September 2008

Flattery will get you everywhere.

YOU SAID WE WERE #1 IN CONWAY

Thanks for voting us the #1 bank in this year’s LogCabinReaders Poll. Compliments like that will get you almost anything you could want from a bank. In fact, we’re not sure what more you could want. Only First State Bank can offer all of this:

• Banking ’til 7 weeknights

• Most locations in Faulkner County

• Banking at Twin City Bank and Community Bank

• The state’s only mobile branch

• Our Stuck on a Truck competition at Toad Suck Daze

• Our famous, free cook-outs

• A community focus that includes First State Park and our FSB Scholarship

• More donations to the community than all other banks combined

Best of all, this convenient, fun and community-minded bank is backed by one of the state’s most stable holding companies, Home BancShares. With all of these features, we can see why people voted for us. It even makes us want to vote for ourselves. But, of course, we would never do that. Thanks for doing it for us, Faulkner County.

Your Perfect Match.

• Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry

• Cosmetic Imaging

• Cosmetic Rehabilitation

(Veneers/Crowns)

• Invisalign® Braces

• Laser Whitening

• Neuromuscular Dentistry

• Neuromuscular Orthodontics

• PPM/Edge

(Athletic Performance Appliance)

• Sleep Apnea

• TMJ

• Headaches

• Earaches

• Ear ringing

• Loud jaw clicking

• Facial muscle pain

• Stiffness & pain in jaw, neck, shoulders & back

• Pressure behind eyes

Central Arkansas’ LVI Dentist

“Dr. Dalton has given me the confidence only a new smile can provide.”

—Ed Bradshaw, Vilonia AR

Alternative Education Director

501 LIFE

Donna Spears

Sonja Keith

Tracy Ferrell

Sonja J. Keith

28 Cover story

The 501 area is all abuzz about the natural gas industry and the economic boom it is bringing. Hear from one property owner and learn more about a special program that is training workers.

32 Entertaining

Addressing the need for an RSVP.

34 Savor

Few things are better than a mouth-watering juicy burger, unless it’s a new twist on the tried and true favorite.

53 The arts

Regional, national and international jazz musicians are scheduled to perform during the 17th annual Hot Springs JazzFest.

54 Sports

It’s all about football – UCA Bear football for newlyweds Will and Connie Merritt.

56 Pets

Meet UCA Bear fans Robin and Steven Moore and their friends, Punkin and Cheyenne.

57

Travel

Woolly Hollow State Park is known as a great place to enjoy fishing and swimming with its

Neighbors

18 Conway – Sherry Norrell is a special teacher with a big heart for her students and her co-workers.

20 Vilonia – Michael Stout, head coach of the junior high Eagles, believes character is key, on and off the field.

Greenbrier – For Dr. Alyson Fish, the best part of family medicine is the scope of patients she gets to see.

LIFE Pics

Pages 10-13

– Great Arkansas Pig Out

– St. Joseph Bazaar

– Hendrix College sendoff

Page 50

– Greenbrier Business After Hours

See more at 501lifemag.com

A.J. Carol

Mike Kemp

Tanya Hightower

Trina Mitchell

Don Bingham

Tiffany Block

Maggie Chandler

Levi Gilbert

Angie Howard

Mathilda Hatfield Hulett

Renee Hunter

Karl Lenser

Janice Malone

Kristen Riddle

Richard Ryerson

Jan Spann

Donna Lampkin Stephens

Jim Taylor

Beth Tyler

Audrea and Jimmy Toal

Kellie Turpin

Quentin Washispack

Johnny Adams

Rob Bell

Lori Case

Kay Dalton

Gena Ester

David Hambuchen

Mathilda Hatfield Hulett

Rosanne Johnson

Mike Kemp

Julie LaRue

Karl Lenser

Monica Lieblong

Deanna Ott

Pat Otto

Jon Patrom

Lori Ross

Warwick Sabin

Margaret Smith

Jan Spann

Amy Stockton

Beth Tyler

Jeff Whitehead

Jennifer Whitehead

Nancy Williams

LIFE in the 501

Fall in the 501 501 Holidays

Those planning ahead for the holidays will want to mark their calendars for 501 Holidays on Sunday, Nov. 2. Sponsored by 501 LIFE, the event will feature 501 helpful tips – from holiday menus and festive fashion to home décor and more.

With the help and support of local culinary expert Don Bingham and nationally-recognized interior designer Georg Andersen the event promises to be spectacular. Don (a special friend to 501) as well as Jason Knapp (Governor’s Mansion chef), Jill McCollum (Central Baptist College chef) and Scott Pickens (Hendrix College executive chef) will be among those making demonstrations at the event.

Tickets go on sale in early October, with a limited number available. The event will support scholarship programs at Central Baptist College, Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas.

Those attending will get valuable tips on holiday planning while helping others pursue their dreams of a higher education. What a gift!

Check out future issues of 501 LIFE and www.501lifemag.com for additional details.

While the weather continues to flirt with the last few days of summer, the cooler temperatures and the calendar hint that fall –with all the wonderful things this season has to offer – is not far away.

This issue of 501 LIFE celebrates the splendor of the season and those wonderful fall traditions like football.

Before we say an official goodbye to the sensational days of summer, we are pleased to share with you some of the “On vacation with 501” photos (Page 7) we received from readers. A special thanks to all who participated.

The response was so great, we want to continue with this feature. So, send us your photos with the magazine and we will do our best to get them in the pages of a future issue. In particular this fall, send us your photos showing LIFE at your favorite fall activities – like tailgating. Or, snap a pic of the kids dressed in their trick or treating attire and holding a copy of the magazine.

We also have photos from some events this summer, including the Great Arkansas Pig Out at Morrilton (a special thanks to our new contributing photographer Jim Taylor). A special thank-you also to Ray Nielsen for sharing some of his photos from the St. Joseph Bazaar.

With the new school year still young, readers will want to check out a few related features including Jimmy and Audrea Toal’s suggestions on “How to motivate kids” and Beth Tyler’s informative article on Web 2.0. We’re also pleased to present a feature on Sherry Norrell, an exceptional educator and last year’s Teacher of the Year for Conway School District.

In addition, as our wonderful cover photo (taken by the talented Mike Kemp) explains, we also take a look at the natural gas industry. Joe Whisenhunt of Bee Branch, who owns the property where the cover photo was taken, offers his ideas and perspective on the gas boom. What a beautiful spot in the 501.

We also have a feature on a special program at Arkansas State University at Searcy that is helping individuals acquire the skills needed to work in the natural gas industry. On the day of our visit to the Searcy campus, the sun was hot but that didn’t seem to discourage the instructor, Robert Watkins. What an interesting individual! And, what a great program for so many.

Ready for 501 FOOTBALL

Earlier this month, 501 LIFE proudly presented a preview of the football season throughout the 501 area with the first edition of 501 FOOTBALL.

A lot of hands and support went in to making the special issue such a smashing success. We especially want to thank our talented contributors for their help, including Donna Stephens, Levi Gilbert, Richard Ryerson and Mike Kemp.

Plans are already in the works for next year’s 501 FOOTBALL, so be looking for our crews at your favorite team’s games.

This September issue of LIFE also contains several articles you won’t want to miss as football season gets under way, including tailgating tips (Page 44) and terrific T-shirts that show school spirit (Page 49). Mathilda Hatfield Hulett also details fashions that score (Page 46) with the help of models representing Central Baptist College, Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas.

Like other fans, we will be keeping a watchful eye this fall on our favorite high school teams as well as the talented UCA Bears. Meet two of the Bear players (Page 54 and Page 58) in this issue. We hope that you will come visit us as 501 LIFE tailgates at UCA games this fall.

Until then, here’s to loving LIFE in the 501.

Sonja J. Keith

Donna J. Spears

Tracy L. Ferrell

On the first Thursday of each month, Channel 4 broadcasts a segment on the noon news show promoting the most recent edition of 501 LIFE. Publishers Tracy Ferrell (from left), Donna Spears and Sonja Keith on their first taping at the Channel 4 studios to share the premiere edition of the magazine.

Enjoying summer and loving LIFE

As readers packed their bags and headed out on a summer excursion, they took 501 LIFE along for the ride.

Readers were encouraged to take a photo holding the magazine while on a trip this summer, and then submit it for publication.

“We loved receiving photos from our readers enjoying the magazine and their summer,” said publisher Donna Spears. “As we can tell by the photos, readers are really loving LIFE.”

Additional summer trip photos are planned for the next issue, so it is not too late for submissions.

“We also had several who submitted photos of their co-workers or friends that we hope to publish in a future issue. In fact, we would like to include photos of readers holding our magazine as an ongoing feature.”

In particular, this fall 501 LIFE would like to receive photos of individuals taking the magazine along to a tailgate party or an athletic event. Come October, readers are encouraged to send us photos of their little ones decked out for Halloween and holding a copy of 501 LIFE.

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

Wesley and Allyson Oliver in Santa Barbara, Honduras, on a seven-day construction mission trip. They were among 18 members of Central Baptist Church who made the trip.

Levi Gilbert and his wife, Brittany, at Union Station in St. Louis. Both are juniors at the University of Central Arkansas. The Rice Family – Lance (left to right), Nancy, Ricky and Eric – on a trip to DeGray Lake Resort State Park near Arkadelphia.

Lynn and Bill Burley on a recent trip to Curacao (the island next to Aruba and about twice as large). “We took our latest copy of 501 LIFE to read on the plane and then took our picture with it. We are in the Punda area of the capitol, Willemstad, in front of the famous floating bridge.”

Jacob Longing and his sister, Hannah, with 501 LIFE at the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

Members of the Arkansas Rush (Conway) U-13 girls team joined 19 other squads from across the United States to participate in a national soccer festival held in July in Lincoln, Neb., and sponsored by Rush. Attending the event were (front, from left) Anna Cain, Holly Ray, Emily Ray, Emily Keith; (back) Amanda Creek, Avery Taylor, Marin Carter, Courtney Campbell, Peyton Turner, Coach Justin Hawkins and Matt Mittelstaedt (not pictured).

Sarah (left) and Katie Kemp at the Magic Kingdom on a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.

September

Kelly’s Bass Kickin 5K and Lit’l Minnow Run is planned 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1. For more information, please go to www. kellysbasskickin5k.org. The event, organized in memory of Kelly Burger, will benefit the Conway High School Cross Country Scholarship Fund.

The third annual Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, presented by Southwestern Energy, is set 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Conway Country Club. Deadline for entry: Monday, Sept. 8. Contact Mary Margaret Satterfield at 501.327.7788 or email Mary@ConwayArkansas.org for more information.

The 17th Annual Hot Springs JazzFest is scheduled Friday through Sunday, Sept. 12-14. Held in Downtown Hot Springs, festival goers have an opportunity to sample a variety of items in a food court as well as shop merchant vendors

The 18th annual Central Baptist College Golf Classic will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13, at Glenwood (Pike County). “The golf classic is our largest special event fundraiser with 350-400 golfers participating,” said CBC President Terry Kimbrow. The tournament – begun 17 years ago to raise money for student scholarships – encompasses two full days, offering golfers the option to choose one of four sessions in which to play. Smith Ford of Conway will once again sponsor the Hole-in-One contest with a 2009 Ford Mustang as the prize. Registration forms can be found at www.cbc.edu Last year’s event raised over $25,000 for student scholarships.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have our work featured in your magazine! (August issue –Class Project/Students transform counselor’s office.) It is so encouraging to know that you support the design team at the University of Central Arkansas. Cathy Long and I are both very excited about our first team publication! You are a tremendous asset to the design department at UCA and I know that the faculty really appreciates your involvement with our educational process, as do we. Again, I would just like to say thank you.

Courtney Utley Senior Design Student University of Central Arkansas

Thank you and “501 LIFE” for all you do in getting information out about our schools and all of the positive things that we really do have going on in them. A very special thanks from a very special school with very special students and faculty. Thank you!

Sherry Haywood

Sallie Cone Elementary School Conway

What a wonderful 501 article about one of my idols as a young writer in the ’80s - Jim Bailey. It could only have been written by someone like

while enjoying the music. There is also a KidZone tent where kids can create “jazzy” crafts and enjoy jazz through touch and sound. For more info, please go to www.hotspringsjazzfest.org.

On Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13, Glenwood (Pike County) will play host to the 18th annual Central Baptist College Golf Classic The entry fee for the tournament, a two-

Donna Stephens who grew up with him. If you were a sports fan and a writer in the 60s, 70s or 80s, you dreamed of being part of the Arkansas Gazette sports department. Those guys (and gals) were writers, not just sports reporters. They could turn a phrase and use their words to make you live the excitement of the moment….absolutely the best ever in Arkansas. Thanks for the article.

John Patton Conway

I just want to thank 501 LIFE so much for the article about my restaurant (“At Bear’s Den/ Tasty possibilities are endless” — July 2008). I have had many first-time customers come in as a result of reading the article. I actually had one customer come in carrying the 501 LIFE magazine. It was very rewarding for me personally to have Don Bingham write such a complimentary review, considering his expertise in food service. I want you to know that the article and magazine have had a positive impact on my restaurant and me personally. Thanks again.

Bart Sullivan Conway

person scramble, is only $75 and covers unlimited range balls before the tournament, cart and greens fee, unlimited refreshments and snacks during play, closest-to-the-pin and longest drive competitions, awards two deep in each session, and all-you-caneat fish and chicken. Registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 5, to avoid the $10 late fee. Registration forms can be found at www.cbc.edu.

A winner with LIFE

Traci Turner of Conway won dinner for two to Marketplace Grill in Conway in the magazine’s prize drawing last month.

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

Subscribe today and you could be the next “Winner with LIFE.” Go to www.501lifemag.com to subscribe or complete the subscriber card inside this issue to be entered in the next drawing.

Watch this space to see if you are the next “winner with LIFE.”

The Golden Dragon Acrobats of China will perform Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Reynolds Performance Hall to open the 20082009 season of the University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances. For more information or to purchase tickets, please go to www.uca.edu/reynolds or call 1.866.810.0012 (in Conway call 450.3265).

October

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce will present a business expo 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, and a Fayetteville Shale Expo 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, both at the Conway Sports Center. Admission is free. For more information, please call 501.327.7788.

“Paint the Town Purple,” in honor of the University of Central Arkansas, will be held Oct. 5-11 in Conway, with UCA Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 11. For information, please contact the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at 501.327.7788.

The Temptations and The Four Tops will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, during homecoming festivities at the University of Central Arkansas. The concert – part of the UCA

Public Appearances – will be held in the Reynolds Performance Hall. For more information or to purchase tickets, please go to www.uca.edu/reynolds or call 1.866.810.0012 (in Conway call 450.3265).

The second annual Breast Cancer Dance Project benefitting area breast-cancer support groups will be Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19 at Arkansas School for the Blind’s Woolly Auditorium in Little Rock. For more information, please visit http:// breastcancerdanceproject.wordpress.com.

The first Soaring Wings Half Marathon –scheduled Saturday, Oct. 25 in Conway – will benefit Soaring Wings Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance. A Christ-centered ministry, the ranch is located in the Holland community and serves children who are abused, abandoned, neglected, or in need of a strong family support structure. For more information, go to www.soaringwingshalf.com or email info@swhalf.com.

November

Those planning ahead for the holiday season will want to mark their calendars for 501 Holidays on Sunday, Nov. 2. Sponsored by 501 LIFE, the event will feature 501 helpful tips – from holiday menus to home décor and more. Tickets go on sale in early October, with a limited number available. Check out future issues of 501 LIFE for additional details, or go to www.501lifemag.com.

Usher in the holiday season with the Conway Regional Women’s Council at the seventh annual Dazzle Daze, a three-day holiday shopping extravaganza featuring a variety of specialty shopping at one location for people of all ages. The event will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Conway Sports Center. For more information, contact Joan Shofner at 501.513.5771 or email dazzledaze@conwayregional.org. Information is also available at www.dazzledaze.com.

David and Laura Grimes of Conway recently enjoyed lunch at MarketPlace Grill, compliments of 501 LIFE. David – a charter subscriber of 501 LIFE – won dinner for two in one of the magazine’s monthly drawings. Congratulations, David! 501 LIFE subscribers are eligible for prize drawings, special promotions, VIP invitations to events, lunch in the 501 and much, much more. Go to www.501lifemag. com to learn how to subscribe, and watch the magazine to see if you are the next winner.

LIFE pics

1 Maeleigh Jackson, daughter of Sean and Kayla Jackson of Morrilton, was named Miss City Pool Queen during the bathing suit beauty contest.

2 Tony Bello, a volunteer instructor and presenter at the Little Rock Zoo, shows a Speckled King Snake to Jamie Harper (from left), Katherine Hawkins and Allison Cody, all of Morrilton, during a demonstration at the festival.

3 Pig Out Committee members Ken Eubanks of KVOM Radio (left) and Earl Eichenberger, chief of the Morrilton Fire Department.

4 Kim Fuller, an RN at St. Anthony’s Healthcare Center in Morrilton, mans the first aid station.

5 Austin France (from left), April Trammell and Rachel Trimmor, all of the Hattieville community, purchase a decorative backpack from Tommy Knight of the Rover Community, one of the many vendors at the festival.

6 Makayla Davis shows her talent as a hog caller during the local competition of the National Hog Calling Contest. For the second consecutive year, she won first place and will go on to compete in the regional contest. She is a daughter of Donny and Twila Davis of Morrilton.

7 Country music singer Aaron Tippin assembles a bike in less than four minutes for Toys-For-Tots, his favorite charity. He presented the assembled bike to members of the U.S. Marine Corps during his concert at the Great Arkansas Pig Out. Tippin believes that no child should have a Christmas without a toy under the tree.

8 Kayla Horton of Marshall was the winner in the 27th annual regional competition of the Colgate Country Showdown held during the Great Arkansas Pig Out. She was the opening act for the Aaron Tippin concert.

9 Larry Miller (left), director of Morrilton Community Television Channel 6, and sound technicians Jonathan Dickey and Marshall Short discuss last-minute changes to the stage performances for the opening of the festival.

10 Youngsters don’t mind a little mud during the annual pig chase.

11 Judges for the annual Mr. & Miss City Pool bathing suit beauty contest were Kim Ward (from left), Lori Mills and Katelyn Brown, all of Morrilton.

12 A muddy playing field only adds to the enjoyment of the contestants during the annual pig chase at the Great Arkansas Pig Out.

Great Arkansas Pig Out celebrates 20 years

The city of Morrilton recently celebrated 20 years of fun and food during the annual Great Arkansas Pig Out.

The two-day festival was created to bring the town together, raise morale and provide an opportunity for good clean fun. As in the early years, food, fun and family are still the main focus of the Pig Out.

The event includes free concerts of up-and-coming and classic favorites of the country music world. This year, Aaron Tippin was the headliner for the Saturday night concert.

Over the years, the food and craft vendors as well as the children’s activities have grown. The Great Arkansas Pig Out Committee strives to make the festival as much fun for the kids as it is for the adults.

In addition to planning the festival, the committee awards a scholarship each year to a student at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

Special activities held in conjunction with the festival include the Piggy Dash 1K Family Fun Run, the Chef De Pork Cooking Contest, Pig Dig Volleyball Tournament and the Tour De Oink Bike Ride.

For more information on the festival, please contact the Morrilton Chamber of Commerce at 501.354.2393 or go to www.pigout.info.

St. Joseph holds annual bazaar

Good food and fellowship were recently on tap during the 96th annual St. Joseph School Bazaar.

The event – held at St. Joseph Catholic Church/School – kicked off with its traditional box lunches and a familystyle dinner on July 25.

The following weekend – Aug. 1-2 – a midway with a variety of carnival-type games as well as bingo took center stage at the church and school grounds.

Mark Hartman of Bigelow was the winner of a Ford Explorer Sport Trac in a raffle held in conjunction with the bazaar.

Eric Maxwell of Conway won the second price, $1,000; and Raymond Enderlin of Conway the third prize - $500.

The bazaar is the major fundraiser for St. Joseph School, which has an enrollment of about 500 students, kindergarten through 12th grade.

photos by Ray Nielsen

St. Joseph kindergartner Katie Dumboksi.

St. Joseph Junior High student Rachel Ross holds a dessert tray at the Friday night spaghetti dinner.

Tracey Bruich (left) and Cathy Kordsmeier were kitchen workers at the spaghetti dinner.

St. Joseph High School student Veronica Bausom working the bingo games. Jim Strack gives encouragement to Michelle Briggler (left) and Tracy Anderson.

St.Joseph students enjoy a good time on the bazaar midway – Anna Wade (front) and (left to right) Elaine Kordsmeier, Maegan Wade, Veronica Bausom and Jessie Moix.

Patty Langston (left) and Tracy Anderson working at the cake stand.

St. Joseph High School students Maria Nabholz (left) and Ellen Hoelscher.

New students receive a Hendrix welcome

photos by Richard Ryerson

Students from the 501 area who will be attending Hendrix College this fall were treated to a special reception in August.

The event – for incoming students and their parents – was held at the Little Rock home of U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder and his wife, Betsy Singleton, a 1983 graduate of Hendrix.

Those who attended received a special “Hendrix Bound” yard sign.

The reception gave parents as well as students an opportunity to meet and get to know others who are “Hendrix bound” this fall.

Jared McGowan (from left), Dominique Kelleybrew, Meredith Miles and Jennifer Smith.

Martha and Perkins Mukunyadzi.

The Allisons - Frank, Katy and Judy.

Cynthia Edwards (left) and Betsy Singleton.

Congressman Vic Snyder (left) and Jim Petersen.

Meredith and Terry Miles.

Congressman Vic Snyder visits with attendees of the Hendrix Bound event as his Little Rock home.

by Sonja J. Keith

teacher of the year

Sherry Norrell is a special teacher with a big heart for her students and her co-workers. Her dedication to the profession she has enjoyed for 18 years has not gone unnoticed – last year she was named Teacher of the Year for the Conway School District.

A Reading Recovery/ Title I reading and writing teacher, Sherry has taught at Ida Burns Elementary School for five years. She previously worked at Sallie Cone and St. Joseph elementary schools in Conway as well as in schools at Little Rock and Cotter (Baxter County).

Sherry earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Central Arkansas and has done post graduate study at UCA, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and North Arkansas Community College.

“One of the beliefs I have as an educator is that I will never know enough and that I must keep learning how to be better at what I do for as long as I am part of this calling,” she said. “It is this belief that compels me to take part in good professional development to help me stay on the cutting edge of research, providing the best

instruction I can for my students.”

Her teaching philosophy is simple – understanding her students.

“My philosophy is to investigate the causes behind each student’s underlying reality, find out where to meet them and how to help equip them with the knowledge, the strength and the belief in themselves that they will need to become independent and successful learners.”

Sherry’s goal is to “meet and teach each student where they are” and create a learning environment that accommodates individual learning styles. Last year, she worked with 60 students on specific needs so they could improve their reading skills and do better in their regular classroom.

“My students receive differentiated instruction so that individual needs are met. As they experience success they will build the stamina needed for the tremendous amount of information they must learn at such a young age.”

With her teaching philosophy in mind, Sherry incorporates a variety of unique approaches to

Sherry Norrell’s dedication to the profession she has enjoyed for 18 years has not gone unnoticed – last year she was named Teacher of the Year for the Conway School District.

Teaching reading is such a great way to spend my days on this earth.

Sherry Norrell and Bart Dooley.

reach and engage her students. “I use music, poetry performance, games, oral interpretation of literature and drawing to find avenues to reach my students whether they are auditory, visual or kinesthetic learners.”

Another avenue is dressing up. Sherry has worn a variety of costumes to school to engage her students in literature – from a 1950’s costume complete with a beehive and a cowgirl ensemble to characters from Huck Finn and Harry Potter. “I enjoy doing it and the kids get a big kick out of it. I do it because they enjoy it a lot. It’s fun.”

Sherry credits the entire Ida Burns teaching staff and acknowledges their hard work in helping students. “I can say without reservation, the people here are among the hardest working and most caring I have been around. And, of course, I am crazy about the kids at this school. They are some of the best.”

The teacher of the year honor provided an opportunity for Sherry to reflect on her work and put on paper her thoughts. “It was a very reflective time and an honor, of course,” she said. “It makes you want to stand up a little straighter and try a little harder. It was very humbling.”

While she was flattered with the district award, she considers the success of her students her greatest reward. “Sometimes success is measured in a smile or a thank you.”

Sherry recalls a recent visit from a high school student who said she changed his way of looking at reading, especially poetry. He credits this change with steering him into the dramatic arts. He has become involved with the local community arts production and has written plays and short stories. “I was touched that he remembered what we did so long ago. He was in early elementary when he was in my class.”

She also recalled a student she worked one-on-one with last year. “During our first week together as he started to leave he turned back to me, looked me in the eye and said, ‘Thank you for helping me learn about reading.’ In order to mask my tears, I walked him down the hall talking a mile a minute,” she said, explaining that he knew he was behind but wanted so badly not to be.

“Teaching reading is such a great way to spend my days on this earth. The best moments are when a student really understands the reading process and the love of reading takes hold or when a student looks at me and says, ‘I want to be a reading teacher just like you.’”

Ida Burns teacher Sherry Norrell uses music, poetry performance, games, oral interpretation of literature and drawing to reach students whether they are auditory, visual or kinesthetic learners. Much to the delight of her students, she also dresses up as different literary characters or in a specific theme to engage students in the learning process.

Recognizing her colleagues at Ida Burns, Sherry Norrell credits the staff in working together to meet the needs of students. “The teachers here are phenomenal and the kids are great. The teachers bend over backward to give each child as much as they can while they are here.”

Cindy Thacker (from left), Bart Dooley, Sherry Norrell and Tammy Woosley.

Web 2.0 is here. Are you ready?

Some examples of sites that utilize Web 2.0 features:

• Blogs (“Web logs”or online journals): Blogger, LiveJournal

• Microblogs (short blog posts about what you’re currently doing and thinking): Twitter

• Social networking (online

Ready or not – it’s here. Web 2.0 is probably already part of your daily life – and certainly part of the life of your children and teens. If you have ever watched a video on YouTube, looked up information on Wikipedia, or signed up for an RSS feed from your favorite sports team you are part of the Web. 2.0 revolution. What exactly does this new “Web 2.0” catch phrase refer to? Well, here’s a little lesson and a few things to keep in mind as you and your children explore these new options on the Web. Let’s start at the beginning. If there’s a 2.0, there must be a 1.0, right?

Web 1.0 refers to one-way communication. For example, a Website author pushes information via an email or Web page. Web 2.0 refers to two-way communication in which information can be pushed and pulled from multiple sources. Basically, other people can post information to a site and control how they receive the information

Most of your favorite Websites probably include Web 2.0 features such as blogs, podcasts, vodcasts (video podcasts) and RSS (really simple syndication) feeds. Just about anything that allows you to interact and control content is a part of the Web 2.0 phenomenon. These new social media outlets allow people to connect with classmates, colleagues and friends all over the world. It can be an efficient, exciting and addicting way to communicate. Like all good things, there are a few concerns about social media outlets that should be addressed. Information on the Internet is available for the entire world to see. Here are some things to consider that will help you and your family interact safely:

allow you to print the full thread of a conversation. Take a minute to monitor the conversations your children are having. Invasion of privacy? Maybe. But isn’t it worth it to know your child is safe and acting in an

2. As my mother likes to say, “Let’s keep the honest, honest.” It’s important to know whom your child is talking to and what he or she is saying online. If something seems suspicious, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to follow up.

by Beth Tyler

3. Internet predators don’t always get the information they’re looking for from the source. Many times they discover the information they need from the victim’s friends. Have a conversation with your child and his or her friends about what they post on each other’s pages and the information they could be providing about themselves and one another.

4. Another person dear to my heart thought she’d fool Internet predators by changing her home state to Hawaii rather than Arkansas on a social media site. Sounds smart, right? However, she wore a Conway Wampus Cat T-shirt in her profile picture. That could certainly narrow down the true location of a potential victim.

5. Have an honest conversation with your child (and watch what you disclose on your page as well). If someone is truly a friend rather than an acquaintance or Internet “friend,” he’d already know your phone number, email address, telephone number and birth date. There’s no need to add this information to any Web page. Don’t forget that you can change the permissions on Web sites to filter what information people can learn about you – use them!

6. One final bit of advice, check out www.BeStreetSmart.org. It’s a service of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and provides ways to keep your family safe on the Internet and on the streets.

Web 2.0 is one of the greatest innovations of our time. It’s all about you and the information that you want when you want it.

Surely there’s a cool Arkansas evening just around the corner. Don’t forget to get outside and have some fun on a family picnic or with a little game of flashlight tag. The Internet will be there when you get back.

A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, Beth Tyler is the director of interactive marketing for Hendrix College. She resides in Conway with her husband, Clint, and son, Brody.

How to motivate your child

We cannot motivate children. They are already motivated by their desire to understand their world. They lose motivation when they are expected to do things that do not appear to be important to them. Children motivate themselves when they discover we are offering them

by Audrea and Jimmy Toal

your challenge is to discover it because it explains why they act as they do and allows you to bring more understanding into their world.

The secret as parents is to make sure that our expectations are properly understood at our child’s level, not just at ours. Ask me why you should learn to read and I will tell you that without reading you cannot experience the great literature, graduate from school or get a great job. Consequentially, you will be doomed to struggle and underachieve throughout your life.

something they want. Our job is to lead them to understand why they should motivate themselves.

Children are capable of logical and rational thought but may lack the experience to use this skill. We must learn how to bring our truth to their level of understanding. If we force children to follow our standards, they will only do so grudgingly and will never be motivated.

The real job of a parent is to lead, guide and explain. Children will see the truth of what we say if we say it well.

We must learn to communicate on their level if we expect kids to become motivated. They need a good reason why the activity is important to them and the reason must be in the context of their lives.

Treat children as immature equals. If a child does not want to go to school or learn to read, they have a reason. What is it? Their reason may appear strange but

Good answer, eh? But what if you are 8 years old? What does that answer mean? Nothing! It has absolutely no motivating power to the child at all.

By changing the way we talk with our children and by listening to the things that are important to them right now in their world, we will have the tools necessary to guide them along the path we know is best for them.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, “Nothing gives so much direction to a person’s life as a sound set of principles.”

Helping our kids develop these principles – their principles – can be a joy.

Jimmy and Audrea Toal are the center directors for Oxford Learning in Conway. Established in 1984, Oxford Learning has grown to include more than 100 locations across Canada and the United States. For more information, visit Oxford Learning at www.oxfordlearning.com for complete program information or call 501.329.3232.

The real job of a parent is to lead, guide and explain. Children will see the truth of what we say if we say it well.

About 98% of the natural gas we use comes from right here in North America1. On the other hand, nearly 70% of the oil we use is imported. We export about $1.7 billion a day2 to pay for this foreign fuel, adding to our trade deficit and weakening the dollar. By using domestic natural gas, we strengthen both our nation’s economy and energy security — keeping jobs and revenues at home. Chesapeake produces 100% of its natural gas in the U.S., and the reserves we’re developing here in Arkansas are helping us achieve greater independence from OPEC oil, lowering energy costs and improving the environment. It’s how together, we’re Doing Our Nation a World of Good.

by

Building character scores big on and off the football field

What makes a winning football teamtalented players, great coaches, depth?

All of the above, certainly.

But Michael Stout, head coach of the Vilonia Junior High Eagles, believes character is key.

In fact, Stout thinks that character – doing what you should when no one is watching – is more important than athletic ability. “If you address the character issue, wins and losses take care of themselves,” he said. “And I like to win as much as anybody.”

The Vilonia coach must have something because last season the team set a school record for the most consecutive wins – eight. “We won a lot of games we weren’t expected to win,” he said.

The season record was 8-2. “We lost a division championship,” Stout said. “Then we lost to a Southern Division team.”

This season, Stout believes the team has an opportunity to do as well or better. Last year’s three eighth-grade starters are now ninth-graders with a year of experience. The ninth-grade class is larger, giving the team additional depth, and this year’s ninth-graders are the first who participated in a split-team program instituted

three years ago for seventh-graders.

“We’ve had a great winter and spring in the weight room and working out,” Stout said.

The junior high staff – Stout, Casey Crawn, Tom Stephens and Jerry Price – builds character by teaching and exemplifying responsibility, selfdiscipline and a work ethic.

“We try not to have a double standard,” Stout said. “Sometimes coaches are the only male role models some boys have.”

The players are expected always to be on time, to give their best effort, to eschew profanity and to leave any roughness on the field when play ends. They are reminded that whenever they wear the Eagle uniform, they represent their team, their school and their town.

“We want our players to be the best students in the school; our No. 1 goal is that they will be a class act,” Stout said. “We establish our standards pretty high, and we are very, very fair.”

This season will be Stout’s third in Vilonia and his 16th as a coach. Before coming to Vilonia, he was head high school football coach and athletic director at Lafayette County. He accepted the Vilonia position because it allows him more

Renee Hunter photos by Richard Ryerson

The 2007 Vilonia Junior High football team won an impressive eight straight games last season and hopes are high that the squad will do as well or better this year.

time for his family, which includes a young son and two small daughters.

“I’ve been very pleased since I’ve moved here,” Stout said. “The last class was the best I have coached in my career.”

He is also pleased that his children will have the benefit of being educated in “a quality school district,” he said.

Building character begins in the seventh grade. Crawn, the seventh-grade coach, is in his fourth season with Vilonia, and instituted the fielding of two seventh-grade teams.

“Our numbers are really up because of what’s going on in the seventh grade,” Stout said.

Crawn starts the boys out with fundamentals – blocking and tackling techniques. He emphasizes teamwork and self-discipline.

“We try to make sure they know [playing football] is a privilege,” he said.

Character is a life skill, Stout says. Learning to work

as a team to achieve a goal will help the boys throughout their careers, for example. Best effort is not only expected on the football field, but in the classroom. Stout and his staff emphasize family, faith, classroom and football, in that order.

Stout said most who get into coaching do so because they want to teach boys positive principles to live by so that they will become quality men. Crawn added that a love of sports makes football a logical way for him to teach such principles. Boys don’t necessarily join the team to learn life skills. They are influenced by the successful football tradition in Vilonia and in Arkansas. The team gives boys a chance to be part of a positive group and to be rough in a controlled setting.

The life lessons learned in junior high obviously carry through to high school. Last season, the high school team under coach Jim Stanley made the semi-finals, and the Varsity Eagles have been ranked the No. 2 by the Arkansas Football Coaches’ Association. 501

Vilonia Coach Michael Stout recognizes that character is key in training the junior high squad. In fact, he thinks that character – doing what you should when no one is watching – is more important than athletic ability.

New doctor finds home in Greenbrier

For Dr. Alyson Fish, the best part of family medicine is the scope of patients that she gets to see –from preventive medicine, particularly in children, to the treatment of chronic illnesses, often in older people.

Dr. Fish is the newest doctor at the Greenbrier Family Medicine Clinic of Conway Regional Health System. She joined Dr. Gary Bowman and Dr. Charles Clifton on July 28. To accommodate Dr. Fish’s practice, three examination rooms and two offices were added to the clinic, almost doubling its size.

“The other great thing about family medicine is that our job is to get to know the whole family,” Dr. Fish said. “We do a lot of

by Renee Hunter

Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA is in the business of helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals with accounting, insurance and investment services.

From tax returns and retirement plans to business and personal insurance – and so much more - our firm is committed to providing the best in personal service with a “total client service” approach.

We welcome an opportunity to serve you. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

counseling with the patients and their families.”

When patients visit a specialist or receive other healthcare such as physical therapy or home-health visits, “we are kind of the gatekeepers,” coordinating the various services and drugs, she said.

Because it is the only physician-staffed clinic in the growing town of Greenbrier, all three doctors are very busy, and Dr. Fish had no problem picking up patients. Many of her patients are new residents; others simply prefer a female physician.

Dr. Fish became interested in medicine while serving one summer as a volunteer Spanish interpreter at Arkansas Children’s Hospital through the hospital’s social-work department. Her interest was sparked because of one patient who spent most of the summer in intensive care.

“I found myself being a lot more interested in the medical aspect of his care than in the social work part of his care,” she said.

She spent a lot of time at Ronald McDonald House with his family, and she spent a lot of time at his bedside interpreting the doctor’s words into Spanish for his parents, not an easy job. She carried an English-Spanish medical dictionary with her all the time.

Dr. Fish began learning Spanish in junior high school at the instigation of her grandfather, who promised to take her to Mexico if she would study the language. He did. Later, while earning her biology degree at the University of Central Arkansas, she minored in Spanish.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in 2005, Dr. Fish did her internship and residency in family medicine through the Area Health Education Center Northeast and St. Bernard Medical Center. She chose Jonesboro because her sister was attending college there. It was a good choice in many ways.

“They have a great medical program that really nurtures a residency,” Dr. Fish said. “I just felt it was the best place for me to learn my family practice.”

Finding family time is a challenge for a doctor, according to Dr. Fish, especially during residency. But the edge she has is that families, the doctor’s as well as the patients’, are important for family-practice physicians.

Dr. Fish and her husband, Mike, began dating two weeks before she started medical school, and they married during her second year at UAMS. He was a C-130 load master in the Air Force at the time and made eight trips

to Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11. So he went through the stress and challenges of becoming an MD with her, and she went through all the stress of wartime military service with him. He is now in his second year at UCA, majoring in history.

The couple has a 2-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

Dr. Fish’s decision to practice in Greenbrier

can also be traced back to her grandfather. He was a small-town dentist in Missouri and was an active participant in his community. Seeing that, Dr. Fish said she always wanted to be a small-town doctor.

“I went to medical school on a ruralpractice scholarship with the state of Arkansas,” she said. “We found a community that we could be part of.” 501

Spreading the word to hungry students

Macau (or Macao), China, is a small area on the southern tip of China that is having a great impact.

The city is located an hour west of Hong Kong on the South China Sea. It has a population of 500,000 with only 26 square kilometers of space, making it the second most densely populated city in the world (Monaco being the first).

Macau, about 60 km directly west of Hong Kong, consists of the Macau Peninsula (attached to mainland China) and the small islands of Taipa and Coloane; all connected by bridge or causeway.

Once a simple fishing village on the southeastern China coastline, it was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and became the first European settlement in the Far East. Robert Morrison came to Macau in 1807 as the first Protestant missionary to China. He learned the Chinese language and translated the Old Testament Hebrew and New Testament Greek into Chinese in 1821.

In spite of its rich Protestant history, only 9 percent of the population of Macau is Christian.

On December 20, 1999, the Portuguese gave Macau back to China, so it is now under Chinese rule as a special administrative region (SAR).

Macau has become the gambling capital of the world. In 2006, Macau opened it borders to

by Dr. Quentin Washispack

foreign-based casinos. Last year, Macau surpassed Las Vegas in casino revenues and there were 20 million visitors to the area.

I have been going to China since 2002, and I have made 27 trips there. I generally go to teach English as a Second Language. I have also brought pastors and church leaders and we teach leaders in China. Since 2002, I have led over 20 teams with about 200 people from the central Arkansas region.

The apostle Paul in Romans 15:20-21 writes, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’”

This summer, I led two teams to Macau. The first team was from Covington, La. We hosted a children’s English camp from June 23-27. We were hoping for maybe 50 kids to attend but after the initial advertisement for the camp, there were over 450 kids that applied. We were able to only teach 200.

The camp was a great success. The church in Covington used a Veggie Tales DVD, “Jonah and the Whale,” as the primary curriculum for primary students in the morning. We also had a game and

Chinese students and American teachers at the Zhu Hai Medical College.

craft time.

In the afternoon, the Covington church used “Lord of the Rings” as the primary curriculum with a game and craft time. We were able to present the gospel and many children trusted Christ or expressed a desire to want more information.

The team from Covington left and was replaced by a team from Conway and New Life Church. During the second week, we taught an English class for nursing students at the Macau Nursing College. There were about 50 students in the class. The morning sessions were led by the team from Conway. In the afternoon, the staff at the nursing college led the English with the Conway team assisting in role play or helpers.

The last two days of the camp, we traveled across the border into mainland China into the city of Zhu Hai where we had a culture exchange with a medical college. While there, the Conway team was able to present information on Christmas and Easter to 73 students.

We returned to Conway on July 10. We have a request from both of these camps to return next summer. It was a great opportunity for us to present God’s truth to hungry students.

Dr. Quentin Washispack is on staff with ReachGlobal, an international agency where his work is primarily in Asia. He is also on staff at New Life Church. He is married to Lisette and they have four children - Abby, Hope, Seth and Ethan. His email address is doctorqjw@gmail.com.

Quentin Washispack giving directions to an English Bible camp in Macau.

An American team from Conway and Little Rock with a few Chinese students from Zhu Hai Medical College.

Phom Sisoukrath of Little Rock and Ethan Washispack of Conway touring Zhu Hai.

Living in the age of natural gas

by Danny Games

It can ruin your day and quickly deplete your pocketbook. Fueling our vehicles shouldn’t take such an emotional and financial toll on us. But at $4 a gallon for gasoline, it does.

However, it doesn’t have to.

There’s a fuel that is available, affordable, abundant and clean-burning. It’s natural gas and it’s right under your feet, beneath the state’s rich soil.

The Fayetteville Shale, located in north central Arkansas, is one of the foremost natural gas plays in the country. Chesapeake is proud to partner with Arkansans in finding and producing this resource, which will play a major role in meeting our 21st century energy needs and help to eliminate America’s dependence on foreign fuels.

Over the last 40 years, there’s been a lot of talk about energy independence and alternative fuels, but little has actually been done. Americans only have two choices – gasoline or diesel.

But elsewhere in the world – Europe, South America, South Africa, and Asia –drivers can buy compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel their vehicles. In fact, there are 8 million CNG powered vehicles in the world but only 130,000 in the United States. That’s a regrettable statistic for a country considered to be a world leader.

But we can change that.

Chesapeake and other producers are finding massive pockets of natural gas in shale formations all over the country. Did you know that an estimated 98 percent of natural gas consumed in the United States is produced right here in North America?

In contrast, of the 882 million gallons of oil used everyday in our nation, about 60 percent is imported from countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The Fayetteville Shale, combined with other North American plays, gives us at least a 120-year supply of natural gas.

The natural gas industry and Arkansas are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming America’s energy outlook. It starts with more CNG vehicles and fueling stations.

Only one automaker, Honda, produces and sells a CNG vehicle in America. Chesapeake is working to encourage American automakers to build more of these cars and trucks. We’re working to help develop incentives to encourage your neighborhood service station to provide CNG fueling pumps. Additionally, there is technology that would allow for your CNG vehicle to be refueled at home using a simple compressor in the garage.

Compressed natural gas is a superior transportation fuel to gasoline and diesel,

not only in price, but also environmentally. With significantly lower emission levels than any other fossil fuel, the increased use of natural gas as a preferred energy source can significantly reduce overall pollution levels.

As you can see, natural gas is an environmentally superior product and we work to produce it in an equally environmentally superior manner. We study each potential drillsite to determine possible environmental concerns, then develop and follow an operating plan that reduces our environmental footprint.

We are fortunate in Arkansas. Our state is taking the lead in developing alternative energy sources for America. We’ve long been producing nuclear and hydro power and now, along with biofuels and windmill blades, natural gas is leading the way to a new era in energy technology.

Natural gas, like any other fuel, is not the entire answer. But let’s watch what happens to world oil markets and the U.S. economy when a significant slice of our demand for transportation fuel is shifted to this abundant, clean-burning and Arkansas-grown fuel.

This is the age of natural gas. A natural gas vehicle market will be good for America and Arkansas. Thanks to you, Arkansas, it can begin today.

Danny Games is director of corporate development for Chesapeake Energy / Arkansas.

A truck involved in the natural gas industry along a road in the Bee Branch area.

getting a headstart “

Rig simulator allows students hands-on experience

by Sonja J. Keith

the Searcy campus and the floorhand training instructor. Each class includes training in both a classroom environment and on a realistic drilling rig simulator that has been erected on the campus. The curriculum focuses on intensive training in drilling operations and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safe working procedures. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Forklift Operator’s certification, Rig Pass, Basic CPR and First Aid, and a Floorhand completion certificate. These credentials are recognized by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).

– Danny Games Chesapeake Energy Corporation

The natural gas rig located on the back side of the campus at ASU-Searcy may not actually be in production, in fact it is just a simulator, but the potential it represents for students and their futures is priceless.

The equipment is a key component in the Floorhand Training Program, a non-credit, 40-hour, one-week course at Arkansas State University-Searcy. The program provides students with occupational training skills and on-the-job experience with a simulator, as well as essential classroom training.

Robert Watkins is the director of gas drilling programs at

With a $75,000 donation from each Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Nomac, and a $50,000 donation from Union Drilling, the program started accepting students in April. High Plains Technology donated the training through the end of June, and ASU-Searcy received a $280,000 grant to continue the program.

“As of July 11, 88 students have completed the training and over half are already working in the industry. Students are employed by companies such as Union Drilling, Premier Well, Nomac, Helmick & Paine, and Saxton, with an average hourly wage of $14 to $22.50.

Natural gas companies are referring applicants to the class and word about the course is spreading. There is a six- to seven-week waiting list to get in. “I have 140 applications on my desk and more coming every day,” Watkins said.

About 80 percent of those who have participated in the class are from the Searcy area, but the class has attracted students from as far away as Marshall. “Some don’t mind driving two hours a day to get here,” Watkins said. About 35 percent of those who complete the course go to work for a gas company or related business in the first month or so.

No economic development phenomenon of this magnitude could be successful without the educational workforce component. The role of ASU-Searcy is absolutely vital to the overall success of this industry in Central Arkansas.

Matthew Merritt of Rose Bud was among the students recently enrolled in the program. He considers the class a valuable experience – one that he plans to put to work in the field. “It gives you a good look at what you’re going to be up against,” he said.

The program includes two days of classroom instruction before students don hard hats and green gloves to work on the rig simulator, trying their hand executing the information they have been given.

“You bring it all together once you get out here,” Merritt said.

“The most important thing is out here (on the simulator),” Watkins said of the course.

Watkins admits that those in the gas industry speak a different language, and he introduces students to the terminology. For example, those who work on a rig are called “rough necks.”

“By lunch today we’ll be tripping pipe (placing pipe in the ground or pulling it out),” he said. “We’re learning how to make connections.”

Safety, how to keep a rig clean and teamwork are also important skills that are covered, according to Watkins. “When

When Matthew Merritt of Rose Bud applied for a job at a natural gas company, it was suggested that he check out the Floorhand Training Program at ASU-Searcy. He considers the class a valuable experience – one that he plans to put to work in the field. “It gives you a good look at what you’re going to be up against,” he said.

they hit the rig, they have a head start compared to someone off the street.”

Students are also taught the importance of showing up for work and being on time. Watkins said it is important to understand the “3 No’s” in the industry – “no show, no call, no job.”

Don Harlan, vice chancellor for ASUSearcy, said the school is working with natural gas companies and related service firms to create training opportunities for new as well as existing employees. “We are offering what the industry wants right now,” added Dottie Whiteside, director of the economic development center at ASU-Searcy.

School officials plan to expand facilities and programs to meet the workforce needs expressed by the petroleum industry. In fact, 4,000 square feet of space on campus is being renovated or constructed. “Some space, we envision, will serve the petroleum industry,” Harlan said. “We’re looking at what programs they want us to provide that will train their employees or future employees.”

Both Harlan and Whiteside noted that the natural gas industry has provided a lot of jobs for residents in the Searcy area, which was welcome news after

Whirlpool closed a plant in December 2006, displacing 700 employees. “It has provided an opportunity for a lot of people in Searcy,” Harlan said. “If it hadn’t been for the Fayetteville shale, a lot would have been in dire straits.”

Whiteside added that one ASU-Searcy student went to work at a gas company for $15 an hour after completing the program and within a week had been bumped up to $22.50 an hour “because of what he knew.” She said while other communities might be struggling because of the national economy, Searcy is “booming.”

Merritt hopes to join the ranks of those working for a natural gas company. “My dad was in the oil business. I think it is something I should get into because of where it’s going. It will be here for a long time. And the money. It’s all about the money.”

Watkins has been involved in the gas industry for 30 years and has had some unique jobs – “from New York to nearly Mexico.” This is the third gas boom for him to work. “This one is still young but it’s still growing,” he said. “This is a fun job. I really enjoy what I’m doing.”

Robert Watkins, floorhand training instructor at ASU-Searcy, demonstrates proper connection techniques on a natural gas rig simulator on campus. For more information about the Floorhand Training Program, contact ASU-Searcy at 501.207.4049.

The training includes two days of classroom instruction before students apply what they have learned on a natural gas rig simulator.

Natural gas activity seen as ‘a positive’ for state

Joe Whisenhunt has an interesting perspective on the natural gas boom that has hit Central Arkansas.

With more than 4,000 acres in Van Buren County in the Fayetteville Shale Play, he has been involved with natural gas companies for the last two years. There have been 32 wells drilled and completed on his property, with 60 to 80 anticipated. “I’ve had a bit of experience with them,” he said.

Like other property owners, Whisenhunt have received income from their mineral rights which has pumped money into their communities. “It is going to create business activity,” he said.

Income will mean new or remodeled homes as well as new cars for some property owners, as well as increased activity for local businesses. “There will be more money invested in the local market,” he said. “It is just going to be significant.”

While the gas industry has come under scrutiny for damage to county roads, Whisenhunt believes the companies will address the problem. “They are good neighbors, and they want to be better neighbors.” In fact,

by Sonja J. Keith

Whisenhunt does not anticipate any problem that can’t be addressed and resolved in an equitable manner.

Whatever concerns have cropped up are primarily the result of the fear of the unknown, according to Whisenhunt, adding that some property owners have some residual negative feelings based on past experiences. He explained that some property owners remember bad experiences that their grandparents had years ago when they assigned their mineral rights to out-of-state companies but nothing happened. “That has caused a great deal of dissatisfaction.”

But today is different.

“Landowners are making considerably more than they ever made, which means they can buy more goods and services. It is a positive result for the state.”

Whisenhunt expects the effects of the natural gas boom to be felt for many years to come, especially as technology evolves and advancements are made that extend the life of a well. “I anticipate this activity will be ongoing for 25 to 40 years.”

The evening sky, a nearby pond and the lights on a large natural gas rig near Bee Branch created an interesting site in July for passers-by. The rig was located on property owned by Joe and Margaret Whisenhunt.

RSVP ‘Do What?’ &

The misuse of RSVP and the “Do what?” phrase are two responses of etiquette forms for polite social graces that I am on a personal mission to perpetuate the proper use of in future generations!

The “Do what?” phrase is one that is the uneducated, colloquial, less-than grammatically correct response to someone when the listener was not listening or failed to understand the statement from the person doing the speaking. It continually amazes me when someone responds to me in this manner of “Do what?” There remains the fact that I never requested them to “do” anything.

The correct response should be, “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry, would you repeat that,” “I beg your pardon,” etc., but never “Do what?” I suppose the “Do what?” issue will have to be saved for a future discussion to make way for the misuse of the RSVP – or maybe better yet –the lack of the proper use of RSVP!

I recently served as event director for a dinner in honor of an engaged couple. The couple was professional in every way and detailed. The rehearsal dinner was given by the young, delightful hosts. A local baseball stadium was rented for the dinner with accoutrements for an evening event to celebrate the couple’s forthcoming marriage.

The arrangements were in order for 48 guests – delivery of the tables/chairs was on time, centerpieces were in place, the caterer delivery was even early and guests began arriving….and arriving….and arriving! As the number hit the 60 mark, it was “Houston – we have a problem!” To “cut to the chase,” after the guests had “licked” the platters clean on the buffet – the adorable couple, their honor attendants, parents and a few of the support staff – were left with little to eat and no plates or utensils for the informal baseball themed soiree! My assistant and I anticipated the coming disaster and quickly drove to a nearby grocery store for more faux Limoges china and faux Gorham flatwear!

Resolve: TEACH people the meaning of RSVP!

The term is French for “repondez s’il vous plait” – “respond if you please.” This response to the request of your host enables them to properly plan on everything needed to make everyone’s experience a grand one. Should you take it upon yourself to ignore this request – a disaster may occur. It is a simple manner to email, call or send a note in response to your intentions of attending, or not attending the function.

by Don Bingham

It is pure and a simple matter of being so “self absorbed” with your own trot through life and it’s your priorities and agenda that prevent you from taking the time to honor a request that was meant to honor you with your presence at the event of celebration!

I suppose it is not too much to consider that many do not speak fluent French, or can

debate on Language

Apologetic Summit of Bi-Lingual Protocol, but how much “book learnin” does it take to understand the polite and gracious response to an invitation with a “Yes, I’m coming” or a “No, thank you, I cannot attend.”

Please join me on the courageous mission in educating the masses (let alone the future generations) of the meaning and responsibility of RSVP. We can no longer blame this social nightmare on the cultural location of it being a “Southern thing” – as today’s gatherings encompass every known variety of human species imaginable. It is not a “Southern thing.” It is a respect for humanity, the

appreciation of frugal planning ahead and the appropriate response to a request for your host.

The key to successful entertaining is to do your homework, be organized and add the “sparkle” with the element of surprise –all done with quality, style, class and excellence. It should look like the hours of preparation spent are effortlessly revealed in a near flawless event for all to enjoy, the host included! For heaven’s sake, would you please RSVP in a timely manner before you lose the invitation and forget your personal obligation to make the event you are honored to attend, a smashing success! Should anyone need additional training in the art of RSVP manners, feel free to RSVP!

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

RSVP is an abbreviation for the French phrase

“repondez s’il vous plait” or “respond if you please.”

Where’s the beef

by Tiffany Block

What could be better than a big mouthwatering juicy burger? Certainly, not many things.

This is the staple diet of many college students whose culinary skills are limited to pouring ketchup on their fries, or 9-to-5 people who simply have no time to cook.

The hamburger was probably the most well-known of all fast food during the era of the drive-in and diners. At that time, hamburger restaurants were portrayed as warm, homey places where close-knit families went together to eat. Why not bring that feeling back home by creating your own burger masterpieces?

Hamburgers are everywhere – every city, every state and every country. They are great for entertaining guests. They can be cooked indoors or outdoors and on any heat source. Burgers are both economical and can be very healthy. They are also so versatile, you can make them taste almost any way you want. Almost everyone I know really enjoys a juicy, well-prepared, homemade burger. Despite their popularity, some are bored with ordinary burgers. I encourage you to look at different and appetizing choices when preparing your burgers. If you have never eaten turkey or chicken hamburgers, give them a try. They are a tasty and good alternative to beef. You can purchase them already shaped in patties or you can buy the ground turkey or chicken meat and shape them yourself.

If preparing your own patties, try adding some minced onion to the meat before you shape them. The burgers will have a built-in onion taste.

Hamburgers (often now just called “burgers”) can range from simple to elaborate. All types of burgers are commonly eaten with french fries on the side. The most common varieties served everywhere in the United States are:

• The plain hamburger, garnished with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and/or relish.

• The cheeseburger, a hamburger topped with melted American, jack, Swiss or cheddar cheese.

• The bacon-cheeseburger.

• The chili-burger, with or without cheese. However, don’t let these varieties limit your selection. My philosophy is why just have flavor on your burger when you can have flavor in your burger? Mix raw meat with your choice of mix-ins hours ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook for the best flavor. You’ll probably come up with your own mix-ins other than the suggestions that I will provide.

Mix ground meat with your choice of add-ins, shape into patties and cook as usual. Serve on a bun with favorite toppings or use ground sirloin and serve on a plate like a steak dinner. The options are endless!

I must give you one important secret to creating a flavorful and juicy burger. Handle the meat as little as possible. Gently shape the meat into patties using just your fingertips. Pushing and slapping the meat into disks will result in burgers with little flavor and an awful texture. And don’t skip on warming the buns! A crisp, warm bun is the touch that turns a good hamburger into a great one.

Best Ever Turkey Burgers

2 pounds of ground white turkey

1 large apple (diced small)

1 medium onion (diced small)

3 celery stalks (diced small)

2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning

2 tablespoons of garlic powder

3 tablespoons of grill seasoning (chicken flavor)

2 teaspoons of salt

2 teaspoons of pepper

For burger toppings:

1 sliced avocado

8 pieces of bacon (cooked)

Green leaf lettuce

Tomato slices

Buttermilk Dressing

1/3 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup of sour cream (fat free)

3 tablespoons of low-fat mayo

Bistro Cheeseburger

1-1/2 lb. ground beef

4 slices sweet onion

Vegetable oil

8 slices Swiss cheese

4 crusty rolls, split and toasted

4 romaine lettuce leaves

4 slices tomato

Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard

Philadelphia Burger

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided

4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided

1 can (2.8 ounces) french fried onions, divided

1 pound ground beef

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

4 Kaiser rolls, split

2 teaspoons of dried dill

2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings

1 teaspoon of salt

Sauté apple, onion and celery together in 1 teaspoon of butter in a non-stick skillet until onions are caramelized. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. Add onions, apple and celery to the other ingredients.

Gently combine ingredients with the tips of your fingertips. Divide meat mixture into even segments. Shape into patties. Place 1 teaspoon of oil in skillet to prevent sticking. Preheat skillet to medium heat. Place burgers in skillet. Cook for about 7 minutes on each side.

Top burgers with avocado slices, bacon, lettuce and tomato. Combine Buttermilk Dressing ingredients, and drizzle on heated buns.

(Makes 4 8-oz. burgers)

Combine sauce ingredients, set aside. Lightly shape ground beef into four ¾-inch thick patties. Lightly brush onion with oil. Place patties in skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, sauté onions in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Cook, uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes or until centers of patties are no longer pink and onions are tender, turning occasionally. Season burgers with salt and pepper if desired, after turning. Approximately 1 minute before burgers are done, top each with two cheese slices. Meanwhile spread sauce on top half of each roll. Line bottoms of rolls with lettuce and tomato; top with cheeseburger and onion. Close sandwiches and serve.

In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 3 teaspoons mustard and half of the onions. Add beef; mix well. Gently shape into four patties. Grill/broil until no longer pink. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, blend cream cheese, mushrooms, parsley, remaining Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Spread over the burgers; top with remaining onions. Cook 30 seconds longer or until the onions are golden. Serve on rolls.

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

by Karl Lenser

Metabolism boosting What can you do?

stoked for greater caloric expenditure. Believe it or not, eating will increase your metabolism! Skipping meals and eating like a sparrow will only help to slow your engine down.

Your T.E.M. (Thermic Effect of a Meal) will be raised because when you digest food, your digestive system needs energy (calories) to do the work of digesting the food you consumed. The T.E.M. accounts for about 10 percent of your daily energy expenditure. Physical activity (moving your body) should account for up to 30 percent of your daily caloric expenditure.

Sleep.

Get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Research has shown that people who only get five to six hours of sleep are more prone to weight gain.

Reduce stress.

So what exactly is metabolism? Why are so many people interested in obtaining a faster one?

Your metabolism is an ongoing process that your body undergoes 24-7 from the day you were born until the day you die. Simply stated, it is a group of chemical and physical actions that help your body create and expend energy (calories).

Unfortunately, many people have trouble keeping their caloric balance under control and gain unwanted fat stores that can lead to a variety of health problems. As individuals continue to accumulate excess fat stores, their internal engine (metabolism) begins to resemble a fuel-efficient hybrid when it needs to burn fuel (calories) like a Mazzorati or Porsche.

So how can you give your metabolic engine a boost and keep it revved up?

Get moving!

The best way to increase your metabolism is to begin a consistent exercise program that involves both cardiovascular and weight training components. Brisk walking, jogging, cycling, elliptical machine workouts and swimming are examples of what a cardiovascular program should entail.

Strength or resistance training.

This is also a “must” for those who wish to gain optimal health and increase their metabolism. Using free weights or machine weights three to five times a week will help you reduce excess body fat and increase muscle mass. Muscle is metabolically much more active than fat tissue. A pound of muscle requires 35 calories per day to maintain itself, while a pound of fat requires only two calories per day.

Muscle cells require more energy (calories) to keep themselves healthy than fat cells. That is why an individual weighing 180 with 10 percent body fat will probably be able to ingest more calories (and not gain weight) as opposed to a 180pound individual with 25 percent body fat. The 10 percent body fat person will most likely have a higher metabolism than the 25 percent body fat individual.

Embrace “grazing.”

Recent studies have shown that eating small meals (repeat small) throughout the day can help keep your internal furnaces

Reducing stress will definitely help in keeping your internal engine revved up. Excess amounts of physical and emotional stress cause an increase in the output of cortisol, a steroid that slows metabolism.

Your internal engine can be revved up by following these guidelines. As with most health and fitness plans, the key components for improvement involve a consistent exercise plan and a disciplined and closely monitored dietary program.

“…all parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labours in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well-developed and age more slowly, but if unused and left idle they become liable to disease, defective in growth, and age quickly.”

- Hippocrates

Metabolic trivia

• The average adult experiences a 2 percent to 5 percent reduction in metabolic rate every decade.

• Adults who do not participate in strength training lose approximately five to seven pounds of muscle every decade. Between ages 30 and 80, most people lose up to 40 percent of their muscle and functional strength.

• Adding three pounds of muscle can increase your metabolic rate by up to 7 percent.

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

What nutrition game plan is best for my young athlete?

The kids are back in school and perhaps back to their sporting events. Every parent wants to give their son or daughter the edge when it comes to performing in sports. They may send their kids to training camps in the summer, purchase the best equipment and they never miss a practice.

If you want to give your child the edge when it comes to sports, you need a nutrition game plan. With all the running around to and from practices and events, nutrition often gets left on the sidelines. When nutrition isn’t a priority, your little athlete will suffer with less energy, a lower immunity and the inability to recover after a sporting event.

A nutrition game plan consists of everyday healthy eating, pre-competition eating (before the sporting event) and recovery eating (after the sporting event). If you ask many professional athletes what they eat before and after a sporting event, you will get totally different answers. It is important to find what works best for each individual. This nutrition game plan applies to both child athletes and adults.

Eating healthy everyday does more to improve performance than pre-competition and recovery eating. If you try to eat healthy for the pre-competition meal, yet you fill your body with junk food every day, don’t expect your performance to be enhanced. Eating healthy everyday improves your ability to train, boosts your immunity and of course improves your health and well-being.

Eating healthy means eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also means eating moderate amounts of dairy foods, lean protein and heart healthy fats (nuts, peanut butter, avocados, and olive oil). High fat foods and sweets are to be eaten with common sense and in limited amounts.

The pre-competition meal is based on comfort and experience. It is not the time to try a new sports bar or supplement shake as it can upset your stomach before the event. Some individuals get nervous before the event which will have a negative influence on the digestive tract. Experiment with various meal combinations to find what works best. Before a competition a higher carb meal is recommended, such as whole wheat spaghetti, a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with fruit, or rice and beans. A high fat meal will slow the absorption of carbs which may not give you the needed energy in a timely manner.

The recovery meal is essential to replenish and repair muscles, decrease muscle breakdown, boost the immune system and rehydrate. This meal or snack should ideally be eaten within 45-60 minutes after the event or a workout. It

should consist of a combination of protein and carbs, such as fruit and yogurt, a sandwich, cheese and crackers, or 1 percent chocolate milk (a favorite of most people).

There’s a lot more to eating for sports than chugging sports drinks and eating loads of protein and carbs. To reach your peak performance level, it doesn’t require a special diet nor does it require supplements or excessive protein.

A nutrition game plan is about common sense and eating a variety of healthy foods in moderation.

& }

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

Have you gone green with envy?

The movement of “Super-Size Me” has developed within us an appetite for “more,” even an addiction of sorts for “more.” Not only have our fast food meals increased in size, fat and calories, but the size of serving portions in restaurants has increased as well.

Our automobiles are larger, requiring more gasoline. For some, the size of our property has increased and our homes are huge. Our schedules are overloaded with activities and we have to work more hours and/or work more than one job.

How did this happen?

We are all reading the reports of how banks and creditors, advertisers and salesmen, and movies and media have seduced us. But the deeper question is how have we been so vulnerable to the seduction.

Much of the vulnerability is rooted in our envy of others, not being satisfied with what we have and how we live. “Keeping up with the Joneses” has become a way of life. We live by a mantra of “more, more, more is better.”

Frequent partaking of fast food and processed foods, dining out and overeating is resulting in significant health problems. Ultimately, this is resulting in skyrocketing costs for health insurance.

Having just gone through a process of choosing an affordable health insurance policy for employees has opened my eyes to the significant, direct cost to employers and employees for our own health problems, as well as the health problems of our co-workers.

The gas-guzzling SUV whose large size is not necessary for many of its drivers is increasing the demand on limited resources and potentially negatively impacting the environment. Now many employees cannot afford to drive to work and transporters of food and goods cannot afford to deliver.

Large properties and huge homes require unaffordable mortgage payments. For many families with these large homes, the family’s resources are not available for purchasing

appropriate furnishings and accessories to decorate the home. Real estate agents report that some of the large, beautiful homes appear to be furnished with college-day leftovers.

And now, many families are losing their homes and drowning in credit card debt. Many children and young adults have unrealistic expectations of their parents, their teachers, their employers and the world.

We are not only negatively impacting our environment and our bank accounts, we are also hurting our mental health. Financial problems are the No. 1 stressor on a marriage. Individuals and families are experiencing significant stress and conflict. Individuals are experiencing depression.

Our envy has turned into anxiety and shame.

So if we have been green with envy and now find ourselves in difficult straits, what can we do? Financially, we can get honest with ourselves, assess where we are, and then talk to our banker and our creditors. We can refuse to allow pride or shame to stop us from seeking help from non-profit organizations, such as Family Service Agency-Consumer Credit Counseling Services.

We can talk to our family and close friends, not allowing pride or shame to keep us from reaching out for support. If we are experiencing anxiety, significant stress and conflict, or depression, we can seek professional help from a mental health therapist.

We can change our thoughts and recognize that we do not “need” much of what we eat or purchase or use. We can decide to “get healthy.” We can change our attitudes and acknowledge that “all we have is all we need,” and for many of us, all we have is more than all we need. We can make a commitment to simplify our lives and recognize that sometimes “less is more.”

We can really “go green” and ultimately save our lives and our environment.

and a former Conway resident, Janice Malone is the clinical director of Ozark Counseling Services in north Arkansas.

by Kristen Riddle, Pharm.D.

Look and feel our best

At any age we want to look and feel our best. Vitamins and mineral help our energy level, the look of our skin, boost our immunity and help our focus and concentration. Your nutrient level is reflected in the way you look.

When a person is well-nourished, he/she has healthy skin and hair, improved metabolism, and potentially improved eyesight.

Sometimes it is difficult to get all the nutrients you need from foods, therefore nutritional supplements are needed. We can also deplete our body’s nutrients by being under high stress.

If energy is a problem, many people want to reach for a high stimulant energy drink for an extra ump. This can increase your blood pressure and be hard on your heart. This sort of energy boost can have a negative impact on any age – young or old! At a minimum, high caffeine and stimulants can create a “peak and valley” feeling.

But what is making you feel tired? Are you resting well? Is it a common clinical problem such as a hormone imbalance or adrenal insufficiency?

Nutritional supplements can help support many systems in the human body. Supplements such as melatonin and magnesium glycinate can help you rest well. B vitamins increase your energy level, and vitamins B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine) are especially helpful in support of your adrenal system.

According to the author Diana Schwarzbein, M.D., B vitamins, calcium and magnesium play an important role in our moods and serotonin production. You can boost your immunity with a good multi-vitamin, an immunoglobulin supplement and Vitamin C.

As school starts back and we enter into fall, we need to think about taking care of our bodies from the inside out so we can look and feel great. With adequate nutrition and regular exercise we can continue looking good!

Kristen Riddle is a pharmacist at US Compounding Pharmacy in Conway.

Class project

Students make over agency office

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas office in Downtown Conway has a bright, new look.

As part of a class taught by instructor Jennifer Whitehead, interior design students at the University of Central Arkansas worked with the BBBS staff to create a fun and functional space.

Students assigned to the main area and adjacent restroom were Ashton Verble, Amy Baker and Sarah Smith. Other students in the class, assigned to specific employee offices, were Kelli Bailey and Libby Pickney; Vandell Claybrooks and Larry Bean; Laura Hicky and Olivia Lin; and Joanna Hagan and Winter Gregory.

“We thought it was wonderful,” said Amy Baker of the project. “It was fun to have a hands-on experience working with clients.”

The design included a bright yet warm color palette for the main area, with a large BBBS logo painted on one wall.

The agency received several donations of materials for the project. Granite for the restroom was donated by Spa City Granite in Hot Springs, and the faucet by Rich Sales and Service in Little Rock. SherwinWilliams of Conway donated the paint, and Regions Bank in Little Rock donated furniture.

by Sonja J. Keith

The staff is pleased with the new look of the office space, according to Amy Stockton, BBBS program director. “We especially love the logo because it is our brand.”

Students assigned to develop design concepts for the main area at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office were Ashton Verble (front, from left), Amy Baker and Sarah Smith. Students Kelli Bailey (back, from left) and Libby Pickney were assigned to one of the individual offices.

UCA students chose bright colors for the main area and included the agency logo in the design.

The students used Styrofoam pieces covered in scrapbook paper in complimentary colors to create accessories for the main area and restroom.

going greena

The grass is greener

by Angie Howard

What would another red-blooded, allAmerican high school football season in the South be without a lush carpet of emerald green to provide traction for the cleats of our hometown’s star running back?

As a mother of boys, I can give you one answer - not as safe for the 16- to 18-year-old still-developing athletes running fast as legs will carry them with a coveted piece of pig leather (or whatever synthetic material they construct footballs from now days).

It’s been proven that athletic playing fields covered with dense turf are safer for the athletes, demonstrated by a simple egg-drop test. When a dozen raw eggs were dropped from a height of 11 feet onto a 2-inch thick piece of dense turf, none broke; and from a height of just 18 inches when dropped on synthetic grass, all the eggs broke. I know which egg I’d want my son to be.

Grasses are a large player in the health and sustainability of not only our teen athletes on the game field; they also play an important role in the well-being of the environment we all enjoy. For some time, our government has realized the importance of that humble member of our landscape, the unassuming blade of grass.

Since 1935, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the US Department of Agriculture, has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America’s private landowners and managers conserve natural resources such soil, water and grasses.

Grasslands make up the largest land cover on America’s private lands. Privately-owned grasslands cover more than 525 million acres (the equivalent of over 397 million football fields) in the United States. In 2002, Congress passed the Grassland Reserve Program, for the first time directing financial assistance to help landowners protect and rehabilitate these lands.

Why would the government earmark federal monies to protect this most ordinary of resources which many of us take for granted?

Grasses act beautifully as buffers for farmers when planted in strips or small areas of land. These areas are described as a means of “common-sense conservation” by helping

to protect soil, air and water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and demonstrate a commitment to land stewardship.

Dramatic examples of the importance of buffers are the grass marshlands along the Gulf and Southeastern coasts. These grasses are credited with lessening the impact of potentially devastating hurricanes by acting as a barrier between wind, water and the costal population.

Grass is also a natural provider for our ecosystem. Healthy, dense lawns absorb rainfall like a sponge, preventing runoff and erosion of precious top soil. Grass traps much of the estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released into the U.S. atmosphere annually. Lawns purify water entering into ground aquifers. The turf’s root mass and supporting soil microbes act as massive filters to capture and breakdown many types of pollutants common to urban environments.

Now, let’s revisit our lush green football field. At the big game this Friday night, while chomping down your clear plastic tray full of nachos with the neon orange “cheese,” take a minute to appreciate the grass. Delight in the fact that our local schools have not decided to trade in Mother Nature’s luxuriant creation for the all-weather synthetic solution that has literally lost touch with its roots.

Plastic grass, though advantageous and suited for some situations, just can’t match what God created long before chemists engineered the polypropylene lawn. Be thankful for those unassuming blades of green. Value the smell of a freshly-cut lawn to signal the onset of spring, the sound of wheatgrass whistling in a breeze on a hot summer day, and the sight of Football Moms watching through squinted eyes as their baby boys dodge the defensive end. Remember the favorable fate of the unshielded raw egg when dropped from 11 feet onto… authentic grass.

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

With a little bit of planning and help from local businesses, football fans are sure to enjoy a tailgate party that scores.

Several Conway businesses offer the equipment and supplies needed to kick off the football season right – from grills and tables to aprons and dishes.

Here are some of the supplies (many pictured) that would add the perfect touch to your next tailgate party:

Just T’s -N

2850 Prince St. 501.450.7155

Bulldog galvanized tub - $28

Bulldog stuffed animal - $12

UCA Bear Fuel cups - $9-$10

Hendrix koozie - $8 each

Razorback napkins - $3-$4

Greenbrier window flag - $7.95 (hanger - $2)

Conway Wampus Cats sweatshirt blanket - $30

Wampus Cat street sign - $38

Vilonia Eagles sign - $32

The Kitchen Store

704 Locust Ave. 501.327.2182

Razorback apron - $24.99

UCA apron - $19.99

Razorback tote cooler - $39.98

Razorback freezer mug - $12.99

Tool box - $39.99

Razorback platter - $39.99

UCA tumbler - $12.99

UCA mug - $14.99

Hiegel Supply

1310 Bruce St. 501.327-7755

www.hiegelsupply.net

Grillzone Gas Grill - $379.99

Grill pad - $26.99

Barbecue tool set - $23.99

Water jug - $30.99

Camp chairs - $12 each 8-foot tables – for rent

fallfashions Sportin’

by Mathilda Hatfield Hulett

Many residents in the 501 area enjoy an additional season that crosses over from summer into fall – football season!

All across the south, football season has developed into its own culture including family traditions, food and activities; and yes, some fans even shop for football season fashions. For those fans of fall sports other than football, this transition season is still just as important; because in this area code style is not only determined by the events but by the climate as well. Typically, warm weather lasts long into autumn around here. So, while turtlenecks and cable knit sweaters look inviting, reality calls for lightweight knits, and easy, comfortable pieces to layer, and bright team colors.

Whether you’re shopping for tailgating fashions, autumn harvest parties or maybe something to wear while watching your kid make the play of the game, Pizzazz in Downtown Conway has the styles you’ll want to be sporting this fall.

No mulligan needed here. Jennifer McCracken is the head women’s golf coach for Hendrix College as well as the coordinator of intramurals and outdoor recreation. She also is married to Thad, an assistant basketball coach and head men’s golf coach for the Hendrix Warriors. That’s a lot of sports! Jennifer is ready for any match-up in this lightweight, knit tunic dress featuring beautiful autumn colors, especially some black and orange. The black calf-length leggings make the dress versatile for any event. The large yellow and brown stone ring and gold, triple oval hoops top off the look. Her big chocolate brown alligator print bag allows Jennifer to go from bleachers to desk to awards banquet in one full swing. Clothing and accessories can be found at Pizzazz.

Lauren Fagala is sportin’ some pizzazz in this ensemble. A graduate from Greenbrier High School and a sophomore at Central Baptist College, Lauren is ready to cheer her team to V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! This blue, criss-cross longsleeve top is a winning color on Lauren. The medium, stone wash jeans with blue stitching complement the casual look. The red, patent leather purse with silver buckle is sure to score some points. And, her black wedge shoes, beaded necklace and earrings make this a recordsetting look.

Lisa Cooley, director of athletic marketing and sponsorships for the University of Central Arkansas, is at the top of her game in this outfit. Perfect for tailgating, the jeans feature a dark wash for an up-todate look. Her burgundy sweater combines all the traditional fall favorites: cable knit, high neck and rich color. Yet, the short sleeves and tunic-style cut give it a modern flair; and make it weather friendly. The large wooden bracelet and the turquoise dangle earrings add a pop of color. This season, while cheering on her alma mater, Lisa is also cheering on her husband, Todd, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the UCA Bears. In this outfit Lisa shows how to take fashion to a whole new division.

All clothes & accessories provided by Pizzazz in Downtown Conway.

shopping in the 501 A fan of fashion

Items representing Conway, Vilonia, Greenbrier, the University of Central Arkansas and the Arkansas Razorbacks are available at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Harkrider Street in Conway. Hendrix College and Central Baptist College items are available at campus bookstores.

Brown Razorback shirt - $7.83 Razorback shirt with camo lettering - $6.43

University of Central Arkansas shirts - $7.93 each UCA pajama bottoms$14.93

Conway Wampus Cats shirt - $7.83 Pajama bottoms - $16.93

Central Baptist College T-shirt - $8 (CBC Bookstore)

Vilonia Eagles shirt - $7.83 Pajama bottoms - $16.93

Hendrix College T-shirt - $14.99 (Hendrix College Bookstore)

Greenbrier Panthers T-shirt - $7.83

Pajama bottoms$16.93

Greenbrier chamber unveils new logo

The Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce has a new look and a new map.

More than 50 residents turned out in August for a “Business After Hours” at City Hall to get a look at the new chamber logo and also receive a copy of the city’s new map.

The logo – designed by 501 Advertising and Publishing – incorporates the chamber slogan “Greenbrier: The Place to Call Home.”

The chamber contracted with Tim Tyler Surveying and Mapping Inc. to produce the map, which is available at the Greenbrier City Event Center.

For more information on the Greenbrier chamber, please call (501) 679-4009 or go to www.greenbrierchamber.org.

Marilyn Battles and Greenbrier School District Superintendent Scott Spainhour.

Shawn Johnston (from left), Jon Ross Henderson and Barbara Lorenz.

Jody Havens and Love Hines.

Todd Ryals (left) and Steve Wood.

Dianna Kellar (from left), Lenett Thrasher, Peggy Squires and Carla Fix.

Joe White (from left), Mayor Melton Cotton and Terry Milam.

Tim and Kim Tyler with Carl Fulton.

Jon Patrom (left) and Christopher Rister.

Shellie O’Quinn with Sammy and Cheryl Hartwick.

Greenbrier

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER

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

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

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

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

We invite you to come in for a visit.

Our sincere professional staff enjoys giving extra attention to service and going the extra mile for residents and their family members.

16 WILSON FARM ROAD • GREENBRIER, AR • (501) 679-0860

Whole Hog Café is really ‘smokin’

by Don Bingham

“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen” does not apply to Whole Hog Café in Conway. The smoker has been fired up since October 2007 with Kent Justus and Carl Longinotti as head of the “smoking team.”

The Whole Hog concept began in Little Rock, with “Sarge” Mike Davis and brothers Ron and Mike Blasingame and Steve Lucci. This team returned from winning the 2002 Whole Hog competition at “Memphis in May” and decided to open their own establishment. The rest is history – a big history, with locations spread as far as Denver.

The Conway restaurant is located at 150 E. Oak Street, Suite A, in the original Shoney’s restaurant location.

Conway’s Whole Hog smoker is a large “Old Hickory SSJ” gas-powered smoking unit, flavored with pecan wood. From this cabinet comes uniquely-flavored tenderized ribs, chicken, pork loin, beef brisket and more. The meats are cooked constantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The choice is yours, but there are seven different sauces available. The “Volcano,” the true barn-burner, is kept behind the counter but it is yours upon request.

Conway owners Justus and Longinotti remarked that “you don’t mess with success” and that the special sauces are recipes from Whole Hog in Little Rock. They also have plans to add more to the menu in the future – including a special holiday-flavored turkey breast, and hot and spicy sausage links.

This smoking duo caters, even to Little Rock and throughout the 501 area and beyond. Parties, business groups, rehearsal dinners, weddings – it all requires weeks of training for the staff assisting in the business. The pork butt cooks for 15 hours; every day demands two “meat only” attendants, and you can imagine what holidays like the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day would require.

Orders can be placed by calling 501.513.0600. Additional information is also available at www.wholehogcafe.com. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The goal at the restaurant is simple – “Our objective is to make Whole Hog a complete dining experience with great food being most important, but all aspects from atmosphere and cleanliness to staff attention are part of the whole process.”

The Whole Hog is the place you’ll enjoy listening to blues and jazz as you feast on a great plate of potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and of course, a full rack of ribs.

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

Don Bingham (center) with owners Carl Longinotti (left) and Kent Justus.

Hot Springs sets annual JazzFest

Regional, national and international jazz musicians are scheduled to perform during the 17th annual Hot Springs JazzFest set Friday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 14, in historic Downtown Hot Springs National Park.

The three-day musical marathon is sponsored by the Hot Springs Jazz Society, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to perpetuating, promoting and preserving Jazz Music. The event is designed so adult festival-goers can enjoy the sounds while kids create “jazzy” crafts and experience jazz through touch and sound in the KidZone tent.

Groups scheduled to perform include ATM (Anything That Moves), Happy Tymes, Sweet Mother Jazz Band, Nu Fusion and Jazz Xtreme. At 4 p.m. Friday, a jazz ensemble from the University of Central Arkansas will perform at the festival. Led by trumpeter Larry Jones, the musicians excel on the big band jazz charts and will have you wanting more after their last encore.

For more information about JazzFest, please go to www.hotspringsjazzfest.org.

For information about the Jazz Society and its programs, please email miltay@arkansas.net or call 501.767.0211.

Kid-friendly dining options

At MarketPlace Grill in Conway – during the months of January, June and September – two kids eat free with the purchase of one entree after 4 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Kid menu options include pizza, chicken tenders, barbecue grilled chicken, shrimp or pasta.

MarketPlace is located at 600 Skyline Drive. For more information, please call 501.336.0011 or go to www.marketplace.com.

Know of any other kid-friendly restaurants in the 501 area that offer special discounts or accommodations to help families? Send an email to info@501adsandmags.com with the information. Check out future issues of 501 LIFE for more family dining ideas.

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

VISITING AREAS

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

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

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

We Accept: Medicaid, Medicare, Private Pay.

by Levi Gilbert

In sickness & in health & in football

Will Merritt of the University of Central Arkansas has always been physically designed for football.

The 20-year-old Natchez, Miss., native has the raw size (6-5, 287) destined for the gridiron. Having lived his whole life in the South, football seemed like a given, but Will didn’t play football until his junior year of high school. He moved to Monroe his sophomore year in 2003, where he attended Sterlington High School, and football first became a part of his life.

“At my old school, I had to wear uniforms,” Will said. “So the first day at the new school, I could wear my favorite clothes - a pair of overalls, a T-shirt and some boots. I walked in to the school and everyone was wearing Abercrombie and American Eagle, so I felt kind of out of place.

“But a small group of friends took me in, and all the guys in the group played football. They took a look at me and told me I had to play.”

Will finally gave in as a junior and became a two-year starter at Sterlington, garnering All-District honors two years in a row and receiving a National Achievement Award.

But football wasn’t the only life-changing experience Will received from his group of friends. In the mix of friends was a senior named Connie Long, and she would change Will’s life in ways neither of them could imagine.

“It wasn’t anything at first,” Will said. “We just grew into each other. Eventually we started dating and after six months, I knew hands down that we were going to get married some day.”

The two dated for three years, attending the same church group and slowly building their relationship.

In 2004, Connie and Will became counselors for Cross

Camp, a church camp held at various venues throughout the South. That year, the locations included a little place called the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

“I had no idea where Conway was,” Will said. “It was a great campus and great facilities for the camp. The following season a couple of scouts from UCA came down to watch me, and it just clicked.”

Will received athletic scholarship offers from UCA and Louisiana Tech his senior season. He was faced with attending a school 45 minutes away or another four hours away.

“My goals after high school were not to play football,” Will said. “But after a lot of prayer, I felt like Conway was the place to go. My decision was tough, but I made it with confidence.”

Connie wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Will attending college in another state, but she was always supportive.

“We had prayed about it a lot,” Connie said. “And we were both comfortable with it. I knew it was what he needed to do, but it wasn’t what I really wanted him to do.”

Will faced the typical challenges of a long-distance relationship his freshman year at UCA. His time with Connie was cut from seeing each other every day to once a month if they were lucky. The first football camp leading up to the start of the 2006 season almost broke Will’s will.

“I can’t tell you the amount of times I almost quit during camp my freshman year,” Will said. “Everything you believe in, you question during camp. I would talk to Connie on the phone and tell her I wanted to come home, and she would always talk me out of it.

“I had a lot of people pulling for me that helped keep me stable.”

Will played in nine games in 2006, as the Bears finished 8-3 in their first year of Division I competition. After the season ended, Will made a trip home to Monroe. He was a man on a mission.

Will and Connie Merritt.

“I sold my guitar to a teammate so I would have enough gas money to drive home,” Will said. “I took her out on a boat on the bayou and proposed. People had told me that I’d get to Conway and things would change because of distance.

“I knew it was worth it and I knew it would stick.”

Connie and Will were married in June 2007 on Cheniere Lake in Monroe. That night the couple drove to Conway where Will spent his time getting in his football workouts the next two days. Will was able to get some time away after the workouts, and the newlyweds hit Orange Beach, Ala., for their honeymoon.

“Football is a job,” Connie said.

“With a lot more required hours,” Will echoed. “We had to plan everything around football. It’s just a big cornerstone of our lives.”

The newlyweds faced several challenges moving to a new state, especially for Connie, who had worked full time as a hairstylist but had no connections in Conway.

Connie noticed the About You Color Salon in the same shopping center and decided to stop by to find out if the salon was hiring.

“I had this feeling that I should go in,” Connie said. “I filled out an application and they called me a couple days later to tell me that I would have a job whenever I moved up for good after the wedding.

“God just really opened that door. I’ve been working there since we moved up. I love my boss and everyone I work with. It was definitely a blessing.”

Other difficulties facing the young marriage centered around Will’s responsibilities as a student-athlete.

“Without a doubt, how we’re doing as a team comes home with me,” Will said. “People say, ‘Don’t bring your job home,’ but I spend so much time with football. It becomes integrated in you and a part of you.

“If I have a bad practice or game, it comes home with me. That’s the worst part, and it’s real tough for me to snap out of it sometimes. There’s

a married couple, and the two found ways to make time for each other during the long haul.

“Sundays are our day,” Will said. “It’s me and Connie day. We go to church, go to the park or take a drive around the area. We just try to make it as relaxing as possible during the season.

“We’re content just being together.”

Will is set to return at left tackle for the Bears this fall. After a strong SLC finish in 2007 and strong returning numbers, the Bears have built some serious buzz around the 501 for 2008.

“It’s an exciting time for me,” Will said. “I get to see what everyone else can’t. We have not had a defense that could stop our offense in practice since the 2006 defense. This year’s defense, they are contending with us big time.

“And as high powered as we are with Nathan Brown and all our receivers, we are going to wear some defenses out. McNeese State (defending SLC champion) is our biggest challenge, but they have to come up here to the 501 this year. They have to deal with that.”

Will’s life forever changed the first day he walked into Sterlington High School; he met the woman who would become his wife and discovered a game that would better his life by paying for his education.

For better and for worse, Connie and Will have a relationship inseparable from football.

“It’s definitely love/hate with football,” Will said. “If we lose, it’s a job. If we win, it’s a game. [The season] is always a grind, but when I get tired, I remember I’m here for a reason.

“We love Conway and the 501 area. The people here have a good spirit and are big backers of the Bears. This is God’s will for us, and we are happy to be here.”

always hurdles, but never anything that makes our relationship stall.”

Connie says that being a sports fan helps her to deal with the all-encompassing effect football can have on their lives. Will attends camp for three weeks leading up to the season before facing a grueling 14-week stretch of games on top of classes.

“I work a lot, so that helps take up a lot of time,” Connie said. “And I’m friends with the girlfriends and wives of other players. They know exactly what you’re going through, so that helps, too. Once camp starts, we call ourselves the ‘football widows.’

UCA Bears Schedule

DATE OPPONENT

Aug. 28 Henderson State

Sept. 6 UC Davis

Sept. 13 Arkansas-Pine Bluff (in Little Rock)

Sept. 20 Quincy College

Sept. 27 Tulsa (away)

“The biggest thing for me was finding a job,” Connie said. “I was nervous. Most salons are really gossipy, and I don’t really like that. The salon I left was perfect for me, so I was scared I wouldn’t find a job that good again.”

One spring weekend in 2007, Connie decided to surprise Will with a special trip to Conway. She left the hot Louisiana heat in shorts and flipflops but was shocked when she was met with cold Conway weather. All she had brought for the weekend was summer clothes, so she made a trip to Wal-Mart on Dave Ward Drive to find some warmer clothes.

During the season, time together is precious, and the two make every effort to make it count. “Life is too short for arguing about little stuff,” Connie said.

“We put the [football] stuff aside,” Will said. “We don’t have time for that. Whether I have a bad day or not on the field, I have to push through it and make our time together count.”

Will played in all 10 games last season. The Bears finished 6-5 on the year and second in the Southland Conference after being picked to finish last in several polls.

It was Connie and Will’s first full season as

Oct. 11 Sam Houston State*

Oct. 18 Texas State (away)

Oct. 25 Southeastern Louisiana

Nov. 1 Nicholls State (away)

Nov. 8 Northwestern State

Nov. 15 Stephen F. Austin (away)

Nov. 22 McNeese State

Football is the factor. Football is the cornerstone of everything we do.

— Will Merritt

neighbors >> special friends

MEET: Steven and Robin Moore

Hometown: Conway

Occupations: Steven is a full-time student at the University of Central Arkansas and a student coach at Conway High School. Robin is a cosmetologist at family salon Harrington & Co.

Pet’s name: Punkin – also called Punk – is a 1 1/2-year-old miniature Jack Russell terrier.

Where did you meet: Malvern (Hot Spring County).

Activities you enjoy together: Watching TV and playing with her bird.

“Punkin is an incredibly curious little dog. She loves watching endless hours of TV, preferably the Outdoor Channel. She is 10 pounds of fun!”

Pet’s name: Cheyenne – also called Nan – is a 6-year-old Beagle.

Where did you meet: Rose Creek (Yell County)

Activities you enjoy together: Sleeping and riding in the truck.

“Cheyenne loves to chase squirrels. She is incredibly loyal but she would risk her life for a treat!”

Punkin

Cheyenne

photos by Stuart Holt

WoollyStateHollow Park

82 Woolly Hollow Road Greenbrier, AR 72058

501-679-2098

woollyhollow@arkansas.com

www.arkansasstateparks. com/woollyhollow

woolly hollow a natural pick:

Woolly Hollow State Park is known as a great place to enjoy fishing and swimming with its 40-acre Lake Bennett. But the park offers much more.

This fall the park will celebrate Lake Bennett with a dedication of its new Wayside Exhibits area and will offer a fun two-day program for families who want to experience a little more of the outdoor life.

Located in the Ozark foothills, Woolly Hollow visitors can rent canoes, pedal boats and fishing boats. The park also provides 32 campsites, picnic sites, a pavilion, a hiking trail, a snack bar and a bathhouse with hot showers.

Saturday, Sept. 13 Making Memories (Dedication of Wayside Exhibits) The park is asking the public to share memories of the Lake Bennett Recreational Area and Woolly Hollow State Park, to coincide with the dedication of the new Wayside Information Exhibits depicting the construction of Lake Bennett. The park is looking for people who helped in the construction of the lake or have a fond memory of Lake Bennett or Woolly Hollow (learned to swim in Lake Bennett, caught a huge fish, worked on the hiking trails, camped for the first time or just have a fond memory to share). Photos and written accounts of experiences can be sent to the park.

Saturday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Oct. 26 Raising a Wild Child

For families that want to be more involved in the outdoors but aren’t sure where to start, “Raising a Wild Child” should make it on the calendar. This two-day program will provide families the opportunity to explore and learn together what it means to live a life close to nature.

Activities include dealing with the “ick” factor, packing and planning for a family campout, cooking outdoors, tips on hiking with kids and more. Contact the park for a registration form and details for the workshop. Register early as space is limited and reservations are required. Admission: $25.

Woolly Hollow is about 18 miles north of Conway via U.S. 65 and Ark. 285. For more information, including available interpretive programs and events, call 501.679.2098 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/woollyhollow.

Nathan Brown

Hometown: Russellville.

Number of years playing football: Four in college, 10 in all. Enjoys most about football: I like the competition involved with the sport. It is fun to go out and compete with my teammates. I also enjoy the positive impact that I can make on other lives.

Family: Parents - David and Becky Brown; brother, Brandon; and sister, Laura. I have been blessed to have a great family that supports me in everything I do! They have molded me into the person that I am today.

Reading now: I read the Bible on a daily basis. The only other book that I have been reading as of late is “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge.

Favorite book: Other than the Bible, “Quiet Strength” by Tony Dungy.

Favorite meal: Steak, baked potatoes and veggies. Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my girlfriend, friends and family.

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere there are mountains. Favorite place in the 501: Anywhere outdoors.

What you’ve loved about living in the 501: I’ve loved how this area is a very family-oriented and safe place. There are things to do in the city as well as outdoor activities. I have enjoyed meeting a lot of nice people and I am hoping to continue to be involved in this area.

Nathan Brown, a senior business education major, is the quarterback of the University of Central Arkansas Bears. In addition to setting numerous school records, he is considered one of the most prolific passers in school history. In 2007, he was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Safe Landing

LtoR:MarjoryCantrell,PatOttoandBryantOtto

Point out the framed photograph above her bed and it’s quick to bring a smile and a memory from Marjory Cantrell, a resident of Heritage Living Center in Conway.

The photo is of her grandsons, William and Bryant, sitting in an airplane. One might venture a guess that the boys were posing during a school field trip or family vacation, but not so – the airplane was built by their grandfather Dennis F. Cantrell, namesake of Cantrell Field, the municipal airport in Conway. The picture was taken at the airfield, a place where Cantrell family history runs deep.

“The airport was just our life,” Pat Otto, the Cantrells’ daughter and mother of the boys in the cherished photograph, remembered. Pat, the only child of Dennis and Marjory, said she was practically raised at the airport. So were her boys.

Long before his grandsons came along, Mr. Cantrell began his tenure at the airport in 1939, when the airfield was little more than a grass airstrip. For nearly half a century, the Cantrells worked at the airport every day. They developed

two modern runways and a well-equipped facility as well a plethora of memories.

Mr. Cantrell got his pilot’s license in 1931 and was an instructor. He was also licensed in maintenance, Pat said, explaining that her father’s focus at the airfield was maintenance, instruction, and airplane sales. In fact, Mr. Cantrell instructed Mrs. Cantrell, Pat, and the grandsons in receiving their pilot licenses.

A Cessna 120 was the first airplane the Cantrells owned, and it wasn’t until after Pat was born that Mrs. Cantrell took her first solo flight. Then, Mrs. Cantrell’s first cross country flight was in an Aeronca airplane. She flew to Memphis and landed at an airstrip by what is now known as Mud Island. Pat and her sons all took their solo flights at age 16. Like a father insisting a child

WilliamandBryantOtto

learn to drive a manual or “stick shift” car, Pat remembered her father insisting they all learn in a “tail dragger,” which she said requires a lot of control.

There was a lot of time for work and also play at Cantrell Field. “It was 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Mrs. Cantrell said.

“Mornings, after school, weekends ... I was always there,” Pat said, remembering that the family was one of the first in town to own a television. “Mom would cook supper in a little kitchen she had at the airport and friends would come over to watch TV. We entertained a lot and got to meet a lot of people ... and I got to go everywhere,” Pat smiled.

Even after retirement, the Cantrells tended their own hangar duties for several years. Mr. Cantrell passed away in 2002, leaving behind an honored legacy and reputation as well as many memories that the family will always cherish.

With a grin, Mrs. Cantrell also remembers her favorite part about flying, “The take-offs and landings.”

Though it’s not equipped with a runway or hangar – Mrs. Cantrell and her family agree that her new home, Heritage Living Center, has provided her yet another “safe landing.”

Here. Find