January 2023

Celebrating lives of legacy

I pulled the 2022 calendar from my desk and turned the page to January. This is the month when I mentally hit the reset button. Holiday decorations are stowed, and the house is deeply cleaned from the ceilings down, including a few cluttered drawers. I’m not a fanatic, you know!

At 501 LIFE, we’ve cleared away ’22 and look forward to the themes we have planned for 2023. This month our theme is “Lives of Legacy,” and we’re excited to highlight people who are making an intentional difference in their community.

I encourage you to read the stories that relate to those on our cover: actress Judy Pryor Trice, social activist DuShun Scarbrough and the iconic Winthrop Rockefeller. From the big screen to community theater, Trice continues to move audiences as she brings roles to life. Scarbrough heads the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and significant King anniversaries are marked in ’23. And Dr. John Kirk has written a book to highlight the legacy of the late Governor Rockefeller.

We have also included community heroes like Judi Lively, who recently retired after serving the homeless for nearly two decades. Judge Michael Lincoln served White County for 16 years until his recent retirement. He played a huge role in the construction of the White County Cooperative Extension Service building, which some rumor is the best of its kind in the state.

The legacy of service continues with a section about educators, architects, medical professionals and businesspeople who serve the community with a generous spirit. We highlight Allison Wilson, a dancer whose light feet have touched stages from Broadway to Russia and back to Little Rock. She donates time to a charity that helps children.

Incredible people are featured from the cover to the final page, when we introduce Theo Jones, who has served on the Conway City Council for 20 years.

If you’re looking for inspiration, this issue is one to devour. I am proud to bring you “Lives of Legacy.”

On the cover

501 LIFE would like to thank our advertising partners.

Bledsoe Chiropractic, 49

Central Baptist College, 27

Chambers Bank, 35

Conway Corp., 63

Conway Human Development Center, 34

Conway Institute of Music, 51

Conway Regional Health System, 75

Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 45

DJM Orthodontics, 23

Downtown Conway, 42-43

Edward Jones, 61

First Community Bank, 32, 74

First Security Bank, 76

First Service Bank, 13

Freyaldenhoven

Heating and Cooling, 73

Girl Scouts - Diamonds, 52

Greenbrier Public Schools, 40

Hartman Animal Hospital, 55

Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 65

Heritage Living Center, 5

Kilwins Little Rock, 73

MSC Eye Associates, 52

Ott Insurance, 59

Pulaski County Special School District, 53

Quitman Public Schools, 37, 67

Restoration Wellness, 36

Reynolds Performance Hall, 21, 57

Rik Sowell Architects, 38

Salem Place, 15

Sissy’s Log Cabin, 31

Shelter Insurance, 73

South Conway County Schools, 41

Superior Health & Rehab, 2

Unity Health, 3, 63

University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 9

University of Central Arkansas, 68

Vance-Wilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors, 39

Velda Leuders- Coldwell Banker, 8, 16

welcome to the Writers’ Room

Susan Peterson holds a Ph.D. in secondary education and taught at UCA and Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. This former reading and language arts teacher loves sharing information about local authors, hoping their stories will inspire others. Now retired, she spends her time painting, making pottery and playing pickleball.

Dwain Hebda is an award-winning writer, editor, journalist and president of his editorial services company Ya!Mule Wordsmiths. Nebraskan by birth, Southern by the grace of God, he's published in more than 35 publications, specializing in telling extraordinary stories about everyday people. Contact him at dwain@ya-mule.com.

Tammy Keith worked for Arkansas newspapers for 38 years, including the Log Cabin Democrat and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. An ASU graduate, she is a 12-time Arkansas Press Women Communications Contest winner and three-time national winner. Her biggest honor is being Mimi to her granddaughter, Kennedy.

Catch 501 LIFE on KARK Noon News and Conway Corp each month!

Tootsie

Jan. 13-16 • Little Rock

brought to you by:

This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one showstopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Don't miss the show receiving rave reviews at the Robinson Center. For info and tickets, visit celebrityattractions.com.

Eagles Et Cetera Festival

Jan. 24-26 • Bismarck

Arkansas Duck Derby

5:30 p.m. • Jan. 6 • Conway

The Derby will begin with a morning hunt, followed by an evening banquet. Teams will be randomly paired with landowners and hosts within a 2-hour drive radius. The evening banquet will be held at the UCA HPER Center and includes live and silent auctions, raffles, food and entertainment. Teams will go home with prizes and bragging rights. Purchase $50 tickets on Eventbrite.com.

Antique Alley Arkansas

Jan. 6 - 8 • Conway

Exhibitors from 10+ states will fill 200 booths with advertising memorabilia, toys, linens, primitives, glassware and furniture inside the Conway Expo Center. Food trucks will be available. Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 Friday, $5 Saturday and Sunday.

The annual event will celebrate our nation's symbol, the eagle, and many of its counterparts, highlighting today's most pressing conservation efforts. Enjoy up-close views of birds of prey and hear from some of Arkansas's premier animal caretakers and conservationists. Jump on a boat for guided eagle tours in search of wintering bald eagles at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Call 501.865.5810.

Electric Avenue

8 p.m. • Jan. 27 • Little Rock

Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience started as a one-off party gig and has turned into a decade-long run, with 100+ performances each year. The music reminds people of a time when they came home from school, put on a record and listened with an open heart. It will be held at The Hall, with tickets starting at $20 at ticketweb.com.

Cheers to 60 Years

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton plans year-long celebration

T he University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) will mark its 60th year as an institution this year. To commemorate the milestone, a year of celebrations will take place.

The theme for the 60th anniversary celebration is “Cheers to 60 Years,” with sub-themes for several of the individual events throughout the year. Each month of 2023 will feature a key event to celebrate the milestone.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, at the UACCM Workforce Training Center, UACCM will mark its 60th year with a new tradition, an inaugural gala fundraiser – “A Moment in Time.” The gala will include fine wine and dinner. Seating is limited for the formal affair, and valet parking and a coat check will be available.

The evening will also feature both silent and live auctions, with all proceeds benefitting the construction of a commemorative clock tower on the UACCM campus. Admission will be by purchase of individual or coupled tickets, or sponsorship tier packages.

For more information about the gala, contact UACCM Development Officer Taylor Holland at 501.977.2085 or visit uaccm.edu/gala.

Several more events will take place throughout the year, such as the “Aiming for Education” trap shoot in April, the “Links for Learning” golf tournament in June, the opening of the UACCM Historical Archives Exhibit in July, and tentative plans for a special guest speaker from NASA in October. More details about these events will be made available as they approach. For the most current list of events, visit uaccm.edu/60.

Established in 1961 as Petit Jean Vo-Tech, the institution became the state's second vocational-technical school. In 1991, Petit Jean VoTech converted to a technical college, becoming Petit Jean Technical College, and in 1997 officially changed its name to Petit Jean College. In 2001, the Petit Jean College Board of Trustees voted to affiliate with the University of Arkansas System and be known as the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

An inaugural fundraising gala is planned for February at the UACCM Workforce Training Center in Morrilton. The theme is “A Moment in Time.”

THIS NEW YEAR, 501 READERS ARE

Headed out on a special trip? Have a special occasion or get-together coming up? Pack a copy of 501 LIFE in your suitcase, snap a photo at your destination and send it to us for publication in a future issue!

Photos can be submitted by email to stefanie@501lifemag.com.

St. Joseph High School's Homecoming Court was “Loving LIFE” in the Cyber Cafe at their new campus. Junior Maid Blakely Holland (from left), Sophomore Maid Ava Piraino, Homecoming Queen Presli Webb, Beauty Queen Chloe Skinner, Senior Maid Marleigh Thessing, Senior Maid of Honor Josie Gamble and Freshman Maid Ava Martin. The Court will walk at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, before the basketball game against Jacksonville Lighthouse.

James Hopper and Julia Dossett Morgan of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute were “Loving LIFE” at the Business Expo & Taste of Conway.

The Newcomers Club of Conway was “Loving LIFE” at their annual holiday event. The social club welcomes new or longtime residents with a Conway address. Call Donna to learn more at 501.472.8447.

LEFT: John (from left), Rylee and Halie Ford of Roland were “Loving LIFE” when the Arkansas Razorbacks beat the Bradley Braves 76-57.

RIGHT: Mia Brasewell (from left), Ashley Heiple and Ellis Ann Heiple of Conway were “Loving LIFE” and cheering on the Razorbacks.

Faculty and staff members from Sallie Cone Elementary School in Conway, which closed in 2013, were “Loving LIFE” when they recently held a reunion. Four teachers who attended were recognized as the "Golden Girls of Sallie Cone" for their record number of years serving students. Debbie Avra taught for 30 years, Sylvia Duke for 28 years, Pam Markham for 25 years and Cindy Kordsmeier for 24 years.

Christy and the Grinch (Chad) Edwards were “Loving LIFE” and having fun with their decorated RZR all-terrain vehicle at the Conway Christmas Parade.

Nickiyah Hannah and Nicholas Hannah Jr. were “Loving LIFE” and enjoying decorated downtown Conway during the holiday season.

The third-grade classes at Conway Christian School were “Loving LIFE” and making a donation to the Faulkner County Humane Society. Students collected 35 bags of dog food for the food bank at Companion Spay and Neuter Clinic for animals in need.

Amelia (from left), Jordan and twin Ava Sorrells were “Loving LIFE” and excited to see the floats and Santa at the Conway Christmas parade.

Whitney (from left), Emily and Adryan Piker of Searcy were “Loving LIFE” and celebrating Whitney’s 16th birthday in Oahu, Hawaii.

Fulf illing a Noble Legacy

Soaring Wings to add Welcome, Learning and Counseling Center

A substantial donation dedicated to the construction of a Welcome, Learning and Counseling Center (WLCC) at Soaring Wings was recently received.

A gift of $250,000 from the estate of the late Earl Noble has been made by his sister, Norma Roady. Noble’s will specified that some of his wealth be used to benefit children. While looking for causes worthy of his request, Noble met with Andrew Watson, executive director of Soaring Wings, in November 2020.

“Ms. Norma selected Soaring Wings because it is private and works directly with families toward reunification,” Watson said. “She also appreciates that Soaring Wings does not rely on government funding and has a debt-free business model. Ms. Norma believes that her brother would have supported Soaring Wings during his lifetime.”

The Welcome Center portion of the building will be named The Earl Noble Welcome Center in honor of the gift given in his memory. To date, more than $430,000 has been raised of the $1.5 million needed to construct the WLCC.

The WLCC has been in the planning for years. Shortly after fundraising started, the project was put on hold to expand and rearrange the floor plan. “Soaring Wings added a home for infants and toddlers, so we needed to add a preschool to the Learning Center,” Watson said. “Since we work directly with the parents and guardians of the children we serve, and not through the Division of Children and Family Services, we decided to add increased space for social workers and counselors, as well as interns from area universities.”

The floor plan expansion also includes more meeting space and a pavilion. Watson, the staff and the board of directors have worked with Rik Sowell Architects to change and improve the plans. When completed, the WLCC will be the hub of the 195-acre campus and the first building visitors will see as they enter.

THERE WILL BE FIVE SECTIONS WITHIN THE WLCC:

The Earl Noble Welcome Center will host individuals and groups for dinners and training activities.

The Learning Center will include a preschool and spaces for tutoring and for occupational, physical and speech therapies.

The Counseling Center will include space for social work, counseling, educating staff and interns and an office for the chaplain.

The Pavilion.

Administrative Offices.

Cody Ferris (from left), Rik Sowell and Soaring Wings’ Executive Director Andrew Watson look over plans that Rik Sowell Architects developed to add needed facilities and services to the campus.

A trailblazing effort

Partners celebrate milestones met on Blue Mountain Natural Area project

The completion of the Blue Mountain Natural Area trailhead was celebrated by state leaders on Dec. 20.

The ceremony marked a key milestone in the overall effort to connect trails throughout the Maumelle Pinnacles region in Pulaski County. The area is slated to open to the public in the spring.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, U.S. Rep. French Hill, Sec. Stacy Hurst of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Philanthropy Director Jennifer Barnhouse of The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas were on hand to commemorate the substantial project.

Blue Mountain Natural Area was acquired in 2021 by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, an agency of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, with $4 million in state and federal funding and a contribution of $1 million from The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas. Blue Mountain is the westernmost mountain in the Maumelle Pinnacles chain, which includes Central Arkansas’s beloved Pinnacle Mountain and Rattlesnake Ridge.

The natural area conserves the globally rare grassland habitat Ouachita Sandstone Outcrop Barrens, as well as rare species such as Wright’s cliffbrake, a western desert fern. The area features several miles of trails for low-impact immersion.

“Advancements in outdoor recreation infrastructure is one of the key successes of my administration,” Hutchinson said. “Blue Mountain Natural Area is a project that is important to the quality of life here in Central Arkansas,

and I am proud that it will provide protection for rare species and access to recreational opportunities for generations to come.”

The addition of Blue Mountain to Arkansas’s System of Natural Areas completed a 12,000acre conservation and recreation corridor, which includes properties owned or managed by Pulaski County, Arkansas State Parks, Central Arkansas Water, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

“The completion of the Maumelle Pinnacles trail system will further drive outdoor recreation in this region,” Hurst said.

One of 79 expanses in the System of Natural Areas, Blue Mountain Natural Area was recognized by early naturalists, including the botanist Thomas Nuttall, who is credited with the popularity of the name “pinnacles” and sketched the chain in his “A Journal of Travels into the Arkansas Territory during the Year 1819.” Made up of nearly 74,000 acres, the statewide System of Natural Areas are lands managed specifically to preserve, protect and sometimes restore vital habitat for plants and animals that represent the natural heritage of all Arkansans.

“Because supporters of the Nature Conservancy’s response to our request to protect Blue Mountain was so quick and so generous, we add to the natural areas in the state’s urban center, a rarity, with easy accessibility by so many,” Barnhouse said. “Blue Mountain is proof of a wonderfully collaborative conservation community in Arkansas that gets things done.”

Sec. Stacy Hurst of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, U.S. Rep. French Hill and Philanthropy Director Jennifer Barnhouse of The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas were on hand to commemorate the substantial project.

New signage marks the completion of the trailhead.

MAEGAN & WES DYSON

CONWAY

HER STORY:

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Newport then Greers Ferry.

EDUCATION: I have a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. I also have a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accredited certification.

JOB: Chief Development Officer, Conway Regional Health Foundation.

FAMILY: Our children are Asher (age 11) and August (age 5). My parents are Nancy and Leon Nicholson of Fayetteville.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am currently in Leadership Arkansas and a member of the Conway Running Club, and I volunteer at Ruth Doyle Middle School for my son’s activities. In my role at Conway Regional, I get to work in and with the community of Central Arkansas through events and my day-to-day work.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Distance running (trying to run all six world major marathons), aerial hoop and hammock classes at Gemini Fitness, reading, listening to music, traveling and watching movies with my kids.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Dedicated, fun, passionate about what I do, and ridiculously competitive (mostly with myself).

ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I grew up playing tennis and went to a state-level competition with my high school team.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: A long run followed by a book out by the pool.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: Dreams mean nothing until you put goals and hard work behind them.

A SONG THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE: Anything that came out in the early 2000s!

HIS STORY:

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Outside of Mayflower, off 89 towards Jacksonville “in the sticks.”

EDUCATION: I am a graduate of Mayflower High School and hold a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Insurance & Risk Management from the University of Central Arkansas. I also have a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.

JOB: Account Executive at Williamson Insurance Agency.

FAMILY: In addition to our children, my parents are Pat Dyson of Conway and the late John Dyson.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am the Chair of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame board and a UCA Alumni Association board member.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Watching my sons play sports, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gravitas, working out, duck hunting, traveling, grilling and following the UCA Bears!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Fun-loving, passionate, loyal and disciplined.

ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: Growing up, we rode and competitively showed horses in every category, from barrels and poles to pleasure and equestrian.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Having friends and family over, grilling and watching the UCA Bears.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: You already know what the right thing to do is, you just have to do it.

A SONG THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE: I only dance when my wife asks me to.

THEIR STORY:

W e met as freshmen on the large coed cheer team at UCA. My parents called him my “unboyfriend,” but we were friends for about a year before we started dating. We continued to date through college, and Wes proposed on a Greers Ferry Lake bank (the one I grew up on) in front of a huge group of my family.

We got married in Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs with an intimate group of family and friends. We have been married 16 years and love to travel, work out, run, hike, and do fun things with our kids. We like to take our kids to places that will be great memories of adventure for them. We are known to still partner for stunts long enough to take a cool picture (in a stadium, on the beach, in front of the Grand Canyon) or just to change the light bulbs in our kitchen!

For fun, Maegan and Wes still do stunts from their time on the cheer team at UCA. The couple even took advantage of the opportunity while visiting the Grand Canyon in September 2021.

Photo by Mike Kemp

Photo by Mike Kemp

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

JUDY PRYOR TRICE

By Tammy Keith

V eteran Little Rock actress Judy Pryor Trice’s career highlights include performing in the movie “Sling Blade,” hosting her own television show and, oh, yes, that time Ben Affleck and Jamie Lee Curtis applauded her.

“That was just a hoot,” Trice said, laughing as she recalled the famous actors’ responses.

Arkansas-born actor and director Billy Bob Thornton cast Trice as Mrs. Woolridge in “Sling Blade,” which was filmed in Benton and won an Academy Award.

“Doing ‘Sling Blade’ was lots of fun,” Trice said. She played the wife of the mental hospital administrator. “Billy Bob was a very nice person to work with, just very considerate,” she said.

Trice also had a role in Thornton’s lesser-known film “Daddy and Them.” “He called me and said, ‘I have this very small little part. Would you do it?’ He was very sweet to me during that time.”

She played the receptionist. “I had a wonderful, big ol’ hairdo, and I think I had on a purple suit with a turquoise scarf — just outrageous.”

Trice had to answer the door in the scene, and Thornton didn’t tell her who was on the other side. “I opened the door, and Andy Griffith was standing there, Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, Kelly Preston.” She opened another door, and “there was Ben Affleck, luscious and handsome, and Jamie Lee Curtis. I didn’t feel star-struck; I was more surprised,” she said.

At the break, Thornton had the famous actors sit down and asked Trice to perform her scene from “Sling Blade” with him. “They all applauded. He [Thornton] said, ‘I wanted you to know she’s a real actor,’” Trice said.

She’s also an accomplished singer and pianist, as well as a dancer, which helped her land role after role through the decades. That long list includes “Guys and Dolls” and “A Little Night Music,” years apart at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre and Argenta Community Theater. Trice also performed in “Steel Magnolias” and television commercials.

In 2022, she was cast in three stage shows, including as the lead of the popular “Driving Miss Daisy” at the Argenta Community Theater. “It’s just a lovely play and a nice challenge for an actor because she ages in the play from 72 to 96.”

Trice, who grew up in Bald Knob, started performing throughout Arkansas in the 1940s at age 3 with The Novettes, started by Nadia “Mrs. Ned” Novak, who was famous in the small town.

Last fall, audiences fell in love with Trice in Alfred Uhry’s “Driving Miss Daisy” at the Argenta Community Theater.

On the right: Trice personified Miss Daisy along with Drew Jansen, who played her son, Boolie Werthan.

“She discovered I could sing 10 or 15 songs,” Trice said. “I performed as sort of a little mascot.” Novak also taught Trice to tap dance.

Trice’s talents were not an anomaly. “My father was a fabulous singer; my mother designed all the costumes. She made everything I wore until I went to college.” Trice skipped her senior year of high school and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, married her first husband and moved to Tulsa, Okla. She landed a job at a local television station as a weather forecaster and host of “The Judy Pryor Show,” all while continuing to perform in community theater. She came back to Arkansas in 1966 and worked at KATV in Little Rock, where she again hosted “The Judy Pryor Show,” always making time for theater.

A

A scene from “Driving Miss Daisy” with Jeremiah Herman as Hoke, her driver.

Trice shared her experience with the younger generation for 18 years, teaching theater and English at Hall High School in Little Rock. “I had a fabulous time. I loved teaching; I loved directing. I directed lots of musicals at Hall High School. I had super students; many went on to have careers.” She left Hall to direct touring operas for Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock, and she became an artist-in-residence through the Arkansas Arts Council to teach music and dance in elementary schools.

She counts among her most fun experiences the 15 years she performed with friend Mary Berry, accompanied by pianist Lori Isner. “We had an act called The Hot Flashes, and we sang all over this state. I mean, we sang for some big stuff in Arkansas, chancellor’s dinners, private cocktail parties, festivals, the Legislature … .”

Trice met the love of her life, lawyer and fellow actor William “Bill” Trice III, while they were both performing at the Arkansas Arts Center. “We were really a good match,” she said of her second husband, who died in 2014.

Talent is in her family’s DNA. Her three grown children are all talented in their own right; two are involved in theater. Kathryn Pryor is an attorney, actress and singer, and Trice has performed alongside her daughter in shows, including “Into the Woods.” Will Trice, a Tony Award-winning former Broadway producer, is executive artistic director of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and Jeff Pryor has a marketing firm in Fort Smith. He has a “beautiful” singing voice but avoids the spotlight, Trice said.

Trice chose building a family in her youth over moving to New York to pursue fame and fortune, but she has no regrets.

“I’ve been blessed with various kinds of work that has all brought me a great deal of joy, including being a mother and grandmother. I think I had the best of both worlds,” she said.

Trice onstage at the Arkansas Arts Center, performing in “The Pajama Game” in 1966.

Filmstrip photos top to bottom: Trice’s first TV job at KOTV Channel 6, a CBS affiliate in Tulsa.

dance number from the musical “The Most Happy Fella” in 1965 at the Tulsa Little Theater. In the 1996 movie “Slingblade,” Trice played Mrs. Woolridge. Vic Ames and Trice during a scene on the Vic Ames Show on KATV Channel 7 in Little Rock.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20 the Carole King Songbook

APRIL 29

‘It’s eyeopening, really, to see how blessed we are and to just be kind to everyone ...’

-

Abe Owen

Photo by Mike Kemp

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

ABE OWEN

By Donna Lampkin Stephens

C abot High School Principal Henry Hawkins calls Abe Owen “a servant-leader,” and the CHS senior tries to live up to that description every day.

Owen, 18, follows the “I Am Third” life philosophy, echoing the title of Chicago Bears great Gale Sayers’ autobiography.

“It was something I learned at church camp, where you put the Lord first and everybody else before me,” Owen said. “It allows me to show who I am as a person and allow those around me to not only be encouraged but also to be uplifted in the things they do.”

While he credits his parents, Clayton and Sarah Owen, for raising him to be the young man he is today, he said he had found within himself the desire to go out and serve others.

“That’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing,” he said. “It’s eye-opening, really, to see how blessed we are and to just be kind to everyone at school.”

A two-sport Panther athlete, he is also involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, a discipleship group led by CHS athletes and a youth group at Fellowship Bible Church.

As the Panthers’ quarterback, Owen led Cabot to a semifinal showing in the 2022 Class 7A state playoffs, where they fell to Bentonville, 15-13. At third base, he helped the Panthers to a Class 6A state baseball finish last spring.

“I was really proud of the way my (football) team played this year,” Owen said. “We fought our hearts out. Now we’re looking forward to a good

baseball season.” He’s considering playing football

Ouachita

next year or

the University of Central Arkansas. His GPA is over 4.0, and wherever he goes, he hopes to study biology with an eye toward pre-medicine.

Hawkins called Owen a campus leader.

“He has a great attitude and is very helpful,” Hawkins said. “Abe makes everyone around him a better person or player. He will outwork everyone. Abe never has a bad day and is a champion for the little guy or the underdog.”

That philosophy comes naturally to Owen. He has an older brother, Sam, 19,; and a younger brother, Zeke, 8. But his sister, Eloise, just 18 months younger than Abe, died at 9 after being born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect.

He said his sister’s death profoundly affected him.

“As a kid growing up, she was my best friend,” he said. “As she was in and out of the hospital, it was hard on me, and when she passed away, that really affected me. She was a fighter. Now when I’m on the field, whether it’s baseball or football, and if I feel challenged, I realize I have to fight because my sister fought for her life, so I can fight for this game.”

This is part of the reason he wants to pursue a medical career.

“And I’ve had injuries in the past, so I want to pursue orthopedics to help others get better,” he said. “I just want to help others.”

at

Baptist

baseball at

A FRESH START

By Don Bingham

W ith 2023 comes a fresh beginning of all things. Personal challenges, vision and goals, perseverance and maturity — and last, but not least, new recipes!

January's feature includes the delights of tradition, our heritages and comfort foods for the aftermath of a wonderful holiday season — and not to be forgotten — the approaching Super Bowl.

Especially in the South, and even much further reaching, would be the mystic pea hullabaloo and the need to start the new year with peas — maybe ham, cornbread, slaw and even turnip greens. For the January issue of 501 LIFE, we are sharing recipes for five-bean soup, slaw, cornbread and dessert for "a go-to" during the month of January and the winter months. For the bean soup recipe, the beans may be a choice of your five favorite beans (or more). We used pinto, black-eye peas,

cranberry beans, black beans and white beans. I have seen mixes that have as many as 13 choices of beans!

The slaw and cornbread are favorites that we have included in past issues.

The dessert is Zinzendorf's Cheesecake. For those of you who have survived various eating establishments through the years in Conway, you will remember this restaurant in a former Minute Man building on Harkrider. The restaurant (tea room) was the first of its kind in this area, and this dessert appeared regularly on the dessert menu. Zinzendorf's Cheesecake is a winner!

May the new year be filled with the love, grace and peace of Almighty God — our warmest new year's blessing from the Binghams!

Photo by Mike Kemp

Nancy's Bean Soup

1 fryer cooked, deboned

1 cup dried beans, all one kind, or assorted dried beans such as pinto, cranberry, black-eyed peas, black or kidney beans

5 cups chicken broth

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped carrots

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 bay leaf

1 Tbsp. catsup

½ tsp. dried whole basil

½ tsp. dried whole oregano

Sort and wash beans, place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water 2 inches above the beans, let soak overnight. Drain beans, combine beans, 5 cups chicken broth, celery, onion, carrots, parsley, bay leaf, basil and oregano; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes or until done.

Add catsup and chicken; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Makes about 6 cups.

Cornbread

1 tsp. vegetable shortening or vegetable oil to coat the pan ¼ cup oil

1 large egg

1 1/3 cup buttermilk

2 cups Martha White Self-Rising

Enriched White Buttermilk Cornmeal Mix

Heat oven to 450. Spoon shortening into an 8-inch oven-proof skillet or 8-inch square or round baking pan. Place skillet or pan in oven to heat for about 5 minutes.

Whisk egg in medium bowl. Stir in milk, oil and cornmeal mix until smooth. Batter should be creamy and pourable. If too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of additional milk or oil. Carefully tilt skillet to coat bottom with shortening. Pour batter into skillet. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Helen's Cabbage Slaw

infinite hope

DUSHUN SCARBROUGH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - ARKANSAS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMISSION

By Dwain Hebda

D uShun Scarbrough is too young to have heard Dr. Martin Luther King except in retrospect. But the civil rights leader left an indelible imprint on him nonetheless, inspiring him to not only rise above his circumstances, but to carry others along with him.

“I grew up at 23rd and Rock,” he said. “If you remember the ‘Bangin’ in Little Rock’ documentary, that was where I grew up. I was raised in an environment where statistically I was not supposed to be here today.”

In those times, a young person’s options presented themselves early and with clarity: answer the lure of the streets or swim upstream, forging a different future. Two early figures helped Scarbrough find the latter.

“My grandmother, the late Pearl Scarbrough, was very overprotective. I was 14 years old and wasn’t even allowed to go off the porch,” he said. “I had to sit in the house and pretty much read all the time. She knew the situations that we lived in and her prayer is what covered us all the time.

“Then, I happened to meet a mentor of mine in junior high school, Carl Dupins, and he would come by and get me involved in the community. He heard me speak and he was able to push my message out throughout conferences and any programming going on throughout the state.”

Blessed with a compelling voice and armed with the conviction of one who has lived his subject matter, Scarbrough found confidence in public speaking. That confidence passed for courage when life was at its most intimidating.

“After high school, I felt the confusion of taking

that next big step in life,” he said. “There’s always that part of you that’s scared, knowing at the next level you have to achieve for yourself.”

Scarbrough nonetheless marched on to Philander Smith College in Little Rock for his undergrad, earning advanced degrees from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee and Webster University in Orlando and eventually a law degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Though the campuses changed, his commitment to returning to his home state never wavered.

“I always wanted to go away and learn skills and gain the ability to help my community and then come back and use it,” he said. “That’s exactly what I did.”

In 2008, he accepted the role of executive director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, dedicated to promoting racial harmony, social justice and equality for all Arkansans. His enthusiasm and steady leadership quickly calmed what had been years of internal squabbles there, bringing a unified effort to the work at hand. From the very first day, Scarbrough’s leadership platform rested on his unshakable commitment to inclusion.

“I wanted to serve cities throughout all four of Arkansas’s congressional districts,” he said. “Not just African Americans, but the Caucasian community, Hispanic community, you name it. I wanted everyone involved.”

This open-arms welcoming to people regardless of background has enabled Scarbrough and his team to accomplish remarkable things, from addressing youth violence to promoting economic development and improving educational opportunities throughout Arkansas.

‘I always wanted to go away and learn skills and gain the ability to help my community and then come back and use it. That’s exactly what I did.’

- DuShun Scarbrough

Photo by Mike Kemp DuShun’s styling provided by Dolce Vita Suits.

ABOVE: Scarbrough Sr. stands among statues at the Little Rock Nine Memorial at the State Capitol.

RIGHT: Valarie Scarbrough (from left), DuShun Scarbrough and Grandmother Pearl Scarbrough. Valarie is his aunt. His grandmother played a significant role in DuShun’s life and helped determine a positive future for him.

“In Central Arkansas, we’ve formed partnerships to be able to teach the ideology of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” he said. “Our youth programs include Leadership Education and Acceptance of Diversity and the Dream Keepers, founded in 2008. These are made up of youth who are engaged in learning about Dr. King. We have partners in the schools and assemble youth groups within the schools as well.”

More than an organizer, Scarbrough is an energizer for the people he interacts with, those who walk alongside him on the road to equality for all. To him, everyone is a brother or a sister and he refers to them as such, be they the head of a state agency, a random volunteer or even Dr. King’s daughter with whom Scarbrough has worked regularly. In this way, the onetime abandoned teen – now a physical father of three — has a spiritual kinfolk he can count in the hundreds.

“I give my job my all and I give my wife, Angela, and my family my all,” he said. “It also becomes where people you work with in the community become family. I’ve been called the godfather to many youth because our households are hurting due to the absence of strong fathers and guidance. Our young people need to know their surroundings don’t have to determine their future. I want kids to know you don’t have to end up how you start.

“I was marked for failure, and everything was stacked against me, but I’m a living witness that prayer and wise counsel will go a long way. I think I would like that to be a mark of my legacy.”

The Commission will host the first MLK Unity Fireworks Spectacular over the Arkansas River at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. The show will be held on the King Holiday, which marks Dr. King’s birthday. It will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Commission in Arkansas. Before the fireworks show, a candle-lighting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on the river (North Shore Park).

AUGUST 28 will mark the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and the "I Have a Dream" speech that Dr. King delivered to about 200,000 people in 1963.

NOVEMBER 2 will mark the 40th anniversary of the federal King holiday being signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

For more information about outreach and activities, contact the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission at 888.290.KING or visit arkingdream.org.

2023 marks significant anniversaries for the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, including:

DuShun Scarbrough (from left), Dr. Bernice A. King and actor Lamman Rucker on Oct. 28, 2022, at the Nonviolence Youth Summit in Blytheville. King is the youngest daughter of Coretta Scott and Dr. King and is the CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change. She has called the Arkansas Commission the most active in the country under Scarbrough’s leadership.

MY LA GOS MY WA Y

Few of us realize the impact we’re having as we move through our days, but when you compile those days, activities and interactions, the result is a trend. What does the compilation of your life say about you? Do you set and achieve personal goals? Can you be counted on by your peers, and do you impact your profession in a larger sense?

People who pursue excellence stand out. It requires consistency and a determination to keep going when many would give up. Those who stand out to their peers are leaders because of consistent behavior. They work overtime to complete projects, without complaint. They listen

to the needs of others and then look for ways to use their skills and resources to meet those needs.

Those who live a life of legacy show integrity and work hard. They know that people matter and that small interactions throughout the day determine one’s reputation and define their character.

This special section recognizes proven leaders who care deeply about making a positive impact in their profession and in the lives of those around them.

They are living a Life of Legacy.

What is a Legacy?

It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.

- Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton: The Revolution

This issue highlights the concept of living a life that makes a positive difference.

A Life of Legacy, if you will.

J olinda Sue Bryant is a Fiscal Support Specialist with Conway Human Development Center, a home for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. CHDC has provided comprehensive residential treatment services since 1959 and has more than 800 employees who serve 450 residents.

For 57 years, Jolinda has been an essential part of the team, working initially as Personnel Secretary. After a couple of years, some of her responsibilities were transferred to the Business Office, and she moved into that department. Five years later, the accountant retired, and she applied for the position and upgraded to her present title. “That was the best move in my career,” Jolinda said. “I never wanted to leave the Business Department because I loved what I was doing to maintain sound accounting practices.”

In addition to her job, she was also acting switchboard operator supervisor for 22 years. During Jolinda’s tenure, she has worked under 13 governors and for six of the seven superintendents of the facility. “Many people do not realize that some of the most tenured state employees continue to work at CHDC,” said current Superintendent Sarah Murphy. “This is a primary reason for its continued success.”

In the 90s they said we would have to go to a computer system. I can go like nobody’s business on a calculator, but I had not grown up with computers, and when they told me I thought I was going to die. But we were trained, and now I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s so much faster!

How have you kept yourself motivated when facing obstacles?

I have strived to make sure that accounting records are correct for legislative audits and that I balance every day. I am consistent and rarely take off. In fact, I recently donated 40 hours of sick time that other state employees can use to be off. I’m a go-to person and don’t mind being called or texted at home when co-workers need help or answers.

When you look back at your time with CHDC, what accomplishment makes you most proud?

I started at CHDC 57 years ago and married Robert 56 years ago. My goal has never been to overachieve someone else. When I see the staff showing compassion and love to clients, I know that’s the place that I want to be. My work has been rewarding, and I hope to leave a legacy of being kind, resourceful and helpful.

What’s the most important risk you took during your career, and what made you take it?

C ami Goodell has always wanted to help people and was studying to be a registered nurse when she took a part-time job as a teller at a bank in 2016. Six years later, she has found her niche and is helping people as the Business Development Officer for Chambers Bank in Conway. “I fell in love with going to work every day. I learned that I could still help people, just in a different way,” Cami said.

Chambers Bank is a family-owned, Arkansas-based bank that focuses on community, honesty, relationships, respect and trust. It was established in the River Valley in 1930 and has been operating in Conway for the past four years. Cami started out as a part-time teller and worked her way up to Assistant Financial Manager before stepping into her current business development role.

Along the way, Cami found support and inspiration from her supervisors at the bank and from her husband. “I had a supervisor who taught me that there is nothing wrong with asking questions, but if you try to find the answer yourself, most of the time you are going to remember the answer and learn something new,” Cami said. “My husband is unbiased, logical and honest with me. He motivates me to be better, and he always pushes me to push myself and never quit,” she added.

Accepting this role in Business Development. I was very nervous. I knew that I could do anything that I set my mind to, but I had no idea what to expect or if I would be successful, and that is an uneasy feeling. You must be willing to take the risk sometimes to see a change. I thank God for my job every day. I truly love what I do.

I find motivation in focusing on the goal at hand. If I find myself overwhelmed at work, I will make an achievable list of things I want to get done that day and complete them. To me, that is a satisfying feeling.

When you look back at your time with the bank, what accomplishment makes you most proud?

I hope I can say that I had a hand in growing Chambers Bank in Conway and in helping serve others in our community. I take a lot of pride in my customer service. I strive to give my customers the best possible experience. I believe in treating people the way you want to be treated. The most important accomplishment for me will be people remembering me for how I made them feel.

What’s the most important risk you took during your career, and what made you take it?

How have you kept yourself motivated when facing obstacles?

W hen Sheila Hayes started working as a nurse, she never dreamed she would someday become a nurse practitioner and wellness clinic owner. However, after working in a fastpaced emergency room environment for years, her desire to slow down and get to know her patients ultimately led her to open Restoration Wellness. “It just goes to show that God can direct you in ways that you never dreamed of or thought that you wanted,” Sheila said.

At Restoration Wellness, Sheila and her team offer hormone pellets, weight loss therapy, erectile dysfunction treatment and treatment of acute/chronic pain without using pills. “I like to use modalities that are non-traditional,” she said. “Most of my patients come in and are stunned to have someone truly listen and help find solutions to their problems that may not be just another pill.”

Sheila leads with kindness and attributes her success to surrounding herself with people who hold her accountable and push her to be better. She is also determined to be that same type of person for the people in her life. When challenges come along, she knows there is no other choice but to keep moving forward. “That's what differentiates most people from being successful, knowing that it is ok to fail, but not to quit,” Sheila said.

Tell us who you look to for inspiration and why?

My parents have been a big influence in my life. They have taught me to work hard and to not give up when things get hard or seem unattainable. To trust God and His plan for me and that integrity is important. I can hear my dad say, ‘the right thing and the easy thing are rarely the same thing.’

When you look back, what makes you most proud?

We have been able to help couples rekindle their relationships through hormone therapy. I don't think a day goes by that I do not hear, ‘You have changed our marriage,’ or, ‘You helped me find my best friend again.’ I also get excited about patients finding hope when they have felt such defeat in whatever they are going through.

When people think of you, what do you hope they think of as your legacy?

First and foremost, my love for the Lord. I want others to see that I treat people with kindness and that I’m willing to help anyone. I want to find the right treatments to get them on a healthy path to feel good about themselves again inside and out. I want to be remembered as someone who goes above and beyond to build relationships, along with helping people on their health journey.

C oach Timothy Hooten has led his teams to 12 state titles across multiple sports over the course of his career. Nine of those titles came at Quitman High School in basketball, cross country and track. “I am proud of all the athletes who have worked hard to compete with excellence in their given sports. If I have a legacy, I hope it’s that my students and athletes learn that they can achieve their dreams through commitment and perseverance,” Hooten said.

Hooten is a key player within an administrative and teaching staff that is known for excellence in education, having greatly improved Quitman High School’s educational ranking over the past decade. He finds his success in the accomplishments of his players. “My goal is to help them become successful in their activities, which in turn makes me successful,” Hooten said.

While many coaches have motivated and inspired him throughout his career, his faith in God has been the constant guiding light that has led him down the road to success. This was especially true when Coach Hooten followed a call to switch from coaching boys basketball to girls basketball. “I am very passionate about the game and expect my players to be the same,” Hooten said. “I wasn't sure girls could handle the level of commitment, dedication and perseverance that I require of my athletes. I was wrong.”

Tell us about a time you used your experiences and knowledge to mentor others.

I have many former players and students that are now coaches and teachers. Last year, a former player, who also coached in our program, was named Coach of the Year. Not only did he play in a state championship game, but he also coached his team to the championship game.

How do you keep yourself motivated during times of conflict or when facing obstacles?

My faith that God will be there helps me stay motivated through difficult times. Prayer is a powerful thing. I have had obstacles in my life that have taken me in a direction I would have never thought. I always had faith that God would ultimately place me where I should be. He has blessed me many times in my career.

How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

I have a motto I use here at Quitman a lot, and I also follow it. ‘If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got.’ If it's working for you, keep doing it. If not, it's time to find another way.

R ik Sowell knew from a young age that he wanted to be an architect. He has owned Sowell Architects, Inc. in Conway for more than 27 years and is now readying the next generation of designers to carry on his legacy. “My business partners, Cody and Emily Ferris, and I are engaged in a long-term buyout where I have the opportunity and the time to pass my experience and knowledge on to the next generation of owners. They, in turn, offer the viewpoint of a younger generation,” Rik said.

Sowell Architects is a general practice firm that designs a wide range of buildings. They have completed more than 1,000 projects, many of them working with local businesses. “As a Conway resident with an office downtown, I have a sense of satisfaction that we have been able to impact the environment in which we live,” Rik said. One of his goals is to renovate Simon Park into a well-designed urban park that draws people downtown for social interaction.

Not only does he want to leave a legacy downtown but also has served on numerous boards including Renewal Ranch, Williams Baptist University, Soaring Wings Ranch and the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Interior Design Department. “For years I wanted to teach collegelevel classes. UCA gave me that opportunity as an adjunct instructor teaching fourth-year design classes,” Rik said.

How have you kept yourself motivated when facing obstacles?

I felt the call early to become an architect, partly because it satisfied my heart's desires. Therefore, I get a lot of joy from what I do. I learned long ago that every project I want is not necessarily a good fit. We get more than enough work to keep us busy. This enables me to relax when interviewing for a project because I know that if we do not land this one, there is another around the corner.

Who do you look to for inspiration and why?

My father had a great influence on my life. He taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, faith and hard work. He taught me to accept responsibility for my actions, to pick myself up when I fall and that a faith-based worldview is the only way to navigate this crazy world.

When people think of you, what do you hope they think of as your legacy?

I would be happy with an epitaph that simply read, “He was a nice guy.” All people are important and should be treated with dignity, no matter their standing. My wife and I recently purchased some acreage in a small village in Belize where a lot of our mission work has focused. We are currently constructing a ministry center where we can continue assisting our friends there.

& KISHA VANCE

S amuel L. Vance II knew at a young age that he wanted to be a leader in business and in his community. Today, he is the President and CEO of Vance Investments of Arkansas, Inc., which owns 100% of Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors and Vance Wilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors and is training the next generation to join the family business.

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors and VanceWilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors is known for being a fullservice, multicultural funeral provider. They offer traditional and non-traditional services, cremation, green burial, and burial at sea at affordable and fair prices. “My goal is to own a chain of funeral homes across the state that redefines the standards in funeral service,” Vance said.

Vance is a lifelong learner, having earned his bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; an associate of applied science in funeral science from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas; and a master of arts in management and leadership from Webster University in St Louis, Mo. He is a licensed embalmer and a licensed funeral director in Arkansas. “As a trade embalmer, on average I embalm 450 cases annually for various funeral homes across the state of Arkansas,” Vance said.

What’s the most important risk you took during your career and what made you take it?

The value of hard work and leadership was instilled within me by my parents. Because of those lessons, I stepped out on faith and became an entrepreneur before I was twenty years old. In 2015, I purchased Johnson Funeral Home and became the sole owner of my first funeral home. I purchased my second location in 2021, Vance-Wilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors in Morrilton.

How have you kept yourself motivated when faced with obstacles?

I stay motivated because quitting is not an option. Perseverance is what helps me sharpen my craft and remain innovative in the industry. I continue to grow as a leader by attending seminars and conferences where I establish rapport with other colleagues in various states and countries who also work in the funeral industry.

When you look back at your career, what accomplishment makes you most proud?

Establishing two businesses that serve families throughout Arkansas is a point of pride for me. Also, being able to contribute to organizations in my community. I hope people think of the legacy of Samuel L. Vance II as a humanitarian to all mankind.

R odney Wiedower has been an Agriculture (Ag) Teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor for 36 years. He has been on staff with the Greenbrier School District for 16 years and is as passionate about his work as ever. He loves seeing students challenge themselves and develop new skills and confidence to help them succeed.

Unlike a typical classroom teacher, Rodney is on a 12-month contract and does a lot of work with students after school. More than 400 students are part of the Ag program, and Rodney teaches 110 of them. The program includes welding, residential electrical wiring and several other shop classes, animal science, business agriculture, leadership and communications classes.

He credits two men for his success in life. After losing his parents in his late teens, Rodney’s older brother, Ricky Wiedower, took him under his wing and taught him to be a good man, to say what he means and to be a man of his word. He also admires Patrick Breeding, his Ag teacher at GuyPerkins High School.

“Patrick got me started in this field, and it was fun!” Rodney said. “I enjoyed it as a student, and when I began teaching, he was always helping me learn things. I was fortunate that when I came to work at Greenbrier, I got to teach with him for 10 years until he retired. We still see one another.”

What are some important goals you have achieved?

My goals in life were to be good at what I do and to positively influence as many as I could and have a good family. Personally, I’ve got a great family, including a son and a daughter, three grandchildren and a great wife, Jennifer, of 37 years. Professionally, most of the goals I’ve set I’ve achieved. Eight former students are Ag teachers, and one is studying to be a geneticist. Another student I’ll never forget had a rough background and came to live with his grandparents and became my student. I was able to give him direction and guidance, and he ended up joining the Navy and became an officer and jet mechanic.

How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

I’ve been on the boards of the Arkansas Vocational Ag Teachers Association and the National Association of Agriculture Educators. I want to continue to be there to influence it in the future. My son has eight years in as an Ag teacher, and I want to be there for him and others.

Someone who cared and made them get out of their comfort zone and pushed and challenged them to be successful.

When people think of you, what do you hope they think of as your legacy?

S haron Wilson is more than an educator. For 34 years, she has been positively impacting the lives of children in the 501 by being an innovator in local schools, presenting to other teachers at national education conferences, and leading by example as a volunteer in her community. Sharon said, “I just hope someone will say I made a difference for kids, academically and personally.”

Sharon began her career in the Wonderview School District and then moved to the Perryville School District as an English teacher. “The team of teachers I was with at Perryville did amazing things for kids!” she said.

Her team implemented project-based learning when few in the country were doing it. Visitors from all over the world visited the school to learn from them.

She has been in the South Conway County School District (SCCSD) for the past 20 years and the principal at Morrilton Primary School for 10 of those years. “I believe we have the best educational team we’ve ever had right now,” Sharon said. “Our facilities are also top-notch, thanks to overwhelming support from our community. The SCCSD has embraced the Professional Learning Community model, so we are learners working and growing together. Our purpose is to love, serve and care for our students and each other.”

What is an important goal you have?

As an administrator, one of my primary goals remains for kids to learn how to read and do math. It is a huge goal for me. With a new crew of kindergarteners coming in each year, ensuring that they get the best education possible is a repeating goal.

How have you remained motivated when facing obstacles?

My faith has carried me through the valleys in my life. In school, the past two years have been difficult, but I have a strong instructional team working at Morrilton Primary, and we have persevered! During the pandemic, our administrative team went in every day and helped other volunteers with food deliveries to our community. Working together to serve our community was the most rewarding team-building experience ever!

What do you want your legacy to be?

I educate kids! Our work at SCCSD impacts the future every day. In my English classroom, I used to tell my students I wanted them to grow up to be able to control the English language, whether they were writing, speaking or reading. Today, as a principal, I get to make an additional impact because I support teachers who are giving kids a strong math and literacy foundation at Morrilton Primary. I absolutely love my job!

Downtown Conway is always a blast! We will welcome a new year in January, and we are looking forward to our yearly Moonlight Madness event, which takes place on the final Friday of January. It's a terrific time to take advantage of our downtown retailers' significant sales on fall, holiday and winter merchandise. It’s also a fantastic time to check out our diverse selection of restaurants. In Downtown Conway, there are more than 20 eateries serving a wide range of cuisines that would please even the pickiest diners.

We are also excited to add more shops and restaurants to our already amazing collection of downtown establishments in 2023.

Your place is here in downtown Conway; I am sure of it!

A message from Kim Williams Executive Director, Conway Downtown Partnership

MICHAEL LINCOLN

WHITE COUNTY JUDGE

By Judy Riley

Photo by Mike Kemp

Lincoln Looks Ahead

L eaving Mobile, Ala., for Searcy, Ark., was a leap, but White County Judge Michael Lincoln has been taking leaps of faith his entire life. His early years and young adulthood prepared him for life in general. His first visit to Searcy was during spring break at Harding University. He fell in love with the town and the community and soon found a pathway to make it his home.

He is a graduate of the School of Religion, with a Bachelor’s in Bible, another Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Public School Administration, all from Harding University. He taught fifth grade for four years, then was principal of Judsonia Elementary for 13 years. Meanwhile, his family was growing with his wife, Shelley. With serious renovations, they made an old farmhouse that had been in Shelley’s family a showcase. Their family now includes six children, two sons and four daughters, and 21 grandchildren. There are 35 stockings hung by the chimney with care every Christmas.

A huge leap of faith was leaving his career in education to accept a position as executive director of Camp Wyldewood, a Christian camp north of Searcy. This job was not without challenges. There were funding issues and major infrastructure needs. Calling on his construction skills and people skills developed during his days as an elementary principal, he brought the facility from a camp to a modern facility used not only for summer camps but also for family retreats. When that task was completed, Lincoln turned his thoughts to politics and a larger challenge.

Lincoln’s life had been one of public service, and he sought to put his background and commitment to helping people to the ultimate test by running for White County judge. It was yet another leap of faith to take on the task of managing the infrastructure of one of the largest counties in the state. White County was growing in population and becoming a hub for industry and health care. It already had more county roads than any other county. Many of the county offices were bursting at the seams with growing demands. Over his 16 years in office, he worked with justices of the peace and the road department to pave miles and miles of county roads. Wooden bridges

had to be repaired or replaced.

“Judge Lincoln is a forward thinker, always willing to do what is right even in light of obstacles,” said Lisa Brown, his longtime administrative assistant and newly elected successor. “He is especially gifted at navigating difficult circumstances. He has supported me and encouraged me to broaden my opportunities.”

County buildings were also a challenge. Judge Lincoln had the foresight to recognize the need for county offices to be close to the courthouse and a part of the storefront of Searcy. He led the county to purchase a building for the county clerk and lease one for the county tax collector, both on the court square. Major additions were made to the county jail and health department. New land and facilities were procured for the Office of Emergency Management and the Road Department. A new state-ofthe-art 911 Center was built, and renovations were made to the offices of the prosecutor, veterans, juvenile, county judge and assessor. But his pride and joy was having the opportunity to design and construct a new facility for the Cooperative Extension Service, which is widely recognized as the best in the state.

Judge Lincoln’s vision has been undergirded by a deep faith. He is proud to recognize his faith as part of who he is and his key to success. He is often found speaking in area churches. He has never backed away from a challenge and has always taken a stand on principle. With Judge Lincoln, there is no place in his DNA for adversarial relationships. He quoted his dad, “When things go bad and folks wrong you, just go to Lowes, buy some lumber, build a bridge and get over it.” This remarkable visionary has built a multitude of bridges with concrete and steel and with heart and faith. His legacy will live on, not only in bricks and mortar but in lives influenced.

What are his retirement plans? Quoting Judge Lincoln, “Shelley and I are turning to music. She is learning to play the violin and I am learning to play the cello. Spending time with our grandchildren is always on our radar. In short, we want to be prepared to do whatever the Lord directs us to do.”

ALLISON WILSON

By Dwain Hebda

CENTRAL ARKANSAS'S

In causes large and small, Allison Wilson keeps Little Rock’s feet moving. Her life plays out in time to music both heard and felt. A lifelong performer and former professional actor and dancer who’s appeared on stages from Broadway to Russia, hers is a life in constant motion, graceful and gliding one moment, powerful and driving the next. It’s a life of rhythm, of motion expressed in volumes of balance, strength and grace.

“My mom is a performer, and my dad did theater,” she says of her artistic well. “They both did shows at the Rep when the Rep first started. In fact, Mom actually did the show ‘Chicago’ when she was pregnant with me. So, I can actually say I’ve been around dance since before I was born.”

Her parents – former Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and Jana Beard, with whom Allison owns Shuffles and Ballet II studio – taught their daughter other valuable lessons expressed in community service, helping those whose life music had fallen out of time.

“That’s just who we are as a family; you give back and give again,” said Wilson. “You might not be able to write a huge donation check but you’re able to donate your time and your services. Any way you can give back, my parents have always taught me that’s just what you do. You help out the things that are important to you.”

This charitable work has taken many forms through the years, but none as visible as the annual Dancing With Our Stars event, benefiting the Children’s Tumor Foundation of Arkansas. The fundraiser, which mirrors TV’s “Dancing With the Stars,” pairs local celebrities with dance instructor partners who raise money to support CTF medical research and programs for persons with neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic disorders.

Wilson has served many roles in Dancing With Our Stars over the past six years, including as a dance coach and donating studio space for rehearsal. In recent years, she’s taken on added responsibilities as a liaison, a catch-all position that ensures dancers and teachers are well-matched while offering a seasoned eye on costumes, makeup and overall presentation.

“She is such a fun-loving, high-energy, dedicated, amazing lady,” said Leslie Oslica, head of CTF Arkansas and the parent of a child with the disorder. “She’s also a good friend to me and to many causes in the community.”

Neurofibromatosis affects 1 in 3,000 people, which is about 2.5 million people worldwide. Anyone can be born with it, and it can lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning challenges, disabling pain or cancer.

Photo by Mike Kemp

Continued from page 47

Yet for all this, Wilson, now married with two children of her own, had never heard of the disease prior to getting involved with the dance competition.

“I’ve learned so much about it and I’ve met so many of the kids who have NF, our ambassadors,” Wilson said. “It’s so easy to go about your day without a care if it’s not affecting you personally, but when you actually meet these kids and you realize how much it affects them and their families, it makes you want to do more. The more money you can raise, the better the chances are they can get a cure.”

“As a parent, if that was one of my children, I hope that somebody out there would be trying to raise as much money as they could to help make it better for them.”

If Wilson’s ambitions for the CTF event sound grandiose, it’s nothing new. From her earliest days studying ballet, the Mount St. Mary Academy graduate has never seen a stage too

big or a spotlight too hot. During her career as a performer, she appeared in major musical theater productions in New York, Chicago, Moscow and on cruise ships.

In addition to the CTF event, she lends her talents to Carti Festival of Trees, Sugar Plum Ball and Festival of Fashion. Along with her mother, she’s also lent a major supporting hand to Ballet Arkansas’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” She’s constantly encouraging others to get involved as well, saying everyone has something they can contribute to make life in the community better.

“Any organization or nonprofit needs as much help as they can possibly get,” she said. “Your expertise might not be on the dance floor, but you might be able to sew, so you can help with costumes. You could set up tables and chairs. There’s no part – whether it’s in theater, whether it's in a show, whether it's in a fundraiser – that is ever too small. It doesn’t have to be anything huge to make an impact.”

LEFT: Allison and the competition’s instructors’ intro to dance in 2021.

TOP RIGHT: Ted Mullenix and Allison Wilson were the 2021 Champions at Dancing With Our Stars.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Pete Tanguay (from left) and Allison Wilson were the 2019 Championship winners; Alisha Curtis and Brian Earles were the Best Performance winners.

Photos by David Lewis

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

CYLIN SHURTLEFF

By Carol Rolf

At age 13, Cylin Shurtleff knows exactly what she wants to be when she grows up. When asked that question, she quickly answered, “a veterinarian.”

She’s already had a taste of that profession, as she often helps out at her dad’s veterinary practice in Morrilton. A seventh grader at Morrilton Junior High School, Cylin is a daughter of Linley and Cy Shurtleff, DVM. She has two older brothers, Chase, 18, and C.R., 16. She is a member of the Ridge Row 4-H Club and recently showed the Overall Grand Champion Steer at the Conway County Fair in Morrilton. Her 1,350-pound steer is named Curly.

“I was so happy to win,” she said, adding that she placed third in the competition last year.

Cylin gets her animals from her grandfather’s farm when they are about six to seven months old. “We start halter breaking them and getting them used to being around people and other animals,” she said. “Then we feed them until they are big enough to show.”

The Shurtleff family lives on part of the land farmed by her grandparents — Doris and the late Curtis Davis. Cylin’s mom grew up on the farm. Her fraternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Shurtleff, live in Lampasas, Texas.

Cylin is active not only on the family farm but also in school. She is vice president of the Junior Beta Club and a member of the Student Council. She also plays volleyball for the Morrilton Devil Dogs freshmen girls volleyball team and

for the HollenBall Juniors which is a Junior Olympic Club volleyball team.

Her hobbies include playing guitar, hunting and fishing. Cylin manages to keep her grades up as she participates in all her activities. She will transition from 4-H to FFA next year, and as an eighth grader, she will be able to take Introduction to Agriculture.

Her favorite subjects are science and math. “I try as hard as I can,” she said.

Her mother added, “I think her lowest grade has been a 98. Her dad teases her every time she brings her grades home,” Linley said. “He’ll say, smiling, ‘Well, Cylin, couldn’t you have done a little better?’”

Jennifer Koch, Junior Beta Club sponsor, speaks highly of the student. “Cylin is a wonderful student who volunteers without being asked. She goes above and beyond the required service requirements. She has a service-loving heart,” Koch continued. “She may seem a little shy, but she will do whatever you ask, even if it’s out of her comfort zone.”

Koch said the requirements to become a member of the Junior Beta Club are to have an A-B average, be a person of good character and to follow examples of service and leadership. “Cylin has been a member in good standing for several years,” Koch said. “She will be among the members going to state conference in January in Hot Springs, where she will compete in several categories.”

School choice for Arkansas

PCSSD application period open through May 1

By Jessica Duff

T he Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing an equitable and excellent education for all students through rigorous college and career readiness instruction. District administrators work year-round to ensure all students achieve their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders, including teachers, staff and community members.

Registration is now open for Pulaski County students who are interested in joining PCSSD. The School Choice application period is open from Jan. 2-May 1, 2023. Registration for students who are currently zoned for a PCSSD school but do not currently attend a PCSSD school, including pre-K, opens Jan. 9. Students who currently attend a PCSSD school will be automatically re-enrolled for the 20232024 school year.

School Choice is an Arkansas state law that allows families to register in a school district outside their residential zone. In Arkansas, families must attend school in their designated attendance zone based on where they live. School Choice allows students to transfer from one district to another district.

“We hope you will consider sending your children to PCSSD,” said Dr. Janice Warren, assistant superintendent for Equity and Pupil Services. “PCSSD is committed to providing all students with learning experiences that prepare them for college or career readiness.”

PCSSD serves 27 schools in Maumelle, Little Rock and Sherwood. Those 27 schools include 16 elementary schools, four middle school campuses, one junior high campus, four

About PCSSD

high school campuses and an online K-12 school. Particularly in the Maumelle area are three elementary schools, Crystal Hill Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary and Pine Forest Elementary; one middle school, Maumelle Middle; and one high school, Maumelle High. If you live in the Maumelle area, you are zoned for one of these PCSSD schools. However, school choice opens our schools to families outside district lines, allowing students to be a part of our school family no matter their neighborhood.

If you have specific questions related to registration and school choice within PCSSD, please contact the Office of Equity and Pupil Services at 501.234.2021.

Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in Central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927. PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

Choose PCSSD

pcssd.org

the backroads barker

Central Arkansas dog has become social media superstar.

PET OF THE MONTH

BUTTERBEAN BREWER

By Becky Bell

B utterbean, a 10-year-old cocker spaniel and Labrador mix, got his name when his “mom” noted the markings on his ears were in the shape of a butterbean.

But he is known to people across the state, country and even places such as New Zealand because his owner, Dustin Brewer, posts pictures of his adventures on the Backroads of Arkansas Facebook page. The page includes the beauty that can be discovered across Arkansas at some well-known and some lesser-known sites.

“He’s been all over the state, Lost Valley, Ponca and Petit Jean and Pinnacle Mountains,” Brewer said. “He loves the Collins Creek area in Heber Springs. It’s very pretty.”

However, because Butterbean has grown a little longer in the tooth, he doesn’t get taken on the long walks that he used to as a precaution, his owner explained.

“Something could happen to me, I could break an ankle, or he could get winded,” he said. “But we’ve seen some unbelievable places. When we get somewhere, he will sit next to me and start howling.”

Butterbean’s fame extends beyond posts on Facebook. He has been noticed there by people who find him adorable enough to want to include him in their own creative purposes. Butterbean is mentioned in a small segment of Kim Anderson Stone’s “The Cowboy Ranch” book series.

The Florida writer discovered Butterbean on Facebook, and there is a story with an illustration about him getting hold of a blueberry pie. She also mentions Brewer’s grandson, Wyatt, he said.

County, asked if she could paint a portrait of Butterbean, and Brewer of course obliged.

When he is not out on an adventure with Butterbean, Brewer is working as a carpenter, then going home to his farm on the border of White and Cleburne counties, where he lives with his fiancé, Beth Rice.

The couple also has two other dogs, Newt, a full-blooded black Labrador, and a full-blooded great Pyrenees named Saint Wilson.

When Butterbean is not out on adventures with Brewer, he is soaking up the view from his farm home window. He likes to get in a chair and watch the squirrels, rabbits and sometimes up to 20 deer who come and eat the feed left for them.

Butterbean and his brothers enjoy the occasional treat other than dog food. The trio like to spend time in the kitchen with the couple before and during meals.

“They will sit at the kitchen table beside us, and Beth boils chicken for them and stuff like that,” he said. “But most of the time, they know they aren’t getting what she’s cooking.”

Another thing Butterbean loves to do when he is home is to get plenty of lap time in the recliner with his parents. Brewer said Butterbean prefers his “mama’s” lap.

Based on the dogs he has owned throughout his life, including his dear Butterbean, Brewer has decided that dogs improve over time.

“The older the dogs get, they are sweeter and sweeter, more loving,” he said. “You know our dogs are better than most people.”

Additionally, Karen Samuhel, an artist from Faulkner

seen some unbelievable places.’

- Dustin Brewer

‘We’ve

Top, from left: Little Red River in Heber Springs; at home watching deer. Large photo: Little Red River. Bottom, from left: Collins Creek in Heber Springs, at home by the Christmas tree and Bridal Veil Falls near Heber Springs.

a life most lively

D uring her 17-year tenure as executive director of Bethlehem House in Conway, Judi Lively not only made a difference in the lives of others, but gained valuable, lasting relationships.

Before her retirement in November, Judi made an immeasurable impact on the lives of the staff and residents, according to Tom Nelson, president of the Bethlehem House Board of Directors.

“Judi was the life of Bethlehem House during her tenure there. She was an incredible, faithful leader for the staff and residents and has the biggest heart of anyone around,” he said.

Tom credits Judi as instrumental in getting the new house built on Parkway in 2013, which doubled the home’s capacity to house up to 40 residents.

“She’s probably accomplished more with less (funding) than just about anyone I’ve ever known. . . . She’s very frugal, which just adds to the success of running a nonprofit,” he said.

While moving into a “beautiful, safe, new building, mortgage-free” is among the most monumental things Judi helped accomplish during her leadership, it’s the relationships she treasures most and seeing the change in people.

“When you work in a place serving the homeless or nearly homeless, you meet wonderful people daily. Many of the volunteers and donors we’ve had over the years have become friends. I will always cherish the relationships I’ve built through Bethlehem House,” Judi said of the residents,

JUDI LIVELY

BETHLEHEM HOUSE

By Rita Halter Thomas

staff, volunteers, donors and board members. Aimee Prince assumed the role of executive director for the non-profit in November.

Watching people change and being a port in the storm when people think they don’t have one adds to the rewards, she said. “I still have relationships with several former residents. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

“I’ve built great, supportive relationships within the community. I’ve grown as an individual. I have been a part of a team of individuals working to reduce homelessness in our community. I’ve seen entire lives change, families reunite, emotional and spiritual wounds heal. I will miss that,” she said.

Judi sees her time at Bethlehem House as an extension of her service to the Lord.

“I’ve had the unique opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to show the real love of Christ each and every day. Even on days we’ve had to say no to someone or discharge them for too many rule violations, those decisions were always made prayerfully,” she said.

Regarding her retirement, Judi jokes she was planning to sleep until January, “but so far that hasn’t worked out very well for me,” she laughed.

Although retired, Judi will still impact the lives of those around her. She and her husband, Jim, have three grown sons and seven grandchildren. She plans to spend more time with them and their families, volunteer at her grandchildren’s school and enjoy more time with her niece, who she fondly refers to as the daughter of her heart.

Photo by Mike Kemp

KNEED FOR SPEED

After a new knee, 76-year-old is back riding his mountain bike

By John Patton

W olfgang Oeste of Conway will be packing his bags again for another adventure.

Oeste and his wife, Patty, have a deep love of music and travel, and thanks to a knee replacement in July, he has resumed both pursuits with his typical vigor. He is already riding his mountain bike again.

The Oestes spent more than a decade performing in opera houses throughout Europe and Canada before eventually settling down in Conway. Patty, a retired music education teacher at Ruth Doyle Middle School, received numerous awards of recognition during her teaching career, including Yale Distinguished Music Educator. Wolfgang, an associate professor at the University of Central Arkansas, taught music performance and student vocal development for 28 years and has performed with the Conway Symphony Orchestra.

They also plan to resume their travels soon. “I could have lived my life without the operation, but why should I?” Oeste, 76, said. “I want to travel.”

It was during a rainy trip abroad on the Scotland West Highland Way, a 96-mile walk taking several days, that he decided he was ready for a knee replacement. “It rained for 21 days, and the trail was so difficult. We had not realized the extent that the trail changes with rain,” he said. “You couldn’t judge the depth of some of the holes you were stepping in. Right there, I decided that when I came home, I had to do something about my knee.”

Doing something meant a trip to Conway Orthopedic

and Sports Medicine Center and a consultation with Grant Bennett, MD.

Dr. Bennett is one of three surgeons at the center who perform Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted knee replacements, a technology that allows orthopedic surgeons to pre-plan surgery using software and then perform the operation by guiding a robotic arm to precisely remove bone and cartilage.

“Robotically assisted partial and total knee replacement is a great option for any person suffering from pain or activity limitations related to knee arthritis,” said Dr. Bennett “Each surgery is planned and customized using a CT scan before surgery as well as ligament tensioning and range-of-motion assessments that are performed at the beginning of every surgery.”

After Surgery

Dr. Bennett added, “Many patients go home on the same day and almost all are ready to go back home after an overnight stay. I remind patients that their knee arthritis and stiffness didn’t develop overnight, and they need to expect several weeks to complete most of the recovery. Most patients report continued improvement for a year or longer.”

After surgery in July and several weeks of therapy, Oeste was riding his mountain bike again, including a recent 15mile trek with Patty from their home in West Conway to the Conway Airport.

“I am a very aggressive healer,” said Oeste. “Ryan (Smith, a therapist with Conway Regional) put me through my

Wolfgang Oeste with Grant Bennett, MD, who performed his knee replacement surgery.

paces. He told me I am ahead of most people my age. Being an athlete probably helped,” Oeste said. Oeste was a semiprofessional hockey player in Canada and played soccer for a few years in Little Rock.

“I wish all my patients were like Wolf,” said Dr. Bennett “He was very motivated and had a great outcome following surgery. An added benefit to me is that he’s very interesting and funny, which keeps clinic days fun!”

He also cited the importance of a patient's work habits and the continuity of care within the therapy process.

After consultation with Dr. Bennett, Oeste had knee surgery in July. Of Dr. Bennett, Oeste says, “He listens to what you say. He helps you along. He had to slow me down.”

Dr. Bennett said, “It’s fairly common to remind very hardworking patients that they won’t be finished recovering in three weeks, regardless of their age or general health.”

He added, “I think you must be patient and realistic. Don’t compare yourself to others and remember that it’s very likely you will have much less or no pain and better mobility. Stay positive and be consistent.”

“I give a lot of credit to Dr. Bennett and the Conway Regional therapy staff,” said Oeste. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. Now, it’s up to me.”

Recovery from a knee replacement requires “hard work and a good therapist,” Bennett advised. Oeste added, “A friend of mine who had a knee replacement had told me that you cannot just sit there and say, ‘now heal.’ You’ll never get the

angles back. It’s about how far you can bend your knee and how far inward you can bend it.”

Ryan Smith knew he could count on Oeste to do the therapy, including at home. Oeste converted part of a bedroom into a gym to accommodate at-home therapy.

“He asked a lot of questions about the exercises, but I knew he would do them. It was my job to take him from point A to point B,” said Smith, a lifelong Conway resident and UCA graduate.

Smith assesses each patient to determine their goals, specifically what pursuits they want to resume. “With Mr. Oeste, it was riding his mountain bike and traveling. With someone else, it might be walking across the room,” said Smith. Once the goals are determined, he develops individual therapy plans to get patients where they need to be.

“I’m really glad they have someone who can interact with my age group,” said Oeste. “We had a comradery. When he upped the weight on the exercise machine, I had to complain. But I knew everything was being done to benefit me.”

The relationship between the patient and therapist grew.

Oeste would interject humorous scenes and lines from Monty Python’s Flying Circus into his therapy regime to make the therapy go smoother. They even watched some British comedies on YouTube. “Oeste was quite the character. Sure, I knew what Monty Python was,” said the 39-year-old Smith. “I had watched it before.”

were like family,” Oeste added.

“We

‘I give a lot of credit to Dr. Bennett and the

Conway Regional therapy staff. Without them,

I wouldn’t be where I am. Now, it’s up to me.’

- Wolfgang Oeste

Ryan Smith, a therapist with Conway Regional, guides patient Wolfgang Oeste through exercises after knee replacement surgery.

AUTHOR OF THE MONTH DR. JOHN A. KIRK

By Susan L. Peterson

r. John A. Kirk serves as the George W. Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His interest in the civil rights movement led him to research and write about such topics as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Central High Crisis and the role Arkansas played in the modern civil rights movement.

In his latest book, “Winthrop Rockefeller: From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 1912-1956” (University of Arkansas Press, 2022), Kirk details Rockefeller’s early life, what drew him to Arkansas and his legacy.

Winthrop Rockefeller was the grandson of John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil Co. He lived a privileged life in New York and attended private schools in the Northeast. But he broke from the family mold, relocating to Arkansas in the 1950s when he was in his early 40s.

Kirk’s biography unravels the mystery of Rockefeller’s motivation for coming to Arkansas. He traces his family background, education, formative years, his decision to labor

the oil fields first rather than go straight into the board room and his military service during World War II. His

in

short-lived

‘In this authoritative biography, Kirk delves into Rockefeller’s “prehistory,” illuminating what forged the spirit of the man who left New York high society behind for the outskirts of Little Rock, and then changed Arkansas politics almost completely.’

—Barbara Shubinski, Rockefeller Archive Center

Winthrop Rockefeller historical photos courtesy of UA Little Rock Center for Arkansas History and Culture

marriage and divorce from Barbara Sears, a coal miner’s daughter turned actress, was highly publicized, and their divorce settlement set a record for its day.

It was a wartime buddy from Arkansas, Frank Newell, who introduced him to our state. Rockefeller purchased land on Petit Jean Mountain, where he decided to set up a cattle farm in an area familiar to many 501 residents. Rockefeller soon became a change agent and entered the field of politics. In 1964, he ran an unsuccessful campaign as governor against Orval Faubus. But in 1966, his fortunes improved, and he was elected the state’s first Republican governor since 1872.

Today, his legacy in Arkansas can be felt far and wide. Kirk makes the case that Rockefeller’s early work in New York in areas such as race relations, education and healthcare laid the groundwork for what he accomplished here. His progressive initiatives included minimum wage, freedom of information, integration of the state

Governor Winthrop Rockefeller sits on front steps of the Arkansas State Capitol during the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

police, teacher tenure and prison reform. His only child, Win Paul Rockefeller, later served as lieutenant governor. And the work of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation continue his legacy today. He truly helped to transform the state.

Like Rockefeller, Kirk himself is an unlikely transplant to Arkansas. He was born and educated in the United Kingdom, receiving a B.A. in American Studies from the University of Nottingham and a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

As a student in the U.K. in the early 1990s, John read the Arkansas Gazette and Arkansas State Press on microfilm to lay the foundations for his future work. He spent the second year of his university studies in Little Rock, during the time Bill Clinton was elected as president. “It was an exciting time to be here,” he said.

While teaching in his first position at the University of Wales, Kirk did further research in both the U.K. and U.S. to complete his book “Redefining the Color Line: Black Activism in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1940-1970” (University Press of Florida, 2002). His book on Rockefeller is the culmination of more than a decade of research.

Kirk met his wife, Charlene, while he was in Fayetteville, and they had a transatlantic relationship for several years before marrying in 1999. They lived in the U.K., where Kirk took up a new teaching position at the University of London.

The lure of Arkansas and its politics remained. When he saw an advertisement for chairman of the history department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he applied and was hired. He, his wife and their 5-year-old daughter, Sadie, made the move here in 2010. From 2015-2019, he was director of the UA Little Rock Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity.

Kirk and his family live in Little Rock, where Sadie is now a senior. In his spare time, he likes to walk and cycle. He remains a loyal soccer fan to Manchester United. To find out more about him and his other works, check out his Amazon author page. In total, he has authored or edited 10 books.

“Winthrop Rockefeller: From New Yorker to Arkansawyer” may be purchased online or from area bookstores.

1964.

Winthrop Rockefeller presents a new bus to Reynolds Elementary School in Morrilton.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (from left), Winthrop Paul Rockefeller and Winthrop Rockefeller at the 49th Annual Governor’s Conference.

Rockefeller poses for a portrait in

By Laurie Green

Y esterday, we attended the funeral of a family member who passed unexpectedly. He was only 67 years old (I say only because the older I get, the more I relate in terms of age). In my life, I've attended a lot of funerals, and it prompted me to share some words of wisdom that Tim McGraw once sang about in a song titled Live Like You Were Dying.

Death is often that giant elephant sitting in the room that no one wants to talk about. There's an old saying that the only things in life that are certain are death and taxes. This is so true, however, while most of us can talk about taxes all day, death makes the majority of folks uncomfortable. I completely understand, but I'm hoping you will hear me out.

I can usually tell within five minutes of conversation with someone if they have lost a loved one. People who have lost someone they love become different. It changes your whole being either for the better or, the worse. I know that for me personally, I often forgive a bit quicker than I used to, and I ALWAYS make a point of letting the people know that I love them … ALWAYS.

I think that is one of the hardest aspects of losing someone you love — all the things you wish you would have said or done. The first funeral I ever attended was for one of my best friends, David. He was killed in 1991, just a year after we graduated high school. David's life was so intertwined with our family that his death changed us. It happened so quickly and unexpectedly that we all felt like we didn't get the opportunity to say or do the things we wanted with him. I still miss him and wonder what life would have been like for him. I still have trouble writing about David even now because it creates a huge lump in my throat and fills my eyes with tears.

The reality is none of us is promised tomorrow, and life really is short. Losing someone at 19 hurts just as much as losing them at 67 or any age for that matter. I've attended funerals of people who had planned out every detail of what they wanted beforehand. I’ve also sat in funeral homes where I've witnessed devastated families trying to make final arrangements for someone who wasn't prepared. The uncomfortableness of discussing death beforehand (if you're given the opportunity) is so much easier than leaving that task behind for your loved ones to sort through in their first moments of grief, I promise you.

My husband and I speak openly with each other about death. By no means are either of us ready to leave this world, but we want our family and each other to know we were prepared. I've written our obituaries and we update them as needed. I make a habit of writing down songs I want to be played, people I want to sing (Ben Gormley, lol), and words of affection and affirmations I'd like to leave behind to my loved ones. I have a strong faith and a healthy relationship with Jesus, and I can say with 100% certainty that I'm not afraid of death, I'm afraid to be unprepared for the event. The final act of love I intend to share with my left-behind loved ones is having my arrangements made in advance.

In the meantime, I intend to live this life I've been blessed with to the fullest. We work hard so we can travel together and make memories and create adventures that I pray God allows us to share with even our greatgrandchildren! So again, I'd like to encourage you and remind you that we aren't promised tomorrow, but we have right now, in this very moment, to live our best life.

Make that phone call you've been putting off, visit that loved one that you haven't seen in a while and handwrite a quick note to someone you've been meaning to encourage. Hug your babies, play with your grandchildren and allow yourself to relax with loved ones. Date your spouse, call your parents (especially mom, LOL) and plan a gettogether with your siblings. Saturate yourself in the immeasurable love of God and His peace that surpasses understanding. Forgive people you've been holding a grudge against; don't wait ‘til they are gone to release them of that. Talk about the uncomfortable things and make sure you let the folks you love know you love them. I leave you with some final advice from the lyrics of Tim McGraw’s song when he asked the guy with a terminal illness, “What'd you do?’

“‘I went skydiving. I went Rocky Mountain climbing. I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. And I loved deeper. And I spoke sweeter. And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying.’ And he said, ‘Someday, I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin’.’”

The

Family of Companies

much more

John S. Harwood, MS Tax, CPA, CFF, ABV, CGMA, CFE

L. Tray Ott, CPA, PFS

Connie Cody Fisher, CPA

athleticcelebrating excellence

By Dr. Robert Reising

Perry County's Lorri Myers Hines

She wants her painful story told. It cannot be found in any biographical sketch, sports magazine or set of basketball statistics. Undeniably, it is a story with a happy ending — an inspiring tale of the triumph of perseverance over a formidable foe — and today she remains passionate about sharing it with others who faced similar challenges.

Born In Perryville in July of 1974, Lori Myers Hines revealed no learning disadvantages until the third grade, when she was diagnosed with attentiondeficit disorder (ADD). Later labeled attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the chronic condition imposes attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Her learning had become so halting and slow that repeating the third grade was necessary, yet neither specially trained ADD teachers nor special teaching strategies or learning materials awaited her in subsequent school years. In the 1980s, more than a generation ago, Arkansas K-12 education was illprepared financially and pedagogically to educate ADD students. Lori was left largely to her own ingenuity and that of her family in her struggle for academic progress.

Sports were central to that struggle. She hungered to play college basketball, and she vowed that nothing would keep her from graduating from high school and moving into college competition. She worked slavishly to understand and complete her assignments, to pass exams and meet every demand that schooling imposed.

Lori Hines has worked at George Walton Academy in Monroe, Ga. for 15 years where she is the head varsity girls basketball coach and physical education teacher. Hines has taught P.E. and coached for 22 years. She received recognition for 300 Career Wins on Jan. 17, 2020.

Christina Russell photo

Her family unselfishly and enthusiastically aided. Although busy with day jobs, her blue-collar parents, particularly her mother, devoted countless hours to working with her and her grandparents hardly did less. Her only and younger sibling, Leslie, did what she could. Month after month and year after year, there was unshirking family commitment, none trying harder than Lori herself. Slowly the need diminished. By age 14 and grade nine, she had improved appreciably and could continue her education with minimal assistance.

Her unflagging efforts had succeeded. Simultaneously, her basketball skills had flourished. She was nearing her adult height of 6 feet 2 inches, possessed quick feet and, around the basket, shot with uncanny accuracy. Advancing to high school, while struggling during class hours, Lori found practices and games a delight, easing her way to three varsity letters and stardom. Her scoring average accelerated with the years, from 15 points per game as a sophomore, to 18 as a junior and to a spectacular 27.1 as a senior. An All-Conference selection in each of those seasons, she garnered All-State honors as a senior, together with a place on the West Team in the Coaches’ 1993 All-Star Game.

Recruiters were impressed. But Lori quickly narrowed the list of schools she would consider. She saw herself as “a smalltown girl” who enjoyed her tiny native city and concluded that her chances for earning an undergraduate degree while playing a sport were best at a small institution away from sizable municipalities. With Jack Jones heading the girls’ basketball program, the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville was her choice, and indeed, it proved to be a wise one. The fit was perfect for the young lady whom her high-school coach Larry Wilson had affectionately dubbed “a gym rat.”

Her good fortune continued in the form of an affable, helpful roommate, Lora Bickers, from Mount Ida. One of her closest friends, Lora assisted Lori academically during her years in Clarksville, from the fall of 1993 until graduation in December of 1997. That she aided her immensely is undeniable: Lori earned a higher grade-point average in college than in high school.

Ozarks also thrived. Between 1993 and 1997, the Lady Eagles won more than twice as many games as they lost, recording a 72 and 35 mark. Lori collected four varsity letters for basketball (plus one for women’s cross country), and her final three seasons were spectacular. As a sophomore, she was an All-American Southwest Conference (ASC) selection and in the following season added NAIA Midwest All-Conference honors and an NAIA All-American honorable mention distinction.

In her final year, she was at her best. She led the Ozarks to an AIC co-title after averaging a double-double — 20.8 points and 11.1 rebounds – that season, which concluded with post-season play in the NCAA tournament. Her honors included selection as the ASC Player of the Year, the ASC Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. Her college statistics identified her as the school’s all-time leader in Career Field Goal Percentage at 61% and in Season Field Goal Percentage at 62%.

Her sparkling career as a Lady Eagle won her a plaque in the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, as well as a place in professional basketball in Australia. There, in parts of two seasons, she again posted impressive statistics, 12 points and five rebounds per game. Subsequently, her degree in physical education took her to a successful teaching and girls basketball coaching career in the American South. Presently claiming more than 300 court victories, the happily married mother of an 11-year-old son cherishes opportunities to tell her story because, in her words “it may help someone who is struggling” as she once was, and to urge him or her to keep pushing.

Perry County, Perryville and the 501 can all be proud of the only female athlete whose jersey — No. 54 — has been retired at Perryville High School.

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Top: Hines huddled with team George Walton Academy. Bottom Left: In 1992, Lori Hines (on right) was a junior at Perryville High School. Middle Right: Coaching the varsity girls. Bottom Right: Graduating from the University of the Ozarks in 1997 with Head Coach Jack Jones.

ENERGY SMART CHALLENGE

By Beth Jimmerson

I t's that time of year again. The holidays are officially over. We’re putting away the decorations and making lists of what we hope to accomplish this year. You can resolve to save energy and money in 2023 by participating in the Conway Corp Energy Smart Challenge.

The challenge helps Conway residents make home energy upgrades easy and affordable. No matter how large or small you start, saving energy is a resolution you can stick with that will save you money in the long run while making your home more comfortable too.

Ready to take the Energy Smart Challenge? Put these steps into action over the next year, and you will definitely start to notice changes.

PROFESSIONAL HOME ENERGY AUDIT

A professional energy audit from Conway Corp is the first step in energy savings. Best of all – it’s free. Our certified professionals will help you identify how much energy your home consumes and what measures may be taken to make it more energy efficient. The analysis will show problems that may, when corrected, save significant amounts of money over time.

During the audit process, a Conway Corp certified energy professional will perform a walk-through inspection of your home using a variety of techniques and equipment to determine its energy-efficiency level. The inspection will help you understand the efficiency level of your home’s heating and cooling systems by looking at how your windows and doors seal, inspecting insulation levels, showing you ways to conserve electricity and help identify leaks in your home.

Annually, homes that have received a free audit from the Energy Smart program save more than $1.8 million combined in utility costs. Over the lifetime of the program, these homes have saved more than $10 million. Some solutions are simple and inexpensive. For example, a $4 tube of caulk might save you $100 in energy costs. Other improvements might be more expensive but can be made over time, like installing efficient low-wattage lighting fixtures, adding insulation or upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances.

BENCHMARK YOUR ENERGY USAGE

Staring down 12 months of utility bills can be daunting, but benchmarking is a key step toward seeing how your current energy usage stacks up, prioritizing your projects and ultimately making a dent in your utility bills. The myConwayCorp app is a great resource for the past 13 months of electric and water usage in your home. Once you have a baseline of your energy usage, you can clearly see when you’re making progress.

MAKE ONE ENERGY-EFFICIENCY INVESTMENT A MONTH

You don’t have to start big. Work at your own pace and start with small upgrades, like replacing old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. About 10 percent of the energy your home uses goes to lighting costs. By replacing five of your home's most frequently used lights with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR bulbs, you can save $75 a year in energy costs. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs can yield as much as 75 percent energy savings and last six times longer.

If you want to make a bigger impact, installing and utilizing a smart thermostat can save you 15 percent, or nearly $150,on your yearly utility bills. Switching to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can save nearly $750 over the lifetime of the item.

The Energy Smart program also offers zero percent interest loans to Conway Corp customers for home improvements like replacing old appliances or installing attic insulation. The loan program, funded by the City of Conway through the American Recovery Act of 2009, is available only to Conway Corp customers. Although there are no income limits, applicants must have a good credit history with Conway Corp. Loans are available between $500-2,500 and are repayable over a 36-month period. To date, Conway Corp has provided nearly 400 loans totaling more than $1.1 million dollars.

SIGN UP FOR THE 2023 ENERGY SMART CHALLENGE

Set an energy-saving goal that will both challenge you and serve as an attainable milestone to reach by year-end. Aim to reduce energy use by 5 percent or save $300 from last year. Whatever your goal – set it and work toward it.

Once you’ve made the commitment, visit ConwayCorp.com/ EnergySmartChallenge to officially sign up for the Energy Smart Challenge and pledge to reduce your energy usage and footprint in 2023. You will find other ideas and tips for energy efficiency, along with information on free residential energy audits and zero-interest loans for qualified energy-efficient improvements.

Customers who register to take the Energy Smart Challenge and schedule their free residential energy audit during January will be entered to win a $100 gift card to help with energy efficiency improvements around the home. The winner will be selected by random drawing in February 2023. To schedule your energy audit or learn more about the zerointerest loan program, call 501.450.6000.

home FOR VISIONARIES

Conway's first settlers created an architectural legacy that lives today

ABy Vivian Lawson Hogue

U pon his retirement in about 1870, a gentleman from Connecticut stepped down from the Little Rock/Fort Smith train for the last time and into the prairie then known as Conway Station. Asa Peter Hosmer Robinson, later called the “Father of Conway,” had apparently fallen in love with the area as he passed through it many times in his railroad engineering career. It is said that upon his retirement he chose a 640-acre section of land rather than a final salary. Not many people would set foot on a mile-square piece of land and set out to build a town.

With his first wife deceased, his daughter in New York, and his son studying engineering, Asa married a Canadian, Mary Louise De St. Louis. He had adopted this forested prairie of clay soil where the population was currently a few families living among groves of elm, pine, locust, chestnut and oak trees. His respect for animal life and forest growth is reflected in his naming the first streets for them. He would build his 320-acre fenced property, “Prairie Vue,” facing the railroad where he could conveniently wave to the trains from his porch.

As Robinson donated land for the courthouse, schools and churches, the area became a magnet for others eager to live a new, quieter life after the Civil War. “Carpetbaggers” from the northern states often came south to exploit southern reconstruction efforts for personal gain, leaving when they got their pockets filled. However, there were also men who brought their families to the south with the purpose of settling down after war-torn times. Men from other southern states and small Arkansas communities also came to stay for employment and educational opportunities. Many showed their intentions to remain as residents by building homes with trending styles not common to the area.

Our city was fortunate to have a variety of talents to arrive with those residents and their new architectural styles. Many of the homes still exist; some have been razed for small, private businesses, rental structures or parking lots.

Attorney P.H. Prince arrived in 1872 and built the first brick home in Conway, a Gothic Revival example at 1712 Prince Street. Daniel Harton’s family was originally North Carolinian; a later Conway resident, he built an eclectic (blending of styles) home and founded a mercantile business. Adam Franklin Kuykendall’s ancestors were immigrants from Holland when they came to America in 1694. His wellrecognized two-story home at 1701 Donaghey was once considered outside the city limits.

Attorney Reuben Robins’s ancestors moved westward from Virginia, finally settling in Faulkner County. His Spanish/ Mediterranean Revival home at 508 Locust Avenue has long been unoccupied. The James Gist home at 1604 Caldwell was once known for its four sugar maple trees, given to Gist by former Conway resident Governor George Donaghey. Frank Urban Halter arrived with his family from Canton, Ohio. As an adult, he built the high-style Queen Anne home at 1355 College Avenue.

Other examples of architecture are the Dutch Colonial Revival home at 1817 Bruce Street; the J. E. Little Craftsman/Neoclassical mansion at 427 Western Avenue; the Frauenthal mansion at 631 Western Avenue; and the Moore Harton Prairie/American Foursquare home at 1807 Robinson Avenue. Our only example of French Colonial architecture was razed, as was the Simms’s Prairie/American home on Donaghey and others that I now call “ghost houses.” I see what is there now, but still see mental images of the homes that once existed.

There are 11 Conway homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the aforementioned homes, there are also examples of Craftsman, New England Saltbox, Airplane Bungalow, Tudor Revival and English Revival. From a time when everyone was a newcomer to today, we can be thankful our city forefathers provided Old Conway’s tree-lined streets, impressive homes and sacrifices made not just for their time, but for the long term.

CONWAY HOMES OF DISTINCTION

Above: The home of J.E. Little was constructed in 1919 at 427 Western Avenue. Little developed the first farm in Lollie, a community named for his first wife.

Top Right: Adam Franklin Kuykendall built an eclectic Queen Anne/Colonial Revival style home at 1701 Donaghey Avenue around 1906.

Middle Right: The Gist home is a Queen Anne/Colonial Revival style at 1604 Caldwell St., built in 1904.

Bottom Right: This Queen Anne style located on the corner of Locust and College Avenues was built by F.U. Halter in 1903.

A Neo-Classical home, the Jo Frauenthal home at 631 Western Avenue was built in 1913.

Brenda Henry (from left), Vickie James and Pete Tanguay stand near the barber pole that marked Max Henry's shop for more than 50 years and is now mounted inside the Max Event Venue.

The late Max Henry.

a tribute to max

Event Venue honors the legacy of Max Henry

By Stefanie Brazile

W hen Max Henry’s barber shop closed in late 2019, many men and women in Faulkner County lost their hangout.

Similar to the hit TV sitcom “Cheers,” Max’s Country Gentlemen Barber Service provided excellent hair styling, and everyone knew your name. “Everyone” means Max and Vickie James, his assistant of 45 years. Each day, chairs were filled as men and women talked politics, religion and Conway news.

Max attended Eaton Barber College in Little Rock because he didn’t want to work in a factory setting. He wanted a skill and loved people. “He never one day dreaded going to work — it was a pleasure,” said Brenda Henry, his wife of 37 years. “He loved to make men and ladies look their best.”

Vickie, a certified barber technician, describes her 45 years at the Country Gentlemen shop with a smile. “I had the best job in the world. I tell no tales.”

The last part of that sentence is a reference to the gossip that went on as hair was cut, buzzed, snipped and trimmed. But there’s also a serious side to Max’s work. Over the years, deep friendships were forged, and Vickie said they also did a lot of counseling and witnessing about the difference Jesus had made in their lives.

“We were just family, and our customers were family,” Vickie said. “We held people’s hands through difficult times and prayed with people.”

Since Max’s death in November 2019, Vickie and her husband, Larry, continue a close friendship with Brenda. The ladies work side by side on projects at their beloved Friendship Baptist Church. Max loved gospel singing and was pretty good at it himself, and the two couples took vacations and attended concerts together.

Max owned a slice of a building that runs from Front Street (across from First Security Bank’s downtown location) to Spencer Street. Clients entered the Country Gentlemen from Front Street, and Brenda ran Creative Curl beauty shop in the other half for 35 years. Her entrance was on Spencer and there was no connecting door.

Max was also a mechanic and was licensed to buy and sell guns, vehicles and other items. Because of that, a lot of people came to the Country Gentlemen for business other than hair.

Max dealt with illness for five years but worked until three weeks before his death at age 75. During those final weeks, he told Vickie to put a for-sale sign on the business. He quickly received many offers, one from Pete Tanguay, who owned a business that adjoined the Country Gentlemen. After years of waving hello to Pete each day, Max wanted him to have the building.

Pete completely renovated the building, but didn't forget Max's legacy. “We decided to create a venue that was elegant, so much so that you felt like you walked out of Conway when you walked in, and one that set the stage for your next event by taking sound, acoustics, lighting and connectivity to the max,” Pete said.

The Max Event Venue opened in November 2021. Before an event honoring Max in the current space, Pete wrote a Facebook invitation to the public: “If you knew Max Henry, you knew someone whose life made an impact on hundreds, if not thousands of people in the Conway area through his daily life as a barber.”

Brenda knows that her husband would be pleased. “He would love that it involves people and that it brings people together.”

The venue has hosted nearly 100 events since its opening.

Photo by Mike Kemp

FAMILY:

My wife is Diane Jones. We have a daughter, Josclyn Jones Wylie, and a son-in-law, Keith Wylie. Their daughters are Mattison and Mackenzie Wylie. We have a son, Theodore “T.J.” Jones III, and a daughter-in-law, Chassie Jones. Their daughters are Nakiea and Nicole Jones.

EDUCATION:

I graduated from Pine Street High School in 1966, which was the last graduating class of the segregated school in Conway. I attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

JOBS:

I worked for AmTran and then worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years. After retiring, I went to work for the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office for nine years until COVID-19 started, and I chose to retire. While there, I was a Bailiff Sergeant and had the pleasure of working in Judge H.G. Foster’s Court for the entirety of my service.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND SERVICE:

I am glad I had the opportunity to serve the public through the U.S. Postal Service and at the Sheriff’s Office. I have served the public as a member of the Conway City Council for 22 years. I work to see that everybody in Conway is treated equally.

I have always enjoyed my jobs and coaching. I like to interact with people, especially kids and young adults, and to try to get them to know that it costs nothing extra to treat people the way you would like to be treated. It doesn’t take any more energy to treat people with respect and dignity.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF:

I was one of the first black pages in the Arkansas Legislature. I am proud of my lengthy term on the City Council. I am a member of the Conway Civil Service Commission and was a Youth Football Coach for 30 years. I’m also proud of my family and that we raised two successful children.

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION:

I value my integrity.

YOUR 2023

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

: I always joke by saying, “I don’t make New Year’s resolutions because I don’t want to start the year with a lie!”

INSPIRATIONS THAT LED YOU TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY:

A school in Conway was named Theodore Jones Elementary in 1994 for my dad. He was my principal at Pine Street and, after desegregation in 1966, went to work at Conway Junior High School. He was a Justice of the Peace and was also on the Conway Civil Service Commission.

He’s the one who inspired me to do more for the city because I was trying to follow in his footsteps and continue his legacy. Dad always said, “Don’t complain about change if you’re not willing to try to help make the change.” Florence Mattison Elementary School in Conway is named for my great-aunt on my mother’s side.

As the area’s largest and most comprehensive health and fitness facility, Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center offers something for everyone! Enjoy amenities such as an expansive fitness floor, functional training area, indoor track, pool, sauna, group classes, and more!

Visit ConwayRegionalHFC.org, call 501-450-9292, or stop by to learn more.

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