January 2009

SAME PEOPLE. NEW NAME.

First State Bank is now called Centennial Bank.

We’re changing our name – and that’s about it. We’ll still have the same management, same friendly faces and same great service, just with a new name. Watch for exciting changes ahead that will make banking with us even better. For more information, come by any of our 16 previouslyknown-as-First-State-Bank locations.

CENTENNIAL BANK

banking that’s 100 times better.

According to the latest data released an estimated 15 million Americans have sleep disordered breathing, while up to 90% remain undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is more prevalent than diabetes or asthma and 17-20% of adults have obstructive sleep apnea. What most people don’t realize is that sleep apnea can be treated non-surgically with an oral appliance. So, if you snore or know someone who does, if you hate using a CPAP Machine, or if you have trouble sleeping, Dr. Dalton may be able to help in just a few office visits.

“Thanks to Dr. Dalton I don’t have to sleep with a CPAP machine anymore and I wake up feeling refreshed.”

General Dentistry

501 LIFE

Donna Spears

Sonja Keith

Tracy Ferrell

28 Events

To “Look back on 2008, Reflect on 2009,” 501 LIFE invited a handful of mayors throughout the 11 counties in the 501 area to complete a questionnaire regarding the successes and challenges in their communities.

34 Savor

A mild decrease in mood and energy is extremely common this time of year, and can be improved through certain mood-enhancing foods.

50 Business

In June 2007, 501 resident Sharla Holladay began a mission to make yoga more obtainable in Central Arkansas by opening a certified studio in Cabot.

53 The arts

The Conway Symphony Orchestra – with special help from Chef Don Bingham –recently unveiled a signature dessert, the Harmony Truffle Cookie.

54 Sports/Recreation

Two more names will enter the annals of Conway sports history this month when Nathan Brown and Bobby Tiner are honored by the Conway Athletic Awards Commission.

56 Pets

Meet David Cornwell and his special running buddy, Sadie.

57 Travel

Upon first sight, the Gann Museum doesn’t look much different than others. It’s what the building is constructed of that makes it unique.

501 Holidays St. Joseph PTO auction Wooster elementary open house Tailgating at Greenbrier Monsters on Main Street Lions Club chili cookoff ACH reception Veterans Day

‘Tis

Sonja J. Keith

A.J. Carol

Mike Kemp

Tanya Hightower

Trina Mitchell

Kayla Cooper

Don Bingham

Tiffany Block

Stephanie Byrnes

Tanner Cangelosi

Maggie Chandler

Jennifer Cunningham

Angie Howard

Mathilda Hatfield Hulett

Renee Hunter

Heather Kendrick

Karl Lenser

Marilyn Mathis

Richard Ryerson

Jan Spann

Donna Lampkin Stephens

Jim Taylor

Kellie Turpin

Johnny Adams

Jack Bell

Rob Bell

Lori Case

Kay Dalton

David Hambuchen

Mathilda Hatfield Hulett

Rosanne Johnson

Mike Kemp

Julie LaRue

Karl Lenser

Monica Lieblong

Deanna Ott

Pat Otto

Jon Patrom

Lori Ross

Warwick Sabin

Margaret Smith

Jan Spann

Amy Stockton

Beth Tyler

Jeff Whitehead

Jennifer Whitehead

Nancy Williams

To subscribe or order back issues, visit www.501lifemag.com. The subscription rate is $36 for one year. (12 issues) Single issues are available upon request for $5.

Advertising and Publishing 1002 Front St., Suite 1 Conway, Ark. 72032 501.327.1501 info@501adsandmags.com

To say that executive chef Robert Hall loves to cook might be an understatement. The latest stop on his culinary journey was in China for the Summer Olympics.

Remembering 2008

It seems like only yesterday that we gathered with friends, family and our advertising partners on an April evening in Downtown Conway to unveil the first issue of 501 LIFE. It was a magic moment. A dream come true.

But in fact, it has been several months since we unveiled our first edition. This issue is our ninth.

As we reflect and remember 2008, we have many blessings for which to be thankful. We have found tremendous support and encouragement from trusted friends and family as well as new friends.

We have relied heavily on our 501 LIFE Editorial Board to offer their guidance and direction, and they have stepped up in a big way. And we thank them.

We have been richly blessed by a talented group of contributors – writers, photographers, designers – who have been eager to offer the best of their work. We are humbled by their contributions on our behalf, and we thank them.

We too have been blessed by a special group of advertisers who have trusted us to deliver their important marketing messages in a timely and creative fashion. We have been moved by their enthusiasm for 501 LIFE and we thank them for their support.

This “Reflecting on, looking ahead” issue of 501 LIFE contains several articles that we know you won’t want to miss, including our special cover story. For this month, we asked mayors and other city officials throughout the 501 to complete a questionnaire that listed the successes and challenges of 2008, as well as what they anticipate might be down the road in the year ahead. (Check out additional responses on our website, ww w.501lifemag.com,)

Giving back

501 LIFE is proud to announce a $2,400 gift to benefit endowed scholarship funds at Central Baptist College, Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas.

The money is in part from 501 Holidays, held Nov. 2 at Hendrix College. (Check out more photos from the event on Page 10 and Page 46.)

Once again, we want to express our appreciation to all involved.

Plans are already in the works to make 501 Holidays bigger and better next year, and we hope to give more in scholarship funds in the years ahead.

More good news

We hear great things are in store for the Hendrix Village, with Southwestern Energy Company very close to making an announcement that it will construct a multi-story office building on the site and employ a significant number of workers.

As this issue went to the printer, invitations had been sent concerning the big announcement. Congratulations to both Southwestern Energy and Hendrix!

As this latest news and other stories in this issue would indicate, it appears that great things are in store in Conway and the 501 in the year ahead and beyond.

Here’s to a great year and loving life in the 501.

Clarification

501 LIFE would like to clarify some information contained in the Neighborhood Youth Foundation story that appeared in the December issue. The foundation has distributed about 100 pallets of food to other organizations since it began, not 100 each month as was reported. We apologize for the error.

Sonja J. Keith

Donna J. Spears

Tracy L. Ferrell

501 LIFE publishers Sonja Keith (from left), Tracy Ferrell and Donna Spears with the chocolate cake – prepared by Chef Don Bingham – that was served at Girls Nite Out at Dazzle Daze. The cake was also featured on the cover of the December issue of the magazine, distributed at the event. (Photo by Zachariah McCannon.)

Nancy Williams (right), a member of the 501 LIFE Editorial Board, lends a helping hand serving cake at Girls Nite Out.

Readers take LIFE along for the ride

From photos received in recent weeks, it’s obvious readers are enjoying LIFE and taking it along for the ride – from trips to neighboring states to adventures abroad.

“Our ‘Loving LIFE’ feature has become quite popular,” said 501 LIFE publisher Donna Spears. “501 LIFE really is ‘the people’s magazine’ and we are thrilled that readers share their families, their travels and so much more with us and others.”

Several readers have already submitted holidayrelated photos which will be featured in the February edition.

Readers who would like to submit a photo can do so by email at info@501adsandmags.com or by mail to Reader Photos, c/o 501 LIFE, 1002 Front St., Suite 1, Conway, Ark. 72032. (Sorry, photos will not be returned.)

What is 501 LIFE?

you live in one of the counties with a 501 area code, then this magazine was created with you in mind. Central Arkansas is rich in history, full of culture, and brimming with stories to be told.

Bill and Kathy Hooten (from left) and Tim and Robin Tyler in Albuquerque, N.M., in November, at the final stop of a B-17 tour. Bill and Tim were flying and conducting maintenance for the tour.

In mid-October, six members of Central Baptist Church in Conway took 501 LIFE along as they traveled to the western highlands of Guatemala for medical mission work with an indigenous group known as the Todos Santos Mam. (Photo submitted by Sherri Black.)

Cindy Trawick Ellis visited Washington, D.C., in early October with her daughter, Jessi, who is a high school senior. “I wanted her to get a feel of patriotism and of the strong political pulse in the nation’s capitol during this historic election year.”

Zarina Galvan McCarthy and her son, Rodrigo, at Sea World in San Diego in October. “My son went with me for my 20th high school reunion…We like your magazine - lots of colorful pictures and informative articles. Keep up the good work!”

Kinley Johnston of Greenbrier on vacation in Gatlinburg, Tenn., at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains.

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances will present Tango Fire at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in the Reynolds Performance Hall. Direct from Buenos Aires, the performance (www.tango-fire.com) will feature the grace of ballet and the fire of flamenco. For more information or to order tickets, please go to www.uca.edu/reynolds or call 1.866.810.0012.

Homecoming festivities are planned Friday, Feb. 6, and Saturday, Feb. 7, at Central Baptist College. This year’s theme is “We are Family.” To see a complete list of the many activities and reunions planned, please go to www.cbc.edu.

Central Baptist College will host its second annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, February 7, in the Mabee Student Services Complex. Proceeds will be used to equip a campus fitness center. The fundraising goal for this event is $25,000.

The Silent Auction and appetizer buffet will open at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the program at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $25 and sponsorships range from $250 to $2,500. To purchase individual tickets, become an event sponsor, or donate an item(s) to the Silent Auction please contact Sancy Faulk, vice president for student services, at sfaulk@cbc.edu or 501.329.6872, extension 169.

To submit a calendar item, please send information to info@501adsandmags.com.

To see a complete list of items, please go to www.501lifemag.com.

Thanks and appreciation to the folks at 501 LIFE from the ladies of Junior Auxiliary of Conway.

Your holiday event was spectacular and it was so kind of you to allow us to participate in selling our cookbooks to help our service projects. It is so nice when the community pulls together for good causes. We are certainly glad to have 501 LIFE as a part of ours.

Jenifer Kendrick Junior Auxiliary of Conway

A winner with LIFE >>

John and Betty Ward of Conway were the winners of dinner for two at MarketPlace Grill in the magazine’s prize drawing last month.

501 LIFE subscribers are eligible for prize drawings, special promotions, VIP invitations to events, lunch in the 501, and much, much more.

Subscribe today and you could be the next “Winner with LIFE.”

Go to www.501lifemag.com to subscribe to be entered in the next drawing.

Look for this space in each issue to see if you are the next “Winner with LIFE.”

events A special lunch date

Women’s ministry to mark 20 years

2009 will mark an anniversary for Marilyn Mathis and a special group of women who have shared a lunch date and their faith nearly every month for 20 years.

The First Wednesday Ladies Lunch Break will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Jan. 7 at Second Baptist Church in Conway.

“God has led me in paths I have never known or thought possible when He called me to this ministry to women in 1989,” Marilyn said. “It has been a long path - 20 years - and God has been my faithful companion every step of the way. He has made the darkness of my ignorance into light and straightened out my many mistakes. He has enabled me and the faithful volunteers to provide physical and spiritual food for the women of Conway and Faulkner County. ‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we think or ask, according to the power that works in us, to him be glory (Ephesians 2:20-21a).’”

The program has grown from about 75 who

Centennial Bank to continue Thanksgiving dinner tradition

The Conway community Thanksgiving dinner will have a new organizer in 2009, ensuring that the holiday tradition started 20 years ago will continue.

“When Catherin and Bob Blankenship announced that 2008 would be the last year they would organize the Thanksgiving dinner, we approached them about Centennial Bank assuming that responsibility,” said Lori Case, vice president for marketing. “This event is a testament to our community’s commitment to provide for those who are not able to share this special holiday with friends and loved ones.

“We have much to be thankful for at Centennial Bank and feel that is highly appropriate that we give back to the community that has given so much to us by organizing this meal of thanksgiving.”

Traditionally held at Second Baptist Church, this year’s Thanksgiving dinner fed about 600 people, with 300 of those meals delivered.

501 LIFE will be a sponsor for the event. “We are excited to lend a helping hand and give back to the community in this special way,” said 501 Publisher Donna Spears.

“We commend and thank the Blankenships for starting this wonderful community tradition,” said Centennial CEO Randy Sims. “A lot of details are still to be worked out, but the community can rest assured that this special holiday tradition will continue for years to come.”

attend to more than 150 women each month. Marilyn and her friend, Helen Benafield were attending a meeting at Second Baptist Church in Conway when a suggestion was made to start a women’s Bible study similar to a men’s program held at noon on a weekday. Marilyn knew immediately that she wanted to teach it with each lesson individualized rather than a continuing study.

Since it began, Lunch Break has met with tremendous success with hundreds of women attending over the years. A variety of churches as well as denominations have been represented, with some women traveling to Conway from Rose Bud,

Greenbrier, Vilonia and Mayflower to attend.

The program is run completely by volunteers, with meal preparation and decorations assigned to different individuals and groups.

“Not much has changed,” Marilyn said. “They take care of their jobs and I do mine. They are so faithful.”

Women of all ages are invited to attend at noon the first Wednesday of each month in the Second Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 701 Polk St. Ladies Lunch Break is non-denominational and open to all women in the community. For more information, please call Ann Cantrell at 730-2660.

Marilyn has specific goals – the 4 E’sin mind when she speaks: Encourage Enlighten Entertain Exalt God

A Conway resident, Marilyn Mathis is a wife, mother, Nana and teaching leader for First Wednesday Lunch Break. Readers can reach her at marilynm@ cyberback.com

501 LIFE announces $2,400 scholarship gift

501 LIFE kicked off the holiday season with fun and style at a unique, oneday-only event – 501 Holidays.

Held Nov. 2 at the Wellness and Athletics Center at Hendrix College, 501 Holidays drew more than 400 attendees and featured “big names” in culinary arts and home décor, a spectacular fashion show and a variety of tabletops that showcased local businesses as well as holiday decorating ideas.

“We are very pleased with the results of our first 501 Holidays and are proud to announce that $2,400 will be donated to support scholarship programs at Central Baptist College, Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas,” said 501 LIFE Publisher Donna Spears. “Plans are already in the works to make 501 Holidays bigger and better next year, and we hope to give more in scholarship funds in the years ahead.”

Presenting sponsors for 501 Holidays were Dalton Designer Smiles, First Security Bank and First State Bank.

“There were so many businesses, groups and individuals that made 501 Holidays happen,” said 501 LIFE Publisher Tracy Ferrell. “We want to thank everyone involved for their help and support.”

Members of the 501 Holidays Committee included Lori Case, Kayla Cooper, Kay Dalton, Karl Lenser, Monica Lieblong, Beth Longing, Trina Mitchell, Deanna Ott, Pat Otto, Margaret Smith, Jan Spann, Beth Tyler and Jennifer Whitehead. The committee was also assisted by interior design students in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at the University of Central Arkansas.

Readers can visit to www.501lifemag.com for additional photos and a video presentation from the event.

1 Georg Andersen (left) and Todd Morris.

2 Rosi Hemphill (left) and Tracy Anderson.

3 Attendees take in one of the fashion shows at 501 Holidays.

4 Missy Henderson (left) and Linda Dickey.

5 Stacy Crone (left) and Shealyn Sowers.

6 Stephanie May (left) and Shannon Milam.

7 Lynn Garrett (left) and Karen Cardin.

8 Joan Shofner (left) and Lori Ross.

9 Sunnie Ruple (left) and Netta Schultheis.

10 Margaret Smith (left) and Marilyn Williams.

11 Susan Isom (left) and Trina Mitchell.

12 Loren Stanton (left) and Stacey Witherell.

Rae Lynn Callaway (from left), Jennifer Whitehead and Kayla Cooper.

Jeff Whitehead (from left), Mike Binko, and Jon and Katie Patrom.

Ouida Wright (from left), Mary Wells and JoAnn Bradshaw.

Michelle Swain (from left), Elizabeth Harmon and Patti Stobaugh.

Mary Smith (from left), Debbie Lambert and Georgia Hayes.

PTO hosts annual fundraising event

Students, parents and teachers had a good time while also supporting St. Joseph School in Conway during the annual baked goods/crafts auction.

Sponsored by the parent-teacher organization, the event raised over $4,000 and featured a variety of items, according to Heather Harper, president. Between 75-100 attended.

“It’s the PTO’s biggest fundraiser for the year,” she said. Items that were auctioned varied from a Louisiana Plantation Pound Cake which sold for $100 to a Titleist putter which had not been released for purchase to the public which sold for over $400.

“I want to thank everyone for their support,” Heather said. “We had a wonderful time.”

Fifth-grader Austin Anderson displays a strawberry cake made by fourth-grade teacher Melanie Kordsmeier.

Stephanie Schrekenhofer (left) was the high bidder on a fall wreath made by St. Joseph teacher Janice Thessing.

One of the high bid items at the auction was a knitted scarf and matching cap made by St. Joseph music teacher Jennifer Hui (left). The winning bidder was junior high math teacher Audie Alumbaugh, whose niece Mary Kate Cain modeled the items.

Primary School Principal Terri Seiter (right) made a Coca-Cola cake which Holly Van Dyke purchased during the auction.

Elementary School Principal Susie Freyaldenhoven (left) made Neiman Marcus brownies, which went to Marilyn Dail, the high bidder.

PTO President Heather Harper and freshman Mason Anderson prepare a bid. Auctioneer Buddy Baird recognizes a bidder.

Janice Thessing had the high bid on “sticky buns” made by counselor Richard Walter.

Photos by Ray Nielsen.

Open house at Wooster elementary

The Greenbrier School District hosted an open house this fall to give the community an opportunity to check out the new elementary school at Wooster before the students officially moved in.

The school has been designed and equipped with many eco-friendly features, making it the third “green school” in Arkansas.

A formal grand opening at the elementary school is being planned for early 2009.

See Page 20 for additional information about the new school.

Greenbrier plays host for county judge’s cup

First Service Bank in Greenbrier recently teamed up with 501 LIFE and Conway radio station Y107 to host a tailgate party prior to the annual County Judge’s Cup football game against the Vilonia Eagles.

First Service bankers grilled hot dogs and provided all the trimmings. In addition, youngsters enjoyed an inflatable bounce house.

Copies of 501 LIFE were distributed and those attending had an opportunity to enter a drawing for a gift certificate to MarketPlace Grill, courtesy of the magazine. The winner was Jennifer Rhoads.

Those attending the tailgate had an opportunity to have their photos taken with a cutout of a football player and a cheerleader.

Greenbrier cheerleaders

Amanda Burks (from left), Stephanie Rozanski, Samantha Guffey (front), Brooklyn Cardin, Amber Adlong, Nicole Baker and Madison Woodall.

April and Tony Springer.

Assistant Principal Brian Cossey and Principal Lenett Thrasher. Heather and Greg Oaks. Jan Moore (left) and Dianne Wells.

Principal Lenett Thrasher and Superintendent Scott Spainhour.

Tracy McAllister (from left), Anita Harris and Karen Hall.

Tammy Long (from left), Tammie Dawn Patton and Monica Mathis.

Ella Cardin (from left), Teresa Jackson and Megan Girdler. To see more Greenbrier tailgating photos, please go to www.501lifemag.com.

Monsters on Main Street

Main Street Morrilton recently held its annual Monsters on Main Street. Held to promote the city, the event provided a safe environment for trick or treaters on Halloween.

To see more photos taken in Conway County, please go to www.501lifemag.com.

Morrilton Lions Club sponsors chili cookoff

The Morrilton Lions Club recently held its annual chili cookoff.

An endless bowl of chili could be purchased for $5. Money raised will be used for the annual Fabulous Fourth Celebration held at Cherokee Park on Fourth of the July.

Photos by Jim Taylor.

First and second place costume winners Lindsey Willard (center, left) and Ethan Sams (center, right) with Lindsey’s grandmother, Sandra Smith, and April Sams, Ethan’s mother.

Jeris Henson with her children – 6-month-old Lilly Henson and 3-year-old Xaden Whitney.

Kyle Chassells (left), a student at Morrilton Intermediate School, gets a palm reading from fortune teller Darlene Cree.

Third place costume winner Avery Koch, held by mom Misty Koch, with grandmother, Angela Austin, all of Morrilton.

Jennifer, Alanah and Tyler Carroll, of the Birdtown community, enjoy chili at the cookoff.

Judges for the chili cookoff were Conway County Sheriff Mike Smith (from left), Morrilton Mayor Bobby Kirby and Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart.

Dale Lipsmeyer (left) and Wayne Biggs, both of Morrilton, provide entertainment at the cookoff.

Becki Griffey of Morrilton and Karem Hofford of the Petit Jean community prepare their first-place “witches brew” chili.

Terry Jones (left), a student at Morrilton High School, and his dad Larry Jones, both of the Overcup community.

To see more photos from the ACH reception and Veterans Day event, please go to www.501lifemag.com.

Arkansas Children’s reception

Charlotte and Charles Nabholz of Conway recently hosted a reception and insider’s briefing on Arkansas Children’s Hospital. They were motivated to host the reception because they have close, personal ties to ACH and they see the impact the hospital makes on children in the state.

Two individuals from ACH presented a short program - Dr. Robert Lyle, co-medical director of the neonatal intensive care unit, and B.J. Raysor, director of the Angel One transport program. More than 35 people attended the reception.

Veterans Day observance

Ed’s Bakery in Conway hosted a special Veterans Day observance in November for men and women in the Faulkner County area who had served in the armed forces.

About 100 veterans – including several who wore their military uniforms – attended the annual event, which was designed as a thank-you for their service.

B.J. Raysor (from left) with Joyce and Terry Fiddler.

TOP LEFT Marie Thompson (from left), Virginia Nutter, Grace Reed, Elaine Maynard and Beverly Buendtner (standing).

BOTTOM LEFT Glynes Clements (from left), Lewis Winter and Melvin Bailey.

Terry and Trisha Sossong (from left), and Maret and Jim Moore. Joni and Mitch Collins.

Charlotte and Charles Nabholz. Barbara Sossamon (from left), Steve and Sandra Schrekenhofer, and Dorothy Robins.

Dr. Robert Lyle (from left) with Linda and Danny Linn.

Ava and Tony Dunlap (from left), Coy and Rosa Shirley, and Laynie Satterfield, (standing).

Harvey Melton (from left), Bill Pate and Bill Nutter.

TOP LEFT Bernice Humphrey (left) and Gilbert Meneley.

BOTTOM LEFT Raymond Romine (from left), Jerry Lancaster and Ruben Goss.

To see more Dazzle Daze photos, please go to www.501lifemag.com.

Dazzle Daze draws crowd

A record number turned out for the seventh annual Dazzle Daze, held Nov. 20-22, at the Conway Sports Center, Highway 65 and Interstate 40.

Sponsored by the Conway Regional Women’s Council, proceeds from the event will help purchase equipment and expand programs offered at the hospital.

Winners in the Dazzle Daze raffle were Brenda Patrick of Conway - A 2009

Ford Mustang Convertible from Smith Ford; Sandra Williams of Greenbrier - A 40-inch, flat panel HDTV from DeBoard Electronics; and Penny Clardy of Conway - A $500 gift certificate to Cajun Brothers Furniture.

Jona Plummer of Lonoke won a $1,500 sterling silver bracelet from Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers that was given away during Girls Nite Out.

Stephanie Smith (from left), Melanie Trotter and Christie Phelan. Pattie Howse (from left), Kathy Estes and Gail Strack. Joyce Hall (from left), Natalie Parker and Nikki Murdock.

Rachel McDonald and Pam Sims.

Kim Lutz (left) and her mother, Pat Lutz.

Jamisa Hogan (left) and Lia Tate.

Linda Linn (left) and Lisa Crafton.

Jo Ann Huselton and Jim Lambert.

Nicole Miolla (left) and Sarah Coker.

Julie LaRue (left) and Janet Criswell.

Jacqueline Kordsmeier (left) and Jayme Jeane.

Sarah Chunn was the winner of a hurricaneshaped vase filled with ornaments and a one-year subscription to 501 LIFE.

Mandy Lewis (left) and Sheri Stephens.

Arkansas Community Foundation announces 2009 grant availability

Charitable giving is the lifeblood of non-profit organizations whose work changes lives throughout Arkansas. The Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF), a philanthropic organization with 26 local offices around the state including one in Faulkner County, is dedicated to helping these groups continue to do good in our community.

By using the community foundation, donors can choose a favorite charity, establish an endowment, make gifts and make grants to support a worthy cause or organization, forever.

Through its Giving Tree Endowment, the Faulkner County office has made grants to local nonprofit organizations each year since 2001.

This year, the group will award more than $23,000 to selected organizations which will fund projects and programs that help achieve their objectives, provide better services, reach more people and build a better Faulkner County community.

The grant process begins in January, with applications due Sunday, March 1.

For more information on applying for grants, 501c(3) organizations can go to www.arcf.org.

In the midst of the grant cycle this year, the Community Foundation of Faulkner County will host the “Giving Tree Celebration” in honor of those who have given to endowments in past years to make Faulkner County a better place to live.

For more information about the event, contact Community Director Julie LaRue at commfound@yahoo. com, or call 501-932-0390.

Ty Miller

Job: Co-owner of 24/7 Fitness.

Parents: Arthur and Penny Miller (Plainview, Texas)

Education: Bachelor of science in kinesiology (UCA)

Community activities: Member of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce; and support for Young Life and UCA athletics (all programs with additional support for the baseball program).

Special interests: Exercise, golfing and hunting.

How would you describe yourself: Driven, organized, happy (I like to smile).

Favorite restaurant: Mike’s Place (Downtown Conway).

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Spending time being active with my family (UCA sporting events when they are playing).

Favorite quote: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13, apostle Paul).”

New year’s resolution: Improve as the spiritual leader of my family.

What do you love about living in the 501: Tori’s answer pretty much sums it up for me as well.

Wedding bells: March 26, 1999 – Central Baptist College Chapel in Conway.

Together: Owners of 24/7 Fitness which opened Sept. 8. It is an accessible, clean, non-intimidating workout environment where customer service is the top priority.

Family: 3-year-old twins Miles (son) and Avery (daughter).

Family activities enjoyed together: Going to the park, playing at Jump Zone, and attending UCA sporting events.

Tori Miller

Job: Physical education teacher (Marguerite Vann Elementary-Conway)

Parents: Terry and Sandie Milam (Greenbrier)

HIM HER THEM

Education: Bachelor of science in education (University of Central Arkansas), Master of science in education (Harding University).

Special interests: Running, exercise, eating.

How would you describe yourself: Energetic, fun-loving.

Favorite restaurant: Breakfast – Stoby’s (Ty and I met at UCA and would enjoy breakfast at Stoby’s when class was cancelled). Lunch – Mean Bean Café. Supper – Joe’s Pizza in Greenbrier. I am so blessed to have a precious grandmother (MeMe). It is hard to beat anything that comes from her kitchen. Plus it is always open.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Spending time being active with my family.

Favorite quote: “Always start out how you can hold out” – advice given to me on my wedding day by my MeMe (Oneida Milam).

New year’s resolution: Spend more time reading my Bible.

What do you love about living in the 501: “I love that it is big enough to meet all our needs (no need to go anywhere else to eat, play, shop). Yet, it is small enough. No matter where you go there is always a familiar face.”

‘I loved every minute of it’

Senior reflectsplayer on 2008 season

by Levi Walker Gilbert

‘Tis the season for giving, and Perryville quarterback Greg Stivers gave it all.

The 18-year-old middle child of three used his uncanny combination of athletic ability (4.6 speed), intelligence (3.6 GPA) and strong work ethic to lead the Mustangs (8-2-1) to their firstever conference championship.

“He’s a great kid,” said Coach James Clayton. “He’s very smart, and he picks things up real quickly. He works 40 hours a week and plays football.

“He’s going to go places in his life.”

The heralded coach came out of retirement in May. Clayton retired five years earlier from Carlisle where he established a formidable record in 15 years – 10 conference titles, four state title appearances and an overall record of 150-28-2.

Stivers does it all. He hits the books (will graduate with honors this spring), he hits the gridiron (played quarterback and cornerback, returned punts and kicked field goals for the Mustangs) and he punches the time clock (works full-time at TJ’s Country Store in Perryville). He plays basketball, runs track and is a member of the weightlifting squad in addition to his participation in football.

“The hardest part is the dedication,” Stivers said.“With all the work, homework and practices at night, it makes it really tough. I stay up late some nights doing my homework. It’s all about time management.

“I’m a senior. There’s nothing to hold back for. I have to leave it all out there.”

What motivates a teenager to devote all of himself to his school and work? The answer: Stivers’ mother, Angela Grey.

“I really admire my mother,” Stivers said. “She’s always found a way to provide for me and my brother and sister. She’s a really strong person. She had all of us by the time she was 18, and if she could take care of all of us, then I know nothing I face is too difficult.”

Stivers’ talents provided a warm welcome for Clayton this season.

“It’s been a good asset for me coming in to have an experienced quarterback,” Clayton said.

Stivers had been a starting quarterback since he was in the seventh grade, and he admitted that his mental game rose to a new level under Clayton.

The Mustang faithful received a long-awaited gift this football season. The addition of a proven coach combined with Stivers’ progression at quarterback equaled a 4-3A conference title and a first-round bye in the Class 3A state playoffs. Perryville had never won a conference championship, but the season wasn’t a complete

Greg Stivers

2008 Statistics

Stivers completed 52 percent of his passes, throwing for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for over 600 yards and nine scores.

Excelling defensively, Stivers recorded 65 tackles and six interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns – from his cornerback position.

Stivers was also a serviceable special teams performer for the Mustangs, amassing over 400 yards in punt returns (one for a touchdown). He also had a 65-yard kickoff return.

One of Stivers’ best performances of the year came in the season finale; he finished 4 of 5 for 173 yards, throwing three touchdowns in a 41-23 win at home over Atkins.

success as the Mustangs fell to Cedarville in the second round, 15-9.

“Winning a conference championship was a major deal for us,” Stivers said. “We were disappointed with the way the season ended in the playoffs, but we were all very happy winning a conference championship.

“It was a great feeling to win. We had great fans, and I made a lot of memories.”

This year’s playoff run won’t be the last opportunity for Stivers on a football field. He has been selected to play in the Arkansas High School All-Star Game alongside teammate linebacker Jonathan Phillips. It will be the first time a Perryville Mustang will compete in the game.

Stivers plans to stay involved in sports for the rest of his life by pursuing a career in sports medicine and health sciences. He will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall.

In the meantime, Stivers looks back on his football career with no regrets.

“I loved every minute of it. I have great memories, and I’m definitely going to miss it.”

2008 brought new ‘green’ school

by Renee Hunter

Wooster Elementary is the third “green school” in Arkansas, and that’s exciting. But more exciting is what’s happening inside the facility, which opened in the fall of 2008.

To achieve LEED (Leadership: Energy, Environmental Design) Certification, three requirements must be fulfilled. The first – following environmental guidelines during construction – has been achieved. The others – using the building as a teaching tool and adopting “green” practices – are up to the faculty and students who have embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

The fourth- and fifth-graders heard the architect talk about the building’s “green” design and construction; they heard a Trane representative explain how the heating/cooling system’s design makes it energy efficient. They then committed being “teachers” and passing the information

on to the younger students, their parents and the community.

Ambassadors chosen from these two grades serve as tour guides for school visitors, pointing out the automatic lights that dim in response to ambient light and turn off when the room is empty, the energy-conserving north-south facing windows, and other “green” features.

In addition to its eco-friendly design, the school also recycles cardboard, paper, newspaper, plastic and aluminum.

“We want the kids to learn the habit of recycling so that it will be a part of their lives as adults,” said Principal Lenett Thrasher.

Each classroom has a recycling bin, and colorcoded bins are placed in other areas. A “green team” consisting of two students from each third-, fourth- and fifth-grade class is responsible for

collecting items from the bins and taking them to a recycling trailer. The trailer and color-coded bins were purchased with a $15,000 grant, written by Kelli Smith, from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and Faulkner County.

Plastic, paper and newspapers are taken to the Conway Sanitation Department’s recycling center. Students learned that recycling a three-foot stack of newspapers saves one tree. Jennifer Richardson’s husband built the school a 3-foot high newspaper collection bin for ease of recording.

“They get so excited; they go nuts,” said Assistant Principal Brian Cossey. “They’re counting the trees that they save.”

The students plan to have a sizable “green” forest by year’s end.

Aluminum cans and cardboard are sold. The can money is used to buy library books, and the cardboard money goes into the activity fund. Students are also collecting worn-out leather tennis shoes and selling them to Nike for shredding and recycling into playground covering.

In addition to its eco-friendly design, the school also recycles cardboard, paper, newspaper, plastic and aluminum. For Christmas, students created “trash” ornaments using aluminum cans, milk cartons, scratched CDs and paper.

Lenett Thrasher (pictured) is the principal at the new elementary school.

Plastic, paper and newspapers are collected through the school’s recycling efforts and taken to the Conway Sanitation Department’s recycling center.

But all the trash isn’t being recycled; some is being creatively reused.

In October, students held a “Trashion Show” featuring products made from trash. They ranged from plastic-bottle bird feeders, blue-jean lunch bags and baby-food-jar paperclip holders to a toy car rebuilt as a remote-control laundry hamper, a Huggies® Container plastic-bag holder and a juice-jug rain gauge, to name just a few.

For Christmas, students created “trash” ornaments using aluminum cans, milk cartons, scratched CDs and paper. The Christmas program, modeled on the Dr. Seuss story about the Grinch, was called “Christmas in Who-ville” and focused on recycling.

“We’re trying to get the community involved,” Mrs. Richardson said. “The community is invited to use the recycling trailer.”

The “green” motto – “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” – is also integrated into the curriculum. Mrs. Richardson’s fifth-graders found ways to reduce paper usage after studying how, during the American Colonial Period, paper was scarce and people had to find alternatives. Now, most parents receive the class newsletter via the Internet instead of a paper copy, and students are making a practice of taking notes from the dry-erase board before a test instead of being given copied study guides.

The class also researched LEDs (light-emitting diodes) compared to regular Christmas lights and discovered that LEDs use 90 percent less electricity, and that if every U.S. home switched to them, the electricity saved would power 200,000 homes for a year.

While learning about persuasive writing, Ms. Smith’s students wrote speeches designed to convince people to recycle, which were videotaped for presentation to school and community groups.

“They are awake to what the world is going to be like 20 years from now, when they are grown,” Ms. Smith said of their research.

The class’s non-fiction project was to write stepby-step directions for making the “trash” ornaments they had created and put the directions on Power Point for use by the first- and second-graders. ‘This is easy because they are so excited about it,” she said.

Ms. Smith also plans to have the class design and publish brochures on the school’s recycling program. The aim is to encourage community recycling.

During “green week” – the first week in February – students will measure how much trash they generate in a day and then find ways to reduce that amount. At the end of the week, another measurement will be taken to see how they’ve done. Results will be announced at the school’s formal grand opening.

by Renee Hunter

At Wooster –Former students recall earlier school

Wooster has an elementary school for the first time in 50 years, a school very different from the original – airier, brighter and more fun.

Former students Marilyn (Patterson) Battles and Valerie (Mack) Legrone recently shared their memories of the first school, located on Shaw Bridge Road, with 501 LIFE.

The school’s first buildings were frame barracks brought from Camp Robinson. At some point, a “cutting edge” stone gymnasium was built (near where the firehouse is today) with a heavy wood floor for basketball. The gym was not heated, but neither Marilyn nor Valerie can recall having physical education during the winter.

The gym was the only building with restrooms, and they were often in bad shape –“stopped up or backed up all the time,” Valerie said. An outhouse was in regular use instead.

A schoolyard bell announced the beginning of each day, and only well-behaved sixth-grade boys were allowed the privilege of ringing it.

After the school closed in 1958, the gym was used as an informal skating rink by area youth. Noreen and Osco Hankins moved the barracks, divided into several buildings, to Highway 285, where they still sit. The bell languished for years in the Hankins yard but today it has a new home in the courtyard at the new school.

The former school had a small cafeteria, where meals were served in three shifts of two grades each.

“We had wonderful meals,” Marilyn said. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches were her favorite, because she didn’t get them at home.

See SCHOOL on page 45

Greenbrier

OUR

From long-term care residents, to rehab patients, everyone’s needs are met with dignity and respect in a comfortable living environment.

A spectacular outdoor area is the focal point of our living environment with special attention given to the indoor décor. The facility reflects our concern for the quality of life we feel our residents deserve.

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER

Our ongoing goal at Greenbrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is to provide the highest quality of care to each resident.

We invite you to come in for a visit. Our sincere professional staff enjoys giving extra attention to service and going the extra mile for residents and their family members.

NEWLY RENOVATED FACILITY FEATURES A MEDICARE UNIT THAT INCLUDES ITS OWN ENTRANCE, DINING ROOM, PRIVATE ROOMS, AND TERMINAL CARE ROOMS.

Wooster Elementary School third-grader Faith Foster with her grandmother, Marilyn Battles, who attended the first school located in Wooster. The bell (pictured) was used at the first school, and was given to the new school when it opened.

Dwelling in the land

I’m a planner. An organizer. I love to have a “to do” list and mark things off. It really throws me for a loop when things don’t go according to plan. I don’t really like change, especially the unexpected kind. I like knowing what’s ahead and being able to prepare.

This time of year usually finds me thinking ahead about the new year. It’s exciting to think about a clean slate…with lots of possibilities…plans and dreams and things to look forward to.

As I look ahead and make plans for the new year, though, I can’t help but reflect on the last one. This past year, my life has not been going according to plan. I have hopes and dreams that have not been able to be “crossed off the list.” I have been living in a season of waiting.

Waiting does not come easy for a planner/ perfectionist like me. It’s hard to understand why we have to wait, especially when the “plan” seems to be so perfect. One thing that has brought me comfort and encouragement in the waiting is the story of Ruth from the Bible. Ruth’s life definitely did not go according to plan…at least not her plan.

After her husband died, Ruth found herself alone, with a choice to make. She could stay in her homeland or follow her mother-in-law to a new place. She chose change…and decided to move to Bethlehem. For a long time after they moved there, Ruth was forced to go out each day and find food for herself and her mother-in-law. Because they were poor, she went to nearby grain fields and simply picked up leftovers. But she never complained. She dwelled in the land and accepted God’s provision for her and her family.

The field’s owner noticed Ruth’s persistent work ethic and made sure his workers always left plenty of leftovers for her. Over the course of time, the owner, named Boaz, continued to watch Ruth’s faithfulness

and dedication to her mother-in-law. Day after day, week after week, she continued to gather the food and trust in God’s provision.

Turns out, Boaz was what they called Ruth’s “kinsman-redeemer” – meaning that he was in line to marry Ruth and provide for her and her family. They were later married and had a wonderful life together.

Ruth could have grown tired of collecting leftover grain day after day. She could have complained to her mother-in-law about their circumstances. She could have taken things into her own hands and found a “kinsman-redeemer” herself and demand that he marry her. But she didn’t. She faithfully served God where she found herself that day…and trusted Him to work out the future. She served God and accepted His provision while she waited…realizing that the wait was all a part of the greater plan.

I think we can learn a lot from Ruth. Many of us have daily circumstances where we are waiting for things to happen. Waiting can be difficult and trying, to say the least. But remember:

People are watching us while we wait. Just like Boaz was watching Ruth, others are watching to see how we handle waiting and adversity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to show others what trusting God really looks like. It’s easy to trust God when He follows our plan…it’s not so easy when His plan resembles nothing of our own and we are left wondering what in the world He is doing.

Just because the “right now” isn’t OUR plan or OUR choice, doesn’t mean that God isn’t working and providing for us. It sounds cliché but it is true: Each

faith by Heather Kendrick

day is a gift. We waste our lives if we wait to live until our circumstances are exactly what we want. It’s so easy to say “As soon as (this) changes…”, “When I feel better…” or “If I could just have (this)…then I’ll be happy. Then I’ll be able to enjoy life. Then I can live.”

The waiting is part of living. It’s where we learn to trust, learn patience and learn to look outside of our own plans. It’s where I’ve found God’s grace, and His love to be most personal and most unconditional. “Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will do this (Psalms 37:3-5).”

This year, my “plan” is to dwell in the land. To enjoy all the blessings God provides each day….even while I’m waiting. To commit myself to Him and seek Him at ALL times, not just when things go according to my plan.

Even in the waiting, I’ve learned His plan is not just always better, it’s always the best.

Heather Kendrick is the host of Conway Corporation’s “Living Local,” which airs nightly on Channel 5. She frequently teaches and speaks to Christian women’s groups around the area. She and her husband Todd live in Conway with their 3-year-old son.

Arkansas families hear the ‘CALL’

As I watch my mother carefully dress our family’s newest, 6-pound bundle of joy, I realized it hasn’t been the countless hours of training that has prepared my mother for a foster care ministry. It hasn’t been the background checks, the home study or the updated shot records and physicals that have equipped her for the sacrifices she’s made. No one could train my mother to doctor the stab wound of a 12-dayold baby without shedding a tear. No one could teach

my mother the right lullabies to sing to a 5-year-old girl with night terrors about her daddy coming to get her.

Only a family’s love can treat those wounds, and only God’s grace can heal them.

The frightening reality, however, is that there simply are not enough foster homes to care for the 3,500 children in the custody of the Department of Human Services at any given time in Arkansas.

by Stephanie Byrnes

Jeff and Christie Erwin, long-time foster and adoptive parents involved with The CALL, hold their adopted daughter, Serenity. (Photo by Dero Sanford.)

Several years ago, Little Rock foster mother Mary Carol Pederson recognized this need for more foster and adoptive homes in our state. “When my husband and I became approved as foster parents,” Pederson said, “we started getting phone calls from the DHS caseworkers: ‘I have a 3-year-old and 1-year-old, can you take them in?’ A few days later, ‘I have a 10-year-old, do you have room for her?’ The calls kept coming, and it shocked me that there was this incredible need for a safe place for these children at that very moment.”

Mrs. Pederson felt strongly that the church community should do its part to fill this great

decide to open their homes to these children sets a foundation for years of caring collaboration. Churches and other families involved in The CALL ministry provide the foster parents with caring support groups, clothing and food donations, and even respite families — temporary caretakers—to allow foster families much needed time for date nights, vacations or simply a break. Families going through The CALL process also have the convenience of receiving training at churches with more flexible schedules and by volunteers who commit to responding quickly to needs and questions.

Currently, only Pulaski and Lonoke counties participate in The CALL ministry, but the response and progress in those counties has been impressive. In the last nine months of recruitment by The CALL, Lonoke County alone has gone from seven adoptive and foster families to over 40. According to Mrs. Pederson, the increase makes Lonoke County one of the few counties with enough homes for every child who comes into care. The CALL hopes for a similar movement to spread throughout all of Arkansas.

For more information on The CALL ministry, please visit: www.thecallinarkansas.org 501

need. She realized that even though she attended a compassionate and community-oriented church, few of her friends knew of this crisis in foster care. “Several members in my church had extra bedrooms and were good parents,” she explained. “They had the ability to help if they were called to do so. It sounded an alarm in my mind – we have to get the word out about this tremendous need.”

Almost two years later, Mrs. Pederson, with the support of area churches and leaders at the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services, founded the organization “Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime” or The CALL as it is now known. The organization’s focus is to recruit and provide Christian families with streamlined training and support in becoming foster and adoptive parents.

The government agency works together with The Call and volunteers from Christian churches to ensure that no child in Arkansas is waiting for a home, but rather homes are waiting to welcome children.

Mrs. Pederson believes the success of The CALL could essentially mean that the orphaned, abused and neglected in Arkansas will no longer be shuttled from one unfortunate situation to another. Every frightened child who has been taken from his home and all things familiar will be met with the loving, welcoming arms of a Christian foster parent, rather than the temporary and overflowing shelters, group homes and agency offices.

According to Mrs. Pederson, The CALL is recruiting more and more foster and adoptive families through Sunday morning “wake-up” calls. The CALL works with laypeople from congregations to encourage their pastor to carve out five minutes in a Sunday morning worship service to convey God’s passionate calling to the church to care for the orphaned and to expose the need for more foster and adoptive families in Arkansas.

The encouragement families receive once they

Mrs. Pederson passionately insists that The CALL initiative pushes Christian families to no longer depend on the government to take care of the hurting children in Arkansas. After all, she explains, “These are our children, from our neighborhoods, and it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to

show His love to them and nurture them through their crisis.”

Her hope is that “The CALL will continue to ‘wake up’ the Christian community to the incredible need for loving families for the children in state custody.” She believes that “this is God’s timing and His plan to have His churches reach out and care for the least of these in our community.”

Looking back at 2008, ahead to the new year by

The Conway Ministerial Alliance will remember 2008 as a year when needs were met in a variety of ways, from gifts at Christmas to hours volunteering to help others.

The Bible commands us to help those in need. In Acts 10:4-5, Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” In Galatians 2:10, “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

This year, the ministerial alliance helped 30 families with $3,810.34 for benevolence needs. The average help per family was $127. We helped families with Christmas gifts, utilities, emergency housing, rental assistance, auto repairs and building a handicap ramp.

We also helped 30 people with a Car Care Clinic on Sept. 27 at Halter’s Body Shop. The total cost of the parts was $1,000. The labor was donated by different mechanics in the community and churches.

On Nov. 1, we hosted ShareFest, an annual community service day, where churches and groups get together to help other people. This year we had over 450 people working at 40 different locations. One location was Ida Burns Elementary in Conway.

Donna Wilchie, a counselor at Ida Burns, wrote a letter to thank those who volunteered:

“Words cannot express how grateful Ida Burns Elementary is for your thoughtfulness! The administrators, faculty and staff were very excited and extremely happy to hear and see the work that was done around our school for ShareFest. The event was a great

Dr. Quentin Washispack

success and I thoroughly enjoyed being here with the crew. Everyone was so kind and very helpful from adults to kids! Each person was willing to put in some work or assistance, even when some spur of the moment projects came up. The donation of the soccer goals and the sidewalk is truly amazing. The path is spectacular too. We really like the upkeep of our front of the building and the AC units. The mulch makes a big difference.

On behalf of Ida Burns Elementary faculty and staff, parents and students, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!”

Our plans for 2009 include continuing to meet benevolence needs, getting pastors together for a prayer summit (Monday, Feb. 23, through Wednesday, Feb. 25), coordinating the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7; another Car Care Clinic in September; ShareFest in conjunction with Luis Palau in October/November; and the annual Community Thanksgiving Service in late November.

As an encouragement for 2009, let us remember the words of Jesus in Luke 12:29-34 – “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Anticipating what’s in store for state in 2009

The beginning of a new year is a time to look back over the past 12 months and assess our accomplishments while looking forward to what lies ahead. In Arkansas, as we say goodbye to 2008, we have many reasons to eagerly anticipate all the future holds in 2009.

Last year was an increasingly challenging time for our people. We watched our nation become entrenched in a recession, and gas prices rose to unprecedented levels. While Arkansas fared better than most states, we too have seen jobs lost, industries impacted and increased costs throughout our economy.

Arkansans also had to cope with an unprecedented combination of severe weather with tornadoes in the winter, floods in the spring and powerful winds from Gulf hurricanes in the late summer. As Arkansans always do, we held each other up during disasters and were there to support each other during tough times.

The past year also left us with positive hopes for 2009.

Because we’ve been able to budget our money soundly and attract new jobs to our state to outpace the jobs we’ve lost, Arkansas is not in the same dire straits as most other states during the recession. The arrival of Hewlett-Packard in Conway will bring benefits to Central Arkansas in this new year and for many years to come. Other industries are bringing

thousands of new jobs throughout our state. We will be receiving new revenue from the severance of natural gas, money that we will be able to use to help address our ever-increasing highway needs in Arkansas.

While planning conservatively and anticipating additional impacts to Arkansas from the struggles of the national economy, I have presented a balanced-budget proposal to the members of the General Assembly that both increases funding for education while continuing to attack the sales tax on groceries, one of the most regressive taxes our citizens pay.

The Arkansas Legislature is back in session in January, making decisions on how our state will spend your taxpayer dollars and creating new laws to govern our people. Be sure to stay in contact with your representatives and senators, as they depend

on your input when making key decisions that affect us all.

2009 also brings a new presidential administration into office, a prospect that gives many feelings of hope and optimism and others a sense of trepidation at the prospect of major changes. I am confident that the Obama Administration will be attentive to the needs of Arkansans, and that we will be able to work closely with the federal government to address ongoing priorities such as Medicaid and our infrastructure needs.

A new year always brings opportunities for renewal and improvement. We all strive to leave our state and our world better places for our children and their children.

While 2008 held some tough times for many Arkansans, we found ways to persevere and also accomplished most of our goals. I am confident that great things lie ahead for Arkansas and for our nation in 2009.

I hope you’ll join me in seeking to build on our successes and to make life better for every one of us.

Gov. Mike Beebe announces that Hewlett-Packard will be locating a facility in Conway.

Gov. Mike Beebe has been in public service for more than 20 years. He was a state senator and state attorney general before being elected the 45th governor of Arkansas. He and his wife, Ginger, have three adult children.

To “Reflect on 2008, Look ahead to 2009,”

501 LIFE invited a handful of mayors throughout the 11 counties in the 501 area to complete a questionnaire regarding their communities.

Questions ranged from the top successes and challenges in 2008 to a preview of what elected officials see in the year ahead.

Additional responses from other cities in the 501 can be found at www.501lifemag.com.

In Hot Springs

‘A year of community growth’

by Mayor Mike Bush

How will 2008 be remembered in your city?

The unusual phenomenon of two back-to-back hurricanes impacting our city dominated headlines during 2008. Gustav and Ivan did a lot of damage in Hot Springs and Garland County.

2008 will also be remembered as a year of community growth amidst a stagnant nationwide economy.

How will you remember 2008?

We experienced the loss of our longest-term city official with the passing of City Director Bill Edwards. He spent more than a half century serving the citizens of Hot Springs and epitomized public service.

The biggest challenges faced by your city in 2008:

Recovering from the two hurricanes and their damage to public and private property.

Participating in an unsuccessful campaign for a new jail and public safety initiatives for fire and police.

Relocating the city’s finance department and its 23 employees to the former Air National Guard headquarters at Hot Springs Memorial Field.

See HOT SPRINGS on Page 31

In Conway

‘A year of great satisfaction’

by Mayor Tab Townsell

How will 2008 be remembered in your city?

The Hewlett-Packard announcement was the big news of the year. It will bring some 1,200-1,400 good-paying information technology jobs to Conway – the jobs of tomorrow’s economy – as well as establish Conway in the center of the technology industry for the state of Arkansas.

In the years to come, this will be seen as the water shed event not just for this year but across the broader face of city history. This will be the year cited when people talk about the change in the way we looked at ourselves, the way we looked at our city’s future, and the way we mentally placed Conway in the hierarchy of cities. And that hierarchy of cities now extends far beyond Arkansas borders.

If you can define a century by tracing its tone back to a single event, history will look back to this announcement to define the 21st century in Conway.

How will you remember 2008?

That everything we have been working for years to achieve, paid off and was resoundingly endorsed by the Hewlett-Packard decision to locate its technical support facility in Conway:

In Benton

‘Preparing to better serve Benton residents’

by Marsha Guffey Director of Community Development

How will 2008 be remembered in your city?

Since I have been here (2006), many departments have been preparing to better serve Benton residents in the future. 2008 has been a continuation of those efforts.

How will you remember 2008?

Nothing stands out to differentiate 2008 from other years. They are all extremely busy with a wide variety of projects to tackle.

The biggest challenges faced by your city in 2008:

I think for the city council settling the AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) lawsuit was a big deal. A lot of big financial decisions have been waiting on the outcome.

The year in review

See CONWAY on Page 30 See BENTON on Page 30

In Cabot

‘A year of partnerships’

by Mayor Eddie Joe Williams

How will 2008 be remembered in your city?

2008 will be remembered in Cabot as a year of partnerships.

The City of Cabot has partnered with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, Lonoke County and the federal government in order to improve the infrastructure within our city. We are currently opening a railroad overpass that will remove the majority of our school bus traffic from our current railroad crossings and enable us to keep our students safer. This railroad overpass will also allow us to close the Polk Street crossing, which has been determined to be one of the most dangerous crossings in Arkansas.

In Maumelle

‘Even greater opportunities’ on horizon

by Mayor Michael Watson

How will 2008 be remembered in your city?

In 2008, subdivision development and home construction slowed but continued at a moderate pace. Commercial development has also slowed, but the opening of the new Kroger store and the Neighbor Market changed the landscape in Maumelle.

How will you remember 2008?

We started the design process for the new interchange on Interstate 40 and completed two bond projects in 2008.

While there are concerns for the industries located in Maumelle due to the country’s economic picture, there were several expansions, new job creations, and the addition of Propack to the industrial park.

The biggest challenges faced by your city in 2008:

The rising fuel prices and the rising construction costs and supplies that are used to maintain the pathways and roadways were some of the biggest challenges we faced.

We are also working on a new north interchange for Cabot. This is a huge project that will take large partnerships on the local, state and federal levels. This new interchange will connect with the new railroad overpass and will allow us to reduce the amount of traffic on Highway 89, which is one of the busiest two-lane highways in Central Arkansas.

These are two of our top projects at the moment, but we have several smaller projects that we have completed through partnerships as well. Cabot’s infrastructure has improved greatly through working with other agencies.

How will you remember 2008?

It was a year that passed very fast. It is the completion of the halfway mark of my first term, and as I look back, I am happy with what we have accomplished in the City of Cabot in the past two years.

In Jacksonville

‘A

positive, progressive year’

by Mayor Tommy Swaim

How will 2008 be remembered in your city?

As a positive, progressive year.

How will you remember 2008?

In spite of an economic downturn, the City of Jacksonville has continued to provide excellent services to the citizens of our community.

The biggest challenges faced by your city in 2008: Keeping the local hospital going. Educating our children.

City’s top three successes in 2008:

Having the PCSSD (Pulaski County Special School District) Board vote to give Jacksonville its own school district. Having a charter school approved for our area.

Delivering $5 million to the Little Rock Air Force Base for a Joint Education Center.

Top three challenges that lie ahead in 2009:

Complete construction of the new $4 million library. Begin construction for the new Joint Education Center. Continue to push for our own school district.

Key to success in the new year:

Continuing good public and private partnerships to help our citizens.

The belief that our demographics, specifically our young highly educated population, our low crime, our good schools, the presence of our colleges, the great public utility, the closeness of Little Rock and its distance, could attract and support a strong white collar job economy.

Supported by the necessary decisions to pursue greater dining options with private clubs, to decisions to raise taxes and fees for both economic development and for great parks benchmarked against the nation, the belief that a vibrant downtown is a vital and necessary component of a quality of life for any future “great city,” the forward-thinking of the Conway Development Corporation and the Conway City Council in developing the Meadows Technology Park, and the establishment of a ongoing revenue stream to finance economic development, the conscious effort to achieve what many said could not be achieved in Arkansas was accomplished.

It was a year of great satisfaction.

The biggest challenges faced in 2008:

The biggest challenge by far was getting ready for and closing the deal with Hewlett-Packard. The same deal a year earlier would have found the city, the Conway Development Corporation and the Meadows Technology Park not ready. We almost were not ready in 2008 but by the great efforts of many people it happened.

City’s top three successes in 2008:

Beyond H-P:

1 - The capital improvement program for both streets and parks improvements.

2 - Continued downtown revitalization.

3 - Taking major steps in the direction of sustainability. Trying to keep up with the transportation infrastructure needs of a growing community is a continuing challenge. Population growth, as well as new school and business development, creates the need for new streets, widened streets and better traffic management.

In 2008, the city started connecting the new I-40 interchange over Cadron Ridge to the city’s street grid at Salem Road in midtown. Favre Lane was extended over a half-mile west, creating the first eastwest corridor in Conway south of Dave Ward Drive. Tyler Street was widened and lined with sidewalks to improve access to the newly completed Woodrow

BENTON from Page 28

Also, we were challenged by the storm damage from the April tornado, Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike.

City’s top three successes in 2008:

The voluntary annexation of the Exit 114 property.

The voluntary annexation about to take place of Alcoa property. This deal will protect Benton’s

Cummins Elementary School. Street improvements are also under way in the vicinity of the HP project in order to connect the Meadows Technology Park to the city’s street grid by city standard streets. The city added its fifth modern roundabout. continuing to progessively address traffic congestion. Several miles of bike lanes have been also added to new and existing streets.

The parks and recreation offerings are being expanded greatly. The city took possession of the Cadron Settlement Park on the Arkansas River. Land for a new fairgrounds was purchased and work is under way to enable the Faulkner County Fair to be held in the new location on Highway 64 west in 2010. A new girls’ softball complex built to a standard not found in Arkansas will be ready for play in the Fall of 2009. Construction of a new, nine-field boys’ baseball complex will begin in the Fall of 2010 on the site of the current YBMA baseball complex. Bike and walking trail extensions are being engineered for work to begin in 2009.

Conway’s Downtown suddenly became the hottest destination in the city with added shops and restaurants along even further extensions

of the sidewalk redevelopment project. Dead four years ago after 5 p.m., today downtown is teaming with cars and people well past prime time hours. The skyline of downtown Conway has been changed by the construction of a new police department building, extending the streetscape of downtown even beyond its historic borders. The new building will be ready for occupancy in the Spring of 2009. Lighting and sidewalk upgrades north along Front Street to Hendrix College and the opening of architecturally urban, student town homes right on the sidewalk extended that urban feel of downtown right into the campus.

interests in this part of town, plus will protect the interests of Alcoa, Almatis and St. Gobain. Completion of road projects that have been in the works for some time.

Top three challenges that lie ahead in 2009: Staying on top of infrastructure needs. Dealing with budget issues if the economy continues to sour.

Developing the events center and selling it to the community.

Conway continued its quest to be a more sustainable city. The city has started the process to become a bicycle-friendly community, by establishing a broad-based task force to assess the needs of the city with regard to bicycle accessibility. Money was earmarked for alternative transportation needs, and a comprehensive mass transit study is being completed by Metroplan. The city also contracted with Energy Systems Group to conduct a comprehensive energy efficiency update to city buildings which will pay for itself through energy savings. The recycling program continues to expand to include more material, and the city has a purchased a Styrofoam densifier to further reduce the waste stream going into the landfill.

Top three challenges that lie ahead in 2009:

1 - Maintaining a strong local economy in the face of trying economic times nationally.

2 - Continuing to deliver the much-needed capital improvements for transportation, parks and general services.

3 - Maintaining the operating revenues needed to cover the cost of city services.

It’s great to be able to build a new youth ball complex. It should help our local economy by attracting tournaments and accompanying out-of town visitors to the city to eat and sleep and generally spend money. We are building these complexes with our revenues dedicated for parks that cannot be used for any other purpose. However, we also need to be able to hire the staff and afford the equipment and supplies to maintain that complex year after year. Those monies come from a different source. To be successful this next year – and the next few years –we need to maintain both our operating and capital revenue streams in healthy positions. Hopefully, both will contribute to the local economy.

Key to success in the new year:

Weathering the national economy and positioning ourselves to come out of this period of economic troubles strongly. Money managers will tell you that money in troubled times undergoes a “flight to quality” meaning more sure investments.

We believe the same is true in community development.

If we maintain our high quality of life in these times and take every opportunity we can to enlarge that quality of life, we are better positioned to weather the storm and take advantage of the coming prosperity.

Key to success in the new year: We have the same council and mayor for another two years and they all have a good working relationship. We have seen some great leadership on different issues from every member on the council.

When I came into office the city was in financials straits, and we now have a substantial amount of money in a savings account for emergency needs and future projects.

There is a new attitude in the city to work together to meet the needs of our citizens.

I believe 2008 was a successful year, and I am looking forward to what the next two years will bring. The biggest challenges faced by your city in 2008: Cabot faced some hard times in 2008. We were hit by two tornadoes, just a few months

City’s top three successes in 2008:

Hotel, retail and residential development led to an exceptional year for Hot Springs, including new apartment buildings, medical complexes, hotels (such as the Comfort Inn and Candlewood Suites), and the onset of construction for the Fairgrounds Crossing, a major retail center on Higdon Ferry Road. As of Dec. 12, permit evaluation of projects in Hot Springs has reached a total of $116,436,447, nearly doubling 2007’s record permit numbers. Several new construction projects are already planned in 2009.

Relocation of the finance department to the former Air National Guard facility at Hot Springs Memorial Field.

Decreasing unemployment,

apart. Through these experiences we learned a lot about our city and the support we have from other people. Teamwork was what enabled us to get through the cleaning and rebuilding.

Some other challenges we faced were operating under a tight budget to enable us to save money for necessary future projects. We have several things that we must address in the coming years, such as a new fire station, and these things take money.

Traffic was also a big challenge in 2008, and I believe many people in Cabot will agree that we have made great strides.

City’s top three successes in 2008:

The top three successes in 2008 were improved traffic, the ability to save approximately $2 million for projects, and the establishment of a new website

another indicator of a healthy economy. Hot Springs was one of only eight of the nation’s 369 metropolitan statistical areas to show a decrease in unemployment this year when compared to last year.

Top three challenges that lie ahead in 2009: Replacement of the city’s aging infrastructure, particularly its wastewater system.

Initial planning for a new water treatment plant to serve Hot Springs’ growing customer base.

Addressing the continued need for improved public safety (jail expansion, police communications, renovation and relocation of fire stations).

Key to success in the new year: The formulation of a comprehensive plan for addressing the major issues facing the city through interagency cooperation.

City’s top three successes in 2008:

that is more user friendly and enables the public to do many services online.

Top three challenges that lie ahead in 2009:

The top three challenges in 2009 are to remain focused on an efficient budget, finish road projects to create better traffic flow, and to determine the best location for a new fire station in Cabot.

Key to success in the new year:

The key to success for the new year is teamwork. We have many projects that lie ahead of us, and the way we accomplish these tasks is to work together using pooled resources. This philosophy has deemed itself to be successful the last two years, so we will stick to it and see where it takes us in the future.

Cabot is on the road to becoming the safest, cleanest, most livable city in Arkansas!

Bidding and completing the final two bond projects approved by the citizens in 2004.

Trying to forecast the effects of the economy on city revenues and expenditures.

Key to success in the new year:

Opening of one of the largest Kroger stores in a five-state area. Breaking ground on a new police station and a new main fire station, located on the same tract of ground.

Opening of our new softball complex and hearing the good remarks by visiting teams.

Top three challenges lie ahead in 2009?

Continuing to meets the needs of the growing community with an evertightening budget.

The key to success in 2009 will be completing four major construction projects throughout the year and securing federal funding for the new interchange.

Additionally, having fuel prices remain at a level that is considerably lower than the high prices that we experienced in 2008 will help us achieve our goals for 2009.

Other comments:

Maumelle looks forward to breaking ground on a new high school in 2009, which will bring a new dimension to the community and offer residents and businesses even greater opportunities.

HOT SPRINGS from Page 28

MAUMELLE from Page 29

Conway chef’s culinary path leads to Summer Olympics

by Don Bingham

To say that Robert Hall, executive chef for the University of Central Arkansas, loves to cook might be an understatement.

As a certified executive chef with the American Culinary Federation, Chef Robert “stirs many pots” — from cooking to overseeing the day-to-day operations of a campus culinary program that does up to 16 to 24 special events and provides 6,000 meals on a daily basis.

Chef’s first experience with cooking was when he grew weary of his sister’s routine menu of fish sticks and macaroni and cheese — and his

mom told him to learn to cook by reading the recipe. He took this literally and his first cooking task was mixing “by hand” a brownie batter.

The “culinary path” from here led to cooking on a mission trip to Brazil for his church. The next stop was at UCA in pursuit of a bachelor of music degree in percussion performance and a part-time job at “A Place To Eat” (formerly located in Downtown Conway), where he credits the beginning of his cooking career.

Chef Robert and his wife have three children, two are hearing impaired — which led him to Utah for medical assistance. It was there the next adventure in cooking was realized when he worked for the Sundance Resort, owned by Robert Redford.

His culinary skills were advanced in this area, but he credits the years of hard work with his own restaurant, “Dixieland Jazz Restaurant,” and his own catering business, “Signature Catering,” as one of the greatest training grounds for a career as an executive chef.

Upon returning to Conway and UCA, Chef Robert spent four and one-half years as a pastry chef before moving into the position of executive chef with ARAMARK Corporation.

As an employee, he was offered the opportunity of a lifetime when he was invited to serve on the ARAMARK cooking team for the International Olympic Committee during the China games in 2008.

This was ARAMARK’S 14th year to be the culinary provider for the worldwide events held in Beijing. Nineteen countries from around the world were represented on the cooking team, with a management group of 230 chefs.

Chef Robert explains, “We fed 3 1/2 million meals over a 17-day period!”

Among his greatest memories of the time spent in Beijing was the amazing inspiration of seeing the awarding of four U.S. gold medals and hearing the National Anthem played, with all that represents.

He was able to attend four of the events as a fifthgeneration veteran, and as Chef shares, “The scope and size of the energy still gives him chills when he thinks of those special times.”

He offered that his greatest challenge spent there was the communication problems. Out of the entire chef staff, only 30 were American ARAMARK staff chefs who had the language skills required to manage 7,000 Chinese nationals.

Chef Robert’s gratitude for his family, his job, his daily rewarding experiences in cooking, teaching and training have led him in his 18-year journey to be most appreciative and thankful

photos by Mike Kemp

Chef Robert Hall

for all those who have mentored and assisted him in his career. Two of those are Conway resident David Stobaugh and Paul Philpot, former chef of “A Place To Eat.”

“They are the two who first saw the potential when they handed me a knife and told me to dice fruit; starting at the bottom and with the basics, that encouraged me to know I could reach greater heights to my full potential...I’m very thankful for these men and all others who have helped me to be where I am today in my profession.”

As for his goals, he hopes to do more with corporate management within the ARAMARK company, encouraging other chefs and food service staffs in quality, excellence and creativity. One way he is doing this is establishing a testing team for future certified executive chefs in the state — a much-needed program for the food industry.

One of Chef Robert’s favorite and most requested recipes, from both his family and profession, is his alfredo sauce. Our thanks to Chef Robert Hall for sharing this recipe.

Five-Cheese Alfredo

1 stick butter

1 tsp. garlic, minced

1 tsp. dry basil

1/2 cup white wine

1 pint heavy cream

3 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

3 oz. provolone cheese, shredded

4 oz. parmesean cheese, grated

4 oz. Romano cheese, grated

4 oz. asiago cheese, grated

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; sweat * the garlic and basil.

Add white wine and reduce by a third. Add cream, stirring occasionally, and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in cheese until smooth and incorporated. Serve over pasta and add a favorite topping - grilled chicken or blackened shrimp. Can also be cooled and used as a sauce for pizza.

*Saute the garlic and basil until they “sweat” so the natural juices come out. It’s almost like frying the onions and garlic until translucent, but they actually “sweat” the liquids from the garlic and basil.

Feeling blue?

With the holidays over, shorter periods of daylight and temperatures dropping, it is common to feel a little “down” in the first few months of the year. Many of us tend to look back at the last year and focus on what we didn’t achieve or what goals we didn’t meet.

A mild decrease in mood and energy is extremely common this time of year, and can be improved through certain mood-enhancing foods. The old saying is true – “You are what you eat.”

Lifting your spirits can be just a matter of eating the right mood food!

Tuna is loaded with good-mood inducing Omega-3 fatty acids. Keep your pantry and desk at work stocked with tuna pouches. Simply add tuna to a salad or to a whole-wheat cracker for a healthy mood-boosting snack.

Cut down on the caffeine. I know many of us feel as though we can’t do without our morning “Joe.” Although it can provide an initial boost in energy and concentration, too much caffeine is

linked to depression, anxiety and mood swings.

Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin C and folate – both mood-boosting nutrients that help make serotonin. Serve as a side or add it to dishes like omelets, quiches or casseroles.

Poultry, such as turkey and chicken, are excellent mood enhancers. They release the amino acid, tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin. A turkey sandwich is a great way to get tryptophan, however this amino acid can also cause fatigue. Therefore, it’s best to stick to a tuna sandwich for lunch and have turkey in the evening, closer to bedtime.

Eat small meals or snacks every few hours to avoid peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels. This will result in positive energy levels and a stable mood throughout the day.

Exercise also increases serotonin levels, so try to add 30 extra minutes of activity a day. This will especially help with getting rid of those extra holiday pounds.

Enjoy!

‘Mood food’ can lend a boost >>

by Tiffany Block

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

2 cups chicken broth

1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

1 (12 ounce) package corn tortillas

3 cups cooked, diced chicken breast meat

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the chicken soup, mushroom soup, broth and tomatoes with chiles. Set aside.

Lightly grease a shallow 3-quart casserole dish. Layer half the tortillas, half the chicken, half the onion, half the bell pepper and half the cheese in the casserole dish. Pour half of the soup mixture over the layers. Repeat the layers of tortillas, chicken, onion and bell pepper; pour the remaining soup mixture over the top, then top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle with chili powder and garlic salt and bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

Spinach and Mushroom Salad

4 slices bacon

2 eggs

2 teaspoons white sugar

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pound spinach

1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly browned. Crumble and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat.

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring water to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and cut in wedges.

Return 2 tablespoons bacon fat to skillet, stir in sugar, vinegar, water and salt. Keep warm. Wash and remove stems from spinach, dry thoroughly and break into pieces in salad bowl. Pour warm dressing over and toss until coated.

Top salad with mushrooms and bacon, garnish with egg.

Cold Tuna and Macaroni Salad

3 eggs

3 cups macaroni

1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas

2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup red onion (diced)

1 celery stalk (diced)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Over medium heat, bring water to a full boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Immediately plunge eggs into cold water.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.

Put frozen peas into a colander and rinse with hot water; drain well. In a large bowl place the macaroni and peas. Peel eggs and dice them into the bowl. Add onion and celery. Place the tuna in the bowl, flaking it apart.

Stir mayonnaise into the mixture a little at a time, so the mixture is moist but not soggy. Sprinkle the salt and pepper and mix one last time. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

A Conway resident, Tiffany Block enjoys cooking and has been catering for friends and family for about four years. She considers cooking an art. “The best part for me is seeing the finished product.” In addition to cooking, she enjoys reading, writing and poetry.

Cold Tuna and Macaroni Salad

by Karl Lenser

FITNESS RESOLUTIONS for a lifetime

This month’s article is serving as my Christmas gift to you. My hope is that it might provide you with some help with your fitness resolutions for 2009.

FITNESS

Find an exercise class or an activity that you enjoy. If you don’t like running, for example, you probably will not stick with it. Be realistic and honest with yourself. Interval training is one of the best ways to shape your body and lose excess fat. It requires a high intensity effort and a mindset that prepares you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Ask a trainer for details on this training method.

Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork! Life is a balancing act and requires couples to compromise when it comes to gym time and family time. If you have a spouse that also likes to exercise, work together to make sure you both get your workouts in.

Nourishment. As fitness pioneer Jack La Lane once stated, “Exercise is the king and healthy eating is the queen when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.”

Energy expenditures need to be greater than energy (calorie) intake if one is going to lose fat weight. There are 3,500 calories in a pound of fat and it requires about 110 calories of (calories) to jog one mile. Caloric management is what weight loss is all about.

Strength training should be done at least two to three times a week in order to gain functional strength, boost metabolism and to develop a body that is tight and toned.

Simplicity rules when it comes to a workout plan. As Thoreau purported, “simplify, simplify, simplify.” Keep your program realistic and attainable as possible. It should be challenging with some variety.

If you have questions on exercise and fitness, please email a note to me at lenser@ hendrix.edu. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year to all 501 LIFE readers!

RESOLUTIONS

Lenser is the director of wellness programs at Hendrix College. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at lenser@ hendrix.edu.

Remember to eat breakfast. Break the fast with a healthy supply of complex carbohydrates and some protein and you will have more energy throughout the day.

Exercise daily. If weight (fat) loss is one of your goals in 2009, try to be physically active six days a week and at a moderate intensity. Research suggests that 60 minutes per day is the minimum for individuals who are serious about fat loss.

Sleep is part of healthy living. Strive for 7-8 hours per night. Sleep allows your body to repair tissue and to heal. Sleep deprivation is unhealthy and makes for a tough day at the office and at home.

Off days are going to happen. You are not always going to feel like going to the gym, but try to get through it because you know you will feel better when you are finished with the workout. Cut back your intensity if you are feeling lethargic and save it for the next workout.

Learn some new exercises or try a new group exercise class. Get with a trainer to add some new exercises.

Use it or lose it. Muscles that are not challenged or stimulated will atrophy and become weaker and smaller.

Train with a workout partner for consistency and accountability. Personal trainers can also be a great investment as they will educate, motivate and coach you to help you meet your goals.

Intensity is critical for weight loss. This is true in the cardio room and the weight room. As your fitness improves, you will have to add more intensity to further stimulate your metabolic systems.

Outdoors is outstanding when it comes to mixing up the routine. Get off the treadmill and enjoy the cool temperatures outside during the winter and spring. Now is the time to get moving and take charge of your personal health. Every day counts!

Strengthen your core. This translates to your hip flexors, inner thighs, outer thighs, lower back, upper hamstrings and abdominal muscles. Having a strong core can reduce the chance for back pain and other injuries.

Understanding physical therapy

If you or a relative gets a toothache, you probably know who to call – a family dentist. You know that the sooner you see your dentist, the sooner the source of the toothache is determined and treatment is under way.

So why wait to get help when you experience knee or shoulder pain, a backache, or a stiff neck? Unfortunately, people often wait weeks, or even months, for joint pain to spontaneously “go away.” Later, in desperation, they call their doctor, who will usually prescribe pain medication and muscle relaxants to ease the pain. This method often lends some relief, but it does not fix what caused the ache or pain..

It would be like going to the dentist with a cavity and only getting a Novocain injection to temporarily deaden the pain. Of course, when it wears off, you would still have the cavity and the pain.

We all know that a dentist would repair the cavity, fixing the source of the pain. A good dentist would then counsel you about brushing, flossing, regular checkups and proper nutrition to PREVENT the cavity. Most people would not neglect their teeth to the point of requiring extensive surgery or prolonged use of medication to control pain. They would try to avoid dentures or dental implants if possible. Why are dentures and dental implants (false teeth) any different from a total knee replacement (false knee)?

A physical therapist routinely alleviates aches and

pains, improves body alignment and restores injured tissues, with many treatments commonly covered by health insurance. As the first line of defense for painful or limited joint function, everyone should have a physical therapist as trusted as their dentist. Most often, surgery and weeks of medication can be avoided if joint problems are evaluated and treated by a physical therapist at the onset of symptoms.

If you are like many healthcare consumers, you may be wondering, who are physical therapists, anyway? Orthopedic physical therapists are trained to expertly evaluate your movement or joint problem and determine if conservative and restorative treatment is appropriate. Physical therapists provide treatment to alleviate pain and restore joint motion. They also improve understanding of painful conditions and help the patient to progress toward a self-care program. They can teach you how to prevent injuries.

Licensed physical therapists are highly educated and trained professionals who are governed by state physical therapy boards. Most physical therapy programs today require a bachelor’s degree for entry and once accepted into a program, physical therapy students complete a three-and-a-half -year doctor of physical therapy degree.

It is important to find a physical therapist you feel comfortable working with and who meets your needs and expectations: Choose a physical therapist based on

by Ellen Haverstick

specific qualifications, experience treating your condition or areas of expertise. If the therapist is not in your insurance network, remember that clinics usually offer affordable fee-for-service plans (cash-based payments).

Ask around. Family, friends and neighbors can usually direct you to a therapist with whom they have had a beneficial experience. Consider clinic location and services offered (spine program, aquatic program, sports performance program, women’s health program).

Check your health insurance for physical therapy benefits. Call the number on your insurance card and ask how many visits are covered, is a doctor referral necessary, and what physical therapists are in your network. Direct access (no physician referral required) to a physical therapist is available in many states and supported by many insurance plans. Be wary of clinics or therapists who routinely waive co-pays or co-insurance. This is a fraudulent method of persuasion.

Be prepared. Who will you call the next time your “back goes out,” you sprain your ankle, or you wake up with a “crick” in your neck? Find your physical therapist today!

Ellen Haverstick is the owner of Advanced Physical Therapy Center of Downtown Conway and is a practicing physical therapist. For more information call 501.328.5878, email aptc@conwaycorp.net or visit www.advancedptcenter.com.

Neuromuscular dentistry = State of the art dentistry

by E. Kyle Dalton, DDS

Neuromuscular dentistry is the science that evaluates and treats the complex relationship between the teeth, muscles of the jaws and the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints, also referred to as TMJ). In years past, most people associated dentistry with tooth and gumrelated ailments, but proven advances in the area of neuromuscular dentistry have begun to shed light on the fact that the way your upper and lower teeth come together (i.e. your bite or occlusion) is part of a complex system of teeth, muscles and joints that not only affect your dental health, but have a dramatic impact on your overall health.

When our bite, or occlusion, is not properly aligned, which is the case for many people, our jaw muscles and jaw joints work continuously to find the optimal position. The overworking of this muscle group – when it should be relaxed – can lead to various painful conditions including neck and shoulder pain, headaches, grinding of the teeth and TMJ disorders. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can also be the result of an improper jaw alignment that causes the airway to be constricted when lying down.

State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment like the Cone Beam 3-D Imaging system (shown) can render CT scan results in just minutes allowing a neuromuscular dentist to evaluate the patient’s bite, TMJ, airway and dozens of other issues that may be going on in this critical region of the body.

An example of this can be seen with this article. In CT scan No. 1, we see a healthy temporomandibular joint as there is a nice space between the condyle and the socket. In CT scan No. 2, there is little or no space between the condyle and the socket. Similar to a “slipped” disc in the back, an

over-compressed TMJ can lead to severe headaches, grinding of the teeth, neck pain and shoulder pain, and can adversely affect strength and balance, as well.

For those suffering from malocclusion (incorrect bite/jaw alignment) issues, a neuromuscular dentist can relax the muscles around the jaw with ultra-low frequency electrical muscle stimulation (or TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) which allows those overworking jaw muscles to relax to their optimal position. Once this is done, a device that uses computer graphics to track this optimal jaw position, called the K-7 Evaluation Computer, charts the positioning to within 1/10 of a millimeter. This allows the dentist to create a very precise mouthpiece, or appliance, that the patient can wear to “train” their teeth, jaw muscles and jaw joints to this relaxed position…thus alleviating many of the painful symptoms associated with this condition.

So, how do you know if neuromuscular dentistry is right for you? If you are considering major dental procedures such as reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics or dentures, or if you suffer from neck pain, headaches or other TMJlike symptoms, establishing a precise occlusion ahead of time is critical and can help ensure that your restoration will last as long as possible. This is where neuromuscular diagnostic techniques can make all the difference in the world; by understanding what’s going on behind your smile, a neuromuscular dentist can address issues that affect your overall health and well-being and develop a treatment plan designed especially for you and your individual needs.

Kyle Dalton is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Academy for Comprehensive Aesthetics, the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry, and the Arkansas Dental Association. He is a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry.

State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment like the Cone Beam 3-D Imaging System can produce CT scan results in just minutes, allowing a neuromuscular dentist to evaluate a patient’s mouth for various issues.

CT SCAN NO. 1

CT SCAN NO. 2

... by understanding what’s going on behind your smile, a neuromuscular dentist can address issues that affect your overall health and well-being ...

POSITIVE RESOLUTIONS

It’s hard to think of a brand new year without feeling like you should make some type of New Year’s resolution.

Many people will try to give up something, especially certain foods. Once you decide to give up a certain food, it can easily become a food that you might end up obsessing over.

Rather than starting out the new year in deprivation, it might be better to try a more positive approach. It is usually better to add than to take away, so think of how you can add to your life to make it healthier.

Here are some suggestions for a more positive approach to a healthier new year:

*Add more cookware and recipes to your home kitchen. Try a new recipe each week.

Aim for cooking at home more than eating out or getting take-out. Eating a meal at home is more healthful than eating out. Look for quick, easy recipe cookbooks. If you only make dinner twice a week, aim for three or four times a week.

The fast food industry and convenience food market would have you believe that cooking at home takes too much time. Waiting in line at the drive-thru, or waiting for food in a restaurant can take much more time than preparing a meal at home. You will also save a great deal of money by eating at home.

*Stop to enjoy what you are eating. Make meal times more pleasant. Sit down at the table rather than in front of the television. Eat slowly and savor your food. The odds are good that you will eat less and enjoy food more if you put some time and attention to your eating.

Studies show that families who eat together regularly tend to be healthier as a whole both emotionally and physically.

*Rather than trying to eliminate certain foods, think of the healthier foods that you can add to your diet. Maintain a positive

outlook on how to make your diet better, rather than focusing on what is wrong with your diet. Focus on what you can add to your diet rather than what you should take away.

You can do this by finding ways to add more fruits and vegetables to your present diet. Hopefully the junk foods will begin to get pushed out as you replace them with healthier foods.

by Kellie Turpin

Q &A

*Just like adding more fruits and vegetables, plan ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet as well. Try to select whole grains in place of refined products. Look for whole wheat pasta, 100 percent whole wheat bread, high fiber cereal, legumes (beans and peas), brown rice, and other whole grain foods.

*Add more water to your day. Try to add an extra glass of water and increase as necessary. Plan to keep your body hydrated by drinking 64 oz. of water per day.

*Make it a policy to eat only those foods that taste good to you. It is easy to waste calories on stale cookies, or a not-so-good cake that someone brought to the office. Try not to eat just because the food is there. Eat it only if it is delicious and you are hungry for it.

These are just a few examples. Only you can know what to add to your life to make it a healthier year.

Remember to be positive and not depriving about New Year’s resolutions. It is easier to adhere to a positive change than a negative change.

Kellie Turpin, a registered and licensed dietitian, is the wellness coordinator at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center.

Students enjoy updated forum

In ancient Greece, each city centralized around the Forum – a place for citizens to come together to interact while debating politics, religion and philosophy.

The Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas has a forum of its own, complete with chairs and couches for invigorating discussions or just to lounge in between class, a big screen television for thoughtprovoking films, and a piano for the musically inclined.

Students have used the forum as a place to study and interact for years, and the time had come for a new, updated look. The forum – under the direction of Rick Scott – was last updated in the 1990s, and the furniture had been re-upholstered multiple times with some pieces deteriorating.

Glenda Middleton, the Honors College secretary, approached Kayla Cooper, a junior interior design student and Honors College member, for help with the overall design of the space.

“Glenda presented me with several design obstacles in the project. The room needed to be functional and mobile, while also being sturdy and comfortable. They also wanted the room to be very streamlined and contemporary, yet still very inviting,” said Kayla.

In May, design decisions were made, starting with the paint color –Plumberry.

“I wanted to select a color that would bring out the beauty of the art in the room,” Kayla said. Once the color palette was chosen, everything began to fall into place, and the space was finished by August, just in time for the

fall semester.

The room features new lighting by TEC lighting, to accent the hall of class graduate portraits as well as the magnificent student art in the room. Sleek and movable chairs and couches were purchased to replace the old furniture, and tall café tables were placed throughout the room to add interest and height.

The focal point of the room is the faux-finished wall in the back of the space, which adds a glitzy backdrop to the new design. The space was polished off with chrome accessories and a new, flat screen television.

“The forum is a lot more open and inviting now, which makes me want to spend more time in the room,” said Samantha Weston, an Honors College senior.

The forum has been finished for a few months, and the reception seems to be great. Students and teachers are enjoying the newly modernized Forum as it continues to be the heartbeat of the UCA Honors College.

Kayla Cooper

Sleek and movable chairs and couches (left, below and opposite page) were purchased to replace the old furniture, which had been re-upholstered multiple times and was worn out.

The room features new lighting by TEC lighting, to accent the hall of class graduate portraits as well as the magnificent student art in the room.

The Honors College would like to acknowledge the hard work of the people involved with the Forum RemodelSummer 2008:

Kayla Cooper (Honors scholar, interior design major) for her design plans.

Bob Morris (Innerplan Office Furniture) for furniture and space planning.

Vanessa McGhee (TEC Lighting of Maumelle) for lighting design.

Mark Ferrell (Kwal Paint).

Charles White Cable for data cable and data projector installation.

DeBoard Electronics for television and audio systems.

Physical plant employees, especially John Wages (supervision of all physical plant workers), Bill McCrory (carpentry), Curtis Gabbard and Mark Mize (electricians), and Tim Ingram and Red Prewitt (painters).

Charles and Ryan Johnson, decorative artists with House of Ivo and the upholstery department.

Phil Frana, Jeremy Lusk, Seth Byers, Steven Nelson, Berry Middleton and Leesa Clark for their hard work in transporting and moving furniture.

6 months no interest*

The focal point of the room is the faux-finished wall in the back of the space, which adds a glitzy backdrop to the new design.

by Kayla Cooper

A new look in the new year

Flowers are always in the new trend for the year, but there are some great color combinations this year. Flirty pinks and springy greens are beautiful for brightening any room; greens, purples and creamy whites fit into any space, be it traditional or modern. Throw in a bright salmon or orange flower and you are ready to update any room in your house.

Tall vases are perfect for an easy, graphic impact in any room. Pick vases of different heights and patterns with the same color palette to ensure unity in the collection. These tall, red vases have a chic, modern edge, but they are also easy to mix with more traditional pieces.

Medium red vase: $339

Large red vase: $275

Another trend to take note on is the many types of containers flowers are held in this year. For instance, fitting in trendy colors with your traditional room is as simple as choosing a traditional urn for your flowers. Minimalist glass containers are also very popular.

Pink, green, and ivory flower arrangement: $459 Purple with orange flower arrangement: $590 Pink flower arrangement: $295

Adding color to a room in unexpected ways is the new trend for this year. Salmon oranges and bright greens seem to be among the favorites.

There are a variety of fun ways to incorporate the colors, including vases, ottomans or even end tables. This great Istanbul table in salmon orange will add interest and fun to any space, as will the Moroccan inspired table in chartreuse.

Chartreuse Morocco table: $585

Salmon Istanbul table: $779

Leaving footprints

A footprint is something that can be completely ordinary in most instances, absolutely exasperating in some situations and simply precious on a few occasions.

On most any vacation to the beach you will see, and yet most likely never notice, thousands of footprints scattered in the sand (unless you witnessed the first and last family beach vacation we took with our wonderfully unique eldest child. Back then, he suffered from extreme “texture aversions” thereby causing him to scream bloody murder whenever a grain of sand touched any part of his exposed skin, including bare feet. Needless to say, he did not contribute to the sandy footprints, and the beach trip was a bust.)

And what mother, worn-out and frazzled from Swiffer sweeping her entire floor, has not inwardly screamed when the rest of the family (all of whom had been outside playing and enjoying a bright sunny day) clomps inside with big, dusty tennis shoes leaving their mark all over the seconds-earlier gleaming bright floor?

I’m sure that same mom who spends another hour “re-Swiffering” her floor to erase those dirty footprints most likely has among cherished possessions a smaller version of the same footprints, captured in bare-foot ink rather than dirty soles, of her then newborn baby tucked lovingly away inside the pages of a priceless scrapbook.

We all leave footprints on this great Earth, one way or another.

There is a figurative footprint which we all share that is unique in number and meaning according to the behavior we each exhibit. It can vary in amount and has been receiving more and more attention lately as environmental awareness and preservation issues surface.

The footprint I am referring to is your Carbon Footprint. And, unlike the dusty footprints on a newly mopped floor, this footprint can be erased only by modifications made in our behavior, rather than a few strokes from the dust mop.

By definition, our Carbon Footprint is a “measure of the impact that human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.“

We all emit a Carbon Footprint; there is no getting around it, unless you completely ban the use of fossil fuels in your everyday life, something that in our environment is all but impossible. But, we do have the capability of dramatically lessening our Carbon Footprint number by going on a diet…a Carbon Diet. Best part is you can still have carbs and chocolate on this one!

by Angie Howard

To begin your Carbon Diet, try taking a few of the following measures:

Determine your current carbon footprint.

Identify your “hot spots” of energy consumption that drive your carbon emission number up.

When and where possible, modify your behavior to more “green energy” sources (wind power, solar power, hydroelectrical power, etc.).

Optimize your energy efficiency.

Engage in Carbon Offsetting – invest in projects such as tree-planting which take aim at reducing carbon emissions.

Visit the Nature Conservancy’s website at www.nature.org /initiatives/climatechange/ calculator/ to calculate your Carbon Footprint.

When I calculated my footprint, it amounted to an estimated greenhouse gas emission of 19 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, which is below the national average of 27 tons per person, per year. To reduce your footprint, the site also lists some other practical tips and suggestions.

Just like our personalities, our footprints are unique. Depending upon the circumstances they are left under, they can definitely be ordinary, exasperating and precious. Don’t allow your Carbon Footprint to be a detriment to the resources created for us, to sustain our very existence. We can help our Creator, the same One who has formed the uniqueness of each and every footprint that has ever been left on this earth, with deliberate choices to lessen our negative impact on the environment He has provided for us all to enjoy.

A Conway resident, Angie Howard is the recycling coordinator for the city of Conway and the Faulkner County Solid Waste District. She is also the executive coordinator of the Keep Faulkner County Beautiful Organization and serves as the information education specialist for the Faulkner County Conservation District.

>> Mod Podge memories funky frugal

As we enter into 2009, I am challenged to look back on 2008 and remember what God has done for me and things that I want to work harder for 2009.

This year has been an incredible year full of blessings and blessings in disguise. I was given the great privilege by my parents to visit my brother in Rome as he studied abroad.

We enjoyed time with family and the children at our church.

My sweet grandmother, who helped raised me, went to be with the Lord after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Our family grew as we added our first baby girl, who we named after my grandmother.

My precious father-in-law also went to be with the Lord after a tragic motorcycle accident.

Many times it is when we walk through the fire, that we truly grow and can lean fully on the Lord. So,

by Tanner Cangelosi

with all of these thoughts swirling in my heart, what could I do creatively to display these memories?

It was time to bust out the Mod Podge!

Decoupage (Mod Podge is just a brand) is simply a glue or sealer that you can use to bring many different flat memories together on one surface. Decoupage comes in sheer gold, silver, sparkles, satin and a glossy finish. For this project, I have chosen the satin finish, so that it is not sticky because it is a tabletop.

First, I took some hammered metal spray paint and simply sprayed the legs of an old brown table. I then gathered my newspapers from Rome, that I got for free off the street, and opened the Mod Podge. I went to town with my fingers smearing the gluelike substance around in order to totally cover the newspapers. WARNING: Your hands will get messy.

Next, I took picture memories of my family, friends, grandmother, sonograms and memories of my father-in-law and placed them on top of the newspaper background, also covering them with Mod Podge.

If you are worried about the possibility of reusing a picture, just make a copy and use the duplicate on your piece of furniture.

This project was so refreshing to remember all the blessings that I have been given as well as the hard things that have happened.

I proudly display this table full of memories in my living room for all to see!

Total cost

Old Table: $0 (My sweet sister-in-law gave it to me, but a good garage sale piece of furniture could be purchased for $10 or under.)

Hammered metal spray paint: $4 Mod Podge (large jar) $6 Newspapers/old photos/ ticket stubs/mementos $0 (Scavenged from my home and from my trip to Rome.)

TOTAL: $10

A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, Tanner and Cory Cangelosi live in an Old Conway home that they have refurbished. Tanner owns her own business – t.losi art - and has done a variety of projects, from individual home decor items to painting murals in private residences. For more information, Tanner can be reached at 501.908.1338 or tcangelosi@newlifechurch.tv.

The school had an auditorium where plays were presented. One such play was called “Wedding of the Flowers.”

“I was an iris, and my mother made me a costume out of crepe paper,” Marilyn said. “I felt cute, and no doubt I was.”

Until 1952, the school had students through ninth grade, but by the time Marilyn arrived, it held only first through sixth grade classes.

Each room held two grades. Marie Taylor taught first and second; Mrs. Glenn Glover, third and fourth; and Principal Glenn Glover, fifth and sixth. There were 22 in Marilyn’s first-grade class, and she estimates the school had fewer than 150 students, compared to 425 today. Although Mrs. Taylor was short, just a few inches taller than her students, she had complete control of the classroom, Marilyn recalled.

Before Marilyn’s time, the school bus was unusual. It was a milk truck which picked up the students after delivering the milk. The older boys would help the driver unload the empty milk canisters before he took them to school.

Instead of the table-and-chair groupings of today’s classrooms, students then sat in rows. The desktop of one student was attached to the chair back of the student in front, and each desktop had a groove for a pencil, a hole for a glue pot and a shelf underneath for supplies.

“We didn’t have much,” Marilyn said, “a pencil, maybe some glue and a tablet.”

The age-old “school” smell – chalk dust – will never permeate the new school, which has dry-erase boards. The original school had blackboards, which were actually black and erasers got daily pounding.

At recess, girls played jacks and hopscotch; boys played mumblety peg and marbles.

“I was pretty good at jacks,” Marilyn said.

“We played on that dirty old ground in our dresses,’ Valerie laughed. Girls didn’t wear pants.

The school had a swing set and a merry-go-round, according to Valerie, who remembered being pulled off the latter by “the tail of my dress.” There was a see-saw, too, Marilyn remembers; it consisted of a board balanced on a rock.

Each room in the school was heated by a coiled radiator, which popped when turned on.

“A favorite thing to do was to set a color crayon on it and watch it run down,” said Marilyn. “Mrs. Taylor didn’t take kindly to that; she would tan our hides.”

Spanking was accepted then, and parents didn’t interfere. Faculty controlled the school, and parents, the home. Neither encroached on the other’s territory.

“School was for learning, not for fun,” Marilyn recalls, and she thinks that is a good change. “Who decided learning shouldn’t be fun?”

501

Marilyn Battles and her grandaughter, Faith Foster.

Another look at 501 Holidays fashion show

Casual clothing to formal attire – and everything in between – could be seen on the runway during a spectacular fashion show held during the recent 501 Holidays event.

Titled “Festive Fashion on the Runway – Rich Colors of the Season,” seven local businesses participated in the show:

HipSway

Lefler’s

Mary’s Boutique

Mommie 2B

Moravia

Right off the runway W W

the Royal We Walk This Way

“We want to thank the fashion show sponsors for participating in 501 Holidays,” said Publisher Donna Spears. “They really presented an incredible show.

“We are happy, in this issue, to give readers another look at some of the beautiful clothing, available at Conway boutiques, that was featured.”

Go to www.501lifemag.com for additional photos and a video presentation from 501 Holidays.

Tori Watkins is wearing an Erge classic, long-sleeve top in fallen Malibu, from HipSway (Locust Avenue and North Street). Paired by high-waisted polyester/wool shorts by B.B. Dakota, this bright-colored shirt is a great piece that can be dressed up or dressed down. The Chinese Laundry Women’s Turbo Suede Wedge Boots make it easy to stay stylish in cooler weather. Available at Walk This Way (920 Locust Ave., Suite 1, 501.32. SHOES), these boots can be widened with a built-in goring behind the knee for added flexibility, and to tuck in skinny jeans.

Robin Moore is ready for that special holiday occasion in a one-of-a-kind cocktail dress fashioned in gold silk dupioni, from the Royal We (920 Locust Ave. Suite 2, 501.327.1555).

Sandie Milam sports a classy look with a red scarlet beaded swing coat by I.C. Collection, black pants by Fabrizio Gianni, and black Swarovski crystal jewelry, from Mary’s Boutique (1110 Oak St., 501.329.5600).

Photos by Mike Kemp.

Robin Dayer looks beautiful in a Freelance redCharmeuse dress from Moravia (1016 Oak St., Conway, 501.932.0043). The dress features unique detailing in the bow and belt.

S. Harwood, MS Tax, CPA

Tray Ott, CPA Connie Cody Fisher, CPA

Jessica Sweatt (right) is ready for an evening out in a Chiffon cocktail dress, available at Lefler’s (1114 Oak St., Conway, 329-3424). The Hobo clutch and double-strand pearls are the perfect accessories to complete the look.

Britni Elder (left) sports a silk top by Tulou and Elly B jeans by Olian, with accessories that make a statement – a Nest diaper bag and earrings by Oscar de la Renta – all available at Mommie 2B (North Street, Conway).

by Stephanie Byrnes

theYogabendsstereotypes

It’s been called Madonna’s secret to a youthful body and the Los Angeles Lakers’ injury prevention. It’s helped millions relieve stress and increase focus and has even been regarded as a lifestyle by many who have enjoyed its benefits. It’s a craze from ancient Asia that has people from all ages and all physical states raving of its advantages.

It is yoga, and it’s taking the nation by storm with its incredible results.

In the past, many have considered yoga a “New Age” exercise for Hollywood slicksters and hippie spiritualists, but as both the physical and mental advantages of yoga are now being realized, more and more people are trying the fad that has old bodies feeling young and frazzled minds feeling free.

YogaYou

Owner: Sharla Holladay

Established: 2007

Address: 1602 Pine St. (Hwy 89)

Cabot

Web: www.yogayoucabot.com

In June 2007, 501 resident Sharla Holladay began a mission to make this constructive activity more obtainable in Central Arkansas by opening a certified yoga studio in Cabot. She was inspired to open her studio, YogaYou, because of Cabot’s growth and strong health-minded population who seemed open to personal growth. “People are realizing that they can adapt yoga to their lifestyle, and adapt their lifestyles to include it,” Holladay explained.

YogaYou, located on Highway 89 in Cabot, is equipped with specially trained and certified instructors, and even periodically conducts workshops with world-renowned yoga instructors. “I bring in well-trained, well-experienced teachers. All experienced teachers have something to give students that is unique. We have worldwide acclaimed yoga teacher, Desiree Rumbaugh, scheduled for October 2009, and Meg Byerlein, a 15-year veteran yoga teacher, scheduled for the spring,” Holladay stated.

Some of the benefits of yoga practice are reduced stress and tension, increased energy, improved muscle tone and strength, and better circulation.

The studio currently instructs people of all different ages and degrees of fitness. “People say ‘I don’t bend like that’ or ‘I can’t do pretzel poses’, but in reality the beginner level classes are friendly to just those types of people. We make yoga accessible to everyone,” Holladay said.

Popular perception may suggest that yoga is only for the young, flexible females in America. “I currently have students ranging from ages 7 to 84,” Holladay clarified. “And although the classes tend to be more women than men, the men that come - you can’t take their yoga away from them; they figured out that they don’t have as much pain, and they can work out some of their stiffness and aches, and they come back time after time.”

What makes YogaYou truly original, however, is the community the studio builds among participants. In February, YogaYou members will enjoy a yoga retreat in the exotic rainforest of Costa Rica. “I thought it would be

something fun to do with my students. We all work so hard, and a week in the rainforest doing yoga a couple times a day will be a great gift to ourselves,” Holladay said.

For those unsure if yoga’s for them, Holladay’s studio makes it easy for them to give yoga a try before fully committing. For only

$13, a person can drop in a class and discover if the expected results are as remarkable as they have been described. And with reduced stress, improved quality of sleep, and normalized blood pressure topping the list of benefits associated with yoga, who wouldn’t want to give it a shot this new year?

“We make yoga accessible to everyone.”

– Sharla Holladay

In June 2007, 501 resident Sharla Holladay began a mission to make yoga more obtainable in Central Arkansas by opening a certified studio in Cabot. She was inspired to open her business, YogaYou, because of Cabot’s growth and strong health-minded population who seemed open to personal growth.

Downtown Conway gets a taste of Windy City fare

The variety of great dining experiences continues to grow in the Conway and Central Arkansas area. With the addition of Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta, 501 LIFE offers a hearty “welcome!”

The 188-seating capacity restaurant is located at 1010 Main St. in Downtown Conway, and is open seven days a week for your pizza and pasta pleasure. The atmosphere is reminiscent of old Chicago, with high ceilings and old town charm.

The most popular items on the menu are the Chicago-style pizza and the calzones, but diners will find a wide array of delicious salads, burgers, sandwiches and thin crust or stuffed crust pizzasall with made-from-scratch dough.

Guests are invited to watch sporting events on large-screen television sets, have lunch, dinner or just drop in for appetizers to share as they enjoy the casual, local neighborhood atmosphere.

It’s nice to know, as well, that before the official opening on Sept. 29, that Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta held a special charity event raising $2,360 for Bethlehem House. In lieu of

by Don Bingham

paying for meals and tips, donations were made to this Faulkner County homeless shelter.

General Manager Eric Biedenbender is ready to lend a hand with any information you may need should diners need help creating their own masterpiece, deciding between the many “starters” or the Stromboli, or opting for low-calorie, transfat free dishes.

There are 100 Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta establishments nationwide and Conway is fortunate to be one of the newest locations.

Welcome to Conway and the 501, Chicago Pizza!

Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television programs and previously served as the executive chef at the Governor’s Mansion. He is now the director of special events at the University of Central Arkansas.

The most popular items on the menu are the Chicago-style pizza and the calzones.

Located in the renovated Steel Chevrolet building, Old Chicago Pizza and Pasta was one of the new restaurants to open in 2008 in Downtown Conway.

Conway Symphony orchestra commissions signature dessert

The Conway Symphony Orchestra – with special help from Chef Don Bingham – recently unveiled a signature dessert, the Harmony Truffle Cookie.

As a special treat for audiences, the orchestra commissioned the signature dessert which will only be available at classical concerts.

Bingham is director of special events at the University of Central Arkansas. He created a chocolate truffle center, surrounded by a melt-in-your-mouth cookie, with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Carolyn Brown, orchestra board member and UCA faculty member, organized the initiative. She named the dessert Harmony.

At the orchestra’s Oct. 28 concert, the dessert was introduced.

Upcoming orchestra concerts:

“From Europe with Romance” – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Reynolds Performance Hall, UCA Soloist: Neil Rutman, piano. Underwritten by the Ralph Behrens Legacy.

“CSO Children’s Concert: The Symphony All Around You” – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Reynolds Performance Hall. Underwritten by First Security Bank.

“Popular Classics” – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, Reynolds Performance Hall. Underwritten by Centennial Bank.

“Lights Over the Lake” – 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27, Beaverfork Park. Underwritten by Southwestern Energy.

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre announces its 2009 season

Memberships are being sold now for the third season of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, set for June 10-28 at the Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas.

The third season will include popular Shakespeare titles Macbeth and The Taming of the Shrew, the children’s classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; and the Arkansas premiere of the Broadway smash hit, Mel Brooks’ The Producers.

“We’re terribly excited for all of these shows,” said Matt Chiorini, producing artistic director of AST. “To be the first Arkansas Theatre to mount a production of The Producers is a great honor.”

Memberships start at the $50 level (Knights and Maidens) and go up to $100 (Lords and Ladies) and $250 (Kings and Queens).

Also being discussed this year are the addition of on-site licensed child-care during some performances, family nights with pre-show picnics and performances, a special event in Little Rock, an in-schools tour of Macbeth sponsored by Chesapeake Energy, a partnership with Little Rock

Tours for a Father’s Day package for visitors from Little Rock and the continuation of last year’s popular “Bard Ball.”

After a successful 2008 summer festival that saw a 63 percent increase in ticket sales and a greater proportion of out-of-town visitors, Chiorini is confident that the festival will continue to grow and attract an audience from all over Arkansas.

“There is nowhere else in Arkansas that people can see a quality Shakespeare show in the afternoon and then a Broadway hit musical in the evening,” he said. “We hire a tremendous group of artists to create four first-rate productions, and more and more people are beginning to realize what a hidden treasure we’ve got here.”

Memberships supporting the festival are available at www.arkshakes.com. Tickets and season tickets will be available in the spring.

For more information, call Chiorini at (501) 2694815.

For more information on the Conway Symphony Orchestra, please visit www.conwaysymphony.org.

Chef Don Bingham with Harmony Truffle Cookies.

Jerry Adams tries the dessert created for the symphony.

Dominant performances

Brown and Tiner set to join ranks of sports greats

by Donna Lampkin Stephens

Two more names will enter the annals of Conway sports history this month when Nathan Brown and Bobby Tiner are honored by the Conway Athletic Awards Commission.

Brown, the University of Central Arkansas quarterback who recently finished his career, is the 2009 recipient of the Marvin Delph Award for Sportsman of the Year. Tiner, quarterback for what was then Arkansas State Teachers College, led the Bears from 1963-67. He is the winner of the Elijah Pitts Award for Career Achievement.

“Conway has changed a lot over the years with lots of new people moving in,” said David Grimes, who was instrumental in getting the CAAC started several years ago and serves as its chairman. “Conway has such a rich history, a rich sports history, and as we grow we need to make sure we don’t forget the past.”

A committee made up of representatives of the local media and colleges chooses the yearly winners.

Delph led Conway High School to state basketball championships in 1973 and ‘74. He signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks, becoming one of the famous “Triplets” who led the Hogs to the 1978 NCAA Final Four. When he graduated, he was the Hogs’ all-time leading scorer and still ranks in the Top 10 today. He is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor.

Pitts was born just outside Mayflower and later moved to Conway and attended the old segregated Pine Street School in the 1950s. After playing college football at Philander Smith, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1961 where he played on five NFL championship teams under Vince Lombardi. Pitts scored two touchdowns in the first Super Bowl in 1967. He is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame.

“Obviously, the selection of Nathan Brown is one of the easiest choices we’ve ever made for Sportsman of the Year,” Grimes said. “He and Bobby Tiner represent probably the two finest quarterbacks in UCA history. They played in different eras under different systems, but the committee thought it would be neat to pair them up.”

Brown, from Russellville, finished his career with 10,558 passing yards and 100 touchdown passes, both records for Arkansas quarterbacks. He was the Southland Conference Player of the Year in 2008 and the SLC’s Offensive Player of the Year in ’07. As a senior, he threw for a school-record 3,206 yards and 31 touchdowns with just four interceptions in 375 attempts. As a junior, he set a school record with 235 consecutive passes without an interception.

“My time here at UCA has been nothing but good,” Brown said. “It’s kind of a bittersweet ending to my career. I’m excited to move on to tackle whatever’s next in my life, but at the same time I’ll definitely miss UCA. It’s been nothing but fun and positive times for me.”

Brown will finish his degree in business education by long distance this spring as he prepares for the NFL Draft. Finishing his degree, he said, is a priority.

“For me and my family,” he said. “It would mean something to me to be a UCA alum.”

Tiner was a Little All-American honorable mention in 1967 and was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UCA Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. During 1963, ’65-67, he led the team in passing and scoring. His career totals are 6,110 yards of total offense (fourth in school history), 30 touchdowns scored (sixth), 4,304 yards passing (seventh) and 60 singlegame passing attempts (first).

Tiner follows his ASTC coach, Raymond Bright, as a Pitts award winner. Bright, who died in 2008, won the award in 2006.

“I don’t know of anybody that I respected more as a coach than Raymond Bright, and I don’t know of another player I respect more than Nathan Brown,” Tiner said. “I get to follow Coach Bright and be up there with Nathan, so it couldn’t be any better for me.” Tiner, who grew up in Morrilton, went on to a long coaching career at Pulaski Oak Grove.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” he said. “I played for a coach (Bright) who was 30 to 40 years ahead of his time. I loved the conference (the old Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference) we played in. We weren’t the best conference in the country, but we were very competitive. It was really the best of both worlds.”

Grimes said the Faulkner County Museum contains “a very nice collection of memorabilia from our winners” that includes such items as baseball cards, track shoes and old football programs.

“Each year we get four or five items from each person so we can rotate the collection and keep it fresh,” he said.

The luncheon will also feature the Marvin Delph Student-Athlete Awards

Nathan Brown (center), the UCA quarterback who recently finished his impressive college career, is the 2009 recipient of the Marvin Delph Award for Sportsman of the Year.

Bobby Tiner

given to Conway eighth-graders. Winners are Tim Boyd and Abby Mann of Carl Stuart Middle School; Brandon Sargent and McCall Wilkins of Bob Courtway Middle School; Drew Bates and Morgan Kordsmeier of Conway St. Joseph; and Caleb Crawley and Sarah Roberson of Conway Christian School.

The primary sponsor of this year’s banquet is Centennial Bank, which is underwriting the cost of the banquet tickets for all eight Marvin Delph StudentAthlete Award winners and their parents

The banquet will also serve as a fundraiser for former Conway High and UCA football player Che Jones who is awaiting a kidney transplant at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

(At press time, the date for the awards luncheon had not been set. Please visit www.501lifemag.com for more information on the luncheon, as it becomes available.)

>> Previous winners

ELIJAH PITTS AWARD (Career Achievement)

2000 Warren Woodson

2001 Ivan Grove

2002 Doak Campbell

2003 Scottie Pippen

2004 Joe Mallett

2005 Bob Courtway

2006 Raymond Bright

2007 Monte Coleman

MARVIN DELPH AWARD (Sportsman of the Year)

2000 Lauren Turnbow

2001 Br yce Molder

2002 T im Cain

2003 Peyton Hillis

2004 Zak Clark

2005 Carone Harris

2006 Julie Coats

2007 Tori Huggins

clinical care... in a place that feels like home.

VISITING AREAS

The Facility Layout Provides Comfortable Visiting Areas with a Cozy Atmosphere.

Family and friends are welcome to dine with residents in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere in one our three spacious dining rooms.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

We Accept: Medicaid, Medicare, Private Pay.

Nathan Brown finished his college football career at UCA with 10,558 passing yards and 100 touchdown passes, both records for Arkansas quarterbacks.

MEET: David Cornwell

Hometown: Conway

Occupation: Retired

Pet’s name: Sadie

Age: 3 years old

Breed: Golden Retriever

Where/when did you meet your pet: “I met Sadie in the neighbors’ yard about three years ago.”

Activities you enjoy together: “Sadie and I enjoy playing ball, tug-a-war and running.”

Other info: “Sadie likes to chase squirrels, ducks, geese and deer. She is very obedient, lovable, gets her feelings hurt easy, and is smart (she understands English).”

“Sadie’s my best running buddy – she goes almost everywhere with me, except I haven’t figured out yet how to take her on my Harley.”

Winter tips for pet owners

Winter pet care tips, courtesy of Hartman Animal Hospital in Conway:

Provide outdoor pets with a dry, warm secure shelter out of the wind such as an insulated pet house.

Even dogs that normally spend most of their time outside need good shelter in cold weather, even if it is only a garage.

Keep your pet away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage or on your driveway so clean up spills immediately.

De-icing chemicals can be hazardous to pets. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet.

For more helpful pet care tips, go to www.hartmananimalhospital.com.

Photos by Stuart Holt

Sadie

Museum unique inside and out

Upon first sight, the Gann Museum doesn’t look much different than others except that it has two front doors, each of which is topped by a gable, making it architecturally pleasing to the eye. That in itself doesn’t make it unusual; it’s what the building is constructed of that makes it unique. The museum is the only known structure in the world made completely of bauxite.

Simply defined, bauxite is another name for aluminum ore and it is most commonly formed in deeply weathered rocks. The ore was named after the French village of Les Baux de Provence where it was discovered in 1821 by the geologist Pierre Berthier. The only place in the United States where it has been feasible to commercially mine the aluminum is Saline County.

The industry took hold in this area in 1899 with top output coming during World War II, when demand increased because German subs were sinking foreign ore ships. The mining thrived

for many, many years before the high grade, low silica bauxite ore gave out.

Originally the office of Dr. Dewell Gann Sr., the structure was built in 1893 by patients who couldn’t afford to pay the doctor for his services. At the time, they didn’t know what the ore was – they thought it was some sort of clay plentiful in the area. All the blocks were cut with handsaws and had to air dry for six weeks before being used. The bricks are a colorful mix of tans, browns, rusts, yellows and oranges with a touch of pinkish-red.

After the building was completed, it was determined by engineers that bauxite wasn’t a stable enough material to be used for construction. According to Executive Director Bernard Barber of the Gann Museum of Saline County, which is now housed in the building, in spite of the dire warnings, the structure has held up amazingly well and is quite strong.

To learn more about this fascinating piece of construction history, visit the Gann Museum of Saline County at 218 Market St. in Benton. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week, and by appointment. Call 501.778.5513 for more information.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Source: Arkansas

Robbie Wills

Public service: Faulkner County Quorum Court 2001-2005; Arkansas House of Representatives 2005-present; Speaker of the House 2009-10

What do you enjoy most about serving in the Legislature: The ability to help my constituents find a solution to a problem.

What are you looking forward to in 2009: My wife Dana and I are expecting our second child in May (Our 7-year-old daughter Rylee is excited about being a big sister.)

Reflections on 2008: This has been a whirlwind year beginning with my election as Speaker of the House in January, a great deal of travel over the summer and an historic national election in the fall. It’s been tough at times to remember to stop and smell the roses!

Family: Parents – Robert and Lou Jane Wills

Sister – Susan Robinson of Little Rock

Education: Conway High School – 1986 University of Central Arkansas – 1991 UALR Bowen School of Law - 2003

Community activiites: Conway Kiwanis Club; Grace United Methodist Church; participation in numerous charitable causes.

Last book you read: I’m reading the “Harry Potter” series with my daughter.

Favorite book: “Citizen Soldier” by Stephen Ambrose

Favorite meal: Fried chicken!

Most enjoyed weekend activity: During the fall, going to football games with Dana and Rylee. Otherwise, relaxing at home with family.

Favorite quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy

No 1 vacation spot: Disney World. With small children, where else?

Favorite place in Arkansas: Other than Conway, Lake Ouachita.

What do you love about living in the 501: The people! There is truly nothing like knowing your neighbors by their first names, knowing who to call when something breaks, and knowing you live in a community that cares.

Rep. Robbie Wills of Conway will be sworn in as the Speaker of the House of Representatives at noon Monday, Jan. 12, at the state Capitol.