Rickey Copeland yard recognized

The home of Rickey and Sandy Mangrum Copeland, at 213 Arkansas Street, was chosen as Monette Yard of the Month for July

City Beautification Committee members Steve Suber, Barbara Suber, Ernestine Harrell and Nan Snider presented Mr. and Mrs. Edwards with a certificate, which read, "The home of Rickey and Sandy Copeland has been recognized as having the most beautifully landscaped and manicured yard in the entire Monette Community for the month of July 2010."

A yellow and brown yard of the month sign was placed in the Copeland front yard to acknowledge the beautification award. The committee presented them with a red hibiscus plant.

The Copelands bought their new spacious three bedroom home on Arkansas Street in 1976 and have made many additions and renovations through the years. It now includes a music room and a concrete patio out back.

The lot has oak trees in the front yard and one elm. Flowerbeds include hostas, Purple Queen, Asian lilies, begonias, day lilies and sedum. Some of the plants came from the Copeland and Mangrum family yards.

Rickey has a love for landscaping and gardening. After retiring as a teacher at Buffalo Island Central, he has devoted himself to improving and expanding his flowerbeds. Sandy is a customer service representative at Liberty Bank of Arkansas.

They have a son, Josh, a musician who lives in Jonesboro. They have three grandchildren Allie, 5, Brayden, 3, and Layney, 1.