AY About You December 2022

BLet's ake!

Make 2022 Your Year for the

Hayley’s beautiful smile after Invisalign

Nutritious & Delicious

The Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing well-rounded and nutritious meals to our students. Part of ensuring that all of our students receive breakfast and lunch is making sure families know all of their options to pay for these meals.

Completing your application can help in many areas beyond just free or reduced price meals. These include:

• Increased funding for schools to ensure students received the support they need and deserve

• Discounts on fees associated with applying for college

• Discounts on fees associated with academic tests such as the ACT, SAT and Advanced Placement (AP)

• Discount on fees associated with participating in athletics programs in the district

• Increased technology funds to improve internet access, wireless and network services

• Receive discount on fees associated with some Pulaski County Community Education courses

PCSSD accepts Free and Reduced Lunch applications throughout the year. The application is available online at bit.ly/PCSSD_FRLApp. Once the application is received, a determination of eligibility will be made within 10 days. Until you receive a written notification letter from the Student Nutrition Department that your student is eligible for free or reduced prices meals, full payment must be made for each meal received. Notification from any other source, or any means other than written, is not valid.

“Families have a lot of stressors in their lives,” said Student Nutrition Director Regena English. “We want to eliminate the stress of trying to figure out what to pack for your kids lunch box or how to afford a school lunch. The dollar doesn’t quite go as far as it used to, but one thing that should not be in jeopardy is a student’s opportunity to get a healthy school meal. We are here to help you and we want to help you make sure your student is fueled to learn.”

A dozen PCSSD schools have qualified for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program for the 2022-2023 school year. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas that allows high poverty schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting free and reduced lunch applications. The participating schools this year include Cato Elementary, College Station Elementary, Crystal Hill Elementary, Daisy Bates Elementary, Harris Elementary, Joe T. Robinson Middle, Landmark Elementary, Lawson Elementary, Mills University Studies High, Mills Middle, Oak Grove Elementary, William Jefferson Clinton Elementary.

ABOUT PCSSD

Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.

PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Heather Baker hbaker@aymag.com

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Jessica Everson jeverson@aymag.com

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Dwain Hebda

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Kellie McAnulty kmcanulty@aymag.com

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Sarah Coleman scoleman@aymag.com

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Kilee Hall khall@aymag.com

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Joe David Rice, born in Paragould and reared in Jonesboro, probably knows Arkansas as well as anyone alive. The former owner of an outfitting business on the Buffalo National River and the state’s former tourism director, his "Arkansas Backstories" is published by the Butler Center.

Dwain Hebda is president of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths in Little Rock. A writer, editor and journalist of some 30 years, his work appears in more than 30 publications in four states. Nebraskan by birth, Southern by the grace of God, he and his wife, Darlene, have four grown children and two lovely dogs.

Kaitlin Barger is a Little Rock native who has been contributing to AY Magazine for nearly four years. She has an affinity for animals and serves as an officer on the board of directors for the Friends of the Animal Village. Kaitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Arkansas.

Julie Craig began her magazine career while living in New York City as an intern at Seventeen. With fashion and home design as her forte for the past 15 years, Julie is a blogger, writer and editor who has reported stories for Us Weekly and written about and photographed New York Fashion Week.

Nic Williams, an Arkansas native, is a practicing lawyer and contributor to AY Magazine. He has developed original recipes for more than half a decade and considers Ina Garten as his inspiration. Most importantly, he’s a proud doggy dad and is grateful for his supportive friends and family.

Becky Gillette, based in Eureka Springs, is a freelance writer/ photographer whose work has been published in about 50 magazines and in newspapers nationwide. Her articles have appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Organic Gardening, Utne Reader, E, The Environmental Magazine, Arkansas Medical News, BioScience and Stockman Grass Farmer.

Angela Forsyth lives in Northwest Arkansas.

Her articles have been published in AY About You, Arkansas Money and Politics, Food & Drink, Modern Home Builder, Manufacturing Today, Inside Healthcare, Retail Merchandiser and many more magazines. She’s a happy wife and mom to four kids and a dog.

Jason Pederson spent 20 years as KATV’s Seven On Your Side reporter. He is now Deputy Chief of Community Engagement for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

He and his wife, Mary Carol, have two bio logical children and one bonus son. They are long-time members of Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.

AY Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXIV, Issue 8 AY Magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) is published monthly by AY Media Group, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AY Magazine, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AY are copyrighted ©2021, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circum stances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY Please recycle this magazine.

Congrats Dr. Yee!

Named one of AY’s Best Women in Health Care

“I love Dr. Yee and her incredible staff! After getting back in the gym regularly, I still had some stubborn fat areas, so I did CoolSculpting at Dr. Yee’s office and love my results!”

- Heather Baker, President/Publisher AY Media Group

Dr. Suzanne Yee is one of the Natural State’s most accomplished cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Yee graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and was ranked 1st in her graduating class. She completed her surgery internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and her facial plastics and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Texas at Houston. Dr. Yee has been serving the state of Arkansas through her medical skills and fashion sensibilities at her cosmetic and laser surgery center since 2003. Congratulations to Dr. Suzanne Yee for being named AY About You’s Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Best Of 2022!

Merry Christmas!

This is the season I look forward to more than any other, every single year.

My friends and family will tell you I am one of “those” people who has her Christmas decorations completed the day after Halloween passes (and sometimes before). It’s festive. It’s faithful. It’s familial. And we love it.

Christmas means more to me each year, more than any other holiday. On a personal level, I have been through a lot the last few years, more than at any time in recent memory. But through it all, I am here. I am healthy, my family is healthy and this season, we are celebrating. I am most grateful this year for the little things that make me the happiest. Life is a fragile thing that we should not take for granted.

In parallel, it’s for all these reasons that this issue of AY About You is exceptionally special to us.

First, have you seen this cover? (Of course, you have, you’ve made it this far.) It’s a stunning mixture of cookies, candies and coconut cake, designed by our friend Sandy Bradley, for a collection bursting with Christmas spirit. For more home-related fun, read about ASU head football coach Butch Jones’ home, featured at Christmas as decorated by the amazing Tom Chandler & Associates.

And it wouldn’t be a holiday issue of AY without plenty of food to make you hungry. Our latest iteration of AY’s Arkansas Bucket List visits Edwards Food Giant, bringing you amazing goodies for the holiday season.

We also have some delicious recipes for you and yours to make at home, such as a gingerbread house featuring our “Friends” at Central Perk, plus goodies from Julie’s Sweet Shop, Dempsey Bakery and the most talented Patti Stobaugh from PattiCakes Bakery in Conway.

Also see our special section “Getting to Know,” AY’s Best of 2022, as we get ready to nominate AY’s Best of 2023 (watch for nominations, starting soon at aymag.com.) Then there are the gifts for which we brought back our annual 25 Days of Christmas Giveaway. Don’t forget to enter each day December 1-25, for your chance to win at aymag.com!

We know you’ll enjoy all of the above, because we all have to get our eating and shopping fix this time of year. But you should also be sure to make time to unwind and spend quality time with the ones you love. For that, we have extensive listings of upcoming holiday performances as well as a list of holiday light shows.

Above everything, may we all find a few moments this month to reflect on what the season is really all about. Friends. Family. Faith. It’s about us; it’s about Him.

As for me and my household, we are very blessed.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher

hbaker@aymag.com

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AYISABOUTYOU

FACES OF ARKANSAS: THE FACE OF STEAK, THE TAMALE FACTORY “Love the Tamale Factory”

Judy Southerland Maddox

LITTLE ROCK ZOO EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KARYN LANGLEY

“This is wonderful, Karyn!”

Becca Snider Tally

2022 INTRIGUING WOMEN, JOANNA WHITE

“Congratulations!!! You so deserve this!!!!”

Kelly Harnish Risner

JUSTIN MOORE TO ATTEND WORLD’S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

“It’s on a Friday and I’ve always wanted to go!”

Kala Belknap

HILTON BRANSON: THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GETAWAY “We stayed here some time back and the experience was wonderful.”

Lawana Whaley

LIVE CONCERT REVIEW: HIGHLY SUSPECT

“You nailed everything about the concert. We have got to see these guys as they have progressed, and they keep getting better and better. Really glad that The Hall is bringing some really great shows through Little Rock.”

Zoltan Lapicz

‘THE NUTCRACKER SPECTACULAR’ TO TAKE STAGE AT ROBINSON CENTER “Thank you, AY, for the write up! It’s going to be an incredible series of performances!"

Ballet Arkansas

It was a great opening night at Little Rock Zoo’s #GLOWILD! AY Magazine is a proud presenting sponsor.

Jalapeño poppers have become super popular over the past decade and the reason why is no secret. They’re quick and easy to make, and super tasty!

The University of Arkansas has announced actress and bestselling author Jennette McCurdy will be delivering a moderated Q&A at the Fayetteville Town Center on Dec. 5.

Justin Moore will be the celebrity grand marshal of the 20th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 98-foot Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs.

5Top

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE

Dec. 10

Reynolds Performance Hall - Conway

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanut characters will perform in Conway for one night only. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage is produced by Gershwin Entertainment and will feature the crew discovering the true meaning of Christmas.

GLOWILD!

Nov. 3 to Jan. 7

Little Rock Zoo — Little Rock

Back by popular demand, GloWILD has returned to the Little Rock Zoo with a brand-new light experience. The lantern festival is a partnership between the Little Rock Zoo and Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. With unbelievable animals and holiday lanterns, guests can enjoy one of the many fun-filled nights at the zoo.

MARTINA MCBRIDE: THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS TOUR 2022

Dec. 18

Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center - Fayetteville

Martina McBride will bring her Joy of Christmas Tour back to Fayetteville this year. With 30 years as a recording artist, and 12 years of The Joy of Christmas Tour, this is the perfect addition to your holiday plans.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA - THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE

Dec. 9

Simmons Bank Arena - North Little Rock

Enjoy the best sounds of Christmas this December at Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. The best of TSO will be performed just in time to celebrate the holiday season.

BALLET ARKANSAS’ NUTCRACKER SPECTACULAR

Dec. 9 to 11

Robinson Center - Little Rock

The largest, and longest-running holiday production in Arkansas, the Nutcracker Spectacular, will be performed several dates in Little Rock. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will play live music and the show promises exciting news and updates.

you just can't miss!

Check in to the hotel on Friday night.

Start with drinks and dinner at the OAK room & bar. Then, live music at Pop’s Lounge. Sleep in Saturday morning before heading to the track. Win some wagers, then hit the slots at the casino. This is our Oaklawn. What’s yours?

RACING / CASINO / HOTEL / SPA / EVENT CENTER / DINING / OAKLAWN.COM

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos By JAMISON MOSLEY

Howlidays Happy

Barb Jones, wife of Arkansas State University head football coach Butch Jones, had only one directive for Tom Chandler and his crew when it came to the family’s extensive Christmas decorations.

“She is a lovely lady. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her,” Chandler said. “Her only input was that we use the black and red,” de noting the ASU Red Wolves’ team colors.

Little more needed to be said for the project, as Chandler and his team of decorators were already well-acquainted with the layout and décor of the stylish home.

“We had done the Christmas decorating for the former owners of this home,” he said. “When the coach and his wife bought that house, they also bought the Christmas decorations.”

It’s a busy time for Chandler and his eight-person crew from Tom Chandler and Associates, based in Little Rock. In addition to completing interior design work in homes from coast to coast, this is the season of decorating for the holidays. Chandler and his troops will decorate some 75 homes in the weeks leading to Christmas, jobs that start before Halloween.

“We start Christmas on Oct. 27, and we work six or seven days a week until about Dec. 10th. I mean, we do Christmas,” Chandler said. “We only do Christmas in homes where we’ve done the design work. We sort of draw the line there. We need to have been involved with these owners before we’re asked to do Christmas.”

The Jones' project ranks as one of the larger homes on the list, but familiarity with the space as well as the experi ence of his team enables Chandler to pull off something amazing in a relatively short period of time.

“My team and I can do this in a day,” he said. “I have an amazing team. It’s a very long, demanding day, but most days at Chandler’s are about like that.”

The home’s dimensions are as large as the Joneses’ love for seasonal entertaining; in one memorable example from last year, the couple hosted the entire ASU football team for a holiday breakfast. As such, the Christmas décor must be on a grand scale, and under Chandler’s direction that’s exactly what’s delivered.

There are five Christmas trees in the home including a 12-footer in the foyer and a stunning 16-foot tree in the

family room. More than 150 feet of garland graces the staircase, and Chandler doesn’t pretend to know how many lights are used throughout the home.

“I wouldn’t venture a guess on how many strands of lights, but there would be dozens and dozens. Hundreds and hundreds of lights,” he said. “And we prefer just tiny white lights unless we’re doing something childlike. If there’s a childlike influence then we do colored lights.

“We also totally avoid lights that flash off and on. We actually find that offensive.”

The trees are just one part of what Chandler and his team call “floats,” central focal points that complete the holiday tableau in each room.

“We’ll take a huge cocktail table and then do something mammoth on it,” he said. “We take one piece of furniture in each of the primary spaces and do something significant. We’re definitely not into little Christmas stuff just sitting around. We want to make one strong state ment in each important room.”

The team’s creativity and skill are also evident in the way the decora tions reflect the mood and environment of the room itself, yet somehow

create an overall cohesiveness thanks to elements that weave their way throughout.

“The decorations are absolutely related to the room and to the level of formality or level of informality, the level of masculinity or feminin ity,” Chandler said. “We have two trees that are right off the kitchen, and they are much more relaxed than the foyer tree or the decorations in the dining room. It’s an absolute extension of the room.

“Consequently, none of these trees are alike except the one pair that we have in the sitting room right off of the kitchen. The others are

“It’s our goal to pick up on the taste and personality of the client.”

completely unalike.”

Chandler also prides himself on achieving spectacular results without making the homeowner invest in entirely new decorations every year.

“I mean, Christmas is Christmas,” he said. “We pride ourselves on using these quality Christmas decorations over and over and over again. We’re using ribbon that was $75 a roll 20 years ago, and we’re still using it. We really do like to work with what our clients already have.

“Each year we add something new but not much. It’s our goal to use what they have, and more often than not, we present it dif ferently each time. The same product may not be in the same room, or it’s presented in a new way. To this day, we’re known as the company who loves to take what people already have and do the most we can with it.”

Given his years in the interior design business, there’s not much to derail a project that Chandler hasn’t seen. Born in Jonesboro and educated at Oklahoma Baptist University, he went full time with his business 42 years ago, employing as many as 16 and currently eight. He also began teaching classes in interior design through the business 40 years ago, and to date, he’s passed along the finer points of the art form to some 12,000 students.

“I started out at $15 an hour, working out of the back of my car,” he said with a chuckle. “Our headquarters are in Little Rock on Cantrell, but we presently have jobs going from Montclair, New Jersey, to Lexington, Kentucky, to LaBelle, Florida. We’ve worked in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, New Orleans.

“My school is approved by the state board of private education, and we have a classroom at our corporate facilities in Little Rock.”

Over the years, Chandler has established a stellar reputation for im peccably tasteful interiors that stand the test of time. Team members work closely with architects and builders to review floor plans, a practice that provides the basis of their design process, sometimes offering sug gestions before the foundation is even poured.

“One thing that absolutely does set us apart is we work very hard at avoiding anything trendy,” Chandler said. “Lots of designers don’t think like that, but we make it a point to avoid anything we consider trendy.”

Chandler and Associates has also developed several operational tenets, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of client tastes and architectural designs. It’s as much a business pillar as design ethos, un changed from the company’s very earliest days and a big part of the firm’s continued success.

“The one thing that has never changed about Chandler’s is that we’re really good listeners, and we do not have a look,” he said. “It’s our goal to pick up on the taste and personality of the client and for the finished

product to be an extension of the client. We really don’t want it to look like a decorator has been there.

“We feel like that objectivity is one of our strong points, even to the degree that the client’s favorite color is our favorite color. We keep lots of jobs going all over the country, and being objective is one of the secrets of the success of this business.”

This corporate philosophy extends to the holiday decorating business where, not unlike paint colors or accent pieces, clients’ tastes and prefer ences vary widely. To Chandler, there’s no wrong time to decorate, as long as it is in step with the customer.

“We’ve done this so long and have so many clients. We do the same clients over and over that in some instances, I’ve worked for three generations,” Chandler said. “It’s always very interesting how some people just cannot wait for us to get there; they don’t care how early it is. There are also people who will absolutely not let us do Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

“There are also people who really don’t care when we come take it down and other people who are hysterical to have it down the day after Christmas.”

As for his own living space, Chandler said he decorates his home first every year, rather than waiting until the last minute. He said he consid ers it a mandatory bit of professionalism to have handled his own space before being welcomed into the homes of the clients who have grown into friends.

“My house is that house we do on Oct. 27,” he said. “I get that out of the way first. It’s a little hard to call somebody else and say we’ll be there Nov. 1 to decorate for Christmas if I can’t say my house is already decorated.”

Chandler also prides himself on achieving spectacular results without making the homeowner invest in entirely new decorations every year.

and

Arkansas Food Products Make Great GIFTS! J’eet Yet?

By DWAIN HEBDA

Stumped for what to give the person who has everything? Opt for consumables in the form of Arkansas food products. Whatever they love – sweet, salty, savory or sour – you’ll find it among Arkansas’s hand-crafted items. Here’s a sampling sure to please everyone on your list (and get an extra for yourself, too.)

FISCHER’S HONEY

In a world where consolidation and huge corporate interests dominate the food industry, it’s nice to know some local things are so good they’ve stood the test of time. Fisher’s Honey is one such product, delivering raw, unfiltered honey to Arkansas tables since 1935.

The largest and oldest honey processor in Arkansas, the North Little Rock brand originated when hobbyist beekeeper Raymond Fischer started extracting honey and bottling it in the family kitchen. Demand grew so quickly, the operation quickly outgrew Fischer’s kitchen, basement and garage into its own honey plant. Today, the family-owned 20,000-square-foot plant ships to customers all over the country.

More than just delicious, honey is a great alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Last January, CNBC. com reported honey beats sugar in that it contains trace amounts of essential nutrients, including minerals potassium, calcium, zinc and a whole hive of vitamins. Research has shown it to raise blood sugar more slowly, according to a 2018 study released by the National Library of Medicine.

In cooking, you can substitute an equal amount of honey for light corn syrup in many recipes, per testsquiz. com. Fischer’ raw honey is also a fabulous sugar substitute in frostings, baked goods, jams and jellies.

fischerhoney.com

For the best in fresh-baked bread, it’s hard to top Neighbor’s Mill Bakery and Café. The passion project of Mike and Karin Nabors, the company offers a variety of delicious made-from-scratch American Hearth breads, more than 25 varieties in all. Each loaf is lovingly created from wheat berries and other grains ground in a 100-yearold gristmill.

There’s a Neighbor’s Mill bread variety to fit every taste in your family from the sweet (raisin cinnamon, cranberry orange, apple cinnamon almond, cranberry pecan and a host of dessert breads) to the savory (asiago and cracked black pepper, garlic triple cheese and tomato herb and cheese). As well, find dinner rolls, baguettes, challah, whole wheat and 9-seed Neighbor’s Best, the company’s top seller.

The company’s products can be shipped coast to coast, or you can opt for a gift certificate in any amount and let friends and family choose their favorites. In fact, why not meet them in person for a post-holiday get-together to enjoy the café’s delicious soups, salads and deli sandwiches using house-made bread.

Neighbor’s Mill Bakery and Café operates two locations; the original, opened in 2000 in Harrison, was joined in 2016 by a second location in Springfield, Missouri.

neighborsmill.com

The secret to a good cocktail, like that of a good relationship, starts with chemistry. Pink House Alchemy’s founder Emily Lawson innately understood the interplay of flavors while growing up, a knack she perfected during her training as a chef.

Since founding Pink House Alchemy, she and her band of mad flavor scientists have de veloped a line of syrups, bitters and shrubs that bring life to cooking, baking and libations.

Got a coffee snob or budding baker in your family? Give them Pink House Alchemy’s hazelnut, pumpkin butternut spice, seasonal winter mint or one of the company’s other syrups.

Or, treat the mixologist in your life to craft bitters such as the smoldered, which brightens up bourbon and rum; the sarsaparilla for the perfect Old Fashioned; and the do-everything house variety no home bar should be without. For something completely different, give a bottle of the company’s shrub, a mixer derived from vinegar, water, sugar and fruit. (Ask your Nana; she might know it as drinking vinegar).

Pink House Alchemy products are made from the finest ingredients, blended under Lawson’s critical eye. If you want to know what true love tastes like, here it is. pinkhousealchemy.com

FELTNER’S SAUCE

Among Arkansas-bred burger dynasties, few have a more loyal following than the Feltner family. Whether you crammed for your Arkansas Tech chem exam over a basket of Feltner’s fries or enjoyed the much-awarded place in Fayetteville lately, the restaurant’s fare is the stuff of legend.

For the uninitiated, here’s the burger family tree: Bob Feltner founded the original loca tion in Russellville in 1967, a stone’s throw away from the campus of Arkansas Tech Uni versity. The institution has won more awards than it can count, including induction into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame in 2021.

In 2009, Bob’s grandsons Travis, Chase, and Grant Feltner, who are brothers, opened Felt ner Brothers in Fayetteville to carry on the family legacy, topping multiple best burger polls along the way.

A trip to either restaurant is more than just mere nostalgia, as the friendly staff treats each and every customer like an honored guest. It’s the perfect place to take a colleague from work or the family during the holidays.

But if you can’t bring the herd to Feltner’s, send a little taste of Felter’s to the family with a bottle of their famous sauce. The versatile stuff goes with just about everything – including memories of home.

feltnerbrothers.com

MONK SAUCE & ABBEY BRITTLE

Theres’s no reason why Subiaco Abbey should be in Arkansas, except that it is. The stately Benedictine monastery, perched on top of a hill in Logan County, is sentinel to the ver dant pastures and farmland below. Visitors are taken with the peacefulness of the place and the warmth of welcome by the monks who, as St. Benedict himself decreed, live, pray and work there.

The abbey supports itself through various handiworks, including its habanero hot sauces and legendary peanut brittle, both of which have been in production for decades.

Monk Sauce comes in three fiery varieties, original, verde and smoked. Don’t ask for the mild version, it doesn’t exist, just the full-strength elixir made from habanero peppers grown on the grounds. As flavorful as it is intensely hot, Monk Sauce will delight any spicy food fan who finds a bottle in their stocking or under the tree.

If their taste buds aren’t quite up to the scorching sauce level, give a bucket of Abbey Brittle. The monks follow a closely guarded secret recipe for the candy, but this much is known, the amount of peanuts used far outpaces most other craft versions. One taste and you’ll never go back to commercial peanut brittle. countrymonks.biz

McCLARD’S BAR-B-Q

It’shard to pin down just one barbecue joint to represent the entire state, but McClard’s of Hot Springs comes mighty close. The restaurant is a destination spot for all things low and slow, attracting smoked meat pil grims from across Arkansas and from every corner of the United States.

Like every great eatery, McClard’s features a great backstory. Born in 1928 as part of a tourist court, gas station and diner outfit run by Alex and Alice McClard, the restaurant might never have reached its iconic status had it not been for a down-on-his luck traveler. Unable to pay his tab, the stranger offered instead a secret recipe for what he called “the world’s greatest hot sauce.” They accepted the offer, tweaked the recipe, and a leg end was born.

The sauce hit so big, the diner soon outpaced the other business ven tures and began a barbecue legacy that would stretch for four generations of the McClard family to follow. And while it’s unlikely most hobby chefs on your list can duplicate the McClard’s experience, you can still give a classic taste of the Spa City with the world-famous sauce and rub that started it all.

mcclards.com

ONYX COFFEE

If your mood and productivity revolves around a great cup of java – or that’s true for someone on your list – you need to look into Onyx Coffee. Whether you’re a coffee roast expert or just know what you like, there’s something for every taste in this catalog.

Onyx takes ownership of every step of its product’s life cycle, from traveling to coffee-grow ing countries to selecting the best beans to roasting and cupping at the company’s headquarters to ensure the perfect pour, every time.

The company also operates with a conscience. It roasts and ships from its solar-powered production facility and provides pricing and trade data with every package, allowing the con sumer to buy with confidence.

The result is a variety of splendid blends – try the Southern Weather, a brew appealing to a wide range of palates, or the Monarch, a sumptuous blend offering notes of dried berries and dark chocolate. For the more sophisticated palate, browse the company’s line of single-origin coffees, each of which tells a story of the place from where it came and the culture of the people who brought it to you. This holiday season, give them the world in a cup with Onyx Coffee. onyxcoffeelab.com

Looking for the perfect gift for the gourmet in your life? Why not show your good taste with something good-tasting from Fresh Harvest? This Northwest Arkansas purveyor of ultra-premium olive oils, balsamics and specialty groceries is a chef’s delight, chock full of gift ideas for cooks of all ages and abilities.

Headlining the store’s products is its line of extra virgin-olive oils. Olives are pur chased through partner growing operations around the world, crushed mere hours after being harvested, then cold-pressed using proprietary techniques. The resulting olive oils are unsurpassed in flavor and rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

For the past decade, Fresh Harvest has been a gourmet outpost for sophisticated ingredients, through which founders Troy Johnson and Steve Ketchersid educate their clientele about the healthful benefits of their products versus the big brands. Its extensive inventory of fused and unfused olive oils ensures you’ll find the right gift in the right flavor profile – spicy, sweet, savory or pure and clean.

Can’t decide? Choose from one of Fresh Harvest’s ready-made gift packs, the perfect remembrance for family, friends or business associates. The fine quality and amazing versatility of these products are sure to please everyone on your list.

freshharvest.co

JANIS & MELANIE

Throughout its history, Janis & Melanie has lived a mission to bring sophisticated, whole some snack foods to the marketplace. Now, almost 40 years after its founding, the Little Rock company’s products are a staple in pantries throughout Arkansas and the centerpiece of family gatherings, special occasions and ordinary evenings in.

If you’ve never tried cheese straws, you’re missing a true Soutern delicacy. The decadent snack was one of Janis & Melanie’s first big sellers and remains at the forefront of the com pany’s product line today. Now available in four flavors, their version is considered by many to be the standard against which all other cheese straws are measured.

The rest of the product line centers around cookies, ranging from soul-pleasing, softbaked varieties to tea cookies, traditional cookies and biscuits just like Mom used to make. There’s even a seasonal collection that captures the flavors of the holidays.

Janis & Melanie can be found in better retailers and specialty stores throughout Arkan sas, but for that extra-special someone, visit the company website and peruse the company’s line of gift boxes. You’re sure to find the perfect combination of savory and sweet as you give a true taste of Arkansas this year.

janis-melanie.com

MOONLIGHT MIXES

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most satisfying.

Walks by the lake, summer breezes and drives through neigh borhoods decorated for Christmas can all refresh us in ways that are surprisingly powerful.

The same can be said for gift-giving; whoever said the holidays had to be expensive or complicated never tried Moonlight Mixes. Easy to give and always eagerly appreciated, the company’s prod ucts take a lot of the work out of holiday giving.

Moonlight’s famous Wicked Mixes combine bold flavors and satisfying crunch, sure to be a hit among work colleagues, dirty Santa parties or for anyone who enjoys a great snack. Available in spicy original, sweet-salty-spicy, chocolate-laced or smoldering chipotle, these snacks are always in season.

Check out the line of Wicked Minis, seasoned oyster crackers available in four tempting flavors – garlic Parmesan, garden dill, crushed red pepper and jalapeño cheddar. These crunchy bits liven up soups and salads or are great eaten straight out of the bag.

With online ordering and corporate gift options, Moonlight Mixes makes gifting easy, so why overthink it? Take care of everyone on your list and hold back a couple of bags for yourself, because no one’s been better than you this year.

moonlightmixes.com

Blue Cake Company Little Rock

Boulevard Bread Co. Little Rock

Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkey & Hams Little Rock, Lewisville

Butcher Boys Meat Market & Deli Van Buren

Catering to You Little Rock

Community Bakery Little Rock

Creative Kitchen Fort Smith

Diane’s Gourmet & Gifts Little Rock

Edward’s Food Giant Brinkley, Bryant, Little Rock

European Gournet of NWA Rogers

Gina’s Catering Benton

Good Eatin’ Arkansas Little Rock

Gourmet Market Fort SmithThe Shops at Brickcity Fort Smith

HAM Market Little Rock

Heights Corner Market Little Rock

Heritage Catering Little Rock

Honey Baked Ham Company Little Rock, North Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Jonesboro

Make A Meal Conway

McClard’s DownHome & Catering Little Rock

Meals for Moms Jonesboro

Olde Crow General Store Benton

Ozark Natural Foods Fayetteville

PattiCakes Bakery Conway

Petit Jean Meats Morrilton

Rabbit Ridge Farms Bee Branch

Richard’s Country Meat Market, Inc. Fayetteville

Rick’s Bakery Fayetteville, Rogers

RX Catering Little Rock

Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe Springdale

Simply Divine Catering Rogers

Southern Food Co. Fayetteville

The Humble Crumb Bakery Sherwood

The Savory Pantry Hot Springs

Two Sisters Catering and Café Sherwood

Vibrant Occasions Catering Benton

Weldon’s Meat Market Hot Springs

Face Behind the Place: EDWARDS FOOD GIANT

all in the FAMILY

By JOHN CALLAHAN & DWAIN HEBDA // Photos By DeWaine Duncan

Every company will, in some form or fashion, face competition, hard times and bad breaks, especially in the brutally competitive grocery business. Steve Edwards, president of GES Inc., knows this fact better than most. His grocery company, which consists of eight Edwards Food Giant and five Edwards Cash Saver locations across central and eastern Arkansas, has occupied the bulk of Edwards’ working life, during which he’s seen a little bit of all that and then some.

There’s a great deal of pride in Edwards’ voice when he talks about the company and the three generations of the Edwards family – plus the many employees he regards as such – who have helped build it and continue to do so today. Especially, he says, when he thinks about what it took to get here.

“When we come to a store,” he said, “we bring shopping carts in off the lot, or we pick up trash, or if there’s a mess we’ll pick up a mop. None of us are too good to jump in. I think that’s part of the deal with our employees; when they see key people doing the job we’re asking them to do, they feel like they’re part of the family. It’s their store.”

It’s this kind of all-for-one, sweat-the-details attitude that has enabled the company to grow from a small clutch of stores to its continued expansion within The Natural State. Whether you know it as Food Giant, as do eastern Arkan sans, or Edwards, more the norm in central Arkansas, the company’s story is one of sur vival through smart marketing and growing into modern conveniences all while paying attention to certain inviolate fundamentals.

“The thing that runs through all of us is that we love what we’re doing,” said Gary Proffitt, vice president of operations. “There’s nothing more rewarding, especially when opening a store. For me, that’s the reward for the everyday work and logistics.”

The story begins with Steve’s father, Oral Edwards, who entered the grocery business as assistant manager of a store in Tennessee in 1959 and who within three years got the chance to become part owner of Liberty Su permarket in Forrest City. Expansion quick ly followed as Oral and his partners opened several more stores, consolidated under the GES umbrella in 1968.

At its peak, AES numbered 16 loca tions in Arkansas and Mississippi, built on

“The thing that runs through all of us is that we love what we’re doing.”

Edwards leadership includes left to right Steve Edwards, Jr., Paul Rowton, Gary Proffitt, Steve Edwards.

At the heart of store operations - from produce to bakery to meats and more - are the company’s helpful employees, many of whom have decades of grocery and customer service experience.

Oral’s twin priorities of exceptional customer service and family ownership, both of which have continued to this day. The organizational chart that resembles a family tree: in addition to Steve, who started as a store manager in 1975 after graduating from Arkan sas State University, his wife, Laura, is also involved with the company, as is his son, Steve Jr. and son-inlaw Paul Rowton, executive vice president and CFO.

And while he’s not bound by blood or marriage, Proffitt is as widely regarded as a member of the fam ily, as he is a key component of the company’s success. This continuity of leadership keeps the principles of the business intact down from Oral himself, who died in 2017.

“Growing up around [Oral] was the best job training I could have had, because I saw how he in teracted with people,” said Steve Jr. “Even after he passed away, you could walk into a store and see people that knew him and hear stories. Even though he’s not here, his presence is still felt. I still feel like I’m learning from him every day.”

The company’s formula, while resolute, is not the only thing that has spurred its growth, or even brought about its survival. Intense competitive pressure took its toll through the years, as colossal super centers and online shopping steadily cut into the company’s bottom line, starting in the 1980s. The next couple of decades brought store closures and looming questions about the chain’s future until shifts in the market provided a lifeline.

“The thing we credit with our survival was that some of our largest competitors decided in 2000 to get out of the meat-cutting business,” Steve said. “They took out all of their saws, their slicers and everything that they sold in their stores was processed somewhere else.

“I had been down in Florida and saw how Winn-Dixie branded themselves as ‘The Beef People.’ I came back, we talked about it, and we decided that we would brand ourselves ‘The Meat People.’”

It was a bold stroke of genius. Suddenly, the difference between the company’s stores and the competition was clear as day, spelled out in 10-foot letters on the front of each location and proven daily behind the meat counter where hand-cut steaks, fresh-ground beef, made-in-house sausages and master butcher-level expertise was there for the asking.

And while it may have been the meat that brought people in, once there customers delighted in the friendly and helpful attitude of em ployees, a once-ubiquitous feature of main street independent grocers that seemed to have faded from other chains. Oral’s preachings were proving truer than ever.

“Papa always said, ‘We’re in the people business,’” said Rowton, refer ring to Oral’s nickname. “We sell groceries as a commodity, but we want to do everything we can to take care of our people, whether that’s our customers, who have been very loyal to us over the years, or our team members, who are really, in essence, a part of our family.”

The two audiences are not mutually exclusive, as long-tenured em ployees demonstrate the levels of expertise and refined customer-service

As The Meat People tag slowly turned the company’s fortunes, lead ership seized upon another opportunity presented by the bankruptcy of Affiliated Foods Southwest in 2009. This put a number of former Harvest Foods locations up for sale and gave GES a major pathway to expansion into the Little Rock market for the first time.

“It was an exciting time but an uncertain time,” said Rowton, who cut his teeth with Hershey Foods prior to joining the company. “We weren’t really sure what we were getting into by spreading the company to the central part of the state.”

The gambit worked, and bringing the newly-coined Edwards Food Giant into central Arkansas was successful enough to fuel additional expansion.

“We’ve pretty much either opened a store or remodeled a store every year since 2009,” Steve said. “We’re working right now on number 14 and 15 in Little Rock and North Little Rock, so we’re about to get back to the quantity of the old days, but with stores that are a lot bigger, nicer and more sophisticated.”

Part of that sophistication lies in retail technology, an area of op erations managed by Steve Jr., who graduated from the University of Arkansas and came aboard in 2018, just as the company rolled out its online shopping platform. Introduced in response to customer requests, and to keep up with the Joneses, the system proved invaluable just two years later with the onset of the pandemic.

Covid-19 showed the mettle of the leadership team in other ways, namely foresight and skill regarding inventory logistics. Steve is quick to credit Proffitt for his quick-thinking and leadership, attributes honed over a lifetime in the grocery business. Proffitt’s instincts at the first sign of shortages moved him to action, leveraging suppliers and ordering products by the semi-load to keep shelves stocked. When other grocery

skills that help solidify customer loyalty. In this regard, the company is well-stocked: Bob Childers, former director of meat operations, retired in 2020 after 53 years with the company. Several other employees have retired after more than 40 years, and many still remain at the company with upwards of 30 years of service.

outlets ran dry, customers could usually find what they were looking for in quantity at Edwards Food Giant.

“I think they’re trying to get rid of me,” Steve joked with genuine pride. “Every time I get ready to do something that I’ve always done for years, someone else has already done it. Either I’m too slow or they’re better at it than I am.”

Leadership also credited the company’s longstanding strategy of investing individual store managers with the authority to make decisions as a key reason for coming through the pandemic, as well as meet ing smaller day-to-day challenges. Rather than waiting for orders from above, store managers are given the flexibility to think on their feet and do what they feel needs to be done for their store, from handling person nel to procuring products for sale.

“We give a lot of autonomy to our people, especially at the manager level, and I feel like that’s reward ing and exciting for them,” Steve Jr. said. “Nowadays, you hear about how other places are kind of ruled from the offices, and the orders are pushed down to people at the store level.

“When I came to the company I thought it was really cool that each manager had the ability to run their store themselves. Of course we all work together and can push ideas down, but at the end of the day each manager isn’t just parroting orders from someone above them.”

Today, Edwards Food Giant has the kind of problems that come from expansion, and those are good one to have. There are more jobs and career opportunity than ever with the company, which means hiring

is a daily priority. Retail is notorious for turnover, especially at the entry level, so management goes out of its way to show its appreciation to workers from boosting holiday pay to developing internal candidates for advancement, promoting from within whenever feasible.

The company has been equally supportive of causes in the commu nities where they do business. This commitment has gained national attention, and in 2021, the company was recognized with the Lou Fox Community Service Award, presented by Associated Wholesale Grocers, in recog nition of outstanding leadership and dedi cation to the community.

Throughout all of the ups and downs, changes and advancements, the soul of company remains intact, as one glance into Rowton’s office illustrates. There, a photograph of his two sons, decked out in Edwards Food Giant aprons, provides a foreshadowing of what the family hopes and expects is to come. As Steve points out, there are about 20 years between him self and Rowton, about 20 more between Rowton and Steve Jr., and perhaps anoth er 20 years between Steve Jr. and the lads, a symmetry that’s impossible to ignore.

And while Steve Jr. knows how heavy those expectations can be, he’s also im bued with the spirit of his grandfather, shouldering his corporate responsibilities as part of the family legacy.

“You don’t get up, sit in an office, and leave at 5,” he said of the job. “One day you may be in a store, one day you may be in the office, one day you may be on a construction site. There’s something new every day, something new every hour. It’s fun, it’s rewarding and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

“We sell groceries as a commodity, but we want to do everything we can to take care of our people, whether that’s our customers, who have been very loyal to us over the years, or our team members, who are really, in essence, a part of our family.”

NOW BRING US SOME FIGGY PUDDING

The holidays bring out the best in everything, be it twinkling lights and decorations, the warm laughter of family and friends or the magnificent spread on our buffets and dining room tables. For many, the crowning achievement of holiday fare are sweet treats and the time-honored array of cookies, cakes and pies of all descriptions.

AY talked to five notable Central Arkansas bakers about how they mastered the fine art of the oven. We even talked them out of a recipe or two, to add to your own party or family feast.

By DWAIN HEBDA

Sandy BRADLEY

Sherwood

The yeasts of Sandy Bradley’s lifelong passion for baking are many. There’s the Easy Bake Oven she got at age 4, with which she’d piddle through trying to make corn bread. There’s the first time she made dessert solo at Sunday dinner, a true rite of passage for any cook in her family. Even covid provided opportunities for Bradley to step up her game in the kitchen.

“During the pandemic something came up on Facebook, a cooking contest called The Greatest Baker,” she said. “Some body sent it to me and said hey, you need to enter this. So, I entered and I’ll be doggoned if I didn’t win it. It was out of like 20,000 people; it was international. How this happened, I have no idea, but I won.”

Photo by Heather Baker.

With those kinds of chops, it’s somewhat surprising Brandley not only doesn’t bake for a living, she also doesn’t accept money for the treats she bakes in her home kitchen, or for cooking and baking advice she hands out to all comers. And there have been lots of such re quests through the years.

“In my younger days, I was the only one in my friend group who could cook, I was the go-to,” she said. “It was, ‘Let’s get Sandy to figure this out from start to finish,’ or ‘We love her cheesecake, so let’s make sure she brings the dessert or is in charge of what we’re eating.’ That’s always been my deal with all my friends, for the most part.

“During the pandemic, I would get a lot of calls in the evening or on weekends from people wanting advice. I’m the recipe therapist, I guess. It’s fun.”

A native of Valley View in northeast Arkansas, there’s almost nothing Bradley hasn’t tackled suc cessfully in the kitchen. But even with this vast resume, one concoction stands, icing and layers, above the rest.

“Carrot cake, and I never give the recipe out because I change it,” she said. “It’s in my head on how to do it. It’s a three-day process that gives that cake time to prepare and age, or as I say, ripen.

“One of my best friends has a birthday on Christmas Eve and they’ve already said, ‘You’re bringing the carrot cake, right?’ I said, ‘I don’t even know why you ask. I’ve done it for the last ten years. I don’t know why you even think I wouldn’t.’”

HOLIDAY COCONUT CAKE

Cake Batter

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ¾ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coconut extract

5 egg whites, room temperature

¾ cup buttermilk

2 ½ cups cake flour, sifted

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Filling

1 cup sour cream

1 cup granulated sugar

6 ounces frozen fresh coconut, thawed

1 teaspoon coconut extract

Frosting

½ cup reserved filling mix

8 ounces frozen extra creamy whipped topping, thawed

2 cups shredded, sweetened coconut

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat butter, sugar, vanilla and coconut extracts for 2-3 minutes on medium speed, scraping sides of the bowl as needed. Add egg whites and buttermilk and mix until combined. Slowly add in flour, baking powder and salt; mix on low speed until well blended.

Spray 2 eight-inch cake pans with baking spray. Pour equal amounts of bat ter into each pan. Bake for 26-28 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before removing cake layers to wire rack to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl combine sour cream, sugar, thawed coconut and coconut extract. Mix well. Cover and place in refrigerator until ready to assemble the cake/make frosting.

To assemble cake, split each layer into two for a total of 4 cake layers. Reserve ½ cup of filling to be used in frosting. Place one layer onto cake plate and scoop ½ cup of remaining filling into the center of cake layer. Spread carefully to edges. Repeat process. Do not spread filling on cake top.

In a medium bowl, fold whipped topping and ½ cup filling mixture. Frost top and sides of cake. Sprinkle shredded coconut over top and gently press into sides.

Cook’s note: This cake is excellent to make ahead during the busy holiday season. I recommend you store in refrigerator for 2 to 3 days to allow flavors to blend before serving.

Optional garnish: frosted cranberries and rosemary.

Sandy Bradley. Photo courtesy of The Greatest Baker.

Jason PALERMO

Cinnamon Crème Bakery, Little Rock

Cinnamon Crème Bakery’s online presence may look new school – deliciously so, as a matter of fact – but as Jason Palermo insists, there’s old-school skill going into every Instagram-ready creation.

“We bake everything fresh here,” he said. “It might sound cliché, but there’s a lot of people who come in for the first time and say, ‘Oh, I baked this with my grandma when I was a kid.’ Or they find something they haven’t been able to find anywhere for years and they’re excited.”

Palermo is the store’s general manager and while that might lead you to believe he’s more about bean-counting than eggcracking, once again, first impressions are misleading. Palermo’s magic touch in the kitchen finds its way into the store’s cin namon rolls and cookies, two of Cinnamon Crème’s top sellers, and it’s not by accident.

“I’ve grown up around food my whole life,” he said. “My maternal grandfather came from a long line of chefs and his wife was the best cook out of all her sisters. My dad is an amazing cook as well, so’s my mom. It was good to be me when I was a kid.

“I don’t have formal training, I just learned from them. I’m pretty good with my hands and I can usually pick up things and figure them out. I enjoy making cinnamon rolls and just kind of ran with that. I developed my own process for doing them that makes them come out great every time.”

Palermo is right at home with Cinnamon Crème, which boats a much longer lineage than the five-year-old bakery might have you think. The roots of the business stretch back 25 years to the family bak ery in Star City, which has infused the bustling Little Rock location with an old-school work ethic, not to mention offering baked goods that many newfangled bakeries don’t carry anymore, such as loaf cakes, pastries from cinnamon rolls to fruit rolls, donuts, fritters, kobasneks,

cookies, cakes, pies and other treats.

The variety and demand for goods keeps the 10-member staff jumping year around, but especially during the holiday season.

“When the family gathers, it’s a time to celebrate,” he said. “One of the things that goes along with celebration is great food. You have a great time catching up with folks and there’s a sense of joy that accompanies that. Desserts, not to be cliché, are the icing on the cake.”

GRANDMOTHER’S

CHERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE

By Truman Cooper

1 prepared graham cracker crust

1 (14 oz ) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 can cherry pie filling

In medium mixing bowl, combine sweetened con densed milk and cream cheese with an electric until smooth. Add lemon juice and combine. Pour in pre pared pie crust and top with cherry pie filling. Chill until ready to serve. Yield: 6-8 servings

Photos By JASON BURT

L to R: Olivia, Crystal, Truman, Celeste, Cooper

Patti STOBAUGH

PattiCakes, Conway

As one of the most famous of Central Arkansas bakers –and founder of PattiCakes of Conway – Patti Stobaugh has earned the right, if not the ability, to slow down. Her seemingly insatiable work ethic ensures that, something she gained from Emma Gutschow, her maternal grandmother.

“In my formative years I spent a whole lot of time with my grandmother,” Stobaugh says. “I was the youngest of the grand children at that point. She had the patience of Job.”

Under Gutschow’s supervision, Stobaugh learned the fine art of baking along with a few tricks of the trade, some of which are still with her to this day.

“My grandmother was not a trained baker or cook or any thing, she just came from a long line of people who knew how to do it,” Patti said. “I think it was probably from living through the Depression and do I have what I need? More than likely, it was ‘Let’s lay out what we do have and see what we can make with it.’ She was really good at that.’”

Stobaugh started out in a different element of food service –her husband is the man behind Stoby’s in Russellville and Con way – and it was at the Russellville location one morning that her future came calling.

“I’m looking out across the parking lot and there was, I wouldn’t even have called it a bakery, just a cake shop,” she said. “I saw the gal who owned it putting out a sign that says ‘Closing. Everything will be auctioned on Monday.’ So, I trotted myself over there, we talked money and shook on it.

“I called my husband and said, ‘You know what? I made this deal.’ And he was not thrilled about me opening a bakery initially, because he knew how hard the food service business is. Now, he’s my biggest supporter.”

Since then, PattiCakes has grown into a cornerstone of the Conway bakery community, a market that’s proliferated substantially. Despite being competitors, she’s a close friend to most of those who’ve followed in her entrepreneurial footsteps.

“Locally, there’s seven us who either have or still own bakeries,” she said. “We call ourselves a cake support group, or our wine and whine group, where we drink wine and whine about things. We get together once every other month because I’m really big on collaborating with other people. In

BLUEBERRY CREAM

PIE

By Patti Stobaugh of PattiCakes Bakery in Conway

1 unbaked pie shell Cream together: ½ cup sour cream 4 oz cream cheese ¾ cup sugar

Once smooth & fluffy, add: 1 egg 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon salt

Mix well & then stir in 1 pint of fresh blueberries. Pour mixture into the unbaked pie shell. Bake in 350° oven for 25 minutes.

While pie is baking, mix together with fork until crumbly: 6 tablespoons flour 6 tablespoons granola (or a crushed up granola bar) 4 tablespoons butter, salted Crumble over baked pie. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Cool before serving. Refrigerate.

Photos By JASON BURT

Paula DEMPSEY

Dempsey Bakery, Little Rock

Being the successful pioneer in an industry often means copycats and imitators are sure to follow. But in the case of Dempsey Bakery, an 11-year-old Little Rock company that deals strictly in baked goods for people with food allergies, the opposite has been true.

“It is still amazing how few bakeries like ours are out there,” she said. “We ship to Houston, and we ship to Dallas; there’s no one in Oklahoma that we know of. At least, the customers we ship to say there’s not.”

Paula knows the struggle firsthand as it was out of an unsuccessful hunt for birthday cake safe for her children and grandchildren with allergies that inspired her to start the bakery. Today, the company sup plies food service vendors that distribute her goods to restaurants, as well as baking for walk-in and online clients.

“The main change has been, we have expanded our repertoire,” he said. “When we started, we had maybe 15 products and now we prob ably have 30 or 40.”

In addition to the sweet stuff, most of which you couldn’t tell by taste from run-of-the-mill bakery fare, the company has also expanded into other packaged foods.

“We have a few meals, like lasagna and ready-made pizzas, which we do here in the bakery,” she said. “We even do dressing for the holidays.”

Dempsey employs an array of specialty flours, such as those from rice, beans or potatoes. Getting her hands on raw materials was one of the tougher things about the covid pandemic to work around.

“We were buying our flours from a wholesaler, and most of them came from Bob’s Red Mill,” she said. “They quit carrying several of our flours in bulk altogether, so we had to find a mill that was allergen-friendly of which there’s only two that we could find in the United States.”

Dempsey started baking with her grandmother from whom she gained baking knowledge and a particular attachment to cookies.

“We would paint these cookies and I was never very good at it,” she said. “And she wasn’t really very good at it, either, but we loved the iced

GLUTEN FREE ICED COOKIES

¾ lb butter or shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

3 cups rice flour

1 tsp vanilla or lemon extract

Mix all ingredients well, place in fridge for 30 minutes or so and then roll and cut out. Bake at 350° for approximately 12 minutes or until slightly brown on bottom.

Frosting

1/3 cup soft butter

3 cups powdered sugar

1 ½ tsp vanilla

2 tbsp milk

Blend butter and sugar, stir in vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth.

Photos By JASON BURT

cookies. That’s a big memory for me, growing up with the cookies and being with my grandmother to do it. So, when we started the bakery that was still one of the most important things to me. I want to have beautiful cookies here all the time.”

Julie GOODKNIGHT

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery, Conway

Many accomplished bakers started out at the elbow of their parents or grandparents, but Julie Goodknight ups such influences a notch. Goodknight, owner of Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery in Conway, not only grew up under great bakers, but is the third generation in her family to make a living at it.

“I call myself a bakery girl,” she said. “My grandmother, Mar gie Bradley, started working at [Little Rock’s] Koehler’s Bakery at a young age; she mixed the icing colors and was more into the deco rating. My dad, Ed, went to work for Koehler’s when he was 16 and learned the trade, then he came to Conway. He worked at Simon’s Bakery and then he opened Ed’s Bakery when I was 17.”

While it was probably inevitable that Goodknight would pick up the finer points of baking and decorating, other lessons were just as, if not more valuable.

“I learned the art of the customer relationship first,” she said. “I got so much advice from my dad concerning customers and how important it is to take care of people.”

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery opened in 2013 and has since grown to a full stable of regulars who come to the store for a favorite treat or special occasion.

“Our best-selling cake is our regular vanilla cake,” she said. “We make 11 or 12 different cake flavors, but everybody loves vanilla.”

Asked what baking advice from her grandmother or father she still uses to this day, Goodknight said even the most complicated delicacy comes down to very simple components.

“First of all, use only the best ingredients,” she said. “Second, follow instruc tions. I’ve been known not to measure accurately; I’ve always been one to do my own thing and come up with different concoctions. But for beginners, read your recipe and fol low it.”

Nowhere is the love for Julie’s Sweet Shoppe more con spicuous than dur ing the store’s annual Veteran’s Day cele bration, which packs the place from all over. The tables full of old sailors and old soldiers found here any day of the week also hints at how the bakery is seen as sec ond home to many.

“I’ve lost all of my World War II veterans, now we’re down to our guys from Vietnam,” Julie said. “They look out for us and some of them don’t have any family in town, so we try to look out for them, too.”

NO BAKE COOKIES

1 pound butter 8 cups sugar ½ cups cocoa 4 cups peanut butter (2.2 lbs)

4 T vanilla (4 capfuls) 12 cups of oats (2.5 liters)

Bring butter, sugar, milk and cocoa to boil for 1 ½ minutes and remove. Immediately add peanut butter and vanilla and stir until pea nut butter is dissolved. Add oats and stir in. Scoop onto pans.

HELLO DOLLIES SQUARES/ MAGIC COOKIE BARS

½ sheet pan lined with parchment paper

1 pound butter, melted 5 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 cans sweetened condensed milk

1 ½ cups chocolate chips

1 cup butterscotch chips ½ cup shredded coconut ½ cup pecans

Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted but ter and press onto pan. Pour ½ an of sweet ened condensed milk onto crust.

Combine chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut and pecans into a bowl. Then pour mixture onto the crust. Pour the remaining 1 ½ cans of sweetened condensed milk on top of the mixture. Bake on middle rack at 300° for 8 minutes. Rotate and bake for another 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Photos By JASON BURT

recipes

You will need

Though this recipe contains fruit, it’s not your typical fruitcake. It’s a gingerbread cake that tastes just like Christmas! It can be served as a holiday dessert or even breakfast.

Apple Gingerbread Cake

INGREDIENTS

Nonstick cooking spray

1 box gingerbread cake/cookie mix

1 can apple pie filling

1 can crushed pineapple

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup pecans (regular or honey roasted)

DIRECTIONS

By Kaitlin Barger

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees, and spray a 9x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Spread apple pie filling evenly across bottom of pan.

3. Sprinkle gingerbread cake mix evenly across the pan.

4. Evenly spread crushed pineapple on top of cake mix.

5. Pour melted butter on top of mixture evenly, then sprinkle on nuts.

6. Bake for about 45 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

7. Allow to cool for a bit, then enjoy!

You will need

There is nothing quite like the classic gingerbread cookie during the holidays! Inspired by Melissa Pasanen’s recipe for maple cream pie in her wonderful book “The Little Local Vermont Cookbook,” this recipe incorporates the flavors of gingerbread and maple in the form of a decadent pie. Because the pie is rich, unsweetened coffee or hot tea are perfect accompaniments.

Maple Gingerbread Pie

INGREDIENTS

7-9 ounces pie dough, store-bought or homemade 1 teaspoon powdered ginger, divided 1 teaspoon allspice, divided

1 3/4 cups heavy cream

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)

2 tablespoons salted butter Whipped cream or cookies, as garnish

DIRECTIONS

By Nic Williams

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. If using store-bought pie dough, line a 9-inch pie pan with unbaked dough, and evenly sprinkle ginger and ½ teaspoon allspice over dough, gently pressing the spices into dough with your fingertips. If making homemade dough, add ginger and ½ teaspoon of allspice to your dry ingredients in your dough recipe. Place the prepared pie pan in refrigerator.

2. Add ½ cup of the heavy cream and flour to a heavy-bottom pan. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in the remaining heavy cream, maple syrup, butter, remaining ginger, and remaining allspice until well-incorporated.

3. Turn heat to medium, and whisk constantly until mixture has the consistency of thin pudding and easily coats the back of a spoon (about 10 minutes). Make sure to not let mixture boil, but a few bubbles are OK.

4. Remove pie pan from refrigerator, and pour the filling into the pie. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbles appear evenly across the surface.

5. Remove from oven, and cool until room temperature, about two hours. If the filling is loose after cooling, refrigerate pie for at least three hours. Garnish with whipped cream or a cookie, such as gingerbread or maple shortbread.

recipes

You will need

Anyone who is a fan of “Friends” can appreciate this adorable, popculture gingerbread kit available in several places online and at Walmart. The kit comes with everything you need to build the T.V. location that so many of us “Friends” enthusiasts love, including the signature frame from the apartment door, the couch at Central Perk, Phoebe’s Taxi and the show’s signature logo. Other materials included are cookies, pre-decorated characters, candies, colored icing and an extra icing packet. I recommend this kit to anyone who may not be patient enough to build a full-scale, traditional gingerbread house, or anyone who loves the ‘90s sitcom as much as I do. Not only is it adorable, but it is also fairly easy to assemble, with six easy steps.

Central Perk Gingerbread House

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the Icing Pouch

a. Knead the icing pouch for one to two minutes

b. Bring icing to room temperature, this will make it act like an adhesive

c. Remove the cap and cut 1/4 of an inch from the tip to start the flow of icing

2. Separate Pieces

a. Separate individual panels by gently breaking along snap lines

b. Pro Tip: use the cardboard that comes with the cookies as a base to build on

3. Start Decorating

a. Decorate the cookies any way that’s pleasing to you, just make sure to leave enough icing to glue the walls together

b. Allow icing to solidify

4.

Build Entrance Wall

a. Attach the triangle stands to the back of the entrance wall.

b. Line the bottom edge with icing and secure it to the base.

c. Pipe a line of icing near the right edge of the wall.

5. Build Central Perk Wall

a. Attach a rectangle stand to the back of the Central Perk wall, near the left side.

b. Line the bottom edge with icing and press the wall against the icing strip on the entrance panel while securing to the base.

6. Attach the Stands

a. Finally, attach the coffee table base with icing.

b. Attach the remaining stands to the couch, taxi and logo cookie with icing.

7. Continue decorating as desired.

As mentioned earlier, If you are a lover of the show “Friends,” this is definitely for you. I have loved this show for a very long time, and enjoyed decorating and assembling the kit while watching the show next to a warm fire.

Our doctors listen

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Suicide rates are higher in rural America than in urban America, and suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in America.

This trend is alarming, but we are here to help.

Our physicians help adults with mental health or substance use disorders and adolescents and children with behavioral health issues.

Also, our services are available at any time. 1-800-245-0011 TheBridgeWay.com

Quality Care Rooted in Arkansas

Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is nestled in the heart of the River Valley in Russellville, Arkansas. Our staff provides skilled professional care in a compassionate and supportive atmosphere. Russellville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center not only provides long-term care services, we also offer a wide range of rehabilitative services. Our physicians, nurses and staff all believe strong relationships with residents and their families is essential to the healing process. The entire staff is devoted to providing quality care, which celebrates the dignity and grace of every single resident.

GET TO KNOW...

By Mak Millard

The time has nearly arrived for all of our faithful readers to nominate and vote on the recipi ents of AY’s Best of 2023 honor. But before we get ahead of ourselves in that regard, we wanted to bring you a little something special this time around — a way to “get to know” the winners and finalists from AY’s Best of 2022.

As you flip through these pages, you’ll quickly realize what makes each of these professionals and organizations special, and why our readers chose them as some of the best in the state at what they do. And, who knows — maybe you will take some of this newfound and behind-the-scenes knowledge to the voting booth in 2023.

Stay tuned at aymag.com! The nomination round for AY’s Best of 2023 will be here very soon.

CONWAY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Winner, Best Hospital Winner, Best Overall Company Winner, Best Place to Work

For more than 100 years, Conway Regional has provided highquality, compassionate care to the communities it serves. What start ed in 1921 with a donation of land to the city of Conway to establish a new hospital grew into a not-for-profit medical center with 60 beds by 1957.

Today, Conway Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to the growing communities of north-central and Central Arkansas and the River Valley. Conway Regional is an econom ic force in the community as one of Conway’s largest employers.

Centered on a 150-bed, acute care medical center, the health system provides patients with a variety of services including primary care, heart health, orthopedic care, neuro-spine surgery, vascular surgery, gastroen terology services, women’s health and surgery services. Additionally, the health system operates a Rehabilitation Hospital and a 70,000-squarefoot Health and Fitness Center. In June 2019, Conway Regional an

nounced a management agreement with the Dardanelle Hospital, and has since renamed it as Dardanelle Regional Medical Center.

In 2020, Conway Regional Medical Center became the third hospi tal in Arkansas to receive Magnet designation by the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet recognition is the gold stan dard for nursing excellence, and only 8% of hospitals nationwide achieve Magnet recognition status.

Conway Regional is an economic force in the community, with more than 225 physicians on the medical staff, more than 1,800 employees and 100 community volunteers. Conway Regional team members and their families make Conway Regional one of Conway’s largest employ ers. The dedicated team members at Conway Regional uphold the or ganization’s mission by providing high-quality, compassionate care to those in the community, and they also work tirelessly to support their community outside of the hospital walls.

CONWAY REGIONAL GASTROENTEROLOGY CENTER

Winner, Best Gastroenterology Clinic

Vast experience and innovation are staples for the Conway Regional Gastroenterology Center, voted AY’s Best Gastroenterology Clinic for 2021.

Gastroenterologists treat diseases of the digestive tract — esopha gus, stomach, colon, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. An interventional gastroenterologist does advanced procedures like ERCP, stenting of the esophagus/duodenum/colon/bile ducts, endoscopic su turing, endoscopic mucosal resection and others.

The center’s founder, Martin Moix, MD, is a gastroenterologist with more than 25 years of experience in treating diseases of the intestinal tract. His physician partner, Owen S. Maat, MD, has more than 28 years of experience as a gastroenterologist. They are joined by Brandy Eason, APRN, Sarah Atkins, APRN, and Lindsey Sierra, APRN.

Being a gastroenterologist means doing numerous, repetitive tests, such as colorectal screenings, but it can save lives. Recalling an experi ence in which he was able to remove a polyp and prevent a woman from contracting cancer, Moix says, “The times that we can prevent somebody

from getting a horrible illness make it all worthwhile. In GI, we are for tunate to be on the preventive side of things, knowing that somebody is not going to have to suffer through surgery and chemotherapy.”

“A colorectal screening for people over age 50 can be a lifesaver. It’s the biggest takeaway that I can give you,” says Maat, who has performed about 40,000 GI procedures. “Ninety percent of colorectal cancer can be detected with the screening.” Colorectal cancer is the third-most com monly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.

Moix and Maat are also bringing many innovative procedures to Faulkner and surrounding counties. The Conway Regional Gastroen terology Center has implemented PH studies, which measure acid re flux in the esophagus, and esophageal manometry studies, which test whether a patient’s esophagus can properly move food into the digestive system. Moix says the future may include noninvasive scanning of the liver, gastric pacemakers, collaborative endoscopic work ups for bariatric surgery patients, ERCP to relieve bile duct obstructions, fibro scanning to assess scaring of the liver and other innovative procedures.

CONWAY REGIONAL NEUROSCIENCE CENTER

Winner, Best Neurosurgeon Top 3, Best Neurologists

Conway Regional Neuroscience Center in Conway is one of AY’s best neurology clinics in 2022. The Conway Regional Neu roscience Center’s physicians treat illnesses of the brain and neu rological system, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathies and sleep disorders, as well as treat the side effects of strokes.

Tim Freyaldenhoven, MD, and Keith Schluterman, MD, com bined their practices into a partnership with Conway Regional Health System in 2017 to form the Conway Regional Neurosci ence Center. Freyaldenhoven and Schluterman have shared the same office space since 2004 and have been friends since medi cal school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. They have provided neurological care to Faulkner County and the surrounding region since 2002 when Freyaldenhoven joined the

Conway Regional medical staff. Schluterman followed in 2004. Freyaldenhoven says, “A major change for us was that we got to focus more time on clinical care and less on business opera tions. The partnership secured neurology coverage for Conway Regional and enabled them to recruit additional neurologists to help us accommodate the needs of the communities that we serve.”

The center’s medical staff has expanded since it was formed. In 2017, Regan Gallaher, MD, joined, an experienced, board-certi fied neuro/spine surgeon. Gallaher is a former neurosurgery chief resident in the Baylor College of Medicine. He also completed a residency in Neurosurgery at the University of New Mexico. A neuropsychologist, Mark Clark, PhD, along with Savannah Brad bury, PA, and Elana Russell, APRN, complete the staff.

CONWAY ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER

Winner, Best Orthopedic Group

Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center (COSMC) brings innovation and expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine care to north-central Arkansas. Voted as one of AY’s Best Orthopedic Groups for 2021, COSMC has provided comprehensive orthopedic care to Central Arkansas since 1988.

The center is anchored by the experience and expertise of orthopedic surgeons Scott Smith, MD; Grant Bennett, MD; Jay Howell, MD; J. Tod Ghormley, MD; James Head, MD; Bryan Head, MD and Rob ert McCarron, MD, who provide comprehensive orthopedic care for north-central Arkansas and the River Valley. The center offers a wide range of services, including specialized care for the hand, upper extrem ity, foot and ankle; minimally invasive surgeries of the knee and hand; total hip, knee and shoulder replacements; and sports medicine services.

The talented group of orthopedic surgeons, surgical specialists, nurs es and therapists offer a wide array of bone and joint disease evaluation, treatment and surgeries, including:

• Total joint and partial joint replacement of hips, knees, shoulders and elbows

• Arthroscopic joint surgery of knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists and ankles

• Hands (carpal tunnel release and reconstructive surgery)

• Pediatric orthopedics (clubfeet, bowlegs and pediatric fractures)

• Foot and ankles (sprains, strains, fractures and reconstructive surgery)

• Sports medicine (all sports-related injuries for athletes of all ages)

Additionally, orthopedic surgeons Grant Bennett, Scott Smith and Tod Ghormley utilize the Mako robotic arm-assisted technology in many hip and knee replacements. Conway Regional was one of the first health systems in Arkansas to offer the state-of-the-art service.

Mako is a new approach to joint replacement that offers assistance to the surgeon for a more precise, customized positioning of implants for each patient. A CT scan of a knee or hip is uploaded into the Mako system software, where a 3D model is created. This 3D model is used to preplan and assist surgeons in performing a hip or knee replacement.

From a surgeon’s perspective, the advantages are the precision and intraoperative customization provided by Mako. Many times, that pre cision enables orthopedic surgeons at COSMC to remove less bone or decrease the amount of soft tissue trauma. “For many patients, this may translate into improved range of motion and less time on crutches or a walker,” Dr. Bennett says. He adds that the majority of his patients return home the day after surgery.

CONWAY REGIONAL ADVANCED PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER

Winner, Best Pain Specialist

Pain is the most common reason for seeking medical care in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health.

“Everyone has pain somewhere, of some kind, and it can be treated,” says Heath McCarver, MD, a pain management specialist with the Conway Regional Advanced Pain Management Center. McCarver and his colleagues, Chris Maranto, MD, and Mikio Ranahan, MD, are rec ognized as the state’s Best Pain Specialists by AY About You in 2022. They find purpose and satisfaction in helping patients discover relief from their pain.

The physicians at the Conway Regional Advanced Pain Manage ment Center specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of different types of pain, including acute and chronic pain. In addition to pain in joints throughout the body, they also treat migraine head aches, fibromyalgia and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) syn drome. They also provide nerve blockers and medication management for cancer-related pain.

The Conway Regional pain management specialists describe pain management as much more than medication. They believe in a mul tidisciplinary method of treating all types of pain, often teaming up with orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons, therapists and counselors as part of an individual pain management plan. “There is rarely ever one way to get rid of pain,” McCarver says.

“It usually requires a combination of techniques including medication. If you approach it from several different angles, usually you can find a combination that gives relief.”

Part of developing a pain management plan is interviewing each pa tient to determine their medical history. Maranto says, “We want to know whether they have had injuries, surgery, and specifically look at X-rays, CT and MRI images. We need to know what has already been done before we make our plans.”

Ranahan advises, “There is no magic pill. If someone has one solution to all your problems, that is a red flag because pain is all-encompassing. It affects all aspects of your life. For most patients suffering from chronic pain, one pill or one procedure is not going to make everything better. It takes several routes to manage pain.”

McCarver adds, “Another myth is that people are stuck with pain. Pain is very common, but it is also uncommon that we can’t find relief. We can get rid of pain, at least to a much more functional level.”

Ranahan advises that low-impact exercise and smoking cessation can help people avoid the pain that sends so many people to the pain management center. “Staying active is the most important thing to do, under the advice of your physician. Low-impact exercise and sports, such as cycling, swimming, running and walking, are gener ally helpful.”

CONWAY REGIONAL WOMEN’S CENTER

Winner, Best Place to Have a Baby

The Conway Regional Women’s Center was voted AY’s Best Place to Have a Baby in 2020, 2021 and again in 2022.

Twelve of Conway’s most highly skilled obstetrician-gynecologists, representing three different clinics, deliver babies exclusively at the Conway Regional Women’s Center, and the staff provides exceptional, family-focused care. Parents are offered childbirth education classes, nutrition and lactation counseling, support groups and a number of options for delivery.

The labor and delivery unit consists of 16 birthing suites with eight additional rooms available when needed to accommodate the growing number of families delivering at Conway Regional. Suites are equipped with all the equipment necessary for a traditional delivery as well as showers, refrigerators and other hotel-like conveniences.

The center also features two surgical rooms and 24-hour staff and anesthesia coverage if a cesarean birth becomes necessary. Interna

tionally certified lactation counselors and support nurses are available throughout the stay and after the mother goes home to provide breast feeding support.

Local, highly qualified pediatricians support the Women’s Center nursery. The nursery was the first in the state to join the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Nursery Alliance. The nursery alliance coordinates care between neonatologists at Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Neona tal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and physicians in Conway Regional’s NICU and newborn nursery to help improve the quality of care.

Above all else, it is the warm, personal relationship with their de livering nurse and physician that parents praise most often when re counting their delivery experience at the Conway Regional Women’s Center.

When your family is growing, Conway Regional will be with you every step of the way.

ELDER INDEPENDENCE

Winner, Best In-Home Care

Founded in 1999 by Mike Gross, Elder Independence Home Care has been helping families and their loved ones “age in place” and stay in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Owner Kim Clatworthy purchased Elder Independence in 2014, and her approach to home care is Grandmother’s Rule: Treat people the way they want to be treated.

Elder Independence is able to give loved ones peace of mind by planning for both the short and long term so that families can be prepared for the road ahead. For Clatworthy, it’s the collaboration between Elder Independence and families that sets the business apart.

“We’re able to offer solutions to families in need of help,” she says. “If they do not need homecare yet, or they need more than homecare, we can reach solutions that make sense for each unique situation.”

Clatworthy highlights her dedicated office staff: Feather Parrish,

Operations Coordinator; Michelle Whitfield, Team Development Coordinator; Tonda Gresham, Director of Care, RN; Ginni Bracy, Office Coordinator; Daniel Clatworthy, Community Liaison; and Inde, Office Mascot. Together with the amazing team of care pro viders in the field, they make it possible to provide the highest level of care for every loved one.

Elder Independence recently opened two new offices in Sher wood and West Little Rock, with plans to expand into Hot Springs and open a Care Home on the horizon.

Clatworthy and her team are honored to be one of AY’s Best of 2022 and hope that readers will consider them again in voting for 2023.

“Caring is Our Calling at Elder Independence Home Care, and I am grateful to be recognized for my passion for helping others,” Clatworthy says. “Providing peace of mind is so rewarding.”

HEATHMAN FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Winner, Best Family Dentist

Dr. Montgomery “Monty” Heathman is the owner and founder of Heath man Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Little Rock and The Dental Clinic at Stuttgart. Heathman has been in practice for more than 21 years and has won AY’s Best of for five consecutive years. He is a second-generation dentist, follow ing in his father’s footsteps, the late Dr. N.D. “Dwight” Heathman Jr. Heathman grew up in Springdale and graduated from the University of Ar kansas. He graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the Uni versity of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Memphis, in 2000. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Arkansas State Dental Association, the Central Arkansas Dental Association, and the Xi Psi Phi dental fra ternity. In addition, he has served in numerous local, state and national organizations.

“The best part of my job is the relationships and friendships I’ve developed with my patients, employees and colleagues over the years,” he says. “Being a ‘people person,’ I value these relationships tremendously! I love the profession of dentistry, and it is very rewarding to help patients with their dental needs, creating and enhancing their smiles, as well as helping them to attain excel lent oral health.”

Heathman’s clinics offer the latest in cosmetic proce dures as well as general dentistry, including tooth-colored fillings, ceramic crowns and veneers, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, TMJ therapies, implant restorations, all-on-four implant dentures, smile makeovers, full mouth rehabilitation, as well as Botox and dermal fillers.

“When we found out we were being honored as AY’s Best of again, we were grateful that our patients thought of us,” Heathman says. “They let us know that we are serving them and their families the right way. It is a reflection of our simple mantra: Serve oth ers.

“What I feel that makes our practices special is that our teams and myself listen to what our pa tients’ wants and needs are. We are genuine, compas sionate and understanding in our approach in order to tailor our options of services to each individual. We treat our patients like family, in a family setting.”

KellCo Custom Homes specializes in taking a build vision to the next level to create a one-of-a-kind home that will stand up in the dayto-day and for years to come.

Tracie J. Kelley, President and CEO of KellCo Custom Homes, has a passion for designing truly unique homes and a dedication to excel lence in every respect. Kelley’s years of experience and hard work has solidified KellCo’s status as one of the most recognized and sought-after custom home builders in Central Arkansas.

“KellCo Custom Homes delivers a complete design package to help you execute the design, starting with the architectural phase,” Kelley says. “Having a strong team on every level during construction is critical.”

KellCo builds one-of-a-kind custom homes while combining lead

ing-edge designs with exceptional functionality, and Kelley has zero tolerance for cookie-cutter. Every process is different based on the indi vidual’s unique situation. All kinds of needs can be accommodated, from home offices and study spaces to outdoor kitchens and inground pools.

“As a custom designer and residential builder, I am constantly driven to new levels of uniqueness and architecture, and that continues to be the drive for all my endeavors within the real estate industry,” Kelley says.

Kelley is honored to have KellCo recognized in AY’s Best of 2022, and hopes that readers will think of KellCo again – for their custom home dreams and the next round of voting – in 2023.

“My Biggest Challenge? Me! Stepping it up and raising the bar,” she says.

LAKE HAMILTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL Winner, Best Veterinarian

Brian Peters, DVM, worked as an associate for seven years before buying the Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs Animal Hospitals in 2008. As the chief veterinarian at both practices, Peters upholds a commit ment to providing cutting-edge care and forming lifelong relationships with patients.

From puppy-or-kitten-hood to senior care, Dr. Brian and his team work to ensure that every pet is treated like family. The practice also takes great pride in caring for the working dogs of the Hot Springs community — that includes the K9 units for the National Park Police, State Police, Garland County Police and Hot Springs Police forces.

Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs Animal Hospitals also provide educational programs for schools in the community, from show and tell to after-school activities and even a hands-on high school science class.

High school seniors who complete the educational program can also receive a veterinary scholarship. All of this outreach helps develop the next generation of veterinarians and deepens the relationship between the practice and the community it serves.

Dr. Brian points to the commitment of his team as being instrumen tal in the success of both hospitals, and he hopes to increase his staff and extend their hours in order to take care of more pets.

Dr. Brian is honored to be one of AY’s Best of 2022, and he empha sizes the commitment he and his team have to go “above and beyond” in 2023.

“Quite frankly, I take care of all of our patients like they were my own,” he says. “They truly are a part of my family, so to be recognized for that is amazing.”

MCFARLAND EYE CARE

In 1981, Mike McFarland, MD opened his first clinic in Pine Bluff. In the early days, he could be found on the basketball court across the street shooting hoops with the neighborhood kids. When a patient did happen to walk into the clinic, a staff member would stand outside the front door and yell for him to come off the court.

Dr. McFarland quickly earned a reputation for being one of the best cataract surgeons in the US, performing thousands of cataract surgeries each year. In 1992, he was even awarded the prestigious In novator’s Award for his development of “no-stitch” cataract surgery. But he didn’t stop there; the McFarland practice has expanded to include two surgery centers and additional clinics in Hot Springs, and two in Little Rock. The scope of care has also grown to include Oculofacial Plastic Surgery with Byron Wilkes, MD and aesthetic services with the opening of its Med Spa, Pine & River Aesthetics at the Rodney Parham location. The McFarland Team now consists of

14 doctors and a host of team members who love to knock the socks off their patients.

McFarland Eye Care is on a mission to “dazzle each and every pa tient,” and the practice has been at the forefront of bringing some of the most innovative and proven eye care technologies to the people of Arkansas.

For the close-knit team at McFarland Eye Care, the best part of every day is getting to provide life-changing care for patients. They experience everyday how giving people back their vision is giving people back their lives.

It’s always a compliment to be recommended to family and friends, and McFarland’s recognition in AY’s Best of 2022 is no dif ferent. The practice is always working to improve and expand its care so patients and their loved ones will choose McFarland time and again.

Winner, Best Eyewear Winner, Best Opthalmology Clinic Winner, Best Optometrist, Dr. Thomas Chwe Top 3, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Byron Wilkes

RUSSELL CHEVROLET

Winner, Best Auto Service Department Winner, Best New Car Dealership

Since its inception in 1963, Russell Chevrolet has cultivated an atmosphere where customers can shop for and purchase new and used vehicles with no pressure or gimmicks. Founder John Russell made “service after the sale” a priority, and his grandson, Brett Russell, carries on that commitment today.

“We believe that our business has an obligation to our commu nity,” Russell says. “We strive to connect with local buyers through sponsorships, supporting school sports and other community en gagements.”

Russell Chevrolet also has the largest GM parts department in the state, and its fleet of vehicles delivers to body shops and other dealerships daily. As he looks towards the future and the transi tion to electric vehicles continues, Russell is optimistic about the

demand he’s seen building for coming products.

Customers appreciate Russell Chevrolet for its honesty and employee longevity. The dealership refrained from unfairly mark ing up prices during recent demand spikes as some competitors have, and customers can return to find the same friendly faces ready to serve them, time and again.

The trust that Russell Chevrolet has earned from its customer base is one reason the dealership was voted one of AY’s Best of 2022, and Russell and his team are extremely honored by the recognition.

“Our employees are our greatest strength, and since they are the ones the customers interact with the most, they were very excited by the award,” Russell says. “We hope to continue to connect with our community so they will think of us again for next year’s ballot.”

TIPTON & HURST

Winner, Best Florist Winner, Best Gift Shop Winner, Best Party Planning Winner, Best Seasonal Designer

It’s hard to argue with quality and dedication that spans three generations and has survived two pandemics (that’s Spanish Flu and COVID-19, for those wondering). Howard Hurst, CEO and Presi dent of Tipton & Hurst, took over the family business in 1984, just shy of a century after his grandfather, Joseph Hurst, opened up shop with David Tipton in 1886.

Those 136 years of success have all come down to Tipton & Hurst’s commitment to guaranteed satisfaction. Many of the staff have been with the company for decades, and they are as passionate about Tipton & Hurst as the customers who keep coming back for all the milestones in their lives.

“As we continue to grow, these are the people who remind us of where we started and why we do what we do,” Hurst says. “We real

ize that we are not just selling flowers and gifts, we are providing the perfect piece to make a special memory.”

Tipton & Hurst is much more than a florist — all you have to do is step inside a Tipton & Hurst storefront to find out. The company is quickly becoming the state’s premier provider of gifts, home decor, food and bridal needs as well.

Hurst is humbled to see Tipton & Hurst recognized as one of AY’s Best of 2022, but true to form, he’s not content to have the company rest on its laurels.

“We only improve and grow by creating a customer-driven expe rience. We thrive on feedback,” he explains. “Of course, we appreciate your vote, but most importantly, we want to hear from you, so we can learn how to earn that vote year after year.”

BAJA GRILL

Top 3, Best Mexican

If you’ve tried any of the restaurants that make up Heather Baber-Roe’s concept group the Taco Society, then it will come as no surprise that Baja Grill earned a spot on AY’s Best of 2022. As with all of the restaurants Baber-Roe and husband Craig own, the delicious flavors are matched only by the quality of the customer service.

Started out of a small food truck back in 2012, Baja Grill has two popular locations in the Heights and Benton. The Mexi-Cali eatery utilizes fresh ingredients and bold flavors to keep hungry customers coming back for more than just Taco Tuesday trips. Paired with margaritas like “Beach, Please” and “Swirls Like You Run Around With Ice Like Me,” there are no shortage of mouth-watering op tions for every palate.

Baber-Roe prioritizes a positive work environment and is quick to highlight her team as essential to Baja Grill’s continued success. That “put good in, get good out” philoso phy is a staple of all of the couple’s ventures.

“I have a true passion for what I do,” Baber-Roe says. “I want to always persevere, not just for myself, but for all of the people who work hard in our businesses.”

5923 Kavanaugh Blvd. • Little Rock • (501) 722-8920 224 W. South St. • Benton • (501) 680-7109 eatbajagrill.com

Down South Furniture operates on the motto “you’re not cookie cut ter, and your home shouldn’t be either.” Owner Courtney Hawkins Laf ferty always dreamed of owning a furniture store. Her opportunity finally came after her family sold Trailer Country after 10 years. Lafferty took her share of the profit and – with her mother, Donita Rinearson, as a busi ness partner – opened Down South Furniture.

Lafferty has a passion for helping people find the perfect designs for their home, and loves handpicking the specialty pieces Down South of fers. The store and warehouses are full of beautiful choices that accomo date any style, and additionally, visitors can order custom pieces. Furni ture guru Max Pintle and Lafferty custom design pieces and have them handmade by their specialty builders in Mexico.

But the high quality doesn’t stop with the selection of furniture and decor – Down South also prides itself on its level of customer service. The small but dedicated team works to ensure that every customer has the best experience possible.

Lafferty hopes to see even more people coming to see what Down South is all about, especially after being named as one of AY’s Best of 2022.

“We are a small business out here doing what we love, so it was a huge (shocking) honor,” Lafferty says. “If you haven’t had a chance to drive out here and see what we have and what we do, please come see us.”

Oh, and when you do make it down to Down South, be sure to look out for Stella, the goldendoodle and door greeter, whose wagging tail and smiling face are sure to brighten anyone’s day.

TO KNOW YOU... INUVO, INC.

Top 3, Best Marketing Firm

Inuvo was taken over in 2009 on the verge of bankruptcy, and in the two decades since, the company has become a vanguard in the media technology and services industry. CEO Richard Howe chalks Inuvo’s success up to one simple philosophy: “Everything we do has to work,” he says.

Howe describes the idea that started it all: “From Little Rock, Arkansas, and now San Jose, California, a bunch of dreamers believed they could con ceive, develop and implement artificial intelligence technology to solve the consumer privacy dilemma within advertising – and did it.”

Besides alluding to Howe’s Quebecois roots, Inuvo’s name is a portman teau of “innovate” and the French “nouveaux,” meaning new. “New innova tion” is the name of the game for Inuvo, whose unique technology is solving the biggest problems facing an evolving advertising landscape. Because of its singular place in the market, Howe sees Inuvo’s future as “growth, growth and more growth.”

“We are at the right place at the right time with the right solution,” he says.

In addition to the “incredible artificial intelligence technology” that un derpins Inuvo’s services, Howe points to the people and culture as being key to the company’s strong growth over the last two years. “I’m very proud of the Inuvo team,” he says. “It takes a village to build a company.”

Inuvo takes care of its employees by implementing an open PTO policy, hybrid WFH models, and Nomad Program. This allows employees to take care of their clients, their peers and themselves. With so many happy clients, it’s no wonder they’ve earned a place as one of AY’s Best of 2022.

500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 300 • Little Rock (501) 205-8508 • inuvo.com

MOIX RV

Top 3, Best RV Dealership

Created in 1976 by Frank Moix, Moix Recre ational Vehicles started out as North Plaza Trail er Sales, a one-person operation working out of the back of a steakhouse in downtown Conway. Several moves, a name tweak and a few decades later, Moix RV now occupies a much roomier spot with nine acres of land and 30,000 square feet of building space (including a 12,000 square foot repair facility).

Moix RV Supercenter is proud to carry a large selection of new and pre-owned RVs, so you’re sure to find the perfect vehicle for your journeys. Every department, from sales and financing to service and parts, is knowledgeable and ready to offer the highest quality of customer service.

But buying an RV is about more than just the initial purchase. Moix RV fosters long-term relationships in order to help customers at ev ery stage of their RV adventure. Whether you’re buying for the first time, coming in for mainte nance or customizing your ride, Moix RV is here to exceed expectations.

Springdale • Conway moixrv.com

RICHARD HOWE, CEO

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE Top 3, Best Community College

For almost 50 years, National Park College in Hot Springs has pro vided consistent, high-quality educational opportunities that help sup port a strong Arkansas workforce.

To help students accomplish their educational goals, even in the face of hardship, the National Park College Foundation works to support stu dent success through philanthropy, community connections and invest ments in beneficial partnerships. That success means that students are able to give back to the community and boost economic growth as a result.

The NPC Foundation provides resources to students and helps con nect them to the community through a host of avenues such as financial aid, volunteer service, internships and apprenticeships.

“The impact students today have on tomorrow’s future starts the mo ment a generous individual invests in a student’s education,” according to the College.

The Foundation’s work was especially vital when it came to navigating the “new normal” of the pandemic. Meeting students where they were took priority, and the Foundation worked with the community to raise funds for students for everything from medical expenses to instructional needs.

The College is honored to be recognized across the state in AY’s Best of 2022 and hopes to maintain that level of community trust into 2023 and beyond.

Those interested in supporting the Foundation’s mission and student success can learn more at np.edu/give.

101 College Drive • Hot Springs • (501) 760-4300 np.edu/connectinvestgrow

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

PINNACLE HEARING

Top

3, Best Audiology Clinic

Mary Chatelain, Au.D., founded Pinnacle Hearing in Little Rock in 2013, and a location in Camden followed soon after. With a name derived both from the Central Arkansas landmark, Pinnacle Mountain, and the term for the anatomy of the outer ear, pinna, Pinnacle Hearing prioritizes an at tention to medical detail and a love for the communities it serves.

Pinnacle Hearing offers hearing wellness events for organizations, per sonalized treatment options and thorough counseling in proper hearing aid use. Since the pandemic, the practice also offers telehealth services and re mote hearing aid programming.

Chatelain is also proud of Pinnacle Hearing’s partnership with Hearing the Call to provide access to hearing health care in underserved communi ties. Through their work, Chatelain and Hearing the Call provide hearing aids to those who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment. Proceeds from every hearing aid purchased at Pinnacle Hearing go toward their great er mission to provide hearing healthcare for individuals locally and globally!

“In the future, I see us impacting the lives of even more Arkansans by restoring their ability to hear and connect with those around them,” Chat elain says.

Chatelain values the relationships she builds with her patients, and she and the team at Pinnacle Hearing are excited to be recognized as one of AY’s Best of 2022.

“It is such an honor to know that our patients, friends and community believe in the work of Pinnacle Hearing,” Chatelain says.

10700 N. Rodney Parham • Little Rock • (501) 225-6060 415 Hospital Drive • Camden • (870) 837-2823 pinnacle-hearing.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL Winner, Best Shopping Center

Opened in 2008, the Promenade at Chenal was designed to be the retail, restaurant and entertainment anchor for West Little Rock, one of the fastest-growing areas of the city. For over a decade now, the Promenade has been the heartbeat of the Chenal retail and restaurant community and the finest retail asset in Central Arkansas.

The uniqueness and quality of the tenants at the Prom enade sets it apart from the competition. The Promenade boasts the only Apple store and Urban Outfitters in the state, plus a variety of high-quality national retailers and local brands. Combined with a selection of top-notch restaurants and one of the finest movie theaters in town, the Promenade sees an extraordinary amount of foot traffic that keeps retail ers thriving.

The Promenade will only bolster its strong presence in the community looking ahead, with exciting new tenants moving in and a few existing tenants working to expand. Landlord and ownership support has been integral to the shopping center’s success through uncertain economic times, and ev eryone is eager for what this holiday season has in store.

Being one of AY’s Best of 2022 illustrates how much Central Arkansas, Little Rock and the Chenal community all value the destination retail, restaurant and entertainment experience the Promenade offers.

17711 Chenal Pkwy • Little Rock • chenalshopping.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

LAUREN RAMSEY; PUZZLE PIECE MEDIA Winner, Best Marketing Firm

Founding Puzzle Piece Media was like “putting the cart before the horse” – or, as owner Lauren Ramsey explains, having customers come calling before you’ve even started the business. During the pandemic, Ramsey was furloughed from her health care marketing job. Once people found out she wasn’t working, they began approaching her for freelance services. The opportunity to work from home – combined with the builtin customer base she’d developed through her social media prowess –made the decision to start Puzzle Piece Media a no-brainer.

The name Puzzle Piece is a nod to Ramsey’s oldest son, who has au tism, and her own advocacy for those on the spectrum. She’s passionate about using her platform to create a more inclusive environment for ev eryone.

Puzzle Piece Media caters to a wide variety of businesses in Arkansas. Small businesses depend on good social media marketing, and Puzzle Piece arms them with the tools they need to succeed, no matter what industry they find themselves in.

“It can be cooking classes one day and pain management the other,” Ramsey says. “I love seeing Arkansas’ entrepreneurs and their creativity.”

Puzzle Piece Media is building a culture where employees can thrive. In addition to a growing team, Ramsey hopes to continue adding to the services the company offers, including budget-friendly online coursework for startups.

“We put a lot of time and energy into showing up differently,” she says. “We want to continue to show up for Arkansans to help them meet and exceed their goals.”

TO KNOW YOU...

RAZORBACK CAMPER SALES Winner, Best RV Dealership

RVs and The Natural State seem like a natural pairing, but before C.L. Johnson started Razorback Camper Sales in 1969, the only other RV deal er in the state was in North Little Rock. With camping on the rise and his native Hot Springs surrounded by three lakes, the timing was impeccable.

What started as a few camping trailers in a used car lot quickly grew into what is now the oldest family-owned RV dealership in Arkansas. C.L.’s son, Doug Johnson, owns the business now, and he takes pride in the fact that a member of the Johnson family is always working at the dealership. Even the employees have staying power – one of the service technicians has been around since 1986 and was originally hired by C.L.’s wife, Charlotte, to mow the lawn.

“Our employees are the heart of our dealership,” Johnson says. “It’s nice for our customers to see the same faces every time they walk in the door.”

Fostering relationships is key to the company’s success, and Johnson never gets tired of hearing camping stories from his customers or catching the “contagious” excitement of a first-time buyer.

The core value of Razorback Camper Sales is to “Treat customers the way you would like to be treated.” Whether you’re an RV rookie or a sea soned camper connoisseur, the purchase is just the first step. Johnson and his team work to gain repeat customers through a quality of service that can’t be found anywhere else.

Johnson describes the company’s recognition in AY’s Best of 2022 as “refreshing,” because “It really validates that people appreciate what we are trying to represent as a business.”

2320 Albert Pike Rd. • Hot Springs National Park • (501) 767-3486 www.razorbackcampersales.com

Top 3, Best Catfish

Rick Bellinger and his wife, Mattie, founded Riverside Grocery in 2004 and added the “Catering” side of the mar quee in 2012. Since then, Riverside Grocery & Catering has been a favorite of Central Arkansas’ taste buds, perhaps most notably for its catfish.

“The best part of my job is I get to do something a little different each day,” Rick says. “Even if I am cooking, I am cooking something different, or for someone different, at a new location. I also love the feeling you get when you are all done with a big catering job and everyone is telling you how great it was. That will never get old to me.”

Part of what makes Riverside special is that nearly all of the food is cooked from scratch (from treasured family recipes) every single day.

“We go out of our way to make our customers feel they are the only ones we are working for at that time,” Rick says, adding how honored he and the rest of the Riverside team feel for the “Best of” distinction. “I knew we had good food, but when other people recognize you in a statewide publication, that can only make you smile.

“I hope we can carry this tradition over into another year. Since some of the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, we are having a great year in catering. The more peo ple try us, the more people want to have us — again and again.”

(501) 794-0329 • riversidegrocery.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

DJ DAILEY, DDS; SMILE DAILEY Winner, Best Cosmetic Dentist Winner, Best Family Dentist

For over two decades now, DJ Dailey, DDS, has been helping patients build healthy and confident smiles at Smile Dailey Dental. Dailey and his team take pride in the results they’re able to provide, and their expertise is evident every time someone refers a friend or family member to Smile Dailey.

“I have a passion for aesthetics,” Dailey says. “There is a level of artistry that goes into creating the perfect smile that fits each pa tient, and I spend a lot of time with each patient deciding what best matches their needs.”

The quality of Dailey’s work is also reflected in the excellence of his team and facility. With a dedicated staff that treats patients like family and overhead screens for relaxing scenes during treatment, pa tients have plenty of reasons to smile.

As one of AY’s Best of 2022, Dailey says, “I feel blessed that our community thought of us. It provides reassurance that I am succeeding at my goal of providing the best treatment possible for my patients.”

In looking towards the new year and AY’s Best of 2023, Dailey shares some sound advice:

“The more we smile, the better we feel. It’s been shown through research. Smile on, everyone!”

17200 Chenal Pkwy., Suite 250 • Little Rock (501) 448-0032 • smiledailey.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

SUPERIOR HEALTH & REHAB Winner, Best Assisted Living Facility

Opened in 2019, Superior Health and Rehab is a state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility with 100 private rooms. The facility also offers short-term care, as many patients come for rehab services and are able to return home afterwards. Superior Health and Rehab is one of the few locations in the state where medicaid recipients can receive a private room, so those in long-term care can have a comfortable and individual ized living environment.

Administrator Vickey Kirkemier has been in long-term care admin istration for over 38 years. The Superior Health and Rehab team boasts over 100 years of combined department head experience, with many of them working together for 15 or more years.

“We want you to enjoy your life every day that God has given you,” Kirkemier says. She looks forward to seeing the facility grow and adapt ing to meet the needs of the community.

The care of senior loved ones is not a decision to make lightly, and Kirkemier and the rest of the staff at Superior Health and Rehab are proud to have the opportunity to help so many in the community, in cluding their own family members.

Kirkemier calls it “an honor” to be recognized as one of AY’s Best of 2022, but she is most grateful for the families Superior Health and Rehab serves.

“Thank you so much for putting the trust of your loved one’s care in our hands,” she says.

625 Tommy Lewis Drive • Conway • (501) 585-6800 superiorhrc.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

THE WATERS Winner, Best Hotel

The Waters Hotel was founded in an effort to restore Hot Springs. Ren ovating the 109-year-old Thompson Building, with its unique architecture, Corinthian pilasters and glazed terra cotta frontings, allowed the Waters to el evate both the structure and its spot on Bathhouse Row to their former glory.

The Waters opened in early 2017, and in 2020, the hotel joined the Hil ton family as part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The Waters gained this distinction thanks to its one-of-a-kind style and vibrant personality that encourages guests to make an authentic connection to Hot Springs during their stay.

Also setting the Waters apart is a pair of restaurants with beautifully cu rated menus from Executive Chef Jalyssa Searcy. The Avenue offers a fine dining atmosphere with made-to-order, handcrafted meals. The Rooftop, Hot Springs’ only rooftop bar and restaurant, is home to a lively bar and grill with the best cocktails in town and a stunning view of Central Avenue and Bath house Row.

Cameron Valadez with 5 Senses Hospitality, the Waters’ management group, sees only growth in the hotel’s future.

“We have guests from all over the country and from all walks of life,” Va ladez says. “Downtown Hot Springs has a lively personality, and we want to help that flourish.”

Valadez and the Waters were ecstatic to be one of AY’s Best of 2022, and hopes that this platform will showcase what the hotel and Hot Springs have to offer.

“We’d like to thank everyone that has come to stay with us,” Valadez says. “Our guests are the heart of our hotel.”

340 Central Avenue • Hot Springs • (501) 321-0001

TheWatersHS.com

TO KNOW

VALHALLA :: KITCHEN + BAR

Top 3, Best Pizza

Heather Baber-Roe and husband, Craig, purchased neighboring restaurant Valhalla Kitchen & Bar in 2021, adding it (along with Valkyrie Axe Throwing) to their growing portfolio of restaurants in downtown Benton. Located in The Palace alongside Baja Grill, the Valhalla is a cornerstone of the block that has been dubbed the South Street Entertainment District.

Valhalla is a must-visit for pizza, salads and sand wiches – and a friendly bit of axe throwing upstairs at Valkyrie. The same great flavors that made the restaurant popular before Baber-Roe arrived are still there, along with an array of delicious brunch options sure to brighten up any Saturday.

But pizza is nothing without the people. Baber-Roe aims to create a great environment in all her concepts –not only for guests, but for her teams as well. Quality in every detail is what sets the restaurateur couple – and Val halla – apart.

“I love food and creating recipes, but it’s the overall ex perience that people crave,” Baber-Roe says. “Our restau rants are full of regulars every day — I love seeing it.”

226 W. South Street • Benton • (501) 316-4082 valhallabenton.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

WRIGHT PLASTIC SURGERY

Since 2018, the motto of Wright Plastic Surgery has been “Your Beauty, Our Expertise.” Eric Wright, MD and his team work to help patients look and feel their best while applying the highest standard of technique and skill. Plastic surgery is a com bination of aesthetic restoration and improving the function of the human body; the practice offers aesthetic and reconstructive surgery as well as an array of nonsurgical options.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Wright’s goal is to listen to all patients in order to develop a plan that meets their indi vidual goals. His handpicked, experienced team supports patients from the beginning to the end of their surgical journey.

“I am proud of the growth and level of care we provide to patients here,” Wright says. “Education is key, and myself and my staff do an incredible job educating patients so they can make informed decisions about plastic surgery.”

Wright is honored to have his practice recognized as one of AY’s Best of 2022, and he hopes to expand in order to serve more patients while still providing an unmatched quality of care.

“I am very thankful that I can continue to provide the care and attention our patients need, and receiving this honor affirms the direction our practice is headed,” Wright says. “Thank you to the AY readers for your support.”

1701 Centerview Drive, #201 • Little Rock (501) 575-0088 • drwrightplasticsurgery.com

A spot as iconic as Doe’s Eat Place hardly needs an explanation for be ing one of AY’s Best of 2022. Owner Katherine Eldridge took over from her dad, George, in 2012, and has been keeping the Doe’s tradition going strong in the decade since.

But it’s not just the history that keeps customers coming back. Doe’s is all about no-frills good food – and plenty of it. The T-bones and por terhouse steaks come in sizes that warrant sharing, with house-made fries and a side of new potatoes to boot. Pair with a serving of the worldfamous tamales, and cap things off with a bit of dessert, and it’s no wonder the restaurant has been frequented by entertainers, celebrities and profes sionals alike.

Part time capsule, part Arkansas landmark, all classic Southern eats done well. Eldridge is proud to be recognized by AY’s readers for being a “cut” above the rest.

The Little Rock Audiology Clinic was founded in 1991 by the late Jayme Pultro, Au.D. A longtime mentee of Pultro, Tracy Van Es, Au.D. was hired in 2000 and bought the clinic in 2017.

Initially, Van Es worked as the office manager. “I learned the business from the ground up,” she says, “and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.”

In her time at the clinic, Van Es has fostered relationships with numerous patients and fitted them with hearing aids specifically set to their unique needs.

“I never want anyone to miss out on the sounds of family, friends, work and life,” Van Es says. That’s why the guiding phrase of the clinic is “because life is worth hearing.”

Van Es feels blessed to have the Little Rock Audiology Clinic rec ognized as one of AY’s Best of 2022, and she’s especially grateful to her patients.

“Without them, it would never happen,” she says. “I treat each patient as if they were a family member, so they get the best care I can possibly give. I’m a ‘give 110%’ kind of woman.”

500 S. University Ave., Suite 405 • Little Rock (501) 664-5511 • littlerockaudiology.com

Winner, Best Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eric Wright Winner, Best Nurse Injector, Paige Kelly, RN, BSN

Arkansas Authors

The nation is full of writers hopeful of authoring the next great American novel, and Arkansas is home to a growing roster of ever-evolving literary talent, who define greatness in the state. With much to be proud of, Arkansan authors have written in every genre, and this month, AY About You is show casing a few of the best books to set your sights on.

The holiday season may be busy and bustling, but it’s also a time to press pause and relax, a great setting to find comfort and joy in a new read. This holiday season, take time to check out reads from a few authors who proudly call the Natural state home. Nonfiction or history, romance or mystery, there is something for readers of all ages, levels and genre interests to enjoy – just in time to support local artists in the pique gift-giving season.

By JOHN CALLAHAN & SARAH COLEMAN

JOHN A. KIRK -

Winthrop Rockefeller, From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 1912-1956

What do a history professor from Rochdale, England, and a Rockefeller from New York have in common? Both made a new home in Arkansas.

Born across the pond, John A. Kirk, Ph.D., holds a long-standing fascina tion with American history, particularly the civil rights movement. Kirk’s interest extends past the major flashpoints that have come to define the movement to include the context of grassroots-level Black activism that both preceded and followed those events. He has published no fewer than eight books on the subject, often traveling to Arkansas for his research, in addition to his teaching duties at the Uni versity of Wales and University of London. In 2010, he moved to the state he had studied for so long, becoming a professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Discovering Winthrop Rockefeller through his research, Kirk be came intrigued by the New Yorker. The scion of industrialist John D. Rockefeller’s staggering wealth, Winthrop decided to forego his place in the family oil empire to live in what was considered one of the poor est and most underdeveloped states in the union.

Winthrop Rockefeller, From New Yorker to Arkansawyer, 19121956 is the product of many years of research, through which Kirk has endeavored to understand Rockefeller’s unique and unexpected life. Covering the period from his birth in 1912 until 1956 when Rock efeller was serving as the first chairman of the new Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, the book primarily addresses why he left behind one of the most powerful families in American history to be come a roughneck on a Texas oil field, a soldier at Okinawa and then a cattle rancher on an Arkansas mountaintop.

Offering great detail at every step, Kirk builds a clearer picture of who this singular man was, ultimately building to his next book which will examine the rest of Rockefeller’s life, a project already well underway.

TRENTON LEE STEWART -

The Mysterious Benedict Society

One of Arkansas’s best-selling contempo rary writers, Trenton Lee Stewart is known for The Mysterious Benedict Society, a remark ably clever and engaging series of young adult novels that have recently been adapted into a TV series. A native of Hot Springs, Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Hen drix College, then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the celebrated Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a program that counts no fewer than 17 Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni. He worked a variety of jobs while also writing and publishing short stories, at one point working as a professor at Miami University of Ohio. In 2005, he published his first book, the Southern Gothic novel Flood Summer.

After returning to Arkansas, where he now lives in Little Rock, he published The Mysterious Benedict Society, which remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year. The novel tells the story of four children who are each extraordinarily gifted in different ways: Reynie Muldoon has a strong intuition and excellent problem-solving skills; George “Sticky” Washington has a photographic memory al lowing him to absorb and recall enormous amounts of information; Kate Wetherall is the most athletic of the group and carries a bucket full of miscellaneous but useful items she uses in creative ways; and Constance Contraire is a very young girl far more intelligent than her age would suggest.

Brought together by an eccentric man named Nicholas Benedict, who suffers from narcolepsy and tends to fall asleep when he laughs, the children are sent to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, or L.I.V.E., to discover the source of subliminal messages being sent out over TV and radio that threaten to destabilize governments across the world. Every element of the story is a mystery, and the reader is given the opportunity to put the pieces together alongside the characters, or even solve the puzzle before they do.

Stewart has written three more novels in the series, the most recent being The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages, released in 2019.

TIM ERNST

Ozark Highlands Trail Guide #7

Tim Ernst is one of the premier wilder ness photographers of Arkansas, and there are few who know the Ozarks as well as he does. From National Geographic to Hall mark calendars to the New York Times, his work has achieved nationwide renown. His online journal is home to frequent updates full of beautiful photography and commen tary on his time spent outdoors. He taught photography workshops for more than 35 years and has published numerous picture books, prints and guides.

One of his newest, and at the same time oldest, publications is the Ozark Highlands Trail Guide. Making full use of his Ozarks knowledge, the guide gives every necessary detail for hiking along what has been rated one of the top 10 trails in the United States. Ernst’s original guide, published in 1990, has been lovingly kept up to date over the years. The seventh and most recent edition includes the newest 43.7 miles, known as the Buffalo River Trail, which brings the total length of the Ozark Highlands Trail to 207.6 miles.

On such an imposing route, there’s a great deal a hiker needs to know, and the Ozark Highlands Trail Guide #7 provides all of it. The book fea tures no fewer than 11 section maps and elevation profiles, 12 mileage logs, information about campgrounds, parking areas, good spots for hunt ing, fishing or taking in the sights, historical features, a month-by-month weather guide, information about connecting trails and more.

Once you’ve explored the Ozark Highlands Trail with Ernst’s assis tance, you can find information on even more trails, swimming holes and other natural wonders in his wide array of publications.

SIDNEY MONCRIEF

The G.R.I.T. Factor in Kindness: Transforming your Workplace

Acts of Kindness

Through

In his post-basketball life, former Razor back and NBA All-Star Sidney Moncrief has been devoted to creating unique experi ences through Game Changer , establishing workplace readiness, creating leadership op portunities, working to create environments of diversity and inclusion, keynote speaking and improving morale within teams. All this, in addition to writing several self-help books.

In his latest book, “The G.R.I.T. Factor in Kindness: Transforming your Workplace Through Acts of Kindness,” Moncrief explores the topic of how the G.R.I.T. Factor can be applied to situations outside of just athletics. The book walks readers through indepth application of strategies that allow for better work environments.

Moncrief details these approaches in a clear way promoting efforts of creating a better social world. He also preaches the importance of the “Four C’s,” which include collaboration, communication, care and confi dence in ways appropriate or students and adults alike.

The author of 11 books, Montcrief’s other works include “Reinventing You!” “The G.R.I.T. Factor,” and “Your Passport to Becoming a Valuable Team Player.”

sidneymoncrief.com

BY JENNY B. JONES

A Sugar Free Christmas

“A Sugar Free Christmas,” is the first book in the Sugar Creek series by award-winning author Jenny B. Jones. Jones’ past work includes romance, mystery and young fiction and the Sugar Creek series lands squarely in the roman tic comedy genre.

Set in the fictional town of Sugar Creek outside of Benton ville, the story focuses on Emma Sutton, a television morning show host who moves back to her hometown after being fired. There, she embarks on a new career as a Christmas events planner. In taking on the new role, Sutton has the harrowing realization one of her new clients isn’t just the mayor of Sugar Creek, but also her ex-fiancé. While the two are determined to work past their prior differences, it soon becomes clear that their love story isn’t quite finished yet.

Jones ‘writing offers a breezy Southern charm and the quaint town she creates is one cut from the same cloth as those beloved holiday movies, so “A Sugar-Free Christmas is sure to make readers swoon in all the romance that ensues.

jennybjones.com

AMY MATAYO

Lies We Tell Ourselves

An award-winning romance author from Siloam Springs, Amy Matayo em barks on yet another novel dedicated to humor, love and change in “Lies We Tell Ourselves.”

The story follows Micha Leven, who’s in love with two women: childhood friend Presley, who prints a small-town news paper in between rescuing animals, and Mara, an ambitious newscaster. As the reader follows Leven’s dilemma and emo tional aftermath, Matayo illustrates throughout the novel that life is equal parts the lies we tell each other as well as ourselves.

Matayo studied journalism at John Brown University and is the talent behind “Christmas at Gate 18,” “The Wedding Game,” “The Thirteenth Chance” and “The Last Shot.”

amymatayo.com

Christmas & CANDLELIGHT & You!

By JOE DAVID RICE

Photos courtesy of Arkansas Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

December is here, finally. You survived Black Friday and then Cyber Monday, but now the chaos sur rounding Christmas is only weeks away. Maybe it’s time for a break. Perhaps something a lot less commercial and a little bit more charming this holiday season might sound appealing?

Here’s a suggestion: participate in the 36th Annual Christ mas & Candlelight festival at Historic Washington State Park in southwest Arkansas. The 110-acre park, a former pioneer settle ment and trading post dating back to 1824, features 54 period buildings, all excellent examples of popular architectural styles of the 19th century American South. Stroll down the plank board sidewalks through 2,000 luminaries from one fabulous home to the next, enjoying festive holiday decorations that would have been used two centuries ago. And pose for a family photograph at the base of the Royston House Magnolia, a beautiful speci men planted in 1839 by Grandison Royston near his law office. Whether or not it’s the largest in Arkansas remains in dispute.

“Our Christmas & Candlelight is a super fun event that’s ab solutely gorgeous,” says Park Superintendent Pam Beasley. “It’s

At this year’s Christmas & Can dlelight festival enjoy history and holiday tradition. Christmas & Candlelight features decorations from nearly two centuries.

Gift shops will also be open to visitors during the 36th annual Christmas & Candlelight festival.

the most beautiful time of the year for this special place.”

Beasley adds that musicians in costumes appropriate to the era will be performing throughout the community of 180 residents. Visitors in terested in entertainment of that period will enjoy the “called” dances, and some may even be asked to participate. Not familiar with 19th cen tury dances? Don’t worry; the caller will describe each dance and walk

novices through the steps. Apple cider will be served at the dances, and traditional Southern meals will be available at the Williams Tavern (circa 1832).

Folks eager to do some last-minute Christmas shopping will have a couple of op tions. The gift shop in the park’s visitor cen ter stocks cookbooks, reticules (small purses), old-timey toys, jewelry, pottery, herbs and an assortment of history books. A variety of unique gift ideas, to include key rings, cande labras, and candle sticks manufactured at the park, are also available from blacksmith Jerry Ligon.

Among the favorite experiences offered to visitors during the day’s events are surrey rides through Washington. Priced at $8 for adults and half that for children, the horse-drawn carriage outings provide memo rable photo ops for all.

Christmas & Candlelight takes place Dec. 9-10 this year from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the visitor center and run $10 for adults and $6 for children (6 to 12 years of age). Historic Washington State Park, conveniently located just off Interstate 30, is about 10 miles northwest of Hope.

For those unfamiliar with Historic Washington, a little background on this fascinating place might be in order. Situated on the celebrated Southwest Trail, the town was established on the site of the Ebenezer Campground Revival. It soon became a prominent commercial center in that corner of the state, and has been described as “one of the most highly civilized communities in early Arkansas.” Stephen F. Austin, among others, did some serious land speculation in the area back in the day. The local blacksmith, James Black, produced what many authorities consider the finest hunting knives ever made, knives that also developed a reputation for coming in handy during duels. Black sold his first one to James Bowie, and the tempered steel knives Black made in the same style have been called Bowie knives ever since.

Washington, Arkansas is the birthplace of the Texas Revolution. It also served for a short time as the state’s Confederate capital during the Civil War.

A lesser-known aspect of Washington is the significant role it played in the fight for Texas independence. For example, George William Featherstonhaugh, a British-born scientist hired as the country’s first geologist, filed this report from Washington during his 1834 survey of Arkansas:

I was not desirous of remaining long at the place. General Houston was here, leading a mysterious sort of life, shut up in a small tavern, see ing nobody by day and sitting up all night . . . There were many persons at this time in the village from the States lying adjacent to the Missis sippi, under the pretense of purchasing government lands, but whose real object was to encourage the settlers of Texas to throw off their al legiance to the Mexican government.

A century or so later, Dr. Walter Scott McNutt had this to say about Sam Houston’s ties to Washington, Arkansas:

Sam Houston finally took up his abode in a small up per room of an inn in the town of Washington, Arkansas. He stayed there for several months and furnished the basis of community gossip during his stay and long afterward. Strange visitors came to see him at all times of the night as well as day, important looking men, com mon men, rich men and poor men. He never talked with any one about what he was doing, and rarely appeared for meals . . . This enigma to the town disappeared just as mysteriously as he had entered it. But later it was discovered, through men who knew him, that the Texas Republic was born in the upper room of the little Ar kansas inn, and that Sam Houston had been all along planning the liberation of a great people.

In short, Washington, Arkansas, is the birthplace of the Texas Rev olution. It also served for a short time as the state’s Confederate capi tal during the Civil War, hosting Arkansas’s government during the 1863-1865 period after Little Rock fell to Union Forces. The building

that housed state officials in that two-year span still exists and is open for tours. The war’s conclusion, followed by placement of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad several miles south of town, led to Washington’s gradual decline

Given Washington’s background, it’s no surprise that the Arkansas General Assembly appropriated funds as far back as 1929 to preserve the town’s history. Officially established as a state park in 1973, it’s been called Arkansas’s version of Colonial Williamsburg. Washington is defi nitely worth a visit, and the 36th Annual Christmas & Candlelight fes tival offers a wonderful opportunity to spend a few pleasant hours far removed from the pressures of modern society.

“All I want for Christmas is a Family!”

The mission of Project Zero is to diligently and enthusiastically promote adoption through the foster care system with the ultimate goal of finding a forever family for every child who is waiting. We do this by:

• Raising AWARENESS about the need for adoptive families through the Arkansas Heart Gallery; online exhibit and three traveling exhibits, through short films featuring waiting kids, and through promotional products and speeches.

• Building HOPE in and relationships with waiting children/teens through exciting monthly events filled with new experiences.

• Helping to CONNECT waiting children/teens with the right forever families through our partnership with Arkansas DCFS, through ‘connection’ events that bring waiting families and waiting children together and through one-on-one interaction with interested and waiting families.

SCAN TO WATCH OUR 2022 NATIONAL ADOPTION VIDEO

Merry Christmas friends, Giving our waiting kids a voice is a gift we never take for granted. Allowing them to share their hearts, their stories, and their dreams gives them renewed hope for a second chance at a wonderful life. It is so humbling to watch as they find that hope and as they find their way home.

We believe zero is possible, but we know that to get there it will take an army of passionate warriors who are willing to pray, to adopt, to share the need and to give. Thank you for joining us on the road to zero and for sharing with us the incalculable joy every #oneless brings. May God Bless you and your family during this beautiful Christmas season.

Until there are Zero, Executive Director/Project Zero

Nonprofits across Arkansas work year-round to improve the lives of those in the Natural State. Some are tackling food insecurity or taking care of our unsheltered neighbors. Others are investing in the healing and development of Arkansas youth. Still others are advocating for aging adults or those with disabilities. No matter what their mission is, the leaders in charge of these organizations set a strong example for the rest of us. Frankly, they give us hope for what Arkansas is and can be. While we get to know these “Leaders in Hope” a little better, they’ll also offer us ways to support their work. Whether it’s time, money or just spreading the word, the goal of a better future is one we can all contribute to.

Brian Burton

CEO | ARKANSAS FOODBANK

As the largest hunger relief organization in the state, the Arkansas Foodbank plays an integral role in the fight against hunger. Created in 1984, and a member of the Feeding America national network since 1989, the nonprofit connects people and resources in order to provide dignity and hope to those in need.

A native Arkansan, CEO Brian Burton joined the Arkansas Foodbank in October of this year after serving as CEO of Three Square Foodbank in Las Vegas, Nevada for 11 years. Burton was eager at the chance to return home and take on new challenges with the Arkansas Foodbank.

“My life’s trajectory has always been leading me in this direction,” Burton says. “Our vision is a stronger community where hunger needs are met with sufficient access to nutritious food.”

Arkansas ranks second in the country for food insecurity. One in seven adults, and one in five children, are at risk of going hungry every day. The Foodbank serves 33 counties, including many in the Delta region – one of the most underresourced areas of the country.

“Without proper nutrition, children can’t learn and grow, parents can’t work and senior citizens are at risk for in creased health-related issues,” Burton says. “We work every day in collaboration with supporters, volunteers and our member partners to ensure those we serve have consistent access to nutritious food.”

One Way to Support the Arkansas Foodbank:

• Donating: A $1 donation can provide food for five meals. Give once or on a recurring basis online, by phone or by mail.

Melissa Dawson President & CEO | THE CENTERS

The Centers was founded in 1884 by Elizabeth Latta Mitchell and is the oldest continuously operating non-profit in Arkansas. In the 138 years since, The Centers has been committed to meeting the needs of individuals through integrated care that promotes physical, emotional and social wellness for all.

President and CEO Melissa Dawson joined The Centers in 1994 and held several positions before taking on the role of CEO in 2017. Dawson takes inspiration from her predecessor, the late Doug Stadter, and welcomes the challenges that come with meeting the needs of the com munity, often with limited resources.

“As a non-profit organization, it is our duty to be inventive and adaptive because everyone deserves access to high-quality care,” Dawson says. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is celebrating the incredible work of our staff who are integral to the successful outcomes of so many individuals.”

The Centers works to ensure low income, uninsured and underinsured people have access to quality mental and behavioral services. Services include child and adolescent residential care, therapeutic foster care, day treatment programming, substance use treatment program ming, prevention services, outpatient counseling and a free crisis hotline. The Centers also houses a nationally-recognized human trafficking treatment program and has recently opened an adjacent primary care clinic and pharmacy.

One Way to Support The Centers:

• Donating: Venmo (@TheCentersArkansas); give online, by phone or by mail; shop The Centers’ Amazon Wish List

Leaders in

Ron Ekstrand CEO | EASTERSEALS ARKANSAS

Founded in 1944 by Virginia Armistead, Easterseals Arkansas was created with the belief that those with disabilities deserve the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential. The organization has evolved and expanded over the years, and today, Easterseals Arkansas is a statewide provider of home- and communitybased services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The mission of Easterseals Arkansas is to empower all individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. In addition to its 42-bed residential children’s reha bilitation center, Easterseals services include high-risk infant monitoring, outpatient therapy services, developmental preschools, a private K-12 school, transition from school services, employment support, community living and housing.

Ron Ekstrand is only the fifth person to serve as CEO in the organization’s 78-year history. After 25 years working at for-profits in insurance, managed care, financial services and con sulting, he was recruited to serve as an executive at a nonprofit that would become an Eas terseals affiliate in Missouri. Ekstrand joined Easterseals Arkansas at the end of 2019.

“I love applying my knowledge and experience to help build capacity, culture and in frastructure for organizations that truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve,” Ekstrand said. “The Easterseals Arkansas mission resonates with my own values and has a rich history of community support and impact.”

One Way to Support Easterseals Arkansas:

• Volunteering: A volunteer application and more information is available online.

3920 Woodland Heights Road | Little Rock | 72212 501.227.3600 | easterseals.com/arkansas

Christie Erwin Executive Director | PROJECT ZERO

Founded in 2011 by Christie Erwin and Caryl Watson, Project Zero was created to pick up and expand strategically where other adoption coalitions across the state had left off. As a long-time foster and adoptive parent herself, Erwin has seen firsthand the effects that waiting in foster care can have on children.

The goal of Project Zero is to have zero waiting children in Arkansas, and that mission rests on three tenets: rais ing awareness, building hope in kids while they wait and helping to connect them to forever families.

“Project Zero is important because waiting kids are important,” Erwin says “They are Arkansans – they belong to all of us – and they are counting on us to give them a voice and a chance at a bright future.”

Project Zero hosts monthly connection events where children and families can interact and get to know one another. The organization also presents the Arkansas Heart Gallery, a collection of photographs of waiting children and teens taken by professional photographers.

Erwin describes the heartbreak that comes with seeing children age out of foster care, but adds that the most rewarding part of her work is seeing children find the right forever family.

“Our kids are precious, unique, and they matter,” Erwin says. “They deserve to be in amazing families who love them unconditionally, help them heal, nurture them and cheer them on to become all they were created to be.”

One Way to Support Project Zero:

• Volunteering: Email cara@theprojectzero.org.

P.O. Box 25436 | Little Rock | 72221

Raymond Omar Long

CEO | BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

The first Big Brothers program in Little Rock was the work of five area churches coming together to meet the needs of young men in their community. In 1972, Big Brothers of Pu laski County became a full affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the organiza tion began serving girls in 1983. Growth in areas outside of Little Rock allowed the group to change its name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) in 1998.

Mentorship with Big Brothers Big Sisters takes many forms, all with the goal of provid ing the role models and access to resources young people need to succeed. One-to-one mentoring includes the titular “Big Brothers and Big Sisters,” where youth are matched with one adult, but youth can also be matched with a couple or family. Other initiatives include matching youth with first responders, group engagement teaching life and socialemotional skills, workplace mentoring and support for program alumni.

CEO Raymond Omar Long joined BBBSCA as a board member in 2020 and stepped down to run the organization’s day-to-day operations in 2021. Long has a vision for a bolder, better and bigger BBBSCA, with expanded services such as academic enrichment, digital and financial literacy, leadership development and career pathways training.

“Mentoring is a proven, cost-effective intervention that unlocks a lifetime of opportunity for those in need of a role model,” Long says. “Mentors inspire, motivate and expose their Littles to a world of possibilities for their lives. There are thousands of young people in Central Arkansas with untapped potential who need the support of an extra adult.”

One Way to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas:

• Volunteering: Apply online to be a Big, or attend an online info session and learn more about the work and hear from current Bigs.

SISTERS

ARKANSAS

Janell Mason

CEO | RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF ARKANSAS

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas opened its doors in 1981 to care for families staying far from home while their child received treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. That initial eight-bedroom house provided a much-needed respite and became a home away from home for many. In the years since, the House has only extended its reach.

Today, the House also serves families with babies in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at Baptist Health and UAMS. The first Ronald McDonald Family Room in Central Arkansas opened on the NICU floor at UAMS in 2020. In 2009, the organization launched the state’s first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to provide free dental and oral health care to children across six counties.

CEO Janell Mason began working with the Ronald McDonald House as a volunteer in 2008 and oversaw the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House on the campus of Arkansas Children’s. At three times the size of the old House, it houses 32 families each night, providing them with a comfortable suite and a community of support. The House has a large kitchen, an 80-seat dining room, indoor and outdoor recreation areas, laundry facilities and other comforts of home.

“Nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the healing of their child,” Mason says. “Here, families and children receive rest, nourishment and support at no cost to them.”

One Way to Support Ronald McDonald House:

• Donating: The House is 100% reliant on donations to keep its services free to families. In addition to monetary gifts, you can provide items on the House’s Amazon Wish List at wishlistwednesday.org.

Luke Mattingly

CEO | CARELINK

CareLink was established in 1979 as Central Arkansas’ Area Agency on Aging. The organiza tion was charged with helping older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. Over four decades later, the agency now serves 15,000 people per year.

CareLink helps homebound older people receive services that allow them to stay at home as long as possible, avoiding more costly care. The nonprofit helps active older people stay fit, healthy and involved through senior centers, wellness programs and volunteer opportunities, as well as helping family caregivers navigate the maze of available services and care for their aging loved ones.

CEO Luke Mattingly previously worked in the for-profit sector, but served regularly on non profit boards. After 15 years of volunteer service, Mattingly was inspired to move full-time into nonprofit work and helping others; he leapt at the chance to join CareLink in 2003.

“CareLink is an asset to anyone who is or who loves an older Arkansan,” Mattingly says. “If CareLink can’t provide direct service, like Meals on Wheels or HomeCare, we can direct you to all of the best resources available.”

With inflation impacting expenses and a rapidly-growing 65+ population, Mattingly points to sustainable funding as a challenge that is more critical than ever for CareLink to overcome.

One Way to Support CareLink:

• Donating: 100% of your donation goes to the program of your choice. Give by mail, online or become a corporate sponsor.

Elizabeth Pulley Executive Director | CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERS OF ARKANSAS

The national Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) organization was founded in the 1980s to provide child abuse victims with safe, supportive services and to minimize additional trauma. Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas gives victims access to a variety of services essential to the investigation and healing processes, such as forensic interviews, medical exams, mental health therapy and prevention education.

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas utilizes a collaborative approach where a team of professionals from various agencies works together to help both child and family. The orga nization promotes and supports the development of centers across the state in order to bring hope and healing to more victims.

A Benton native, Executive Director Elizabeth Pulley joined the Children’s Advocacy Cen ters of Arkansas in 2017 after more than a decade in higher education. Under Pulley’s leader ship, the organization has increased services to provide free, direct assistance to more than 11,000 child abuse victims. In 2021, Pulley worked on legislation bringing Arkansas law up to date with other states, created best practices and developed a collaborative response to child abuse.

“Child victims would not have access to a variety of services without a CAC,” Pulley says. “No matter a child’s location in the state, they should be able to receive quality services. Ev ery child matters.”

One Way to Support Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas:

• Volunteering: Fill out the online form and get involved with your local CAC.

124 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1630 | Little Rock | 72201 501.615.8633 | cacarkansas.org

Aaron Reddin Executive Director

THE VAN

The Van is all about locating and loving our unsheltered neighbors. Founder Aaron Reddin was working in the local shelter system and began to see the disparity between the number beds available and the number of people experiencing homelessness. Red din took matters into his own hands, loading down his Toyota Yaris with supplies and going out to meet people where they were.

Attention from local media and others getting the word out helped the work take off like a rocket, according to Reddin. “We incorporated the effort 11 years ago and haven’t had time to look back,” he says.

The Van aims to be a consistent mobile resource to those experiencing unsheltered and chronic homelessness in the Little Rock metro area. Those coming to Little Rock from rural areas looking for resources are often stuck outside, because shelters in the city stay at capacity. The Van works to locate and serve the hundreds of Arkansans stuck outside.

“I believe in the work of radical hospitality,” Reddin says. “I believe we have to take care of each other, or we’re all in trouble.”

In addition to direct outreach in the namesake Van, the organization provides emergency shelters during inclement weather and runs an urban farm to grow food and give work opportunities to the people it serves.

Chronic homelessness poses constant threats to those experiencing it, and Reddin points to the tremendous amount of loss as a huge challenge. “But then,” he adds, “you have the Little Eddies.” This coming February, Eddie will celebrate ten years in his house after more than two decades living under a bridge.

Reddin’s latest project has been bolstering The Van’s mobile social work effort. Putting social workers out on the streets requires a consistent source of funding, and though Reddin admits “we’re not big on asking for support, nor are we much good at it,” monthly donations are the surest way to help the project succeed.

One Way to Support The Van:

• Donating: Set up a recurring donation, donate by mail or order from The Van’s Amazon Wish List at HelpTheVan.org. A list of drop-off donation locations is also available online.

Ron Ekstrand

The Nights Before Christmas

The holiday season in the Natural State truly offers something for all to enjoy. December is a delightful month across the state for many reasons, including the lighting of city squares, lo cally crafted baked goods at every corner, traditions and extravagant creative endeavors gifted as entertainment for all.

Whether you Ho..Ho..Hope to laugh through the stress that this season can bring or are set on enjoying traditional theatrical performances, Arkansas is a great place to be, as it offers so much during what many regard to be the “most wonderful time of the year.” To ensure all have a Holly Jolly Christmas, no corner of the state is absent of holiday cheer with a month full of comedy specials, reminiscent viewings of holiday classics, plays, musicals, live music and so much more.

Take a break from the shopping, the gift wrapping and the last-minute planning to remind yourself what the holiday season is truly all about – gathering with loved ones to enjoy the tradition and newness that December brings.

Guys & Dolls

Nov. 29-Dec. 30 Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Little Rock

A Fertile Holiday Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23, 30 The Joint Comedy Theater, North Little Rock

A Christmas Carol Dec. 1-24 TheatreSquared, Fayetteville

A Christmas Story Dec. 1-4, 8-11 Pocket Community Theatre, Hot Springs

Elf The Musical Dec. 2-12 The Royal Theatre, Benton

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Dec. 2-3

Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

The Joy of Christmas Dec. 3

ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith

Polar Express Pajama Party Dec. 3 Rialto Theater, Searcy

Rejoice! With South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Dec. 3 El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, El Dorado

The Swingles, Together for the Holidays Dec. 4

Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

White Christmas Dec.7-17

Argenta Community Theater, North Little Rock

Holiday Cheer! With Little Rock Wind Symphony Dec. 8

UA- Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater, North Little Rock

A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 10 Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway

Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats the Holiday Variant Dec. 9 ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Dec. 9 Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

A Ferncliff Christmas Dec. 9-11 Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, Little Rock

Arkansas Chamber Singers: An English Christmas Dec. 9-11 Old State House, Little Rock

A Very SoNA Christmas Dec.10 Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

The Snowman: A Family Concert Dec. 11 Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

Ballet Arkansas’ The Nutcracker Spectacular Dec. 9-11 Robinson Center, Little Rock

A Tuna Christmas Dec. 9-18 Arkansas Public Theatre, Rogers

The Polar Express Movie Showing Dec. 10 Arkansas Public Theatre, Rogers

Doktor Kaboom: The Science of Santa Dec. 12 Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: Home for the Holidays Dec. 16-17 Robinson Center, Little Rock

It’s a Wonderful Life Dec. 16-18 The Foundation of Arts, Jonesboro

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie Showing Dec. 17 Arkansas Public Theatre, Rogers

The Nutcracker Presented by Western Arkansas Ballet Dec. 17 -18 ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith

Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Tour 2022 Dec. 18 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

The Prophecy Show’s Tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec. 21 Robinson Center, Little Rock

The Polar Express Dec. 23 Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

Charlie Brown Christmas 1, 2, and graphic: Courtesy of Reynolds Performance Hall Doktor Kaboom Christmas: Courtesy of Reynolds Performance Hall Guys & Dolls Graphic: Courtesy of Arkansas Repertory Theatre

Where Are You, CHRISTMAS?

Heber Springs’ Aromatique marks 40 years

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos By DEWAIN DUNCAN

Heber Springs is a homey speck on the map, a tack point pinning Cleburne County into the mosaic of north central Arkansas. Known for its lovely, postcard-esque scenery, it’s a community with a glowing reputation for attracting retirees seeking the slower, quieter pace of small-town life.

But for all of its qualities, it’s not the kind of place one expects to find a multimillion-dollar company in a multibillion-dollar industry, let alone one that revolutionized the marketplace. But that’s precisely what you find in Aromatique, an Arkansas-born national success story. The pioneer of decorative home fragrance, Aromatique marks 40 years in 2022 as a still-formidable player in the crowded market category of its own making.

“There has been so much competition that has entered since Aromatique started,” said Steve Lawrence, vice chairman and CEO. “I used to be able to count the number of fragrance companies at the Atlanta trade show on one hand in the ’90s and now, I literally can’t count them all.”

The same can be said for the company’s product line, which has expanded tremendously over the years. From a single breakaway hit scent, Aromatique has evolved various product lines including candles, wax melts, diffu sors, fragrance cards, hand soaps, incense, aerosols and a roster of decorative fragrances for every room in every season of the year.

Across this diverse catalog, one thing remains consistent and intact from the earliest days of the company, Lawrence said.

“Quality. Quality is what started Aromatique, and quality will continue to be important here,” he said. “There’s so much competition that if you falter on quality, you’re not going to survive very long. We have really tried to make sure that we have stuck to our quality/value model. So far that has served us well.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

If the thought of a billion-dollar home décor category being born on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake is curious, the finer details of Aromatique’s backstory boggle the mind. A butterfly effect of time, place and opportu nity, its origin is the ultimate happy accident, directed by one of Arkansas’s most charismatic entrepreneurs.

Jonesboro native Patricia (Pulliam) Upton was born in 1938 and raised in a time when women didn’t get many opportunities to grow into their true potential, stunted as they were by social mores and smothered under glass ceil ings. Nonetheless, Patti showed a deep inde pendent streak early, and as a child, her parents indulged her precocious and headstrong nature – to a point.

“I would refuse to wear certain things,” she

Patricia Upton circa 1960. Courtesy of Aromatique.

Decorative fragrances in Aromatique.

reminisced in a video produced for her 2016 induction into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. “If I didn’t like a dress that Mother was going to make me wear, I got the scissors out and cut it up.

“And then, of course,” she added, her tone gilded with incredulity, “I was spanked.”

These reinings-in aside, Upton’s spark and gumption became her calling card, central to who she was and rivaled only by her elegant sense of style. The willowy brunette enrolled in Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, to study fashion design, later transferring to Fayetteville where she would win the title Miss University of Arkansas in 1959. There, she also met her future husband, Dick Upton. After time working as a fashion model, the couple returned to Dick’s hometown of West Memphis and welcomed twin boys in 1964. For the next 18 years, life played out in pat

terns as predictable as they were comfortable.

By her 40s, the family had purchased a He ber Springs lake house and, in spending time there, Upton befriended Sandra Horne, owner of local gift shop The Browsing Post. Upton helped out at the shop, as much to stave off boredom as anything. One day, Horne sug gested she create something that would lure shoppers to their Christmas open house, a task that unleashed Upton’s pent-up energies.

“I think, first and foremost, Patti was gifted creatively,” Lawrence said. “She could paint. Her talents in home design and home décor were pretty well-known. She was sought-after by an elite crowd to engage in some of their interior design. She was very in-tune with fashion and had some experi ence there. She just really was gifted from a creative standpoint.

“When she was asked to help decorate

the gift shop, she was able to turn those tal ents loose and come up with something really unique.”

Anyone who saw her in the grip of that first effort might not have described things so glowingly. As reported by Joe David Rice in a 2018 issue of AY About You, “[Patti], who claimed to have never cooked a meal during her life, was surrounded by pots and pans and a bizarre collection of pinecones, sweetgum balls, acorns, hickory nuts and so on from their yard. Plus, there was an interesting array of natural flavorings and essential oils scattered across the countertops.”

Upton tinkered with the formula until she achieved the desired aroma which, while impressive, was not in itself particularly revo lutionary. But the artful presentation of the botanicals mix signaled the beginning of something completely new in home décor.

‘‘

“The fragrance industry has been around for ages, and certainly the floral industry has as well, but nobody had really put the two together like she had,” Lawrence said. “Even potpourri, the origins there were sachets and potpourri that you weren’t really putting on display. You were putting it in vented bowls or putting it in a closet or a sock drawer.

“She brought it out to the forefront. She put the fragrance in the middle of your dining room table to put it on display, and that was really, I think a lot of people would say, the success of her entrepreneurial efforts. That was The Smell of Christmas.”

Holiday shoppers not only followed their noses to The Browsing Post, they clamored to buy the mixture right out of the bowls placed around the shop for ambiance. The entire first batch of The Smell of Christmas was hastily portioned out in doilies, snatched up by cus tomers and marched out the door in the span of a day, per Rice.

By capturing Christmas in a bowl, Upton had caught lightning in a bottle. The next batch was mixed in a plastic garbage barrel and soon thereafter, a commercial facility was established in Heber Springs. Aromatique was off and running.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Even though Upton had little if any prior ambition for owning a business, once Aroma tique launched, she quickly developed a highly focused strategy for distribution and market ing. She scouted potential outlets with a criti cal eye, believing a quality retailer reflected well on her product line. Savvy though this approach was, it didn’t account for the level of demand the product would generate, and Upton had to broaden her field of vision to keep up.

“I didn’t want everybody in Little Rock to

be carrying Aromatique,” she said in her Hall of Fame video. “I wanted it to stay special. Through the years, we just gave up on that [approach] because people just wanted what they wanted when they wanted it.”

As with product quality, the strategy of focusing on better retail outlets is also some thing that survives to this day.

“We’ve done business with really high-end folks like Bergdorf’s and Nieman Marcus,” said Chad Evans, president and COO. “Up per-end mom-and-pop independent retailers are still a big part of our business, along with some higher-end department stores, Belk being one of them. I think that is where our

price points lie, that’s where our value is, that’s where our customer demographic lies.

“You aren’t going to find Aromatique candles in Kohl’s and Walgreen’s and Target. Nothing against those retailers, they’re great retailers. They’re just not our market. That’s not our customer.”

Aromatique quickly became a national sensation and in time would count First La dies Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Nancy Reagan – as well as entertainers Cher and Di onne Warwick – among its clientele. As the company’s glamorous face, Upton herself was a story the media couldn’t resist. She was fea tured on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,”

I wanted products that the average American household could afford to buy.

Aromatique corporate center circa 1960. Courtesy Aromatique.

Chad Evans stands proudly next to Aromatique merchandise. Evans is the president and COO of the business.

and interviewed by The London Daily Ex press, The Washington Post, Southern Living and People magazine, to name a few.

Though choosy about who carried Aro matique, Upton never wanted to only serve what she often called “the hoity toity” market segment. Her strategy to bring the company into budgetary reach of as many people as possible worked magically as from one end of the country to the other, families from many walks of life delighted in the premium product without a premium price tag. It’s an operating philosophy the company promulgates today.

“I wanted products that the average Amer ican household could afford to buy,” she said in the video, shot three years after retiring from the company in 2013, and a year before her death in 2017. “I didn’t want ritzy, fancy things that they couldn’t enjoy.”

“Patti always liked to say she wanted to offer class for the mass,” Evans said. “By that she meant offering very high-quality products at the lowest price that we could, to deliver consumer value. It was her philosophy that has planted us on the lower end of the luxury

market. We’re certainly not mass and cheap, but you can go buy $60 to $180 candles on the high end of luxury, and that’s not us either.

“We offer very high-end fragrances, high concentrations of fragrances and really highquality waxes. The raw materials the company uses are on the high end, but we work very, very hard, probably on less margin than some, to make sure our customer is still getting val ue. I think that has really allowed Aromatique to stay relevant in the industry for as long as we have.”

Today, Aromatique finds itself in a market environment very different from nearly any time in its history. Decorative home fragrance can be purchased al most anywhere, and consumer shopping habits have changed dramatically in 40 years, to say nothing of the aging of its core clientele.

Evans compared Aromatique’s prod uct development strategy to the ice cream business, where a few mainstay varieties are augmented by new and sea sonal selections. Doing this, Aromatique leverages nostalgia through the core scents while rotating fragrances target the younger demographic.

“As the market changes, as demo graphics change, as new generations or ages come along, we do adjust those fragrances,” Evans said. “But it’s inter esting; The Smell of Christmas is pre dominantly purchased by those 60-plus. But there are also people buying it who are 20 years old who, when they think of Christmas, they think of being at their grandmother’s house and they remem ber The Smell of Christmas.

“So now, even if they’re 30 years old or 20 years old, when they get around Christmastime, there are certain memo ries they have and they want that fra grance to go with it. Most of the time,

yes, there is a difference in what the 20-yearold and the 60-year-old favors, but when it becomes seasonal, it’s only The Smell of Christmas.”

Despite the challenges of rampant compe tition, rising costs, the new frontier of online retailing and changing customer demograph ics, both Evans and Lawrence said there are still opportunities for the company to explore, as Aromatique enters its second 40 years.

“I think different [fragrance] delivery systems are on the horizon,” Lawrence said. “We’re currently working on one right now that utilizes Bluetooth technology so you can control the fragrance level in your home from your phone. Another area the consumer is be coming increasingly sensitive to are the ingre dients in wax, the ingredients in fragrances. It’s becoming much more regulated. There’s a lot more time and attention being committed to the healthiness of the raw materials being used.

“Aromatique has been involved for several years in tweaking formulations to make sure that the fragrances that we put out are very health-conscious, very environmentally sensi tive. That’s an ongoing process that has been in play for a while that I see continuing to be a very high priority.”

Evans noted the company is well-posi tioned to meet challenges and leverage poten tial opportunities, including, of late, privatelabel manufacturing. He said the company’s corps of well-seasoned employees, some of whom have worked here for decades, are a big reason why.

“If we were in a larger metropolitan area, I think it would give employees an opportunity to be less loyal, and to go from one company to the next,” he said. “In a smaller community, our staff appreciates the company as much as we appreciate them. Our turnover rate shows it; we looked at recent numbers and the aver age length of service at the corporate office is 17 years. With that kind of workforce, we have lots of opportunities for continued growth.”

Displays line shelves at Aromatique. The business is know for its high-end fragrances.

Decorative home fragrances from one of Aromatique’s many fragrance lines. Photo by Dwaine Duncan.

It’s not Christmas without Aromatique

25 of Christmas Giveaway

How To Win

Each day of December lead ing up to Christmas, visit AY’s social media platforms for the code word of the day. Enter it at aymag.com/contests for your chance to win. Items must be picked up in person.

It’s already the most wonderful time of the year, but AY About You hopes to make it even more so for a few lucky readers. During our 25-day countdown to Christmas, we will be giving away one item per day from one of the Natural State’s many wonderful local busi nesses. From clothing to candles and jewelry to potpourri, these stocking stuffers and under-the-tree dwellers are the perfect addition to anyone’s gift list.

Ballet Arkansas —

Value: $225 520 Main Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 223-5150 | Box Office: (501) 244-8800 balletarkansas.org

Win four tickets to Ballet Arkansas' beloved holi day tradition! The “Nutcracker Spectacular" is the largest and longest running holiday production in Arkansas, featuring live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas, two choirs and more than 200 community performers! Join Ballet Arkansas at the Robinson Center December 9-11th for an unforgettable celebration of the season.

HOCOTT'S Garden Center —

Value: $100 (gift card) 3612 Kavanaugh Boulevard Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 663-8376 hocottsgardencenter.com

Freshly cut Fraser Firs delivered to your door ... or you can pick one up! Hocott’s does it all, including a full service garden center — filled with gifts, decor items, rare houseplants, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs; also providing lawn care, landscaping, irrigation services and more.

Tracee Gentry-Matthews —

Value: $110 (scarf) (501) 831-6200

ARTBYTRACEE.COM

Once the holidays wrap up, the countdown begins for the graduating seniors in your life. What better way to celebrate their accomplish ments and commemorate their favorite memories than with a commissioned work by none other than Tracee Matthews? Matthews is giving away a scarf featuring a collection of cherished memories from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Murry's Dinner Playhouse Inc —

Value: $168 (4 tickets) 6323 Colonel Glenn Road Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 663-8376 | murrysdp.com

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beauti ful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on the clas sic animated film, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is a spectacular adventure for all ages! The show runs from Nov. 23 - Dec. 31, 2022.

Ooh La La Salon —

Value: $225 OOH La La Salon (501) 868-4111 oohlalasalonsite.net oohlalasalon@att.net

Glow as bright as the lights this season with the help of OOH La La Salon. This gift set features a Moroccanoil 1 inch Professional Curling Iron, an umbrella and an assortment of travel sized prod ucts so you can look your best no matter where the holidays take you.

Mrs. Polka Dot

Value: $100 (gift card)

611 Beechwood St. Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 603-5177 | mrspolkadot.net

Find the perfect preppy and personalized gift with $100 to spend at Mrs. Polka Dot. Whether you’re shopping for babies, bridal gifts, men, women or Greek life, there’s something with your initials on it – literally. Give (or get for yourself) a timeless gift in the classic prep style.

Nooma Studios

Value: $295

Locations in Searcy, Little Rock and Rogers (501) 492-9894 noomastudios.com hello@ilovenooma.com

Make good on your “new year, new me” plans with a free, personalized nooma mat and a 10-class pass from Nooma. The distillation of yoga, Pilates, barre, weight training, cardio and dance is sure to have you sweating, and the experience is designed to build inner as well as outer strength.

The Crown Shop

Value: $100 (gift card)

Village at Pleasant Valley Shopping Center

10700 N. Rodney Parham Rd. Little Rock, AR 72212 (501) 227-8442 thecrownshop.com

Family owned since 1971, The Crown Shop has the best gift selection in town. Rest assured you’ll find something special for everyone on your list, with one-stop shopping for luxurious bath and body products, fashion and apparel, gourmet goodies and more.

Tipton & Hurst

Value: $170

Locations in Little Rock, Conway, North Little Rock and Pine Bluff (501) 666-3333 | tiptonhurst.com

Tipton & Hurst is your go-to destination for more than just flowers. Find decor, gourmet food baskets and more – like this two-piece Baobab Candle and Fragrance Diffuser Gift Box set. The Brussels scent is an artful blend of cypress, sandalwood and honey.

7DAY 10

Healing Hemp of Arkansas

Value: $100 (gift card)

8210 Cantrell Rd Little Rock, AR 72227 (501) 313-5243 | healinghempofarkansas.com

Healing Hemp of Arkansas offers CBD products to suit every taste – tinctures, soft gels, teas, chocolate, gummies, skin care products, pet care and more. With $100 to spend and Healing Hemp’s professional and knowledgeable staff at your side, you can’t go wrong.

Body Sculpture of Little Rock

Value: $650 Body Sculpture Of Little Rock Med-Spa 16900 Chenal Parkway Ste 140 Little Rock, AR. 72223 (501) 503-1772 bodysculpturelr.com

The expertly trained and experienced medical staff at Body Sculpture of Little Rock look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with this gift: one syringe of any Restylane filler. The dermal filler smooths away wrinkles and folds, lifts, enhances and volumizes for a look that will ensure “smooth” sailing into the new year.

Dr. Eric Wright

Value: $291.50

1701 Center View Dr Ste 201 Little Rock, AR 72211 Phone: (501) 575-0088 Text: (501) 292-2992 drwrightplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Eric Wright and the team at Wright Plastic Surgery are eager to help you look and feel your best with this gift. The ZO Get Skin Ready kit includes a ZO Gentle Cleanser, ZO Exfoliating Polish and ZO Complexion Renewal Pads. To top it all off, the Signature HydraFacial with a licensed esthetician will cleanse and exfoliate, extract blockages and infuse your skin with hand-selected serums.

DAY DAY

Coy's Southern Eats

Value: $80 (501) 517-2381 coyssoutherneats.com

Spice up the holiday “season” with this Signature Gourmet Gift Box. The set features a Coy's Signature Cracker Warming Tin and all 4 unbeatable Coy’s seasonings: Original House, Garlic Butter, Wild Game – which is not just for wild game – and the all-new Greek Seasoning. It also has 2 packets of the Coy’s House Salad Dressing Mix and a carafe to serve it in.

Fort Thompson Sporting Goods

Value: $200 (gift card)

5802 Warden Road Sherwood, AR 72120 DAY

(501) 214-0661 | drsuzanneyee.com

This gift from the office of Dr. Suzanne Yee is truly “easy on the eyes.” Feel and look rejuvenated from lid to lash with Upneeq eye drops for low-lying lids, Latisse growth treatment for lashes, and Obagi Elastiderm eye cream for fine lines and wrinkles.

Molly Maid

Value: $800 (Roomba 694 and three hour cleaning) (501) 758-9996 (Greater Little Rock) mollymaid.com

Arkansas' most trusted house cleaning service is not only offering up a free, three-hour, two-person team cleaning this holiday season, but they are also giving away a free iRobot Roomba to help make sure your home stays clean well after the team of two uniformed and insured Home Service Profes sionals™ clean your home.

Arkansas

Value: $200

Heart Hospital

1701 South Shackleford Rd.

Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 219-7000 | arheart.com

Don’t wait for a New Year’s resolution to take a closer look at your health. The Arkansas Heart Hospital is now offering body composition scans plus fitness and metabolic testing on its state-of-the-art equipment – no physician referral necessary. With this Wellness Testing and Imaging Package, you’ll receive a body composition and bone density scan, metabo lism testing, 30-minute nutrition consultation and 30-minute exercise consultation.

Townsend Spice & Supply, Inc.

Value: $100 (12 spice containers)

725 E. Main Street

Melbourne, AR 72556

(870) 368-3688 | townsendspice.com

Pamper your food. No dish is complete with out the right concoction of spices. For that,

Little Rock Zoo

Value: $119 (Family Plus membership)

1 Zoo Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 661-7200

Little Rock Zoo memberships make excellent gifts for the young and young at heart. With year-long discounts at Café Africa and the Safari Trader Gift Shop, admission to members-only events and free parking, a membership can make someone’s great day at the Zoo even better. Members enjoy great benefits all while supporting conservation!

Sissy's Log Cabin

Value: $425 Locations in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, Conway and West Little Rock (501) 663-0066 | sissyslogcabin.com

From diamonds to designer jewelry, Sissy's Log Cabin has extraordinary styles for everyone on your list. Complete your stack with this sterling silver Oval Link Chain Bracelet by David Yurman.

No Fixing, Just Fabulous

Jenny and Dave Marrs share their favorite Christmas Traditions

By

ANGELA FORSYTH // Photos provided by Jenny Marrs.

Dave and Jenny Marrs may design homes to the point of perfection, but their Christmas goals are far from it. The stars of the hit HGTV show “Fixer to Fabulous” shared with AY a glimpse of what it’s like to spend the holidays with their family of sev en. Bounded by simple, yet meaningful traditions, the Marrs family holds fast to the magic of tradi tion and togetherness during the holiday season. We hope you enjoy this exclusive interview with Jenny and Dave.

AY: It’s clear how important family and faith are to you both. Can you describe what Christmas means to you and talk about some of your favorite Christmastime traditions?

Jenny: We always celebrate Christmas as a family. This is our time to just pause and recognize and celebrate the birth of Jesus, and to us – it’s just that in the craziness of our current life – this is a time where we actually have some downtime for a minute. So, it’s time to just slow down and be together, focus on family traditions and just spend time together.

Dave: Like Jenny said, tradition is really big in our family. We want to always be home with our kids. On Christmas Day, our parents and all of the family – they’re all welcome. Anyone is welcome to come, but we stick to that tradition of being home on Christmas morning. We have a tradition of getting a picture at the top of the stairs. It drives me nuts, but they have to sit at the top of the stairs until Jenny gets all of her pictures, and then they can run down. But it’s stuff that we did when we were children that still means a lot to us, and I hope that it is instilling in them some of those memories that they’ll hold on to and hopefully take to their families.

AY: Speaking of passing down childhood traditions, what were some of your fondest Christmas memories from your childhood?

Dave: We always went to my grandparents’ home on Christmas Eve and spent it with my dad’s side of the family. We had that tradition. Christmas Eve was for all the extended family. And then, Christmas Day was just a time we spent as parents and children together, reflecting on the birth of Christ and what that means. We gave and received gifts, but we knew there’s a bigger picture. That was our ritual.

Jenny: For me, we did Christmas Eve at my grandma’s house with my dad’s side. We would go to her house, have dinner and then go to church as a family. Then, we would come home. That was kind of our tradition. And then, the next morning, we woke up and – same as we

have done with our kids – we would all have to wait at the top of the stairs until my mom got everybody ready and got everything ready with the camera. My dad had the video camera, and we would run down the stairs. We had four kids in our family, so we would all open gifts and just spend the morning in pajamas playing with our gifts and toys. Then, we would go to my grandma’s house on my mom’s side and have a big extended family celebration. We had both sides of our family living in the same town, so it was really nice. We got to spend those two days with all of our family on both sides.

I also do remember one of my favorite traditions as a kid – and still to this day – on Christmas Eve, we would go to church for a candlelight service, where at the end of the ser vice we would all have our little candles and pass the flame, lighting each other’s candle. We do that still today, and then everyone sings “Silent Night.” It’s just a quiet reflective mo ment, which I’ve always loved every Christmas Eve.

AY: On social media, Jenny, you have shared pictures of balloons and notes that count down the days leading up to each child’s birthday. What do you do with your kids during Christmas time to really make it special for them?

Jenny: One thing is we do have our advent countdown that we’ve done since the boys were little. Sometimes, you miss a day or two here or there because it’s busy, but we really do try to have our advent count down. That’s where we read and reflect through the biblical history of Jesus’ birth. And then for Christmas itself, we really do try to make sure every child has the same amount of gifts, and we try to really be fair about that and make sure everybody has one gift that they’re really excit ed about. They may all get socks, but they have their one really good gift.

Then, we do the candlelight service on Christmas Eve at our church, and then we go to Dave’s parents’ house and have a big dinner, and it’s loud and crazy. It’s just a big family dinner, and we open gifts with his family. The kids do a kid’s gift exchange. All the cousins draw names and trade presents, which is fun. And then the next day, we get up and we ba sically just spend the morning at home with our kids, opening gifts and playing with toys. A little later, we go to Dave’s sister’s house for brunch and spend more time with family and then come home, relax a little bit,

I just think it’s so important to have those Christmas traditions. It doesn’t matter what it is, but doing something consistent for your kids every year builds those memories.

Dave and Jenny Marrs sit with their family.

and then go to his brother’s house for dinner.

AY: Dave you cook a lot on a regular basis for family dinners. Do you do anything special for Christmas?

Dave: I like to cook. Growing up, my grandmother and my dad – they were the cooks in the family, and I guess it wore off on me. I make my grandmother’s sugar cookies. We make peanut butter cookies and all kinds of sweets. As far as cooking goes, I like preparing a turkey. Usually, people reserve that for only Thanksgiving, but I like to extend that. I don’t think it should just be for Thanksgiving. I feel like turkey could be something to be had all throughout the year; I love it.

I think a lot of it is just about being together, and a couple of my kids – Sylvie and Charlotte – they really like to help with the cooking. I think the act of making a whole bunch of cookies or making chocolate-covered pretzels or any other candy is something that the kids love to get involved with. It’s cold outside, and it’s just more family time together, so much more than just the act of cooking something. You’re not just cooking dinner to say ‘Alright, let’s get through dinner and get this done,’ it’s time you share with them.

AY: Jenny, do you like to cook around Christmas time too?

Yeah! I love to cook. I don’t like to bake, but I do love to cook. I usu ally try to bring in my family’s recipes because we’re not with my family in Florida. We usually bring in my mom’s sweet potato casserole. We do a big traditional meal on Christmas Eve, and then on Christmas Day, we typically do soups. Everybody makes a soup and brings it to Dave’s brother’s house, and we have a bunch of soups and bread and just mix it up that way.

AY: From hilarious inflatable Halloween costumes to funny practi cal jokes on each other, you seem to enjoy being silly and laughing at yourselves. Are there any funny Christmas stories or mishaps that you remember from previous years?

Jenny: I would say the one thing that comes to mind is the time that Santa put the kids’ trampoline together. So, the kids got a tram poline one year when they were little, and because it was cold outside, Santa put it together in the barn, but didn’t think about how it would get outside of the barn. It ended up staying in, and actually ended up working out because since it was inside the barn the whole winter sea son, they got to jump indoors. It did have to be taken apart and put back together outside when spring came.

year.

Dave: That was... yeah, that wasn’t one of my smarter ideas. Another memory is: I grew up in Colorado, and I was always used to a lot of snow. In Arkansas, it gets cold, but we don’t get a ton of snow. So about six years ago or so, I actually bought a snow machine – a commercial snow machine – so we can have white Christmases. It has to be below freezing for it to work, but we’ve actually done it with the kids, where it’s just dead and brown everywhere, and then there’s 3 feet of snow in only our front yard. We’ll usually, at that time, try to put a car in front of the machine so we can put a bunch of snow on top of the car and drive around with it. People wonder where we just came from. I like to have fun with it when we can.

AY: Any final thoughts?

Dave: I just think it’s so important to have those Christmas tradi tions. It doesn’t matter what it is, but doing something consistent for your kids every year builds those memories. Jenny and I – we were very blessed by our parents that we got that when we were younger. So, the boys may complain about it now, but I know – because I used to – I know that it will become one of their best memories when they’re older. I hope it will be one of their favorite memories when they have their

One thing is we do have our advent count down that we’ve done since the boys were little.

The Marrs children enjoy opening Christmas gifts every

The Marrs family shares their recipe for banana blueberry bread. Dave shared fond memories of cooking with his dad and grandma.

own family. So, I just love that you brought up traditions because I think that’s one of the great things about Christmas.

Jenny: Yeah, and the tradition of getting our Christmas tree – it’s always a big deal when we get a Christmas tree together as a family. That’s always a fun outing. Then, we decorate it together. I used to try to make the tree really pretty, and I cared about that. And now, I really don’t care. I just want it to be a fun time that we spend together. I let the kids decorate it, and we have all of these ornaments that are super meaning ful. We usually pick up ornaments when we travel. It’s one of the things that we try to collect. It’s fun to take all the ornaments out and look through them and remember where we got each one, and wherever it was, we reflect on that trip, which is really nice. It’s fun, and it’s some thing that the kids love to do. Every year, they get to take turns putting the star on so it’s fair, but yeah, I think that it’s exactly like Dave said. It’s just about those consistent traditions that are just really special. They can be super big or super small. It doesn’t really matter, it’s just about that consistency behind it.

AY: It’s ironic that two people who are on a TV show about home design just let the Christmas tree be whatever it’s going to be. You let the kids decorate and just roll with it.

Jenny: That’s right because what happens is if you get too caught up in the perfection of it, then it becomes stressful, and it takes away the meaning of it.

Dave: I think what Jenny does with the show is to say that at the end of the day, it’s your house; it’s your Christmas tree. Let it be a reflec tion of you and your family. Really, the only people who have to like it are the ones living in the home.

Dave and Jenny Marrs, the stars of “Fixer to Fabulous,” first appeared on television in 2019. Their home-building experience, however, goes much further back. The husband-and-wife team started their company, Marrs Developing, in 2004 renovating ap proximately 30 homes a year. Based in Bentonville, the duo is best known for the love they have for their hometown and their passion for showcasing the beauty of Northwest Arkansas. Fans of the show know Dave can build almost anything (from patio furniture to hidden wine rooms) and Jenny has a talent for making any house, no matter the style, comfortable and cozy.

The Marrs family includes five children, dogs, sheep, chickens and a donkey.

“Fixer to Fabulous” just kicked off its fourth season. You can catch the hit home-remodeling show Tuesday at 8pm on HGTV.

Conway Regional has been the community’s hospital for 100 years, providing high-quality, compassionate care. As our community continues to grow, we are growing alongside you to ensure all of your healthcare needs are met right here in Conway. When your family needs medical care, you can trust our award-winning team to provide the award-winning comprehensive care you deserve.

Women in HEALTH CARE :

Making progress in climbing senior leadership ranks

While about 80% of health care workers are women, fewer than 20% hold key leadership positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“It takes purposeful attention to the career advancement of women to shift the percentage in senior leadership ranks,” said Marcy Doderer, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s Hos pital in Little Rock. “Throughout my career, I have seen progress in women having leadership roles in health care.

“I’m tremendously proud that our senior leadership team at Arkan sas Children’s is 57% women-led. As a woman in health care, I’ve always taken it upon myself to identify, support and elevate qualified women into leadership roles, which I hope will impact the broader industry.”

Understanding that barriers to advancement exist based on gender, age and other biases, Doderer worked very hard to make sure she had the necessary academic and experiential background to succeed as a health care executive when the opportunity presented itself.

“I had tremendous mentors, both men and women, who gave me new opportunities and supported me along the way,” Doderer said. “It was sometimes challenging to find my own voice at an all-male table and to speak up in a way that established inclusivity for all leaders. However, I embraced my various roles throughout my career with authenticity and courage, and I believe that is one of the reasons I’m a CEO today.”

Her advice to other women is to dedicate themselves to something they are passionate about and find ways to prepare along the profession al journey for the next opportunity. Then, when an opportunity pres ents itself, embrace it. She also said mentors provide invaluable support to a person’s success and can help one overcome hurdles and barriers. Preparation is also key in gaining the confidence and competence to be successful.

By BECKY GILLETTE

For more than two decades, the number of women accepted into med ical schools across the U.S. has been roughly on par with men. Yet a large gap still remains in terms of the number of women leaders in academic medicine, said Dr. Susan Smyth, dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Science School of Medicine.

In 2002, 49.2% of the students matriculating into U.S. medical schools were female, per American Association of Medical Colleges FACTS data. In 2021, the AAMC data for all academic medical schools in the U.S. indicates that about 60% of the instructors are women, 48% are assistant professors, 40% are associate professors, 28% are full pro fessors, 22 % are chairs and 22% are deans.

There has been a steady increase in the overall percentage of women in the physician workforce, from 28.3% in 2007 to 36.3% in 2019. According to AAMC data from 2019, the specialties with the highest percentages of women are primarily focused on care to women and children, including 64.3% in pediatrics, 58.9% in obstetrics and gynecology, 54% in child and adolescent psychiatry, and 52.8% in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Based on data published by Becker’s Hospital Review 2020 and Medscape 2021, specialties with lower than 15 percent female represen tation include orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology and cardiology.

“In my field of cardiology, women account for only 14% of practicing cardiologists,” Smyth said. “Despite the fact that women make up more than 40% of internal medicine residents, only 25% of cardiology fellows are women.”

Smyth said reasons for the sluggish increase in females at higher ranks include women often getting a slower start to their careers as they balance outside commitments. Women tend to have more family re sponsibilities; an American College of Cardiology Survey of Professional Life revealed women were more likely to have interruptions of training or career for greater than one month, and the most common reasons were for pregnancy and childbirth.

“The impact of work and life commitments on the early phase of a physician’s career, when family needs and career demands are at their highest, likely have long-term im pacts on the trajectory of women’s careers,” Smyth said.

Smyth said limited availability of men tors and sponsors can also impact the upward leadership trajectory for women. Other elements that may disproportion ately affect women include implicit bias, tra ditions and hierarchy that favor men in the selection and promotion process.

“Women tend to prioritize values differently from men, and this may make leadership roles less desirable if the organization’s values are not aligned with those of qualified women,” Smyth said.

Meanwhile, the vast majority of nurses are women, both na tionwide and in Arkansas, a statistic that has remained unchallenged throughout the profession’s history.

“Nurses provide most health services as the largest single force of health care workers worldwide,” said Margaret Love, UAMS nursing instructor and president of the board for the Arkansas Nurses Associa tion in Little Rock. “Becoming a nurse opens up opportunities, allowing them to receive a formal education, enroll in training programs, secure a license and, finally, get a job while reaping the benefits of a steady income.

“Nursing is responsible for better health, stronger economies and gender equality. How nurses improve health is well-understood, but

stronger economies and equality in the workplace are just as important.”

The rapidly evolving job of a nurse is highly demanding, but as Love points out, it is also more financially rewarding than ever and that trend is expected to continue in the years to come. Nurse compensation in Arkansas varies by region, specialty and training or advanced education with urban centers offering the highest pay. The BLS lists the median pay for nurses in Arkan sas at $65,810 annually in 2021 and as of September 2022, Salary.com reports an annual median salary of $61,541. Ar kansas is ranked 47th compared to the national average of $82,750 annually.

While nursing pay is higher than ever before, pay for nursing instructors has not caught up. ARNA is working alongside other professional nursing organizations and legislators to address nurse educator pay, as it presents a ma jor roadblock to attracting new educators and, in turn, training more nurses.

A growing challenge lies in the fact nurses are increasingly subject to workplace violence, including the immediate and long-term carnage and death caused by gun violence.

“In 2018, health care and social service workers were five times more likely to experience workplace violence, according to the BLS,” Love said. “However, the recent shooting at a Tulsa medical facil ity actualized the worst possible scenarios. The impact of this horren dous event cannot be overstated. Fear and anxiety in the profession are at an all-time high.

“The American Nurses Association reports that one in four nurses is assaulted at work, and nurses are four times more likely to experience violence at work than people in any other profession. Risk of illness, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and workplace violence are some is sues driving nurses away from the bedside.”

Love said ARNA stands with Arkansas employers that have enacted

Dedicate yourself to something you are passionate about and find ways to prepare along your professional journey for the next opportunity.

Susan Smyth, MD, PHD

Marcy Doderer, FACHE

Margaret Love, DNP,APRN, FNP-BC

measures increasing safety and access to programs addressing employees’ overall well-being, including mental health. Development of processes to identify and respond to threats, limiting public access points, in creased facility monitoring and violence de-escalation training are some ways for employers to take immediate action.

“All nurses should be afforded a safe and healthy work environment,” Love said. “We will continue to introduce and support legislation to strengthen the current workplace violence laws in the state.”

The NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State Uni versity in Jonesboro believes in ensuring diversity in all aspects of its institution, said Shane Speights, dean.

“That certainly includes the value we place on gender equity,” Spei ghts said. “Of our first seven admitted classes, 48 percent of enrolled students were women. We are very fortunate to have strong female rep resentation in our COM leadership as well. All three of our department chairs are women. Additionally, our associate dean of academics and our assistant dean of academic achievement are women, as is the dean of our parent institution in New York.

“We enroll a significant number of future female physicians, and we have an outstanding group of female leaders to train and mentor these women throughout their medical education at NYITCOM. Studies are clear that people want to see physicians that look like themselves and can relate to them. That’s why it’s incredibly important to train health care providers who address every aspect of diversity.”

Representation and creating an inclusive workplace are extremely important, said Dr. Brookshield Laurent, chair of clinical medicine.

“Mentorship, guidance and investment in professional development are vital to helping women become physician leaders,” Laurent said. “We are very purposeful in that at NYITCOM at A-State, as evidenced by the female representation amongst our senior leadership team and the number of female physicians that serve as clinical faculty.

“If we want to see more women in leadership in health care, there must be more women involved in policy design in the workplace. They must be engaged, and their voice must be counted to help shape poli cies that support the context of the multiple roles women fulfill in life. Doing so could have a significant impact on an organization’s bottom line through increased productivity and employee retention, as well as

the fact that consumers look favorably on organizations that prioritize representation.”

Just finishing a surgical subspecialty or any residency in medicine breaks glass ceilings in health care, said Dr. Suzanne Yee, longtime plas tic surgeon and clinic owner in Little Rock.

“By owning my own practice, the ceiling is as high as I want it to be, and it allows me to set my goals as high as I would like. The sky’s the limit,” Yee said. “I can also relate to what women are striving for. I have a family, expenses, work and the same stresses that most other women have. Communication, compassion and understanding are so important.”

Yee said the autonomy that comes with having her own practice is another big plus.

“I can direct the patient care and tailor it to the type of practice and care that I want to give our patients,” Yee said. “Also, owning your practice gives you the ability to choose the most qualified people to work with patients, from answering the phone to patient care. In private prac tice, I can also add or remove treatments or procedures that I feel are effective for our patients without having to go through a lot of red tape.”

Yee gets a lot of self-satisfaction from the spirit of teamwork that exists among her employees, as it produces the kind of quality care that results in happy patients.

“I am fortunate to have a husband who handles much of the finances and a great staff that works with me as a team,” Yee said.

The biggest challenges in owning one’s own practice, Yee said, is maintaining a quality staff, managing client expectations, watching ex penditures, and not letting the small things get to her. Integrating this into a plastic surgery practice can be a challenge because the demands of each day vary widely.

“If we have an emergency or any other issue, like a laser suddenly not turning on, then we have to be able to make changes and just flow with it and know how to handle the situation,” Yee said. “Owning and running a plastic surgical practice not only takes determination, fore sight and persistence, but long hours juggling many different aspects of the health care world and business. It also takes some creativity, artistry, compassion and dedication to making sure that you do the best you can for your patients and your staff.”

Brookshield Laurent, DO

Dr. Suzanne Yee, MD, FACS

“If we want to see more women in leadership in health care, there must be more women involved in policy design in the workplace.”

Jamie Abbott, M.D.. Kritsty Walker, PA-C

Mary Susan Hilton, PA-C Janelle Claborn, PA-C Karlee Van Dam, PA-C

Danielle Williams, APRN

West Little Rock Women’s Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Julie Goodwin has joined their team.

Dr. Goodwin specializes in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) including robotics. She has a MIGS Focused Practice Designation from ABOG which is awarded to those physicians who have achieved the highest standards in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Drs. Watkins and Reynolds, who are both Certified Menopause Practioners, offer safe and specialized care through the menopause transition, as well as a full range of gynecologic services for women of all ages.

Sarah Holland, APN provides excellent care for women of all ages, but particularly enjoys connecting with patients of the younger generation.

As a woman-led organization since day one, AY About You knows firsthand the importance and expertise of women in the workplace. That’s why we take every opportunity possible to highlight female accomplishment, and we are proud to have found another way to do so — AY’s Best Women in Health Care. We hope you’ll enjoy this second-annual listing featuring some of Arkansas’ best women in the industry, voted on by our readers.

List published by facility, in alphabetical order.

ACathy Rougeau, CRNA, MS

Advanced Facial Aesthetics of Conway

Nadine Alex, MD Alex Endocrine Associates

Ashley W. Halpain, MD All for Kids

Dawn Martin, MD All for Kids

Kim Skelley, MD All for Kids

September Westbrook, MD All for Kids

Tina Merritt, MD

Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Northwest Arkansas

J. Nicki Ames, MD

Ames Direct Primary Care

Angela Lovett, MD Anethesia Associates of Arkansas

Liz Kwo, MD, MBA, MPH Anthem, Inc.

Kelly Burks, MD

Arkansas Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Lori Kagy, MD

Arkansas Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Lindsay Still, MD Arkansas Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Sumera Ali, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Jennifer Andrews, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Lauren Appell, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Lindsey Arthur, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Meenakshi Atteri, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Amanda Bailey, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Debra Becton, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Hannah Beene-Lowder, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Rebecca Cantu, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Kaitlin Cockerell, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Marcy Doderer, FACHE Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Sue Faulkner, AUD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Kirstie Frost, CNP Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Jill Fussell, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Kristen Garsee, CRNA, RN Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Candice Goodwin, CRNA, RN Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Rachel Griffin, PA Arkansas Children’s Hospital

McKinsey Jansen, BSN, RN, CCRN Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Stacie Jones, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

April Kilgore, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Rebecca Latch, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Tamara Perry, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Kristi Porterfield-Pruss, RRT, RPSGT Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Arundathi Reddy, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Amy Scurlock, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Sabina Siddiqui, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Emily Smith, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Lindsey Wolf, MD Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Anita Aebersold, DDS Arkansas Dental Centers

Jennifer Shuler, APRN Arkansas Department of Human Services

Katlyn Anderson, PA-C Arkansas Dermatology

Annaleigh Harper, PA-C Arkansas Dermatology

Katherine Lafargue McCrady, PA-C Arkansas Dermatology

Rebecca Lee, APRN Arkansas Dermatology

Emilee Odom, PA-C Arkansas Dermatology

Brooke Walls, PA-C Arkansas Dermatology

Melanie H. Smith, MD Arkansas Ear, Nose, & Throat, PA

Rose Alfano, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Melanie Amick, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Abby Connerly, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Donna Davis, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Kelly Hall, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Sarah Jones, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Irina Lendel, MD Arkansas Heart Hospital

Monica Lo, MD Arkansas Heart Hospital

Shea Oxford, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Courtney Riddle, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Angela Simmons, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Rebecca Young, APRN Arkansas Heart Hospital

Meredith Dilley, MD, MPH Arkansas Otolaryngology Center

Barbara Kay Morris, MD Arkansas Otolaryngology Center

Dana Abraham, MD FACS Arkansas Surgical Hospital

Stephanie Bartlett, APRN Arkansas Urology

Diana Braziel, PA-C Arkansas Urology

Natalie Byars, APRN Arkansas Urology

Christie Dumboski, APRN Arkansas Urology

Tamera Douglas, APRN Arkansas Urology

Lauren Hendrix, MD Arkansas Urology

Jami Howell, PA-C Arkansas Urology

Iris Kennedy, APRN Arkansas Urology

DeAunna Lewis, PA-C Arkansas Urology

Allison Morrow, APRN Arkansas Urology

Gail Reede Jones, MD Arkansas Urology

Nicole Shaw, APRN Arkansas Urology

Toronsa Simpson, APRN Arkansas Urology

Sarah Stevenson, PA-C Arkansas Urology

Leslie Ann Wilcox, RNP Arkansas Urology

Wischelle Williams, APRN Arkansas Urology

Rachael Rickford, APRN Arkansas Women’s Center

Joyce Kinney, MD Ashley County Medical Center

Erin Hekmatpour, MD Autumn Road Family Practice

Atalie Sessions, APRN Autumn Road Family Practice

Lauren Stringer, APRN Autumn Road Family Practice

BGrace Marable, PharMD, BCPS Baptist Health

Erica Stokes, MD, PharMD Baptist Health

Emily Neal, APRN

Baptist Health Family Clinic - England

Stephanie Cody, MD

Baptist Health Family Clinic - Hillcrest

Julie Turner, DNP, APRN

Baptist Health High Risk Breast & Hereditary Cancer Clinic

Sumera Ali, M.D.

Jennifer Andrews, M.D.

Lauren Appell, M.D.

Lindsay Arthur, M.D.

Meenakshi Atteri, M.D.

Amanda Bailey, M.D.

Debra Becton, M.D.

Hannah Beene-Lowder, M.D. Rebecca Cantu, M.D. Kaitlin Cockerell, M.D. Sue Faulkner, AUD Kristie Frost, C.N.P. Jill Fussell, M.D.

Kristen Garsee, C.R.N.A., R.N. Candace Goodwin, C.R.N.A., R.N. Rachel Griffin, P.A.

McKinsey Jansen, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Stacie Jones, M.D.

April Kilgore, M.D.

Rebecca Latch, M.D.

Tamara Perry, M.D.

Kristi Porterfield-Pruss, R.R.T., R.P.S.G.T. Arundathi Reddy, M.D.

Amy Scurlock, M.D.

Sabina Siddiqui, M.D.

Emily Smith, M.D. Lindsey Wolf, M.D.

Sarah Stagg, PT

Baptist Health Therapy CenterSaddle Creek

Audrey Tobey, MD

Baptist Health Women’s ClinicConway

Brandi Anderson, APRN Baxter Regional Medical Center

Gwen Davis, NP Bell Winston Clinic

Amanda Bledsoe, DC Bledoe Chiropractic

Samantha Devlin, OD BoozmanHof

Stephanie Stanley Moss, OD, FAAO BoozmanHof

Mary Sullivan, OD BoozmanHof

Lisa Sallings, PT Bowen Hefley Orthopedics

Debbie Williamson, MSPT Bowen Hefley Orthopedics

Shelly Bray, MD Bray Family Medicine

Kathleen Wong, MD Bridges to Wellbeing, LLC

CRachel Pinto, LPC

Cardinal Counseling Services

Jamie Burton, MD CARTI

Kris L. Gast, MD CARTI

Mariann Harrington, MD CARTI

Andree Ledbetter, OTD, OTR/L, CLT CARTI

Stacy Smith-Foley, MD CARTI

Dianna Sutliff, MSN, APRN, FNP-C CARTI

Rhonda Gentry, MD CARTI Cancer Center

Marianne Lotito, MS, LCGC CARTI Cancer Center

Grace Raja, MD CARTI Cancer Center

Jerri S Fant, MD, FACS CARTI Cancer Center

Diane Wilder, MD CARTI Cancer Center

Katherine Baltz, MD Central Arkansas Ophthalmology

Ashley Deed, MD Central Clinic For Women

Amy Galdamez Central Clinic For Women

Lindsay Huelitt, MD Central Clinic For Women

Leticia Jones Central Clinic For Women

Heather Owens, MD Central Clinic For Women

Amy Wiedower, MD Central Clinic For Women

Heather Owens, MD Central Clinic For Women

Michelle Chapman, LPC, Founder Chapman Counseling and Consulting

Saadia Haneef, DO

Chenal Family Therapy

Faiza Samad, LPC

Chenal Family Therapy

Kristy S. King, MD

CHI St. Vincent

Susan Barr, MD

CHI St. Vincent

Nidhi Jain, MD

CHI St. Vincent Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic

Tena Murphy, MD

CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic

Beverly Beadle, MD

CHI St. Vincent Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic

Jennifer Co, MD

CHI St. Vincent Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic

Laura Otter, MD

CHI St. Vincent Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic

Zainab Siddiqui, MD

CHI St. Vincent Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic

Rachel Wayne, MD

CHI St. Vincent Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic

Maggie Moore, RN

CHI St. Vincent Neuro Surgery

Kathryn Chenault, MD

CHI St. Vincent North / Arkansas Neurosciences Institute

Halah Al-Dadah, MD

CHI St. Vincent Primary Care Hot Springs

Beverly Foster, DC

Chiropractic Health & Rehabilitation

Danielle Bell, MD

Conway Counseling & Wellness Center

Ayisha Canant, PhD

Conway Counseling & Wellness Center

Sarah Atkins, DDS

Conway Family Dental

Emily Garza, PA

Conway Regional After Hours Clinic

Rimsha Hasan, MD

Conway Regional Cardiovascular Clinic

Crystal Stripling, APRN

Conway Regional Clinton Medical Clinic

Rachel Neal, PA

Conway Regional Hendrix Medical Clinic

Necie Reed, APRN

Conway Regional Hendrix Medical Clinic

Alison Wilson, APRN

Conway Regional Hendrix Medical Clinic

Dawn Hughes, MD

Conway Regional Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center of Arkansas

Stacey Johnson, APRN

Katie Deacon, APRN

Conway Regional Mayflower Medical Clinic

Amanda Irby, BSN, RN

Conway Regional Medical Center

Lindsey Rowe, LPN

Conway Regional Medical Center

Eryn Zimmerebner, BSN, RN

Conway Regional Medical Center

Jessica McNeese, APRN

Conway Regional Russellville Medical Clinic

Amy Johnson, MD

Conway Women’s Health Center

Debra Lawrence, MD Conway Women’s Health Center

Brandie Martin, MD Conway Women’s Health Center

Theresa J. Moix, APRN Conway Women’s Med Spa

Ashley Mason, MD, FACOG Creekside Center for Women

D

Hailey Farris, MD

Dardanelle Regional Medical Clinic

Sarah Davis, OD DeBlack Eye Care Center

Amanda Bickford, CNP Drew Memorial Hospital

Kim Clatworthy Elder

Independence

Haley Endacott, APRN-BC, AE-C ENT and Allergy Center

Felicia Johnson, MD ENT Center of the Ozarks

Vanessa Barnes, APRN Family Care of South Arkansas

Nana-Aishatu Adamu, MD

Flowers Medical Clinic (JRMC)

Leticia Jones, MD

Genisis Women’s Clinic

Conway Regional Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center of Arkansas

Suzanne Yee, MD Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center

E F G

The Best Female Providers in Arkansas

We feel so privileged to work with some of the best providers in Arkansas, and they just so happen to be female. The women of Arkansas Urology are improving the lives of men and women across the state every day. These are their names:

Lauren Hendrix, MD

Gail Reede Jones, MD

Stephanie Bartlett, APRN

Diana Braziel, PA-C

Natalie Byars, APRN

Shawn Clawson, APRN

Tamera Douglas, APRN

Christie Dumboski, APN

Jami Howell, PA-C

Iris Kennedy, APN

DeAunna Lewis, PA-C

Allison Morrow, APN

Toronsa Simpson, APRN

Sarah Stevenson, PA-C

Leslie Ann Wilcox, RNP Wischelle Williams, APRN

Ezinne Nwude, MD, FACFP, MPH Gold Cross Family Clinic ArkansasUrology.com

Lauren Hendrix, MD

Gail Reede Jones, MD

LaDonna Young, NP Gold Cross Urgent Care

Ivory Kinslow, MD Kinslow Eye Center

Kathryn Smith McClurkan McClurkan Clinic

Sylvia Simon, MD Monticello Medical

Balencia Andrews-Pirtle, MD

Great River Medical Center - Blytheville

Chimere Ashley, MD Great River Medical Center - Blytheville

Steffany Calloway-Benton, DNP, MNSc, APRN, FNP-BC, Clinical Director HealthTech Arkansas

H L

Cheryl A. Hull, MD, FAAD Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics

JAmanda Duch, APRN Jonesboro Pediatric Clinic

Summer Tyson, DDS Jonesboro Pediatric Dental Group

CJ Cobb

Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists

Kelli Schlesinger, MD

Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists

Brandi Alexander, APRN

Lifespring Women’s Healthcare

Lorie Oswalt, APRN

Lifespring Women’s Healthcare

Tracy Van Es, AuD

Little Rock Audiology Services

Sarah Hays, DC

Little Rock Chiropractic and Acupuncture

Heather Gray, RN McColgan Surgical Clinic

Shelby Brogdon, OD McFarland Eye Care

Althea Conley, MD Medical Center of South Arkansas

Sonya Justice, RN Medical Center of South Arkansas

Jennifer Schroeder, MD

Mercy Clinic Family Medicine, Mercy Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology

Tiffany Weathers, MD Mercy Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology

NNicole Caton, DO NARMC

Macy Massey, APRN NARMC

Brookshield Laurent, DO NYIT

Traci Kiernan, DC

Natural State Health Center

Jill Flaxman, MD

Natural State Pain and Wellness Clinic

Crystal Adams, APRN NEA Baptist Clinic

Taylor Kelamis, APRN Kelamis Plastic Surgery

Victoria Kitchens, RN Kelamis Plastic Surgery

M K

Holly Miguet, OT Kids Being Kids Therapy

Natalie Burr, MD

Little Rock Pediatric Clinic

Ann-Marie Magre, MD

MANA Family Medicine

Marina Ivanovsky MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Marina Lifestyle Medicine

Laura Adams, MD Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Melissa Albers, MD Mercy Hospital Fort Smith Shelly York Miracle Ear

Nicole Scally, MD

Northwest Arkansas Family Medicine & Obstetrics

Laureen Benafield, MD

Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, A MANA Clinic

Meredith Denton, MD

Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, A MANA Clinic

Stacy Furlow, MD

Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, A MANA Clinic

Meredith Mahan, MD

Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, A MANA Clinic

Virginia McCord, MD

Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, A MANA Clinic

Michelle Ang-Poland, MD Northwest Medical Plaza Springdale

OAmy Fry, MD

Northwest Women’s Specialty Group

Jeanine Andersson, MD OrthoArkansas

Kathryn McCarthy, MD OrthoArkansas

Jamie Abbott, MD Ozark Dermatology

Janelle Claborn, PA-C

Ozark Dermatology

Mary Susan Hilton, PA-C

Ozark Dermatology

Karlee Van Dam, PA-C

Ozark Dermatology

Kristy Walker, PA-C

Ozark Dermatology

PDanielle Williams, RN Ozark Dermatology

Dana Browning, DC Pain Care Associates

Gena Woodward, MS, PT Pain Care Associates

Chanel Bullock, APRN-FNP-C Pain Treatment Centers of America

Jaclyn Cooper, APRN Pain Treatment Centers of America

Adrienne Friedly, APRN Pain Treatment Centers of America

Honey Hull, APRN

Pain Treatment Centers of America

Venecia Johnson, ACNP-AG, BC Pain Treatment Centers of America

Lacey Parker, MD Pain Treatment Centers of America

Noemi Ramsay, MD Pain Treatment Centers of America

Nicole Rinewalt, MD Pain Treatment Centers of America

Angel Samuel, APRN Pain Treatment Centers of America

Katrina Scott, APRN Pain Treatment Centers of America

Stacie Smith, PA Pain Treatment Centers of America

Kristy Thompson, APRN Pain Treatment Centers of America

Heather Whaley, MD Pain Treatment Centers of America

Emily Hinton, MD Parkhill Clinic for Women

Meridith McKinney, MD Parkhill Clinic for Women

Paige Partridge, MD Parkhill Clinic for Women

Taylor Salyer, MD Parkhill Clinic for Women

Lindsey Seale, MD Parkhill Clinic for Women

Andrea Mabry, MD Pinnacle Dermatology

Kayla Mohr, MD Pinnacle Dermatology

Marla Wirges, MD Pinnacle Dermatology

Archana Jarathi, MD Prime Endocrinology, LLC

Mitzi Washington, MD PrimeCARE Medical Clinic Searcy

Dr. Bev. Foster has been one of Central Arkansas’ favorite Chiropractic physicians for over 30 years and has been continually voted “Best Chiropractor” by readers of Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the Arkansas Times and AY Magazine. Board certified in Chiropractic Orthopedics, Dr. Foster has been a guest lecturer at UAMS and has served the Arkansas and National Chiropractic examining boards in various capacities.

CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH AND REHABILITATION 2701 W. Markham Street Little Rock, AR 501.371.0152 • drbevfoster.com

Dr. Bev. Foster

RKala Slaton, MD

Renaissance Women’s Center

Lindsey Gillum, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Revive Lifestyle Medicine

Jourdan Quinn, APRN, FP-BC Revive Lifestyle Medicine

SAshley Martindale, PA Saline Med Peds

Deanna Hopson, MD SAMA HealthCare Services

Lynsay Lee, LPN SAMA HealthCare Services

Lauren Monteith, MD SAMA HealthCare Services

Anne Trussell, MD Sei Bella Med Spa

Trudy Forbush, PT

Jennifer Gabbard, RN

Shewmake Plastic Surgery and the Skin Retreat

Tiffany Lucas, APRN

South Arkansas Adult Medicine Clinic

Donya Watson, MD South Arkansas Women’s Clinic

Devi Gopinath Nair, MD

St Bernards Heart & Vascular

Jennifer DiCocco, MD St Bernards Surgical Associates

Amy Ade, APRN St. Bernard’s

Mallory Hurst, MD

St. Bernard’s Dermatology Clinic

Sarah Swetnam, RN, BSN Swetnam Cosmetic Surgery

TDanna Grear, MD

Crystal Lackey, PT, DPT

The Center Health & Wellness

Jacqueline Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

The Littles Pediatric Clinic

Shelly Gibbs, MD

The Woman’s Clinic

Jill Jennings, MD

The Woman’s Clinic

URebekka Amick, CNS UAMS

Sheva Chervinskiy, DO UAMS

Rachel Dooley, RN UAMS

Margaret Love, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC UAMS

Kristi Rainwater, RRT

Linda Teal, MD

UAMS

Shelby Johnston, APRN

UAMS Center for Gynecology

Jennifer Laudadio, MD UAMS Department of Pathology (Chair)

Marielie Agesilas, MD

UAMS Family Medical Center Springdale

Kathryn Brown, OD

UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute Clinic

Romona L. Davis, MD

UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute Clinic

Joni Barker, CNP UAMS Internal Medicine Clinic

Sara Tariq, MD

Dr. Dana Abraham Breast Oncology Surgeon

Rani Lindberg, MD

UAMS Physical Medicine and Rehabilition Clinic

Burcu Ozdemir, MD UAMS Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic

Ann T. Riggs, MD

UAMS Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic

Jeanne Wei, MD UAMS Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic

Betty Everett, PhD UAMS Walker Family Clinic

Blakely Edmund, CNP UAMS Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Ronda Henry-Tillman, MD

UAMS Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Daniela Ochoa, MD

UAMS Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Mary Racher, MD

UAMS Women’s Center

Alexis White, MD UAMS Women’s Center

Tesa Ivey, CNP

UAMS Women’s Health Clinic

Mimi Lee, MD, PA Vein & Aesthetic Care

Chitra Annamalai, MD

Veteran’s Health Care System of the Ozarks - Fayetteville

WStacy Armstrong, DO Washington Regional Harrison Family Practice

Brittney Sharp, MS, RD, LD Washington Regional Medical Center

Jessica Short, MD Washington Regional Rheumatology Clinic

Susan Balke, DO Webber Medical Center

Sarah Holland, APRN West Little Rock Women’s Center

Kimberly Reynolds, MD West Little Rock Women’s Center

Julia Watkins, MD West Little Rock Women’s Center

Julie Goodwin, MD West Little Rock Women’s Center

Blythe Joyner, RDH Westport Dental Associates

Leslie Adams, APRN, DNP White Hall Walk-In Clinic, PA

Suzanna Blackburn, APRN White River Health Family Care - Heber Springs

Julia Allen, MD

White River Medical Center

Paige Kelly, BSN, RN Wright Plastic Surgery

Z VRaeAnn Wilson Zen Infusion

“Dr. Merritt is determined to get you the help you need and not leave you wondering what will happen next. She has ALWAYS been available anytime I need her.”

-Patricia P.

Congratulations Tina!

for being voted one of AY Magazine’s Best Women in Healthcare

Tina Merritt, MD, is the sole owner of the Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Northwest Arkansas. She attended the University of Arkansas and obtained medical school training and pediatric residency at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She also earned an allergy fellowship at the University of Virginia. Among her accomplishments is a part ownership on the patent for a red meat allergy test, called Alpha-gal allergy. She is also participating in clinical trials for a rare disease and a clinical trial looking at an antibody used to treat COVID-19 in longterm health care facilities.

“We have a busy allergy clinic and have had to adapt to the changing medical environment. The clinic schedules allergy injections and utilizes telemedicine visits as often as possible for the safety of our patients and staff.”

1900 S. Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR • 479.254.9777

We are a skilled nursing facility with a state-of-the-art rehab center offering person-centered care in a quiet and serene setting.

We are a skilled nursing facility with a state-of-the-art rehab center offering personcentered care in a quiet and serene setting.

Awarded Bronze National Quality Award by the American Health Association.

We are a skilled nursing center offering person-centered Awarded Bronze National 1092 West Stultz Road, Springdale Awarded Bronze National

1092 West Stultz Road, Springdale 479.750.3800 ShilohHR.com

CABOT HEALTH & REHAB, LLC is a skilled nursing facility offering resident-centered care in a convenient and quiet location. Cabot Health & Rehab, LLC is located in beautiful Cabot, AR near the city center, medical offices and hospitals. Our team consists of licensed nurses, physicians, therapists and other medical specialists who believe in building strong relationships with our residents and their families. We believe this is essential to the healing process.

ACCOMMODATIONS & SERVICES

Cabot Health & Rehab, LLC offers both semi-private and private rooms (when available). Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that our residents are provided a robust activity calendar, a superior dining experience in a warm, family-like setting. When recuperation and convalescence is needed, our staff works as a multi-disciplinary team to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program to facilitate a return to home.

REHABILITATION

When indicated, our team of therapists work with residents to customize a rehabilitation program which can include physical, occupational and speech therapy with a focus on improving mobility, endurance, safety and facilitating a return to home. A tailored treatment plan will allow residents to recapture health and an independent lifestyle when possible. The enrichment of daily physical function can significantly improve a resident’s self-reliance and overall happiness.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Quapaw Care & Rehabilitation Center is a unique, family-oriented facility offering skilled care in a loving, supportive atmosphere. Our licensed nurses, physician assistants, dentist, podiatrist and other specialists believe that building strong relationships with their families is key. Our home is conveniently located just off Hwy 7 South, past Hot Springs Mall, on Brighton Terrace, under the medical direction of Dr. Hosam Kamel.

Briar wood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630.

We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities.

Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community.

At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind.

Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!

To schedule a tour before admission, call René at 479-831-6518.

To schedule a tour before admission, call René at 479-831-6518.

318 Strozier Lane • Barling • 479-452-8181

318 Strozier Lane • Barling • 479-452-8181

Visit www.ashtonplacehr.com to take our virtual tour

Visit www.ashtonplacehr.com to take our virtual tour

This side of SEVEN

By Jason Pederson

Freedom from WANT

Over the course of nearly 50 years, American artist Norman Rockwell created 321 covers for The Saturday Evening Post, many fo cused on holiday traditions. In fact, the idea of “a Norman Rockwell Christmas” became an aspiration for many families. But for young adults who age out of foster care, the large family gatherings and tender sentiments on display in Rockwell’s paintings seem impossible.

“It kind of hurts,” says 22-year-old Faith. “I actually had a mental breakdown the other day because it hurts knowing that I don’t have a family to go to, and I don’t have somewhere that I can go spend holidays.”

Faith spent nearly 10 years in Arkan sas’ foster care system. Rockwell didn’t paint any pictures of a 9 year-old spend ing Christmas in unfamiliar surroundings, removed from her home after calling the police on her mother’s abusive boyfriend.

“Mom had guys in and out her whole life,” Faith recalls. “I remember her pretty much giving me a box of my stuff and say ing, ‘Here you go,’ and just dropping me off at the DHS office.”

Faith says that over the next nine years, she had over 100 different foster care placements. The longest lasted 21 months. Many lasted less than a week.

“I was going to these adoption fairs,” Faith says. “When I was 15 or 16, I was told I had an adoptive family, and I was going to go live with them for six weeks. And if they decide that they want you, then you can stay. All I know was the dad was a police officer, and the mother was a stay-at-home mom. And the same day that I was supposed to go live with them, they just canceled it all.”

Steve didn’t enter the foster care system until he was 17. He remem bers the date: Dec. 19, 2019.

“All I came into foster care with was my PS4 and a few clothes,” says the 20-year-old. “That was it.”

Raised by his uncle from birth, Steve says a series of close deaths af fected his uncle’s mental health, and the two of them became combative. As in Faith’s case, the police were called.

“My life changed the day I saw my uncle get arrested,” Steve says. “The day when I sat there and I saw him get arrested, I knew there was no one watching me. I knew what was going to happen.”

What happened was Steve was put into the back of a squad car in Little Rock, and an hour later, he stepped out of that car and walked into a group home in Hot Springs. He spent Christmas with strangers and without gifts. Again, no Rockwell paint ing captures that holiday memory.

“I get nostalgic sometimes, and I miss the old days when I was young,” he says. “But now, since I’m older, I kind of just accept that I don’t have to have the kind of family that comes together. I’m satis fied that I have my own family and go from there.”

Both Faith and Steve are doing much better now, and they credit Immerse Ar kansas for helping them avoid the grim statistics that await teenagers who age out of foster care.

“At Immerse, we surround young people who age out of care with uncondi tional relationships, tools that anticipate their needs and dreams, and a vision for a restored future,” says Immerse founder and Executive Director Eric Gilmore. “Through supportive housing, life skills training, mentoring and more, our goal is to help young people achieve self-suf ficiency and inspire lifelong flourishing.”

Immerse Arkansas serves about 100 youth in crisis every month through vari ous programs. The nonprofit can provide shelter for up to 30 young people through its supportive housing program at any given time. There is currently a wait list of about ten young adults. Both Steve and Faith have been through the program, and it helped them secure two things that many young adults take for granted: safety and stability.

“I was homeless for three years,” Faith says. “I used to sleep under the bridge that crosses the Arkansas River at Fort Smith. It’s not ideal to live on the streets. I did it, and it’s not fun. You’re worried all the time about where your next meal is coming from, where am I gonna stay, what’s

“Freedom from Want”

painting by Norman Rockwell

going to happen to me being a female unprotected in the streets with nowhere to go.”

Faith’s journey led her to Immerse and a familiar face, LifeBASE Coach Tosha Jeffries. Jeffries spent a decade working at a Little Rock treatment center, and she and Faith crossed paths several times in the past. Immerse immediately helped Faith with shelter, clothes and food. Then she got assistance with obtaining insurance, getting birth certificates and social security cards, child support and childcare and learning the bus system. Eventually, Faith transitioned to still sup ported but more independent living.

“It’s been really, really nice to see her grow even after leaving Life BASE care, the transitional homes,” Jeffries says. “It’s just been awe some still working with her and continuing this rapport with her and her kids. She is choosing to be a wonderful mother.”

Faith and her two children share an apartment in North Little Rock with her boyfriend. One-time stipends from the state, available to teens who elect to remain in extended foster care past the age of 17, helped Faith secure and furnish the apartment. Monthly rent support helps her keep it, but she also works and is taking online classes. Faith will earn a certificate in early childhood education this spring.

“If somebody is offering you free help, take it,” Steve advises. “I was ready to leave and just get away from [foster care]. But my sister ended up talking to me and saying stay in there and take all the ben efits you can get, everything they offer you.”

Steve also relied on Immerse to help him transition from unsettled teen to responsible adult. He now shares a townhouse with his young daughter, his wife, Courtney, and Courtney’s mother.

“I got pregnant at 19, and Steve told me to stop working,” Court ney says. “He didn’t want me working at all. He wanted to pay all the bills. He works hard. He works two jobs, seven days a week, 10 hours every single day just to take care of me. And my mom. And our baby. All the bills. And our place.”

“Steve and Faith have overcome so much, and are still working hard to keep going,” Gilmore says. “We’re all incredibly proud of them and each of the young people that we serve who are doing the hard work of transformation on a daily basis.”

Faith and Steve are two of the more than 200 teens who age out of foster care every year in Arkansas. Without support, many of those young adults struggle to find reliable shelter, transportation and em ployment. Addiction, homelessness and incarceration can follow. Ac cording to Immerse, there are over 1,000 homeless youth in central Arkansas alone.

With support, often provided by one caring adult, these same young people can overcome adverse childhood experiences. In fact, Immerse refers to the young people they serve as overcomers. But the holidays are still a tough time, as Rockwell-esque depictions of family gatherings are impossible to avoid.

“I don’t want my kids to grow up … knowing that we don’t have a big family like everybody else does,” Faith admits.

The large families depicted in many of Rockwell’s paintings didn’t happen overnight. They took generations to create. They took love, commitment and time. In 50 years, both Steve and Faith have the potential to be loving grandparents, serving a big turkey to family around their holiday table. It’s what they want — a freedom from want — and it’s a painting and a future that no longer seems impos sible. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” Steve asserts.

For two decades, Jason Pederson served as KATV-Channel 7’s Seven On Your Side

ning time on the news, he now serves as Deputy Chief of Community Engagement

His perspective-filled and thought-provoking column, “This Side of Seven,” publishes

reporter. Now on the other “side” of his award-win

for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

exclusively in AY About You magazine monthly.

JASON PEDERSON

Steve, Courtney, and their daughter inside their Little Rock town house

Faith and Tosha inside Faith’s NLR apartment

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SHORT-TERM REHAB, LONG TERM CARE & RESPITE SERVICES

We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled common area to our beautiful outdoor patios, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us.

Version 2.1 | 1.16.20

When considering a facility for short-term rehabilitation services, families want the best they can get for their loved ones, and they have to look no further than Superior Health and Rehab in Conway.

Our rehabilitation gym offers state-of-the art rehab and features interactive equipment to enable our licensed therapists to create a comprehensive therapy program designed to get our residents back to their prior functional level, regain their self-reliance and facilitate a return to home as quickly as possible.

MURDER MYSTERY: The Monster Among Us

By Sarah Russell

Serial killers – they are masters of staying under the radar. Some kill in their own communities; others stay on the move. Could such a monster have ever been among us? Is it possible that a serial killer has taken a life in our area? The FBI says yes. And they hope you can put a name to the North Little Rock victim. The killer? Meet Samuel Little.

The old man sitting across the table from the Texas Ranger calmly listed off locations and numbers, “Jack son, Mississippi — one; Cincinnati, Ohio — one; Phoe nix, Arizona — three...” This was the roadmap to his murders: 19 states, 37 cities, 93 women killed. Those numbers made him America’s most prolific serial killer. It is a horror story that ceased only when Little’s health couldn’t support his appetite any longer.

He could no longer outrun the law either. When the guilty verdict was read in his 2014 Los Angeles murder trial, Little defiantly raised his voice and a clenched fist declaring his innocence. DNA evidence had prevailed. His subsequent appeal failed. Samuel Little would never head out of town again after a murder. He made it clear he would never be talking either. But L.A. law enforce ment wasn’t finished with him just yet. Turning to the FBI’s Vio lent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) headquartered in Quantico, Virginia, they expressed their belief that Little was re sponsible for more murders. ViCAP agreed.

ViCap is a resource that provides information and analysis beyond the scope of most local law enforcement jurisdictions. It also has access to criminal databases across the entire country, which aids in linking one suspect to multiple locations. The lack of advanced forensics coupled with the timeframe Little had killed meant DNA wasn’t always going to provide a slam dunk for them. Little, too, had been very intentional in his methods of locating, killing, and disposing of these women. An early stint in juvenile hall and his collection of true crime magazines had provided him quite the education.

Samuel Little

Addicts, prostitutes, the mentally ill or homeless – Little’s vic tims were carefully chosen from women whose lives were already on the edge. Their lifestyles were such that it was difficult for family or law enforcement to locate them even when they were alive. For him it was never about the woman’s age, race or body shape. No, what marked a woman as his prey was the curve of her neck.

Even wheelchair bound, Little’s powerful physical presence was evident, especially his hands. One reporter described them as large as “catchers’ mitts.” Having taken up boxing in one jail stint, Little used those hands outside of prison as a weapon. One victim took a blow to her abdomen so ferocious that her spine was broken. Not all victims were beaten, but invariably he killed by wrapping his long, bare fingers around the curve of the neck. Strangulation was his sexual trigger. “As long and slow as possible,” he described his

method, adding that it gave him pleasure to let his victims repeat edly gain consciousness only to ultimately take their last breath. On his neck were the scars left by women who had fought for their lives.

Leaving no crime scene behind, Little killed his victims in his car. Bodies were methodically placed in areas where time and the elements would have their way. Strangulation is also not a readily apparent method of death. ViCap found that the women whose bodies had been found often had case files that listed their deaths as overdose, accidental, natural or undetermined. Some of these women were previously identified, many were not until ViCap, col laborating with a Department of Justice liaison, joined in. In the case of the North Little Rock victim, it seems that her body has not only remained unfound, but her identity remains unknown.

By May of 2018, the team literally had Little in their sights, sitting across that interview table in Texas. Since his incar ceration, they had been intensively studying the man and his crimes. Having heard that Little felt his California penitentiary stay was beneath his standards, they came at him with a trojan horse proposal. There was an unsolved case in Odessa Texas. Would he consider a temporary transfer to Texas to help them out? Word had it the food and medical facilities were better there.

That’s how Little and Texas Ranger Jim Holland ended up across a table from each other. Holland had been specifi cally chosen for this meticulously planned operation. Not just any Texas Ranger, Holland is legendary for his ability to get criminals, especially of this profile, to talk. Coming across like the friendly guy from church, Holland kept the pizza and Dr Pepper coming as well as the banter about all the sports teams Little followed. Leaning his own large frame way back in his chair, he seemed to have nothing to do but shoot the breeze. Suited Little just fine. He liked everything here in Texas. Little also knew the system well enough to understand that a bit of cooperation could make his stay longer. A lot of cooperation might cut him a deal to go back to a California jail of his choosing.

Little began to open up to Holland on the Odessa case, then he began unraveling the cold cases, the Jane Does and victims not even known. There were over 650 hours of interviews over a span of 16 months. Little proved to be quite the mother lode: he had, it seems, a photographic memory. Whether it was his first mur der in 1970 or his last in 2005, he was able to accurately recall the smallest of details. He could remember, for example, the street name where he picked a woman up, the position he left her body in and the area where her body might still be. There was more. The team had learned from California authorities that he spent a lot of time sketching. Could you, Little was asked, draw what the women looked like? Those large hands deftly created virtual snapshots of his victims. Each drawing reflected how the woman did her make up, the clothing she was in and the jewelry she had chosen. The drawings were put out media and proved crucial in giving names to many of the victims.

And among the drawings on the table was “Ruth”, the name given to him by this young woman who met death through a chance encounter in Arkansas. “Oh man, I loved her,” Little said smiling. Rolling up to a crack house one day, he saw six women doing drugs on the front porch. When one girl who seemed to be in her early 20s smiled back at him, he noticed the gap in her teeth. Describing her further, he said she was about 5-foot-six, between 170 and 200 pounds, adding, “And she was light…honey-colored skin.” But most of all, she had a certain curve to her neck.

Going for a ride in that big ol’ yellow ’78 El Dorado Cadillac might have seemed safe enough for her. By then, Little was in his mid-50s, had salt-and-pepper hair, was no doubt easygoing, as he always was on an approach. He looked to all the world like some one’s granddaddy. She got in the car. She would now have only a few days to live.

They spent that time shoplifting from multiple malls and stores, then fencing the goods. One day, Little said, “We went to Sears and Kroger’s. That’s when I got busted.” His arrest was verified by an April 20, 1994, police report. According to Little, within several hours he was released. The Kroger manager, it seemed, wanted that big old Cadillac and the woman sleeping in it gone from the prop erty. Little recalled taking her to meet up with her ex-boyfriend, “Bear,” and to her mother’s place, which he thought was in North Little Rock.

Finally, a few nights in, the two headed out on a cold night in the direction of “Walmart’s original store — Benton(ville)” Little said. Within 10 miles of leaving North Little Rock, Little turned off the highway onto a small road leading into woods. The road went back to a cornfield from which, he said, the highway was still visible. On the opposite side of the cornfield was a trash pile, made up of branches with some corn stalks on top. When he was done, he left her there. Then the monster among us was gone.

In December 2020, Little left this earth, hopefully going to the hottest of resting spots. Yet, despite media attention given to Little’s victims, “Ruth” remains unclaimed even though it seemed that she had family here, possibly even children. If you know who she could be or have any information at all that you feel could be helpful to law enforcement or to her family, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You can remain anonymous, but hopefully “Ruth” will not.

Little’s sketches of victims

When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.

When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.

We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.

We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.

Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by certified activity directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.

Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by Certified Activity Directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.

To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.

To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.

We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient, but the entire family. 501.753.9003

We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient but the entire family.

We are devoted to providing high quality care which celebrates the dignity and grace of every person who enters our facility.

At Sherwood Nursing and Rehab we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.

We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services.

Connecting Families with Residents

with

Alma Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s offers in-house outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy. All service offerings are done in-house and not contracted out to third parties. Our five-star rated facility through Medicare is here to serve your family. We accept most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.”

Alma Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

401 Heather Lane • Alma, AR

479-632-4343

Customized physical, occupational and speech therapy programs are conducted by licensed therapists who focus on improving mobility and motor skills following an injury or illness. The enrichment of daily physical function can significantly improve a resident’s selfreliance and overall happiness.

Our staff provides residents with specially tailored treatment plans designed to recapture health, independent living and facilitate a return home.

Jamestown features separate rooms and private suites with a private entrance for the comfort and convenience of shortterm residents and their families focused on returning home. A full meal service with snacks is prepared daily.

Heifer International

By Joe David Rice

Contrary to what one might expect, Heifer International is not a lobbying association for cattle ranchers. It’s an amazing nonprofit organization, based in Arkansas, with a worldwide constituency. Describing its work in 750 words isn’t easy, but here goes.

Originally known as Heifer Project International, it was founded in 1944 by Dan West, a visionary Indiana farmer and conscientious objector during World War I. In 1936, he went to Europe and served as a relief worker during the Spanish Civil War. After his experience of dis tributing daily rations of milk to displaced children, West returned to the states with an innovative philosophy –“Give them a cow, not a cup” – which led to the formation of Heifers for Relief. Its first shipment delivered 17 heif ers from Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico with later donations going to regions of Asia and Europe ravaged by World War II. A 1949 gift of dairy cattle to 25 impoverished Arkansas families in Woodruff and Jefferson counties was the first U.S. project.

Incorporated as Heifer Project in 1953, the organization soon added countries in South America and Africa to its reach and expanded pro grams to include pigs, chickens, goats and other livestock – always with the philosophy of “passing on the gift.” Recipient families are trained to nurture their animals and to eventually become self-sufficient as they sell excess milk, eggs, honey, cheese and other products locally. They’re also required to share the female offspring of their animals with neigh bors who, in turn, will do the same – and the process continues. Thus, an initial gift multiples well beyond the initial donation.

In 1971, the group took a big step, establishing Heifer Ranch on a tract of nearly 1,200 acres of farmland west of Little Rock, where animals were bred, raised, and held for shipment. Heifer Project moved its administrative headquarters to Little Rock soon after and, in 1973, became Heifer Project International.

Shifting its strategy in the early 1990s, the organization began sup plying local or regional animals rather than making international ship ments. Heifer Ranch also evolved and now serves as an educational center where nearly 30,000 guests a year are exposed to sustainable approaches to global poverty, hunger, and environmental issues. Visi tor opportunities available at the ranch range from two-hour tours of organic gardens, livestock areas and global village sites to multi-day vis its, where guests can participate in team-building exercises, gain valu able third-world living experiences and even assist as volunteers during lambing season.

Heifer International – as it’s now known – has provided honeybees, chicks, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, cattle, water buf falo and other appropriate livestock to families in over 125 countries across the planet. It’s also established projects in 29 of the 50 states. Since inception, Heifer International has assisted millions of struggling families develop hope, dignity and self-reliance.

In 2003, Forbes recognized Heifer International as one of the maga

zine’s top 10 charities. The Conrad Hilton Foundation presented a $1 million award to Heifer in 2004 for its efforts to defeat hunger and develop self-sustaining communities. In 2008, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation gave Heifer a four-year $42.8 million grant to help nearly 180,000 small-scale farmers in East Africa establish a cooperative dairy industry, complete with collection hubs and chilling plants. Gates also personally supports Heifer. For a Secret Santa gift during the Christmas 2013 holidays, he sent a toy stuffed cow along with this note to his match:

To Rachel,

My Secret Santa present to you is a cow! Don’t worry – you will not have to build a barn. This cow will be given to a family in need, in your name, through Heifer International. It will provide them with income and dairy products, and it will help them help themselves.

Happy Holidays, Bill Gates

Heifer’s history of good work has led to dozens of celebrity en dorsements, ranging from Barbara Bush to Bill Clinton, Diane Lane to Stephen King, Walter Cronkite to Oprah Winfrey. More importantly, though, Heifer generally receives high marks by charity evaluators for both performance and accountability.

A great place to learn more about Heifer and the fine work of its in ternational team is at the LEED-certified administration building next door to the Clinton Presidential Center in downtown Little Rock. Then examine the fascinating collection of interactive exhibits at the attached Murphy Kellar Education Center. Watching eager school kids develop an appreciation for the challenges of a sustainable future is a rewarding way to spend a couple of hours.

Amr Ismail, MD Conway Regional Multispecialty Clinic

More Specialists

Lung Care Specialty

Amr Ismail, MD, is a practicing pulmonologist at the Conway Regional Multispecialty Clinic with experience in lung care including diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the lungs, such as asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, and pneumonia.

Conway Regional is also proud to offer an endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy procedure used to diagnose different types of lung disorders, inflammation, infections, and cancer.

Visit ConwayRegional.org to learn more.

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