April 2019 by 501 LIFE

2 | 501 LIFE April 2019

KATHY LIGHTLE Animal Lover Cardiology Patient Grandmother Searcy Neighbor HOSPITALS • CLINICS • SPECIALISTS We are friends, neighbors and caregivers. Together, we share a common bond. We love our community and those who make it what it is.

Unity-Health.org April 2019 501lifemag.com | 3

501 LIFE

EDITOR'S NOTE

OWNERS Donna Spears, Sonja J. Keith EDITOR Sonja J. Keith

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna Spears

ART DIRECTORS Jennifer Godwin and Nick Walker ASSOCIATE EDITOR Levi Gilbert PHOTO DIRECTOR Mike Kemp

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tom Keith CONTRIBUTORS Donna Benton Don Bingham Kellie Bishop Tanner Cangelosi Brittany Gilbert Laurie Green Linda Henderson Vivian Hogue Megan Ledbetter Karl Lenser Mark McDonald

Mark Oliver Todd Owens Bill Patterson John Patton Susan Peterson Dr. Robert Reising Robin Richards Jan Spann Donna Lampkin Stephens Callie Sterling Jaison Sterling

FAULKNER COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Johnny Adams Jack Bell Don Bingham RaeLynn Callaway Glenn Crockett Kay Dalton Beth Franks Russ Hancock Spencer Hawks Mathilda Hatfield Roe Henderson Jerry Hiegel Mike Kemp Julie LaRue

Karl Lenser Lori Melton Kiera Oluokun Deanna Ott Pat Otto Jon Patrom Amy Reed Lori Ross Margaret Smith Jan Spann Megan Stroud Kim Tyler Jennifer Whitehead

CONWAY COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen Alisha Koonce

Daffodils are aplenty in the 501 as Central Arkansas welcomes spring. (Sonja J. Keith photo)

In love with daffodils While Mother Nature may not quite be ready to let go of winter, spring is just around the corner in the 501, with its beautiful colors and warmer temperatures. This month, 501 LIFE is all about “Home and garden” as we celebrate spring and the beauty of this season in Central Arkansas. Despite cooler than normal temperatures and the deluge of rain in recent weeks – both strong indicators of the crazy weather in Arkansas – daffodils and crocus appear to be arriving daily. Trees and shrubs are also following suit with colorful blooms. It’s time to get ready for shorts and sandals. For weeks, I have enjoyed watching the daffodils in my flowerbeds inch their way out of the soil and produce beautiful blooms. There’s a special group of volunteers that spring into action when this time of year rolls around – the Daffodil Daze Committee in Conway. With the 4 | 501 LIFE April 2019

help of volunteers (primarily from the great folks at Renewal Ranch) and the permission of landowners, this group spearheads a local effort to dig up daffodil bulbs to re-locate them along the Tucker Creek Trail. This small group – led by Donna Evans – has been at it for several years, and you can see the fruits of their labor along the trail at Prince Street and Reedy Road. My friends on the Daffodil Daze Committee refer to these perky little flowers with the motto “Plant happy!” (If you would like to join the Daffodil Daze Committee or you have daffodils that you would like to contribute to this effort, call 501.327.1501 or email sonja@501lifemag.com.) What a blessing to live in the 501 with beautiful surroundings and wonderful people who do so much to help others. Until next month, here’s to “Celebrating spring” and “Loving LIFE” in the 501!

Stephanie Lipsmeyer Stewart Nelson Kristi Strain Jim Taylor Morgan Zimmerman

WHITE COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Betsy Bailey Tara Cathey Cassandra Feltrop Phil Hays Natalie Horton Matt LaForce

Hannah Owens Mike Parsons Brooke Pryor Carol Spears Kristi Thurmon

To subscribe or order back issues, visit www.501lifemag.com. The subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues). 501 Advertising and Publishing 701 Chestnut St. Conway, Ark. 72032 501.327.1501 info@501lifemag.com

501 LIFE is published monthly by 501 Advertising and Publishing (701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032, 501.327.1501). The contents of 501 LIFE are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE. 501 LIFE is produced on recycled paper.

CONTENTS

April 2019

Volume 11 Issue 12

features&departments 34 Feature

The Unity Health Foundation plays an integral role in the Unity Health system as well as the other communities it serves.

In this month’s edition, 501 LIFE is celebrating “Home and garden” with a cover story (Pages 40-41) on the home of Jan and Granger Davis of Conway. The home features beautiful azaleas and other springtime flowers. (Mike Kemp photo)

36 Feature

More than $70,000 was raised in February during the annual Walk for Wheezy in Cabot.

46 Gardening

The Arkansas Master Gardeners Program is going strong in its 31st year.

52 Home

G.T. Hill has turned the rusty recesses of his Cold War era missile silo near Vilonia to an upscale living and event space.

On the cover

64 The Arts

Searcy’s Art Alley is among the creative spaces in the 501, thanks to the Think Art Project.

neighbors 30 Youth

Morrilton High’s Grace Williams set a goal last fall, which led to her election as state president for Beta Club.

46 64

32 Couples

Mallory and Jay Salter met while attending Conway High School, where he played football and she was a cheerleader.

regulars 4 8-9 10-17 44-55

38 Vilonia

For 27 years, Shirley Jarman has been the face of the Humane Society of Faulkner County.

82 Person of the month

The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Jim Payseno as its Person of the Year.

Special Insert This month’s edition features an insert on the upcoming University of Central Arkansas Laurels and Stripes. 501 LIFE is proud to serve as a major sponsor of the event.

LIFE pics 18-27

'501 KIDS' 501 LIFE contributors Kellie Bishop and Brittany Gilbert have great tips in the 501 Kids section (Pages 60-62). Have a story idea or a young person you would like to see featured? Send suggestions to info@501lifemag.com.

6 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Editor’s Note Calendar Loving LIFE Home

501 LIFE would like to thank its advertising partners for their continued support and encourage our readers to support these businesses:

501 LIFE is you!

twitter.com /501lifemag

A AETN, 42 Arkansas Travelers, 70

facebook.com /501lifemag

Bell & Co., 43 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 71

C Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 61 Conway Corporation, 47 Conway Downtown, 23 Conway Regional Health System, 83 Conway Symphony Orchestra, 67 Conway Regional Rehab, 22 Crain Automotive, 37

D DJM Orthodontics, 62

E Edward Jones, 59

F First Security Bank, 84 First Service Bank, 13 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Inc., 27

Get “LIFE” at home! For a limited time, 501 LIFE is offering a special subscription rate for new subscribers - have the magazine delivered to your home for only $20 for one year, $40 for two years. While the magazine is distributed through more than 700 locations in Central Arkansas, copies go fast. Home delivery ensures readers they won’t miss a single issue. Readers can visit 501lifemag.com or call 501.327.1501 to subscribe.

Writers’ Room

Hartman Animal Hospital, 81 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 33 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 53

J Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery, 66

L Luxury Pool & Spa, 21

M Magie Smith Charton Eye Associates, 57

N Northwestern Mutual, 63

O Ott Insurance, 39

P Patterson Eye Care, 53

S Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 2 Salter Properties, 51 Shelter Insurance, 51 South Conway County School District, 31

U Unity Health, 3, 35 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 29 University of Central Arkansas, 45 UCA-Laurel and Stripes, Insert UCA Reynolds Performance Hall, 25

W Wilkinson’s Mall, 25

Tune in at 12:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month to KARK Channel 4 for a segment on the current issue of 501 LIFE.

Kellie Bishop has lived in Plumerville (Conway County) for nearly 10 years. “There are so many opportunities for engaging with the community and getting outside to enjoy the beautiful area we live in.” Kellie completed her bachelor of science degree in nursing at the University of Arkansas in 2013. She earned a master’s degree in nursing science with a focus as a pediatric nurse practitioner from UAMS in 2016. “I completed my education at UAMS, where I obtained my doctor of nursing practice in 2018.” Kellie and her husband, Greg, have two “fur babies” and are expecting a baby boy in August. She can be reached at kelliebishop827@gmail.com.

Donna Benton has lived in Greenbrier for nearly 25 years. She enjoys most the small town culture and community in the 501. “But most of all, my friends and family are here and that is what makes it home!” Most people probably don’t know that Donna was a rock climber, whitewater kayaker and a backpacking guide. To contact Donna, email donna@waterhousemarket. com. Check out her blog on waterhousemarket.com and follow her on Instagram @ waterhousemarket and Facebook at WaterHouse Market.

Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has called the 501 his home for 47 years. “I enjoy most the people of the 501 – their heart and passion for life and for each other.” A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Don has a bachelor’s degree in communications and is a certified chef. He and his wife, Nancy, have five married children and 12 grandchildren. His interests include music, interior design and event planning. He serves as the board chairman for Renewal Ranch and is a worship pastor. He can be reached at donaldjbingham@gmail.com. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 7

NEWS/NOTES

The University of Central Arkansas will present “Currents” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 1, at Reynolds Performance Hall. For more information or to order tickets, visit uca.edu/ Reynolds or call 501.450.3265.

April S 7

business hours. All profits from ticket sales go to The Wittenberg Foundation, which provides funds for outreach, engagement and education.

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 The University of Central Arkansas has two special presentations in April in Reynolds Performance Hall: “Currents” on Monday, April 1. The show combines a variety of elements, including specially made musical instruments, massive video art projections and 11 skilled performers in constant movement. Dailey and Vincent, known as “The Rock Stars of Bluegrass,” on Sunday, April 14. Kids Main Stage program: “Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure,” 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28 (public performance) and school performances Monday, April 29. For more information or to order tickets, visit uca.edu/ Reynolds or call 501.450.3265. The Conway Alliance for the Arts (CAFTA) will host its Sixth Annual Conway Arts Awards on Tuesday, April 2, in the Trieschmann Fine Arts Building at Hendrix College. The public is invited to attend the artist awards ceremony, free of charge, which will include local performing artists. A reception will follow. For more information, contact Ron McDaniel at rmcdaniel3@uca.edu. Renowned author and death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, will speak at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4. This special appearance is sponsored by The Wittenberg Foundation. Tickets are $20 and are available at lovesaintmarks.eventbrite.com or can be purchased directly from the parish office during 8 | 501 LIFE April 2019

The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Sixth Annual Casino Night at 6 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Maumelle Country Club. For more information or to order tickets, email macc@ maumellechamber.com or call 501.851.9700. The Eighth Annual “Hoof It for Heifer” 20K Trail Run will be held Saturday, April 13, on the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scouts Trail at Petit Jean State Park. The fundraiser is organized by the Heifer Volunteer Group based in Conway. For more information, visit heifertrailrun.com. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Conway will host a Spring Fling at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14. The event will feature an Easter egg hunt, food trucks, a bake sale and bounce houses. For more information, call 501.327.2214. The Kyle Allison Golf Classic, benefitting Renewal Ranch, is planned Monday, April 15, at The Greens at Nutters Chapel in Conway. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in the four-man scramble. Registration and breakfast are planned at 7:30 a.m. Contact Bryce McGhee for more information at 501.733.4263 or marketing@ renewalranch.net. LifeChoices will present a Spring Soiree women’s event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Legacy Acres near Conway. The event will include a dinner and a raffle, with guest speaker Jacki King. First Service Bank is the presenting sponsor for the event. For tickets and more information, visit lcspringsoriee.eventbrite. com or call 501.329.5944. The Cabot Scholarship Foundation’s Roast & Toast Banquet will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in the Cabot Junior High North cafeteria. The event recognizes students who are receiving scholarships from the foundation. This year’s honoree is Jerry Cole. Tickets are $30 per person and a table of eight is

$240. Tickets may be purchased at the Cabot High School office. The Maumelle Youth Council will present its Annual Easter Egg Hunt at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Rolling Oaks Sports Complex. The egg hunt is for children ages 10 and younger. The event is free and will feature prizes and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Sponsors are Maumelle Parks and Recreation and the Peyton Family. For more information, call 501.851.6990 or visit maumelleparksandrec.com. The Conway Symphony Orchestra will present its season finale – “The Music of John Williams” – at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. For more information, visit ConwaySymphony.org or call 501.269.1066. The Fifth Annual Fishin’ for a Mission bass tournament will take place Saturday, April 27, at Lake Dardanelle State Park at Russellville. The event, which has raised more than $16,000, will benefit Soul Food Café Mission in Conway and Community Connections in Russellville. The tournament features $5,000 in guaranteed cash prizes this year, with free food for participants and spectators at the weigh-in. In addition to the bass tournament, there will be a fishing derby on April 27 for any child with a disability. The entry fee is $110 per boat, with an increase to $125 after Saturday, April 20. To register or for more information on the event, visit fish4amission.org. Boati Gras will be held 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Fairfield Bay Marina. The event includes food, fun, music, a parade and prizes. For more information, go to visitfairfieldbay.com.

To submit a calendar item, please send information to info@501lifemag.com. To see a complete list of items, please go to 501lifemag.com.

UCA’s Day of Giving sets record The University of Central Arkansas set another fundraising record with its total of $757,939 raised during the Fifth Annual Day of Giving. During the 24-hour drive March 7, a total of 1,386 donors handily raised the record-breaking amount. Donors included alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends, as well as corporate partners who gave to specific funds among the categories of student, campus and community impact. “I’m so thankful for our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and corporate partners. They continue to answer the call for UCA and believe in the transformative power of a first-rate education for our students,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “As we continue to build on the momentum of our recent fundraising successes, we know that all of these gifts will have tremendous impact on our students, campus and community.” In 2018, UCA raised $434,526 during Day of Giving, and in 2017, UCA raised $41,504. “Our baseline for fundraising continues to be raised, and this is another marker in our overall success,” said Kale Gober, vice president of University Advancement. “I’m extremely proud of our UCA Advancement team and their incredible effort at making the Fifth Annual Day of Giving such an overwhelming success. Our faculty and students also

put in an amazing effort. They worked tirelessly to communicate with their constituents, organizing giving stations and much more.” Many departments identified challenge matches that were unlocked for Day of Giving. The following donors pledged a matching challenge to benefit a variety of funds: Drs. Terry and Joyce Fiddler (Reynolds Public Appearances/Main Stage); Jeff Standridge (College of Business Advisory Board); Karen Thessing (Computer Science); College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office - Anonymous, Tom Williams and Peter Mehl (College of Liberal Arts Enhancement); Stephen Addison (College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics); George Bratton (Mathematics); Beth Burgess (Delta Zeta House); Mark Wilson (The Advancement of Undergraduate Research in the Sciences Endowment Fund); Edafio Technology Partners (Conductor); Acxiom (Conductor); Conway Regional (Conductor); and Ray and Phyllis Simon (College of Education).

The UCA Student Government Association hosted a centralized donation station inside the Student Center on campus. The first $1,500 of student giving was matched 100 percent, a challenge that was accomplished by 3 p.m. That matching gift will support emergency student scholarships through the Annual Fund. Donations toward student impact funds will provide scholarships to students in financial need and student-athletes, as well as funds for student support services, such as the Bear Essentials Food Pantry and Greek organizations. Campus impact includes funds for faculty and student research projects, as well as service-learning opportunities, scholarships and state-of-the-art equipment. Community impact funds offer experiential opportunities, as well as guest lecturers, first-class exhibits and performances on campus that are available to the larger communities of Conway, Faulkner County and Central Arkansas. This includes Reynolds Performance Hall events, Outreach and Community Engagement programs, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre and the Conductor, for example. To see more details about the results and the breakdown of individual funds, visit uca.edu/dayofgiving.

2019 to be last for Soaring Wings event Registration for the 12th Annual Soaring Wings Half Marathon will open Monday, April 1. The event is planned Saturday, Oct. 19, in Conway. This will be the last chance for participants to soar as Soaring Wings officials have decided this will be the final year for the half marathon and 10K, according to race directors Amanda Castillo and Marla Watson. “It has been a fantastic 12 years and we appreciate the wonderful support we have received from the running community, our faithful sponsors and our hard-working volunteers,” said Marla. “Let’s make this year our best yet as we SOAR together one last time,” added Amanda. A training schedule will be available online soon and participants will begin logging miles Monday, July 29. The Conway area 12-week training program will begin with the first group long run on at 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. Participants will hit the pavement for five miles and leave from the south parking lot of Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center. The cost is $15 and includes a training shirt (tank or tee). For more information or to register, visit swmarathon.com.

Heroes for Hope Race on April 6 The Children’s Advocacy Alliance’s Heroes for Hope Race is scheduled 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, in Conway. The slogan for the event is “Every child needs a HERO, but an abused child needs a SUPERHERO!” The event features a 10K, 5K and 1.31K, which are open to runners, walkers, families and corporate teams. This year’s event features a new race route, which will start and finish at 3925 College Ave., near the McGee Center. The 1.31K Superhero race is for kids ages 10 and younger, and parents are welcome to run, too. Capes and tights are optional, but they sure make it more fun. After the race, there will be an awards ceremony and costume parade along with activities for kids of all ages. Activities include a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, games, food, beverages, Superhero appearances and more. All activities are free, but vendors may charge or request a donation. For more information, visit hopeandjustice.org. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 9

LOVING LIFE

Sharing the 501 LIFE spirit

501 readers are enjoying LIFE and sharing their trips and special occasions with others. An overwhelming number of readers are submitting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? photos for inclusion in the magazine, and every effort is being made to publish them as soon as possible. Headed out on a special trip? Pack a copy of 501 LIFE in your suitcase, snap a photo at your destination and send it to us for publication in a future issue. Have a special occasion or get-together coming up? Take 501 LIFE along, take a photo and send it to us. Photos can be submitted by email to info@501lifemag.com or by mail to Reader Photos, c/o 501 LIFE, 701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032. Please include the names of those in the photograph and their hometowns along with contact information. (Sorry, photos will not be returned by mail but can be picked up at the 501 office.) Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sonja Keith

Members of the Arkansas Christian Theater in Conway were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? after the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance of an original musical production written by Jordan Brazeal titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homecomingâ&#x20AC;?: directors Mark Baker (front, from left), Madeline Brindley, Jordan Brazeal, Anna Sullivan and Abigail Parrish; and actors Mary Grace Hall (back), Tatum Burrows, Jake Stienmetz, Benjamin McNair, Joshua Baker, Michael Baker, Kiersten Cobb, Maddie Meek, Sarah Fullmer, Luke Lewis, Janie Brazeal and Karen Fullmer.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at the 21st Annual Caldwell Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retreat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The event is held on Labor Day weekend each year. This is something my family has been doing for years in which men and children are not allowed. We host a Rook tournament, eat lots of food and enjoy the company of our family. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very special to us as the oldest lady to join is Barbara Sublett, who is 87, and the youngest is 19 (you have to be 18 before you can join the group). This year we took a picture with the 501 magazine because our event is always held in Conway at Aunt Shelia Berryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home in Green Gables,â&#x20AC;? wrote Destiny Lankford. 10 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Vilonia School District counselors were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at the Annual Arkansas Department of Education School Counseling Workshop: Grant Smith (from left), Trena Mitchell, Ramona Smith, Terri Chandler, Tana Miller, Jolene Sanders, Jill Kramer, Julianna Yeatman and Chad Roberts. The teachers â&#x20AC;&#x153;loved learning more about services for their students!â&#x20AC;?

The Central Baptist Church of Conway Golden Agers took 501 LIFE along on a trip to Mount Magazine State Park.

Greenbrier Junior High FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) members Skylar Everest and Darcey Roberts were “Loving LIFE” at Bethlehem House, which they adopted as their project for the FCCLA National Programs in Action: Community Service. They received a $500 grant from the Walmart Foundation to help fill food baskets for families in need and to purchase food used to prepare and serve meals to residents. They worked with their classmates and utilized skills they learned in Family and Consumer Science classes. They are scheduled to prepare another meal in March.

The Fairfield Bay Police Department was “Loving LIFE” in preparation for an event at the Bay: Chief David Burnett (from left), Officer Joey Burnett, Office Lyle Flutz, Sgt. Cal Mitchell, Officer Kim Mannville, Sgt. Mark Rodennberry, Officer Donald Crispell, Lt. Chris Waring and Constable Ingram Philips.

“Loving LIFE” at the Morrilton Adelaide Club’s Valentine dinner/dance fundraiser. The club uses the funds raised to support its Christmas Angel Tree project and scholarship program.

The Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild was “Loving LIFE” and “keeping the music playing” at Natural State Olive Oil & Spice Company, the site of a recent social: Carla Jones (front, from left), Sandra Devore, Jenny Davis; Sally Roden (back), Mary Mosley, Zada Koen, Judy McKnight, Pat Baker, Martha Bumpers, Beth Ruple, Beverley Freiley, Patsy Desaulniers and Joyce Miller.

Students from Vilonia High School (civics and social studies classes) took 501 LIFE along on a field trip to the Faulkner County Courthouse and Museum. Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker hosted the students and provided a full tour of the courthouse and the Faulkner County Museum. In addition to Baker, also pictured are teachers and Lee Moore, a member of Vilonia administration. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE

Conway Christian High School students cast in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring production were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best in the Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Conway Christian Conway Christian School recently presented its annual spring play â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best in the West.â&#x20AC;? According to drama director Laura Shelton, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drama club roster burgeoned to more than 100 this year, with a large contingent of boys, so the search for the spring play required something with a large, mostly male, cast. A western was the best option.

Teddy Best was played by junior Lou Kerst, in his first dramatic performance. As Teddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true character was revealed throughout the play, his sidekick, Hannah Muldoon, played by Drama Club veteran McKenna Vaught, came into her own aided by the new schoolteacher in town, played by sophomore Emilie Williams.

Conway Christian students cast as square dancers in the school play were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;?: (girls) Savannah Spradlin (front, from left), Madeleine Tanguay, Hannah Ghidotti, Ariel Duarte, Brady Callaway, Grace Beck; Drew Strickland (back), Payton Lentz, Ben Rowlett, Thomas Williams, Miguel Thorpe and Dylan Ussery were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;?

12 | 501 LIFE April 2019

The play had elements of a love story, action and slapstick comedy; however, it was ultimately a lesson in encouragement, according to Shelton. Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; character allows Muldoon to see who she truly can be. In light of that, the Drama Club selected 1st Thessalonians 5:11 as its theme verse: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encourage one another, and build one another up.â&#x20AC;?

Conway Christian students cast as main characters in the school play: Lou Kerst (from left), Russell Jackson, Matthew Lentz, Jory Fulmer and McKenna Vaught.

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LOVING LIFE

Kina Hagar (from left), Tammy Welsh and Kenna Reynolds were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at Hard Rock in Biloxi, Miss., while cruising the coast.

Scott and Diane Hotchkiss of Conway took 501 LIFE along to Bran Castle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; also known as Draculaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Transylvania, Romania, during a visit to Bucharest.

14 | 501 LIFE April 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? and celebrating the New Year in Montego Bay, Jamaica: Mary Jane Cahill Pettit (front, from left), Marisa Marquez, Jill Pettit; Collin Cahill (back), Joel Pettit, Cameron Tefteller, Carson Cahill and Matt Cronin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always bring the best reading material with us. You guessed it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the 501 magazine. We all read this magazine from beginning to end! We are fortunate to have a hometown magazine,â&#x20AC;? wrote Mary Jane.

Zachary Fine and his mom, Tricia Fine, took 501 LIFE along as they visited West Virginia.

Adam (from left) and Amanda Bledsoe, Jami Witting and Hunter Gould were “Loving LIFE” at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas at the Parker Seminars chiropractic convention. “Bringing faith and 501 to the strip!” wrote Amanda. Evelyn Bosley was “Loving LIFE” as she celebrated her 60th birthday on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Lyssa and Jerry Gipson took 501 LIFE along on a cruise on the Carnival Dream (in the background). “We sailed from New Orleans to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cayman Island, and Cozumel, Mexico. We love taking the 501 along with us on our life adventures,” wrote Jerry.

Stanley Clinesmith (left) and his son-in-law, Tom Keith, took 501 LIFE along on a family trip to Chattanooga, Tenn., where they visited two national parks.

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 15

LOVING LIFE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at a Facebook fashion show at Jack & Dianeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique in Perryville. The event was a fundraiser for Partners For Progress at the new Perryville Event Center, according to Deana Oie-Morin (holding the magazine).

The Perryville Beta Club was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? by serving others throughout the state as they volunteered at the Arkansas Food Bank: Jasper White (front, from left), Jesse Boshears, Mason Thessing, Landon Walker, Layton Garrett; Riley Almond (middle), Laura Beth Rogers, Paige Bradford, Chloe Watts, Lauren Rudolph, Avery Branscum; Kayla McDonough (back), Maggie Skinner, Madi Heuel, Savanna Watts, Sydney Chambers, Sara Rogers, Macey West, Kyra Hargrove, Paula Trafford and Ryan Standridge.

Students in Jennifer Barnettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ninth grade civics class at Conway Junior High School were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My students got an opportunity to go through the Arkansas State Archives Exhibit showcasing Arkansas in WWI. Conway Junior High got the exhibit on loan from the Arkansas State Archive for the WWI Centennial.â&#x20AC;?

16 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Andrew Hill, Robert Sheldon, Haley O’Donnell and Corbin Henson.

Riverview drum major Christi Young “Loving LIFE.”

Senior Riverview band members shine by Ashton Ray

Three Riverview Band members were selected last fall to participate in the University of Central Arkansas Honors Wind Ensemble. UCA has hosted the ensemble for eight years. “At the time we started, there were no other universities hosting an honor band clinic,” said UCA band director Ricky Brooks. “I wanted to provide students with an experience performing collegiate-level music in a wind ensemble environment with nationally-known clinicians.” He also wanted to introduce All-Region and All-State players across Arkansas to the UCA campus and all it had to offer them. The Honors Wind Ensemble attracts some of the best players in the state and being chosen is no easy feat. Students begin the process by being nominated by their band director. Trey Reely, band director at Riverview High School in Searcy, chose three of his top performers to participate: “I know the competition is stiff. The application form is very detailed as to what the students should have accomplished before they can be selected.” Reely said most of the

players in the honors band have been All-State players in past years. From the Riverview band, Reely nominated Haley O’Donnell, Corbin Henson and Andrew Hill because of their stellar qualifications. “Corbin and Haley were members of the honors ensemble last year as juniors. Andrew made All-State last year, so I knew he had a great chance to be selected this year. In fact, he ended up being first chair. Haley was first chair also, and Corbin was second chair.” The three students played in the wind ensemble under the direction of well-known conductor and composer Robert Sheldon. When choosing clinicians for the UCA event, Ricky Brooks said they look for nationally-recognized composers and conductors. Sheldon, recipient of numerous awards, is one of the most performed composers of present-day wind band music. “He had such a deep understanding of the pieces of music we were playing,” Hill said. “Because he told us the backstories of all the pieces, we were able to bring out more from the music that was written on the page. We played with all of the emotions he experienced when he was actually writing the piece.”

All three students will take the skills they honed during this experience back home to Searcy, where they will be featured on a solo work accompanied by the rest of the Riverview band in a concert later this semester. Riverview drum major Christi Young will also conduct a piece during this same concert. “I feel that the concert setting will be much more personal and focused than the marching band setting because attention is no longer split between music and marching,” Young said. “Directors seem to have more influence in the concert band setting because students are able to look at them more.” College plans aren’t set in stone for these students yet, but all of them know that music will always be a part of their life, regardless of where they go or what they study. Regardless of where each student ends up, Reely knows they have the technical training and work ethic to be a wonderful asset to any music program: “Andrew, Haley, Corbin and Christi will be missed at Riverview, but I know they will excel at whatever path they choose. They have been hard workers, great leaders, and I know the determination that they’ve shown me will get them far.”

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 17

LIFE PICS

UCA hosts reception for President’s Society Seth Foley photos courtesy of UCA

The University of Central Arkansas recently hosted its annual UCA President’s Society Reception at the Capital Hotel in Downtown Little Rock. The President’s Society Reception honors donors who have made exceptional contributions in support of students, faculty, staff and programs at UCA. Membership in the President’s Society is extended to those who have contributed $1,000 or more during the past year. Reception guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and an address from UCA President Houston Davis.

Mark V. Williamson (from left), Kelley Erstine, Kim Ellis and Wes Dyson.

Granger (from left) and Jan Davis with Gary Bunn.

Joe and Connie Whisenhunt.

Mike (from left) and Pamela Ashcraft with Kale Gober.

Pat Otto (left) and Nancy Gallavan.

Kay (from left) and Jim Hinkle with Jane and Bill Arthurs.

Melanie and Bo Conner.

President Houston Davis (from left), Dr. Terry Fiddler and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

Karen Reynolds (left) and Mathilda Hatfield.

Andrew Hiegel (from left), Steve Magie and Meagan Dyson.

Doretta Bright (left) and Jennifer Baxley.

Drs. Terry and Joyce Fiddler. 18 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Searcy named contest winner Megan Stroud photos

Those at the watch party react to the news.

Kacy Earden (from left), Kim Mote and Felicia Patten.

A large crowd was on hand Feb. 26 to hear the announcement that Searcy had won a nationwide contest and will be featured on the Small Business Revolution – Main Street series on HULU. Each season, Deluxe Corporation seeks out America’s most inspiring small towns, and awards the winner – and six of its small businesses – a $500,000 revitalization and documents the transformation in the original online series. Searcy was among 12,000 nominations. At the watch party at Harding University, the large crowd watched on a big screen as Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer at Deluxe Corporation, made the online announcement and then surprised the entire town by walking on stage. In mid-February, the top six cities were announced, followed by a weeklong public vote to see which town would be featured in Season 4 of the show. Filming for the series will run from March through August. The show is expected to air in October. For more information, visit smallbusinessrevolution. org or the Small Business Revolution page on Facebook.

Anna Brumfield (from left), Kristi Thurmon, Tara Cathey, Cassandra Feltrop and Amy Burton.

Chamber of Commerce President Buck Layne (from left), County Judge Michael Lincoln and Mayor Kyle Osborne.

Mat Faulkner and Amanda Brinkman.

Amanda Brinkman surprises the crowd. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 19

LIFE PICS

Darleen Ward and Otis Blair.

Jack (from left) and Annie Lankford with Mayor Paul and Cindy Wellenberger.

Jo and John Calaway.

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gala at Fairfield Bay Robin Richards photos

A Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Gala was held recently at the Fairfield Bay Conference Center. The event featured a social hour and plated dinner. Entertainment was provided by the Sean Sikes Band. For more information on events at Fairfield Bay, go to visitfairfieldbay.com. Judy Phillips and Bob Grimes.

Ron and Mary Edwards.

Joe and Dianne Whillock.

Spencer Beavers and Madison Altom.

LaRhonda and Jim Apata.

20 | 501 LIFE April 2019

John Crownover (seated, left) and Jackie Sikes with Sean Sikes.

Rocky (from left) and Kathy Nickles with Gail and Ernie Campbell.

Sue and Doyle Scroggin.

KARK Channel 4 News Anchor Mallory Brooks (back, second from left) with Unity Health Cardiology Clinic patients.

Unity Health presents Heart to Heart Unity Health recently hosted its Fifth Annual Heart to Heart event at Harding University Cone Chapel. More than 180 women attended the educational Fireside Chat featuring Unity Health cardiologists Dr. Katherine Durham and Dr. David Evans, cardiology patient Elaina Martin and her husband, Keith. They discussed Martin’s story and the importance of listening to your body and being aware of symptoms. Martin’s husband played an integral role in her story as he performed CPR correctly until help arrived. Their message was one to remind everybody to not ignore their symptoms, no matter how small, and the importance of being CPR certified. In addition to the Fireside Chat, local businesses set up booths as part of a vendor fair that featured educational information, shopping opportunities and door prizes. Businesses at the vendor fair included Beyond Boundaries Outfitters, CHI St.

Unity Health CEO/President Steven Webb welcomes the audience to the Heart to Heart luncheon. Vincent Heart Institute, Kelly’s Kards, Medtronic, Pfizer, Searcy Athletic Club, Unity Health Smart Heart Program, Stone & Sparrow Jewelry, The Shops at Unity Health, Unity Health Dietitians, Unity Health Foundation and Women for Harding.

Unity Health cardiologists Dr. Katherine Durham and Dr. David Evans and cardiology patient Elaina Martin and her husband, Keith Martin, speak at the Fireside Chat. Sponsors for the event were Medtronic, Pfizer, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Amy Daniels, Tara & Co. Diamonds and The Shops at Unity Health.

OVER

YEARS IN BUSINESS

2665 Donaghey Ave, Ste 103 Conway AR • (501) 327-1772 www.luxurypoolarkansas.com April 2019 501lifemag.com | 21

LIFE PICS

Women’s council hosts reception The Conway Regional Women’s Council recently held a Mardi Gras themed reception at the Frauenthal Estate. Members and prospective members enjoyed hors

d’oeuvres, refreshments, door prizes and a variety of activities. The Women’s Council sponsors several health related activities each year and raises funds to support projects that enhance healthcare at Conway Regional

Health System. They are also the volunteer force behind the annual Dazzle Daze shopping extravaganza. For more information about the CRWC or to RSVP, call or text 501.499.3095.

Lori Ross (from left), Amelia Day and Aimee Prince.

Alan Finley and Angie Longing.

Becky Benedetti (left) and Lisa Douglas.

Phyllis Avery (left) and Carla Rains.

Aimee Prince (from left), Ashley Mosley and Caroline Howse.

Caroline Hardin (from left), Darla Cathcart and Dot Welch.

Marla Hambuchen (left) and Brittany Butler.

Lori Ross (from left), Jenna Davidson and Mathilda Hatfield.

Shannon Howland (from left), Keri Yarbrough and Angela Ansel.

22 | 501 LIFE April 2019

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 23

LIFE PICS

Maumelle chamber hosts 17th Annual Business Expo Sonja J. Keith photos

The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its 17th Annual Maumelle Business Expo at the Jess Odom Community Center. This year’s theme was “MAUMELLE FORWARD…THE FUTURE OF MAUMELLE.” The State of the City Lunch, sponsored by Kimberly-Clark Maumelle, kicked off the event. Mayor Caleb Norris gave an in-depth presentation on what the city has accomplished and what the future holds. This event has been highlighted as Maumelle’s largest business-to-business networking event of the year. The one-day event gives businesses and residents the opportunity to make new contacts and improves existing business relationships with local organizations. It featured more than 70 exhibits by local and regional businesses. 2019 presenting sponsors were Fidelity Communications and Farm Bureau Arkansas. For more information, please contact Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alicia Gillen at 501.851.9700 or alicia@maumellechamber.com.

Kacey Ziegler and Will Belvin.

Cindy Vandenack (left) and Jim Payseno.

Amber Duvall (left) and Terry Huston.

Dustin Ivey (from left), Cory Pickard and Sam Williams.

Emilee Thomas (left) and Linsay Skinner.

Erik Fulton (from left), Darron Pitchford, Dustin Haile and Cole Schichtl.

Jean Lewis (left) and April Thomas. Te’Airra Blanchard (from left), Jared Azzone, Judy Keller and Scott Grummer.

Melodie Decker (left) and Lynda Byrd. 24 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Michele Tyrrell (from left), Cindy Baker, Tracy Jones and Lindsay Cowdery.

Joe Monan (from left), Jake Knight, Will Kidd, Hillary Heaberlin and Lucas Perkins.

Nicole Vogler (from left), Tawanna Fox and Vanessa Brickman.

Noah Savells and Allison Jones.

Sharon Gruber (left) and Debbie Brinley.

Sharon Rollins (from left), Harvey Shelton and Kelly Gurlen.

Jessica Kordsmeier (left) and Shelley Ellis.

Todd Dennis (left) and Mayor Caleb Norris.

Tracie Flynn (left) and Renae Patterson.

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 25

LIFE PICS

Greenbrier chamber hosts annual banquet Sonja J. Keith photos

Local businesses and community volunteers were recognized March 8 at the Annual Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Banquet. University of Central Arkansas Football Coach Nathan Brown was the keynote speaker at the evenet, held at the Greenbrier Junior High Cafetorium. The theme was “Boots & Business.” This year’s award recipients: Citizens of the Year – Rhonda and Randy Garrett Volunteer of the Year – Jeremy Riddle Student of the Year – Ashlie Green Business of the Year – Same Ole Joe’s Pizza New Business of the Year – Steak ‘n Shake Small Business of the Year – American Food and Drugs Non-profit of the Year – Independent Living Services The Student of the Year award recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship from the chamber. The chamber board also presented its Spirit of Greenbrier Award to Mary Ann Freeman, who recently retired from serving on the Greenbrier City Council after 28 years. Mayor Sammy Joe Hartwick presented the Mayor’s XM Award to Ashton Pruitt. The 2019 edition of the Greenbrier City Directory, produced by 501 Advertising and Publishing, was also unveiled. For more information, contact the chamber at 501.679.4009 or visit greenbrierchamber.org.

Award winners Jeremy Riddle (from left) with Rhonda and Randy Garrett and the oversized cover of the 2019 Greenbrier City Directory, produced by 501 Advertising and Publishing. Jeremy Riddle (center) with his family: Pam Glover (from left), Kristen Riddle, Payton Riddle, Sydney Riddle, Jeremy Riddle, Preston Riddle, Eddie Glover and Mary Katherine Glover.

Corinne Tarkington (from left), Leslie Hart, Tracy Livingston and Laveane Lovelady.

First Service bankers: Justin Zimmerman (front, from left), Tom Grumbles, Marilyn Battles, Sarah Allen, Robin Hackett, Brittany Witham, Christie Hensley, Whitney Long; Matthew Carter (back) and Jon Patrom. 26 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Audreya Brown, Mary Ann Freeman, Mayor Sammy Joe Hartwick and Dustin Chapman.

Lacey O’Bannon (from left), Treva Branscum, Shawn Johnston, Shonna Battles and Brenda Bennett.

Matt (from left) and Brandi Reynolds with Wanda and Gene Earnhart.

Amber Wallace (from left), Rhonda and Keith Woodrome, Devo and Shellie O’Quinn and Shelby Sawrie.

Representatives of American Food and Drugs: Dewayne Goode (from left), Raymond and Pam Reynolds, Sue Sturdivant, Cindy Goode and Kevin Dugan.

Shawn and Tonya Hammontree with Jeremy Riddle.

Celebrating the Steak â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Shake New Business of the Year Award: Sue (from left) and Johnny Miller, Susan Harmon, Haley and Colton Harmon, Lynda Harmon and Kay Moss.

Stephen Green (from left), Ashlie Green and Zack May.

Kim Tyler (from left), Randy and Rhonda Garrett and Dustin Chapman.

Dustin Chapman (left) and UCA Coach Nathan Brown.

Marilyn Battles and Tom Grumbles.

Mayor Sammy Joe and Cheryl Hartwick.

Ashton Pruitt receives XM award from Mayor Sammy Joe Hartwick.

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 27

EVENT

Greenbrier chamber names award winners by Sonja J. Keith

This year’s top award recipients selected by the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce have their own special ways of giving back to the community. The chamber honors this year’s award recipients at its annual banquet, including Citizens of the Year, Randy and Rhonda Garrett. Volunteer of the Year Jeremy Riddle and Student of the Year Ashlie Green. “It’s always a great honor to present the annual awards for citizens and volunteer of the year,” said Dustin Chapman, chamber board president. “These are the people that make Greenbrier such a wonderful place to live, and oftentimes their quiet and generous efforts aren’t even well-known to the general public. “This year’s winners certainly deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments, and we thank them for their service to our community.”

Other award winners: Business of the Year – Same Ole Joe’s Pizza New Business of the Year – Steak ‘n Shake Small Business of the Year – American Food and Drugs Non-profit of the Year – Independent Living Services

Randy and Rhonda Garrett Randy and Rhonda Garrett, husband and wife, are lifetime Greenbrier residents and graduates of Greenbrier High School. They have been married for 42 years. They have three daughters: Shasta, Casey and Cassidy; and a 4-year-old granddaughter, Gracie. Randy and Rhonda also have a pet raccoon named Ringo that they have had for almost 14 years. Randy has worked for Tyler Surveying for 45 years. He was named to the Greenbrier Planning Commission when it was formed and served for 13 years, during one of the city’s largest growth spurts. He was a board member on the Thorn Cemetery Association for 10 years before becoming president, a role he has held for the last 30 years. “Serving in Greenbrier has been easy for us because we call this home,” said Randy. “We have raised our children here and want others to enjoy the same opportunities. The selfless giving from our citizens helps make our town a better place.” Rhonda was a water meter reader for Greenbrier and Springhill with her dad, A.M. Millican, during junior high and high school. She was a Greenbrier school crossing guard for nine years. Rhonda worked in the home for 34 years, until her youngest daughter graduated college. She and Randy opened Country Time Flea Market and Antiques in 2010. Randy and Rhonda are members of Greenbrier First United Methodist Church, where they are involved in the Angel Tree program and Operation Christmas Child. They also coordinate semi-annual community blood drives at their church and host the youth group for cookouts and get-togethers at their home. They also enjoy inviting Greenbrier 28 | 501 LIFE April 2019

2019 Volunteer of the Year Jeremy Riddle (from left) with Greenbrier Citizens of the Year Rhonda and Randy Garrett. (Mike Kemp photo)

Spirit of Greenbrier Award The Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted this year to present a Spirit of Greenbrier Award to Mary Ann Freeman. In 2014, the chamber board created the award to recognize an individual who embodies the spirit of the community. Billy Joe “BJ” McMillen was selected by the board as the first recipient. Unlike the annual award winners who are nominated and voted on by the membership at large, the Spirit of Greenbrier Award winner is selected by the board of directors only when an appropriate occasion arises. Similar to a lifetime achievement or an outstanding service award, recipients of this honor are recognized for being the embodiment of what Greenbrier represents. Mary Ann recently retired from the Greenbrier City Council after serving 28 years. According to her family, “she took her service on the city council very seriously as she loves the City of Greenbrier and wants to see it move forward as a successful community and great place to live.” Faith and family are important things to Mary Ann. When asked her favorite possession and favorite book, she replied “my family” and the Bible. She and her husband, Charles, have a daughter, Charlotte, and son, Blaine; four grandsons and six great-grandchildren. A graduate of Greenbrier High School, Mary

Mary Ann Freeman, winner of the Spirit of Greenbrier Award. (Mike Kemp photo) Ann is a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Greenbrier, where she has served as a board member. One of Mary Ann’s favorite weekend activities is worshipping with her loved ones and spending time with family.

senior citizens to their home for potlucks and a time for fellowship. Both Rhonda and Randy said they were humbled to learn that they had been nominated and named Citizens of the Year by a community that means so much to them. “Greenbrier has come a long way from the small, two-lane highway through town, with no stoplights, to today’s busy five-lane Highway 65 with three stoplights and numerous businesses and schools,” said Randy. “Greenbrier is growing at a rapid pace,” said Rhonda. “This is proof people are coming here to live, work and play, which is in turn keeping our money in the community and boosting economic growth…We are proud to call Greenbrier home!”

tions that our kids are subjected to at an early age. I asked a few dads if they would join me in teaching our kids about life and how to make the transition from a child into a young man. This has evolved into the various groups that meet on each campus every week. From Monday through Friday, over 600 kids in our schools get to hear positive messages from people from all walks of life that we invite to just tell their story and encourage the kids to keep up the good work.” Jeremy said he is incredibly honored to be named Volunteer of the Year. “There are so many people that do things behind the scenes that are more deserving. I’m just grateful to be a part of such a great community.”

Ashlie Green

Jeremy Riddle Jeremy is a member of the Greenbrier School District’s Board of Education and devotes his time with the youth of the community. A lifetime resident of Greenbrier, Jeremy graduated in 1992 from Greenbrier High School. He has an associate of arts degree from Central Baptist College; bachelor of science degrees in biology and health science from the University of Central Arkansas; and a master of physical therapy degree from UCA. Jeremy has owned various businesses in healthcare and real estate, including investment properties and land development. He and his wife, Kristen, have been married for almost 22 years. They have two sons, Payton and Preston, and a daughter, Sydney. His work to establish character programs at the middle and junior high school levels resulted in the launching of the Mighty Men and the Iron Men programs. Purposed is the program at the high school level for serving both young men and women. Jeremy was a founding member of the Soaring Wings Youth Ranch and continues to use his abilities to assist the ranch. Currently, he serves as board chairman. In addition, he is on the board of directors for Lifeword Ministries in Conway and previously served on the Central Baptist College

2019 Student of the Year Ashlie Green. Board of Trustees. He is on the advisory board for First Service Bank and Deans Advisory Council for the College of Pharmacy at UAMS. His family attends Antioch Baptist Church, where he serves on the student ministries committee. He and Kristen also taught a young married couples class for 12 years. Jeremy is a founding member of MD5, a men’s discipleship group in Faulkner County. He leads or assists in leading Ironmen, Mighty Men And Purposed, all programs for school kids that meet weekly. “We have a tendency to get into a routine, focusing on our own little world and lose sight of the needs that are all around us. Volunteering is contagious when you are passionate about what you are involved in. My world consists of my family. “When I was elected to serve on our school board, I became aware of the dangers and tempta-

A senior at Greenbrier High School, Ashlie is passionate about her music and what the future may hold. A member of the Greenbrier High School Band, Ashlie plays the French horn and has served as drum major for two years. She has maintained a 4.32 GPA and currently ranks No. 1 out of 246 classmates. She hopes to attend Florida State University and double major in music and business/marketing or political science. She envisions graduate work in music as well as pursuing a law degree. Ashlie has played the French horn since sixth grade. Her honors include All State and the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra. She also plays the piano, guitar, mandolin and trumpet – all self-taught. She’s also teaching herself how to play the violin. “Music is my passion.” As she looks to college, Ashlie is appreciative of the education she has received in Greenbrier schools. “The staff is very helpful. I love every teacher I’ve ever had,” she said. “They have provided a positive learning environment.” A daughter of Stefani and Stephen Green, Ashlie has a brother, Erich. Ashlie is appreciative of her parents’ love and encouragement. “They’ve always supported me and my dreams,” she said. “They are the reason I am the person I am today.”

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April 2019 501lifemag.com | 29

Goal accomplished NEIGHBORS youth

Morrilton student elected state president by Sonja J. Keith

This school year, Grace Williams had a goal of overcoming her shyness and thought the best way to do that would be running for a state office in Beta Club. With the help of her teachers and classmates, she was elected president, and will go on to compete for the national office this summer. “I usually don’t speak to people I don’t know. This year, I really wanted to branch out and force myself out of that bubble,” she said. Grace, 17, is a junior at Morrilton High School. She is a daughter of Sheila and Timothy Williams. She has two older siblings, Ayana and Isaiah. Grace describes herself as a “military child” who was born in Florida and lived in Georgia and Louisiana before the family moved to Arkansas about five years ago to be close to family. Her dad retired from the Air Force after serving 21 years. “I’m from the South,” she said with a smile. “Our family has been in this area for years.” Attending school in Morrilton was a different experience for Grace and she is very happy the family made the move. “The people here in Morrilton are better than those I met in other cities I was in,” she said, explaining that students are communityminded and supportive of one another instead of being competitive. As a freshman, Grace became involved with student council. She is serving her second year as president. In addition, she is a starter on the school soccer team. In junior high, Grace joined Beta Club, a group that she had not heard of prior to moving to Arkansas. “At the heart of Beta Club is students coming together and doing community service,” she said. “There have been so many opportunities that have been opened to me since Beta.” Each year, at the Beta Club state convention in Hot Springs, there are a variety of competitions for students, including art which Grace has enjoyed. Students can also seek state offices. In September, Grace signed up with her Beta Club to run for state president. “The local club decides which person who signed up will run for office.” Running for state office involved preparing a speech, a one-minute campaign skit and a question and answer session. Her campaign workers wore tie-dye T-shirts which Grace helped design, that reflected the theme “Amazing Grace.” (To see the skit, which was the runner-up in that competition, visit the Morrilton High School Beta Club page on Facebook). Grace is very appreciative of the students involved in the campaign, including her campaign manager Lamar Williams, and her teachers, Patricia Hopkins and Brad Parks. 30 | 501 LIFE April 2019

As the new state president for Beta Club, Grace Williams would like to see the organization in more schools and explore ways to help students who need financial assistance to attend the state convention. (Sonja Keith photo) This summer, Grace will travel to Oklahoma City for the national convention and will run for the office of national president, which is currently

held by Drake Toll at Vilonia High School. Grace, who has attended the national convention four times, said it would be “pretty cool” if for the second

year in a row that the national president came from Arkansas. In the meantime, the Morrilton High Beta Club is raising money to send members to the national convention, some who will be competing and others who will attend to help with the campaign. Grace said the fundraising efforts will determine how many can attend. The estimated cost is about $400 per person. “The more we have there, the better.” (To make a donation, please contact Patricia Hopkins at Morrilton High School.) When her name was announced as the winner, Grace had “contrasting emotions.” She was happy to win but also felt for the other candidates whom she had bonded with it. There were five candidates for president, nine for vice president and five for secretary. “That’s the down side of it. Only one out of a lot of good candidates actually gets elected,” she said. Grace describes her campaign as a miracle story. She said there were a lot of challenges to overcome before the election, including the need to rehearse the skit with students replacing others who could not attend. She also had trouble with her speech, which she finished at 4 a.m. the day of the election. Tired and stressed, Grace found a secluded place to look at the Bible app on her phone, read Scripture, pray and put the campaign in God’s hands. “Faith is a big part of my life,” she said. “In that moment, it just clicked. I just felt this sudden confidence.” Her family attends Mount Pisgah Baptist Church at Springfield, where her mom is an associate pastor. Looking back on the election, Grace is happy that she made that goal at the beginning of the school year. “I met a lot of great people. My original goal of meeting people was accomplished.”

Morrilton High School’s Grace Williams (front, center) with Beta Club members decked out in the T-shirts designed for Grace’s campaign for state Beta Club president.

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 31

NEIGHBORS couples

HER

Mallory Salter

EDUCATION: 2006 graduate of Conway High School and a 2012 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in studio art/anthropology.

JOB: Deputy court clerk at Faulkner County District Court.

PARENTS: Alice Morris of Conway. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: City of Conway Public Art, board member.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy painting in my studio. I also enjoy playing cello and violin in my spare time.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: A creative, free spirit; hardworking and loyal.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE 501: Umami.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Painting and taking naps with my dogs.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: The small town vibes but

with plenty of things to do.

HIM

Jay Salter

EDUCATION: 2005 graduate of Conway High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in business management/administration.

JOB: Principal broker at Engage Management. PARENTS: Susan and Gene Salter of Conway.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy golf, duck hunting and going to Oaklawn. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Laid back and easy going.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE 501: Oriental Kitchen.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Waking up before the sun to duck hunt.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” - Kevin Durant

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Everything. From the views Jay and Mallory Salter met while attending Conway High School. He played football, and she was a cheerleader. (Mike Kemp photo) 32 | 501 LIFE April 2019

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April 2019 501lifemag.com | 33

FEATURE

Unity Health therapists with rehab patients.

by Taryn Brown

The Unity Health Foundation plays an integral role in the Unity Health system as well as the other communities it serves and has since 1997. The Foundation makes connections in the community, partners with local businesses on projects and fundraisers, and serves as an avenue for enhancements to Unity Health. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established as a charitable organization to provide support to Unity Health. The Foundation is committed to medical excellence and compassionate care, as well as to improving the overall health of the entire Unity Health service area. The Foundation is launching a new campaign this year called “Home is Where the Heart is.” This campaign revolves around continuing to improve both patient and associate safety at Unity Health. A patients’ home is where their heart is and the Foundation wants to help them get home quickly. The campaign 34 | 501 LIFE April 2019

focuses on three areas: • Inpatient physical rehabilitation center • Patient safe handling rooms • Xenex germ-zapping robots

Inpatient physical rehabilitation center The facility at the Unity Health – Specialty Care Campus is in need of renovation to enhance experience. Renovations will include widening of doors throughout the facility, patient rooms, family room, dining room and gym area remodels and a new covered entrance, all with a home-like environment and extra safety measures for patients and associates.

Patient safe handling rooms Funds will go toward adding 10 patient safe handling rooms throughout the Unity Health – White County Medical Center Campus. These renovations and the addition of the Hoya Lift system will make caring for patients safer for them

and associates.

Xenex germ-zapping robots These UV-C light robots are used to go the extra mile when disinfecting patient rooms, and a way to make the hospital the safest facility it can be for patients and families. Unity Health was the first in the state in implement the Xenex Program as a way to enhance patient and associate safety. These campaigns help provide the hospital with funds for renovations, new equipment and specialized projects to enhance patient care. The Foundation’s most recent campaign was “Miracles Happen Every Day,” which provided upgrades and renovations for the Unity Health – White County Medical Center New Life Center. Unity Health Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Feltrop has been with Unity Health for 20 years and part of those successful campaigns. She oversees all aspects of the Foundation, and has played a key part in the growth of the organization. “The Unity Health Foundation has significantly grown since the beginning back in 1997,” Feltrop said. “We are grateful for the lasting partnerships we have made, and look forward to creating new ones. We always look forward to building partnerships with community members and hope to see more of that with their involvement in our new campaign.” The Foundation oversees the Spirit of Unity, a program for patients and loved ones to honor and show their gratitude to a Unity Health associate who impacted them during their stay; the Unity Health Pep Club, an associate membership program to give back to the hospital; and the Healthy Women of Unity program, which empowers and encourages both associates and women in the community to live a healthier lifestyle. They also work with local businesses and Unity Health clinics in the region the Unity Health system serves. Through their work, Foundation team members create long-lasting relationships and partnerships with community members for the betterment of local healthcare. “We are fortunate to provide opportunities for the community to

The Unity Health Foundation team: Foundation specialists Scarlett Chramer (from left) and Shelby Cooper with executive director Cassandra Feltrop and Foundation assistant Lynette Shipp. make an impact in healthcare in their region,” Feltrop said. “The connections we make in the several communities we serve allow us and community members to give back to the hospital in so many ways.” Resources for the Foundation are obtained from donations, memorial gifts, planned gifts, special events and other sources. The Unity Health Foundation works to develop a lasting partnership with the community to preserve, sustain and develop Unity Health for years to come. “Our Foundation team is part of something special,” Feltrop said. “We love what we do and the communities we serve, and we want our patients to receive the best care possible. That is why we do what we do.” To learn more about the Unity Health Foundation and the “Home is Where the Heart is” campaign, please visit unity-health.org/foundation.

Unity Health and Mayo Clinic

Working Together for YOU

At Unity Health, we want every patient to receive the care they need right here at home. As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, our doctors have special access to Mayo Clinic knowledge, expertise and resources. You also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are here for you. For more information, please visit Unity-Health.org/mayo.

HOSPITALS • CLINICS • SPECIALISTS

Unity-Health.org

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 35

FEATURE

Walk for Wheezy

Event created in girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory

Walk for Wheezy organizers Bailey Moses (front, from left), Abby Roberts; Darcy Eddington (back), Sarah Owen, Brandy Vines and Zoe Eddington. Not pictured: Pam Clem. 36 | 501 LIFE April 2019

by Callie Sterling

More than $70,000 was raised in February during the annual Walk for Wheezy. The philanthropic event began in 2016 in honor of a young girl, Eloise Ann “Wheezy” Owen, who was born with only half of a heart. “This year, we raised over $70,000,” said Walk for Wheezy board member and co-founder Bailey Moses. “All proceeds from Walk for Wheezy benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital, specifically the Cardio Vascular Intensive Care Unit, where she received a tremendous amount of care.” Walk for Wheezy began when three Cabot women came together and wanted to honor Wheezy’s memory. “Darcy Eddington, Zoe Eddington and myself joined together after Eloise’s visitation in 2016 when we saw a hurting community,” Moses said. “Our board also consists of four other members: Brandy Vines, Abby Roberts, Pam Clem and Sarah Owen, who is Eloise’s mom.” The walk began with 650 participants and 13 sponsors in 2016. This year, there were more than 950 participants and 87 sponsors. “The number of participants and monetary support continue to grow and increase each year, the success of this walk has been a total God thing,” Zoe Eddington said. “As long as there are kids like Eloise, as long as there is still research needing funding, as long as there is still a cure to be found, my purpose will be to pursue my passion of raising support for ACH in a way that allows the community to come together.” “Eloise Owen was born with half of a heart, but did not let that stop her from living an active lifestyle,” Moses said. “Eloise almost completed her seventh year at Priscilla’s School of Dance, where she was active in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and tumbling classes. Wheezy loved to be on any stage and in front of any audience.” With such an active lifestyle, Wheezy touched the hearts and lives of many members of her community. “Wheezy suffered an extreme series of pulmonary hemorrhages that ultimately led to the end of her life on Jan. 7, 2016,” Moses said. “She was 7 years old.” Although her life was short, the impact she had on her community in Cabot was great, and it continues to reach children and families that are part of the ACH family. The 2020 Walk for Wheezy was held Sunday, Feb. 23. More information about how to become a sponsor and registration will be available at walkforwheezy.com. Sarah Owen rejoices that Walk for Wheezy gives her daughter’s memory a newfound rejuvenation each and every year, allowing her to live on throughout the community. “Every mother and father’s worry, after their child passes away, is that their child will be forgotten,” she said. “Anyone that has lost a loved one does not want that loved one to be forgotten because they are out of sight and out of mind. It warms my heart to know that her legacy will live on through Walk for Wheezy. It will just be another way people remember her, and the incredible, spirited, little girl she was. “I love that Walk for Wheezy is another way for Eloise’s legacy to live on today.” April 2019 501lifemag.com | 37

NEIGHBORS special friends

Animal ambassador

Jarman recognized for 27 years of service by Donna Lampkin Stephens

For 27 years, Shirley Jarman has been the face of the Humane Society of Faulkner County, but now it’s time for the organization to move beyond her. Jarman, whose long service to the organization was celebrated with an 80th birthday party March 9, said it was time for her to step back. “We haven’t decided my role yet, but it is time for new people to come in,” she said. “The organization is doing great. I just want it to keep on going.” Regardless of her official role, Jarman will continue to be an ambassador for animals in need — just as she’s always been. “She is something else,” said Jarman’s friend Judi Standridge, a longtime board member of the organization. “She’s as sharp as a tack, a go-getter, so dedicated and tenacious. She is a pistol.” That’s a good thing because Jarman and the HSFC are serving a huge need. “I remember when I first started, we got 15,000 calls in one year,” Standridge said. “I’ll never forget that.” As part of the birthday celebration, the building housing the Companions Spay and Neuter Clinic was dedicated to Jarman. Jarman is from North Carolina. She attended nursing school in Durham, and her Navy husband Tom had an assignment in Colorado before the Navy sent him to the 501 area for a recruiting job. “We left (Colorado) with two horses, a sheep, cats, dogs and two kids,” she said. “We’ve been here 40 years.” But her love for animals started well before that. “I’ve had animals my entire life,” she said. “I describe animal people as those people who carry dog food in the trunk of their cars and help turtles cross the road in the spring. “You either are one or you’re not.” Upon her arrival in Little Rock, she took a job at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock in 1976. Looking for accommodations for her horses, she found a six-acre place in Vilonia, and the family has been there ever since. “I went back to school at UCA and got a degree and then I worked at what was then Rebsamen Hospital in Jacksonville,” she said. “Then I had two knees replaced, and I quit working and switched from taking care of people to dogs.” Standridge, who said she had known Jarman for about 17 years, said that Jarman was one of four women who took over the Humane Society of Faulkner County in about 1992. “It had already been started by another group, but they kind of dissolved, and Shirley and the others took over the non-profit status,” Standridge said. Carol Capers, Sherry Walter and Amy Kordsmeier joined Jarman originally. For various reasons, 38 | 501 LIFE April 2019

The Faulkner County Humane Society is honoring longtime volunteer Shirley Jarman for her 27 years of service. Shirley is pictured with one of the dogs she has helped, Girlie Girl, who was found paralyzed in a ditch but today is healthy and has been adopted. In honor of Shirley and to help animals in need, donations can be made to the humane society’s Injured Animal Fund at fixingfaulknercounty.com/injured-animals. she’s now the only one still involved. Under Jarman’s leadership, the HSFC has developed several initiatives: Companions Spay and Neuter Clinic in Springhill (589 Hwy 65 N.), the next-door Companions Vaccination Clinic, Pet Food Pantry (behind Companions), the Sick and Injured Animal Fund and Companions Thrift Store at 2219

Washington Ave. in Conway, which helps fund the other initiatives. “The big deal is the Spay and Neuter Clinic,” Standridge said. “It was founded by Shirley in 2007. (HSFC is) the non-profit over the clinic. According

Friends continued on Page 80

COLUMNIST

House for rent

Vivian Lawson Hogue A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired teacher, she worked in the Conway School District for 23 years. She can be reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. net.

Every person should live in a rental unit at some time in his or her life, and almost everyone has. You may say you never have, but you did if you went to college and lived in a dormitory room. I clearly remember the cramped quarters. Along two walls, my roommate and I had built-in beds holding mattresses with dents in the middle deep enough for eagle nests. On the wall between the beds, a long built-in desk with an inadequate bookshelf above reached from bed to bed. On a toss-andturn night, one’s head sometimes found the

corner. There were two small closets, a few drawers surrounding the vintage sink and a small mirror. One mirror for two females during the era of “flips” and “beehive” hairstyles was not enough. One of my roommates was tall, so she would stand behind me while poufing her hair. She was a smoker, so I ducked when she doused her hair with AquaNet, keeping an eye on the fire extinguisher in case of erupting flames. We actually had dorm inspections with demerits for untidiness. Some of the wealthier girls had lots of clothes to toss around. While I lived on a strict budget and had basic clothing, I did have around 40 pairs of shoes that might be strewn about. Now

I have fewer pairs of shoes, but just as many pairs of reading glasses. Houses, apartments or dormitory rooms can create memories. During my first marriage, our first rental house had a clothesline. Depending upon your age, you may ask, “What’s that?” It is two opposite poles in the ground and between which a string of wire is attached to each. Wood or plastic clips attach damp, laundered items to the wire to dry in the sun and wind. That is, if there is sun and wind and some birds or rain clouds don’t fly over. Pungent dryer sheets are unneeded because the laundry will have the most refreshing smell you’ll ever experience. Our second rental was made of asbestos. We

House for rent

LR, bkfst nook, kit., 2 BRs, 1 bath and a clothesline! $60 mo.

have, so far, survived unscathed. Located in a small town in the “oil country” of South Arkansas and built on what was once an “oil slough (pronounced slew),” there was not much mowing to do. I couldn’t even get weeds to grow. It was in that house where I once found my toddler-daughter on the floor, “cooking” by mixing together one can of shortening and a half-can of coffee. I was in an “expectant mode” waiting for my second child any minute, but didn’t think I wanted her cleaning it up as well as she had “cooked” it. I spent 30 minutes getting the floor degreased then cleaned. If you’ve ever seen how a giraffe stands

while drinking from a pond, I looked very similar, except the giraffe can see her feet. We soon moved to another town with a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old. We lived out of boxes as I also struggled to type rough drafts of my dad’s book on a portable typewriter. (Remember those?) However, the memories are good because we ate a lot of hot dogs and I read a lot of books to the children, even though the youngest had no idea what I was saying. Another move, another town. We moved three times within that town; once to escape a water heater that made threatening sounds and once because the house was unexpectedly sold. The third house was a charm. These stories represent only a few of all of the houses in which we were tenants. I always took care of our rentals as if they were our own homes. I mowed the lawns, dug and grew gardens, planted flowers, and learned to fix things. I never let pets or kids mutilate the window blinds and we didn’t park in the yards. I kept the premises clean, our pets quiet and the kids were home at night, except for ball games or sleepovers. Renting is not ideal, but with mutual care and consideration by the lessee and lessor it can be very comfortable. The only thing I always wanted and still want is a fireplace. I don’t know how God is going to give ALL his followers a mansion, but that’s what he said. My friend, the late Eleanor Opitz, always said when she got to heaven all she wanted was green grass that stretched unendingly so she could mow forever with her beloved antique John Deere tractor. All I want is a mammoth fireplace in every room, a never-depleted stack of firewood, a big easy chair and the company of my spouse, children and our missed dogs and cats. Imagine – no security signs needed, an attractive neighborhood of family and friends . . . and Billy Graham next door!

COVER STORY

The renovation included the creation of a space perfect for watching TV or entertaining.

The spacious kitchen is ideal for get-togethers with family and friends. 40 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Love at first sight Couple enjoy warm, inviting home

The sunroom off the master bedroom is one of Jan and Granger’s favorite spaces in their new home.

by Sonja J. Keith Mike Kemp photos

Jan and Granger Davis have created a warm and inviting home in a West Conway neighborhood – which originally attracted the couple. The couple will have been married 26 years in May. They have two children: Carson (23) and Emma (20). Jan and Granger purchased the home – built in 1984-1985 by the late Frank and Dorothy Robins – in June 2016. They toured the home on a Sunday and by the following Sunday, they made an offer that was accepted. “We had been keeping our eyes open for our next and final home for a couple of years and were not in a big hurry, but heard about the Robins home coming available and we decided to look at it, said Jan. “Initially, we did not think it would work because we wanted a larger backyard, but decided to look at it anyway. We

immediately fell in love with it and wanted to see if we could make it work for our needs.” Jan said that as the couple thought about their next home, they had considered the idea of building. “Granger had talked to Brad Johnson of Acadia Homes,” she said. “Before we even made an offer on the Robins home, Granger had Brad meet him there to see if the changes we wanted were possible. During that conversation, Brad expressed an interest in doing the remodel which was a big plus for us.” Most of the renovations were considered cosmetic and included paint and flooring. “However, there were a few rooms that we took down to the studs and started over. By the time it was over, we had taken about a year and a half. I’m pretty sure we were the talk of the neighborhood with our dumpster and portable potty on site for that long!” The couple enlisted the help of interior designer Lana Ellison to help with the renova-

tion. She offered suggestions on paint, floor tile and countertops. After the couple moved in on Veterans Day in 2017, Lana took the couple’s artwork and placed it throughout the house, in time for the couple to host Thanksgiving for their family. Lana grouped items together in a unique way. “I never would’ve thought of that in a million years,” Jan said. The couple wanted large spaces to host family and friends. At that Thanksgiving, Granger said there were about 26 gathered in the kitchen area but with the design, it did not feel like that many. When the renovations were complete, they agreed that the end result was better than they had ever imagined. There are so many special features, it is difficult for them to select their favorite.

Cover continued on Page 57 April 2019 501lifemag.com | 41

STATE TA ART TATE OF THE

FAITH

The spring that waits to be It seems like I could write an article just about any time of the year to address new life in Arkansas, because our weather can be springlike for a time in every season! However, as you read this issue, the odds of today being springlike are much higher than normal! And in this issue of 501 LIFE, you Mark will certainly see signs McDonald of spring as we start to prepare for a new season Mark McDonald, a Methodist minister, has served churches in characterized by more Northwest Arkansas, Booneville, light and new life. Jacksonville and Conway. His family settled in Faulkner County There is a hymn that in the 1840s. He attended was written by Natalie Hendrix College, where he serves as a trustee. He and his wife have Sleeth, who loved music six children all living in Central from a young age and Arkansas. was asked to write an anthem for her church’s festival. This hymn grew out of that. It is commonly seen as an Easter hymn, which of course makes it a

something God alone can see. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. sign of life, death and new life beyond death. Shortly after it was written, Sleeth’s husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and requested that it be sung at his funeral. Since then, this hymn has not only been part of many funerals, but it has come to remind us of the way that God shows us signs of new life, new birth and new order in everyday life: In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season,

In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; In our life, eternity; In our death, a resurrection; At the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. I ask you to take this season to look for signs of new life and new beginnings everywhere you look. Even as you look through this issue that focuses on home and garden, look for the ways that you see that God brings life out of death, healing out of brokenness, through this spring that waits to be.

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2490 Washington Avenue Conway, AR 72032 501-329-7021 bellandcompany.net April 2019 501lifemag.com | 43

�

ENTERTAINING

The delight of butterscotch pie

Don Bingham Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television programs and planned elaborate events.

We all have our favorite pies – one of mine is Coconut Cream Pie – but a close second is Butterscotch Pie with Seven Minute Frosting! Oh my, I’m tempted to make several while working on this article and distribute them to the neighbors! The word “butterscotch” was first recorded in Doncaster, a Yorkshire city in England, by Samuel Parkinson, around 1817. It is basically made by boiling sugar syrup, butter, cream and a variety of other chef-choice additions, such as lemon juice. The origin may be connected to Scotland, and even to the word “scorch.” Butterscotch mixture is actually heated to 270-290F or 132-148C. It is different than butterscotch chips, butterscotch pudding or butterscotch flavorings. There are so many schools of thought on the meringue for pies; some diners prefer egg whites, some whipped cream, some rake the topping off to the side. When I am truly enjoying a cream-based pie (realizing I must throw all nutrition and heart-healthy dining out the window for a brief season), I prefer a piled high Seven Minute Frosting for the pie topping. It is such an amazing, smooth, creamy texture – rich in every way. It takes a bit more effort to make the Seven Minute Frosting for 44 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Don Bingham whipped up a delicious butterscotch pie for this month’s Entertaining article. (Mike Kemp photos)

a pie topper, but it is worth every minute of it, once you are confident in the cooking procedure! I have included with this article a favorite Butterscotch Pie Recipe, and a Seven Minute Frosting topping for the pie. The frosting is wonderful for cakes. The pie can have your choice of topping – whipped cream, egg white meringue or Seven Minute Frosting – all are great toppers! The Seven Minute Frosting is much more simple than you think – and it is also the basis for an amazing buttercream frosting (simply add room temperature pats of real butter, a little as a time, to the cooled frosting). Be sure to take note that all ingredients are placed in a double boiler container – even the raw egg whites – once they have reached the proper temperature. They are placed in a mixing bowl and whipped to spreading consistency! Try it sometime, you’ll be delighted with the results!

RICH BUTTERSCOTCH PIE 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed 1/3 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups water 3 eggs, separated 3 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (9-inch) pie shell, baked and cooled 6 tablespoons granulated sugar Preheat oven to 325. Combine brown sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 2 cups water; cook over simmering water, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. In a small bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-

colored. Add small amount of hot mixture to egg yolks; mix well. Add yolks to hot mixture. Cook stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add butter and vanilla. Cool slightly; spoon into pie shell. Meringue: Wash and dry mixer beaters and small bowl. Place egg whites in bowl; beat until soft peaks form. Continue beating while adding sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; beat until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over warm filling, sealing to edge. Bake until meringue is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool before serving.

SEVEN MINUTE FROSTING 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 6 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla Place first three ingredients in double boiler over boiling water. Cook for approximately 2 to 5 minutes, or until 160 degrees. Time will vary. Place in mixer bowl and beat on high speed for 5 minutes – add one teaspoon vanilla.

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April 2019 501lifemag.com | 45

IN THE GARDEN

Arkansas Master Gardeners Program going strong in its 31st year

Education is a key component of the Master Gardener program, using University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Extension (UAEX) experts in horticulture, plant disease, insects and vegetable gardens. New recruits start with training spread over several weeks, and monthly meetings provide additional education opportunities. by Jann Spann

Sometimes a person or a group can be such a vital force in a community that we forget that it once was just an idea that deserved a chance. Such is the case for Arkansas Master Gardeners, trained volunteers who help home gardeners in their communities throughout the state. As part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, the Cooperative Extension Service provides educational programs and research-based information through its county offices. In a classroom and in the fields, the Extension Service is home base for the Arkansas Master Gardener program. The Arkansas Master Gardener program has evolved from a four-county program in 1988 to one with more than 50 counties now active. Thousands of volunteers have been trained in horticulture over the past three decades and are required to give back to their communities through their gardening talents. They have made a huge impact on the beautification of our state, as well as helping to disseminate gardening information to the public. For the first time since its inception, the state Master Gardener organization has a new leader. Last year, Berni Kurz took the mantle of consumer horticulturist after Janet Carson’s retirement. Berni comes into the job with decades of Extension Service experience, and he brings a few goals to the program. Public and program education ranks at the top for the Master Gardener program, and Berni’s first goal is to update out-of-date consumer horticulture publications and also create new ones to support the current research-based recommended principles and practices for all Arkansas home gardeners. As part of the University of Arkansas system, the Extension Service has offices in all 75 counties as well as research centers located throughout the state. To provide better outreach in its communities, the MG program now offers training in three meth46 | 501 LIFE April 2019

ods: traditional classroom face to face, live video conferencing of all presenters to multiple training sites at one time, and a self-paced online training over a three-month period. This shift has attracted younger participants and those that hold down a full-time job. Statewide, Master Gardener volunteers total 3,400 in 67 counties. The 2017 volunteer hours for project service and education hours total 170,301. In dollar terms, using an $19 per hour rate from the Independent Sector, this had an impact of $3.2 million last year. People with horticultural skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help others become Master Gardeners. What started with volunteers answering phone requests for gardening questions has transformed to utilizing their leadership skills as well, producing a variety of interesting opportunities within a community. The Master Gardener Program through the U of A Cooperative Extension Service is open to all people regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, religion or national origin. To learn how you can

Garland County MGs demonstrate proper crape myrtle pruning in Hot Springs public spaces. When pruned properly, crape myrtles have an elegant shape that shows off both bright blooms and satiny bark. When topped repeatedly, “ crape murder” causes unsightly knobs and cause a witches’ broom of thinner, weaker branches. become involved in this program, contact your local county extension office or visit uaex.edu. Under the “Yard & Garden” tab, you’ll have a drop-down menu, and from there you’ll find a link to your county extension office where you can learn more about the Master Gardener program. Master Gardeners take pleasure in pass-along plantings, items from the gardens of friends and family that evoke memories of special times and special people. That’s why most county programs of-

Cleburne County MGs divide seedlings as one step in growing strong herbs, flowers and veggies for their May plant sale. The greenhouse allows the MGs to get a head start on the growth cycle while the ground is still too cold for germination.

County fairs, farmers markets, Master Gardener special events, the State Flower & Garden Show. Just a few of the places you’ll find a MG booth staffed by folks who will gladly answer your questions about how to join, what’s wrong with your squash plant or Grandma’s gardenia, what’s happening to these leaves from my maple. And if you can’t wait for them to come to your town, call your county extension office, and someone will answer those questions. Master Gardeners love to talk about digging in the dirt!

fer a plant sale where you can also learn about plants, diseases, pests and get some expert advice. Here are some upcoming events: First Monday with Saline County MGs, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 1, Saline County Library, 1800 Smithers Dr., Benton. Hot Spring County MG Plant Sale, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6, rain or shine, county fairground building, 1303 Collie, Malvern. White County MG Plant Sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 13, Carmichael Community Center, 801 S. Elm St., Searcy. Cleburne County MG Plants Galore & More Sale, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4. Faulkner County MG Plants Sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds, 2505 E Oak St., Conway. Most Master Gardener plant sales provide the main revenue for the county program. In Faulkner County, the proceeds from this sale fund college

scholarships that totaled more than $8,000 for students seeking agriculture related degrees. The remainder is used to purchase necessary supplies and equipment to manage the many projects that are undertaken. So next time you visit your county library, courthouse or museum, look at those garden beds, because in most instances, the gardeners are your neighbors and friends who like to dig in the dirt. They would love for you to share their passion!

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April 2019 501lifemag.com | 47

HOME

Adele Shea and her pup, Ozzie, get comfortable on her plaid sofa.

48 | 501 LIFE April 2019

A medley of bold and muted colors add great visual interest to the bedroom.

Cozy color show Makenzie Evans photos

When I am in Adele Shea’s eclectic home in the historic Heights District of Little Rock, I think of a gypsy roaming the countryside and picking up a pillow here and a bolt of fabric there, collecting only the things that speak to her soul. Donna Benton The assorted gathered collection begins to Donna Benton is a maker of become one and to custom home furnishings and artistically reflect the specializes in classic painted finishes for antique and vintage gypsy’s bohemian style furniture. You can see her work and personality. Together at WaterHouseMarket.com. it all takes on an eclectic unity and tells the story of this gypsy. Adele’s home is a collection of things she loves and it has become a well-curated and beautiful space for this talented decorator with an eye for color. Here are some of the design techniques that she has incorporated into her home.

Get bold with patterns “Fabric is an art form,” said Adele. “It’s just as im-

A mix-up of colors, prints and textures give an eclectic, bohemian look to this bed.

portant to express yourself through your fabric choices as you do through the art on your walls.” Adele’s love for color and pattern took root during her time working at Cynthia East Fabrics, one of the

go-to resources for Central Arkansas designers. Here she gained the confidence to mix fabrics in unconventional

Home continued on Page 51 April 2019 501lifemag.com | 49

ENERGY SMART

Understanding Energy Smart Homes Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program is one of the many ways we’re balancing increasing demands for electricity with our commitment to provide affordable rates while enhancing the quality of life for our friends and neighbors. We’re dedicated to Beth making homes in Conway energy efficient, Jimmerson and that’s why we creA longtime Conway resident, Beth McCullough Jimmerson is ated the Energy Smart the senior marketing coordinator New Home Program to for Conway Corp. She has a bachelor’s degree from the recognize builders who University of Central Arkansas implement efficiency and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She can construction and equipbe reached at ment measures. Recogbeth.jimmerson@conwaycorp.com nized builders adhere to stringent construction guidelines, and Energy Smart Homes are proven by the U.S. Department of Energy to be 20 to 30 percent more energy efficient than a standard built home. Energy Smart Homes combine state-of-the-art energy-efficient construction, windows, appliances and lighting to reduce home energy use as costeffectively as possible. Energy Smart Homes save energy and money, while being more comfortable and durable. Homebuyers should consider the benefits of an Energy Smart Home when looking for a new house. Energy Smart Homes perform better for the homeowner and the environment, thanks to a variety of features including insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts and efficient heating and cooling equipment. All homes that receive the Energy Smart designation are independently audited by a Conway Corporation energy professional to ensure proper construction and guidelines have been followed.

Energy Smart Home features Effective insulation – Properly installed insulation in floors, walls and attics ensure even temperatures throughout the house while reducing energy use. High-performance/low-e windows – Energy–efficient windows employ advanced technologies such as protective coatings and improved frames to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer while blocking ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpet and furnishings. Tight construction and ducts – A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality, while lowering utility and maintenance costs. At the same time, sealing holes and cracks 50 | 501 LIFE April 2019

in a home’s envelope and in the heating and cooling duct systems reduces drafts, moisture, dust, pollen and noise. High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment – Energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling systems use less energy and save money. In addition, they’re quieter, reduce indoor humidity and improve the overall comfort of the home. High-efficiency lighting and appliances – Energy Smart Homes are also equipped with Energy STAR qualified products like light fixtures, fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans and appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines that reduce overall energy use in the home. Low-flow water products – Products like low-flow shower heads and toilets conserve water and reduce utility costs.

Energy Smart Home benefits Energy savings – Not all homes are energy efficient. Many builders claim their homes are energy efficient, but Energy Smart builders have the certification to back it up. Lower ownership cost – Compared to standard-built homes, Energy Smart Homes use substantially less energy, and energy-efficient homes deliver $300 to $400 in annual savings on energy bills. Over the average seven to eight years a homeowner stays in a home, it will add up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Comfort – Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution and noise. Energy Smart Homes ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor

air quality and greater durability. Peace of mind – Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. An Energy Smart Home easily identifies that it is truly energy efficient. Independent testing – Every Energy Smart Home is certified by a Conway Corporation energy professional to verify its energy performance and ensure it meets energy-efficiency standards. Smart investment –Today, everyone is concerned about managing energy costs. Homebuyers who purchase an Energy Smart Home can be confident it will have highly-valued features when the time comes to sell. Conway Corporation is proud to work with local builders to ensure homebuyers have highquality, energy-efficient options for homeowners in Conway. Conway Corp has named Kevin Watson of Watson Homes and Tom Watson of Tom Watson Construction the 2018 Energy Smart Builders of the Year for their dedication to building energyefficient homes in the Conway community. Conway Corp recognized 25 homes built by Watson Homes and Tom Watson Construction as being Energy Smart in 2018. The builders have nine Energy Smart homes under construction, including seven in the Robynmar Subdivision, a 45-lot development being built exclusively by Watson Homes and Tom Watson Construction. Customers interested in learning more about Energy Smart homes or builders interested in building Energy Smart homes can call 501.450.6000 or visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart.

Home continued from Page 49 ways and the results are fabulous! “I usually start with a pattern I love, then I build from it, but honestly I have no rules. I find that mixing ‘sweet’ and ‘daring’ helps create a balanced look.” Take a look at Adele’s choice of bedding. Leopard print pillows with a watercolor floral headboard might clash hard, but when you throw in the bohemian-style accent pillow, the eclectic mix starts to become intentional and makes a fun, no-rules statement. Adele’s floral pillows on a plaid sofa would be a big no-no in most rooms, but it is fabulous here, because Adele is purposefully throwing conventional rules of design out the window.

Crazy color on white One of my favorite style ideas is at play in this comfy cottage. Adele chose a neutral white for her walls, cabinets and fixtures, then she gave her little historic home giant character with brilliant use of color in her art, furnishings and accessories. This technique makes the walls and ceiling in a smaller room feel infinite and gives focus to the art and furnishings, much like pieces on display in a museum. It’s a great way to make a smaller home feel spacious, and also a great way to show off your favorite art collection and your fabulous finds. Most design plans start with a color theme where you pick a foundation color and some accent colors. Adele’s color theme is to use all the colors, and it works in a brilliant way!

Mix new and old The main idea here is to fill your home with things you love, whether it is local art, a fabulous accessory you found online, a vintage find from your favorite antique store or modern furniture from a home goods store. Adele’s vintage painted bamboo dresser is right at home with a blinged-out mirrored chest and off the rack accessories from a home store. A modern clear Lucite bench works perfectly with antique gold mirrors. If you want to get it right, use the same strategy that Adele uses for mixing fabric prints and go over the top. Mix it up good and make it look intentional. Follow these rules if you want to get that “no-rules” look!

This space features nice color combinations, right down to the smallest detail.

Don’t spend a fortune The great thing about an eclectic look is it works great for budget-minded decorating. If you find the ultimate bargain, you have much more flexibility to incorporate it into your design. There is nothing more disappointing than happening upon the perfect flea market bargain mid-century modern dresser that you can’t use because your home is too traditional. If you mix it up enough, you can use just about any piece, just about anywhere, and that makes flea market shopping a lot more fun! And don’t discount the discount stores! The big box home goods stores are a great source for budget minded décor. Adele is a big fan of home goods stores. She even blogs about her favorite finds and shares her ideas on how to use them on her website (easinteriors.net). She tastefully incorporates some home goods store finds in her eclectic home, but she is careful to pair these accents with custom art and fabrics and vintage finds, so the look stays custom and not too “store-bought.” Adele’s blog has blossomed into a full service decorating business, EAS Interiors, where she combines her love for fabrics, color and affordable décor to style fabulous rooms that are attainable for everyone.

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HOME

Missile silo makeover

After the flooded silo was opened and the chambers were explored, the extensive cleanup began. (G.T. Hill photo) “When people see what I’m doing here, either they think I’m crazy or they think it is the coolest thing ever,” said G.T. Hill. After spending an afternoon with G.T. exploring his heavy metal modifications and the rusty recesses of his Cold War era missile silo turnedDonna Benton upscale living and event space along Highway 36 Donna Benton is a maker of near Vilonia, I think he custom home furnishings and specializes in classic painted IS a little crazy, AND it’s finishes for antique and vintage the coolest thing ever! furniture. You can see her work If you lived in at WaterHouseMarket.com. Central Arkansas in the 1960s and 1970s, you probably passed by the unassuming angled steel post entryway of one of these missile sites, without giving much thought to the massive nuclear rocket lying in wait just beneath a meadow of waving native grasses. The nine megatons of thermonuclear warhead was on a 52 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Looking from the entry portal into the launch control center. (Mike Kemp photo)

A series of six-ton blast doors protected the launch control area from outside strikes and accidental explosions from within. (Mike Kemp photo) seven-story rocket with a range of 5,500 miles, to be specific! I don’t know exactly what megatons are, but it was one of the big ones, meant to be a deterrent to evil empires, the kind where the president speaks a secret code into the red briefcase phone, and two guys down in the launch room turn special keys in unison…that kind of bomb! A Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Local folks didn’t give much thought to these missile bases until 1980, when workers at the Damascus site infamously dropped a tool into the launch bay which ruptured a fuel tank and caused an explosion that catapulted the warhead through the 700-ton silo door and into a field nearby. Luckily, the warhead did not deploy, and we all remain to tell the tale. There were 18 of these sites around Central Arkansas. I don’t like to think too much about why the government thought our relatively rural area would

be a good place to situate these mammoth nukes, but thankfully the Titan II’s were decommissioned in 1981. Under the terms of a disarmament treaty with Russia, the sites were destroyed. The tops of the silos were imploded with explosives and the launch bay and entry shaft were filled with dirt and debris and closed forever… at least until G.T. Hill came along. Several years ago, G.T acquired one of the decommissioned Titan II sites in Faulkner County and he set about painstakingly resurrecting and restoring the tunnels and chambers that had been buried beneath the earth for decades. The project was much like an archaeological dig. The access portal and rocket chamber doors had been destroyed, buried and covered over in grass, so the first challenge was finding the thing. Once the thee-story-deep access

Silo continued on Page 54

get f ra m e d at

Pa t t e r s o n E y e C a re

2505 Donaghey, Ste 102 • Conway, AR

501.450.9900

A diagram of the Titan II Missile Complex.

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April 2019 501lifemag.com | 53

Tons of steel and parts were scrapped to make way for the hideaway. (G.T. Hill photo)

The three-story launch control center, pictured during the cleanup, is suspended by a series of cables and giant springs. (G.T. Hill photo)

Silo continued from Page 53

G.T. Hill stands in the tunnel between the entry portal and the silo that once housed the Titan II Missile. (Mike Kemp photo) 54 | 501 LIFE April 2019

portal was located, G.T. and his crew began the arduous process of removing the fill dirt, rocks and giant chunks of concrete that filled the 35-foot-deep entry shaft. Eventually, enough of the fill and debris had been removed from the access portal to reach the entry door 35 feet below the surface. The six-ton hardened steel door was sealed closed with a giant hydraulic lock. This door was made to withstand a nuclear blast from the outside or from within in case of an accident. Opening the door took some serious engineering and some heavy equipment, but on Oct. 13, 2010, G.T. and his crew opened the door to the silo for the first time in 35 years. Opening the silo door for the first time would be exciting in its own right, but the chamber behind the door was flooded and 250 tons of water blasted through the open door in seconds and flooded the access portal where the workers were. The crew had to be whisked to safety in an excavator bucket. That night, still shaken from the flooded door opening, G.T. and his crew explored the silo for the first time. “Walking through the dark flooded silo for the first time was the most scared I have ever been” G.T. recalled. “I thought what have I gotten myself into?” After untold investment and countless man hours of pumping water, dirt and mud removal, cleaning, sandblasting, painting and rebuilding, along with scrapping all the abandoned parts and equipment necessary to manage a nuclear missile, but not needed for G.T.’s well-appointed nuclear hideaway, he is ready to share his secret subterranean sanctuary with the rest of the world - at least until the zombie apocalypse, then you are on your own. The launch control center is now a three-story meeting room and event space that is available for meetings, parties, unique weddings or any kind of event. Along with hosting special events, Titan Ranch offers team-building activities like sporting clays, axe throwing, UAV (drone) operation and even heavy equipment operating. If you want to hear more about the heartaches and victories of turning a buried nuclear missile silo into an upscale living and event space, complete with some near-death drama, the whole process is documented in a series of detailed videos at titanranch.com.

HOME

The practicality of minimalism

by Brittany Gilbert

Here are some of the things I consider whenever I am decluttering and decorating:

Minimalism is all the rage right now. Thanks to Marie Kondo, Joshua Becker and Allie Casazza, this simple and freeing lifestyle is getting the spotlight it deserves. If you haven’t watched or at least heard of “Tidying Up” on Netflix, you might be living under a rock. People are finally starting to see what it is and isn’t about. Granted, Marie takes a less strict and extreme approach on the show, so if you’d like a good introduction, watch the show first. Minimalism in your home décor doesn’t mean you follow a certain style. It simply means you pare down to what you really love. The pressure is off. You don’t have to switch from a traditional style to modern. It’s all about getting rid of the clutter. One of my favorite leaders on this topic is Allie Casazza, and one of my favorite thoughts of hers is that you don’t just pay for your stuff with money, you also pay with time — time you spend picking up, organizing, cleaning, etc. When you consider that, do you really want all of the “stuff” you have in your house? When I decided that I loved a simpler look, I walked around my house and started pulling things off of the walls, shelves, etc. that I didn’t love. Oddly enough, I didn’t even have to look around to find out what needed to go. At just the thought, I immediately knew which pieces I needed to part with. No more filling space just because it’s blank. I learned to get comfortable and even to love a blank wall.

Take your time When considering what to get rid of, ask yourself a few questions: Do I love this piece? Or is it just filling the space? Honestly, these two questions will help you figure out if you’re keeping something that will bring you joy or if it’s just a waste of space. Breathing room allows for the quality pieces you have to stand out. Resist the urge to store items. It’s not doing you any good sitting in the garage.

Choose pieces with care It took me two years to put anything on the walls of our house. As much as I enjoy decorating, I couldn’t bring myself to put just anything on the wall. Don’t fall for the temptation to fill blank space. That blank space may be more relaxing than you realize. Clutter makes it hard to relax, and this is the place you need to feel at peace in, so love what you fill it with.

Quality vs. quantity While I was waiting for two years to put things on my walls, I was carefully considering what I wanted to surround myself with. Turns out, I really wanted personal touches from people I love. I had family members build shelves and friends paint paintings. I never ever thought I would have a gallery wall of pictures because it always seemed so cluttered to me, but it turns out that

I just needed almost three years for the perfect pictures to come to mind. These are the pictures that every time I see them, I am filled with joy. When it comes to decorating in a minimalist style, here are some basic tips: • While it is possible to keep your own individual style, neutral tones keep things calm and less busy. • Texture will add layers to your design, so even while you’re minimal with décor, the space doesn’t feel boring. • Don’t forget to let in the natural light and display some greenery. Light helps the space not feel too cold, and bringing nature in to the room will help not only with texture, but also with the quality of air. • Choosing a minimalist approach to home décor isn’t just practical, it’s smart. Studies have shown that women are more relaxed when their home isn’t cluttered. Our cortisol levels (stress) are higher in cluttered environments. Now you know that decluttering and opting for a more minimalistic method isn’t super difficult. It all comes down to choosing items that you love, that bring you joy and that you don’t mind spending time taking care of. Decluttering means paring down the stuff in your home to a more manageable level and creating systems to take care of the messes. Keep it simple, and remember, this is an ongoing process. Just as things continue to come inside your house, things must continue to make their way out. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 55

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Cover continued from Page 41 “We ended up with a home that contains a room for all of our interests,” Granger said. “We have a large kitchen/family room that is very warm and inviting. We love to entertain and host many family functions, and the room is perfect for those events. Additionally, we have a dining room large enough to hold the beautiful furniture that we inherited from Jan’s family.” “We also each have our own space to retreat to when needed,” Jan added. “Granger has a man cave that was originally Frank’s indoor wood shop. We took that room and divided it into two parts. The main part is a TV/party room and the other part is a workout room, which was important to both of us. We also have a study/library that was Frank and Dotty’s office and this has become my place to gather with my girlfriends. “One of our most favorite rooms is a sun porch off the master bedroom. It is a perfect place for morning coffee! We are looking forward to watching a big snowfall from that room someday.” Jan and Granger point out that each room has a purpose. “While it may be too much space for a couple of empty nesters, each room has a purpose and provides comfort and warmth. “It was a great house before we ever began renovations, but with the help of Brad and his team, we were able to make it our own. And, the fact that we knew the original owners, Frank and Dotty Robins, makes it even more special.”

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The new home has a space for Jan and Granger to retreat to when needed. “We have a study/library that was Frank and Dotty’s office and this has become my place to gather with my girlfriends,” Jan said.

Time for financial spring cleaning Submitted by Edward Jones

Spring is here – and for many of us, that means it’s time for some spring cleaning. This year, in addition to tidying up your home, why not try brightening your financial environment? Some of the same moves you make to clean your surroundings may apply to your finances. Consider these suggestions:

Get rid of clutter When you go through your closets, attic, basement or other areas, you may find many items you no longer need. You might be able to sell some of these things or find other ways of disposing of them. And as you review your portfolio, you might also encounter “clutter” in the form of investments that may be redundant to others you own. If so, you might consider selling these investments and using the proceeds to purchase new ones, which may help you broaden your portfolio.

Protect yourself from hazards As you go about your spring cleaning, you may well encounter hazardous substances, such as cleaning agents, paints, batteries, pesticides and so on, which you don’t need anymore and which may pose potential health risks. You can reduce the possible danger from these materials by recycling or disposing of them in an environmentally safe way. Your overall financial situation has hazards, too, in the form of illness or injury preventing you from working, or, in your later years, 58 | 501 LIFE April 2019

the need for some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home. To protect yourself, you may need appropriate insurance, including disability and long-term care.

New uses for possessions When you are sprucing up your home, you may rediscover uses for things you already have. Who knows – perhaps that treadmill that’s been gathering dust in your garage could actually be employed again as part of your rededicated exercise regimen. And you might be able to get more mileage out of some of your existing investments, too. Suppose, for instance, that some of your stocks are paying you dividends, which you take as cash. If you don’t really need this income to support your lifestyle, you might consider reinvesting the dividends so that you can own more shares of the dividend-paying stocks. Over the long run, increased share ownership is a key to helping build your portfolio.

Establish new habits Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be just about physical activities – it can also involve a new set of habits on your part. For example, instead of placing your unread magazines in an ever-expanding pile, try to read and recycle them quickly. You can also develop some positive habits as an investor, such as “paying yourself first” by regularly putting some money in an investment account each month, even before paying all your bills. You can also avoid some bad habits, such as overreacting to market downturns by selling investments to “cut your losses,” even though those same investments may still have strong growth potential and may still be suitable for your needs. Doing some spring cleaning can make you feel better about your living space today. And applying some of these techniques to your financial situation can help you gain a more positive outlook for tomorrow.

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501 kids

Taking advantage of springtime After several months of cold weather and being stuck inside, we are all eager to get outside at the first signs of spring. Due to being stuck inside more during the cold months, the rates of illness, collecting unnecessary clutter and eating comfort foods all increase. The dawning of spring often brings new Kellie life and energy, allowing Bishop us to engage in spring Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse cleaning and planting practitioner at Central Arkansas fresh flowers, vegetables Pediatrics in Conway. She lives and fruits. These are in Plumerville with her husband, Greg, and two dogs. She obtained also great opportunities her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in nursing to engage children in at the University of Central Arkansas and her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and productive, educational doctorate degrees in pediatric and healthy activities! primary care at UAMS. Gardening is a fun activity for parents and children alike. Your child can help you pull weeds out of the flower beds, put down new dirt and mulch, and plant new flowers or bushes around your house. This opportunity will allow you to teach your child about gardening while also teaching responsibility and instilling a sense of pride as the child will feel proud of the final product. You can also plant a garden of fresh vegetables and fruits. Children enjoy going to the store to pick out their favorite produce plants or seeds, then helping to plant them at home. This also promotes healthy eating as children are more likely to eat the foods they helped pick out, plant and grow. Spring is also a great time to be productive inside the house. Opening all the windows and doors, decluttering and deep cleaning the entire house are all part of the spring cleaning routine so many of us engage in every year. Children love to feel involved and accomplished, so including them in your big spring cleaning weekend will help decrease your workload, while also promoting independence and responsibility in your children. Encourage them to clean their own bedrooms and to help with the cleaning of communal living areas. You also may choose to have your child select items they no longer play with or use to donate to charity. Engaging your children in the cleaning and decluttering process helps instill responsibility and healthy living habits that they will carry into adoles60 | 501 LIFE April 2019

cence and adulthood. Spring is a great time for enjoying fresh air, decluttering, deep cleaning winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s germs away and getting outside to plant and garden. These are all necessary tasks to complete in the spring and things your children can enjoy doing with you. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take breaks from the work and

get outside to throw a ball, take a hike or have a picnic lunch with your family while enjoying the fresh spring air. Children thrive when they are allowed to explore and expend energy, so springtime activities are perfect for promoting their development and well-being while enjoying the beautiful spring weather!

Zander Ortner AGE: 6. CITY: Greenbrier. SCHOOL: Homeschool/kindergarten. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Science. FAMILY: Parents, Mike and Melisa; and sibling, Jasper (age 3). FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Burgers. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: Bicycle.

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501 kids

Not your typical Easter basket

Brittany Gilbert Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. She and her husband, Levi, have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at b.gilbert37@gmail.com.

One of my favorite things about being a parent is thinking of unique and thoughtful gifts for my kids. I like things that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll actually use, but not things theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love for a day and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to throw away in a week. I like having themes for holiday gifts, too, especially Easter.

and fill it with a new swimsuit, goggles, beach towel and snacks for the road trip. Again, these are ways to save money by gifting your children something you already intended to buy them.

Minimalism gift ideas

Current season favorites

One of my favorite ideas is the umbrella turned into a basket when upside down and opened. Fill the â&#x20AC;&#x153;basketâ&#x20AC;? with all sorts of spring-related toys, treats and clothes. One year, we did this and had some new spring wardrobe along with rain boots, rainy day activities and, of course, their favorite snacks. These were items I already needed to get, but I arranged them in a fun way and gave them on a special occasion, accomplishing two goals.

Look ahead to summer activities If your kids are playing sports, consider making it the theme of their Easter gifts. For example, a

62 | 501 LIFE April 2019

baseball bag with glove, ball, bat, snacks, etc. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be related to sports. Maybe you take a summer beach trip. You can get a sand bucket

Gift cards to their favorite restaurants, stores and places to visit help create experiences instead of stuff. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather not give them little trinkets that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll lose by the next day and they really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a new wardrobe or pair of rain boots, consider this idea. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll maintain your sanity and not add to the clutter. If your kids are like mine, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always asking if they can go somewhere special. I love being able to remind them that they have a gift card to Chick-fil-A or Share.the.Love Kidsclub, and if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wanting to use it, then sure, we can get out of the house and go somewhere special that day. For the 501, consider going to the movies or bowling, getting ice cream, a trip to the Kidsclub, a day at the Museum of Discovery or the Little Rock Zoo. Attach a small gift card to their favorite candy or treat. Other creative basket ideas would be seeds and gardening tools, fishing equipment, art supplies, sunglasses, a kite or makeup. You could get a small duffel bag or stylish bag and fill it with whatever interests them. Think outside of the traditional Easter basket, so to speak. Have fun with surprising your kids with thoughtful gifts that will mean something to them without spending a ton of money.

AUTHORS IN THE 501

Author’s ideas ‘swim in his head’ Dusty Higgins, this month’s featured author, leads a life that would be enviable to many. This author/illustrator states that book ideas “swim in his head.” But unlike most of us, when he gets an idea for a book, he is able to put it to paper using both words and detailed drawings, which he has always Susan had a talent for creating. Peterson Once a project is complete, he gets to Susan Peterson holds a PhD in promote his products at education and taught at the University of Central comic conventions in Arkansas and Slippery Rock locations like Atlantic University in Pennsylvania. She retired in 2004 and now spends City, New York, Charher time doing artwork (painting lotte and San Diego. He and pottery). She is the executive secretary of the Arkansas Reading is often invited to speak Association, a professional at libraries and art groups organization for educators throughout the state. that has about 800 members statewide. When Dusty made the decision to write a comic book, he was a recent graduate of the University of Arkansas art program. He chose to write about Pinocchio, giving a dark but modern twist to the tale. In Dusty’s version, Pinocchio avenges his father’s death by using his magical powers to save mankind from vampires. As a Publisher’s Weekly reviewer summed it up, “This is one tough little puppet.” When Dusty got stuck on writing the narrative, he enlisted the help of Van Jensen, a friend who was also interested in the genre. Once they started on the project, they realized they had more ideas for plot twists than would fit into one book, and thus the partnership and the series took off! They have received Author/illustrator Dusty significant recognition Higgins has several for their four-part comic books to his credit. book series. “Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer” (2009) was followed by “Great Puppet Theater” in 2010; “Of Wood and Blood Parts 1 & 2” (July/September 2012); and the final, “Pinocchio Vampire Slayer” and the “Vampire Zoo” (2015). Reviewers of the series especially enjoy the jokes, both visual and verbal, that develop throughout the series. Although aspects of Dusty’s life may be enviable, few would put forth the time and effort it takes to achieve a final product. In addition to his current day job – that of digital arts instructor at University of Arkansas at Little Rock – he is writing his thesis for his MFA degree from the prestigious Savannah

College of Arts and Design. He and his wife, Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, have two small children, ages 3 and 8. With all his responsibilities, Dusty finds himself working late into the night, often until 1 or 2 a.m., in order to meet deadlines. Pinocchio is not Dusty’s only accomplishment. He worked with Ron Wolfe in 2012 to publish “Knights of the Living Dead,” a fantasy/horror take on the tale of King Arthur. More recently, Dusty collaborated with Robert Venditti, a noted comic book writer, on a new series – “Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape.” Miles is a

middle school student and a reluctant super hero who uses a magic cape to accomplish good deeds in “Attack of the Alien Horde” (2015) and “Rise of the Robot Army” (2016). This series is highly recommended for reluctant readers since it alternates between prose and comic book panels. Books are available at most major book retailers, from online vendors and at local comic shops. Pinocchio is published by Top Shelf Publishing. Knights is SLG Publishing, and the Miles Taylor series is put out by Simon & Schuster. Samples of Dusty’s illustrative work can be viewed at Dustyhiggins.com.

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05-4014 © 2019 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and member FINRA (www.finra.org) and SIPC (www.sipc.org). Osmar Arturo Garcia, Gilberto Garcia is an Insurance Agent(s) of NM. Osmar Arturo Garcia, Gilberto Garcia, is a Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. Osmar Arturo Garcia, Gilberto Garcia, is a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, (NMWMC) Milwaukee, WI (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. All NMWMC products and services are offered only by properly credentialed Representatives who operate from agency offices of NMWMC.

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Think Art Project Searcyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Alley among creative spaces The Quattlebaum Music Center mural in Downtown Searcy.

64 | 501 LIFE April 2019

The red arrow points the way to Art Alley.

The Think Art Project Committee: Will Walker (from left), Angela Turney, Matt Brown, Charlene Brewster, Mat Faulkner, Jason White, Nancy Hatfield, Faran Hearyman, Betty Mote, Joanna Layrock, Todd McLeod and Casey McLeod. Not pictured: Marka Bennett and Amber Walker. Story and photos by Megan Stroud

Turning the corner from the Quattlebaum Music Center mural and walking past the White County Courthouse in Downtown Searcy, a small glimpse of a red arrow peaks out of a public alley. Strums from a guitar become audible. Arch Avenue in downtown is blocked for pedestrian traffic only. Booths are set up in the street and live artists are painting on the brick walls along the alley, sectioned off all the way to Race Street like individual canvases. Art Alley, the venue for the First Friday Art Walk, an event with live music and painting, has become a creative outlet for about 80 artists in the Searcy and White County community, but this is only one of the successes of the Think Art Project. The Think Art Project began when Mat Faulkner, owner of Think Idea Studio, visited Philadelphia, a city with mandated funding for art installations and creative spaces. With existing relationships through the studio and his involvement in the community with organizations like the Searcy Regional Economic Development Corporation (SREDC), Faulkner created a process to accelerate the creation of art installations and creative spaces in Searcy under an existing nonprofit, the Searcy Arts Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My thinking behind it was, that if we already had all the right partnerships in place with city organizations, Parks and Recreation, code enforcement, Main Street Searcy, all the players that would have to put their thumbprint on it as far as approval goes, then it would help the projects go

The Small Business Revolution mural in Art Alley in Downtown Searcy. There are four painted pianos in Searcy, including one in ACT II, an extension of Sowellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furniture on Arch Avenue. This piano was designed and painted by Raeanne Kiihnl, a current Harding art student. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 65

quicker,” Faulkner said. Artists, art educators, property owners and community members got involved, and the goals of the organizations were centered on increasing the quality of life and tourism through rehabbing eye sores while educating and inspiring young artists through interactions with other amateurs and professionals. Although the first project was a mural, spurring on the creation of many other murals in Searcy, murals are not the only goal of the Think Art Project. “Even though murals have taken off and are easier to install, the whole goal is not just to do paintings, but to do sculptures and lighting features and water features and landscaping,” Faulkner said. “Just those cost more and take a little bit more time.” Artists, both amateur and professional, are able to compete by submitting designs for any given project through a blind review process. Project designs are selected carefully on the basis of historical significance, inspiration, diversity, positivity and interactivity. “There are things that can be done that can enhance the community and raise quality of life that is not your traditional economic development,” Faulkner said. The first undertaking by the Think Art Project was a mural on the wall of Quattlebaum Music Center in Downtown Searcy. After 17 submissions, artist Tara Peacock’s design, “Natural Notes,” was chosen. Named for the Natural State, the piece features lyrics and song titles by musicians native to Arkansas. In June 2018, the Think Art Project officially nestled one of its most popular, tourism-drawing projects into the growing arts district on Arch Street. The committee decided to take a public alley between Arch Avenue and Race Street to create Art Alley. The community helped clean the space, artists began to paint and the city stepped in by paving the walkway. Casey McLeod, Think Art Committee member and manager of Art Alley, owns a pharmacy with her husband and describes herself as an amateur artist. As one of the first artists to paint in the

alley, McLeod has a passion for maintaining and promoting Art Alley and its events, including the First Friday Art Walk each month. She also believes strongly in the ties between economic development and creative place making to the overall morale of a community. “The concept of creative place making is really new, but they’re finding there is a connection and a value to having spaces that people can go and be together within a community, especially related to the arts,” McLeod said. With 80 artists involved in Art Alley, the paintings are always changing. An artist is required to change their display every three months or offer their spot to another artist. The only original mural remaining belongs to local artist and Think Art Project committee member Jason White, who has painted murals nationally and across Arkansas and continues to be involved in the arts movement happening in his hometown. Apart from the Think Art Project, Jason has also been commissioned to design and create several murals in Searcy for businesses, including Wild Sweet Williams, The Natural Food Store and Savor + Sip. “Art is an amazing way to communicate,” White said. “We have seen it turn around the overall view of our community from negative to positive. People are excited about Searcy and what it has to offer and art helped get that conversation started.” As Art Alley has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors, future plans for the alley include cleaning up the nook in the middle of the alley while also featuring other temporary art installations. “It has been really exciting for me because I have felt like, historically, Searcy has been a little bit of a divided community, and so just bringing the arts and creativity into the downtown space into something that used to be just a dingy old alley has brought all kinds of people together,” McLeod said. “It’s created for me a sense of community that I haven’t felt, and I have lived here since 1994 when I came here as a freshman at Harding.” In addition to Art Alley, other projects the group has completed include four painted public

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basketball courts and four painted pianos. The health-centered basketball courts were designed and created by professional artists in partnership with local elementary schools, with the health theme determined by sponsor Unity Health. After seeing painted pianos on social media, Faulkner posted the idea on social media and, before he knew it, had been offered nearly 20 free pianos. After picking up four, they were placed around town for artists to paint and people in the community to play. One piano is at The Artistry, one is at Harding Academy and two, including one that has not yet been painted, are at ACT II. Fundraising is currently under way for a multi-purpose stage in Daily Citizens Park, the original site of the Daily Citizen newspaper and a Living Alley mimicking the concept of Art Alley with artistic creations using living plants. Living Alley will feature native plants as well as pollinator plants and a water feature to keep the entire installment maintained. The Think Art Project has impacted the community by giving artists a way to creatively express themselves while creating momentum in the community. “One of the things about small towns, not just in Searcy, but all across America, is they don’t really necessarily have a lot of ingrained culture into their small town, and incorporating artwork is an easy way to express yourself, tell your story as a community and involve other people,” Faulkner said. “So it has definitely heightened the culture of Searcy as well as given artists a way to express themselves in a creative way. As far as quality of life goes, it has created a momentum and excitement. You can see things changing and when you see things changing, you feel like there is progress being made and then people get really excited about that which usually inspires, spurs more progress.” Searcy recently competed and won a contest to be featured on season four of the Small Business Revolution Main Street on Hulu sponsored by Deluxe Corporation. Faulkner and other members of the Think Art Project committee feel the community was more prepared to rally together because of recent growth in the downtown area. “Leading up to this whole revolution TV show, between the art projects and then the community events like Beats and Eats, I think that has just been a perfect segue to this opportunity,” Faulkner said. “A lot of the destinations that the production crew went to [in Searcy] were Think Art Project destinations. Having events like Beats and Eats has gotten the community used to coming together so whenever we threw the big events for the production crew, it was just like another Beats and Eats. Everybody kind of knew what to do. So yeah, I think it just primed us for this opportunity.”

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April 2019 501lifemag.com | 67

SPORTS ROUNDUP

CHS track members sign letters Three members of the Conway High School Track Team recently signed letters of intent to continue competing on the college level. Taylor Conway has signed to run track at the University of Central Arkansas. Her favorite event is the 300-meter hurdles. A daughter of Tanisha and Charnley Conway, she is interested in pursuing a degree in theater. Alex Harris signed to run track at

Lyon College. Her events are shot put and discus. A daughter of LaKeisha and Tremayne Harris, she would like to pursue a degree in child psychology. Kate Freyaldenhoven has signed to run track and cross country at Rhodes College. Her favorite event is the 2-mile race. A daughter of Mary Ann and Tim Freyaldenhoven, she plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Three members of the Conway High School Track Team will continue to compete in college: Taylor Conway (from left), Alex Harris and Kate Freyaldenhoven.

Cabot High School student-athletes who have signed to play on the college level were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;?: (front, from left) TJ Rogers (football/Missouri Baptist University), Mason Martin (football/Ouachita Baptist University), Gracen Turner (soccer/Ouachita Baptist University), Lauren Turner (track/University of Alabama), Alex Layman (swim/ Henderson State University), Brad Morales (football/Missouri Baptist University); (back) Tyler George (track/Neosho Co Community College), Justin Holland (football/ Missouri Baptist University), Jared Russell (football/Harding University), Dalton Crumbly (football/Henderson State University) and Zhane Harper (football/Arkansas Tech University). Not pictured: Chase Foiles (swim/Ouachita Baptist University).

Twelve Cabot student-athletes sign to continue sports on college level Cabot High School celebrated 12 studentathletes who signed to the college of their choice on National Signing Day on Feb. 6. A special ceremony honoring the students was held in the Cabot High School Panther Arena. TJ Rogers, a member of the 2018 edition of the 501 Football Team, was among the signees. He signed with Missouri Baptist University. Other students signing to play at college: 68 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Lauren Turner: Track, Alabama Tyler George: Track, Neosho Co. Community College Dalton Crumbly: Football, Henderson State University Zhane Harper: Football, Arkansas Tech Justin Holland: Football, Missouri Baptist University Mason Martin: Football, Ouachita Baptist

University Brad Morales: Football, Missouri Baptist University Jared Russell: Football, Harding University Gracen Turner: Soccer, Ouachita Baptist University Chase Foiles: Swim, Ouachita Baptist University Alex Layman: Swim, Henderson State University

Searcy wrestling team named state champions The Searcy High School Wrestling Team earned the 5A wrestling championship title during the recent state tournament. Thirteen wrestlers received state medals with 10 receiving all-state honors. Individual wrestling statistics included second place winners Matthew Gale, Landon Valdez, Brad Brown, Joseph Delk, Eduardo Mancilla, Nick Light and Demaceo Whittier. CJ Yocham, Aiden Fitzpatrick and Ryan Tillery earned third place spots. Logan Money and Brayden Zamperelli placed sixth. In addition, Coach Jerry Evans was named the 5A Coach of the Year.

Vilonia High School student-athletes were “Loving LIFE” on National Signing Day: (from left) Reed Saddler (University of Central Arkansas, football), Jaden Liszewski (Lyon College, baseball), Emily Farmer (Central Baptist College, volleyball) and Josh Albat (Arkansas State, baseball).

The 5A Coach of the Year – Searcy High School’s Jerry Evans. The Searcy High School Wrestling Team won the 5A state title.

Conway Christian senior Jacob Wood was “Loving LIFE” as he signed to play football for Hendrix College. He was joined by his parents, Ginger and Mark Wood of Clinton, and his brother, Jonmark Wood. Wood was selected to 501 Football Team and the 501 Basketball Team, sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine Center, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank.

The Conway Lady Cats Blue Team was “Loving LIFE” as conference regular season and tournament champions. The team went undefeated at 27-0.

Conway Christian School senior Bennett Ellis was “Loving LIFE” as he signed to play football for Hendrix College. He was joined by his parents, Ashley and Ladd Ellis of Conway, and his siblings, Mary Morgan Ellis of Fayetteville and Cooper Ellis of Conway.

Six Conway High School football players will continue to play on the college level and participated in a special ceremony Feb. 6 as part of National Signing Day: (from left) Jovoni Johnson (Rice University), Tez Miller (Southern Nazarene University), Nick Richmond (East Texas Baptist University), Randy Thomas (Butler Community College), Kaine Aaron (Ouachita Baptist University) and Malik Benton (Harding University).

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 69

SPORTS

Van Buren County:

Glenna Sue Kidd Egos were bruised, stereotypes destroyed. City pride hurt. On the night of Sept. 12, 1949, on a newly lighted home field, the heavily favored Heber Springs Merchants Baseball Team was defeated, 5 to 3, by a pitcher who was a girl. Before a “Standing Room Only” crowd, Dr. Robert the loss to a Van Buren Reising County squad was beDr. Robert Reising retired yond painful; it was emfrom the University of Central barrassing, intolerable Arkansas in 2013 after holding a and unacceptable. “The variety of teaching, coaching and administrative posts during more National Pastime” was a than a half-century in education. man’s game, a “macho” His doctoral dissertation at Duke treated literature and sports. sport, too demanding for females, Americans of two generations ago fervently believed. Girls could not possibly play it skillfully. But Glenna Sue Kidd did. Born in Choctaw (Van Buren County) on Sept. 2, 1933 — barely 16 years before her legendary feat — she had been raised on the sport, thanks to a baseball-loving family. By her teens, she had proven useful on the Choctaw Town Team, managed by her father, who in early July 1949 maneuvered a tryout for her at Little Rock’s Ray Winder Field. It was prior to the first of two games played by a pair of touring teams from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). The 15-year-old so impressed league officials that she not only gained a contract with the Springfield, Ill., Sallies, but also pinch-batted for them in the second game on the second night of the stay. Immediately following her debut, she joined a summer-long exhibition tour with the Sallies that had her playing in 25 states while mastering the subtleties, baseball and otherwise of “the pro game.” She acquitted herself admirably, even hurling a no-hitter. When the tour ended on Sept. 5, she was hardly poorly conditioned for the 9-inning, 6-hit gem she hurled in Heber Springs a week later. Nor was she ill-prepared for the five seasons of grueling multi-position AAGBPL play that followed. Upon graduating from high school in the spring of 1950, Glenna Sue launched half-a-decade of successful major-league competition, most of it as a pitcher and with the South Bend, Ind., Blue Sox. Only in her rookie year, divided among three clubs, did she produce a less-than70 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Glenna Sue Kidd was born in Choctaw (Van Buren County) and raised on baseball. (Photo courtesy of the Van Buren County Historical Society) impressive win-loss pitching mark, 1 and 10. Yet, even in that season, her earned-run-average (ERA) — her worst as a professional — was a sparkling 2.94. In 1951 and 1952, she helped to hurl the Blue Sox to back-to-back championships. During the latter, she was at her big-league best. She registered 13 victories in 20 decisions, compiling her lowest ever ERA, 2.00. A year later, Glenna Sue added an “Iron Woman” feat to her credentials, pitching and winning both games of a July 4 doubleheader with the Grand Rapids Chicks in her home park. Four days later, in the same park, she topped the Kalamazoo Lassies, 6 to 3, while yielding only seven hits in the midst of gifts and gags on “Sue Kidd Night.” During 1954, however, there was little gayety or frivolity in AAGPBL ball parks. While Glenna Sue enjoyed a creditable 9-win and 6-loss season and a career-high .238 batting average, financial difficulties persistently plagued the league and its teams. Finally, AAGPBL coffers were bare and another season impossible. Glenna Sue reacted constructively. She called upon other athletic skills developed in Choctaw, and for seven years played professional basketball with the Rockettes of South Bend, while also working in the area. Her father’s heart troubles interrupted, however, and returned her to Van Buren County for a year. In 1961, her beloved father dead, Glenna Sue

honored a promise she had made to him and enrolled in the Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas). She completed an undergraduate degree in physical education. Eventually, too, she earned a master’s degree in physical education from the same institution. Richly credentialed, both in the classroom and away from it, she proceeded to coach and teach for a quarter of a century, largely in Indiana. Thereafter, until her 2017 death in Choctaw, she devoted her versatility to the dog-grooming business and to assisting in tax preparation. In 1988, Glenna Sue was among the invitees to Cooperstown, N.Y., for the unveiling of the permanent display honoring the entire AAGPBL in baseball’s previously all-male Hall of Fame. Her name was engraved on the display’s plaque. In 1992, approaching 60 years of age, she accepted the challenge of pitching in the hit movie “A League of Their Own.” Van Buren County and the 501 are proud that the fearless, strong-armed precedent breaker had her roots in their soil.

501 LIFE is once again profiling noteworthy athletes from Central Arkansas, one from each of the 11 counties in the 501, in a special series titled “Celebrating athletic excellence.” The 11 are representatives of the quality of athletes found throughout Central Arkansas and are not meant to be the best or the most noteworthy. This is the 10th installment in the second series. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 71

FEATURE

World class athletes Two go ‘down under’ for triathlon Conway’s Erika Setzler and Sara Ross realized a goal to go “Down Under” to compete in the World Triathlon Championships in Australia. Both recently shared their backgrounds and experiences last fall in Australia with 501 LIFE.

Conway’s Sara Ross (left) and Erika Setzler competed in the World Triathlon Championships in Australia. 72 | 501 LIFE April 2019

ERIKA SETZLER Erika qualified for the USAT National Championships in Omaha, Neb. She had to place in the top 18 in her age group to make Team USA to compete in Australia. She placed 11th. At the world competition, she competed in the amateur category, which included swimming 1,500 meters (about 1 mile), biking for 25 miles and running 6.2 miles. She placed as the seventh American and 23rd overall for her age group. In the overall competition, she was the 17th American and 73rd female. Erika, 27, has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with an Karl Lenser emphasis on exercise science and a master’s degree in health science, both from the University of Central Arkansas. A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the employee wellness Running background: I ran my first 5K in the second coordinator at the University of grade with my mom, a friend and her mom. I remember Arkansas at Little Rock. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees running up the street and back to them, and then they just from the University of Wisconsinsaid, “Go ahead and just keep going. Don’t wait for us.” LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at karl. In third grade is where it really started though. I particilenser@gmail.com. pated in our morning Excel class with our PE teacher. We had 20 minutes to run as many laps as we could three days a week. I loved it so much that while everybody else was stopping to walk, I would keep running until we had to go inside. When did the “triathlon fever” hit: I was asked to be part of a team at the DeGray triathlon before my junior year of high school. I did the running portion, and afterward I said, “Wow that was fun, I think I might try and come back next year and do the whole thing by myself.” The next summer I had gotten a bike and began to swim, bike and run nearly every day. My main focus was on running, so I didn’t get to swim or bike during the school year. It was just summers I would train for triathlons. It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I became serious about the sport and devoted more time to all three portions. That’s where the real triathlon fever hit! What was the most difficult, swimming or cycling: In cycling, it is extremely tough to maintain a high power and cadence, especially when you just want to coast or pedal easy. Your legs start to fatigue quickly on those speed work days, and even on the long ride days. It’s more of a mental challenge to stay on the bike and keep pushing. So overall, I’d have to choose cycling because it is so time consuming if you want to be the best. Describe your first triathlon: My first was actually the Conway Kids triathlon when I was about 9. My first big triathlon was the DeGray Triathlon in Arkadelphia

Erika competed in the amateur category at the world championships. She placed as the seventh American and 23rd overall for her age group.

Sisters Morgan (from left) and Erika Setzler with Sara Ross. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 73

Sara Ross qualified for the world event at the USAT National Championships. She competed in the Draft Legal Sprint Triathlon at the world championships. when I was 17. I just remember how much fun I had once I crossed the finish line. It was a whole different type of race, more relaxing than cross country (mentally) but just as much of a challenge. What’s next: I qualified for the World Championships again this year which will be held in Switzerland. As of right now that’s the main event I’ll be training for.

SARA ROSS Sara, 26, qualified for the world event at the USAT National Championships. She competed in the Draft Legal Sprint Triathlon, her first. It included swimming 750 Meters, biking 12.4 miles and running 3.1 miles. She placed about 57th. Sara has a bachelor of science degree in nutrition with an emphasis on dietitcs from the University of Central Arkansas. “Diet and exercise have always been a passion for me. In high school, I realized how much control I could have over my athletic performance simply through changing my diet,” she said. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to share and help others reach their goals. Running background: In high school, I lived, ate and breathed basketball. My senior year, I grew an interest in running. After practice, I would go home and run a couple of miles and on the weekends, I would run with a couple of kids from the high school cross country team. I didn’t know that one year later I would hear what a triathlon was and put that running to competitive use. When did the “triathlon fever” hit: Every day in college I would go to the HPER center for two to three hours to play basketball with the boys. One day, there was a new sign on the bulletin board that said, “Do you have what it takes?” It was about the Heber Springs sprint triathlon. I didn’t have a bike, nor did I own a cap and goggles. My first triathlon was a total mess, but I stuck with it. One year later, I had stocked up on some equipment and participated in my second triathlon in Eureka Springs. From there, I was hooked! What was the most difficult, swimming or cycling: Swimming was the most difficult discipline for me. I never swam free style with my face in the water, owned a pair of goggles or put a swim cap on my head before. Clearly, I had a lot to learn! I have come a long way since the start, but I still have much more to 74 | 501 LIFE April 2019

learn and I am always tweaking my stroke to get better. Describe your first triathlon: I had no idea what it would be like. I just knew I had to swim, bike and run. The triathlon was in September and I knew the lake would be freezing. A friend loaned me his surfing wet suit. I didn’t know surf wet suits were different than a swimming wet suit. He was much smaller than me, so the wet suit almost made it impossible to breath. I suited up and took off in the water when the horn went off. I only had to swim 500 yards. I got 100 yards in and decided it was too tight, so I unzipped it to breathe. The whole thing filled with water. I felt like an anchor was just placed on me. I started backstroking and a kayaker came over to ask if I was OK. I responded that I was and he proceeded to tell me the course was the other way. I finally got out of the water and was on to the bike. My dad had a friend with a really nice carbon racing bike that he wanted me to use. When we drove up, I noticed everyone had these little bikes with little skinny wheels. You mean there is a different kind of bike? Yes, unfortunately so. Here I am, the backstroker, now getting on my big clunky mountain bike. The biggest hill I had ever climbed happened to be on that bike course, so I gladly got off and walked next to my bike. Making my way back to transition, I had many participants yelling encouragement out of pity from the look of my struggling face, I was pretty close to dead last. Finally, I made it to the run where all I needed was running shoes. I survived and crossed that finish line with my hands above my head and the biggest smile on my face. I felt like I had just won the Olympics, even though I had come in almost last place. My mom was at the finish line and bragged for months about me placing second in my age group. I had to keep reminding her that there were only two people in my age group. There was nowhere to go but up, and from that race I worked on improving each day. What’s next: I am planning on a couple of half marathons in March and April and then will move on to triathlon races. I plan to do a couple half iron mans, nationals in Ohio and the Music City Triathlon. My training partner is planning to compete in Switzerland at World’s this year, and I will go to be her cheerleader!

World champs

Girls team wins title at Disney tourney

The Lady Sharks with Mickey Mouse at the Disney 3v3 World Championship Tournament. A team which included players from the 501 recently took home the top prize in the Disney 3v3 World Championships. Members of the team were Abby Rippy of Conway, Heidi Sanders of Little Rock, Lilly Ahlers of Hot Springs, and Hannah Hanson, Lilly Kham and Everly O’Daniel, all of Northwest Arkansas. Abby’s dad, Carl, is the “dedicated parent” for the 3v3 team, which plays in the U11 (Under 11) division. In addition to 3v3, Abby has played for Arkansas United for the last three years. Heidi also plays for United. “We saw at an early age that Abby excelled at it,” Carl said. “She liked soccer and did well.” The team sought help and training for 3v3 games from Nick Apicella. “The kids really respect him.” Abby started playing soccer when she was 4. Her dad picked the sport for his daughter because of the physical fitness involved. He said Abby has enjoyed learning the sport and playing. “I didn’t know she’d be so good at it.” 3v3 soccer is played with smaller goals on a smaller field. It typically is more fast-paced and it is not unusual for a team to score seven or eight goals. “With 3v3, there are more chances to touch the ball and greater chances of scoring,” Carl said. Carl said 3v3 soccer has “gotten really big.” He said there is usually a 3v3 tournament every weekend in Arkansas or surrounding states during the summer. He said the Lady Sharks won quite a few tournaments and qualified in August for the Disney tournament, held in January in Orlando. There were about 10 teams in the U11 division at the world championship tourney. The teams were from New Jersey, Florida and Illinois. He said an older division had a team from Peru. “It’s a world

Members of the Lady Sharks 3v3 soccer team with their world championship trophies: Hannah Hanson (from left), Lilly Kham, Lilly Ahlers, Abby Rippy, Heidi Sanders and Everly O’Daniel. championship, so they can come from anywhere.” The Lady Sharks went undefeated in the Disney tournament. “They were super excited,” Carl said,

adding that the team plans to continue playing and hopes to make a return trip to the Disney tournament.

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 75

Nature photography 76 | 501 LIFE April 2019

in your backyard

Linda Henderson Jim and Linda Henderson are lifelong residents of the 501. During the week, Jim has a construction business and Linda is a registered nurse at the Conway Human Development Center. On the weekends, they travel the 501 and other areas of Arkansas. Jim drives and hauls equipment. Linda takes photographs of Arkansas. During their travels, they have gained appreciation and love for The Natural State. They have found the 501 has so much to offer for weekend fun and beauty to photograph.

It’s that time of year when I struggle to find something to photograph. Winter’s bleakness has not yet given away to spring’s splendor. Backyard nature photography doesn’t require travel or the burning of gasoline to find opportunities to push the camera shutter. Endless things like flower beds, ornamental plants, cactus, trees, bushes or backyard birds and bugs can be found right out your back door. You may need to look at things in your backyard with a little different perspective. Get low to plants and shrubs. Try shooting upward. Look under leaves and flowers to see if you can find a backyard insect. During the late winter and the early spring, most cold blooded creatures move a little slower and may be a little easier to focus on. Get close to a pine tree and shoot upward. This view can give you an interesting photo with lots of texture. Flowers and leaves are often the first things we think of when we look for photo subjects in our backyard. Flowers provide limitless colors, shapes and textures. If flowers are unavailable, then look for weeds like dandelions. Get close and photograph flowers and succulents in a portrait manner. Fill the frame with the flower, the leaves and/or stems of succulents. With their thick and fleshy parts, succulents can be striking and unusual in appearance. April 2019 501lifemag.com | 77

78 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Take backyard photos in the early morning or evening light. Light during the middle of the day is too bright and can cause harsh shadows. If there is cloud cover, you can shoot any time of day. If you enjoy birding, then your backyard can be a wonderful place to set up a habitat that will attract song birds and other common birds. Add a feeder, a bird bath and perches. Try to photograph birds when they are likely to be most active and feeding. If you can find a way to camouflage yourself, you will likely get more natural photos of your backyard birds. Experiment with various lighting conditions. Try backlighting leaves and flowers. Backlighting is using a light (the sun) to illuminate the object. This technique produces separation of the subject and the background. The late afternoon, when the sun is low in the horizon, is the perfect time to try backlighting. When summer is over, leaves and seed pods can provide subjects to photo. Acorns, pine cones and holly berries will yield lots of color and texture. After a rain, raindrops can be your subject. Try photographing a single droplet or a whole string by using a wide lens setting and getting close. I love photographing mushrooms. They usually abound when the weather is cool and damp. Look for them in moist, mossy places on the side of trees or logs. The best thing about photographing in your backyard is that nature is so handy. Our backyard can be a treasure for someone with a camera or a cell phone. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a backyard, you can find lots of nature by strolling in a city park or local walking trails.

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 79

NEIGHBORS special friends

Jarman recognized for years of service

“Loving LIFE” at the celebration for Shirley Jarman: Dr. Ferrell Larousse (from left), Marie Betancourt, Shirley Jarman, Hailey Davis, Lori Mabry, Colton Osborne, Dr. Shari Butner, Katie Chance and Emily Betancourt. (Judi Standridge photo)

Friends continued from Page 38 to the Arkansas State Veterinarian Board, we aren’t allowed to operate a clinic, but we own the building and all the contents. Shirley was instrumental in getting grants for it.” According to the group’s website, fixingfaulknercounty.com, the clinic has performed nearly 30,000 low-cost sterilizations since 2007. Standridge said the Pet Food Pantry had been going since 1992. “We help people feed their animals when they fall on hard times,” Standridge said. “That’s right behind Companions. The thrift store was founded in 1996. “But Shirley’s real baby, other than the clinic, is the Sick and Injured Animal Fund. She’s an RN, but she knows so much about veterinary medicine. 80 | 501 LIFE April 2019

We interact with all the local veterinarians. They’ll call us and say, ‘Can you help us?’ “We help people in the community take care of their pets when they are sick and injured. In addition, people may find a stray animal that’s injured, and we help.” Money for the fund comes from donations “Nobody’s ever turned away,” Standridge said. “We usually get about three calls a week. This week we’ve had two already. “You have the county problems — no animal control — so a lot of stuff goes on, a lot of shootings, a lot of hit by cars and other injuries.” The poster child for the Sick & Injured Animal Fund is the pit bull Gracie, the former Girlie Girl. “Several years ago, we got a call about a pit bull that was paralyzed and in a ditch,” Standridge said. “We got the dog. It seemed to be paralyzed, but

they couldn’t say for sure whether it was permanent, so we started treatment. “We did laser treatments for her back initially, and after a few months, the dog started to walk. Then the one foot continued to knuckle and wouldn’t work, so we had to amputate a toe. That still didn’t work, so we had to get a prosthetic boot for her. That didn’t work, so we went back to doing back surgery. That was probably $4,000, and it didn’t work. So we had the leg amputated. “Then she finally got adopted by this wonderful British lady who is one of us now. She named her Gracie. Most people would say, ‘It’s a pit bull; it’s paralyzed; euthanize it.’ That story went all over the United States.” Despite Jarman’s reticence, the fund was renamed the Shirley Jarman Sick and Injured Animal Fund at the birthday celebration.

Originally, Jarman had hoped to build an HSFC shelter, but a feasibility study advised that such an undertaking should be a function of government, so the group put its efforts toward the spay and neuter clinic, which offers low-cost services. “That was a letdown for me, but eventually we got a $75,000 grand from (the Bob Barker Company Foundation) that helped us get the clinic,” Jarman said. “There was a house across the street from one of our board members’ office (the late CPA Donna Stephens), and the owner, Lucile Anesi, donated that house to us for the thrift store. Before she died, she would see me on the street and give me $5 and say, ‘Give this to the animals.’” Now, Jarman said, the thrift shop at the former Anesi house generates about $25,000 per year. The group also has two trailers that collect aluminum cans for recycling; those efforts raise another $3,000 or $4,000 annually. Monthly bingo games at the Melton Cotton City Event Center in Greenbrier also help with finances. As always, volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. “One little step has led to another,” Jarman said. “One person doesn’t do it — it takes a ton of volunteers and people with the same passion. If you have the passion to do it, you do it. I’ve done it for 27 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s hard, but when that’s what you want to do, you do it.” Over those 27 years, a number of other groups have joined the rescue effort. Each organization has its niche, but they are united now in the effort to build and maintain a Faulkner County shelter. “We all have that one huge desire,” Jarman said. “Let’s get this shelter built. If the strays are out there and we didn’t have to answer stray calls, the rescue groups could pull from the shelter. With our clinic, we have resources. “I’m very proud of our clinic, but one person never does it. I’m fortunate to have been aligned with so many people who’ve helped along the way. “It takes all of us.” To donate, adopt, volunteer or ask for help, visit fixingfaulknercounty.com.

The Humane Society of Faulkner County celebrated Shirley Jarman’s birthday and her service to the organization. (Judi Standridge photo)

Animaal l Hospit Dr. Greg Hartman

Dr. Greg Hartman

| 385 Hogan Lane | Conway, AR 72034 | (501) 450-6444

HARTMANANIMALHOSPITAL.COM

Dr. JoAnna Roath

General Veterinary Medicine • Complete Diagnostic Services Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery • Full Service Boarding

April 2019 501lifemag.com | 81

NEIGHBORS person of the month

Jim Payseno

CITY: Maumelle. WORK: Retired from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Served in the U.S. Navy 19691973.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Volunteer at

Maumelle Center on the Lake; chairman of the Maumelle Veterans Memorial Committee; vice chairman of the nonprofit Counting on Each Other Inc.; and volunteering to be Santa Claus for the Maumelle Lions Club.

THOUGHTS ON BEING NAMED MAUMELLE PERSON OF THE YEAR: It was very humbling to be nominated and I am much honored to be chosen.

FAMILY: Daughter, Alicia Gillen; granddaughters, Shayla (22), Nicole (12) and Julia (11). EDUCATION: Graduated from Foothill High

School in Sacramento, Calif., in 1967. Attended American River College in Sacramento, 19681969.

LAST BOOK YOU READ: “National Dragster.” FAVORITE MEAL: Eating seafood at Red

Lobster.

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: Honorable discharge certificate from the U.S. Navy.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Auto racing of any kind.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Jim Payseno as its Person of the Year. (Mike Kemp photo)

FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS: Hot

Springs.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: The many different types of activities that

are available.

82 | 501 LIFE April 2019

Celebrating Our #1 In 2018, Conway Regional was named #1 in Central Arkansas for Medical Excellence in Overall Hospital Care*, among 50+ other awards. While we’re proud of our awards, our team is driven by something more: you.

One Team. One Promise.

Our #1 priority is and will always be you, the patient, and that’s the #1 worth celebrating.

*CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc.

#1 in Central Arkansas for Medical Excellence in Overall Hospital Care

Nurturing D R E A M S FOR LOCAL FAMILIES.

A bright future is built on financial resources that fit your life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like budgeting tools to track and manage spending. Start small. Save big.

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