December 2019 by 501 LIFE

2 | 501 LIFE December 2019

PROVIDING A WIDE ARRAY OF

Behavioral Health services for all ages including:

Therapy | Counseling Medication Management | ADHD and other testing

Ron Wauters, M.D. | Herman Clements II, M.D. | Greg Wooten, M.D.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(501) 203-0055 2908 Hawkins Dr. | Searcy

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

501 LIFE

EDITOR'S NOTE

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna Spears

ART DIRECTORS Jennifer Godwin and Nick Walker ASSOCIATE EDITOR Levi Gilbert PHOTO DIRECTOR Mike Kemp

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tom Keith CONTRIBUTORS Donna Benton Don Bingham Kellie Bishop Adam Bledsoe Tanner Cangelosi Brittany Gilbert Laurie Green Linda Henderson Vivian Hogue Karl Lenser Mark McDonald Mark Oliver

Veterans Beverly Richardson (from left) of Danville, Va., Silas Taylor of Deport, Texas, Verne Williamson of East of Danville and Mike Paladino of Center Ridge (Conway County) were “Loving LIFE.”

‘Loving LIFE’ and our veterans November and December are often times when we stop to reflect on those things for which we are most grateful. At 501 LIFE, we are very appreciative of the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. military. We do our best to honor them with feature stories and by covering events where they are recognized. Earlene Paladino brought the above photo to our office, and it warmed our heart. The four men pictured are Beverly Richardson of Danville, Va., Silas Taylor of Deport, Texas, Verne Williamson of East of Danville and Mike Paladino of Center Ridge (Conway County). The four were total strangers when they met in Fort Knox, Ky., in May 1959 for Basic Training. All were in artillery units in their hometowns. After Basic Training, all four men were stationed at Fort Sill, Okla., for artillery survey training. While there, Paladino celebrated his 21st birthday with a cake that his mother sent. The men went to Taylor’s house (as he was the only one married) and had a party for him. On Sept. 27, 2019, the four friends met in Danville. At the Mayflower, a great seafood restaurant, they celebrated Paladino’s 81st birthday and their 60th anniversary of being friends. They have kept in touch with each other over these 60 years. The men were “Loving LIFE” together and took a photo to share with readers.

4 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Taylor’s wife, Juanita, and Earlene and Richardson’s friend, Vernell, celebrated with them. On Sept 29, the Paladinos, Taylors and Williamson went to Top Sail Beach, N.C., to spend a week together. “We went to a great seafood place to celebrate his birthday again,” said Earlene. “Word got out it was his birthday. Everyone waiting to get seated sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.” What a wonderful story of military service and friendship. We are so happy Earlene and Mike took 501 LIFE along for this very special occasion. We salute these men and our U.S. military! We are truly thankful for your service.

MERRY CHRISTMAS It’s that wonderful time of the year when we deck the halls, indulge in delicious food and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends. This issue features some great articles related to the holiday season that we hope readers find helpful. Throughout the holidays and the year, we are mindful at 501 LIFE of the many blessings that we have enjoyed since we embarked on this incredible venture. There are great communities in Central Arkansas that we are proud to serve. We have supportive advertisers and editorial boards as well as a talented team of writers, photographers and designers. We are truly thankful! As we wish you and yours the best of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, here’s to “Loving LIFE!”

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

FAULKNER COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Johnny Adams Jack Bell Don Bingham RaeLynn Callaway Glenn Crockett Kay Dalton Beth Franks Russ Hancock Spencer Hawks Mathilda Hatfield Roe Henderson Jerry Hiegel Mike Kemp

Julie LaRue Karl Lenser Lori Melton Kiera Oluokun Deanna Ott Pat Otto Jon Patrom Amy Reed Lori Ross Margaret Smith Jan Spann Kim Tyler Jennifer Whitehead

CONWAY COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen Alisha Koonce

Stephanie Lipsmeyer Stewart Nelson Kristi Strain Jim Taylor Morgan Zimmerman

WHITE COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Betsy Bailey Tara Cathey Cassandra Feltrop Phil Hays Natalie Horton Matt LaForce

Hannah Owens Mike Parsons Brooke Pryor Carol Spears Kristi Thurmon

To subscribe or order back issues, visit www.501lifemag.com. The subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues). 501 Advertising and Publishing 701 Chestnut St. Conway, Ark. 72032 501.327.1501 info@501lifemag.com 501 LIFE is published monthly by 501 Advertising and Publishing (701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032, 501.327.1501). The contents of 501 LIFE are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE. 501 LIFE is produced on recycled paper.

CONTENTS

December 2019 Volume 12 Issue 8

features&departments

40 Faith

The Barnabas Project “brings joy to the world.”

On the cover

501 LIFE would like to wish Central Arkansas – our readers, advertisers, editorial board members and our talented team of contributors – a Merry Christmas! (Jeremy Higginbotham design)

46 Entertaining

At Bingham’s Candy Store, kids eat free!

62 Sports

The Soaring Wings Half Marathon/10K recently ended after 12 years of bringing runners and walkers together for a common cause.

76 Travel

The Old State House Museum is one of the most famous buildings in the state and at Christmas time, the curators dress her up in splendid holiday décor.

neighbors 26 Couples

Suzan and Mike Miller are loving life in Conway County, where they like the quality of life everyone can enjoy.

28 Conway

Jim Wiltgen has a unique way of celebrating Christmas while also helping local charities.

82 Person of the month

Lisa Willenberg is the new chancellor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

501 Basketball Team

regulars 4 8-9 10-17 46-54 82

501 LIFE is proud to present the 2019-20 edition of its 501 Basketball Team in this month’s issue (Pages 64-68). The team boasts 41 honorees — the largest team yet — representing the best student-athletes the 501 has to offer both on and off the court.

LIFE pics 18-22 '501 KIDS' 501 LIFE contributors Kellie Bishop and Brittany Gilbert have great tips in the 501 Kids section (Pages 58-60). Have a story idea or a young person you would like to see featured? Send suggestions to info@501lifemag. com.

6 | 501 LIFE December 2019

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

501 LIFE would like to thank its advertising partners for their continued support and encourage our readers to support these businesses:

501 LIFE is you!

twitter.com /501lifemag

911 Restoration, 57 501 LIFE, 35, 79

facebook.com /501lifemag

Arkansas Community Foundation, 51 Arkansas Dermatology, 42

Bell & Company, 53 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 25 Brookdale Senior Living, 35

Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 59 Central Baptist College, 41 Conway Corporation, 29 Conway Downtown, 23 Conway Family Dental 78 Conway Institute of Music, 19 Conway Regional Health System, 67, 83

Conway Regional Rehab, 55

DJM Orthodontics, 60 Double Springs Grass Farms, 44

Get “LIFE” at home! For a limited time, 501 LIFE is offering a special subscription rate for new subscribers - have the magazine delivered to your home for only $20 for one year, $40 for two years. While the magazine is distributed through more than 700 locations in Central Arkansas, copies go fast. Home delivery ensures readers they won’t miss a single issue. Readers can visit 501lifemag.com or call 501.327.1501 to subscribe.

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

Edward Jones, 47

First Security Bank, 84 First Service Bank, 13 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Inc., 27

Writers’ Room

Hartman Animal Hospital, 81 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 73 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 57

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe, 75

MSC Eye Associates, 61 Methodist Family Health, 63

Ott Insurance, 43

Patterson Eye Care, 75

Renewal Ranch, 34

Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 71 Shelter Insurance, 61 Sissy’s Log Cabin, 21 St. Joseph Schools, 33 Superior Nursing & Rehab, 2

The Bridgeway Hospital, 75

UCA Reynolds Performance Hall, 37 Unity Health, 3 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 68 University of Central Arkansas, 31

Wilkinson’s Mall, 33 Woodland Heights Baptist Church, 39

Vivian Lawson Hogue is among the rare “native” segment of pre-mid-20th century Conway residents still living where she was born in 1943. A graduate of Conway High School, Vivian attended Hendrix College for two years and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor of science in education degree in art education. Vivian writes a regular column for 501 LIFE, oftentimes with an historical perspective. “Writing just slipped into my life by a happy accident.” To contact Vivian, email vhogue@ conwaycorp.net.

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

A resident of Central Arkansas most of her life, Linda Hoggard Henderson shares her love of photography and traveling Arkansas each month with 501 LIFE readers. “I enjoy most our small town life in the 501, but we are close to Little Rock and our state parks,” she said. “Also, most of my family and friends live in the 501.” In addition to photography, Linda enjoys traveling backroads and blue line highways, and cooking. “I enjoy eating at every dive, drive-in and every mom and pop restaurant in the 501.” A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, Linda retired from the Conway Human Development Center, where she grew up. She and her husband, Jim, have a son, John Mark, and daughter-in-law, Jenni Henderson. Other family include her dad and mom, Tommy and Peggy Hoggard, and Jim’s parents, Jack and Joanne Henderson. To contact Linda, email lindahenderson@conwaycorp.net or follow her on Facebook (Linda Hoggard Henderson) and Instagram (lindahenderson).

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 7

NEWS/NOTES

Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway will present “A Keyboard Christmas” at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The free event will feature music from the Woodland Heights worship and handbell choirs as well as seasonal music from five grand pianos. For more information, call 501.329.0001 or visit whbcconway.org/a-keyboard-christmas.

December S

10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A variety of events and activities are planned in November and December during the Searcy Holiday of Lights, including a downtown lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 in Berryhill Park. For more information, visit searcy.com/holidayoflights. Woolly Hollow State Park will observe “Green Friday” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. Go on a hike, have a picnic in the park or simply enjoy the scenery. Nature programming will be available throughout the day. Contact the park for a detailed schedule or visit arkansasstateparks.com/ woollyhollow/. Santa Claus will be at Sissy’s Log Cabin at 820 Elsinger Blvd. in Conway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Guests are invited to have their picture taken with Santa Claus and enjoy refreshments in the Conway store. For more information, call 501.273.0066. The Light Up the Bay holiday celebration will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce. It will include a tree lighting, Santa photos, music, refreshments and buckboard rides with Clydesdales. The Festival of Trees will continue through Saturday, Dec. 14. For more information, go to visitfairfieldbay.com/festival. Conway Regional Health System will host its Annual 8 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Tribute Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec 5. The Tribute Tree will be located near the east entrance to the medical center. Supporters can purchase lights and ornaments for the tree in honor or memory of friends and family, and the event is open to the public. Tribute Tree contributes to the community by helping fund scholarships for area students who dream of working in the health care field. The tree lighting includes refreshments, an opportunity to visit with Santa and a treat for kids. For details, contact the Conway Regional Health Foundation at 501.513.5771. The Renewal Ranch Christmas Celebration is planned 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. It will feature testimonies, live music, games and door prizes. Tickets are $75 each or $1,000 for a table of eight. The Ranch is located at 75 Lake Dr. in Houston (Perry County). For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bryce McGhee at 501.733.4263 or marketing@renewalranch.net. The Ola and John Hawks Senior Wellness Center in Conway will host its 39th Annual Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction and Bake Sale from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7. The center is located at 705 Siebenmorgen Road. Tickets — $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger — may be purchased in advance at the center or at the door. For more information, call 501.327.2895. Pioneer Village in Searcy will host its annual Christmas in the Village 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The Village will be decorated as if it was the late 1800s. There will be live greenery, building tours with living history docents in period costumes, knitted stockings hanging from the mantel, farm animals, live music and carolers, pioneer crafters, visits from Santa and Ms. Claus, hot cider with sugar cookies and more. The event is free and donations are accepted. For more information, call 501.580.6633. The 37th Annual Women for Harding Searcy Tour of Homes will be held 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are $20 in advance at Hardingtickets.com and $25 the day of the tour. Tickets are also available

at Artistic Flowers and Gifts, The Bees Knees, The Boutique, Carren’s Flowers and Gifts, First Security Bank in Searcy, Siloe and the alumni office at Harding University. For more information, call 501.279.4276. The Conway Men’s Chorus will present its 22nd annual Christmas Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with free admission and parking. To help celebrate the holiday season, musical selections by the 50-plus voice volunteer group will include new and familiar favorites of the season as well as its traditional audience sing-along. The chorus is under the musical direction of Jordan Bennett with Paul Bradley on the piano. Antioch Baptist Church in Conway will take visitors back in time to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the town where Jesus was born during this year’s Bethlehem Revisited scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 11, through Friday, Dec. 13. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. The event will be complete with Roman guards, animals, shops, toys, storytelling and a live nativity. Free admission and cookies, hot chocolate and coffee are provided. For information, contact Brian Gunnels at brian@antiochconway.com. Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas will present “The Gatlin Brothers Country and Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin will perform some of their favorite hits and holiday tunes. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the UCA box office at 501.450.3265 or visit uca.edu/reynolds. The concert is sponsored by 501 LIFE.

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

NEWS

CHRISTMAS PARADES Christmas parades are plentiful in the 501 throughout December: Greenbrier: “Christmas in Toyland” is the theme for this year’s parade, planned 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. For more information, visit greenbrierchamber.org. Morrilton: “12 Days of Christmas” is this year’s theme and the parade is planned at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. For more information, email Rhonda. trowbridge@hotmail.com. Searcy: The Searcy Holiday of Lights Christmas Parade is planned 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, call 501.279.1032.

Vilonia: This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” The parade is planned at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, visit cityofvilonia.net or call 501.796.2534. Jacksonville: The parade is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, call 501.982.4171 or visit cityofjacksonville.net. Cabot: “A Storybook Christmas” is this year’s theme for the parade, planned at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, call 501.920.2122 or email cabotbeautiful@yahoo.com. Conway: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. “A Seussical Christmas” is the theme. For more information, visit the Conway AR Christmas Parade page on Facebook.

Conway orchestra plans ‘a show like none other’

Main Stage benefit set December 8 The University of Central Arkansas Reynolds Main Stage program will present a benefit performance of “Lightwire Theatre – A Very Electric Christmas” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The show features the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole, his adventure begins. Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias light up the stage. Combining the arts of puppetry, theatre and dance, this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope is set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. Lightwire Theatre is internationally recognized for its electroluminescent artistry and poignant story-telling that is performed in complete darkness. For more information and to order tickets, visit uca. edu/reynolds.

The Conway Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Israel Getzov, will present “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. “This year, the CSO is presenting a show like none other – a show that uniquely incorporates the old and the new,” said Getzov. “Enjoy Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’ and Tchaikovsky’s imaginative Nutcracker Ballet featuring the Arkansas Festival Ballet. Our talented Conway musicians will also perform selections from the powerful Trans-Siberian Orchestra with all of the lights, lasers and in-your-face guitar solos you could imagine. You surely will not want to miss this show!” For more information and to order tickets, visit conwaysymphony.org. Children can enjoy Nutcracker Sweets, presented by the Conway Symphony Guild, prior to the performance. The special pre-concert event is $5 for children and free for accompanying adults. It includes treats and Christmas craft activities as well as an opportunity to meet the Arkansas Festival Ballet dancers and CSO conductor. Nutcracker Sweets will be held in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at 6 p.m. For more information, contact CSO Guild President Beverly Freiley at bevfreiley@aol.com or 501.908.9855. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 9

LOVING LIFE

Sharing the 501 LIFE spirit

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

Representatives of ERA TEAM Real Estate were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? as they presented proceeds from the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pasta for A Purpose fundraiser to Harbor Home: Jim Houston (from left), David Patty, Lori Stephens, Tracy Tidwell, Kathy Nickles, Dana Ward (Harbor Home), Kelli Small, Mark Tidwell, Allie Poppe, Janita King and Tarren Pettigrew.

Representatives of ERA TEAM Real Estate were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? as they presented proceeds from the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pasta for A Purpose fundraiser to Renewal Ranch: Lori Stephens, Janita King, Allie Poppe, James Loy (Renewal Ranch), David Patty, Jim Houston, Tarren Pettigrew, Tracy Tidwell, Kelli Small, Mark Tidwell and Kathy Nickles.

Members of WINGS (Widowed In God's Service) at Robinson and Center Church of Christ in Conway took 501 LIFE along on a visit to the Old Mill in North Little Rock.

10 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Jessica and 3-year-old Morrigan Kay Williams of Vilonia took 501 LIFE along as a group met at the HPER Center at the University of Central Arkansas to attempt to break a world record for the longest line of moving wheelchairs. Morrigan was diagnosed with Rett syndrome.

Six sets of twins in the Class of 2020 at Perryville High School were “Loving LIFE” on Homecoming Day: Will (from left) and Allie Crowder, Monte and Macey West, Landon and Ashlyn Drennan, Saul and Seth Robison, Kaitlyn and Shane Hester, and Reid and Ryan Standridge.

Members of the Conway High School Class of 1974 were Loving Life during their 45th class reunion held Sept. 28 at Centennial Valley Country Club. A buffet dinner was served and entertainment was provided by All About Entertainment. Classmates also attended the Wampus Cat football game on Sept. 27 at John McConnell Stadium.

The Vilonia High School Homecoming Court was “Loving LIFE”: seniors Heidi K Aldridge (front, from left), Makenzie Loyd, Madelyn English; freshman Carly Eary (back), sophomore Chloe Lane, juniors Hannah Neely and Evy McKissack, sophomore Elise Trautman and freshman Rylen Fraser. Madelyn English was crowned queen.

Libby Stutts from Heber Springs was "Loving LIFE" after signing a letter of intent to play basketball for Lyon College in Batesville. Her parents are Jared Stutts and Brandi Farmer. Libby will study biology to pursue a dental career. She has played basketball since first grade and is a point guard for the Heber Springs Lady Panthers. Libby is a member of this year’s 501 Basketball Team.

St. Joseph School's 2019 Homecoming Court was “Loving LIFE”: Senior Maid Erika Gonzalez (front, from left), Beauty Queen Emily Briggler, Homecoming Queen Gracie Keathley, Senior Maid of Honor Abbie Flake; Freshman Maid Chloe Skinner (back), Junior Maid Shannon Trantina and Sophomore Maid Presley Harmon. The court was voted on by the ninth through 12th grade student body. The homecoming game will be played at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, against Rose Bud. The court will be presented prior to the game at 5:30 p.m., and each girl will be escorted by her father. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and family traditions by fifth-grader Brylee Hammett

Have you ever wondered if your family has a tradition? My family, before Christmas, bakes cookies. Our tradition is called Cookie Day. My grandmother and my greatgrandmother started Cookie Day years ago. My grandmother has carried on the tradition since the passing of my great-grandmother. Granma Dorothy created Cookie Day in 1966 when my grandmother was 3. The main order that we do things is eat first. We usually have ham, beans, mac and cheese, green beans and rolls. Second, we go into the garage and ice our cookies. We have different shapes and sizes for our cookies. Finally, we go inside to unwrap small gifts. Sometimes we have candy or gift cards.

At Christmas in 2016, we celebrated 50 years of Cookie Day with five generations of my family. Maybe your family has a tradition that you can write about someday.

OUR CHRISTMAS COOKIES 1 cup margarine 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup Karo syrup (light or dark) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 egg 4 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt Beat first five ingredients with mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in flour and salt. Chill at least one hour. Roll out and cut in desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes or until lightly brown. Remove and cool on wire racks.

Younger family members were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? with Santa at Cookie Day.

The Maxwell-Plumlee Family has enjoyed Cookie Day as part of its Christmas festivities for more than 50 years. Dorothy Maxwell created the family tradition with her two granddaughters, Donna Plumlee Starr and Carol Plumlee Kyle. 12 | 501 LIFE December 2019

WE ARE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US.

We are... CONWAY | 501.932.5050 | CONWAY SOUTH | 501-932-9700 CLINTON | 501.745.7200 | GREENBRIER | 501.679.7300 | LITTLE ROCK | 501.801.7402

LOVING LIFE

John and Beverly Welch were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at Perdido Key, Fla.

Carla and Keith Rains took 501 LIFE along to Jamaica visiting their daughter and family, including granddaughters Mallory and Tess.

Sue and Joe Dablock were "Loving LIFE" at the Atlantic Ocean at New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? on their senior trip on a Carnival Cruise: Nick Scherrey (from left), Tyler Williams, Bennett Ellis, Jessie Dather, Jevin Callaway, Jacob Bowman and Brandon Shaw.

Melissa Vidal and her daughters Destiny and Emily (holding magazine) were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? in Jamaica. Teachers from Marguerite Vann Elementary in Conway went to Orange Beach for a few days to celebrate the end of the school year: Tammie McClurkin (from left), Amy Boles, Heather Leavell, Mandi Townsend, Jackye Wilder, Jana Hedgecock, Lyndsee Burleson, Ella Cardin, Monica Garcia and Hannah Webb. 14 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Lifetime besties were “Loving LIFE” on a cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska: Johnnie Cook (from left), Debie Keathley, Pam Daves and Stacy Berry.

Raquel, Robert and Noah (middle) Dykes were “Loving LIFE” in San Antonio at the Alamo and didn't forget to pack their 501 magazine!

Members of the Thompson family were “Loving LIFE” at a May reunion at The Pointe Royale Golf Resort in Branson, Mo. Sixty-one relatives (the "Granny Brown Gang") from five states attended the reunion.

The Lambert and Ussery families took 501 LIFE along on a trip to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.: Chuck (from left) and Kathy Lambert, and Dylan, Jeremy, Kimberly and Luke Ussery.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 15

LOVING LIFE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at the Committee of One Hundred summer luncheon at Marlsgate Plantation: Lenore Shoults, co-chair of event; Kay Hinkle, vice chair of the committee; Stacey Hurst, director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage; Catherine Shoults, co-chair of event; and Susan Kemp, committee chair.

Greenbrier Elementary P.E. Teachers were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? at the 22nd Track and Field Event last spring: (from left) Leslie VanPelt (Wooster), Heaven Winn (Eastside), Tracy Moseley (Springhill) and Josh Creel (Westside). Heaven Winn (holding the 501 magazine) was selected at Eastside Elementary as Teacher of the Year. Greenbrier Elementary Track and Field was started in 1997 by Kim Austin who was the elementary P.E. teacher at that time.

16 | 501 LIFE December 2019

The Adrenaline 12U District 10 Softball Champions were â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;?: Sarah Parish (front, from left), Haylen Wooten, Kaitlyn Collier, Hannah Parish, Alexis Lankford; Kenna Bradford (middle), Reese Prince, Lacie Duncan, Adlee Acre, Brookie Cullum; coaches Dewayne Lankford (back), Jared Parish and Shane Collier. The team went undefeated and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow any runs.

The staff at Freeman Family Medicine was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loving LIFEâ&#x20AC;? as they took a tour to write on the beams on their new building while it was under construction: Dr. William H. Freeman (front, from left), Michelle Churchill, Cheryl Blair, Ashley Fyke, Abbey Reynolds, Freda Freeman, Amanda Flippo, Rebekah Wilkins, Dr. Alex Freeman; Londa Revis (back), Casey Oberg, Michele Joseph, Amy Burton, Kayla Smith and Melissa Tyler. Not pictured: Kathy Leak, Tasha Thomas, and Cecile Madden. The building was recently completed and the clinic moved in to its new location at 600 Club Lane in West Conway.

‘Loving L I FE’ and celebrity waiters Donna Spears photos

The Greenbrier Athletic Booster Club hosted a celebrity waiter fundraiser on Oct. 26 at Mojo’s restaurant. The inaugural event featured a variety of local celebrities and raised $1,200.

BJ McMillen (front, from left), Aimee Strack; Neal Burcham (back), Steve Thrasher and Greg Oaks.

Freddie Mark Wilcox and Morgan Trent.

Greg Oaks (standing, from left), Aimee Strack and Dawne Trent.

Mattie Fulmer (from left), Shawn Moss, Dawne Trent and Aimee Strack.

Ashton Pruitt (from left), BJ McMillen and Kim Tyler. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 17

LIFE PICS

Sabra Porter (from left), Shawna Heaslet, Doris Watkins, Kim Reeves and Jacquelyn Lindsay.

Women’s council fall luncheon Sonja J. Keith photos

The importance of mind, body and spirit on individual health was the focus of a Conway Regional Women’s Council luncheon held in October at Renewal Ranch in Perry County. Donna Seal, a licensed psychotherapist and board certified Christian counselor, and Conway Regional President and CEO Matt Troup were the speakers. Sponsors were Nabholz, Bledsoe Chiropractic, Conway Behavioral Health, Michelle Phillips Certified Public Accountants, Lauren Erion Certified Public Accountant, First Security Bank and Kendra Scott. Table sponsors were Nabholz, Conway Corp, Centennial Bank, Courtney Kendrick, First Security Bank, Acxiom, Primary Care Clinic, Yanci Gibson and Diane Wolfe. The Conway Regional Women's Council is an advocacy group of the Conway Regional Health Foundation. For more information, visit conwayregional.org/about-us/womenscouncil or the women’s council page on Facebook.

Courtney Pope (from left), Kristen Piraino, Amy Heathscott and Amy Evans.

Caroline Hardin (left) and Darla Cathcart.

Amanda Horton (left) and Jennie Strange.

Heather Stanton (from left), Abbie Kent, Beth Phillips and Lori Witting.

Shina Smith (left) and Myosha Wilhite.

Penny Hickey (from left), Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, Dr. Caitlin Corona and Emily Pennington.

Cassaundra Mierke (from left), Nicole Young, Shelby Roofener and Michelle Phillips.

Mathilda Hatfield (from left), Dot Welch, Lori Ross, Donna Seal, Stefanie Vann and Courtney Kendrick.

Nicole Rappold (from left), Amelia Day and Jennifer Hillis. 18 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Give Something COOL for Christmas this year!

GIVE MUSIC LESSONS! Make This The Year You Or Your Child Learns How To Play!

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LIFE PICS Community Project of the Year/Morrilton Parks & Recreation Community Center-Splash Pad and City Pool: Terry Green (front, from left), Hanna Jones and Sawyer, Cindy Ellis, Lauren Brown; and Preston Ross (back).

Morrilton chamber banquet Todd Owens photos

The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 92nd Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Nov. 4 at Sacred Heart School. Awards were presented to several individuals and businesses: Earle Love Business Leader of the Year: Mike Miller. Citizen of the Year: Joe Sensabaugh. Youth Citizen of the Year: Victoria Lehmann (Nemo Vista), Madison Harper (Sacred Heart), Taylor Zimmerman (Wonderview) and Erika Arellano (Morrilton High School). Conway County Farm Family of the Year: Jerry and Kathy Duvall. Business Site of the Year: Crow Group. UACCM Academic All-Star: Sarah Fulmer. Education Project of the Year: Morrilton Primary School Literacy on the Road. Educator of the Year: Melynda Knapp (Morrilton Primary School). Community Project of the Year: Morrilton Parks & Recreation Community Center - Splash Pad and City Pool.

Citizen of the year: Joe Sensabaugh.

Earle Love Business Leader of the Year: Mike Miller.

Education Project of the Year/Morrilton Primary School Literacy on the Road: Bridgette Russell.

Youth Citizen of the Year/Nemo Vista: Victoria Lehmann.

Conway County Farm Family of the Year: Jerry and Kathy Duvall.

Youth Citizen of the Year/Morrilton High School: Erika Arellano.

Youth Citizen of the Year/Wonderview High School: Taylor Zimmerman.

Youth Citizen of the Year/Sacred Heart: Madison Harper.

Educator of the Year: Melynda Knapp, Morrilton Primary School.

Business Site of the Year: Crow Group/Morgan Zimmerman and Brian Rohlman.

20 | 501 LIFE December 2019

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 21

LIFE PICS

Central Baptist College gala Former Gov. Mike Huckabee was the keynote speaker Oct. 21 as Central Baptist College hosted its inaugural Scholarship Gala. CBC President Terry Kimbrow announced $510,000 had been raised to date through event sponsorships and private donations. The black tie event was held at Legacy Acres in Conway. “Central Baptist College is raising up leaders for the future that are not only academically prepared but also spiritually prepared,” said Huckabee. The theme of the event was “Shine His Light” and the entire program focused on the mission and ministry of Central Baptist College, which is “the integration of Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.” In his announcement, Kimbrow acknowledged an anonymous matching gift of $250,000, 35 table sponsors and additional individuals and businesses who made contributions toward the total. “I am truly grateful for the generosity of so many. The Central Baptist College Board of Trustees, businesses in the Conway and surrounding communities, and other individuals who are such faithful supporters of Central Baptist College all came together to make this an unforgettable night for the support of Christian Higher Education.” For more information, visit cbc.edu.

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee was the keynote speaker at CBC’s inaugural scholarship gala.

Gena (from left) and Carroll Bishop with Jenny and Elmer “B” Lindsey.

Deanie Ragland (from left), Jenny Lindsey and Lisa Morris.

Greg (from left) and Paige Mann with Kathy and Bobby Stoner.

Kellie and Jeff Harper.

Nancy and Don Bingham.

Stephanie and Glenn Crockett.

Zane and Donna Clark.

Kristy and George Roberts.

Donna and J.E. Hughes (middle) with Cliff Garrison.

22 | 501 LIFE December 2019

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 23

FEATURE

Make Me Over Winners complete journey

Vicki McCauley (left) and Tracy Martin recently completed their 501 Make Me Over journey, which culminated with the presentation of flowers from Daisy-A-Day and a cake from Julie’s Sweet Shoppe to both of them. (Mike Kemp photo) Tracy Martin and Vicki McCauley have completed all the steps in their 501 LIFE Make Me Over journey. 501 LIFE teamed up with some amazing sponsors to offer Tracy and Vicki a unique makeover experience. The two were selected from entries submitted for the contest. Sponsors were Bledsoe Chiropractic, Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, Daisy-A-Day Florist and Gifts, E.L. Clinical Esthetics, First Service Bank, Harrington and Company, Julie’s 24 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Sweet Shoppe and Rachel Deal General Dentist. “The entire experience of winning the 501 Make Me Over has been wonderful,” said Tracy. “Most recently, we met with the staff at First Service Bank. They gave us the gift of prepaid Visa cards to use on a shopping trip to purchase new outfits. The ladies there were so kind and happy for us.” “Everyone at First Service was very friendly and excited for us,” added Vicki. Tracy and Vicki shopped for

Robin Harrington applies Tracy Martin’s makeup.

their new outfits at Wilkinson’s, where they were assisted by Shantay Bobo and Amberly Connors. “We were greeted by very sweet, friendly and patient young ladies who helped us pick out our perfect outfits,” said Tracy. The final steps in the makeover featured hair and makeup with Robin Harrington and Harrington & Co. and the presentation of flowers to each of them from Daisy-A-Day and cakes from Julie’s Sweet Shoppe. Previously, Tracy and Vicki met with and received services provided by other sponsors – Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, Dr. Rachel Deal, Susan Isom at E.L. Clinical and staff at Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center. “Dr. Bledsoe fitted me for shoe inserts to help with the leveling of my hips,” said Tracy. “I received vitamins, which are very beneficial, and a massage. The massage released so much tension that my body wouldn’t have released. It was very relaxing! Everyone in the office was so nice and encouraging.” “I continue to go to Bledsoe Chiropractic, now as a client,” said Vicki. Both makeover winners were also impressed with Deal and her clinic staff. “I received X-rays, teeth cleaning and was fitted for molds for teeth whitening trays,” said Tracy. “Everyone was helpful and very friendly!” At E.L. Clinical, they received a skincare consultation and treatment. At Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, Tracy and Vicki were presented with a six-month membership. The two also met with Sarah Money, wellness coordinator and registered dietitian. “I have been enjoying my membership at

At First Service Bank: Whitney Long (from left), Janet McPhate, Vicki McCauley, Tracy Martin, Courtney Magie and Ina Standridge. (Donna Spears photo) Conway Regional so much,” said Vicki. “The fitness center has something for everyone! I never dreamed I would enjoy water aerobics and especially water Zumba.” Both Tracy and Vicki expressed their appreciation to the sponsors for the makeover experience. “I’d like to thank all who have contributed to this makeover,” said Tracy. “It truly has been fun and stretched me to things I would never do for myself.” “I’ve enjoyed absolutely everything connected

with the makeover. All the partners have been great. They’ve gone out of their way for us,” said Vicki. “I feel like I’m taking better care of myself since starting to make me over. “We ladies tend to put everybody else first. I am lucky and blessed to take part in this fantastic experience with my friend, Tracy. Seeing her as she’s pampered makes me so happy because I love her! I would encourage ladies to take care of themselves and their friends.”

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 25

HIM

Mike Miller

NEIGHBORS couples

HER

Suzan Miller

NATIVE OF: Laurel Springs, N.C.

NATIVE OF: Southern California.

EDUCATION: Glade Valley Presbyterian Prep School in North Carolina; Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. (mechanical engineer).

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: In Arkansas at Ola and Russellville.

JOB: Owner of Cooling & Applied Tech in Russellville for 20 years; owner of 10 different companies and participated in each one, all located in Central Arkansas.

JOB: First grade teacher at Oakland Heights Elementary for 15 years; Russellville Middle School, sixth grade language arts, for two years; and event planner at Point Remove Lodge in Hattieville for 12 years.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I grew up on a farm, working on equipment. I was always interested in how things worked. I studied engineering to help understand all the moving parts.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I enjoyed working with children in a very rewarding profession where you saw their little eyes light up when learning to read, write, etc. I enjoy meeting new people and working with the public.

A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY: I have been able to go home every Christmas of my life to be with my family in North Carolina.

A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY: I sold Christmas trees in Russellville for 27 years at “The Christmas Barn.” It was so fun helping kiddos or adults pick that perfect REAL tree! I enjoy putting up that special tree each year!

PARENTS: Edgar and Jean Miller of North Carolina; I had wonderful parents – both have passed, Dad at age 89 and mom at age 94.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: We make donations to the different organizations in our community and schools or make gift baskets for different events.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I participate in the chamber of commerce in the economic development and the expansion of any business in Morrilton.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I like traveling, especially to beaches or different islands with my besties…Turks & Caicos.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy the activities of maintaining and improving the property of our home at Point Remove Lodge. MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Getting together with our family. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: Life is good! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Most of the people you meet are nice and down to earth.

26 | 501 LIFE December 2019

EDUCATION: Graduated from Ola High School; Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Member of the Presbyterian church.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I enjoy mowing the lawn. MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Traveling or going with my husband to a Razorback or Clemson game; horse races. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: Treat others like you want to be treated. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501?: We are centrally located in the state! I can be in Russellville or Conway in minutes for shopping, movies or eating. The people are friendly and it’s a beautiful state that enjoys the four seasons!

Suzan and Mike Miller are loving life in Conway County. “We like the small town atmosphere of Morrilton and the quality of life everyone can enjoy here,” they said. (Mike Kemp photos)

THEM

RESIDENTS OF: Hattieville (Conway County).

HOW WE MET: We met at Suzan’s employer’s office in Russellville, when Mike was bringing a quote in. THE PROPOSAL: Not romantic. Mike said, “We’ve been dating three years, might as well get married!” WEDDING BELLS: We got married on “The Belle of Hot Springs” boat on Aug. 26, 1988. CHILDREN: We have six children: Cindy, Luke, Emily, twins Corinne and Adam, and Erin; and 12 grandchildren. PETS: Two cats, Lucy and Linda, whose name changed to Leroy after a vet visit. FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Getting together for monthly dinners; going to grandkids’ games and school activities.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 27

NEIGHBORS conway

‘Buddy’

Dean dons suit to help others by Sonja J. Keith

When Christmastime rolls around, Hendrix College’s Jim Wiltgen trades his suit and tie for a green elf costume to become Buddy from the movie “Elf.” Jim is the executive vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the Conway college. He joined the staff in 2008 and was named executive vice president five years ago. “I’m an advocate for the college to the students about expectations that the community has for them, and I’m an advocate for the students to the administration to tell the administration what the students need and what we should be supporting them on.” Originally from Sioux City, Iowa, Jim attended college at

Jim Wiltgen dresses as Buddy, a character from the movie “Elf,” to help local charities. (Mike Kemp photo)

28 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communications. He also has a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. Jim and his wife, Suzanne, have three children – John, Elena and Claudia. In 2008, during a discussion about putting together a Christmas show on campus, the idea of Jim creating Buddy was born. “It was after ‘Talladega Nights’ had come out and people had decided that I look a lot like Will Ferrell. I had a lot of students come up to me and ask me to do a quote from this movie or that movie. I loved it. It gave me a chance to connect with the students and so I’d do some quotes from some of his movies and the students would love that. “I just owned the fact I had a similar look to Will Ferrell.” A suggestion was then made to create an elf costume for Jim to re-create the role of Buddy. “I said, ‘Sure, I’ll be Buddy the elf.’” On debut night of the show, Jim remembers he was dressed like Buddy, waiting to go into the old Hulen Hall to surprise the students when he had a special encounter. “I’m standing outside in this ginormous, green outfit and I’m new to the campus…This student comes in to use the ATM and he looks up and stares at me. He goes and punches his numbers in and looks back at me, looks back at the ATM and gets his money. He looks back at me one more time and gives me a huge thumbs up and then just walks out. He didn’t say one word to me. “I thought ‘this is home.’ I went in and the

students went crazy and Buddy became a fixture in my life, I guess at that point,” he said. For several years following the debut, Jim would offer dinner with Buddy as an auction item for a fundraiser on campus. In true Buddy form, the meal would include pancakes, spaghetti, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. Jim wears the same costume that was made 12 years ago by staff member Trista Grider, who had worked at Dillard’s. “It was handmade and tailored to me,” he said. “It originally had a cardboard belt buckle and then my friend, Santa, stopped by and gave me a leather one.” While typically Buddy only makes appearances in November and December, Jim said Buddy has been seen as early as Halloween. Last year, Buddy made appearances at three events that raised more than $12,000 for local charities. “I love Conway. I’m fortunate to be a part of the schools and Kiwanis Club,” he said. “It’s a joy to live here and be a part of this community.” As the immediate past president of the Kiwanis Club of Conway, Jim points out that the group works to help youth and “Buddy fits really well into that.” For the last four or five years, Buddy has mingled at the group’s annual Pancake Days fundraiser with those waiting in line for a free photo with Santa. He helps to entertain youngsters who might be getting restless. Occasionally, he is asked to be in the photo. Buddy also enjoys participating in an auction held by the Kiwanis Club, which raises money for Christmas food boxes. In addition, Buddy was

WE KEEP EVERYTHING GOING.

a guest at the Greenbrier Christmas Parade with Santa. Last year, he helped celebrate a staff member’s birthday as Buddy. The oldest of nine children, Jim is close to his siblings. Last year, Buddy made the trip to Iowa to celebrate the holidays and had photos made with nieces and nephews. “They love Buddy, too.” Jim loves the movie “Elf” and sometimes people will ask him to quote the film, but he doesn’t remember the dialogue forward and backward as some fans can do. “My favorite is to say, ‘Santa’s here? I know him.’ And I get the excited Buddy voice. Sometimes I will say, ‘You’re an angry elf’ if someone is really sad.” Jim said he has a dream of running into Will Ferrell, who will complain that he gets mistaken for Jim Wiltgen. “I get that all the time. People come up to me, a little bit less because my hair has turned gray, but five years ago kids would stop me on the street and take pictures with me, thinking I looked like Will Ferrell. “I think actually my sense of humor mirrors what Will Ferrell has done and I’ve enjoyed that as well.” Jim is motivated to continue with Buddy because of the community service he is able to provide. He encourages others to get involved and give back to help those in need. “You won’t be sorry for doing that.” As Christmas festivities get under way, Jim will soon be donning his elf suit to spread holiday cheer and help others. “Buddy continues to be a part of my life,” said Jim. “I’ve never met anyone who didn’t have a good time with Buddy.”

Just like you.

You’re committed to being there for the people you care about, no matter what. We know the feeling. At Conway Corp, our team works tirelessly to make sure things are running smoothly – the big stuff, and all the little stuff – for everyone who calls Conway home. It’s simple, really: if our families need it, we’ve got it covered. Period.

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December 2019 501lifemag.com | 29

NEIGHBORS conway

Celebrating the season Williams enjoys cooking and singing by Kiera Oluokun

Whether you are being engaged by his wit, his cooking or his singing, Marvin Williams is bound to grab your attention in more ways than one. Cooking up signature holiday favorites, spending time with family and worshipping the birth of Christ are ways that Marvin brings in the holiday season. Marvin, a native of Osceola (Mississippi County), moved to the 501 in 1990 to attend the University of Central Arkansas. He has called it home ever since. Marvin said that the holiday season for him means worshipping and being around family. “Being a Christian, the faith is all about Jesus being born and dying for our sins, but hardly ever do you sing those types of songs that actually focus on His birth until the holidays. I like being able to pull out the hymn book and sing songs that have to do with the birth of Christ.” In 2016, Marvin recorded a Christmas album titled “Marvin Williams Celebrates the Prince of Peace.” At the time, Marvin was a worship leader at his church. He said that he thought that it would be “neat” to write Christmas songs. “One Sunday I was sitting in church during the Christmas holiday. The song ‘Prince of Peace’ — the title of the album, the lyrics just started to come to me, and I started to write them down and it turned into a song. From there, I just kept writing.” The Christmas album has a total of five songs along with poems and spoken word. His inspiration came from messages that he would hear and different ideas that he would have along the way, but mainly from the desire to write new Christmas music. Prior to the Christmas album, he recorded another album and a DVD of a performance of gospel songs called “Gospel Sing Night with Marvin Williams.” All of Marvin’s music can be found on iTunes or any digital download store. More notably, Marvin is known for his “old school gospel” songs that he performs for his Gospel Sing Nights and his Facebook followers. “That’s what I really love to do — those old school gospel songs and hymns that you don’t really hear that much of anymore.” Marvin has even turned his passion for performing gospel songs and hymns into an opportunity to give back to his community. The proceeds from Gospel Sing Nights go to a local nonprofit or ministry. This year, Marvin presented $575.10 checks to the Pine Street Backpack Program and Renewal Ranch. “I decided to bless those two local organizations with the proceeds and people were so generous with their offering. In that one night, we raised over $1,000.” Marvin only holds the sing nights once a year, but people have been encouraging him to put on more. “I thought about possibly doing a spring and a fall event, 30 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Marvin Williams, the student success coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas, enjoys singing and spending time in the kitchen. (Mike Kemp photo)

but if not, I am definitely going to make it an annual event and every year the proceeds from the offering will go to benefit some local organization.” Not only does this time of the year serve as an opportunity for Marvin to sing his favorite Christmas songs and celebrate the birth of Christ, there is also personal significance. “Honestly, I can think of one tradition that is the most special to me.” He and his wife, Pearlie, celebrate their wedding anniversary on Dec. 2. Marvin recalled the church décor during the time of his wedding as being garnished in poinsettias — a traditional holiday arrangement. “Each year, we go out on Dec. 2 and leave work on our lunch break to go to some store and purchase an anniversary ornament to put on the tree.” The couple has a book under the tree each year with a list of the ornaments that they own and which year they purchased each ornament. He hopes after 50 years of marriage that he and Pearlie can go through the book and reflect on the ornaments they have to commemorate each year. Marvin’s creative talent exceeds his voice. In 2013, Marvin made a post on Facebook about baked chicken he made for dinner and it went viral. This hit recipe was the catalyst for “Marvin Williams’ Cooking Adventures Cookbook.” Recently, Marvin posted a video of him cooking pork-fried rice and it is currently sitting at more than 400,000 views on Facebook. His page, Marvin Williams’ Cooking Adventures, has more than 60,000 followers. Marvin’s cookbook can be purchased at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Museum Store in

Little Rock and will soon be available at The Kitchen Store in Conway. The response from the cookbook has been so great, that Marvin is writing another one that will be available next fall. He refers to his recipes as a “guide” and urges his readers and followers to be creative and make the dishes their own. Below are some of Marvin’s favorite holiday recipes that he decided to share with the 501.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIE 2 1/2 cups of squash 1/2 stick of butter Sugar to taste 2 eggs 1 heap of all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder 1/2 cup of whole milk Pinch of nutmeg Splash of vanilla flavoring Deep dish pie crust Cool Whip

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Warm the 2 1/2 cups of squash in the microwave. After removing the squash from the microwave, add 1/2 stick of butter and sugar to taste and mix with a hand mixer. After mixing, add the eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, nutmeg, and vanilla flavoring into the squash mixture. Mix everything with the hand mixer until mixed thoroughly. After, take the mixture and pour it into a deep-dish pie crust to bake. Place pie in oven and bake 45-50 minutes or until it rises and sets. After, turn the broiler on low to brown the top of the

pie before removing it. After removing the pie, add cool whip and serve.

CARROT PIE

1 pound of carrots 1/2 stick of butter 1 cup of sugar 2 eggs 1 heap of all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder Pinch of nutmeg 1/2 cup of skim milk 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring 1 pie crust Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, peel and boil carrots until they are fork tender. Drain carrots and while they are hot, add butter and sugar and puree mixture in a food processor. Remove mixture from processor and add back to a bowl. Add eggs, flour, baking powder, nutmeg, skim milk and vanilla flavoring. Mix with hand mixer until smooth. Pour mixture into pie crust and bake for 45 minutes or until it rises and is slightly brown.

CRANBERRY LEMONADE

1 can of frozen cranberry cocktail concentrate 1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate 3/4 cup of sugar 2 liters of Cranberry Sprite Pour all of the ingredients together in the desired serving container. You can garnish with sprigs of lemon balm, sliced lemon and frozen cranberries.

MAKING THE WORLD YOUR CAMPUS

ducation is enriched by new places, perspectives and people. That’s why UCA offers so many study abroad possibilities. From faculty-led trips and language immersion to semester exchange and direct enrollment programs, UCA has opportunities for every student. We even offer study abroad scholarships – putting broader horizons within reach.

uca.edu

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 31

FEATURE

It’s

by Don Bingham Kevin Thomas photos

Christmas time

in the city

Most of our decorating for Christmas holidays does not include fiber optics, underground cabling, network servers and a half-million dollar machine imported from Japan — but it does in Houston, Texas. Most of us are not part of a company called UrbanFX, located in Mountain View, which produced more than 300 art-obelisks and two million points of light driven by a network-control center high in a tall building above the city. The center animated those lights all across the downtown area of Uptown Houston, the fifth largest city in the U.S., especially on and surrounding, Post Oak Boulevard. And just to complicate this scenario, the 501 area has one of the creators of such “artful environments” with creations in metal fabrications living in Wooster! Rob Gilliom makes his home in Arkansas, along with his wife, Nancy (a science teacher). Rob commutes to Mountain View, Houston and around the world! He joined the creative team at UrbanFX and has technically contributed to its immersive light and sound experiences leveraging color, movement and shapes, all driven by ingenious data networking mechanisms in the Uptown Center of Houston. The City of Houston initiated this project, under the capable and super-creative direction of Corky and Andy Baker (father and son co-owners of Urban Forge, UrbanFX and other companies). Rob joined the team to round out the technical expertise. In Mountain View, UrbanFX has a 10,000-square-foot studio to display its products, in addition to 100,000 square feet of fully operational manufacturing and warehouse facilities. The creative vision for this project was made possible through a contract with the Uptown Houston Development District. Corky, Andy, Rob and a growing and talented team made the rest history – and what a history! With millions of dollars to invest, the city began with upgrading the streets, widening the sidewalks and laying underground conduit for the fiber optic cables and data networks required to control the lights and sounds. Meanwhile,

BRIGHT continued on Page 34 32 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Houston, Texas, has enlisted the help of Mountain View-based UrbanFX to create a spectacular light display to celebrate the holidays. Rob Gilliom of Wooster is a member of the creative team at UrbanFX and has technically contributed to its immersive light and sound experiences leveraging color, movement and shapes, all driven by ingenious data networking mechanisms in the Uptown Center of Houston.

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December 2019 501lifemag.com | 33

Bright continued from Page 32 back in Arkansas, UrbanFX was constructing 300plus lighted metallic trees, 20 feet tall with 36X24 oval bases – all choreographically lighted to music from the Houston Symphony, or any other music you might prefer! In addition to the trees, thanks to UrbanFX, 1,000 four-faceted Moravian Stars, Waterford-crystal-like, adorn the district light poles like dynamically lighted ice sculptures. The opening night unveiling party for this project is to be celebrated on Thanksgiving night – with 250,000 attendees expected to enjoy the opening ceremonies. For 49 days following, millions of pedestrians and drivers will come to experience this spectacular display of magical brilliance. The evening will include worldwide dignitaries, red carpets, music, culinary extravaganzas and of course Rob, Nancy and the whole UrbanFX team! This mind-boggling project was two years in the making – with 25 trips to Houston. A dedicated “install crew” led by another UrbanFX 501 resident, Kevin Thomas, will work for weeks just to install the trees, stars and ready the infrastructure. Henry Beer and Associates of Boulder, Colo., served as the architectural designers. Did I mention the Japanese 3D Free Form Tube Bender machine is the largest one in the United States and required a crane to install this piece of equipment in the Mountain View factory? Should any of us wish to do what Rob does, it might help to have a higher discipline in applied physics, be conversant in electronic design and

34 | 501 LIFE December 2019

embedded systems, have the ability to work with all sorts of mechanical solutions, bring 30-plus years in product design and development – and, more importantly, be just lucky enough to find other world-class creative individuals to collaborate with along the way. And yet that has been Rob’s story for most of his career. Living in Wooster, Rob has traveled the world with his innovative ways of working in these areas. When it comes to budgets for this project – let’s

just say the Houston District knows how to do massive renovation projects in grand style! Arkansas is proud to claim bragging rights that UrbanFX is located in our state – and that Rob Gilliom lives in the 501! Rob said the company is developing cost-realizable productions for smaller cities – what a grand thought! Congratulations to UrbanFX and to Rob Gilliom! For more information, contact andy@urbanFX. com. Merry Christmas to Houston!

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December 2019 501lifemag.com | 35

EVENT

Nativity sets of all shapes and sizes will be on display at Grace Presbyterian Church in Conway on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Festival of the Nativities Church plans special display Grace Presbyterian Church (ECO) in Conway has a special event for those in the 501 who are looking to observe Advent, get into the real spirit of Christmas and help those less fortunate. The church will hold its fourth Festival of Nativities on the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 1, the first Sunday of Advent, the 40-day period of Christian preparation for the birth of the Christ child. The festival will include a display of Nativity sets owned by members and friends of the church. In conjunction with the festival, a chili supper will be held to benefit Bethlehem Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Empty Bowlsâ&#x20AC;? program, in which various churches provide soup meals throughout the year to raise money to support its mission to help the homeless to change their life situations and break the cycle of poverty. In the past, more than 100 nativity sets have been displayed, ranging from the very ornate to the whimsical. They represent various cultures and parts of the world. Some have been small enough to fit in the palm of a hand; others

36 | 501 LIFE December 2019

have taken up an entire table and have included not just the stable, but also the shepherds, sheep, and even the wise men and camels. There have even been one or two displays aimed at appealing especially to children, who can touch the figures. This year, Grace hopes to add participants and include some scenes that have never before been displayed except in homes. As an added treat, members of the public are invited to participate in the festival by offering to display Nativities of their own. To do so, call the church at 501.504.6899 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday in November to get information about when to bring the set to the church. The church doors will open from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1 for viewing displays, and there is no charge. The chili supper will be served from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and a donation of $5 is suggested for the meal. The church is located at 1010 Hogan Lane in Conway.

Georgia on my Mind

the music of Ray Charles

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 37

COLUMNIST

Vivian’s brothers, Marvin (left) and Larry, enjoying the snow in the winter of 1939 at their home on Bruce Street.

Alexis Reddig (left) and Megan Shapley in 2002 re-created the photo of Vivian’s brothers taken on Bruce Street in front of the same house.

Dashing through the . . . snow? It didn’t matter if, but it did matter when. There was usually snow in winter in our town, maybe a little, maybe a lot. Whatever or whenever we received it was a joyous occasion. I used to smirk when my parents told me of their early 1900s childhoods in northeast Arkansas and their miles to walk to school or church regardless of extremes of weather. Then when I was old enough to grasp disVivian Lawson tances and circumstances, I saw the stories were likely true. They Hogue told me of wrapping bricks, hot A native of Conway, Vivian from the fireplace, in cloth and Lawson Hogue graduated from the University of Central putting them in the floor of Arkansas with a degree in art their wagon or carriage to keep education. A retired teacher, she their feet warm for longer trips. worked in the Conway School District for 23 years. She can be One-room schools had reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. potbellied iron stoves that voranet. ciously consumed firewood to warm students and teachers who nevertheless wore wooly clothing. But teach and learn they did, including patriotic literature, the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, morals and principles, reading, spelling, cursive writing, arithmetic, geography and history. High schoolers learned Latin. I’m not sure our students today could tolerate daily study while shivering or writing on slate tablets with scratchy slate pencils, but for them, learning was essential and expected. If ponds were frozen and no chores waited at home after school, they would skate on ponds in their shoes. In our town and county, we often had two good snows and occasional flurries in between. We liked those too as maybe the promise wasn’t there, but the possibility was. When the very cold weather arrived, usually by the end of October, the mittens, caps and coats were dug from the bottom of the closet. Cloth gloves didn’t keep hands warm for long in a snowball fight, but “galoshes” (rubber boots) protected the feet from cold slush or ice. Today snow-lovers keep scanning the sky for tell-tale solid gray horizons. “Maybe this year,” they say. Newcomers 38 | 501 LIFE December 2019

and youngsters don’t believe those of us who can corroborate that we did once have snows. But we can vouch for the 1950s four-year drought that was followed by many snowy years. We have pictures to prove it! I have a few favorite photos. One is a black-and-white of my younger brother and me thoroughly bundled up and standing amongst an early growth of yellow narcissus. Snow is all around us from the day before. And it is Easter. Another is one of the most creative projects I’ve seen. I have a 1939 photo of two of my three oldest brothers before the fourth brother and I came along. The family was living in a rental home on Bruce Street. The boys, who appear to be about ages 11 and 9, are enjoying a recent snowfall. They are in stances indicating they are ready to throw snowballs at the photographer. Several years ago, I was made aware of a family living in the same home and the picture was made available to them. In 2002, the mother, her young daughter and her friend decided to stage a black-and-white photo of the girls in the same positions as my brothers. I was amazed and still treasure those connected images, made about 63 years apart. My own children’s picture made in our yard with a delightful snowman is one of my favorites. One made with their dad pulling them in a sled is now called a “Dr. Zhivago scene.” Who would think that snow can bring back so many associations that remind us of good times remembered? The January snowfall records for Arkansas from the National Weather Service offer a small sampling of encouragement to Central Arkansas. The records actually reach back to the 1800s, but we can have hope in these: 1960 - heavy snow statewide; 1970 - 1-3 inches; 1979 – 2 inches; 1987 – 1 to 4 inches; 1988 – 10 to 15 inches!; 1997 – heavy snow; 2010 – 5 inches; May 2013 - latest month for measurable snow since the 1800s. I recently heard that someone sliced open numerous persimmon seeds and found each to have a spoon shape inside indicating shoveling weather to come. Whether it’s the persimmon seeds or the wide, black band on a woolly worm, surely one or both will be right. “Hope springs eternal...,” the poet Alexander Pope once wrote, but faith says, “Get the shovel!”

Vivian’s daughter, Amy, enjoying a Conway snow in the early 1980s.

Vivian and her brother, Noel, on an Easter Sunday.

FAITH

The reason for the season(s) In the Christian and Hebrew Bibles, there is a passage that a lot of people know: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; Mark McDonald A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from Mark McDonald, a Methodist embracing; minister, has served churches in A time to seek, and a time to lose; Northwest Arkansas, Booneville, Jacksonville and Conway. His A time to keep, and a time to cast away; family settled in Faulkner County A time to rend, and a time to sew; in the 1840s. He attended A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Hendrix College, where he serves as a trustee. He and his wife have A time to love, and a time to hate; six children all living in Central A time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes Arkansas. 3:1-8) As we move through the holidays – whether that is Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or New Year’s Eve – the holidays add a lot of stress and

busyness to our lives. We have extra bills, extra food, extra people and (seemingly) less time! Yet, this passage reminds us that these things are temporary. The rest of this chapter challenges us to realize that we live moment to moment, but God lives eternally. We can choose to see life as meaningless or pointless, and wander around looking for meaning. Or, we can choose to take pleasure in the tasks that we have at the moment, trusting that God knows what is happening, and God will take care of us no matter what challenge that the world may bring. In the Christian tradition, Paul wrote a letter to the early church and said it another way: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to God’s purpose … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:28, 37-39, NIV) As we move through the busyness of the holidays, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The challenge for people of faith is to know that there truly is a “reason” for the season. It is to focus on the present knowing that God is with us, no matter what the outcome. God is our deliverer. God loves us just as we are, and nothing can change that. Living in that love makes even the hardest of holidays a temporary challenge, because our hope is in the eternal love of God. The reason for the season, then, is that we can love others as God loves us!

FAITH

Members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church participating in a program known as the Barnabas Project were “Loving LIFE” while serving at Renewal Ranch. (Hawk Hays photos)

In service

Barnabas Project ‘brings joy to the world’ by Don Bingham

In this season of giving thanks for all things and celebrating the Christmas holidays, Renewal Ranch had a surprise visit that exemplified the delight found in serving and giving to others. The gifting came from Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Southwest Little Rock…and what a gift it was! The church has just completed its fifth year of the program known as the Barnabas Project – a churchwide initiative for volunteers from the church family to help others through service for organizations such as area churches, non-profits and schools. The various service projects are painting, light construction, cleaning/organizing, minor repair work and landscaping/beautification. Among the recipients of this year’s Barnabas Project were Davis Elementary, Bryant High School, Otter Creek Elementary, Chicot 40 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Elementary, Mabelvale Elementary, City of Refuge Church, New Faith Church, Doxa Arts Academy, Alexander Community Center, Second Chance Youth Ranch, Breath of Life Pregnancy Center and Renewal Ranch. “We do not want to be just another church in our area; we want to come alongside those around us who need additional resources, manpower and encouragement,” said Associate Pastor Jason Miller. There were 500 people serving in the 30 different projects, all volunteers from this local Little Rock church. The 2019 Barnabas Project had 600 volunteers from the church to accomplish this endeavor! On a warm Sunday afternoon, a team of 19 men, women and young people from the Barnabas Project, with Paige Shepherd as the team leader, descended on the newly-built Restoration Center at Renewal Ranch in Perry County. Their mission had been meticulously

thought through, and they came “on a mission” to clean and organize three large storage areas – shelving, storing, hanging, moving, getting rid of unusable collected items – and this was just the beginning. Paige’s background and passion is in organizing homes and businesses, and event planning – what better team leader to approach this larger-than-life charge! The team, with help from some of the Renewal Ranch residents, staff leadership and volunteers, was able to completely organize the table and chair storage area; label, hang and shelve all the sound equipment for the 500-seat capacity auditorium; and establish a seasonal décor room on the second floor for all production items, Christmas decorations and much “wonderment” that will be used in the future. A 14-foot pull trailer was filled with items to be hauled away, and everything was labeled, stacked and properly stored. As if this was not enough, the team

obvious the Church and the Ranch had the same philosophy in serving the community. The Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Barnabas Project will be seen and appreciated for years to come for this amazing service in the hearts and lives of many Arkansans, including Renewal Ranch. The pastor’s wife, Louanne Hughey, was among this team that came to Conway. The pastor, Dave Hughey, and the entire church are supporters of the Ranch effort and have served the mission of the Ranch of “Restoring Lives through Christ” for many years. To Paige Shepherd, a former staff member of the church and now owner of Shepherd Organizing Solutions, and to Geyer Springs Baptist Church of Little Rock, this was an amazing example of not just the holiday spirit, but of the joy and delight of serving others, of giving back to the community and of bringing more joy to our world!

Church members cleaned out and organized several areas in the Restoration Center at Renewal Ranch. also brought complete bedding, pillows, rugs and lamps for the newly-constructed 22 additional bedrooms for the expansion of the Renewal Ranch ministry. Geyer Springs First Baptist Church takes an offering during one of its services; this offering is above the normal tithes and offerings for the church, and the proceeds are used to purchase materials used in many of the 30 projects done by various teams. This offering made possible the bedding and supplies for the resident rooms, as well as plastic tubs for storage, heavy-duty storage racks for 75 tables and 350 chairs, and various hooks and mechanisms for hanging items in the storage areas. When Renewal Ranch Executive Director James Loy was first approached by the church with the potential of the Ranch being a recipient of this project – it was

Church member Paige Shepherd and James Loy, Renewal Ranch executive director, in one of the new resident rooms.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 41

COLUMNIST

Santa and Baby Jesus Oh, I’m nervous about this one. Please know I do not intend any disrespect or blasphemy during this expression of my observations. This article is the result of all my experiences surrounding Christmas. Now that that’s out of the way, break out the Pentatonix Christmas albums! Adam I LOVE Christmas, Bledsoe for many reasons. I grew up in a “typical” Originally from Northeast Ohio, Adam Bledsoe moved to Arkansas family who enjoyed the in 2000 to attend Harding American model of what University after active duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He is Christmas looks like… married to Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, decorated tree, wrapped and they have two children, Audrey (10) and Hunter (6), who presents, special family attend Wooster Elementary. gatherings, etc. What I Adam is newly employed by THV11 as a feature reporter, didn’t grow up with was focusing on a variety of feel-good a spiritual observation community related stories. of Christmas. Another disclaimer: I will never intentionally disrespect anything my family believes, nor other opinions of many different religious beliefs. Since that’s out of the way, again, time to crank up Home Free Christmas albums. We believed in the “Santa Christmas.” The mornings of Dec. 25 were full of fun and excitement at our house on Biggs Road in LaGrange, Ohio. My older brother and I couldn’t WAIT to see what Santa brought through the night. Seemed like my brother always got more, but I know that’s not true. My mom was the best on Christmas. She was a great cook, and just knew how to make things extremely

42 | 501 LIFE December 2019

fun and special for us. Christmas was great at the Bledsoe house! The interesting flip side to the story is I grew up in a religious environment that did not celebrate Christmas as Christians. The beliefs impressed upon me were that Christmas was a pagan (man-made) holiday and was not biblically accurate to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25 or any other day. Furthermore, it had also been impressed upon me the birth of Jesus was not what we were to celebrate. His death and resurrection was the most important thing to recognize. So, Christmas could be on a Sunday, and not one word was mentioned about Christmas in that church building. Interesting thing was I KNEW all the families who attended that

church celebrated Christmas the way we did. I never understood it. Present day, my attitude regarding Christmas is more than just passing gifts on Dec. 25 and enjoying special gatherings, parties and feeding your face with everything under the sun. Christmas is the totality of our existence. I love the fact Christmas brings family and friends together to fellowship, when most of the time we’re just too busy for these times. I love the fact I get to see so much joy on my kids’ faces by seeing that Santa came. By the way, the 11-year-old is struggling with Santa... I simply stated the day she stopped believing in Santa was the last time she’d receive anything from him. She understood. Christmas is also about recognizing the birth of my Savior who many years later died and rose from the grave. I’m not too concerned what the exact day was. In my opinion, that’s a moot point. I’m sure there may be biblical scholars who would love to debate me on this, and believe me I’ve done plenty of research on different opinions about this topic. I appreciate your opinion. Stand by that and rock it out, but I'm not interested in the debate. What I’m saying is I will celebrate the life I’ve been given and understand none of this is possible without the glory of God, and his son, Jesus, who was in fact born… one day during the year. Santa is great, and everything that comes with the “pagan holiday.” As a family, we will enjoy Santa AND the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Oh yeah, I LOVE Christmas music. Check out any Christmas songs performed by David Phelps. His range is unbelievable. This article isn’t inspirational and borders with controversial, which is out of character for me. It was on my heart, and I hope you can appreciate it. I hope you and your family have the best Christmas of your life! See you in 2020! I love you.

Autism awareness

FEATURE

UCA students work on disability support Photos and story by Daniel Adams

Autism is a disability that affects youth nationwide. According to the CDC, 1 in 59 people have some form of autism and there is an increased chance of autism in boys, with the rate being four times greater. At the University of Central Arkansas, an organization has formed that looks to help disabled students. The Autism and Neurodiversity Alliance (ANA), formerlyStudents who Advocate for People (SWAP), was created by students of Professor Cindy Lea and has been active for the past year. Lea, the coordinator of leadership and engagement for the Honors College, was inspired after attending a conference presented by the National Autism Network in Vermont. Its mission is to spread the word about Autistic students in colleges and help give them a voice. The idea for a group came to her after being in a session led by John Sheehan, an accommodations specialist at Purdue University. It was this session that made her think a support group for neuro-diverse students would be beneficial for UCA. “We are seeing more and more students with disabilities who have been successful with accommodations in K-12 starting college,” Lea said. “[As a result], faculty members do not always have training to understand the disability and know how to help their students.” While she’s helped keep the group afloat, it’s the students that have been leading the efforts. “Being a student group, you have some students who are totally new to the group and some who have been around since the beginning. I try to let students set their agenda and I try to just support them and make sure the day-to-day things get done.” Thanks to fundraising efforts, a disability sensory room was created in Room 28 of the Old Main building at UCA. With its calm environment, it’s meant to help students with autism, Asperger’s and other mental disabilities to have a place to settle down amidst the chaotic nature of college. Lea said that the students are looking to potentially add a swing chair and/or a bookshelf with information about autism and other neurological disabilities. The fundraiser from earlier in the spring was aimed at raising funds toward buying a swing chair, five pair of noise-cancelling headphones and two weighted blankets. Aaron Conrad, a freshman with the UCA Honors College, first heard about the program from Lea at an Honors retreat before the semester started. Conrad is diagnosed with Asperger’s, one of the disorders classified in the autism spectrum. When

UCA Professor Cindy Lea in the new disability sensory room on campus. he heard that a group on campus was advocating for neuro-diverse people, Conrad knew he wanted to be involved. “I think the low-sensory lounge is a great place that has a lot of aids for most sensory needs,” Conrad said. “I honestly haven’t spent a ton of time there but overall the room is a great, quiet place to go!” The room has been received extremely well by other students. There are no exact numbers available, but the commodities have been used by several students over the past few months. For those interested in supporting the group’s efforts, Lea would prefer direct cash donations be made after the group is approved to be an RSO (Recognized Student Organization) on campus. While Disability Services will continue to provide support on campus for students who require it, ANA members hope to help students in a relaxed manner and show that people still care about each other, regardless of what disabilities they may have. For more information about ANA, please contact Lea at CLea@uca.edu.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 43

1 HEALTH

Don’t let the holidays control you by Taryn Brown

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are almost here! This means family gatherings, holiday baking, attending parties and spending time with loved ones is ahead. However, for many this is not always the reality of the holidays. Instead, the holiday season can cause more stress than cheer, and looks like lastminute shopping trips, juggling holiday parties, experiencing low funds and feeling lonely. This is normal for many, if not most, but it does not have to be how the holidays are spent. All that stress can take a toll on mental health. Instead of trying to get through it and cope, Unity Health – Clarity and Wellness Psychiatrist Dr. Herman Clements suggests several ways to enjoy this holiday season.

Stay on budget “Have a realistic understanding of what finances are,” Clements said. Decide how much you can afford to spend, and stick to it. Break it down and try spending the same amount on each person or make a gift. Also, look for free holiday activities like Christmas church services, watching Christmas movies or looking at Christmas lights. “Remember, giving gifts during the holiday season is just one way of expressing one’s affection for another,” Clements said.

Feeling lonely The holidays can be difficult when a loved one has passed away recently, if it is the first holiday without someone significant or a divorce has recently happened. Clements suggests finding a group of friends who lift you up and provide emotional health. Try to resist the urge to say no, isolating yourself from the holiday festivities. Allow yourself some time to grieve, but also allow time to enjoy celebrations with others who encourage you.

Plan ahead Planning saves loads of time, especially during the holiday season. If you have multiple events to attend, pick the ones you do not want to miss and put them on the calendar first. “Managing the stress of shopping and planning dinners is crucial to avoid increased stress or depression during the holidays,” Clements said. Pick a day or days, and check Christmas shopping off your list. Decide on menus ahead of time if Christmas dinner is at your house this year. This makes last-minute headaches a thing of the past.

Make time for yourself If you need to step back and hand the reins over to someone else for a moment, do it. Read 44 | 501 LIFE December 2019

a book, listen to your favorite podcast, take a walk or enjoy a cup of hot cider by yourself. This will allow you to regroup and restart your mind. “Making time to rejuvenate Unity Health – Clarity and Wellness and to spend Psychiatrist Dr. Herman Clements offers tips on managing the holidays. time with yourself and loved ones is of primary importance,” Clements said.

Keep up healthy habits Just because the most wonderful time of the year is here, that does not mean it does wonderful things to your diet. The holidays are filled with

sweet treats and savory snacks. Clements says to remember moderation. Overeating and excessive drinking can contribute to feeling stress and guilt. Continue to incorporate healthy snacks and meals throughout the holiday season so you do not overindulge at the office Christmas party.

Be realistic There can be pressure to make the holiday season perfect, from the perfect tree and decorations to the perfect Christmas card. This causes unnecessary stress and sets unrealistic expectations. “Allowing yourself to not be perfect is important,” Clements said. “Negative self-narratives cause us to have increased feelings of guilt and shame. Making a list of all the positive things you do and a gratitude list for all the wonderful things you receive is also a helpful technique.” Do the holidays how you and your family want to, not what you think will outshine last year’s celebrations. The holidays are a time to slow down and enjoy being around loved ones. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend and food to make, but enjoy it. The rest of the year does not bring others together quite like the holidays.

HEALTH

Unity Health celebrated the lives of breast cancer survivors and those currently battling, and honored those who have lost their battle to the disease.

‘Beautifully Inspired’

Unity hosts breast cancer awareness luncheon Unity Health recently celebrated the 26th Annual Barbara Montgomery Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. The luncheon honored the lives of breast cancer survivors, those currently battling and those who have lost their battle with the disease. This year’s theme was “Beautifully Inspired.” For an artist, each piece is unique and different, but the artist goes through the same journey to get to the finished project. In our lives, sometimes the journey does not always feel or look beautiful, but God can make a masterpiece out of it. Local artist Jason White created a “Beautifully Inspired” canvas throughout the program of a pink flower. Unity Health welcomed Unity Health – White County Oncology Cancer Coordinator Lisa Hill, RN, and breast cancer survivor Debbie Pickens as this year’s speakers. Hill recently came to Unity Health as the clinic’s first cancer coordinator with almost four decades of nursing

experience. She explained how her role is to provide patients with education about their diagnosis, introduce them to the rest of their healthcare team and guide and support patients through the challenges of cancer. She is a registered nurse, trained to work side by side with a patients’ physician to ensure quality and timely care. Pickens shared her story of faith and endurance throughout her battle in 2018. She spoke on the excellent care provided and the friendships she developed with Dr. Ryan Koch and the oncology staff. She also shared her last scan showed she was still in remission. Ansley Watson, co-anchor of Good Afternoon Arkansas on KATV Channel 7, served as emcee for the luncheon for the first time. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime. The Breast Cancer Research Foun-

Breast cancer survivor Debbie Pickens (from left), Good Afternoon Arkansas coanchor Ansley Watson, artist Jason White and cancer coordinator Lisa Hill. dation said it is estimated there are 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the U.S. in 2019 and there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors alive in the nation today. Women ages 40 to 54

should receive mammograms annually. For more information about cancer services, please call White County Oncology at 501.278.3297. For more information concerning breast cancer, visit cancer.org. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 45

Nancy and Don Binghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s granddaughter, Anna Claire Faulkner, sits among the goodies at Nino and Nannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candy Shop, where kids eat free. (Mike Kemp photos) 46 | 501 LIFE December 2019

ENTERTAINING

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Bingham’s Candy Store – kids eat free! Nancy and I are two of those “extremists” at the holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas! Each year our plan is to gear down, simplify, declutter and de-stress, but the delight of church, home and family all seem to captivate us and nothing is simple. I know you understand what I am Don Bingham talking about! One thing we do Recognized throughout the try to do is bake ahead state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has authored and freeze. Not only is cookbooks, presented television there planned company, programs and planned elaborate events. but drop-in company is always a possibility as well. With many of the 12 grandchildren old enough to drive, they will often show up when they have a few minutes to spare before their next deadline or meeting, so it’s great to have things on hand all season long. One of our favorite areas in our home is the “candy store.” It’s located in the kitchen, on top of an antique sideboard. On it we display a sign that lists all 12 grandchildren’s names with the proclama-

tion that this is Nino and Nanna’s Candy Store, and kids eat free! Admittedly, it’s all non-nutritional, heart-clogging and diabetically hazardous, and it’s an apparel-tightening nightmare. But after all, 'tis the season! One of our favorite treats is called Outrageous Brownies. They have lots of ingredients and may be a slight bit more costly to produce, but the rewards are amazing! They are great year-round and seem to have an extra appeal during Christmas! Enjoy!

OUTRAGEOUS BROWNIES 1 pound unsalted butter 1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate 6 extra large eggs 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3 cups chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 12 x 18 x 1 baking sheet. Melt together the butter, 1 pound of the chocolate chips and the unsweetened chocolate in a medium

bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, stir (do not beat) together the eggs, coffee granules, vanilla and sugar. Stir the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow it to cool to room temperature. In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of the flour, the baking powder and the salt. Add to the cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a medium bowl with ¼ cup of flour, then add them to the chocolate batter. Pour into the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf to force the air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Bake for 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow to cool thoroughly; refrigerate and cut into 20 large squares.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 47

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ENTERTAINING

Antique brass bells, Christmas balls and deer horns compliment the tartan plaid runner to create a Woodland theme.

Graduated boxes wrapped in complementary Christmas papers and tied with ribbon atop your favorite cake stand make an eye catching centerpiece that comes together quickly.

Have yourself a Southern little Christmas

Decorated sugar cookies by Molly Young of Crumb and Canvas (mollymakescookies on Instagram) were served each night of the show. 48 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Mike Kemp photos

Bring out your silver when setting up a buffet. Beautiful fresh berries and Christmas greenery were provided by Anna Rogers of Magnolia Belle Floral (magnoliabellefloral on Instagram). Acrylic place cards from Ashley Bonds (Calicocottagegifts@gmail.com) feature holiday script. They can be special ordered with family names to personalize each place at the table.

This napkin fold provides a pocket to tuck in your menu for the evening. Candied pecans in a “Nuts About You” drawstring bag are a delicious take home treat for guests as well as a unique hostess gift. (Available throughout the holidays from juliannessoutherntable on Instagram.) So you had the relatives over for Thanksgiving, argued over politics like you swore you wouldn’t, and did everything imaginable with that leftover turkey – now it’s on to CHRISTMAS! I hope you were able to attend one of the five nights of my Christmas event, “Have yourself a Southern little Christmas,” but if not, sit back and enjoy a few highlights of the event. The event was about encouraging the creating and fostering of your own family traditions and memories, Southern Style, instead of just more presents under the tree. After all, cherished memories are some of the best Julianne Milner gifts we can give those we love. The evening began with everyone around the many A self-taught baker, Julianne place setting displays, enjoying appetizers while listening Milner is a caterer, seasonal stylist to Christmas carols. Holiday buffet, centerpiece and and owner of Julianne’s Southern Table. She can be reached at place card ideas were displayed. julianne60@gmail.com. Christmas cards can be incorporated into your holiday decorating in a variety of ways. Did you receive one that really stood out from the others? Frame it and nestle it into your mantle décor or on a side table by your favorite chair. Incorporate the cards on your Christmas packages, tuck them in a tobacco basket adorned with fresh greens or use them as place cards on your table. Tucking your Christmas cards in the folded pages of an antique book is a unique way to display your favorite collection.

HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS Frequently I am asked, what hostess gift can I take to a Christmas party besides the basic bottle of wine? One of my favorites is a cone-shaped bag of Winterberry granola. This makes a great treat for breakfast the morning after a late-night party when paired with simple vanilla yogurt. Monogram a jute drawstring pouch and fill it with candied pecans. It doesn’t get any more Southern than that. I guarantee these will be eaten before the night’s end!

Christmas continued on Page 51

Remember you can use your everyday dishes on your holiday table. A favorite ornament tied with a ribbon and flatware tucked into a Santa embroidered drawstring bag complete a beautiful “Blue Christmas” theme. (Monogram by Bevy’s, Downtown Conway.)

A package adorned with a treasured family brooch, jeweled ornaments and unique name tags add to the festive theme. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 49

ENERGY SMART

Tips for winterizing your home

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

The winter holidays are back again, quicker than ever, which means cooler temperatures are finally and officially here. Conway Corp wants to help make your home warmer without turning up the heat this winter. While the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts Americans will pay 1 percent less for heating expenses this year, that number can change dramatically with unexpected drops in temperatures if your home is not properly prepped. Conway Corp wants to ensure your home is prepared for the unexpected, helping you save a nice chunk of change while protecting your property for years to come. With these winterization tips, you’ll save energy while saving money at the same time.

Seal all drafts According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of energy use. Window insulation is a few dollars at most hardware stores and is essentially invisible once installed. Repair bigger gaps with caulking and weather-

stripping. Looking for a simple fix? Fill old socks with sand or kitty litter to make a “draft snake” to place in front of a drafty door.

Change furnace filters It’s important to replace furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Consider switching to a permanent filter which will reduce waste and hassle, saving time and money. Disposable fiberglass filters trap between 10 to 40 percent of debris while permanent electrostatic filters trap around 88 percent and are much better at controlling bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen. Replacing an inefficient furnace for a modern machine will cost you in the short term but save you money every month through the heating season.

Run fans in reverse Many ceiling fans come with a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer. Air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space, cutting your heating costs as much as 10 percent.

Winterize AC and water lines Drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes making sure you don’t have excess water pooled in equipment. If your air conditioner has a water shutoff valve, go ahead and turn it off. Remove any window air conditioner units and store them so you don’t invite cold drafts all winter. Also, turn off exterior water spigots.

Turn down water heater Many conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees, but most households don’t need that much steam. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees – or lower – will reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent. Consider a tank-less water heater to save even more.

Install storm doors/windows Installing a storm door or storm windows can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent by sealing drafts and reducing air flow. They also offer greater flex50 | 501 LIFE December 2019

ibility for letting light and ventilation enter your home.

Give heating system a tune-up Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.

Mind the thermostat Most households spend 50 to 70 percent of their energy budgets on heating and cooling. For every degree you lower the thermostat during the heating season, you’ll save between 1 and 3 percent of your heating bill. The average family with a programmable thermostat will save $180 a year.

Boost insulation Insulation is one of the best ways to save energy and money at home. It can make a big difference to add more insulation between walls and on the attic floor. Properly insulating your attic can save up to 10 percent annually on energy bills. You can also pay less for hot water and decrease the chance of pipes freezing with insulation. Check to see if pipes are warm to the touch. If they are, get pre-slit pipe foam at any hardware store, cut it to size and fasten it in place with duct tape. Zero percent interest loans for energy efficiency home improvements like attic insulation are available to Conway Corp customers through its Energy Smart program. All you need to do is provide an estimate from a vendor and apply for the Energy Smart Loan. Once approved, the vendor will verify the need and install new insulation. Conway Corp then remits payment to the vendor. It’s that easy to start saving money with a more energyefficient home. Looking for more ways to save this winter? Visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart and find energy-saving tips or call 501.450.6000 to schedule a free energy audit from a Conway Corp certified energy professional.

Christmas continued from Page 49

table by the fireplace. The important thing is the loved ones around your holiday table no matter where it is. I hope this Christmas season is your best yet, filled with meaningful Christmas experiences. Trim the tree and create memories over a table topped with cherished recipes and brand new ones. Pile in the car, see the Christmas lights and make it a point to connect with friends and family members. Merry Christmas from my family to yours. If you missed my Christmas event, follow me on Instagram at @juliannessoutherntable to learn more.

They are addictive! Holiday Stovetop Simmer makes a beautiful hostess gift when packaged in a pretty labeled bag and it will keep the house filled with scents of the season. Bake or buy a loaf of quick bread, pair it with a pound of flavored coffee wrapped in a kitchen towel with a stem of fresh greenery. A container of paperwhite bulbs ready to plant and bring cheer through the winter months is always a hit! These hostess gift ideas are sure to get you invited back next Christmas!

TABLE SETTINGS Some of the best Christmas memories are made around the table. Create a table setting and make it one that guests will want to linger around for hours. Remember Christmas china is not required for a holiday table and the color scheme does not have to be red and green. Mixing all types of ribbons adds interest to packages. When setting your table for the holiday meal, Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Layer textures when think OUTSIDE the china cabinet. Some of the setting your table. grandest Christmas table settings come from using CENTERPIECES everyday dishes. Runners can run two or three count across the table instead of down the length of the table. Centerpieces to complement the place settings Runners can be scarves, quilts, mirrors, cutting boards, were also shown. Antique mirrors covered with snowy, etc. There are no rules anymore. bottlebrush trees, trifle bowls with mini scenes inside Attendants at “Have yourself a Southern little and an olive wood nativity from the Holy Land found Christmas” saw many examples of place settings for the a unique home on a cake stand. Christmas table. There were many ways to display your The guests also learned that the holiday meal menu for the evening, china patterns can be mixed doesn’t always have to be in the dining room. Dining and matched, napkins can actually be kitchen towels areas can be in different rooms by tossing a plaid throw and flatwareCharlotte is more interesting when mismatched and over a table in the game room, the library, the living Green 501 Life Ad.pdf 1 10/14/19 1:38 PM room, or it could be served on trays around the coffee tucked inside an intriguing napkin fold.

WINTERBERRY GRANOLA 4 cups old fashioned oats 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut 3/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup honey 1 1/2 cups cashews, chopped 1 1/2 cups pecan halves 1/2 cup sliced almonds 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon allspice 16 ounces dried cranberries Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, olive oil, honey, nuts, and spices. Spread in a jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper and bake on the middle rack for 20 minutes. Stir and return to the oven for another 5-8 minutes until golden brown. (Keep a close eye on the granola in case your oven cooks hotter. You may have to decrease time at this stage.) Allow the granola to cool and then add dried fruit. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.

Local Community Foundation board members like Charlotte Green of Conway believe in the power of smart giving. She knows giving is an essential part of life that, like education, needs structure to create a lasting difference.

Arkansas Community Foundation uses a simple, flexible and efficient process to create endowments that impact your community forever or funds that meet immediate needs. You can begin making positive change by contacting Foundation staff today.

CMY

The Power of Contact our staff at

501-372-1116

arcf.org/givesmart December 2019 501lifemag.com | 51

HOME

A farm table on the back porch is flanked by a mix and match set of chairs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a couple from each dining set the family has ever owned.

Makenzie Evans photos 52 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Holiday treasures

Christmas collection tells family’s story Christmastime is upon us. If you had asked me back when I was a youngster, what was the best part of Christmas, I probably would have said it was the anticipation of what surprises await in sparkly packages under the tree. When I grew up and had kids of my own, I might have said that it was all about the joy of Donna Benton giving, and the Christmas morning delight of the Donna Benton is a maker of custom home furnishings and little ones. Today, I am specializes in classic painted most excited about sharing finishes for antique and vintage furniture. You can see her work the holiday with friends at WaterHouseMarket.com. and family. The occasions are starting to be more about tradition. Objects like old nativity sets and special Christmas ornaments are becoming placeholders for

Home continued on Page 55

An antique hutch on the back porch holds a collection of Christmas china.

A colorful collection of vintage Christmas ornaments sparkle and shimmer.

YOU DIDN’T GO INTO BUSINESS TO BECOME AN ACCOUNTANT. WE DID. You’re in the business of helping your customers. We’re in the business of providing expert accounting and financial advice that helps your small business get bigger and more profitable. How can we put our 150 years of combined experience to work for you? Let’s start now. Call us today for a free consultation.

stephensbellandcompany.net / 501-329-7021

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 53

Made with love HOME

Stockings reminiscent of childhood

Jack and Sarah Frost, or “Popsy” and “Mopsy” as they are affectionately known in some circles, didn’t get to pick their own grandparent names. It seems that grandparent names are more Donna Benton often given than self-appointed. Donna Benton is a maker of Despite one’s custom home furnishings and specializes in classic painted vision of which finishes for antique and vintage defining title will furniture. You can see her work identify them for at WaterHouseMarket.com. the better half of life, naming privileges usually end up in the hands of the first grandchild. Luckily, Jack and Sarah were christened with names that personify them - fun, a little whimsical and filled with lots of love. “One thing I will tell you for sure is that we would have answered to anything!” said Sarah. “We were so very excited to be members of the Grandparents’ Club and I tell everyone I know that it is definitely the best club I ever joined!” Jack and Sarah raised their kids with a global vision. They could have just as easily ended up in some faraway land, but as luck would have it, their daughter Kate and her husband, Wes, settled just up the road in Northwest Arkansas. It’s not too far for a daytrip playdate with the grandkids, but just far enough that a visit becomes an event. Anyone who knows Sarah will attest that she has a knack for turning a routine visit into a soiree or a quick snack into a smorgasbord. Holidays have always been extra special at the Frost house, and when their first granddaughter, Reece, came along… well, you can imagine. Around Christmas, visits to Mopsy and Popsy’s were filled with cooking and crafts. “When Reese was little we started making Bears in the Snow: pancakes with chocolate chip eyes and a raisin nose! The most fun part is taking the powdered sugar sifter and making it ‘snow’ on top of the pancakes!” said Sarah. It has become a tradition that has superseded Christmas and is now called for year-round at nearly every visit. When Sarah was a child, her Christmas 54 | 501 LIFE December 2019

stocking was handmade by her grandmother, Mimi. It was made from felt and adorned with appliqued trees, a Santa and toys, and it sparkled with hand-sewn sequins and beads. “I wanted to make Reece’s stocking just like my grandmother had made for me. I chose lots of shades of pink and soft pastel colors, then added bugle beads and sequins to really glitz it up for her! Then along came Graham. That winter I started his stocking, but this time I added several animals and a train and boxcars, just like my brother’s stocking back in the day. Then came Eli, and he got his stocking too!” Sarah gets her wool felt online. “The felt comes in gorgeous color palettes so it’s always a treat to open up a package from them and see what you get.” Each stocking has a vintage Christmas embellishment that Sarah’s mother had saved from special gifts that arrived by mail from California when she was a child, a paper Santa or snowman from Aunt Edna still making Christmas special. When Sarah’s neighbors and friends heard about her stocking project, they came bearing sewing boxes filled with hand-me-down beads and trinkets to contribute, tiny treasures that make the handmade stockings all that more special. The stockings hang on the mantel at Mopsy and Popsy’s and every Christmas, Santa fills them with oranges and candy, just like when Sarah and Jack were kids. “Everyone gets socks and undies too, and I help Santa look for little stocking stuffers all year long.” Ready for Santa – handmade stockings hang on the mantle.

Sarah puts a lot of love into each grandchild’s stocking. They are hand-stitched with sparkly sequins, vintage beads and personalized felt animals, trains and Christmas scenes.

Home continued from Page 53 warm memories of Christmas past. Those memories and the trinkets and treasures that evoke those memories have become much more valuable to me than the presents under the tree. Gloria Cheshier and Joe Forrester will celebrate their 43rd year of marriage this Christmas season. They were married outside, in December, at the end of an allée of tall pines at Joe’s family home in East Texas. Just after the wedding, one of the pines fell victim to the wind and Gloria salvaged a “slice” of the tree. On the tree the words were written “1977, The tree we were married under.” The tree slice became an ornament on their first Christmas tree. Every year thereafter, they kept a slice of the trunk of each Christmas tree, inscribed with “important” events of the year, like new houses and jobs to first girlfriends and getting braces off. This year, the tree slices are displayed on the fireplace hearth in a silver bowl, a rustic chronicle of the significant events of their lives. Gloria and Joe settled in Conway at their home in The Village at Hendrix in an attempt at retirement, which took a few more tries than they were anticipating. “We had great experiences moving around the country, following Joe’s community college career,” said Gloria. “When it came time for retirement, I think we’ve always had this unwritten ‘pact’ that we would come home to Arkansas.” Gloria is a seventh generation Arkansan and Joe is Texas born and bred. “I think it was our combined ‘life experiences’ that brought us to The Village at Hendrix,” said Gloria. “Our last two homes were historic homes that we’d renovated in neighborhoods with porches and sidewalks where people gathered, walked to dinner, shared garden vegetables, knew one another and offered help when needed. More than anything, we wanted to maintain that sense of community in our new place.” A family member tipped them off about The Village along with a reported sighting of two neighbors chatting over a garden fence, and that was all it took to prompt a visit to Conway. “We are thankful that life brought us here.” Gloria said. “There’s a great comfort in having ‘instant community’ and knowing who lives in every house in the neighborhood. To some, living close might seem intrusive, but it’s not. It’s heart-warming. If it sounds kind of like Mayberry, it is.”

A collection of cross-section slices of every Christmas tree since 1977, inscribed with the significant events of the year. They provide an earthy anthology of the family’s life.

Village continued on Page 78

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 55

BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Jackie Moon (from left), Susan Isom and Tara Anderson at an Allergan Platinum event given in recognition of Isom, master injector at EL Clinical Esthetics in Conway.

“Loving LIFE” at the grand opening of Dave Creek Media: Hannah Roebuck (from left), Courtney Castillo, Glenn Crockett, Lori Case Melton, Ragan Huse, Gage Jordan, Delainia Whitehead and Courtney Love. “Thank you to everyone who joined us for our open house/ribbon-cutting,” said Crockett. “If you missed it, stop by and say hi and get your picture with Dave, our mascot bear.”

Conway Corp employees recognized Wish named Conway Corp was recognized for excellence in Conway market customer service when 20 of its customer service and cable installer professionals were awarded Customer president Service Excellence (CSE) Awards at the 2019 MidFirst Service Bank recently announced that Kevin Wish has been hired as community market president and senior loan officer in its Conway market. “We are confident that Kevin Wish will be an asset to our team and Kevin Wish is the new community know our market president and senior loan customers will officer for the Conway market of benefit from First Service Bank. his 25 years of experience and depth of banking knowledge,” said First Service President/CEO and board chairman Tom Grumbles. Wish was raised in Clarksville and is a 1994 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he majored in financial management. He began his banking career in 1994. He and his wife, Alison, have called Conway home since 1998. They have three children: Emily, Natalie and Anna Claire. Wish serves on the Conway Airport Advisory Committee, Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Board and is a member of Kiwanis Club of Conway. He is a 2002 graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute. 56 | 501 LIFE December 2019

America Cable Show held in Kansas City. Customer Service Call Center Supervisor Lesia White was presented with the Master Performance – Cable Champion Award which recognizes outstanding achievement in leadership in a cable system. Broadband Premises Expert Corey Free was recognized with the Extra Mile Master Performance CSE award. Extra Mile Awards are presented to individuals whose concern and resolution in customer service go above and beyond the responsibility of their normal job duties. Customer Service Specialist Eric Bell, Lead Customer Service Specialist Jane Harrison, Customer Care Team Leader Nicole Pizzolato and Customer Services Specialist Coleen Spiker-Wilson were recognized with Master Performance CSE awards in the area of sales. In the area of Service, Master Performance awards were won by Senior System Technician Brent Brown, Business Class Services Specialist James Buggs, Broadband Premises Expert Sean Maxfield, Business Class Services Specialist Justin Moore, System Technician Brian Robinson, Business Class Services Specialist Jake Stewart and Business Solutions Sales Engineer Eleise Wood Myers. The Master Performance award recognizes clearly exceptional support with outstanding skills that far exceed position requirements. Customer Service Specialist Tracy Ferrell was recognized with the Extra Mile Superior Performance CSE award. Customer Care Specialist Michelle Hatfield and Senior Customer Care Specialist Kelly JohnstonJeffus were recognized with a Superior Performance award in the area of sales. Broadband Premises Technician Blake Jones, Senior Installer Robert McCray, Broadband Premises Expert Andrew Nelson and Dispatcher Diana Pollard were recognized in the area of sales with

Andrew Nelson (from left), Sean Maxfield, James Buggs, Blake Jones, Robert McCray, Justin Moore, Jake Stewart, Brent Brown, Brian Robinson and Corey Free.

Michelle Hatfield (from left), Nicole Pizzolato, Jane Harrison, Eric Bell, Colleen Spiker-Wilson and Lesia White. Superior Performance awards. The Superior Performance awards are for those individuals with presentation skills that are considerably above industry competency. The Customer Service Excellence Award program was established by cable television professionals in 1986 to recognize and award customer care professional excellence in the cable television industry. The Mid-America Cable Association is an industry association formed in 1958 to help telecommunication providers promote technical excellence, superior customer service, exemplary marketing and student scholarship. It includes cable telecommunications system operators in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas and Texas.

First Service expands LR team First Service Bank recently announced several additions to its team. Anderia Mahon has been named branch manager and loan officer for its Little Rock Anderia Mahon has been hired as market. “We are branch manager and loan officer excited to be in First Service Bank’s Little Rock expanding market. our team and feel Anderia is a great addition and will help enhance our customer experience,” said Bill Puddephatt, president of the First Service Little Rock market. In addition, Chris Pledger has been hired as a loan and business development officer for the Little Rock market. Anderia has more than 20 years in retail banking experience in the Little Rock market. She is a member of the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association and Sherwood Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Lonoke Baptist Church and has worked with numerous charitable organizations

throughout her career. Pledger was raised in Sheridan and is a 2013 graduate of Arkansas State University, where he majored in business administration and Chris Pledger has been named a marketing. loan and business development Chris and his officer for First Service Bank’s Little wife, Libby, call Little Rock market. Rock home, where he enjoys playing golf. Chris is active in BNI of America and the Travis Wood Foundation, which raises money for Safe Haven. Mahon and Pledger are located at the bank’s newly renovated Little Rock office at 700 Hardin Road on the corner of Financial Centre Parkway and Hardin Road. “Our Little Rock team is proud to have Anderia join us, and we feel that her strong banking background will be an asset to our Little Rock team and most importantly to our customers,” said First Service Bank CEO and President Tom Grumbles.

St. Joseph School was recently named the recipient of the Arkansas Recycling Coalition’s 2019 “School Recycler of the Year” award, presented at the coalition’s 29th annual conference and trade show in Eureka Springs. The award honors a school which has made a significant contribution to the advancement of waste reduction, recycling and sustainability over the past year. St. Joseph School Principal Diane Wolfe received the award from Arkansas Recycling Coalition board member Bobby Fanning.

501 kids

Healthy snacks

Nutrition tips during the holidays

Kellie Bishop Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Central Arkansas Pediatrics in Conway. She lives in Plumerville with her husband, Greg, their son and two dogs. She obtained her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in nursing at the University of Central Arkansas and her masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and doctorate degrees in pediatric primary care at UAMS.

One of the most enjoyable and comforting parts of the holiday season is the delicious food. The holidays are full of comfort food that is, unfortunately, usually not the healthiest. When you are juggling school parties, family parties, gatherings with friends, and all the other holiday festivities, it is difficult to make sure your child is maintaining a healthy diet. However, if you think about the fact that the holiday season lasts about two months, it becomes more of a priority to ensure your child eats healthy foods as much as possible throughout the season. It is possible to stay healthy during the holidays while also enjoying festive treats! One healthy option is to take a Ritz cracker and place a piece of deli meat or cheddar cheese cut into a festive shape on it for snacking. You can find small holiday cookie cutters at most stores which can be used to cut your meat and cheese into festive shapes. Another option is to cut pita bread into triangles, insert a pretzel stick into the flat bottom side, then spread guacamole or avocado on the pita bread to make it look like a Christmas tree. You can let your child decorate the tree with chopped, colorful bell peppers or chopped carrot sticks. Your child might also enjoy making Rudolph celery snacks by spreading peanut butter into a stick of celery, placing pieces of pretzels on top as antlers, a fresh cranberry as its nose, and finishing the reindeer with small candy eyes from the cake decorating section of the store. Finally, you could use cookie cutters to cut pizza dough into festive shapes and then let your child decorate their pizza with healthy toppings for lunch or dinner. This holiday season consider spending time teaching your child healthy habits while also making festive snacks together. Your children will likely want to and should indulge in some treats during the holidays, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want them to spend every day of the season in a sugar rut. Your child will enjoy the time spent with you making healthy snacks, and you will be ensuring they do not eat only junk food and sugar during the holiday season. Happy holidays, everyone!

58 | 501 LIFE December 2019

KID OF THE MONTH Caleb Binz AGE: 9. CITY: Vilonia. SCHOOL: Fourth grade. FAVORITE SUBJECT: Science. FAMILY: Parents Gregory and Casey Binz; and his little brother, Cooper. FAVORITE MEAL: Pizza soup. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: His football or baseball glove.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 59

501 kids

Listening to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love language Twenty-five years ago, pastor and author Gary Chapman released a book titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Five Love Languages.â&#x20AC;? His theory is that we all express love, and experience it, in the same five ways â&#x20AC;&#x201D; through physical touch, gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service and quality time â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but Brittany everyone has one way that Gilbert matters most. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough to Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. love your kids,â&#x20AC;? said She and her husband, Levi, Chapman, who years later have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at co-wrote â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 5 Love b.gilbert37@gmail.com. Languages of Children.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to know how to communicate love to a child so that he genuinely feels loved.â&#x20AC;?

child will love. Cooking their favorite meal or helping them with their chores are a couple of examples. This love language definitely takes thought and effort to accomplish. Again, positivity is necessary. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done out of obligation, it will not be received as love. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best act of service you can provide is walking your child through a new process and teaching him, step-by-step, how to be more capable,â&#x20AC;? said Chapman.

Words of affirmation

Gifts

This love language expresses love with words that build one up. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be elaborate. Short and simple praises can be best. Just as positive praises are effective, negative comments can be damaging. If this is your child, let them catch you speaking positively about them to friends, telling them what a great kid he or she is and how much you love when they do certain things.

Receiving gifts can certainly be just that â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tangible gifts. This love language could also be as simple as picking up their favorite snack or dessert at the store. Thoughtful gifts make a child feel loved. Stickers and star charts are also ways of giving gifts to your child.

Acts of service This means doing things that you know your

60 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Quality time This is all about undivided attention. With no distractions, make your child the center of your attention. Every time you cancel plans or arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t present

during your time together, it can be hurtful. Also, isolating a child for punishment will feel very severe to them.

Physical touch This is a love language that expresses itself by hugs, kisses and cuddles. If this is your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary love language, words and gifts wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter as much. They feel connected and secure when they are close to you. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to figure out your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love language, first pay attention to how they show love. People tend to show love in the way they receive it. If a child is constantly in your space, they probably crave physical touch. When they experience big emotions, consider a special handshake or simply holding their hand. Lastly, consider that just like adults, the love language of a child can change just like personality traits. From year to year or in different stages, they may receive love in different ways. You can continue to connect with your child as you pay attention to their behaviors and the way they express love.

AUTHORS IN THE 501

Writer recognized for fiction, non-fiction work Looking for a book to curl up with during these long winter nights? Do you enjoy suspenseful mysteries or prefer non-fiction that deals with an important historical event? Awardwinning Little Rock author Grif Stockley may have one for you! When just a toddler, Stockley’s family Susan moved from a plantaPeterson tion in Mississippi to Marianna, where his Susan Peterson holds a PhD in father became a “gentleeducation and taught at the University of Central man farmer.” While Arkansas and Slippery Rock growing up in the small University in Pennsylvania. She retired in 2004 and now spends impoverished town, her time doing artwork (painting he saw many cultural and pottery). She is the executive secretary of the Arkansas Reading disparities and witnessed Association, a professional events that fueled the organization for educators growing Civil Rights that has about 800 members statewide. movement. These experiences helped to provide background for some of his written works. Following high school graduation (he served as

student body president) he attended Rhodes College. Within three years, he received a bachelor of arts degree in international relations and subsequently spent two years working for the Peace Corps in Colombia. He was drafted into the Army at the height of the Vietnam War. Following a two-year tour of duty, he enrolled in law school. After receiving his juris doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas, he joined the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Little Rock, where he was employed for more than three decades. There he represented the indigent in all types of cases. Stockley’s first novel was “Expert Testimony,” published in 1991. Drawing from his legal practices and life experiences, Stockley wrote about Gideon Page, a modest lawyer from Arkansas who has a strong bond with his daughter (as does Stockley), and who must face his own prejudices and issues of integrity. Attesting to its popularity, the book has been reprinted five times. Stockley credits his literary agent, Charlotte Gordon, with getting him

published and maintaining high standards. She worked with him as he rapidly turned out more books in the Gideon Page series: “Probable Cause” (1992), “Religious Conviction” (1994), “Illegal Motion” (1995) and “Blind Judgment” (1997). Following the publication of a stand-alone mystery, “Salted with Fire,” Stockley turned to writing non-fiction, shedding light on some overlooked or nearly forgotten episodes of the state’s history. He garnered Arkansas’ Porter Prize in 1997 for his Gideon Page series. He has been named Arkansas’ ACLU Civil Libertarian of the Year and received the state’s Booker Worthen Literary Prize in 2002 and 2010. In 1999, he received the Arkansas Historical Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering investigation of Arkansas racial history. Stockley still makes his home in Little Rock and spends his time reading, jogging in Emerald Park, and taking care of his two cats, Cora and Tito. He is extremely proud of and close to his daughter, Erin, who practiced law for 10 years. . He is working with historians Brian Mitchell and Guy Lancaster on a revised edition of “Blood in Their Eyes,” which will be released in next year. His books may be found on Amazon and other online bookstores as well as local bookstores.

Merry Christmas

Roe Henderson 1416 Prince St. Conway, AR 72034 501-327-3888

RHenderson@ShelterInsurance.com

We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 61

1 SPORTS

Elizabeth Baker (from left), Heidi Snyder, Diana Collins, Diana Hess, Cherie Flowers, Terry Murphy and Karen Evans.

Sherrie Hartzell (from left), Judy Ostrowski and Tammy Henderson.

Susan Curtis (from left), Kathy Moore, Chasta Irvin, Debbie Turner, Tara Leamon, Lindsay Bullard and Staci Maull.

‘Great’ race day

Final Soaring Wings event held Story and photos by Sonja J. Keith

A Central Arkansas tradition – the Soaring Wings Half Marathon and 10K – ended Oct. 19 after 12 years of bringing runners and walkers together for a common cause. Race directors Amanda Castillo and Marla Watson – and their team of about 300 volunteers – put on the event, which benefits Soaring Wings, a Christian home that provides security, love and hope to children in need. Soaring Wings currently has two homes for girls and one for boys, ages 6-18, as well as an infant and toddler home that serves children birth through 5 years. “Saturday truly was a great day for the final running of the Soaring Wings Half Marathon – we had perfect running weather and PRs (personal records) left and right,” said Amanda. “Thank you to all the participants, volunteers and sponsors.” Amanda and Marla expressed their appreciation to title sponsors TLC Pediatrics, PLLC (half marathon and Kids Run for Kids) and Incite Rehab and Reliance (10K sponsor Family Fun Zone after the race) for their support. “Also, we can’t thank the Conway Police Department enough for keeping our participants safe at headquarters and throughout the course,” said Amanda. Thousands have participated in the event over the years and the fundraiser has helped the Soaring Wings ministry care for more than 300 kids. “It has been a fantastic 12 years and we appreciate the wonderful support we have received from the running community, our faithful sponsors and our hard-working volunteers,” said Marla. Blake Bristow of Minnesota was the overall winner of the half marathon with a time of 1:22:20. The overall female was Tia Stone with a time of 1:27:51. Jaxson Cox was the overall 10K winner with a finish time of 45:08. The overall female winner was Maggie Gregory with a time of 47:37. 62 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Half marathon runners at the starting line.

Richard Counts (front, from left), Sherry Hall, Malorie Berry, Kristi Babb, Jarvis Carrigan; Stervin Smith (back), Tim Gorman, Ryan Westin, Glenn Berry, Allyson Hodge, Curt Amenta and David Edwards were “Loving LIFE” prior to the event.

Alan Krenzlok (from left), Larry Schmidt and Don Still.

Don Still (from left), Nicole Hobbs, Kim Howard and Val Clark.

Robin Anderson (left) and Mae Hanvy.

Race directors Marla Watson (left) and Amanda Castillo.

Wanda King (left) and Sherry Hall.

Melissa Anderson (from left), Deborah Moss and Arielle Mast.

Sarah Pleas (left) and Jessica Wendel.

Arturo Patino (left) and Anthony Arzola.

Sherri Lachowsky (left) and Cheryl Bramlett.

Mary Jordan (left) and Carmela Fusaro.

The top Winged Warrior fundraiser was Renee Rader who raised more than $2,000. Official results from the event are available at stearnsracetiming.com/soaring-wings-19.html. Race photos are available at runbikeswimphotos.com. A portion of every purchase is donated to Soaring

Wings. “Thank you, Marvin Winston and your team at Run Bike Swim Photos for always taking the best race pictures and for your support of the children at Soaring Wings,” said Amanda. “Although the race has come to an end, Soaring Wings is still going strong,” said Marla. “Keep up

with the cause behind the race by following the Soaring Wings Facebook page. Hear stories about the children and families that we serve and keep up with all the great things going on at Soaring Wings.” 501 LIFE was the official media sponsor for the event.

Rebuilding the Lives of Central Arkansas's Children and Families The state's only complete continuum of care for children who are abandoned, abused, neglected or struggling with psychiatric, behavioral, emotional and spiritual issues. Find healing, hope and stability for your child and family at Methodist Family Health.

Central Arkansas Locations: Benton Heber Springs Hot Springs Little Rock

Maumelle Searcy Van Buren County Vilonia

Services Include:

Methodist Behavioral Hospital, the state's ONLY nonprofit behavioral hospital for children An emergency shelter Arkansas Center for Addictions Research, Education and Services (Arkansas CARES) Kaleidoscope Grief Center Two psychiatric residential treatment facilities Two therapeutic day treatment programs Eight therapeutic group homes Eight outpatient counseling clinics Nine school- and community-based counseling clinics December 2019 501lifemag.com | 63

SPORTS

Members of the 501 Basketball Team: (front, from left) Landon Hill (Vilonia), Cheney Phillips (Faulkner County Falcons), Kobe Dunlap (Greenbrier), Adrian Morris (Nemo Vista), Luke Hartman (Sacred Heart), Brandon Patterson (Mayflower); (middle) Keevon Moore (Morrilton), Zac Shue (Quitman), Jacob Reynolds (Wonderview), Wayce Howard (Mt. Vernon-Enola), Jake DeBusk (Conway Christian), Cahill Overstreet (Riverview), Seth Vance (Cabot); (back) Reid Standridge (Perryville), Ryan Davis (St. Joseph), Freddy Hicks (Searcy), Connor McGaha (Harding Academy), Austin Smith (Beebe), Josh Denton (Maumelle) and Brandon Brech (Guy-Perkins). Not pictured: Caleb London (Conway). (Mike Kemp photo)

Members of the 501 Basketball Team: (front, from left) Maya Davidson (Guy-Perkins), Emily Dather (Conway Christian), Teighlor Farmer (Beebe), Alyse Ellis (Mt. VernonEnola), Reagan Bates (Vilonia); (middle) Kyra Hargrove (Perryville), Paige Benafield (Faulkner County Falcons), Mallory Jones (Wonderview), Caroline Citty (Harding Academy), Emily Briggler (St. Joseph); (back) Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mya Everette (Morrilton), Kennedi Dawn (Mayflower), Jaiden Thomas (Conway), Hannah Ogilvie (Cabot), Arden Naylor (Greenbrier), Lucy Holland (Quitman) and Madeline Bottoms (Sacred Heart). Not pictured: Jill Nutt (Bigelow), Libby Stutts (Heber Springs) and Kassidy Barnes (Nemo Vista). (Mike Kemp photo) 64 | 501 LIFE December 2019

501 Basketball Team announced for 2019-20 501 LIFE is proud to present the 2019-20 edition of its 501 Basketball Team. The team boasts 41 honorees — our largest team yet — representing the best student-athletes the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. Players were nominated by their coaches and selected by the 501 staff, and the nominations were weighted equally between on-the-court and off-the-court attributes. The team is sponsored by Conway Regional Health System, First Security Bank and Conway Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Center. 2019-20 team members include: Kassidy Barnes (Nemo Vista), Reagan Bates (Vilonia), Paige Benafield (Faulkner County Falcons), Madeline Bottoms (Sacred Heart), Brandon Brech (Guy-Perkins), Emily Briggler (St. Joseph), Caroline Citty (Harding Academy), Emily Dather (Conway Christian), Maya Davidson (Guy-Perkins), Ryan Davis (St. Joseph), Kennedi Dawn (Mayflower), Jake

Kassidy Barnes Nemo Vista

Emily Briggler St. Joseph

DeBusk (Conway Christian), Josh Denton (Maumelle), Kobe Dunlap (Greenbrier), Alyse Ellis (Mt. Vernon-Enola), A'mya Everette (Morrilton), Teighlor Farmer (Beebe), Kyra Hargrove (Perryville), Luke Hartman (Sacred Heart), Freddy Hicks (Searcy),

Reagan Bates Vilonia

Caroline Citty

Harding Academy

Landon Hill (Vilonia), Lucy Holland (Quitman), Wayce Howard (Mt. Vernon-Enola), Mallory Jones (Wonderview), Caleb London (Conway), Connor McGaha (Harding Academy), Keevon Moore (Morrilton), Adrian Morris (Nemo Vista), Arden Naylor (Greenbrier), Jill Nutt (Bigelow), Hannah Ogilvie (Cabot), Cahill Overstreet (Riverview), Brandon Patterson (Mayflower), Cheney Phillips (Faulkner County Falcons), Jacob Reynolds (Wonderview), Zac Shue (Quitman), Austin Smith (Beebe), Reid Standridge (Perryville), Libby Stutts (Heber Springs), Jaiden Thomas (Conway) and Seth Vance (Cabot). The team recently met at Conway Christian High School’s gym for a photo shoot. In addition to being featured in 501 LIFE’s December issue, each player will be featured individually throughout the basketball season online at 501lifemag.com and in 501 Sports Extra, 501’s sports e-newsletter. (To subscribe, email info@501lifemag.com or visit 501lifemag.com.)

Paige Benafield

Madeline Bottoms

Emily Dather

Maya Davidson

Faulkner County Falcons

Conway Christian

Sacred Heart

Guy-Perkins

Brandon Brech Guy-Perkins

Ryan Davis St. Joseph

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 65

Kennedi Dawn

Jake DeBusk

Josh Denton

Kobe Dunlap Greenbrier

Mt. Vernon-Enola

A'mya Everette

Teighlor Farmer

Kyra Hargrove

Luke Hartman

Freddy Hicks

Landon Hill

Lucy Holland

Wayce Howard

Mallory Jones

Caleb London

Connor McGaha

Keevon Moore

Adrian Morris

Arden Naylor

Jill Nutt

Mayflower

Morrilton

Vilonia

Harding Academy

66 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Conway Christian

Beebe

Quitman

Morrilton

Maumelle

Perryville

Mt. Vernon-Enola

Nemo Vista

Sacred Heart

Wonderview

Greenbrier

Alyse Ellis

Searcy

Conway

Bigelow

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Hannah Ogilvie Cabot

Cahill Overstreet Riverview

Austin Smith Beebe

Brandon Patterson Mayflower

Reid Standridge Perryville

Cheney Phillips Faulkner County Falcons

Libby Stutts Heber Springs

Jacob Reynolds Wonderview

Jaiden Thomas Conway

Zac Shue Quitman

Seth Vance Cabot

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SPORTS

Reese (from left), Sarah, Jonathan and Rory.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there for youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Friends conquer first Ironman together by Dwain Hebda

Ironman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most-recognized and arguably the toughest name in distance sports â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is bred to chew up athletes and spit them out. Born in Hawaii in 1978 and now raced in locations worldwide, the triathlon requires competitors to cover a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and run a marathon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26.2 miles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all in the same day. To cross the finish line, an act which brings with it the announcement of the racerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name followed by the phrase, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are an Ironman,â&#x20AC;? is for many, the pinnacle of an athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. In Conway, five friends decided to wrestle the demon and came back smiling. The group, comprised of Patrick Henry, Rory Thompson, Jonathan Burgin and the husband-wife duo of Reese and Sarah Langley, were already close, but now have a shared experience deeper than anything, except their faith and their love for one another. CrossFit brought the five together, but it's unclear who exactly came up

Moments before the race â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rory (from left), Jonathan, Sarah and Reese. December 2019 501lifemag.com | 69

Reese (from left), Jonathan and Rory with their medals. with the idea to make the substantial leap from working out in a garage to tackling a race that’s claimed nearly 40 lives – an average of almost one per year since its inception. “I think it was a little bit of a joint thing,” said Bergin, pastor at Summit Church in Conway. Then he paused. “It honestly probably came from me.” Whoever was the lynchpin, it didn’t take much for all five to sign on to the Ironman Chattanooga in August. Henry, a pastor at Second Baptist Church, had an Ironman under his belt and hearing his name announced over the finish line still rang in his ears. “The long endurance races, there’s quite a rush that comes with it,” he said. “No. 1, it takes tremendous dedication. It takes a lot of time and training and I love that. It’s just incredible when you think about covering 140.6 miles in one day.” Under Henry’s tutelage, the group began training a year in advance. All were in good shape, but nowhere near what it would take to reach their goal. “We’ve done CrossFit which is very opposite of any triathlon-type training,” said Sarah Langley, who works for the Christian youth ministry KLife. “We did a ton of running; we did a marathon in Nashville in April. After the marathon training in April, we got serious about swimming and biking.” “From April to September, we trained pretty hard for the Ironman. Really just doing CrossFit and swimming a ton. Once it got warmer, we were on the bike all the time. We were on the bike two or three times a week.” Thompson, 42, owner of U Storage, was down for a challenge, but faced a mental hurdle regarding swimming, a block made worse by the thought of the roiling bucket of bodies and kicking legs that you find in most Ironman swims. He not only leaned on the group but hired a swimming coach to help get him prepared. “I’ve always looked at the Ironman and I didn’t know if I’d want to do it because I’m a terrible 70 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Jonathan at the finish line.

“

I put a verse on my arm the day of the race. It was Philippians 4:10-12 and it talks about being content with or without food. Christ will strengthen you,” Thompson said. “It’s just a good reminder of that day. It’s a good reminder that you can’t always get everything your way every day. Even though things stack against you, just keep moving, keep grinding, keep going.

”

— Rory Thompson

swimmer,” he said. “The other two triathlons I’ve tried, nearly halfway through the swim I’m hyperventilating, wondering do I need to get help, do I need to stop? That really prevented me from even considering something like this.” The group stayed faithful to their training and one another. They were entering the home stretch countdown to the race when Henry suffered an accident on the bike during a training ride. “I was on an 80-mile ride by myself. It was a Friday,” he said. “I was about 25 miles into an 80mile ride, and I turned off the Mayflower highway onto Rocky Gap Road. That is the last thing I remember.” “I woke up to someone asking me what the code was to my phone so they could call my wife. At that point, I was told just to remain calm and stay still, the ambulance was on the way.” There was no evidence Henry had been hit by a passing vehicle; his best guess is a blowout or some other malfunction sent him headlong into

Reese on the triathlon course. the pavement and a broken clavicle, four fractured ribs, a partially collapsed lung, a concussion, plus a lot of road rash. His quest for a second Ironman was over a mere three weeks before it began. “It was devastating,” he said. “You put a lot of work, a lot of money, effort, energy, time away from family, just a lot of everything into this event and to hear that you aren’t going to be able to do it is, obviously, devastating.” “But I have four very close friends who had put just as much time and energy into it as I had. I remembered doing my first Ironman and what it meant to me to have my wife there to encourage me. I made it my mission to spend time with them, giving as much advice leading up to the race as I could.” Reese is more direct in detailing Henry’s impact on the group. “Patrick was the guy that motivated us to do this race,” he said. “We could not have done it the day of the race without him. He was literally the backbone of our team. He just took care of us. He was like, you need to eat this, you need to do this, y’all need to go to bed.” All distance athletes know there comes a time when the mental side of a race weighs much heavier than the physical demands. Self-doubt and fatigue beyond what most people ever experience combine with the physical discomfort to create what runners know as the wall. “I never hit a direct wall. I know Reese did and I was with Jonathan when he hit his,” Sarah said. “The run was by far the worst part for me just because it is last and it’s just daunting and you’re like come on, I’m ready for this to be done.” Fate had one more surprise in store for the four competitors on this journey, and that was to find one another – Jonathan with Sarah and Reese with Rory – at key moments in the race, allowing them to finish together. It was a godsend to have someone at their side to play cheerleader or to cheer for. Henry, who made the trip as their coach, was there to greet them all. “The finish line was unbelievable. I mean,

Reese and Sarah Langley with their triathlon medals. you have every single emotion going through your body at one time,” Reese said. “There’s a time in the race where you’re thinking I can’t do this. You’re just taking one step. That’s all you can think about; I just have to take my next step, I just have to take one more step.” Being people of deep faith, all five friends draw parallels between Ironman and their spiritual lives. Now that it’s over, they’ve used the experience to lift others and have been gratified that so many have used them as an inspiration to take on their own challenges. “I put a verse on my arm the day of the race. It was Philippians 4:10-12 and it talks about being content with or without food. Christ will strengthen you,” Thompson said. “It’s just a good reminder of that day. It’s a good reminder that you can’t always get everything your way every day. Even though things stack against you, just keep moving, keep grinding, keep going.” The group is already planning its next adventure – a half Ironman next June in Wisconsin – for which they expect to have several other church members join them. All five are now equipped to lead others to their goal, both on the course and off, a theme Bergin preaches with new clarity. “Everybody needs somebody to walk with them through life,” he said. “We’re all headed somewhere and for us, the finish line is Christ. If I don’t keep my eyes on the finish line in Ironman, even in the 4 a.m. training sessions, two-a-days, 12 months of just really hard work, I’ll never make it. Having them with me and me with them was so cool because at the end of it all we crossed the finish line together.” “There’s times where you need somebody in your life to encourage you and then there’s times you need somebody in your life to carry you. We were that for each other.” December 2019 501lifemag.com | 71

SPORTS

Lonoke County: Chad Simpson

Chad Simpson has been labeled “a phenomenal shot.”

Although Chad Simpson “fell in love with archery” in Oklahoma, the relationship reached its zenith only after his move to Arkansas. Born in Moore, Okla., in February 1978, he enjoyed his boyhood in Roland in “The Sooner State,” where at age 16 his curiosity about archery earned him a present that he was to value for years thereafter: a compound bow, complete with moving pieces. The generous gift accelerated his proficiency in a sport he has found increasingly fascinating and rewarding. Within a month of graduation from Roland High School in May 1996, he began Army Basic Training and a five-year stint in the U.S. Armored Corps. Never while Dr. Robert in the military was archery far from his thoughts, and it Reising returned to a favorite spot on his off-hour and weekend schedule during the following decade, which he spent in a Dr. Robert Reising retired variety of sales positions while earning a degree, with a 3.0 from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 after holding a GPA, from Northeastern (Oklahoma) State University in variety of teaching, coaching and administrative posts during more Tahlequah in 2009. than a half-century in education. In 2012, he moved to a managerial post with UniFirst His doctoral dissertation at Duke Corporation, an opportunity he later labeled “the gateway treated literature and sports. to my dream job.” His duties with the nationally significant uniform company demanded that he interact with a myriad of authorities from outdoor sports, especially archery. He was so immersed in the sport at work as well as during his free hours that membership in the ASA (the Archery Shooters Association) became inevitable and competitive shooting burgeoned into an integral part of his life. A promotion two years later moved him to Lonoke County, where in September 2018 he accepted an appointment as a manufacturers’ representative with William J. Garland and Associates (one of only 18 such representatives), probably the national leader in the retail hunting and outdoor industry. Chad has come a long way from hunting and shooting in the back yards of

501 LIFE is once again profiling noteworthy athletes, men and women who were born outside of Central Arkansas but who made their mark in the 501. The “Celebrating athletic excellence” series will feature one from each of the 11 counties in the 501. The 11 are representatives of the quality of athletes found throughout Central Arkansas and are not meant to be the best or the most noteworthy. This is the sixth installment in the third “Celebrating athletic excellence” series. Nick Dean of Bryant (left) with Chad Simpson at the R100 shoot in Conway. 72 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Chad Simpson and his son, Drew, holding Arkansas ASA (Archery Shooters Association) state champion belt buckles. Roland. Launched in 2012, assisted by his gateway post with UniFirst and his “ideal position” with Garland, his career in competitive archery has prospered in ways he once could only imagine. Seventh place in his shooting class at the Phoenix City, Ala., Pro-Amateur Tournament in 2015 was followed by numerous Top 20 shooting performances in the following years, including fifth place in his class in the “Shooter of the Year” competition in 2017 and second place in his class in the McComb, Miss., Scenic Rivers Invitational Tournament in 2018. Chad has been no less successful in the current year. He has continued his parade of Top 20 finishes while winning the Arkansas ASA State Championship in his class in July, soon thereafter placing fourth in the Men’s Open Class at the OPA (Organization of Professional Archery) National Tournament in Seven Springs, Penn., and finishing the tournament season 17th in the battle for “Shooter of the Year” honors in his class. His appearance in “The Quaker State” tournament was significant: Pennsylvania became the ninth state in which he has shot competitively. In those nine states, he fared handsomely against the nation’s most capable Pro/Am archers, most of them with the ASA, which claimed a membership of 10,000 and a pay-out of more than $1 million in 2019. Chad’s capabilities have not gone unnoticed. Roy Richards, president of the Central Arkansas Bowhunters headquartered in Conway, has labeled him “a phenomenal shot.” Dennis Chumley, Arkansas State Director of the ASA, insists he is “among the top five pure shooters in The Natural State,” adding that “Chad has gotten good in a hurry.” Indeed, he has. But Chad’s archery skills extend beyond the shooting range. For two years, 2016 and 2017, he served as president of the Central Arkansas Bowhunters, providing such effective leadership in rebuilding the club that Richards labeled it “not good, but great!” In 2019, Chad even found time in his demanding schedule to add Level 2 USA Archery Coach certification to his credentials, a designation qualifying him to work with “a more established archery program like a college club.” ASA President Mike Terrell is convinced that for Chad “a lot of success [lies] ahead,” and it is hard to disagree. As Chumley concludes, he is “a class act…and a fine ambassador for archery in Arkansas.” He is also a transplant of whom Lonoke County and the 501 are extremely proud.

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76 | 501 LIFE December 2019

At Christmas

Celebrate the Old State House Museum The Old State House Museum in Little Rock is the oldest surviving capitol building west of the Mississippi River. It is one of the most famous buildings in the state and at Christmas time, the curators of the museum dress her up in splendid holiday décor. The Old State House has been the center of Arkansas’ political history from 1842 to the backdrop of Bill Clinton’s announcement to run for the U.S. presidency and election night watch parties in 1992 and 1996. Linda Because of its historical significance, it Henderson was designated as a National Historic Jim and Linda Henderson are Landmark in 1997. lifelong residents of the 501. The plans for the State House were They travel the 501 and other areas of Arkansas. Jim drives and imagined by Gov. John Polk during the hauls equipment. Linda takes territorial period as a place to house all photographs of Arkansas. During branches of the new state’s government. their travels, they have gained appreciation and love for The Architect Gideon Shryock was hired Natural State. They have found to draw up plans for a Greek Revival the 501 has so much to offer for fun and beauty to photograph. structure. Construction was under way in 1836 when Arkansas became a state. Originally the House and the Senate were in the center of the building with the executive branch and the judicial branch having offices on the west and east of the legislative branch. The building was used as Arkansas’ State House until 1911. At the time, it needed major repairs and remodeling. In addition, state government had outgrown the building. Plans were made to build a new state Capitol. Following the completion of the new capitol building, the University of Arkansas for Medical Science moved into the old building and used parts of the structure until 1935. Other organizations shared the building during this time, including the American Legion, which provided services to war veterans. Patriotic and civic organizations used the building in its past, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, Arkansas Pioneer Association, the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. In 1947, with the help of many community organizations, the Arkansas General Assembly voted to restore and turn the Old State House into a museum. After undergoing a massive remodeling, which included replacing the roof and strengthening the foundation, the Old State House opened as a museum in 1951. It continues to operate as one of the state’s finest museums, housing many of Arkansas’ archives and relics. There are both permanent and ever-changing exhibits that highlight Arkansas people and history. Any time of year is a good time to visit the Old State House, but at Christmas it takes on a beautiful glow. The building is decorated with Christmas trees, lights, ornaments and garland. It is located at 300 West Markham St. in Downtown Little Rock. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The only days it closes is Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Old State House Museum is another one of Arkansas’ gems, so get out and experience Arkansas history and the beauty of this special historical building in the 501.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 77

Village continued from Page 55

Vintage Shiny-Brite ornaments make an eye-catching display.

Bring on the friends and family.

Vintage stockings on the mantle and handmade and hand-me down ornaments on the tree.

Set for a formal dinner party.

78 | 501 LIFE December 2019

The neighborhood likes to throw a party at the drop of a hat; anything from Hendrix football tailgating to the Kentucky Derby, so you can imagine that they take it over the top for Christmas. The streets and homes in the village are decked out in holiday finery and are alive all season with celebrations from a cookie exchange and caroling to a community open house where the hot chocolate flows. Joe and Gloria’s home is warm and inviting. During the holidays, it is filled with a curated collection of Christmas treasures. The well-appointed kitchen is adorned with glass containers of all shapes and sizes that are filled with sparkling balls in a shimmering kaleidoscope of colors. It is not just a treat to the eye. These are treasured vintage Shiny-Brite brand ornaments handed down and collected over the years. “At first, I inherited a few from Joe’s mother, and then a few more from my grandmother,” said Gloria. She recalls a story of her trying to eat one of the shiny balls when she was a baby and a time in 1962 when she was tasked with riding in the back of a truck, holding a new aluminum tree with the aqua blue ornaments because it was decorated at the store and her father didn’t want to ‘undecorate’ it for the trip home.

On the wall in the kitchen is a framed handwritten note, and beneath the note on a peg hangs a rusty sausage can with the bottom cut out. The note was from Gloria’s grandmother telling the story of the old can which she had used to make biscuits for 36 years. It was semi-retired in 1985 but Gloria still brings out the makeshift cutter during the holidays and on special occasions to make biscuits. Hanging beside it is a wooden rolling pin made by Gloria’s great-great-great grandfather. An antique farm table had traveled with them in pieces from home to home until they finally had a place for it on the back porch. It is surrounded by what Gloria calls “the chairs of our lives” – a couple from each dining set they have had over 45 years. “Don’t ask!” said Gloria. “I don’t know how I ended up with a pair of chairs from every set, but here they are.” The Christmas tree is overflowing with ornaments collected and traded over the years. There’s a little wooden dog hand painted by their son when he was 6 and decorations collected on their travels. It is topped with a hand-sewn angel made by Gloria’s mother. Every piece – from childhood stockings on the mantle and an old lighted Santa from the grandparents and of course the tree slices – help tell the story of Gloria and Joe’s Christmases past.

December 2019 501lifemag.com | 79

Wonderful Waldo NEIGHBORS special friends

‘The big lesson is live a happy life’ by Sonja J. Keith

Morrilton residents James and Nina Magie have a special friend who has accompanied them on trips to nearly every U.S. state, 20 national parks and 11 national monuments He has also traveled with them as they have explored parts of Route 66, Mount St. Helens and the Appalachian Trail. The trips and the memories are extra special to the couple as Waldo, a 10½-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, was diagnosed in January with Grade 2 soft tissue sarcoma. “He had surgery but they were unable to get it all, so we are living with cancer,” said Nina. “However, he hasn’t let it slow him down. With such an amazing vet (Dr. Greg Hartman), Waldo is continuing to live life large. He even went to Canada this past summer!” James is a watchmaker/jeweler in Morrilton and owns Magie Jewelers. They have two children, Jennifer and Ben, who had moved out, leaving James and Nina as empty-nesters. Waldo was intended as a birthday gift to James from Jennifer, but the puppy quickly chose Nina to be “his person,” she explained. “He loves my husband, James, but I’m his person.” At the time, Jennifer was a new mother and a week later her dog had four puppies. It was a difficult time for Nina as her mom also died during that time from lung cancer. “Nate was born April 20, my mom died April 27, and Waldo was born May 1. That’s a lot in a short time,” Nina said, explaining that her daughter gave them Waldo “because she felt I needed him even though I didn’t want him. Maybe that is why he chose me as his favorite human. He knew I was grieving and he wanted to bring joy back into my life.” The couple began taking Waldo – who travels extremely well and enjoys riding in the car – with them on trips. Nina tracks all the states that Waldo has visited on a map. “Our human children are jealous of him because we’ve taken him more places than them.” There are only seven states in the continental U.S. where Waldo has not visited. The couple had plans to visit those states but postponed because of the cancer diagnosis. Nina said traveling with a pet requires research and planning to identify places that will allow pets. With that in mind, the couple purchased a travel trailer. “It makes it easier to take him.” On one of their trips, the couple took Waldo to his first drive-in movie in Chattanooga, Tenn. “He loved it! We saw ‘The Secret Life of Pets.’” Most recently, the three took a 10-day trip to Colorado. Nina admits that Waldo gets “spoiled rotten.” He has his own stroller to make it easier to travel 80 | 501 LIFE December 2019

Nina Magie and Waldo are loving life in the 501. (Mike Kemp photo)

in crowds. He also has a Facebook page, which is limited to people the couple know. Waldo also enjoys chasing squirrels off of the couple’s deck. His favorite toy is his Waldo. He likes to sit on the couch and enjoys watching “Let’s Make

a Deal.” His favorite place is Chick-fil-A, where he enjoys grilled chicken nuggets. “He loves meeting people,” Nina said, adding that he is very social. When the three visit national parks, Waldo gets a souvenir toy. They include Buddy the Bison from

Yellowstone and Freckles the Sea Lion from the Oregon/California coast. “He has quite a collection of toys he loves.” Nina said last December she was petting Waldo when she noticed a bean-size bump by his nose. She took him to Hartman Animal Hospital. Hartman, her nephew by marriage, examined Waldo. Initially it was thought it could be a bug bite and a round of antibiotics followed. In two weeks, the bump had doubled in size. Nina said it is unusual for dogs to get cancer on their nose but a biopsy was done. The test revealed suspicious cells but it was inconclusive. Additional tests were done and Waldo was referred to a special surgeon in Little Rock, who acted quickly to get Waldo in to surgery, which lasted about two and a half hours. “That’s how scary it was,” Nina said. Because of the type of cancer it is, the surgeon was unable to get it all. As they awaited pathology results, Hartman consulted and researched treatment options. “Dr. Hartman has been fabulous,” Nina said, adding that he is a relative but she thinks he goes “above and beyond” when it comes to treating all animals. The only treatment option for Waldo was radiation. It would involve 40 treatments five days a week for eight weeks in Memphis. “They couldn’t guarantee it would extend his life,” Nina said. “We opted to go for quality versus quantity. They said it would probably come back in three months or so. It’s been 10 months and he’s still in remission. I think we made the right choice.” Since his diagnosis, Waldo has gained three pounds (on food that Nina now prepares) and has remained active. “If we say ‘Let’s go,’ he’s the first one out the door,” Nina said, describing him as adventurous and a “front seat, co-pilot type of dog.” The three will be going to Branson at Thanksgiving and back to Colorado during the Christmas season. Waldo visits the vet office once a month for a checkup. “His vets say if they didn’t know he had cancer, they wouldn’t know by looking at him.” Nina said Waldo illustrates the importance of living life. “He keeps us going,” she said. “The big lesson is live a happy life. Love your people. Just be happy and enjoy your life.”

The map that tracks all of the states Waldo has visited.

Waldo dressed up for Halloween in a “Where’s Waldo” costume.

James Magie with Waldo.

Members of the Cleveland Police Department in Ohio were walking along Lake Erie and asked if they could have their photo taken with Waldo.

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December 2019 501lifemag.com | 81

NEIGHBORS person of the month

Lisa R. Willenberg

CITY: St. Vincent Community (just north of Morrilton). WORK: University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, 1992 to present. Positions held include accountant, accounting supervisor, adjunct instructor, controller, vice chancellor for finance, vice chancellor for finance and operations, and chancellor. I also worked at Arrow Automotive Industries in Morrilton during and after college from 1986-1992 as an accounting supervisor. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO EDUCATION: While education was always important to me and emphasized in my family, I wish I could say I made a conscious decision to go into education. Instead, my early passion was math, numbers and orientation to detail, hence the first several years of my career spent in accounting and finance-related positions. After starting work at then Petit Jean Technical College, it quickly became very clear to me upon seeing the multitudes of students coming through the college and the opportunities afforded them from higher education, that was where I belonged. One of the biggest obstacles for students in our region to higher education is the cost. In my early years at the college, I had the opportunity to counsel with students and help them find a way to make college possible financially. Over my 27-year career, I have witnessed thousands of UACCM graduates, each with their very own success story, many who didn’t believe it could be them on that stage. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Over the years I have been involved in many

different community activities, including Conway County Vision 2020 Leadership Program (1997), Great Arkansas Pig Out, Toad Suck Daze, Fabulous Fourth Festivities (Morrilton), St. Vincent Morrilton Hospital Foundation Board, Wonderview Booster Club and the Petit Jean Razorback Club.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in St. Vincent; Altar Society member; former St. Mary PRE Co-coordinator and St. Mary Annual Bazaar chairperson. FAMILY: Parents, Norbert and Mary Burgener; siblings James (Joanie)

Burgener and Willie (Lisa) Burgener; husband, Chris; children Bethany (Mike) Roberts, Brianna (Dustin) Simmons; Hunter Gunderman, Ben Willenberg and Josh Willenberg; and granddogs Dak, Ellie (Special El), Levy, Bella, Jax, Ellie and Bandit.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, University of Central

Arkansas, 1989; College Business Management Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 1998; and a master’s degree in education, UA Fayetteville, 2006.

Christmas is a special time for UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg, who was recently named to the position. “I was born on Dec. 24. I find my Christmas Eve birthday super fitting. I love Christmas and everything about it. I love giving. I love all the lights, the decorations, Christmas trees, the shopping, the food, and the peace and joy of this blessed holiday.” (Mike Kemp photo)

FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS: Finally, an easy one. Greers Ferry Lake.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: The friendly

people who truly take care of each other and the natural beauty of the rivers, lakes and mountains. I have to confess I took these things for granted until I did a little traveling. We live in a paradise of sorts.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE: I would like to take this opportunity to again thank everyone involved directly and indirectly in my being named chancellor at UACCM. I am deeply humbled and very excited with this opportunity. I would also invite anyone interested in a better life through additional training and higher education to please come see us at UACCM. We have an incredible staff waiting to take the journey with you. 82 | 501 LIFE December 2019

A Growing Health System for a Growing Community

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Our community is growing, and so is Conway Regional. For nearly 100 years, it’s been our honor to provide you with high-quality, compassionate health care. Now, we’re building new clinics, expanding access, and bringing new services to the community. We want to thank you, our patients, for continuing to trust Conway Regional with your health care needs. We’re not just growing—we’re growing together. When you need compassionate health care in Conway, find it at any of these clinics:

URGENT & EMERGENCY CARE Conway Regional After Hours Clinic 437 Denison, Suite 2 | 501-504-2330

PRIMARY CARE CLINICS Conway Medical Group 437 Denison | 501-327-1325

2302 College Avenue | 501-329-3831

Conway Regional Medical Clinic - Prince St. 1 Medical Lane | 501-329-2948

Innovative Services

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