Mobilizing Community

31 Mar 2004

Concerned Citizens for a Better Community (CCBC) and St. Mary's Assistance and Prevention Program (SAPP) have worked tirelessly for the past few weeks planning the first annual Searcy Watch Block Party. The event is designed to draw community attention to the many problems associated with drugs and violence in our area. It will be held Saturday, April 10 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the vacant lot on Maple Street between Beebe Capps Drive and Woodruff Street.
    CongressIruIn Vic Snyder has agreed to re the keynote and that he will be introduced by Searcy's own Mike Beebe, Arkansas Attorney General, Eaton Corporation's Human Resource Manager Victor Lee will serve as emcee. The line-up of speakers includes Judge Craig Hannah, Prosecuting Attorney Chris Raff, Searcy Mayor Belinda LaForce, and White County's Man of the Year Judge Bob Parish.
    We are also very pleased that Steve Nawojczyk, former coroner for Pu1aski County, bas accepted our invitation to speak. His expertise as a gang reform expert and a neighborhood watch advocate will provide us with useful tools in our own efforts to mobilize our strength as a community to combat the senseless waste of human life and talent which has been caused by the sale and use of illegal mugs and inexplicable violence.
    Representatives from the Searcy fire and police departments and the White County Sheriff's Office will be in attendance, and North Star Emergency Medical services will provide information on the Morgan Nick identification program.
    CCBC and SAPP believe that bipartisanship is essential to our efforts, and we welcome support and attendance from the Democratic and Republican clubs, as well as local and county candidates for political office. A voter registration booth will be avail- able, and we encourage those who are not registered to vote to take this opportunity to become an engaged and involved member of the community. It is our right and duty as American citizens to vote, and our committees urge you to register so you can participate in our precious democratic process. Remember, if you don't vote you can't complain!
   Activities have planned for the children, as well. An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 1 ;30 in the afternoon. An essay-poster contest titled, "My Community Today -My Community Tomorrow" will be held for children in 4th through 6th grades.
    As White County's Woman of the Year, it is incumbent upon me to work even harder toward positive change in my community. My inspiration comes not only from this great honor, but from my father, the late Eddie Hardin, Sr., who loved this city and was a dedicated public servant and community leader.
     I have awfully big shoes to fill!
     I feel a particular obligation to children and young people. Through the united efforts of this community and the block party committee, we can serve as positive role models for the next generation. They are our leaders of tomorrow and will learn from what we do today.
     We invite you - each and every one of God's children, regardless of race, gender or religion -to unite with us to make this event the beginning of better things to come in our community. CCBC and SAPP have worked diligently to organize the Searcy Watch group. Our 'Prayer is that its Purpose, will spread through the entire Searcy community.
     As one of the founders of CCBC, I ask all of you to remember that, "United we stand, divided we fall."
     President John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." This is what I can do, and I ask you to join me April 10 for Searcy Watch.
      Hardin-Collins is publicity chairperson and coordinator for CCBC.