One Remarkable Ride!
What an exciting time to live in the 501! The theme of this issue is “RemARKably 501,” and speaking of remarkable, I am greeting you from one of three streetcars, each a historic replica, that run a three-mile route along the Arkansas River. This route links some of the most vibrant destinations in Pulaski County, including the Clinton Presidential Center, the headquarters of the global nonprofit Heifer International, North Little Rock’s historic Argenta district, and the Little Rock River Market and Main Street Creative Corridor, along with unique restaurants, hotels and shops.
As the weather continues to warm, we hope to inspire you to explore the fascinating region we call home and to plan multiple weekend staycations. I much prefer a staycation to an “opercation”, a word I coined when my kiddos were young and I was working full-time and was generally exhausted. I quipped to friends that the only way I could get a few days off was to have an operation. I imagine most parents have mentally “gone there” at least once!
Back to the incredible region we call home. This issue is like being handed several dozen retro Christmas gifts. Each wondrous package contains an item you are vaguely familiar with, but have never given your full attention. Our team has located a ginormous banana peel, the hideout of an 1800s-era lady outlaw, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, robots, and food so big it could smother you!
We also delve into places of culture that refined readers will appreciate. Our team has discovered unique museums, sculptures, and one of the last places JFK visited before his fateful trip to Dallas. But let’s face it, sophistication is rarely as fun as discovering something so fabulous that it wows you! Those of you who are 501 natives may be left feeling embarrassed to learn about wondrous gems within an hour of your home that you have not visited — until now.
I hope I’ve whet your appetite to jump into these pages and onto the streetcar with me. Let’s take a ride into the 11 counties that make up the 501 so you can plan a month of staycations, playcations or daycations — and hopefully no opercations! You can choose your word and write your own adventure.
PUBLISHER/ ART DIRECTOR
Jeremy L. Higginbotham
EDITOR
Stefanie W. Brazile
FOUNDERS
Donna Spears, Sonja Keith and Tracy Ferrell
ADVERTISING SALES
Donna Spears and Donald Brazile
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
Levi Gilbert
PHOTOGRAPHER
Makenzie Evans
COPY EDITORS
Andrea Lively and Andrea Miller
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Debbie Flowers
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Lisa Hutchison
SOCIAL
Morgan
American Made General Store, 45
Arkansas Renaissance Festival, 23
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship, 58
ASU-Beebe, 78
Barksdale Federal Credit Union, 8
Bledsoe Chiropractic, 92
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Centennial Bank, 57
Conway Corp, 95
Conway Regional, 99
Conway Regional Rehab, 50
Conway Symphony Orchestra, 35
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Downtown Conway Partnership, 40-41
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East End School District, 75
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Farm Bureau Arkansas, 42
Fig Modern, 25
First Presbyterian Conway, 51
First Security Bank, 100
First United Methodist Conway, 41 Freyaldenhoven Heating & Cooling, 45
Grace Presbyterian, 53 Greenbrier Schools, 87
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Halter’s Body Shop, 27
Harding University, 61
Hartman Animal Hospital, 71
Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 91
Heritage Living Center, 5 Hudson at Central Landing, 33
Julie’s Sweet Shoppe, 53
Karen Ferguson Team, 18
Kilwins Little Rock,35
KVNE 93.3 Radio, 67
Kyle Allison Golf Classic, 21
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Max Event Center, 37
Methodist Family Health, 85
MSC Eye Associates, 93
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Oaklawn Hot Springs, 39 Ott Insurance, 66
PCSSD, 65
Quitman Schools, 17
Salem Place, 69
Searcy School District, 63
Shelter Insurance, 93
Sissy’s Log Cabin, 81
Stoby’s, 49
Superior Health & Rehab, 2
TOLM Group, 9
UACCM, 29
UCA, 83
Unity Health, 3
Velda Lueders - Coldwell Banker, 73 Vilonia Schools, 97
LANTERNS FESTIVAL
April 10-13 • Little Rock
Wildwood Park for the Arts celebrates cultures from around the world. Stroll through illuminated pathways and live entertainment spotlighting destinations and time periods from China, Portugal and more locales.
GREAT ESCAPE WEEKEND
April 19-20 • Petit Jean State Park
Celebrate spring and the great outdoors on Petit Jean Mountain! Enjoy free, family-oriented activities all weekend, and an Easter egg hunt for 2,000 eggs on Sunday at 2 p.m.
SPRING SING 2025
April 10-13 • Searcy
Harding University’s annual musical revue program features, comic parodies, amazing music, and incredible spectacles from more than 1,000 students. More than 11,000 visit each year to see the production.
HADESTOWN
April 25-27 • Little Rock
Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Experience the acclaimed show where a song can change your fate.
ALL-STAR SUMO
April 11 • Hot Springs
Cheer on 3,000 pounds of dynamic speed and power! Watch some of the world’s best Sumo Wrestlers in action in global sumo competition. All champions will face each other in the ring in 28 back-to-back matches!
BALLET ARKANSAS: NOUVEAU
April 26 • Little Rock
Presented at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, this avant-garde performance pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet with daring choreography and contemporary flair.
First Security Bank’s Gold Club of Saline County was “Loving LIFE” on a trip to Sedona, Ariz.
The Robinson and Center Church of Christ Widowed In God’s Service (WINGS) group was “Loving LIFE” and enjoying lunch at The Old Bank Restaurant in Russellville (Pope County).
The Conway Morning Rotary Club celebrated Black History Month with a special program about Raye Montague (1935-2018), an African-American woman with Arkansas roots who, in the 1970s, was the first person to design a rough draft of a naval ship using a computer program. Members and guests were “Loving LIFE” and holding up the U.S. Mint’s first American Innovation $1 Coin for 2025 in honor of Ms. Montague and the great state of Arkansas.
Janet Blansett (from left), Arlena Riley, Kyle Breckenridge and Karen Harrell were "Loving LIFE" at the annual Chili Supper and Dessert Auction fundraiser for the El Paso Community Library which had 250 attendees and raised $16,000.
Don and Sherry Koonce from Conway were “Loving LIFE” at the Great Pyramids of Giza near Cairo. Don is retired and Sherry is the Faulkner County tax collector.
Marty Stracner (far right), of Conway, was “Loving LIFE” at the Alamo with two historic reenactment actors while on a trip to San Antonio with his wife.
Conway High School Orchestra students and Orchestra Director Casey Buck were “Loving LIFE” March 13-16 while on a trip to Oklahoma City. In addition to a great workshop at OKC University, they attended an OKC Philharmonic concert, visited the Science Museum and toured some of the city.
501 LIFE Editor Stefanie Brazile and Kangloong “Uncle” Wong were “Loving LIFE” looking at the article which appeared in the March issue. Wong is loved by customers for his kind and generous personality and the restaurant he has owned for many years in Conway. He has moved back to Malaysia to care for his father.
Members of the Creative Institute of Central Arkansas were “Loving LIFE” on March 3 at First Community Bank as they introduced their rebranded name and vision, Create Conway, which will focus on promoting all artists and art-related events in Conway.
LEFT: Katie Wilson, executive director of Create Conway. TOP RIGHT: Jessica Crum (from left), Create Conway board president, and Rachel Shaw, executive director of Visit Conway. BOTTOM RIGHT: Angela Berry, Misty Anderson and Johnnie Wells.
On March 12, a Ribbon Cutting was hosted for the Harps which opened on Dave Ward Drive in Conway. Team members Will Baker (from left), Jacob Halpain, Greg Koch, Juanita Sadoski, Store Manager Ashley Sullivan, Jenae Trevino and the president of Harps, J. Max Van Hoose were “Loving LIFE” at the event.
Ricky Gulley was “Loving LIFE” at the UCA College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Arts Experience celebrating the Artists in Residence Program’s 25th Anniversary.
On March 7 the first Conway Art Walk of the season kicked off downtown with the theme Life in 3D. The Art Gallery inside The Studio Downtown also opened. Catherine Greathouse was “Loving LIFE” as she displayed her charcoal drawings.
LEFT: Erica and Stella Killion were “Loving LIFE” at the “Back To The Future: The Musical” performed at Robinson Center on March 13. RIGHT: Raj Chakka and Kenny Keplinger were “Loving LIFE” as Dr. Emmett Brown and his famous DeLorean.
Annual cardiac care luncheon supports the women of White County
The Unity Health Cardiology Clinic hosted the annual Heart to Heart Ladies Luncheon Feb. 28 at Cone Chapel on Harding University’s campus in Searcy. Attendees were invited to wear red and to bring their girlfriends for demonstrations, prizes, shopping at the Heart to Heart Market, and an educational lunch and program.
Attendees were educated about the dangers of heart disease for women. During the luncheon, Unity Health patient Mallory Turner shared her harrowing story of surviving the medical condition of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. Mallory's swift actions and the treatment received from Dr. Evans and the Unity Health Cardiac Care teams saved the life of the wife and mother of three. Unity Health's commitment to excellence has earned the team a Platinum Performance Achievement Award for Chest Pain Response by the American College of Cardiology.
Photos by Lisa Hutchison
ABOVE: A Heart Attack Survivors Group was “Loving LIFE” at the event.
RIGHT: Trevor Burkett was “Loving LIFE” at Zoll Medical’s booth.
Seth Morgan (from left), Seth Thomson and Samantha Bennett with Medtronic were “Loving LIFE.” while selling Sour Joe Bread and Honeycomb Ridge Farm honey.
“Loblolly Creamery is excited to make our handcrafted frozen cheese dip ice cream again in collaboration with 501 LIFE Magazine!”
First created in 2022 , this flavor has been inquired about at our Scoop Shops since. It was the most popular flavor sampled on the month of its release and even the World Cheese Dip Championship Committee asked if we could sample it at their event!
It is so exciting to have the legacy of making the first frozen cheese dip that you can eat and we are thrilled to bring it back for a limited time.
— Sally Mengel, Owner of Loblolly Creamery
AVAILABLE AT BOTH LOCATIONS - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
Loblolly SoMa Scoop Shop • 1423 Main St, Little Rock
Loblolly Benton Scoop Shop • 115 N Market St, Benton
APPRECIATION OF A GOOD YARN
Volunteer luncheon celebrates 40th anniversary of youth organization
Youth Advocate and Resource Network (YARN) hosted the 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation and the Berthenia L. Gill Youth Achievement Awards Luncheon on March 1 at Worsham Hall at Hendrix College in Conway. The nonprofit organization is based in Mayflower (Faulkner County) and is celebrating 40 years of helping children and youth. The program began with radio and television personalities “Broadway Joe” Booker, Sonta James and Tom Brannon. Lunch was catered by YARN volunteers and music was provided by DJ Ma3ic and a live band. Founder Berthenia L. Gill closed out the program with inspirational remarks.
Fred McClure, Berthenia L. Gill and her daughter, Maria Hoskins, who is the executive director of YARN.
YARN gives three scholarship awards each year. BACK ROW: Dr. Felicia Hobbs (from left), Kierra Moore, who won second place, Berthenia Gill and Victoria. FRONT ROW: Brooklyn Jones (from left), who won third place, and Kalob Williams, who won first place.
Scott Schwartz (from left) and Reuel Shepherd.
Jessica Sims and Chief Douglas Hunter with the Mayflower Police Department, and Mayflower Mayor Danny Hester (standing).
Eleen and the Rev. Dr. James Mackey.
COUPLE OF THE MONTH
JONATHAN AND BABS WARDLAW LITTLE
ROCK
Photos by Makenzie Evans
HIS STORY:
I am a jack of all trades, master of none.
NATIVE OF: Little Rock, AR
Education: I earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arkansas in 1998.
WORK: We founded the Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club and the company Portable Audiometrics.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING FOR THE LITTLE ROCK RANGERS? I love the sense of community we’ve built from the passionate fans of the senior teams, to the younger players within our academy, to the families of those players. I feel we’ve built something that everyone is proud to represent.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I’m not really into individual awards, especially since the Rangers are such a group effort now. I’m proud of the job my wife and I have done in raising both of our boys. I feel they will grow into great men one day.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Basically, we do the Rangers 24/7.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Other than soccer, I love to snow ski and do updates/renovations around the house.
HER STORY:
I am a Southeast Arkansas girl who grew up with absolutely no knowledge of soccer and married a cool soccer guy. I am a boy/soccer mom. I love art, fashion and helping children hear well through early intervention, and helping them work hard to achieve their therapy goals. I am passionate about ears and science.
NATIVE OF: Winchester, Tillar and Dumas, Arkansas. LOL … I can literally claim all three. My childhood home was in Tillar, which occupies Desha and Drew Counties; our post office box address was in Winchester (Drew County); and I went to school in Dumas (Desha County).
CHILDREN: Our kids are Abe and Murphy Wardlaw.
EDUCATION: I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders from the University of Arkansas in 1999 and earned a Master of Science in Audiology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2001.
WORK: I am an audiologist with Portable Audiometrics, a Little Rock Rangers volunteer and Jonathan’s wife.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE 501? I love that it is big enough, but not too big. You can get from one side of Little Rock to the other in less than 20-30 minutes. People are friendly, the local food scene is amazing, and we have awesome local shops and boutiques! I have loved calling the 501 home for 26 years. In the last nine years, since the Rangers’ development, it has been super cool to watch the Little Rock Rangers soccer players come from South Africa, Italy, Brazil, Spain and all over the world to stay in Little Rock for the summer. Many have ended up wanting to claim the 501 as their home, and several have done just that.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: My No. 1 special interest is my three Wardlaw boys! When I have spare time, I enjoy cooking, yoga, skiing, meeting friends for dinner, shopping, decorating our home and family vacations anywhere — but my favorite is the beach.
HONORS YOU’RE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF: I don’t really enjoy the spotlight, in fact, I avoid it. The highest honors I will ever receive are the titles wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, friend, audiologist and Little Rock Rangers Merch Girl.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: The Little Rock Rangers is where all the Wardlaws volunteer their time. Little did Jonathan and I know that one morning at our kitchen table, when the concept of the Rangers was born, we would be gifted a super-amazing group of people/fans that we are beyond proud to call family. We could not do what we do without them! We are beyond grateful for their love, support and grace as we have worked to navigate our way through building this thing.
Continued on page 20
The Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club is an American soccer team based in Little Rock that was founded by Jonathan and Babs and played its inaugural season in 2016. The team plays in the USL League Two, a national semi-professional league.
THEIR STORY:
We met in Fayetteville while we were both in college. We had friends that dated so we knew of each other, but we never dated. We ran into one another a couple of times after graduating, and Jonathan looked to see if I was listed in the Little Rock phone book (LOL). I was on the first page –Babs Abrams!
After that call in July of 2000, we haven’t ever been apart. Jonathan told me on our third date that he was going to marry me. To be really honest, he kind of freaked me out. I told him that he couldn’t say that again until we had been together for at least six months, because in all new relationships people present the best versions of themselves, and he had no clue who I was. I then proceeded to share a laundry list of my flaws. Luckily, I did not scare him off, and he was actually right about marrying me. He proposed on November 9, 2001, and we got married the following June. We have been on many journeys together, some wonderful and some not always full of rainbows, cupcakes or soccer goals, but I am always thankful we get to do life together.
See more about the Little Rock Rangers on page 22
Babs and Jonathan Wardlaw own The Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club which plays its home games at War Memorial Stadium.
Babs and Jonathan have two sons. Abe was their firstborn and Murphy is their youngest.
Those Remarkable
Local team creates ‘cupset’ in first round of national competition
By Lori Dunn
Very good things are happening this year for the Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club.
The semi-professional league won their first game in this year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams. The Rangers are also adding a women’s team to the club.
The Rangers upset the Birmingham, Alabama team at Episcopal Collegiate School’s Wildcat Stadium in Little Rock on March 19. They will advance to the next round and play on April 2 in Naples, Fla.
"Yes, we won!" said Jonathan Wardlaw, president and general manager of the Little Rock Rangers. “It was a really big honor to be in it and to host it. We put in a lot of hard work and we have put together a really good roster.”
The Rangers are one of nine teams in United Soccer League Two and one of two who are competing in the U.S. Open Cup. Wardlaw acknowledges the competition is tough, but he knows his players and coaches will bring their best to the game.
Wardlaw founded the Rangers in 2015 and the team played its first season in 2016. The team plays its home games at War Memorial Stadium. In 2018, before it was moved to League Two, the team had a 7-3 season and qualified for the 2019 Open Cup. The Rangers moved up to League Two in 2021. The team is mostly college-aged players or young adults who have recently completed college.
The team added a women’s team in 2017 but had trouble finding other teams to play. After a hiatus, the club is bringing back the women’s team and things are very different now for women’s sports. “The pipeline of youth sports and the talent here has grown tremendously,” Wardlaw said. The Rangers will have its second round of tryouts for the women’s team in May. The women will also play at War Memorial Stadium.
The Rangers Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and also hosts the Rangers Academy to provide opportunities for kids ages 1 through 18 to develop their soccer skills. Wardlaw grew up playing soccer and rediscovered his passion when his oldest son began playing. He is proud of how far the Rangers have come since 2016. “It’s just kind of snowballed. We have over 600 kids now! We have every age playing and it’s been cool to see it grow,” he said.
Kevin Ventura (who is airborne) nearly puts the Little Rock Rangers ahead early in the first half against Birmingham Legion. The team made history by upsetting them 1-0 and winning the first round match of the U.S. Open Cup. They will compete again on April 2 in Naples, Fla. Photo by Rod Bostic
Pastels on Parade Pastels on Parade
Enjoy some of my colorful favorites for an appetizing Easter
By Chef Don Bingham • Photos by Makenzie Evans
Christmas decorations are all put away, Valentine’s candy is gone, and it's time for the pastels of Easter, in an Easter parade of culinary traditions and fashion! I remember from early childhood the dyeing of Easter Eggs, the new sports coat for church and the Easter Sunrise Service, with breakfast to follow! Our family has continued some of these traditions, with the music and the message of Good Friday and triumphant Easter Sunday morning celebrations being the highlights of the week.
We begin the preparation for Easter Sunday lunch on Thursday, and sometimes earlier. Making the coconut cake, preparing the ham or brisket, and filling the Easter baskets for the children are examples of tasks that can be done ahead of the weekend’s busy schedule to make things more convenient.
Included in this feature for your consideration is the Stuffed Egg Supreme Bake that we enjoy at Saturday or Sunday morning brunch. This dish has a few steps to its preparation but is worth the effort, and it can be prepared ahead of time for no-hassle, lastminute baking. The Stuffed Eggs Supreme Bake serves as a main dish, a hearty casserole with mushroom and cheese sauce and a crunchy butter crumb topping. For starters, I’ve included one of
our favorite cheese ball appetizers, which is presented in an Easter Egg design for the occasion and decorated with cream cheese piping and raw vegetables, served with your favorite crackers. For those who prefer less before a heavy meal, the Crispy Cheddar Wafers are a welcome addition as a simple appetizer, and the Sweet and Sour Ham Balls are a favorite in our home.
One version of the tradition of the Easter Basket came from medieval Catholics. Following the Lent season, on Easter Sunday they would gather baskets of food they refrained from eating during Lent to have them blessed by a priest. After it was blessed, families returned home to enjoy a meal together. The price of eggs this season will not prevent our celebration, but it will encourage us to see how creative we can be, perhaps filling a gift basket with a smaller version of an Appetizer Cheese Egg, some Crispy Cheddar Wafers and loads of chocolate treats for pick-up desserts! Creating Easter baskets to give away is a historic ritual that helps celebrate the joys of the Risen Christ. There's still time to visit the resale shops, discount stores and antique galleries to purchase those $2 castaway baskets, fill them with culinary treasures and spread the good news of spring and new life!
See Chef Bingham's Easter recipes on page 26
Fig Modern offers unique designer furnishings, art, luxury bedding, accessories and a wide selection of gifts that help bring personality and transformation to any space. This locally owned business strives to bring a modern and affordable flair to its offerings, while sourcing many of their products from women-owned businesses, including local and regional artists.
Stuffed eggS Supreme Bake
1/4 pound mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp. chopped tarragon leaves • 8 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour • Salt and fresh pepper to taste
2 cups light cream • 21/2 cups Swiss cheese
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
8 hard-cooked eggs • 1 cup soft breadcrumbs
Preheat the oven to 350. In a small skillet, cook mushrooms with tarragon in 2 Tbsp. butter until all liquid evaporates. Melt 4 Tbsp. butter in another saucepan. Blend in flour, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add cream and cook, stirring until mixture boils and thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Add Swiss cheese and 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan; stir until cheese melts.
To assemble, cut eggs in half lengthwise. Hollow out egg whites, placing the yolks in a small bowl. Mash the yolks, then add cooked mushrooms and 1/4 cup sauce; mix well. Fill whites with yolk-mushroom mixture. Pour half the sauce in a shallow, 1 1/2-quart casserole (11-by-7-by-2 inches). Arrange eggs in sauce; top with remaining sauce. Combine breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese and 2 Tbsp. melted butter; toss well. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 4-6.
a ppetizer CheeSe egg
For this appetizer cheese egg, you can increase cream cheese and other ingredients to create larger designs.
2 cream cheese blocks, softened
81/2 ounce can of crushed pineapple, drained 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
2 tsp. grated onion • 1 tsp. seasoned salt
Take the cream cheese and set aside about one-quarter of one package. Mix the remaining cream cheese with the other ingredients; with hands, form cheese mixture into the shape of an egg and place on a serving dish. Take some of the extra softened cream cheese and frost the egg until the surface is smooth like an eggshell.
TO DECORATE: Divide the remaining cream cheese into four or five smaller bowls; add different colors of food coloring to each small bowl to make a unique palette of Easter pastels. Blend the cream cheese and color well, then fill piping bags with various tips for decorative piping around the cheese egg. This is your chance to be creative! Finish with sliced olives, carrot curls, nutmeats, or other desired garnishes. Serve with preferred crackers
CriSpy CheeSe WaferS
These great appetizer wafers are also perfect for soup and salads.
1 pound cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Cut cheese into thin slices. Place on a nonstick baking sheet, allowing plenty of room for the cheese to spread as it melts. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the cheese stops bubbling entirely. Time may vary depending on the oven. Remove with a nonstick spatula and cool on wax paper. Serves 10-12.
SW eet and Sour h am BallS
(not pictured)
Because ham is a traditional "go-to" for Easter, we serve these as an appetizer before the grand Easter meal.
11/4 pounds ground ham • 11/2 pounds ground fresh pork
2 cups cornflake cereal • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 cup milk
Mix together and make into meatballs. Set aside. Makes approximately 75 meatballs.
TOPPING
3/4 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water • 3/4 tsp. dry mustard
Mix and pour over meatballs. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees, uncovered, then cover and bake for 1 hour at 250.
Once upon a
The University of Arkansas Community College Foundation Board hosted an elegant fundraising gala on Feb. 22 with the theme “Once Upon a Time” at the Workforce Training Center on campus. The gala included a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, dinner, live music and dancing. Event proceeds will be used to support the recently completed Clock Tower which is centrally located on the beautiful campus in Morrilton and is visible from I-40.
Photos by Lisa Hutchison
1. Ms. UACCM 2024 Abbe Umphres.
2. Rashad Woods (from left) and Taylor Hampton.
3. Delene and Danny Stover.
4. UACCM Marketing and PR Director Mary Clark and Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer.
5. Anna Jones (from left), Ashley Congine and Mary Kate Stover.
6. Chris and UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg.
7. Fabi and Ken Amburgy with SCM Architects. Ken is the architect of the Clock Tower.
8. Kris and Travis McGee.
9. David and Vivian Norman with Jonathan and Melanie Higgins.
8.
Find an impressive Native American art museum in Petit Jean State Park
by Makenzie Evans
Rising from the Arkansas River Valley, Petit Jean Mountain is 1,207 feet above sea level at its highest point and offers visitors spectacular views. Many Arkansans have visited Petit Jean State Park, which is on the mountain near Morrilton in Conway County. On one side of the mountain, a trail leads to a huge bluff shelter called Rock House Cave. From the parking area, hikers travel only about a quarter of a mile over somewhat uneven ground and across “turtle rocks” to arrive at the shelter, which hikers can enter. Rock House Cave was once home to Native Americans starting about 8,000 years ago, according to archeology.uark.edu.
“It is remarkable that one of the most special places in Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park, also has this site for visitors to experience,” said Petit Jean State Park Superintendent Joe Buckley.
Long ago, bluff-dwelling Native Americans likely used the shelter as their home and lived as nomads, hunters and gatherers. They hunted with spears because they had not yet invented the bow and arrow. Evidence of their existence was left behind in pictographs located high on the back walls of the cave. The shelter contains at least 105 rock art images.
Continued on page 32
Photo
INSIDE THE ROCK HOUSE CAVE
Submitted Photos
“We are not sure if Rock House Cave was a home or just a special place for those that used it, maybe both, during different eras,” the park superintendent said. “It does have the largest collection of documented pictographs — more than any other location in Arkansas.”
One of the more interesting examples of rock art in Rock House Cave shows a very distinctive-looking fish found in the nearby Arkansas River. The pictograph, which is painted in red pigment on the ceiling, is a paddlefish. It can be hard to see, but the distinctive elongated head is present, and the fins are in the right position. Some people suggest that the image shows the fish as it would look to someone seeing it from the riverbank or a boat. The image near the fish appears to represent a basketry fish trap. Fish traps of this sort were used by Native Americans. “Much of the rock art is painted with iron oxide and is rust-like,” Buckley said.
“Many believe the art dates to the late Woodland [Era], Mississippi [period], protohistoric.”
The pictures tell a story that was important to those who created it. Today, we can only imagine what they mean. Rock House Cave is an archaeological historical site, protected by state law. “Observers can look but should never touch,” Buckley said. “Even scratching their name with a rock on the cave wall can permanently damage these pictographs. When you visit, please help us preserve the integrity of this site and protect its historical significance.”
Continued on page 35
‘It
is remarkable that one of the most special places in Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park, also has this site for visitors to experience.’
— Petit Jean State Park Superintendent Joe Buckley
Photos by Paulette Higginbotham
The pictures are divided into three categories: rock art, which is images carved, drawn or painted onto immovable rock surfaces; petroglyphs, which are images carved or engraved into rock; and pictographs, which are drawn or painted images.
Back to the “turtle rocks,” which are part of the journey to see the Native American art museum. The astonishing geological formations mesmerize kids and adults alike. They are mounded, polygonal structures that resemble turtle shells, according to arkansasgeological.wordpress.com. The turtle-like features are brown to light gray and massive. They are medium-grained sandstone that was deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period by ancient river systems, but the process that generated “turtle rocks” is not clearly understood, according to the site.
“I invite readers to explore Petit Jean State Park. As superintendent, I ask all park visitors be respectful of the resources and have a safe and wonderful experience,” Buckley said.
The unique Turtle Rocks are mounded, polygonal structures that resemble turtle shells. The sandstone was deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period.
Since its establishment in 1904, Oaklawn has built a storied reputation as one of the premier Thoroughbred racetracks in the country.
A $100 million expansion completed in 2021 introduced a new level of resort-style luxury that makes this a remARKable attraction in the 501.
Take the short drive to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, where big wins, world-class dining, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rated spa and all the thrills of a grand destination await.
When you're looking for a getaway that’s close to home, Oaklawn is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, this is where locals, friends and family gather to experience the excitement of live horse racing, the thrill of the casino, the relaxation of a ForbesFour-Star rated Astral Spa and world-class dining — all in one place. With an award-winning hotel, live entertainment year-round and a variety of ways to relax or celebrate, Oaklawn has something for every kind of escape. Easy to get to and unforgettable, Oaklawn sets the standard for style, fun and hospitality.
More Winning, More Excitement
At Oaklawn’s 24/7, smoke-free, state-of-the-art casino, winning is just the beginning. It’s where those in the know come to enjoy a premium experience without traveling far from home. Whether you're hitting the tables for live craps and blackjack, spinning the reels on exciting slots or catching a game in the sportsbook area, there are endless ways to play and win. The atmosphere is highenergy, but with that familiar local vibe.
The Best in Arkansas:
As Arkansas’s only Forbes Four-Star rated property, Astral Spa at Oaklawn offers a truly exclusive escape that is just a short drive away. This hidden sanctuary, awarded its prestigious 2025 Forbes Four-Star rating, has quickly become the destination for discerning Arkansans. Indulge in signature treatments like rejuvenating massages, revitalizing facials and invigorating body therapies. Whether you're seeking a personal retreat, a romantic getaway or a memorable girls' trip, Astral Spa delivers an elegant experience reserved for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
And it’s not just the spa that has earned top accolades — Oaklawn Hotel has also been recognized as a Forbes-Recommended property. With its elegant design, exceptional service and luxurious amenities, Oaklawn Hotel ensures your stay will be nothing short of extraordinary. Don’t be surprised if you run into familiar faces in the lobby — Oaklawn has become the go-to spot for locals looking to enjoy the best of both comfort and connection.
Plus, spring and summer 2025 bring even more to look forward to with the highly anticipated reopening of the Oaklawn pool in April. Available exclusively to spa and hotel guests, this stunning retreat will be the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun in style.
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This is where locals gather to experience the excitement of live horse racing, the thrill of the casino, the relaxation of a Forbes-Four-Star rated Astral Spa and world-class dining — all in one place.
Forbes-Rated Dining and Drinks
When it comes to dining, Oaklawn offers a deluxe escape where you don’t have to board a plane to experience world-class cuisine. Two Oaklawn restaurants have earned the prestigious Forbes Recommended rating, making them the only ones of their kind in Arkansas. Whether you're savoring gourmet dishes at The Bugler or sipping crafted cocktails with dinner at OAK room & bar, your meal will be elevated in a sophisticated atmosphere that rivals any metropolitan destination, making it the perfect spot to join friends and family for an unforgettable – and convenient – dining experience.
Year-Round
Entertainment at Oaklawn:
While Oaklawn's racing and casino action are famous, the Oaklawn Event Center brings an entirely new dimension to the experience. From concerts and events to performances by top-tier artists, the event center offers a wide range of entertainment options that make Oaklawn a year-round destination. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock or pop, you can catch amazing live performances in a state-of-the-art venue that’s never too far from your doorstep. The Excitement of the Races
Of course, Oaklawn wouldn’t be Oaklawn without its legendary Thoroughbred racing. For generations, Arkansans have made Oaklawn a tradition – gathering to experience the thrill of live racing. As one of the premier tracks in the country, Oaklawn is where memories are made, whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the thunder of horses charging down the track or the excitement of a winning bet. The Oaklawn Race Meet runs each year from December through May, and with every season, Oaklawn’s races continue to build excitement, drawing both locals and visitors for an unforgettable tradition of speed, competition and victory.
Where Your Neighbors Come to Play
Oaklawn is the ultimate all-in-one destination that is close to home. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of live horse racing, the relaxation of a Forbes Four-Star spa or the indulgence of gourmet dining, Oaklawn delivers a premium experience that feels both exclusive and accessible. With top-tier entertainment, luxurious accommodations and a laid-back, local vibe, it’s the perfect place to escape without having to venture far from home. Arkansans have been making Oaklawn a tradition for generations, and now’s your chance to experience what the buzz is all about – where friends and family gather to play, win and unwind.
A
message from Kim Williams
Executive Director, Conway Downtown Partnership
April is here, and Downtown Conway is ready to welcome you with an unforgettable experience! Kick off the season with the Conway Art Walk on Friday, April 4, from 5-8 p.m. This month’s Art Walk will feature a Local Author’s Fair, papermaking, and all things literature at The Studio Downtown — the hub of Art Walk! Stroll past more than 30 exhibiting artists while enjoying the newly inaugurated Entertainment District. Plus, The Creative Cove offers a fantastic experience for kids of all ages.
The celebration continues with Spring into Downtown, happening April 4 - 6. There’s no better way to embrace the season than by exploring all that Downtown Conway has to offer! Shop and dine your way through downtown as our businesses showcase new spring collections and seasonal menus.
Mark your calendar and make plans to experience the charm, creativity, and excitement that only Downtown Conway can offer!
TWO RIVERS PARK AND THE JUDGE FLOYD G. “BUDDY” VILLINES BRIDGE
A remARKable judge had the foresight to develop part of 1,000 acres in an urban area into an affordable garden plot option for city dwellers.
By Judy Riley
Soon we will welcome the sights and smells of spring. Vegetable, fruit and flower gardens are being planted and tended all around the 501 area, but some gardens are like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Such is the case for the Pulaski County Garden Center plots at Two Rivers Park. Currently, 447 Central Arkansas residents have leased plots and are busily getting ready to “dig in.” For a nominal fee of $50 per year, residents can lease a 20 x 50-foot tract, with water and soil provided. Lessees must agree to certain terms when planting and tending their spaces, but they can even install portable sheds and storage containers. “We’ve had some gardeners using these spaces for over 30 years,” said Two Rivers Park Supervisor Lynn Kelley. “Many live in town with lots that are not suitable for gardens and many just love the challenge of producing their own fruits and vegetables.”
One such enthusiast is Laura Otter, a retired physician who originally got involved because of an 82-year-old patient. “Thomas Johnson was so active, energetic, and positive, I asked
about his secret to such great health. Gardening was it. With little convincing, I decided whatever he was doing to stay healthy, was what I needed to be doing. For several years, I gardened with him. Then I met Fred and Kathy Michael, and they are now my gardening partners.” Hearing about their plans is contagious!
This beautiful space was not always a garden available to the public. Originally it was identified as ‘16th section’ by the first land surveys conducted from 1830-1845 by the General Land Office for the State of Arkansas. Those lands were designated for schools unless there was an existing school close by. In 1918, Pulaski County acquired the 1000-acre property through a bank foreclosure and established a prison farm. Up to 100 inmates at a time grew vegetables and fruits and raised cattle to provide food for the county hospital. The prison was closed in 1975. After the structures were removed, the county immediately established the Garden Center.
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Every worthy project needs a “visionary” and a “doer.” When one individual embodies both, the project is destined to succeed. That is what happened in 1984, when Floyd “Buddy” Villines was elected Pulaski County Judge. “When I first took office people were wanting me to sell the property for development, maybe a golf course. I got out there and drove around in a pickup from one end to the other, and I thought, here’s 1000 acres in the middle of an urbanizing area. We just cannot let that go,” speaking at the bridge and park dedication in December 2013.
Accessing the garden was difficult in the early days. Folks traveled a circuitous route via Highway 10 or Cantrell Road. More adventurous folks loaded their gardening equipment on a boat and crossed the Maumelle River. The garden and park are a short drive from Little Rock via the River Mountain Road exit off of Highway 10, or Cantrell Road. With the completion of Two Rivers Bridge, recently dedicated to the late Judge Villines, the pedestrian and bike bridge makes access easy. It connects the garden to Two Rivers Park, which includes a veritable smorgasbord of activities for the whole family.
Even if you aren’t interested in the goldmine of gardens, which has a waiting list of more than 100 people, there is much to enjoy on this “treasure island.” Interpretive signs mark access to the Little Maumelle River, 8.5 miles of which are designated as an official Arkansas River Trail. The entire area is part of the network of
pedestrian and bike trails that connect Central Arkansas. There are equestrian trails, a huge sundial, picnic areas and a state-of-the-art inclusive playground, which is the largest in central Arkansas. The Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America according to littlerock.com, is a short walk from the park.
Yes, there are activities for young and old, but Villines’ big dream of making the area a place for folks to get back to nature and get to know each other has been accomplished in full. It especially plays out in the garden, with people from all walks of life getting to know each other, helping one another with ideas, and even sharing seeds, plants and equipment. Being a part of the garden reaps benefits not only of fresh produce, but also of lasting friendships like with the Otters and the Michaels.
Garden tracts can be reserved by contacting Tracey Perkins at tperkins@pulaskicounty.net or by phone at 501.340.6800. Villines made a concerted effort to use the property to enrich the lives of its citizens by improving the property to include maximum public use with minimum ecological impact. The legacy continues. Current County Judge Barry Hyde has picked up where Villines left off. Taking a walk or bike ride over the arched Buddy Villines Bridge to Two Rivers Park is akin to finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. If not gold, then certainly a gem in the 501, a place where fun, family and friendships abound.
Currently, 447 Central Arkansas residents have leased plots and are busily getting ready to “dig in" at the Pulaski County Garden Center tracts at Two Rivers Park. Bottom right: Gardening friends Cathy Michael and Laura Otter share green-thumb secrets and stay active on their tracts.
The name of a former Little Rock mayor and Pulaski County judge, was added to the Two Rivers Bridge sign in November 2024. The late Floyd “Buddy” Villines was honored because he opted to transform 1,000 acres in the middle of an urban area into a park which benefits citizens and visitors.
Round hay bales sit in fields along the walking trail of Two Rivers Park in Little Rock.
Many people ride bikes along the trails, and an equestrian trail is also offered.
The Little Maumelle and the Arkansas Rivers meet at Two Rivers Park, which offers scenic views of Pinnacle Mountain. Here you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing and boating.
A new playground was added to Two Rivers Park in 2024. This is an inclusive playground which is accessible for children in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
One of the two trails at the park is a loop trail which meanders through wide open fields. Visitors enjoy amazing views across the little Maumelle river to the Arkansas River, and out to the I-430 bridge.
It’s easy to lose track of time when visiting Two Rivers Park. But do not fret if you’ve left your watch or phone at home! There is a fully functioning sundial on top of the mound in the eastern part of the park. Built in 2013, this unique feature has been a popular attraction for park goers.
A Living Picture
Conway church members recreate The Last Supper
By Tammy Keith • Photos by Najeé Fletcher
Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting “The Last Supper” has been lauded, copied and loved for centuries, but one Conway church will bring the artwork to life.
Members of First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Prince St., will perform “A Living Picture of The Last Supper” at 7:30 p.m. April 17 and no ticket or reservation is required. Actors will recreate the last meal that Jesus had with his disciples before his crucifixion. The Rev. Mike Ulasewich, pastor of the church, said the living Last Supper “is a perfect opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the joy of Easter and the meaning of that Holy Week.”
The opening scene is just after Jesus, portrayed by Johnathan Jones, has announced that one of his disciples will betray him. Gene Ryken, a longtime member of the church and repeat performer, described the production as “special and moving.” He will perform the role of James the Lesser. “Each one of us gets up and does a
little bio of where we came from and where we met Jesus. That’s what makes it kind of cool,” he said. “All the lights are down, and they put a spotlight on that one character.”
Ryken recalled that the performances began in about 1995 when the church was in downtown Conway. The performances are held every other year.
Donn Vangsnes, who is directing the play again this year, said church members combine their talents to bring the event together. Caryn Jeffery volunteered her sewing skills to create the costumes. Jeffery, who has a master’s degree in costume technology, said with a laugh that the cast was originally dressed in a “hodgepodge” of Santa beards, choir robes and synthetic fabrics. She studied da Vinci’s painting to sew replicas of the clothes the disciples wore. However, she was surprised to find they were not representative of Jesus’ time.
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“I thought, ‘I’ll be making great Hebrew costumes from the first century.’ They are not historically accurate. They’re Renaissance. They look like people Leonardo da Vinci knew,” she said. Jeffery sourced quality fabrics, made the costumes to fit different sizes of performers and ordered theater-grade mustaches and beards. “It was a labor of love,” she said.
The church’s musical director, Kayla White, previously performed as John the Beloved. She praised Vangsnes’ attention to detail. “He will spend time making sure our poses are as accurate to the painting as possible,” she said. “We freeze after each speech. He’ll say, ‘Lean a little farther; put your left hand on the table, not your right hand.’”
White said she enjoys the performance because it gives a “freshness and level of interest” to the Bible story. “I love how it humanizes it and gives us a really great snapshot into that life and that time period. It makes it that much more real to me,” she said.
“The author who wrote this play did a great job of giving a unique voice to each of these disciples. They become real, and it’s easier to see them as regular people who experienced this amazing person in real time.”
“A Living Picture of the Last Supper” was written in 1954 by Earnest K. Emurian. Ulasewich said the performance is powerful.
“We hear the sadness of each disciple and witness the inner conflict each has regarding their own part in [Jesus’] betrayal and death,” he said.
Other cast members and their roles are: Art Gillaspy as Nathaniel/ Bartholomew; Matthew Martens as Matthew (The Publican); Lindsay Seme as James (Brother of John); Cole Vangsnes as Andrew (The Bringer); Robert Norvell as Judas Iscariot; Scott Smithson as Phillip; Wyatt Held as Thaddeus; Lars Seme as Thomas (The Twin); Dan Turner as Simon the zealot; and Chris Stiegler as Peter. Lena Marie Bethel will serve as narrator, and Pat Qualls will play musical interludes on her harp. The role of Philip was not filled at press time. Matt Jeffery helped build the large backdrop, which was painted by the Rev. Michael Vinson.
“Two years ago was the first time we brought Pat in to play her harp, and I’ll tell you what, we continue to improve this production,” Vangsnes said.
Ulasewich said the performance includes communion, which will be served by the disciples. “It is a wonderful opportunity for people to consider what Jesus has done for us and at what cost,” he said.
Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting “The Last Supper” will be brought to life by members of First Presbyterian Church in Conway at 7:30 p.m. on April 17. No ticket or reservation is required.
Get your Easter Outfit FROM THE ‘RESURRECTION SHOP’
By Donald Brazile
In the early days of the Christian church, baptisms were frequently celebrated at Easter, and all of the persons who were to be baptized wore spotless white robes as a sign of their new lives in Christ. Every year thereafter, they would wear their best clothes to commemorate the wonder of that Sunday, when they were baptized into their faith in Christ. In many ways, we still hold to this tradition, which is why you’ll see congregants wearing their “Sunday best” on Easter Sunday morning.
When Paul wrote his letter to the church at Colossae, he didn’t say, “Be sure to wear your newest robe and best sandals to worship each Sunday.” But he did say a lot about what one should wear, not just on Sundays, but every day of the week.
Follow me as I take a figurative walk through the Bible’s “Resurrection Shop,” which is found in Colossians 3:12-14, and look over the clothes from the section titled “righteousness” that Paul recommends we should “put on” each day.
He starts off with “put on compassion.” Just look around your neighborhood, worksite, church or wherever you may be, and you’ll see why Paul started with this piece of essential clothing that should be worn daily. Do you know someone this Easter season who is sick or recovering from a recent surgery, or a young couple who need some time away from their endless load of responsibilities, or maybe an elderly person who lives next door? Slip on compassion and reach out and give a helping hand.
Kindness is displayed in the area near compassion, since it always adds color to a wardrobe and will never go out of style. If you often struggle with a small, greedy and self-centered (me, myself and I) lifestyle, be sure to pull this garment from the clothes rack and try it on. It is offered in many sizes, colors and designs, from a scarf or tie to a larger piece like an overcoat. There is an option to suit every need.
A few aisles down, you’ll see an item that is often offered at a reduced price because it is not as popular — patience. There’s not a lovelier garment anywhere; pick up a few extra pairs to endure the people nearest you.
There are several other designs that are in high demand in the “Resurrection Shop,” and I encourage you to visit Colossians in your local Bible or online and browse for yourself. That being said, in this shop you can’t purchase any of the items for someone else. Every piece of clothing must be custom-made to fit each individual at the time of purchase. (This applies to a skeptic, a new believer or an aged saint).
We could shop until we drop, but let’s rush to the checkout counter and, while we wait in line, jump to verse 14. The final advice given by Paul is that we should round out our wardrobe with — love. It is the accent piece of clothing that brings it all together. Love is in high demand and costs more than other items in the “Resurrection Shop.”
Spiritual fashion designer Paul, in all his letters, reminds us that the spiritual clothing we wear today needs constant updating and replacing. The humility and patience you wore several months ago can unravel after a difficult week, month or year. Your compassion may receive a stain that will not come out if it is overused by a friend. And your kindness, like a pair of white tennis shoes, requires regular spot-checking. That’s why we must plan a quick run to do some holy shopping each week.
This Easter, wouldn’t it be nice if someone commented on your REAL Easter wardrobe? That is, wouldn’t it be nice if someone were to say, “Your kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much. Thank you for the card or the groceries you brought over the other day. It made a big difference for me and the kids. Thank you for inviting me to sit with you in the service. Your Easter outfit is glorious! What a cut, what a perfect fit! It seems to be tailored just for you.”
To which you can answer, “It was! It was bought and purchased at Calvary and at the empty tomb. It’s Easter clothing, from the ‘Resurrection Shop.’”
hungry in the of Arkansas?
Here’s a week’s worth of Central Arkansas eats, if you’re looking for something that’s a real change of pace.
Story and Photos by Kat Robinson
There are a lot of magnificent restaurants across Arkansas, and a lot of great people who make those places work. I love learning about these places and sharing the stories. And sometimes, while I’m out and about, I find things that stick with me — dishes that may not be haute cuisine, but which go on my list of personal favorites, and which I’ll seek out when I’m not on the clock.
Breakfast: Chicken Fried Chicken at Homer’s East Restaurant in Little Rock
Fried chicken isn’t just for dinner when you go to the best example of a classic country diner within the city limits. Homer’s East is full of charm and delight, with excellent coffee, daily plate-lunch specials, and just good eats all the way around. This breakfast is one of my big cravings — a half-pound chicken breast that’s battered and fried when you order it, served alongside eggs made the way you like them, biscuits or toast, gravy and hash browns. Eight ounces of boneless fried chicken is a LOT, and this delicacy barely fits on the plate. Homer’s knows how to season it perfectly, and the waitstaff keeps my mug full while I tackle it, making for the perfect stick-to-your-bones breakfast.
Pastry: Butterfly at Paul’s Donuts in North Little Rock
One of the best secrets to a great doughnut delight is surface area. If you have a good dough to begin with, and you have a great shape to cut or form that doughnut, you can maximize the surface to create an extra-crispy crust that is perfect for glazing. Paul’s has mastered this with a light, gorgeous butter roll with thin, delightful loops unlike any other I’ve found around these parts. Not just a tasty delight, but a beautiful piece of work that’s unintentionally made for posting to social media. It’ll become your favorite, too.
Lunch: The Earl of Sandwich at Milford Track in Little Rock
The city’s best “if you know, you know” restaurant, tucked under a building with no street signage outside, a block or so off Shackleford in West Little Rock. Yet it gets enough business to thrive, thanks to word-of-mouth, great dishes and a marvelous view. While the handmade pasta is out-of-this-world extraordinary, and the muffins and pies craveable, I keep returning to the Earl of Sandwich, a turkey and Cheddar sandwich on multigrain bread with hummus, grilled peppers and fresh cucumbers. It has everything — layers of savory flavors, crunch, heft, and a mouthfeel that’s so very, very satisfying.
Snack: Cheese Dip at Saucy Pig in Sherwood
The Donnelly family created the roux-based emulsion we know today as cheese dip back in 1935, serving it at their restaurant Mexico Chiquito in Prothro Junction. The cheese dip served at the last of the restaurants to hold that name is good, but there’s been something just a touch off about it for a while. However, the Saucy Pig has it, the perfect spice blend, consistency, and flavor base, somehow expertly recreating that flavor generations of Arkansawyers have been raised on. It’s served with yellow corn chips but you can also arrange to get it with fries (which I love), or even do one better and go for Frachos – fries topped with that cheese dip and your choice of barbecue meat smoked right at the truck. Next level.
Dinner: Brisket Burrito at the Drip Drop BBQ Shop in Hot Springs
How many things can you put into a single tortilla before it becomes crazy and unmanageable? Terrence Culclager may have maxed out with this truly magnificent work of art that combines Tex-Mex and barbecue with great flavor in every single bite. His Brisket Burrito is a massive, thick roll that includes expertly smoked brisket, baked beans, coleslaw, fries, jalapenos, barbecue sauce and nacho cheese sauce, tightly wrapped and then griddle-fried in Cheddar cheese and topped with tomatoes, chives, onions and sour cream. Every bit as epic as it sounds!
Dessert: Mamaw Pie at Suttle’s Road Hog BBQ in Beebe
It’s hard to turn down dessert, no matter how full you are, when this light and fluffy slice of pie is at the end of it. It’s impossibly fluffy, with layers of toasted coconut, caramel, and chopped pecans. It’s an immaculately prepared dessert with a memorable flavor.
The Craziest Food I’ve Seen Lately:
The 55-Gallon Lid Pancake at the Bucket List Cafe in Center Ridge
North of Morrilton, and worth the drive just to see this crazy creation, this is a pancake the size of the lid of a 55-gallon drum that has to be prepared on a griddle with a special paddle for turning, a two-box-of-pancake-mix creation served with margarine and an entire bottle of syrup, that’s free if you eat it all within an hour. It weighs close to eight pounds! Dozens have tried, but only two people have ever completed the challenge. It’s reasonably priced, so if you want to get one just for the photo op and to share with eight or nine friends, that’s okay too — just be sure to call 24 hours in advance so they can have it ready for you.
501 KID OF THE MONTH
2,500 students who make up 30 teams from 12 states, including 11 from Arkansas, assemble at the 2025 Arkansas Regional Robotics Tournament
By Mark Oliver • Photos by Makenzie Evans
In March, Searcy Public Schools hosted the 2025 Arkansas Regional Robotics Tournament, presented by FIRST® Robotics Competition. Participants competed for invitations to the upcoming World Championship tournament that will take place this April in Houston, Texas.
Each year, prior to the regional competition, teams receive a kit of parts and are given eight weeks to design, program and build multitasking robots which compete head-to-head in an actionpacked game. This year’s game challenged robots to pick up, lift and place rubber balls, as well as to manipulate cylindrical objects and place them upon structures and grasp an airborne object to lift and hold it completely off the floor.
Spanning two days, the annual tournament randomly placed participating teams into three-team alliances. Over the course of 12 matches, final alliances were chosen via a selection process,
resulting in a single-elimination bracket to determine which teams moved on to the final round.
At the conclusion of the tournament, two teams qualified for the World Championship from the competition itself, while two additional teams advanced based on two judges’ awards: the Engineering Inspiration Award and the FIRST® Impact Award. “Simply put, this tournament is wonderful, glorious mayhem,” FIRST® Robotics Regional Director of Arkansas Tod Traughber said. “However, robotics is so much more than just robots. The team that I mentor, Breakaway, has 30 members broken into two groups: a build unit that focuses on design, programming, assembly, electronics and data analytics, and a business unit that handles event management, public relations and multimedia production and marketing. No matter which role a team member holds, every job is considered valuable to the overall success of the robot.”
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Randy Jones (gray sweatshirt) mentors Harding Academy team “3937 Breakaway.”
Team member Kate Bruner, a junior, is a technician working to repair a robot in the pit.
In addition to its third-place overall finish in the tournament, Breakaway received the FIRST® Impact Award for exceptional public relations as well as for the team’s influence and expansion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in Central Arkansas over the past decade, qualifying the team for April’s World Championship event.
“When our public relations team received the FIRST® Impact Award, the tears that flowed down our faces were the same as if we had won the main competition with our robot,” Traughber said.
“To be recognized for the hard work our public relations team puts in, along with the sense of pride we have for our team, is beyond compare.”
Arkansas has hosted regional robotics tournaments since 2013.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was relocated from Little Rock to Searcy, where it has thrived in recent years.
“Searcy is centrally located, with great resources,” Traughber said.
“Most importantly, the community wants it. Over the past two years, Searcy Public Schools has gone above and beyond for us by not only allowing us to use their unbelievable facility, Lion Arena, but also helping us with volunteerism. They love what this event does for our community, and they understand the inspirational power these events have on our youth. They are all in.”
Fueled by nearly 90 volunteers from Searcy High School, Arkansas’s Army National Guard and Little Rock Air Force Base, the Arkansas Regional Robotics Tournament shines brightly as one of the region’s top STEM experiences.
“Witnessing the constant state of awe on the faces of our out-of-state competitors as well as our local teams throughout the tournament was incredible,” Traughber said. “Many mentors approached me and told me they had not seen a better-run regional. From our topnotch facilities to the heart and soul of the volunteers running this event, I could not be more pleased with this event each year.”
While Arkansas may be considered underrepresented in comparison to similar-sized states, Traughber believes in a bright future for STEM and is committed to growing participation throughout not only the 501, but all of Arkansas.
“Our ultimate goal with this event is to bring awareness to STEM and challenge our communities to support similar events for the growth of all of Arkansas,” Traughber said. “Through these programs and events, our great industries in Arkansas have an opportunity to actively train their next employees from the high school level. Additionally, competing against top-tier teams allows our kids to see what is possible. When they see what is possible, they shoot to achieve the impossible by going above and beyond what they see.”
For 36 years, FIRST® Robotics Competition has empowered young innovators through life-changing robotics programs that build confidence, skills and a brighter future. Through competition, their goal is for students to work side-by-side with field experts to either prepare them for the STEM-related workforce after high school or to inspire them to go to college in pursuit of STEM-related or STEM-adjacent fields. To learn more about FIRST® Robotics Competition, or to become involved in robotics for youth in your area, visit firstinspires.org.
In March, Searcy Public Schools hosted the 2025 Arkansas Regional Robotics Tournament. Approximately 2,500 high school students competed for invitations to the upcoming World Championship tournament that will take place this month in Houston, Texas.
Another big feature of the regional event is Tinkerfest, which features multiple STEM booths from Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery. Through local community funding, the Museum of Discovery provided hands-on learning to 525 elementary school students from nine area schools during the tournament. In addition to having front-row seats to the robotics competition, students were also given tours of the pit, where they met the robots and their respective team members. This interaction aims to inspire kids to join local robotics teams or to start teams at their schools, furthering the growth and expansion of robotics throughout Arkansas.
Harding Academy student Dane Westphal shows elementary students how to build robots out of Lego® blocks during Tinkerfest which is held in conjunction with the Arkansas Regional Robotics Tournament. Tinkerfest showcased STEM centers for 525 elementary students from nine Central Arkansas schools. Westphal is a member of the FIRST® Lego® League team titled Mindsweepers.
Tod Traughber (from left) and his son, Brayden Traughber, who was a volunteer mentor at the tournament.
CHART YOUR Course
By Jessica Duff
If you love working with students, chart your career course with Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD). PCSSD is committed to finding highly qualified and committed staff to help provide an excellent education to all. In addition to teachers and substitutes, PCSSD schools across the Maumelle feeder are always hiring for support staff positions, including bus drivers, student nutrition staff, paraprofessionals, office staff and more.
The district is student-centered in every area of employment and offers a family-oriented work environment for all employees. “Our schools and district offices provide supportive administration and an excellent benefits package,” said Dr. Yolaundra Williams, assistant superintendent for human resources at PCSSD. “We also employ a staff that mimics our student population so that students see themselves in every role within PCSSD.”
To help new teachers grow in the profession, PCSSD pairs novice teachers with a veteran mentor. This program helps new hires feel welcome and comfortable in the classroom through regular check-in sessions over the course of their first three years with the district.
“Employees are surrounded by a supportive and informative team at our district office,” Williams said. “If you work in the schools in any capacity, you’ll encounter encouraging school administrators and fellow staff members. Our parents are very engaged in our schools, and we value their input and participation in student success.”
There are also plenty of other opportunities for growth within the district. Whether it's a current support staff employee working toward becoming a teacher, a teacher advancing into a leadership role or growth within our support staff departments like student nutrition, maintenance and security.
“An ideal candidate to work with us in PCSSD would be one who is student-centered, knowing that a student’s success should be the ultimate goal in our job,” Dr. Williams explains. “We also love to hire lifelong learners and people who are data-focused — no matter your area of expertise.”
There are current job openings in the Maumelle feeder for custodians, paraprofessionals, teachers, bus drivers and more. All job openings and applications can be found at pcssd.org/careers. Applications are reviewed by hiring managers before setting up interviews with an interview committee. If a person rises to the top, then they are recommended to the school board for approval.
PCSSD is hosting a career expo on May 3 at Mills University Studies High School from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the district and openings across all schools, including our Maumelle feeder schools — Crystal Hill Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Pine Forest Elementary, Maumelle Middle and Maumelle High.
About PCSSD
Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in Central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.
PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
Remarkably
Calhoun’s legacy has led to pickleball tournament and scholarship with Morrilton's TOLM Group.
By Morgan Zimmerman
“Firm but fair.” Those are the words of the late Ralph Calhoun, and those words have formed a lasting legacy that is molding the future at TOLM Group.
TOLM Group is a construction and engineering firm specializing in industrial and water/wastewater infrastructure across the MidSouth. In 2021, TOLM leadership set out to hire a new general superintendent, and that’s when Calhoun’s resume came across their desks and prompted an interview.
“At the end of that meeting, we knew he wasn’t right for that particular position, but we all knew we had to figure out some way to get him involved with the company. His background was incredible,” said Vice President Greg Smith.
“Ralph lived a remarkable life, not only in his career but in the way he built his family on a strong foundation and shared his gifts with the world,” said President Brian Rholman. “We are lucky to have gotten the chance to know him.”
Calhoun came on board as a project management consultant and brought with him 60-plus years of wisdom from working in the construction industry. From then until his passing in the spring of 2023, he poured his energy into the employees at TOLM Group and helped the company work toward achieving its mission to build on a foundation of faith to empower teams that build dreams.
“Ralph had a pretty common saying; he encouraged us in everything that we do to be ‘firm but fair.’ It was one of his famous quotes and his mentality when navigating any situation,” said
Senior Project Manager Austin Foshee. “To this day, it comes up in regular conversation.”
“Firm but fair” became the guiding light for estimating, scheduling, and dealing with subcontractors and vendors. Ultimately, it helped management align their priorities with the company’s faith-based values. “He was one of three men over the course of my 40 years in the industry that have really influenced me,” Smith said. “I probably wouldn’t have the position I have now without his guidance.
After Calhoun passed, the TOLM Group team knew they wanted to honor his memory in some way. This led them to establish the TOLM Group Foundation and scholarship program. The construction industry has been facing a national labor shortage for years. The foundation's mission is to support the education of the next generation of construction professionals.
“We have talked about ways to support education and training for the construction industry for a while, but it really started with Ralph,” Smith said. “The whole idea came up when he was here.”
Ralph was born on a farm in Oklahoma and had spent his entire life working his way up through the ranks in the construction industry. He had worked on many high-profile projects like the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., and even skyscrapers on the Las Vegas skyline. But even with all of his success, his most prized accomplishments were his marriage to Diane, their five kids and their grandchildren.
WE INSURE CONWAY!
“He was a Christian man who walked the walk and lived his Christian faith out by example. He has had a lasting impact on the organization from top to bottom, and his influence on our leadership has really shone through.”
— TOLM Vice President Greg Smith
“He shared so much of his wisdom with us. We wanted to honor his memory. That was the foundation of it,” Foshee said. “We wanted to pour back into the construction industry like Ralph had poured into us. That’s what we do every day. It’s in his memory.”
The foundation came to life in 2023, and in 2024 they hosted their first fundraiser: a pickleball tournament. “I actually started playing pickleball with my mom a few years ago, and since then, I had played several tournaments,” Foshee said. “I knew how they ran and that we were looking for a fundraising idea. Pickleball was something that hadn’t been done before in our area.”
“I haven’t caught the pickleball bug,” Smith said. “My role is more ceremonial. I get to speak about Ralph and introduce his family. He has several grandkids who are going to play in the tournament this year. Hopefully, we can keep his memory alive with the scholarships and continue to share his story and values with new people coming into the company.”
The inaugural tournament raised $9,000, which allowed them to establish the foundation and award three scholarships to individuals entering construction trades training programs. “Our goal for this year is to raise $15,000 so we can give more, or maybe even larger, scholarships,” Foshee said. “We want to help build up the construction industry and alleviate some of the financial stress involved with that. We just want to see more young people involved in the trade.”
The scholarship application is available at tolmgrp.com/tolmfoundation. The deadline for submission is April 30. Applicants must be a resident of Arkansas and enrolled, or preparing to enroll, in a full-time course of study leading to a certification in a construction-related field.
In addition to the external impact the scholarships are having on the industry, there has also been a shift internally. “It’s created an awareness of who Ralph was, because he was the inspiration for the event and the scholarship to memorialize him,” Smith said. The other piece is TOLM Team Cares, which is a totally employee-run program that started in 2024. It recognizes the role and importance of the foreman and skilled trade positions in the company. “We know that’s where the earned revenue begins,” Smith said. “We realize how important it is to invest in the training and education of those employees.”
This year, there will be a raffle for pickleball equipment and other items, and a sponsor’s bracket has been added because many sponsors are new to pickleball. The sponsors’ teams will play one another in the morning before the main tournament begins as a fun bonus for them and to introduce them to the sport.
The pickleball tournament is a one-day event that includes lunch for players. Participants receive a tournament T-shirt. The next event is scheduled for May 17 in Morrilton and is open to anyone. For more information, visit tolmgrp.com or contact Austin Foshee at 501.354.6511.
The late Ralph Calhoun is remembered for saying be "firm but fair."
WORD ON THE STREET
Most of us are unaware that we drive through history every day
By Vivian Lawson Hogue
“When I am lost trying to locate a new subdivision, I cannot help but be reminded of earlier years of knowing nearly all the streets in Conway. They were either a street, an avenue or a boulevard. We knew houses and who lived in them, and many homeowners tended to live in one home all or much of their lives. Our concrete or oiled dirt streets seemed to last eternally because we had little traffic and no massive trucks with tonnage headed for new places that I can’t find!
Some residents were fortunate enough to live on a “rural route” in the western part of town where fields of yellow tickweed bloomed and cows grazed. Out there was the fresh air that created memories with fragrance. The cows and fields of flowers are gone now, replaced by businesses and more roundabouts than a mockingbird has songs. The street names now include “circles,” “lanes,” and names like “Wiggleworm Road.” One street should be pronounced “Fah-ver” Street for the Favre family. When the famous Favre football player pronounced his name “Farve,” it likely created havoc for UPS.
The town of my youth was a community with city limits of Gist Street to the north, Western Avenue to the west, Robins Street to the south and Ingram Street to the east. One could ride a bicycle from one end of town to the other in a short period. As a child I remember a man who rode his bike from the east side to UCA to work, then back home. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear he’s still living and owns a fitness center.
So many of our old streets have names that significantly recognize the town founder, Col. Asa Peter Robinson, who arrived in 1871. From research, my own memories, and a street name history written by Constance Mitchell in 1955, I will share a few. Ada Avenue was named for the wife of a Mr. Smith, who worked with Mr. Gus Bahner while platting the Donaghey Addition. As they worked, Mr. Bahner pointed at the map and said, “Then we’ll call this street “Augusta” for my wife.”
Donaghey was named for Conway’s own George Donaghey, who became Arkansas’s governor in 1909. Bruce Street was named for Col. George Washington Bruce, a prominent lawyer, newspaper owner and landowner who was instrumental in bringing our three colleges to Conway. He built my own home for his son as a wedding present. His 1895 mansion, the first two-story brick home in town, was across the street. It was eventually razed decades later due to owner-neglect.
Caldwell Street was named for a young, prominent attorney of the early 1870s. He was accidentally killed when he got in the path of a bullet from feudists who were shooting it out on the courthouse grounds. At the suggestion of friends, Robinson named the street for him. College Avenue was so named because it bordered Central College (now Central Baptist College).
With “roundabouts” unknown in most of the United States and Conway’s history, the next best idea was a semicircle. Conway Boulevard was originally planned to have one edging the residential district on the south side of town. However, when the town became large enough for the houses to be numbered, the addresses became hopelessly confusing. They still are.
Deer Street reflects Col. Robinson’s fondness for the forest animals in the plains of Conway. A natural salt lick existed east of the railroad that attracted deer, some who swam the Arkansas River to get to it.
Factory Street received its name in the early 1880s when a coop planned a cotton-spinning mill. A two-story building was constructed, but it burned before machinery was installed.
Harkrider Street was named for Capt. James Harkrider, a Confederate veteran who owned much land. He contributed generously to securing Hendrix and Central Colleges.
Ingram Street was named for John Ingram, who owned a large farm that included the land where the former airport was located. Mill Street was the location of a gin and grist mill owned by William Ingram. Parkway Street was once called Railroad Avenue but became Parkway in 1950.
Robins Street was named for Frank E. Robins, Sr., the first owner and editor of the Log Cabin Democrat. Robinson Avenue was appropriately named for Col. Robinson. Van Ronkle Street recognized Joe Van Ronkle, a prominent Jewish merchant who owned a general store on Front Street.
There are many other street names, of course, some named for U.S. Presidents, local citizens, and some for trees, most of which are now rarities, such as Locust, Elm, Walnut, Pine, Chestnut, Willow and Ash. Col. Robinson built a house, then a town, personalizing all as he went. Those square city blocks are great for getting somewhere and finding your way back home. Thanks, Col. Robinson, for a navigable era!
Two-term governor George Washington Donaghey in 1908
CABOT’S PET PROJECT
Lyon's College prepares to open state’s first School of Veterinary Medicine
A new day is dawning for veterinary education in Arkansas. Lyon College is establishing a School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot (Lonoke County), with the first cohort of 120 students expected in the fall of 2026.
Lyon College, located in Batesville (Independence County) and the City of Cabot unveiled architectural renderings for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine (LCSVM) and Cabot Animal Support Services on Feb. 10 at the Cabot Justice Center. The renderings represent a significant step forward in establishing the state’s first graduate veterinary program, which will be located alongside the planned Cabot Animal Support Services center.
“This is an exciting day for Cabot and the state of Arkansas,” Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade said. “The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will enhance education and animal healthcare while showcasing the potential of public-private partnerships. This project will have lasting benefits for our community and the veterinary field.”
The 20-acre campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to support veterinary education and community animal care services. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this spring, with the first cohort of students expected to begin classes in fall 2026, pending
accreditation by the Council on Education (COE) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Lyon College hosted a consultative site visit from the COE Nov. 5-9, 2023, and is awaiting a comprehensive visit to be scheduled. The proposed program plans to continue to admit a class of 120 new students each fall.
In December 2024, Lyon College and the City of Cabot signed a lease agreement to formalize their collaboration. The agreement outlines plans for a facility that will combine academic training with community-based animal services. The new campus will include: a 48,000 square foot, two-story classroom building; a 41,000 square foot clinical building; a 16,000 square foot large animal facility with pasture space; and a 4,000 square foot ambulatory bay.
Lyon College President Melissa Taverner emphasized the importance of the partnership. “Lyon College is proud to work with the City of Cabot to bring this visionary project to life,” Dr. Taverner said. “The School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare students to address critical needs in their communities while advancing the veterinary profession. We’re particularly inspired by the enthusiasm of our current and future Pre-veterinary and animal sciences students at Lyon College, who represent the bright future of this field.”
The Cabot Animal Support Services center will also be located on the campus, providing essential animal health services to the community and offering students hands-on learning opportunities. “This collaboration is an exciting step forward for animal care and education,” said Director of Animal Services Mike Wheeler. “The Cabot Animal Support Services center will expand access to compassionate care while serving as a training hub for future veterinary professionals.”
Dr. Eleanor Green, founding dean of the LCSVM, said the program will set a new standard for veterinary education and community engagement. “The [School] will combine academic excellence with real-world experience to create a model for innovation in veterinary training,” Green said. “By partnering with Cabot, we’re building a program that will benefit both students and the community.”
Cabot Director of Economic Development Alicia Payseno said the project will strengthen the city’s reputation as a leader in education and healthcare. “This initiative is a major investment in Cabot’s future,” Payseno said. “The [School] and the Cabot Animal Support Services center will drive economic growth, improve access to health care and position our city as a hub of opportunity.”
WDD Architects of North Little Rock are designing the space. Baldwin & Shell Construction Company of Little Rock is the construction manager.
Lyon College is working to be a pioneer college, bringing not only LCSVM but also another first-of-its-kind degree program to the state by developing a School of Dental Medicine.
Cabot Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Gina Jones (from left), Membership and Events Coordinator Rachel Abbott, Director of Economic Development Alicia Payseno and Office Manager Candy Miller.
Dr. Eleanor Green is the founding dean of Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine.
Many people attended the ribbon-cutting event to learn about the proposed School of Veterinary Medicine.
By David Grimes
Coach Cliff Garrison
As successful as Cliff Garrison was at coaching basketball at Hendrix College, his life off the court is even more remarkable.
Garrison was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) in 2004 as part of the 46th class, along with Jesse Branch, Bud Campbell, Bud Canada, Steve Cox, Bill “Bull” Davidson, Wayne Martin, J.P. Moore and Wendy Scholtens.
Photos by Makenzie Evans
A Forrest City native, Garrison received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. He played basketball for the Bears in the early 1960s under Head Coach Cliff Horton, also an ASHOF inductee.
Garrison coached at Stuttgart High School in the late 1960s and led the Ricebirds to three state tournaments and was twice selected to coach in the high school all-star game.
Fellow ASHOF Coach Don Dyer brought Garrison into the college ranks as an assistant at Henderson State University. Garrison soon earned his own head coaching position when he took over at Hendrix in 1972. He would stay there for 31 seasons, winning 463 games.
His teams won five Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) championships, the school’s first since the 1930s, and his Warriors qualified for the NAIA national tournament in 1985. Three times he was named AIC Coach of the Year and was twice bestowed that honor for the NAIA District 17.
The following description is an overused cliché, but Garrison is indeed one of the finest men you’ll ever meet. That applies to his entire family as well. He and his wife, Maribeth, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in March 2024. They are among my favorite people. I attended Conway High School with both of their children. Their son, Greg, was a year older, and their daughter, Lee, a year younger. The apples did not fall far from the tree.
Coach Garrison added the title of athletic director for Hendrix in 1992 when Bob Courtway retired. About that time, the AIC was breaking up. UCA left the NAIA for NCAA Division II (they have since moved to NCAA Division I), while Hendrix opted for NCAA Division III. Athletic scholarships are not a part of this classification, but Hendrix officials knew many of their peeracademic schools participated on this level.
The Warriors accepted an invitation into the Southern Collegiate
Athletic Conference, and Coach Garrison immediately had them competitive. His teams qualified for the NCAA national tournament in 1995 and 1996. He was named SCAC coach of the year for the 1994-95 season.
After retiring from coaching in 2003, Garrison remained at Hendrix as a professor of kinesiology and has continued to be involved in athletic fundraising for the school.
A good part of his exceptional success at Hendrix was local, as he was able to recruit a long line of Conway Wampus Cat stars. It began with Winton Mattison and included Andy Balenton, Lawson Pilgrim, Austin Sullivan, T.J. Ticey, Herman Hammons, Robert Wright, Nick Lasker, Carlos Brown, Brian Longing, Rick Robertson, Nathan Tumlison, Harvell Howard, and his son, Greg. St. Joseph Bulldog standouts Alan Meyer and twins Keith and Kevin Briggler also became Warriors. All told, 29 of Garrison’s 31 teams featured at least one player with Conway ties.
His impact on his players was profound. “A lot of guys would agree with me when I say that Coach Garrison is an excellent example of integrity and honesty,” former player Harvell Howard said. “He didn’t just teach basketball. He taught me so much more about life in general.”
Garrison coached his home games in the old Grove Gymnasium. When the school replaced it with the new Wellness and Athletic Center, better known as the WAC, the facility’s basketball floor was named Cliff Garrison Court in his honor.
He has been inducted into the Forrest City Hall of Fame, the UCA Sports Hall of Fame and, of course, the Hendrix Sports Hall of Honor.
When speaking about Garrison for his ASHOF induction, fellow Hendrix legend and ASHOF inductee J.W. “Chick” Austin summed it up best: “He is the kind of man you want to be when you are a little boy, and the kind of man you wish you had been when you are an old man.”
See more on page 74.
Recently, Cliff reunited with Robert Wright at Hendrix College on the court that bears his name.
Cliff and Maribeth Garrison, who was inducted into the Hendrix College Sports Hall of Honor in 2024. Cliff Garrison will be honored by the University of Central Arkansas as a Distinguished Alumni on April 12 at the annual Laurels & Stripes gala. He graduated in '62.
Former Conway Wampus Cat star Robert Wright was recruited by Coach Garrison to play at Hendrix College.
The two recently gathered at the Cliff Garrison Court inside Hendrix College’s Wellness and Athletic Center, better known as the WAC. The pair reminisced, posed for 501 LIFE photos and shot some hoops.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
BARRY BRADSHAW
By Rita Halter Thomas • Photos by Makenzie Evans
Barry Bradshaw of Conway is remarkably talented and familiar with the stage, but the result of his performance is usually heard and not seen. Until his retirement in 2021, he took center stage as the area’s premier piano technician, giving performers ivories tuned to perfection.
“There is a difference between a technician and a tuner,” said Bradshaw, founder of Bradshaw Piano Service. “When electronic tuners came out, you could pull out your credit card and buy a tuner, but that doesn’t make you a technician.”
The third-generation piano technician is an aural tuner, meaning he doesn’t use electronic devices, just his ears and his tools, all of which fit into a small black cylindrical bag. During the interview, Bradshaw carefully removed and presented his tuning hammer lever tool, purchased in 1941 by his grandfather for Bradshaw’s dad. In 1973, the tool was handed down to Bradshaw, who has used it exclusively since. The pristine condition of the 84-year-old tool is a reflection of the meticulous care and attention he applied to his profession. Good work and integrity gained him referrals. Referrals built his reputation. His reputation made him the best.
Not everyone can tune a Steinway grand within 45 minutes of sound check with a pianist flown in from New York sitting alongside the bench requesting (or demanding) the sound be lighter or less bright. But Bradshaw has. He’s even sat in the audience, tools in his lap, prepared to make adjustments between sets to produce perfection. His unique gift has given him the opportunity to tune for celebrities like John Denver and Elton John. His talent was even called upon to tune for a performance by Bono and The Edge of U2 at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center Dedication in 2004.
Bradshaw’s sales and experience resulted in relationships with people like Susan Walton (daughter-in-law of the late Sam Walton), who would call him directly to purchase Steinway pianos
and donate them to schools. “For those who don’t know, the Steinway is the Rolls-Royce of pianos,” he said.
Bradshaw’s wife, Phyllis, also has extensive experience in factory piano production supervision and training. “She was the trainer,” he said of her 27 years at the Conway Baldwin Grand factory. “She taught recurrent training and all new hires.”
After Baldwin, Phyllis worked beside her husband at Bradshaw Piano Service, particularly in restoration. One such project was restoring a 100-year-old Steinway, which is now at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. Another was an 1860s J.A. Gray square grand piano for Arkansas State University before it was delivered to Lakeport Plantation in Lake Village, a museum in Southeast Arkansas.
Bradshaw’s specialized expertise is evident as he explained the difference in sound quality. For example, when the musician strikes a key, the condition of the felt on the hammer connected to the key affects the quality of the sound when it strikes the associated string. “A technician knows how to make the sound lighter, less metallic,” he said. He explained that soft felts produce a lighter sound, while hard felts produce heavier, more metallic tones.
Overall, Bradshaw spent 52 consecutive years in piano sales, restoration, repair, service and tuning. He’s tuned more than 30,000 pianos. Apprenticing under his father at 15 years old, Bradshaw has never had any other job. Throughout his career, he owned three piano dealerships, worked eight years at Little Rock Steinway & Sons as their chief technician and service manager, and worked 16 years as the quality control manager at Baldwin (before it closed in 2008). Having a strong work ethic instilled in him by his father and grandfather, Bradshaw also opened and grew his own side business tuning and servicing pianos. In 2003, he left Baldwin to work on Bradshaw Piano Service full-time.
Among his noteworthy accomplishments is serving as the resident piano technician for the University of Central Arkansas for 10 years. “At the time, they had 52 pianos. I tuned them every semester and before every concert or recital,” he said. With more than 1,800 regular clients, Bradshaw tuned anywhere from three to eight pianos per day, from colleges and schools to churches and individuals. And his clients trusted him. “Many of them would just leave the door unlocked for me,” he said.
In 2021, he sold his business to his apprentice, Ryan Jackson, a musician and performer who was looking for something more sustainable with family-friendly hours. Bradshaw said Jackson doesn’t need help tuning, so his mentoring is mostly on repair and restoration. “He’ll call me if he has a question, and we’ll get together and work through it,” he said.
Since retirement, Bradshaw has published a couple of books about the business and flipped a few houses with his wife, and now they are trying to slow down a bit, enjoy their family and travel.
When asked about the growing popularity of electric keyboards and the future of piano technicians, Bradshaw said he gets it. “They are portable and convenient. They don’t require tuning, but they are a computer, programmed to do what they do,” he said, explaining the sound just cannot be compared to the authentic sound of a well-tuned acoustic piano.
Years ago, piano lessons were once insisted upon by parents. But Bradshaw said kids today have so many other things to distract them. “Back then, kids didn’t have television or computers and cellphones. If there was a piano in the house, it was seen as a symbol of affluence,” he said. Today, not so much. But the music scene in the 501 is alive and well, and music directors and band teachers often tout the benefits of kids learning music, both psychologically and academically. Learning to play the piano provides a great foundation for all areas of music.
Bradshaw’s contributions to music performances may not have been seen center stage when the curtains lifted, but his impact on the ivories have pleased many performers and listeners over the years, a remarkable career worthy of a standing ovation.
Barry Bradshaw uses a tuning hammer lever tool, purchased in 1941 by his grandfather for Bradshaw’s dad. In 1973, the tool was handed down to Bradshaw.
The impressive rollerskating banana sculpture titled “On a Roll,”was added along the River Trail in Murray Park in Little Rock in 2023.
Photo by Makenzie Evans
North Little Rock
The Old Mill in the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park was part of cinematic history. Made famous by its appearance in the opening scenes of the classic film "Gone With The Wind," the North Little Rock site features a historic re-creation of an 1880s-era water-powered grist mill. Lush landscaping, water features, and artwork by sculptor Dionicio Rodriguez complete the scene of this famous landmark that is a popular backdrop for individual and group photos.
Greenbrier
For decades, Miller Spectacular Shows based in Greenbrier has spun, swung, swayed and lifted thousands of thrill-seekers aloft in small-town county fairs, state fairs, and corporate events.
“We have operated in as many as 18 states,” Owner Freddy Miller said. “We operated as far north as Detroit, Mich.; as far west as Roswell, N.M.; and as far south as — well, the farthest south we’ve been is the Bahamas. We actually put equipment on boats and shipped it to the islands. When people ask me about what I do, I tell them, ‘We sell fun.’”
Little Rock Heber
Photo by Makenzie Evans
Mackinac Island fudge, dozens of varieties of Kilwins Heritage Chocolate-dipped treats, and their famous caramel apples. In autumn, the tiny shop turns out 600 delicious caramel apples per week. The process begins with warming the caramel to the perfect temperature for dipping, which takes about an hour and three-quarters. Once ready, they have 20 minutes to dip the apples and decorate them with nuts, candies, and chocolate, delivering pure happiness on a stick!
Heber Springs has become the winter home for a flock of trumpeter swans. Swans do not naturally winter in Arkansas. Yet every year, sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving, swans start to arrive in a couple of ponds and at Magness Lake east of Heber Springs. The phenomenon started when a few showed up 31 years ago and, as years passed, more came to Arkansas. Normally, they nest in the arctic and migrate for the winter to either the Chesapeake area or California, but since 1991, a flock has found the 501 to be the perfect spot for their winter home. Photo by Linda Henderson
Photo by MIke Kemp
Go on the search for the impressive tiny toads who hopped into downtown Conway. 10 bronze toads fashioned by creative artist Calvin Stinger of Beebe were installed at historic sites in 2023. Each unique design corresponds with its new home. For example, the bronze toad statue outside First Security Bank is wearing a top hat and tails outfit and holding a bag of money. The statues range from 5 by 9 inches to 12 by 8 inches. Stinger’s clever designs are sure to bring a smile to your face. All organizations have issued a 100 percent guarantee that visitors won’t get warts! Photo by Kurt Jones
Searcy
Take a visual journey through Searcy’s historic streets and parks on an immersive mural tour. The art scene could not be contained by a single gallery, so it is only natural for it to flow onto walls throughout the city. Visit experiencesearcy.com for the location of each public work of visual art. QR codes on the murals share artists’ insights about each piece. Photos by Jeremy Higginbotham
ABOVE: The Natural Bridge of Arkansas is a naturally occurring rock formation nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, about four miles from Clinton. The rock formation is about 120 feet long and 4 feet thick at the center of the arch formation. In the late 19th century, American Outlaw Belle Starr (a well-known associate of the Jesse James and Cole Younger Gang) was thought to have used the property as a hideout.
RIGHT: Did you know the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade can be experienced in Central Arkansas? A 98-foot parade is held annually on Bridge Street, and the organizers are determined to keep the “shortest” title even if they have to march in place or backward! The high-energy event features a celebrity Grand Marshal, a famous band and the most iconic cheerleading squad in the world — the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Each year, thousands of people don green and converge on the Spa City to seek good luck and good times.
Hot Springs
ABOVE: The Main Stage EdUCAtion Series entertains thousands of kids from the entire state of Arkansas annually. This impressive program has served more than 70,000 students from preschool through 12th grade at the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus since it began in 2015.
LEFT: Travel Highway 60 out of Conway and head toward Bigelow and encounter an aweinspiring landmark. Rising over a canopy of trees at New Dixie (Perry County) is the steeple of St. Boniface Catholic Church. According to a history of the church, which goes back to 1879, it was founded by immigrants who were mostly from Germany. The first structure burned in 1906, so parishioners provided the labor to rebuild it. The lumber was cut from church property and milled by Fourche River Lumber Co. in Bigelow. The first priest of the church was a Benedictine priest who traveled down the Arkansas River from Subiaco. In earlier days, a nuns’ house and a school were at the church as well. Photographed in infrared by Linda Henderson
Romance
The U.S. Post Office in Romance is a popular site for mailing wedding invitations and Valentine’s Day cards because the process stamp on the envelope will reflect the sentiment — romance. In 2024, the small post office was the national site chosen to unveil and release the U.S. Postal System’s Love 2024 stamp, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The staff have also witnessed several weddings.
Visit the birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training where Babe Ruth once played. Take a swing by Hot Springs and attend the eighth annual baseball weekend each August which just happens to be where Major League Baseball Spring Training got its start. Majestic Park will also host the Babe Ruth League World Series, named after the Great Bambino because Ruth once trained and played in Hot Springs! Visit an eight-foot bronze statue of Ruth, one of only three in the world. This exciting event celebrates Hot Springs' rich baseball history and offers a unique opportunity to meet baseball legends and hear their unforgettable stories. Previous guests have been Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench, Robin Yount and Ted Simmons.
Little Rock
The World’s First Billy Bass Adoption Center, located inside the Flying Fish restaurant in downtown Little Rock, is a noteworthy place where hundreds of the crooning Big Mouth Billy Bass, animatronic gag gifts from the late 1990s and early 2000s, are on display. Shannon Wynne came up with the idea to retire the toys by hanging more than 300 of the Billy Bass fish on the walls — and some even hang from the ceiling — at the restaurant. Don't worry — they take the batteries out first.
Photo by Makenzie Evans
Hot Springs
The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission has been distinguished as “the most active in the nation” by The King Center in Atlanta, Ga. This recognition is supported by Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. King, and his widow, Coretta Scott King, and is well-deserved by this active division of the Arkansas Department of Education. Led by Little Rock native DuShun Scarbrough, Commissioners and a dedicated team, the Commission hosts several Nonviolence Youth Summits throughout the state annually, along with other positive initiatives.
Scarbrough stands among statues of the Little Rock Nine Memorial at the State Capitol. Photo by Mike Kemp
Step back in history and experience the high-energy and emotional National Championship Chuckwagon Races, which bring thousands of people to Clinton to experience fierce competition during a hot and dusty week in late August. All types of races are hosted, vendors offer food and some visitors camp on site. Ride on over to Clinton and experience authentic Old West racing.
Located in Scott, Plantation Agriculture Museum preserves Arkansas’s farming history. It’s a highly interactive park where kids and adults alike can explore where and how crops are grown, harvested, and processed into foods we eat and products we use. Special events include the Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show.
The Piccolo Zoppé - Boutique Circus calls Greenbrier home. For nine generations, the Zoppé family has taken their pets to work every day. The Piccolo Zoppé- Boutique Circus is a beautiful, European-style circus that is part of a larger circus family that has been around for 180 years. The current show includes multiple, highly trained draft and miniature horses and several breeds of dogs. Tosca Zoppé and her husband, John “Jay” Walther, operate the charming, one-ring circus featuring numerous talented performers and multiple performance dates throughout the 501, from Hot Springs to North Little Rock and in their hometown of Greenbrier. They also book shows in other states. Crowds pour in to enjoy equestrian ballerinas, daring acrobatics and even a man being shot from a cannon! Photo by MIke Kemp
Photos by Rita Barger
Greenbrier
Greers Ferry Dam is a concrete dam built between 1959 and 1962 on the Little Red River in Cleburne County. Its primary function is flood control, but it also serves as a hydroelectric power plant. The dam impounds Greers Ferry Lake, which offers swimming, cliff diving, boating, fishing, scuba diving and camping. The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, located below the dam, is another popular destination. The hatchery, operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, primarily raises rainbow trout, which thrive in the colder water.
After its completion, the lake was dedicated on Oct. 3, 1963, by President John F. Kennedy. The trip was his last major public appearance before his fateful trip on Nov. 22, 1963, to Dallas, where he was assassinated. This event marks the only time a sitting president has visited Cleburne County.
Heber Springs
Nothing makes LIFE in the 501 more remarkable than the landscapes of Central Arkansas. Just one breathtaking example is the high-country spot Flatside Pinnacle, a mountain in the Ouachita Mountain Range.
The range is found on the most western edge of the 501 area and runs from central western Arkansas to southeastern Oklahoma. To experience the beauty quickly, there is a 0.7mile out-and-back trail near Perryville.
The territory is great for camping, hiking and walking. Plus, it is very unlikely you'll ever encounter many other people while exploring the area. Open year-round, and beautiful to visit anytime, the trail winds through dense forests, with rocky outcrops and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and ridges at the top.
A perfect spot to stop and enjoy the sunset and appreciate the place we call home
Photo by Linda Henderson
Perry County
AUTHOR OF THE MONTH
ELLEN WITHERS CONWAY
By Susan L. Peterson • Photos by Makenzie Evans
Before retiring, Ellen Withers was employed as an insurance fraud investigator. In that position, she had to write numerous persuasive reports and conduct investigative research, skills that helped launch her successful Show Me mystery series just a few years ago.
Her dual-time books in the series are “Show Me Betrayal” (2023), “Show Me Deceit” (2024), and “Show Me Skullduggery” (May 2025). “Show Me Murder” is scheduled for May 2026. Describing the dual time component, Withers explained that one plot occurs in the present day, while another is set during an earlier time period. The earlier story is often based on an actual event or person, and much research is required to flesh out details from that era. The series is set in her own hometown of Mexico, Mo., where she incorporates the town’s deep historical roots and architecture. Withers said she sometimes doesn’t know quite how the two plots will intertwine when she starts writing, but eventually, they do.
It was Linda Fulkerson, owner of Scrivenings Press in Morrilton, who encouraged Withers to submit her writing to a Novel Starts contest sponsored by her company. She won the contest and eventually received a book contract from Fulkerson. She especially likes using a smaller company because she has input into details, which would not be allowed if using a different publisher.
Withers recently published a nonfiction book for those interested in entering writing contests, which was how she first got noticed. “Magic Words: Enchant Judges & Conjure Contest Wins for Novels, Short Fiction and Nonfiction” was published in January. Withers said she is competitive by nature, and it was winning the contest that drew her into the writing world.
She attributes much of her success to the writing groups she joined throughout the state. There, she gained book ideas, mentors who provided tips and feedback, and support and friendship.
Withers lives in Conway and does most of her writing at the kitchen table. She is now working on her next series, the Spa City Mysteries, which will be set in Hot Springs. She loves to travel and often studies people and their behavior, sometimes taking notes for use in future stories.
In addition to her novels, Withers also was a contributor to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and she has published numerous short stories in anthologies. For a complete list of publications and the many awards her work has garnered, visit EllenEWithers.com, where she has a blog, gives writing tips and offers a free gift for signing up for her newsletter.
In her spare time, Withers also enjoys the camaraderie found in a Central Arkansas Sweet Adelines group known as the Top of the Rock Chorus, where she sings tenor. This championship chorus is a "fun-loving group of women" who sing a cappella music in the barbershop style.
She often posts updates on her Facebook page, Ellen Erdel Withers. Her books are available from Scrivenings Press (Scriveningspress.com), Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers.
Ellen Withers enjoyed writing at a young age, but had a career as an insurance fraud investigator. Since retirement a few years ago, she began writing a Show Me mystery series that was inspired by her experiences.
Spring S ing
Conway Men’s Chorus to perform Songs of Faith. Songs of Spirit. Songs of Fun.
In its 26th year of singing, the Conway Men’s Chorus will present its 2025 Spring Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, in Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and admission and parking are free.
During the one-hour concert, the 75-plus member chorus will feature a wide variety of choral music, from sacred to contemporary and pop to patriotic. Some of the songs they will sing include “Be Still My Soul,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “And So It Goes,” “God Bless America,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “My Girl,” “We Are the Music Makers,” and “Softly, As I Leave You.” Over the past 26 years, the men’s chorus has sung more than 260 songs during 49 concerts. A total of more than 360 men from Central Arkansas have sung in the group. They are men of all ages from all walks of life with a wide range of musical abilities who just love to sing and want to give the joy of music to their community. Visit the website for more information at conwaymenschorus.org. Follow and like the Conway Men’s Chorus on Facebook, where concert updates will be posted in the event of inclement weather.
Eight ways to conserve water while taking care of your yard this summer
By Beth Jimmerson
The days are getting longer and the weather is warming, which means gardening season is about to be in full swing. From vegetable gardens to flowers to just watering your lawn, you might start noticing an increase in your water bill soon.
While it’s best to plant native, drought-resistant plants for yards and gardens to help save water, you don’t need to rip out your landscaping in order to reduce your water bill this summer. Instead, try employing some of these smart watering techniques.
USE A SMART HOSE TIMER
One way to reduce watering costs is to set a timer so your hose can turn on at the optimal time of day for a planned amount of time. Using a smart hose timer allows you to time your sprinkler or other watering system. Many timers also have the option to delay the watering schedule in the event of rain to prevent double watering. You can use a smart hose timer that connects to an app to keep track of your watering history and adjust to conserve water.
WATER AT THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY
Watering your garden or lawn in the middle of the day can cause more of the water you use to evaporate before it gets to your
plants. Watering before the sun comes up or after it sets can save you water by making sure more of the water from your hose makes it to your plants.
CONSIDER DRIP IRRIGATION
Since a sprinkler throws water droplets up into the air before they hit your plants, they tend to use more water than a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose that rests on the ground and emits water directly onto the soil. A drip system also allows you to more precisely plan where you want to water, so if you have plants that need a lot of moisture, you can add a drip hose or soaker hose to those areas in particular.
MULCH YOUR GARDEN BEDS
To keep more moisture close to the soil and slow down the evaporation process, allowing more of your water to make it to the roots of your plants, add some mulch to the surface of your garden beds. To mulch, you can use grass clippings or leaves, which have the benefit of being free, or you can opt for wood mulch instead.
DIRECT YOUR RAINWATER
Rain is the cheapest of all irrigation methods. If you have downspouts that route water away from your foundation when it rains, you can add a downspout extension to aim your rainwater runoff toward your garden beds or particular plants that need more moisture. You can also choose to add a rain barrel with a downspout diverter to collect rainwater.
PERFORM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Check your hose connections that you use for watering as well as any buried lines for leaks on a regular basis. A single 1/32-inch diameter leak on a hose or outdoor faucet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water a year. To check for leaks, look for excessively damp areas, especially when your sprinklers and valves are off. You can look for puddles or muddy areas that aren’t reduced by dry conditions in other places as well as spongy spots on your lawn. Put leak inspection on your weekly list, and replace any hoses, valves or faucets with leaky connections.
MOW HIGH
Keep your grass at the upper recommended limit –about 2 inches for most types. Not only does it mean mowing less often, but it will also help shade the soil and prevent excessive evaporation.
DON’T OVERWATER
It sounds simplistic, but more water is wasted through overwatering than for any other reason. Watering too much doesn’t just waste a precious resource, it is also very bad for your plants. Too much water in the soil stresses your plants’ root systems and contributes to root rot and fungal and bacterial disease. Consult a landscape professional for help in designing a watering system and/or schedule to deliver the correct amount of water for your particular landscape.
We all see our water use rise during the summer, but our monthly statements don’t have to rise too. Start planning now to use water more efficiently, and your lawn and gardens will stay green without costing too much green.
Looking for more ways to save this summer? Visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart or call 501.450.6000 to schedule a free energy audit with a Conway Corp certified energy professional to help find ways to decrease electric and water use in your home.
We’re dedicated to providing an excellent water product at the lowest possible cost to our customers. From the lake to the water quality lab to your faucet, we’re at work every day delivering a safe, reliable water supply for the residents of Conway. You can drink, wash and cook comfortably knowing we have a 30-year plan to prepare for Conway’s future water needs so our community has ample water for years to come.
Fun in the
Vilonia takes a victory lap with the success of Central Arkansas Karting Complex
Located at 49 Ricky Bobby Way in Vilonia, Central Arkansas Karting Complex has brought excitement to the 501 as the state’s first outdoor karting track. The 15-acre facility takes kart racing to the next level, offering 14 turns on seven-tenths of a mile of professional-grade asphalt.
Inspired by the rapidly growing sport of karting throughout the southern United States, Greg, Tammy and Peyton Long created a complex that rivals those of neighboring states.
“The idea for Central Arkansas Karting Complex began after our family visited a track in Dallas,” Peyton, who is co-manager, said. “After riding their rental karts and talking with the owner, we became very interested in buying and racing karts of our own. Kart racing has been around for a number of years, and Arkansans had been asking for a place like this. It was just three years ago that we began putting the plans together and it has been a big hit in the community.”
From RT10 adult karts to standard two-seaters and cadet karts, online leaderboards and packages for group events, Central Arkansas Karting Complex offers attractions for racers of all skill levels and has become Central Arkansas’s premier destination for racing competitions.
“Everyone that experiences what we have to offer knows we’re not just another go-kart track,” Greg said. “We’re much more than that. We’re open to anyone who has a need for speed. In addition to our adult karts, we also have two-seaters and cadet karts, offering a racing experience to ages 5 and up. Whether you're
planning a birthday bash, a corporate teambuilding event, or just want to feel the rush of wind in your hair as you zoom around our professional grade karting track, come check out our state-of-the-art facility.”
The company also has started offering courses for adults who want to up their racing game. The Racing School helps drivers shave valuable time off their laps, and to drive more competitively and consistently. “These courses teach drivers to think differently and review how to drive a kart. We are confident we can help anyone improve their race craft," Greg said.
Since the business opened in 2023, Vilonia has proven to be the perfect place to grow the Long family’s vision for the kart racing community. “When we were trying to find a place to open our doors, we searched all over Central Arkansas,” Tammy said. “We saw Vilonia as a small town with huge growth potential. There has been a lot of expansion toward Vilonia, and we believe that it’s the right place at the right time.”
If you've never visited before, Greg believes this is the right time to come and experience Central Arkansas Karting Complex for yourself. “There's something magical about strapping into one of our lightning-fast karts and feeling that surge of excitement as you hit the accelerator. We have the fastest rental karts in Arkansas, delivering an exhilarating experience that combines speed, skill and friendly competition. The thrill of navigating our track's hairpin turns, the roar of engines, and the sweet taste of victory when you cross the finish line first create memories that last long after the checkered flag waves."
PERSON OF THE MONTH
TOD TRAUGHBER
Photo by Makenzie Evans
HOMETOWN: I was born and raised in Southcentral Alaska and worked as a commercial fisherman during my high school and college years. My wife and I moved to Memphis upon graduating from Harding University in 1995, where I worked as a teacher and coach for 10 years. Our family moved to Searcy in 2005.
FAMILY: I have been married to Jan for 32 years. She is an associate professor at Harding University in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. We have two sons, Brayden and Camryn.
EDUCATION: I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Bible from Harding in 1995; a Master’s in Educational Administration from Freed-Hardeman University in 2003; a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Memphis in 2018; and a Master of Science in Information Systems/Data Analytics from Harding in 2024.
CAREER: After moving to Searcy in 2005, I worked as a sales representative for Walsworth Publishing (a yearbook company) in Central Arkansas for 10 years. I have worked as a teacher and coach for Harding Academy for the past 10 years. While at Harding Academy, I have taught journalism, photography, computer business applications, civics and economics and coached volleyball, mentored in the robotics program and worked as an advisor for The Wildcat, the yearbook for the Academy. I have served as the regional director for FIRST® Robotics: Arkansas for two years. I am honestly grateful for my wide-ranging experiences.
THE COOLEST ROBOT YOU EVER BUILT? Every year the game changes, as does the functionality of the robot built to address new challenges. I have loved the evolution of our robots as we gain experience designing and building year after year and incorporating ideas from teams around the world. Our robots weigh up to 135 pounds, travel 18 feet per second, and have been designed to manipulate traffic cones, handle 48-inch balls, fire dodgeballs, fling frisbees and swing from monkey bars.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: I love traveling the world. My wife and I were blessed to study in Italy while in college, and we have loved returning to Tuscany when we can. We also make regular trips back “home” to Alaska, where my family enjoys fishing and taking in the scenic beauty. I enjoy being active and try to be consistent in running, lifting weights and competing in competitive obstacle courses like the Spartan Race. I truly am at home in the educational setting. I recently completed my second master’s degree and am already looking at what possible courses I can take next. I am somewhat addicted to Duolingo as I continue to push myself to learn French and Italian.
“Robotics is a field where everyone can go pro. It’s an inspirational activity that connects students with STEM or STEM-adjacent fields. My greatest joy is seeing students inspired by robotics, pursuing academic or vocational STEM opportunities, and then returning to mentor and volunteer with the next generation of teams. I am so very proud of my son Brayden, who grew up in the FIRST® robotics community and now works as a data specialist. Being local to his original team allows him to give back as a mentor and volunteer at events like the Arkansas Regional Tournament.”
