"The Theba Thing" is about stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and trying the things that have been on my mind and heart.

I have watched Mixed Martial Arts for years now.  How did this happen?  Well, I was channel surfing one night and caught two men in this cage-like thing - called The Octagon - not just boxing; but kicking, wrestling and engaged in all of these other creative and amazing maneuvers.  I’m sure my interest to stop on this channel also had something to do with these incredibly-built, bare-chested men. I’m not going to lie.  
 


Nevertheless, I was amazed by the sport itself, because it’s so action packed. You couldn't count anyone out.  A guy could be taller or smaller; have major muscles or look like he’s never lifted a barbell. You just never knew who was going to win with a punch, a submission, a kick, or a leg-lock.

SEARCY, Ark. — Dr. Travis McNeal, assistant professor of behavioral science at Harding University, has accepted a new role of leadership. McNeal is the new director of Camp Tahkodah in Floral, Ark.

Originally from Nashville, Tenn., McNeal graduated from Harding in 1994 and joined the University faculty in 2009. He has a Ph.D. and is licensed in clinical psychology. McNeal began his involvement with Camp Tahkodah in 1993 as a camp counselor. Prior to this position, he was an adult volunteer and last year became assistant director.

As director, McNeal is responsible for developing themes for each summer with coordinating Bible lesson topics. He is also responsible for recruiting and scheduling adult volunteer staff members, recruiting and hiring counselors, distributing brochures to prospective campers, and processing camper registrations.

The White County Cooperative Extension Service will be offering the StrongWomen Program, a 12-week exercise program for middle-aged and older women on Mondays  and Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. at the old Carder Buick Building on Hawkins Drive in Searcy.  Classes begin October 13, 2011.

The participant fee for this program is $12.

The series will be led by Katie Cobb, a certified Strong Women instructor who has taught Strong Women classes for 5 years and by Certified Volunteer Trainers Pat Taylor and Phyllis Worley.

The StrongWomen Program was developed at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. The StrongWomen Program is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition improve the health of women of all ages.