Autumn
2021
Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 1
2|
Full-time, Part-time and Contract Positions Available Sign-On, Retention and Christmas Bonuses for applicable positions Tuition Assistance Public Service Loan Forgiveness 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021
Complete Suite of Insurance 401(k) with Match Telemedicine for Outpatient Programs Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) $300 Bonus for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccine
On the Cover (story page 4)
Karson Prince brought some of her delicious dog treats to some special friends at Out West Veterinary Center and Urgent Care. Photo by Matthew Dyson. EDITOR Stefanie Brazile PUBLISHER Jeremy Higginbotham FOUNDERS Donna Spears, Sonja J. Keith BRAND AMBASSADOR Don Brazile COPY EDITOR Andrea Miller FINANCE DIRECTOR Debbie Flowers ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna Spears
CONTRIBUTORS
In this “Back to School” issue of 501 LIFE KIDS, we bring you a story about a young entrepreneur who creates and sells healthy dog treats that are inspired by the tastebuds of her pup. Another story introduces you to a girl who competed in the National Junior Olympics this summer. There is also an article about how to create a quick, digital record of your child’s life without having to cut out photos and use two-sided tape. Another feature will calm the fears of parents whose kids want to pursue a career in music. Finally, we have tips that will teach your children the power of showing kindness in practical ways. We’ve included information from the Faulkner County Library about kits that members can check out and build, and Centennial Bank offers a fun word search on the back cover. There are also two pages of adorable kids in our “Loving LIFE” section. Heading back to school and starting a new schedule of extracurricular activities creates stress for families each year. Added concerns about the COVID-19 virus equals more stress. In my mind, it’s hard to know what information I hear and read is reliable. But we can all agree that keeping children healthy is important. I think we can also agree that we’re ready for the pandemic to be over, but it’s not. So, I encourage you to talk about your concerns and frustrations with other adults. We also need to talk about “regular stuff” like shared hobbies, funny experiences, what we’re reading or watching and even sharing recipes and new apps that we’ve discovered. Having healthy friendships helps us to be the calm and positive adult that a child needs. Let’s also remember the many professional resources available in the community. If you’re concerned about your child, turn to their physician, school counselor, a mental health professional, minister or priest for advice. Other ways to cope with stress is to plan times that you can spend time together and then don’t let your child down – prioritize appointments you make with them. Perhaps you could plan a family game or craft night, watch a show together or listen to music. The key is being together and asking them what they want to do. Who knows? Your child may teach you something. I continue to learn skills from my two children. Raising kids is so much fun and so much work. Remember that you don’t have to do it alone. I hope you enjoy this issue of 501 LIFE KIDS!
Brittany Gilbert Meagan Lowry James Skelton
501 KIDS EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Angie Betancourt Leslie Burrows Dr. Sher Craig Stephanie Crockett Brittany Gilbert Gloria Massey Nicole Rappold Lanette Rogers Amy Routt Stephanie Worthey
If you enjoy 501 KIDS, subscribe to 501 LIFE Magazine! The subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues). Make the Jump Media, LLC 920 Locust Ave., Suite 104 Conway, AR. 72034 501.327.1501 info@501lifemag.com
501 LIFE Kids is published monthly by Make the Jump Media, LLC (920 Locust Ave., Suite 104, Conway, AR 72034, 501.327.1501) and is owned by Jeremy Higginbotham and Stefanie W. Brazile. The contents of 501 LIFE Kids 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 Make the Jump Media.
Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 3
D g Bites
Karson Prince has created a business with her best bud Clark
Photo by Stefanie Brazile
4 | 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021
Photo by Mike Kemp
By Stefanie Brazile
Karson Prince bought her school clothes this year with money she earned from her dog treat business, Clark & Co. At 11 years old, that’s something that gives her parents something to brag about. Her business inspiration is a little more than a foot tall, has brown eyes and gives sloppy kisses. Clark, a beagle, will turn a year old next month. “I started the business because I want to go to Paris, but now I want to redecorate my room,” Karson said. The fifth-grader hasn’t abandoned her first dream and takes French once a week. She also loves science, loves to sew, paint and bake, and spending time with her cousins. “We all have dogs and love animals,” she said, smiling. “We saw things on Pinterest and decided to make some items to sell. We started with peanut butter dog treats.” Clark is not only the namesake of her business, but is also chief taster. “He’s had so many snacks! He doesn’t want to eat his dog food,” she said. The middle schooler spends time researching her recipes and has primarily offered three flavors of treats: peanut butter and pumpkin flavors are crunchy and the cheese biscuits are soft. Nothing has added sugar or has more than four ingredients.
Clark & Co. has built a following of customers on Facebook and through neighbors and friends and also manned a booth this summer at the Conway Farmers Market at Antioch Baptist Church. “I love seeing all the people and the dogs. When we see them, we give them treats.” They always sell out and she’s made $300 to $400 profit a month. Her mom, Aimee Prince, helped her establish a checking account and expects Karson to manage her budget. “She buys her own ingredients and labels and does a good job,” Aimee said. “I’ve been really proud of her. She comes up with ideas and is working on new products.” Karson was surprised at the costs of supplies. “I knew it wouldn’t be super cheap, but I learned that groceries cost more than I thought.” When she needs to shake off the economic blues, she and her cousin, Sarah, gather in the kitchen for a dance party. “We’ve had a couple of dance parties in the kitchen and I’m just sayin’ — we’ve listened to a lot of Eric Church,” Karson said. Clark’s jam is “Let it Go” from the movie “Frozen.” “He was barking to it!” she said. The cousins have tried other business ventures. One night they stayed up all night making scrunchies. “I feel like I’ve gotten closer to my cousins,” Karson said. “We work together really, really well.” One cousin makes doggie bandanas and another one creates signs about pets. As a person who creates homemade, baked products, takes orders and fills them and does her own shopping, Karson has advice for other kids who want to be entrepreneurs: “You should go for it! It’s gonna be tough, but don’t give up.” Her dreams are to be on a baking show and to travel to Paris. As long as dogs love tasty treats, these dreams will come true.
Photo by Stefanie Brazile
Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 5
You've Got Mail
Mom takes advantage of the digital world to document child’s life By Meagan Lowry
I’m a sentimental person. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I want to remember it all or that I’m just afraid that time erases the things we aren't diligent about keeping up with. Either way, when I became a mom holding onto memories, mementos, clothing, etc. became even more important to me. I quickly realized that in order to save the truly important things, I first needed to realize what those things were to me. And let’s be real … that can be difficult for so many, myself included, to do. One of the best things I decided to do was to create an email address for my daughter. I write to her when something big happens, or when something happens that I never want to forget. Like the cute way she mispronounces words or the funny oneliners she comes up with. When she turns 18, she’ll receive the password to that email address, and in it I hope she finds treasure after treasure. I hope she realizes how lucky she is to have these seemingly unimportant things to look back on. My prayer is that in doing this, she’ll see how deeply she was loved. Isn’t that really why we save things in the first place - because we 6 | 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021
want a legacy for our kids? We want a solid foundation for them to look back on fondly. My mom kept trunks for her girls, with trinkets from our childhood, like dance recital costumes or pieces of clothing she loved, baby blankets, photos, and old letters we received in the mail. These are all the kinds of things she made me realize were important too. One day these people we have spent our lives loving won’t be here, and it’s nice to have something from them to hold onto. As an adult and now a mom, I can’t describe how important that’s been for me. It doesn’t matter how exactly you choose to hold onto items. Maybe you’ll create an email address, or purchase a trunk to keep your mementos in, or maybe you’ll store artwork and letters in a filing cabinet. The how won’t be of importance, but the fact that you’ve done this for your child will make all the difference. And one day when they are grown and sit down with you to reminisce, you’ll both appreciate the effort that was made.
B ACK TO SCH OOL By Brittany Gilbert
Getting back in the groove of school can be hard, whether it is homeschool communities getting back together or public school starting back. Not only can it be difficult to get back to a routine, but kids and moms can be nervous about meeting new people and doing new things. I’m starting a new challenge for my kids as we start preparing for our school year. One way to work on those first-of-the-school-year jitters is to focus on serving other people. We’re working together on different acts of service that they can do for anyone they come in contact with to build friendships or to just show others that they care. Be a helper
Explain to your child that teachers have a really big job to do and offering to be a helper is a huge act of kindness. All they need to do is ask the teacher how they can help. Cleaning up after themselves is also helpful. Hopefully this act of kindness transfers to home, too.
Be a friend to someone sitting by themselves
Most of us know what it’s like to be the new kid. Sometimes, someone will be brave enough to introduce themselves and start a conversation. Explain to your children what it feels like to be the kid sitting by themselves and how it feels to have someone join them and make them feel welcomed.
Donate school supplies / things from home
Each year, there are so many kids who don’t get new supplies or backpacks. A lot of kids don’t get new school clothes, nor do they have a good coat for the winter months. Shopping for extra supplies is one of the most helpful and kind things you can do for your school. Have
your child be hands-on in the process by letting them shop with you and deliver the items. Ask them to go through their closet and toys to see if they would like to donate any gently used items..
Give compliments
Most kids I know have the sweetest things to say about others. On a daily basis, I hear our kids and the other kids in our community give compliments that will just melt you. Somewhere along the way, this gets lost and we don’t say all of the sweet things we think. I don’t know if we grow into a shyness that makes us feel awkward to compliment people, but our kids have the right idea. Encourage your kids to compliment people whenever they have a chance.
Pack extra food/snacks
You never know if another student forgot their lunch that day or if they’re still hungry after eating. I will never forget the friend in third grade who always had an extra snack for me. My mom packed a snack, but it was never enough for my growing self, and this friend was always ready with extra food. In our homeschool community, there is always a kid missing a snack or even a lunch because they forgot. You never know the situation that others are facing either. Having extra food on hand is always a good thing. Talk with your kids about ways to show kindness in the upcoming year. There are so many more ways to be kind with acts of service. Kids don’t need to be told to be kind, however, giving them an idea and talking over ideas with them is one way to watch it bloom. I would love to hear these stories. If you or your family participate in this with us, please share either on Facebook or by sending an email to b.gilbert37@gmail.com.
Starting Oct. 4 on Arkansas PBS and PBS KIDS! Find ALMA’S WAY games and activities at pbskids.org/almasway Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 7
Photo by Stefanie Brazile
8 | 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021
On Track for stardom Conway student competes in National Junior Olympics By Stefanie Brazile
Being the fastest girl at 400 meters in the region is quite an accomplishment for an 11 year old, but Caleigh Chandler has trained for five years to earn the title. Caleigh was inspired to run because of her 16-year-old brother, J.C. “I started running when I was about 6 years old because one day we went to my brother’s track meet and I saw him running and that really inspired me to start running myself,” she said. Her parents, Jessica and Canon Chandler, competed in track and field when they were younger. Canon also played football. Now, they coach and train their children. “We push academics more than sports so she can go to college,” Jessica said. “We try to push for two scholarships — for academics and sports. That’s what we’ve told them both to aim for. And we said good athleticism may place you with a college of your choice.” The Ruth Doyle Middle School student is aiming high. She competes in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in
Region 16, which includes Kansas, Western Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. Kids can compete in 41 categories, but have to qualify at the regional level to advance to the pinnacle event which is held annually, the AAU Junior Olympic Games. When Caleigh ran the 400-meter, or once around the track, she won at regionals with a time of 66 seconds, or in track terms she ran 1:06.04. She also placed sixth in the 100 meter and third in her favorite event, the long jump. Her longest documented jump is 13 feet, 11 inches. When you consider that she is about 5 feet, 1 inch tall, one can imagine what the future holds as she grows. When she leaves the board, Caleigh describes the feeling as “jumping off a cliff, flying in the air and landing in the sand.” Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 9
The top six at regionals can advance to the Junior Olympics and in July, the family traveled to Humble for the national competition. Even with thousands of people watching, Caleigh takes the stress in stride. “Sometimes it is a lot of pressure out there knowing that they’re watching you,” she said. “It’s kind of a nervous feeling, but I just run my race.” She has made friends with some of her fellow competitors and has become a training partner with one of her strongest opponents. Achieving this level of athleticism requires on and off season training. “We focus on mostly threshold, endurance training throughout the winter months,” her father said. “Then, at the beginning of the year, we start incorporating more speed, plyometrics such as box jumps and technical work like working on knee lifts, arm placement and shortening ground contact.” “We don’t use weights,” Jessica said. During her off season, we do leg drills like squats, lunges and high knees. Before COVID-19, we would go to Hendrix and do aquatic exercises and aerobics.” In her life beyond the track, Caleigh loves social studies, science and reading. She is excited to be in her school’s orchestra this year and is learning to play the cello. Other interests include playing the piano, reading the Bible, going to the playground and kicking her red soccer ball around. Her favorite meal suits a national competitor — it’s tomato basil soup with veggie pizza. Caleigh’s grandparents are proud of the nine medals she’s already earned. They include Sandra and Howard Chandler and her Nana, Lillie. While she appears to be a typical 11 year old, there’s a lot going on in her mind. “One of my goals is that I really want to do my PR [personal record] in my 400 really well and I want to jump 15 feet in long jump, and in the 100 I want to run 13.05.” With her discipline and the loving support of her parents, the fastest girl in the region at 400 meters will likely keep that title and gain many more.
Photo by Stefanie Brazile
Caleigh's longest documented jump is 13 feet, 11 inches. Photo by Jarrett D. Gilliam Productions 10 | 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021
Music. Business. These days, virtually every career in music requires some aspect of entrepreneurial ability. Why?
By James Skelton
The landscape of a career in music has definitely broadened in recent years to include many self-made opportunities driven by individual musicians or groups. Musicians have begun to realize that their dreams are possible through the discipline of entrepreneurship — a discipline that allows for individuality and creativity. The disciplines of entrepreneurship and music have a lot in common in that each takes a huge commitment, a relentless work ethic, passion, and new ideas. Musicians will stand to benefit tremendously by entrepreneurship because it involves monetizing an idea. We all want to earn money from what we love to do, right? More and more colleges and universities, including music schools and departments, are either incorporating entrepreneurship classes into the curriculum or at least making them available on a voluntary basis. But there’s another aspect to all of this: the entrepreneurial mindset.
Let’s start first by defining entrepreneurship in three simple steps: 1. Creating a new product. 2. Assuming all risks and rewards for the product (willingness to be accountable for the final outcome of the product.) 3. Making a profit for your new product or idea. When a profit is made, it means there is a demand for the product in a particular market. This means the product has value.
How does this apply to musicians?
Imagine that an individual musician is the entrepreneurial product. The product, so to speak, is the talent and unique interests of the individual. This forces the individual to think more carefully about the specific attributes they bring to the music world. The individual then assumes all risks and rewards for these interests, meaning they take full responsibility for launching the product. Let’s say you are a guitarist and your favorite music is alternative rock. Thinking like an entrepreneur means that you begin to recognize that you have unique performing traits and interests — you’ve got a new product for the market. We are, after all, different from one another. When an entrepreneur assumes all risks and rewards for a product, this means they are willing to see the product through failure and success,
whichever the case may be. It’s worth noting that all entrepreneurs experience failure; it’s where they learn the most. So, back to your being a guitarist who wants to pursue performing alternative rock music. What does it mean to fail? Failure could take on many poses. Here’s an example: You book a date at a venue and, in order to break even, you must sell 150 tickets. You sell only 103, so you owe the venue the difference. This means you lost money on this venture. If you broke even or walked away with a few hundred dollars, this means you sold 150 tickets or more. There was a demand for your product and a profit was made, even if it was small. You have to start somewhere, right? Your product — meaning you and your music — had a value. Many musicians are comfortable with the first two steps but stop short of step three. Musicians can learn to think like entrepreneurs by defining their unique product and zeroing in on the right audience for their product. It takes time to build an audience, too. Don’t underestimate the importance of building an audience! Entrepreneurial projects succeed because they have an audience. What can someone who is still in high school or early into their music school education do to open their thinking and start honing their entrepreneurial chops?
Ask yourself these questions: 1. Identify your purpose: Why am I in music? 2. Identify who you are: What unique gifts do I bring as a young musician? 3. Identify what keeps you in music: What is the most memorable performing experience I’ve had and why? 4. Identify whether you want to earn money doing something you love: For example - Do I want to be paid to perform or teach music? (If the answer is “no,” then an entrepreneurial track may not be the best route for you.) Entrepreneurs have a passion for what they do. They lose sleep over their ideas and dream about creating new opportunities all the time. Imagine what could happen if you thought this way regularly about your own talents. Answering these questions will jumpstart your thinking towards entrepreneurship. Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 11
Carve Out Time For Reading Challenge
Faulkner County Library
Kindergarten – 4th Grade Now through Dec. 7, log the minutes you spend reading and earn prizes along the way! Register at fcl.readsquared.com
Kid's Programs!
Where the Wild Books Are!
Mother Goose on the Loose Ages 0-2 and Caregivers An interactive storytime exploring early literacy at 10 or 10:30 a.m. on Mondays Promotes caregiver-child bonding, and early social skills. The program focus on songs, rhymes, and movement. Activities are geared towards babies, crawlers and walkers. One program per month will live-stream on Facebook.
Cuentos y Colas
Para niños de 0 a 7 años y sus cuidadores Únase los martes para una hora de cuentos en español seguida de una actividad de manualidades. Nos reuniremos en la habitación de los niños. Age 0 – 7 and Caregivers Meet in the Children's Room on Tuesdays for a Spanish language storytime followed by an arts & crafts activity.
Yoga Stories Ages 4 – 9, but All Ages Welcome 30 minutes of gross motor movement, stories, and other yoga adventures at 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays in the Children’s Room. This program will be live-streamed on Facebook.
StoryWalk® All Ages Welcome Walk to each page of a story in a local park! 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 24 Beaverfork Park Oct. 29 Gatlin Park (wear your costume and get a treat bag) Nov. 22 Laurel Park
12 | 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021
Ages 3 – 7 and Caregivers, but All Ages Welcome An interactive, engaging storytime for preschool and early elementary kids held at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Focusing on stories, songs, movement, finger plays and group social skills. Caregiver presence required.
Wild Arts & Crafts Ages 3 – 7 and Caregivers Meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Children's Room for a simple arts & crafts activity.
Get Carded!
Webb Space Telescope
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! All Ages Anyone who gets a library card in September will receive free gifts to celebrate!
From 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 2, experience science night at the library as they celebrate the upcoming launch of NASA’s Webb Telescope. The event will be joined by UALR’s Darrell Heath and the Arkansas Natural Sky Association as well as other special guests and space themed activities.
Launch Celebration All Ages Welcome
Storytime-To-Go Kits Ages 3 – 7 The library has 29 kits available for checkout! The themed kits include phonics, Bob Books, STEM, dinosaurs, oceans, pets, yoga, and more! Kits come with books, games, and activities.
The First Ever
Tiny Art Show In October sign-up for a free tiny canvas & art supplies. Cover your canvas with your artistic expression and return it to the library.
Member FDIC Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 13
Conway Christian School first grade students are Paxton Jacks (from left), Jet Samuelson, Kennedy Hoggard, August Johnson and Finley Kirby.
Conway’s St. Joseph School students are Anna Jo Seibert (from left), Blakely Schichtl and Owen Poda.
Cabot’s Eastside Elementary School students are Brayden Thomas (from left), Stella Pounders, Mason Pint and Bentley, a 7-month-old Educational Assistance Dog who is in-training.
Conway’s Carolyn Lewis Elementary students are Josiah "Mojo" Martin and Jessa Martin.
Conway’s St. Joseph School students are Vincent Edwards (from left), Ella Kate Johnson and Aubrey Hum.
Jacksonville North Pulaski School District students are Cruz Williams (from left), Anistyn Lovejoy and Amar'e Sharp.
Conway Christian School third grade students are Sam Sherwood (from left), Max Ward, Selena Hawks, Matilda Baxter, Jaida Pullen and Piper Wells.
True Holiness Saints Center (Conway) Sunday School students are Annias (from left), Amani and Alayah Tate.
Morrilton Elementary students Kynsleigh Halbrook and Colt Henderson
Quitman Elementary students Braxlee Davis and Wrigley Stacy show-off the newly resurfaced football field. Autumn 2021 501lifemag.com | 15
16 | 501 LIFE KIDS Autumn 2021