Hometown Magazine

4 Your Hometown Magazine

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issue 5 2013

The Land Flowing With Milk & Honey

Autism Speaks

Helping Those That Suffer

The Artist’s Retreat

A Piece Of Heaven

A Focus On Health

Through The Journey

God’s Little Minister

Screenings Save Lives

Introducing Leah Miller

Drug Dilemmas

Speak Life

Freedom Is Always In Style

Publisher’s Note

Hope Believe

Fashion Fun

Living In Searcy

We The People

Over The Counter

Dinner & A Magazine

Tiny Changes

Games & Puzzles

We The People P. 32

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” – Saint Francis de Sales

On the Cover

Stacy Duncan

Photo by

George Dillin

501-268-9304

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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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This summer I visited a place where I lived for awhile as a child. When I lived there, and even when I have occasionally visited in the past, I have to say I thought it a nice place, but not very exciting. But this summer I went back with a group of friends and played tourist. I did things that usually only the “tourist” crowd does. I floated on the lake, walked the pier to watch the sunset, hung out on the beach and went to the quaint little “tourist” place in town and ordered the biggest scoop of Chocolate Malt Supreme ice cream (hint, hint on that flavor, Yarnell’s!) in a waffle cone. I saw that little town in a whole new way, and returned home wondering if there was something I was missing out on here in Searcy and the surrounding Arkansas areas. Here at home and close to home, I have zip lined, gone kayaking, rounded up baby cows at a dude ranch, gone hiking, explored caves, floated, boated, ridden horses and more. Not to mention, I’ve shopped at our really great selection of stores (which have merchandise hand-picked by our neighbors and friends when they go to market), and eaten local foods from the farmers market and home-cooked meals at locally owned restaurants. And, I still appreciate the beauty of the simple things. Like the way the rain runs over rocks in a ditch alongside the road after a good storm, and little waterfalls form naturally. And the beauty of the rolling hills, that I would take over an ocean view any day. Yes, I like the little things, too. This is an AWESOME place to live! But, I want to hear about your local adventures. E-mail us at SearcyLiving@yahoo.com. You never know. Your adventure might end up in a future issue of Searcy Living. Thank you as always for reading Searcy Living Magazine. We love our readers and we love this hometown. :)

Christine

“The best and most beautiful things in the world

Find Us On

cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.”

Remember The Extras On

– Helen Keller

Bill of Rights

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...” Page 74

Through The Journey

“I could never say I’m thankful to have cancer. But I will always be grateful for the blessings it has brought to me and I pray God will continue to use me in great ways.” Page 54

Speak Life

“Keep smiling, folks; you never know how it will change someone’s day.” Page 70

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s my husband and I spent a few months preparing

for our move to Israel in October of 2011, we tried to soak up the beautiful landscape of the state where we both grew up. As an Arkansas girl planning to live and study in the Middle East, I wanted to be able to easily recall home while living in a land that I imagined would be so dramatically different from my home. We went for long drives through acres and acres of farmland as far as the eye could see, took in the site of a John Deere combine swimming through a golden sea of beautiful grain, and took mental pictures of the rolling hills covered in towering Arkansas pine at the foothills of the Ozarks. When it was time for us to say goodbye to all of this, we boarded a plane headed for Tel Aviv. What we found there would become as much a part of my heart as the natural state—well, almost. We walked out of the plane and onto a bus where we would spend the next 45 minutes or so riding up to the holy city of Jerusalem, sacred to three major world religions. As we began our journey, my eyes couldn’t soak up enough of my surroundings. I knew Israel had plenty of desert; what I wasn’t prepared for was the land flowing with milk and honey, lush and fertile, not so much unlike the land in my home state. What I saw first was the coastal plain, an area consisting of many kibbutzim (small socialist communities living and working on group farms) and private farms. In fact, agriculture is big in Israel, its biggest exports including citrus and cotton as well as agricultural equipment. We even spied out one or two John Deere tractors in the distance. This felt pretty familiar to a farm girl after all. Not only did the road to Jerusalem lead us through a not-soforeign land, it also led us through time and history. As we began to climb up to the city on a hill, we passed Joshua’s valley, the place where God made the sun stand still; the caves of the Maccabean army, where they hid from the angry Greeks in the Maccabean revolt of 167 BCE; the place called Emmaus, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection, and the only road into Jerusalem during the

“ I knew Israel had plenty of desert; what I wasn’t

prepared for was the land flowing with milk and honey, lush and fertile, not so much unlike the land in my home state.”

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Israeli war for Independence in 1948. Where armor-plated taxis were once the only means of transportation into the city, hundreds of tour buses now make their way in and out every day. Though I had never set foot in the state of Israel, I had made the climb up this road many times before—sitting in Sunday school or in the pew many a Sunday morning. As we entered the city, surrounded by rolling hills and gorgeous, sprawling pine trees, a song played in my head: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem…” And I wasn’t so far from Arkansas after all.  Tabitha walking around the walls of the old city of Jerusalem.

 Tabitha eating on the ground in a Bedouin-style tent.

From October of 2011 until July of 2012, I had the

rare and incredible experience of living in Beer Sheba, Israel. My husband’s dream to study there with a premiere Israeli historian and my desire to see pretty much any part of the world led us to the Negev Desert in the South of the country. This desert city is known as the capital of the South and is within reach of the all-toofrequent rockets coming from Gaza. There is a mixed population of Jews and Arabs and a world class university. After living there for about a month, I had the opportunity to volunteer for an organization called Step Forward. I knew I would be teaching English somewhere in the area, but I wasn’t sure exactly what else to expect. One afternoon, as a group of us met with the director of the program at a coffee shop on the campus of my husband’s university, I felt immediately comfortable and excited. Mary Ann, a Florida transplant, had been living in Israel for about 15 years and working with Step Forward for several years. She would be taking us back and forth to a town called Rahat in her little white car. As we made the drive about five miles outside the city and entered Rahat, home to about 50,000 Bedouins, I was shocked to

learn this little city existed so close to my own. Coming from Beer Sheba, where synagogues and yarmulkes are the norm, we might as well have travelled to a different world as we entered Rahat, where minarets and mosques dominate the skyline. The Bedouin people are traditionally desert-dwelling, nomadic and ethnically Arab. For hundreds of years before the Middle East was divided into nation states they wandered through the desert, herding animals and setting up camp wherever they wanted. In Israel today, many Bedouin residents have now set up cities with help from the government. There is some conflict over Israel’s desire to resettle some of the non-sanctioned cities into areas which are government approved, but in Rahat, there is far less tension. Each year 5-10% of draft age Bedouin volunteer for the Israeli army. For the most part, they live peacefully within the Jewish state. When we arrived at the center, which was little more than a run-down office space with two small rooms, we were introduced to Gihad, the program’s Bedouin coordinator. Gihad spoke Arabic, Hebrew, and English and was eager for young students to participate in the after school program, where children from the age of 7 to 18 were welcome to participate in English lessons for two hours twice a week. The children learned some English at school, but were happy to extend their knowledge while working with American students. We watched movies, played games, and sang songs with the young children, and talked with the high school students about what they wanted to be when they grew up and if we knew any American celebrities. One young girl, Haneen, who was particularly intelligent and advanced in English, related to us her dream of becoming a doctor one day. Many of the Bedouin college-age students attend Ben-Gurion University in Beer Sheba, where my husband and some of the other volunteers were also studying. The children were truly beautiful people, living and thriving in a hidden city I never would have known about. The discovery of this place inspires me to keep searching out new experiences, traveling to new places, and speaking with diverse groups of interesting people in order to keep discovering the world over and over again in surprising and stirring new ways.

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Hope Believe

Over 200 children from White County in foster care at the time of press of this publication. Approximatley 4,000 in care state wide. 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. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations, and DHS case workers and foster parents get what they need for foster and disadvantaged children at no cost. Our office is located at 812 S. Main Street in Searcy. We welcome gently used or new items. Thank you, Searcy, for your generosity and time spent to support the Foster Care Boutique!

Thank You! Honors Symposium

Thank to the *Honors Symposium for their help sorting donations at the Foster Care Boutique. *Harding University summer program for honors students who just finished their junior year of high school.

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!

Thank you to Fellowship Bible Church for donating 2 boxes of diapers size 3 & 4, boys and girls socks, and boys and girls underwear.

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

A Note From Two White County Foster Families...

We are the Burton family. We have fostered over 30 children in the past 17 months. We typically foster children who have been removed from their parents home for abuse and/or neglect. They are then placed in our home waiting for a relative to have a home study. When the home study is complete, the children are moved to live with their relative while their parents work to fix the problem that caused the children to enter foster care. We typically have children about 2-4 weeks, so we see a lot of children come though our home! The Foster Care Boutique has really blessed the many different children in our care. When we receive a new placement, we head to The Boutique to get everything from diapers and toothbrushes to shoes and clothes. As a foster family who serves many White County children, we appreciate the great items available for our foster children who often come into care with little to nothing. I love to pull out a great ballerina dress or dinosaur t-shirt from the boutique and see a sweet childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes light up with excitement! Our family appreciates this communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to giving back to these precious children who are themselves going through such a hard adjustment time. Your donations touch lives! Thank you for donating and partnering with our family to serve White County Foster Children.

The Boutique has been such a blessing to our family. Thank you to all of you who have donated items. What a fantastic way for the community to help us! ~ Heather Davis

(with son, Trenton; adopted from foster care last November)

A child born to another woman calls me mom. The depth of the tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me. ~ Jody Landers

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ou! Y k n a h T

Martyrs Motorcycle Club + Bikers 4 Foster Kids

Needed Items

for the Foster Care Boutique • Baby Shampoo • 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.)

Thank you to Sam and Amanda Farris for their donation.

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Thank You! Rhea Lana

Thank you for the donation to the Foster Care Boutique!

Thank you to Jim & Doris Rupard!

Thank you to the Searcy Rotary Club! SearcyLiving.com 19

Our late-summer makeover, Jessica Dudley, enjoyed her day courtesy of our generous sponsors, including Melissa Prince of Hays, the stylist for Jessica’s Before outfit; and Michelle Reynolds of Unique Boutique, whose accessories completed the look. Doris Yates of Cosmetic Studio provided makeup, and Mary George of Salon Milan styled Jessica’s hair. Photographer Candace Skarda’s portraits of Jessica’s new look saved memories of the day. Thank you!

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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

1211 E. Race St. • Searcy (501) 268-1700 www.uniqueboutiquesearcy.com Hair by

Mary George at Town & Country Plaza 207 N. Poplar St. • Searcy (501) 268-7035 Turn the page for more fashion and beauty retailers. >>>>>>>>

Candace Skarda Photography

(501) 281-6297 Facebook: Candace Skarda-Photography candacewskarda@gmail.com SearcyLiving.com 21

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And We Are Listening! Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Once autism was thought to affect only one in 10,000 children, but the Center for Disease Control now reports one in 88 children are diagnosed with this devastating disorder that affects families, schools, and the community at large. Despite the epidemic proportions and high health care costs associated, autism research up until last year received less than five percent of government funding compared to other less prevalent, childhood diseases. Research is crucial. Every 11 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon. Autism Speaks is an organization of parents, clinicians, and leading scientists dedicated to finding the causes, effective treatments, and a cure for autism. PEDIATRIC THERAPY ASSOCIATES of Searcy and Joann Sherwood (parent of a child with autism) have teamed together to form a local community group called Autism CURE Raiders of White County. This group, made up of therapists, parents, family, friends, and other professionals, is teaming up to raise funds to support Autism Speaks. They are also asking everyone to join Autism CURE Raiders in the upcoming event WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS to be held in Little Rock on October 5, 2013. The Autism Walk is an annual event held in Arkansas to raise funds to help support Autism Speaks. In turn, Autism Speaks provides valuable resource materials and information to help local communities provide the necessary supports and services for families and professionals involved with individuals diagnosed with autism.

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Below are some upcoming opportunities for individuals to get involved with Autism CURE Raiders of White County: 1. Join the Autism CURE Raiders of White County team and walk with us in Little Rock on October 5, 2013 by registering at walknowforautismspeaks.org/arkansas. 2. Benefit Coed Softball Tournament, Sept. 28th to be held at the Searcy Adult Softball Complex (contact Mark at 501230-5741) 3. White County Fair Booth, Sept. 7-14, 2013 - Resource material, community support information, raffles, etc. If you would like to help with this event please let us know (501268-5001) and certainly come by the booth to show your support! 4. Autism Puzzle Campaign - Several local businesses are showing their support by allowing their patrons to participate. Please show your support by buying your own puzzle piece at these local businesses. 5. Autism Awareness T-shirt sales - Contact Pediatric Therapy Associates @ 501-268-5001 for special orders. Look for them to be available for purchase at our fundraising events, also. 6. Autism Support Group - Contact Pediatric Therapy Associates if interested in participating in a support group for parents and family members of children with autism. Please take time to show your support and get involved with Autism CURE Raiders of White County! If you are interested in helping with any of the fundraising events or activities associated with Autism CURE Raiders of White County please contact Pediatric Therapy Associates at 501-268-5001 or Joann Sherwood at 501-593-3442. Together we can change the voice of autism!

Imagine A Community Designed Just For You

July 4th Celebration in Canberra Park at The Dominion

New Lot Pricing and Design Concepts Coming Soon!

Call Wendy at 501-207-1864 or Stuart at 501-278-7469 for more information & to schedule your tour! Visit dominiongardens.com or find us on Facebook for promotions, events, and specials. 2730 Dominion Dr. â&#x20AC;˘ Searcy, AR â&#x20AC;˘ Across from Searcy Country Club

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By Hazel Halliburton

IN SEARCY

THE

R eynolds HOME

Located in The Dominion, the house of Bobby and Diane Reynolds paints a picture of perfection; welcoming visitors into a home filled with elegance and warmth. 26 Your Hometown Magazine

The kitchen is connected to the living room and dining room and has an open feel.

The first three rooms you see upon entering the front door are the living room, dining room and kitchen, which are all connected, giving the space a very open feel. From the 12-ft. ceilings to the beautifully stained concrete flooring, this area offers sophistication while still keeping it family friendly. Diane said their family loves this area during the holidays, because it allows everyone to be together and visit while still providing enough space for everyone. Family is of great importance in the Reynolds home, which is something one quickly recognizes when entering the second guest room located to the left of the living room. They have taken special care to include family heirlooms in the decorating of this room, once again signifying the importance of family. Each piece of furniture has its own story, from the pocket watch on the nightstand that once belonged to Dianeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfather when he served as a fireman, to the antique chest by the bed that her great-great grandmother brought with her from Illinois in a covered wagon. This room, in many ways, helps to tell the story of the Reynolds heritage.

From the 12-foot ceilings to the beautifully stained concrete flooring, this area offers sophistication while still keeping it family friendly.

The home is private and peaceful. SearcyLiving.com 27

The next room is the master bedroom. While the living room features more brown tones, the master bedroom uses more burgundies and deep reds, giving the room a very rich and warm feel. Located in one corner of the bedroom is Bobbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Even in his office, one can find family mementos such as the rocking chair in the corner, which Diane used to rock their children to sleep when they were little. In the opposite corner of the bedroom is the master bath. This room is designed in a classic style integrated with pieces of modern art and luxuries, including a beautiful walk-in shower and Jacuzzi. The window above the Jacuzzi features electric window shades, making privacy easily accessible while still being able to enjoy the benefits of the natural lighting. One thing that makes this space so unique though is how one can enter the master bedroom, walk through the master bathroom and the long walk-in closet, which then connects to the laundry room, which in turn opens up to their kitchen: resulting in one walking in a circle. This makes the area not only functional, but easily accessible as well, showing that there was much thought and planning in the design process.

The master bedroom uses burgundies and deep reds, giving the room a very rich and warm feel.

ď&#x20AC;łď&#x20AC;´ The Master Bath is designed in a classic style integrated with pieces of modern art and luxuries, including a beautiful walk-in shower, Jacuzzi, and electric window shades.

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“We really feel like everyone in this neighborhood is like a big family.” — Diane Reynolds

After walking back into the kitchen, one can walk outside to the Reynolds’ favorite part of the house, especially Bobby’s favorite part: the outdoor patio. Bobby said during the cooler months one can easily spend most of the time in this area. With its built in kitchen, beautiful landscape view, and fireplace, there is no question why this is their favorite spot in the entire house. Originally, the Reynolds said they had not planned on building on the lot that they purchased, but they have loved being able to live there. “God’s plans are better than ours,” Diane said. Bobby and Diane said one reason they decided to move to the Dominion was for its privacy and peacefulness. Diane jokingly mentioned that her husband was an avid golfer, which might have had something to do with them choosing The Dominion as well. Bobby did not disagree though, mentioning he loves how close he is to the course. “This neighborhood is very unique,” Diane said. “We really feel like everyone in this neighborhood is like a big family.”

The Reynolds enjoy their outdoor patio with a beautiful landscape view in the cooler months, complete with a fireplace and kitchen. SearcyLiving.com 29

Each piece of furniture in the second guest room has its own story.

ď&#x20AC;ľ Dianeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-great grandmother brought this chest with her from Illinois in a covered wagon.

Touches of bright fun color

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The beautiful back landscape view.

A guest bedroom.

“Family is of great importance in the Reynolds home, which is something one quickly recognizes...”

Bobby’s Office SearcyLiving.com 31

The FC Searcy U12 team won first place in the silver division on June 15th at the 3v3 Soccer Live tournament in Greenbrier, AR. Team members competing were left to right: Justin Mayes, Blane Eaken, Eric Rodriguez, and Benjamin Sloan.

The Searcy Tigers won the U8 championship on June 15th at the 3v3 Soccer Live tournament in Greenbrier, AR. Members of the team are left to right: Jackson Delk, Luke Eaken, Nicholas Gray, Corbin Dixson, and Joel Mansur, with coach Ben Balogh.

Rachel Simmons and Ali Cothern

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Congratulations Sassy Sweets!

Emma Glenn, 8 years old, has been growing her hair out for 2 1/2 years and made her donation to Locks of Love on 8-14-13.

Courtney Mohr, age 11, donates to Locks of Love for the second time. SearcyLiving.com 33

Understanding Depression Seminar An Understanding Depression seminar was held on Friday, June 21st at the Henry and Grace Farrar Center for Health Sciences on the Harding University Campus. There were a variety of speakers educating attendees on topics including: Stress Reduction/Mindfulness – Laurie Swain Anxiety and Depression – Trish Gann Depression and Nutrition – Beverly Caraway Understanding Grief – Josh Strickland & Greg Adams There were approximately 75 in attendance and lunch was provided by BRM Foods/KFC.

Congratulations! 34 Your Hometown Magazine

By Susie Muirhead Michael and I were in our early thirties when we married, hoping to start a family right away. That wish was fulfilled seven years later. I had retired from medical technology. My husband was a faculty member at the University of Iowa Medical School. We had a healthy son and a lovely home when depression sat down on me postpartum. My interest in mental health stems from that episode. I started reading whatever I could get my hands on. When our son began kindergarten, I enrolled in graduate school at the University of Central Arkansas, embarking on my fifth career. I wanted to keep myself healthy, but also to understand and to help others with what I had learned. When we moved to Searcy in 1996, that opportunity arose with the HRA Community Health Clinics in Searcy and Kensett. Reaching out to clients with anxiety and clinical depression was extremely rewarding, but not everyone got better. For some, their suffering was unbearable. Sadly, more than 30,000 persons in the U.S. each year take their own lives. Between four and five million Americans have lost someone close to them to suicide. I, too, became a

“survivor” when we lost our dear friend, Dr. Robert E. Elliott. Robert’s family transformed their tragedy into a mission (www.elliottfoundation. com) to help those wounded by suicide. We began with a group of friends in grief, searching for elusive answers. Ten years ago, the Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support group was organized to listen to and support others who, like us, had lost a loved one to suicide. We heard stories and shared our own, creating a “safe place” where grief and comfort forged friendships. It’s a place to talk freely about anger, helplessness, guilt, rejection, abandonment, and relief. We have been privileged to observe many families cope with enormous pain and learn healthy, as opposed to unhealthy, coping behaviors, as they wrestle with feelings and reactions of others which may heal or stigmatize. They learn how to go on, not to forget, but to carry on with a renewed sense of being alive themselves. Although I am retired now from seeing clients, these support activities, as well as teaching mental health caregivers, are a continued source of inspiration and renewal.

Everyday Heroes

Students attending Little Saints Summer Kids Camp at Saint Paul United Methodist Church wash police cars to show their appreciation to everyday heroes!

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Central Arkansas Little Britches Rodeo Association Hello, my name is Monica Looney, from Searcy, and I am the sponsorship/award coordinator for the Central Arkansas Little Britches Rodeo Association (CALBRA). The pictures above are from CALBRA and are of my daughters. Caity Looney (pictured in orange with her saddle and in pink running her gray horse Freckels at Nationals 2012) at age 12 won the All Around Champion title for the Junior Girls division. She challenged over 50 other girls her age for this honor, for which she has strived for years. Along with the All Around title, she also won 1st place as Breakaway Roping Champion, 1st place in Trail Obstacle Course, Reserve Champ Ribbon Roping, Reserve Goat Tying, 4th place barrels and poles and 7th team roping as a header. She won a saddle worth $1,600 and several buckles worth $250 each. Libby Looney (receiving buckle and running her horse Dive at Finals), who is 16, in the 11th grade at Searcy High school, on the volleyball team and an honor student, took home the All Around Reserve Champion title. She won 1st place buckles in Breakaway Roping and Trail Course for the Senior Girls division as well as 4th poles, 5th barrels and goat tying and team roping as a heeler. Last but not least, little sis Aly Looney (running Coco in poles) is 5 years old and finally got to compete as an official member after her 5th birthday in April. She competes in barrels, poles and goats and qualified to run her mini horse, Coco, at the Little Britches Finals Rodeo which was held July 22-27 in Pueblo, CO. Libby and Caity also qualified for Finals in all their events.

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Kiwanis Club 10U Baseball Team Finishes Season Undefeated The Kiwanis Club 10U National League Baseball Team recently finished their regular season and tournament undefeated. The team was elated after they played their last tournament game at the Searcy Sports Complex. Johnny Ramsey, Coach of the 10U team said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our boys played hard all season. Their dedication showed as we finished out strong. I am proud of each and every player.â&#x20AC;? The team consisted of the following players: Dalton McCosh, Elijah Swindle, Austin Cagle, Tanner Galyan, Jadyn Ramsey, Kyle Ferrie, Drew House, Evan Everidge, Hunter Harris, Matthew Smith, Ford Ferguson and Carlos Vasquez. The team was coached by Johnny Ramsey, Jeff Galyan and Ty Galyan.

Congratulations Southern Bank!

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Send us your game photos! E-mail to: searcylivingphotos@yahoo.com

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All Listings...One Site. SearcyHomes.com 501.268.2445 • 1560 W. Beebe-Capps, Suite A • Searcy, AR 72143

Marla Duncan 501.230.9528

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2107 daniel MLS 10352288 $179,500 Rebecca Stone 501.278.6669

2408 deauville MLS 10354248 $239,900 Shelley dietz 501.827.2239

117 Choctaw MLS 10348770 $141,500 Shelley dietz 501.827.2239

EdgE Of SEarcy

rEducEd

272 Johnston Rd. MLS 10340413 $179,500 david dale 501.281.3017

524 peacock Rd. MLS 10332460 $80,900 david dale 501.281.3017

Brenda Morea 501.322.5957

Judy Johnson Exec. Broker 501.305.1503

Shelley Dietz 501.827.2239

We CAn ShoW you Any pRopeRty liSted By Any CompAny!

SearcyLiving.com 43

By Cecelia Wilson

ust down the road from White County Central Schools, visible from the highway, sits an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retreat nestled in the pines. As you wind your way through the trees on the front of eight acres, a rustic arch with a white metal fan-backed chair greets you with memories of long, hot summer days resting in the shade with a glass of ice-cold lemonade. Steps away, the back porch of the white two-story home appears and another, larger, seating arrangement invites you to sit for a while longer before you enter the home of James and Barbara Huntsman. Now retired, the couple plans to move closer to their family in Searcy where they are going to build a new hideaway. But the decision to do so has been bittersweet. After all, their current house and grounds have been their haven, their getaway from the hustle and bustle of busy days for so many years that any decision to move on to another phase of life has been one they

44 Your Hometown Magazine

have thought about long and hard. The house, in particular, has suited their needs and become an extension of their personalities. Built in 1992 and remodeled 8 years ago, the approximately 2,100 square foot house reflects the exquisite talents of its mistress. Barbaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skills are no secrets from the residents of White County and beyond. A seamstress since she was a teen when she did so to help supplement the family income, her sewing projects these days are centered in creations for her children and grandchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes, as well as her own. Her handiwork is immaculate and it shows in each set of custom sewn draperies throughout the house. Since each set was designed with each individual room in mind, Barbara has decided the drapes will remain with the house after it is sold. The ample laundry room provides space not only for its intended use, but offers plenty of room for her seamstress sensibilities and her love of painting, with an area for her easels

and supplies. And the results of the work from that room are present in each section of the house. Antique furniture accents the dining room, kitchen and living rooms on the ground floor. The beautifully appointed dining room is punctuated by a formal chandelier and original artwork that blend into the hues and stately feel of the room. The kitchen island is a standout that Barbara purchased new and then used her artist’s eye to refinish into a modern “antique.” Her use of dark green paint as a base color with a tasteful distressing technique of the piece helps it complement its surroundings and enhance the functionality of the kitchen. The open floorplan from the kitchen leads into the living room where the focus is a large fireplace and vaulted ceiling, but the eye can’t help but wander to Barbara’s paintings of landscapes, animals or flowers that grace the walls. Prior to retirement, when Barbara’s application for a booth at a variety of nationwide art shows was screened and her artwork accepted, James and Barbara would load the van full of original paintings and prints and travel to prestigious shows around the United States, from South Dakota to Oklahoma to Nebraska to Texas. These days, the couple is content to stay closer to home: Conway, Rogers, Searcy. But their statewide travels and the work involved in showcasing her art still keep them both busy. As eye-catching as the art is in the living room, it is near the home’s front door that a peek up the lovely exposed staircase  The living room’s focus is a large fireplace and vaulted ceiling, but the eye can’t help but wander to Barbara’s paintings of landscapes, animals or flowers that grace the walls.

 The kitchen island is a standout that Barbara purchased new and then used her artist’s eye to refinish into a modern “antique.”

SearcyLiving.com 45

transports visitors to an entirely different world. Rounding the ground floor’s guest bedroom and bathroom, the staircase begins a true art gallery highlighting Barbara’s most famous and sought after paintings: her Santas. Despite her many creative gifts, Barbara fell in love with painting only after enrolling in an art class while in college in Beebe. She was 28 years old, three years away from graduating from Harding with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, when she found what would be her most life transforming talent: painting. The first class led to others so that by the time she graduated, she coupled her college major with a Minor in Art. She would go on to receive a Master’s degree years later. She says she took that first art class simply because something just “pulled her in,” but a close examination of the fine detail on the faces (the crows’ feet, the laugh lines, the character) of each framed Santa in her gallery confirms that she was born with a gift to paint. What began as painting a Santa to hang over her piano at Christmastime, expanded as more and more people requested copies for their own homes. The gallery up and around the staircase walls features each Santa she has painted since, and each one has a story and an inspiration. Barbara paints with her faith and her family in mind and places images in each painting to echo that love. Each Santa has a “muse” – someone she has used as her model for Santa’s face. Her former pastor is the face of one such Santa shown praying. Her brother-in-law’s face is used as one Santa with her granddaughter’s rabbit sitting in the background. An “Old World” Santa was based off an elderly gentleman portraying Santa at McCain Mall one year. Three snowflakes in the picture depict the Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Wanting to play on the old world feel, Barbara “dressed”  From the piano one can view the gallery area displaying Barbara’s paintings.

 The master bedroom is just one of the rooms that shows the custom sewn draperies.

46 Your Hometown Magazine

“ as painting a Santa to hang over her piano at Christmastime, expanded as more and more people requested copies for their own homes.”

this Santa in earlier attire and painted German lettering on the spines of the books that are in the bag slung over Santa’s back. Only later was she told her “muse” (the McCain Mall Santa) was actually from Germany, but he never saw the painting and she only knew his first name – Chris. One picture has the names of her ten grandchildren on Santa’s list of good girls and boys. Another Santa shares her father’s feature with a portrait of Mrs. Claus in the background – her own mother. At the top of the gallery, the staircase ends with a second guest bedroom, the home’s second bathroom and finally the third bedroom, the master. The cozy retreat is a large, extended room that feels warm and secluded tucked away from the rest of the house. An antique spinning wheel sits at the far end of the room with more custom draperies at each window and an abundance of room for furnishings. For those who don’t already know, it is stunning to learn that the fine attention to detail prevalent in each of her paintings and every precise stitch in her sewing is done with only the use of Barbara’s left arm. At 38, she lost her right arm in an accident and had to learn to write, sew and paint again – this time with her left hand. If anything, it has made her that

SearcyLiving.com 47

much more improved. “I think it has made me a better artist,” Barbara shares matter-of-factly. “It stretched me beyond what I thought I could do.” And while forming her projects through her hands is certainly part of the process, she smiles when she explains that art is more about the brain and “seeing” that completed work in your mind before you finish it with your hands. In addition to their four children, the Huntsmans have 10 grandchildren (only one of those is a boy!) and one great-granddaughter. Selling their house means an exciting new chapter in life and they are looking forward to turning the next page in their life’s story together. Leaving behind the memories in their White County home won’t be easy, but there’s so many new memories to be made and there’s just as many new Santas to paint! Note: If you are interested in purchasing any of Barbara’s prints or original paintings, you may call her to set up an appointment at 501-729-5049 or stop by her booth at a variety of art shows throughout Arkansas.

“

, in particular, has suited their needs and become an extension of their personalities.”

48 Your Hometown Magazine

SearcyLiving.com 49

a Piece of Heaven: Sunset Hills Ranch By Terry Murphy

It was a burnt up field in August of 2006, but we saw the potential, or at least I did. A man always has a dream of owning a piece of land that he can walk over and call his own, no matter if it is a couple of acres or a couple hundred. You feel like you have accomplished something in life and that you have the authority and right to do whatever you see fit in branding your own. The cleaning process started immediately for us. There were so many things to do. Some of our first improvements would be to bring out the chainsaws and other equipment needed to clean and mend the fence lines. It had been sitting there pretty much neglected for years, just waiting for an owner who was passionate about bringing it back to its glory. It was hard, hot work, but also so rewarding. The first few things included putting in a good road bed to go across and, of course, the place I chose for the barn and living quarters was in the far corner of the property. That meant hauling and spreading a shale bed, truckload after truckload. Thank God I had some really good and experienced help. The electricity also had to be run from out in the front of one end of the property to the very farthest point on the other. I could not imagine poles across my rolling fields, so I chose to dig a trench more than 4,000 ft. long and bury it; very costly, but I thought it was worth it. Next, we installed our own water line right down the middle, leading to our staked off site. 3,600 ft. later we had water across our property. We had to address many more issues before we could even think about starting to build. Fences had to be repaired and thousands

50 Your Hometown Magazine

more feet of cross fencing built. Cattle guards, gates, increasing the size of the two stock ponds, and countless other chores too many to list. After months of hard work, we were ready to pour a concrete slab for our barn. To call it a barn may be a little inaccurate. It was going to be so much more, built to last and withstand the many storms that the Rosebud area is known for; it would be constructed to be a safe fortress for anything that came our way. Upon inspection a person will see all the extras and thought that was put into it. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skimp on anything; more trusses, concrete, insulation, custom cabinets in our two bedroom, fullbath, island bar, triple patio, glass doors leading to the outside deck in our living quarters. It is so quiet and peaceful sitting out on the deck watching the shooting stars cross the sky. You can look toward the southwest corner of the property and see wild turkeys grazing in the new pastures. It is amazing what a few thousand dollars of lime will do to transpose a bare field into a lush pasture. Turn your head and you can watch a herd of deer run across from one side to the other. Down the middle fence row is where our family of roadrunners seems to hang out most of the time. Throw in a few more varieties of wildlife and the majestic

evenings when the sun sets behind the rolling hills and the tall green background of giant oaks, pine and cedar trees and you will want to just stay here forever. To me, this is a piece of Heaven where you can forget all your stress and let the gentle winds blow away your problems for the time being. It is where a man can take his loved ones and show them the virtues of his labor. It is a place where you still enjoy looking at your accomplishments after cleaning out a fence row, or picking up rocks out in the pasture, or bush hogging the swaying grass or just sitting under the big white oak and reminiscing over how far you have come; letting the kids and grandkids explore the creeks and woods in a relaxed sanctuary of your own making. But as the years have gone by, I have decided that it is time to take a few projects off of my plate. I have made promises and obligations to my family and, as a man of my word, I will follow through with those commitments. Which means I will be parting with Sunset Ranch. If you choose to purchase this pristine sanctuary, please contact the Realtor below. It is truly a place to create wonderful memories and enjoy the peace and tranquility of owning, as I call “Sunset Hills Ranch” a piece of Heaven! ~Terry Murphy

Linda Castle

Agent: (501) 230-9721 EXIT Natural State Realty lindacastle@exitnaturalstate.com http://www.exitnaturalstaterealty.com

 The perfect dining room. “Under the big oak is where my family has spent many memorable times cooking on the grill and sharing special times with friends. A place to relax, enjoy an evening summer breeze and admire the wildlife grazing in the pasture.”

• Sunset Hills Ranch located west of Searcy • 162.50 ac of improved pasture w/only 30 ac. in trees. • Two story red barn w/approx 2000 sq ft. including a 2br/1ba apt. upstairs & 1/2 bath down.

• This “Barn” was built to be a safe fortress from any storms that might come in its way. • Two stocked ponds! • Cattle guards & good sturdy fencing. • For More Info Text E 115351 to 51004

Priced at under $5,000 per acre!

SearcyLiving.com 51

52 Your Hometown Magazine

Searcy Athletic Club

SearcyLiving.com 53

through the By Stacy Duncan

CANCER. It’s shocking how in one second six letters can bring your life to a standstill. Life is normal one moment, the next you’re confused, scared, angry, frustrated and unsure of your future, all at the same time. It’s like someone is shouting these feeling in your head all at once. And all you want to know is how all this happened. For me it seemed inevitable. My daddy had passed away at 69 years of age after a three year battle with colon cancer. My mother, aunt and cousin all have lost their breasts to cancer. It’s in my family, to say the least. So, how could this lump in my left breast go undetected? I do monthly self breast exams. I breast fed both of my children and had a breast reduction. My BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 were both negative. I had written my family history down on my medical paperwork each year during my regular mammograms. I was never told something looked abnormal on my mammogram film. I had never received a letter or phone call asking me to come back in to do further testing. I did all I knew to do to prevent this from happening to myself. But it did. I had a standard yearly mammogram October 22, 2012. I was told my mammogram appeared normal, no abnormalities were found, return in one year. During a self breast exam in December 2012, I discovered a tender area close to the top of my left breast. I had just had a mammogram two months prior, but I didn’t want to just dismiss it as nothing. As I said, cancer is in my family. I made an appointment with my gynecologist. She ordered a blood workup and performed a breast exam. Unable to detect anything for sure, she felt it was in my best interest to go back for a diagnostic mammogram and made an appointment for me to see a breast specialist. This wonderful woman who was such a big part of my two daughters being brought into this world had just saved my life. On January 28, 2013, just three

short months after my yearly mammogram, I received a different diagnosis. This time I was told there was an abnormality. I didn’t understand how I could have something in my breast now when nothing was detected three months earlier. I told myself it can’t be cancer. The doctor would have seen it on my film. Someone would have called and told me. But they didn’t, and that same afternoon that truth became my reality. I did have an abnormality, a lump, a mass; something growing that was not normal tissue. It was something that had been on my mammogram film for two years, something that had not been brought to my attention. And so my journey with breast cancer began. A biopsy was performed February 8, 2013 to confirm the diagnosis. Stage 1 Infiltrated Ductal Carcinoma. February 12, 2013 brought lots of tears, more tests, and scans. I was never so terrified, but God had surrounded me with his loving and trusting people. My church, family, friends, even my doctor and his team had all prayed with me and for me. And at the end of the day, God delivered a blessing. All my

“Mommies don’t grow back but hair does.”

54 Your Hometown Magazine

scans were normal. No other forms of abnormalities. On February 15, 2013 a lymphectomy was performed to remove axillary lymph nodes. Still great news, only 1 of 15 nodes was found to be positive. If I had to have this, God truly had his hands on me, because every result we had prayed for is what I received. I had been handed the ball and all I could do now is run with it. I didn’t know why or how, but I knew God would use me in a great way. So I ran. I went home and took a long look at my two beautiful, sleeping daughters. I have to be there for their first heartbreak, prom, graduations, college and weddings. I ran… right into a mountain in front of me, and I was going to climb it one step at a time. I began chemotherapy on March 18, 2013 and again God blessed me and surrounded me with the most precious doctor and oncology nurses in the field. From my first visit I felt loved and cared for. I was Stacy, a daughter, wife, mother, church member and friend. I was never the next person getting an IV or a cancer victim sitting in the recliner. I didn’t see myself as a victim, and my team didn’t either. My husband, Jarrod, has been by my side every step of the way caring for me. We made the drive to and from my treatments two days a week every 21 days. I am grateful for those hours. He is the true love of my life, my soul mate. We talk, cry, pray and laugh together a lot. We make fun of my “little round” bald head. I lost my hair 18 days into treatment. Jarrod helped me realize, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just hair. “It is what it is.” Mommies don’t grow back, but hair does. I can say this because he never saw me as any less of a woman or felt embarrassed by my appearance. He saw it as a beautiful reflection of my climb we were making together, to the top of this mountain. Chemotherapy can be a very scary experience. I won’t lie. Losing my hair was very hard. But I can also say it’s really the only negative effect I had. I credit my wonderful and caring doctor for that. She and her team of nurses made sure every measure was taken to give me the best treatment and anti drugs to prevent the harsh side effect of chemotherapy. I was able to teach through most all of my treatment and have the normalcy of my life before cancer. My friends and co-teachers at TLC Early Learning Center helped me keep that normalcy. They still SearcyLiving.com 55

saw me as Stacy, and we still laughed together every day. I’m also extremely grateful for my prayer warriors and church family at Trinity Baptist Church for their strong faith and support. They held my hands and prayed with me at the most critical time in my life. So many church members have been touched by cancer themselves and their testimonies and prayers were comforting. Each week day of my chemotherapy treatment, women from the church brought food and fed my family wonderful, healthy meals. I was able to get needed rest knowing my family was taken care of. Their love and support was vital to my treatment. I have had so many blessings brought into my life from this experience. People who lifted me up and helped push me up that mountain. There have been countless testimonies of faith and strength from strangers, and my own opportunity to witness to others. I saw many times God was using me, just as I knew he would. My goal after Radiation treatments is to become a Life Coach and help others going through this journey. You’re thrown into a membership of something you never intended to join. Watching my parents both go through cancer, I thought I understood. You can never understand the shock and dismay of this disease until you have been through it. No one should ever have the right to say they understand what a cancer patient is going through or has been through. Every diagnosis is different for each individual person and no experience is the same. I could never say I’m thankful to have cancer. But I will always be grateful for the blessings it has brought to me, and I pray God will continue to use me in great ways. Cancer is a steep climb, but there is another side of the mountain to run down. 56 Your Hometown Magazine

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HEALTH

By Myrtle Hughes

s a child I have a lot of happy memories growing up at Higginson on the family’s 80 acre cotton farm with six siblings. I knew at the early age of 9 that God had a plan and purpose for my life. Two weeks after my graduation from Searcy High School, I married the young man that I believe God had planned for me. God blessed our home with four beautiful children Veneicia, Paul, Timmy and Marla. On September 22, 1967, the day our youngest child was due to be born, our eighteen-month-old son Timmy was diagnosed with acute leukemia. (Marla was born 4 days later at another hospital.) Timmy had fallen the day before and cut a small place in the corner of his mouth, which required a stitch. It continue to bleed and he began to run fever. Later that afternoon, bruises began to appear all over his body. We took him to the University Medical Center where they began to run tests. During the night, they told us what they suspected, and early the next morning it was confirmed. His prognosis was eighteen months. During the next months, our family and friends and our dear neighbors and friends, Emma and Clifton Galyean, were there to help with the other children while we struggled with the care of Timmy. He was in and out of the hospital several times as his remissions became less and less. After twenty-two months of praying that God would heal his little body, the hardest prayer I have ever prayed was, “God not my will, but your will be done.” Then God gave me peace. Timmy had been in the hospital several days and his last words were, “Mommy I want to go home.” Shortly after that he slipped into a coma and he went home to be with the Lord. The day after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, our four-year-old son was running on the Streets of Gold.

Cancer is not limited to age, race, religion, lifestyle, or financial status. It touches all of us in some way. I did not understand God’s plan and purpose in this, but God gave me strength to accept that which I did not understand. At Timmy’s service, Bro. Lonnie Coffman made the statement that Timmy was “God’s Little Minister” and he would in his short life touch more lives than those of us who live to be much older. The thought stayed with me, and we had inscribed on his monument, God’s Little Minister. In 1979, as our children grew older, I began my career with Cato, which at that time was in downtown Searcy on the court square. During the next few years, God was preparing me for circumstances that would forever change my life, but He was my Refuge during this time. 58 Your Hometown Magazine

On June 5th, 2002, while at work, I shared with one of my dearest friends Mary Jones (whom I lost to cancer on July 15th) that while doing a self-exam I had found something that concerned me. She insisted that I call and have mammogram done. A few days later, I was told that I had breast cancer. This led to a biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction and 6 months of very aggressive chemotherapy. The worst day of all was the day all my hair came out. Even though I tried to prepare for that day by buying caps, scarves and a wig, these “things” did not prepare me. It was just me and God on that emotional day, and He let me cry most of the day, then He wiped away my tears and made me realize that I was not alone and I still had so much to be thankful for. Being on a single income, one of the biggest fears was the financial burden that 18 new medical bills would cause. God is still in the miracle business, because I can’t explain how, but he allowed me to pay $20 - $25 a month on each bill and now they are all paid in full. I could tell you lots of other times that my faith has been made stronger because of what God has done. After 29 years in management with Cato, I retired in 2007 and was asked to start a Relay For Life Survivor Team. The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser. I told my friend Becky, let me pray about this, because I wanted God to be in on something this big. I knew without Him, I could do nothing. So with a few names and phone numbers and lots of interest and prayers, we started the Team. After the first year, we changed the name to Survivor/Caregiver, because having been a Caregiver and now a Survivor, the need was great to include the Caregiver in our meetings and other activities. We as a Team are like Family; we work, play, and pray together. Five years the Survivor/Caregiver Team has been awarded the “Best Campsite” at the Relay Event thanks to Barbara & Jeral Martin, who are the Master-Minds. Some of the fundraisers we

do at the Relay Event are jail & bail, petting zoo & the Legacy Pageant. We have also been busy having other fundraisers such as bake sales, yard sales, volleyball & softball tournaments, omelet & pancake breakfast, “Pennies For Life” coin drive at Westside School, and a lot of other things. We have raised over $50,000.00 for the American Cancer Society that will be used in research and many other different ways. Cancer is not limited to age, race, religion, lifestyle, or financial status. It touches all of us in some way. I pray that what we do as a Team might some day help find a cure for this devastating disease, so no one else will have to hear the words, “You have cancer.” I believe that God’s plan for my life now is to be a support to those who are going through the cancer journey. In doing so, I am carrying on the legacy of my son, “God’s Little Minister.” To all who experience this terrible disease, I pray that you will lean on the Lord for your faith and He will give you peace and strength. As I finish writing Timmy’s Story today July 22, 2013, it was forty four years ago today that he went Home.

 Timmy

 Relay For Life 2008 SearcyLiving.com 59

Dear Mommy, Mommy did you think of me today? Mommy did you cry? Mommy I know that it is hard for you And can’t understand why Mommy please don’t be angry with God It was time for me to leave I know that there are questions And answers you can’t believe But know mommy that I’m okay And never left your side Do you hear the things I say? Can you find the things I hide? The only thing I cannot take away Is the pain that your heart feels So I asked the Lord for just one wish To help your heart to heal He told me to think carefully About what I could say or do To show how much you mean to me And how much I miss you too I thought of all the little things That used to make us laugh I thought of all the prayers you have Just to have me back I knew just what my wish would be

It was there in front of me A beautiful dove God gave to me To show me of his love I whispered to the dove I told him how to find you I placed him on a rainbow So mommy when you think of me And cannot bear the pain Look for the gift I sent to you And allow my memory to remain I am in every laugh you have In every hug you share I am the one who knows your soul And want you mommy to let go Take with you the memories Of the life you made And remember I never meant to Cause you so much pain So when you need to feel my touch Or to know that I’m still there Find the gift I sent from above And see in it all my love When you see a feather on the ground Know that I am still around...

Written by Kat Mangura

60 Your Hometown Magazine

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HEALTH

How early detection leads to a quicker cure Cancer has a profound impact on the lives of patients and their healthcare and technology that make early detection and treatment family members. The word – cancer – alone sparks fear in the possible. People are much more aware and educated about cancer hearts and minds of people on a daily basis as they are informed of than a decade ago. Also, medicines are now available for patients test results that were not what they’d hoped for. that treat cancers more aggressively and rid the body of harmful With advances in healthcare through technology and medicine – cells. along with a healthy dose of faith “Breast cancer is a great – thousands of deaths are being example of how cure rates have prevented in the U.S. each year. improved in the past decade,” Doctors and scientists conduct he said. “With the advances in technology, Radiology years of painstaking research in Associates Searcy Breast Center, their efforts to discover the best located inside the Cancer Center methods possible to conduct of Excellence, is able to offer cancer screenings for various digital mammography to their types of cancers on the majority patients, which can detect of the U.S. population. Results suspicious cells better than from that research are used to traditional film mammography. establish screening guidelines It is recommended that all by organizations including women ages 40 and over have an the American Cancer Society, annual mammogram. Education American Medical Association, campaigns for breast cancer National Institute of Health, have been highly effective in U.S. Preventative Service Task encouraging women to have the Force and Canadian Preventative screening done, which leads to Task Force, and the American early detection. Then, early Congress of Obstetricians & detection leads to receiving Gynecologists. treatment and ultimately “Screenings are important Medical Oncologist Ryan Koch, D.O., and Nurse Jana being cured. More women are tools used to detect cancer early Aday, LPN, provide cancer care for patients at White beating breast cancer, and more to avoid more invasive testing County Oncology. complex forms of the cancer, and treatment,” said Medical now than ever before.” Oncologist Ryan Koch, D.O., While breast cancer is a with White County Oncology. cancer that is widely discussed “As medical oncologists, we recommend screenings for a whole population so that we can and funded, lung cancer is the leading cancer-related cause of detect cancer early in hopes of providing treatment that will result death for both men and women. The American Cancer Society in a higher chance for a cure. Early detection means that patients (ACS) website states that more than 159,000 people died from lung will receive the needed appropriate course of treatment that will cancer in 2012 and more than 226,000 patients were diagnosed help heal them of cancer before it progresses further and becomes with the disease. More men and women died from lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. more difficult to treat.” Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and accounts for According to Dr. Koch, cure rates for various cancers have improved over the past 10 years, thanks to the advances in 80 percent of deaths. According to information from the ACS, the

Top 10 Deadliest Cancers in 2012

National Institute of Cancer at the National Institute of Health Lung Colon/Rectal Breast Pancreatic Prostate 62 Your Hometown Magazine

159,480 50,830 39,620 38,460 29,720

Leukemia (all types) 23,720 Non-hodgkin Lymphoma 19,020 Bladder 15,210 Kidney 12,586 Melanoma (skin cancer) 9,480

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longer a person smokes and the more packs a day smoked, the greater the risk. ‘If you stop smoking before cancer develops, the damaged lung tissue gradually starts to repair itself. No matter what your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting may lower your risk of lung cancer and help you live longer,’ it states. However, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas and asbestos, as well as a family history of lung cancer, are all risks for developing lung cancer. Non-smokers account for nearly 20 percent of lung cancer related deaths.

Brenda Walker, RT(R)(M), with Radiology Associates Searcy Breast Center performs a digital mammography on a patient; sonography, fine needle biopsies and aspirations are also done at the Searcy Breast Center, located inside the Cancer Center of Excellence. Oncologists and scientists have been trying to identify a successful screening strategy for years that could be used to

prevent deaths from lung cancer. In mid-July, The New England Journal of Medicine published the findings of researchers who identified a reliable screening method for people that are at highrisk of developing lung cancer. They found that people ages 55 to 74 who are considered 30-pack smokers, meaning that they smoke one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years, or two packs a day for 15 years, are at greater risk of developing lung cancer and that a low-dose CT scan is an effective screening tool to detect the cancer early. “Screenings for lung cancer is something I believe we should start implementing in our community,” Dr. Koch said. “With the resources we have available to us both at the Cancer Center of Excellence and White County Medical Center, I believe screenings will improve survival for patients with lung cancer.” According to Dr. Koch, steps can be taken to potentially prevent cancer. “Incorporating healthy choices in your everyday life can help reduce the risk of developing cancer,” he said. “By not smoking, maintaining an ideal body weight for your height, eating colorful vegetables and fruits and being physically active, cancerous cells have less opportunity to develop. Also, protect your skin when you’re in the sun to avoid overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays. A healthy dose of Vitamin D, which comes from the sun, is good for us, but too much can be damaging to our skin.” “The screening guidelines are helpful for an entire population,” Dr. Koch said. “However, none of the organizations [previously listed] have made specific recommendations on guidelines regarding other common types of cancers including endometrial, ovarian and skin cancer. Therefore, it is very important to know your family history and talk to your doctor to make him/her aware of any cancers in your family so that you can make informed decisions about your health in the future.” White County Oncology is an outpatient department of White County Medical Center and is located inside the Cancer Center of Excellence, Suite A, at 415 Rodgers Drive in Searcy. Radiology Associates Searcy Breast Center and CARTI are also located inside the Cancer Center to provide patients the best comprehensive cancer care available.

Cancer Screening Recommendations Form

Gender

Age

Screening

Breast Cancer

Female

Starting at 40

Mammogram

Starting at 50

Colonoscopy Low-dose CT if determined as heavy smoker

Cervical Cancer

Female

Colorectal Cancer

Both

Endometrial Cancer

Female

Starting at age 21 *Earlier screening may be required for some individuals. Know your family history; there is no definitive screening guideline for endometrial cancer.

Lung Cancer

Both

Starting at 55

Ovarian Cancer

Female

Know your family history; there is no definitive screening guideline for ovarian cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Male

Starting at age 45 for African-Americans and age 50 for Caucasians.

Skin Cancer

Both

Know your family history, be familiar with your moles, what they look like and notify your physician if there are any changes; there is no definitive screening guideline for skin cancer.

Pap/pelvic exam

PSA, DRE

*This chart represents a brief overview of cancer screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society, American Medical Association, National Institute of Health, U.S. Preventative Service Task Force and Canadian Preventative Task Force, and the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. This article should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. It is important to consult your physician regarding any medical treatment, exercise program or dietary guidelines.

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HEALTH

Tips for Parents when Administering Medication to Children

Over The Counter Harding University Center for Drug and Health Information

Parents – how many times have you “approximated” a medication dose for your child? According to the Food and Drug Administration, every year nearly 7,000 children under the age of 11 years are taken to the emergency department for an inadvertent overdose of over-the-counter cough medication. Such errors account for almost 70% of preventable adverse drug effects. It is common for parents to treat children as “small adults,” but they are very different in their body composition. Children have more water and fat in their mass, compared to adults, and this affects the distribution of drugs in their body. Comparatively, children generally require smaller doses than adults. To make sure you are dosing your child correctly, be certain to carefully read and follow the labeling directions or prescription label. It is important to follow the five rights when administering medication, including:

Right child Right medication Right dose Right time Right route

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Use a calibrated measuring spoon or cup and AVOID using a kitchen spoon as a substitute because they often vary in size and as a result will deliver an inaccurate dose. Do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for a measuring device if they forget to give you one. Importantly, do NOT refer to medication as candy. Using this analogy only creates more opportunities for accidental drug ingestions. If the “candy” is left in a child’s sight they may decide to eat some on their own. Finally, always request bottles with child-resistant caps, remember to re-cap medication after each use, and keep them locked out of reach to prevent accidental ingestions. For more information, ask questions and let your pharmacist be your medication expert! By Dhruvi Patel, PharmD/MBA Candidate and Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP

has announced Leah Miller as the newest member of the hospital’s Board of Directors. As a native of Judsonia, she has seen the hospital transform over the years into the network of campuses and clinics it includes now. “Leah is highly knowledgeable about our hospital, and we are so pleased that she has joined the Board of Directors,” said WCMC President/CEO Ray Montgomery. “As a member of the White County Medical Foundation Board of Directors since 2006, she and her husband Donnie were very active in garnering support to help build the Cancer Center of Excellence.” “It is a great honor to be asked to serve on the White County Medical Center Board of Directors,” Mrs. Miller said. “I learned at an early age, when my mother received a breast cancer diagnosis, the impact that a health crisis has not only on the patient, but also their family. Throughout her journey, our family realized the need for quality medical care, as well as the importance of dealing with the emotional aspect of the disease. From this experience, I have always been aware of the blessing of good health and what it means to a person’s quality of life.”

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HEALTH

The Good, the Bad and the Unhealthy By Casey McLeod, Medical Center Pharmacy

n pharmacy school, I learned through clinical and personal experience the value of medications. There are medications available to treat or even cure most diseases that can be diagnosed. These medications go through a myriad of tests to determine that they are safe and effective before they are made available for patients to take. Why, then, is it that after taking the appropriate medicine(s), many people still feel so poorly? Each medication you take has a specific job to do in your body. What we often forget is that in the process of doing its job, a medication is also capable of doing damage. In pharmacy, this is often referred to as the “side effects” of a drug. Often, these side effects occur because medications deplete our bodies of vital nutrients. Thus, many side effects could be eliminated if we would simply replenish the vital nutrients that drugs deplete. Cholesterol medications are a primary culprit for depleting your body of something it needs. Cholesterol lowering drugs, also called “statins,” decrease your body’s production of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, plays a crucial role in the production of the necessary energy molecule, adenosine triphosphate. ATP provides the energy needed for muscle contraction, heart function, cognitive function, and blood sugar regulation. Without appropriate amounts of ATP in our bodies,

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we can suffer from everything from muscle pain to memory loss to irregular heartbeat. The most frequent complaint I receive from patients about their cholesterol medication is that it causes their muscles to ache or feel weak. This is clearly caused, at least partially, by depleting CoQ10 and, in turn, ATP. Statins have also been linked to diabetes, memory loss, and liver damage. Again, the depletion of CoQ10 and the energy molecule ATP could be the source of these negative effects. Now, for the good news! You can easily and affordably replace the CoQ10 your body needs. Adding 100mg of CoQ10 once or twice daily has been proven to decrease muscle pain and weakness associated with statin therapy. It has also been shown to decrease fatigue, increase exercise performance, and even reduce the risk of congestive heart failure. There are also studies that have evaluated the benefits of CoQ10 as a supplement to cancer treatment, due to its ability to protect cells from DNA damage. The bottom line is that CoQ10 can drastically decrease side effects of statins as well as provide protection to your heart, brain and liver. CoQ10 is available in many over the counter supplements. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplement to your medications.

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By Kaleb Turner (@kalebt97 for the Twitter world)

Curbing this statistic and bringing students closer to Christ is the crucial goal of the kindhearted and caring adults who graciously volunteer hours of their time planning Ultimate Weekend. Ultimate Weekend, as I said earlier, is designed to strengthen students’ relationships with Christ and challenge them to share the Gospel in the upcoming school year. Students from 7th - 12th grade from schools all throughout Arkansas attend the weekend and are ultimately blessed beyond compare by the time the action packed weekend comes to a close. I’ll do my best to fully explain the weekend, but in order to fully understand the remarkable weekend, you have to attend. UW is composed of college staffers who lead the students throughout the weekend in Bible studies, activities, and community service. Also, “host families” from all over Pangburn graciously host the students and lend their vehicles during the weekend. Friday afternoon, students meet, register, and are split into their groups for the weekend. Students then meet their host families and hopefully do not destroy their house and empty their cupboards by the weekend’s conclusion. On Friday night, students attend worship service followed by a competitive, yet friendly round of recreation. Saturday, students take part in more unforgettable worship and Bible study sessions, as well as community service, incredible food, and more recreation. Sunday morning, Ultimate Weekend is wrapped up with one final worship service and a message which is then tailed by a sad goodbye to host families and staffers. The action packed weekend garnered only 7 hours of sleep for me this year, which happens to be my fifth year attending. My description of UW does not do justice to this incredible weekend and the exhilarating fun that accompanies it. Before I begin speaking on the unbelievable impact of Ultimate Weekend, I would like to talk on how blessed us 70 Your Hometown Magazine

students are to be able to attend this weekend. Adults from Pangburn spend hours planning and praying for the success of this weekend. Without them, none of it would be possible. I constantly remind everyone that we are so incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to attend UW. All over the world, people are being judged, jailed, and in some cases killed for publicly worshipping God like we do. I am forever in debt to the amazing people who make Ultimate Weekend happen. Again, the goal of Ultimate Weekend is for teenagers to strengthen their relationship with Christ and challenge us to share the Gospel during the school year. The theme for UW 2013 was “Speak Life.” Throughout the weekend, the question of “What does it mean to ‘speak life’?” came up multiple times. A few of the answers by students were “To share the Gospel,” “To share the love of Christ,” or “Live a Christ-like lifestyle.” There is not one specific answer on how to “speak life,” so the way students interpreted this was a challenge all their own. Our

speaker for the weekend, Scottie Johnson (@scottieljohnson if you have Twitter), referenced the verse 1 Timothy 4:12 to students and challenged us to share the good news of the Gospel by speaking life. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul is telling Timothy to “not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” That is exactly what we should be doing as teenagers in today’s world. Often times, our generation is said to be worthless, irresponsible, and immature. This is the exact opposite of what I saw this weekend. It’s one thing to hear of students attending a Christian event like Ultimate Weekend, but to see students sing praises to God in today’s society is so uplifting and encouraging. As I stood during worship on Saturday night, students all around sang “His love is sweet, His love is wild, and it’s waking hearts to life.” In that moment, I realized through God’s amazing love and the unending prayer that went into UW, that very thing was happening. In that moment, His love was waking hearts to life - hearts which had never heard the Gospel or which needed a reminder of how incomparable His love really is. After service on Saturday night, students were given the opportunity to share what God had done in their lives during the weekend. Student after student made their way to the pulpit to proclaim that they had for the first time accepted Christ into their heart, that their eyes had been reopened to the power of God’s love, or just the fact of how appreciative they were of the planning and prayer that went into Ultimate Weekend.

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As a veteran Ultimate Weekender and a student leader in our school, I am completely blown away each year at how God shows up and shows out. This year did not disappoint. It is truly inspiring to see students surrender their lives to Christ and accept the challenge to “speak life.” I can’t help but rejoice at the thought that through the efforts of our small community, someone received eternal life and joy through Christ during UW. It consumes me with an overwhelming feeling of joy that I can’t explain. Often I am asked the question, “How do you keep so strong in your faith as a teenager?” The answer is simple; it’s seeing how lives changed through Christ during events like Ultimate Weekend. Readers, the challenge now is yours. Adults especially, take this to heart, because it’s you who we teenagers look up to. The challenge is now yours to share the Gospel and to speak life. The challenge is yours to share His love with others and start a revival in your community. But wait, I can hear you now thinking to yourself, “Well, my goodness, who does this kid think he is telling me what to do.” Ladies and gentlemen, it’s not me telling you what to do, it’s God telling you what to do. As Christians, we are commanded to spread the good news of the Gospel. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He says to go make disciples of all nations; to share His word. We are not fully doing the will of God if we are not sharing His word with others. But what about those of you saying, “Well, I barely have time to sleep, much less help organize a whole weekend for a bunch of teenagers.” It doesn’t take that. Just share the Gospel with your coworker. Share the Gospel with the person standing next to you in the line at the grocery story. Share the Gospel with someone. And plus, isn’t it worth it to see just one person come to know Christ? As I wrap up this article, the song “Set a Fire Down in my Soul” is playing on Pandora. The chorus of this song simply says, “Set a fire down in my soul, that I can’t contain that I can’t control, I want more of you God.” I pray that very thing happens as you accept the challenge to speak life just like us students did at Ultimate Weekend 2013. This week, simply share the Gospel with someone because ultimate joy in life comes from Christ, and how else to experience that full joy and love of Christ than to lead someone to Him. For more pictures and information on Ultimate Weekend or to just waste some time on the internet, visit my blog at kalebturner.blogspot.com. Keep smiling, folks; you never know how it will change someone’s day.

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of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These limit the power of government, in order to protect the natural rights of liberty and property. They guarantee a number of personal freedoms, limit the government’s power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and the public. Here are 2 of the 10 amendments: First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition: *Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Second Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The Bill of Rights plays a key role in American law, American politics and the American government, and remains a vital symbol of the freedoms and culture of the nation.

*Note that it does NOT say separation of church and state. But that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or abridging the freedom of speech...

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The Preamble sets out the origin, scope and purpose of the Constitution. Its origin and authority is in “We, the people of the United States.” This echoes the Declaration of Independence.

As is often the case when you live alone, there are considerable amounts of leftovers when you cook big. This is a combination of two recipes I made earlier this week. It turned out a bit like a sophisticated hamburger helper type lunch. I started with a scoop of the mac and cheese and topped it with a ladle of spaghetti sauce. Heat and eat! (I love leftovers!) ~ Lin Meisinger http://slowfoodhealthyfood.blogspot.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/SlowFood-Healthy-Food/197872763577877

From Founding Fathers “This day of July, 1776, I am apt to believe will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” ~ John Adams “The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.” ~ Patrick Henry “The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His discourses.” ~ Thomas Jefferson SearcyLiving.com 75

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Queso Blanco white cheese dip

Cook this slowly because if it gets too hot, the liquids and solids will separate; it will still be yummy but not NEAR as pretty. Add more jalapeño if you prefer dip with a kick. White American cheese can be found in the deli at our local Searcy Wal Mart, but be warned....it is not cheap! Good thing this is worth it! Now, go load up on some organic tortilla chips!

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/4 c. finely diced white onion 1 large jalapeño, diced (Wear rubber gloves and remove seeds and stem.) 12 ounces (3/4 lb.) White American cheese, shredded 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 1 c. half and half 2 Roma tomatoes, diced Large handful of cilantro, chopped (Be sure and use stems; that’s where the flavor is!) 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

sauté

In a heavy saucepan sauté onions and jalapeno in olive oil over medium heat until the onion is tender and clear.

ADD

Reduce heat to “very low” and add both types of cheese and the half and half; stir until melted. Add tomatoes, cilantro, and cumin and stir well to incorporate.

WARM

Keep warm ( but not HOT) until ready to serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Find More Recipes On

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

Do one thing you have been procrastinating about.

Write a letter of appreciation to your significant other or a friend.

Take time each evening to let go and to forgive.

By Beth Dargis of the My Simpler Life blog. www.mysimplerlife.com

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Across 4. Art is about _____ a completed work before you finish it in with your hands. 9. Diane’s grandfather served as a _____.

10. The damages done while a medication does its job.

Down 1. The American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser. 2. Grief and comfort form friendships here. 3. Desert-dwelling, nomadic people.

5. The Bill of Rights are amendments that _____ the power of the government. 6. The leading cancer related death.

7. After radiation treatments, Stacy wants to become a _____ _____.

8. Every _____ minutes a child is diagnosed with autism.

Find The Answers On

What’s in the middle of the sea?

What has a forest with no trees, lakes with no water, roads without cars and deserts with no sand? A man leaves home. He takes 3 left turns and returns home facing 2 men in masks, who are the men?

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Keep your head up. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an Official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration. 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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