June 2019 by 501 LIFE

Celebrating Greater Central Arkansas June 2019

2 | 501 LIFE June 2019

A DAY OF CARING Medical mission Thousands served Hundereds of volunteers Countless acts of kindness FRIENDS • NEIGHBORS • CAREGIVERS A Day of Caring 2019 | July 27 A Day of Caring is a medical mission coordinated by Unity Health to help our neighbors in need. Free medical, dental and eye screenings are offered. School supplies, personal care items, food and haircuts are also available.

(501) 278-3230 Unity-Health.org June 2019 501lifemag.com | 3

EDITOR'S NOTE

Butch Renfroe was “Loving LIFE” with the No. 501 bib at the recent Toad Suck Daze Run in Conway. 501 LIFE was proud to serve as a sponsor of the event.

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

‘Loving LIFE’ and summertime Central Arkansas will soon welcome summer with picnics and family reunions, swimming and vacations. As we kick off the summer celebration, 501 LIFE would like to congratulate several groups highlighted in this month’s edition, including the Conway High School Mock Trial Team (Page 12) and the Conway High Culinary Team (Page 26). We also want to congratulate our friends at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center (Page 46) for completion of the center’s $1.2 million renovation.

SPECIAL EVENTS

With the end of the school year, some groups are winding down, as evidenced by the many events we cover in this month’s LIFE Pics section of the magazine. However, other groups have been anxiously awaiting the start of summer and their special events, like the Sacred Heart School Bazaar (Page 9). We suspect a phenomenal amount of work goes into an event like the bazaar and applaud this year’s co-chairs – Katie and Patrick Hartman and Megan and Dustin Voss – and their entire committee on this annual “501 LIFE treasure.” We hope you will mark Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, on your calendar and head to Downtown Morrilton to attend this year’s event.

DESTINATIONS

Your summer to-do list needs to include a visit to Fairfield Bay. Whether you are a regular visitor or a firsttimer, the Bay offers a plethora of summertime fun to check out. A variety of watercraft are available for rent at the Fairfield Bay Marina and special events are on tap throughout the summer. (Go to visitfairfieldbay for more information.) When in Fairfield Bay, be sure to stop in the local library and visit Karen Tangen and her pup, Zoie (Page 80), and Wilba Thompson (Page 82) at the visitor and conference center. We are so excited to feature both ladies in this month’s issue!

PACKING LIST

No matter your destination, we want to suggest an item to include in your packing list – 501 LIFE! As we enter this special time of year, we encourage readers to take 501 LIFE along as you create those cherished memories of summer. Take a photo with the magazine and send it to us to share with our readers in a future edition. Here’s to “Loving LIFE,” creating memories and celebrating summer in the 501. - Sonja 4 | 501 LIFE June 2019

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 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 Celebrating Greater Central Arkansas

June 2019

Volume 12 Issue 2

features&departments 32 Feature

Unity Health has a full slate of special activities planned throughout the summer.

In this month’s edition, 501 LIFE is “Celebrating summer” with a cover story (Pages 40-42) featuring Eddie Calvert and having fun on the water. (Mike Kemp photo)

34 Feature

Eleven years in, the Arkansas Research Alliance is making more and more of a difference for the 501 — and the state.

54 Home

501 LIFE’s Donna Benton is looking forward to summer and some of her favorite things — outdoor dining, chickens and her garden.

On the cover

72 Travel

501 LIFE’s Bill Patterson shares his “Wonderful weekend” and the super bloom.

neighbors 22 Couples

Conway County couples Katie and Patrick Hartman and Megan and Dustin Voss are serving as co-chairs of this year’s Sacred Heart School Bazaar.

26 Youth

A five-member team of Conway High School students enjoyed a heaping helping of success at the state culinary competition.

regulars 4 8-9 10-15 54-56 82

28 Conway

Tim Ester has a heart for people and for grilling.

82 Person of the month

Fairfield Bay’s Wilba Thompson is ready to lend a hand during the summer and throughout the year.

'501 KIDS'

LIFE pics 16-20

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

6 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Editor’s Note Calendar Loving LIFE Home Person of the month

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, 71

facebook.com /501lifemag

Bledsoe Chiropractic, 63

C Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 61 Conway Corporation, 29 Conway Institute of Music, 43 Conway Regional Health System, 83 Conway Regional Rehab, 39 Crain Automotive, 35

D DJM Orthodontics, 27

E Edward Jones, 31

F Fairfield Bay, 49 First Security Bank, 84 First Service Bank, 13 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Inc., 25

H Hartman Animal Hospital, 81 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 67 Hawks Family Team, 65 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 45

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

J Julie’s Sweet Shop, 51

L Luxury Pool & Spa, 55

M MSC Eye Associates, 45 Middleton Heat & Air, 37

N Northwestern Mutual, 51

O Ott Insurance, 21

P Patterson Eye Care, 75

S Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 47 Salter Properties-Glenrock, 53 Shelter Insurance, 75 St. Joseph Schools, 62 Superior Nursing & Rehab, 2

U Unity Health, 3 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 23 University of Central Arkansas, 59 University of Central Arkansas Alumni, 33

W Wilkinson’s Mall, 53

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

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

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

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

NEWS/NOTES

Sacred Heart students Jack Elkins (front, left), Madeline Bailey; Sydney Koonce (back) and Lucy Strahin-Moore model the 2019 Sacred Heart School Bazaar T-shirts. The bazaar will be held Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, in Morrilton. Shirts are available in red or black and may be purchased both nights at the Bazaar, by calling 501.354.8113 or visiting sacredheartmorrilton. org.

June S

S 1

10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 In observance of Great Outdoors Month, the interpretive staff at Petit Jean State Park will offer a variety of daily activities throughout June. Enjoy guided trail hikes, nature games, hands-on activities, evening programs and demonstrations. Visit arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park or contact the park at 501.727.5441 for detailed program schedules. The Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center will observe Global Running Day Wednesday, June 5. Global Running Day is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving. It doesn’t matter how fast you run or how far you go — what’s important is that you have fun being active & 8 | 501 LIFE June 2019

you inspire others to join you! On that evening, there will be a fun family-friendly event utilizing the Tucker Creek Trail from the center’s south parking lot. The event is free and open to everyone. More information will be available on the fitness center page on Facebook. The Community Service Youth Foundation will award John Maus the 2019 Steve Willbanks Award for outstanding service to youth at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in the multipurpose building at the Conway County Fair Grounds. Proceeds benefit the Community Service Youth Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Community Service, Inc. Tickets are $50 each and may be obtained by calling 501.354.4589 or at csiyouth.com. Sponsorships are also available. The Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the 20th Annual Chairman’s Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, June 7, at the River Oaks Golf Club of Searcy. This year, the tournament will honor past chair Albert Yarnell. A ceremony will be conducted at noon to honor his memory. For more information, visit searcychamber.com or call 501.268.2458. The University of Central Arkansas Purple Circle Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 14, at Centennial Valley Country Club in Conway.

The tournament, presented by Cousins Furniture, raises money for the Purple Circle fund. For more information or to register, visit.ucasports.com or call 501.269.1464. Fairfield Bay will host its annual Surf the Bay Water Sport Festival on Saturday, June 15. Those attending will have an opportunity to experience wake surfing, flyboarding, SUP and kayaking. There will also be live music, food and more. For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com/events. The 61st Annual Petit Jean Swap Meet and Shows will be held Tuesday, June 11, through Saturday, June 15, at the Museum of Automobiles near Morrilton. There will be antique auto-related swap meet spaces, arts and crafts spaces, 500 car corral spaces for cars for sale and 100 RV parking spots with no hookups. For forms and info go to motaa.com or call 501.727.5427. Free admission and the public is welcome.

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

NEWS/NOTES

Conway Regional Golf Classic June 3

The 23rd Annual Conway Regional Golf Classic will be held Monday, June 3, at the Centennial Valley Country Club. Nabholz is the presenting sponsor for the tournament. Past tournament proceeds have helped Conway Regional:

• Fund the expansion of the Women’s Center and addition of a surgical facility • Provide AED’s throughout the community • Purchase cutting-edge equipment and technology • Establish women’s services programs, including the Perinatal Bereavement Program and the Fabulous You Boutique • Enhance the Cardiovascular Surgery Program, Geriatric Transitional Care Center and the Cancer Hematology Outpatient Unit • Provide scholarships to future doctors, nurse, EMTs and technicians The four-person scramble will have morning and afternoon rounds, with two flights for each round. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams per flight for each round. Each player on the winning teams will receive prizes. Course contests are also planned. For more information, call 501.513.5191 or email foundation@conwayregional.org.

UACCM announces summer camps Space is available for 20 students. The registration fee is $75, which covers lunch each day and a flash drive. Career Tech Academy, Completers Grades 8-12 • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, June 24-27 The Career Tech Academy (formerly called Career Exploration) is a four-day camp. Participants will walk through several of UACCM’s career technical programs by hands-on learning activities and hear talks from industry partners already working in these fields. Parents looking to keep their children productive over the summer have plenty of options. The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is hosting activities and camps this summer in welding, creative writing and math and literacy. The purpose of the camps is to provide young people a venue to forge relationships, learn new skills, or build on what they know under the guidance of UACCM instructors. Students must register to reserve their seat, as these camps have limited space. Registration is available at uaccm.edu. Kid’s College, Completers Grades K-3 • 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, June 10-13 The Kid’s College is an Ocean Animals-themed summer camp that provides kids an enriched environment with a focus on math and literacy. Kids will need to bring a sack lunch on Monday-Wednesday, and pizza will be served on Thursday. Space is available for 40 campers. The registration fee is $75, which also covers a T-shirt. Youth Institute, Completers Grades 4-6

Full session programs this year include Welding, HVAC, Computer Information Systems and Automotive Services. Brief discussions will include Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance, Surveying and Drafting. Free. Sr. Creative Writing Camp, Completers Grades 10-12 • 8 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday, June 17-20 This camp is a fun exploration of the art of creative writing with UACCM instructor Cindy Fields leading the group. Participants will learn how to write vivid descriptions based on what they see, and eye-catching dialogue that will make characters pop off the page and give them depth. Space is available for 20 students. The registration fee is $75, which covers lunch each day and a flash drive. Welding Camp, Completers Grades 10-12

• 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, June 3-6 This is a spinoff of the Kid’s College, where older students can learn more about math and literacy and have fun. Space is available for 40 campers. The registration fee is $100, which covers lunch each day and a T-shirt.

with UACCM instructor Zackary Freeman leading the camp. They will get the

Jr. Creative Writing Camp, Completers Grades 7-9

opportunity using UACCM’s new facilities and will be able to take home what-

• 8 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday, June 10-13 This camp is a fun exploration of the art of creative writing with UACCM instructor Cindy Fields leading the group. Participants will learn how to write vivid descriptions based on what they see, and eye-catching dialogue that will make characters pop off the page.

ever they create. Space is available for 18 students. The registration fee is $75.

• 8 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday, June 3-6 Participants will get hands-on experience with different welding techniques,

For more information, contact Denise Pote, coordinator of workforce development and community education, at 501.977.2189 or potedenise@uaccm. edu. June 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

St. Joseph High School recognized more than 60 members of its Interact Club at Conway’s Beaverfork Lake Park with a celebration of the 1,500 hours of community service the students accumulated during the school year. Interact is a service club affiliated with Rotary Clubs International. Club members who earned 15 hours or more were rewarded for their efforts by the Conway Noon Rotary Club with a picnic, which included a lunch provided by Rotarian Bob Leffert and Centennial Bank. The five students with the most volunteer hours were (left to right) Emma Pasierb (53 hours), Shannon Trantina (62), Emily Berumen (74), Kinley Thessing (82) and Abigail Bailey (125).

10 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Conway Junior High School’s fifth period Leadership and Service Learning Class was “Loving LIFE” after conducting a food drive to benefit the school’s backpack program: Jackson McDaniel (front, from left), Ah’lisa Logan, Caroline Schluterman, Ella Raper, Philip Hardwrick, Koby Satterfield, Ashley Baggett, Lucas Breeding, Brooke Gardner; Joshua Colon (back), Dominic Barker, Matt Francis, Nathan Burkett, Riley Nicholson, Collon Overton, Shawn Ratliff, RJ Patton, Jerryn GallowayBrown, Robert Williamson, Russell Luyet and William Young.

“Loving LIFE” at the March meeting of the Faulkner County Retired Teachers: host and hostesses Bronnie Rose (from left), Sara Shinn, Janet Burks, Linda Mills, Charlotte Mulford and Arvil Burks.

Conway Christian senior Jacob Bowman was “Loving LIFE” with his parents, Greg and Michelle Bowman of Wooster, as he signed to play baseball for Ouachita Baptist University on National Signing Day.

Friends Athalene Jones of Perryville (left) and Bronnie Rose of Conway were “Loving LIFE” on a cold March morning in Branson, Mo., where they attended Praisefest. Conway Christian senior Maddie Allison was “Loving LIFE” with her parents, Cary and Emily Allison of Conway, as she signed to play volleyball with Central Baptist College on National Signing Day. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE

State champion mock trial team ‘Loving LIFE’ The Conway High School Mock Trial Team was recently recognized with a proclamation by Mayor Bart Castleberry for its state championship. The students competed at the Arkansas Bar Association’s Annual Mock Trial Tournament and emerged as champions. Matt Brown, attorney at Millar Jiles law firm, serves as the coach for the team. Debate team coach Casey Griffith also works with the students. The Conway team was to represent Arkansas at the 2019 National High School Mock Trial Championship in Athens, Ga., beginning May 16. The team was to compete against teams from more than 40 other states as well as South Korea, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for the national championship title. This is only the fourth year that Conway has fielded a mock trial team, and the first time it has won the state tournament. Team members are senior Kelli King, junior Madison Meek, senior Lawson Points, sophomore Jayce Pollard, junior Chloe Solis, senior Brett Thompson and senior Sidnie Thompson. In the mock trial competition, teams are given a fictitious criminal or civil court case file consisting of court pleadings, witness statements, documentary evidence, stipulations and the applicable statutes or other law. Teams work through the case materials and prepare to try the case from both the plaintiff’s side and the defense side. Team members serve as either attorneys or witnesses for the case, and at competition must be ready to try the case as either the plaintiff or defendant with a 10-minute notice. Students then try the case against another mock trial team in a courtroom before a presiding judge to a jury of attorneys and judges who score the team’s trial performance. As part of the process, students are also required to learn, and during competition are subject to, the same rules of evidence and trial procedure as licensed attorneys. The team was assisted by local law officials, including Chris Carnahan, David Clark, Andrea Woods, Rhonda Wood and Carol Crews. The experience gives students a glimpse into the field of law and sometimes changes their career path.

12 | 501 LIFE June 2019

CHS Mock Trial Team Coach Matt Brown explains the competition during the Conway City Council meeting.

The state champion Conway High School Mock Trial Team was “Loving LIFE” at a recent Conway City Council meeting with City Attorney Chuck Clawson (left) and Mayor Bart Castleberry (second from right): Kelli King, Madison Meek, Jayce Pollard, Chloe Solis, Brett Thompson and team coach Matt Brown. Not pictured: Lawson Points and Sidnie Thompson.

Call Call us us to to reserve reserve your your spot spot today! today!

Ina Ina Standridge, Standridge, Travel Travel Club Club Director, Director, 501-514-2340 501-514-2340 or or 501-932-9700 501-932-9700

FIRST SERVICE TRAVELERS

Because Because

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CONWAY | 2475 Washington Avenue | 501.932.5050 | CONWAY | 540 United Drive | 501-932-9700 2475 Washington Avenue | 501.932.5050 | CONWAY | 540 United Drive | 501-932-9700 CLINTON | 486 Highway CONWAY 65 North || 501.745.7200 | GREENBRIER | 134 Broadview | 501.679.7300 | LITTLE ROCK | 12921 Cantrell Road | 501.801.7402 CLINTON | 486 Highway 65 North | 501.745.7200 | GREENBRIER | 134 Broadview | 501.679.7300 | LITTLE ROCK | 12921 Cantrell Road | 501.801.7402

Ladies from Antioch Baptist Church took 501 LIFE along to a Beth Moore conference in Memphis.

Members of Grace United Methodist Church in Conway and First United Methodist in Jonesboro took 501 LIFE along on a mission trip to Cuba. “Loving LIFE” at the grand opening of the Smart Start Academy in Conway: Ashton Jolley (from left), Ashley Sutton, Rhonda Kuykendall, Cary Kuykendall, Trina Samuels and Trisha Eades. “Smart Start Academy loves the 501 as much as we love kids,” said Rhonda, who added that the preschool is now enrolling.

Shelia and Will Isby were “Loving LIFE” as they enjoyed lunch at Three Amigos in Cozumel on their Christmas cruise.

14 | 501 LIFE June 2019

‘Loving LIFE’ and Ireland

Representatives of the Conway Running Club took 501 LIFE along on a trip to Ireland. “We are sporting our Chase Race gear,” wrote Heidi Thompson. “Many of us ran a race in Galway. Two ran the marathon, one ran the half marathon, and many ran the 10K along the beautiful southwest coast of Ireland. We had one support and photo crew while several others enjoyed the ambiance of a local pub due to injury.” Those on the trip included: Don Potter (front, from left), Dave Whittenburg; Bill Higgs (back), Anne Trussell, Cindy Stage, Mike Stage, Susan Whittenburg, Kristen Hoehne, Cathy Potter, Susan Curtis, Sue Higgs, Heidi Thompson, Larry Trussell, Belinda Jared, Steve Jared, Judy Massingill, Frank Massingill, Terri Seiter and Mark Seiter.

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 15

LIFE PICS

Heroes for Hope event â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a huge success this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advocacy Alliance recently hosted its Seventh Annual Heroes for Hope Race in Conway. Participants were encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero, because every child needs a hero but an abused or neglected child needs a superhero.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The event was a huge success this year! We are so thankful to be a part of a community that supports our mission of providing hope, healing and justice to abused and neglected children,â&#x20AC;? said CAA Executive Director Tess Fletcher. The 10K, 5K and 1.31K races were accompanied by a KidsFest, which included free arts and crafts, a bounce house, games, a costume competition for kids

and more. Proceeds will help provide services in Faulkner, Van Buren, Searcy and Conway counties to victims of child abuse or neglect. Arvest was the presenting sponsor. For more information, visit hopeandjustice.org or call 501.286.3290. (See video from this event on the 501 LIFE page on Facebook.)

Addison Cook (left) and Anna Lenser.

Alissa Miller (left) and Michelle Holcomb.

Titan Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laura Todd, Dustin Hamm, Trevor Hirby and Erin Nixon.

Members of the Toad Suck chapter of BACA: Books (front, from left), Lil BBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Maddawg (back), Big Red and Bigun.

Merci Bush (left) and Olivia Smith.

Michelle DuVall (from left), Tess Fletcher and Jasmin Joseph.

Tess Fletcher (from left), Patrick Lewis, Skip Colvin and Leia Smith.

Thirteen-year-old Jake Tatom, a student at Ruth Doyle Middle School, won the 5K event.

Lance Wright and Jodi Phillips.

Sonja J. Keith photos

16 | 501 LIFE June 2019

LIFE PICS

Maumelle recognizes police, fire departments Sonja J. Keith photos

The Rotary Club of Maumelle recently presented the 19th Annual Maumelle Police and Fire Banquet at the Jess Odom Community Center. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guest speaker was Gov. Asa Hutchinson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What you do for our state and community is critically important,â&#x20AC;? he said. The event provides an opportunity for the community to thank the men and women who protect and serve the City of Maumelle. Police Chief Sam Williams and Fire Chief Gerald Ezell recognized their departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements and presented awards, including the highest honor of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Officer of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Firefighter of the Year.â&#x20AC;? (See more photos from this event on the 501 LIFE page on Facebook.)

Steve Mosley (from left), Mike Watson, Fred Peyton and Maumelle Mayor Caleb Norris.

Jim Hansard (right) presented a plaque to Chief Sam Williams in honor of his service.

Annette and Jeff Sackhoff.

Officer of the Year Chris Mayfield (left) and Chief Sam Williams.

William Bagwell (from left), Adam Cordell, Patrick McIntire, Zach Miller and Josh Mauldin.

David Collins (from left) with Shane and Vanessa Holmes.

Firefighter of the Year Tim Bullard, Chief Gerald Ezell and Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Marty Newsom.

Maumelle Mayor Caleb Norris (from left), Anushree Jumde and Muskie Harris.

Michael Cossey (left) and Chief Gerald Ezell.

Gov. Asa and Susan Hutchinson with Angela and Jim Hansard.

Shannon Giompoletti (from left), Cory Pickard, Michael and Robin Wilson. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 17

LIFE PICS

Kids Run Arkansas

Amanda Castillo (left) and Mallory Lefler.

Samantha and Jeremiah Evans.

Todd Owens photos The Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center recently hosted the 11th Annual Kids Run Arkansas. The event is under the direction of Mallory Lefler, fitness coordinator for the Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The event is a great way for the entire family to be active together,â&#x20AC;? she said. Groovy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry was the title sponsor again this year. The event offered fun for the entire family, including face painting, games and more, leading up to a 1-mile and 3-mile run/walk. While it is a running event, there was no

Pat and Natalie Gunn with Reese and Rowen.

chipped timing as the event strives to promote fun and fitness for youth and families. Each year, the schools with the highest percentage of participation are awarded scholarships for their physical education programs. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top schools and the awards were: St. Joseph School - $2,000 Woodrow Cummins Elementary - $1,600 Conway Christian School - $1,200 Ellen Smith Elementary - $1,000 Theodore Jones Elementary - $700 Anne Watson Elementary School - $560 Jim Stone Elementary - $440 Ruth Doyle Middle School - $220 Julia Lee Moore Elementary - $180 Carolyn Lewis Elementary - $100

Kids Run Arkansas participants at the start of the event.

Kenneth, Addison (front) and Tiffany Dahl. For more information, contact Lefler at 501.450.9292, ext. 309, or mtate@conwayre-

Kayla Gates (from left), Hollie Odom and Katy Moore.

Raffi Moore (from left) with Bailey, Andrea, Justin, Parker and Harlee Fournier.

Leah and Gardner Andreas (back) with Hanna, Embrey and Addison.

Ulysses (front, from left), Gael; Mireya (back) and Tino Hurtado.

18 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Rob (from left), Addison, Brileigh and Jacki Choate. gional.org. (See more photos in the summer edition of 501 Kids.)

Kaitlyn Deaver (from left), Ella Orahood, Hollan Charton and Ainsley Trotter.

Jillian (from left), Lenisa (back), Christian and Lauren Catherine O'Dwyer.

CSO presents seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last concert

LIFE PICS

Todd Owens photos

The Conway Symphony Orchestra recently closed out its 2018-19 season with a concert featuring the music of John Williams. Conductor Israel Getzov said the entire CSO community had been looking forward to the concert all season. The CSO had hosts who introduced the film music: UCA President Dr. Houston Davis, Jamie Gates of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Amanda Horton of Reynolds Performance Hall, Kim Lane of The Conductor, Hendrix College President Bill Tsutsui and Emily Walter of Coldwell Banker. In addition, there were cash prizes for a costume contest held at intermission. This concert was underwritten by First Security Bank, with hospitality support from Aramark. The Conway Symphony Orchestra brings professional concerts, exciting guest artists and high-quality music to the Central Arkansas community. For more information on concerts and other programs, visit ConwaySymphony.org or call 501.269.1066.

CSO conductor Israel Getzov.

Christian Casey and Erica Olson.

Marjorie Swan (from left), Bill Tsutsui and Sharon and Jon Nichols.

Sheila and Lyle Rupert.

Star Wars characters on hand for photos.

Tatum Starbuck (from left), Emily Walter and Victoria Walter.

UCA President Dr. Houston (from left) and Jenny Davis (in mask) with Kim Lane and Aaron Duvall.

Christa Wilson (left) and Leslie Hill.

Olivia Fleming and Aaron Tierney.

State Rep. Spencer and Xochilt Hawks. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 19

LIFE PICS

Lou Holtz lectures at UCA

Holtz was surprised by a group of former players who joined him on the stage. A soldout crowd was on hand in March to hear legendary football coach and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. Holtz has established himself as one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He is the only coach in history to have six different teams play in a bowl game, win five bowl games with different teams, and to have four different teams ranked within the Top 20 Poll. During his 26 seasons as a collegiate head coach, he coached six different football teams, including: The College of William & Mary, North Carolina State University, University of Arkansas, University of Minnesota, University of Notre Dame and University of South Carolina. He completed his coaching career with a record of 249132-7 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. After his coaching career, Holtz became a college football studio analyst on ESPN. He is also a distinguished author of three New York Times best-sellers. A group of former players surprised Holtz during the question and answer session at the end of his lecture and joined him on the stage, sharing memories and taking photos. 501 LIFE was the sponsor of the lecture.

Donna Spears (from left), Holtz and Laura Falls. 20 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Former players pose for a photo with their coach while on stage.

Former Razorback football players with their former coach, Lou Holtz (center): Muskie Harris (front, from left),Ron Calcagni; J.Dungan (back), Jimmy Walker, David Bazzel, Gary Anderson, Jeff Goff, Orsem Weems, Cliff Henry, Kevin Scanlon and Richard Richardson.

Hunter Russaw (from left), Andria Russaw, Holtz, Pat Otto and Bryant Otto.

Tom and Sonja Keith with Holtz.

Lou Holtz with Jenny and Dr. Houston Davis.

NEWS/NOTES

Maus selected for Willbanks Award The Community Service Youth Foundation will award John Maus the 2019 Steve Willbanks Award for outstanding service to youth at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in the multipurpose building at the Conway County Fair Grounds. Proceeds benefit the Community Service Youth Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Community Service, Inc. Tickets are $50 each and may be obtained by calling 501.354.4589 or at csiyouth.com. Sponsorships are also available. “John Maus gives his heart and time to many,” said Susan Okroglic, CSI president/chief executive officer. “CSI is honored to have John’s many years of dedication and support.” Maus is a lifelong resident of Conway County, and graduated in 1981from Sacred Heart, where he currently serves as president of the school board. He also serves as president of the Sacred Heart Parish Council and was co-chair of a $3 million school and church renovation project. In addition, he was named the 2017 Sacred Heart Alumnus of the Year. Maus graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 1985, and is now manager of Maus Implement Co. and Maus Farms. Maus is also active in the community, participating in several civic activities. He has served as past co-chair for Community Service Inc.’s historic Cajun Night, has coached baseball and softball for the Morrilton Youth Association, serves as board chairman for Community Service Properties, and is a member of the ASU Beebe Ag-Tech advisory board and UACCM Board of Visitors. He is a Conway County Farm Bureau member and past president, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce past board president, Conway County Legal Beverage Association board member, and Pope County Arkansas River Levee board member. Professionally, in addition to being manager of Maus Implement Co and Maus Farm, he serves on the Petit Jean State Bank Board of Directors and is the Mid-West/Southeastern Equipment Dealers board chairman. He and his wife, Lynlee, have four children - J.B., Hamp, Stephen and Anna Lee. The award was established in 2011 to honor Willbanks for his more than 40 years of leadership as CSI president/CEO. Guests will enjoy music, a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The Community Service Youth Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Community Service, Inc. Past honorees of the award include Raymond Chambers, Judy Calhoun, Gwen Massingill, Katherine Foust, Judge Jimmy Hart, Charles Penick, Dustin

John Maus has been selected to receive the 2019 Steve Willbanks Award for outstanding service to youth. McDaniel and John Gibson. Community Service Inc. offers a variety of programs, including prevention and education, therapeutic foster care, day treatment for students who are not able to function in a normal school setting, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, First Tee Character Development, Youth Leadership, Mentoring and Tutoring and juvenile justice to reduce repeat offences. CSI has locations in nine counties in west and central Arkansas, including Conway, Cleburne, Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Pope, Stone, Van Buren and Yell counties. Last year, more than 1,300 youth were helped.

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 21

HIM

NEIGHBORS couples

Patrick Hartman

NATIVE OF: Oppelo EDUCATION: 1996 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School; 1999 graduate of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton; 2002 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in business administration.

JOB: Arkansas Farm Bureau, senior claims representative.

PARENTS: Dan and Louise Hartman of Oppelo. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Quorum court member, District 2; state board representative for the Conway County Cattlemen’s Association; Sacred Heart School board president; Conway County Leadership; Sacred Heart Bazaar cochair.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, lector; 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE SACRED HEART BAZAAR: Eight years; co- chair of the bazaar for the last four.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Hunting, fishing and cattle.

HER

Katie Hartman

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: The northern

Heart Catholic Church, minister.

part of Conway County.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE SACRED HEART BAZAAR: Eight

EDUCATION: 2000 graduate of Wonderview High School; 2012 graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a degree in elementary education; and a 2017 graduate of Arkansas State University with a master’s in educational leadership.

JOB: Sixth grade literacy teacher at Morrilton Intermediate School.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: My love for children and the passion I have for education in our community.

PARENTS: Trudy (Norwood) Brents of Jerusalem, and Keith and Cherie Brents of Cleveland.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Conway County Leadership, UACCM Youth Institute instructor, Sacred Heart Pee Wee Basketball Coordinator and Sacred Heart Bazaar co-chair.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Member of Sacred

years. I was a booth chair for the mini-raffle for the first four years before becoming a bazaar co-chair.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Reading, running and playing basketball.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Hard-working, outgoing, dedicated, passionate.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I am a very competitive person in all that I do.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE: “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.” - Walt Disney

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Community, outdoors and the family atmosphere.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Hard-working, reasonable, loyal and dedicated.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I am always thinking ahead. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE: “You get out of it what you put into it” or “Expect the worst, hope for the best.”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: It is home…Conway County will always be my home.

Katie and Patrick Hartman are serving as co-chairs, along with Megan and Dustin Voss (pictured on Page 25), for this year’s Sacred Heart School Bazaar. (Mike Kemp photos)

THEM

RESIDENTS OF: St. Vincent. MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Spending time watching our oldest play basketball or spending time with family.

HOW WE MET: Through a mutual friend. WEDDING BELLS: Nov. 19, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Oppelo.

CHILDREN: Jennifer (12), Anamarie (10) and Caroline (5).

FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Playing basketball, being on the cattle farm and doing whatever our kids want!

22 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Bazaar committee co-chairmans: Dustin (from left) Megan Voss, Patrick and Katie Hartman, Ryan and Haylee Beck.

Sacred Heart Bazaar May 31-June 1 The 2019 Sacred Heart School Bazaar will be held Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, in the Sacred Heart parking lot in Downtown Morrilton. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the traditional spaghetti and sausage/turkey and dressing dinner is planned. The all-you-can-eat dinner will be served family style. For every dine-in adult meal purchased, the individual will be given a ticket for Raffle Row.

To-go dinners are also available. Pre-orders can be made by calling the school office at 501.354.8113. There will be numerous concession items both nights as well as various booths and games on the midway, including an Escape Room, Plinko, bingo, multiple kiddie games, bounce houses and more. This year’s raffle grand prize is a 2019 Dodge Journey. Other prizes include a $1,000 Rackley Fur-

niture gift certificate, a Green Egg Grill, $1,000 in cash, a Redneck Hunting blind, a handmade cedar swing, Razorback tickets, concert tickets and more. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the school office, by calling 501.354.8113 or visiting sacredheartmorrilton.org. All bazaar proceeds benefit quality education for Sacred Heart.

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 23

HER

Megan Voss

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Morrilton. EDUCATION: Morrilton High School; associate’s degree from UACCM; graduate of the Baptist Health College Little Rock for medical record coder certification.

JOB: Medical record coder – edit coder, Conifer Health Solutions. PARENTS: Charles and Shelley Penick of Morrilton.

Sacred Heart School Bazaar co-chairs Dustin (from left) and Megan Voss and Katie and Patrick Hartman with the grand prize in this year’s raffle. The Bazaar is planned Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, in the Sacred Heart parking lot in Downtown Morrilton.

HIM

Dustin Voss

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Solgohachia. EDUCATION: Graduated from Wonderview High School; associate’s degree from UACCM.

JOB: President of D. Voss, Inc. PARENTS: Randy and Linda Voss of Solgohachia. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Member of the Knights of Colum-

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Sacred Heart School volunteer.

bus.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE SACRED HEART BAZAAR:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE SACRED HEART BAZAAR: At least 14 years serving the

I attended Sacred Heart School from elementary to high school, so for as long as I can remember my family has helped serve at the bazaar dinner. This is my second year as a co-chair.

dinner and second year as a co-chair.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Gardening, hunting, going to my workout class.

hunting, golf.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Turkey hunting, deer

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Easygoing.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Driven.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m a Leap Year

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I have been involved with planting more than 75 mil-

baby, born on Feb. 29. I only have a birthday every four years and I’ll be 10 next year. My daughter also turns 10 the same year!

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Relaxing around the house and spending

lion trees in Arkansas, Alaska and other surrounding states.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Spending time on

time with family and friends.

the farm.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: Be prepared… you just never know!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: Only the best!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Being close to

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: My roots run deep.

family.

24 | 501 LIFE June 2019

THEM

RESIDENTS OF: Solgohachia. HOW WE MET: Through friends. THE PROPOSAL: One night he just surprised me with a ring! We had looked at rings before, but I didn’t know he had bought one. Come to find out he picked this particular setting because it has “bullet” shaped diamonds. Nothing “mushy” about it, but the perfect story for us! WEDDING BELLS: Sept. 30, 2006. The wedding was at Sacred Heart Church with the reception at St. Mary’s Church in St. Vincent, both of our churches at the time.

CHILDREN: A daughter, Finlee, 8, and a son, Beau, 5.

PETS: A black Labrador named Max. FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Hunting, fishing, working in the garden and working/checking the cows.

Dustin and Megan Voss.

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 25

NEIGHBORS youth

Members of the state championship Conway High School Culinary Arts Team with the first place award: Gracie Childress (from left), Lauren Murphy, Henley Masters and Triston Hollomon with the first place silver tray. Not pictured: Hannah Bramlett. (Mike Kemp photo)

State champs

Conway culinary team dishes up success by Sonja J. Keith

A five-member team of Conway High School students enjoyed a heaping helping of success at the Prostart State Competition. The team won the state championship and was headed at press time to Washington, D.C., to compete at the National ProStart Competition. Senior students Hannah Bramlett, Gracie Childress, Triston Hollomon, Henley Masters and Lauren Murphy make up the team, which placed first in the ProStart State Culinary Competition held 26 | 501 LIFE June 2019

at the Culinary School in Little Rock. The culinary competition highlights each team’s creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in 60 minutes. The team only uses two butane burners for the competition and has no access to running water or electricity. Students are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation. The team’s starter was Cucumber-Wrapped Asian Slaw over Sushi Rice, Asian Aioli, Butter Poached Shrimp, Lotus Chips and Avocado. For the entrée, the students made Black Tea Smoked Duck

with Blood Orange Agrodolce, Spicy Pickled Daikon and Asian Microgreens. For dessert, the team made a Coconut Ginger Mousse, Fresh Mango with Sesame Nougatine, Matcha Cake and Raspberry Coulis. (See Pages 50-51 for the recipes.) This is the sixth CHS team to win the state title. Silver platters awarded each year are displayed on the wall in the culinary arts department in the Conway High Careers Center. Conway competed against seven other teams during the state competition. At the national level, there are about 50 teams.

Conway High culinary arts instructor Jennifer Park said the team has worked year-long to identify and perfect the recipes for competition. She encourages the students to work backward during the process, deciding first what flavors they want to achieve and then identifying how to achieve them. “They do a lot of trial and error until they figure it out,” she said. In addition to creating the recipes and executing them, the students have to identify the costs involved with the dishes, which utilizes skills from their other core classes. With three courses to prepare in only 60 minutes, the team works together to identify all the tasks for each dish and who is responsible for each. “They have it down minute by minute what every person is doing,” said Park, adding that Hannah serves as the team manager and keeps the members on track. “It goes by faster than you think,” said Lauren of the time limit. The team has logged many hours in Members of the CHS Culinary Team discuss recipes with culinary arts instructor Jennifer Park: Triston Hollomon, Gracie practice prior to competition. Park added Childress, Lauren Murphy, Park and Henley Masters. (Mike Kemp photo) that there are 10 students in the culinary class with the team and they have helped “We were very well prepared going into our state them develop the skills and attitude important for troubleshoot throughout the process. competition,” said Henley. business success. She has high expectations and Lauren said the culinary competition has taught Park pointed out that she stressed “details matter” her students leave her class prepared for college as her the importance of dedication and commitment. throughout the process. well as the industry.” She plans to attend the University of Arkansas at While at the National ProStart Invitational Park, who started the Conway High culinary arts Fayetteville and is considering a major in inter(NPSI), Park will be recognized as ProStart Educator program in 2012, has 54 students participating in national business. “We’ve put in a lot of time and of the Year by the Arkansas Hospitality Association. ProStart. effort,” she said. She also is a finalist for the National Educator of ProStart is a nationwide high school program Triston plans to use the skills he learned in Excellence Awards (NEEA) sponsored by Golden that unites classroom and industry to develop the culinary classes to one day open his own business. Corral. talent of tomorrow’s workforce. It reaches nearly He will be attending Pulaski Technical College for The state award, for outstanding achievement 150,000 students in more than 1,500 high schools its culinary program and the University of Central in high school culinary and restaurant manageacross 50 states. More than 400 ProStart students Arkansas to pursue a business degree. ment education, is given to only one teacher in and educators from across the country will showcase Arkansas. “Jennifer is an outstanding teacher Triston said the team initially considered maktheir culinary and restaurant management skills in and goes beyond the classroom to help students the live-action national competition for more than ing a simple chicken dish for competition. Henley succeed,” said Montine McNulty, CEO of the $200,000 in scholarships. added that was “too simple.” Arkansas Hospitality Association. “Mrs. Park “We are going to make Arkansas look great,” Lauren credits their teacher for helping them guides her students to work together and helps Park said of the CHS team. “That’s our goal.” during the process. “She (Park) taught us so much.”

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 27

NEIGHBORS conway

Enjoying summer

Ester has a heart for people, grilling by Kiera Oluokun

There are few things that say summer like the sizzling sounds of a backyard grill and smoke wafting in the air. Cookouts are a summer staple. Outside of enjoying the precise searing of the myriad of tasty meats and veggies, there is also a communal aspect to grilling that yields memories from the time spent with friends and family enjoying warm evenings. No matter the occasion, firing up the grill announces the arrival of summer! For most, throwing a couple of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill suffices for a summer cookout. For others, grilling is an art. The right grill, the right temperature, the right amount of char and following a specific and detailed process all factor into the art of grilling. Over the years, grilling has evolved into much more than your traditional hot dog, hamburger spread. Tim Ester enjoys perfecting his grilling craft while doing what he loves. Tim, who retired in 2014 as general manager at Stoby’s Restaurant in Conway, has always enjoyed cooking. Although he does not consider himself a “grill master,” he has loved cooking since he was 16-years-old, when he became a cook by default. Tim was a dishwasher at his first job at Bowen’s Restaurant in Conway when his manager asked if he would pick up a cooking shift on a Saturday night. Tim told his boss that he already had plans with tickets to see Charlie Wilson and the Gap Band. Tim finished his dishwashing shift and headed home, but mulled over his boss’s offer and changed his mind. He thought that cooking would be a promotion compared to washing dishes. He called his boss and told him that he was going to forego his Gap Band tickets to come in and cook — and the rest is history. When asked where his love for grilling originated, Tim said it gives him the opportunity to spend time outdoors while enjoying friends and family — something he likes to do often. “There is an art to grilling,” said Tim. “Everyone likes to think that they are a grill master, however, that is not why I love grilling. It’s not a competition to me. Grilling gives me the opportunity to do what I love while enjoying the people around me, but I definitely do not consider myself a grill master.” While Tim enjoys cooking year round, the summer time gives Tim the best opportunity to do what he loves — grilling. “Summer is my favorite time of the yearbecause it presents more opportunities to do activities outdoors. I absolutely hate cold weather and I would take 100-degree weather over 20-degree weather any day.” Summer is often the busiest times of the year for Tim and his grilling. With reunions, graduations and frequent friends and family gatherings, Tim keeps a 28 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Tim Ester enjoys summer and the opportunity for grilling and visiting with family and friends. (Mike Kemp photos)

pretty demanding schedule. He does not consider cooking for family gatherings actual “work” because he is enjoying what he does. Hosting and entertaining are important to Tim and his wife, Gena. Throughout the year, they host several gatherings at their home for friends and family. Tim and Gena, who have been married for 30 years, refer to hosting as a “tag team” effort. Tim cooks the food, and Gena entertains the company. “We both know how to stay in our own lane and it works.” When Tim is not grilling for events at home, you can catch him tailgating at University of Central Arkansas football games and Arkansas Razorback games at War Memorial Stadium. When UCA started closing Bruce Street for football games, Tim said that he was one of the first to get a spot to host his tailgate parties. “Fall, football and fellowship,” are what Tim enjoys most about tailgating season. When the Razorbacks play at War Memorial, he and a couple of his friends set up a tailgating spot to enjoy the game. Tim cooks everything from fried fish to chicken and waffles. “I love the football season, and I love tailgating even more.” Tim has a heart for cooking and a heart for people. “To me, food tastes better when people know that it came from the heart and you enjoy what you do.” That is exactly what Tim says that he tries to do each and every time he has the opportunity to cook for others — do it from the heart. “It is not about being the best because everyone thinks that they are the best when it comes to cooking. It is about doing what you love for the people that you love the most.”

Grilled Salmon 1 pound salmon fillet cut into smaller fillets 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to taste 1 large lemon sliced into rounds Preheat grill to medium-high and brush off any leftover food particles using a wire brush. Place the salmon fillets on one large sheet of foil (or multiple sheets of foil for easier grilling). Drizzle with avocado oil and use your hands to

coat the flesh of the salmon in oil. Sprinkle with Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning) and sea salt. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets and wrap in foil to create a foil packet. Place foil packet on the grill and cover the grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through (or reaches desired doneness). Cook times will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. Use tongs or a metal spatula to remove foil packet from the grill and set it on a plate or cutting board. Allow it to cool enough to handle, then unwrap the foil. Serve salmon with choice of side dishes.

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| June 2019 501lifemag.com | 29

NEIGHBORS conway

Drowning an epidemic Honoring a loved one who saved boy Ken and Melanie Brindley with their children in 2001.

Melanie Brindley with the banner about Ken that was displayed at a national meeting on drowning prevention. by Sonja J. Keith

A day doesn’t go by that Melanie Brindley doesn’t think of her husband, who died 16 years ago after heroically saving a young boy from drowning. She is honoring his memory and his Good Samaritan personality as a determined advocate for water safety. “Drowning is a world health epidemic,” Melanie said. “It crosses all ages and it doesn’t discriminate at all – for economics, color or race. Anyone can drown, but we say there are layers of protection that can help prevent it.” In 2003, the Brindley Family — Ken and Melanie and their two children, Madeline and Blake — was on vacation at Grayton Beach, Fla. A 12-yearold boy and his boogie board were taken seaward by rough water conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, and his father, 60, experienced difficulty during a rescue attempt. Ken, 36, an Acxiom account executive, and others swam out for the victims. The boy was saved and the rescuers attempted to remove the boy’s father, who had been overcome in the water, but conditions were too rough. Ken, too, was overcome. The father drowned, and Ken was taken to the hos30 | 501 LIFE June 2019

pital, where he died two days later, also of drowning. The two men died on what became known as “Black Sunday” for the Emerald Coast. On that red flag day on the Florida panhandle, eight people drowned, and dozens of others nearly drowned and had to be rescued from powerful rip currents. Ken was recognized with the Carnegie Medal for his heroism. The medal is given throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Melanie noted that drowning prevention is now getting more attention nationwide, unfortunately because of the deaths of children born to well-known individuals, like Bode Miller. She said the American Academy of Pediatrics recently released new guidelines on water safety. She said pediatric healthcare providers are to include drowning and water safety information in discussions with parents/guardians during well child visits. “That’s a big first step for our whole country,” said Melanie. In 2017, nearly 1,000 children died from drowning, according to the AAP, and 8,700 visited a hospital emergency room because of a drowning event – with toddlers and teens at the highest risk. Melanie is a member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), which reports that drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4. It is No. 2 for children to age 14 and fifth overall. NDPA is a group of individual families who have banded together “to put an end to the silent epidemic that is drowning.” Melanie joined in 2014 and recently attended the group’s conference in New Orleans. The organization reports “that drowning has become so commonplace that each incident is often treated with casual interest, reduced to ‘just another drowning’ on the local news. Meanwhile,

the epidemic marches on, claiming the lives of thousands of Americans each year, leaving countless shattered hearts in its wake. “The names are different, but collectively, our families face the same empty chair, every day… United we say, ‘Not one more drowning.’ Not one more empty chair.” Through NDPA and Families United to Prevent Drowning (a pillar of NDPA), Melanie has heard the stories of other families forever changed due to drowning. She recalls stories of children ages 1 to 5 who were put down for a nap and were out of a parent’s sight for a minute, but they woke up, walked outside and drowned. “It’s very, very sad,” she said, adding that every family then learns that the drowning could have been prevented. Sometimes that is swim lessons, according to Melanie, or teaching an infant to flip on their back in water and float. Fencing, locks and alarms are also preventative measures as is wearing a life jacket when boating. “We always stress water watchers,” she said, adding it is important, even if there is a lifeguard, to watch children in and around water. “I can’t tell you how many stories there are of children drowning in a pool filled with kids and two or three lifeguards,” said. “If you are a parent or family member or someone who took a child to a pool, your eyes need to be on that child at all times, or someone in your group needs to be the water watcher.” Melanie has met other families in Arkansas that have been touched by drowning and there is an interest in working together to promote water safety with other organizations, like the Corps of Engineers and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Melanie said one of the families lost a son who was a competitive swimmer and a lifeguard, and

who drowned in a river accident. Another lost two young boys who drowned in an above ground pool. She said they have been brought together by tragedy and the desire to help others in the state to avoid loss. “We don’t want anyone else to live like that when we know it can be prevented.” Melanie has created the Ken Brindley Memorial Foundation (wise water safe swimmer) to promote water safety while raising funds to implement prevention measures, including vouchers for free swimming lessons and life jacket sharing stations. The foundation has been incorporated and she is awaiting non-profit status from the IRS before accepting donations and conducting fundraisers. Melanie has printed cards that have the Foundation logo on one side with #honorken and #notonemoredrowning. Helpful information and preventions measures are listed on the back. “Drowning is preventable,” Melanie said. “It shouldn’t happen if you have the layers of protection.” The Foundation’s mission statement includes a clause that recognizes Ken’s desire to help others and states it “shall continue the legacy of Ken Brindley, which was always to be a Good Samaritan in helping those in need, and may extend its scope from water safety to being a resource to make a person’s life a little easier.” “That’s something I would like to carry on in some small way.” The loss of a loved one is “hard all the time,” Melanie said, but learning coping mechanisms helps, like being proactive and helping others. She said it is especially difficult during “big life events,” like her

Drowning prevention tips • • • • • • • • • •

Watch the swimmer without distractions. Install four-sided fencing around pools. Use self-latching gates. Use door, pool and sound alarms if you own a pool. Use Coast Guard approved life vests. Everyone needs water safety swim lessons. Learn CPR and be prepared to administer it before first responders arrive. When at a beach, swim in a life guarded area and always follow the flag system. A red flag means no one goes in the water. Learn how to escape a rip current and teach your family before visiting a beach. Boating, swimming, water activities and alcohol do not mix. Source: swimsafety.org

children’s graduations or her daughter’s wedding. “It makes my heart the saddest that I’m standing there alone without their dad beside me,” she said. “Between the three of us, we know he knows and he would be proud.” For more information on the Foundation or local efforts to help prevent drowning, visit the Ken Brindley Memorial Foundation page on Facebook or email Melanie at info@swimsafety.

org. A website is being created for the Foundation – swimsafety.org. Looking back on that fateful day, Melanie said had she been down on the beach with Ken that day, she wouldn’t have been able to keep him from going in. But now, armed with the information she has learned, she would’ve sent something that floats – an empty ice chest or life jacket. “That’s why I’m here to tell people that.”

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 31

FEATURE

Celebrating summer Unity Health schedules special activities by Taryn Brown

Summer means warmer temperatures, vacationing at new and exciting places, being out of school and relaxing by the pool. For some, it also might be the time to try something new like volunteering, learning a new skill or simply spending more time with loved ones. Unity Health knows the importance of being part of a community and we want you and your family to make the most of the summer break by participating in a number of activities we offer for all ages in the community each year.

CAMP Careers and Medical Professions (CAMP) is a free, five-day program for students entering 11th or 12th grade who are interested in careers in the healthcare field. Students have medical-related opportunities, including learning basic nursing skills, CPR and first aid training, touring Unity Health facilities, medical personnel shadowing and mock interviews. Monday, June 10, – Friday June, 14. CAMP applications for 2020 open in March.

CAMP students have a variety of medical-related opportunities during the five-day program.

Family Day at the Farmers’ Market Unity Health is sponsoring another Family Day at the Farmers’ Market in June. Family Day encourages families to come to the Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, hand-crafted 32 | 501 LIFE June 2019

items, live music and fellowship with the community. Unity Health will be offering special Farmers’ Market shirts, with all proceeds benefitting the market. The Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market is 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday from April to November. Saturday, June 15, courthouse square in Downtown Searcy.

Senior Expo Unity Health sponsors the Three Rivers Edition Senior Expo each year. The expo has a number of booths and vendors, including Unity Health, that

are specifically for the seniors in the community. Health screenings and education are provided by Unity Health cardiologists, dieticians and Healthworks associates. Tuesday, June 18, at the Veterans Park Event Center in Cabot.

A Day of Caring This year is the 23rd Annual A Day of Caring, a community-wide outreach program to provide a number of medical services, health screenings and other services to the uninsured and underinsured in

the Searcy community. Haircuts, school supplies and personal care items are also provided. Last year, more than 450 volunteers, Unity Health and local businesses donated time, services and items to help more than 1,300 people in the community. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 27, at the Harding University Ganus Athletic Center in Searcy. For more information, call the Unity Health Marketing Department at 501.278.3230 or marketing@ unity-health.org.

Unity Health Kids Triathlon

This is the first year for the triathlon hosted along with the Searcy Shark ATAC Swim Team. Open to kids ages 7 to 16, participants will compete in swimming, biking and running races, and have an opportunity to learn about health, perseverance, dedication and self-esteem. Register at racesonline.com and search for Unity Health Kids Triathlon. Saturday, Aug. 24. For more information, call Chad Price at 501.218.1304.

Artist in U

Artist in U is an art works program sponsored by Unity Health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Harris Medical Center, part of Newportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown Entertainment Series, running May to October. It allows all ages to participate in art classes. Classes are divided by age and local artists lead painting classes. Classes are free, but seating is limited. For more information or to register, call 870.523.3618. First Tuesday, May to October, Newport.

Unity Health Foundation

The Foundation works to provide continuous improvement for the Unity Health system and offers a number of activities and programs to the community throughout the year. Healthy Women of Unity, a Foundation resource, is working with Women Run Arkansas this year to inspire women to live healthy lives. For more information on upcoming events or to become a member, contact the Unity Health Foundation at 501.278.3184 or foundation@unity-health.org.

Unity Health hosts Careers and Medical Professions (CAMP) during the summer. The free, five-day program is for students who are interested in healthcare careers.

THANK YOU! 2018-2019 sponsors for your support and dedication to the University of Central Arkansas.

Healthworks/healthyU

The Unity Health Healthworks department provides a number of classes, programs and screenings throughout the year to community members. healthyU is the associate wellness program led by Judy Glenn, RN to encourage healthy living for Unity Health associates. Recently, healthyU has partnered with the Searcy Athletic Club and Wellspring Spa to provide several classes to both associates and the community. For more information and dates, call Healthworks at 501.278.8570. Whether this summer brings on adventure or staying close to home, Unity Health hopes you and your loved ones have a wonderful, healthy and fun summer break. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 33

SCIENCE

‘Research matters’ Arkansas Research Alliance investing in the future by Donna Lampkin Stephens

Eleven years in, the Arkansas Research Alliance is making more and more of a difference for the 501 — and the state. On the entity’s 11th birthday — April 8 — founder Jerry Adams of Conway said he was pleased with its progress. “We are much more and different in very positive ways than what I envisioned,” said Adams, who retired after 34 years as an Acxiom executive before becoming president and CEO of ARA in 2008. According to aralliance.org, the ARA is “dedicated to elevating a fundamental belief: Research Matters.” It is a public-private partnership that, according to the website, “invests in research that stimulates innovation, encourages collaboration, and strengthens economic opportunity.” Arkansas Research Alliance, as well as a few other initiatives, such as Innovate Arkansas and the STEM Coalition, came out of Accelerate Arkansas, the policy strategy group looking to build a knowledge-based economy in the state. A two-year study funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation for Accelerate Arkansas resulted in five core strategies for long-term economic growth in the state: support job-creating research; develop risk capital that is available for all stages of the business cycle; encourage entrepreneurship and accelerated new enterprise development; increase the education level of Arkansans in science, technology, engineering and math; and sustain successful existing industry through advancing technology and competitiveness. ARA targets that first core strategy. “The one we picked up was how to use university research to change the economic trajectory of Arkansas,” Adams said. ARA was modeled after the Georgia Research Alliance, but Adams said Arkansas officials chose to focus on a very specific portion of what Georgia does. Gov. Mike Beebe provided $500,000 in state money for start-up funds in 2008. Funding today comes from board dues and state contributions. According to the website, “ARA continues its evolution from an aspirational organization to one that is delivering real impact for Arkansas. We’re proud to foster collaboration between industry, government and academia, and have expanded our research partnerships with universities and other public and private entities to generate value for the people and businesses of our state. At a time when federal research dollars are shrinking, ARA is stepping up efforts.” The organization’s board of trustees comprises 34 | 501 LIFE June 2019

The ARA Team: Jeremy Harper (from left), Jerry Adams, Roben Brooks, Julie LaRue, Art Norris and Bryan Barnhouse.

Jerry Adams chancellors of the state’s five research universities — the University of Arkansas, UAMS, UA-Little Rock, UA-Pine Bluff and Arkansas State University — as well as business leaders from across the state. As part of the goal to change the economic trajectory of Arkansas, the organization started the ARA Scholars program to provide strategic recruiting for each of the five research universities. According to the website, the Scholars program is “the cornerstone for ARA and plays a pivotal role in bridging university research and economic development.” Ongoing projects include drug development, stem cell research and cutting-edge membrane technology, among others. The ARA Fellows program, begun a few years later, is an effort to recognize and retain the research talent already on those campuses. According to the website, “Recruiting new talent starts with investing in the strong base of researchers already making a difference in Arkansas.” Fellows are nominated by their respective institutions. Adams said in about 2013, ARA also developed a strategic relationship with the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson County — the only FDA Center located outside the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. “We brought that in as almost our sixth research university,” he said. About 28 Scholars and Fellows make up the ARA Academy, which had its third annual conference last fall. “That academy was not on the drawing board initially, but it manifests almost all of the positive attributes we’re working with — to elevate collaboration between research universities and also to recognize and retain the talent we have,” Adams said. “Both (former) Gov. Beebe and Gov. (Asa) Hutchinson have been extraordinarily

ARA continued on Page 79 June 2019 501lifemag.com | 35

COLUMNIST

Summer dreams Camping, baseball, swimming, fishing, bike riding, catching fireflies, beach vacation, late nights, s’mores, pool parties, barbecue, roasted hot dogs, amusement parks and the summer activities list goes on and on. The transition from summers as a child, adult and parent has been fascinating. I grew up with a pool as a child up until about ninth grade. I couldn’t wait to swim in my backyard. We had chores like push mowing the yard, which seemed like we owned all the grass in the entire state of Ohio. (To this day, I hate the smell of fresh cut grass.) My dad demanded straight lines. He was a perfectionist like that. Dad got a riding mower the day Adam I moved out of the house. Go figure. He also loved Bledsoe to have a weed-free garden. Once those chores were done, we’d jump in that cool pool on those warm Originally from Northeast Ohio, Adam Bledsoe moved to Arkansas days. Oh, those were the days. in 2000 to attend Harding I’ve mentioned in previous articles I worked on a University after active duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He is dairy farm during my ninth- and 10th-grade years. married to Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, Summer meant lots of work opportunities, including and they have two children, Audrey (10) and Hunter (6), who baling hay and working the fields with giant tractors. attend Wooster Elementary. I was 13 and hauling grain wagons on state highways. Adam is newly employed by THV11 as a feature reporter, I was scared to death. focusing on a variety of feel-good My boss had bought a brand-new pickup truck community related stories. a week prior to a grain wagon getting away from me as I was trying to hitch it up. Yeah, he didn’t need a pretty tailgate. I thought I’d smash the back of it. 36 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Summers were good as a kid. My folks took us on vacations, most of the time to Myrtle Beach, S.C. So many fond memories came back as I recently took my children there for their first time. Growing into adulthood came with my enlistment in the military. Summer breaks no longer existed, but I was blessed to be stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. I stayed at the beach. It was fantastic. Off to college I went, and had some of the most enjoyable summers a person could have. From youth ministry internships to traveling around the country representing my school, I was living the dream. Up until my wife, Amanda, and I had kids, we would do the daily grind, all year. We worked hard and occasionally went somewhere for a vacation, or went camping, but summer had lost its great appeal it once had. Then there were babies. Summer plans ceased for a few years until we bought yet another camper. We booked as many camping trips as we could, and loved it. Now the kids are 11 and 6 1/2. I feel the excitement I once felt about summer, because my kids are going to get to experience what I experienced, if not more. Though planning out a summer full of activities can be daunting, we are so excited about their adventures. A couple weeks with their grandparents, summer camp, water parks, amusement parks, camping adventures and the list goes on. I’ve written about the changing of seasons in the past. This is more than changing from spring into summer. So many of you reading this have been there, done that and chuckle with the years ahead of me. I hear teenagers are really fun and give no problems. Yeah, yeah…I hear ya. One thing is for certain, I hope my children enjoy doing the things in my first sentence. My life’s mission is to love God, love my neighbor and do everything I can for my family to have the best days of their lives. I encourage you to do the same.

My hero, my dad

COLUMNIST

by Tommy Wallace

Most boys look at their dads as heroes. A “bigger than life” heroic moment for my dad took place when I was 14. We were vacationing in the Colorado Rockies and after a day of horseback riding, we ate at a restaurant before going back to our cabin on the Big Thompson River. The river was actually more like a small mountain creek, but the dark skies had started pouring buckets of rain. The little cabin was just yards from the river which, unbeknownst to us, was starting to rise. We settled in for the stormy evening. My youngest brother, Jonathan, and my mom had gone to bed while Dad made himself some hot chocolate. My brother, Tim, and I stayed up with dad, listening to the rain pouring down. Suddenly, someone outside started pounding on the cabin door. The lady who owned and cared for the cabins told us we had better get out because she had never seen so much water. Dad went to open the back door toward the river only to have the river flow into the cabin. He yelled for all of us to get out to the car and then the lights went out. I held hands with my brothers, Tim and Jonathan, and, along with my mom, we waded through knee deep water, making it to the car. All four of us were in the car and waiting on Dad to join us. Lightning was flashing, water was rising and we waited. And waited. And waited. Suddenly, there was a huge flash of lightning and Dad, larger than life, comes through the cabin door and makes it through the water, across the parking lot to the car in two or three strides. Heroes are able to do that you know. He jumped in the car and fired up the engine to pull us out of the parking lot and onto the road. Dad now had to make the decision on which way to turn. Before he could make that choice, people outside began beating on our car. We opened the doors and another family of five joined our five and our station wagon became an ark, growing to a population of 10. So, now our hero had to make the decision to turn right and go up river or left and cross the river on a bridge. He told us afterward that he didn’t have a clue of what to do but felt that the Lord wanted him to turn left to cross the bridge. As often happens when we are following God’s direction, there is opposition and the family that had joined us began to scream for him to not cross the bridge. They were afraid it would be washed out. Dad’s choice was made and he kept driving across the bridge before finding himself in the midst of a group of cars on the highest ground for miles around.

William “Bill” Thomas Wallace of Conway passed away Feb. 22, 2019. The next morning I walked back to the bridge. Our cabin was reduced to splinters by the 20 foot wall of water that roared down the canyon that night. There were 143 people who lost their lives in that historical flash flood. My family survived because of our hero, my dad.

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 37

COLUMNIST

‘Ounce for ounce, dollar for dollar’ During the 1950s, the adults in our town dealt with another war on the heels of World War II. Many of us also remember those years because of the heat and drought. Even the chickens were going feet up from the heat, and the hens were not interested in laying or even clucking. The flies sat on the Vivian Lawson lip of your water glass Hogue knowing you were too hot to swat with the old A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated screen-wire flyswatter. from the University of Central The attic or window Arkansas with a degree in art fans did an adequate job education. A retired teacher, she worked in the Conway School of cooling inside, but District for 23 years. She can be sometimes you just had reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. net. to get out of the house and walk downtown, or uptown as the case might be. Nothing since can compare to Old Conway in terms of the education one could receive through many products and types of stores. Every type of business imaginable provided one with items needed or wanted, whether utilitarian or frivolous. If the item was too luxurious, it could mean the 48-minute, two-lane highway drive to Little Rock. Even the pages of a 1956 City Directory can send me back to age 13 when our population was 8,247. The Conway Chamber of Commerce boasted of great employment in small industries and factories and diversified agriculture. How completely that changed in only 40 years! There was only one antique store, as most people were using the furniture and household items that would eventually become antiques. With added nearby businesses within the small city limits, there were 31 service stations, 10 barber shops, 22 cafes, 28 churches, nine department stores, 40 grocery stores, six jewelers, seven factories, 11 motels and two hotels. Add to that, four kindergartens, five public schools and three parochial schools and we were an exceptional town for our size. From all of these there was much to learn, whether on purpose or not, and it has been valuable. Years ago I had a blog, and on one occasion I covered the subject of early shopping experiences. I learned many things downtown at the waist-high level of my mother, and it was mostly in grocery stores. I still apply the learned observations and know to stay alert for changes! Canned vegetables were 16 ounces and are now between 13 and 15.75 ounces. The can size may still be the same, but there is more liquid and a higher price. When I shop, I actually shake a tuna can to find the one that sloshes the least. “Wild caught” better mean it was caught and processed in the U.S. 38 | 501 LIFE June 2019

A sampling of some of the business and residential information and images from the 1956 and 1958 editions of the Conway Directory produced by the Mullin-Kille Company. The directories listed residents by name and street address. Individuals 18 and older were listed, with a wife’s name listed in parenthesis after her husband’s. Also listed were the number of children under age 18, occupation and employment. Information was collected via a house-to-house canvas. Peanut butter jars often have an indention in the bottom giving less product but appearing larger. Cereal boxes are now thinner, but not shorter, and contain much less product. “New and improved”

may only mean a package redesign. Cereal varieties and brands are now in the hundreds, all with more sugars, dyes and preservatives. Since we no longer have many outhouses

needing Sears catalogues, I’ve paid more attention to toilet paper rolls and will not buy the one from the offensive TV commercials. Some brands that were once tightly rolled and firm are now mashable. They have less paper and are rolled loosely to appear fuller. The inner cardboard cylinders used to fit the dispenser rollers, but now are about one inch shorter, and the cylinder diameters are much larger, again for appearance. Two readers had noticed that a gallon of ice cream is no longer a gallon, but only 3 1/2 quarts. One person asked, “Do you think the price dropped by 25 percent?” The answer was no, but it predictably cost more. Several years ago, bacon became only 12 ounces instead of 16 ounces and double in price.

Like everything else, it makes a difference in recipe needs, but this was not the manufacturer’s problem. You just needed to pay for another package to have enough. My mother would always tell me to reach to the back of a shelf to get the newer stock and check the date, but to know it would not self-destruct on that date. If 50¢-a-gallon jugs of milk were reduced to 25¢, I should proudly grab one. I was not good at math, but I did learn that “50¢ apiece or 2 for a dollar” made no sense OR cents! Her lesson about smelling the broken-off stem end of a cantaloupe, which indicates ripeness, worked until recently when they started twisting the stems off green, thus covering up the spot. Now you don’t know until you’ve paid for and sliced it that it

is no good and will never ripen further. Where we once trusted food manufacturers, distributors and local merchants, we’ve needed to become label readers and comparison shoppers. Here in what was Old Conway, our butchers knew us by name and asked how the family was doing. They sold fresh meat, and you could tell from their white aprons doused with blood. Saline injections or hormones were in the future. I value my downtown education and wish I could say to my mother that I now know how she fed a large family while helping raise and educate all five children through a Depression and a few wars. To paraphrase Proverbs 31:29 for such women, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Boats line up to form a “V” at a boat rally on the banks of the White River.

Summer fun Take me to the river by Dwain Hebda

The Glory Daze sits on the surface of the water like a missile with fins. The streamlined red, white and blue Liberator catamaran harnessing a 300-horse Mercury outboard fairly screams summertime fun. White stars hug her sleek lines and even the metallic blue steering wheel gleams. “It’s patriotic, more or less,” said Eddie Calvert, the skipper of this craft. “I love those types of boats because they run well, they handle well in the water, you can run faster and safer. It’s much easier to drive and much easier to handle at high speeds.” Calvert loves it on the water and spends as much time there in the summertime as he can, which considering he is retired, is quite a bit. A resident of Sherwood, he’s particularly fond of the Arkansas River and he’s logged the miles to prove it. “I go to the lakes also and I enjoy that, too, but the river is so much more convenient for me living where I do,” he said. “The thing about the river as opposed to the lake is, at the river you’re unlimited as to where you can go. In fact, I’ve been almost the entire navigable length of the Arkansas River, over 400 miles in the past few years, camping along the way. “We enjoy going to a place where you can run the boats and also get out of the boat on a sandbar rather than just sit in the water all day like you would at the lake.” Calvert grew up in Warren. While attending UA 40 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Eddie in Glory Daze. (Mike Kemp photo)

Monticello, he started going out with friends on the Ouachita River around Moro Bay, learning to water ski and navigate the channel. “After that, I moved up here to North Little

Rock and got a boat,” he said. “I started going to the Arkansas River and I’ve been going ever since.” Along the way, Calvert developed a circle of friends who are as appreciative of time on the water or lounging on a sandbar as he is. Some of them are hardcore, former racers who still goose their sleek crafts up past 100 miles per hour now and again. He estimates the fastest ride he ever experienced was around 130 in a friend’s boat. But that doesn’t mean the 71-year-old doesn’t love to get the most out of what the Glory Daze has to offer – a little over 100 miles per hour. “A lot of the group that I hang out with love high-performance boats. Most of those boats are a little different than what the normal boat is that you’d see out on the lake,” he said. “The less boat you have in the water, the less drag and the faster you’ll go. When those boats are running wide open, there is very little in the water. Like on my boat, the prop shaft is actually level with the bottom of the boat or higher. So when you’re running wide open, only the bottom half of the prop is actually in the water.” As Calvert tells you this, you hear the roar of the engine in his voice, taste the wind whipping up your adrenaline, feel the spray split from the mirroredglass surface underneath you. He grins. “It’s a thrill,” he said.

River continued on Page 42

Eddie talks with fellow boater Jeff Lemaire. (Mike Kemp photo) June 2019 501lifemag.com | 41

Jeff Lemaire with Honor Calvert and Weston Spears, cruising in the Baja. (Mike Kemp photo)

Eddie Calvert took 501 LIFE along on a recent ride on the river. (Mike Kemp photo)

42 | 501 LIFE June 2019

River continued from Page 40 Calvert and his crew of like-minded friends – river rats with a taste for speed – turn the river into a party from May to October. Sometimes they take planned day trips south to Pine Bluff or north toward Conway. But mostly the merry band stakes out a sandbar and lets the good times roll from there, grilling and chilling. “Most of the time we spend in what we call the Little Rock pool, which is below Murray Lock and Dam in the Little Rock area,” he said. “There are some sandbars down there where we hang out across from Burns Park. Sometimes we go through the lock at Murray and go upriver between Little Rock and Conway. There’s some really huge sandbars and it’s the same way down south of Little Rock below Terry Lock and Dam.” It’s a little surprising to hear him readily share his favorite haunts – some longtimers get a little prickly about sharing their choice spot, especially given how river traffic has increased in recent years. Calvert doesn’t necessarily subscribe to that, enjoying the social aspect of boating as he does. That said, there are rules of the river that he’d like everyone to understand, rules he’s taught his son and is teaching his grandson. In 40-plus years of riding the waves and cruising the current, Calvert has yet to tire of the river, from the scenery on the riverbank to the spectacle of sunset on the water. He’s even compiled a bucket list of trips he’d like to take, trips so big and audacious they are more than the Glory Daze can handle. “I would like to be able to run down the Arkansas, hit the Mississippi and go down and get in the intercoastal waterway,” he said. “You can go west or east on the intercoastal waterway, or go up the Mississippi and run some of those other rivers. But to do that, you need a bigger boat than what I have.” Even if he never does all that, Calvert will always have the Arkansas River and summertime. And where those two conjoin, he’s renewed; running in the pack with friends, outracing tomorrow, creasing starlight foam in the wake of time.

Looking for something fun to do this summer?

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 43

FAITH

Every cloud has a silver lining

When I was in elementary school, we had an assignment to come up with as many idioms as we Mark could. Immediately, I learned sayings such as, “It’s McDonald, a Methodist raining cats and dogs” and “You hit the nail on the minister, head.” Then, someone told me, “Every cloud has has served churches in a silver lining.” I immediately looked for clouds, Northwest and had trouble seeing a silver lining on them. Arkansas, Booneville, My teacher said, “Did you look for cats and dogs Jacksonville during the rain? These sayings aren’t supposed to be and Conway. His family settled literal; that’s what makes them idioms!” in Faulkner County in the 1840s. He attended Hendrix College, As I thought more about that saying, I found where he serves as a trustee. He it hopeful. At least the saying teaches us to look for and his wife have six children all living in Central Arkansas. the silver lining (good news) when the clouds (bad news) seem to be overshadowing us. I thought of this recently when someone was complaining about summer getting closer. He was complaining about ticks, chiggers, high temperatures and humidity. While I share some dread for those items, I quickly found myself responding, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” For every one of the things we dread about summer, there are things that make summer a truly beautiful season in the 501. The days are longer and the sunshine more plentiful. It’s a joy to sit on the porch or deck (for most of the season) until the sun goes down (which is much later than now). Much fruit is in season, and it is the time of year when it makes the most sense to jump in the water and fish, ski and participate in other water activities. Most people know The Byrds’ song “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The words are based on a passage of scripture from Ecclesiastes 3 that teaches us a lesson about the seasons of our life: There’s a season for everything: by Mark McDonald

44 | 501 LIFE June 2019

and a time for every matter under the heavens: a time for giving birth and a time for dying, a time for planting and a time for uprooting what was planted, a time for killing and a time for healing, a time for tearing down and a time for building up a time for crying and a time for laughing, a time for mourning and a time for dancing, a time for throwing stones and a time for gathering stones, a time for embracing and a time for avoiding embraces, a time for searching and a time for losing, a time for keeping and a time for throwing away a time for tearing and a time for repairing, a time for keeping silent and a time for speaking, a time for loving and a time for hating a time for war and a time for peace. (vv. 1-8, CEB) While we have four distinct seasons in the 501, this passage reminds us that our lives have seasons, as well. Every season has both clouds and silver linings. Sometimes, our life is filled with new life, growth and excitement. At other times, we face loss, decline and depression. Seasons remind us that nothing is permanent and there is always a silver lining. And more silver linings to come with the next season. As we come into this beautiful summer season and find ourselves facing some of the uncomfortable aspects of summer, I hope we can find ourselves with a new understanding of the way that life has a way of balancing our struggles with our joys. I hope that we can see that summer is truly worth celebrating, and even the struggles will fade as we move from one season to another!

MEDICAL ROUNDUP

Family doctors join Conway Regional Two family doctors with the St. Vincent Medical Clinic have joined the Conway Regional Primary Care Network. David Martin, M.D, joined Conway Medical Group and Kristy Roberts, D.O., began practice at Greenbrier Family Medicine. Both clinics are members of the Conway Regional Primary Care Network. “We are thrilled to add these highly-skilled physicians to the Conway Regional Team,” said Rebekah Fincher, chief administrative officer. “Drs. Roberts and Martin have been a part of the medical community in Conway for many years and are widely known here for the excellent care that they provide their patients.” Martin and Roberts have practiced together since

2002. They are graduates of the University of Central Arkansas. Martin has practiced medicine in Conway for 26 years. Roberts has practiced here for 17 years. Martin joined Drs. Billy McBay, Laura Massey and Jarrett Lea at Conway Medical Kristy Roberts, D.O. Group, which is the largest clinic in the Conway Regional Primary Care Network. Roberts, a native of Greenbrier, joined James

Fulmer, MD, Jarrod Jerry, APRN, and Lauren Blansett, APRN, at Greenbrier Family Medicine. Conway Regional is planning an expansion of the clinic this summer. The Conway Regional Primary Care network consists of nine David Martin, M.D. primary care clinics located in Conway, Greenbrier, Vilonia, Mayflower, Clinton, Pottsville and Russellville.

Unity Health recognizes associate

Unity Health recently recognized Jane Baker as its Associate of the Quarter.

Unity Health associates selected Jane Baker as the Associate of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2019. Baker is a housekeeper in Environmental Services on the Unity Health – Specialty Care Campus. Baker has been with Unity Health for almost four years and works in the Compass behavioral health unit. She had friends who worked in the unit and said she felt like it was a nice environment to work in. Her favorite part of her job is her coworkers and the part she

plays in a patients’ stay at Unity Health. When she is not at work, Baker loves to spend time with her family and is active at her church. Attributes of the Associate of the Quarter include high values, a positive attitude and sense of professionalism. Baker reflects the core values of the hospital: integrity, teamwork, compassion, excellence, stewardship, innovation and a heart of service.

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 45

1 HEALTH

Getting fit

Fitness center sees $1.2 million renovation

According to fitness center director Jeramie Hinojosa, the interlocking rings above the check-in desk symbolize for him the medical integration with health and fitness. by Sonja J. Keith Mike Kemp photos

The Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center recently hosted a grand reopening to mark completion of a $1.2 million renovation project. The 70,000-square-foot fitness center, located at 700 Salem Road in Conway, was built about 25 years ago and updates were in order, according to director Jeramie Hinojosa. Originally from Ruston, La., Jeramie has been managing medical fitness centers in East Texas for the last 20 years. “This opportunity came up and we decided to make the jump,” he said of the move to Conway. Jeramie has a bachelor’s degree in fitness and wellness management and a master’s degree in clinical exercise and physiology. Jeramie, who was named the director of the fitness center about a year ago, said the planned 46 | 501 LIFE June 2019

renovation was a major factor in his decision. “The opportunity to renovate was definitely something exciting.” Jeramie said that the Conway center over the years has done a good job in reaching out to the community with initiatives while promoting health and fitness. A main goal for the future is for the fitness center to work closely with the Conway Regional Health System to better integrate and expand care, with the hope that it will lead to more hospital patients using the center and an increase of referrals from health care providers. “So, instead of being a hospital that has a nice gym, it’s a hospital with a health and fitness center that is a real part of the continuum that provides care and enhances outcomes for patients. We all know that exercise is good and there is a multitude of health benefits from exercise, but we want to get healthcare providers actually prescribing

exercise. Then we have a job to provide programs and services to meet those needs.” Jeramie said medically integrated fitness centers are unique because of the resources provided through the healthcare system, quality management and risk management to professional staffing, which is different from other fitness centers. In the mid-90s, when the Conway center was built, it was a popular time for hospitals to get involved with the health and fitness movement, according to Jeramie. “I think the leadership at the time had a lot of forethought to get in on that.” Jeramie said after 25 years, it was a natural time for center updates and replacement of some systems. In addition to aesthetic changes, Jeramie said officials have also addressed functionality throughout the project. “The health and fitness center industry is constantly changing. There are

One of the major projects during the renovation was the creation of a new check-in desk in the center of the lobby. new centers opening up all time, including a lot of niche type and studio-type environments that are very trendy. We need to stay ahead of that.” Planning for the renovation began last summer, with the work started in November. Conway Regional worked with Nabholz and Cromwell Architects Engineers on the project. “It’s been challenging for our entire team, but it’s been an exciting process. The facility needed it. It has been exciting to be a part of.” Jeramie said the two most noticeable changes from the renovation are the re-design of the front desk/main lobby and the men’s and women’s locker rooms and shower areas, which now have a spa-like appearance. “The locker room probably has the most dramatic change,” he said. “We had to completely re-plumb the showers. That was major work. We went from having more, smaller showers to larger showers. We tiled them and they have beautiful glass doors. It feels very high-end and more spacious. “We also improved the circulation in the locker rooms. We pretty much gutted the locker areas and put in a very high-end locker with a mechanical combination lock that eliminated the need for padlocks. It’s a nice, very clean, spalike feel in there.” Jeramie pointed out that a swimsuit spinner was also added so that suits are not so wet when members leave. The changes to the front entrance were more dramatic, according to Jeramie, and included installation of a revolving door and a new checkin desk to create an open and airy space. “I think it’s created a more welcoming and open environment.” There is also a new light fixture above the desk that features interlocking rings.

HEALTH continued on Page 48 June 2019 501lifemag.com | 47

The fitness center features an expanded retail space, with access to healthy food options.

A revolving door was added to the center for easy access.

Changes were made to the exterior, including the addition of a new sign, and the interior during the recent renovation.

A small, gathering area was enclosed and new flooring added during the renovation.

HEALTH continued from Page 47 “It’s very much an architectural component, but I see those two rings as the symbol of the medical integration with health and fitness. We try to pass that idea on to our members because that is what makes our center unique. That will continue to make it more unique in the future as we develop and enhance our programs and services by better integrating with the hospital.” Other features of the renovation include: Upgrades to the building exterior Installation of new fitness equipment valued at more than $130,000 The addition of retail space with expanded offerings and refrigerators stocked with healthy options An improved Wi-Fi system The renovation came in under budget, giving the fitness center staff an opportunity to identify and prioritize other improvements. “We were able to use some of the additional funds that were approved to address some other things that members may not even realize,” he said, citing an upgrade to a dated computer network. Painting the swimming pool and replacing the stair rails were also among the added items. “We tried to make sure 48 | 501 LIFE June 2019

we made good use of those funds as true investments for the center.” Another major item that fitness center members may not notice is the addition of a 20-year industrial grade washer and dryer, which replace two home units. To add the new units, new gas lines had to be configured and the area replumbed. “We were contracting out a lot of that service, but now we are trying to be self-sustaining and ultimately be able to save money,” Jeramie said. “It was a very expensive project but we think it will pay for itself within a year.” A lot of work has gone in to the renovation, with challenges that the staff and membership have had to overcome, according to Jeremy. At one point, the only access to showers was in a temporary building. The check-in area also was temporarily re-located to a classroom with entry to the building through a side door. Still, the center did not see a decrease in visits. Jeramie expressed his appreciation of both the staff and the members for their patience during the process. “It’s been very rewarding and challenging,” he said. “I’m amazed at how well it went. The staff really rose to the challenge. The members by and large were so understanding and so appreciative.”

Amanda Castillo, marketing coordinator at the fitness center, said members have been excited to watch the progress being made at the center. “The members love it,” she said, adding that employees too are excited and have a deep sense of pride in the new look. “It looks like how we feel about it.” Jeramie also expressed his appreciation of the Conway Regional Health System Board of Directors for approving the fitness center renovation and considers it a “wise investment” in the future. “The board was very generous with its support,” he said. “We are in a really good position to move forward.” For more information on the center, visit conwayregionalhfc.org. As he has spent more time in Conway, Jeramie has come to realize what the fitness center means to the community. He said the center is more than brick and mortar, but the look of the building and the improvements are important. He said he is “blown away” by the membership and their love for the center. He said members who have seen the completed renovation have been pleased. “It’s neat to see their response. It’s been incredible and overwhelming.”

The locker rooms at the center now have a spa-like look and feel, with high-end lockers and renovated shower areas.

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 49

FOOD

State champs

Culinary team shares winning recipes The Conway High School Culinary Team – state champions – created a menu with an Asian flair for competition. Senior students Hannah Bramlett, Gracie Childress, Triston Hollomon, Henley Masters and Lauren Murphy placed first in the ProStart State Culinary Competition. Throughout the school year, the team perfected their recipes and practiced preparing the dishes for the state contest. The culinary competition evaluates each team’s creative abilities through the preparation of a threecourse meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners. In addition, the students do not have access to running water or electricity. Students are judged on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation. In addition to creating their menu and learning how to prepare the dishes, the team had to calculate the cost of the ingredients. The team’s menu: Starter – Asian Slaw and Butter Poached Shrimp with Lotus Chips served on an Asian Aioli. Total recipe cost: $11.79. Entrée – Black Tea Smoked Duck served on a sweet chili sauce with pickled Daikon Radish and garnished with seasoned microgreens. Total recipe cost: $25.94. Dessert – Coconut Ginger Mousse, Fresh Mango, and Matcha Cake with a Sesame Nougatine atop a Raspberry Couli and Chocolate Ganache. Total recipe cost: $9.10. The team and CHS culinary instructor Jennifer Park were happy to share their recipes with 501 LIFE readers:

ASIAN SLAW AND BUTTER POACHED SHRIMP WITH LOTUS CHIPS SERVED ON AN ASIAN AIOLI (Makes two 6-ounce portions) 1/8 cup Sushi rice 1/2 cup water 0.5 ounces red pepper, julienne 0.6 ounces sugar snap peas, diagonal cut 0.25 ounces green onion, diagonal cut 0.5 ounces cilantro, chopped 1.7 ounces Lotus chips, thinly sliced 1.4 ounces cucumber strips, thinly sliced 0.65 ounces purple cabbage, julienne 1.6 ounces carrot, julienne 2.25 ounces Jicama, julienne 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon Gochujang 1 tablespoon honey 3/4 teaspoon rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Mirin

50 | 501 LIFE June 2019

The Conway High School Culinary Team: Henley Masters (front, from left), Gracie Childress; Triston Hollomon (back), Hannah Bramlett and Lauren Murphy. 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon lemongrass paste 5.35 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 cup butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 avocado Boil rice and water in small pot for 6 minutes then remove from heat and cover with plastic wrap. Mix red pepper, snow peas, green onion, cilantro, purple cabbage, carrot, and jicama in medium bowl. Mix the mirin, sesame seed oil, 3/4 teaspoon rice wine vinegar, salt, pepper, lime juice, and lemongrass paste in a small bowl until evenly incorporated. Toss the just made marinade into vegetable mix. Mix the mayonnaise, gochujang, honey, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl until evenly incorporated and set aside. Melt butter in small pan and add salt and pepper, then poach the shrimp for roughly 3 minutes on each side or until evenly cooked. Set on paper towel to absorb extra oil. Scoop avocado with a 1/4 tsp. Plating: Spread gochu sauce on plate in a diagonal. Wrap cucumber strip inside the ring and press rice into ring about halfway up. Fill the ring with slaw mixture and carefully remove the outer ring. Top with shrimp, lotus chip and avocado ball. Finish plating with other 2 shrimp, lotus chip and avocado ball.

BLACK TEA-SMOKED DUCK WITH PICKLED DAIKON TOPPED WITH DRESSED MICROGREENS AND ALL SERVED OVER AN AGRODOLCE SAUCE (Makes two portions) 2 6-ounce duck breast 1/2 cup Jasmine Rice 1/2 cup cranberry blood orange tea 1/2 cup brown sugar 6 Star Anise 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon pepper 4 ounces Daikon radish, medium, diced 2/3 cup rice vinegar 1 tablespoon chili sauce 3/4 cup sugar 4 tablespoons water 1 Blood Orange, zested, peeled and sectioned 1 teaspoon chili sauce 4 ounces microgreens 1 cup Pickling Liquid 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon Aji-Mirin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Pickled Daikon Radish In a 12-inch pan, add vinegar, sugar, water and 1 tablespoon chili sauce. Over medium high heat, bring to a boil. Once all of the

sugar is dissolved, place diced Daikon Radish into tall bain marie canister. Once sugar is dissolved, pour over Daikon. Seal with plastic wrap tightly around the top and allow to pickle. Black Tea Smoked Duck Set large pot with foil in the bottom over high heat. Add Jasmine Rice, cranberry blood orange tea, brown sugar and Star Anise into the foil at the bottom of the pot. Then add the steam basket on top of the mixture. Cover with lid and allow to heat up. Season the duck breast with salt and pepper and score the fat in a criss-cross direction with sharp knife. Place the duck breast skin-side up in steam basket. Put lid back on and smoke until duck reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. Once the temperature is achieved, allow the duck breast to rest in a small prep tray. Cover with another small prep tray to conserve heat. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Next, place large saucepan with vegetable oil over very high heat. Then, put duck skin-down in pan and fry skin only until nice crisp and firmness to duck skin. Place on small cutting board to rest. Blood Orange Agrodolce Zest and peel blood orange on cutting board, and place into an extra small metal bowl. Drain the Daikon pickling sauce from canister into medium saucepan over high heat. Add the zested blood orange, orange pieces and chili sauce to the sauce and allow to boil until thickened, and reduce to nappe. Put microgreens into small metal bowl and toss with salt, pepper, mirin and sesame oil. Plating: Square off duck pieces and cut diagonally. Pour agrodolce sauce onto the plate uniformly. Center duck onto plate, and place Daikon on either side of duck. Top with dressed microgreens.

The team’s desert entry Coconut Ginger Mousse, Fresh Mango and Matcha Cake. (Go to 501lifemag.com for the recipe.)

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 51

IN THE GARDEN

Sanctuary Creating personal therapeutic space Life takes many turns, and for Michelle Boone, her professional journey started as a certified public accountant, financial Don Bingham analyst and part-time Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, instrucDon Bingham has authored tor at the cookbooks, presented television programs and planned elaborate University events. of Central Arkansas. She, along with Brett Battle, is coowner of a garden and nursery center and landscaping service. With recent health issues, Michelle had to take a leave of absence from the day-to-day operations of the planting and cultivating world, and this gave her time to do some soul searching and consideration of the various aspects she loved about the greenhouse and growing process. To regain her strength, Michelle discovered her “happy place” was far more important to her and necessary in her healing process than anticipated; this led to a deeper joy of “being outside, without being outside,” and new creative ideas began to develop. To begin with, Michelle took all the older plant shelves in disrepair, built new ones and repurposed the old wood to make walls. She added 30foot sections of theme plants from old shelving, pieces of tin from local flea markets, suspended antique windows and wagon wheels and created peaceful respites here and there, throughout the greenhouse. Hanging canopies were suspended throughout the large greenhouse, and rotten woods, of which were to be disposed, became focal points for water fountains and plant gardens in large containers. One of her favorite areas that she 52 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Michelle Boone enjoys spending time in the greenhouse. (Mike Kemp photos)

created was her “sanctuary” – personal space for creativity and therapeutic encouragement, often called “the potting shed.” This area is for relaxing, decompressing and serves as a retreat when necessary. At the end of the day, when most would be headed home, Michelle retreats to create, grow from seedlings and make sure the recent “nothing new” look is continued in this garden oasis, situated in the middle of the hustle and rush of everyday life in West Conway. The Plant Outlet serves the community with many resources, having a location on each side of Hogan Lane. The jewel, however, may be the 50 acres of greenhouses and growing areas, complete with a watering pond, where most all of the blooming plants are cultivated. This area thrives on the outskirts of West Conway and requires Michelle’s attention as well. On my recent visit to The Plant Outlet, I was immediately aware of the music playing, the large rustic chandelier hanging with contemporary water features, 15-foot tin walls and plants of all kinds to welcome the shopper, inviting me to look down every aisle for hidden surprises! I also noticed that many of the creations were not priced, which caused

me to know the purpose was not just for retail, but indeed a place to wander and be refreshed in the world of horticulture, balancing the “what a buy, what a buy” with inspiration for the best way to use the “mother-in-law’s tongue” plant to its best advantage!

NEW MOVE-IN SPECIAL

There are many types of medicinal opportunities and showcases of creative outlets. Michelle Boone has brought new life to one of our favorite outlets and shown anew that “everything old can be new again!” It is a delight to wander through this sanctuary garden on Hogan Lane in Conway.

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 53

HOME

54 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Summer favorites Enjoying outdoor dining, chickens and garden

Donna Benton Donna Benton is a maker of custom home furnishings and specializes in classic painted finishes for antique and vintage furniture. You can see her work at WaterHouseMarket.com.

Another summer is upon us and while I have come to appreciate the rituals that each season brings, summer is my favorite. I don’t know if it’s the warm days or the extra hours of daylight, but summer seems to initiate party mode, and who doesn’t love a party. I always ty to pack as much fun as I can into the summer and here are a few of my favorite things that I will be doing.

Dining al fresco

For most of the time, our household never had much time for TV. “Friends,” “Seinfeld” and “The Sopranos” came and went with hardly a blip on my radar. But lately, for some reason that I can’t explain, I have battled winter’s darkness with the warm blue glow of a Netflix binge, sometimes while having my dinner at the coffee table. If I consider that as multitasking, I shouldn’t feel so bad about my productivity, right? But that’s not the real me sitting there in my PJs

with the remote in one hand and a bowl of something in the other. That version of me is only waiting for Daylight Saving Time to kick in so I can set my table outside. I believe it is true that everything tastes better in the backyard. Most evenings this summer you can find me out there with a big bouquet of whatever is blooming on the table, watching the sun set and fade into the glow of outdoor party lights.

Playing with chickens If you have never been around chickens, you might find it hard to believe that they have personalities. The way they interact with one another and with people is fascinating to me. My current gals all have Southern food names; Maple, Biscuit, Moonshine and so forth. Moonshine was the runt and I had to hand feed her when she

OVER

YEARS IN BUSINESS

2665 Donaghey Ave, Ste 103 Conway AR • (501) 327-1772 www.luxurypoolarkansas.com June 2019 501lifemag.com | 55

been erected in my back yard with a big orange target painted on its face. I was surprised, however, at the sheer and utter satisfaction of hurling an axe across the yard and sticking it soundly in the center of the target. That earthy solid thwack stimulates all kinds of primal Viking endorphins. And it turns out, that I’m not the only gal with a little warrior blood. When we have guests in our home, and they get a look at the axe target in my backyard, without fail the original purpose of their visit is preempted and they stammer “umm… can I throw an axe?” I would like to note here that I am the most accomplished axe thrower in my family, and in general, the ladies can out-toss the fellows, hands down, at least in my back yard.

Paddle boarding with pups

was a chick. When I asked the farm supply guy for some advice about caring for this little gal, he looked at me kind of funny and said, “They are only a dollar ninety-nine!” He should see her now! Those girls are always so busy and I love to sit and watch them go about their chicken business. I’ll be logging lots of chicken time this summer.

Honing my lumberjack skills

What? Lumberjack skills. Yes, that’s right. My daddy was a Louisiana logger and his father before him, so I guess that makes me a third generation lumberjack. I’ve never actually cut down a tree myself, but I’m pretty sure I can feel it in my blood! My momma was a logger, too, by the way. I live in a house full of boys, who find lots of manly ways to entertain themselves, so I was not too surprised to find that a giant white oak stump had 56 | 501 LIFE June 2019

I have been around lakes and rivers my whole life. My earliest memories of having fun on the water were weekend trips to our camp on the banks of Toledo Bend Lake over on the Louisiana-Texas border. I have always found it interesting that everyone else would call our little rustic lakeside getaway a cabin or a lakehouse, but in Louisiana your weekend retreat is a “camp.” We buzzed around the lake every summer in a banana yellow ski boat that is still in service at the camp. My sister and brothers were very competitive and if you fell while waterskiing, that was the end of your turn, so we all got pretty good at it. I can still throw a pretty mean rooster tail, but my tastes have evolved to less aggressive modes of transportation. Of course, I love gliding along a rippling Ozark stream in a canoe or kayak, but my paddle board is my new favorite way to navigate most any waterway. My pups love it so much is just doesn’t feel right going

without them. With a combined weight of about 18 pounds, they can scamper to and fro across the deck without rocking the boat too much. Walking on water has always been reserved for those with divine powers, but for us mortal weekend warriors, paddle boarding is the next best thing. It is a near perfect way to take a peek into the underwater world, gliding over the surface of a crystal clear Arkansas lake or river with a virtual aquarium at your feet. Of course, neck-deep in water is the best way to beat the Arkansas heat and the nature of paddle boarding is that you end up in the drink from time to time, but that is usually a good thing. I like the rivers in late summer when the water settles to a series of pools and trickles, but you can’t beat quiet, still mornings and evenings on the lake, gliding quietly across a glassy pool.

Growing things

I love working in the yard and the garden. My outdoor spaces go from looking like an HGTV special to the surface of the moon, depending what kind of other projects I have going on. Right now, my backyard looks more like a prairie and we have yet to mow our yard all at once this season. But my garden is looking good thanks to the help of other members of our crew, and you can bet I’ll have some flowers. We grew our garden plants from seeds this year for the first time ever, and it was easier than I thought. Now I’m feeling like I need a greenhouse! This summer, I am definitely going to be growing things. Sure, we will probably take a vacation, I’ll be doing some interesting projects at work, and I’ll be doing lots of great things with my family, but it’s the little things that are really my favorite things about summer.

Internet education

ENERGY SMART

Beth Jimmerson A long-time Conway resident, Beth McCullough Jimmerson is the senior marketing coordinator for Conway Corp. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She can be reached at beth.jimmerson@ conwaycorp.com.

Whether you’re an occasional emailer or an allnight binge-watcher, finding the internet speed that’s right for your needs and knowing what can affect it is a necessity. It used to be simple to connect to the internet, but today things are more complicated. With browsing, streaming, gaming, shopping and more, it’s more important than ever to choose the right internet for the best experience. Conway Corp offers five packages for residential customers ranging from a reliable 6 Mbps to the blazing-fast 1 Gig. What internet is right for you? You’ll need to consider a number of factors including total number of internet users in your home, number of devices connected and what you’ll be doing online. While it might not seem like you’re using a lot of internet, usage for a typical home of four can add up quickly. Consider a mom streaming her favorite show on a smart TV and checking her social media accounts; a dad watching the latest blockbuster movie in HD on his tablet plus sending emails for work; a teenager streaming music while playing online games and another child browsing the web while chatting with friends. To get started, ask yourself these questions. The higher the number, the higher speed internet you will need. What is the maximum number of devices that could be using the internet in your home, including browsing the internet, using social media or checking mail at the same time? In today’s digital age, it’s important to remember internet usage isn’t just about checking email on a desktop computer anymore. Devices can range from computers and cell phones to tablets and game consoles — even your fridge can use the internet to let you know you’re out of milk. The more internet connections your home has, the slower your speeds will be. If multiple people are using separate devices at the same time, you will need to increase your speed to accommodate the number of people and devices to ensure an enjoyable internet experience without lag or

latency issues. During your busiest hour of internet usage, how many devices could be streaming at once? Streaming is a type of download that isn’t saved or stored anywhere on your device, but it can still use a lot of bandwidth. Streaming video from sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or YouTube in HD or Ultra HD needs at least a 25 Mbps speed to ensure a buffer-free experience. Plus, a recent survey found that more than 90 percent of people multi-task while watching TV or streaming video, so simultaneous use is also an important factor in determining speed. How many devices might be downloading large files, and how long are you willing to wait on files to download? Downloading is the transfer of data from one place to another. When you download a movie or a song, get an email or search and save from the web, you have a copy of the item on your device. Downloads typically use more bandwidth over a shorter period of time than streaming because you can download faster than you can watch. While faster speeds are not required for large downloads, users who download a lot of files might prefer a faster connection. A twohour movie will take about an hour to download with a 6 Mbps connection and take only 25 seconds with Conway Corp’s 1 Gig connection. How many devices in your home will be playing games online? Online gaming is one of the biggest bandwidth users for internet users, especially game updates and the audio calling services gamers use to talk to each other. Most households with at least one gamer need a 50 Mbps connection and will need a higher connection if more than one gaming console — like a computer, PS4, Xbox, etc. — is in the home. In general, Conway Corp basic residential internet is good for email and basic web browsing. Broadband 25 internet is good for light video streaming, file sharing and downloading smaller files. Broadband 50 internet is good for moderate video streaming, light

online gaming and multiuser homes. Broadband 100 internet is good for heavy video streaming, moderate online gaming and professional home offices. Gig internet is good for maximum video streaming, heavy online gaming, multiple users and devices and advanced applications. How do you get the most from your internet package? Once you choose the internet speed that’s right for you, it’s important to know what can affect your speed so you get maximum performance. The key to receiving the fastest internet speed is having the right device with the right wired connection. More recently purchased devices can support faster internet speeds than older devices. Some devices are limited to certain speeds. Check the documentation for your specific devices to find their maximum speeds. The speed you receive also depends on if you are using a wired connection between the device and the cable modem or if you are using Wi-Fi service. A direct connection is the best way to experience your device’s full speed. If you connect via Wi-Fi, your speed may decrease since wireless connections are inherently slower. Wireless connections are also adversely affected by distance from the router as well as the number of walls or other obstacles between your device and the router. In addition, the wiring that distributes communication services throughout your home can also impact speeds. Modern homes usually come equipped with wiring that is more likely to support faster speeds. Older homes are more likely to experience some loss in speed due to out-of-date wiring standards in place when those homes were constructed. The internet is changing and growing every day, but Conway Corp has trained customer service representatives and technicians to help you understand and get the most out of your service. If you need help choosing the right speed for your home or have questions about your internet package, visit ConwayCorp. com/services/internet or call 501.450.6000. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 57

New construction GET CREATIVE

Couple enjoys home’s open design

Tanner Cangelosi An alum of the University of Central Arkansas, Tanner owns her own business – www. neonsouthernlady.blogspot.com – and has done a variety of projects, from individual home décor items to painting murals in private residences. For more information, Tanner can be reached at tcangelosi@newlifechurch.tv

My husband and I recently went on a life-changing trip to Israel. It was breathtaking and overwhelming, but what made the trip even more amazing was the other people on the trip. Together we laughed and cried as the Bible came alive to us. One of those couples was Tyler and Amanda Tarver, who I only knew a little of before the trip. We talked at length and found out our hearts were very similar and so were our interests! As I went to visit their Benton (new construction) home, I was amazed at the detail and design that I was met with there. I told Amanda that she should become a contractor and show off her work for other people. Her style was different than mine and I think that is why I liked it so much. I want her to design my next house. When I sat down with them for an interview, this is what they had to share with 501 LIFE:

How did you meet?

During college, we were both staffing at a church camp called Super Summer, and Tyler’s friend got Amanda’s number (for himself). Tyler shot Amanda a call after the camp (for himself). The rest is history! 58 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Tell the 501 readers a little about your family and what you do:

The family’s new home features an open floor plan. (Tyler Tarver photos)

Amanda serves at New Life Church Saline County, helps Tyler manage his YouTube Channel Tarver Academy, and raises their three children: Titus (8), Ezra (6) and Finnick (2). Tyler is the dean of NLC College, runs a couple of YouTube Channels, pastors via @nlclive and enjoys tacos wayyyyyy too much.

How did you come up with your design plans?

Amanda did a considerable amount of research via Pinterest, Google and Instagram. She then compiled a highlight reel of open-floor plans and hipster features into a folder that she took to someone to draw up our plans. Tyler contributed opinions for consideration.

What are your top three favorite aspects of your new home?

1. The open floor plan for the kitchen, living room and dining area. I love to be able to feel included while I

One of the couple’s favorite aspects of their home is the kitchen bar, perfect for entertaining as well as a place for their children to do homework, projects and crafts.

cook! AND have room to host people. 2. The pool is going to be nice. 3. The kitchen bar! I love having a big bar where people can hang and eat and the kids can do their homework, projects and crafts while I’m doing things in the kitchen. I feel like we get more family time because of it.

Give 501 readers your Top 5 moneysaving tips for building a house:

1. Amazon.com. We’d compare quotes to the online option. The savings allowed us to go over budget in other areas. 2. Do as much of the non-dangerous stuff yourself as you can. 3. Be present if possible. Sometimes subs tend to waste products based on convenience that can end up costing you more. Encourage them to utilize scraps where possible and not waste eight truckloads of Sheetrock. 4. Be aware of your return timelines. Sometimes you purchase things too far in advance and then they don’t fit how you thought they would when their install time comes. 5. Finish out areas on your own, if you can. Almost every sub charges on square footage. If you can make that amount lower, you can save.

What do you love most about your kids’ rooms?

The room sizes! We made them smaller than our last house, because they’re never in there anyways. They do everything in the main living area (homework, projects, crafts, play, etc.), which is why we wanted it to be the biggest, open area of the house. It’s less to clean and decorate. We also love that our daughter has her own bathroom. This gives her some space to be a little lady. We also love the variation of personalities highlighted in the tiles, fixtures and furniture.

Where did most of your fixtures come from?

West Elm, Cb2 and Wayfair, but my favorite light in the whole house came from Walmart!

How did you choose your color palette?

Amanda and Tyler Tarver with their children: Finnick, Titus and Ezra on vacation in Iceland. Amanda decisively chose it from photos on Instagram. We wanted the house to feel bright, clean and open with some character added of my own. I knew white would be our base and then I decided to go with wood tones, blacks and golds that are so popular right now. These together make it feel bright, yet with some personality and charm to match our style.

In the future, could you see yourself building again or helping others do the same?

Absolutely! Amanda is super passionate about designing and helping others navigate the fun (yet stressful) building process. We already have helped a few of our friends with some building decisions (where to find materials, what contractors to use, how and where to cut costs) during their current building projects, and we will definitely be building again ourselves in the future.

“THE COMEDY OF ERRORS” by William Shakespeare

OPENS FRI., JUNE 7

Outdoors on lawn across from President’s Home

SHAKESPEARE’S

“GUYS & DOLLS”

by Loesser, Swerling & Burrows

OPENS SAT., JUNE 15

THE STAR

Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA – sponsored by First Security Bank

“MACBETH”

by William Shakespeare

OF THE SUMMER

OPENS FRI., JUNE 21

Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA

“ROMEO AND JULIET”

by William Shakespeare

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre is proud to announce its 13th

OPENS WED., JUNE 26

Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA and on tour throughout Arkansas

season – kicking off with “The Comedy of Errors,” opening June 7!

FOR DETAILS OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT ARKSHAKES.COM June 2019 501lifemag.com | 59

501 kids

Celebrating summer with kids

The weather is getting warmer, the school year is winding down and summer is right around the corner. Most families embrace the more laid back daily schedule that the summer brings to their lives. Family and friends have more gatherings and barbecues to celebrate the warmer weather. Adults Kellie and kids both enjoy coolBishop ing off through various Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse water activities. Many practitioner at Central Arkansas families also use the Pediatrics in Conway. She lives in Plumerville with her husband, summer months when Greg, and two dogs. She obtained kids are out of school her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in nursing at the University of Central for vacations. While Arkansas and her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and vacations to the beach doctorate degrees in pediatric primary care at UAMS. or other locations across the country and world are fun, it is not always possible for all families to take expensive vacations. Luckily, we live in an area with many fun summer activities for your family to experience without breaking the bank and making a staycation enjoyable for everyone! 60 | 501 LIFE June 2019

There are community swimming pools available for use in most of our local towns to allow everyone access to fun in the water while getting some sun. In addition, there are now several splash pads throughout Central Arkansas. Kids love these parks with various water activities to enjoy all day. We also have a large water park within a short distance for those who enjoy more water slides and rides. We are also lucky to live in an area with several local lakes and rivers that are safe for swimming. You could pack a lunch, lather everyone up with sunscreen and have a blast all day at a local swimming pool, splash pad, water park or lake for some affordable fun that will create great memories. Camping is another activity that families often enjoy during the summer. There are multiple camp sites on local mountains where families can either bring a camper or pitch a tent and spend a few nights enjoying nature. In addition, we have several lakeside campsites for those who prefer to stay near a body of water for swimming, fishing and boating. The camp sites often have facilities for bathing and using the restroom, as well as grills and picnic tables. You could bring clothes, food and any activities or games you want for your stay, then hook up your camper or pitch a tent and enjoy several days of fun outdoors, in the water, grilling and spending time with family and friends.

Sometimes it is nice to just stay home and do low-key activities in the air conditioning, especially in the middle of summer when it is brutally hot. Reading is crucial for optimal child development, and the benefits of literacy in childhood are endless. Local libraries have activities almost daily throughout the summer for children to enjoy. You can take your children to the library for these activities and then allow them to pick out books that they can read at home. Many children enjoy making a summer reading list of all the books they want to read throughout the summer ahead of time and then cross them off the list as they finish them. You could take this approach with your child or set a goal for a certain number of books they want to read and keep track throughout the summer as they make each trip to the library. When kids set goals and work to achieve them, it increases their self-confidence and independence, so this activity is a win all around. If your family plans to enjoy a vacation at the beach or another location, be safe and have a great time. However, if you are unable to take a big vacation this year, just know that you can have a great staycation in our local community with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Everyone stay safe, wear sunscreen and enjoy all the fun that summer brings!

Ella Kate Johnson AGE: 5. CITY: Conway. SCHOOL: St. Joseph School, kindergarten. FAMILY: Mom, Katie; Dad, Tommy; brother, Landry. FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Birthday cake and ice cream. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: My grandparents, aunts and uncles; and my stuffed cow, Clara Belle. MORE INFORMATION: I love going to the beach, playing T-ball and dancing. I want to be a rock star when I grow up. I sang and danced on Broadway Street in Nashville, Tenn.

Ella Kate Johnson

When I was a baby, I was featured as one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;most adorable babies in the worldâ&#x20AC;? by The Huffington Post and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today Show.â&#x20AC;?

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 61

501 kids

Avoiding summer learning loss

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

during the school year, so fitting them in your schedule may be easier to do during the summer, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to decide if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something you want to stick with for the future.

Summer learning loss is a really big problem. Unfortunately, unless a plan is put in place, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not much that can be done. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like any muscle. If you stop exercising, you lose or greatly reduce the ability you once had. There are many ways to keep kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; minds engaged throughout the summer or even learn new things. Part of the battle is knowing that it occurs and knowing you need to work

Read, read, read

against it.

Supplement with curriculum Last summer, I found workbooks for math, reading and writing for our first-grader. They were in his favorite theme, Star Wars, and they kept him entertained every day. He almost didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize he was doing school work. There are so many options, and if you need help looking for something, feel free to email me. This can be a great time to even help your child advance or catch up if they experienced trouble during the school year.

Learn a musical instrument The benefits of music education are boundless.

62 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Not only does it build stronger academic skills, it also teaches discipline and builds confidence. Picking up a musical instrument has lifelong benefits. The summer can be a great time to take up lessons to see if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something your child would want to pursue. Music classes can be hard to find time for

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve probably all seen the literacy charts and statistics about the importance of kids reading at home. Reading 20 minutes a day can reap incredible benefits for a child. Our family has seen these benefits personally. Recently, I was inspired by families with older children to continue to read aloud, even now that our oldest is reading proficiently. Find stories or topics that interest your kids and read whatever you can get your hands on. Find books on audio through either the Audible app or Hoopla, which is available through the library, and listen when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like reading out loud or whenever youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the car. We listened to an entire book in a short amount of time just by turning it on whenever we drove across town. The kids love a good British accent, and I enjoy the break from reading as well. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to throw some classics or books your kids have never heard of into the mix. These are just a few suggestions for keeping the brain working throughout the summer months. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever have to stop learning, but mixing it up a little can be good for us, too. Use the summer break to try new things and learn on the go, wherever vacation may take you. Explain to your children the importance of keeping their brain awake and try to make it fun.

AUTHORS IN THE 501

Johnson shares how to ‘OUTDO YOURSELF’ Feeling bored? Stuck in a rut? Want to achieve new goals, but aren’t sure how? Joe N. Johnson’s recently released self-help book — “OUTDO YOURSELF: 10 tips to being your best and improving your social-emotional health!” — might be just what you need! Joe’s roots run deep in Conway. He is a 1991 Susan Conway High School Peterson graduate, and he received his bachelor of science Susan Peterson holds a PhD in education and taught degree in psychology at at the University of Central the University of Central Arkansas and Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She Arkansas. He now lives retired in 2004 and now spends in Alpharetta, Ga., a her time doing artwork (painting and pottery). She is the executive community just north of secretary of the Arkansas Reading Atlanta, where he works Association, a professional organization for educators as a licensed therapist, that has about 800 members teaches online courses for statewide. Ashford University and oversees PROUD Practical Solutions, a company he founded 18 years ago. Throughout his adult life, Joe’s career goal has been to help others. While in Arkansas, he worked at Charter Hospital and for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) as a foster care case worker. He then spent about 10 years in Los Angeles, where he continued to work in the behavioral health field, advancing his career into upper leadership. In LA, Joe also enjoyed acting as a hobby, and he wrote, directed and starred in his own sitcom/stage play. From 2001-03, he owned and operated a social services agency in Little Rock that contracted foster care, counseling and adoption services and studies. Expanding and changing are part of what makes Joe who he is today. Even while developing his career, he continued his education, earning master’s degrees in psychology and business administration. In 2007, he started Kindle Mental Publishing, which produced motivational and feelings posters that were sold around the world. When he sold the company in 2015, he began thinking about his next endeavors. He turned his attention to writing a book based on one of his motivational posters. He spent last year writing “OUTDO YOURSELF,” which came out in February. He is pleased that he is now able to extend his assistance to a larger audience and help people world-wide. Joe’s book is significantly different from many other self-help books. He uses the “Intentional Approach to Positive Life Management™” (IAPLM) model that he developed “to help people manage life in a practical, positive and effective manner.” Each of the first 10 chapters offers a helpful tip and then gives examples of how Joe applied it in his own life. Worksheets and exercises are also provided so the reader can immediately apply the tips using the steps

“My mission is to use my knowledge, skills and abilities to help people and businesses overcome obstacles, achieve their goals and realize high-levels of success.”

Conway High and UCA graduate Joe Johnson recently published a self-help book titled “OUTDO YOURSELF.”

outlined in the book. In chapter 11, Joe offers 20 “bonus tips,” giving more positive ways to manage life. Joe ends the book by offering a 10-week challenge to help people slowly and strategically begin applying the tips. More information about Joe, including background information and the work he currently does with PROUD, may be found at JoeNJohnson.com. A standard copy of “OUTDO YOURSELF” can be purchased from Amazon, or a personalized/signed copy of the book is available from Joe’s website. Joe regularly visits his family and friends in Conway, where he has held casual book-signing events. He would be happy to hear from readers and find out how they have applied the tips from his book.

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 63

NEWS/NOTES

The Workforce Training Center at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton was recently awarded the silver level of LEED certification.

UACCM center earns LEED certification With the assistance of Entegrity, the Workforce Training Center at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton was recently awarded the silver level of certification through the U.S. Green Building Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program. The new Workforce Training Center is located at the southwest corner of the UACCM campus. The project is a center for students to train for a variety of careers in tech industries. It will also provide economic growth for the City of Morrilton. Being built on the existing campus grounds, the structure shares the parking lot with existing buildings. The only 64 | 501 LIFE June 2019

parking lot built within the LEED boundary of the project will be used to store test vehicles for vehicle maintenance courses, which are not for driving and will not be utilized by the students, faculty or staff. The gross floor area is 53,843 square feet and is comprised of classrooms, faculty offices, assembly halls and typical support spaces, including storage areas, mechanical equipment rooms and restrooms. Some of the sustainable design features include preferred low emissions/fuel efficient parking, reducing thermal gradient difference through the site and roofing design by utilizing light colored materials, high efficiency plumbing fixtures, and low mercury lighting. Additionally, measures such as drought tolerant

plantings that use only small amounts of irrigation were employed to minimize landscape irrigation. LEED is a voluntary third-party verified green building rating system that addresses the site, water energy, materials and indoor environmental quality of the facility. The LEED certification of the Workforce Training Center was based on building achievements that have a positive impact on the facility itself and the broader community. The UACCM Workforce Training Center was designed by MAHG Architecture and constructed by Nabholz. Entegrity provided LEED Consulting and project management for design and construction credits.

UCA President Houston Davis (from left), Patty Phelps and UCA Associate Provost Kurt Boniecki.

UCA recognizes students, faculty University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis recently honored a select group of students, faculty and nonprofit community partners at the inaugural Excellence in Teaching and Community Engagement Reception. Hosted by UCA’s Service-Learning Program and the Center for Teaching Excellence, the event recognized 16 faculty who had completed extensive faculty development over the course of the year and eight faculty selected for participation in an intensive summer workshop on service-learning. Awards recognizing outstanding service-learning involvement were given to four students, one faculty member and one nonprofit community partner. Cristine Busser, Denise Demers, Adriian Gardner, Ron Novy, Carl Olds, Vicki Parish and Jen Talbot received awards for Recognition in Teaching First-Year Students. Monica Lieblong, Sandra Nadelson, Towino Paramby and Ashley Phillips were recognized for Achievement in Teaching, Pedagogy Track. Jaimi Allen, Stacey Loyless, Lisa McCoy, Anita Sego and Amy Thompson were recognized for Achievement in Teaching, Online Track. Alejandro Gonzalez Landeros, assistant professor of Spanish, received the Peter J. Mehl Service-Learning Faculty of the Year Award. Cristine Busser, Kathryn Carroll, Clayton Crockett, TK Gault, Monica Lieblong, Amanda Martin, Ashley Phillips and Alana Reid were named service-learning faculty fellows for 2019-2020. Chelsey Iglesia, Carly Williams, Brittney Richardson and Michalli Tencleve received awards for outstanding service-learning students. Lynita Langley-Ware, executive director of the Faulkner County Museum, received the Community Partner of the Year Award. “I’m truly honored to receive this award,” said Langley-Ware. “Our mission is to educate the public, and I believe that our work in the service-learning arena falls squarely within our mission. Not only are we teaching the public about the history of Faulkner County, but we are also teaching students valuable skills they will take to their workplaces while we do it!” UCA Associate Provost Kurt Boniecki also made a special presentation honoring Patty Phelps, the first director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, for her retirement. Amy Hawkins, current director, shared, “Honoring her career-long commitment to teaching excellence reminded us all of why we invest in our professional growth on behalf of our students.” June 2019 501lifemag.com | 65

FASHION in the 501

Only a stone’s throw away Mike Kemp photos

What could be more lovely than the natural hues, shapes and textures of Don Bingham rocks! A Recognized throughout the simple state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has authored rock found cookbooks, presented television in the programs and planned elaborate events. Arkansas soil has been used in the life of Paige Nix, now of Little Rock, in her journey from difficult to victorious times, with finding therapy through the creation and design of rock-inspired jewelry. Paige began her journey in 2008, encountering mental and emotional struggles. Being faith-based, she has a wonderful heritage of four sisters, two brothers, amazing parents and grandparents. Her struggles included relentless adjustments and a day-to-day emotional roller coaster for many years. One of the difficult factors in any recovery is the fact that many people do not offer the time to simply “listen” and desire to be of a true help. Paige’s desire is to spread that message of “hope” while using “Rocks as a Reason” and “Rocks in Glass Houses” with her designs using polished rocks as the medium. The collection includes drop pendants, necklaces, bracelets and other decorative pieces – each representing the road to recovery. Paige attributes her desire to “be still and know that He is God (Psalms 46:10)” as the catalyst to “get real and deal.” She uses her creations as the means to express this pathway to peace, happiness and sharing the message with others with similar challenges. Not only are these rocks from Arkansas, but also Colorado, California and New Mexico – each different with their own unique representation of scriptural truth, representing prayer, and a platform of restoration. For more information, contact Paige Nix at 501.350.8272 or apaigerockdesign@gmail.com. 66 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Jewelry designer Paige Nix (left) with Allie Isom.

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 67

SPORTS

The start of the 10K with Jon Ross Henderson, the winner, in the lead.

Tessa Corbitt with a Toad Suck Run T-shirt quilt.

Toad Suck Daze Run Event raises money for local non-profits

More than 600 men, women and children registered for the 36th Annual Toad Suck Daze 5K/10K Run and Tadpole Trot, presented by Baptist Health Heart Institute-Conway and Arkansas Cardiology. The event, held May 4 at John McConnell Stadium at Conway High School, included a 10K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk and Tadpole Trot races for children. “Although the weather forecast for the Run was dismal for much of the week before the Run, the weather was actually good during the Run,” said race committee chairman Cliff Henry. “I would like to publicly thank our presenting sponsors, Baptist Health Heart Institute - Conway and Arkansas Cardiology, all of our other valuable sponsors, and our many volunteers. Because of their generous contributions and the hundreds of participants, the Run was a big success again for the benefit of several wonderful charitable organizations and those who are helped thereby.” This was the first year for the Run to present a medal to all finishers. Over the years, the race has raised more than $420,000 for nonprofit 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 shelter for girls Main Stage EdUCAtion Program The Conway Kiwanis Club is the main organizer of the event, which is supported by the Conway Running Club and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau. Other major sponsors are Kohl’s, TLC Pediatrics, Regions, Conway Corporation, Arkansas Eye Care Group, Smith Ford, Nabholz Construction Services and Patterson Eye Care. The races are held in memory of Randy Baker. (For more information or to see race results, visit toadsuckrun.com. 68 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Baptist Health representatives Daniel Hudgeons (from left), Dr. Kathryn Nance, Nikky Koone, Dr. Sheffield Kent, Dr. Daniel Judkins, Whitney Henderson, Holly Hardy, Belinda Greer, Angie BrixeyHays, Kenny Davis and Tim Bowen.

Don Bradley (from left), Jerry and Dana Dowdy, Merle Cunningham and Ty Baber.

Emily Holman (from left), Adrienne Robinson, Jameson Tankersley and Mary Grace Matthews.

Tyler Brantley (from left), Jodi Ake and Charlie Redditt.

Christina Madsen with daughters Sydney (left) and Reagan.

Baylee Holliman (left) and Jackie Wray.

Bill Polk (from left), Jack Johnson and Jerry Harrison.

Darrelle White (from left), Tyler Spencer and Sable Greer.

Chasta Irvin and Cliff Henry.

Justin and Dena Davenport. Hollie Morgan (from left), Hailey Snyder and Emily Morgan.

Patrick McGuire (left) and Earl Rutter.

5K winners John Sutton (left, second) and Christian Steffes (first).

Rachel Herzog (from left), Shannon Lausch, Scott Breech and Angelo Del Carmen.

Terri Rutherford (front, from left), Cheryl Adams, Susan Jenkins; Vicki Ingram (back), Rebecca Schiermeyer and Kristy Goossen.

Manuel (from left) and Shelby Perez with Don Potter. The Cahill Family: Sophie (front), Doug and Amy.

The Poole Family: Will (front), Garrett (left) and Joseph with parents Susan and Johnny. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 69

SPORTS

A Downtown Hot Springs mural, the newest site on the Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail. (Photos courtesy of Visit Hot Springs)

‘Boys of Spring’

Hot Springs features Historic Baseball Trail It grabs the eye, a 160-foot full-color mural completed last December. Adorning the south wall of the Craighead Laundry Building in Downtown Hot Springs, “Playing Cards” depicts the baseball playing cards of five diamond immortals of centuries past, each with strong ties to Hot Springs, the birthplace Dr. Robert of the Major Leagues’ Spring Training. At the Reising far right of the lighted Dr. Robert Reising retired mural is Lefty Grove’s from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 after holding a card, with the portsider variety of teaching, coaching and firing a baseball past and administrative posts during more than a half-century in education. through the cards of His doctoral dissertation at Duke Satchel Paige, Jackie Robtreated literature and sports. inson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, landing in a catcher’s mitt at the far left. Brightening the skies at night, the artistically clever creation is a welcome addition to the 31-site Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail, one of the state’s most innovative tributes to the “Boys of Spring,” and a significant slice of Americana. When approaching the Trail, visitors anticipating an academic or serious, sobering trek into baseball history will be surprised. Like the bulk of their less successful baseball-playing colleagues, the talented group on whom they are about to focus were hardly the intellectual or social elite of a burgeoning America. Many had not completed high school; few had earned college degrees or had come from wealth. Nor were they united by race, religion or creed. Instead, baseball stardom, with which Hot Springs assisted, was their common denominator. Many a sage would argue that tomfoolery ran a close second. When it opened in 2011, the Trail held only 18 plaques. Today’s number proves it to be an evolving enterprise, taking visitors to sites honoring 17 of the 143 Hall of Famers (over 45 percent of those with plaques in the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame) 70 | 501 LIFE June 2019

During his visits to Hot Springs, Babe Ruth enjoyed playing golf.

For more information, visit hotspringsbaseballtrail.com.

Honus Wagner, who played for the Pirates in 1913, is among the baseball players featured in the new mural in Downtown Hot Springs. Photos courtesy of Visit Hot Springs who were once served by the Spa City; along the way, too, are 15 “location stops” identifying buildings and locales key in the baseball conditioning and competition of yesteryear. Nothing costs on the Trail, so a free brochure is available at the Hot Springs Visitor Center in downtown that lists square, digital “codes,” allowing smart phones at sites to link to historic photos and audios featuring one- to three-minute commentaries by Phil Elson, the voice of the Razorbacks. Similarly, cell phones permit visitors to hear entertaining tales from “The Golden Age of Baseball in Hot Springs,” 1909 to 1919, the decade in which the city enjoyed record highs with team and player training, baseball-loving fans, overflowing hotels and rooming houses, and , in the words of one critic, “circus-like happenings.” Tracing the Spa City’s Spring Training involvement to 1886 and the first team to condition there, the Chicago White Stockings (now the Cubs), the Trail also mirrors the growing importance and popularity of Spring Training to major-league teams and fans of the sport who, in increasing numbers, flocked from the four corners of the Republic to watch their diamond favorites streamline their bodies for pennant-race competition. By the turn of the 20th century, with baseball solidly established as the only significant professional sport in the land, Hot Springs was a mecca for hundreds of players representing a variety of skill levels – promising prospects, journeymen and fringe performers, fading stalwarts, team regulars, and, of course, the best who could play the game at its most challenging level. Fittingly, the best included the player with a lifestyle perfect for the Spa City. Babe Ruth, the pitcherturned-slugger, trained there nine times, visited many more and delighted not only in the playing facilities but also in the baths, golf courses and the area’s countless activities, daytime or otherwise. One observer describes “The Babe” as “…a party animal…. known for his insatiable appetite and swinging night life…Ruth ran non-stop when visiting the city.” On the Trail, therefore, most popular are his Site

# 11 and Site # 8, Whittington Park, where, before crowds in the thousands, he clubbed some of his most prodigious home runs, including his legendary 573-foot clout on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1918. Yet, the gifted Wagner’s Site, # 17, attracts almost as many visitors, as does Site # 26, the National Baptist Hotel, the combination hotel, bathhouse and performance hall where African-American greats like Paige and Josh Gibson, “ The Black Babe Ruth,” resided and relaxed when in the Spa City. The dull and disappointing are not present at any of the sites. All 32 are enlightening or entertaining, most both. Hundreds of visitors have learned every month and thousands of travelers from more than 30 nations have proven for almost a decade. Undoubtedly, the Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail is a phenomenon for all of the 501 to respect. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 71

TRAVEL

Wonderful weekend

Wonderful weekend 501 photographer captures rare super bloom

501 photographer captures rare super bloom

Story and photos by Bill Patterson

What makes a great weekend? A great weekend can take on many forms. A visit with friends and family. A chance to enjoy the outdoors. Some great music at a rock concert. Taking in an NBA game watching your favorite team play. On a recent trip to California to see my son Will and his girlfriend Jordan

72 | 501 LIFE June 2019

Joeckel, I had a chance to combine all these on my visit. The original plan was for me to fly out and catch a Marshall Tucker Band concert with Will and Jordan, then later in the weekend go to the game. I was fortunate that the trip coincided with a rare super bloom of wild flowers in Southern California. This event happens when the normally dry arid high desert gets lots of rain

Patterson continued on Page 74

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 73

Patterson continued from Page 72 over the winter and early spring. This rain will germinate seeds that have been dormant for decades, just waiting for the right conditions to unleash a bloom that can be seen for miles. On the two days between the concert and the basketball game, I chased the super bloom over Southern California. It was spectacular! Pictures canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do justice to a hillside full of the California poppy. The poppy is the state flower of California and after this trip, I can see why. Lake Elsinore, southeast of Los Angeles, was so crowded the week after I was there, that they had to shut down the interstate and the state park because of the crowds. Some of the places I visited were: Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Elsinore State Park, Diamond Valley Lake State Park and Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Some of the wildflowers in the photos: California Poppy, Arroyo Lupine, California Goldfields, Brittlebush, Owl's Clover, Caterpillar Phacelia, Canterbury Bells, Chia, Baby Blue Eyes, Rancher's Fiddleneck, Bush Monkey Flower, Indian Paintbrush, Forgetme-not, Tidy Tips and Red Maids. It was amazing to get a chance to photograph the super bloom. Great seats at the basketball game indeed made it a great weekend. 74 | 501 LIFE June 2019

get f ra m e d at

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

501 LIFE Photographer Bill Patterson captured photos of his favorite team during his “Wonderful weekend.”

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 75

Arkansas history TRAVELING the 501

Museum shows how early settlers lived

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

Kids are nearly out of school finally, and a great way to fill their summer time is by celebrating Arkansas history. And it just so happens that 2019 is Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;kind-of bicentennial birthday.â&#x20AC;? In 1819, the U.S. Congress created the Arkansas Territory. Eventually, Arkansas would become the 25th state, but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen for another 17 years. So, in 2036, Arkansas will have her true bicentennial birthday. The Arkansas Territory included south Missouri and northern Louisiana, from the Mississippi River to almost to the Rocky Mountains. That

Henderson continued on Page 78 76 | 501 LIFE June 2019

June 2019 501lifemag.com | 77

Henderson continued from Page 76 equates to 500 miles long and 242 miles wide. The primary reason for the separation of the territory from the original Louisiana Purchase was that Missouri had petitioned to become a state. According to the first census of the Arkansas Territory conducted in 1820, there were only 14,273 people living in that vast expanse of land. Most of the individuals in this census listed their occupation as farmers, a few were tradesmen and others were store keepers. Originally, the territory was called Arkansaw, a name used by the early French explorers. This pronunciation was likely a term that referred to the Quapaws who were the indigenous people of the area. Later, the spelling was changed to Arkansas. The first territorial capital was Arkansas Post near the mouth of the Arkansas River. Arkansas Post was established in 1686. It was the first European settlement on the lower end of the Mississippi River. Settlers started to move into the center of the state around 1821 and after that, Little Rock became the territory’s seat of government. The Arkansas Gazette also moved to Little Rock from Arkansas Post and became the newspaper for the territory. Public land went on sale in 1822. This allowed agriculture commerce to develop and for the frontier to ultimately achieve statehood. Early leaders of the Arkansas Territory were appointed by President James Monroe. The first governor of the region was James Miller from New Hampshire. Robert Crittenden from Kentucky served as the secretary of the territory. The executive and judicial branches of government were quickly established, and in 1820, the first General Assembly met. An excellent way to see how early settlers lived is to visit the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. The museum is filled with relics of Arkansas’ frontier days. There are both permanent and temporary historical exhibits on the grounds of the museum. The exhibits include the 1827 Hinderliter Grog shop, which is Little Rock’s oldest surviving structure. Visitors can explore restored antebellum homes and learn about early farming practices. Exhibits include the Arkansas Gazette’s early printing press and a knife gallery. There is also an exhibit on the state’s first people, the Caddo, Osage and Quapaw Indian tribes from early times to today. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free to the Historic Arkansas Museum exhibits. There is a $2.50 fee for adults and $1 for children for a guide-led tour of the historic grounds. I recommend that you take the guided tour. Guides are very knowledgeable of early Arkansas history and give a perspective to the early development of the Arkansas Territory. So, wish Arkansas a “kind-of bicentennial birthday” and celebrate our rich and colorful history by visiting another one of Arkansas’ treasures, the Historic Arkansas Museum.

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Jerry Adams of Conway is the founder the Arkansas Research Alliance.

ARA continued from Page 35 supportive of ARA, and we work closely with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and its executive director, Mike Preston.” Press conferences with the governor roll out the new class of the academy every year. “It’s a very important embrace and confirmation for the governor that the ARA Academy is strategically important to the state,” Adams said. A new initiative of the Academy program is targeted impact grants to academy members of approximately $75,000 based on their application and a clearly defined return on investment. “We are investing about $1 million in 15 ARA impact grants this year,” Adams said. “These really strong researchers may get $2-, $3-, $5-, $11-million research grants over a five-year period, but actually they can get stuck because the majority of that money is restricted. This money is unrestricted. We monitor them, but this $75,000 can accelerate their productivity.” With the five research campuses having gone through 13 chancellors during the 11 years of ARA’s existence, Adams said in many ways, ARA provides the institutional memory for some of the initiatives. “There’s tremendous support from the chancellors and vice provosts of research and provosts,” he said. “We’re modeled after the program in Georgia, which has had two notable failures — Alabama and Mississippi. In Alabama, you

“

Innovation takes a special world view, and these 28 innovators we have in this state add some unique qualities we need to leverage and get them to elevate research around cancer and some other things that are strategically important to the future of the state of Arkansas We are invited into a lot of these conversations at these campuses, which is very encouraging. The challenge is every other state is also having these conversations.

”

— Jerry Adams

can’t get the University of Alabama and Auburn in the same building. In Mississippi, the level of collaboration has not been great.

“But in Arkansas, it’s highly collaborative and a lot of interaction. We’re improving interaction across the campuses.” As an example, he pointed to a “very prolific researcher” at UALR who is working on growing bone. The Department of Defense, obviously, is interested in such research to address casualties of war. “And now they’re also collaborating with another ARA Fellow from UAMS who is working with him on how to target antibodies so that they can not only grow bone but also ensure no inflammatory problems come through this growth,” Adams said. “Innovation takes a special world view, and these 28 innovators we have in this state add some unique qualities we need to leverage and get them to elevate research around cancer and some other things that are strategically important to the future of the state of Arkansas. “We are invited into a lot of these conversations at these campuses, which is very encouraging. The challenge is every other state is also having these conversations.” So, what’s next? “There’s no time to rest,” Adams said. “We are very mindful of the need for progress. We need to do what we’re doing better, go deeper on the campuses and mature the academy. We have a lot of opportunities.” For more information about the Arkansas Research Alliance, visit aralliance.org. June 2019 501lifemag.com | 79

NEIGHBORS special friends

‘Love of my life’

Zoie at home at Fairfield Bay library

“I love how happy and accepting she is. She seems to have a way of making the most stodgy, unfriendly patrons smile, and before they know it, they’re under Zoie’s spell!”

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by Sonja J. Keith Mike Kemp photos

Karen Tangen has a special friend who tags along and is right at home when she is at work at the Fairfield Library. Karen’s dog – 6-year-old Zoie – is a fixture at the library, greeting those who walk in the door. A mixed breed, Zoie is most likely part Maltese, Poodle and maybe Yorkie. Karen, who has called Fairfield Bay home for the last five years, was born and raised in North Central Montana. In 2017, she became the director of the library. Zoie happily shares her home with six cats: Double Stuff (20), Thomas O’Malley (16), Blu (7) and triplets Moose, Maggie and Murphy (3). “I absolutely love everything about my job,” she said. “I am a reader, so I am thrilled to be surrounded daily by thousands of amazing books. I’m also a movie lover, and really love that I get to order all the new movies (and books) that come into the library.” Karen also loves the people part of her job. “I have the opportunity daily to meet people from everywhere and get to share everything that our Library, Fairfield Bay and this area has to offer with them,” she said. As director, Karen also enjoys working with library volunteers. “We have a large group of very dedicated volunteers that help us do everything from check books in and out, to helping at our fundraisers. They are truly amazing and we couldn’t run our library without them!” Karen saw Zoie’s photo on Facebook. She was listed as adoptable through the Fuzzy Hearts rescue group. Karen was still grieving the loss of her pit bull and uncertain if she was ready for another addition to her family. “There was another little dog that a friend of mine was interested in meeting along with Zoie,” she said. “The Fuzzy Hearts folks brought both dogs to the library so we could meet them. My friend adopted the other dog and I fell in love with Zoie. She moved in with me two days later.” After the adoption in December 2017, Zoie began accompanying Karen to the library. “She really considers the library her ‘Happy Place.’ In the morning, I tell her we’re going to work and she runs to the door!” The response from library visitors to Zoie has been positive, according to Karen. “Everyone loves Zoie, almost too much. There is a shelf in the library that is full

Karen Tangen and her special friend, Zoie, at the Fairfield Bay Library. of treats brought for her by the patrons. She gets gifts of treats and toys almost daily! “And she definitely has her favorites. There are ‘regulars’ that stop by every week and somehow Zoie knows when they’ve walked into the library and gets so excited. She knows for sure that they’ve got treats for her and she’s usually right.” Visitors to the area who come into the library are also happy to see Zoie. “She greets them all. I’ve had more than a few offer to take her off my hands!” The Fairfield Bay Library is an independent, nonprofit library that serves the Fairfield Bay community, the surrounding areas and vacation and timeshare visitors. “We are the only library in Arkansas with such a large number of volunteers – about 48 as of today. The volunteers are a big part of what makes this such a great library. “Since this library is not a part of the regional library system, the library relies on donations and fundraisers to operate. We also have different levels of memberships for adults 18 and over. There are no membership dues for children. There are temporary memberships for visitors, and timeshare visitors.” The library offers a large selection of new release books and audiobooks, adult fiction and non-fiction,

large print books, biographies, classics, young adult and children’s books. “We have over 1,500 movies for check out, including many new release movies and movies from all different genres,” Karen said. “We offer free WiFi and internet and free computer usage. “A couple of summers ago, we put together Activity Backpacks. There are backpacks for birdwatching, hiking and fishing, and rainy day backpacks. They come complete with everything needed to go out in our gorgeous area and enjoy that activity. They have been very popular, especially with the timeshare visitors.” Looking ahead, Karen anticipates another busy summer at the library, with reading programs for kids and adults. “We also tend to have a lot of visitors in the library in the summer and that keeps us on our toes,” she said. “Personally, I am hoping to get out of town a few times and go camping, as well as enjoy the lake. You can’t beat this lake in the summer – it is absolutely wonderful!” Karen said she has had larger dogs in the past that were all wonderful and special. Zoie is the first small dog in a long time. “Zoie is a little dog with a huge personality and she is the current love of my life. I am so happy to be able to share her with everyone here at the library! “And this is truly her favorite place to be!”

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June 2019 501lifemag.com | 81

NEIGHBORS person of the month

Wilba Thompson CITY: Fairfield Bay WORK: Director, Fairfield Bay Conference Center.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I serve on the board

of the North Central Arkansas Art Gallery, as a member of the marketing committee for Fairfield Bay, Oktoberfest Committee and in other supportive roles as requested.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: I sing with a gospel trio called Sounds of Praise.

FAMILY: I have three daughters – Melody, Joy and Carol – and five fabulous grandchildren, along with two great-grandchildren. I enjoy adding to my family my late husband Bob’s children, which number four and six grandchildren. Our blended family is very special. EDUCATION: Degrees in marketing and business, with a music minor. FAVORITE MEAL: Steamers (clams), lobster, shrimp and all things shellfish!

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: Family

photos.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Road trips and time with family.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” NO. 1 VACATION SPOT: Maine.

Wilba Thompson is the director of the Fairfield Bay Conference Center. “I love the interaction with meeting planners, conference attendees and the fact that my job is never boring! Each day brings a different dimension and measure of excitement,” she said, adding that she especially enjoys the wonderful team she works with every day. “They are awesome!” (Mike Kemp photo)j

FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS: Fairfield Bay – I love my hometown! I am very blessed to live where there are great golf courses, beautiful Greers Ferry Lake, wonderful people, a great sense of community among the residents and spectacular views! WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: So many beautiful vistas, friendly people,

great food and opportunities for fun!

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