May 2019 by 501 LIFE

2 | 501 LIFE May 2019

TYLER MATTHEWS Razorback Fan Mother to ER Patient Caregiver Arkansas Neighbor

HOSPITALS • CLINICS • SPECIALISTS

Unity-Health.org

Unity Health celebrates the authentic relationships formed by living, working and caring for each other. The spirit of Unity in these relationships is what we call Community.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 3

EDITOR'S NOTE

501 LIFE

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 Adam Bledsoe Tanner Cangelosi Brittany Gilbert Laurie Green Linda Henderson Vivian Hogue Karl Lenser Mark McDonald Mark Oliver

Kiera Oluokun Todd Owens Bill Patterson John Patton Susan Peterson Dr. Robert Reising Robin Richards Jan Spann Donna Lampkin Stephens Callie Sterling Jaison Sterling Megan Stroud

FAULKNER COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD

The 501 LIFE Team at the 10th Anniversary Celebration: Levi Gilbert (from left), Donna Spears, Mike Kemp, Sonja Keith, Jeremy Higginbotham, Nick Walker and Jennifer Godwin.

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 Kim Tyler Jennifer Whitehead

CONWAY COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD

Happy birthday, 501 LIFE! This month’s edition of 501 LIFE marks the 11th anniversary of the magazine’s launch. Wow! Thinking back to early 2008, a lot of people had a hand in the creation of this magazine. Many of those names appear on the list of 501 LIFE contributors and the Faulkner County Editorial Board on this page. In the years that followed the launch, 501 LIFE expanded into other areas and we added new editorial boards in Conway County and White County. Just as in the beginning, but probably more so now, we are so appreciative of the support of each name listed. We know we have the best team – thank you! As we have said since the first issue, 501 LIFE is all about celebrating greater Central Arkansas, its wonderful people, its scenic places and all the incredible things that make Central Arkansas an outstanding place to live, work, worship, do business, get an education and play. So many copies of 501 LIFE have been packed in suitcases and taken around the United States and the globe for “Loving LIFE” photos – one of the most popular sections in the magazine. 501 LIFE has also been taken along to special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, retirement receptions. My business partner, Donna Spears, and I have much to be thankful for as we reflect on the last 11 years – our faithful readers, our talented team, our supportive editorial boards and our fantastic advertisers. We have also been blessed with dear family and friends who have shared this journey with us. We want to express our appreciation to each for their support. Thank you! We are “Loving LIFE” and are excited about the future. Happy birthday 501 LIFE! -Sonja Keith

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Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen Alisha Koonce

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

May 2019

Volume 12 Issue 1

features&departments

28 Guest column

Meagan Lowry has been walking the road of infertility and infant loss for nearly six years. She knows that waiting seasons are not wasted seasons.

On the cover

In this month’s edition, 501 LIFE is “Celebrating mom” with a cover story (Pages 40-43) featuring five new mothers: Brittany Butler (from left), Cassie Ford, Brandi Keith, Kiera Oluokun and Liza Prophete. (Mike Kemp photo)

46 Health

Dr. Mallory Smith enjoys her role as a medical detective.

52 Home

Homeowner enjoys cherished treasures as her bedroom becomes a peaceful oasis

70 Sports

Russ Campbell had a love of people and rodeo. In May, family and friends will remember the teenager at a rodeo held in his honor.

neighbors

22 Couples

Joyce and Terry Fiddler have a love for family, friends, the outdoors and helping others.

24 Youth

Girl Scout troops in Faulkner County will soon see 14 seniors graduate.

30 Greenbrier

The Talley Family has grown through faith.

32 Judsonia

Tyler Matthews knows firsthand the challenges of motherhood.

regulars 4 8-9 10-16 48-57

34 Faulkner County

Karon Reynolds’ creativity and talent “took the cake” at a recent national contest.

82 Person of the month

Conway Regional Medical Center’s Sarah Duck loves her job.

LIFE pics 16-20 '501 KIDS' 501 LIFE contributors Kellie Bishop and Brittany Gilbert have great tips in the 501 Kids section (Pages 58-60). Have a story idea or a young person you would like to see featured? Send suggestions to info@501lifemag. com.

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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 Arkansas Travelers, 69

facebook.com /501lifemag

Bell & Co., 29 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 43

C Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 59 Conway Corporation, 17 Conway Institute of Music, 27 Conway Regional Health System, 83 Conway Regional Rehab, 51 Crain Automotive, 23

D DJM Orthodontics, 25

E Edward Jones, 49 E.L. Clinical Esthetics, 65

F Fairfield Bay, 47 First Security Bank, 84 First Service Bank, 13 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Inc., 31

H Hartman Animal Hospital, 81 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 77 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 53

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 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.

L Luxury Pool & Spa, 21

M MSC Eye Associates, 39 Middleton Heat & Air, 37

O Ott Insurance, 54

P Patterson Eye Care, 73

R Renewal Ranch, 35

S Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 79 Salter Properties-Glenrock, 45 Shelter Insurance, 73 Scared Heart Bazaar, 45 Superior Nursing & Rehab, 2

T The Bridgeway Hospital, 61 Toad Suck Run, 71

U Unity Health, 3, 33 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 55 University of Central Arkansas, 67

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.

Conway native, 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.

Equal parts dreamer and doer, Jennifer Godwin has been with 501 LIFE since the beginning, helping with the visual look of the magazine, down to the logo. A former editor, digital strategist and communications manager, she now does public relations in Memphis. She is a new mom to a baby girl born in December. Reach her at jennifercg@gmail. com.

W Wilkinson’s Mall, 53

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 7

NEWS/NOTES

May S 5

M 6

T 7

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12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 The Rialto Community Arts Center in Morrilton will present “The Wizard of Oz,” a spring musical for the whole family, in May. For a performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit rialtomorrilton.com. On Thursday, May 2, Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals Inc. (“CARE”) will host its 12th Annual Paws on the Runway from 6 to 9 p.m. at Next Level Events (1400 W. Markham St., Little Rock). It will feature some of the finest fashions and furry friends that Little Rock has to offer. Guests will enjoy delicious food, silent and live auctions and a fashion show featuring both human and canine models. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet a few of CARE’s adoptable animals. To purchase tickets or for more information about CARE or Paws on the Runway, please visit careforanimals.org/. The 12th Annual Tour de Toad takes off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Cantrell Field (the Conway airport). An official event of Toad Suck Daze, Tour de Toad raises funds for Literacy Action of Central Arkansas to increase literacy while encouraging a healthy lifestyle through a fun cycling event. More information and event updates are available at facebook.com/TourdeToad. Information is also available at literacyactionar.org. The White County Historic Museum-Pioneer Village in Searcy will host its 11th Annual Spring Festival on 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5. The historic late 1800s village buildings will be open, with costumed guides, camp fire cooking, handmade pioneer crafts, live animals, music, food, games, activities for children and much more. This is a very family-oriented event. Free parking and admission, with donations accepted. Proceeds support the museum. For more information, call 501.580.6633 or visit the Pioneer Village Searcy, AR, page on Facebook. Methodist Family Health will present Southern Silks, the organization’s signature fundraiser, at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Embassy Suites by Hilton Little Rock. Arkansans can help Methodist Family Health celebrate the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby with this post-race, Derby Day-soiree. Guests will enjoy a Southern buffet dinner and libations, live and silent auctions, a hat contest and much more. For more 8 | 501 LIFE May 2019

The Toad Suck Daze Run, presented by Baptist Health Heart Institute and Arkansas Cardiology, is planned Saturday, May 4, at Conway High School. It includes a 5K, 10K and Tadpole Trot (pictured) for kids. This year, the first 1,000 5K and 10K participants who finish will receive an inaugural participation medal. (Bill Patterson photo) information, visit MethodistFamily.org/Southern-Silks or call 501.906.4209.

rides and more. Visit brierfest.com for other festival details.

The Conway Men’s Chorus will present SpringSing 2019 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with free admission and parking. To help celebrate the spring season, musical selections by the 55-plus voice volunteer group will range from sacred and inspirational to classical and popular, as well as other new and favorite songs. The chorus is under the musical direction of Jordan Bennett, with Paul Bradley on piano. For more information, visit conwaymenschorus.org.

Renewal Ranch will present its Fifth Annual Rally for Recovery at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The event, presented by First Security Bank, will feature Robert Lewis, pastor-at-large at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, as the guest speaker. The event will be catered by Tacos4Life. For more information, contact Bryce McGhee at 501.733.4263 or marketing@ renewalranch.net.

On Saturday, May 11, the community of Fairfield Bay, the Van Buren County Master Gardeners, barbecue cookers, car show enthusiasts, musicians and a host of local artisans will celebrate the start of spring with a BIG all-day family festival at Ed Leamon Park. For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com. The Women Run Arkansas 5K Run/Walk is planned at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the McGee Center, 3800 College Ave. in Conway. Event proceeds benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Neurofibromatosis Research. The event is for all ages, with overall and age group awards presented. For more information or to register, visit womenrunarkansas.net. The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will present its 19th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 16, at the Country Club of Arkansas. Sponsorships are available. For more information, email macc@maumellechamber.com. To register, go to maumellechamber.com. The City of Greenbrier, in partnership with the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce and several local businesses, will present BrierFest, a family-friendly festival, Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, near Westside Elementary School. The festival will feature live music, a car show, craft and food vendors, carnival

The Town & Country Garden Club (T&C) will host a fundraiser/rummage sale at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Methodist church on Hwy 65 in Greenbrier. This annual event supports T&C scholarship(s) for eligible Faulkner County graduating seniors. For more information, contact T&C President Jane Lagasse at janelagasse@conwaycorp.net. Fairfield Bay will host “Fun in the Sun” from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at the Cool Pool Café. The event will include water games, live music, a pickle ball tournament and food. For more information, go to visitfairfieldbay.com/events or call 501.884.6008. Fairfield Bay’s Memorial Day Observance will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, in front of the senior center. Mayor Paul Wellenberger will welcome veterans and guests and the Van Buren County Band will perform patriotic music. The Sacred Heart School Bazaar will be held Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, at the school in Morrilton. Various activities will be available for all ages on both nights, including a midway featuring kiddie land games, a Plinko game, bingo, a ham and bacon stand, a silent auction and other attractions. This year’s raffle grand prize is a 2019 Dodge Journey. The traditional spaghetti/sausage and turkey/dressing dinner will be served in the school gym 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, with carry-out dinners available. For more information, contact Sacred Heart School at 501.354.8113 or visit sacredheartmorrilton.org.

A race first

Toad Suck Run participants to receive medal This year’s Toad Suck Daze 5K/10K Run in May will feature something new – a special participation medal. “This unique medal will help commemorate participation in the Toad Suck Daze Run, an event that is celebrating its 36th year of helping local organizations,” said Cliff Henry, chairman of the race committee. The artwork for the medal – based on a design by run committee member Bill Polk – was unveiled at a recent meeting of the Conway Kiwanis Club, the main organizer of the event. In addition, it was announced that Baptist Health Heart Institute – Conway and Arkansas Cardiology will once again be presenting sponsors for the Toad Suck Daze Run, which is planned Saturday, May 4, in Conway. “We greatly appreciate the support of Baptist Health Heart Institute and Arkansas Cardiology,” said Henry. “Their financial support will help us support local charities in the community.” Over the years, the race has raised more than $400,000 for non-profit organizations. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit a variety of local non-profits: Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County Community Connections Community Service Inc. Compass Academy HAVEN girls shelter Main Stage EdUCAtion “Baptist Health is committed to a healthier Arkansas, and it begins with providing opportunities that make it easier for people to live healthier lifestyles,” said Tim Bowen, vice-president and administrator of Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. “Having a fun race can be a great way to introduce people to exercise and help wonderful causes at the same time. Baptist Health wants to be the state’s leading resource in advocating for healthier communities and wellness programs and being a part of the Toad Suck Daze Run is certainly right in line with our efforts.” The event includes a 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K Fun Walk and Tadpole Trot races (for children). The event begins and ends at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High School. “Baptist Health Heart Institute and Arkansas Cardiology are committed to keeping you hearthealthy,” said Parker Norris, MD, cardiologist with Arkansas Cardiology. “Baptist Health’s heart specialists take every single patient to heart and have capable and compassionate physicians ready to provide you with the care you need and deserve. Having an active lifestyle and eating well are two main components of keeping your heart healthy.”

day of the race after 8 a.m. at the field house. The event is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information or to register for the Toad Suck Daze Run, visit toadsuckrun. com. As part of the Baptist Health Heart Institute, Arkansas Cardiology ClinicConway allows individuals to stay close to home and still receive Arkansas’ most comprehensive heart care. Knowing your risk based on medical and family history is important too. Screening tests are an important assessment tool to determine risk for cardiovascular disease. That’s why Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway is offering BHeart Healthy Screenings for $99. Early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent heart attacks, strokes and vascular disease complications.

IN MEMORY

Online registration for the Toad Suck Daze Run ends at noon Friday, May 3. Online and mail registrants can pick up a racing packet, number and timing chip from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3, at the Baptist Health Conway hospital or the morning of the race at the fieldhouse at John McConnell Stadium. Chip timing technology will be used and participants must wear a race chip to get an official time. Participants registering after 7:30 a.m. on race day will not receive a timing chip and will not be timed. Entry fee for the 10K and 5K events is $30 until noon Friday, May 3, when it goes up to $35. 5K and 10K entrants receive a technical shirt for those who pre-register. The Tadpole Trot registration is $10, which includes a cotton T-shirt. Free refreshments will be provided for all entrants. The participation medal will be presented to the first 1,000 finishers in the 5K and 10K. Any additional race shirts can be purchased on the

The Toad Suck 10K was started by the Conway Kiwanis Club in 1982 and held in conjunction with the Toad Suck Daze Festival. In 1984, First National Bank of Conway (now Regions) began a race in memory of a fellow employee, Randy Baker, who died of cancer. The Randy Baker 8K was conducted for two years, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. In 1986, the Conway Kiwanis Club approached Regions Bank, and the two races were combined. The Toad Suck Daze Run continues to be held in memory of Randy Baker, with proceeds benefiting non-profit agencies in the Faulkner County community.

IRON TOAD The Toad Suck Daze Run partners with Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, which sponsors the Tour de Toad bicycle event, which will also be held on Saturday, May 4. Participants who complete the Toad Suck Daze Run (5K or 10K) and Tour de Toad receive a custom Iron Toad medal. For information on Tour de Toad, visit LiteracyActionAR.org/tourdetoad. May 2019 501lifemag.com | 9

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 “Loving LIFE” 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.) Here’s to “Loving LIFE.” – Sonja Keith

Thirteen sets of very bright twins were “Loving LIFE” at Frank Mitchell Intermediate School in Vilonia: Shelby and Mason Mayhan, Alfonso and Alex D’Ayala, Kinley and Claire Newsome, Brooklyn and Brianna Burnham, Reagan and Lila Sutterfield, Meredith and Seth Reeves, Makenzie and Makayla Oakley, Grace and Ashley Wagner, Chloe and Carter Rooney, Lucas and Jonas Irvin, Eli and Rye Matthews, Todd and Michael Marshall, and Mason and Noah Madrid.

Members of the Century League of Morrilton were “Loving LIFE” at its 36th Annual Charity Ball at the Morrilton Country Club. The event brought in more than $11,000 for the club’s charitable activities throughout the year. The Century League strives to spend its funds on local projects to improve the community, like purchasing animals for children through the Junior Livestock Auction and supplying meals for needy families at Thanksgiving. The event had more than 115 in attendance and featured a fiesta theme, with entertainment by the Jack Fancy Band, a silent auction and super raffle. The Century League is appreciative of all sponsors and contributors who support this event every year. For more information about the Century League of Morrilton, visit facebook.com/CenturyLeague.

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Conway Christian School second-graders, in classes taught by Brook Morgan and Kathy Irons, took 501 LIFE along to the Arkansas State Capitol for a field trip. Students had history lessons throughout a tour by Rep. David Meeks. They also toured the vault and held a mock trial in the Senate room (voting in favor of three hours of extra recess) with state Sen. Jason Rapert. The kiddos were also able to meet newly elected state Rep. Spencer Hawks.

Conway Christian Choir members Haley Shourd and Lou Kerst were “Loving LIFE” after being selected for the 2019 Arkansas All-State Choir. They performed in Hot Springs on Feb. 16. The CCS choral director is Donna Bradley.

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 (Lyon College) and Malik Benton (Harding University).

A group of friends were “Loving LIFE” and celebrating Brenda Clark’s birthday: Angi (front, from left) and Dale Davenport, Martha Thorpe, Craig Goodman, Suzanne McCarty, Brenda Clark, Tammy Keathley, Donna Spears; Hershal Clark (back), Debbie Lamaire, Kevin Daniel, Carmen Smith, Tim Wheeler and Eddie Calvert.

Hershal and Brenda Clark were “Loving LIFE.” May 2019 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE “Loving LIFE” in Iceland: Rachel Mullins (front, from left), Briana Burnett, Michele Perrault; Joan Luneau (back), Aidan Caig, Jennifer Williams, Brandi Miles, Lyndsey Daniel, Robert Keeton, Michael Rowland, Pam Tiller, Cas Shelton, Gretchen Schol, Karen Caig, Greg Chapman and Will Phillips.

‘Loving LIFE’ and Iceland

“Loving LIFE” at Glacial Lake: Briana Burnett (front, from left), Rachel Mullins; Joan Luneau (back), Pam Tiller, Aidan Caig, Lyndsey Daniel, Robert Keeton, Michael Rowland, Karen Caig and Michele Perrault.

On a black sand beach: Jennifer Williams (front to back), Rachel Mullins, Lyndsey Daniel and Robert Keeton.

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A group of 16 former and current University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton faculty, staff and students – plus several community members – were in Iceland from March 17 to 23 to participate in an educational tour. The group traveled through Southern Iceland, with a two-day stop in the capital of Reykjavik and an excursion through the famous Golden Circle. Some of the highlights of the tour through the land of fire and ice included an up-close encounter with a glacier, where the group witnessed glacial retreat through markers, photographs and topography. Another favorite was a soak in Iceland’s popular geothermal bath, The Blue Lagoon. The tour group also viewed waterfalls and geysers enjoyed the local food and culture, spotted some “Game of Thrones” filming sites, and even appreciated Iceland’s unpredictable weather. UACCM instructors host a biyearly international tour for students, faculty, staff and community members. Travelers, high school age and older, are welcome. UACCM students can earn three hours of general education credit. Previous destinations included Great Britain, Japan, Costa Rica, Greece, The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu, the sacred Incan site in Peru. The next tour is scheduled in 2021, with a group to visit Spain and Morocco.

Rachel Mullins (from left), Pam Tiller and Jennifer Williams with a group representing Vikings.

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LOVING LIFE

Judy Hogue Wooten of Benton (from left), Keith Davis of Clinton, Pam Kervin of Hot Springs Village and Julia Rollins of Bryant were “Loving LIFE” on a cruise to Mexico, Honduras and Belize (pictured). A group from the South Conway County School District in Morrilton took 501 LIFE along as they spent part of their spring break touring Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. They visited many memorials, monuments and Smithsonian museums in Washington and went on a ghost tour of Old Alexandria. The group was “Loving LIFE” in front of the White House: Kathy Garrett (from left), Abbie Ford, Regina Erwin, Peyton Leach, Sandra Freeman, Marley Hamack, Claudio Costantini and Addie Hammack. The group also visited Mount Vernon. They ran up the Rocky Steps in Philadelphia and visited Independence Hall. In New York, they went to the observatory deck of the Empire State Building and saw the Broadway musical “Phantom of the Opera.” They also visited Times Square and the Statue of Liberty along with many other New York sites.

Tracy and Matt Monin took 501 LIFE along for the 40th Reunion of the “Dukes of Hazzard” in Nashville, Tenn., on Jan. 26.

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“Loving LIFE” at TOPS’L Beach and Racquet Resort in Destin, Fla.: (from left) Pastor Steve Stephens (SouthSide Baptist Church - Damascus) and his wife, Karen; Susie and Brooks Walthall.

Faulkner County Master Gardeners were “Loving LIFE” at a plant sale dig at the home of Florine Phipps: Dawn Jackson (kneeling); Florine Phipps (standing, from left), Cindy Thornton, Mable Everette, Janet Quinn, Dorothy Neal (front with magazine), Nancy Halter (back), Dee Dee Allen and Bob Guthrie.

Faulkner County Master Gardeners ‘Loving LIFE’ Faulkner County Master Gardeners having been getting ready for the group’s annual plant sale scheduled in May. This year’s sale is co-chaired by Cindy Thornton and Pam Trent. Cindy, who lives near Beaverfork Lake, is in her fourth year as a Master Gardener. “We have the opportunity to learn what to plant, where to plant and how to maintain it,” she said. Earlier this spring, the Master Gardeners participated in “digs,” retrieving plants from the homes of different members, in preparation for the sale. Cindy said she enjoys the digs because they provide an opportunity to see other gardens and share ideas. “You could see plants (that would do well) in a setting like yours,” she said, adding that she also learns more about the community by visiting different gardens. There will be more than 9,000 plants in 14 areas at the plant sale. Most of the perennials will be donated from Master Gardeners. “It’s nice,” Cindy said. “You know they grow well here.” Annuals will be purchased or donated for the sale. “There will be a wide variety of plants that you won’t see in the big box stores,” Cindy said. Different groups will be set up at the plant sale to provide educational materials, including the Conway Tree Board, Faulkner County Extension Service and Central Arkansas Rose Society. The group is also teaming up with Haynes ACE Hardware to provide a plant for the first 100 kids to plant for a Mother’s Day gift. Master Gardeners is a statewide program. In Faulkner County, there are about 250. “It’s a really nice group to be a part of,” Cindy said.

Last year, MGs logged 12,692 sancThe Faulkner County Master Gardeners will host its tioned hours, 2019 plant sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at 495 non-sancthe Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. tioned hours There is free parking and admission. and 6,738 eduProceeds help fund college scholarships and cover cational hours operating expenses for Faulkner County beautification for a total of and gardening education. 19,925 volFor information, contact plant sale co-chairmen Cindy unteer hours. Thornton at cathornton@gmail.com or 501.539.0145, The group has and Pam Trent at pamatrent@gmail.com or 40 projects, 501.339.3391. including landscaping at five library branches in Faulkner County, the Legacy Gardens, the Teaching Garden, the Faulkner County Courthouse and the Faulkner County Museum. Local Master Gardeners partner with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, Faulkner County Extension, the Faulkner County Quorum Court and the City of Conway. In 2018, the Faulkner County group presented four scholarships totaling $8,000. For more information on the Faulkner County Master Gardeners, contact County Agent Richard Klerk at the Faulkner County Extension Service at 501.329.8344 or follow the group on Facebook.

Plant sale May 11 in Conway

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 15

LIFE PICS

Greg (from left) and Charlotte Moix with Stacia and Johnny Adams.

Ginny and Jack Bell.

Jon Ross (from left) and Lindsay Henderson with Rachel and Bart Shaw.

UCA's Laurels & Stripes Debut gala raises $719,000 Photos courtesy of UCA

The University of Central Arkansas recently raised $719,000 in private scholarship support at its debut Laurels & Stripes fundraising gala held in the HPER Center on campus. With almost 600 people at the event, records were set for both attendance and amount raised at the annual event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As innovators, critical thinkers and achievers, our graduates are making a tremendous impact across the state, region and beyond. Many of them would not have received their college degrees, if not for the support of our scholarship donors,â&#x20AC;? said UCA President Houston Davis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great things are happening at UCA now! And the incredible success of Laurels & Stripes speaks to the engagement and support of our alumni, friends and corporate partners.â&#x20AC;? The newly energized premier fundraising event, formerly known as Night of Distinction, welcomed two outstanding graduates to the ranks of

Dr. Barbara Williams (from left), UCA President Houston Davis and Elizabeth Blankenship. UCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent alumni. Elizabeth â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lizâ&#x20AC;? Blankenship â&#x20AC;&#x2122;75 and Dr. Barbara Williams â&#x20AC;&#x2122;71 were recognized during the program as the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, the most prestigious award presented by the university. Blankenship is an entrepreneur and advocate who has dedicated more than

Mark (from left) and Stacey Witherell with Sonja and Tom Keith. 16 | 501 LIFE May 2019

40 years to the creation and support of quality health care and assisted living facilities for seniors. Williams is a former chair of the UCA School of Nursing, a role she held from 1990 to her retirement in 2016. Presented by First Security Bank and co-chaired by Todd and Kristie Ross of Conway, Laurels & Stripes was

Kale Gober (from left) with Kristie and Todd Ross.

an energetic evening that offered â&#x20AC;&#x153;a new take on tradition.â&#x20AC;? Guests enjoyed a premium dinner, a brief program, music and dancing until midnight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was such an amazing evening! There were 11 new endowed scholarships established for our students and a full house of people celebrating and dancing to the sounds of Memphis Soul Revue,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Kale Gober, vice president for University Advancement and president of the UCA Foundation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe Laurels & Stripes delivered as the fundraising party of the year for Central Arkansas. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event!â&#x20AC;? 501 LIFE was a sponsor of the event. Co-chairs for Laurels & Stripes 2020 will be Dr. Jeff and Lori Standridge. The event will be held Saturday, April 4, at the UCA HPER Center. For more information, contact Amanda Hoelzeman at ahoelzeman@ uca.edu or 501.852.2659, or visit laurelsandstripes.com.

Phyllis (from left) and Ray Simon, Dr. Vicki Groves-Scott, Woody and Cora Cummins.

Dr. Houston and Jenny Davis.

Bryan and Delphine Massey.

Rob and Kara Bell.

Jessica and UCA Football Coach Nathan Brown.

Joyce and Terry Fiddler.

Bunny and Carol Adcock.

Ronnie and Connie Williams.

Natasha and Pastor Cornell Maltbia.

Shelia Vaught (left) and Elizabeth Farris.

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May 2019 501lifemag.com | 17

LIFE PICS

Heber Springs chamber hosts annual banquet

April Ogle (from left), Alan Malone, Judy Johnson, Mary and Kenton Guenzel.

Jeremy Bivins (from left), Tina Moore, Ginger Harper and Brett Graham.

Robin Richards photos

The 63rd Annual Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet was held recently at the Heber Springs Community Center. The guest speaker was Walt Coleman, who served as an NFL referee for 30 seasons. Awards presented included: 2019 Hall of Honor inductee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the late B.L. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bozyâ&#x20AC;? Johnston. His son, Bill Johnston, accepted the plaque. Citizen of the Year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gary Redd. Business of the Year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sulphur Creek Outfitters. Non-Profit of the Year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Single Parent Scholarship Fund. Cathey Cox received the past-president award and outgoing chamber board directors Tina Moore and Brett Graham were recognized. Presenting sponsors for the banquet were First Security Bank and Steve Landers Cowboy Chevrolet Buick Inc.

Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff: Flave Carpenter (from left), Anthony Galloway, Debbie Thompson, Jeremy Bivins, Cheryl Shook, Stan Lee, Lindsey Reynolds, Toi Logan, Judge Jerry Holmes, Dr. Ryan Sartin, Rick Skinner, David Higgs, Cathey Cox and Mayor Jimmy Clark.

Presentation of the Outstanding Non-profit of the Year Award to the Single Parent Scholarship FundCleburne County: Sharon Dixon (from left), Regina Davis, Jeremy Bivins, Dawn Teer, Rena Kelley, Gynelle Linder and Ginger Harper.

Jeremy Bivins (from left), Bill Johnston, Cathey Cox and Ginger Harper. Alecia Golden (from left), Dustin Trammel, David Minner and Gynelle Linder.

Ginger Harper (from left), Cathey Cox and Jeremy Bivins. 18 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Chamber president Jeremy Bivins (from left), Keven Storey, Joe Tourneur, Cody McMichael and Dennis Devine.

Sulphur Creek Outfitters staff members Frank Wimberley and Sarah Lipsy.

Bill (from left) and Barbara Lynch, Cheryl and Mike Shook, Jennifer and Marty Sikes.

Citizen of the Year Gary Redd (from left), state Rep. Josh Miller and Cathey Cox.

Unity Health kicks off capital campaign Sonja J. Keith photos

Amy Daniels and Chane Carter.

Autumn Blakely and Teresa Blakely.

Healthy Women of Unity Co-Chair Teresa Blakely (from left), Unity Health Foundation Development Council (Searcy) Chair Amy Daniels, Business and Industry Chair Philip Hays, Unity Health Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Feltrop, Planned Gifts Chair Debbie Elgen and PEP Club co-chairs Burley Scissell and Tonya Carden.

Carol Sisk (from left), Kathy George and Denise Reel.

Kathy Gammill (from left), Jamie Laughlin and Shea Parazine.

C.W. Siler (left) and Tim Corley. Steven Webb (left) and Mary Kagen.

Scarlett Chramer (left) and Lynette Shipp.

The Unity Health Foundation recently held a luncheon to announce a new capital campaign “Home is Where the Heart is.” About 100 attended the event, which was a kickoff and appreciation luncheon. Unity Health Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Feltrop welcomed those in attendance and recognized foundation board members, committee members, donors and community partners. She announced that the campaign goal is $2.2 million, and a little more than $1.5 million has been pledged. Unity Health President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Webb said community support is important to the health care organization. “I’m really thankful for everything you do to help this organization,” he said. The luncheon also featured a video highlighting Sue Ekdahl, who received rehabilitation services through Unity. “I knew I was in the right place,” she said. “I feel like I got my life back.” The 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 focuses on three areas: • Inpatient physical rehabilitation center • Patient safe handling rooms • Xenex germ-zapping robots To learn more about the Unity Health Foundation and the “Home is Where the Heart is” campaign, please visit unity-health.org/foundation.

Una and Frank McClure.

Sue Ekdahl (from left), Nelda Allison, Rebecca Kersh and Jan Roland.

Philip Hayes (from left), Dewey Shanks and David Wood. May 2019 501lifemag.com | 19

LIFE PICS

AST sets 2019 season, hosts annual Bard Ball

Dorothy Morris and Don Munro.

Gina Moran (from left), Taylor Moran and Karen Garrett.

Rosi Hemphill (from left), Jean Paul Francoeur and AST director Mary Ruth Marotte.

Shawn and Chuck Clawson.

Bill Sorrells and Elizabeth Farris.

Kelley and Leslie Erstine.

Photos courtesy of UCA

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre recently announced its 13th season of professional theatre will run Friday, June 7, through Sunday, July 7. Season ticket packages and individual performance tickets are on sale now. AST held its Bard Ball in February at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. Themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Broadway in Conway,â&#x20AC;? guests enjoyed entertainment by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hamiltonâ&#x20AC;? star and AST alum Fergie L. Philippe. Event co-chairs were Brad Lacy and Lori Quinn. For more information, visit arkshakes.com or call 501.852.0702.

College of Fine Arts hosts Hatfield exhibit reception The University of Central Arkansas College of Fine Arts & Communication and the Division of International Engagement held a reception and art talk in March as part of the Illumine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; De la CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Opale Ă la CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur exhibit on campus. The exhibit featured works by internationallyrecognized artist Gene Hatfield, capturing the essence of postwar France, 1958-1998. The exhibit was an official event of the French Cultures Festival coordinated by the Cultural Service of the French Embassy in Houston, Texas. Hatfield (1925-2017) was an award-winning, distinguished UCA professor emeritus of art and a decorated U.S. Army veteran. He was married to Nicole Wable of Montreuil-sur-mer, France, for 47 years, until her death in 2004. They had three children (Hadrian, Mathilda and Marc) and five grandchildren. Speakers during the program were Dr. Phillip Bailey, associate vice president for International Education and Engagement and Professor of French; UCA President Dr. Houston Davis; 20 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Hadrian Hatfield (from left), Mathilda Hatfield, Beatrice Moore and UCA President Dr. Houston Davis.

Roe Henderson (from left), Mathilda Hatfield and Hadrian Hatfield.

Madame BĂŠatrice Moore, honorary French consul for Arkansas; and Mathilda Hatfield.

For more information on the artist, visit genehatfield.com.

SPORTS

A repeat

Wonderview Lady Daredevils state champs by Levi Gilbert

The Wonderview Lady Daredevils defeated Rural Special, 68-46, in March in the 1A girls’ state championship, securing the school’s first back-toback state titles. Wonderview’s four seniors led the way scoring. Faith Byers paced the Lady Daredevils with a double-double (17 points and 11 rebounds) on her way to earning Most Valuable Player honors. Kailey Gullett finished with 16 points and five steals, and Hadley Jones and Bailey Wright scored 12 and eight points, respectively. “It’s hard to truly put into words what these four seniors have meant to the program over their six years,” Coach Jerod Squires said. “I was told the other day that this group of The Wonderview Lady Daredevils won back-to-back state championships, a first in school history. (Jamie Stacks photo) seniors have a record of 188-21 from seventh grade until now. They are much larger roles next year. Juniors Rylea Ward and Taylor Zimmerman and great role models on the court and off for the younger players here. As good sophomores Audrey Beck, Emmy Lou Duvall and Faith Thomas all saw playing of basketball players as they are, they are even better young ladies, and that’s time in every game in the state tournament, and all will be able to contribute in because they all come from great families who instilled core values in them at larger roles next season to help continue the tradition that has been established a very early age.” here at Wonderview.” The seniors came up big in their final game, and the underclassmen perThis year’s state title was Squires’ second title overall as a head coach (he led formed well, too. Wonderview got 11 points off the bench. the Wonderview boys to a state title in 2010). Squires has coached for 18 years “Even though we are losing four great players with our seniors, we still have (with all but one year at Wonderview) and took over as head coach of the Lady players coming back that contributed in big ways in big games this year,” Squires Daredevils in February in addition to his head coaching duties for the Wondersaid. “Juniors Abby Gullett, Mallory Jones and Alexis McClaren all played big view boys. Squires had also been serving as the Lady Daredevils assistant coach roles during our postseason run, and I look for them to step up and take on before the change, and he serves as Wonderview’s athletic director.

OVER

YEARS IN BUSINESS

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

NEIGHBORS couples

HER

Joyce Fiddler

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Scranton (Logan

County).

EDUCATION: St. Scholastica Academy, Fort Smith;

State College of Arkansas/University of Central Arkansas, B.S.E. and M.S.E. in education; Memphis State University, Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction.

JOB: I taught elementary school in Memphis and

finished my teaching career at UCA, working with preservice teachers and master’s level teachers certifying for gifted education.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I think I was born teaching. I was the second oldest of nine children and was always teaching and helping someone with homework. I love children and have always gravitated to them; so education fit me perfectly. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Active with the Faulkner County Master Gardeners, UCA Reynolds Community Council and P.E.O. Chapter E. For about 30 years, I did volunteer work with the library, serving as president of the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Board, and a member of the local library board and Friends of the Libraries. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I love having access to so many cultural,

educational and recreational activities. It was a great place to raise our children. Currently, the biggest advantage is that getting to our grandchildren is a short drive to Little Rock.

HIM

Terry Fiddler

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Conway. EDUCATION: Conway High School; ASTC/SCA

(University of Central Arkansas), bachelor of science degree in biology; University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, Memphis, D.D.S.

JOB: Retired in '16 after 43 years of dental practice. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I always wanted a career in the health field.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Newly appointed to the UCA Board of Trustees; past school board president; Conway Kiwanis Club; Arkansas EBD Board; and CARTI board. HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Music, duck and pheasant hunting, and defensive pistol shooting. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I would have loved to have had a career in the

music field, either as a song writer or a performer.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: It is home with long-time friendships. I love

Joyce and Terry Fiddler have a love for family, friends, the outdoors and helping others. (Mike Kemp photo)

22 | 501 LIFE May 2019

the atmosphere of this city, with three colleges and the standard of living available. This community and the surrounding 501 area constituted most of my practice and I am grateful for the opportunities it provided for me and my family.

An early photo of the Fiddler Family: Terry and Joyce with daughters Nikki and Kelly.

THEM

CITY: Conway. HOW WE MET: We met in college. THE PROPOSAL: We decided to get married after dental school, but plans changed. We graduated from UCA and headed to Memphis. WEDDING BELLS: We got married by

a justice of the peace in Conway in June 1970. Then, with $100, we went to Mountain View for a honeymoon.

CHILDREN/GRANDCHILDREN: We have two daughters. Nikki and Kelly Lovell have Elliot (11) and Camilla (8). Brooke and Jeb Steen have Porter (5) and Harrison (almost 3). PETS: We only have fish now after years with a Miniature Schnauzer, two labs and a rescue cat. We do get to sit with grand dogs. FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Our favorite is our time

at the beach the week before school starts. We stay together in one big condo. We boil shrimp, sons-in-law cook, and we spend a lot of relaxing time on the beach. I hope the grands never outgrow loving it.

MORE INFORMATION: We feel very blessed to be healthy and active at this point in life. We have come a long way.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 23

YOUTH

Girl power

Faulkner County troops boast 14 seniors There are currently more than 50 million Girl Scout alums. Fourteen Faulkner County seniors will be joining that group of women in May as they graduate high school. “I have been a Girl Scout leader in Faulkner County for 17 years, and I never remember having this many scouts in a graduating class,” said Girl Scout Volunteer Leader Crystal Kemp. “This is a fantastic group of young women who have dedicated themselves to service to our community and to leadership through Scouting.” The Faulkner Service Unit of Girl Scouts will honor the graduates at the annual service unit award ceremony at 7 p.m., Monday, May 13 at First United Methodist Church. The girls are from four different troops: Troop 6717, 6740, 6746 and 6818. They range from being in Scouts for three years to being a scout for 13. They were recently asked to share some of their Girl Scouting experiences with 501 LIFE.

Faukner County Girl Scouts who will be graduating: Sarah Kemp (front, from left), Annette Quinn, Willow Harper, Lylla Hinchcliff; Taylor Hardester (back), Sara Massa, Elena Wiltgen, Monica McGhee, Marla McGhee, Katherine Grigg and Kate Freyaldenhoven. Not pictured: Haley Hornecker, Madeline Raup and Katherine McWilliams. (Mike Kemp photos)

Kate Freyaldenhoven

Katherine Grigg

Troop: 6818 Years in Girl Scouting: 12

Troop: 6717 Years in Girl Scouting: 9

As a Girl Scout, one of Kate’s most memorable camping experiences occurred at Woolly Hollow State Park. “Unfortunately, the weather was not very pleasant, but as a troop we worked together to make the best of our experience.” Setting a personal goal of selling 400 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, Kate was recognized as a top seller as a member of the cookie brigade for five years. Kate’s favorite badge was “Let’s Get Cooking,” and she still enjoys cooking. She also enjoyed her troop’s community service. “Over the years, I have participated in a multitude of service projects through Girl Scouts. Some of the most memorable service projects were making blankets for the animal shelter, caroling at nursing homes and purchasing supplies for the United Way’s Stuff the Bus program.” Her most memorable moment has been volunteering at the Girl Scout Ornament Party. “I love getting to help the younger Girl Scouts get into the holiday spirit! “Through Girl Scouts, I have learned the benefits of giving back to your community. I also enjoyed getting to spend time with my friends as part of a troop.”

Among the troop activities Katherine enjoyed were outings to her troop leader’s lakehouse on Greers Ferry Lake and a trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital to deliver Girl Scout cookies to the sick. “Our most recent service project was helping out at Bethlehem House. We spent time preparing breakfast sandwiches for their new breakfast program.” Her favorite Girl Scout songs were “Johnny Appleseed” and the “Friendship Song.” She also enjoyed scavenger hunts after troop meetings. “My favorite journey was Sisterhood. I really loved this journey because I was able to find myself.” Katherine’s most memorable moment in Girl Scouts was influencing younger girls to join Girl Scouts. “Girl Scouts has made me grow my wings and step outside my comfort zone.”

24 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Lylla Hinchcliff

Sarah Kemp

Over the years, Lylla has participated in different service projects with her troop. “One project that always sticks out to me is the one we completed for our Bronze Award. For the project, we collected an assortment of items (winter clothes, tents, etc.) to donate to Project 50/50. It was a couple that gave up their comforts and spent 50 weeks of the year travelling to all of the 50 states and helping out/donating items at the homeless shelters around wherever they were.” Lylla said that in the 12 years she has been a Scout, she has seen changes in the program. “The people in my troop have changed a lot. Some people left scouting altogether, some people moved and there were even some that added to my troop by bringing in friends from school. Along with the changes in my troop, Girl Scouts of America has also changed. I was there to experience the 100-year anniversary, the introducing and retiring of plenty of cookies and the redesign of the badges and journeys that were offered to Scouts.” Girl Scouts has shaped Lylla in a lot of ways. “I have friends that I’ve had ever since I’ve started, and I am so grateful for that because I am able to go to meetings and just have fun. Because of Scouts, I feel like I have a view of the world that many of my peers do not. At a young age, my troop was doing badges and journeys that encouraged us to be more conscious about the decisions we were making, whether that regarded the environment or social issues. “Also, just the title of being a Girl Scout has influenced the way people see me. When teachers or others discovered I participated in Girl Scouts, it not only made them super excited to order boxes of those precious cookies, but it also helped them to understand who I am as a person and the values I try my best to stand by. Honesty, friendliness, loyalty, strength, respect and responsibility.”

Sarah’s Girl Scout memories include singing songs, including “Johnny Appleseed,” “Old Blue,” “Superman,” “God Our Father Grace” and the “Friendship Song.” Her camping experiences include getting to groom horses at a fall camp. “That’s when I found out I was allergic to horses.” One of her troop trips was to Walt Disney World. “Over Spring Break 2016, we took a trip to Disney World. It was planned as a troop and paid for with money we raised through cookie sales and other fundraising and organized by our troop leader.” The Wonders of Water Journey was Sarah’s favorite. “I was obsessed with the ocean (still am), and it had this cute fairy character. I liked learning about the different roles of water and how we can conserve it.” Sarah sold Girl Scout cookies throughout her 13 years. “When I was younger, I was a lot more ambitious and made a goal to sell 1,000 boxes. I did sell enough each year to qualify for recognition from our service unit for outstanding sales,” she said. “When we were selling cookies at a cookie booth and someone came up to us and showed us that a snowstorm was coming. We got a patch that year that said, ‘I survived the Polar Vortex!’” According to Sarah, Girl Scouts has encouraged her to be more adventurous. “I am willing to take risks and to step out from my comfort zone to learn about new things. This year I helped to start an environmental club at my school. Girl Scouts helped prepare me to lead and organize things to start this club.”

Troop: 6717 Years in Girl Scouting: 12

Troop: 6717 Years in Girl Scouting: 13

See more profiles on 26

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 25

Willow Harper

Elena Wiltgen

Willow’s troop went on many camping trips and made trips to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. “When we were younger, our troop leaders would plan our trips, but as we got older, we took on most of the planning ourselves.” Her favorite camping experience was one summer at Camp Survivor. “We learned how to camp and hike responsibly and survive in the wilderness if we ever got lost. We learned to build shelters, campfires and makeshift rafts. We also went canoeing, learned to use a compass, identify and track animal prints and identify plants like poison ivy,” she said. “My most memorable moment in Girl Scouting was at Camp Survivor, when my group was competing in a contest to build a raft and have one of us paddle it across the lake. I got to paddle it across.” Willow said Girl Scouting has influenced her life in several ways. “It has given me many friends, who I expect to have in my life for the rest of my life, and a deep love and respect for nature and the environment. Scouting has given me direction in life and inspired me to become a conservationist. I will take everything I’ve learned from Scouting with me into my work and my life in general.”

One of Elena’s most memorable camp experiences was Camp Survivor! “We had to canoe out into the middle of a foggy lake to get breakfast.” Elena’s favorite has been the MEdia Journey. “Media is such an important part of our day-to-day lives, and having this journey, surrounded by great friends, helped me develop a good relationship with media.” Selling Girl Scouts was among the activities Elena participated in with her troop. “I always tried to sell and put my entrepreneurial skills to the test. My goals were more group-oriented with cookie booth sales as my focus.” Elena’s most memorable Scout moment was Bridging from Junior to Cadette. “It felt almost magical, and I knew that I was part of something bigger than me.” Elena said Girl Scouts has influenced her life in several ways. “I have had so many lessons taught to me because of Girl Scouts, and I am a better person because of it. Plus, now I have connections everywhere through Girl Scouts.”

Sara Massa

Annette Quinn

While singing songs and playing games were common activities, Sara said no one game sticks out. “I love them all and playing them with friends is a wonderful pastime.” Her camping experienced included horse sessions at Camp Crossed Arrows for five years and CIT at Camp Cahinnio last summer. “Both were really great experiences where I learned a lot and make lots of wonderful friends.” Sara really liked working on the creative writing and nature photography badges. “It was fun and interesting to see what kinds of creative things the members of my troop came up with.” Sara sold Girl Scout cookies every year. “I like to count each box sold as a personal success,” she said, adding that her most memorable Girl Scout moment was selling cookies at a booth outside Kroger in the snow. “It was freezing!” She also participated in troop service projects. “One of the most recent ones was helping Bethlehem House with breakfast sandwiches. “With Girl Scouts, I feel like I’ve gained a lot of experience and leadership skills. It has helped me become adaptable to new situations and more confident in myself. I feel like it has really helped me to make good decisions for myself and others.”

As a Girl Scout, a camping experience that sticks out occurred several years ago at Woolly Hollow State Park. “It was a great trip, except for one thing: everything was covered in daddy long-legs. That didn’t ruin the trip, though.” Annette enjoyed traveling with her troop to Silver Dollar City at Branson. “As we were pretty young then, our troop leader planned the trips. For the past few years, however, we’ve been saving money to do a bigger trip. We are still planning it out.” One of her most memorable moments in Girl Scouting was attending Camp Survivor, a fall camp, with her troop. “It was a great camp, even if we had to canoe to the middle of the lake in the fog in order to retrieve our breakfast.” Annette said during her 13 years in Girl Scouts, she has experienced a lot and been able to do many incredible things. “However, I believe these experiences still haven’t had as much impact on me as the people have. All of those diverse girls and women have influenced me, as they have taught me about different points of view, helped me collaborate and compromise and exposed me to different subjects and ideas. To them, I am truly grateful.”

Troop: 6740 Years in Girl Scouting: 13

Troop: 6717 Years in Girl Scouting: 11

Troop: 6740 Years in Girl Scouting: 10

Troop: 6740 Years in Girl Scouting: 13

See more profiles on 79 26 | 501 LIFE May 2019

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COLUMNIST

Waiting seasons, not wasted seasons I’ve been walking the road of infertility and infant loss for nearly six years now, and I so desperately wish someone would have spoken these words of truth and hope over me in the beginning of my walk. Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons. In 2014, I lost our Meagan Lowry first child. I had just Meagan Lowry is a Texas native graduated from the who has lived in the Natural State since 2009. She’s been married to University of Central her 501 born and bred husband, Arkansas, was gearing Zak, since 2012. Meagan owns her own business and works from up to move to Cape home as a social media consultant Cod for three months for multiple companies. to chase my crazy dreams of working in professional baseball and over the moon excited that my husband and I were expecting. Because, along with my crazy dreams, my heart yearned to be a mother. And then, with the appearance of two pink lines (on seven different tests, because you can’t trust just one) I was one. I remember, with graphic detail, my husband coming home from work. I had set up my reveal in the living room by placing a pair of his high top Converse alongside the smallest pair you’ve ever seen surrounded by those tests with a sweet little sign that read, “Hi daddy.” He smiled his wide, gorgeous smile. The one that had made me fall in love with him. And I cried. Big, ugly, hot tears. It felt like every piece of our A rainbow baby is a lives was name coined for a falling into healthy baby born place. after losing a baby And due to miscarriage, then, a few infant loss, stillbirth or days later, neonatal death. The it felt like name “rainbow baby” my world was falling comes from the idea of apart. I a rainbow appearing in went to the the sky after a storm, doctor so or after a dark and he could turbulent time. confirm what I Source: healthline.com already knew in my heart: I was losing our child. I’ll never forget the wave of grief that flowed over me. And not just on the day it happened. Like most grief, it found ways to cover me even when I least expected it. I’m not unlike many women you know. After our loss in 2014, it was really hard for 28 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Meagan and Zak Lowry welcomed a daughter, Lennox, into the world on May 30, 2016. (Katie Opris photo) me to want to try again. My life revolved around constant “what if ’s.” I lived fearing hope. And then 2015 rolled around and I found myself pregnant for the second time, and hope began to spring up again. I believed this time could be different.

And then I lost that baby, too. Gut wrenching. I felt like I had failed to do the one thing I should be able to do as a woman. I questioned, and cried, and lived half a life. I was there, but I wasn’t present anymore. I felt like I was a mom. I grieved for the chil-

dren I lost. We named them. We spoke of them. We still do. I watched friends become pregnant and welcome children into the world. I lived in a constant state of hopelessness for what felt like a long time. And then I realized that losing my babies didn’t make me less of a mom. I was still a mom. I still had hope. I would see those babies again someday. I believed that with my entire heart. My third positive pregnancy test came in October 2016. In the bathroom of my in-laws’ house, I took a test with my husband by my side and watched as the word “pregnant” flashed across the screen. Immediately, I felt a panic rise up in me, and like he usually does, my husband wrapped me in a hug and prayed over both his wife and his child. Something in me felt like if I could just make it to the second trimester I could relax. I don’t know that there’s ever been a time in my life I prayed harder for something. I started to trust that “even if ” we lost this baby, everything would be okay. That “even if ” we were going to experience our third loss, we would make it through because we both trusted that God works for the good of those that love Him. The shift from “what if ” to “even if ” made the difference in my life. It shifted the focus from hopelessness and fear to hope and acceptance. We welcomed our rainbow baby, Lennox, into the world on May 30, 2016. She is a 7 pound 7 ounce miracle. Holding our baby in my arms, instead of

carrying another child in my heart, healed a lot of brokenness. There is so much joy in the dayto-day. I think that losing our first two babies changed a lot in me, but one of the blessings that came from it is that I don’t take the little things for granted. This was never the path I would have chosen to walk. I would have much rather had our babies in my arms and never had known the sting of loss and the pain of watching month after month as a test read “not pregnant.” But here’s the thing: My journey on this path didn’t end with Lennox. Since then, we have lost two more babies. Our path to parenthood has been painful, expensive, invasive and downright hard. But it’s also been eye-opening, intimate and something I now wouldn’t trade for the world. If you find yourself relating to or having walked this path, my hope for you is that you would truly believe waiting seasons are not wasted seasons. Had I received everything I wanted when I wanted it, I wouldn’t have the little girl who makes my heart skip a beat. I wouldn’t be the mom she needs. I wouldn’t have this opportunity to share what God has done in my life. There’s a rainbow coming. Just hold on. Motherhood looks different for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it. There is no one size fits all when it comes to becoming a mom. Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons. Believe that.

After two losses, Meagan and Zak learned in October 2016 that they were pregnant again. (Katie Opris photo)

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2490 Washington Avenue Conway, AR 72032 501-329-7021 bellandcompany.net May 2019 501lifemag.com | 29

NEIGHBORS greenbrier

With a recent adoption, Doug and Mandy Talley’s family grew to five children: Aiden, Amaris, Matt, Malik and Luke.

Chosen

Greenbrier family grows through faith by Dwain Hebda Mike Kemp photo

Every year, Mandy Talley sets up shop in her sixth-grade homeroom at Greenbrier Public Schools, and in the opening weeks of the new year, she looks for The One. It’s a habit cross-wired into her as an educator and a lover of children. “Every year, my husband Doug will look at me and say, ‘Who’s it going to be this year?’” she said. “That’s just how I am. I just love kids. It’s always on my heart.” Talley can spot kids who need something extra a mile away — the ones whose life experience has painted over their potential with several coats of sorrow, mistrust and self-doubt. It’s not hard if you know what to look for, and after 17 school years, she can pick them out in her sleep. Not that she doesn’t have her cheat sheets. Having volunteered at Soaring Wings through her church, Talley knew these were children who’ve had a rough ride in life. So, she always looks for them first to give them that extra measure of time and expertise. That’s how a boy named Aiden became The One last school year. The lad may have been a new face, but Doug knew he was coming. “From the first year she taught, there’s always been some special kid,” he said nonchalantly. Still, neither Mandy nor Doug could have imag30 | 501 LIFE May 2019

ined how differently things would turn out this time. Then again, maybe they did know. Lord knows the signs were all there. “[Aiden] would share things with me, and the more he shared, the more he tugged at my heart,” Mandy said. “I knew he had a twin sister, and she had a class where she’d walk right in front of my classroom every single day. Every day, my eyes were fixed on this little girl and would just follow her all the way down the hallway.” Having been through this process before — the couple adopted their son Luke, now 11, as an infant — Mandy was convinced the Almighty was tapping their shoulder again. “Doug didn’t believe me at first,” Mandy said. “I think he kind of thought, ‘OK, it’s just another kid that she’s latched onto. This will be over in a year maybe.’ I think he finally realized I was serious.” For his part, Doug confessed seeing signs of his own that this was what the couple was meant for. “When we moved back up [to Greenbrier] from Vilonia, we wanted some property,” Doug said. “We landed on 10 acres here, and the house is way too big for just three of us. Now all of a sudden, the house made sense.” As for the four siblings, time in the system, which included being split up, had taught them to be wary. Aiden, the self-appointed guardian of his sister and brothers, carried himself with an edge that comes with having grown up too soon.

“I thought it was creepy sometimes,” he said of Mandy’s extra classroom attention. “I just thought she was just trying to get me in trouble some sort of way. “But they were a good family. They went to church all the time, and they just made me happy whenever I saw them.” Their minds made up, the Talleys got to work. Mandy was in regular contact with Soaring Wings to get updates on the kids’ legal status while she and Doug saw to the things prospective families must accommodate to be eligible to adopt. “They were very enthusiastic from the very beginning,” said Jason Bollinger, Soaring Wings campus director. “They really felt drawn to these children right as the parents’ rights were going to become terminated. We had to ask them to pump the brakes a little bit until everything was finalized. Mandy just felt a very strong calling that these are children they wanted to be part of their lives.” By the end of the school year, the Talleys were a fully open adoptive household, and the four siblings spent most of June there as a trial run. On Feb. 20, 2019, Aiden, his twin sister Amaris and twin younger brothers Matt and Malik joined the family permanently. “I was a little scared on adoption day because I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Aiden said. “Then I figured, maybe we’re just going to be together the rest of our lives now, and that was happy.”

As for Mandy and Doug, they see their decision to adopt as simply what they were put here to do. Everything else is just details. “Throughout the whole process I would question Doug and make sure he was OK with this. He would say, ‘Mandy, the door is open,’” she said. “You just have to take that leap of faith and open that door. I did not seek out to adopt four children. I just sought out God, and it just happened.” “Matthew West sings a song, ‘Do Something,’” Doug said. “He described a bunch of problems going on in the world, and he said he shook his fist at heaven and asked God why don’t he do something. Well, God told him he did. He said, ‘I created you.’ “That’s just kind of where I landed at. It’s easy for everybody to fuss and complain about all the problems in the world and nobody’s doing anything. It was just time to do something.”

Soaring Wings serves children, families Since 2007, Soaring Wings has been instrumental in helping children and families find stability and hope for the future. The organization provides housing and other services to children separated from their families by the courts. But as Campus Director Jason Bollinger noted, equally important to the group’s mission is to preserve the family unit after — and preferably before — separation occurs. “The first thing we try to do is reunify [families],” he said. “One of the things we’d love for the public to understand is, it’s our desire to serve children and families before having to be placed into DCFS care. We want to help prevent them from getting into situations where it’s so bad that they have to enter an over-burdened system.” Soaring Wings has a capacity for 31 children, from birth to age 17, who live on premises. Most stay 12 to 24 months but can stay as long as needed. The group also helps shepherd adoptive families such as the Talleys when that option presents itself. “One of the things that is unique about Soaring Wings is, when somebody adopts a child that has been here, they get a support system,” Bollinger said. “Basically, we are all on call 24/7 if that adoptive family needs us in any way to support them.” Andrew Watson, executive director, said there are plenty of ways besides adoption for people to help make a difference for the children Soaring Wings serves. “One of the best ways is to become an extended family for a child at Soaring Wings,” he said. “What an extended family does is, if that child does not have biological family, they provide a home to go to one weekend a month. We find Christian couples in the community that will step up and be that aunt and uncle or that grandmother and grandfather figure in their lives.” For more information, visit soaringwingsar. org.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 31

NEIGHBORS judsonia

Tyler Matthews and her son, Evan, and daughter, Emma, live in Judsonia. Evan and Emma attend White County Central.

A mother’s love ‘This situation made me stronger’ by Taryn Brown

Tyler Matthews, mother of 12-year-old Evan Jones, went about her morning routine as usual back in August 2018, not knowing that morning would be different. While at work, Matthews received a phone call from her son’s school telling her she needed to come immediately because her son had been in an accident. Jones had gone into cardiac arrest during basketball practice due to a hereditary, undiagnosed condition called idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. After being directed to go to the Emergency Department at Unity Health – White County Medical Center, Matthews could not process what was happening. Her mind was going to the worstcase scenario and she simply wanted to be with her son. 32 | 501 LIFE May 2019

“Everything went blank,” Matthews said. “My mind wasn’t wrapping around the situation.” Matthews said the team at Unity Health was amazing at explaining the situation to her, but it all felt almost like a nightmare when they wheeled her son into the trauma room. “As a mother, there is no worse feeling than to stand at the foot of my child’s bed while everyone else is working, not knowing whether or not he’s going to make it,” Matthews said. “Knowing there was not a single thing I could do to help him or to make it all better and go away.” Jones was assessed by Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Martin Carey, and the Emergency department staff at Unity Health. Carey said there was no way for either Matthews or Jones to prevent the episode from happening. He and his team continued to stabilize Jones until he was med-flighted

to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. “That helicopter ride felt like it took days when in reality we arrived in about 20 minutes,” Matthews said. The doctors and nurses at Children’s were ready and rushed him to the Intensive Care Unit as soon as they landed. After Jones was brought out of sedation, and Matthews was told he was stable, doctors told her the next 24 hours were critical. “I was just truly thankful he made it through, but I was also mad at myself for not knowing,” Matthews said. “I do not think there was a single emotion or feeling I did not experience that first night at the hospital. I was worried sick about my baby and wanted to help, but there was nothing I could do except lay next to him, stare at him, cry and wonder how this all happened.” A defibrillator was implanted to keep a similar

reoccurrence from happening, and Matthews and Jones were able to go home shortly after his surgery. Matthews said the support they received from friends, family and hospital staff was like nothing else. She received a flood of phone calls and text messages during their stay in the hospital and after they came home. “I was going crazy inside, but it helped knowing everyone was there when we needed them,” Matthews said. To see Jones today, you would see an energetic, red-headed boy enjoying being around his family and friends. Matthews said she still thinks about the events of that day from time to time and is glad he does not remember any of it. She now lives and views her life a little differently. “I try my hardest to do more things not only with my kids, but with my whole family,” she said. “This past year has been the hardest of my life with all we went through with Evan and multiple family health-related events. Our lives have changed so much this year and there have been many adjustments and some things we are still learning to deal with. We, as a family, are more aware, understanding and caring of each other now than we were before. Our relationships with each other are stronger.” She found support from every angle during Jones’ surgery and recovery and a support group on Facebook to help her push through. “There are plenty out there and I am lucky to have all the wonderful support I do, but not everyone does,” she said. “In my opinion, nobody

Tyler Matthews and her son, Evan, who has recovered after going into cardiac arrest at school. understands and gives better advice about similar situations the way the parents on support groups can. Do not try to go through something like this alone.” Matthews is the provider and caretaker in her home and despite all the hardships she and her family have faced and continue to face, she knows they have made her who she is today.

“This situation made me stronger as a mother. Things that once bothered me, I do not even bat an eye at anymore. I tend to roll with the punches more smoothly now. I know there are more serious things that happen in life, because I feel I have experienced some of the worst. I believe it has made me stronger as a parent, a daughter, sister, aunt and as a person all together.”

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May 2019 501lifemag.com | 33

NEIGHBORS faulkner county

Culinary art Baker ‘takes the cake’ top prize Story and photos by Sonja J. Keith

Karon Reynolds’ creativity and talent “took the cake” at a recent national contest. Actually, she created the top prize winner at That Takes the Cake Show in Austin, Texas. The competition, sponsored by Capital Confectioners, had more than 300 entries in four scoring categories. Although it was Karon’s first competition, her two entries did quite well. Her 28-inch creation titled The Mighty Buffalo garnered several honors: platinum score, first place overall; sculpted showpiece – individual; and overall best showpiece winner – individual. In addition, Karon’s second entry – titled The Grain Rattler – received a platinum score, third place overall and was named the Adult Advanced Special Technique not on a Cake People’s Choice Award Winner. Karon has worked full-time about the last 12 years as a nurse in the emergency department at Conway Regional Medical Center. She and her husband, Mike, live in the Shady Grove community and have a sheep farm. About 23 years ago, Karon took her first cake decorating class but didn’t really bake and decorate a lot of cakes. “I pittled with it early on,” she said, explaining that most of her creations were birthday cakes. That changed three years ago when her nephew asked if she would create a cake decorated like a turkey as a groom’s cake. She also found on social media a big community of bakers and cake artists, which made it more intriguing. “I discovered a different world of cake decorating.” Karon enrolled in a few classes taught by Natalie Madison in Little Rock, who she describes as “one of the cake people in Arkansas.” Natalie has a baking supply store in addition to teaching. “Art is in cake.” Karon learned from classmates that there were cake shows where bakers competed for prizes. She decided to compete in the Austin show, which had a theme of “Wild, Wild West,” to help gauge her skills against others. She said entries are judged and ranked from bronze, silver and gold to platinum. She was hoping to come home with a silver. “That was my first big piece,” she said of The Mighty Buffalo. “Looking back, I would do it much different but I had fun.” Karon began construction on her cake at her home studio in mid-January and worked on her creations as time allowed. She estimated it probably would’ve taken her two weeks to complete them had 34 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Karon Reynolds with The Mighty Buffalo, her prizewinning cake creation that she entered in That Takes the Cake Show in Austin, Texas. she worked on them all the time. The cakes traveled well as they were transported the end of February to Austin for the show. She used different materials to help ensure it made the trip intact. A co-worker, Lauren Morganstern, accompanied on the trip. While working on the buffalo at home, Karon said she discovered that she had inadvertently entered in a category that included cake professionals. “I realized I had entered against the big dogs,” she said, explaining why she started her second cake. “The snake gave me some backup.” In the division that the buffalo cake competed, the cake had to be big enough to feed at least 100 people and a minimum of 24 inches tall. It also had to be a carved cake. In researching a design for her cake, Karon came across the buffalo. “He was a real symbol of the West,” she said. “I like to do animals.” The buffalo creation includes cake, Rice Krispies, fondant and modeling chocolate. She also used sugar to create some of the special features, including the water. She estimates the cake weighs about 150 pounds, with a lot of weight in the board and hardware. It is the largest piece she has ever undertaken and estimates it took more than 100 hours to make.

For the rattlesnake cake, Karon used modeling chocolate and Rice Krispies for the base and used tweezers to place individual oatmeal flakes to create the realistic looking skin. “I stayed awake almost 24 hours to complete it,” she said, adding that she estimates it took about 60 hours to complete it. “He just kept looking so good, I had to keep going.” If it was fully extended, the snake would be between 3 and 4 feet long. The rattle was created with pulled sugar. “He was fun to make,” she said, adding that with the materials she used he will last a long time. Karon gives special attention to the details in her cakes, like the snake’s skin and the buffalo’s textured hair. “I think it makes it more realistic.” In Austin, when she delivered the buffalo cake to the show, Karon thought he measured up well. “I thought, ‘He doesn’t look out of place.’” On the following day, Karon returned to the show to find out how her creations how scored. When she checked on the rattlesnake cake, she thought the color of its card was silver, but a friend questioned if that was right. “She said, ‘That’s not silver.’” The card in front of her buffalo cake also had a rainbow sheen, which indicated both creations

had been ranked platinum. “I had won that day already,” Karon said. “It was way more than I expected.” When all the results were announced, Karon learned The Mighty Buffalo had won overall best showpiece. The entries are completely anonymous until after the judging. “You don’t know who you are competing against.” Her prizes included two glass cake plates, a crystal dome, medals and baking supplies. In addition to competing, Karon participated in other activities at the cake show. “I wanted to be a part of all of it.” Karon is already making plans for her next competition, which will be in July at a cake show in St. Louis. The theme is “Dark Chocolate Forrest.” She will also participate in a show this summer in Little Rock, but does not plan to compete. A request has been made to display The Mighty Buffalo at the show. She said the cake may need some minor work but she is optimistic that he will last awhile. In the meantime, Karon continues to bake cakes – primarily for birthdays and weddings – in her home studio. She calls her business Pin Oak Cake Co. Her cake decorating supplies started out in a small box in her pantry and today she has a spacious room devoted to baking. Her husband sometimes helps her with the structure for her cakes. Karon said she puts as much effort in the flavors of her cakes as the decoration, and enjoys people reacting to her creations. “I want cakes to taste as good as they look,” she said. “I love it when people look at a cake and say, ‘That’s really a cake?’”

Karon’s award-winning entry – titled The Grain Rattler – from her first cake competition. Using tweezers, she placed individual flakes of oatmeal to create the snake’s skin. Karon really enjoys creating the showpiece cakes. She enjoys the art aspect of her creations and said she may try ice sculpting one day. “This is my passion, the big sculpture pieces. I like to carve and I like to sculpt.”

If she decides to return to the Austin show next year, the theme is “Greek Mythology.” In the meantime, Karon has fond memories of her first show. “I kind of jumped in and went for it, and had a great time.”

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 35

COLUMNIST

Petals and posies on the porch My first-grade year at Central Grade School had many events that I have not forgotten, although in some instances I have tried. It is not with pride that I say I often sat on a stool in the corner during math class, only because arithmetic, as it called then, was not Vivian Lawson was my friend. Not then, Hogue not now. I fidgeted, drew pictures and even A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated once cut off the ends of from the University of Central the pigtails of the girl in Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired teacher, she front of me. I wasn’t a worked in the Conway School vandal. I just had these District for 23 years. She can be reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. cute little scissors and net. thought maybe I was giving her a new “do.” I had pigtails myself, so my thinking process is yet unknown. I remember the monkey bars, especially in sizzling summer and frigid winter days as the iron bars either burned or froze hands and knee-backs. Girls wore dresses to school, and that doubled the trouble. Aside from my brief encounter with hairstyling, I enjoyed coloring the mimeographed sheets and work books. I was fond of reading and writing, so there were no stool-in-the-corner times there. On holidays we kept construction paper companies in business by making decorations and cards for our parents for Halloween, Christmas and Easter. But there was a special day in particular that was my favorite. There will be many who never had the pleasure, but in peacetime, and in the more innocent America of 1949, we celebrated! An observance of May Day on May 1 brought out the scissors and glue and, of course, more construction paper. Here I must differentiate between two quite different “May Days.” One still observed followed an 1886 social movement in Chicago to regulate the length of work days. Its origins were in the British Industrial Revolution, where child labor was common in factories, and adults might have 16-hour workdays during a six-day week for pennies a day. Such conditions existed in America’s Industrial Revolution as well. However, the other May Day, sometimes called “May Basket Day,” is also still celebrated worldwide since the 1800s in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Canada and many other countries. America’s participation has dwindled. Before this spring day arrived, our teachers told us that May Day was nearing, with its pur36 | 501 LIFE May 2019

A May Day celebration at Central Baptist College for Women in 1915. (Photo courtesy of the University of Central Arkansas Archives) flowers, and all the girls wore white hosiery and shoes with ankle-length white dresses formally May Day, sometimes called embellished with ruffles, silk, lace and floral “May Basket Day,” is also still motifs, with more flowers in their hair. celebrated worldwide since the The main event was focused on the May Pole from which hung streamers covered with flowers. 1800s in the United Kingdom, The young women danced around the pole, France, Germany, Ireland, twisting the garlands around it as they circled. Italy, Sweden, Canada Public schools across the nation often did this on and many other countries. a much smaller scale, usually with crepe paper. The celebration has a long history, from America’s participation has Victorian times when real baskets, hats, glass or dwindled. tin pitchers, or even shoes, were “vases” to be secretly placed on a porch. They would contain flowers, of course, but also candies, cakes or toys. pose to simply celebrate the end of winter and It was even a way a young lady could show her the approaching warming of the earth for new attention to a young man and vice versa. The growth. They would spread out the construction elderly or the tired mother with many children paper and we could choose the colors we wanted had a day-brightener, knowing that someone was to make a May basket. We cut the paper into thinking of them. Children have even hung them strips and weaved them in a lattice pattern, gluon the White House doors and been greeted by ing the ends. Four sides were folded up, a band the first ladies. put around the top, a handle attached and in our We can only guess what caused this wonopinions, we had beautiful baskets. They were derful day to fade away as we observe how our taken home with the intent of placing cut flowers country yearns for the peace, pride and patrioin them and secretly hanging them on someone’s tism it once enjoyed. It is interesting that so doorknob. many countries of varied government styles still “Tussie-mussies,” or cone-shaped baskets, celebrate May Day, and America doesn’t. could also be easily made and decorated with Spring comes regardless, though, so it seems glued-on paper doilies. Holes were punched in that within ourselves we should still allow a bit two of the upper sides to hold ribbon for hangof congeniality to display what used to be us. ing on a doorknob. We should re-learn the excitement behind that In our town, this notable occasion in the once-popular spring event, for there are many early 1900s was a major production held at the who could find joy in discovering a “May Basket” Central College for Women. It was a large, comhanging on their door. munity event with floats covered with handmade

Loving mothers in my life Charlotte. That’s my mom. Nobody can replace her. She was the perfect, imperfect mother. She wasn’t perfect. Who is? I love her, and will love her for my entire life. One of the many memories is when she would come in my room to awaken me as a teenager by turning the radio on in my room. I’m still Adam not a morning person. Bledsoe She was so dedicated to Originally from Northeast Ohio, several things: wife, mothAdam Bledsoe moved to Arkansas er, Christian, employee. in 2000 to attend Harding University after active duty My mom was so good service in the U.S. Air Force. He is at making me feel good married to Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, and they have two children, when I felt bad. That’s the Audrey (10) and Hunter (6), who most important attribute attend Wooster Elementary. Adam is newly employed by of a mother when a child THV11 as a feature reporter, is ill (of course that’s my focusing on a variety of feel-good opinion). She was so community related stories. inspirational with my current relationship with God. We had many conversations about faith. She was the best employee for which an employer could’ve asked, which helped me understand how important it is to have a good work ethic. My mom was a good wife. She stayed dedicated to my dad, through good times and bad, till death do them part. That’s what took them apart. Mom died (I’ll admit, I’ve had to fight through the tears to even do the math — this is so hard for me) on March 31, 2012. She’s never been able to see some of my huge accomplishments. She’d be so proud to read this. I mean come on! I’m a contributor in a wonderful publication in Arkansas. Who would’ve thought? There are so many things I would’ve loved for her to see. How amazing her grandchildren are, how awe-

some her kids have become, etc. Charlene. That’s my step-mother. She’s an amazing woman. A widow herself, she met my father at church. One thing led to another, and bam, they became husband and wife. She loves my kids so much and does her very best to fill the role of a grandmother. My kids love her. I love her. I never thought I’d have a step-mother, but behold, I have one. She’s awesome, and I thank God for her. Rayla. That’s my mother-in-law. She’s the best MIL for which I could’ve ever asked. Rayla and her husband, Robert, adopted me into their family in 2004. She has shown me what it’s like to love a young man who doesn’t necessarily have his head screwed on straight. She has loved even when her son-in-law makes terribly selfish choices. I’ve learned so much from the perspective of the mother of the daughter in which I love. Amanda. That’s my wife. She’s the mother of my children. I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for her. She loves her children like no mother can. I need her to step up to be the mom when her 10-year-old daughter is dealing with self-esteem issues. She can relate and encourage our daughter to love herself and her neighbor as she should.

COLUMNIST

I need her to encourage me to care about attending special occasions for my 6-year-old son, like soccer games on Saturdays, when I’d rather be fishing, etc. This topic has been particularly difficult for me to talk about. I miss my mom very much. I wish she hadn’t died from breast cancer. I know she’d be extremely proud of everything about what she had a hand in. I know from professional and personal experience that not everyone had a mom like mine. Some of you reading this had a terrible mother. I hate that for you. I know some of you have lost your mothers already. It’s tough. I know some of you had mothers that may have not taken care of you the way you wish they would have. I’m sorry for that. We love you mothers. There isn’t a bigger job in the world to be a wonderful mother to your children. I don’t have much inspiration for you, and I’m certainly not looking for sympathy. I hope to encourage those of you who have a mother who is still alive to love them to the max, even if they weren’t perfect. Guess what, nobody is. I’d love to hug my mom’s neck one last time. Instead, I’ll settle to tell you all I love you, and I hope you have the best day of your life. Make a change.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 37

FAITH

Welcome to ‘the Motherhood’ Across my hall bathroom mirror, in big bold letters, is written “1/24/19 – ‘If I confess you are good Lord — then I shall remember your goodness daily!’” I wrote these words two days after saying goodbye to my son and watching him walk away alone to board a He was headed Laurie Green plane. to Fort Benning, Ga., A Greenbrier native, Laurie is the to become a soldier in wife of Will Green. The two share the U.S. Army. Matt is seven children, five grandchildren and a golden retriever named “the baby” of my twins, Marlo. They own and operate even if only by two a lawn care business and are members of New Life Church in minutes. It was difficult Greenbrier. Laurie can be on this mom heart of reached at thegreens@ymail.com. mine to watch him leave. Feelings of pride and sorrow overwhelmed me. So, there I was a couple of days later, standing in the hall bathroom. This is where I went to cry. Why the hall bathroom? Well, this was where I could still smell the mix of his shampoo and body spray in the air. It made me as close as I could be to him in his absence. I remember looking down in the sink where he had failed to rinse away his toothpaste remnants (the very thing that used to drive me crazy), and it broke my heart that morning. I stood there looking at his toothpaste and cried like a baby! This was the moment I looked in the mirror and realized I had become a “military mom.” I’m not here to discount anyone in their season of motherhood. As a mom of two sets of twins, I have an instant kinship with other moms of twins. This world is full of all kinds of motherhood memberships. I can clearly remember being a member of “moms who sent their children off to kindergarten for the first time.” I was a wreck! I was certain life as I had known it was gone. I officially had “school-aged” kids. Life would never be the same (lol). The truth is, that IS the truth. Next season, I became a member of two motherhood groups, the mom of “high school seniors,” which instantly allowed you access to the second group, moms who shake their heads in disbelief when they see all the “kindergarten moms.” Come on, admit it senior moms, you laugh a little at the kindergarten drama and convince yourself no one has the feelings like a high-school senior mom. There’s a pretty good chance at that very moment there is a college freshman mom shaking her head at the high-school senior mom, and so on and so forth. As time marches forward, we move on to each new stage that it brings us in this crazy ride called motherhood. As I write this article, I am officially a member 38 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Laurie Green hugs her son goodbye at the airport. (Marcus Green photo) of the “military moms.” Personally, this is one of the toughest seasons of the motherhood journey I’ve walked through. When my son left for the Army, I received a crash course in what the term “Army Strong” meant. From the instant he left, life changed. There would be no text messages, phone calls would be few and short, and your main communication would become good, old-fashioned letter writing. Even though that is a nice tradition to bring back, the truth is it still remains difficult. You are always weeks between each other on communications. With a letter you can’t high five them on their accomplishments nor can you hug them in their lonely times. You have new expectations to uphold. After all, they are now a part of our military, and you must cautiously guard what you say or post online. As I said, you definitely learn to be strong. On the plus side, this motherhood membership comes with a fabulous support group full of other military families — a group that completely understands the frustrations, pride, loneliness and even a bathroom breakdown over left behind toothpaste in the sink. So, there I stood in that hall bathroom, tears burning my eyes at the realization of this new journey in motherhood. I realized at that moment that this was where I really had to mean it when I say that I trust God totally. On a daily basis I have had to accept that I don’t know where my son may be or if he is okay, but I also have to remind myself that God does.

I realized at that moment that my son was so much more important to me and certainly to God than left behind toothpaste in the sink. I turned on the water and washed away that visible memory left behind from my son in a rush to leave for MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Command). I bawled like a baby as I did it, but I trust God, and I believe that His ways are higher than mine. In Romans 8:28, it says that “all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.” I grabbed a dry erase marker, and I wrote the date and those words on my mirror — “If I confess you are good Lord, then I shall remember your goodness daily.” The truth is every phase of our motherhood journeys has moments where we feel like we need a daily reminder that God has our back. I make light-hearted jokes, but I fully believe that each season of motherhood is just as important as the last one and matters just as much as the next one. We all need others in the same walk with us to encourage us and keep us strong. I urge you to find those people, that support system who has a “been there, done that” sort of attitude. The thing is, motherhood is no easy feat. It is demanding and stressful, yet rewarding and beautiful. Thank goodness for a God who equips and provides and carries us through each journey of motherhood. I will remember his goodness daily!

COLUMNIST

The Howard Family: (from left) Anderson (12), Barrett (15), Tim (dad), Giuliana (5), Clara-Catherine (7 months), Angie (mom), Lydia (9) and Grant Thomas (6). (Photo courtesy of Jacquelyn Suzann Photography)

More than enough with HIM by Angie Howard

Contemplate accepting an employment position with a benefits package comprised of the following: No sick leave; no vacation time; on-call 24/7. Wages for services rendered are certainly non-traditional and include a currency of hugs, smiles, slobbery kisses, a few gray hairs, some stretch marks thrown in for good measure and are sprinkled with the occasional bonus of heartfelt hand-drawn Crayola pictures and yard weed bouquets. Once the applicant has chosen to assume this position, there is no quitting or retirement opportunity, ever. You are not even assured regular bathroom breaks as your subordinates tend to follow closely behind you and stick their hands, noses and toes under any closed doors separating you from them to make certain you are not planning to defect. Little do those apprentices under your care know, as long as the hours and days are, the years are incredibly short. The on-duty all nights are actually missed when that particular season of the job ends, and no matter how hard any given day, week, month may be, the holder of this career title would never, ever choose to retire or quit. Those called to accept these terms are moms. It’s so much more than a job; it’s a calling and a passion and an absolute blessing. But don’t forget the obvious. It. Is. Hard. Being Momma is difficult, and that’s a large part of what makes it so beautiful. We mend clothing, stuffed animals, furniture, hurt feelings, scraped knees and sibling relationships; we enforce discipline; pull all-night shifts; Uber everybody everywhere and back again. We spend the first two years teaching the

non-verbal to speak up and then spend the next 16-plus years reprimanding them when they are so inclined to talk back.

Thank goodness we don’t have to do this

Howard continued on Page 64

COVER STORY

Welcome to motherhood

New mothers Brittany Butler (from left), Cassie Ford, Brandi Keith, Kiera Oluokun and Liza Prophete. (Mike Kemp photo) by Kiera Oluokun

The moment I welcomed my son, Ezekiel, in August 2017, I was overcome by a wave of emotions. Finally coming face-to-face with the tiny human that grew inside of my body for 10 long months was an indescribable feeling — a feeling that I had never felt until that moment. This was a day that I had dreamed about for many years. As a little girl, I remember having baby dolls and mimicking the nurturing duties that I had observed from my own mother. When I found out that my husband and I were expecting, I started researching as much material as possible to prepare for my new role as a mom. Unfortunately, as I have come to realize in my short 20 months of motherhood, there are no real “guides” that prepare you for raising children. I speak frequently with new moms to get a glimpse into what their motherhood experiences have looked like. I had an opportunity to speak with four new moms about what motherhood has been like for them thus far. From the working moms, to the law enforcement mom, to the “two under two” mom, each shared what they have gained and been challenged with in their new role. 40 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Seyi and Kiera Oluokun with their son, Ezekiel. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Kayanna Photography)

The Ford Family – Cassie and Jesse with their son, Benjamin. (Photo courtesy of Bailey Feeler Photography)

Brittany and Jarrod Butler with their children, Adeline and Baker.

Cassie Ford

Brittany Butler

• Hematology/oncology nurse • Mother to Benjamin (11 months old)

What has been the most surprising thing that you have learned from being a new mom? I never knew that I would love being a mom as much as I do! The love that I have for my son is hard to explain! Being a mom is the most difficult and the most beautiful thing I have ever done!

What are the biggest challenges that you have had to overcome in motherhood? Motherhood can at times be very lonely! I wasn’t expecting that. Breastfeeding was also very difficult. It had always been described to me as something so beautiful and amazing. No one prepared me for how difficult it would be in the beginning and how much of you it consumes! Yes, it’s beautiful now, and I am so grateful I get to have this experience, but it was a long road to get here.

What advice would you give to those preparing for motherhood? The days are long, but the years are short. Don’t wish away any seasons with your little one. They may be difficult, but they are over so quickly.

What advice was the most beneficial to you when preparing for motherhood? SELF-CARE! It’s so important. Take a shower, go on a walk and get out of the house! You will be a better mom to your little one if you take care of you some, too!

What has been the biggest adjustment? The amount of spontaneity in our lives has significantly decreased! Now that Benjamin is here it is much harder to just get up and go! We have to work around his feeding times and naps

and moods! Life has changed but it’s so good.

• Insurance Agent at McGhee Insurance Agency • Mother to Baker (20 months old) and Adeline (2 months old)

What has been the most surprising thing that you have learned from being a new mom? I have learned that it is okay to be a little selfish and take some time for myself. There are days that I just need a break. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help when I need it. Sometimes getting help is exactly what you need in order to be a good mom. Being a mother is so rewarding, but it is also difficult, and I’ve learned that I don’t have to do everything on my own.

What are the biggest challenges that you have had to overcome in motherhood? When I was pregnant with Baker, I had these ideas of being the perfect Stepford mom. I would make the best homemade cookies, always have educational Pinterest activities, and, of course, we would never use the television as a babysitter. Then life happened. If I do find the time to make homemade cookies, I have most likely burned them. I have not executed one single Pinterest activity, and some days it feels like Elmo and Daniel Tiger are just a part of our family. I don’t have to compete with the Pinterest moms of the world to be the best mom that I can be to my kids. I pour everything that I can into them, and that is enough.

What advice would you give to those preparing for motherhood? Accept the season that you are in — even if

you are exhausted. The newborn stage can be tough, but it goes by in an instant. While each stage is fun and exciting and there is so much to look forward to, love the one you are in because it all goes by so fast. Try to relax, enjoy it all and know that one day your child WILL sleep through the night. Also, make time for you and your husband. Our first date night after Baker was born was spent shopping at Carter’s and talking about him all through dinner, but it was still some time for just the two of us and was much needed.

What advice was the most beneficial to you when preparing for motherhood? I was told that on the hard days when you feel you are inadequate, just know that God specifically designed you to be their mom. You are exactly who they need. The God of the universe chose me to be Baker and Adeline’s momma, and that is such a blessing.

What has been the biggest adjustment? Adjusting to the madness of the newborn stage while also having a toddler! When Adeline was born, Baker was 18 months, so my attention has been split. I cannot be there for both kids at the same time even if they both need me. I have to be okay with one of them being upset while I am taking care of the other. Knowing what need is more pressing and having to deal with that child before helping the other can be hard because you want to make it better when your kids are upset. Baker had to adjust as well because he used to have all of our attention, and now he has to share it. Adeline never did get our full attention, but she does get a big brother who loves her fiercely, and they will grow up being so close. Sometimes it is difficult, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

Mom continued on Page 42 May 2019 501lifemag.com | 41

John and Brandi Keith with their daughter, Kennedy. (Photo courtesy of Sterling Imageworks Photography)

Mom continued from Page 41

Brandi Keith

• Business development specialist at Conway Regional Health System • Mother to Kennedy (23 months old)

What advice would you give to those

preparing for motherhood? Try not to be too hard on yourself, especially during the first few months of the baby’s life. Your hormones are all over the place, you’re probably not sleeping, and it’s all about survival at that point. If you’re getting out of the bed every day, you’re killing it.

have expectations for me, and as far as she’s concerned, I’ve got everything under control.

What has been the most surprising thing that you have learned from being a new mom? This sounds cheesy, but I was com-

What advice was the most beneficial to you when preparing for motherhood? “Your

pletely caught off guard by how much I love that girl. It freaks me out sometimes to think about how much power she has over everything that I do and

baby doesn’t know that you don’t know what you’re doing.” It was good for me to realize that she doesn’t

Brandi continued on Page 43

Liza Prophete

•Patrolman in the Army/1st Lieutenant in Army National Guard • Mother to Hezekiah (20 months old)

What has been the most surprising thing that you have learned from being a new mom? The most surprising thing that I have learned as a new mom is that my son is not a mama’s boy. He is totally a daddy’s boy. I thought that he would be all about me from the jump. In reality he only wants me when he needs me; other than that, I don’t exist. He is all about his daddy — attached at the hip.

What are the biggest challenges that you have had to overcome in motherhood? My biggest challenge as a new mom is learning to let go. My son is well developed physically and mentally and can do a lot of things Liza and Ken Prophete with their son, Hezekiah “Major.” (Photo courtesy of Josh Kear Photography) 42 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Liza continued on Page 43

Brandi continued from Page 42 every decision that I make. It’s truly unlike any other feeling in the world.

What are the biggest challenges that you have had to overcome in motherhood? Guilt. Guilt all the time about everything. Guilt about wanting to work, about what foods she eats, about not being strict enough and then about being too strict. Being a mom, for me, has meant accepting that I won’t do everything right, and that all I can do is be the best mom I can be and hope I’m making the right decisions.

What has been the biggest adjustment? By far the biggest adjustment is how hard everything becomes. You can’t just jump in the car and go somewhere — you’ve got to pack up not only the kid but everything that comes with them. Life is way more fun with a baby, but it’s hard work!

Liza continued from Page 42 by himself, but it’s hard for me to let go. Allowing him to learn things on his own and be a “big boy” is hard for me because he is my first and my little treasure. But thank God, his daddy knows how to tell me when to stop, and I’ve gotten much better.

What advice would you give to those preparing for motherhood? Get a wipe warmer, a humidifier and a bottle warmer. Also, trust your instincts. Everything will come naturally. Some things that you think you can’t handle will just come as if you have been doing it for years. The bond you have with your kid is unlike any other.

What advice was the most beneficial to you when preparing for motherhood? Let my boy be a boy and get him out of our room and sleeping in his own room ASAP!

What has been the biggest adjustment? Just learning to juggle life being a wife, a mother and having a full-time job is not always easy. Fortunately, I was blessed with an amazing husband, and together we’ve been able to adjust very well to having a kid. Our son will be 2 years old in a few months, and I honestly can’t remember what life was like before we had him — in a good way! Our son makes our lives so much more exciting, and without him, we wouldn’t be able to call ourselves a family. May 2019 501lifemag.com | 43

HEALTH ROUNDUP

GI physician joins center Owen S. Maat, MD, gastroenterologist, has joined the Conway Regional Medical Staff. He will be practicing at the Conway Regional Gastroenterology Center, alongside Martin Moix, MD, O.T. Gordon, MD, and Brandy Eason, APRN. “Conway Regional has been very welcoming and I am thoroughly looking forward to settling into the Conway community,” said Maat. He brings more than 27 years of experience in the practice of gastroenterology to the community from his time in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Dr. Maat as my partner,” added Moix. “He has a wealth of experience in gastroenterology and will make an excellent addition to our team. He completed a GI and Hepatology Fellowship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas at Houston Science Center (UTHSC) as well as a residency in Internal Medicine from UTHSC. He holds a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Maat is board certified in gastroenterology and is a fellow in the American College of Gastroenterology. “Gastroenterology services are a growing need throughout Arkansas. Partnering with Dr. Maat and our other providers in the Conway Regional Gastroenterology Center allows Conway Regional to expand access to both inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology services, and meet the needs of Conway and surrounding communities,” said

Dr. Owen S. Maat is now on staff at Conway Regional Medical Center and is seeing patients at the Conway Regional Gastroenterology Center. Rebekah Fincher, chief administrative officer for Conway Regional Health System. Maat is skilled in therapeutic and advanced endoscopy as well as general hepatology, gastroenterology and internal medicine.

For more information about Maat or to schedule an appointment, call the Conway Regional Gastroenterology Center at 501.852.1360. The center is located in the Conway Regional Outpatient Surgery Center, 2200 Ada Ave., Suite 201.

Unity doc offers new pacemaker Unity Health Cardiologist Dr. Eric Robinson is one of the small number of physicians in the state of Arkansas now offering the smallest pacemaker for patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms. The Medtronic Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) provides patients with the most advanced pacing technology at one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker. The Micra TPS is about the size of a large vitamin and unlike traditional pacemakers, the device does not require cardiac wires or a surgical “pocket” under the skin. Instead, the device is small enough to be contained within the heart itself while being cosmetically invisible. “Wire malfunctions are completely eliminated,” Robinson said. “In addition, battery life is expected to be longer, compared to a traditional pacemaker, but perhaps the biggest improvement is from a patient perspective. Patients will not even be aware they have a pacemaker as there are no external reminders of a traditional pacemaker.” The ideal candidate for the Micra TPS are pa44 | 501 LIFE May 2019

tients with bradycardia or chronic atrial fib, however Robinson said there are other indications for implant as well and feels this is the first step in a revolutionary change in pacemakers with most future pacemakers using similar technology to the Micra pacemaker. The Micra TPS is designed to automatically adjust pacing therapy based on a patient’s activity levels. The device was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2016 and has been granted Medicare reimbursement. “We have already implanted four devices within the first month of offering the procedure to our patients,” Robinson said. “All implants have been successful with no complications and excellent results … this is truly revolutionary technology and just the beginning of significant changes in pacemaker implants and technology.” Dr. Eric Robinson now offers patients a newer, smaller pacemaker – the Medtronic’s Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS).

Fairfield Bay plans events May 11 Fairfield Bay will celebrate the start of spring on Saturday, May 11, with a big, all-day family festival at Ed Leamon Park. Bloomin’ in the Bay begins with the popular 16th Annual Van Buren County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, local artisans and vendors, food booths, a kids play zone, a free Mother’s Day craft and so much more. The event, free and open to the public, is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2019 marks the fourth consecutive year that Bloomin’ in the Bay will be held in conjunction with an afternoon food and music experience. There will be a wide variety of plants, including herbs, perennials, annuals, shrubs, native plants, hostas and trees, all locally grown and selected specifically to thrive in this area. Fairfield Bay was named the first Monarch City in Arkansas. Special guest Ruth Andre will share tips, advice for plant choices and other information to attract monarchs, as well as other species to a butterfly garden. In addition, individuals can purchase Milkweed grown through the Clinton High School greenhouse project to help feed Monarchs. Blues & BBQ will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., once again bringing the ultimate backyard barbecue experience featuring talented grill masters competing for a $500 cook-off prize. The Third Annual Blues and BBQ pairs awardwinning flavors with music. “We are thrilled to watch how this festival has grown,” says Dan Feuer, Blues &

inthe the Bay Bloomin' in Bloomin'in the Bay

Bl&ue BBQ IN THE BAY

BBQ event director. “Each year, we see new entries, and get to sample some of the best barbecue in Arkansas. Plus, the music just has everyone jumping. “Bands start at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the early evening. New for this year is a street dance. So bring some chairs, grab your friends, and get ready for one great big backyard party.” The day will wrap up with a new street dance featuring the popular Zac Dunlap Band.

NEW MOVE-IN SPECIAL

Plus, Cruisin in the Bay will have nearly 50 beautiful classic cars. The event is hosted by the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce. “Just walking through these cars will turn any grownup back into a kid again,” said Jackie Sikes, chamber director. “Some of these cars bring back memories of cruising down back roads with friends back in the day. What fun!” For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com.

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May 2019 501lifemag.com | 45

1 HEALTH

As an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Mallory Smith is trained in internal medicine and specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing infectious diseases.

Medical detective Smith in role â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;where you never get boredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by John Patton

When you hear the words infectious disease specialist, the mind wanders toward a movie where the Centers for Disease Control is trying to contain a zombie virus that is spreading across the country. 46 | 501 LIFE May 2019

This is where Hollywood and reality part ways for Mallory Smith, MD. If your family doctor refers you to an infectious disease specialist, zombification is not a worry. While a referral to her is usually a serious medical situation,

Smith prefers the role of medical detective over anything Hollywood would create. Infectious disease specialists, or IDs as Smith calls them, are physicians who are trained in internal medicine and specialize in diagnosing, treating and

managing infectious diseases. These specialists have extensive knowledge of how viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi affect the body, especially in the sinus, bone, brain, heart, lung, bowel, pelvic and urinary tract areas. An infectious disease specialist typically undergoes between five to six years of intensive training, including learning about immunology and epidemiology. In Smith’s case, she spent eight years of medical training to prepare her for a career as an infectious disease specialist. Her journey began in Earle, a small northeast Arkansas town. According to her parents, Smith wanted to be a doctor since age 3. She turned that desire into a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas, followed by a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, a private international medical school located in Portsmouth Dominica. Ross University medical students travel to New Jersey, Miami and Atlanta to complete their clinical studies. During the course of those studies, Smith began to realize that infectious disease would be her career path. A four-year residence in internal medicine and pediatrics followed at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and a two-year fellowship in infectious disease at UAMS. New Orleans proved to be a good location for the study of infectious disease with the combination of the swampy environment, Cajun culture and a large city. “It helped me to get the exposure from all these different environments,” said Smith. All of these experiences have led to her practice in

“

I’m going to put 100 percent effort into figuring out what is wrong with them (my patients). I will use all my resources. As long as we can work together as a team and they tell me everything, we usually figure it out.

”

— Dr. Mallory Smith Conway. For example, assisting with the diagnosis of a patient during her clinical training in Atlanta helped Smith diagnose a patient in Faulkner County with the same rare parasitic infection. The common thread was exposure to water in the South American Republic of Colombia. “ID is one of those professions where you never get bored,” said Smith. In Faulkner County, Smith sees patients wanting a variety of services including: Travel medicine: Analysis of what vaccine they should receive based on future travel plans to a foreign country or region such as South America. Vaccine medicine: Analysis of possible symptoms of measles, whooping cough and other vaccinepreventable disease. HIV and other auto immune diseases: She is

certified in the treatment of HIV patients. “Diseases like HIV fit into my wheelhouse.” Primary care doctors send patients to her for help in diagnosing complex and hard-to-treat disease. Smith is currently the only infectious disease specialist in Faulkner County. “Many times, your primary care doctor is all you need, but sometimes they call on me for a little extra help,” she said. She also makes rounds on patients with infectious disease related illness at Conway Regional. Her best diagnostic tools are medical histories, imaging and laboratory reports, and the results of blood work and wound cultures. She will also perform her own examinations on a patient, from basic physicals to advanced tests like a blood serum analysis that determines what types of antibodies — and, thus, what types of infections — are present in the body. “I’m going to put 100 percent effort into figuring out what is wrong with them (my patients). I will use all my resources. As long as we can work together as a team and they tell me everything, we usually figure it out.” Smith is fond of saying that 80 percent of the time a patient can be diagnosed based on what they tell their doctor. Patients who visit her should expect a lengthy discussion surrounding their work and personal life. The ideal infection disease specialist should be a good listener, highly inquisitive and tenacious. All are qualities that define Mallory Smith as a good medical detective. For more information, call the Conway Regional Infectious Disease Clinic at 501.513.5295.

2 GREAT WEEKENDS! MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Bl&ue BBQ AY IN THE B

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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

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�

ENTERTAINING

‘Plate of three salads’ When in the mood for “just salad,” try these – Lila Bingham’s Potato Salad, Pat Otto’s Chicken Salad and Nancy Bingham’s Marinated Blackeyed Pea Salad. (Mike Kemp photo)

48 | 501 LIFE May 2019

It’s Mother’s Day time again, and oh, the memories that come with this holiday. I do so wish I had the opportunity to sit with my mom and just listen to her heart. I was far too busy trying to figure out who I was for all those years. Mom was just mom, consistently in the Don Bingham background, doing all those “motherly things.” Recognized throughout the It’s sad, really. We are all state as an accomplished chef, “too late smart” in many Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television ways! programs and planned elaborate Mom was a great events. cook and entertainer! She taught me lots of grand things. As I think about the simplicity of her potato salad, it makes me realize not everything has to be choreographed with strobe lights to be wonderful. As I was musing over the history of Mother’s Day, I came across the story of Anna Jarvis in 1908. She was one of the early promoters of the holiday known as Mother’s Day. It is not a federally recognized holiday, when businesses close and many “run for the hills.” But, it does carry with the observance of the day, the reverence and appreciation for moms, that is so celebrated in many countries in many ways. Anna Jarvis was a member of the Andrew’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, W.V. To

promote Mother’s Day, she organized a Sunday service honoring mothers in the church and community, and 407 children AND their mothers attended the service. I regret a lot of things over the years of my life – and the trauma I caused Mom would be on this list! Pour soul – while in heaven now – I hope Mom has recovered from the many times her “hair was on fire” over the antics and bulldog tenacity of her second “unexplainable son.” Mom was a great cook, as are most moms. The recipes included in this article are three of my favorites, and they all come from moms. We often enjoy these when in the mood for “just a salad.”

CHICKEN SALAD

LILA BINGHAM’S POTATO SALAD

Mix all ingredients and serve cold.

5 potatoes 3 eggs 1 cup chopped celery 1/1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish 1 tablespoon prepared mustard 1/2 cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper to taste

MARINATED BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but firm. Cool for 15 minutes. Peel and dice to desired size. Boil eggs; peel and chop. In large bowl, combine all ingredients and toss, mixing together. Refrigerate until serving.

(Pat Otto) 6 1/2 cups chicken breast (boiled and chopped) 3 tablespoons chopped green onion 1 cup chopped celery 3 tablespoons capers 1/2 cup parsley, (flat leaf, chopped) 12 ounces frozen green peas (thawed) 1 cup toasted pecan pieces 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s) 1 cup sour cream Salt and pepper to taste Tabasco sauce (dash) 1/2 lemon (freshly squeezed juice)

(Nancy Bingham) 3 16-ounce cans black-eyed peas 1 cup salad oil 1/2 cup wine vinegar 1 garlic bud 1/2 cup onion, sliced 1/2 teaspoon salt Cracked pepper to taste 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup stuffed green olives, sliced (optional) Drain peas and place in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Refrigerate in a covered container for at least 24 hours. Remove garlic bud and serve. Will keep for two weeks.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 49

IN THE GARDEN

Therapeutic

‘A garden is nature’s offering’ Todd Owens photos

Many of us find a job to pay the bills. Others find a calling for which they have extraordinary talents, making their work a gift to be shared and appreciated. Debbie Cummings is in that last category, and she has shared her positive energy for 33 years with Jan Spann patients and co-workers. A Conway resident, Jan Her career as a Spann has been involved with Faulkner County Master recreational therapist Gardeners for 20 years. Having first began in 1985 when developed a love of gardening from both grandmothers, Debbie earned her masshe credits the Master Gardener ter’s degree in therapeutic program with making her a smarter gardener. Jan and recreation and used her her husband, Randy, have five skills at a rehab center in children and 12 grandchildren. Sherwood. Her previous work as the Little Rock YWCA aquatics assistant director, teaching babies to swim and serving as a Red Cross swim instructor, helped her realize her calling. While in Sherwood, she decided to put her 10 years of Master Gardener skills to work with patients in garden therapy. To make that happen, she coordinated with vendors to build a therapy garden and promote their products. With raised garden beds and ergonomically designed tools, the patients learned standing skills and fine movement through gardening. And when Debbie accepted a job at the Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, she brought the therapy garden concept, too. With help from the Conway High School Future Farmers of America students, she built a therapy garden as well as window boxes, and hung bird feeders. “For those patients who don’t have mobility for the raised bed therapy, the flowers bring color and life to their window,” said Debbie. On two patios, Debbie has container gardens. “When a patient’s family comes to visit, they can head outside when the weather is nice. It takes the conversation away from the patient’s current condition and more about his or her recovery.” Debbie is a big supporter of the Conway High School agriculture students’ annual plant sale in April and October. And some of those students have built three raised garden beds for patients’ view from their windows. Teachers Reed Kelley and Macy Taylor have worked with Debbie for their students’ service programs. “We look for work that ties into their class 50 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Debbie Cummings (left) and Laura Brinker work in a flower bed at the Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

curriculum, and in addition to building the raised bed boxes, the students have also helped with planting and maintaining the gardens,” said Reed. “Building the raised beds requires teamwork as well as math and engineering skills. The added benefit is that the flowers can be enjoyed by the patients.” Debbie explains that a recreational therapist’s career is less a job and more a calling to foster a patient’s emotional, physical and spiritual health. The therapy garden’s arched ramp with hand bars provides stability as the patient practices wheelchair mobility and maneuvering. “A garden is nature’s offering, and it has a calming effect for everyone,” Debbie said. Patients and staff enjoy the gardens because the plants make the facility more familial and less institutional. In nice weather, the patients can take meals on the patio, especially during family visits. With her kind spirit, Debbie encourages her patients to accept a new normal. “They come here feeling broken; their lives were normal, and then everything changed,” she said. “We tell them we’ll help them grow into a new normal, and as they gain strength, they do find different ways to do things.” Through the University of Central Arkansas occupational therapy programs, students put bookwork to practical use in places like Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. Debbie has mentored many students, and she was voted the Community Partner of the Year in 2018. With her 15 years of service at Conway Regional Rehab, she has now turned to the next chapter in her life. Some call it retirement, but for someone like Debbie, her future includes her therapy dog, Lucky Girl, and fly-fishing on the Little Red River. Two years ago, Debbie sold her house and moved with Lucky Girl into an RV park at the Swinging Bridge just below the Greers Ferry Dam. “These folks are like family,” said Debbie. “We have potlucks and help each other out. But mostly, we just enjoy river life!” Debbie’s days now are about fly-fishing and enjoying the great outdoors on the Little Red River. However, she still helps out with a youth fishing derby on the river, and serves as a coach for the Heber Springs Hybrid Swim Team. She and Lucky Girl have several places in Heber Springs where they will continue to share their therapy skills with folks. When you love what you have, you have everything you need. Debbie Cummings has found her happiness. Life is good on the river, and she says, “There’s nothing better than catching a fish on the lure you tied.”

The Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital’s Dr. Roy Denton and Debbie Cummings.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 51

HOME

Traci selected calming blue and soft white colors for her bedroom makeover because it reminded her of the beach. 52 May 2019 | 501 LIFE

Sunnie Pearl enjoys the new bedding.

Cherished treasures

Bedroom now a peaceful oasis Makenzie Evans photos

When you get married, you inherit things. You begin to intertwine your life and your possessions with those of your partner. Some things, you try to divest of as fast as you can, like when I told my husband that he could just leave that Donna Benton gold plaid sofa from his college apartment on the Donna Benton is a maker of custom home furnishings and truck. But some things specializes in classic painted that you inherit, end up finishes for antique and vintage furniture. You can see her work being your own cherished at WaterHouseMarket.com. treasures. I was a wandering gypsy girl from middle Louisiana who wasn’t afraid of anything, but when my future-husband-to-be introduced me to his circle of friends, I must tell you that I was nervous. What would they think of me, and would I be in the club? That’s when I met Traci Henderson. Traci’s reassuring smile and her warm brown eyes would make anyone feel right at home! From that moment on, Traci has been right there, a part of the story: weddings, babies, birthdays, vacations, backyard barbecues, New Year’s Eves. She even moved right down the street and we are neighbors! We have

An arm chair and matching custom curtains. raised our boys together, laughed, cried, laughed some more, traded chickens, made a whole village of gingerbread houses and survived a tornado in a storm shelter with three dogs and a mouse. What I’m saying is that we’re tight.

Home continued on Page 55 May 2019 501lifemag.com | 53

A free, upholstered chair gets a makeover with new paint and fabric.

54 | 501 LIFE May 2019

An old TV cabinet makes a great storage space for Traciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heirloom quilts.

Home continued from Page 53 We were sitting on the porch swing one day and Traci said, “I think I want to re-do my bedroom.” She didn’t have to say it twice. I left her in mid-swing and was back with paint swatches before she even noticed I was gone. She picked out the most soothing shade of blue because it made her feel like she was relaxing on the beach. What’s better than a little mini-vacation every time you walk into your bedroom? With a wall color selected, we headed to the fabric store where we found the perfect print to go with the new color. We rushed right over to see our friend, Tracey Wilkinson of Tracey’s Feathered Nest Custom Sewing Shop, and we got her started on some new handmade curtains. A friend of ours had an old armchair that had been sitting in her garage for a while and when she heard about our project, she offered it up. We stripped off the old brown tapestry fabric and painted the frame a creamy white. We used the same curtain fabric to give the old chair a custom look. The room was really starting to come together, and we had a decision to make on the furniture. Traci is very nostalgic and I knew that this was the first furniture that she and her husband, Shannon, bought when they got married. It was still beautiful and had good bones, but the dark stained wood finish just wasn’t going to work with the airy feel of the new room. Traci decided to give the bedroom suite a new paint finish. We even reimagined the old television cabinet and reconfigured it to store Traci’s collection of heirloom quilts. There is nothing better than giving new life to furniture that has a story. While I took the furniture to my workshop for its new finish, Traci went to work shopping for new bedding, pillows, lamps and a few accessories. After just a few days of mattress-on-the-floor time, the walls were painted and the furniture was ready for its big reveal. We moved everything back in, hung curtains and art, and fluffed the pillows with home show-style fanfare. In just a few days, and for only a few bucks, we had transformed Traci’s bedroom into a peaceful oasis of soft blues and whites. This project will always be one of my favorites because I got to create something beautiful with a treasured friend.

The bedroom “before” the makeover.

This bedroom got a new look in just a few days, with some new paint, great fabrics and a few accessories.

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May 2019 501lifemag.com | 55

GET CREATIVE

Funky Frugal: Gifts from the heart My mom loves to travel, and because she instilled it in me, I do, too. Mom recently came to my home and took care of my SIX children for two whole weeks while my husband and I went to Israel for the very first time. She is a saint. The trip was life changing, and I now Tanner encourage everyone I Cangelosi talk to that they need to go as well. It made the An alum of the University of Central Arkansas, Tanner Bible come alive and owns her own business – www. gave me more underneonsouthernlady.blogspot.com – and has done a variety of projects, standing for where cerfrom individual home décor items tain accounts took place to painting murals in private residences. For more information, in God’s Word. I felt Tanner can be reached at completely safe, and our tcangelosi@newlifechurch.tv guide was like having a great Bible scholar show us around in the actual places we were studying. My mind has still not fully wrapped around our experience. Just like in any place you might travel to, there were many trinkets you could purchase for souvenirs. Of all the things to buy, I purchased a few art pieces and necklaces for friends, but I wanted to get something super special for my mom. When we went to the Mount of Olives, there was a man passing out olive branches, and he joyfully handed me one. I pressed it in my Bible and thought of ways I could display it for my mom and other friends who had helped with my children in our absence. When I returned home, I went straight to my favorite store, Dollar Tree. I purchased coppercolored 8-by-10-inch frames and some wrapping paper that looked like watercolor flowers. When I got home, I cut the wrapping paper into 8-by-10inch dimensions. Next, I painted a small piece of watercolor paper with blue watercolor paint that I had to match the wrapping paper. I then glued one olive leaf to the watercolor paper and then glued the watercolor paper to the wrapping paper. I pressed that in the frame and voila! I had a beautifully crafted gift from the Holy Land that would mean something, as well as match almost anyone’s décor. The entire project cost me about $2 each. For your next vacation, look for things or pictures that can be taken and used to make something truly unique to bless your family and friends. My mom is worth far more than I can pay her back for her time keeping our children so we could take a life changing trip. But until I stumble across millions of dollars to give her, I will continue to look for special things to let her know how much she means to me. 56 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Tanner gathered some of her art supplies (top) to create a unique gift.

ENERGY SMART

Time for an AC tune up

Summer is officially on its way, which means temperatures are steadily rising. Sometimes it’s hard to balance comfort and cost, but staying relaxed and cool in your home on the hottest days of the year without worrying about energy bills going through the roof is possible. Beth One of the easiest Jimmerson things you can do to A long-time Conway resident, stay cool this summer is Beth McCullough Jimmerson have a professional tune is the marketing coordinator for Conway Corp. She has up your air conditioning a bachelor’s degree from the unit. Over the course University of Central Arkansas of 12 months, a home’s and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She can heating and cooling will be reached at beth.jimmerson@ easily run thousands of conwaycorp.com. hours. Left unserviced, the average unit will lose 5 percent of its efficiency each year from dust and dirt accumulation as well as regular wear and tear. Conway Corp recommends customers have a preventative maintenance tune up on their central air conditioning unit every year to keep it working ef-

ficiently. Having your home’s cooling system serviced is one of the best things you can do — both from a comfort perspective as well as a financial one. Plus, small problems can be detected long before they turn into big, expensive problems when temperatures are likely at their worst. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a checkup of your home’s HVAC system can extend its life by several years as well as save you up to 10 percent a month on energy bills. On average, a tune up will cost $70 to $100, which easily pays for itself in monthly efficiency savings. Plus, a well-lookedafter unit will last up to 15 years, compared to seven years for ones that are left ignored. Extending the life of your unit will save up to $5,000 in replacement costs. Conway Corp Energy Smart professionals recommend scheduling a local, certified HVAC contractor to perform a system tune up that includes four basic steps: Measure airflow of the system to test capacity and efficiency. Most air conditioners require 400 cubic feet per minute of air to operate to capacity. Clean the condenser. The outdoor unit should be sprayed with a heaving foaming cleanser that soaks for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. Measure indoor and outdoor conditions, including indoor wet bulb, indoor dry bulb and outdoor

dry bulb. After all measurements are taken, they should be plotted on a sliding chart to determine super heat that will set the proper refrigerant charge. Adjust refrigerant charge. One of the most expensive repairs for units is a refrigerant leak. Homeowners can also play their part in keeping the system in good working condition by changing the filters on their heating, ventilation and cooling system four times a year. This helps to keep the system running smoothly and improves the home’s airflow providing better air quality and less temperature fluctuation.

WIN A FREE AC TUNEUP Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program can help you balance increasing demands for electricity with our commitment to providing affordable rates. This month, Energy Smart is giving away an air conditioner tune up to one Conway Corp customer. To register to win or to see a list of certified HVAC contractors registered with Conway Corp, visit ConwayCorp.com/actuneup. Entries must be complete by midnight Friday, May 31, and the winner will be announced by Saturday, June 15. The winner must be a homeowner in the Conway Corp service area. To learn more about Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program, call 501.450.6000 or visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart. May 2019 501lifemag.com | 57

501 kids

The celebration of Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

One of the most rewarding and joyful titles a woman can hold is that of being a mother. Mothers are often the glue that holds the family together. They are usually the planners and organizers, while also working full time and maintaining the home. Mothers are known for being nurturers, caregivers Kellie and the most supportive Bishop people in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse This is why we celebrate practitioner at Central Arkansas mothers every year and Pediatrics in Conway. She lives devote an entire day to in Plumerville with her husband, Greg, and two dogs. She obtained acknowledging the often her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in nursing thankless, but very imat the University of Central Arkansas and her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and portant role that mothers doctorate degrees in pediatric play in the lives of our primary care at UAMS. children. Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is celebrated through most of the world with cards, flowers, candy, family gatherings and pampering for all moms. When you are considering the mothers in your life this year, consider all of the 58 | 501 LIFE May 2019

women who have played the role of mother and given the love and support of a mother, even if they are not biologically related to you. Mothers are your wives, biological mothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers and grandmothers. There are also sisters, aunts and other women who may act as mothers in our lives and who deserve the same recognition for the unconditional love and support they give, even when they do not have to. Also, keep in mind and show love to those who have lost their precious children and those who mourn their own mothers on Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. There are many ways to celebrate Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and it does not have to be expensive. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about some ways that fathers and children can celebrate the moms in their lives this year. Most mothers enjoy receiving heartfelt messages in cards on Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, but that does not mean you have to spend a lot of money on cards at a store. In fact, most mothers report appreciating handmade cards and letters more than store-bought. So, get out the construction paper, crayons and markers to make the mothers in your lives a genuine card or note, in your own words, that they will cherish for years to come. Many mothers also report that they appreciate massages, pedicures and similar luxury gifts for Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, but they would equally enjoy

a day with their families. Most mothers are thrilled with a day spent with their children and families, enjoying each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, getting outside for a hike or picnic, and taking a break from the normal daily grind. Another idea is to help mom with housework. Many mothers catch up on housework and laundry on Sundays, which happens to be the day that Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day occurs. The joy of the day could easily be lost if she has to spend the rest of the week catching up on housework that she did not complete on Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. So, instead of buying expensive gifts, consider spending time with your mothers and wives while also helping with some of the household responsibilities to allow her a true day of rest and relaxation. It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the people who give so much to us, shape who we are and love unconditionally. While you are celebrating Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day this year, make sure to not only shower the women in your life with gifts and cards, but tell them how much you appreciate them and the sacrifices they make for you and your family. Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day should be a day of celebration and joy, so I hope everyone has a beautiful day recognizing some of the most influential and selfless people in the world.

Sawyer Williams AGE: 8 CITY: Conway. SCHOOL: St. Joseph Elementary, second grade. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun. FAMILY: Mom, Mara Williams; dad and stepmom, Chase and Kaylynn Williams; brothers, Hampton and Weston.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR MOM: Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice and a really good mom to me. We play Candyland together. FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Cheese pizza. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: I really like my iPad and new case. MORE INFORMATION: I enjoyed a trip to Branson over spring break. I went on a helicopter ride.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 59

501 kids

Building connections with your children Humans crave connection. Even the most introverted person desires meaningful relationships. Key word: meaningful. Our children are no different. It can be difficult to connect with our kids on a meaningful level because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always know how to connect, Brittany or perhaps, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it Gilbert wrong. Connecting with your kids is so important. Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this connection that She and her husband, Levi, builds trust and a genuhave three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at ine relationship that will b.gilbert37@gmail.com. last through childhood, adolescence, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thoseâ&#x20AC;? teen years and in to adulthood. You WANT that lasting connection. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t underestimate the small things. For most kids, simply taking an active interest in what they are interested in will make them feel more connected. Our oldest is obsessed with Spider-Man. Everything has to do with Spider-Man, and he is constantly talking about it. To be honest, SpiderMan has always been my least favorite superhero. However, if I tune out my child while he talks about Spider-Man, I might as well not speak to my child all day. If I want to connect, I must get involved in what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing, and right now, he is passionate about becoming Spider-Man. So, we read the stories, act out the plots, wear the costumes, run around the house. I listen to his ideas and ask questions (this is important, too). He knows he can come to me, and I will listen. Can you see how this will come in to play later on when he has something truly important to say? Recently, our family has started reading aloud more. This is an obvious thing to do when your kids are really small and learning to read, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it stop there. When your kids are bigger and able to read on their own, continue to read aloud as a family. We listen to books on Audible when driving around town, and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you how much joy it brings to hear my kids cackling over The BFG, and then the conversations weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to have after all listening together is just priceless. At home, we read both classics and more modern literature together and are able to have really great conversations. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping to instill a love of reading and the thoughtfulness to ask questions at a young age while also bonding over these great stories. Invite them to share your interests. Do you like 60 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Sometimes connecting with your child means you have to learn all about Spider-Man â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like Spider-Man. to garden? Workout? Cook? The list is endless, and you see where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going with this, but your kids can do these things, too! Prepare to make a bigger mess than normal (if kids are small). It may take a little longer than if you do it on your own, but, the payoff could be huge. Not only are these basic life skills that kids need to appreciate, but sometimes kids become open books when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bonding over something they enjoy and are with someone they trust. Things they may not be willing to share in the hurried bedtime routine will suddenly spew out of them because they are relaxed and they feel important. Learn something together. A friend of mine has older girls who have expressed an interest in learning the violin. As a way to connect and share something with her kids, she is learning alongside them. She knows it will be difficult. Music doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come naturally to her, so they will see her truly humbled and diligent in working to improve this area that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never tried to master. This same friend learned

how to sew when her kids fell in love with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little House on the Prairieâ&#x20AC;? and wanted pioneer dresses. Her words were, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want my kids to look back and say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We had fun WITH our parents.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Connecting with your children will be a lifelong skill to practice. The saying is true that if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show an interest in your child, someone else will. Technology will occupy them, friends will become more important than you, or attitudes may get out of control because they feel de-valued or in the way. I truly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that connection is lost because parents want it to be â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize how much work it can be to keep. Our toddlers are obsessed with us, but that fades and is replaced by school-aged kids who desperately want our attention, but lose it because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to talk about Spider-Man all day. There will be a time when we can teach them the importance of sharing interests (see above), but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also times to put on the Spider-Man mask and PLAY.

AUTHORS IN THE 501

Writer ‘a true literacy leader’ Rachel Shankles has always loved books, and it was this interest that sparked her 42-year career as an English teacher and library media specialist in Arkansas. Although she is retired, literacy remains her passion – one she has evidently passed on to her family. Rachel’s daughter, Amy Hutto, is the librarSusan ian at South Side School Peterson in Bee Branch. Her two children, Blair and Ben Susan Peterson holds a PhD in education and taught Hutto, who are in the at the University of Central sixth and eighth grades, Arkansas and Slippery Rock are avid readers and, University in Pennsylvania. She retired in 2004 and now spends more amazingly, they her time doing artwork (painting recently authored two and pottery). She is the executive secretary of the Arkansas Reading books with their grandAssociation, a professional mother. organization for educators that has about 800 members When Rachel statewide. retired six years ago from Lakeside Schools in Hot Springs, she and her husband moved to Triple S Farm in Bismarck (Hot Spring County). When her grandchildren came to visit, they would all walk in the woods, hike the fields, explore the buildings and make up stories about the enchanting places they discovered. Rachel would later jot down their imaginative stories. For example, a large squirrel nest became a “squirrel motel,” and exposed pine tree roots morphed into a magical “wishing circle.” One day, one of the children asked if their stories could be published, and Rachel thought, “Why not?” She contacted Yorkshire Publishing in Tulsa and their new adventure began. Their first book was “Triple S Farm Adventures: Hawkie’s in Trouble,” published in March 2018. It was followed in November by “Triple S Farm Adventures: Hootie to the Rescue.” All three names are prominently featured as authors on the book jackets. Rachel is a task master, and she gives Blair and Ben specific assignments to complete, whether ironing out a plot detail or proofreading for grammatical errors. The book illustrations were done by the publishing company based on photos and descriptions. Rachel also published “McLain Street Gang,” a book of stories based on her own memoirs of living in Newport (Jackson County). Anyone interested in smalltown life will enjoy reading about the Blue Bridge, the soda fountain at the local drug store and her escapades growing up in the 1950s. When Rachel makes school visits, she dresses up like a farmer and tells how the farm stories were published as she reads from the books. She tells kindergarteners through fourth-graders about the habitats of the hawk and owl in her stories and explains the writing process to older students. Ben and Blair accompany her in the summer and to some public library events.

Author Rachel Shankles Rachel is a true literacy leader. From the time she was in junior high, she loved to write, especially poetry. For 42 years, she shared a love of literacy with thousands of students. Recently, she was a columnist for two state library organization journals. Three years ago, she started working as practicum coordinator in the Library Media Program at the University of Central Arkansas, where she prepares future librarians to motivate and inspire their students.

Now, her own published books can influence a new generation of readers. Rachel, Ben and Blair have a third book in the works, but no specific date is scheduled for publication. Books may be ordered from online sellers, such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, or purchased directly from her at shankles08.wixsite.com/rachelshankles, where she also lists upcoming appearances. For school visits, contact Rachel by emailing Shankles08@gmail.com.

. . l E L a e SSIB R s i e O l P g s i g Y u R r E t The Snd RECOV a

In Arkansas, mental health issues are affecting people of all ages and the suicide rate across all ages is at an all-time high. But there is hope. The BridgeWay provides a continuum of care that is safe, secure and serene. Just as each patient is different, so too are our programs. The BridgeWay is the only psychiatric hospital in Arkansas with distinct programs for seniors 55 and older, adults 18 and older, adolescents, ages 13-17, and children, ages 4-12. Whether it is for mood, thought or substance abuse disorders, we provide separate units for each population.

21 BridgeWay Road, North Little Rock, AR 72113 1-800-BRIDGEWAY | thebridgeway.com

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 61

NEIGHBORS conway

‘Telling a story’

Conway girl discovers love of acting by Sonja J. Keith

Conway’s Piper Wallace has had an impressive acting career, including several roles in area productions and the lead in an upcoming play, a New York musical audition and an ongoing TV commercial. Not bad for a 10-year-old. Piper, a daughter of Jenny and Cameron Wallace, first auditioned in December 2016 for the Red Curtain Theatre production of “Elf.” In April, she has the lead in the Red Curtain production of “Matilda the Musical.” Jenny recalled that she and her husband were talking with Piper about different activities. Her mom said they thought acting would be a good fit, because Piper has enjoyed imaginative play and likes to make up songs. Although Piper is shy, they thought maybe she would enjoy it. “Everyone has a thing and this is her thing,” Jenny said. Piper, who said she was terrified and didn’t know anyone at the first audition, described it as “bad.” She completed the singing portion of the audition but did not want to read. “She came out and I said, ‘Piper, you don’t have to read, but I’m afraid that when we leave, if you don’t read you will be upset that you didn’t do it and you won’t have another chance.’” Jenny asked the judges that if they had time, if they would allow Piper to complete the audition, which they did. “It’s funny, because now, auditioning is like her favorite,” Jenny said, adding that her daughter is still shy, but not when it comes to theatre or filming commercials. “It’s like she acts like she’s a little adult.” Piper’s first role was in the ensemble for “Elf,” which she enjoyed. She did several children’s drama workshops and then tried out for the Red Curtain production of “Miracle on 34th Street.” She landed a major role as Susan Walker. The play was directed by Gerry Bruno, who has encouraged Piper to audition and pursue acting opportunities. Piper has performed in 10 productions, including several in Little Rock. She has also appeared in “A Winter’s Tale” through the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. She said her favorite role was in the ensemble in her more recent show, “Elf” at Murry’s. She said it was fun and she enjoyed the other cast members. Piper said her favorite part of acting is memorizing lines, which Jenny calls her special ability. Piper said she likes to try delivering her lines in new ways while learning them. In September, Piper auditioned in New York City for the part of Cindy Lou for a production of “Grinch.” It was Piper’s first trip to New York. 62 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Piper Wallace on the set of a TV commercial. In the last round, Piper was one of four girls in the final consideration for the role. Jenny said the director went with a younger, shorter girl for the role, but it was still a great experience. “It was really fun,” Piper said. “It was something that I’ve never done before. Every audition I’ve ever done has been totally different.” In addition to her stage performances, Piper has been doing monthly TV commercials for a year and a half and acting as a spokesperson for Mark McLarty Toyota. Jenny said her daughter is very unassuming and downplays it when someone mentions her TV spots. Piper gets paid for the commercials, with the money going into a savings account. The money, however, is not important to Piper. “I’d pay to do commercials.” Piper is homeschooled along with her two older brothers and a younger sister. “I don’t think

we could do the things or be as busy as Piper is, if we didn’t homeschool,” Jenny said. Each of their children is talented in a different way, according to Jenny. All of the Wallace children are musically talented, and enjoy singing at home or on the go. “It’s like a singing road show everywhere we go,” Jenny said. Recently, Piper’s siblings joined her as extras on one of the TV commercials. “I don’t sense any jealousy or rivalry. They all have their own thing. They are all so different,” she said. “They think it’s neat when Piper is on TV.” In addition to acting, Piper sings and takes piano lessons. She also enjoys writing. Piper loves animals and decided nine months ago to become a vegetarian. Piper has made a lot of friends along her acting journey. They write each other via Google Docs to

Piper in Central Park in New York City before her callback audition for “The Grinch Musical." stay in touch. “She has made the sweetest friends,” Jenny said. “They are so supportive of each other. So far, it’s been a very good experience.” Piper said she likes to be in different productions, acting with some of the same people while also making new friends. She doesn’t get nervous when it comes time to perform before an audience. “I feel like I’m a whole different person. I try to be that character that I play.” “She has nerves of steel. It’s impressive,” Jenny added. “She’s focused, too. There’s no playing around.” After “Matilda,” Piper has several projects in the works. She will return to the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre in a role in “Macbeth.” She also has auditioned and been selected for “Annie,” scheduled in December at Murry’s. Piper dreams of performing on Broadway. “That would be really fun,” she said. “I really think I want to do acting when I grow up.” In the breaks between productions, Piper misses acting and the camaraderie with the cast. In addition, she doesn’t mind the time spent preparing and doesn’t have to be coaxed to go to rehearsal. “It’s her favorite thing to do. It’s just the path she’s on right now.” While in New York last fall, Jenny and Piper met with and signed with an agent, who is in contact with them about possible roles so she can send self-tapes for consideration. Jenny said “we are happy where we are” but pray only for the best blessing for Piper if a door should open. “It’s fun because she just loves memorizing lines and playing a character,” Jenny said. “And telling a story,” Piper added.

Piper Wallace had the lead in the Red Curtain Theatre production of “Matilda the Musical.” (Photo courtesy of SoHo Photography)

After “Matilda,” Piper has several projects in the works, including roles with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre and Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. May 2019 501lifemag.com | 63

The Howard Family of Conway: Angie and Tim with their children: Grant Thomas (seated, from left), ClaraCatherine, Giuliana; Lydia (back), Barrett and Anderson. (Mike Kemp photo)

Howard continued from Page 34 alone. The One who hires us has promised to help us. God has employed me six times over in this role, and quite honestly, I’m still trying to figure it all out. There are no instruction manuals for the gig — only on-the-job training. If you have multiple clients (as I do!), each and every one of them adds their own variation to the job description. Some days while navigating carpool schedules, mediating sibling squabbles, readjusting a teenager’s attitude and trying to stay no less than one basket ahead of the never-ending laundry pile, it’s so easy to feel like we will never be adequate at the tasks at hand. But don’t. Because, make no mistake mommas . . . with God’s help, we are most certainly an abundance of enough for them. Some days will cause you to question this; but with resolve, do not. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) states: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Our worst moments just give Him the opportunity to show up best! God will multiply your time, provide you with love and patience you didn’t know existed and give you joy on the hardest of days. He created you for this sacred task by perfectly pairing you with each of your babies in His flawless design. That stubborn streak your daughter has, He knew you could handle it because you prob64 | 501 LIFE May 2019

ably have the same resolve in you, too! The bouncing-off-the-walls ADHD tendencies your precious toddler demonstrates, God will give you creativity to channel his uniqueness and the energy to chase him. All we are asked to do is humble ourselves and draw close to Him. He will help us do the rest. What a comfort that provides when we feel 100 percent halfadequate. Read your Bibles and pray for your children. His Word is our instruction manual and our prayers an insurance policy as to parenting the next generation. Isaiah 54:13 (NIV) says, “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” The “next generation” in our home ranges from 7 months to 15 years old. It amazes me how quickly the years of raising our children fly by. You will put them to bed one night and the next morning they wake up looking three inches taller and five years older. The day you transition the closets in your home from baby hangers to adult hangers will twist your heart. It will dawn on you one evening that they haven’t crawled up in your lap with book in hand and asked that you read them a story that day. The tooth fairy will come for her first visit before you know it and her last visit before you are ready. It’s a season, mommas. Yes, it is hard some days (most days, actually!), but it is beautiful and fleeting. Enjoy the journey and blessing of motherhood and remind yourself that at the end of the day, no matter how difficult, busy or chaotic it may have been, you are more than enough for them with Him.

BEAUTY

Glowing skin always in

We all want a skincare routine we can rely on to stay at our best. When it comes to our skin, we put a lot of trust in products and professionals to help us do all we can to fight the signs of aging. We all want to hold on to that youthful look and feel as long as we can. Until most recently, only a handful of procedures were out there for people who wanted to minimize the hints of aging as they got older. The old means of thinking was that whenever lines, crow’s-feet and sagging got excessive enough, it had to be time for plastic surgery. On the contrary, times have changed a lot in the past 15 years. There has been explosive development throughout the area of non-surgical types of treatments intended for use in responding to the issues involved with aging much earlier, while not requiring surgical procedures. A growing number of women and men are starting to make use of Botox as early as their 20s as a means of protecting against the development of lines and wrinkles. As soon as they reach their 30s, Dermal Fillers like Juvederm are employed to restore and maintain fullness in the cheeks, lips and moderate to severe lines and folds that form around the mouth and nose. In the 40s and older, skin treatments such as lasers and medium depth peels are generally used in order to even your skin texture, erase sun damage and other age blotches and tighten loose skin. Which is exactly why I recommend the Clear + Brilliant laser, something a little stronger than a light chemical peel but not nearly as aggressive as CO2 laser resurfacing. The Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser treatment designed to help you fight, or even prevent, early signs of aging. It works in the surface layers of the skin and gives subtle results with little or no downtime. Clear + Brilliant uses fractional technology, which reduces recovery time by splitting the laser into many tiny beams — treating enough of the skin to get results and sparing enough to be gentle and speed recovery. The many thousands of tiny punctures (micro-injuries) made by the Clear + Brilliant laser jumpstart your body’s healing process, creating fresh, new skin.

It is the latest generation in the Fraxel Dual System, which is recognized as one of the most successful treatment options designed to help you fight, or even prevent, early signs of aging. Clear + Brilliant facilitates the removal of brown spots from the skin in a one-time therapy for extraordinary, instant results. Sun damage, freckles, age spots, melasma — any sort of dark spots can be removed from the skin of the face, neck, chest or hands in just one treatment with negligible downtime. The procedure takes around 90 minutes for a complete session, which involves application of topical numbing cream to your face prior to treatment in order to provide additional comfort. Immediately post treatment, you may experience some redness and mild swelling, but both typically diminish in about 12 hours. Over the next few days, your skin may feel tight or itchy, even sandpapery. You will also experience some sensitivity (to touch or temperature). Both are indications of the natural renewal process and typically dissipate a few days after treatment Most people return to routine activities the next day. The number of treatments you’ll need varies based on your skin concerns. Typically, most people need a series of three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. After your treatment series, plan for a series of three treatments per year. You’re likely to burn easily after a treatment, so protect your skin from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen of at least SPF30. Susan is well known for her personal attention to each and every client and for developing a treatment program or skin care regime just right for that individual. Since beginning her career in 1990, Susan Isom has received ongoing education and training in the latest developments for skin care products and treatments. She has received advanced training as a cosmetic injector with certifications from Allergan, the creators of Botox and Juvederm injectable gel fillers. Susan has received numerous awards and special recognition during her career.

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 65

BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Eddie Ramsey has joined First Service Bank as a lending manager and loan officer in Little Rock.

First Service expands team First Service Bank recently announced that Eddie Ramsey has been hired as lending manager and loan officer in its Little Rock market. “We are excited to be expanding our lending team and feel Eddie will be a great addition and will help enhance our customer experience,” said Bill Puddephatt, president of the First Service Little Rock Market. Eddie was raised in Bismarck (Hot Spring County) is a 1992 graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, where he majored in business administration and economics. He began his banking career in 1993 with the Bank of Malvern. Eddie and his wife, Holly, have called Benton their home since 1998. They have two children, Wesley Ramsey and Audrey Walley. Eddie and Holly are the proud grandparents of a grandchild, Henson Walley. Eddie has served as past board member of the Saline County Kiwanis and Habit for Humanity. “Our Little Rock team is proud to have Eddie join us and we feel strongly that his strong banking background will be an asset to our Little Rock Team, and most importantly to our customers,” said Tom Grumbles, CEO and president of First Service Bank. First Service Bank has locations in Greenbrier, Conway, Marshall, Mountain View, Dermott, Shirley, Yellville, Flippin, Clinton and Little Rock, with its headquarters in Faulkner County. A majority family owned and operated bank for 57 years, First Service employs 105 people at 10 locations in the state. 66 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Planned giving director named The University of Central Arkansas has hired Carolyn Floyd Ishee as the director of planned giving and senior director of development for the College of Education. Ishee began her duties Jan. 16. The planned giving program provides opportunities to support the university through estate or planned gifts such as bequests, charitable trusts and charitable annuities. As senior director of development for the College of Education, she is responsible for increasing support for the college and its programs. “I’m happy to be back home at my alma mater and look forward to building the planned giving program and working with Dean Groves-Scott, the faculty and staff of the College of Education to increase awareness of, and support for, the College of Education,” Ishee said. She has more than 25 years of experience in higher education advancement work, including 19 years at UCA, where she also served as director of alumni and special programs in the late 1980s. Ishee is a 1975 UCA graduate with a bachelor of science degree in education. She earned a master of liberal arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 1990. Her husband, Jimmy, serves as dean of the UCA College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. They live in Conway. For more information about the planned giving

Carolyn Floyd Ishee has been named the director of planned giving and senior director of development for the UCA College of Education. program or the College of Education, contact Carolyn Ishee at cishee@uca.edu.

UACCM partners with Snap-on The automotive technology service program at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is receiving new equipment thanks to its partnership with Snap-on Tools. The equipment adds to a collection inside UACCM’s Workforce Training Center, helping students learn the latest automotive technology and join a high-demand job market. UACCM received the equipment from John Bean, a subsidiary of Snap-on Tools, either from purchasing or borrowing as part of a loan program. UACCM’s most recent acquisition is a John Bean T5745 tire and wheel service machine, the newest instrument of its kind on the market. Along with a John Bean wheel balancing machine that will arrive in the coming weeks, Snap-on will rotate these new machines in UACCM’s automotive service laboratory with new prototypes. Howard West, an auto technology instructor at UACCM, calls this equipment state-of-theart. “The T5745 allows for student exposure to modern tire and wheel service,” he said. “Both of these technologically advanced tools, made by Snap-on, are essential for training student technicians on how to perform suspension, and tire and wheel service more effectively. Students preparing for entry-level positions will be more capable when entering into the automotive repair trade after experiencing training on this new equipment.” The prototypes come just months after

UACCM’s automotive technology service program has received new equipment through a partnership with Snap-on Tools. UACCM purchased an advanced John Bean V3400 3-D aligner from Snap-on, allowing students more opportunities in the future to train on equipment found in fully-stocked automotive shops. Instructors hope that exposing students to new equipment offers them an edge in the job market. “Original equipment manufacturer dealers, franchise owners and independent shops can all benefit from hiring our students due to the advanced training provided by our automotive instructors using these new tools,” West said.

Kemp named copywriter at ERI Katie Kemp of Conway has joined Eric Rob & Isaac as a staff copywriter. Katie works closely with the agency’s creative director and brand managers to provide copy and editing for publications, advertisements, websites, blog posts and social media. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications and a bachelor of arts degree in Katie Kemp has joined Spanish from Ouachita the staff at Eric Rob & Baptist University. She graduated from Conway Isaac as a copywriter. High School. She completed a summer internship with the agency in 2017 and has worked since then on a freelance basis while finishing her degree and spending last fall in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. She also completed a summer internship with 501 LIFE. In college, Katie served in various leadership positions on staff for the student newspaper, The Signal, including as editor-in-chief. She also spent semesters abroad in Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Conway Corp announces promotions

Kaleb Barkley has been promoted to Apprentice Meterman 2.

Si Anthony has been promoted to Apprentice Lineman 4.

Lance Heer has been promoted to Apprentice Lineman 4.

Conway Corp recently announced the promotion of several employees in the Electric Department. Trey Brown and Paul Langley were promoted to Apprentice Lineman 2, and Si Anthony and Lance Heer were promoted to Apprentice Lineman 4. In addition, Kaleb Barkley was promoted to Apprentice Meterman 2. The employees are enrolled in a four-year apprentice program to become journeymen linemen and metermen through the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. The program requires classroom, correspondence and hands-on training with monthly and annual exams on electric curricu-

Paul Langley has been promoted to Apprentice Lineman 2.

Trey Brown has been promoted to Apprentice Lineman 2.

lum. They must attend hands-on immersion skills training workshops, including pole climbing, pole top rescue and bucket truck training at the National Utility Industry Training Fund facilities in Kansas City. “These guys have been valuable members of our department for years,” said Electric Distribution System Manager Jim Moore. “Going through this program is another example of their dedication to the company and our community.” Anthony and Heer have been with the company since 2013, while Langley started in 2014. Barkley and Brown will celebrate four years with Conway Corp in August.

ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE COURSES AVAILABLE

May 2019 501lifemag.com | 67

SPORTS

Inaugural inductees Conway sports hall of fame names 12 The inaugural induction banquet for the Conway High School Wampus Cat Sports Hall of Fame will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Conway High School cafeteria. Organizers are expecting a sellout crowd. The Class of 2019 consists of 12 Wampus Cats: Marvin Delph, Henry Hawk, Tim Horton, Julie Jiska Seymour, Greg Lasker, Mike Neuhofel, Mike New, J.B. Pendergraft, Lawson Pilgrim, Ernest Ruple, Kenny Smith and Dandra Thomas. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by contacting Conway High athletic department secretary Beth Fluesmeier at fluesmeb@conwayschools.net or 501.450.6631. Additional information is available on the Wampus Cat Sports Hall of Fame page on Facebook.The address to mail a check is: Conway High Athletic Dept, attn Beth, 2300 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034. If mailing a check, make it payable to: Wampus Cat Booster Club. Sponsorships are available for $750 that get the sponsor one banquet table (8 tickets), two tickets to a special pre-event reception, a half-page ad in the program, and recognition from the podium and in other communication about the event. Let us know if you are interested in a sponsorship. Proceeds from the event go to support the booster club and thus Conway High athletics. Sponsors include Centennial Bank, Conway Corp, Virco, First Security Bank, Smith Ford, Conner & Sartain, Peak Performance Academy, Central Baptist College, Lasker Construction, Drs. David Naylor and Brock King, Conway Wealth Management and Steve Strange Sr.

Marvin Delph – CHS Class of 1974 Delph helped the Wampus Cats win state AAA basketball championships in 1973 and 1974. He was voted state tournament MVP both years. Delph attended the University of Arkansas, where he joined Sidney Moncrief and Ron Brewer as they became known as the famed “Triplets,” leading the Hogs to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships and the 1978 NCAA Final Four. Delph was drafted into the NBA in 1978 by the Buffalo Braves and in 1979 by the Boston Celtics. However, he did not play in the NBA, 68 | 501 LIFE May 2019

opting to play internationally with Athletes in Action, a Christian-based team out of California. He has been inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, the SWC Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Henry Hawk – CHS Class of 1956 Hawk won the Frank E. Robins Award for outstanding senior athlete in 1956. He was named all-state in football and basketball, as well as excelling at track for the Wampus Cats. Hawk was also an outstanding Golden Gloves amateur boxer. He continued his athletic career at the University of Central Arkansas, earning all All-AlC honors in both football and track. Hawk signed a contract with the Canadian Football League, but returned to Arkansas to start a coaching career that lasted two decades. He has been a world-class distance runner for decades, in multiple events from 800 meters to 50 miles. He participated in 10 straight Boston Marathons. He has won dozens of national titles over the years. His training and exercise programs have been nationally recognized, and he has served on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Hawk has been inducted into seven halls of fame.

100-meter dash in 1986. When he graduated in 1986, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Arkansas. He was a four-year letterman from 1986-1989. He helped the Hogs to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships. Horton is the running backs coach at Vanderbilt University.

Julie Jiskra Seymour – CHS Class of 87 Jiskra was a three-time state cross country champion, and a two-time state champion in the 800-meters, 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters. At the Meet of Champs, Jiskra won the 1,600 three consecutive years, setting the state record of 5:01.1 as a junior in 1986. She helped the Wampus Cats win the 1986 state cross country championship and state track and field titles in 1986 and 1987. She also played basketball and golf. Jiskra received an athletic scholarship to Rice University. In 1991, she earned NCAA Division I All-American honors in the 10,000 meters, finishing fourth at the outdoor championships. She was also named an Academic All-American. Still competing, Jiskra was the Cat 2 Women’s South Carolina State Mountain Bike Champion in 2017 and age group Marathon Mountain Bike National Champion in 2018.

Tim Horton – CHS Class of 1986

Gregory Lasker – CHS Class of 1982

When Harold Horton took the University of Central Arkansas football job in 1982, Conway got one of the great coaches in Bear history. Conway also got his son, Tim, then in junior high, who became one of the great athletes in Wampus Cat history. The younger Horton was a football and track star at CHS. He was named all-state tailback in 1984 and 1985. He was also a standout sprinter, setting the school record in the

As a junior, Lasker led the Wampus Cats to the 1981 AAAA state track championship, taking first in the 100 and 220-yard dashes and as part of the mile relay. He later won the 100 at the Meet of Champs. As a senior, Lasker won four events at the state meet - the 100, 200 and 400 meters and as part of the 1,600-meter relay. He then won the 100 and 200 at the Meet of Champs. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas where he was a four-year starter at safety

for the Razorbacks from 1982-1985. As a freshman, he also did a little fill-in work for John McDonnell’s track team, running a few 1600-meter relays. The New York Giants selected him in the second round of the 1986 draft. He played three seasons in the NFL and was a member of the Super Bowl XXI championship team.

Mike Neuhofel – CHS Class of 1985 Like many kids growing up in Conway, Neuhofel played a multitude of sports, but it was in the pool where he achieved a level of success that few can match. He began swimming with Bob Courtway and the Hendrix Aquakids at the relatively late age of 14. He also swam for the Little Rock Racquet Club Dolphins, travelling throughout the United States to compete. Standing 6’6”, Neuhofel became a high school AllAmerican swimmer at Conway High and a four-time junior national champion. After weighing several scholarship offers, Neuhofel signed to swim for the University of Arkansas. He became a 10-time All-American and was named the Razorback’s most valuable swimmer from 1986-1988. He was a member of the United States National Team from 1986-1988 and was internationally ranked in 1987 and 1988. He was a finalist at the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials. Neuhofel has been inducted into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame.

Mike New – CHS Class of 1969

New quarterbacked the Wampus Cats to 20 wins over two seasons, going 10-1 in 1967 and 10-2 in 1968. The 1967 squad won the Region 3AA West conference championship. New was twice an all-state selection in football and played in the 1969 all-star game. He also earned All-American honors as a senior. New was an allstate basketball player and also ran track. As a senior, his teammates selected him as co-captain in both football and basketball. New was recruited by colleges from all over the country, but chose the University of Arkansas. As a freshman, New was moved to defensive back. Wanting to play quarterback, he transferred to the University of Central Arkansas where he lettered in 1971. New served as an assistant coach at Conway High from 1975-1979. He had a long and distinguished career as a football referee and has been inducted into the Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame.

J.B. Pendergraft – CHS Class of 1966 Pendergraft was one of the best all-around athletes to ever come out of Conway High School. An all-state basketball player, he was also an outstanding sprinter on the track team. In football, he was a key member of the most celebrated team in Wampus Cat history. As a junior in 1964, Pendergraft was a two-way starter for the undefeated state champions. Pendegraft originally signed with the University of Arkansas and played for their freshman team, the Shoats, in 1966. He transferred to UCA, where he lettered from 1968-1970. Pendergraft later served as a coach in the Conway School District.

Lawson Pilgrim – CHS Class of 1976 Pilgrim was simply a winner on the basketball court. From the seventh through 12th grades, his teams went a combined 141-11. As a sophomore, he was a starter on Conway’s 1974 AAA state championship squad. As a senior, he was a part of one of the greatest teams in state history. The 1976 Wampus Cats captured the AAA state championship, with Pilgrim earning tournament MVP honors. The Cats then won the school’s only overall title, finishing the season a perfect 36-0. Pilgrim went to the University of Arkansas, where he lettered as a freshman. He then transferred back home to Hendrix College. Hendrix coach Cliff Garrison said Pilgrim was one of the greatest competitors he ever saw in his 41 years of coaching. Pilgrim went on to play internationally for Athletes in Action. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor.

Ernest Ruple – CHS Class of 1963 Ruple was an all-state football player in 1962 and a standout on the track team, where he set a school record in the discus while helping the Wampus Cats win the 1963 state championship. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of

Arkansas. Freshmen were ineligible to play with the varsity in those days, but Ruple was a member of the team when the Razorbacks won the 1964 national championship. Pittsburgh drafted Ruple in the second round of the 1968 NFL draft with the 36th overall selection. He played two seasons with the Steelers. Ruple later got into coaching and returned to his alma mater as an assistant. He was named head football coach of the Wampus Cats in 1975.

Kenny Smith – CHS Class of 1967 As a football player, Smith was a member of Conway High School’s 1964 state championship team and was a cocaptain as a senior in 1966. He also played basketball for the Cats. He later played football at the University of Central Arkansas, where he lettered for the Bears as a lineman in 1970. Smith then began a coaching career that took him to stops in North Little Rock, Cabot and Magnolia. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant football coach in 1984 and got his dream job in 1991 when he was named head football coach of the Conway High School Wampus Cats. He is the longest tenured coach in school history, serving 18 years from 1991-2008.

Dandra Thomas – CHS Class of 1994 Thomas was a basketball, volleyball and track star at Conway High and was honored in 1994 with the inaugural Ruth Doyle Award for outstanding female senior athlete. Her ninth grade basketball team at Conway Junior High began the program’s remarkable 140game winning streak. As a sophomore, she led the Lady Cats to their first state final appearance. She also earned all-state honors in volleyball. Her versatility was further showcased in track & field, where she ran the 400, high jumped and threw the discus. After high school, Thomas signed to play basketball at Oral Roberts University and later transferred to UCA, where she played both basketball and volleyball for the Sugar Bears. She passed away in 2003 at age 27. May 2019 501lifemag.com | 69

SPORTS

Nineteen-year-old Russ Campbell enjoyed rodeo bronc riding and had success in the sport.

Memorial rodeo

Young man was ‘living the life he loved’ by Sonja J. Keith

Russ Campbell had a love of people and rodeo. In May, family and friends will remember the teenager at the inaugural Russ Campbell Memorial Scholarship Rodeo. The memorial rodeo is planned Saturday, May 18, at the 2 Bar 2 Arena, also known as the Crossroads Cowboy Church, in El Paso (White County). The preshow begins at 5:30 p.m., with the main performance at 7. Russ, a son of Todd Campbell of Conway and Cindy Campbell of Damascus, was 19 when he died on Mother’s Day last year. He and a friend, Tyler Smith, were returning from a rodeo to spend the holiday with their moms when their vehicle crossed the center line in Boone County and hit a vehicle head-on. Russ and Tyler died at the scene. Russ was a 2016 graduate of South Side High School at Bee Branch. His brother, Riley, is a senior at South Side. Among his rodeo awards and honors, Russ qualified to attend the National High School Rodeo Finals in Wyoming and was awarded best Bronc Rider in Arkansas in 2017. He attended Neo University in Oklahoma, but later decided to pursue his dreams of travel and rodeo full time. Todd said his son was loving his work, “cowboying for a living,” and still competing at rodeos. The idea to create a memorial rodeo was born shortly after the funeral for Russ. Todd was approached on a couple of occasions by friends – including Terry Horn and Kevin Meek – to plan a memorial rodeo. “I felt like everything was in place and it seemed to be what was supposed to happen,” he said. A non-profit organization called the Russ Campbell Foundation was estab70 | 501 LIFE May 2019

lished. In addition to Todd, board members are Kevin Meek, Terry Horn, Crystal Meek, Darin Lively, Shane Fryar, Mark Orgier, Drew Johnson, Kolt Forinash, Nathan Powers, Shai Meek, Chantel Lively and Staci Orgier. Todd was adamant that the rodeo generate funds to be used for scholarships for young people pursuing a college, junior college or vocational education. Proceeds will also be used to help young people interested in rodeo. “We just want to help young people get a start in life with these scholarships,” he said. The memorial event has been sanctioned by four associations – ACRA (American Cowboy Rodeo Association), CRRA (Cowboys Regional Rodeo Association), ACA (Arkansas Cowboys Association) and ARA (Arkansas Rodeo Association). Russ belonged to each. According to Todd, two associations typically sanction an event, but he feels having four is a testament to his son. A memorial rodeo for his son’s friend who was also killed is planned the following weekend. “It’s surreal to see your son’s name listed as a memorial rodeo (on the online list of rodeos),” he said. “Sadly, there are more memorial rodeos for young people.” Next year, the Russ Campbell Memorial Rodeo will be moved to the Saturday of Mother’s Day to coincide with the date of the tragic accident. Todd is appreciative of everyone who has helped in the planning of the rodeo, the volunteers and those who have made donations. He said that working on the event has kept him busy and occupied his mind. But, nothing can truly help with the tremendous loss. Growing up, Todd was interested in rodeo but did not have an opportunity to participate. He said Russ started mutton busting when he was 6 or 7, but decided to focus on baseball when he was ages 8 to 10. When he was older, after

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attending a rodeo and watching it on television, Russ wanted to try calf roping and later decided to pursue saddle bronc riding. When he was 14, over a Labor Day weekend, Todd took Russ to Lyle Sankey’s Rodeo School in Kansas so “could get an idea of whether he liked it.” Todd recalls on the final day Russ had a chance on a bronc. “It ran straight for the fence…The bronc put the brakes on and he slammed up against the panels…He got up and said, ‘I like this.’” The following month, Russ broke his arm in his first rodeo. “For a lot of people, that would’ve sealed the deal, but not for him.” Russ had to wait eight weeks before he could return to rodeo. “He came right back at it.” Todd and Russ were “pretty tight” and had a special connection. “He and I had the same outlook on things. We didn’t get bothered by a whole lot at all.” He said Russ “always had a smile that would stick in your mind.” He described his son as extremely outgoing. “He never met a stranger, never. He would talk to anybody.” The two would sometimes talk about their outlook on life. “I would tell him, ‘Live, don’t just exist’ and that was his motto moving forward. That’s a message that touches all of us,” Todd said. “We forget to live. It’s not about possessions. It’s about the memories we make when we are alive.” Todd recalled reading an article about Steve Jobs and his perspective on life right before his death. “We have to make that conscious choice to live and he (Russ) did,” he said, wiping away tears. “I envy him for that.” Todd was 19 when his dad passed away after battling cancer. “At that time, I thought a piece of me died. I still miss him,” he said. “When you hear one of your children is gone a piece of you literally dies.” He said he has a better understanding of what parents who have children battling serious illnesses go through. “It’s not something I would wish on the worst of people.” Todd is thankful that at the end of his son’s funeral service, held at Bee Branch Baptist Church, that one of the directors asked the family to stand and turn around. What he, Russ’ mom and brother saw, was every pew on every aisle filled and the foyer full of people paying their respects. “That was pretty amazing to know your 19-year-old son touched that many people in one way or another.” Russ “enjoyed life and he made people around him enjoy life,” according to his dad, who recalled a conversation he had with his son one time and a comment about “loving the life I live.” He said Russ was “living the life he loved. That’s what he was doing.”

JOIN US FOR A HOPPING GOOD TIME! 5K/10K/Tadpole Trot Saturday, May 4 - Conway, Arkansas register and get info toadsuckrun.com

Tickets for the Russ Campbell Memorial Rodeo, scheduled Saturday, May 18, can be purchased at the gate. To make a donation, contribute a silent auction item or become a sponsor, call 501.505.6049.

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SPORTS

White County: Natalie As a toddler, she delighted in rolling and chasing balls, gleefully enjoying their feel and every bounce and turn. To her parents and their friends, therefore, the excellence in and commitment to athletics that have surfaced over the decades are hardly surprising. Basketball and softball have been special Dr. Robert beneficiaries of Natalie Reising Martin Shock’s exemplary life-long devotion Dr. Robert Reising retired from the University of Central to sports, one that has Arkansas in 2013 after holding a earned her well-deserved variety of teaching, coaching and administrative posts during more respect in and beyond than a half-century in education. “The Natural State.” His doctoral dissertation at Duke treated literature and sports. Born in Searcy on Oct. 10, 1963, Natalie was the only child of sports-loving parents. She formally fell under her father’s coaching influence after transferring from Harding Academy to Judsonia Junior High in 1975. During her first three years under Coach David Leon Martin’s tutelage, she developed physically as well as athletically. At JJHS, she prepared for three subsequent seasons of stardom. At Judsonia High School, she enjoyed what one sportswriter has aptly labeled “an illustrious basketball career . . . marked by several ‘firsts’ . . . [including ] the first JHS athlete to be named an AllStater as a sophomore [and] . . . the first JHS athlete to be named to an Arkansas Gazette girls’ Super Team.” Her statistics deserve no less praise: 1,838 career points, an 18 point-per-game career average and a career high single game 41 points. Her scoring prowess, however, should mislead no one. Although only 5-foot-8, Natalie mastered every

Shock

The Judsonia girls basketball team.

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 final installment in the second series. 72 | 501 LIFE May 2019

The NAIA District 17 Champions in 1983-84: Monica Wells (front, from left), Jeanne Pearrow, Natalie Martin, Terri Conder, Mary Kay Parr; Rhonda Marvel (middle), Vickie Patterson, Sue Burton, Crystal Parish, Vickie Magdefrau; Janie Worm (back), Ann Beck, Carol Jones, Dale Dennis and Liz Hawkins.

get f ra m e d at

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

The Judsonia Senior Girls Basketball Team: Jennifer McAdams (front, from left), Jane Ellen Wood, Tammy Bolding, Teresa Robbins, Vickie Bailey; Debbie Nixon (back), Cherry Norris, Cindy Hubach, Natalie Martin, Pam Bailey and Coach David Martin. demand of the sport and could play all five of its positions. Two other offensive feats, therefore, scream for attention: she was JHS’s leading rebounder in both her junior and her senior seasons and its assists leader in all three of her varsity years. Not surprisingly, her outstanding all-around play earned her a place on the All-District Team three consecutive years and the All-County, the All-State and the Mid-Arkansas Tournament Teams two each. Nor did national recognition escape her excellence: as a senior, she was among the 1981 Girls All-America Honorable Mention selections. In the fall of that year, after rejecting offers from several schools, including the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State, Natalie took her talents (as well as her honors diploma) to the University of Central Arkansas, where she continued her stellar basketball play. Her seasons under Coach Ron Marvel proved as successful as those overseen by her father. Her scoring stats again sparkled, earning her 12th place among the top point-makers in the history of UCA Women’s Basketball. Amassing 1,386 points in her career, she averaged better than 12 points per outing, twice pouring more than 30 points through the nets in a contest. Yet her ability to record assists was even more spectacular. Her 623 career total remains the program high, and was key not merely in gaining her All-American honors but in bringing the Sugar Bears four post-season appearances and 96 victories in 116 games. She was never a 12-month-a-year “gym rat, however.” Softball was her passion during basketball’s off-seasons. Starting in her teens and continuing through 1995, she played the outdoor sport at its most competitive levels, and garnered a host of honors, including early-in-her-career designation as an All-American. Heralded in 1992 as one of Arkansas’s most talented players, Natalie accepted a late-spring invitation to try for a place on one of the South’s most successful teams — the perennial women’s softball power out of San Antonio: Cannan’s Illusion. Surviving a competition involving hundreds of candidates,

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she emerged as the team’s regular shortstop in a campaign featuring the championship of the prestigious Busch Classic, a tournament requiring five consecutive victories. Essentially, at age 29, Natalie was a member of “The Women’s Softball Champions of the South.” Eight years of effective teaching and coaching at White County Central High preceded an invitation she found irresistible: a return to her alma mater to launch a Softball Program. In 1996, after a year of planning and preparing, Natalie fielded her first team, and enjoyed a remarkable 14-win season, the Sugar Bears winning as many contests as they lost. The program was off on the proverbial right foot, thanks to Natalie, who went on to win 109 games in 11 seasons. In 1995, she accepted a second invitation from her alma mater, this one in sports administration. Today she serves as UCA’s associate athletic director, with key responsibilities featuring women’s sports. During the past 24 years, those sports across the nation have had a matchless friend and force in Natalie Martin Shock. White County and 501 are proud her roots lie in their soil.

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SPORTS

‘Titanic’ opportunity UCA student first to land NFL internship

UCA student Chris Coover will be working as an intern with the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League. (Mike Kemp photo) by Mark Oliver

University of Central Arkansas senior athletic training student Chris Coover recently became one of five athletic trainers selected to receive an internship with the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League — an opportunity of a lifetime for a young man with a passion to help athletes. Like many young men in Northwest Arkansas, Coover — a Rogers native — grew up playing any sport he could get his hands on. As his high school career neared its end, however, the senior pondered a way to continue with athletics as his future. “Going into my senior year of high school, I had a sit-down with myself and realized that while playing college sports would be fun, it wasn’t going to take me to the level where I wanted to be,” Coover said. “That was when I made the decision to focus on my education, instead. I worked with my athletic trainer in high school and became very interested in the profession, as it keeps me around sports while 74 | 501 LIFE May 2019

also involving me in the medical field. “I went online and looked up the top sports medicine programs in the state and decided that for the cost, staff and potential mentors in the field, UCA was the best choice for me.” As an athletic training student in Conway, Coover received valuable guidance and mentorship from David Strickland and Steve Hornor, and began learning a new angle of the game he grew to love for so many years. “When I got into the profession, I knew that I wanted to help college or professional football players because I have loved the game from a young age,” Coover said. “When it comes to football, there’s a lot more responsibility than with other sports. From ankles to knees and necks, there are a lot of injuries and more opportunities to gain valuable first-hand experience. “I feel that my time with UCA football positioned me ahead of other students in other programs because of the opportunities I had to grow my lead-

ership qualities, to lead my fellow students in daily tasks and to take constructive criticism well.” While growing his abilities at UCA, Coover also set a goal to grow the next generation of athletic trainers across the 501. The senior serves as parliamentarian of the Central Arkansas Athletic Training Student Association at UCA, while also serving as president of the state association. “At UCA, I made a constitution for our organization and helped us become a registered student organization on campus so that we could bring in speakers and get the community involved in what we are doing,” Coover said. “I also serve as president of the Arkansas Athletic Training Student Association, where we recently held a panel discussion with the executive board of neighboring universities and the general body to get students more involved and prepare them for the field of athletic training.” When it came time to search for his next opportunity in athletic training, Coover took a chance at representing one of the biggest athletics leagues in

the nation. “While at UCA, I learned about the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society — or PFATS,” Coover said. “I worked with some of our staff members to perfect my resume and cover letter, and sent them out to numerous teams to see if they were interested. I knew that these teams received hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants each year. Because of that, it’s easy to shy away from big opportunities like this, but sometimes you just have to take the leap. The way I saw it, the worst thing that can happen is that they say no. And if that happens, you keep your head up, improve yourself and go right back and try again.” Coover’s next phone call presented the senior with the opportunity of a lifetime. “I was in the athletic training room, rehabbing an athlete, when I got a call from a random number,” Coover said. “I almost didn’t answer it, but I did, and it ended up being Salvador Lopez, an assistant athletic trainer with the Tennessee Titans. I walked out onto ‘the Stripes’ and probably paced up and down the field three times while talking to him. After the call, he offered me the position, and I remember standing there in awe on the field. I couldn’t believe it. “When I sent out my resume, I didn’t know if anything would come from it because UCA was a smaller school. I went back into the athletic training room and talked to Dave Strickland about it and then called my mom and told her about the opportunity. Thirty minutes later, I called back and accepted the offer.” This summer, Coover will officially become the newest member of the Tennessee Titans organization. Before his journey to Nashville can begin, however, Coover says there is still much left to do in the 501. “The next few months are busy for me,” Coover said. “In April, I will take my board certification exam, which will allow me to get my licensure in Tennessee. I’ll graduate from UCA in May this year, and then I’ll move to Nashville and start up with the Titans beginning in July.” Soon, Coover will be working on and off the gridiron with names and faces that he only used to see on television and video games. Despite working with football celebrities, however, Coover is focused

David Strickland (from left), Jane Coover (mother), Chris Coover and Steve Hornor. In February, Coover was presented with the UCA CLAWS (Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students) award by UCA President Houston Davis, celebrating his efforts with the athletic training program and his historic opportunity to intern with the NFL.

“ I know that this

opportunity will be a huge time commitment for me with early mornings and late nights, and I have to be on top of my game day in and day out in order to be successful.

”

— Chris Coover on the job he has been asked to do. “Being able to work with elite NFL performers like Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry on a firstname basis is something I’m looking forward to,” Coover said. “As a young athletic trainer, however, I think that it’s important for me to stay the course and never lose sight of what I’m there for — to be an intern for the Titans and not to get lost in the bright lights of Nashville. “I know that this opportunity will be a huge

time commitment for me with early mornings and late nights, and I have to be on top of my game day in and day out in order to be successful.” The future is bright for Coover, 21, who sets his sights on moving up the athletic training ladder within the NFL. “Getting my foot in the door is just the first step for me,” Coover said. “When you get to this level, the competition is very real. Out of hundreds of applicants, the Titans only selected five, including me. The next step for me is to go up there and make a name for myself, represent UCA and network with those guys so that when I apply for a seasonal position, that I have the references I need to take me to the next level.” In February, Coover was presented with the UCA CLAWS (Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students) award by UCA President Houston Davis, celebrating his efforts with the athletic training program and his historic opportunity to intern with the NFL — the first in UCA athletic training history. “Nothing in life comes easy,” Coover said. “You have to go get it. My father died when I was 7, and I was raised in a single-mother household. My sister and I had to grow up at a young age. I took those hardships into high school sports and into college and set goals for myself and never gave up. I would like to thank my mom for her continuous support over the years as well as David Strickland, Steve Hornor and my friends and mentors at UCA — Kaci Griffin, Aaron Smith and Ellen Epping — for their continued support. I would also like to thank Jon Cook and Tom Williams, my high school basketball coaches, who helped me grow into the leader and man that I am today. Each of these people played a big part in me getting to where I am today, and I couldn’t have done it without them.” May 2019 501lifemag.com | 75

Spend a day with mom in the 501

76 | 501 LIFE May 2019

When it comes to mothers, I scored. I hit the mother lode, the jackpot. I hit it out of the park or whatever other over used colloquialism phrase I can find to describe how blessed I am to have two wonderful mothers in my life — my mom, Peggy Hoggard, and my mother-in-law, Joanne Henderson. Both Linda precious women are gifts Henderson from heaven. Not only do I have reason to celebrate Jim and Linda Henderson are lifelong residents of the my mothers, but I also 501. During the week, Jim has want to honor the other a construction business and beautiful mothers in my Linda is a registered nurse at the Conway Human Development life. I have awesome Center. On the weekends, they sisters-in-law and friends travel the 501 and other areas of Arkansas. Jim drives and who daily model what it hauls equipment. Linda takes is to be an amazing mom photographs of Arkansas. During their travels, they have gained and grandmother. appreciation and love for The How do you say Natural State. They have found thank you to the woman the 501 has so much to offer for weekend fun and beauty to who gave birth to you, photograph. cared for you your whole life, sacrificed her needs and wants for you? How do you thank the woman who raised a wonderful godly man for you to marry? I think the best gift is your time and time spent together. There are so many great places in this Natural State to spend time together — like a trip to the Delta, a day trip to our state’s urban areas or a backwoods adventure in the Ozarks. Recently, I visited the SoMa (South Main Street) neighborhood in Little Rock, and I think it would be the ideal spot to spend time celebrating your mother. SoMa is one of Little Rock’s fastest growing neigh-

borhoods. The region centers on and around South Main Street (south of I-630) to Roosevelt Road. The area is filled with retail stores, antiques shops, a creamery, bakeries, garden centers, restaurants, parks, art exhibits and historical homes. SoMa has much to offer, but the highlight of my visit to the area was the ESSE Purse Museum. The museum is an Arkansas treasure. There are only three purse museums in the world, in Seoul, South Korea, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and in “little old” Little Rock, Ark. The museum was established by Anita Davis in 2013. It is so much more than a place to house and display purses. It is a showcase of American history during the 20th century. Ever-changing style handbags present women’s history in America from 1900 to 1999. Not only are there historical photos of women displayed there, but also examples of pocketbook contents, such as personal hygiene items and candy and important personal documentation. As technology, styles and manufacturing evolves, so do the items found in a woman’s purse. The story of what was happening in America is seen in the lady’s bags, from the influences of war, segregation, pop culture and women working outside the home. Purses were petite, heavily beaded, not practical and very expensive in 1900. Only wealthy women carried clutches. A lady’s handbag only needed space for a few essentials. In the mid- and late-20th century, as more women entered the workforce, bags got larger and more utilitarian. Space was needed to carry work items and many more crucial items like baby bottles, pacifiers and eventually cell phones and laptops. During my visit, I met women from all over the United States who had travelled to Little Rock to visit family and friends but also the ESSE Purse Museum. I loved the bits of conversation I heard. “Oh Mama, Grandma carried a purse just like this one to church.” “When I was a little girl, I wanted a purse just like this one.” “Oh, look at this one, I had one just like this.” I must admit I spent much more time at the Purse Museum than I planned to. There was just so much to see, read and enjoy, as well as memories to recall from childhood, teen years and early adulthood, all brought on by the purses displayed at the museum. So, if you need the ideal place to show the moms in your life that you appreciate, love and admire them, spend time with them. I highly recommend the ESSE Purse Museum at 1510 South Main Street in Little Rock. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10, with student, senior and military discounts. A retail store is also attached to the museum with unique items and purses to purchase. If you are unable to physically be with your mom on this Mother’s Day, a phone call counts as time spent together. If your mom is no longer on this earth, then thank God for her and find another mom to spend time with.

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78 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Taylor Hardester Troop: 6717 Years in Girl Scouting: 7

Among the Girl Scout outings Taylor enjoyed were FBI Camp and a trip to Walt Disney World. “We went to Disney World after ninth grade, and we did all the planning,” she said. “My most memorable moment was when we all went to Disney World because we had so much fun and it brought us closer.” The MEdia Journey in 2014 was also one of her favorite Girl Scout experiences “because we made a video about how the media defines beauty and shared it with others.” Her Girl Scout troop service projects included helping to make meals at Bethlehem House, helping to plant trees and volunteering at EcoFest. “Girl Scouts has influenced my life by teaching me how to be a leader and how to come up with ideas to help our community. It has also given me the chance to make good friends.”

Profiles from Page 26

Haley Hornecker Troop: 6717 Years in Girl Scouting: 3

Haley said a trip to Hot Springs over spring break was a highlight for her while a Girl Scout. “We visited Garvan Gardens and the National Park on Bathhouse Row.” Her favorite was the first aid badge. “It was my favorite because I got to lead it with one of my good friends.” Among the service projects she participated in was making breakfast sandwiches at Bethlehem House. Her most memorable moment in Girl Scouting was “selling Girl Scout cookies in the freezing cold.” Haley said Girl Scouting has influenced her life in several ways. “It taught me to always be kind and how to be a leader. It taught me all kinds of ways to help others and make more friends, which is amazing.” May 2019 501lifemag.com | 79

NEIGHBORS special friends

A blessing

Tiptoe enjoys ‘job’ at school

Kindergarten students and staff at Anne Watson Elementary School with Tiptoe, an educational assistance dog. (Sonja Keith photo) by Sonja J. Keith

Students at Anne Watson Elementary School near Bigelow have a new friend who is eager to greet them each school day. Principal Amy Jones and Tiptoe, a cute and lovable educational assistance dog, are stationed at the entrance every day to welcome students. “She stands with me every morning and we greet every kid as they get off the bus. They just light up when they see her,” Jones said. “She gets a couple hundred hugs each morning. “It’s the favorite part of my day and probably hers too.” Jones was inspired to add an educational assistance dog at Anne Watson by other schools who have had success, including several in the Vilonia School District. In particular, she contacted Andy Pennington, principal at Frank Mitchell Intermediate School, to get his help. When Jones approached the school district about Tiptoe, she discovered a policy for an educational assistance dog had to be written. After making the request for her school, East End School District 80 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Superintendent Lori Edgin and school board president Brandon Akridge accompanied her on a trip to Vilonia schools to see firsthand how an educational assistance dog works. “I’m very passionate about this, and it’s working.” Tiptoe is a Golden Doodle who was named by students at the school. Jones and Tiptoe are working with trainer Kathie Ball of Ward, who operates Loving Dog Training. She meets Jones in Conway for training sessions. “She (Tiptoe) and I practice the skills,” Jones said. “I get as much training as she does. I’ve learned so much in this process, way more than I ever thought.” Tiptoe has already completed several classes and learned a variety of skills. She has passed her Canine Good Citizen Test and will soon begin service animal training. Jones said students sometimes have problems that they internalize and are reluctant to share with her or the school counselor. Tiptoe helps break down those barriers. “It’s amazing how they will pet the dog and open up,” she said. “You never will be able to measure the impact.”

At the school, Tiptoe has been used as a behavior incentive. For example, if a student having difficulties can turn their day around, they can visit Tiptoe in the principal’s office at the end of the day. Older students can also earn an opportunity to help feed and care for Tiptoe. Teachers, too, have found it therapeutic to “love on her” for a minute or two. “You just can’t help but want to pet her and cuddle her.” Students are encouraged to pet Tiptoe with one hand so as not to interfere with other school instruction or activities. “She’s not to be a distraction,” Jones said. “We tell students to ‘pet and walk’ in the hall so we don’t slow down the process of school. We’ve had to learn, but it’s been good. They are all over her, and she loves it.” Tiptoe was 12 weeks old last fall when she started attending Anne Watson. Tiptoe’s mom, Willow, was already the Jones Family pet. When Willow had puppies, Tiptoe was picked from the litter, with the idea that she would serve at the school. “I remember holding her as a puppy and thinking God has big plans for you, because I just felt strongly that this is what she was meant to do.”

Students picked the name Tiptoe. When she is not at school, Tiptoe is with the Jones Family. Tiptoe seems eager to get to school to fulfill her role, according to Jones. “She hops in the car each morning,” she said. “This is her job.” When she is not in a classroom or in the hall, Tiptoe is in the principal’s office, ready to respond to a need. Jones said that Tiptoe loves being around the students so much that sometimes she will whine if she sees them in the hall. “She likes to be out with all of us.” Tiptoe has also been a hit with older students, when Jones has taken her to Bigelow High School for meetings or a recent pep rally. “She enjoys the attention and love.” Funding for Tiptoe has been raised through special events at the school, including two dances (one named a Fur Ball) and a pajama day. Jones pays for Tiptoe’s food, with the money raised used for training, shots and other materials. Jones is also researching possible grants, and added that the school board did not want district funds used for Tiptoe. Hair of the Dog in Conway donates grooming

Tiptoe, dressed for a school pep rally, with Principal Amy Jones. services for Tiptoe, since she is associated with the school. Jones has been pleased with how Tiptoe has interacted with students and staff in her first year at

school, and how they have responded to her. “She has been such a blessing to our school,” she said. “She’s just amazing. We are already seeing so many positive results with our students.”

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May 2019 501lifemag.com | 81

CITY: Holland community (Faulkner County).

NEIGHBORS person of the month

WORK: Labor and Delivery, Conway Regional Medical Center.

Sarah Duck

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Volunteer instructor

for community education at Lifechoices, Conway. Extra work with hospital programs: Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, Perinatal Bereavement team, American Heart Association Instructor and NRP Instructor (Neonatal Resuscitation Program).

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Central Baptist Church; small group leader for fourth grade girls @ Uptown Central on Sunday nights. FAMILY: Married to Jim for almost 22 years; son, Jacob (16), and daughter, Carlie (10).

EDUCATION: Bachelor of science degree in nursing, Arkansas Tech University, 1997. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I love that the 501 area has so many great

activities for families to become involved with and how these places become a part of your family. My job at CRHS, my kids’ extra-curricular activities and their schools and our church have all given us so many opportunities to form close friendships. It’s very rare that we can go anywhere in the 501 and not run into someone that we know.

MORE INFORMATION: Both of my kids are adopted and it’s pretty cool to see how amazing God’s perfect plan is. We struggled with infertility for several years and had no idea that the whole time God was up to something bigger than we could understand. We are forever thankful for two birthmothers who chose life and chose us. It’s pretty amazing because unless we tell people, you would never know they are adopted because they look just like both of us.

Sarah Duck started her nursing career 22 years ago at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in the NICU. “I loved my job there, but I was on a rotating schedule where I worked days and nights and really wanted to be closer to home. I saw a position post at Conway Regional for a full-time L&D day shift position and figured there was no way I would get the job, but I decided to apply. I realize now that God was opening a door to a place that He wanted me to serve. I fell in love with Labor and Delivery and I am absolutely blessed to be in a position where I can serve new mothers on one of the most special days of their life. We have an amazing team of doctors, nurses and support staff, so I honestly can’t imagine working anyplace else.” (Mike Kemp photo) 82 | 501 LIFE May 2019

Every Mother’s Day reminds me just how thankful I am for the two women who gave me a chance to be a mama...and am loving every second of it!

Celebrating Our #1 In addition to being the only hospital in Conway that uses state-of-theart 3D mammography, Conway Regional was named #1 in the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health* in 2018. While we’re

One Team. One Promise.

proud of our awards, our team is driven by something more: you. 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 the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health

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all in one place. We’re committed to Arkansas and to the people who live here. That’s why we created an entire site dedicated to our home state. Visit OnlyInArk.com for everything from great road trips and fun festivals to local culture and more. When your bank is only in Arkansas, you know it’s all about you.

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