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2 Your Hometown Magazine
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issue 6 volume 18
16
44
45
United Atop A Mountain 16
Publisher’s Note 10
With Appreciation 20
Over The Counter 14
44
We The People 26
Art Spotlight 48
Out And About 38
Guns ‘N Hoses 50
Financial Focus 40
We Are Grateful 52
Imagine And Believe 66
Family Protecting Families
58
Dinner And A Magazine 76
Create: The Jason White Story
62
Crossword And Riddles 80
Bringing The Arts To Arch Street
jason white Photo By Searcy Living
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Paper Flowers, Creativity and Deadlines Creativity: The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships or the like and to create meaningful new ideas, rules, patterns or the like. It was two days before press for this issue and, as it has happened more times than not during the past 18 years of Searcy Living, I had once again procrastinated about having my picture made for the publisher’s note. While driving home, I realized I needed to come up with something while it was on my mind, and it needed to be quick as we only had about thirty minutes before leaving again for a school event. So, as soon as I walked in the house I grabbed a spool of string and a bag of paper flowers. I instructed my girls to make hangers for the flowers and to go hang them on trees in the backyard for a picture. In your house, if you made this request to your family, it might seem a bit confusing and strange, but in my house this kind of thing is actually pretty normal. Our last picture extravaganza included a magic hat and a rabbit. [Side Note: I hadn’t realized just how normal our unnormal had become until one of my daughters suggested after the last ice storm that lying in the road could really be a cool angle for a photo. I did suggest we try that somewhere a little safer, rather than Hwy 13 with a line of cars behind us.] The girls had the flowers ready in record time. I handed my camera, which cost more than my first car, to one teenager while the other one chased the outdoor cat out of the way, but as you can see it snuck back into the picture. We got the picture done and then we gathered paper flowers and made it to the school event in the nick of time.
Photo by Sierra Walker, Cat Control attempted by Ashley Walker
Everyone possesses creativity in some form. Although I can barely sketch a stick figure, there are so many other ways I can contribute creative talents. We all have our special flair in different areas, which brings me to this: There seems to be a new vibe in Searcy! A fresh outlook and a new enthusiasm! I think our community is starting to realize the importance of supporting local businesses (Please think before you click) and the important role they play in so many aspects of our lives while giving inspiration to showcase our county and all it has to offer. Art Alley and so many other new venues and events have created an effort and a sense of community that has exceeded many expectations. As our community flows into this new season of working together, I hope that we continue to realize how important the continuum of working together and supporting businesses, charities and sharing our creative talents with the world are. And as always, thank you for reading Searcy Living.
remember
the extras
This issue is in loving memory of Micah Holden
Ć’ 10 Your Hometown Magazine
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Publisher Christine Walker Customer Service Dorjeanne Bechhoefer Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell Makeover Coordinator Evelyn Moss
Contributing Independent Photographers Kimberly Brackins (501)279-1515 George Dillin (501)268-9304 Taylor Howard Photography (870)917-8012
Feature Writer Cecelia Wilson
Searcy Living Locally Owned and Operated 812 South Main Street Searcy, AR 72143 searcyliving@yahoo.com (501) 368-0095 SearcyLiving.com For subscription information go to SearcyLiving.com
Copyright 2018 Shark Promotions LLC. Searcy Living, Cabot Living, and Your Hometown Magazine are trademarks of Shark Promotions. All rights reserved. Ownership, rights, and logos are property of their respected businesses. No part may be reproduced without written permission. Shark Promotions LLC is not responsible for claims, misprints, discrepancies, advice of any kind, or content in advertisements or editorials, but will rectify errors in forthcoming issues.
Copyright Š 2018 Shark Promotions LLC
Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.
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Over the Counter Harding University College of Pharmacy
Feel The Burn: Heartburn & How To Fight It! By Kent Nguyen, PharmD Candidate 2019; Melissa Shipp, PharmD, BCPS; Lana Gettman, PharmD
A
ccording to national surveys, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affected about 20% of the U.S. population in 2014, and heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn occurs when acid and other stomach contents travel back into the esophagus. This leads to symptoms such as discomfort and burning pain around the chest or throat, and bitter or acid taste in the mouth. These symptoms commonly occur after eating and are worsened when bending over or lying down. Heartburn can negatively affect a person’s quality of life.
or constipation. Anyone who uses antacids more than 2 days per week for frequent heartburn should switch to longer acting products such as Histamine Receptor Blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors. •
Histamine Receptor Blockers (H2 Blockers): Pepcid (famotidine), Zantac (ranitidine), and Tagamet (cimetidine). H2 Blockers do not work as fast as antacids, however they have a longer duration of relief. Their onset of relief is from 30-45 minutes and duration of relief is 4-10 hours. They can be used 1-2 times daily at the onset of symptoms, or 30-60 minutes before a meal. They are recommended for children 12 years old and adults only. The most common side effects of H2 Blockers are headache, diarrhea or constipation, and drowsiness. Tagamet (cimetidine) has many drug-drug interactions, and therefore you should ask your doctor or a pharmacist prior to taking cimetidine if you are on multiple medications.
•
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole). PPIs have the slowest onset of relief; however, they have the longest duration of relief. Their onset of relief is between 2-3 hours, and their duration of action is 1224 hours. Therefore, PPIs are not recommended for mild and infrequent heartburn symptoms or those desiring fast and immediate relief. These medications can be taken by people who are 18 years old and older and who experience frequent heartburn (more than 2 days per week). These medications should be taken once a day 30-60 minutes before a meal, and they may need to be taken for several days to get the full benefit. PPIs should not be used for more than 14 days for self-treatment. The most common side effects are diarrhea, headache, and nausea.
Risk factors for heartburn: • • •
Dietary: alcohol, caffeinated beverages or coffee, sodas, spicy or fatty foods, citrus foods or juices, garlic, onions, and mints Lifestyle: obesity, smoking, stress, and tight-fitting clothes Other: pregnancy, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (Advil, Aleve), and iron supplements
You need to talk to your doctor if you experience: • • • •
Pain that radiates from the chest to the left shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw Shortness of breath Difficulty or pain with swallowing Heartburn symptoms that don’t go away or improve after 2 weeks of over-the-counter (OTC) self-treatment
Available OTC treatment options: •
Antacids: Tums, Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, and Maalox. Antacids provide relief within minutes; however, their duration of relief is only between 30 to 60 minutes. Antacids are recommended for people who have mild and infrequent heartburn. Most antacid products can be taken by children older than 12 years old and adults, but Maalox Children and Pepto-Bismol can be taken by children 2-5 years old. Antacids can be taken within 1 hour after meals or at the onset of symptoms, and they can be repeated as needed every 1-2 hours. Two of the most common side effects of antacids are diarrhea
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In addition to OTC treatment options, symptoms of heartburn can be reduced with lifestyle and dietary modifications. Dietary modifications include avoiding foods and medications known to cause or worsen heartburn. Also, eating smaller meals helps reduce heartburn symptoms. Examples of lifestyle modifications include: 1) do not lie down right after meals, and dinner should be at least 3 hours before bedtime, 2) if taking a nap or rest after a meal, elevate upper body about 6-8 inches while lying down, 3) weight loss, 4) avoid tight-fitting clothing especially after meals, and 5) smoking cessation.
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United
Atop A
Mountain
W
eddings usually mark new beginnings, but for hospice patient Tom James, it was the realization of a final wish. On the 1st of December, family, friends and caregivers gathered atop Love Mountain to enjoy a panoramic view and watch that dream become a reality, as Tom married his true love, Brenda – for the second time. The couple first met in 1978 and were high school sweethearts. They divorced after being married for more than 30 years, but have since rekindled their relationship – culminating in a ceremony at The Wedding Barn Event Center near Pangburn. Tom has stage IV lung cancer, and has entered hospice care. Even though the couple does not know how much time they will have together, they are committed to making the most of each moment. “I have cried for about two months,” said Brenda, when asked to describe her feelings leading up to the special day. “It was my ex-husband’s final wish to be remarried, and it’s been a blessing.”
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With only five days’ notice, volunteers and staff at The Wedding Barn pulled together to grant Tom’s final wish: to remarry Brenda and spend the rest of his life with her. Everything for the ceremony was donated, including the venue, DJ, cake and limo. “His wish was to marry his high school sweetheart, to marry his first love,” said venue owner Tina Reaper. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Willy Roland, who grew up with Tom. This time, “till death do them part” was humorously said as part of the nuptials. Flowers and decorations included a lavender and white bouquet carried by the bride, as well as traditional music for the processional featuring Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” After the newlyweds were formally introduced, they enjoyed their first dance to “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke. “It makes me happy; I am so happy for them,” said Brenda’s sister, Twylia Rolland. “They have loved each other for a long, long, long time, and this is really a dream come true.”
“family, friends & caregivers gathered atop Love Mountain to enjoy a panoramic view & watch that dream become a reality...”
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Service
Honor
Ricky
Shourd
By Dorjeanne Bechhoefer Most of us have heard of the different “10 Codes”. 10-4 is often used by lay people and is universally known as an acknowledgement of instructions. A code that the general public is less familiar with is 10-42, indicating a police officer’s end of tour of duty. December 31, 2018 Sheriff Rick Shourd will be signing off with 10-42, ending 41 years of faithful service to the people of White County. Shourd started his career as a deputy in 1977. He was there for a year before transferring to the Searcy Police Department, where he served for 28 years. He finished out his career by serving as the White County Sheriff for 12 years. Shourd looks forward to getting back to his roots. He comes from a long line of farmers, and has maintained the tradition throughout his career. He plans to tend his soybean and horse farms, but looks forward to spending more time with family the most. Shourd stated, “I told my wife, Kathy, that I have been getting up with somewhere to go for 41 years. It’s going to be quite a change January 1, 2019.” The ending is bittersweet. Shourd will miss his co-workers and the people that he has relationships with in different departments. When asked if he had any parting words, Shourd said, “Mostly I just want to thank the people of White County for giving me the opportunity to serve over the years. We have a wonderful community.” 10-4 Sheriff Shourd, thank you for your service.
“I just want to thank the people of White County for giving me the opportunity to serve over the years. We have a wonderful community.”
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Service • Honor • respect
Ray
Montgomery By Dorjeanne Bechhoefer “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21. This was the verse engraved on the plaque Unity Health presented to Ray Montgomery, retiring President and CEO of Unity Health (formerly White County Medical Center). This verse is the epitome of how Montgomery has lived his life, both professionally and personally. During his 30 years of service at Unity Health, Montgomery has been a champion for quality and patient safety. The hospital earned the honor of the Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award twice, more than any other healthcare facility in the state, while he was at the helm. Mr. Montgomery has been recognized by his colleagues and peers from both the Arkansas Hospital Association and American Hospital Association. In his personal life, you were likely to find Montgomery rocking foster babies at local foster meetings or serving in his local church. Searcy was blessed to have Ray Montgomery serving at Unity Health, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him in his retirement.
“ During his 30 years of service at Unity Health, Montgomery has been a champion for quality and patient safety.”
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Service • Honor • respect
Mayor of Searcy, Arkansas
David
Morris By Lillie Cook
Searcy Mayor David Morris is a master of conversation and always seems to have a connection with everyone he meets. Some of these connections date back many decades. In the winter of 1972, his first job was working at the Dairy Queen on Park Avenue. Lillie Cook’s first job was also working at the same Dairy Queen, at the same time. When he was elected Mayor, she was working as the Mayor’s Assistant, a position she still holds. The Mayor frequently recounts this connection to remind others that it is important to treat people with kindness and respect, as you never know when they will come back into your life. City Hall has heard this connection so many times it is referred to as the “Dairy Queen story.” Recently, he even shared the story as he officiated the wedding of Lillie’s granddaughter. Mayor Morris has a humorous side, but is never mean spirited. Prior to the start of the 2011 Fair Parade, a truck was parked in the middle of the intersection of Pleasure Avenue and Spring Street. Officer Todd Wells arrived to close the intersection. Mayor Morris asked Officer Wells to instruct the driver of the truck to exit the roadway immediately. After making the request to the female driver, who politely replied, “Oh, yes sir,” Officer Wells heard the Mayor’s laughter and realized that the Mayor was using him to play a joke on his wife. On December 31, 2018, David Morris will complete eight years as Mayor of the City of Searcy, a position he has served honorably. This brings to a close fortythree years of public service. Much was accomplished during his tenure as Mayor, including the passing of the 2014 “Eight-Year Plan.” Other accomplishments include the construction of the Searcy Swim Center, the Information Technology building, Fire Station #2, the Airport Terminal, and the Highway 13 Extender Route, as well as youth football restrooms and concessions, softball concessions and a press box, the purchase of side arm sanitation trucks, and street repaving and street and drainage improvement projects. For many years to come, the community will benefit from the improvements and accomplishments made during his administration.
“For many years to come, the community will benefit from the improvements and accomplishments made during his administration.”
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chief
Eric
Webb
By Lieutenant Todd Wells, Patrol Division Searcy Police Department This article is going to come across as short and to the point. The only way he would want it, other than not want it at all. For someone who all they wanted to do was be the “police” and be it in Searcy, Arkansas, Chief Webb lived his professional dream... ...from the streets as a rookie, through every rank, to the corner office calling the shots, he was around long enough to know old school police work, but able to help transition our department into modern day policing. Since announcing his retirement, a lot has been recognized for what he accomplished during his thirty plus year career. Yes. Thirty years. That by itself is a remarkable feat in today’s ever changing job market(s), but especially in a law enforcement career, with years of shift change every few months, continuous training, budget worries, sleepless nights, and sleepless days. Ask him about the hard parts though, and inevitably he reverts back to the love and passion he had for his public service. Chief Webb, at his specific request, retired with very little fanfare. Offers of retirement parties simply didn’t interest him. We were able to sneak in a small potluck lunch his last week, but only with promises of no gifts or added fanfare. What has never gotten much attention (by his own purpose) is his gigantic heart and overwhelming generosity. There are numerous acts of kindness, graciousness, and compassion he has shown to so many people. Although to name any specifically would be a disrespect to his wish. If you’re an Officer, administrator or civilian employee of the Searcy Police Department, or even a citizen of this town, you know the heart-felt speeches he’s given. Nowadays if you see him around, he’ll most likely be playing some music or cooking up a hot dish of food. If you do happen to see him out and about, and get a chance, please tell him thanks for his many years of humble service to our community. “A Cop is what he does for a living. Not who he is.” “There are numerous acts of kindness, graciousness, and compassion he has shown to so many people.”
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Happy Birthday! Dawn Herndon of Rose Bud on her 91st birthday with great, great, grandchildren Reed and Calla Adcock of Romance.
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John E. Lightle Center ribbon cutting
O
ur floor at the John E. Lightle Center, home of the White County Aging Program and Searcy Senior Center on East Moore Avenue, was literally falling apart and was held together with duct tape. The flooring was old, broken and damaged from years of use. Our Board of Directors requested the funds from David Morris and the city council. They approved the floor replacement with a fund appropriation of over $18,000.00! The Searcy center was closed to traffic for a week to be touch-up painted, cleaned, organized and decorated. We had help from a few dedicated volunteers and our staff. Double S Carpet and Flooring did an incredible job for us. The seniors returned to their center on Monday, November 19th and were amazed at the work that was done and the changes that were made. The former floor was in rough shape and the seniors had difficulty navigating it at times. Now, it is a seamless, beautiful, modern and, most of all, safe floor. The employees also now have access to a restroom that was being used as storage, so they are happy as well! The White County Aging Program has had some major changes this year and they have ALL been upgrades. Our seniors are happy now, and fun loving once again! We cannot thank the city of Searcy and David Morris enough for helping our program. We are grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for the re-dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. We thoroughly
enjoyed the speeches by David Morris and Judge Michael Lincoln. We also had several representatives from White River Area Agency on Aging, including Darlene Fowler and Debra Massey. We have an active and dedicated staff very happily led by our Board of Directors’ Chairperson Brenda Dunn, Co-chairperson Kent Roetzel, Secretary Annette Stuckey, Janet Hearyman, Carol Scott, Earl Grayam, Anna Combs and our attorney, Susannah Streit. We have Ms. Helen Moore Roetzel volunteering as a temporary County Coordinator and Program Director, and our staff LOVES her! If you are a senior over the age of 60, we would graciously invite you to visit a local White County Aging Program center. Come by the John E. Lightle Center and pick up a newsletter today for a schedule of food and events. We are humbly blessed and looking forward to a great 2019 as we happily serve those that have served us.
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St. James Catholic Church’s 2019 Annual
International F ood Fest
M
ike Willems and his wife Cathy will be at the helm again for a second consecutive year when the St. James Catholic Church’s 11th annual International Food Fest takes place on Saturday Feb. 2, 2019 in the St. James parish hall. “We appreciate the vast community support we received last year,” Mike Willems says. They succeeded Joe and Kathy Giezeman after their announcement in 2017 that they were moving to Denver. The Giezemans along with several other church members brought the IFF from its humble beginning in 2008 to the widely acclaimed event that has witnessed 600 patrons and beyond each year. Mike Willems reiterated how much he and his wife appreciate the Giezemans for their “diligent years of service” that helped make the IFF what it has become. The Willems couple has been working closely with the IFF Committee fine tuning every aspect of the project involving scores of volunteers handling various roles before and after the doors open for the festival. In the past, Roberta Spencer, pastoral council president for St. Richard Catholic Church at Bald Knob, has coordinated the silent auction, one of the vital elements of the IFF. Area businesses and industries along with private citizens provided items for the silent auction bidding. Cathie Threlkeld joined the IFF team working with Spencer last year. Spencer has also worked with scores of dedicated St. James and St. Richard volunteers who have prepared meals at the nearly two dozen food stations. The IFF’s main attraction involves ethnic foods spanning the globe: U.S., Mexico, Germany, Puerto Rico, Holland, Italy, Scotland, Poland, Philippines, Belize, Nicaragua, India, Spain, Africa, Spain, Vietnam and other Asian and Latin American countries. Harding University and Harding College students along with several from area public schools have volunteered at the IFF. Father Polycarp Ssebbowa, St. James and St. Richard pastor, and a native of Uganda, has offered samples from his own recipes. Cathy Willems will assist IFF volunteers in setting up rooms for patrons to move down the hallways selecting numerous kinds of ethnic foods. Jim Palmer, the St. James pastoral council president and native of Wisconsin, will once again secure an autographed Green Bay Packers football to attract the interest sports enthusiasts during a live drawing. He will likely be wearing the iconic Green Bay Cheese Head that dates back to his attendance at the first two Super Bowls in the 1960s. Guest tickets will be sold in advance and at the door. They can also be purchased at St. James Church, 1102 Pioneer Road in Searcy and St. Richard Church in Bald Knob at the corner of Hickory and Cleveland Streets and from church members.
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Calleigh Jo came home yesterday with a sparkle in her eye. She won second place out of five grades at her school in the “Kindness Matters” Poster Contest. We had no idea she partook in this, as she did it at school. Corey and I loved what she came up with and created. She said she wanted it to represent different races, world and nations. So proud of this girl and her heart! -Candace Skarda
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has mercy on you. - Isaiah 54:10
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members” – Coretta Scott King
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CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING AT The CrossinG AT Riverside Health & Rehabilitation
S
haring Thanksgiving dinner at The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation in Searcy are resident Betty Wortham and her granddaughter, Ashlei Burton, a nurse at The Crossing at Riverside. Approximately 300 residents and family members were treated to the traditional Thanksgiving feast, served by the team members at the center.
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The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation is located at 2500 East Moore Avenue in Searcy and offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, palliative care and respite care. For more information on the services offered, please call Glenna Copen or Kelly Adcock at 501-268-2324.
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John 3:17 Ministry Hope for the Harvest
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Congratulations!
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Branson
Vacation Rental $89.00-$149.00 per night!
Great Colorful Decor at this Branson Fall Creek 2BDR, 2Bath Condo. Conveniently located near Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake and the excitement of the Branson strip. Loft design keeps the feel open and the fully equipped kitchen gives you the opportunity to eat in and enjoy home cooking and the savings of not eating out every meal. Next time you are headed for Branson, go to the link below to view seasonal rates and for booking.
Plan your Branson getaway in this 2 bedroom 2 bath condo priced at $89.00-$149.00 per night! P rop e rt y w e b a d d r e s s :
itrip.net/branson-vacation-rental/Penthouse-Fall-Creek-2-BDR-55-8
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Whole Hog Cafe
Honors Veterans Whole Hog Cafe fed veterans at 1/2 price, and 10% of all the proceeds went to the Veterans Outreach Ministries Center recently, honoring Veterans Day. Pictured are Paul Bunn, Founder and President of Veterans Outreach Ministries Center; Dan Adams, owner of Searcy’s Whole Hog Cafe; and Mike Davis, “Sarge”, 1 of 3 founders of name brand Whole Hog Cafe BBQ.
Back to back State Champions!
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Find Yourself on
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Please Think Before You Click. Support Your Local Businesses.
Shop
Hometown
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Financial Focus:
3 Factors to Consider When Making
Charitable Gifts The holiday season is here, which means gift-giving is probably on your mind. In addition to making gifts to your family and friends, you also may be interested in contributing to charitable organizations. But before you donate financial assets, such as stocks, you will need to consider several factors, including taxes, your portfolio balance and the reputation of the charity. Let’s look at these areas:
■■ Taxes – Your donations to qualified charities (those that are considered 501(c)(3) organizations by the Internal Revenue Service) can give you tax deductions – if you itemize deductions on your tax return. However, due to recent tax law changes, the standard deduction for 2018 has almost doubled, to $24,000 for married couples, and to $12,000 for single filers. As a result, you may be less likely to itemize deductions, so you could have less incentive, at least for tax reasons, to make charitable gifts. However, if you give appreciated stocks, you may be allowed a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the gift on the date of the transfer, even if your original cost was only a fraction of today’s value. Plus, you may not be subject to the capital gains tax you might have to pay if you eventually sold the stocks. Also, depending on your age, you might be able to use your traditional IRA as a charitable-funding vehicle. Once you turn 701/2, you generally must begin taking withdrawals – called required minimum distributions or RMDs – from your traditional IRA. (Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during your lifetime.) These RMDs from your traditional IRA are taxable, but you may be able to exclude up to $100,000 of RMDs per year from your taxable income if you transfer the funds directly to qualified charitable organizations. In any case, consult with your tax advisor before donating appreciated assets to a charity. ■■ Portfolio balance – When you donate financial assets to a charity, you are also taking them away from your portfolio. This could be an issue, especially if you repeatedly donate the same types of assets. For example, if you’re donating some growthoriented stocks, will you lower the overall growth potential of your portfolio? You may want to consult with a financial professional to ensure your charitable gifts will still allow you to maintain a portfolio balance appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. ■■ Reputation of the charity – You may want to do some homework to make sure you are giving to a reputable charity. 40 Your Hometown Magazine
Many experts on charitable giving say that a worthwhile charity should spend at least 75 percent of its income on programs, rather than administrative costs. You may be able to find this type of information on a charitable group’s annual report and its website. You can also browse the web for the names of agencies that evaluate charitable groups. By considering the aspects of charitable giving described above, you can get more satisfaction from your generosity – because you’ll know that your gift not only supports a good cause, but also fits well into your overall financial picture. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
F
inancial-services firm Edward Jones ranks No. 4 on the newly released Best Workplace for Women by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE, according to the 9 Edward Jones advisors in the White County area. The firm is the highest-ranking financialservices firm on the list. The ranking considered more than 540,000 employee surveys from Great Place to Work-certified companies. Great Place to Work, a global analytics and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members’ experiences on the job. These included the extent to which employees, particularly women, trust leaders; the respect with which people are treated; the fairness of workplace decisions; and how much camaraderie there is among the team.
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Bringing the
Arts to Arch Street by Casey McLeod
“Creativity is God ’s gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.” —Julia Cameron, author, artist, teacher Conversations in the alley bring to mind the lost art of front porch moments are when I find myself dreaming big, creative talks with neighbors. We slow down. We chat. We connect over dreams… dreams for myself, for my children, for my something that is purely positive. It is common to walk down the business, for Searcy, for God’s Kingdom. I believe firmly that alley and see artists at work, people walking their dogs, couples God, being The Creator and having made us in His image, has engaged with each other in conversation, and families admiring made every person a creative being. Using the gift of creativity the newest mural. Live painting events held on the first Friday of does so much more than painting or writing or dancing. It is at every month draw a growing crowd of those interested in or just the heart of connection and problem solving. It brings people curious about this new arts movement. Searcy Art Alley gives our community a space to connect with one another and experience the together. It builds community. I have recently stumbled into a community of creatives in our impact of art. As the interest in Art Alley has grown, so has the awareness that little southern town that has reignited my love for all things creative and beautiful. Within this group are artists, actors, photographers, Searcy has organically developed its own arts district. Possibly musicians, and business people, each carrying a desire to bring by serendipity, or maybe by divine design, the block of Arch positive change to Searcy through the arts. Mat Faulkner, president Street that is the home to Art Alley is also home to much of the creative activity in Searcy. Theater, music, art, and chief idea officer of Think Idea Studio and founder of the crafting, photography and interior design are all Think Art Project, could be called the brain happening right across Arch Street from Art child of this endeavor. The Think Alley. Art Project got my attention with Center on the Square has brought the formation of the Searcy Art “ Using the gift of creativity theater arts to Searcy for over Alley. Eager to bring beauty and does so much more than painting 20 years. Wendy Neill, creative life back to downtown Searcy, Mat executive director, works tirelessly found a diamond in the rough in a or writing or dancing. It is at the to fulfill Center on the Square’s nearly abandoned alley just west of the heart of connection and problem mission to nurture artists, technicians, courthouse square. What was once an solving. It brings people together. administrators, volunteers, and audience eyesore is now a downtown attraction of members by providing opportunities for mini-murals, drawing visitors from early It builds community.” them to study and enjoy the art of theater. In in the morning to late at night. addition to the regular season shows, Center on It has been my honor to have painted the Square also offers an amazing program for mini-murals in the Art Alley from the very children. Since its inception in 2000, KidStage has beginning of the project. Having a place to grown into a year-round program offering 3 shows express myself as an artist as well as beautifying an otherwise dull space has done so much more than I ever expected. each year. Center on the Square not only provides an opportunity Art Alley has brought me a deeper connection to the city in which for relationship building but also encourages expression and selfour family is invested. It is a small space with a big feeling. discovery, creating a community of well-rounded people.
I
t is a quiet and peaceful Saturday morning. These
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“ The arts have a positive impact on quality of life as well as the economy of a community.”
“It has been a joy to collaborate with the artists who have utilized Art Alley to share their gifts with the community. We have a lot of talent in the Searcy area and Art Alley has become a destination that is a definite ‘must-stop!’ ” –Mat Faulkner
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Jason Coleman’s Beautiful Noise brings the art of music to Arch Street. Beautiful Noise is reminiscent of the old music shop where musicians sit around chewing the fat and throwing out an occasional guitar riff. Jason packs a lot into his small studio space with a selection of guitars for sale and studio recording equipment tucked behind a rustic shiplap wall. Jason offers guitar lessons, instrument repair and tune-up, and a really cool summer ukulele camp for kids. Playing music is still Jason’s passion. It is common to find him performing at local events or leading worship at St. Paul United Methodist Church. His talent rivals anything you can find in Nashville, yet Searcy is where he chooses to live and share his art. Right across the hall from Beautiful Noise sits AJ’s Art Studio. AJ’s elicits the feel of a famous Pablo Picasso quote, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Audra Jones, owner and operator of AJ’s, inspires creativity through painting, allowing her students the freedom to express themselves while learning techniques in watercolor and acrylic mediums. AJ’s offers kids classes and painting parties as well as open studio time. Her philosophy of creative freedom incites courage to explore creativity, giving her students pride in the art that they create. Nestled on the second floor landing of the old Western Auto building, Make.Do. and its founder Jo Ellis pursue restoring hope through creativity, connection, and compassion. Make.Do. is a local nonprofit organization founded on the idea that each person is created in the image of God and therefore is creative and valuable. Jo sees creativity as a treasured avenue for connection and compassion, offering a tangible way to follow Jesus’s Greatest Command to love ourselves and others. Jo and other volunteers teach creative classes like quilting, sewing, hand lettering, cookie decorating, embroidery, macramé, and more. Make.Do. works on a “pay what you can” model with the goal of offering community and connection to anyone who wants to participate. Zoe Photographic Group has the best view of the growing arts district from their second floor space. Kim Boyd and Erin Bunting, co-owners and artists of Zoe, compliment each other beautifully with their similar yet unique photographic style. The word “zoe” is of Greek origin and means life, and there is no better word to describe what Kim and Erin capture in their art. Zoe has documented milestone moments for many members of the Searcy community. Their art creates portraiture of frozen time, capturing the emotion of a moment in a frame. Sowell’s Furniture has been a fixture in downtown Searcy since 1945, and their history in our community speaks for itself. They are not only committed to helping you update a room, furnish your home or design an office suite, but also creating a warm and inviting space, which is an art form all of its own. Helping customers make good design choices is one of the things Sowell’s does best. Nancy Hatfield and Betty Mote, owners of Sowell’s Furniture, are no strangers to the waxing and waning of downtown Searcy activity but have never failed in bringing life to their creative space in it.
Arts districts are popping up all over the nation and the reason is quite clear. The arts have a positive impact on quality of life as well as the economy of a community. Creative Placemaking is an evolving field of practice that intentionally leverages the power of the arts, culture and creativity to serve a community’s interest while driving a broader agenda for change, growth and transformation. Creating space for the arts gets people engaged with their community, builds social connections, breeds trust amongst citizens, and spurs economic development. Searcy’s new Arts on Arch district looks to be the beginning of forming this space in our community, and as it develops so will greater opportunities for artists and businesses alike.
“The arts have a positive impact on quality of life as well as the economy of a community.” Make.Do. and its founder Jo Ellis pursue restoring hope through
creativity, connection, and compassion. Center on the Square not only
Kim Boyd and Erin Bunting,
provides an opportunity for relationship building but also encourages expression and selfdiscovery. Rose Breckenridge pictured.
co-owners and artists of Zoe, compliment each other beautifully with their similar yet unique photographic style.
Jason Coleman’s
Beautiful Noise brings the art of music to Arch Street.
Sowell’s Furniture has been a fixture in downtown Searcy since
1945, and their history in our community speaks for itself. Nancy Hatfield and Betty Mote, owners of Sowell’s Furniture are pictured. SearcyLiving.com 47
Art Spotlight: Sowell’s Furniture Now more than 70 years later, Sowell’s Furniture continues to have a prominent presence in Downtown Searcy in the same location on Arch that it began. Under their ownership, the Sowell’s daughters are committed to their customers, as they enjoy providing Central Arkansas with the latest in Home Furnishings, Art and Design. Sowell’s is very happy to be part of the Arts on Arch with other artists and designers that promote Art in downtown Searcy. Betty and Nancy invite you to drop by Sowell’s while enjoying the Arts on Arch!
“ Wall Art is one of the fun items that we sell at Sowell’s. Helping someone find just the right piece to go in a certain place is very rewarding.”
– Betty Mote
Betty Mote and Nancy Hatfield are sisters and co-owners of Sowell’s Furniture which was started by their parents, John and Lora Sowell, in 1945.
“ Art makes a difference! It can change the theme of your room, create a new color scheme, brighten a dark wall and even change the size of a wall! When working with our Sowell’s customers, I often refer to wall art as a “connector” because art connects the existing colors and items in a room. Today new homes feature open floor plans with less wall space. So, it is important to make the most of your wall space with the right art that reflects your style and makes you happy to be at home!”
– Nancy Hatfield
Currently featuring local artist Meredith Palmer in Sowell’s Warehouse window.
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Searcy Athletic Club hosts
Guns ‘N’ Hoses By Amanda Dismang
S
earcy Athletic Club hosted Guns ‘N’ Hoses, a fundraising event featuring the Searcy Police and Fire Departments and the White County Sheriff’s Department. Each department worked as a team to compete in strength and fitness contests to benefit local charities of their choice. The represented charities included the Child Safety Center of White County, Jacob’s Place, and Arkansas Special Olympics. The Child Safety Center of White County uses a multidisciplinary team approach in response to child sexual abuse, in order to achieve better outcomes for young victims and their families. Jacob’s Place empowers the homeless by providing financial, spiritual, emotional, and job counseling, along with temporary shelter. The Arkansas Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
“Each department worked as a team to compete in strength and fitness contests to benefit local charities of their choice.” Over 250 guests gathered to support our community’s heroes as they competed in the Guns ‘N’ Hoses contests, which included bench press, timed planks, a cardiovascular and strength relay race, and classic tug of war. Searcy Athletic Club owner David Staggs, MD opened the event with thanks to all participants and attendees, and Gene Morris emceed the contests. Local business sponsors included Sunrise Motorsports, Sonic, Kona Ice, Knight Fire BBQ, Daisy’s Lunchbox, Haymond Insurance, Young’s Tire, Joyful Macarons, Cruise Planners, NorthStar EMS, and Adventure Kids Dental. Attendees of the Guns ‘N’ Hoses event participated in a cake walk which featured more than 25 homemade desserts, and a raffle drawing for items contributed by Aesthetic Solutions, Whole Hog Café, Kellie Allison, Shay Poe, Sherry Lowe, Sheena Jackson, Sonic, Harmony Esthetics, the Corner Pawn Shop, Leland’s Lures, Lincoln Lawncare, and Dacus Rental & Sales. Many attendees purchased official Guns ‘N’ Hoses t-shirts to benefit the charities. Children enjoyed cotton candy, face painting, and fire safety education at the Fire Safety
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House provided by the Searcy Fire Department. Complimentary car seat safety checks were also provided. First, second, and third place medals were awarded to the individual participants who won each strength and fitness contest. The overall winner of the Guns ‘N’ Hoses Event was the Searcy Fire Department, who received a traveling trophy presented by Mayor David Morris, to proudly display at their location. The good-natured taunting has already begun regarding where the trophy will land after next year’s competition. Close to $2,000.00 is being divided equally among the charities. At Searcy Athletic Club, we thank the local business sponsors and raffle item contributors for the effort and commitment they have shown to our community by partnering for the Guns ‘N’ Hoses event. We celebrate our community’s heroes, the Searcy Police and Fire Departments and the White County Sheriff’s Department, who pressed, planked, tugged, and raced to benefit our local charities; who serve and protect the members of our community each day. We appreciate the people of Searcy and White County for participating, for cheering, and for raising funds and awareness for three worthy causes, and we honor our local charities for the much-needed support they provide for our community.
“Over 250 guests gathered to support our community’s heroes...”
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We Are Grateful Tyler Matthews and son Evan Jones
By Taryn Brown
T
Upon arriving at the hospital, Matthews was not sure what to yler Matthews had planned on spending the days leading up to her son’s 12th birthday party think. As a mother, her thoughts immediately went to the worst getting the final details ready, not spending them case scenario. When she was taken back to Dr. Carey, he told her to at the hospital. Early in the school year, her son, Evan Jones, get prepared, they were not sure of the details, but they were going to do everything they could. went into cardiac arrest at school. “Everything went blank,” Matthews said. “My mind wasn’t While at work, she received a phone call from White County Central saying they had few details, but her son had been in an wrapping around the situation… but the Unity Health staff accident. Her emotions were high, and her heart sank when she could not have done a better job. The nurses and doctors were professional and informative, and let me know what was going on headed to the Emergency Department at Unity Health. Jones, a sixth-grader at White County Central, has always with my son. Things could not have gone better for Evan in this traumatic situation.” been an active child, according Carey and his team continued to to his mother. Other than what stabilize Jones once he arrived at doctors called an “innocent heart the ER until he was sent on Survival “Things could not have gone better for murmur” when he was five-yearsFlight 6 to Arkansas Children’s old, Jones was perfectly healthy. Evan in this traumatic situation.” Hospital in Little Rock. Once at Head basketball coach, Ryan Koerdt, Children’s, it was found that Jones – Tyler Matthews said the team was running down and had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, backs when Jones walked over to and a defibrillator was implanted him and collapsed. Koerdt believed to help prevent such an occurrence Jones was having a seizure, and from happening again. immediately went to him to get a response. It was Carey’s understanding that Jones has idiopathic Resource Officer, David Reeves, arrived and Koerdt told him to grab the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Jones became hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which means the cause is unknown. responsive after being shocked once, and Reeves performed chest It is a hereditary condition where some people carry the gene but compressions until the ambulance arrived. He was then taken to do not have the disease, and others can often go undiagnosed the Unity Health Emergency Department where Dr. Martin Carey because of the lack of signs and symptoms. Carey said everything was memorable in Jones’ case. was working. 52 Your Hometown Magazine
Evan and sister Emma, with Tyler “You don’t see a 12-year old come in who has been in cardiac arrest very often,” Carey said. As there was not much Jones or Matthews could have done to prevent what happened, Carey said people who are engaged in physical activity do need to be aware and prepared for situations like this which can occur because of vigorous exercise. The successful outcome in this situation is due to the people who helped Jones, Carey said. “It’s key that the coaches or staff in a school are familiar with how to use an AED, and where it is,” he said. “They literally saved Evan’s life.” Both Reeves and Koerdt said this kind of situation has never happened to them before, but thankfully their careers have prepared them for when crises like this arise. “It’s prepared me in two ways,” Koerdt said. “One, being a coach, high energy situations are common, and CPR certification is required every two years.” “I have been trained several times on it,” Reeves said. “I think I was prepared for it as in knowing what to do, but not mentally prepared for working on a child.” When asked how they felt knowing their impact on the outcome of Jones’ life, Koerdt said he felt three things: humbled, happy, and elated.
Evan with Coach Ryan Koerdt, White County Central boys basketball coach, and Officer David Reeves, Resource Officer at White County Central. SearcyLiving.com 53
“I feel that Officer Reeves and myself, with God’s help, did all we could to help Evan survive.” “I’m just grateful I was there and was able to help,” Reeves said. “In stressful situations, you automatically fall back to your training, so make sure you train well.” Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, Jones was able to celebrate his birthday in a big way. One text message turned into a group message, and a couple hours later, over 50 people including friends, family and White County Central staff were there to celebrate Jones’ birthday and recovery. Today, Matthews and Jones are doing “really good,” and thank everyone who has been involved. Jones is back in school, busy being a 12-year-old boy, and Matthews is back at work and still in awe of her community. “The community at Unity Health and White County Central are special and amazing at what they do,” she said. “No words can describe what they mean to us. They really know what they’re doing over there.”
“The community at Unity Health and White County Central are special and amazing at what they do...”
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Family
protecting
Families By Ashley E. Hannagan quaint downtown P icture Searcy 100 years ago as soldiers
Jim Wilbourn was born and raised in Paragould, Arkansas. After high returned from The Great War and the school, Jim headed to the University economy boomed. People began to buy of Arkansas to get an education. There land for homes and the family farm he met the love his life, Miss Mildred Judge Elmo Taylor became an enterprise rather than just Taylor. Miss Taylor was from Searcy, a vehicle to feed one’s family. With this where her family had been instrumental growth came a need to have accurate, relevant information in the growth of our small town. Her about the land available for purchase. A.P. Strother Sr. stepped great-grandfather I.M. Moore was a A.P. Strother Jr. up to meet this need with a small company run out of an upstairs surveyor who helped lay out the streets office on Spring Street called Strother Abstract Company. In in downtown Searcy. He donated the those days, Strother Sr. would gather the information about land the First Methodist Church and Spring Park currently sit on. a property and take the abstract to an attorney, who would Her father was Judge here in Searcy for many years. Given her deep roots, Mildred encouraged her review it for approval. Business husband to move back to her small was good, and Strother Sr. hometown as they began a family. took pride in his work and his He agreed and set up shop as an community, serving on the accountant on Arch Street. There board of what is now known Wilbourn met and got to know the as the Searcy Public School Strother Family and the business, District from 1925-1945. first as a neighbor, then as a part The great depression took its time employee and finally with toll on the residents of White full time employment, whilst County, as it did the entire still maintaining operations at country, but Strother Abstract his own accounting firm. Over Company survived and in the time, a relationship of respect mid 1930’s Strother Sr. was and friendship grew, leading able to take on his son, Mr. A.P. to the sale of the company in Strother Jr., as a partner in the 1979. Wanting to honor its firm. At that time, the office had history while moving toward relocated to Arch Street, around the future, Wilbourn renamed what is now the First Security the firm Strother-Wilbourn Bank drive-thru property. Like “We have been a part of Searcy and this Land Title Company. This his father, Strother Jr. took his change recognized the change work and his civic duty seriously, community for generations and always in ownership and the extended serving on the Searcy School want to give our customers the best duties a title company held in District’s board from 1951-1956. the 1970’s, researching land The family business continued to coverage they can get.” records for prospective owners grow, moving again to a location and preserving and protecting on Arch Street, which currently previous owners’ rights. serves as Searcy’s Office of Code The firm continued to be a family affair with Jim’s son, Dan Enforcement, and adding a 3rd generation to the firm through Miss Ann Strother, Strother Jr.’s daughter. The new location also housed Wilbourn joining the firm in 1986 and his son, Ryan Wilbourn an up and coming young accountant named Jim Wilbourn. This following him in 2017. As Searcy progressed, so did the family business. In 2015, they were able to combine two real estate closing chance shared tenancy would change the paths of both families. 58 Your Hometown Magazine
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Downtown Searcy
companies, Professional Escrow Company and Executive Closing and Escrow Company. In 2016, they merged the location of the closing company and the title company, and in 2018 they were able to unite the closing and title businesses, expanding the firm’s duties again and changing the name to Wilbourn Title & Closing Company. As a closing company, they handle all real estate transactions. This process involves transferring and protecting funds from buyers, sellers, and lenders; obtaining the correct payoff amount from the current mortgage holders; and processing all closing documents. When asked what makes Wilbourn Title & Closing Company different from the others in town, Dan Wilbourn responded, “We have been a part of Searcy and this community for generations and always want to give our customers the best coverage they can get, so we provide an enhanced owner’s policy on all applicable transactions for no additional fee.” Today, you will find 3 generations of Wilbourns protecting buyers and sellers alike Monday - Friday at 308 E. Market Street, not far from where it all started. What started with one man’s American dream grew to include 6 generations and 2 families over a 100 year period. This dream, born of integrity and hard work, continues to serve the people of White County today and into the future. Wilbourn Title & Closing Company, let their family protect and serve yours.
“This [American] dream born of integrity and hard work continues to serve the people of White County today and into the future.”
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The Jason White Story By Dorjeanne Bechhoefer
o you remember when
you would get to pick from the treasure box in kindergarten if you took a nap? It was so exciting and so hard to pick! There were toys, candy, art supplies, stickers! For Jason White, at 5 years old, the choice was simple. He always chose the art supplies. Crayons, colored pencils, markers and paint have been his passion for as long as he can remember. Today, Jason is a full time artist whose work you probably recognize, even if you don’t know it’s him. He completed the mural on Wild Sweet William’s, the large mural downtown on the side of Quattlebaum’s music, the Ice Cream cone on the side of The Soda Jerk and so much more. In a perfect world a young artist would practice his or her craft, go to art school and launch their career as a professional artist. That’s not quite how it worked for Jason. Believing that something you are passionate about could become a paying gig instead of a fun hobby is a big leap. In the 1980’s, graffiti art began its ascent from vandalism to art, especially in coastal cities. By the 1990’s, kids who had grown up in that culture had started careers and were taking their art with them across the country. A student teacher named Stan Green from Davis, CA came to Bald Knob and changed White’s world. “I didn’t really know what graffiti was. I saw it on trains, but I never really thought about it as art. Living near train tracks graffiti was just part of my everyday life.” Green shared his sketch book with his students and White was hooked. Mr. Green encouraged the students to explore the craft, even getting permission from the city to paint an old storefront building that had partially collapsed. The teacher painted with the kids and was very talented. White describes his own work at the time as “not good”. “It takes time and patience to perfect your craft. Graffiti became my passion.” said White, “It was all that 62 Your Hometown Magazine
I wanted to do.” In middle America small town USA, graffiti was not accepted as art. People felt that it was all gang related and wanted any effort to legitimize it as an art form stopped. This fear of the unknown limited White’s ability to practice and create. If graffiti showed up in Bald Knob, Arkansas everyone would know it was him. As White approached graduation, he felt in his bones that he should pursue a degree in Fine Art at the Memphis School of Art, but fear held him back. “Anytime something would start to take off, I would get scared and back away from it,” says White. Ultimately, White attended and graduated from The Art Institute in Dallas, Texas with a degree in web design and graphic design. “Because I was following the money instead of my passion,” White convinced himself that the compromise would be ok. It was still “kind of artsy, still kind of creative,” but felt safe. “It just wasn’t my passion. It just wasn’t what I was meant to do.”
“Believing that something you are passionate about could become a paying gig instead of a fun hobby is a big leap.” Nevertheless, fear directed his path and White took a corporate job with Verizon, building websites. The work didn’t feed his soul, but it and side jobs doing web design paid the bills. White’s sketch book reflected his creative mood. Much of what he was feeling would end up on those pages, where his depression, self doubt and artistic frustration erupted. White and his wife, Stephanie, wanted to start a family, but didn’t feel the big city was the environment they wanted their children to grow up in. They came back home to Bald Knob and went into business with his dad. Shortly after, the financial crisis hit and businesses everywhere tanked. White was getting the itch to do something more creative. As the business was slowing down, he met Mat Faulkner with Think Idea Studios
of Searcy and took a position in sales. While working there, White was contacted by a woman who had heard that he painted graffiti art. She commissioned him to create a mural on her son’s bedroom wall. That led to more commissioned interior work and eventually to doing graffiti style design on Toms shoes. White did that for a couple of years and enjoyed it, but that type of design took a lot of time and he was forced to slowly phase that out. Around the same time, Kristi Thurmon of First Security Bank asked White if he could paint windows. He had never considered painting windows before because he didn’t like the style of the medium. Rather than fixing it, he just avoided it. With this opportunity before him, he went out on a limb and tried; the itch to be creative overpowering his fear of failure. The 1st year he did 4-5 banks with school logos. He did a lot of research on how to make them look like decals rather than ordinary window paintings. Loved it. Next year, White did 22 banks. Between the first and second year, Crain automotive commissioned him to do their dealership windows for Christmas. White was encouraged by the contacts he was making, but still too fearful to step out into being a full time artist. After approximately 4 years with Think Idea Studios, White was contacted by a car dealership in Bentonville about doing 8 school logos on their windows. After setting up the appointment and taking the time off of work, White arrived to find that the man who had arranged the work was no longer
Something felt different that day. “Felt like God was saying it’s time.”
with the dealership and the new management was not as interested in spending the money. After lengthy negotiations, White agreed to do one logo of the Razorbacks for them. White decided to set up his camera and do a time-lapse video of himself working. Something felt different that day. “Felt like God was saying it’s time,” says White. The feeling was so strong that he called his boss that day and put in his 2 weeks notice. “I was tired of the fear keeping me from doing stuff, so I stepped out on faith.” White posted his time-lapse video that night and collapsed into bed after a long day. The next morning he got a call from a buddy of his while he was at work. His buddy wondered if White had been on social media yet that morning SearcyLiving.com 63
“Kristi Thurmon of First Security Bank asked White if he could paint windows... With this opportunity before him, he went out on a limb and tried; the itch to be creative overpowering his fear of failure.”
Kristi told Searcy Living, “I have lived in Searcy my whole life and this is the most exciting time of improvements and progress I have ever seen.”
”White began to notice the huge amount of talented people God had surrounded him with and wondered how Searcy, as a town, could tap into the vast talent in the area and promote it.”
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and had a chance to see the response to his video. White had not, but quickly found out that the video had over 6,000 views in less than 12 hours. He was convinced there was a glitch or something had been hacked, but being at work, didn’t have time to check into it. By noon his video had over 9,000 views and Razorback Nation had reposted his video on their social media account. “This was just confirmation, you know, of what I could do,” stated White. While still working for Think, White began to notice the huge amount of talented people God had surrounded him with and wondered how Searcy, as a town, could tap into the vast talent in the area and promote it. He discussed these pockets of talent with Mat Faulkner, the owner of Think Idea Studio. From these discussions and through collaboration with local artists and artisans, Beats and Eats was born. The dream was to draw people in and show them what Searcy has to offer for food, music, art and culture. The response was stupendous. The artists were anxious to be involved and the public responded to their passion. The response from local artists was powerful and they began to search for ways to expand this movement. About the same time, White completed the mural for Wild Sweet William’s. This mural was so well received that it helped open the doors for The Think Art Project and Art Alley. The goal was to create a place to allow artists to practice their art and display it, while under the direction and approval of the city. After leaving Think Idea Studios, White illustrated a children’s book for his former supervisor. The book has yet to be published, but White is excited to have that experience on his long resume. He has designed tattoos, logos, and websites, but spends most of his time painting murals and windows. He and his wife also work with youth as youth pastors at The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church in Judsonia. White works to help the youth he encounters find out who they are and encourages them to pursue their dream. “Hindsight is 20/20 and I feel like I was much better than I let myself believe I was. If I had stuck with my art, stuck with my passion straight out of high school instead of letting fear stop me, I would be in a much better place, art wise, than I am now.” Jason White’s path to full time artist may not have been a straight path, but his twists and turns, highs and lows have shaped an artist that is an asset to our community and our youth. Searcy is blessed to have him involved in expanding our horizons. Check out White’s work at https://www.facebook.com/whitesartworks/ or Instagram @whitesartworks. Feel free to comment or ask questions on his sites. White’s heart is always to reach, encourage and teach through art and about art.
By Lisa Ford In the bitter cold of a Missouri Winter, Dad loaded my pastries in the massive trunk of his Ford LTD and drove me to the front door of the local bank, where my 14 year old self worked every Saturday selling sweets to local patrons. Dad’s face beamed with delight as I set up my makeshift bakery just so and worked to sell the goods Mom and I had created the previous sleepless night. 30 years later, though gone from this earth, Dad’s face still shines over the scones, rolls, Kolaches, cookies and other morsels I make. I didn’t think I wanted a storefront. The commitment scared me, and putting myself “out there” petrified me. But Dad insisted. Two months before his terminal cancer diagnosis, Dad wrote me a check for my “first year’s rent” for a storefront that I wasn’t even looking for. He urged me to “get on with it.” Stubbornly, I tucked the check away and continued my freelance baking for other local businesses. On December 19, 2015 the heartbreaking Billy Teague, news came. We would have Dad only a few Lisa’s dad. days, perhaps a couple of weeks, more. With crushed yet courageous spirits, my mom, two sisters and I escorted Dad home to savor the most precious days we would ever experience together. We were given two months with Dad, so much of which he was amazingly comfortable and full of joy. We spent the days reading poetry, biographies, and scripture. We sang, we painted, we laughed and we cried a lot. We also created a business. We settled on a special name, designed a logo, and organized and established business details. Dad, in his hospice bed in the middle of the living room, whooped a “Hallelujah!” with every detail accomplished! Although a business was actually coming together, I confess that I doubted whether I would follow through with the plan once Dad passed. But Dad knew I would. After Dad died, I returned to my local baking jobs. I was juggling five different kitchens when a friend called and told me about a great rental space with a fantastic landlord. I eventually agreed to take a look, and upon the look, I could finally see this possibility becoming reality. Wild Sweet William’s Baking House opened 6 months later. As a tribute to my Dad, my husband, Bill, and Jason White designed the mural that covers the south side wall of 304B South Main. Jason painted grand and happy wild sweet williams, one the wildflowers my family searched for in the woods of Missouri, many decades ago. Shining over the flowers is a huge orange-yellow sun, and inside the sun is the face of my dad. Jason captured his essence perfectly. Knowing my dad believed in what I pour so much into gives me energy, and seeing his grin on the side of the bakery gives me comfort and joy!
“30 years later, though gone from this earth, Dad’s face still shines over the scones, rolls, Kolaches, cookies and other morsels I make.”
304B S. Main • Searcy, AR SearcyLiving.com 65
Bid on desserts for Easter dinner and support a great cause! April 18, 2019 At the Searcy Country Club 2729 W. Country Club Rd. Tickets $20 Tickets available at Searcy Living 812 S. Main St. Go to the Imagine & Believe Facebook page for more information. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
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A Special Thank to Hays 2 for the Boot Donation!
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How You Can Help!
What Foster Parents Are Saying
Amazing Donors
Imagine a world where every child has a safe and loving home. 68 Your Hometown Magazine
Believe it can happen!
Thank you to the Searcy
Rotary Club for the diaper donation!
Thank you for the stocking stuffers to area foster children!
A special thank you to our local Elks Lodge for the diaper donation!
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Pouring Out Blessings: L&J Cox Trucking
W
e are L&J Cox Trucking, located north of Bald Knob. We are a family based company started by our parents who felt passionately about their children and wanted to help provide a comfortable lifestyle and job opportunity. They went as far as to name their company after their four children; Laura, Jeremy, Lagena, and Joseph. Coincidentally, all of their spouses also have names beginning with L or J.
that “Only Jesus Saves,” as you can see on every L&J truck, proudly displayed on our mud flaps. Larry & Iris taught their children that “paying tithe” is the best financial decision one can ever make. Any success financially or otherwise is completely because of God’s blessing and because He is a man of His word. He challenges us in Malachi 3:10 to pay our tithes and see if He won’t open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing. In 2015, the L&J family was once again hit with another devastating blow as Larry was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer. This was obviously a huge shock, as he only lived seven more weeks after being diagnosed. The family was again brought to our knees, and again asking those questions, “Why us?” and “Where are you, God?” But, God is good. His compassion fails not. We pulled ourselves together with lots of prayer from friends and family. We are still trucking and paying our tithes, and we still proudly display Daddy’s signature mud flaps, “Only Jesus Saves.”
L&J was established in 1998. Larry and Iris Cox had previously driven trucks in their younger years, but for the last thirty years had pastored Harvest Time Church in Bald Knob. L&J employs an average of 30 truck drivers, and we try to have them home every weekend so that they can attend church with their families if they choose. L&J has faced difficulty just like everyone else. Iris went home to be with Jesus in 2005 after an 18 month long battle with breast cancer. This left a huge hole in the family and was a devastating blow to our faith. We struggled with the reality that being a Christian does not make us immune from reality or this world we live in. We do know, though, that God’s mercy and grace is so much bigger than all of our struggles. Larry continued to pastor and manage the trucking company, with the help of his children, and continued to proclaim his faith
Thank You L&J Cox Trucking for Your Continued Support to Imagine & Believe! 70 Your Hometown Magazine
Thank you to Dalrymple Residential for the diaper donation!
Thank you to the precious soul who made these blankets for foster children!
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f o u n dat io n
Located at 812 South Main Street in Searcy, Arkansas Find Us On Facebook
imaginebelieve123.com
The Imagine & Believe Foundation has office space, utilities and Foster Care Boutique space that is 100% donated by a local business. Your donations are put to great use in the serving of foster children.
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Imagine & Believe Foundation We provide the Foster Care Boutique, which is where your donations of clothing and diapers are connected to foster parents.
We connect seasoned mentors (former foster parents) to new foster and
adoptive parents, giving them a resource to ask questions and glean wisdom from someone who truly understands their journey.
We help new foster homes get set up with things such as play pens and child safety gates. We help fill in the gaps. There are so many things to get and do to prepare to be a new parent of a child or children of varying ages.
We know the journey of fostering and adopting is very rewarding, but it can also have great times of discouragement and loss. We try to be an encouragement system and reminder that this community really does care about the orphans and the caretakers of the orphan ministry.
If a foster family does not have the time to come by the Foster Care
Boutique, we deliver the clothing and diapers to them. This service is needed, for instance, when a foster family takes in a foster child at 3am and has to be at work by 8am the next morning.
Please send donations to: Imagine & Believe Foundation • P.O. Box 2042 • Searcy, AR 72145 Phone (501) 593-5263 My check is enclosed to help wherever needed.
$20
$50
Other
I want to donate my time. My talent is: ___________________________________
Imagine & Believe is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) • Donations are Tax Deductible 501.593.5263 SearcyLiving.com 73
What Is The
H ope Believe Foster Care & Adoption Boutique? * The Imagine and Believe Foster Care and Adoption Boutique is simply a room in the Searcy Living business office that we have dedicated for use in helping foster & adoptive families, and sometimes emergency situations. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations, enabling foster parents to be able to ‘shop’ for what they need for foster, adopted and disadvantaged children, at no cost. Our office is located at 812 S. Main Street in Searcy. We welcome gently used or new items. Thank you, Searcy, for your generosity and time spent to support the Foster Care Boutique!
L ocated I n
Imagine a world where every child has a safe loving home. Believe it can happen!
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T h a n k You to a l l
Volunteers & Donors!
Thank You!
ASU Nursing Program Students
Corey & I had to stop by my mom’s tonight to grab Caroline’s coat and she surprised us with this adorable photo album that she made herself. Her reasoning... So that for each child that we keep in our home in Foster care, we can keep a photo of them and jot down the date they came into our care & the date they are reunited with their families. Precious! Thank you mom. This is such a sweet and appreciated gift.
- Candace Skarda
A Special Thanks Pat Veatch SearcyLiving.com 75
mud rice Rice is a versatile, affordable grain with a long shelf life. Give back to Arkansas by eating more rice.
Emma Ferren Boil
2 cups water 1 cup rice 1 (3 in.) cinnamon stick 1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese, softened 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Place water, rice, and cinnamon stick in small pot. Cover and bring to boil. Let boil for a minute then reduce heat. Let simmer until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
Beat
Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Pour
When rice is done, remove cinnamon stick and pour into a large mixing bowl.
Stir
Stir chocolate chips into rice until melted. Add the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
Sprinkle
If desired, sprinkle each serving with cinnamon sugar.
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Chocolate Pudding (Gluten Free)
I teach a cooking class at Harding Academy once a week, and my students range from third to sixth grade. I NEVER let them know what we will be cooking that day until they walk in class, although they never give up pleading with me to divulge the information. We made this chocolate pudding last week and let me just say...when I told them what we were making you could hear them SCREAMING with delight down every hallway in that building! They normally just tolerate my nerdiness when I tell how certain ingredients affect others, but I think they kinda liked my explanation of how the cornstarch begins to thicken, but if you heat it too long it will suddenly just say, “Um...I’m tired” and lose its thickening capabilities, never to thicken again. Also...there was not one speck of pudding left in the pan when they finished. This is much better than boxed pudding AND you can even choose what type of chocolate you want to use: dark or regular.
Combine
3 Tbsp cocoa powder 1/2 c. sugar 5 Tbsp cornstarch 1/8 tsp salt 2 c. milk 1 tsp vanilla
In a saucepan combine cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and salt; mix well.
Whisk
Add milk and cook over medium/low heat, whisking while it cooks, until mixture begins to thicken. Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.
Serve
Transfer to individual serving bowls, scraping the saucepan clean with the rubber scraper. Makes four 1/2 cup servings.
Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook, Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Midnight Oil Coffee House, as well as through Tanya by e-mailing her at lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net. Partial proceeds through sales benefit the Makonde Team mission work in Tanzania, Africa. 78 Your Hometown Magazine
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Across 1. Sowell’s believes it is important to make the _______ of your wall space with the right art. 4. Art Alley is a small space with a big _______. 5. Larry and Iris taught their children that paying _______ is the best financial decision one can ever make. 6. It’s key that the coaches or staff in a school are familiar with how to use an _______.
I am an odd number. Take away an alphabet and I become even. What number am I?
Down 2. Wild _______ Williams are a type of wildflower. 3. Everything for the James ceremony was _______. 4. Jason White believes that if he had kept with his passion following high school instead of _______, he would be in a better place.
Why should you never mention the number 288?
find the answers
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Keep your head up. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers.
Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration. Let’s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state!
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