August 2019 by 501 LIFE

2 | 501 LIFE August 2019

ERIC ROBINSON Razorback Fan Cardiologist Marathon Runner Family Man HOSPITALS • CLINICS • SPECIALISTS We are friends, neighbors and caregivers. Together, we share a common bond. We love our community and those who make it what it is.

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

501 LIFE

EDITOR'S NOTE

OWNERS Donna Spears, Sonja J. Keith OFFICE MANAGER Tracey Wilkinson 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

“Loving LIFE”: Clara Ledbetter (from left), WWII veteran Bill Ledbetter, Rep. Spencer Hawks and Sen. Jason Rapert. Both officials recently recognized Ledbetter — the Person of the Month in the July issue — with legislative citations in a presentation at Julie’s Sweet Shoppe. (See video from the presentation by visiting the 501 LIFE page on Facebook.)

One click, one moment “The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” – Andy Warhol 501 LIFE is all about “Photography” in this month’s edition. Since I was a young girl, photography has long been a topic that has interested me. I think I come by it naturally as the boxes and boxes of slides my Dad took before and after my sisters and I were born will attest. I have often considered photographs somewhat magical. They can take you to places miles and miles

away. Photos can also transport you back in time to places that no longer exist and people who only live in our hearts and memories. At 501 LIFE, we love to see the “who, what, where and when” that readers have captured and submitted for our “Loving LIFE” section, which continues to grow in interest. Readers have taken the magazine along to record special occasions — like weddings and graduations — and around the world to share their adventures. Please keep them coming! Until next month, here’s to “Loving LIFE” in the 501!

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 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.

World War II veteran Troy Braswell Sr. (center) and his son, Troy Braswell Jr., joined KARK Channel 4’s Mallory Brooks (right) and 501 LIFE Publisher Sonja J. Keith for the monthly magazine segment. Braswell Sr. shared the story of his service aboard the USS Mississippi in the July “Saluting veterans’ edition of the magazine. 4 | 501 LIFE August 2019

CONTENTS

August 2019

Volume 12 Issue 4

features&departments 22 Guest column

AETN’s Kevin T. Clark shares his work to record “The rainless flood.”

On the cover

In this month’s edition, 501 LIFE is all about “Photography” with a special cover story (Page 42) by chief photographer Mike Kemp about capturing images but not missing out on life’s experiences. (Mike Kemp photos)

38 Feature

Telling the story of Roger Taylor and his lifetime in photography.

64 Feature

The Maumelle Photo Club is a picture perfect example of friendships that have developed over a common interest.

74 Sports

Wonderview High School graduate Jacob Tinsley turned tragedy into an opportunity.

neighbors 24 Couples

Amanda and Shawn Hoelzeman are lending a hand with this year’s St. Joseph School Bazaar.

28 Youth

Morrilton High School’s Grace Williams has accomplished her goals in a big way – as the national president for Beta Club.

32 Searcy

Al Fowler’s passion for photography stems from his love of supporting people around him and providing priceless visual memories.

regulars

82 Person of the month

4 8-9 10-17 52-58 80

Loretta Burgess recently retired from teaching the last 24 years in the Greenbrier School District.

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

LIFE pics 18-20

6 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Editor’s Note Calendar Loving LIFE Home Special Friends

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, 75

facebook.com /501lifemag

Bancorp South, 27 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 31

C Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 61 Conway Corporation, 23 Conway Institute of Music, 21 Conway Regional Health System, 83 Conway Regional Rehab, 49 Crain Automotive, 35

D DJM Orthodontics, 28

E Edward Jones, 53

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

H Hartman Animal Hospital, 81 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 70 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 39

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.

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.

Writers’ Room Dwain Hebda is a writer, editor and journalist living in Little Rock. The president of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths, he’s covered a wide range of subject matter over the course of his 40 years of professional writing that includes magazines, newspapers and books. When he’s not bringing the tales of Arkansas and her people to the page, Hebda and his wife spend their energy on their four grown children and three lovely dogs.

J Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Bakery, 59

L Luxury Pool & Spa, 55

M MSC Eye Associates, 47 Methodist Family Health, 69 Middleton Heat & Air, 51

N Northwestern Mutual, 73

O Ott Insurance, 57

P Patterson Eye Care, 39

S Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 37 Salter Properties-Glenrock Apartments, 46 Shelter Insurance, 59 St. Joseph Schools, 58 Superior Nursing & Rehab, 2

U Unity Health, 3 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 29 University of Central Arkansas, 41 UCA Reynolds Performance Hall, 67

W Wilkinson’s Mall, 47

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.

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. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 7

NEWS/NOTES

501 LIFE and Fairfield Bay are teaming up again to give away a weekend getaway for four to enjoy the natural beauty of Greers Ferry Lake and all the resort fun that Fairfield Bay has to offer. Contest entrants must be 21 or older, with a limit of one entry per person. For contest rules and to enter through midnight Monday, July 29, go to visitfairfieldbay. com/contact-us/win-alake-vacation/. A winner, selected at random, will receive weekend accommodations valued at $680. The winner will be announced in the September issue of 501 LIFE that publishes in mid-August.

August S 4

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11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Food and family fun are among the activities planned during the 107th Annual St. Joseph School Bazaar on Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3, in Conway. The event includes box lunches, a spaghetti dinner, a midway, a raffle, a silent auction, games and carnival food. Several items will also be raffled as part of the midway. For more information, visit sjsbazaar.weebly.com. Proceeds support St. Joseph School. (See Page 26 for more information.) Methodist Family Health will host its Third Annual Bright Night summer celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at Big Rock Mini-Golf and Fun Park in Little Rock. Kids and families can enjoy mini-golf, bumper boats, arcade games, go-karts, batting cages and an amazing aerial maze. Preregistration is $25 each and includes a choice of three activities and a light supper. Beginning Monday, July 29, tickets are $30 8 | 501 LIFE August 2019

each. Additional concessions and activities are available for purchase. Proceeds help rebuild the lives of Arkansas children and families who are abused, abandoned, neglected and dealing with psychiatric, behavioral, emotional and spiritual issues. For tickets or more information, contact Jamie Griffith at 501.906.4209 or jgriffith@ methodistfamily.org. Visit MethodistFamily.org for more information. Luau at the Lake is planned Saturday, Aug. 3, at Fairfield Bay. The event includes an authentic Hawaiian luau, games and music on the shore of Greers Ferry Lake. For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com/events. Wild Women Wednesday will be held at Pinnacle Mountain State Park 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 – Sept. 4. Join a park interpreter for a ladies’ hike on one of the park’s trails. Please call 501.868.5806 for the location. This free hike is part of the Women’s Summer Hiking Series. From Friday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 11, Paws at the Net will be held at Match Point Inc. at Rebsamen Tennis Center in Little Rock. A USTA sanctioned tennis tournament, guests will enjoy competitive matches, food, beverages and some adoptable dogs. Players and guests are invited to have a “ball” while supporting CARE’s mission to rescue and rehome cats and dogs. For more information, email director@careforanimals.org, call 501-603-2273 or visit careforanimals.org. Unity Health along with the Searcy Shark ATAC

Swim Team will host the first Unity Health Kids Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 24. The triathlon is open to ages 6 to 17 to compete in swimming, biking and running races. Organizers hope to make this an annual event in the community to allow participants to learn about and promote different aspects, including

To submit a calendar item, please send information to info@501lifemag.com. To see a complete list of items, please go to 501lifemag.com. health, perseverance, dedication and self-esteem. Unity Health is proud to sponsor this community event and help the youth of Searcy to participate in striving to live a healthy lifestyle. All proceeds will go to the Unity Health Foundation and the Child Safety Center of White County. For more information about the Unity Health Kids Triathlon or the Shark Swim Team, please call Chad Price at 501.281.1304. Fairfield Bay will host its “Endless Summer” event on Saturday, Aug. 31. The event features an all-day family picnic party with old-fashioned pool and lawn games. There will be fun for all ages, including food, a Pickleball tournament and live music. For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com/events.

Conway Kids Triathlon on Aug. 10 The Conway Kids Triathlon, presented by First Security Bank, is a Conway tradition in its 22nd year and will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Hendrix College. Registration is open and is $30 until Wednesday, Aug. 1, when it will go up to $35. Completing a triathlon takes commitment, training and support from your family. Every year, hundreds of kids cross the finish line, achieving a personal goal and helping the Conway Kids Tri board achieve its goal to provide an event that helps build healthy kids and healthy families. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Soul Food Café Mission, a critical mission to the Conway community. The goal is to donate $12,000 again this year. In 2018, Soul Food Café Mission provided services to 29,510 individuals with approximately 38% of these under the age of 18. Community Connections, a non-profit organization in Central Arkansas providing extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and support for their families, will organize a “special needs division” for the Conway Kids Tri again this year. Last year, 22 kids competed in this division and the results were tremendous and heartwarming. For more information on this division, visit communityconnectionsar.org. Course distances are doable for kids of all ages. Kids between 6 and 10 complete a 50-yard swim (two laps in the pool), 2-mile bike course and half-mile run. Kids between 11 and 15 complete a 100-yard swim (four laps in the pool), a 4-mile bike course and a mile run. The event is perfect for a “first time” triathlete as well as those who enjoy the sport and are competitive. The course is very safe and fun for kids of all ages and abilities. “The Conway Kids Triathlon is a great event for kids, families and our com-

munity,” said Conway Kids Triathlon Race Director Pete Tanguay. “Making the commitment and training together as a family is a great way to schedule time together and work together to build healthy kids and families during the summer. Watching these kids come across the finish line, it is clear something great has happened in their life, an accomplishment that will stay with them and motivate them as they enter the next school year the following week.” For more information about participating in the event or becoming a sponsor, go to ConwayKidsTri.com or contact Tanguay at 501.908.3876 or pete@ rockpondpros.com.

Renewal Ranch plans special event Noted evangelist Carroll Roberson will present a special program of music and ministry during a special event at Renewal Ranch. The event is planned at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, in the Restoration Center on the Renewal Ranch campus in Perry County. Renewal Ranch is a 12-month faith-based and Christ-centered program for men ages 21 and older who are struggling with substance abuse issues. There are two phases, each six months. During this time, residents are given the opportunity to develop a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this relationship, they can find freedom from the chains of addiction, forgiveness from their past, and hope for their future. Born and raised in rural Mississippi, Carroll has recorded more than 50 musical albums in 30 years, with 41 albums now available. He has written more than 300 songs and authored eight books. His wife, Donna, has also recorded several musical projects with Carroll plus her own solo album. Through revivals, crusades and concerts as well as pilgrimages to Israel, Carroll keeps a very busy schedule. Carroll surrendered his life to Christ in 1983. A year later, he was diagnosed with a cancerous growth on his throat. With no promise that he would be able to talk, Carroll underwent surgery and was able to sing again within three weeks. Shortly after, Carroll surrendered to full-time ministry. After pastoring a church for two years, he felt the call to evangelism. Carroll Roberson Ministries, a nonprofit organization, was created in 1988. Carroll is typically more recognized for his singing, but his real passion is the Bible. Through hosting many trips to Israel over the years, in-depth Hebraic studies and walking with Christ, his insight into the scriptures has helped countless people all over the globe. Carroll Roberson Ministries is multi-faceted. For the last 12 years, Carroll and Donna have hosted a 30-minute television program titled “This is Carroll Roberson,” which airs nationwide on CTN, VTN and soon on NRB. The program is a combination of Christ-centered music and Bible teaching. A resident of Ripley, Miss., Carroll is a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and has been a longtime vocational evangelist of the Southern Baptist Convention. Carroll and Donna have two sons and four grandchildren.

Carroll Roberson will present a special program at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Renewal Ranch. Tickets for the event at Renewal Ranch, which includes a meal, are $250 for a table of eight or $50 each. Space is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bryce McGhee at 501.733.4263 or marketing@ renewalranch.net. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 9

LOVING LIFE

Sharing the 501 LIFE spirit

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

The Conway Christian Junior/Senior High Choir took 501 LIFE along recently as the group performed at the Music in the Parks Competition in St. Louis. The choir received first place in the AA Senior High Mixed category, and the CCS Girls Ensemble received second place in the AA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir category. The choir director is Donna Bradley.

The Morrilton Intermediate School Beta Club took 501 LIFE along as members traveled to Oklahoma City for the National BETA Convention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got here by winning first in Songfest at the Arkansas State Convention,â&#x20AC;? wrote Katie Hartman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Nationals, the kids sang their hearts out and placed seventh!â&#x20AC;?

10 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Billy Stanton was “Loving LIFE” at the recent grand opening and ribbon-cutting at Billy’s Trophies & Awards, 1155 Front St. Suite 5 in Downtown Conway. “I have 23 years of experience serving Conway and the surrounding areas for their awards needs,” Billy said. For more information, visit billysawards.com or call 501.358.6706.

Glenna Haynes was “Loving LIFE” after re-locating to College Square Retirement Community in Conway due to the recent flooding along the Arkansas River.

“Loving LIFE” and celebrating 20 years in business at Daisy-A-Day in Greenbrier: Linda Johnson (from left), Brenda Allen, Reita Johnson and Christy Ferrell. Not pictured: April Evans.

501 LIFE contributor Susan Peterson took 501 LIFE along to the Balcon de Europa in Nerja, Spain, where she took Spanish classes for two weeks.

Mary Walter’s granddaughter Fallon Moss was “Loving LIFE.” “She loves books and to be read to,” wrote Mary. “She picked up the magazine and I took the photo.”

Norma McEntire (red dress) of Faulkner County took 501 LIFE along to La Cumbre Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to witness her nephew Jose’ Victor and his bride Kelsy Mariela get married.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? as the Town & Country Garden Club awarded $500 scholarships to Trey Kelley and Kate Turner: T&C Scholarship Co-Chair Peggy Thompson (from left),T&C Secretary Jean Hieronymous, Trey Kelley, T&C President Jane Lagasse, Kate Turner and T&C Scholarship Co-Chair Donna Smith.

Town & Country Garden Club The Town & Country Garden Club (T&C) of Greenbrier/Conway awarded scholarships of $500 each to Trey Kelley and Kate Turner, both of Conway. Trey, a Vilonia High School graduate, plans to attend Arkansas State University at Beebe and major in agriculture. His parents are Coby and Kim Kelley of Conway. Kate is a home-schooled graduate who plans to

12 | 501 LIFE August 2019

attend Harding University and major in horticulture. Her parents are Brad and Brenda Turner of Conway. Both of the winners are very accomplished young people involved in several school and community activities. T&C offers a scholarship each spring to graduating high school seniors in Faulkner County who plan to attend a college in Arkansas and major in a plant related field. Scholarship guidelines are

distributed in January to high schools in the county and also posted on the Faulkner County Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. For more information, contact T&C scholarship co-chairs Peggy Thompson at hughthompson555@ gmail.com or Donna Smith at tndsmith@live.com. The club is a member of the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs, Inc. since 1958.

FIRST SERVICE TRAVELERS

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LOVING LIFE

Cabot High School seniors Ammo Mejia (from left), Dejah Jimerson and TJ Rogers were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? during the senior walk.

Cabot High School co-salutatorian Skyler Mantooth (from left), valedictorian Maggie Martin and co-salutatorian Austin Elliott were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;?

Cabot High School seniors Grace Davis and Luke Falcinelli were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;? Cabot High School seniors Logan Frank (from left), Madison Meyer, Jacob Leech and Kaleb Garner were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? during the senior walk.

Cabot High School seniors Harrison Mott (left) and Dalton Crumbly. 14 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Cabot High School seniors Lily Loe (from left), Payton King and Mollie Jarnagin.

University of Central Arkansas graduates Madison Owens (left) and Megan McAfee were “Loving LIFE” at commencement.

Conway High School graduates Drake Rollans (from left), Allie Rogers, Reagan Roetzel and Isacc Rodriguez were “Loving LIFE” at graduation. (Photo by Alicia Francis)

Conway High School graduates Bailee Johnson (from left), Keondre Johnson, Landon Johnson and Zyon Johnson. (Photo by Alicia Francis)

Justin Cupit was “Loving LIFE” at the graduation ceremony for Greenbrier High School.

University of Central Arkansas graduates Kaylee O’Hare (left) and Karly Krodell were “Loving LIFE” at commencement.

Conway High School graduates Deasarae Bell (from left), Kh’Nyjah Benjamin and Brianna Beasley were “Loving LIFE” at graduation. This year’s Conway High Senior Class earned nearly $15 million in scholarships. Three students scored a perfect 36 on the ACT and one also had a perfect score on the SAT. (Photo by Alicia Francis)

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 15

LOVING LIFE

Vilonia graduates â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Amanda Finch (from left), Jason Wood, Robert Alexander, Jeremiah Lowrance and Alaina Henson.

Photos by Terina Atkins

Haley Hagood (front, from left), Aubrey Ussery, Emma Fowler; Gage Helton (back), Cyeth Arendall and Jacob Hogan.

Caleb Barrow was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFE.â&#x20AC;?

Devin James (front); Bradee Byrum (back, from left), Reed Saddler, Sagan Lewis, Zeke Bell, Jayden Liszewski, Caleb Barrow and Turner Holland. 16 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Jill Cates was “Loving LIFE.”

Cyeth Arendall (left) and Aubrey Ussery.

Ashlyn Maynard was “Loving LIFE.”

Senior Emily McBay with her baby brother and grandfather, former Vilonia superintendent Dr. Frank Mitchell. Drake Toll (from left), Jacob Hogan, Emma Fowler and Olivia Low.

Gracie Maness (from left), Taylor Aldridge and Hannah Gordon.

Luke Berry (left) and Josh Albat.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 17

LIFE PICS

Sacred Heart bazaar draws big crowd Sacred Heart Catholic School’s annual bazaar lit up the town May 31-June1 and saw a great crowd. In the bazaar raffle, the winner of the grand prize – a 2019 Dodge Journey – was Richard Dold, who has 12 grandchildren who all attend Sacred Heart.

Other main raffle winners were:

Richard Dold, winner of the grand prize given away during the Sacred Heart School Bazaar, accepts the keys to a 2019 Dodge Journey from Principal Buddy Greeson. Dold has 12 grandchildren (pictured), who all attend Sacred Heart: Emma Dold (front, from left), Sydney Koonce, Mason Dold, Grant Koonce, Addison Widner, Parker Dold, Rylee Widner; Buddy Greeson (back), Richard Dold, Landon Dold, Savannah Koonce, Isabella Moore, Leah Moore and Gabrielle Moore.

$1,000 cash – Wendy Penney Green Egg Grill – Abby Bailey $1,000 Rackley gift certificate – Subrena Morris. Raffle Row winners were: John Deere kids gator – Annette May Razorback package – Rhonda Moll Robin Hunting blind – Koch Brothers Body Shop Cedar swing – Kinley Johnston Vera Bradley luggage – Candace Chandler Jimmy Buffett package – Misty Willbanks The Bazaar Committee expressed its deepest thanks to the volunteer chairs, co-chairs and workers of each stand, as well as all the kitchen and dining hall staff for all of the hard work put forth to make this bazaar successful. Members also expressed a special thank-you to Bazaar sponsors whose generosity is greatly appreciated in this school fundraiser. “We could not do it without the support, patience, and prayers of our entire Sacred Heart community.”

Class of 1965 reunion The East Side High School Class of 1965 of Menifee (formally the Conway County Training School, Home of the Mighty Mustangs) recently celebrated its 54th class reunion. Twenty-one classmates from all over the country attended the reunion. The program began at the Menifee Complex MultiPurpose Building with a meet and greet, followed by an opening prayer by Roger Black and welcome by Lee Smith. Tyrone Hammond presented a memorial highlighting deceased classmates. The class also attended a worship service at Mount Hebrew CME Church in Union Chapel. The reunion was dedicated to the late Ive Henderson, homeroom teacher, and deceased classmates. 18 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Members of the East Side High School Class of 1965 recently gathered to celebrate its 54th class reunion.

Kenneth (from left) and Rebecca Barnard, Linda Beene, Rita and Tom Grumbles.

Bob (from left) and Glenda Schmidt, Marilyn and Stan Ott and Linda Beene.

Reynolds hosts debut Sonja J. Keith photos

The 2019-20 season at the University of Central Arkansas Reynolds Performance Hall was recently announced at its annual debut event. In celebration of its 20th season, Reynolds Performance Hall will feature 28 shows, including four Best of Reynolds events. The season will also include Broadway, Pops, Night Out, two Distinguished Speakers and one Add-On Special, as well as six Main Stage EdUCAtion shows and two benefit performances for Main Stage. “This is a thrilling, monumental year for Reynolds Performance Hall as we enter our 20th season of bringing amazing talent to Central Arkansas,” said Amanda Horton, director of Reynolds. “This season has a dynamic variety of performances that includes award-winning Broadway musicals, acclaimed speakers, talented musical groups and artists from across the world.” 501 LIFE is the sponsor for the “Best of Reynolds” series. At the debut, First Service Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Grumbles presented a $1,000 donation to Main Stage, which provides educational programs to area schoolchildren. Outgoing Reynolds Community Council chair Glenda Schmidt was also recognized for her service. Single tickets for the new season go on sale to the general public Monday, Aug. 5. To see a complete list of the 2019-20 performances, visit uca.edu/reynolds.

Linda Beene (from left), Rita and Tom Grumbles and Amanda Horton.

Bill and Carolyn Yates.

Denice and Chris Perry.

Dr. Patricia S. Poulter (left) and Jenny Davis.

Lori Harwell (left) and Anne Mann.

Sandra Brink (from left), Michael McCarthy and Barbara Frazier.

Chris (from left) and Phaedra McKinney with Chrissy Miller.

Jeff (from left) and Andrea Woods with Judge Rhonda and Dr. Michael Wood. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 19

LIFE PICS

David Garrett.

Jack Jolley and Porter Vaughn.

Clay Walker.

Vilonia Car Club The Vilonia Car Club (VCC) recently hosted its annual car show to raise money for local charities. In the past, the club has made donations to the Faulkner County Toys for Tots, Vilonia Senior Citizens Center, Vilonia Disaster Relief Alliance, Vilonia Fire Department, Vilonia Veterans Museum and the Vilonia High School Christmas Fund. Donations have also been made to Vilonia/Conway families in need. The Vilonia Car Club was established in the mid-1990s by a group of classic car enthusiasts. Today it continues as a thriving group of men and women who are dedicated to keeping “The Classics,” whether it is a Ford, Dodge or Chevy rolling on down the road. The club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Vilonia Senior Center’s Building. New members are welcome.

Members of the Vilonia Car Club: Nan Keathley (front, from left), Susan Carroll, Sherry Cates, Lucia Oldham, Sue Spradlin, Kay Stone; Harold Janski (second row), Porter Vaughan, Jim Oldham, Jerrell Spradlin, Judy Harlan; Neal Barton (third row), John May, Skip Cates, Bob Huber, Mike Stone, Dale Harlan, Shawn Carroll; Ricky Graddy (back) and Jim Richardson.

Conway Christian Choir dessert and coffee night The Conway Christian Junior/Senior High Choir presented its Second Annual Dessert & Coffee Night with the theme “Let’s Go to the Movies.” More than 300 guests were seated at tables and treated to a variety of bakery and homemade desserts, coffee and lemonade while the choir

entertained them with more than 30 different songs (the majority chosen by the choir members) from popular movies ranging from the 1950s to present. “Our students worked incredibly hard preparing this music beginning in January while still working on songs for several other school events.

Parent volunteers decorated, baked, purchased and served during the event,” said choir director Donna Bradley. “This is a family-friendly event the CCS choir began last year and hopes to continue for many years to come, with themes changing from year to year.”

Jesse Watts (from left), Abby Jolliff and Lou Kerst.

Kendall Gall, Ryann Mannis, Madeleine Tanguay.

Madison Speight (from left), Gracie Hubbard, Anna Hartley, Mallory Malone, Katie Grace King and Lily Brister.

20 | 501 LIFE August 2019

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August 2019 501lifemag.com | 21

COLUMNIST

Bryan Hargett, with help from volunteers, reinforces the sandbagged wall at the rear of his home. (Kevin T. Clark photo)

‘The Rainless Flood’ by Kevin T. Clark Blytheville (Mississippi County) native Kevin Clark’s documentary films as a freelance filmmaker focused mainly on Arkansas and its history. His first film, Died for Zero, about his father’s unsolved murder, was named “Best of” at the Indie Memphis Film Festival and led to the funding of his next three films. Now a producer with public television, Clark hopes to address social justice issues, inequality and poverty in his future work.

“Oklahoma rains swamp Arkansas homes as the Army Corps of Engineers opens Keystone Dam and releases large amounts of water into the Arkansas River.” That is the general take on the headlines designed to warn us of what is coming. It is going to be a 100-year flood — some say 500year. We are being told to get ready. Yet, the skies are clear. Even the

forecast is clear. I’ve been making documentary films for about 20 years. Most are historical films: the state’s history seen through the lens of the Arkansas Gazette; the life of an underappreciated Brinkley, Ark., musician (some folks call him the grandfather of rock ‘n’ roll); an unsolved murder from the mid-1970s and more. History, generally, waits for you. It waits on the pages 22 | 501 LIFE August 2019

and in the microfilm. The past few years, though, after landing at public television with AETN in Conway, I’ve been challenged to cover stories contemporaneously. With this new challenge, the stories move and change. Things that seemingly mean nothing develop, and a lead that you think hints at a great story sometimes falls flat. It is frustratingly invigorating. I love it. This time, water is coming, and I gear up to capture it — as does nearly every other journalist in the state. My media colleagues do a wonderful job covering things like this: live shots, deadlines. Their pace is frenetic, and they’re built for this. AETN is not a news station. We don’t have a daily newscast or a team of reporters on the ready. It is tempting to see that as a weakness, but it isn’t. Without a 10 p.m. deadline or the need to find tomorrow’s new story, we can go deeper. If we can just find the right situation, the people who will let us in, we can really tell a compelling story. When I stumble into Treasure Hills subdivision, I don’t realize it, but I’ve just met some friends. Brian and Trina Hargett’s home buzzes with activity. Floodwaters are approaching their home, and, while they have sandbags, the water is rising. They need

Explore “The Rainless Flood” series through the eyes of AETN Producer Kevin T. Clark at aetn.org/blog and at facebook.com/aetntv more — and quickly. When I briefly speak with Brian, he says that they had just moved into the neighborhood. They haven’t even met their neighbors, yet. There are about 15 people helping him expand his wall, and he had never met most of them. His camera-shy wife, Trina, mentions they had just gotten married — less than a month ago.

About 100 yards east of the Hargett home is the Johnson’s. It was hard not to notice the substantial wall Paul Johnson and his wife, Linda, had built. He built it early and high. Paul is chatting with neighbors when I introduce myself. He says the water is expected to get about halfway up his wall, but it is not even close yet. Could the forecasts have been wrong? He’s feeling a little guilty. Some of his neighbor’s homes have already been overtaken by the water. “Those sandbags could have gone to another family,” his voice crackles with emotion. “God bless them all.” Thursday evening, as I plan Friday’s schedule and look at some of the footage from Treasure Hills, I think, “Maybe this is our story,” but I have to make a decision. Should I expand coverage and head up to Fort Smith or embed in Treasure Hills? With Paul’s emotional voice still ringing in my head and Brian and Trina’s extended, damp honeymoon, my gut is telling me to stay at Treasure Hills. That evening, all the local news stations had multiple packages covering Fort Smith, Russellville and more, right now. More or less, I have Treasure Hills to myself. I decide that it’s my story. Friday morning, the fight is on. At the Hargett place, the water is winning. The home is surrounded, and the wall was giving way. But pumps have arrived, and a small army of family and volunteers works intensely to keep the water out. Sandbags are loaded onto boats to fortify the existing wall. Not only do they have to build the wall higher, but wider, too: build out and, then, up. Over at the Johnson’s place, any guilt Paul may have had about using too many sandbags is assuaged. The water has him surrounded, too.

AETN’s Kevin T. Clark (middle) with two couples impacted by the recent flooding in Central Arkansas: Bryan (from left) and Trina Hargett with Linda and Paul Johnson. (Mike Kemp photo) Neighbors are manning the wall, checking for leaks and pumping out any water that seeps in. Over the coming hours, their wall will be tested, as well. Watching all this — families, friends and strangers struggle together to save these homes — I know this is it. This is where I needed to be. The entire experience is dramatic and compelling, so much so that, at times, it is hard not to put the camera down and help. I do my best to stay out of the way but capture as much as I can.

Trina did her best to avoid my camera but did so in a way that made me feel that a gentle persistence would win her over. It does. That is the tack with stories like this: gentle persistence. Stay back out of the way but capture what you can to tell the story. After a while, you become part of the scene or, better yet, part of the family. In fact, as I type this, the waters have fully receded. and I’ve been invited over to the Johnson’s for dinner.

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| August 2019 501lifemag.com | 23

NEIGHBORS couples

HER

Amanda Hoelzeman

Conway natives Amanda and Shawn Hoelzeman serve on the car committee for the St. Joseph School Bazaar. (Mike Kemp photo)

HIM

Shawn Hoelzeman

EDUCATION: Conway High School (1999); University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, associate of arts (2002); Baptist School of Nursing, RN (2004).

EDUCATION: I attended St. Joseph School until 10th grade; graduated from Conway High School in 1999; UACCM in 2003; University of Central Arkansas, bachelor of arts, 2006.

JOB: I am an occupational health registered nurse at Center for Toxicology & Environmental Health (CTEH).

JOB: I am a salesman at Duncan Outdoors.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I always wanted to take care of babies and new families, so I started my nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse. Just last year, this opportunity basically found me. It’s been a fun change of pace and new learning experience. PARENTS: Mickey and Cheryl Prince of Conway. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: St. Joseph car committee; I also help with car seat events as a child passenger seat technician. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE BAZAAR: I began helping about six years ago. I help with making spaghetti and box lunches, and serve on the car committee. HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, camping and University of Central Arkansas football. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I attended my first UCA football game when I was about two weeks old. MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Relaxing and camping. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I love living in the 501! There are so many things to do, but with a small town feel.

24 | 501 LIFE August 2019

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I started working at Duncan Outdoors in 1998 as a delivery driver. I moved up to parts, and then to sales. I have been a salesman since about 2005. PARENTS: Joe Hoelzeman of Bigelow; Gaylin and Paul McChristian of Conway. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: St. Joseph car committee. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE BAZAAR: I helped with my family as a kid, but I got really involved when my kids started school at St. Joe. This is my second year with the car committee. HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy bowfishing, crappie fishing, hunting, spending time with family, camping and going to Greers Ferry Lake. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I am a four-time bowfishing world championship winner. MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Fishing. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I enjoy being able to hunt and fish close to home.

THEM

CITY: Conway. HOW WE MET: We met in high school in the 10th grade. We started dating our senior year. THE PROPOSAL: After seven years, he finally asked! WEDDING BELLS: Feb. 25, 2006, at Greene Chapel at Hendrix College in Conway. CHILDREN: Jordyn, 10; Morgan, 8; and Emmett, 4 in August. FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Our family enjoys camping, spending time at the lake and attending University of Central Arkansas sporting events.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 25

Amanda and Shawn Hoelzeman with the 2019 Ford Explorer, the grand prize in this year’s raffle planned in conjunction with the St. Joseph School Bazaar, planned Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3, in Conway. (Mike Kemp photo)

St. Joseph Bazaar set Aug. 2-3 Food and family fun are among the activities planned during the 107th Annual St. Joseph School Bazaar on Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3, in Conway. The event includes box lunches, a spaghetti dinner, a midway, a raffle, a silent auction, games and carnival food. Several items will also be raffled as part of the midway. A 2019 Ford Explorer will be given away as the grand prize in this year’s raffle. Other prizes are a $1,000 gift card to H3 Home + Décor and an $800 gift card to McKinney Tire Pros. The drawing will be held at 11 p.m. Saturday at the Bazaar midway. (The winners need 26 | 501 LIFE August 2019

not be present to win.) Tickets are $2 each, six for $10, 18 for $20 and 54 for $60. Bazaar schedule: Friday, Aug. 2 – Box lunches, midway and a home-style dinner. Saturday, Aug. 3 – Midway and raffle drawing. The box lunch menu includes spaghetti with marinara sauce, “Jerry's Homemade Brats,” chicken strips, green beans and a homemade roll. The lunches will be served 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall. Each lunch is $10, with a variety of desserts available for purchase.

There is free delivery in Conway for orders of 10 or more box lunches. For more information and to place an order, email boxlunch@ conwaycorp.net or call 501.329.3865. The menu for the family-style dinner, planned 5 to 8 p.m. in the Parish Hall, is spaghetti, green beans, sausage, fried chicken, sauerkraut, salad, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $15 for adults and $6 for children. The midway opens at 5:30 p.m. both days on the middle school playground. There will be a variety of games and carnival food. For more information, visit sjsbazaar.weebly.com. Proceeds support St. Joseph School.

YOUTH

National president Morrilton’s Grace Williams to lead Beta Club

“Loving LIFE” at the National Beta Club Convention: Shawna Parks (front, from left), Emmarie Wilson, Kris Wilson, Grace Williams, Julieigh Wilson, Jacque Wilson; Brad Parks (back), Grace Hendrix, Zach Havner, Jeremiah Canady, Jude Croswell, Cody Reed, Lamar Williams, Michael Canady, Jamie Mullins and Regina Erwin. by Sonja J. Keith

Last school year, Grace Williams had a goal of

28 | 501 LIFE August 2019

overcoming her shyness and thought the best way to do that would be running for a state office in Beta Club. With the help of her teachers and classmates,

she accomplished her goal in a big way by being elected the state and national president for Beta Club.

“When they called my name as the newly elected (national) president, all I could think was ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!’ I'm pretty sure that was all that came out of my mouth for about 30 seconds. I was so excited that when I got on stage and heard the crowd cheering, I would just suddenly give a cheesy smile and two thumbs up, and they'd start cheering all over again. “It was a crazy, fantastic feeling that I’ll never forget.” Grace, 17, is a senior at Morrilton High School. She is a daughter of Sheila and Timothy Williams. She has two older siblings, Ayana and Isaiah. As the national president, Grace will help facilitate the national convention, travel and speak at different state conventions, and be a student representative of the club. “Other goals of mine while I hold this office include working with the organization to find ways to alleviate the financial burden of attending state and national conventions and spreading information about the Beta Club to schools who don’t have one in hopes to give more students access to the opportunities and experiences Beta provides,” Grace said. “Who knows, there could be tons of future leaders and officers of this club just waiting for the Beta Club to be offered on their campus.” School administrators had high praise for Grace and her accomplishments. “Grace is the embodiment of what all Devil Dogs should strive to be,” said South Conway County School District Superintendent Shawn Halbrook. “She is a servant. She is a person of great leadership ability because she desires to help other people find success. She will be an amazing representative for Morrilton High School, our community and the state of Arkansas as she leads other scholars as the National Beta Club President.” Morrilton High School Principal Danny Ketcherside added, “Grace is an advocate for positive change. She views every obstacle as an opportunity to make the world a better place for all. She has taken the leadership role at Morrilton High School to another level. Grace is proof that a leader should engage the people in the decision-

President continued on Page 79

Arkansas had back-to-back national Beta Club presidents as recent Vilonia High School graduate Drake Toll passed the national president duties to Grace Williams.

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August 2019 501lifemag.com | 29

NEWS/NOTES

Tracy Martin (left) and Vicki McCauley are winners of the 501 LIFE Make Me Over contest. (Mike Kemp photo) 30 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Make Me Over Longtime friends ready for experience Tracy Martin and Vicki McCauley are gearing up for their 501 LIFE Make Me Over journey. 501 LIFE has teamed up with some amazing sponsors to offer Tracy and Vicki a unique makeover experience. The two were selected from entries submitted for the contest. “From living a healthier lifestyle to a change in hair and makeup, we can’t wait to follow them through this process and report the results over the next few months in 501 LIFE magazine,” said 501 LIFE Publisher Donna Spears. Sponsors include Bledsoe Chiropractic, Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, Daisy-A-Day Florist and Gifts, EL Clinical Esthetics, First Service Bank, Harrington and Company, Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Rachel Deal General Dentist.

TRACY MARTIN Growing up in Butler, N.J., Tracy and her husband, Dave, were high school sweethearts. They have lived in Conway for 16 years. Their children include Kaitlyn Yant (Tim), Meredith Miller (Joe) and Jaime Martin. Tracy works as an in home daycare provider and attends Summit Church. Her hobbies include home decorating, kayaking and entertaining family and friends. “When Vicki mentioned she had nominated me, I was thankful and blessed that my friend would do this for me,” said Tracy. “I’m going in with an open mind and I’m open to any suggestions.”

Tracy is grateful for the experience as the makeover comes at a difficult time following the death of her daughter. “It’s been a really hard season after Kaitlyn passed on Sept. 28, 2018, and we’re so thankful that the Lord surrounded us with our family, friends and Summit Church,” she said. “I haven’t pampered myself in quite a while so I’m looking forward to all of it!!

VICKI MCCAULEY Vicki grew up in Holland Township, N.J. She and her husband, Chuck, have been married for 27 years. They have two children, Tori Loyd and Ian McCauley. “I also have a new son-inlaw, Luke Loyd. Tori and Luke got married this March. Tracy helped ice over 200 cupcakes for the wedding!” The two friends met when Vicki’s family started attending New Life Church. “We joined a dinner group to meet people. Tracy and her family were hosts. She made us feel like family

members. She and her husband, Dave, still have us and other friends over during the holidays.” Vicki is a medical social worker for Conway Regional Health Systems Homecare program and Arkansas Hospice. Her hobbies include reading, her family, binge watching Netflix, bargain shopping, water aerobics and yoga. Vicki was motivated by her friendship with Tracy to submit an entry for the 501 LIFE Make Me Over. “This was a fantastic contest for my friend, Tracy, who always takes care of others. She and her precious family members provided love and care to her daughter, Kaitlyn Yant, while she battled ovarian cancer. I saw this as an opportunity for her to be pampered!” Vicki said her faith, family and friends are very important to her. “One of the most important lessons Tracy has taught me is to be intentional in my relationships.” Describing herself as a “very low maintenance girl,” Vicki is interested in “trying new things and talking with experts who can help me make positive changes that will affect me physically and mentally. “I want to have fun, learn to put on makeup correctly and have someone else pick out things that they think will suit me.” In the months ahead, 501 LIFE will work with the sponsors to provide updates on Tracy and Vicki on their Make Me Over journey. “We hope all of our readers will join 501 LIFE and our sponsors in cheering Tracy and Vicki to the grand finale!” said Donna.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 31

NEIGHBORS searcy

32 | 501 LIFE August 2019

The Art Alley in Downtown Searcy.

Always sharing Fowler enjoys capturing community

A large crowd gathers in Downtown Searcy. by Megan Stroud Al Fowler photos

Flower silhouettes.

Local photographer Al Fowler’s passion for photography stems from his love of supporting people around him and providing priceless visual memories. After discovering his love for photography from his father-in-law, his passion grew and followed the lives of his children. “When my kids were in school and sports, I shot sports. When my grandkids were in school and sports, I shot sports,” Fowler said. “My granddaughter is going to be a senior, and this will be her last year to play ball. I am phasing out that time in my life, and maybe it will give me more time to do local stuff and travel.” After spending his life in Arizona and Arkansas fundraising for Harding University, working as a CPA, managing finance and personnel for doctors in a local clinic and losing his first wife in 2006, Fowler retired and began spending more time doing what he wanted to do. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 33

Searcy photographer Al Fowler captures life in Searcy and White County with his camera, from the Rialto Theater and the White County Courthouse in downtown to Harding University, as well as nearby country landscapes.

34 | 501 LIFE August 2019

“I take them because I like to, and if people don’t like them, they don’t have to look at them,” he said. “Nobody pays me anything, so they don’t get to tell me what to do. And I don’t owe anybody anything. If they like it, fine, and if they don’t, fine.” Though Searcy photographer Al Fowler. his passion (Megan Stroud photo) for capturing moments has not changed, the rise of digital media and social media changed the way Fowler was able to share his pictures. The images he used to print and physically hand to parents at community and sporting events can now be posted on Facebook to a national and international audience. “Early on, I had no outlet for my pictures,” Fowler said. “I took pictures, I went to people’s homes, I went to see them at a ball game, I would give them pictures I had taken of their kids. I had to distribute them manually, and I had to pay to get them printed. After digital kicked in and Facebook came along, I had an outlet. So, the numbers of pictures I took expanded exponentially. If I like it, I take a picture. If I see something that reminds me of somebody, it gives me a chance to post a picture for them specifically.” By simplifying his distribution, Fowler was able to spend more time behind the camera, capturing nature, community and family, and traveling with his second wife of 11 years, Carla Fowler. He strives to use photography as an outlet to help people appreciate God’s creative work. “He is up every morning,” Carla said. “He tries to get every sunrise and sunset. Every afternoon his alarm goes off to remind him that it is sunset time. He will go out and chase the sunsets. I only see sun rises through his pictures.” Alongside his involvement in sports and nature photography, Fowler also spends a lot of time capturing local events to promote the Searcy community. “I feel like we have a responsibility to do what we can to build up and support and give back, so to speak,” Fowler said. His reputation has earned him frequent photo bylines in newspapers, with the chamber of commerce, local news organizations like Searcy.com and local staff for annual events like Get Down Downtown. “It gives me a chance to get it out to a lot of places, and, to me, it is really helping promote the city of Searcy” Fowler said. “The kids’ pictures are all for the parents, but the local stuff is aimed at promoting the community.” Because of his passion for capturing real, local moments, Fowler never wants to miss anything and never goes anywhere without his current camera, a Nikon D500. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 35

NEIGHBORS conway

Social media influence Conway’s Rogers an aspiring photographer

Conway High School graduate Alexis Rogers is an aspiring photographer. by Kiera Oluokun

Thanks to the new era of social media, today’s photographers can use their platform as a powerful marketing tool. With the click of a button, a photo can connect to hundreds or even thousands of “followers.” The development of social media photography has introduced new realms of creative possibilities to blooming photographers. Apps, such as Instagram, allow people to post photos and engage with followers. After posting a picture, you can receive input almost instantaneously whether through a “like” or “comment” on the photo. Alexis Rogers, a Conway High School alum and college student, considers herself an amateur yet aspiring social media photographer. Alexis said that she always knew that she had a passion for photography since her introduction in the fifth grade. “I was particular about how photos looked. I was always worried about posing, editing and lighting when I took photos. I would take pictures five or six times before I actually found one that I liked.” Alexis has since fine-tuned her photography 36 | 501 LIFE August 2019

skills over the years. “I am now more comfortable with working my camera in different modes so that I can get the shot that I want the first time without having to shoot multiple times. Self-timers have also helped me get the exact angle, depth and focus on my pictures.” Although social media photography is currently trending, many also debate that it is destroying the actual art of photography. Memories that were once held in the printed photo are becoming a thing of yesteryear. History and memories are still preserved through photography, however, the tangibility is fleeting. The time spent reminiscing and flipping through old photo albums in your grandmother’s home is now replaced with opening an app and clicking through thousands of pictures uploaded daily. Investing in high dollar equipment for photos is no longer a necessity when trying to get your photos out to the world — all you need is the smart phone in the palm of your hand. Whether you are in support of the evolution of photography or on the opposing side, most can agree that social media can be used as an advantage when it comes to connecting the world through photos.

Not all photos that live on social media are snapshots of cute puppies and avocado toast. Some photos are skillfully executed with just the right amount of angles and lighting. Similar to traditional photography, there are basic photography principles that will never change. Those who consider themselves true photographers on their social media platforms are still committed to producing quality photos — understanding the value in exposure, aperture and shutter speed. As it relates to using social media as a tool to market herself, Alexis says that she is going for a more “crisp and clean” theme for her Instagram feed. “For some pictures on Instagram, I use the default settings that are in the app and I often get the look that I want. For other pictures, I like to use VSCO for an added urban, street-like look. I also use the app Lightroom for coloring adjustments.” It is not all about heavy edits and color adjustments, but the aesthetic appeal and audience are crucial components to posting on Instagram as well. “You can post what you want to post to your page, however, knowing what your audience wants to see is also important. Instagram stories are a big thing

A couple of the photos that Alexis has taken. because my story can be shared by others and I am automatically tagged so that person’s followers can follow me,” said Alexis. As an aspiring photographer, Alexis agrees that social media is changing the art of photography. “I think that photography is expanding as a whole. It’s not all about the expensive cameras.” She said that the younger generation is even reverting back to vintage cameras for a more retro feel. She expressed her desire to expand her knowledge and skill set by shooting film. “I like the old photos because it’s more nostalgic. I think it captures the times that are actually in the moment and candid rather than posing for pictures. I personally enjoy photography in all its forms.” Social media photography is the catalyst for those who still want to preserve the art of photography while expanding their influence on an array of platforms. Throughout history, photography has been viewed as a means to tell stories and capture moments. Photography serves a dual purpose in that it offers an avenue for creative self-expression as well as a source for information. Coupled with social media, photography still continues to serve both purposes, however, the delivery is quicker and the impact is more widespread. Whether traveling, enjoying good food or showing off your kid’s first day of school outfits, social media’s influence on photography has helped revolutionize how we connect and share life’s moments. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 37

A lifetime in photography Telling the story of Roger Taylor by Dr. Bill Patterson Any conversation I have with Roger Taylor now is valued more and more. He and I have traveled untold miles together to find a new photo location or revisit an old one. Of course, there were a few ATV rides and snake hunts thrown in also. Rogerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health took a turn about five months ago. Having had a major brain surgery and ongoing treatments, it is a tough battle. While this has curtailed his photography, it hasn't dampened his deep knowledge. His recall and knowledge of photography is truly encyclopedic. It's as if this part of his memory is so much more developed than the rest. Recently I had an opportunity to spend a few days with Roger, talking photography and life with my mentor and best friend. A 1954 graduate of North Little Rock High School, Roger joined the Arkansas Air National Guard and was accepted into photo repair school in Denver. He got his career started as a photographic technician. It was here that he nurtured a photographic passion that still exists today. After photo repair school, he returned to North Little Rock and worked full time for the 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the Arkansas Air National Guard. A few years later, he returned to Denver for photo school that continued to nurture his love for photography.

An example of Roger composing the picture in his mind before setting up, in Leprechaun Canyon in Utah. (Photo by Roger's son, Bill Taylor)

38 | 501 LIFE August 2019

get f ra m e d at

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

Open wide — a white pelican at Lake Conway. (Roger Taylor photo) While in Denver, Roger purchased his first camera at a local pawn shop. It was a 1930s Voltlander 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 with scratched lenses that he paid off at $1 per week. He and his late wife, Dollene, would check out camping equipment from the local air base and go camping in the Rocky Mountains. There they would hike, camp and find places to photograph. The early years in the Air Guard consisted of all types of photography including aerial photography, training photo pilots flying the RF80, and portrait, as well as camera repair and developing film. There were so many pilots being trained on aerial photography that they had to work two shifts a day to keep up with all of the film that needed to be developed. A pilot would be assigned an intel target to shoot, and then the film had to be developed quickly to get feedback. This was an exciting time in Roger’s early career. After a 13-year full-time Guard career, he remained in the Arkansas Air National Guard and went to work full time for the Arkansas Highway Department. There he developed the aerial photography unit that would use photographs for surveying many of the major road projects around the state. Roger loved his aerial photography and map making career because it was a real challenge. His career with the highway department also lasted 13 years. Roger then made a career shift and went into the electrical supply business. He enjoyed this career mainly because he enjoyed his customers and met his wife, Kay, after Dollene passed away. He would sell his business and retire in 1995. Throughout his working career he remained in the Arkansas Air National Guard. He finally retired after a distinguished 41-year career in which he achieved the rank

2505 Donaghey, Ste 102 • Conway, AR

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A recent photo of Roger Taylor with his ever-present camera. (Dr. Bill Patterson photo) of colonel. Throughout his working career, Roger had his hand in photography. After retirement, Roger was able to travel and do some things he wouldn’t have been able to do if he was working. He expanded his photography, but also added wood turning and continued to hunt and fish as well. It was just after he and Kay moved to Conway that Roger and I met. He was a patient of mine, and he had just bought one of the first Canon Digital Rebels. I soon followed suit, and a quest to expand our photo skills began. Roger has a technical skill that’s easy to see in his photography. But, it is that subtle, creative side in his pictures that sets him apart from many. When

White pelicans at Lake Conway. (Roger Taylor photo) he and I go on a long photo trip, I am the driver, and he is the navigator, bookkeeper and, most of all, the story teller. When you travel over 5,000 miles together looking for places to photograph, you need a good story to break up those long stretches of road. Roger’s stories never get boring and always entertain. When we stop at a certain location, we both go different ways and look at the scene from a different perspective. If something really stands out, we will have the other come look at it. I am always amazed that when we get back from a trip we have some of the same photographs, but I continue to be in awe of Roger’s work and uniqueness in his photos. Over the last few years, Roger has taken a renewed interest in macro photography. He spends a lot of time at the Camp Robinson Special Use area, where insects and wildflowers are just waiting for Roger to capture them up close and personal. During our visit I had a few questions I wanted to ask Roger. Favorite place to photograph: Most anywhere in the Southwest, but particularly the Colorado Plateau. Biggest change in photography in his lifetime: The evolution to digital. You get instant feedback and control. Favorite camera: Canon 60 D and Sony RX10 iv. I asked Roger for some words of wisdom for someone new to photography. His advice is to join a camera club, buy a medium-priced camera, take as many pictures as you can and ask for honest feedback. But, most of all, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. I ended my conversation with Roger by asking him what was his favorite picture to take. His answer was not a surprise. “The next one.” Below: An example of Roger's subtle creativity. (Roger Taylor photo)

40 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Roger Taylor with his ever-present camera at Elmendorf AFB in 1960.

A bee on a Passion Flower, a nice example of Roger's macro photography work. (Roger Taylor photo)

Roger Taylor and Bill Patterson as they came out of Leprechaun Canyon in Utah. (Photo by Roger's son, Bill Taylor)

Roger Taylor (far right) with other soldiers deployed in 1960 to Elmendorf Air Force Base, where they supplied reconnaissance help.

Sunrise over Lake Conway. (Roger Taylor photo)

SEE

Roger and his wife, Kay, were the official photographers for the Conway Braves during the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first decade. Here is one of the iconic pictures that tells the story of the Braves. (Roger Taylor photo)

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August 2019 501lifemag.com | 41

COVER STORY

Sharp focus

Creating photos that capture life Sarah Kemp at Haleiwa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.

Story and photos by Mike Kemp

Standing at an overlook of the Fjaorargljufur Canyon in southern Iceland, I put the camera down to take in the majesty of the sheer cliffs and pounding waters rushing through. The winding trail and steep inclines made me glad I had packed a lighter camera for this trip. While I stood there taking in the view and angling for a potential shot, another tourist trotted up with a big digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, blasted multiple shots while whipping the camera all around, trying to take as many photos of the scene before taking a quick glance and then hurrying down the trail. I’m not sure he really saw anything at the overlook. 42 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Guess he’ll have some photos to view later. As a society, we’re inundated with photography. InfoTrends estimated that 1.2 trillion photos were taken in 2017, with around 200 million photos uploaded to Facebook daily. There is a side effect to all of the visual stimuli. Researchers at the University of California Santa Cruz have found that the amount of photos we take has resulted in what they termed as a “photo-taking-impairment” effect, where we are less likely to remember objects photographed than ones that are merely observed. So, where can we strike a balance? Being a professional photographer, I’m not advocating lessening the importance of photography. In fact, having a camera that is with you at all times that can actually make phone calls as well, provides more op-

portunities for photography. What I’m championing is a more measured approach. Photography is still an important medium for communication and storytelling. It can tell your life story from cradle to grave, recording milestones and heartache. If used properly, it can help record key memories about specific events and trips. But, not to the detriment of the experience. On the trip to Iceland, my cousin (who I was traveling with) and I both observed people doing Insta-worthy poses in front of waterfalls, glaciers, even the oldest tree in Reykjavik, to the point of absurdity. Surrounded by that beauty, instead of taking it in, so

Focus continued on Page 45

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vik, Iceland.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 43

A rose at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

A sunset atop Petit Jean Mountain.

44 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Focus continued from Page 42 much angling for likes really seemed to make me think their experience had to be a bit hollow. Obviously, I took photos while I was there. I had to wait at times for the hordes to clear out. I tried to be courteous of others wanting to take photos, too. Not like the American tourist who I observed yelling at people to move out of her shot, which was in a heavily trafficked area. I think our photography should be much more thoughtful. Not an act of thrusting a smart phone at a scene and blazing away; not sticking yourself in a pose that garners more likes; not using your DSLR to take thousands of images that you’ll fix later. Photography takes much more thought than that. In our digital society, one of my biggest fears is the loss of a printed product. So many of our images end up buried on a phone, a laptop, a timeline that requires incessant scrolling to find. Wouldn’t it be better to have a printed product, displayed as a constant reminder of that time? From that trip, I have one of my favorite landscape images I’ve taken. We were at Reynsifjara Beach, a black sand beach on the southern coast of Iceland. We walked to the far end of the beach, past the people posing on the basalt columns that made the cliffs, ducking drones buzzing past our heads to get epic footage, down to a more secluded area of beach. We were watching for “sneaker” waves, which tend to take unsuspecting tourists by surprise. I found an interesting rock and composed a shot using a wideangle lens and a graduated filter to help darken the sky somewhat. Just then a wave rolled in and soaked my shoes. But as it receded back to the ocean, the trail it left made an interesting leading line to the now soaked and shiny rock. It was an experience that is made even more vivid by seeing the large metal print I purchased to display in our home. It’s also on the lock screen of my phone. My point for all of this is this: photography is many things to many people, but in a society bombarded with visuals, we need to put some thought into our creation of images to help them stand apart. Digital photography has opened the field to many new faces. In some respects, it’s also lowered the bar for really great photography due to its accessibility. The amount of practice to consistently create eye-catching photos is still the same, but the buy in isn’t as high. And, the constant sharing of imagery has dulled us to really outstanding photography. Be present in the moment. It can lead to better photography and more enjoyable experiences. It’s something I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older; I can put the camera down and enjoy an event rather than feeling like I have to document every bit of it. Additionally, make some prints. I once heard a colleague mention that no one tells people that they have some great shots of their daughter’s wedding, only to ask them to come over to a computer screen. Sure, things are shared on social media platforms and smart devices, but what can be more powerful than a printed image displayed prominently? My goal as a portrait photographer is, in the words of Bry Cox, “to make images that your kids fight over when you’re gone.” It’s not about creating hundreds of images; it’s about creating memories that last well beyond our lifetimes. I think it’s possible for everyone to do, too. Get those images off your phones and onto your walls.

The Hellnar Church in Hellnar, Iceland.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 45

COLUMNIST

‘When words fail’ Today’s conversational “crutches” remind me of words and phrases that were overused in the 1990s, particularly by people interviewed on TV or radio. You may remember the “you know’s” and “uh’s” that dotted every sentence in interviews. They were just a two-word phrase and a sound, but served as fillers when Vivian Lawson they real words ran and hid. It Hogue was, in fact, often difficult to perceive what was just A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated said. from the University of Central Generations since the Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired teacher, she early 1900s have coined worked in the Conway School words and phrases just to District for 23 years. She can be reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. provide a casual air in the net. presence of hard times. They became known as “slang,” a word resuscitated from the Middle Ages. These go beyond not knowing when to use “lay” and “lie,” which is a simple fix. Some are fads that somehow make the speaker feel confident. Here are some to think about. Which is correct? “These are the right size” OR “These ONES are the right size.” Have you noticed the French word “Voila” is now everywhere? It means “There!” and is pronounced “vwah-lah.” I’m not sure how the French feel about that. Here’s one that came South from the North via TV. “Kiddos.” It means children, whereas we might say “young’uns” down here. There is a difference between “lectern” and “podium.” You lecture from a lectern, a stand with a slanted top, and you stand ON a podium. A few years ago, I first heard the phrase “reach out.” A physical movement had become a catch phrase. It is used primarily in media or corporatespeak, instead of “get in touch with,” “talk to.” Grade school grammar lessons hopefully teach that a window never gets “busted,” but that it does get “broken,” “cracked” or “shattered.” One of my favorite phrases heard recently was a reference to “two twin brothers.” Oh, and “super” is back from somewhere in the 80s or so! In place of “very good” or “very much,” it is now a “super movie” or a “super, super easy recipe.” Have you noticed in recent history how corporations or government entities take things “very seriously?” And here’s a YouTube item. Someone in a cooking show often says, “Now what I’m gonna do next is I’m gonna stir the mixture.” Did someone think the word “veggies” was somehow more meaningful than “vegetables?” How about advertisements that say, “exotic perfumes, makeup AND MORE!” What is the “MORE?” 46 | 501 LIFE August 2019

A leftover 1990s California Valley Girl expression is “like.” Person #1: “How are you today?” Valley Girl (or guy): “I am like so excited! Like, I saw this, like, movie and it was, like, so cool!” Sentences usually end with the sound of a question mark. I could mention tons of other “conversation or expression enhancers.” But that’s another one. There are “tons of ideas,” “tons of things to do,” “tons of

NEW MOVE-IN SPECIAL

movies to watch.” We used to strive to know and effectively use the “King’s English,” meaning proper grammar and language. Man has been writing thousands of years and speaking intelligently since Adam said to Eve, “You did WHAT?” I’m thinking she didn’t have an adequately-stated answer, as things haven’t been the same since.

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FAITH

Seeing past the lenses All my life, I’ve heard sayings like, Mark “A picture is worth McDonald, a Methodist 1,000 words” and minister, “Seeing is believhas served churches in ing.” We often Northwest believe that pictures Arkansas, Booneville, tell the truth. They Jacksonville speak to our soul and and Conway. His family settled in Faulkner County in the 1840s. direct our thoughts. He attended Hendrix College, We’ve seen pictures where he serves as a trustee. He and his wife have six children all that capture moliving in Central Arkansas. ments forever etched in our memory, from a crying child to a plane flying into a building. For the most part, we’ve always been able to assume that a picture is proof. No more. With the advent of software that can manipulate photos reaching near perfect quality, it is sometimes hard to determine if a picture is actually telling the truth. Apps have filters and lenses that can change our appearance before we post our picture so people will see us how we want to by Mark McDonald

be seen. Sometimes, we can spot the fake quickly. Sometimes, we are misled and manipulated, then feel foolish for our impassioned response. In a letter to the early Christian church, Paul wrote, “For now we see in the mirror dimly, but then

we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will be known fully, even as I have been fully known” (2 Cor. 13:12, NRSV). Even 2,000 years ago, seeing wasn’t always believing. Why? Because we can’t always see the whole picture. We see pictures through our own world view and experiences, and those sometimes cloud our judgement. Still, there is something about a picture that is so very compelling. What I believe Paul was saying is that we should never assume we see a picture fully for what it is. Only God can see into a person’s heart and know what is truly going on, beneath or beyond the appearances (the picture) we normally see. So, we should be careful not to assume we know everything simply because of what we saw. We should also find great hope in knowing that while we are always doctoring our own pictures (how we look to others), there is a God who sees past that and loves us unconditionally. We may not understand that from what we see in this world, but eventually we will see it more and more clearly.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 47

COLUMNIST

‘You’re wasting film, boy!’

A snake along one of the trails at Petit Jean State Park. (Adam Bledsoe photo)

Adam Bledsoe Originally from Northeast Ohio, Adam Bledsoe moved to Arkansas in 2000 to attend Harding University after active duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He is married to Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, and they have two children, Audrey (10) and Hunter (6), who attend Wooster Elementary. Adam is newly employed by THV11 as a feature reporter, focusing on a variety of feel-good community related stories.

48 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Growing up with 35mm cameras, my dad was very particular on photographs taken. He often thought if it wasn’t the “perfect” photograph, you were wasting film. Now that I think about that, I bet it was a very expensive hobby or profession to get great at when film had to be purchased and developed. I regret not taking more photos of my children, and frankly, life in general. (By the way, a shout out to my old colleagues at the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office who insisted you “take” a photograph with a camera and “draw” a picture with a

pencil. There you go!) A couple of years ago, my family took a cross-country trip, with our destination to the Sequoia National Park in California. I had never taken our family on a long road trip like this, and the things we saw along the way were amazing. Traveling on the historic Route 66 was a treat. Stopping by some of the popular roadside stands was fun for photo ops. However, as I look back, we didn’t capture the trip through photography like we should’ve. Prior to leaving, I studied (via YouTube, or as some call it YouTube University) photography and videography. My goal was to create a stunning reveal of our travels for the world to see. Ask me where my GoPro is with all my footage and I’ll tell you I have NO CLUE (insert palm to the face emoji). My failure to properly document the trip is par for how the rest of my life has gone. So many amazing opportunities have come my way, and I fear when I hit my 60s, if the Lord wills, I’ll not be able to share with my family all the fun I’ve had in my life. Summer is here. I commit to get out there and snap more photos, especially candid.

Don’t you love these modern-day cell phones with all the fancy technology included? It’s so easy to snap really good photos on the fly. For example, the photo included with this article was taken on my phone during a hike in July at Petit Jean State Park. My family hiked down to the falls, but as a bonus, we went on the Blue Hole trail. A couple of things happened. I nearly rolled my ankle completely over…that hurt a lot. I got to thinking…how in the world are they going to carry me out of here. Then, as I hobbled back toward the bridge (if you’ve been on the hike, you know), we stepped over this little guy. There was almost a dadgum forest fire. I don’t do snakes. However, instead of running and screaming like a little girl (no disrespect to little girls), or using napalm to blow up the entire forest, I snapped a photo for your enjoyment and we both went our own direction. Did you know copperheads rattle their tail? Scared the mess out of me. Get out there and waste all the film you like. It’s so easy to document your life with photographs. Take photos for your family to enjoy later in life. Discover the 501 and have the best day of your life.

HEALTH ROUNDUP

Conway Regional earns recognition

CCU Clinical Director Jamie Nguyen (from left) Assistant Vice President of Patient Services LaDonna Johnston and Kim Seger, RN.

Unity Health Foundation presents Spirit of Unity award The Unity Health Foundation made a Spirit of Unity presentation to recognize Kim Seger, RN in the CCU at Unity Health – White County Medical Center. A gift was donated in Seger’s name to the Unity Health Foundation by her supervisor, Jamie Nguyen, who donated to the Foundation for a couple who were unable to do so, but wrote a note for their appreciation. “Kim has been a positive, upbeat and fun source during this time,” the couple said. “She is extremely knowledgeable, but also allows for light-hearted conversation to lighten the mood. She is deserving in every accolade within her reach. All staff has been wonderful and gone above and beyond. We are forever grateful for the care provided.” The Spirit of Unity Award is a way for patients or family members of patients to show their gratitude by giving a gift in the employee’s honor to the Unity Health Foundation. These gifts go toward special projects and equipment upgrades that will help to ensure that Unity Health is here to care for patients and generations to come. For more information about the Spirit of Unity or to honor a Unity Health associate, please call 501.278.3186 or visit unity-health.org/foundation.

Conway Regional Health System has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. This is the second consecutive year that Conway Regional has achieved the highly-sought designation. Conway Regional Health System was the only hospital in Arkansas to receive this honor in 2018 and is joined by St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro as the only other Arkansas healthcare facility to achieve this year’s designation. “Despite the political headwinds that the industry faces, healthcare organizations continue to be dominant economic engines in their communities,” said Aurora Aguilar, editor of Modern Healthcare. “Organizations recognized on this year’s list have also weathered mergers and reorganizations and have come out stronger. As evidenced every month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment numbers, the industry shows little sign of slowing down when it comes to creating jobs. And that puts pressure on employers to create not only robust compensation and benefit packages, but to create a sense of loyalty in competitive labor market. We congratulate the Best Places to Work in Healthcare for going above and beyond to create fulfilling environments for the nation’s professional caregivers.” Organizations making this year’s list of Best Places to Work in Healthcare stand out in their efforts to create an empowered and satisfied workforce. “Achieving this designation once is a milestone for most healthcare organizations, so two years in a row is remarkable and reflects the passion and commitment of our team members,” said Conway Regional President and CEO Matt Troup. “From a leadership standpoint, we are very proud of our team at Conway Regional. It is humbling to receive such

an honor, knowing that a great deal of the assessment is based on feedback from our employees. “Day in and day out the work in healthcare can be grueling. Our team’s commitment to this work and to Conway Regional illustrates a calling that exists in healthcare to provide high quality care to our patients and to serve our community. It is an honor to serve and lead our team at Conway Regional.” During the past three years, Conway Regional has shown an increase in its engagement scores as measured by Press Ganey, an independent, patient experience company in South Bend, Ind. “Over the past four years, our focus has been on developing a culture among our team that nurtures a sense of family and engagement,” said Conway Regional Chief Human Resource Officer Richard Tyler. “It has been through listening to our staff and physicians, and making them our priority in caring for their needs that we have been able to develop a culture of engagement that translates to excellent service and quality of care for our patients. We are very proud of our culture and this independent survey process is a validation of the great work happening at Conway Regional.” In 2017 and 2018, Conway Regional received a Best Places to Work Award from Arkansas Business Publishing Group. This award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey. Conway Regional will be honored at the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala at the Renaissance Dallas and in the Sept. 30 issue of Modern Healthcare.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 49

1 HEALTH

Road to recovery Patient finds spiritual support a blessing

With the help of Unity Health Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Clothier, Janet Sample is recovering from a serious health problem. by Taryn Brown

Janet Sample calls Unity Health Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Clothier a blessing, and now also a friend. Sample began her journey alongside Clothier back in August 2018. After a surgical boot worn for quite some time caused a wound to appear on her ankle, her ability to walk progressively digressed. She ended up in Clothier’s office in an interesting way. When she went in for cataract surgery, doctors found out she had a fever and could not do the surgery. Due to circumstances, she was unable to see her primary physician. She met with Unity Health general surgeon, Dr. Glen Blue, who referred her to the new podiatrist, Clothier. He had only been here a short time, and her initial thought was, “I do not have any problems with my toes!” Blue said she should go see him because he specializes in all things with the foot and ankle. Clothier diagnosed her with Charcot neuropathic 50 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Of her treatment, Janet said she remembered most that Clothier prayed with her at her first appointment and on surgery day, and his son even prayed for her.

I value the part of my “specialty where I get to develop long-term relationships and help people through these circumstances; whether the outcomes are good or bad, we are in it together.

”

— Dr. Andrew Clothier osteoarthropathy, or Charcot foot. Today it is most commonly seen in diabetic patients with nerve damage. “With Charcot, the bone breaks down and becomes soft, and as patients walk on it, they cannot feel their foot, so they do not know they are doing damage,” Clothier said. In her case, the deformity happened over a period of time. Her ankle joint had broken down, making her foot sideways, but she could not feel it. She had been walking on her leg bone essentially and when it gets to that point, it is all about limb salvage, according to Clothier. Sample saw a number of doctors for her foot and had been told the only option was amputation. Clothier told her amputation was an option, but he also gave her the alternative of reconstructive surgery if she was willing. “I had made up my mind about amputation, and it is still a possibility,” Sample said, “It was hard to handle, but I was incredibly excited of the possibility Dr. Clothier could fix my foot.” Charcot reconstruction is a complex surgery with complicated risks. Clothier said her success is due largely to the effort she put forth. “We went through an extensive workup and she had to show me she was going to be compliant,” Clothier said. “Her A1C levels were cut in half, and her blood sugar levels dropped significantly. She did her part and has continued to do so.” When asked what she remembered most about this process, she said Clothier prayed with her at her first appointment and on surgery day, and his son even prayed for her. “I have never had a physician pray with me before,” Sample said. “You could feel the spirit in the room. It is hard to describe, but it was a blessing to have that spiritual support.” Clothier said he feels like he can make a difference in a patient’s life physically whether because of chronic pain, a deformity or severe foot trauma, but hopefully also help them get through these trying times. “It has been almost a year since she came into my office as a stranger, and after we have gone through this together, she is a friend, and my kids now know her by name. It has been a blessing for my son to see he had a part in this and his prayers and concern for a ‘neighbor’ made a difference.” Today, Sample walks with a crow boot to provide added protection while her bones continue to fuse in the corrected position. She knows there is still a long journey ahead but is looking forward to hopefully walking with no assistance one day and playing with her grandkids. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 51

�

ENTERTAINING

The Russian Honey Cake

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

On a recent trip to Houston, Texas, our daughter, Janna Williams, took us to a unique and delightful bakery called Nyam Nyam Café. Janna would not steer us in the wrong direction, and this unassuming deli-looking shop was nestled in a “strip mall” not far from one of the greatest outlet malls ever, the Houston Premium Outlet Mall. We all ordered at the counter, and as we ordered, this amazing production that resembled a cake immediately caught my eye! (Imagine that!) Upon inquiry to the Russian owner, the journey began for my education in the Russian Honey Cake. Part of this education was to learn that making this cake is complicated, can be intimidating, is not for the faint-of-heart baker, but it is a trophy to add to one’s collection of specialty items from one’s kitchen! There are many versions of this cake — some more difficult than others — but the energy and time is well worth the adventure! I 52 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Mike Kemp photo

did my cake in stages, doing the Mise en place first (setting up everything needed), then baking the 12 layers of cake. I then allowed time for recovery from the stress before moving on to the frosting. This cake has been termed Smetannik — a honey cake with sour cream layers. Medovnik, sometimes called Medoviy Tort, is basically the same thing, but frosting can be done with sour cream and sweetened condensed milk for an alternative. The cake is a journey; the frosting is a “piece of cake”—– quickly and easily made. It takes a bit of patience before the final stage of coating the cake with crumbs of leftover cake trimmings! The layers of cake have also been called “cookies” because their texture is thin and a bit heavier than cake, but the transformation takes place when the frosting begins to soak into these heavenly layers, and the layers and layers of cookies turn into luscious cake! This recipe is eight paper-thin cake layers with a creamy, slightly tangy filling and coating. The cake will look amazing in the fridge for five whole days before it is gone! Here is the recipe I used:

CAKE: 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon baking soda 3 large eggs 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

FROSTING: There are many different versions of frosting for this cake, some more simple than others. I combined a 32-ounce container of sour cream and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. I am giving you another recipe for a simple frosting. You will find far more complicated ones available — they are all equally delicious! 32-ounce carton of sour cream 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Get two baking sheets or round pizza pans and prepare sheets of parchment paper large enough to have a 9-inch circle on them. (I used nonstick cake pans since I had 12 or more of these.) In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, honey and butter over medium heat. Once simmering, cook for 3-4 minutes (no specific temperature needed); it should get a faint shade darker and smell wonderful. Whisk in baking soda. Remove from heat and set aside 2-3 minutes; it does not have to cool completely. Lightly beat the eggs in a spouted measuring cup. Take a deep breath. Whisking the honey

mixture vigorously in the pot the whole time, drizzle the thinnest stream of the eggs into the honey mixture; do not stop mixing. Continue until all the eggs are thoroughly whisked in. Stir in salt and vanilla and three cups of the flour with a spoon. The dough is going to be thick like bread. Stir in the last 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Lightly flour counter and divide the still warm dough into eight even pieces. Roll the first one between two sheets of wax or parchment paper; roll to a slightly bigger than 9-inch round. Trim off the excess and save for toasting and coating the cake at a later time. Dock the layers with a fork tine. Slide the 9-inch rounds onto a baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes; they should feel firm. Slide cookie onto a cooling rack and continue baking until all layers are done. Whisk frosting ingredients together in a large bowl. Once cookies are cool, place a dab of the sour cream mixture on your cake plate and place the first cookie on top of it. Scoop 3/4 cup of the sour cream mixture on each layer and spread from the center. Stack layers, repeating frosting on each layer; the sour cream is going to spill out and down the sides of the cake. Nudge the layers into place if they slide during the frosting process. Let this chill overnight. The next day, grind the reserved trimmings and scraps in a blender. Toast them in an oven, and when cooled, spread them in a thin layer over top and sides of cake. Be prepared to be dazzled — this cake is worth the effort! For additional training and information on the Russian Honey Cake, I found amazing stories on the internet! Bon appétit!

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 53

Cottage redo No. 2 HOME

Sunlight warms the kitchen in this Conway cottage. Fresh, local baked goods and flowers greet every guest. Photos by Makenzie Evans Flowers by Jessica Ferguson

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.

54 | 501 LIFE August 2019

In 2017, Laura Roussel and her husband, Scott, bought a rundown little brick home that had been sitting vacant for years on the streets of Old Town Conway. They had been hunting for a fixer-upper in the historic neighborhood and had almost given up when the little charmer became available. Their plan was to have a place in town where they could come and spend time with their kids and grandkids who all live in Conway and perhaps retire here someday. Laura had been collecting furnishings and antiques for a while and the new cottage was the perfect place for her vintage

finds. (This home was featured in the November 2017 issue of 501 LIFE.) The Roussels loved staying at their Conway cottage so much that they decided to share it with others when they couldn’t be there. They offered it for nightly and vacation rental through one of the online rental services. “It became so popular that we often had guests booked when we got ready to come for a visit,” said Laura. The Roussels had mixed emotions about this dilemma. On one hand, the nightly rental business was great, but they wanted to be able to spend some time in their quaint new cottage too! Laura had

Home continued on Page 56

Laura Roussel gathers fresh flowers for her guests.

A collection of vintage china is displayed on the original shiplap wall.

Fresh local flowers and matching china set the stage for a dinner on the patio.

OVER

YEARS IN BUSINESS

2665 Donaghey Ave, Ste 103 Conway AR â&#x20AC;˘ (501) 327-1772 www.luxurypoolarkansas.com August 2019 501lifemag.com | 55

Home continued from Page 54 the perfect solution. “Let’s do another one!” she said. So before long, the work began on another fixer-upper a few blocks away in the historic neighborhood. She collected many of the vintage furnishings herself and WaterHouse Market helped out with custom paint finishes and upholstery on the vintage pieces. One of my favorite things about the cottage is the fabulous artwork, some from the collection of Shane Westmoreland, who has one of the best collections around of local and vintage art. Laura knew what guests really wanted to make their stay feel special so she made sure to outfit the cottage with all the comforts. Guests can rest easy nestled in luxurious beds with crisp soft linens. Locally grown fresh flowers, along with fresh baked goods from the bakery just down the street, make for a memorable stay at one of these Conway Cottages. “The vacation rental business has been great,” said Laura, who says dates are already filling up for the new cottage. The cottages are very popular with guests coming in to see family, and especially to attend games or events at one of the nearby colleges. I can’t wait to see what she has in store next!

3 4

1. The first peek into the bedroom finds vintage floral art. 2. The perfect modern lamp paired with a painted antique nightstand. 3. Fresh flowers and a rustic bench on the front porch. 4. Swing-arm sconces mounted to old rustic shutters flank the comfy antique bed. 5. This little study is the perfect place to pen your thoughts. 6. This Conway cottage is the perfect weekend and holiday hangout.

56 | 501 LIFE August 2019

ENERGY SMART

Smart homes increase energy efficiency The future is becoming a reality. Automation is a part of our daily lives, and we have the power to control almost everything from our smartphones. Smart home products not only make your life more convenient, they can also lower energy bills. In a do-it-yourself smart home, you can Beth target some of the home’s biggest energy users. In Jimmerson fact, most houses could A long-time Conway resident, Beth McCullough Jimmerson is cut a third of its current the manager for marketing and energy bill by switching to communications for Conway Corp. She has a bachelor’s degree energy-efficient appliances, from the University of Central equipment and lighting. Arkansas and a master’s degree Smart thermostats can from the University of Arkansas. She can be reached at beth. cut a chunk out of the 48 jimmerson@conwaycorp.com. percent energy use heating and cooling accounts for while smart plugs and switches combined with LED bulbs can mitigate the more than 30 percent electronics, lighting and other appliances consume monthly. The average household in the U.S. spends almost $2,000 on energy costs annually. Conway Corp customers spend less thanks to having one of the cheapest electric rates in the nation and the cheapest in Arkansas, but saving even more money is always a welcome idea.

SMART THERMOSTATS Almost half of the typical utility bill goes toward heating and cooling. When summer temps rise, it’s tempting to blast your air conditioning in an attempt to stay cool. But you might have sticker shock when you see your monthly statement. A smart thermostat offers the flexibility and power

pot off before walking out the door. Even swapping your existing incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can make a big difference. For the same amount of light, CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.

SMART POWER STRIPS

to control the climate in your home efficiently by automatically adjusting the heating and cooling settings. Typical features include programming temperatures you prefer, developing an ideal automated schedule, providing energy usage data and enabling control of your home’s temperature through your smartphone. Utilizing a smart thermostat can save you 15 percent or nearly $150 on your yearly utility bills.

SMART LIGHTING More than 25 percent of the average utility bill is spent on just lighting the home. Simply turning off lights when you don’t need them can drastically reduce your energy use, but it’s easy to forget when you leave the house in a hurry. With smart lighting, forgetting is a thing of the past. Switching to smart light bulbs and smart switches can cut lighting costs by as much as 50 percent. These can be customized, scheduled and even controlled remotely through your mobile device. Set timers for lights to go off automatically when you usually leave for work or use your phone to make sure you turned the coffee

Electronics in your home are using electricity even when you aren’t aware of it. Devices plugged into your wall — even when powered off — are using power. On average, the standby power consumption for a home ranges from 5 to 10 percent of total household energy consumption. For the average American, that’s almost $200 of wasted electricity on devices not in use. The best way to stop this from happening is simply identifying the culprits and unplugging. But when it’s not convenient — like a TV plugged in behind a large entertainment center — smart power strips can help. Smart power strips automatically cut off power when devices are not in use, which can save some serious energy. Smart power strips can manage this usage by working hard to reduce power usage. They can shut down power products that go into standby mode, saving some serious energy.

CONWAY CORP SMART It’s easier than you think to start making your home a smart home. Conway Corp security and automation offer you a whole-home system that provides peace of mind as well as energy efficiency opportunities. Turn on the lights when you’re at work or on vacation. Adjust your thermostat if the temperature changes unexpectedly. The possibilities are endless — and so are the money savings. Visit ConwayCorp.com/services/security to learn more or call 501.450.6000 to schedule your free consultation with one of our security and automation specialists.

GET CREATIVE

Funky Frugal: A fun, inexpensive party Recently our second oldest, Cosette, celebrated her ninth birthday. I wanted to do something special for her, but our budget was slim to none. Birthdays are very special because in a home where you share everything with seven other people, having time that is Tanner on just one is very Cangelosi rare. A dear friend of An alum of the University of Central Arkansas, Tanner ours let us use her owns her own business – www. beautiful lake house neonsouthernlady.blogspot.com – and has done a variety of projects, pool. Their generosfrom individual home décor items ity allowed us to to painting murals in private residences. For more information, celebrate our girl in Tanner can be reached at a lovely setting with tcangelosi@newlifechurch.tv her closest friends. The girls loved swimming and eating on the deck next to the lake. Because the venue was a gift, we were able to get some goodies for just a few dollars. If I could do an infomercial for Dollar Tree, I would. I love that place! I know, I need to get out more! We started by finding precious ring dishes with llamas, mermaid tails and pink flamingos. I snapped up 10 for party favors and wrote their names on the dishes with a silver paint marker I had at home. Those, along with some lip gloss we found, made for wonderful favors! Next, we went to get paper goods and found plates, a tablecloth and napkins to hold the tropical/swimming theme. We went to

Birthday party supplies from Dollar Tree were perfect and inexpensive. grab snacks and got popcorn, Pringles, applesauce and cookies, along with a few other things. Squeeze was a hit as the drink, and it was also cheap and easy to clean up. Finally, I usually get a bakery to make the cake or cupcakes, but we were really trying to save money, so I grabbed cupcake mix and icing and made my own for $2! Coco even found tiny umbrellas to put in the cupcakes, which were the hit of the party! This party cost about $20 at the Dollar Tree. The

longer I’m a mom of the gaggle of children that God has given me, the more I realize that the Pinterest parties stress me out, and I don’t have to do them. Some moms love that, and I say, “Girl, go for it! You rock that party.” But for me, keeping it simple and on a small budget keeps my heart calm. We walked away from the party and Coco felt so loved, which is the whole goal parents have, right? So, try Dollar Tree for your next kid gathering. They will love it!

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AUTHORS IN THE 501

Author hopes to help others Mark Johnson is in a “good place” now in his life, thanks in part to his writing. Mark, who uses the pen name of A.J. Shaw, is the author of “Caught in a Web.” Although his book is an autobiographical tale of “remorse, anger, pain, suffering and guilt” that resulted from his descent Susan into addiction, it is also Peterson uplifting because it is a story of survival. Susan Peterson holds a PhD in education and taught Mark entered Narcotat the University of Central ics Anonymous 22 years Arkansas and Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She ago, and he proudly states retired in 2004 and now spends that he has been clean her time doing artwork (painting and pottery). She is the executive since. He first became ensecretary of the Arkansas Reading snared in drugs in the late Association, a professional organization for educators 1960s when it seemed they that has about 800 members were everywhere. They statewide. helped him get through his time in the military. “That was way before they did drug tests,” he said. His abusive childhood and health problems (migraine headaches, PTSD) were also contributing factors. In his memoir, which he published in 2013, he relates how his adult life was plagued with misfortune. Things were looking up when he met his wife, Julie, in 1979. They soon had a daughter, Riannon, who was born with spina bifida. The marriage eventually failed, and Mark remarried and had three other daughters. Although Riannon never walked, she attained a 4.0 GPA despite a doctor’s prediction that she would not survive. At age 17, Riannon forecast her own death, and she tragically died in Mark’s arms following a freak accident six months after making her prediction. Now in his 60s, Mark has made peace with his former life, and he tries to draw strength from his struggles. He credits the love of his daughters, and his strong faith. But he also feels that writing his memoir helped him to relieve a lot of stress and to put everything in perspective. Mark says his writing now helps take him to a better place, and he writes for the sheer pleasure of it. He has many more ideas for future books. A follow up to “Caught in a Web,” appropriately titled “Hanging by a Thread,” will soon be published and will continue from the time the original story ended in 2003. He is currently working on a drama titled “The Branches,” a colorful tale that draws from characters and locations from his childhood in Faulkner County. It is a fictional story about two brothers who idolize their father, a World War II veteran.

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HEADQUARTERS Because he loves to travel, Mark wants to write about some of his adventures, including a drive far into Canada to meet family and his many visits to Ireland and Scotland. The Scottish connection is especially meaningful since his mother was from Edinburgh. He chose his pen name because of its Scottish derivation. Mark’s writing has garnered acclaim. The National Association of Book Entrepreneurs (NABE) designated “Caught in a Web” as a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in the category of Best Memoir category in 2014. In April, he was invited to the L.A. Times Festival of Books in Los Angeles. “Caught in a Web” is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Mark freed himself from addiction and hopes that his story will help others who have felt despair to know they are not alone and that help can be found.

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August 2019 501lifemag.com | 59

501 kids

Back to school Tips listed for photo success As the summer begins to fade and back to school time is on the horizon, one of the things many parents think about this month is photographing their children. We have all seen or participated in taking first day of school pictures and the frustrations that can arise from trying to get your Kellie kids to cooperate for Bishop a social media worthy Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse shot. Professional school practitioner at Central Arkansas pictures also usually take Pediatrics in Conway. She lives place soon after the start in Plumerville with her husband, Greg, and two dogs. She obtained of the new school year. If her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in nursing you have not experienced at the University of Central Arkansas and her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and it yourself, I am sure doctorate degrees in pediatric you know someone who primary care at UAMS. dressed their child in his or her perfect school picture outfit, made sure there were no flyaway hairs, and then received the picture package with pictures of a child who did not cooperate for school pictures and is either crying, making a funny face or looks like they just came inside from an extra intense outdoor recess. While kids are unpredictable, there are a few things you can do to help make your back-to-school photography sessions (hopefully) go smoothly! When it comes to taking pictures of your kids at home, such as for first day of school pictures, it can be very frustrating trying to get them to pose properly, look at the camera and smile all at the same time. One tip is to take your kids outside for pictures. The lighting inside is often not optimal so you are more likely to find yourself attempting more photos than you would outside due to the lighting affecting the quality of your images. The more attempts you have to make, the more uncooperative and restless your children will become. If you do have to stay indoors for your pictures, try using window light to help improve your picture quality. Children have very short attention spans and are easily distracted so it is also a good idea to make sure you do or say something to catch their attention so 60 | 501 LIFE August 2019

they will look at the camera. In addition, many cameras and phones have settings for higher shutter speeds. This will allow you to take several photos in a much shorter timeframe so you are not struggling to hold your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention any longer than you have to. If you have a friend or spouse who can help you keep the kids situated and attentive, that will also help your sanity. Finally, if you are able to include your children in the process and live in the moment, they are more likely to cooperate and take photos you will love. Although you may have an idea of the outfit and pose you want them to adhere to, include the child in the process. Let your child pick between two outfits that you have approved of for their first day of school or

professional school pictures. You can also include them in picking a location and pose for the pictures. When children feel included and empowered, they are much more likely to cooperate with you. Documenting the back-to-school season with photos is important to most parents because it allows you to capture the moment and later look back and reflect on your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth throughout the year. This can be a frustrating and exhausting task but does not have to be. This year, try some of these tips and allow your child to have some of the independence and decision-making they strive for to have a more pleasant experience with better photos to cherish. Happy back to school season!

Logan Alexander Larmore

FAMILY: Parents, Jason and Yogi.

AGE: 8.

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: Go-cart and gaming computer.

CITY: Greenbrier. SCHOOL: Third grade, Eastside Elementary School. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Art. MUSIC INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Piano.

PET: Nala (dog). FAVORITE MEAL OR SNACK: Pizza.

MORE INFORMATION: Logan loves playing the piano and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 501 Martial Arts. He loves all animals, gardening and snorkeling in any ocean, lake or river.

Throughout the summer, 501 LIFE and the Arkansas Travelers are presenting the 501 Kid of the Month with a family four pack to enjoy a day at the ballpark.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 61

501 kids

Use tech to preserve the moments Growing up, my grandma was always taking pictures. She loved to document our times together. When I went to her house, she had several baskets full of photo albums. She probably had hundreds of small albums, each documenting a special day or occasion. I have no idea where all Brittany of these albums are now Gilbert that my grandparents have passed away. Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. I do know that I She and her husband, Levi, have a few larger photo have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at albums passed down to b.gilbert37@gmail.com. me that have old pictures that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m worried are not standing the test of time. I have had to be proactive in preserving these memories â&#x20AC;&#x201D; moments too precious to lose the evidence. One thing is certain about modern times. Pictures are everywhere. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to remember to bring our cameras anymore or to take care of the film until we get it to the store, and no more worrying that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll lose the evidence of our memories. We carry our cameras in our pockets on our phones. High quality cameras are at our disposal all day long. We can capture absolutely everything. What do we do after we take the pictures? I had a little freak out moment a few years ago when I realized that after I took the pictures and posted some on social media, I did nothing to make sure I would have that picture forever. Sure, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;the cloud.â&#x20AC;? To be honest, I still donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know exactly how this cloud works, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m told everything stays there and you can always find it. Not exactly comforting to someone who isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tech savvy. My husband has both of our phones set up on the same Google Photos account, so that every shot we take is backed up and accessible from any device with an internet connection. There are several ways to preserve your pictures, both digitally and with hard copies, without becoming a scrapbook queen or bringing out the old photo albums. Online photo albums mean you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to have any pictures developed. You can use a program like Shutterfly, and after uploading the pictures you want to use, you can go one of two ways â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they do the work or you can. Every year, I spend several hours putting a photo book together of the previous year. All of my favorite memories and pictures are in one book with really cute backgrounds and layouts. Best of all? Because 62 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Canaan Gilbert takes a look at a family photobook. theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re printed on the page, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re high quality and not bulky photo albums that take up lots of space. If you want photo books that are less costly in both time and money, there are websites, such as chatbooks. com, where for very little cost and effort, you can upload your favorite pictures from social media and have books made. These have been great for us to buy as gifts for family members. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come across older family members who love having hard copies of pictures to flip through, and this has been a great solution. Does building photo books still sound like a lot of work but something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to have? Why not suggest it as a gift idea from a family member. Recently, we had a play date at a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house where displayed on a shelf on their wall was a large collection of photo books. I made a comment about how much I loved the fact that their four kids each had a book for every year of their life, complete

with favorite quotes each child said that year. My friend commented that it was a gift from her mom. Throughout the year, she would send her mom funny things that the kids said and pictures they collected, and her mom would put these books together for her. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but be super impressed with the thoughtfulness that these gifts held. As moms, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly have tons of time to sit and work on elaborate photo books (not that they need to be elaborate), but we would love to have the memories. Apps like Timehop and the hashtag #throwbackthursday prove that we do enjoy looking back on past memories and pictures. Generations to come may not have access to our â&#x20AC;&#x153;cloudâ&#x20AC;? of pictures, but with a little effort, we can take advantage of what modern times offer when it comes to preserving these moments.

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LIFE @MAUMELLE

Chick Fil-A: Angela and Preston Vaprezsan.

Eat My Wake: Cayman and Derek Long. Team State Farm: Anna (from left), Lee, Natalie and Kate Tuxhorn.

Maumelle celebrates with 4th Fest

USS Andrews: Mason and Ethan Andrews.

Stacey Witherell photos

The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Sixth Annual Cardboard Boat Races at Lake Willastein as part of the city’s 4th Fest celebration. This year’s theme was “Fly Like an Eagle.” Winners: Youth – The Patriot, first; Magna Aquila, second. Family – On Eagles Wings, first; The Firework, second; Eat My Wake, third. Corporate – The Ninja Chef, first; USS Andrews, second; #EatMorChikin, third. Other prizes: Sinking with Style – Eat My Wake Floating with Flare – The Ninja Chef Team Spirit - #EatMorChikin The event was sponsored by State Farm Anthony Otwell Agency, State Farm Lee Tuxhorn Agency and Chick Fil-A Maumelle. The races are presented by the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, go to maumellechamber. com or call 501.851.9700.

On Eagles Wings (left – Rachel and James Mercado) and USS Ninja Chef (Webb Sanderson and Reed Claiborne).

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 63

Reflex blue

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Reflex blue

LIFE @MAUMELLE

Picture perfect Club focuses on common interest

Maumelle Photo Club members R.E. Armstrong (from left), Harvey Durham, Penn Kelley, Larry Egger and Max Baker review photos at a recent meeting.

by Sonja J. Keith

The Maumelle Photo Club is a picture perfect example of friendships that have developed over a common interest. The club was founded in 2010 by the late Roger Frangieh. “Roger believed in giving back to the community,” said club president Larry Egger, noting that Roger was also instrumental in the creation of the Maumelle Players. The club has about 60 members, with 10 that are active. The youngest member was 12. With no residency requirement, members live in other cities, like Russellville and Benton, as well as Maumelle. “There are two rules to be a member,” Larry said. “No. 1, you have to attend one meeting. No. 2, see Rule 1.” 64 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Members also represent a wide range of ability, from the novice to about 10 professionals. “I considered myself a photographer until I joined the club,” Larry said. “I learned more in three meetings than I learned in 40 years.” Meetings are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Maumelle Library. Egger said members are encouraged to bring photos that fit a particular theme to the meeting. Members vote to identify about 10 photos to be displayed the following month in a case at the library. Members also offer critiques and provide information about camera settings used to capture a particular shot. The themes have ranged from houses/homes and boats to barns, outhouses and pets. In addition, club members have gone on outings to take photographs at places like the Old Mill in

“

There are two rules to be a member. No. 1, you have to attend one meeting. No. 2, see Rule 1.

”

— Larry Egger

North Little Rock, Camp Robinson and Petit Jean Mountain. Members have had varied discussions, including camera basics and where to get information when a new photographer has attended. Those interested in the club are invited to attend a monthly meeting at the library.

A bald eagle in a nest along the Little Red River. (Harvey Durham photo) A Sunday sailboat race on Lake Maumelle. (R.E. Armstrong photo)

Mount Shuksan, Wash. (Penn Kelley photo)

A picture perfect day among Thousand Islands along the St. Lawrence River at the U.S. and Canada border. (Larry Egger photo)

Peggyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cove in Nova Scotia, Canada. (Max Baker photo) August 2019 501lifemag.com | 65

BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Koontz Electric earns recognition Koontz Electric Company recently hosted its 36th Annual Fish Fry at Cherokee Park. During the event, the company celebrated their achievement of 1 million hours worked without a recordable incident. Scotty Dale Douthit, chairman of the Arkansas Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Commission, presented Benny Koontz, Koontz Electric president and CEO, with a letter from Gov. Asa Hutchinson honoring the achievement. Ralph Hudson, deputy director with the Arkansas Department of Labor, and Paul Hansen, director of the health and safety division of the Arkansas Workers Compensation Commission, presented Dean Hoover, Koontz Electric executive vice president and COO, with an award from the State of Arkansas. Arkansas Grid Manager for Entergy Drew Clem presented Koontz Electric with its Safety Award. â&#x20AC;?I would like to personally thank each of our employees for their dedication that has resulted in over a million work hours without a recordable injury,â&#x20AC;? said Hoover. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Koontz Electric Company believes that our vision of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zero is Achievableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; culture delivers a commitment to protect our most valuable asset, our people. We will continue to drive safety success to world class.â&#x20AC;? Koontz Electric is the first contractor to ever receive this award from the Arkansas Department of Labor, and one of only 60 nationwide, to achieve this milestone in the last 30 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of the executive management, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our employees on this outstanding safety accomplishment. Behind this achievement stands a solid

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at the Koontz Electric Company annual fish fry: Arkansas Workers Compensation Commission Chairman Scotty Dale Douthit (from left), State of Arkansas Workers Compensation Commission representative Paul Hansen, Koontz Executive Vice President/COO Dean Hoover and Deputy Director of Labor with the Arkansas Department of Labor Ralph Hudson. culture of safety with dedicated efforts that extend to all levels of the company, ultimately ensuring the safe completion of projects and the return of each of our employees to their families every night,â&#x20AC;? said Benny Koontz. Koontz Corporate Safety Officer Gary Massey presented superintendent David Gray and crew

(Justin West, Cory Coggins, Jonathan Price and Rick Miller) with the Good Catch Award, which recognizes employees who prevent potential accidents by recognizing unseen hazards. Benny Koontz also recognized Koontz Electric Superintendent Jeff Owen, who is retiring after 28 years of service.

Leadership Conway County graduates 25 participants The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the graduation of the Leadership Conway County Class of 2018-2019. The program brings together emerging leaders living and working across Conway County and prepares them with skills and experiences to become even better leaders. The program also included a focus on learning how nonprofits and government at the state level work for residents of Conway County, including an exclusive meeting with Gov. Asa Hutchinson. LCC Class 3 graduates, including six seniors from area high schools, are: Alicia Duncan, Ashlea Collins, Ashley Congine, Ashley Dixon, Bailey Roscoe, Ben Drilling, Carolyn Hopkins, Danny Ketcherside, Eric Birkner, Jasmine Wilson, John Doyle, Josh Howard, Kris Wilson, Liz VanDalsem, Loretta Moore, Lynn Keith, Mark Drilling, Mason Adams, Michelle Mallett, Misty Willbanks, Sophia Isely, Stephanie Lipsmeyer, Teresa Johnson, Wesley Martin and Zaiyn Wright. Anyone working or living in the county may

Roundup continued on Page 79 66 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Participants in Class 3 of Leadership Conway County during a visit with Gov. Asa Hutchinson as part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mining Capitol Resourcesâ&#x20AC;? trip to Little Rock.

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 67

SPORTS

‘Twin sweep’

National champions give back at home

The students lined up to have Lexi and Tori autograph their camp shirts and other items. Story and photos by Sonja J. Keith

After what they describe as a “twin sweep” as national collegiate champion pole vaulters, Tori and Lexi Weeks recently returned to their hometown of Cabot to encourage young people to discover what they are passionate about and work hard to achieve their dreams. As they have done. Both were excited to be home and help with the Cabot Panther summer track and field camp for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. “We love to do things like this,” said Tori. “It is fun to come out and help.” The two recalled growing up in Cabot and running on the track at Panther Stadium, where the camp was held. “This is where we grew up, running on this track in junior high and all through high school,” said Tori. “We spent hours and hours of practice out here in the hot sun and 68 | 501 LIFE August 2019

snow on the track one year . . . It is home. We can’t wait to get back here.” Lexi shared with campers that the two attended Cabot schools from elementary through high school. “When we were little, we did all sorts of different sports. We didn’t just pole vault. We did soccer, softball, gymnastics and tennis. I think that helped us to become overall good athletes. I think it’s important that you try all different sports to find out what you really love and what you are really good at. Don’t limit yourself to one thing.” “When you find a sport you really love and that you want to do, whether that’s baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics or dance, you have to go to practice and work really hard,” said Tori. “You have to show up with the right attitude and tell yourself, ‘Today I’m going to get better.’” The two also encouraged the campers to focus on their schoolwork. “It’s not just about the sport,

it’s about doing well in the classroom and working hard,” said Tori. “We want to encourage you to find something you are passionate about. It doesn’t necessarily have to be about sports. It can be a multitude of things, like art or music,” said Lexi. “Find something you really love to do and put a lot of work and effort into it.” Tori and Lexi recalled that they were in the seventh grade when a coach suggested they try pole vaulting. They tried it for the first time in the pole vault training room at Cabot High. They thought it was fun and kept returning to keep practicing. In high school, they participated in a variety of track and field events, but they excelled at pole vault. For the last four years, the two have attended and competed at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. They have been on Razorback teams that have garnered SEC and national champion-

Lexi and Tori were “Loving LIFE” with participants in the Cabot track and field camp.

Lexi (pictured) and Tori worked with campers on a pole vaulting drill. ships. “We’ve had a fabulous four years at the University of Arkansas,” said Lexi, adding that they appreciate the support that their hometown has continued to show for them, which has included attending meets and congratulatory messages on social media. “What’s been really cool, while

we have been in Fayetteville, is the support that Cabot has shown for Tori and I.” Lexi said the community’s support was one of the reasons they wanted to stay in Arkansas for college and represent the state. “We wanted to make the state proud and make Cabot proud.” Tori said her biggest moment in college was winning the 2019 NCAA outdoor championship. “I spent four years placing in nationals and getting first, second, third at SEC championships, but finally I was able to capture my first NCAA individual title, and as the team we got the team title. That was a pretty special moment.” “This year was been a whirlwind,” said Lexi,

who won the 2019 national individual indoor title, and the team also won. “You can’t top that. That’s the highest you can go. For Tori to do that outdoors, I think this year has been so special. We kind of did the twin sweep. I got the indoor title, and she got the outdoor. I think for the both of us to see each other excel and succeed, it’s been so good to watch each other and support each other in those victories.” Tori and Lexi graduated in May from University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Both are married and receive a lot of support from their spouses on

Twins continued on Page 70

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Tori and Lexi talk to campers about the hard work they put in at the Cabot training facility.

Twins continued from Page 69

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their next chapter in pole vaulting. Tori is married to Seth Hoggard. Lexi is married to Derek Jacobus. “Besides each other, they are our next biggest supporters,” said Lexi. Tori and Lexi have been accepted to attend UAMS, but are deferring for now to focus on training with a goal of competing in next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Lexi — who competed in the last Olympic Games in Rio — pointed out that it is tough to make the U.S. team, but they plan to give it 100 percent. “You have to be top three that day, and there are a lot of women out there who jump high. It’s anyone’s chance to do it.” They also want to pursue pole vaulting on the professional level. “It’s a different ballgame jumping for a career,” said Lexi. “Track and field is so much bigger in Europe, and that’s where most of the pros go to compete,” Tori added. Lexi said they have a goal to compete in the IAFF Diamond League, which hosts competitions all over the world, including Monaco, Shanghai and Rome. “To do that, we have to jump high,” she said. Through their high school and college pole vaulting, the two have served as each other’s biggest fan. They are quick to point out that there is no sibling rivalry. In addition to providing support with academics as “built-in study buddies,” they push each other athletically and enjoy celebrating each other’s successes. “If I have a bad meet, she there’s to encourage me and lift me up, and the same for her if she has a bad meet,” said Tori. “It’s a special bond that we have that we get to share this journey together,” added Lexi.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Conway Regional Golf Classic supports UCA nursing program The 23rd Annual Conway Regional Golf Classic was held in June at the Centennial Valley Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament will support the Conway Regional Health System/University of Central Arkansas Partnership for Clinical Excellence, providing scholarships and professional development. “With the help of our generous supporters, we will provide scholarships and continuing education for our community and staff with proceeds from this year’s tournament, ensuring Conway Regional continues to be recognized as the regional leader in healthcare excellence,” said Conway Regional’s Marla Hambuchen.

Winners in the four-person scramble: Morning round First flight – Nabholz (Joel Blansett, Jason Cuthberston, Casey Sowell and Mark Solberg) Second flight – Suspended Systems (Robert Massery, Chad Campbell, Breck Lovelady and Mike Armstrong) Afternoon round First flight – Centennial Bank (Bob Leffert, Kyler

John Kennedy (from left), William Otto, Matt Troup, Frank Shaw and Eric King. Sanson, Landon Enderlin and Lincoln Hill) Second flight – Trinity Development (Jesse Hammett, Nathan Salter, Brent Salter and Jay Salter)

Other contest winners: Longest drive – Scotty Campbell and Veronica Kryzhanovska (morning); Matt Boyer and Josie Roberson (afternoon). Closest to the pin – Scotty Campbell and Jack Keathley. Nabholz and Centennial Bank were the presenting sponsors 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 AEDs 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, nurses, EMTs and technicians For more information, contact the Conway Regional Health Foundation at 501.513.5191 or foundation@conwayregional.org. • •

Greenbrier High cheer team recognized The Greenbrier High School Cheer Team recently took home several awards during a cheer camp at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The team was recognized with: Top Team Cheer trophy Sophia Sharp Force Award Bid to nationals Superior evaluations Spirit stick Thirteen All-American nominees Six All-American Team members All-American Cheerleader All-American Mascot Two NCA staff applications Members of the team are: Seniors Katie Huett – All-American nominee (senior leadership) Reagan James – All-American nominee (senior leadership) Anna Beth Jeane – (senior leadership)

Members of the Greenbrier High School Cheer Team: seniors Anna Beth Jeane (front, from left), Anna Claire Newman, Katie Huett, Addison White, Reagan James, Izzy White; juniors Melanie Halfacre (second row) Driana Phillips, Emma Henry; sophomores Chea Miller (back), Taylin Harper, Zoey Clark, J’Laine Tindall, Megan Simpson and Macie Hurley. Not pictured: Brooke Weaver, mascot. Anna Claire Newman – All-American Team, NCA staff application (senior leadership) Addison White – (senior leadership) Izzy White – Leadership pin (senior leadership) Juniors Melanie Halfacre – All-American Team Emma Henry – All-American Team Driana Phillips – All-American Team Sophomores Zoey Clark – All-American nominee

Taylin Harper – All-American nominee Macie Hurley – All-American nominee Chea Miller – All-American nominee Megan Simpson – All-American Champion, All-American Team J’Laine Tindall – All-American Team Brooke Weaver (mascot) – All-American Champion, NCA staff application The team is under the direction of coaches Heidi Phillips and Micah Edwards. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 71

SPORTS

Conway County: Gilberto Garcia It was likely that an American education would be a challenge for Gilberto Garcia. Born in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico, on Feb. 4, 1995, the second son of Spanish-speaking parents, he came to the United States at age 3 and formally encountered English only when he entered Morrilton Dr. Robert Public Schools in 2001; Reising Spanish continued to be Dr. Robert Reising retired the lone language used from the University of Central in his home. Arkansas in 2013 after holding a Yet Gilberto proved variety of teaching, coaching and administrative posts during more to be no ordinary than a half-century in education. student in Morrilton His doctoral dissertation at Duke treated literature and sports. and at the University of Central Arkansas. Nor was he anything less than exceptional as an athlete in each setting. He completed high school in 2013 with an honors diploma and a 3.5 grade-point average, having served as a member of the Beta Club and Morrilton High’s Student Council. During all four years of academic success, he was also an eye-catching two-sport athlete — the starting goalkeeper in soccer and an increasingly capable multi-position lineman in football. Numerous accolades fell to him. After his last soccer season, he claimed All-Conference honors. Following his final two years on the gridiron, 2011 and 2012, he gained a berth on the All-State Football Team as well as designation as 5A West Offensive Lineman of the Year. In his senior year, he was First Team All-Arkansas and an NUC All-American while claiming a place on the KARV Dream Team. Capping his four years of play was an appearance in the Arkansas High School AllStar Game in the summer of 2013. Garcia was also named to the 501 Football Team for his contributions on and off the football field. College and university football recruiters were well aware of his capabilities by that time, and offers from several major institutions, including New Mexico and the University of Memphis, had reached him. But most attractive to him because of its curricula was UCA, hardly 25 miles from his adopted city and from parents who had so grown to know and love the gridiron sport that they desired to continue seeing his every home contest. His success at UCA easily equaled that which he had enjoyed in Morrilton. Red-shirted as a member of the practice squad in 2013, he played regularly during the following two seasons. In 2016 and 2017, the 6-foot-2, 300-pounder advanced to a starting position on the offensive line, and the Bears roared their way to two NCAA Division I 10-win campaigns. In the second, UCA went undefeated in claiming the Southland Con72 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Former UCA Bear Gilberto Garcia shakes hands with university president Dr. Houston Davis. (Photo courtesy of UCA Athletics)

Gilberto was named to the 2012 edition of the 501 Football Team. ference Championship. Gilberto earned a spot in 2017 on both the Southland’s All-Conference First Team and its Academic Student-Athlete All-Conference Team. In the same year, he garnered the Who’s Who Award at UCA, remained active in the institution’s Latino Student Association and its chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and retained a place on

the Dean’s List. During his four and a half years in Conway, he completed three degrees, two undergraduate and a master’s. In August 2016, UCA awarded him a bachelor of arts in risk management. In December of the same year, he earned a bachelor’s in finance, and a year later a master’s in business management. The MBA, to which he added UACIC designation, enriches his expertise in risk management. While an undergraduate, he also took and passed a national test important to him: in September 2018, he became a Naturalized American Citizen. After graduation, he declined invitations to play in three Senior All-Star games, believing that he was a few inches too short for success as an offensive lineman in the National Football League, and more importantly, that the career for which he was so well credentialed deserved neither interruptions nor distractions. Within months of his University departure, he plunged into study for the Retired Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation, which, upon completion within the next few months, will place him in the top 3 percent of best-prepared financial advisors in the nation. Currently, he oversees his own financial planning practice, Garcia Wealth Management, through Northwestern Mutual of Conway. Clearly, “He was old beyond his years . . . always a student-athlete with a vision,” responded Nathan Brown, now UCA’s Head Football Coach, when queried about the 24-year-old. As offensive line coach, Brown had worked closely with him during his five seasons as a gridiron Bear. “He was a great teammate, too . . . with an infectious personality,” Brown quickly added. It is not surprising that Gilberto is now frequently asked to address groups of student-athletes at his alma mater. Nor is it surprising that his wife-to-be, Allie Wilson, another Morrilton resident, prepared at UCA and works in Faulkner County as a registered nurse. She and Gilberto will marry Aug. 31. Conway County and 501 are proud that such an accomplished Mexican native continues to fare well in Central Arkansas

Gilberto and his fiancée Allie Wilson are scheduled to get married Saturday, Aug 31.

501 LIFE is once again profiling noteworthy athletes, men and women who were born outside of Central Arkansas but who made their mark in the 501. The “Celebrating athletic excellence” series will feature one from each of the 11 counties in the 501. The 11 are representatives of the quality of athletes found throughout Central Arkansas and are not meant to be the best or the most noteworthy. This is the second installment in the third “Celebrating athletic excellence” series. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 73

SPORTS

Superstar Wonderview’s Tinsley excels through disability

Recent Wonderview High School graduate Jacob Tinsley didn’t let the loss of his arm keep him from playing baseball. (Mike Kemp photo) by Mark Oliver

Wonderview High School graduate Jacob Tinsley was just 5 years old when he lost his arm in a mowing accident. However, what was once a tragic accident turned into an opportunity for a young man to teach others how to overcome life’s most difficult obstacles. “My dad was mowing the yard one day, and I wanted to go out there and play with him,” Tinsley said. “I ran out there and tried to jump to him while he was mowing and fell over the front of the lawn mower and it ran me over. I remember the trip to the hospital — my mom driving fast and my dad praying, saying, ‘Lord, please don’t take my boy.’ All that I remember after that was waking up and my arm being gone.” 74 | 501 LIFE August 2019

In that moment, Tinsley’s life had changed forever. However, his competitive nature would not allow his handicap to keep him from doing the things he enjoyed most in life. “When I was in eighth grade, my dad got me a glove, and we’d go out in the yard and play around,” Tinsley said. “That’s when I knew that I wanted to play baseball. I learned about Jim Abbott, a onehanded player who played for the New York Yankees, and I really looked up to him from that time. I figured if he could do it, I could do it, too.” That was just the beginning of Tinsley’s love for baseball. Two years later, Jacob was suiting up for Wonderview’s varsity team, hoping to one day follow in Abbott’s footsteps. “When I became the coach of Wonderview, Jacob was a sophomore,” said head coach Phillip

Golden. “Generally, when you see a one-armed baseball player, you don’t know what to expect, but when we got to practicing and playing, I was extremely impressed with his abilities. He kept working hard for me, and he ended up starting every game but one during his junior season.” Over the years, Tinsley quickly blossomed into a star at Wonderview, finding creative ways to overcome his disability while earning All-State and All-Conference honors for the Daredevils. “There will always be people who doubt you on what you can do,” Tinsley said. “Embrace it. I love being told that I can’t do something, so I can go out there and prove them wrong. When it comes to catching, throwing and hitting, I’ve had to adjust to find different ways to be successful. You have to try and believe that you can, and it can take you far.”

At graduation, Jacob Tinsley (left) and school board member Rusty Deckard, who also was one of Jacob’s trap team coaches. “Jacob was our starting center fielder this year,” Golden said. “He started every game for us and only had four errors for the entire year. He pitched for us, too, with a 4.2 ERA and held a .321 batting average. He was a great baseball player for us. In the three years that I coached him, I never saw him use his handicap as an excuse. He is a hard worker with a great attitude and always has a smile on his face. Everyone loves him here, and he’s great to be around. We’re definitely going to miss him.” This season, Wonderview finished with a Class 1A regional tournament appearance. Tinsley’s efforts this season earned him a nomination to the high school baseball all-star game. “Over the past three seasons at Wonderview, we’ve been improving in the win column each year,” Golden said. “Jacob is a big part of why we have gotten to where we are today. When you see a guy with only one arm outworking you out there, it makes you want to go as hard as you can. He’s an inspiration to all of us, and his attitude and work ethic have been a big part of where we are as a program today.” In a career filled with great memories, Tinsley recalls a time during his senior season where he robbed an opponent of a home run. “I remember playing in a tournament in Batesville, and one of our opponents had a guy who hit a bomb deep to the outfield,” Tinsley said. “He was so sure that it was a home run that he flipped his bat, but when I caught it, he turned to our fans in disbelief and told them that I was unstoppable.” In May, Tinsley graduated from Wonderview and is already hard at work in building his future. “My goal is to go to North Arkansas College in Harrison and walk on to play baseball there,” Tinsley said. “And if baseball doesn’t work out for me, I’d like to become a master electrician one day. I have a partial college scholarship right now, but I don’t want my parents to have to pay for me, and I don’t want to have to get student loans, so I’m working hard this summer to save up the rest of the money before the semester starts.” In June, Tinsley received the Arkansas Preps

CHI St. Vincent Health Award, which recognizes an athlete who not only overcame a health challenge or injury, but also inspired his team or community. “The award is handed out to players who have overcome hurdles or extreme adversity in their athletic careers to get to where they are today,” Tinsley said. “I wish I knew who nominated me so that I could thank them.” “It’s a very prestigious award for a high school player,” Golden said. “I just can’t say enough about the person he is. He has always made the most of his opportunities and has never allowed his handicap to be a hindrance to him.” In 2018, when his story was shared by a local television news station, Tinsley and his family received an outpouring of support from other families across the country who have children who have endured mowing accidents. “After the story had aired, a group of people in a lawnmower accident prevention group on Facebook reached out to my dad and asked me to talk to them,” Tinsley said. “One man, who had a little boy who lost his arm in a lawnmower accident, wanted to meet my dad and talk about how to get through the aftermath and help his son, and I took the boy out to show him how to play baseball and reel in a fishing pole.” Despite the challenges he has faced, Tinsley is proud of what he has accomplished in the face of adversity. “I have had lots of people in my life who have helped me become the man I am today,” Tinsley said. “If there’s one thing that I want people to know about me, it’s that I couldn’t have done it by myself. Without the encouragement and support of my family, friends, teachers, teammates and coaches, I wouldn’t be who I am today.” “When a child endures an injury like Jacob has, it’s easy to think about all the things they won’t be able to do,” Golden said. “However, Jacob proves all of that wrong. He’s just an old country boy who plays hard and loves his school and community. He has handled the curve ball that life has thrown at him, and it hasn’t changed him a bit.” August 2019 501lifemag.com | 75

TRAVEL

Cell phone photography in the 501 What’s the most accessible camera you have? If you are like most folks, it is going to be your cell phone. The invention of smart phones has had a dramatic effect on photography. According Linda to Consumer Henderson Electronics AssoJim and Linda Henderson ciation, in 2018 are lifelong residents of the there were more 501. During the week, Jim has than 300 mila construction business and Linda is a registered nurse at the lion active cell Conway Human Development phones in the Center. On the weekends, they travel the 501 and other areas United States. of Arkansas. Jim drives and In 2017, there hauls equipment. Linda takes photographs of Arkansas. During were more than their travels, they have gained 12 trillion cell appreciation and love for The Natural State. They have found phone pictures the 501 has so much to offer taken. Today, for weekend fun and beauty to photograph. more pictures are taken every two minutes than were taken throughout the 1800s. I used only my cell phone camera last August to document my trip down Highway 64 for the annual Bargains Galore on 64. The event is held the second week of August each year. The entire 160 miles of Highway 64 is transformed into a market for antiques and collectibles. Yard sales are

around every turn and flea markets spill out into the open air. It was a great event to practice my developing cell phone skills. The light was good, the subjects weren’t moving and I had lots of time to try different angles and compositions. Even though I use my cell phone camera almost every day, I still am uncomfortable using it for anything more than snap shots or documentation of a daily occurrence. Last year, I decided to use it more frequently and to learn how to improve my cell phone pictures. I want the camera in my pocket to be more fun and enjoyable to use. Here are a few things I have learned over the past year about using the smart phone more. Learn how to use each function of your cell phone camera. An instruction manual can be downloaded from the internet for each brand and model available. Play with the buttons and sliders. Keep the camera lens clean with a microfiber cloth. Remember it’s in your pocket most of the time, so the lens gets dusty and dirty. Even with cell phones it is still all about the light. Find the soft light. Look for soft light away from harsh glaring light and deep dark shadows. Smart phones are not so good in low light situations. It is best to capitalize on lighting conditions that are premium. The older your phone, the less light sensitive it is going to be — in other

Travel continued on Page 78

20th Annual Bargains Galore on 64 Main Street Morrilton will participate in the 20th Annual Bargains Galore on 64. The three-day yard sale event is Thursday, Aug.8, through Saturday, Aug. 10, along 160 miles of Hwy. 64 from Fort Smith into Conway and on into Beebe. It features great bargains in antiques and collectibles as well as new and used household items, toys, furniture and clothing. This nationally recognized event was designated a “Travel Treasure” by Southern Traveler magazine. Local spots will be available along Broadway in historic Downtown Morrilton. The rental fee for each space is $60 or two or more spaces for $50 each for the entire weekend. Spaces measure 20 feet wide. Vendors can share a space or alternate days with another vendor. Applications are available at mainstreetmorrilton.org and the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce at 115 E Broadway in Downtown Morrilton. 76 | 501 LIFE August 2019

August 2019 501lifemag.com | 77

Travel continued from Page 76 words, the more likely your pictures will not be in focus. It is also important to steady your camera and hold it in a position that will optimize your pictures. Most people, including me, extend their arms when they take a cell phone picture. You will have better luck if you bring your arms close to your body. Use your body like a tripod to steady and support the smart phone. Cradle your phone in your non-dominate hand and use your thumb of your dominate hand to take the shot. You can also rest your phone on a solid surface like a wall or rock. Lean your body against a tree or a wall for a firmer support. The primary reason so many smart phone images are not as sharp may be related to the way the phone is held, so use both hands, keep a tight grip and use your body to get a stable foundation for shooting. Use your feet to zoom in and not the zoom slider on the phone. Zooming with the camera will cause camera shake. Image quality significantly decreases when you use the zoom feature on your phone. If you want a close-up picture, move your feet and get closer. Hold the phone horizontal so you get a wider frame and use the burst mode. Burst mode will improve the odds of an in-focus picture, especially if the subject is moving. It is OK to edit cell phone pictures. There are a lot of phone editing apps available. Some require a monthly fee to use, but others are free. Google’s Snapseed app is free and is one of the best apps for editing cell phone pictures. I am going to continue to practice with my smart phone camera. It’s still not my primary camera, but I am having a little more fun with my cell phone and will occasionally leave my “big girl” camera at home. There are many more ways to get good photos with your cell phone. The most important thing is practice, and the best way to do that is to get out and enjoy the 501!

78 | 501 LIFE August 2019

President continued from Page 29 making process. “She is truly a positive role model for all students and staff members at Morrilton High School and the South Conway County School District.” In junior high, Grace joined Beta Club, a group that she had not heard of prior to moving to Arkansas. “At the heart of Beta Club is students coming together and doing community service,” she said. “There have been so many opportunities that have been opened to me since Beta.” Each year, at the Beta Club state convention in Hot Springs, there are a variety of competitions for students, including art which Grace has enjoyed. Students can also seek state offices. In September, Grace signed up with her Beta Club to run for state president. Running for state office involved preparing a speech, a one-minute campaign skit and a question and answer session. Her campaign workers wore tie-dye T-shirts which Grace helped design, that reflected the theme “Amazing Grace.” Eleven students from Morrilton High School attended the national convention earlier this summer in Oklahoma City. “Hours and hours of work went into preparing for the national convention,” said Grace. “We had to repaint and re-glue props for the skit, find new people to play roles in the skit and rehearse the skit from the ground up. “I had to revamp and rememorize my speech and practice answering several on-stage questions on a time limit with my sponsors. Altogether it was a pretty stressful process, but I was blessed that it all came together in the end!” Grace said she is appreciative of the support she received from the community. “Morrilton truly banded together to achieve this. We didn’t have enough students from our high school going to nationals to do our campaign skit, so Betas from Sacred Heart took the time and effort to join our skit and make it the success that it was. “Also, I wouldn’t have been able to make it to the convention if it wasn’t for the support and donations from several Arkansans, including Anthony Tidwell, executive director of the nonprofit art program Cutwell for Kids who allowed me to sell artwork at his studio and gave a generous donation in order to help me get to nationals and execute my campaign. “There were several local businesses that gave

State Beta Club President Grace Williams took 501 LIFE along to the national convention, where she was elected president. whatever they could because they believed in our club and what we could achieve at nationals. I’m eternally grateful for their trust and support throughout this entire process. “And most importantly, I’m grateful for all the prayers that went forth for me and the people

Jimmerson named manager of marketing, communications

Roundup continued from Page 66 register for Leadership Conway County by contacting the Chamber office at 501.354.2393 or stephaniel@morrilton. com. Information about Leadership Conway County is also available at morrilton.com. Participants may also be nominated by their employers or community leaders. Class Four begins with a retreat Aug. 16-17.

involved in my campaign. Without prayers and the grace of God, none of this would’ve been possible. This campaign was truly the personification of ‘if God is for us, who can be against us?’ And with all that being said, I can’t wait to see all the great things that will be achieved through this national office!”

Beth Jimmerson is the new manager of marketing and communications at Conway Corp.

Conway Corp recently announced the promotion of Beth McCullough Jimmerson from senior marketing coordinator to manager, marketing and communications. In her new role, Jimmerson will provide leadership in the development and implementation of Conway Corp’s communication and marketing programs. “Beth has been a great asset to Conway Corp during the eight years she has been with us, and I am excited about the leadership she will continue to provide in her new role,” said chief marketing officer Crystal Kemp. “She has provided creative leadership for Conway Corp’s updated logo, social media and branding campaigns as well as internal and external communication efforts.” Jimmerson began her career at Conway Corp in 2011 as marketing coordinator and was promoted to senior marketing coordinator in July 2018. Jimmerson writes a monthly “Energy Smart” article for 501 LIFE. August 2019 501lifemag.com | 79

NEIGHBORS special friends

Making a difference Foster homes provide valuable service

Donna Stephens, who has helped foster dogs and find them forever homes, hopes to find a temporary home for Bear and Buster. (Mike Kemp photos)

Donna Lampkin Stephens Donna Lampkin Stephens is in her 21st year teaching journalism at the University of Central Arkansas. She was a sportswriter at the Arkansas Gazette from 1984 until the newspaper died on Oct. 18, 1991. She will become president of the American Journalism Historians Association in October. Having grown up in rural Ouachita County, she has lived most of her life with rescued pets. Today, she and her husband, Ken, share their Conway home with five — dogs Chester, Rusty, Roman and Lily, and Monty, the cat.

80 | 501 LIFE August 2019

Bear and Buster have found themselves in a bit of a pickle — and they need a little help. Their 501 family has had to downsize, and for a while at least, there’s no room for them in the inn. At 7 and 4, respectively, they’re the two youngest of their pack, and their older brother and sister are going to need more attention during this transition. So, Bear and Buster

are looking for a place to hang out for a while. The plan is for them to eventually return to their family in their new digs, but they’d love a chance to hang out with new friends until we can help that happen. Bear, a lab/shepherd mix with a shepherd’s hook of a tail, was rescued in Ouachita County, along with her sweet mother and siblings, by my sister and her family in 2012. They adopted mom Lucy, and I was determined to find great homes for Bear and her three sibs. They were all adopted by wonderful families in the 501. In fact, Chester, who could be Bear’s twin, became part of our Stephens pack, which was featured in 501 Pets in November 2013. In 2016, Buster, a hound mix with striking eyebrows, was also abandoned and found himself at my sister’s house in rural Ouachita County. She

saved another one. Coincidentally, Bear’s family was looking to adopt a buddy for her, so Buster joined them. And it’s been a great life ever since for this bonded pair. But now they need some help.

RESCUES This is what rescues do, but we, too, need help. It’s not a stretch to say it will be some of the most rewarding work of your life. I know. I’ve worked with Last Chance Arkansas’s Conway group for seven years. We’re a 501(c)3 rescue organization that has saved hundreds of animals. While many are adopted within the state, many more are chosen by families in New England. We foster them, vet them, socialize them and love them.

“

We’re all volunteers. We have jobs, families and, too often, more of our own pets (many of whom are foster failures) than we really need.

”

— Donna Lampkin Stephens We post them online, carefully cull through adoption applications and choose the best fit for each animal. Once we’ve talked, FaceTimed and emailed enough with potential adopters that we know our babies are going to the best possible homes, their big day comes. Almost every week, I take a load of two or three — or seven or 12 — to meet Alpha Dog Transport, the Massachusetts company with a red 18-wheeler that is heated, air conditioned and packed with kennels. Jeff and Matt take wonderful care of our babies on their journey northeast. We whisper to each one, “We’ll see you again when we all get to Heaven,” and we always shed a tear but also breathe a sigh of relief once they are on board. We get photos and texts from their new families for years. Conway and North Little Rock are among Alpha Dog’s pick-up stops, and rescues from all over the state join us there. We’re all in this together — we congratulate each other on our latest rescue successes, commiserate about our challenges, take selfies with our babies and comfort each other after particularly special ones (although they’re all special to us) board. We’re all volunteers. We have jobs, families and, too often, more of our own pets (many of whom are foster failures) than we really need. But every week when I leave that truck, I know I’ve made a difference.

Buster

Bear

501 GROUPS

Every one of them could use your help, whether it be donating, fostering, transporting to and from vet visits, posting photos, checking references, etc. We will find a job for you.

Besides traditional animal shelters, here is a partial list of rescue groups in the 501 area, according to google.com: • Last Chance Arkansas (lastchancear.org) • Dirt Road Rescue (dirtroadrescues.org) • Humane Society of Faulkner County (fixingfaulknercounty.org) • ArkanPaws Animal Rescue (arkanpaws.org) • Rock City Rescue (rockcityrescue.org) • CARE for Animals (careforanimals.org) • Angels Heart Puppy Rescue (angelsheartpuppyrescue.com) • Humane Society of Garland County (hsgconline.org) • Humane Society of Pulaski County (warmhearts.org) • Many other rescue organizations are on Facebook.

NEEDING HELP Bear and Buster are a special case. They are spayed and neutered, respectively; house trained, know the doggie door and are current on their vaccinations. They have always lived with other dogs. We don’t want to adopt them out unless it becomes apparent that their family can’t take them back. Now, we need a foster. We will provide vet care and food. All we need you to do is love them. We promise the love will be returned. Rescues always know who saved them. (If you are able to help Bear and Buster, contact Donna Lampkin Stephens at donnaken@mac.com.)

Animaal l Hospit Dr. Greg Hartman

Dr. Greg Hartman

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

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Dr. JoAnna Roath

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August 2019 501lifemag.com | 81

NEIGHBORS person of the month

Loretta Mahan Burgess

CITY: Greenbrier for 42 years. WORK: My first teaching job was at South Side High

School (my alma mater) in Bee Branch. For the past 24 years, I taught in the same classroom as a business education instructor for the Greenbrier School District.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I have worked with the

Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce along with the entrepreneurship students (now Junior Ambassadors) to guide them to be community servants. I served on the committee to revive Brierfest. I have been active for many years with the Future Business Leaders of America chapter at GHS.

FAMILY: Two younger brothers, Roger (Jodie) and

Harold (Stephanie) Mahan; my husband of 44 years, Dallis (Dal) Burgess; four children, Lindsay Griffin (Kyle), B.J. (Misty Moore) Burgess, Amanda Burgess and Matthew Burgess; and six grandchildren.

EDUCATION: 1975 graduate of South Side High School as one of three salutatorians; University of Central Arkansas in 1979 with a bachelor’s in business education and a master’s in business education in 1987. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: My children and grandchildren are definitely the most precious to me. My most cherished physical possession would be the antique china cabinet I inherited from my mother. She purchased it in the early 1950s when she was a young home economics teacher. MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: We have

spent 35-plus years on weekends going to baseball, softball, volleyball and football games for our children and grandchildren.

Loretta Burgess recently retired from teaching in the Greenbrier School District. “I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am retired. I cried a lot the first two weeks after I turned in my papers. It was just hard to leave the people I worked with and the students. But I am getting excited about being able to spend more time with my family and friends, having long and relaxing lunches with my friends, having more time to read and not setting an alarm.” She has a few home projects planned and looks forward to trying new recipes and sharing baked goods with friends. She also plans to focus on her Mary Kay business and might get a part-time job. “I know that God is still writing my story and I am ready to see what is in the next chapter.” (Mike Kemp photo) 82 | 501 LIFE August 2019

FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS: My backyard. We have a big deck for family gatherings, a new two-story playhouse under a huge pecan tree for our grandchildren that also has an upper deck for adults to sit. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I love the beauty of the natural state, the lakes

and mountains, great shopping and restaurants, good schools and great communities. I love that I can live close to my children, grandchildren and many of my relatives. This is my home.

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437 Denison St., Conway • behind CARTI on College Ave. • 501-504-2330

PLANNING RETIREMENT O N Your T E R M S .

Our financial professionals can help you protect and manage assets now, so you can enjoy security later. It’s your retirement – spend it well. What’s your better? Get there with us. Member FDIC