AY About You July 2023

EVERYONE HAS A STORY

When the lights come up on the production of QUEEN ESTHER, audiences hear a voice inviting them to “Pay attention to what you are about to see. Don’t miss a moment. The Author’s hand is in every detail.”

Esther’s entire world is turned upside down when she is taken from her people and thrown into the dangers of palace life. Surrounded by chaos and political agendas, this young women finds herself alone and facing an uncertain future. Will she find the courage to trust in the faithfulness of God and believe that He is carefully crafting every moment of her story?

For nearly fifty years, Sight & Sound has been known as the place where the Bible comes to life on stage. Taking nearly four years to create, meticulous attention is given to every detail of these original productions. However, it is our hope that the powerful messages are what shine brightest on stage.

We remain passionate about presenting stories from the pages of Scripture because of the way they inspire and encourage us in our own walks of faith. This year, as the captivating story of QUEEN ESTHER comes to life on the Branson stage, we hope you will join us and be reminded that you, too, were made for such a time as this.

QUEEN ESTHER plays now through December 31st at Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson, MO.

Make 2023 Your Year for the

Scott is enjoying his new smile with porcelain veneers

With 40 years experience providing clinical excellence you know you’re in good hands. Dr. Wyant is Arkansas’ only Accredited Fellow Cosmetic Dentist.

Credentials, experience and caring concern for each individual patient insures that you’ll receive exceptional esthetic results regardless of the challenges presented. Learn more how Dr. Wyant can help you have an incredible smile by calling today for your complimentary smile consultation.

501.819.3608

SteakBucket List, page 38

Watch out, Gordon Ramsay! Little Rock home cook Jennifer Maune is taking the cooking world by storm.

Read more: page 32

by Jamie Lee

Photo

The Pulaski County Special School District boasts many dedicated educators and administrators from 26 schools across central Arkansas, which includes the DRIVEN Virtual Academy now completing its second year with the District. These educators have dedicated their careers to investing in young people.

With summer in full swing, the 2022-2023 PCSSD Teacher of the Year, Ben Light, offers tips to families to help students avoid the summer slide.

“The Summer Slide refers to the learning loss that many students experience during the summer months,” said Light. “This loss is especially prevalent among younger students and students in low-income families. It’s imperative to work hard during the summer to avoid a significant learning loss over those summer months.”

TIP

#1: READ!

Reading is essential. And, like any skill, it must be practiced. Children are more likely to read content they find interesting and where they see themselves represented. Guided reading is key to helping children grow in their reading comprehension. Consider choosing a book to read as a family. Reading together is a great way to spend quality time with loved

Ben

ABOUT PCSSD

ones and strengthen relationships while promoting a text-rich household. The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is an awesome resource for families. CALS offers in-person and virtual opportunities for families at no cost.

Light’s favorite book: Wilson Rawl’s Where the Red Fern Grows.

TIP #2: GAMES!

Play is essential for students’ ability to learn to think dynamically and creatively. Word games (e.g. Scrabble, Scattergories, Words with Friends) are fun tools that help students develop vocabulary skills and text comprehension without it feeling like a tutoring session. Playing games helps students develop the social skills agency needed to engage in meaningful collaboration with their peers.

Light’s favorite games: Catch Phrase and Clue

TIP #3 - GO OUTSIDE!

Summer is an excellent time for students to unplug from their devices and technology. Unstructured playtime outdoors is critical to students developing imagination and learning to navigate the natural world around them. Spending time outdoors helps ease students’ anxiety by helping them feel grounded. Take advantage of our city and state parks located here in central Arkansas. Pinnacle State Park hosts free activities for students throughout the summer and provides students with hands-on educational experiences that greatly support their traditional school learning.

Light’s favorite outdoor activity: avid gardener, particularly with native plants

www.pcssd.org

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.

Light PCSSD Teach of the Year

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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.

Amy Gramlich is a wife, mom, blogger, and public school educator, proudly planted in Arkansas. She loves to celebrate all occasions big and small with fun outfits, creative recipes and fresh home decor (which must always include plants). She enjoys all the details that go into planning the next trip or party.

Cassidy Kendall, born and raised in Camden, Arkansas, currently lives and works in Hot Springs as a full-time freelance journalist. In the past year, she has published her first book, “100 Things to Do in Hot Springs Before You Die.” She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism in 2018.

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.

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 biological children and one bonus son. They are longtime members of Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.

Angelita Faller is the news director for the Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. A native of Newton, Illinois, Faller holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in digital storytelling from Ball State University.

Jamie Lee, born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, now lives in Little Rock with her husband, daughter, two dogs and a cat. Jamie is a published senior photographer and shoots everything from portraits to branding to food. She has over 15 years of experience in the photography business and over 25 years in travel and tourism.

Jenny Boulden has been writing professionally for more than 25 years. She now works at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield but still enjoys freelance writing for AY and other publications. Her creative focus is writing about people, film, books and food, some of her favorite things.

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 ©2023, 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 circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY Please recycle this magazine.

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Some Like it Hot!

In the opening aria of “Porgy and Bess,” composer George Gershwin penned the line, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” That may be the case on the Broadway stage, but with all due respect to Mr. Gershwin, that’s not how we do things here in Arkansas.

Summertime is vacation season, grilling season, festivals and celebrations season. We show our patriotic spirit as we gather with family and friends and reflect on the freedoms our great nation has enjoyed for almost 250 years. We head to the lake, the woods, the mountains or anyplace we can catch a breeze. The calendar, like the weather, heats up!

In this month’s issue, we’re bringing you all kinds of ideas for making the most of your summertime. Our cover story on “MasterChef: United Tastes of America” contestant and Little Rock mom Jennifer Maune takes you inside this busy entrepreneur’s life and her journey to food stardom. Be sure to make “MasterChef” one of your must-see TV shows this summer!

Also in this issue, we salute our senior citizens. Age is just a number, and today’s seniors are more active and vital than ever. We bring you stories on senior living, health, mental wellness and even the toys you need to truly enjoy your Golden Years.

And what would AY About You be without food? This month is all about the beef, baby, as we take a look at great steak throughout The Natural State. We also visit the hot Little Rock spot, Hillcrest Little Bakery, as well as introduce you to some local bars that specialize in late-night fun. Morning, noon or night, we’ve got you covered!

This month, we also salute our Men of Distinction, an annual roll call of gents to be admired in our community and around the state. Leaders from all walks of life can be found here, men who are making Arkansas a better place to live, work, play and raise a family. Congratulations to them all.

Finally, it wouldn’t be July without lighting up the sky with bright and booming displays, so don’t miss our roundup of area fireworks shows. They’re sure to add a little zing to your Independence Day celebration!

From everyone here at AY About You, we wish you and yours a happy July 4 holiday as well as safe travels wherever you may go this month. Drop us a line anytime – we’d love to hear from you!

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com

WINDGATE COLLECTION

READER FEEDBACK

TWO ARKANSAS WOMEN TRIUMPH OVER ADDICTION, GO VIRAL ON TIKTOK

“Two AMAZING women. Grace and dignity!!”

David Laser

POPSHELF OFFICIALLY COMING TO LITTLE ROCK

“Can’t wait to have them in town!”

Sonya Rainey

MARRS FAMILY RETURNING FOR SEASON FIVE OF ‘FIXER TO FABULOUS’

“I’m so glad. Great show!”

Tess Freeman

POWERHOUSE SEAFOOD & GRILL TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY

“So sad! Lots of memories there!!”

Julie Craig

LITTLE ROCK’S KORTO MOMOLU TO RETURN TO ‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ FOR ALL-STAR SEASON

“So excited and proud of you!”

Donna Finney

THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR NEWS: PAT WALKER

“Pat is such a great guy. Him and all of the AR Storm Team. So happy to be partners with them!”

Arkansas Weather Watchers

MAMA’S BOYS: SCOTT MCGEHEE & LINDA BROWN

“They are the sweetest people. Love this!”

Susie Reeves Cowan

TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM

Malys Entertainment Center is coming to Conway pOpshelf Officially Coming to Little Rock

Cave City Watermelon Festival Announces 2023 Schedule

Million-Dollar Views: Overlook Project A Home Fit for The Bazz

Sherwood Dentist Wins Big on Wheel of Fortune

Malys Entertainment Center is coming to Conway later this year.

AY recently reported the new pOpshelf location in Conway. Now, we’re happy to announce the retail store is expanding to Little Rock as well!

Two Arkansas women triumph over addiction and go viral on TikTok.

5Top you just can't miss!

FALL OUT BOY

July 11

Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion // Rogers

Fall Out Boy will be bringing the sounds of an early 2000s boy band to Rogers this July! This performance is a must-see for anyone who ever sang their hearts out to “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down,” or “Dance, Dance” in a Hollister.

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

July 12-13

Robinson Center - Little Rock

Robinson Center is encouraging parents with kids of all ages to join them in welcoming “Bluey’s Big Play,” to the stage in Little Rock for two performances only. What The Guardian has noted as a “celebration of everything you love about the show,” the performance is presented by Celebrity Attractions. Tickets to “Bluey’s Big Play,” range from $24 to $54, and can be purchased online.

SNOOP DOGG AND WIZ KHALIFA HIGH SCHOOL REUNION TOUR

July 15

Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion // Rogers

It’s officially high school reunion season, and beloved entertainers Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa will be bringing their own High School Reunion Tour to Arkansas this July, with a stop scheduled at the Walmart AMP in Rogers.

MAD BATTLE

July 15

First Financial Music Hall // El Dorado

El Dorado’s Murphy Arts District will bring MAD Battle back to the city on July 15 at First Financial Music Hall. This event is a traditional battle of the bands style competition, and overall winners will take home a cash prize of $1,250.

THE CHICKS WORLD TOUR 2023

July 22

Simmons Bank Arena // North Little Rock

Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Strayer will be bringing their beloved band, The Chicks, to North Little Rock this month. As the United States’ biggest-selling female band of all time, the group will be joined by special guest Wild Rivers at the Simmons Bank Arena show.

home

Nothing is more inviting during an Arkansas summer than a crystal-clear backyard pool.

Season isSCooleason Pool

Beat the Arkansas heat this summer by lounging by the pool

The issue of global warming may still be the subject of brisk debate, but it’s sure hot here in Arkansas these days. Now at the peak of our legendary Southern summer heat, longtime Arkies and newcomers alike are daily scurrying for cover, seeking cooler indoors where we ride out the more scorching parts of the day, week after week, until fall arrives.

Summers in The Natural State are nothing to play around with, which is why for many people a backyard pool is a solid investment in health, relaxation, family fun and just taking your core body temperature down a few degrees.

It should be said up front: For all of their advantages, pools are not inexpensive to install or maintain and take some work to stay crystal-clear. But in keeping with residential home trends that kicked off with the lockdown days of the pandemic, homeowners have shown themselves more than willing to invest heavily in their living spaces to make them as luxurious and comfortable as possible.

“People are investing in their properties more,” said Chad Bowie, district manager with Acme Brick. “It’s so expensive to travel anymore, or to maintain two properties, and with interest rates climbing people have a tendency to invest back in the property they own now,

instead of buying a new home.”

Increasingly, this additional investment is finding its way outside to outdoor rooms, kitchens, lounging and play spaces and, of course, swimming pools. According to Cape Analytics, the number of new pools built in the U.S. annually leading into 2020 was stuck at about 75,000 for years. In fact, the swimming pool industry was seeing a slight decrease in pool construction and services through July 2019.

Come fall of that year, the needle started to move, and by summer 2020, the boom was on. According to CAPE Analytics’ data, there was a 20 percent increase in the number of in- or above-ground backyard pools among single-family homes between October 2019 and October 2020. Construction in that 12-month period represented a 533 percent increase over recent years.

“Health concerns, and being home 24/7 during COVID, led to an increase in residential pool construction,” said Huie Deal, Acme Brick’s southeast regional sales manager for Marion Ceramics in Atlanta. “We have seen the numbers level off recently, but they are not declining.”

Another reason for the sustained popularity of backyard pools can be attributed to a broadening of the base of homeowners who have found such a feature to be within financial reach. At an average cost of $35,000

for an in-ground model, suddenly what had been seen as a status symbol in the 1950s and 1960s has become less a badge of affluence and more of an affordable luxury for middle-income families.

Per the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance trade group, there are 10.7 million swimming pools in the United States, 10.4 million of which are residential. In all, 36 percent of children and 15 percent of adults swim in a pool at least six times a year. Perhaps not surprisingly, Phoenix boasts the most pools, with a third of homes featuring one out back. Miami, Tampa and Orlando follow while Las Vegas rounds out the top five, per LendingTree.com. There are 57,000 pools in Arkansas, per PoolResearch.com, or one pool for every 53 residents.

With the sustained demand for swimming pools comes a heightened need for the building supplies to complete them. Acme Brick offers a line of coping, a brick that separates the swimming pool shell from the surrounding surface area and helps protect the swimming pool structure. The benefits are more than just aesthetic; properly installed coping directs water that’s splashed out toward a nearby drain, while preventing the flow from getting behind the pool shell.

The advantage of brick coping is that it offers the homeowner more choices when it comes to color and size. Marion Ceramics, which is carried by Acme Brick, comes in nine colors and five sizes, giving both homeowners and swimming pool contractors plenty of options.

And, combined with Marion Ceramics’ Bricktile paving, also carried by Acme Brick, the beauty and design of the swimming pool deck remains tasteful and consistent all the way down to the water’s edge. In addition to eye-catching beauty, Bricktile products provide just the right amount of texture to balance easy cleanup with optimum slip resistance underfoot. Available in 14 colors, BrickTile gives designers plenty of matching and contrasting color combinations to create the perfect pool-area look.

And speaking of completing the look, check out Acme Brick’s line of

“Health concerns, and being home 24/7 during COVID, led to an increase in residential pool construction.”

Coping bricks help protect the structure of

the pool and

give

a clean, finished look.

luxury fire tables, gas log starter sets and fire pits, some models of which double as water features cascading water back into the swimming pool. The high-quality fire features are manufactured by American Fyre Designs.

You might not be surprised that Acme Brick carries industry-leading building supplies when it comes to swimming pools, but did you know the company is also the place to go for furniture to complete your space?

“There’s a lot of things for the outdoors that we’ve always carried that a lot of people don’t know about,” Bowie said. “That’s why, starting this year, we’re really pushing the fact a lot more that we have these products. We’re taking it out of the catalog tucked behind the counter and really diving into these products, so to speak.”

Perhaps the most under-the-radar merchandise Acme Brick carries is Winston backyard furniture. Durable, elegant and comfortable, the line features original details, customizable finishes and resort grade materials. Built by the award-winning Winston Furniture Company, a manufacturer with a 40-year pedigree in the industry, the furniture is only shown in Acme Brick’s Little Rock and Memphis showrooms.

“Our products offer a better warranty and gives you a product that will last you for years to come, instead of having to replace it every single year as can happen with cheaper models,” Bowie said. “There are less expensive options out there, but you quickly get wise to the fact after you’ve bought something three or four times that the savings over time are not that substantial. You also have to really factor that in when considering making a high-quality purchase.”

And as if all that weren’t enough, Acme Bricks’ roster of products to complete the swimming pool and backyard areas also includes a variety of grills to feed the troops after a day in the water. Acme Brick carries the American Outdoor Grill product line, offering both free-standing models and those that can be installed as part of an outdoor kitchen island, another booming homeowner trend since the pandemic.

As Architectural Digest wrote last year, outdoor kitchens were 2022’s most-desired kitchen trend, generating 2.18 million annual Google searches, 71.7 million views of related TikTok videos, and nearly 500,000 uses of the phrase as an

Complete your outdoor retreat with a stylish dining set or dramatic fire table available at Acme Brick.

Acme Brick has everything your backyard needs, from comfy poolside seating to a dream outdoor kitchen, complete with high-end grill (below).

Instagram hashtag, for a composite trend score of 9.65 out of a possible 10. The article went on to note that desire for outdoor kitchens had been building since at least 2017.

Acme Brick’s products can not only equip the cooking space, but its brick products and kitchen accessories can help create an outdoor kitchen with a custom flair, something any backyard chef will appreciate. What’s more, Bowie is pleased to report, the supply chain issues of the past couple of years have largely been mitigated, meaning turnaround time on all merchandise is about what it was pre-pandemic.

“I definitely feel like supply has increased,” he said. “It’s taken a while, but I do feel like supply is back where it needs to be. We’re still experiencing transportation issues here and there, but for the most part, things are pretty much back to normal. We’ve got a pretty good turnaround time right now, that’s for sure.”

All of these products, as the saying goes, are only as good as the company standing behind them, which is another reason to choose Acme Brick. With decades in the local market and some of the most knowledgeable and experienced employees around, the company is equipped to walk the homeowner through the process of choosing materials delivering function and beautiful form.

“I think it’s good when people ask questions and that they get good feedback,” Bowie said. “I still believe that we should always be a partner with our customers. It’s a constant challenge to educate our clientele, which we strive to do every day. That’s why we’re investing in the training that’s necessary to help our customers understand the product, how to install it and to suggest or recommend certain installers to help them.

“We appreciate the opportunity to serve people in Arkansas, many of whom have been doing business with us for multiple generations. We like to think of ourselves as the hometown option when it comes to the products we carry, and we’re proud to help so many people’s dreams for their home come true.”

“The desire for outdoor kitchens had been building since at least 2017. “

Go all out with a built-in island grill as the heart of your new outdoor kitchen. Most Acme Brick showrooms carry all the elements of a fully equipped outdoor kitchen: access doors, cabinets, and of course the materials for the kitchen enclosure.

Acme Brick offers synthetic turf surfaces for all sports, as well as landscapes, GrassTex provides maintenace free landscaping options.

BONUS, ALL TURFS ARE PET FRIENDLY!

Acme Brick showrooms offer stunning fire features- from fire pits, fire tables, and gas log remote starting sets. Get ready to warm up your outdoor spaces.

Since its founding in 1891, Acme Brick has continually advanced the art and science of brickmaking, to make brick affordable, sustainable, enduring, and beautiful.

10921 Maumelle Blvd. | North Little Rock (501) 812-5574 | brick.com/littlerock

Surviving JULY

By KELLI REEP

Tips from Good Earth Garden Center to Keep Your Garden in the Green

No one has to tell you: It’s beyond hot. While Arkansans are seeking refuge in central air conditioning, our plants are facing the sun and its temperatures with a sprinkler if they are lucky and fortitude if they aren’t.

But there is a good reason Arkansas is called The Natural State. Our hardy plants and lush landscapes are tough enough to withstand ice, wind, flood, drought, freezing temperatures and invasive plants. If you are struggling to keep your lawn, gardens and container plants alive during the height of summer, Jennifer Gibson with Good Earth Garden Center in Little Rock has some guidance to help you get them back in shape and thriving in July.

AY: It is the middle of summer. What advice do you have for vegetable gardeners to keep their gardens healthy in this hot and dry weather? How much water should a lawn get during this time? How about flowers and veggies?

Jennifer Gibson: The main thing to consider is water. Gardens will need a solid soaking at least two to three times each week to stay alive. If you notice a plant or flower starts to wilt, water more. Flowers are particularly good at letting the gardener know their needs so take a walk through your yard and gardens every day to let the plants show you what they need.

AY: I’m getting a late start on my flower garden and containers. What plants should I consider now that will last me through the rest of the summer and into autumn?

JG: There is still time to plant and enjoy warm season annuals and summer blooming perennials. A few annuals that love our summer heat include vinca, lantana, purslane and SunPatiens. Coneflowers, sedum and rudbeckia are wonderful perennial options. Remember, perennials are the ones that come back year after year. They don’t typically bloom as long as annuals, so consider incorporating both for the best impact in flower gardens.

AY: What advice do you have for lawn and garden maintenance during July? Should I be pruning any trees, shrubs or vines?

JG: Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, is an easy way to keep reblooming perennials and shrubs in top form all summer. Fertilizing annuals will keep them blooming all season. If you need help finding the right kind of fertilizer, come by the shop. We can guide you on what and how much is best.

Jennifer Gibson

AY: I’m new to landscaping and maintaining my lawn. What is one piece of advice you would give someone like me to get a good start in maintaining my lawn?

JG: There are different recommendations for various warm season lawns, so the best way to get started is to find out what kind of lawn you have. In general, watering less often but for longer is a good way to encourage deeper and stronger roots. If your soil is dry and compacted, you may need to cycle and soak. This is when you water for a third or half the normal sprinkler run time, wait and let that soak in, then water for the remainder of your run time. Doing this will allow the first layer of soil to absorb water, and the second or maybe third rounds will allow the lower layers to absorb water.

AY: I know flowers, vegetables and flowering and fruit trees aren’t the only ones enduring heat and low moisture. What advice do you have for the gardener to keep him or herself healthy in these same conditions?

JG: Protect your skin! It’s tempting to skip sunscreen, hat and clothing, but gardening is usually a lifetime hobby. Sun exposure adds up, and even with a good retinol product, skin damage can never be fully reversed. And water yourself; hydration is very important, every day.

AY: Bugs. We all fear them and what havoc they can wreak on our lawns and gardens. What tips do you have for gardeners to keep pests at bay?

JG: Awareness. Life is busy, and inspecting your landscape may not be a top priority. But we suggest walking through it a few times each week in hopes of getting ahead of aggressive plant issues. You don’t have to know what all the pests are to see when plants don’t look quite right. Bring a sample of the troubled plant and images by Good Earth so our team can help diagnose the issue and offer a solution.

AY: Speaking of pests, what are some ways to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects away from my lawn? How can I keep my loved ones and pets safe during mosquito season?

JG: The very first thing on your list should be checking your property for standing water and removing it. Make sure that items that could collect water are covered or turned over. Keep your landscape maintained well, including mowing at proper height. Place mosquito-deterring plants, such as citronella, lemon grass, rosemary, lavender and mint, near places where your family will be hanging out, such as seating or dining areas. Cedar mulch in landscape beds can help repel some insects. There are sprays and granular products if pests aren’t controlled by preventative measures.

AY: What are the essential tools I should have to maintain my home lawn and garden, both flower beds and vegetable plants?

JG: Knowledge and a keen eye! Right plant, right place is an important first step to reducing maintenance. Take note of the mature size of your chosen plants, and plan accordingly. For month-to-month tips, visit our Arkansas Gardening Calendar on our Learning Center.

AY: Weeds. Are any beneficial? How do I rid them from my lawn, garden and containers? How do I keep them from coming back?

JG: A weed is just a plant out of place. What you think may be a weed could be a desirable perennial that just got out of hand, a holly that sprouted from a bird dropping, or a weedy grass like crabgrass. Preventing weed seeds from germinating is one way to reduce weeds by applying a pre-emergent. In landscape beds, maintaining a mulch layer is helpful.

DESIGNER Q&A

LOVE is BLIND

Mike Kirby, Made in the Shade

Window treatments aren’t perhaps the first thing people notice when they walk into a room. But try living without them with east- or west-facing windows in the great room or bedroom, and you’ll quickly appreciate just how vital these components are to a comfortable home environment.

AY About You sat down with Mike Kirby, who co-owns Made in the Shade with his business partner and lead designer, Ron Carter, to discuss how the right window treatment not only brings a room together but enhances the quality of living spaces both indoors and out.

AY: Tell us about the business, Made in the Shade. How did you get started?

Mike Kirby: We’ve been around seven years, and we do anything on a window, inside or out. After I was in the Air Force for 26 years, I looked around for franchises, and I came across this one. Ron has an extensive design background, and I’ve got a remodeling background, so between the two of us, we bring something that no one else really brings, which is both aspects of the job. We like to say we combine inspired design and masterful installation.

AY: What led you to choose Made in the Shade over other franchise opportunities?

MK: The nice thing about the franchise is our CEO has been doing this for 30 years, and she’s picked out 15 really excellent vendors to choose from. The thing I’ve noticed being in this business is there are so many providers of shades across the globe that you never know what you’re going to get. I like that we don’t get callbacks; we have great manufacturers who stand by their products, and we’re there to service and advise.

AY: What are the building blocks of your design process?

MK: We talk with clients a lot about, not just color, but what style they want and how they want the home to feel in the end. Do they want to block the sun and not the view? Do they want 100 percent privacy? Do they want blackout or room-darkening shades?

I think the main thing we try to guide people through is getting the most you can get through your budget. We go to the manufacturers and see what’s on sale. We have access to over 2,000 fabrics just in our stock, and then we have 10,000 fabrics we can choose from if they want to special order.

AY: What is the most overlooked or underrated aspect of choosing window treatments?

MK: Well, the devil is in the details. Windows are never perfectly square; we order and measure down to the 16th using this really expensive laser measuring system to make sure the shades are measured correctly.

When Ron comes in and does the initial design consult, he shoots the measurements with one laser. Then I come back and confirm everything, making sure all the questions are answered, and I shoot it one more time. The last thing we want is to order a $700 shutter and have it be off by half an inch.

AY: What are some trends in window treatment right now?

MK: The market has advanced quite a bit even in the seven years we have been here. Improving sleep is definitely an issue, especially for shift workers or ER doctors. Blackout shades have been around a while, but

shutters have always had those small gaps by each slat, and light is like water, if there’s a crack it’ll find it. We have what’s called a blackout shutter, where we add a blackout honeycomb to correct that. We call it a day and night shutter, and we can pretty much black out the light for folks that need that.

AY: Can shades help with temperature as well as control light?

MK: We can actually work with the sun with our motorized shades. We capture the heat and keep it in the house during the winter and then, of course, do the reverse in the summer with solar shades. Those are really nice, and they’ve advanced it to where they have a silver screen coating on the street side that can further reflect heat. They’re made out of this material developed by NASA that can actually capture up to 15 degrees of heat on its own.

It’s amazing what we can do with shades these days. I didn’t have any idea that those kinds of things were available before I started in the business.

AY: What else should a customer keep in mind when considering an upgrade to their current design or for a new living space?

MK: Actually, the federal government is going to have a significant impact on every client in the next few months. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission issued a ruling that mandated no more cords or chains on any shades; we expect it will go into effect in the United States as early as the next 6 months.

We’re positioned to help clients work through that by offering some of the most advanced cordless options and some of the best motorized options. The capabilities of these shades have really improved; when we started seven years ago, we didn’t have integrated batteries inside the roller tubes. Now, we have lithium-ion batteries inside the tubes. You recharge these things once a year, they last about a year, and they’re rated to be charged 300 times, so you can do the math on that.

AY: Can the motorized shades be built into whole-home systems, or are they controlled separately, like with an app or a remote?

MK: Well, it’s all three! You can do the basic entry level, which is a remote control, and we have wall switch options, so that’s the basic Option A. Then you can use the manufacturer’s app to set timers, or you can integrate on your own

with Alexa. That’s Option B. Then we can integrate with all of the high-end, full-home automation systems out there. So, you can do good, better or best as far as home automation.

AY: What’s the most exciting thing going right now? What’s your fastest-growing business segment?

MK: Outdoor models have been really hot lately; that portion of our business has grown 300 percent over the last two years. The most attractive option has been a fully integrated zipper track option that comes down and encloses the patio from insects and blocks the sun but not the view. You can turn the patio into a screened porch and back again just by raising the shades.

Plus, our exterior patio screens can drop the temperature 20 degrees, and in the wintertime they can raise the temperature 20 or 30 degrees. I have these infrared heaters on my patio, so I can sit out there in the cold of winter, drop those shades and use it as a four-season patio.

AY: What’s driving consumer interest?

MK: From what people tell us, they didn’t even know that it was an option, so that’s why we’re focusing our marketing a lot more. We’re also working with high-end builders so that during the construction phase, we can actually integrate the tracks right into the sides of the walls, and you don’t even really know the shade is there until you press the down button.

AY: What would you most want people to know about your business?

MK: The main thing is we want people to be happy in the end. We treat people the way we want to be treated, and we only put things in a home that we would put in our own home. We’re serious about that; we like the products we provide, we like the service that we follow up with, and we like working with folks who want a nice custom look and good quality products. That’s been our key to success.

RETRACTABLE PATIO SHADES

Relax more, entertain often & spend more time in your outdoor space

“It’s really incredible to see where I’ve ended up with my journey.” Maune in her home kitchen.

BORN ASTAR is Little Rock’s Jennifer Maune is cooking up something big

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos By JAMIE LEE

It’s easy to cast Jennifer Maune as entering her second chapter, that of budding reality cooking show star, but such an assessment falls short in several ways.

In the first place, most 43-year-olds aren’t old enough to be entering a second chapter of life, as it’s commonly a time when the world rolls along in a comfortable routine of career and family schedules.

In the second place – and more specifically to Maune herself – second chapter was left in the dust years ago, cycling through life as an influential nonprofit executive, lifestyle entrepreneur, public speaker, trained chef, photographer and busy mother of six. And, most recently, as a contestant chef on “MasterChef: United Tastes of America” a televised cooking competition hosted by Gordon Ramsay.

Yet even within Maune’s sprawling resume of accomplishments, the season in which she currently finds herself proves the surprises life can throw at you, often when you least expect it.

“It’s really incredible to see where I’ve end-

ed up with my journey and how I found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” she said. “What’s so cool about that is, I feel like every role I’ve had in my professional career thus far has prepared me to be where I am today.”

Where she is today is seated in the understated elegance of her Little Rock home, a mélange of tasteful appointments and livedin charm. The designer in her is on full display in the furnishings, but as the stray scuffs on the family dining table and the almost-out-of-sight plastic tub corralling play equipment and pet toys attest, hers isn’t a style that’s all for show. In Maune’s world, everything is tasted, handled, experienced and savored, an approach to life she learned from her late grandmother and muse, Peggy Vining.

“My grandmother was a renaissance woman,” Maune said. “She was a mother of five, which is part of the reason why I wanted a large family. She raised her family right here in Little Rock on Gingerbread Lane, and every holiday and most summers, I was with her. She was an amazing cook; just really a good ol’ Southern cook who didn’t use a lot of recipes – a little seasoning here, a little salt here. I would hang out in the kitchen with her and watch her work.

“One thing that I loved about growing up was every holiday, she hosted. She was an entertainer, she loved keeping a welcoming home. Having four daughters, everyone was in the kitchen helping prepare all the regular Southern casseroles, all the staples. I just loved that feeling of home that she brought, because it was full of people, it was full of laughter, it was full of joy, full of faith.

Those are the things that our family was founded on.”

Vining, one-time poet laureate of Arkansas, indulged her granddaughter in all manner of things, each of which left an indelible imprint on the youngster.

“I got to spend summers with her going to children’s libraries and book signings and then just watching her in the kitchen,” Maune said. “That’s kind of how my life started and my love for all things home – cooking, entertaining, home design. Really, the creative part of me is, I feel like, really founded from her.”

Maune grew up the second of three children, and while she claims to have avoided middle-child syndrome, she did confess to a domestic streak at an early age.

“Growing up in my household, I was a responsible one, the one who didn’t have a problem completing chores,” she said. “I helped with dinner. I helped set the table. I took an etiquette class with my aunt when I was probably 8 and was taught how to set the table. After that summer class, which my brother also took and hated, I would set the table for dinner waiting for my mom and dad to come home from work.

“The table would be elaborate; remember those champagne bottles that were full of bubble bath? I would have that on the table. I don’t know why, because my mom didn’t drink in front of us, and that was never a part of the dinner, but I would have the champagne bottle bubble bath on the table anyway. Since I was 8, I’ve been sort of becoming an entertainer and a homemaker.”

Throughout her growing up, Maune found herself guided into

Maune addresses the judges during the Southern Region auditions June 14.

(Photo courtesy of FOX)

What I found is I am a very competitive person. I am a dreamer, but I also am so goal-oriented that I’m a high achiever, and I like to compete with myself.

“

ways to use her unique gifts. In a middle school home economics class, she created what she considered the perfect chocolate-chip cookie, something for which she’s still legendary.

Upon marrying her husband, she discovered she was an excellent baker but not much of a cook, so she buckled under ,and became proficient in entrees that spoke to his heritage.

“Brian’s Italian, and he grew up remembering his grandmother cooking from scratch in the kitchen and really valuing that,” she said. “When we got married, my mom had taught me how to make a Southern pot roast, but that was it. From there, I studied different recipes and learned how to do it on my own. Roast, roasted lamb and chicken parmesan; those are the first three meals that I really perfected and cooked that blew him away.”

Professionally, Maune’s life was light years from what she’s doing now. The Ouachita Baptist University graduate joined the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2007 as director of development Within six months, she had been promoted to associate executive director, and within two years had risen to executive director. Along the way, she doubled the number of fundraising events the group held, more than tripling chapter income.

It was also during this time she and Brian took a trip to Italy that would alter the course of their lives and the arc of her career.

“In 2008, before we had our first child, we took this amazing journey to sort of to pay homage to his heritage,” Maune said. “We ended up taking a one-day cooking class and wine-tasting tour through the hills of Tuscany. We ended up at the home of a woman named Christiana. Her husband was an olive farmer, and their entire property had these gorgeous olive trees with this amazing view.

“In her basement we learned how to make real Italian pasta. We made ravioli, we made spaghetti. Then she cooked it for us in

Maune’s audition came down to the wire (above) and her dish received a “no” vote from celebrity chef and host Gordon Ramsay (left). Judges Tiffany Derry, Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich (from left) all voted to advance Maune. (Photos courtesy of FOX)

her kitchen, and we ate it together around her table in this cute, little Italian kitchen. It was a cultural experience that I’ll never forget. It really left an imprint on me.”

Following the trip, Maune started a blog to share recipes, but never consciously thought about anything more formal than that. She did, however, have a vivid dream one night about opening a European coffee shop and bakery like the ones the couple experienced in Italy. She told Brian about it, but otherwise tucked it away and went back to the nonprofit world.

As time went on and the blog attracted more followers, Maune started fielding questions that revealed how limited her culinary expertise really was.

“As that started growing, people would ask questions. ‘How do I modify this?’ ‘How do I make this healthier?’” she said. “And I realized I knew how to cook, but I didn’t know the science behind it. I couldn’t tell people how to modify something.

“I thought if I went to culinary school I’d have the education, the knowledge, the experience and the certification to really grow my offering of recipes on the blog and one day write a cookbook.”

By January 2020, Maune was enrolled in the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute, pursuing a pastry certification. The experience was un-

like anything she’d ever experienced before, starting on the very first day.

“I was five months pregnant, I had to have the extra big chef coat to put around the belly,” she remembered. “My first day was with Chef Jan Lewandowski, my first baking instructor, and she showed us around this kitchen. I remember I had butterflies; I was so nervous because I had never been in that environment before with the big ovens and all the equipment.

“And then she started showing us how we were going to scrub and squeegee the floors. You know, like, after you cook you have to

Maune's kitchen turns out delectable fare, from savory main courses to picture-perfect desserts.

sanitize the room and all the stations. I thought, ‘I’m five months pregnant; doesn’t our tuition cover someone to do that?’ In fact, I think I may have asked her that, comically, and she said, ‘One of our goals at the institution is to show you how to work every role that is available in the culinary world.’”

Intrigued, Maune bought in and immediately fell in love with cooking school.

“I would have been there every day if they would have let me,” she said. “So again, I went back to Brian and was like, ‘You know, there’s also a degree here, and it’s only double the time of what I’m already doing. So …’”

Earlier this year, Maune received her culinary degree with highest honors, an experience that turned her from a family cook to a proper professional adept at every element of the kitchen.

“That was something that was very important to me because my children were watching me go through this process,” she said. “In fact, at graduation, with all my honors robes on and the cords and everything, I pulled aside both of my big boys who are in middle school. I held their little faces, and I said, ‘If Mommy can do this with a 4.0, you can too.’”

That would have made a fine end to the story, but in Maune’s world nothing’s ever truly at its end;there’s always something that takes root and blooms when she least expects it. So it was with the National Student Chef of the Year competition she participated in at Pulaski Tech, where she took third and discovered something about herself in the process.

“What I found is I am a very competitive person,” she said. “I am a dreamer, but I also am so goal-oriented that I’m a high achiever, and I like to compete with myself. I set a goal or I have my own standards and that’s what I like to focus on.”

Due to her finish in the event, Maune was invited to participate in “MasterChef Live,” a traveling road show that recruited student chefs to help the celebrity chefs prep at cooking demonstrations at various stops across the country.

“At this demo, they were kind of hamming it up for the audience, and it was so fun, and they were so personable,” Maune said. “It was such a fun experience that I did have the thought, ‘I wonder if I could do that?’ Not that I wanted to, but I wonder if I could.”

Not long after that, while preparing her daughter to audition for “MasterChef Junior,” Maune noticed auditions for “MasterChef: United Tastes of America” were coming up fast.

“Once more, I went back to my husband and said, ‘Look, I think I want to do this. I just want to try, and I want to pray that the Lord opens or closes the door,’” she said. “He said, ‘If you’re going to do it, let’s do it to win it.’

“So, on the night of the deadline at 10 p.m. I submitted my two-minute audition tape, all the photos they had requested and the very long application. And before I hit submit we prayed, ‘Lord, open or close the door.’”

The call came in the next day at 1 p.m., as Maune was playing in the yard with one of her kids. It was a representative of the show, pleased to inform her that she’d moved to the next step of the process. The call over, Maune screamed. Then she dialed Brian.

“I said, ‘The Lord has opened the door,’ and he knew what I was talking about,” she said, giddy at the memory. “That’s how it started.”

"MasterChef: United Tastes of America" kicked off May 24 with contestants hailing from four regions of the country making their best dish as an audition to land one of the coveted contestant aprons. As Arkansas — and the rest of the world — watched, Maune advanced from the South Region audition round June 14, but just barely. She won over the required three of four judges, but not Gordon Ramsay, who suggested she was still a year away from being ready.

Contestants are bound by the show to stay tightlipped about anything that has not yet aired and as of this writing, that’s quite a bit. As a result, Maune couldn’t share much of the experience, saying only that she hopes Arkansans will tune in as the season rolls along to see the rest of her reality TV story.

But no matter how things play out on the show, suffice to say Maune is relishing the opportunity, and it’s leading her to make big plans for the future. “The blog and the social media and sharing recipes really was the start of this shift in my life,” she said. “Had I not started the blog and started sharing home living and recipes with other like-minded people, I would have never wanted or thought that I needed a degree. So, I’ll always have the blog, and I’m sure it’ll grow and develop in the coming years.

“I’m also hoping within the next two or three years that I have an elevated restaurant, café and pastry shop here in Arkansas. And, I want to expand; I want to open locations across the U.S., especially in the South.”

Beyond these goals, Maune has already achieved something far greater to her personally, combining her beloved grandmother’s influence and the expertise of her mentors and teachers to create something entirely her own. In so doing, she’s stepped into a hallowed role in her family, one where she can create the same kinds of cherished experiences that she enjoyed as a child. And she gets to do it while celebrating the genre of cooking she knows and loves best.

“I think when you look at all different types of food, especially around the U.S., at the end of the day, Southern flavor wins every time,” she said. “I think that’s because our food is based on seasoning and flavor and also focused on comfort. If you can take these concepts and focus on really elevating them, I just think that’s brilliant, whether we’re in Florida or Louisiana or Texas or Tennessee or Arkansas. The beauty of Southern flavor is what’s making these dishes grow in popularity across the country. I think that’s why we win every time.”

I’m hoping within the next two or three years that I have an elevated restaurant, café and pastry shop here in Arkansas.

High Steaks, HIGH Rewards Cuts this prime are a rare find, indeed

By MAK MILLARD

Now that summer is in full swing, backyards and campsites across the country will be filled with the sweet sounds of cookouts and backyard barbecues. Though burgers and brats might dominate the landscape, the discerning diner knows that sometimes, a nice cut of steak is the only thing that will truly satisfy. But steak’s moment in the sun lasts longer than the summer heat; whether it’s a first date or an anniversary dinner, a graduation party or just an excuse to dress up, the not-so-humble steak dinner stands knives and forks above the competition, 12 months out of the year.

Despite the rising popularity of meat substitutes, the United States is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to beef. Americans chowed down on upwards of 30 billion pounds of beef in 2021, an increase of almost 9 percent from the year before. The U.S. consistently tops the list of countries producing and consuming the most beef, among the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Australia. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American goes through about 55 pounds of the stuff every year.

From heat source to temperature to sides and sauces, steak preparations are as diverse as the grillmasters making them. The classic charcoal grill, besides conjuring images of warm days and cold beers, makes for a juicy, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Gastronomy wizards might opt for the precision of sous vide, while other kitchen pros can make a strong argument for the mouthwatering crust produced by pan-searing. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a Michelin-starred chef to enjoy the perfect plate of steak, since there are restaurants all over Arkansas turning out perfect porterhouses, superb New York strips or whatever cut of cow you’re craving.

THE BUTCHER SHOP Little Rock

The Butcher Shop has been a Little Rock staple for nearly 40 years. Just last year, longtime owner Al Watkins handed the reins over to restaurateurs Leslie and Kevin Case, the couple behind other Little Rock concepts Sauced Bar and Oven and Zin Wine Bar.

“[It was a] great opportunity, and we wanted to add it to our portfolio,” Kevin said. “We didn’t have a steak restaurant. It was a one-time deal, so we jumped on it.”

The Cases have built on The Butcher Shop’s reputation for quality and value while extending the hours and making a few tweaks to the menu.

“We’re keeping the same vibe,” Kevin said. “We’ve upped our game on appetizers, fresh seafood, expanded the bar. We’ve added plate lunches during the day.”

Most patrons know The Butcher Shop for allowing diners to cook their own steak, and that hasn’t changed under new ownership. The Cases have added thicker cuts of prime rib, ribeye and filets to the menu, which has proven to be a popular update. All the meat is cut in-house daily and gets a generous coating of The Butcher Shop’s secret seasoning blend.

“We cook over a charcoal grill fire,” Kevin said. “It is kind of that outdoor feeling of an old backyard barbecue, not cooked on gas or in an oven. [That’s] something different than a lot of other steak restaurants do in town.”

Also setting the Butcher Shop apart is the ease with which it can handle even the biggest parties and events. In addition to the spacious party room, the restaurant frequently seats groups of 20 or more.

“We’ve done buyouts of the whole restaurant,” Leslie said.

When pressed for personal favorites, the couple admitted to being a divided household: Kevin prefers the ribeye, medium rare, while Leslie opts for a medium filet. For anyone ordering at a higher temperature, Kevin offered a bit of sage advice.

“It’s easier to up the temperature than take the temperature away,” he said.

Besides the cut itself, Leslie and Kevin had no problem agreeing on their perfect Butcher Shop meal. Start with the calamari or a shrimp cocktail. Go for the blackened ribeye (or the filet, if you’re so inclined) with a loaded baked potato on the side. Pair that with a great glass of wine, and for the finishing touch, enjoy a slice of the house-made cheesecake.

“We’re not topend, but we’re not bottom-end,” Kevin said. “It’s a great value for a great steak.”

“We cook over a charcoal grill fire.”

Photos by Jamie Lee

DOE’S EAT PLACE Little Rock

Whether it’s for the history or the food, Doe’s might be the steak joint with the least need for introductions. This iconic corner spot, just moments from the Arkansas Capitol, celebrated its 35th anniversary in May and is still serving up plates fit to feed hungry patrons on both sides of the aisle.

Founder George Eldridge’s daughter, Katherine, has been at the helm since 2012. Even though father and daughter have completely different management styles, the redand-white checkered charm that has made Doe’s appeal to celebrities and locals alike through the years hasn’t changed.

“A lot of my focus is putting back into the business and growing it,” Katherine Eldridge said. “I painted everything, and cleaned everything, and really focused on that in the beginning. I had some customers tell me, ‘If you make it look much better, we’re going to quit coming.’”

Eldridge has worked to make sure Doe’s continues to thrive, whether through a fresh coat of paint or TV and radio campaigns bringing in the younger crowd. And with Chef David Brown manning the kitchen for nearly all of the restaurant’s 35 years, those signature plates of Doe’s steak have remained exceptional, too.

“We buy short loins, and they are aged 21 to 30 days, and then they are flash frozen. When we are ready to use them, we do a really slow thaw so they don’t bleed out,” she said. “We have a huge bandsaw in the back and David cuts them every day, fresh.”

The fan favorite by far is the porterhouse, thanks to its thicker filet side. But cutting them fresh daily means the restaurant often sells out, so get in early if you want to claim one for your table before they’re gone. And make sure to bring family and friends when you come: the steak, like the Doe’s experience itself, is meant to be enjoyed with company.

“Our T-bone, porterhouse and sirloin are all served family-style. We recommend a pound per person,” Eldridge said. “We serve it in the middle of the table, just like you were at grandmother’s on Sunday, with tongs so everybody can serve their plate.”

Eldridge’s perfect plate is a surf and turf number with a filet and a serving of shrimp split between two people. Though she’s a self-described “medium-rare person,” she doesn’t begrudge any Doe’s diner their preferred temperature.

“I’ve had employees that would get upset when somebody would order a well-done steak, especially if it was a porterhouse,” she said. “But you know what? They’re paying for it. We’re going to cook it however they want it. If they want it burned to a crisp, we will burn it. If they want us to just walk it through a warm kitchen – which I’ve had somebody order it like that before – I’m like, ‘OK. Order it however you want it.’ ”

No matter where you fall on the spectrum between still mooing and charcoal, you’ll find common ground with your friends across the table. All differences aside, Doe’s is the official party of the meat-loving American public.

The fan favorite by far is the porterhouse, thanks to its thicker filet side.

Photos by Jamie Lee

After more than four decades in the Little Rock restaurant scene, it’s no surprise that any concept Jerry Barakat opens is sure to be a hit. Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse is no exception, as Barakat and his team will be celebrating the restaurant’s “Sweet 16” anniversary this year.

Backing up Arthur’s claim to the title of “premier steakhouse of the South” is an impressive selection and obsessive dedication to quality. For Barakat, the high standard is due to equal parts pickiness and relentlessness on his part, because, as he put it, “There is no other option.”

“I’m an adventurer in cuisine; I’ve cooked every cuisine, almost, on the face of the Earth. When I decided to do a steakhouse, I was advised to go for the best of the best – otherwise, don’t touch it,” Barakat said. “And we did.”

The best of the best at Arthur’s includes a wide selection of dry-aged prime cuts, Kobe-style Australian wagyu and certified Japanese Kobe.

“We cut every single steak on the premises, except for the tomahawk. We dry age it for 28 to 35 days,” Barakat said. “We have what we call the Rolls Royce of broilers, that can go up to 2,500 degrees, and that’s how we cook our steak. Because it’s a dry age, there’s hardly any moisture left when you cut it. So we seal it to keep whatever moisture is left in it, and then we sear it to temperature.”

It took Barakat two and a half months to perfect Arthur’s seasoning blend, and the result is a cut of steak that needs little else. Though the restaurant offers a variety of sauces, Barakat always suggests trying the steak by itself first. Nine out of 10 times, he said, people decide against a sauce after all.

Asked for the cut he’d recommend to first-time guests of Arthur’s, Barakat didn’t hesitate.

“Bone-in filet. That’s the reason I opened this place,” he said. “We’re probably one of the very few in the whole country that have the prime, dry-aged bone-in filet. Once you taste it, you’ll fall in love with it.”

The rest of the menu is just as easy to be enamored by, with one of the largest selections of wine in the state and desserts made onsite. Even the sides have an avid fan base, with some people ordering them to-go for their own cookouts.

“It’s all about the taste, the experience, the satisfaction,” Barakat said. “That’s what it’s all about, every day of my life.”

ARTHUR’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Little Rock

“It’s all about the taste, the experience, the satisfaction.”

Photos by Jamie Lee

IGNITE STEAKHOUSE West Memphis

West Memphis’ Southland Casino Hotel is enjoying a renaissance, having recently wrapped up its $320 million, three-year expansion project last year. While the casino floor has enough slot machines and table games to keep anyone occupied for as long as their finances allow and then some, Southland’s Ignite Steakhouse has captured the attention of gamblers and foodies alike.

Executive Chef Josh Marling joined Southland in 2015, and he’s been involved with Ignite since the beginning.

“From the very first sketch on paper, we dedicated years to carefully selecting sustainable and locally sourced ingredients,” Marling said. “Building strong connections with local farmers and community members became an integral part of our process. We even went the extra mile by sourcing charcoal for the grill from a location eight hours away.”

Inspired by the original steakhouse and kitchen at Southland, which boasted a cast-iron charcoal grill, Ignite stays true to those charcoal-infused flavors. And, since Marling is all about the farm-to-table experience, the Ignite kitchen is enclosed with glass, allowing diners to observe the fresh ingredients that make up their meal being prepared in real time.

Hungry observers will see their steak treated to a generous coating of Ignite’s house blend seasoning to create a mouthwatering crust.

“The next step is placing the steaks on our charcoal grill, which reaches an average temperature of 600 degrees,” Marling said. “During the cooking process, we add a touch of pecan wood to infuse a delightful essence into the meat. This wood is carefully placed on the glowing coals, adding a subtle smokiness and enhancing the overall taste.”

Any of Ignite’s offerings is a safe bet, from the 16-ounce New York strip to the 40-ounce hand-cut tomahawk. The 21-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye is far and away the most sought-after steak on the menu, however, and it’s the one Marling recommends for the ultimate Ignite dinner experience. Marling suggests starting off with a smoked Manhattan cocktail before diving into a locally-sourced farm salad for the first course. The star of the show is that cowboy ribeye, of course, but be sure to add the crab Oscar topping for a luxurious surf-and-turf touch. Don’t skip out on the sides, either: the Bluff City mushrooms bring a natural, earthy flavor to balance out the meal.

“To conclude this extraordinary dining experience, treat yourself to a classic yet timeless dessert: the crème brûlée,” Marling said. “Delight in the contrasting textures of the caramelized sugar crust and the creamy custard beneath, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.”

The 21-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye is far and away the most sought-after steak on the menu.

Elevated dining is not just the purview of Italian or French fare. At Theo’s, premium cuts of meat are right at home among upscale American cuisine. With locations in Fayetteville and Rogers, guests flock to Theo’s for reimagined classics, expertly crafted cocktails and, when it’s nice out, an al fresco dining experience like no other.

Like many restaurants, Theo’s closed during the pandemic with an uncertain future. Fortunately, businessman and restaurateur Todd Martin had other plans. Martin’s restaurant group, South by Northwest Hospitality, acquired both Theo’s locations in 2020. The investment has clearly paid off, as the flagship Fayetteville location is closing in on its 20-year anniversary with no signs of slowing down.

For Jeff Gabbard, executive vice president and COO at South by Northwest, the soul of Theo’s is one of celebration, whether it’s graduations, birthday parties or any other of life’s milestones.

“When we talk about Theo’s and what I think it is, I think it’s just a place where people can come and celebrate life moments,” Gabbard said. “It’s just getting to be a part of that experience, and share that with people, and to really make sure that Theo’s is a big part of that memory for them.”

And, as Gabbard added: “What better way to celebrate than by getting steak, right?”

Theo’s offers an 8-ounce filet mignon and a 20-ounce ribeye. Rather than an extensive list of various cuts, the idea is to do fewer options very, very well. Every steak is hand-cut and wet-aged for 30 days. The filet is marinated in a mixture of seasonings, herbs, olive oil and salt and pepper, while the ribeye gets a simpler treat-

THEO’S Fayetteville

ment of salt, pepper and butter.

While the marbling on the ribeye means it can sing on its own, Gabbard explained, Theo’s elevates the flavors of both cuts with a “really fantastic” red wine reduction, as well as an herb-infused butter. For those after the true Theo’s experience, Gabbard has a couple of expert recommendations.

“Grab a seat at the bar, get a martini from the bartender, enjoy that, and that gets your appetite ready for the steak,” he said. “My favorite thing to do is to top the steak with a couple of diver scallops, because nothing goes better.”

Every steak is hand-cut and wet-aged for 30 days.

Photos by Philip Thomas Novo Studio

l 21 West End

Fort Smith

l 501 Prime Hot Springs

l 501 Steakhouse

Jonesboro

l Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Little Rock

l Allsop & Chapple Restaurant + Bar

Little Rock

l Back Porch Grill

Hot Springs

l Banderas Steakhouse

El Dorado

l Best Dam Steakhouse

Batesville

l Black Angus

Little Rock

l Brangus Steakhouse

Russellville

l Brave New Restaurant

Little Rock

l Brick House Grill

Hot Springs

l Cache Restaurant

Little Rock

l Callahan’s Steak House

Siloam Springs

l Capers

Little Rock

l Capital Bar and Grill

Little Rock

l Cattleman’s Steak House

Texarkana

l Cheers

Maumelle

l Cheers in the Heights

Little Rock

l Chopping Block Steakhouse

Mena

’s

SteaksBucket List

PRESENTED BY

l Colonial Steak House

Pine Bluff

l Copper Grill

Little Rock

l Cypress Social North Little Rock

l Doe’s Eat Place Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock

l Don’s Steakhouse Walnut Ridge

l Ella’s Table

Fayetteville

l Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse

Eureka Springs

l Heritage Grille | Steak & Fin

Little Rock

l Herman’s Ribhouse

Fayetteville

l Ignite

West Memphis

l JB Chophouse

Hot Springs

l Jerry’s Steakhouse

Trumann

l Lost Creek Grill

Hot Springs

l Mike’s Place Conway

l Omar’s Uptown Conway

l One Eleven

Little Rock

l Petit & Keet Little Rock

l Red Oak Steakhouse

Pine Bluff

l Renzo’s Springdale

l River Grille

Bentonville

l Riverfront Steakhouse

North Little Rock

l Ruth’s Chris Steak House Rogers

l Samantha’s Taproom

Little Rock

l Skinny J’s Argenta

North Little Rock

l SO Restaurant-Bar

Little Rock

l Sonny Williams’ Steakroom

Little Rock

l Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Little Rock

l Table 28

Little Rock

l Taylor’s Steakhouse

Dumas

l The Buglar

Hot Springs

l The Butcher Shop

Little Rock

l The Faded Rose

Little Rock

l The OAK Room Bar & Grill

Hot Springs

l The Pantry

Little Rock

l The Porterhouse

Hot Springs

l The Rialto

Fort Smith

l The Tamale Factory

Augusta

l The Village Steakhouse Star City

l Theo’s Rogers

l Tusk & Trotter

Bentonville

l Wright’s Ranch House

White Hall

3 Check off the Steak Food list as you visit a small sample of our favorite places.

Dive Edition

Little Rock’s Late Night Offers Pool Tables, Bites and Music

By BECCA BONA // Photos By BECCA BONA

Agreasy burger and a boilermaker out on the town at 1 a.m. just hits different.

Sure, it seems simple enough. You saunter up to the bar, order a burger, eat it and wash it down with a beer. And — if you’re me — you follow that up with a shot of whiskey.

The thing is, most of us don’t frequent a 1 a.m. meal enough to know exactly what we’re looking for. (Or, hey, maybe you do. No judgment here.) But for the rest of us … it can be hard to find that perfect, winning combo.

Ask anyone in Little Rock, and they can give you a story about each one of the following establishments. Join me from a front-row perspective of what it’s like to hang with the night-owls, drink some drinks, shoot some pool, listen to music and grab some grub.

Midtown Billards

1316 S. Main Street, Little Rock

Daily 3 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Food: Yes

Two

words: Bottle. Toss.

If you happen to catch this place on a Thursday, it’s your lucky day. On my most recent visit, I found myself listening to a regular, sharing his wisdom and knowledge of the tradition, which is just like it sounds. You’re allowed, with the blessings of the proprietor, to throw glass bottles into a trash can from a decent distance.

People inevitably miss. And glass usually goes everywhere, but hey, it’s cheaper than therapy.

A past bottle toss champion recently told me, rather gleefully, “It’s the only bar I know of where you can throw beer bottles without getting kicked out.” He went on to explain that the tradition has been going on for 20 years or so. He said it started with the late owner Maggie Hinson and a few regulars present every week. In those early days, there was often dancing on the bar after a winner had been crowned.

The kicker? The second-to-last person standing was responsible for buying the participants a round of beer. History has always shown that people will always show up for a free beer.

“Oddball people started coming, and they were like, ‘Hey, what are y’all doing?’” the past champion continued. “Word got around; plus you get a free beer when you play.”

Starting at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, the bottle toss activity — now a tradition — usually sees a line of 20 or so (sometimes up to 100) people ready to throw their glass into the ring. A line is drawn on the floor, a trash can is placed across the bar near the pool tables, and participants are told to let ῾er rip. You throw your bottle to the can, and if you make it, you’re in until elimination leaves two lucky (or unlucky, as it so happens) souls in line.

When I finally got a chance to throw a bottle myself, I was instantly hooked. When I missed the can by a long shot, the shattering, tinkling, barking glass was quickly drowned out by the catcalls and laughter of the crowd waiting their turn.

I somehow managed to become best friends with a few humans in line; shout-out to Jacob, who told me to “do a quasi-bank shot into the trash can by using the wall.” Needless to say I didn’t win, but thankfully, there’s always next time. Just be sure to wear close-toed shoes.

Over the years Midtown has taken it to the next level, and crowns a champion in both the winter and the summer. The spreadsheet detailing the status of those who qualify to participate looks like an homage to big data. You have to really squint to see all the details in that heavy, smoky red-and-green glow they front as lighting.

Bottle toss aside, Midtown is one of those dives that you have, to visit at least once. You never know what experience you might have and no two times are exactly alike. In fact, you could have accidentally walked into an alternate reality or time machine. For an establishment with such staying power, it makes sense.

Go Here For:

The best burger served through the wee hours of the morning and a rowdy good time that’ll guarantee your first five o’clock shadow. Live music often on Friday and Saturday.

I’m pretty sure my Grandpa remembers playing pool on the premises, then called something different, back in his youth. I triple-checked; the bar traces its origins back to the 1940s, so this is actually plausible. Plus, when the bar burned down in 2016, there was a collective sigh that could be heard throughout SOMA and beyond. I’m pretty sure the brand-new walls were graffitied good-as-new on the first day it reopened, nearly a year later, with gusto.

Don’t be alarmed by the easy-to-miss entryway on Main Street. Midtown stays open till 5 a.m. every night, which is why, when you enter you’ll be asked for your ID and membership. That’s $10 for a onetime fee, and $15 for a yearly membership. Pro tip: Just let the extra fiver fly.

If you’re not back for the atmosphere, you’ll be back for the burger, trust me. Midtown has the best burger in town. I don’t care that you’re in a smoke-friendly bar, all of the bartenders know what to do with that ‘lil grill behind the counter. Don’t overthink it; you could order the Gut Bomb, a whopping $17 for a “burger on steroids,” as described by the bartender on duty, Spam included, or opt for the fan-favorite cheeseburger where you choose between pepper jack and cheddar. There’s nothing better than being out late, a little more than buzzed, with one of these delicious burgers.

Midtown houses a hodgepodge of humanity. If you get there early, the bartender likely knows the locals sitting atop the stools along the smoky red bar. Last time I was there, I watched a couple of them fall off their chairs in slow motion, only to see them cackle and plop right back down in their seat, cigarette suspended mid-ash.

As the evening wears on, the clientele quickly becomes a mix of out-of-towners, service industry stars and individuals looking for a good time, not a long time. Everything from scrubs to bedazzled jeans and high heels to a Dickey’s workshirts with the name “Dylan” splayed across it, goes.

The pool tables are usually occupied, and it’s highly likely those knocking the cue around brought their own stick with them. Patiently waiting your turn gets you a lot farther than throwing hands.

The Hillcrest Fountain

2809 Kavanaugh Blvd. #100, Little Rock

Sun-Tue: 4 p.m. to midnight | Wed: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. | Thu-Sat: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Food: No

Whether or not it’s your first destination, if you’re in Hillcrest, it’s likely you’ll end up at the Hillcrest Fountain. You can’t miss the twinkling beacon, nestled along Kavanaugh between the Engle & Völkers office and the dormant Cañon Grill (rest in peace).

The front windows are alive with copious strands of festive string lights every evening at 4 p.m. sharp. You’ve probably sat in (or at least noticed someone else sitting in) the infamous rocking chairs posted out front. Get your ID ready, but fear not — the place never charges covers.

Simply known as The Fountain by regulars, this watering hole is equipped with two pool tables, a shuffleboard table and an expansive patio overlooking the always-bustling Hillcrest Kroger parking lot. (Park at your own risk. Hillcrest Kroger-goers are ruthless.)

It’s probable you’ll either stumble in or be forced to the Fountain by the many magics of its mysterious magnetism. Like me, you could find yourself in one of the following camps: 1) your friend brings you along because they saying “I only want to play one round of pool” or 2) your friend keeps singing Semisonic’s “Closing Time” just a little too loudly at you because nowhere else on the strip is bumping at quite the same level.

There is, of course, a third, “I-just-need-to-meet-someone-new,” camp, as well. The Fountain is crawling with people looking to meet each other. Have at it, friends just know that it can be hit or miss.

Swarming with med students, law students and alumni from your local high school — they’re probably all represented in some shape or fashion — this bar is like an inevitable reunion. At least, that’s usually the vibe later on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. There is an early crowd of locals who know all the bartenders by name and snag that unbeatable happy hour daily. We’re talking $2.50 domestic drafts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., every night of the week.

The true witching hour seems to be 9 p.m., when the music deftly switches over from AC/DC to A$AP Rocky.

This is not the bar you go to for shots unless you’re talking bank shots on the pool table. This is the bar you enter to meet people, to enthusias-

tically call “UPS!” on one of the two tables. You’ll wait your turn, but it’s worth it. Be forewarned of the ladies in their crop tops and heels and the men in their polos. Outfits withstanding, anything goes at the Fountain.

At 9:30 p.m. on a recent Friday night, the throng of people slowly began to flood the bar, bar-height tables and every available nook and cranny surrounding the pool tables. It gets busy fast, so if you’re slightly claustrophobic, you might opt to head outside where there are likely TVs playing some sporting event, if one can be found.

Most recently on a Friday, my friends and I were able to secure a pool table, a rarity at that hour. As soon as one of my party broke up the table, some trendy humans shouted a chorus of “Ups!” in our direction.

We agreed and ordered more fuel at the bar. You can’t miss the epic Unicorn framed on the small swatch of brick behind the multiple taps offering everything from cider to craft beer to wine and domestics.

And while you can’t order shots, you can order a draft cocktail, currently a pink lemonade and vodka concoction. We kept it light, but continued to battle for the table throughout the night. And that was the cadence until we shut the bar down.

It’s always very disconcerting to have the overhead lights thrust on full-blast, but then again, we have to let the bartenders free of us like the nocturnals we are, scurrying away from the bright light and fear of high tabs.

Go Here For:

Interesting interaction, and to fight your way to the front of the pool table line (and the bathroom).

Four Quarter

425 Main Street, North Little Rock

Mon-Fri: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Sat: 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Sun: Noon to 2 a.m.

Food: Yes

Midtown is definitely a spot you’re likely to run into service industry folks, but Four Quarter is THE place service industry folks tend to call home.

From brunch to shuffleboard to live music, this bar has it all. There’s a smallish corner stage to the right of the entrance and Four Quarter plays host to occasional live music. Two lovely skylights illuminate the dark, wooden bar, equipped with a huge mirror, like something marking the passage of time in an eloquent, but understated way. The bar chairs are bolted down, but there’s plenty of mobile chairs dotting a row of tables flanked by church pews.

The place feels more courtyard, NOLA-esque than dive, with choice sconced lighting and velvet curtains illuminating the original murals highlighting iconic Argenta spots. Owner Conan Robinson made the choice to leave this as a nod to former bar Sidetracks, which occupied the space previously.

The gem of an upstairs, which feels slightly like it’s out of a

῾20s-themed front for a ladies lounge, is smoking-friendly. In fact, there is a haunting history of this bar and the upper floor. If you ever get the chance to attend a Haunted Ghost Tour … well. Do it.

The thing about Four Quarter is it’s all in the meats. Literally. Since opening, Robinson has made it his mission to provide house-smoked meats, which they do in all of their dishes. Favorites include their smoked chicken wings (honestly to-DIE-for) and their pulled pork nachos. Their Cuban, complete with Spam, is also delicious.

Chef frontwoman Sammy Rudd puts out some mean specials every week or so; we’re talking about everything from Katsu ramen to BBQ pork shanks. If you happen to hit the place up on one of these nights, you’ll recognize a few of your favorite servers or bartenders from other establishments cutting lose and enjoying the latest Rudd has to offer.

Four Quarter has a quaint back patio with a beautiful new 2023 mural on it. As the evening goes on, tables are often pushed together, as buzzed patrons become friends and introduce their dogs to each other. Four Quarter is dog-friendly, and I’ve yet to enter when there isn’t a furry creature around, unless it’s a live music night.

Last Thursday night, I was at Four Quarter later than usual (for me), and I managed to start a chain reaction of pony races. I am not the inventor of this wickedly fun tradition, but I sure do love it. Order a six-pack (or a stable, as I fondly call it) of Miller High Life ponies. Challenge your friend, or the human named Joey who happens to be sitting next to you at the bar, to a race and see who can drink three of them, the fastest.

Don’t miss this gem of a place. It’s all heart, grub and fun.

Go Here For:

Some of the best, elevated bar food (or any food, really) in the area; plus the pony races.

The White Water Tavern

2500 W. 7th Street, Little Rock

Sun-Mon: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Tue-Thu: 4 p.m. to midnight | Fri: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Sat: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Food: Yes

It’s time for a change of scenery. The White Water Tavern is nestled behind the 7th Street Murals, and tucked away in the depths of Little Rock’s Stifft Station neighborhood.

White Water is Little Rock’s most intimate live music venue, and it feels like you’re stepping into your friend’s Ozark Cabin for a getaway. I always feel as if I’m getting a hug from the music gods as I stroll through the glass door, which looks like it’s been wallpapered in various band stickers and other mementos that would break a poet’s heart.

The interior is comfortably unassuming, due largely in part to the red canoe sporting the words “White Water Tavern” directly across from the bar. But don’t let that fool you. This bar is held together with the magic of music and art. A stuffed hog head keeps vigil over the bathrooms, and almost every inch of wooden cross beam along the ceiling is covered with a band poster. White Water is THE place to experience a live show.

The whole White Water experience always transports me back to music shows reminiscent of my college years, when bands would take over houses for an evening and chaos would ensue. Except of course, there’s a bit more organization to White Water as opposed to pure chaos. (I do, however, run into my old college classmates almost every time I visit the place.)

Perhaps the most beautiful thing about White Water is its ability to draw a crowd, and it’s always a different mix of people. Every show brings out a different type of music lover, whether you’re looking for your fellow gutter-sludge punkers, your hipsters, your hippies, your folk fans, your metalheads, your hip-hop fans and even generalist music fans. White Water appeals to ‘em all, regardless.

The tavern has a brilliant upstairs with two pool tables and lots of graffiti. The courtyard-like patio sports string lights as well as a few picnic tables equipped with umbrellas for those afternoons or early evenings in the summer months when the sky just won’t settle.

Most recently, I enjoyed Rodney Block and Bijoux, on an ῾80’s/῾90’s themed night. The set included many fan favorites from “Eye of the Tiger” to “(Doo Wop) That Thing” and “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” plus everything in between. The best part? Hands down, the dancing.

The crowd is never afraid to get down at White Water.

One time at a country music show, I failed to get the memo about 10-gallon hats, and I accidentally spilled my beer on a fellow concert-goer’s boots. Luckily, she just gave me a nod with the tip of the hat and moved on.

It can get a bit tight quarters in White Water, so don’t expect to make it out of a rowdy show completely suds-free. It’s inevitable.

Every time I’ve been there, however, owner Matt White is usually — if not slinging drinks behind the bar — a patron himself. He keeps the crowds pretty tame, but most of the time, the crowds don’t need it.

If you’re hungry, saddle up. The kitchen serves up some doozies, including the smoked bologna sandwich. But also, don’t skip the basket of fried okra or the catfish. It’ll have you singing that chorus from your favorite song.

The thing that truly sets White Water apart is the music. The bartenders all have a vested interest, and it shows. Next time you go out to White Water give the bartender a knowing nod, and tip ‘em for goodness sake. Then get ready to boogie on down.

Go Here For:

Live music and to renew your inspiration in humanity.

This Strawberry Bell Pepper Salad is Summer Perfect

By AMY GRAMLICH // Photos By AMY GRAMLICH

In these hot Arkansas summer months, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cool, colorful salad. This cold Strawberry Bell Pepper Salad will elevate your summer barbecues with a medley of juicy strawberries and crisp bell peppers. And you’ll also stay cool in your house by not heating the stove or oven to make dinner.

HEALTHY STRAWBERRIES AND BELL PEPPERS

This salad, free of many fattening additions, offers a bounty of nutrition. Known for supplying vitamin C, strawberries are low in calories and rich in other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Likewise, bell peppers are known to be loaded with vitamin A and vitamin E.

GATHERING THE INGREDIENTS

To create the perfect cold strawberry bell pepper salad, start by hunting down the finest strawberries. You want ripe, plump strawberries with a vibrant red coloring. Nothing beats an Arkansas strawberry. However, with Arkansas strawberry season typically wrapping up in late May or early June, you may not be able to get your hands on berries fresh from the patch later in the summer. Your local farmer’s markets may be a better source for perfect strawberries for this salad. Of course, your local grocery store will have strawberries available no matter the time of year.

INGREDIENTS

This salad mix yields four servings. Depending on your serving needs and guest list, you may wish to double the recipe.

1 cup strawberries

1/2 yellow bell pepper

1/2 red or orange bell pepper

2 Roma tomatoes

1 purple onion

4 sprigs of curly parsley

2 sprigs of mint

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 lime, juiced

1 tablespoon olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and dry the strawberries, bell peppers and tomatoes.

2. Chop the purple onion and herbs finely.

When selecting bell peppers, consider the color. Since this salad already boasts red strawberries and red tomatoes, choose at least one bell pepper in a different color of yellow, orange, or green. Whichever colors you choose, look for bell peppers that are firm and without bruises or blemishes.

Additionally, fresh mint and curly parsley add a pop of green to this recipe.

4. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and chop, again going for consistency.

5. Remove the seeds from the tomato and chop in the same way.

SERVING TIPS

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this cold strawberry bell pepper salad, keep the following tips in mind.

• Seasonings can be suited to taste. Add more or less pepper as needed.

• Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for a slight crunch.

• Serve the salad immediately after preparing the ingredients in the bowl to preserve the freshness and crispness of the vegetables and fruit. This is not a recipe to prepare in advance.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

6. Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.

7. Squeeze the lime, pouring the lime juice into the bowl.

The cold strawberry bell pepper salad is a unique blend of flavors and textures, making it the ideal side salad for hot grilled meats during the summer months. Or, enjoy this salad on its own for a healthy lunch!

Here are a few other serving suggestions to inspire you:

• For a light dinner, serve the salad alongside grilled chicken or steak.

• Top a piece of grilled salmon with this colorful salad.

• Serve a small scoop of the salad on individual romaine lettuce beds for a sophisticated appetizer.

8. Dress

3. Hull and cut the strawberries into bitesized pieces. The exact slicing pattern doesn’t matter as much as consistency.

the salad with olive oil and toss salad so dressing is evenly distributed.

EAT LOCAL, THINK GLOBAL

Hillcrest Little Bakery follows a unique formula

By JAMIE LEE // Photos by JAMIE LEE

Fresh, local ingredients and generous portions are making Hillcrest Little Bakery the talk of the town.

Pictured: Hot Springs Biscuit

To have a successful local eatery, you need several important ingredients — a head for business, a vision, heart and of course, good food. Scott Loye and his daughter, Zara Schmidt, have shown they can provide all of these and much, much more. Both born and raised in Hot Springs, they have turned an old home in the Hillcrest area of Little Rock into a successful, sustainable restaurant.

“I have a background in food services and liked the restaurant business,” Loye said. “I traveled the country over the last five or six years extensively, and saw the explosion in the biscuit operation. I realized that we didn’t have any place like that in Little Rock, and that gave me some incentive to open.

“I loved the Nashville hot chicken and the bananas foster in New Orleans, so I thought I could take some of those components and meld them together.”

Loye started researching where to purchase a commercial property in Little Rock, but finding a place that he could make his own proved hard. He came across an old shotgun house, originally built in 1942. After a long permitting and renovation process, during which time the restaurant was almost completely rebuilt, Hillcrest Little Bakery opened its doors in November 2019.

Loye’s vision transformed the broken-down house into a functional restaurant, featuring indoor seating for 15, along with a deck with umbrella seating. There is even a roll-up door that was installed where the front wall was. Loye also built a little apartment in an outbuilding where he lived for a short time while going back to school and working as a counselor. The demands of his “day job” as a counselor proved considerable enough that he found it necessary to turn the day-to-day management reins over to Schmidt.

“The original concept was a donut place,” he said, noting that quickly turned HLB into a 24-hour operation. “It was burning me out, having to work and do the restaurant full time.”

Schmidt, who previously worked at Cracker Barrel, was originally supposed to be front of house support, but now has been cooking for more than a year. The father-daughter dynamic is one of mutual respect as both hold the common goal to make the restaurant the best it can be.

“It’s definitely been a balance for us,” Schmidt said. “But we’ve been doing it for four years now. We have our days, but for the most part, we have hit our groove. And we both care about this place.”

One thing both have shared from the beginning is a customer service philosophy.

“One bad review costs you 90 customers in the restaurant business,” Loye said. “Every visit here must be the same quality. I brought all these experiences from all these different places, and I knew we couldn’t be a breakfast place that takes over an hour to get your food. We had to figure out how to get food out quickly, with good quality, in such a small place. I think we have done well with it. Most of our orders are out of our kitchen in five to seven minutes.”

The restaurant’s vibe is that of a neighborhood joint with a good mix of locals and new faces each day. The aesthetic is clean and bright, boasting a lot of natural wood with a classic style.

“When I walk in here, it still feels homey to me, like your local corner breakfast spot,” Schmidt said. “We get the best of both worlds; weekdays I have my regulars that come in, get their breakfast and even take work calls. Then on weekends, we get new faces, and families from all around Little Rock.

“We advertise for the out-of-towners looking for an eclectic experience, those not wanting to go to a big commercial restaurant, but a local spot” Loye said. “For the first four months we were open,

there was a 45-minute waiting time here.”

Hillcrest Little Bakery offers specialty biscuit dishes and traditional breakfast fare with a twist, such as The Swimming Benedict, featuring smoked salmon, poached eggs with hollandaise over biscuits. The top seller — and owner favorite — is The Hot Springs, including biscuits smothered in cheese, eggs and hot chicken. The menu also boasts healthy, diet-conscious items such as vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“A lot of people don’t see our menu and just think we are strictly a bakery. Then they walk in and see our menu and are like, ‘Wow, there is so much here,’” Loye said. “I was taught how to make bananas foster at the world-famous Brennan’s in New Orleans. I took that back home with me, and my dad and I played with it for years. Now we have made it our own with our bananas foster pancakes.”

Several of the dishes are named for Little Rock neighborhoods, an idea Loye came up with to localize the fare

The owners painstakingly revived a Hillcrest shotgun house to locate the restaurant.

The Swimming Benedict

amaretto cheesecake, a family recipe from Loye’s dad that he taught Schmidt to make.

“We wanted to have that local presence,” Loye said. “For people from out of town, it gives them that eclectic experience while locals come in and assign their identity to a dish.”

Since the beginning, the restaurant has shown a consciousness that reverberates on several levels. Wanting to deliver value for the dining dollar, the portions are very generous at a reasonable price using local vendors as much as possible.

“We are very value-conscious,” Loye said. “I’ve watched some restaurants go up close to 50 percent on some of their items in the last 16 to 18 months. Our menu items, from the day we opened, haven’t gone up even 20 percent.”

Schmidt said, “We try to use local ingredients when we can. We use some Petit Jean meats and local eggs when we can get enough of them.”

Another impressive aspect of operations is the restaurant’s commitment to being environmentally conscious, something Hillcrest Little Bakery puts into practice daily. The staff recycles everything it can, including aluminum, cardboard and glass, and uses real table service to eliminate plastic waste. Even the to-go containers and cups are completely biodegradable. The restaurant is so efficient, there’s no dumpster out back; all that’s needed are two city garbage cans to handle a week’s worth of waste.

“When I opened this place, I had a vision for changing the restaurant business worldwide,” Loye said. “With a wrapper or a foam container, you are looking at a half-life of 112 years. That’s four generations of people that will have to deal with that. I said there must be a better way to do this, and we really took that to heart.

“If we had a big green dumpster, would it be easier on us? Sure, it would, and it would keep me from having to come load up and haul cardboard to get recycled. But no, we aren’t going to operate that way.”

The long hours and extra effort have paid off in a popular local spot that has enhanced the neighborhood and, in its own small way, improved the world. It’s also a source of great pride for the people who work there.

“It’s been a great blessing to us,” Loye said. “The local word of mouth is great. And we are still at a level of success that I feel comfortable with. There is a lot of competition now in the city with breakfast places, but the health- and world-conscious view that we have speaks to our success. I tell Zara, this place will be handed down to you; this will be yours and you will own it.”

Schmidt said, “My goal for customer service and for food has always

been consistency. I want you to come in and get the same great food each time, be welcomed and know that we are excited that you are here. We are happy that you come in and walk through our door, and we want you to have a positive experience each time.

“Dad wanted to create a space for our family, for me, for us to do together. It’s a family restaurant. When any customer says ‘Oh, is this your place?’ I love to tell them it’s me and my dad.”

WHERE TO GO:

Hillcrest Little Bakery

203 N. Van Buren Street, Little Rock (501) 747-4960

WHEN TO GO:

M-Th-F: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat - Sun: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

WHAT TO TRY

The Hot Springs Biscuit

The Avocado Biscuit

The Swimming Benedict

She’s Says She’s Not Hungry loaded fries

Bananas Foster Pancakes

I want you to come in and get the same great food each time, be welcomed and know that we are excited that you are here.

Zara Schmidt and Scott Loye curate the tasty menu, featuring favorites like The Avocado Biscuit and She Says She’s Not Hungry loaded fries.

By Mak Millard

There is no one secret to success and Arkansas is home to scores of men — leaders, fathers and husbands, innovators and difference-makers — carving their own path. The 2023 Men of Distinction comprise a diverse and distinguished group representing a variety of industries and experiences. They are bankers, businessmen and entertainers; realtors, restaurateurs and artists; renowned experts and jacks-of-alltrades. No matter what they do, where they come from or how they got here, there’s no denying these men are standouts in their fields.

But a man, of course, is much more than his career and this year’s roster takes equal pride in being devoted fathers, loyal friends and all-around good guys. With no shortage of unique interests, hidden talents and eccentric hobbies, these men are no strangers to the ambitious passion project or an adventurous bucket list. Whether they’re coaching the little league team, running a marathon, or taking some muchneeded time to relax on the lake, this group excels, both in work and in play.

AY About You is proud to celebrate this group of men, who represent the best of what Arkansas has to offer. They accomplish great things not just for their own sake, but to lift up and give back to the ones around them. They set the example in everything they do, personally and professionally, for those who come after them along the path they’ve paved. In short, The Natural State is better for having these men in it.

Without further ado, AY About You proudly presents our 2023 Men of Distinction.

We Would Like to Express a Special Thanks to This Year’s Sponsors:

Photos by Christopher Davis, DeWaine Duncan, Drew Harris, Jamie Lee, Stephen Lewis, James Moore, Sarah Oden, Kolton Rutherford, Sarah Rosin, John Sykes, Stephen Thetford, Phillip Thomas and Debony Washington.

GARLAND E.

Whenit comes to the trucking industry, Butch Rice truly worked his way to the top, starting out in the shop of a trucking company – cleaning the bathrooms – at 14 years old. Rice started Stallion Transportation Group in 1992, and has since grown it into a multimillion-dollar organization. For Rice, the most exciting part of his work, as well as his definition of success, is seeing the people around him grow and succeed, both personally and professionally.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, hunting, fishing and playing golf.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Honesty. If relationships are honest, everything else will take care of itself.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?

I believe a “good man” is someone who has the Lord first and foremost in his life. He always loves and cares for his family. The Golden Rule is “golden” for a reason; he treats all people the way he wants to be treated.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment was marrying my wife, Robin. This year, we will celebrate our 35th anniversary.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

Don’t let pride get in your way.

To what do you owe your success?

I owe my success to God. I believe that He has blessed the company, because we are committed to giving to others and we treat people with respect.

HOMETOWN: Beebe

OCCUPATION: President and CEO, Stallion Transportation

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Join the military. I have always had tremendous respect for those who have served our country.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would hope that my life, through my actions, has shown the importance of humbly giving back.

By what saying or slogan are you known to friends, families or business associates?

“You can’t soar like an eagle when you’re surrounded by buzzards.”

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is my dad, Garland “Jiggs” Rice. I admire the love he gave to my family and my mom for 56 years. He worked for the same company for 40 years; his loyalty impressed me.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

The Special Olympics World Games. I’ve had the pleasure of supporting the Special Olympics program for many years, and I think it would be awesome to see the athletes compete at that level.

EDUCATION: ASU Beebe; Arkansas Tech University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Sweet tea with lemon

Snack: Buttered popcorn

Movie: “Moneyball”

Sport: Baseball, golf, tennis

“BUTCH” RICE, III

MONTGOMERY

ForMonty Heathman, DDS, great smiles run in the family. Heathman worked at his father’s dental practice twice, getting his first taste of the profession as a high school sophomore. He returned to the Springdale practice after completing his doctoral degree in dental surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Dentistry. After his father’s retirement, Heathman struck out on his own for a few years before joining forces with various other clinics. Now with two clinics of his own – Heathman Family Dental and the Dental Clinic at Stuttgart – Heathman has been recognized time and again as a standout in the world of dentistry. 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 fraternity. To others considering a similar career path, Heathman has two important pieces of advice: be prepared to work hard, and listen to your patients. When he’s not helping patients achieve their best and brightest smiles, Heathman loves to spend time deep-sea fishing with his fishing buddies, affectionately known as “The Three Amigos.”

How did you get into your career?

I followed in my father’s footsteps, the late Dr. Norman “Dwight” Heathman, Jr.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

A crop duster… looks like fun!

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?

A man who is committed to his beliefs and cares about others.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

The best day of my life was when I married my wife, Kelli Sams Heathman.

What do you love most about what you do? Seeing my patients smile with confidence.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave? That I cared deeply for my patients, loved what I did and that I was a good clinician.

What role does faith play in your life? Without God, nothing else matters.

How would you like to be remembered?

A man who was committed to his family, his work, and having fun.

What’s your purpose?

My primary purpose in life is to trust God and help others.

HOMETOWN:

Jonesboro; raised in Springdale

OCCUPATION:

Dentist, Heathman Family Dental; The Dental Clinic at Stuttgart

EDUCATION:

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; University of Tennessee College of Dentistry

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Lemon lime Gatorade Zero

Restaurant: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Snack: Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts

TV: Razorback sports

Sport: Football

“MONTY” HEATHMAN, DDS

2023

DENNIS ADKINS

Dennis Adkins got into the real estate game in 1972 on the advice of his father. To say Dad was right is an understatement; five decades later, Adkins is a consistent multimillion-dollar producer, charter and life member of the Little Rock Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club and longtime member of the Little Rock Executive Association. His work ethic, drive and personality are unmatched, and he’s proud to have built a successful company with likeminded people from the ground up. When he’s not tackling the latest industry challenges head-on, you can find Adkins at his farm in Brummitt, Arkansas (Feather Farms), where he enjoys duck hunting and fishing.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

My early life experiences created a determination to make life better for both my family and myself.

What quality do you admire most in other men?

Honesty and loyalty.

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

My father, Bob Adkins.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

In this industry, you have to be on call at all times. You have to work hard for your clients, and your reputation in the business is critical for success.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Work through it – never give up!

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? “Hey, Jude” by The Beatles.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Keep working – don’t retire!

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

I would love to go to Chicago, to the White Sox ballpark where my grandfather pitched against Babe Ruth!

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Owner/Realtor, Adkins & Associates

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; University of Arkansas Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Gin & tonic with lime

Restaurant:

Brave New Restaurant

Snack: Peanuts

TV Series: “The Curse of Oak Island”

Sport: Razorback football

CHRIS ALLEY

True success hinges on relationships and sweat, and no one knows that better than Chris Alley. Having worked at his family’s gas station and deli from the age of 9 until he was almost 30, Alley saw firsthand the work and sacrifices his parents put in to secure their piece of the American Dream. He’s come a long way from standing on cartons to reach the cash register. Today, Alley, brother Jason, and business partner Chris Kramolis, are the owners and operators of Rock N’ Roll Sushi, an American-style sushi and hibachi chain with four locations in Central Arkansas.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My wife, Kacy, and my son, Adam.

What do you love most about what you do?

I get to interact with people from all walks of life daily and meet people in the music industry. The free sushi isn’t too bad, either.

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

My mom. She’s strong, brilliant, kind and loves her family unconditionally.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

I don’t think about my legacy in the abstract. I think about it in the present. I hope that the people I encounter today know that I care and that they can depend on me to be a man of integrity.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Get Low” by Lil Jon

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?

My dad always told me that the best choice I could ever make was to marry a good woman and start a family. I put it off for a long time, but once I took his advice, I realized he was right all along. Best decision I’ve ever made.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

I’d like to see the Razorbacks playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Go Hogs!

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Owner/Operator, Rock N’ Roll Sushi

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Coca-Cola in a glass bottle

Restaurant: My mom’s kitchen – best

Palestinian food in America

Snack: Jelly beans

TV Series: “Seinfeld”

Sport: Arkansas Razorbacks football, basketball and baseball

2023

FRANKLIN BASS

Franklin Bass entered the banking industry in high school, joining a bank in Arkadelphia before his junior year. He was immediately hooked as the busy atmosphere and thrill of serving others captivated him and set the course for the rest of his career. With more than two decades of experience in the banking world, Bass embodies the Arvest mission and loves helping people achieve their dreams, whether that’s buying their first home or starting a business. Bass enjoys a variety of hobbies outside of work, from golf to enjoying Lake Hamilton with family and friends, and has even picked up pickleball recently.

What advice would you give others who want to follow in your footsteps?

“Everyone is known for something. What do you want to be known for?” It is what I tell my children and other young men

I’ve mentored. When we hear a person’s name, we all have a word or phrase that pops into our heads that describes them. Think of the word you want to be known for, and strive to be that person every day.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

I’d like to be a farmer. A few of my friends are farmers, and the thought of it has always interested me. I know it is a lot harder than it looks – judging from my few vegetable plants at home, I’m sure I made a better choice by becoming a banker.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code?

My father. He is the most honorable man I know. Also, my wife, Amanda. She is a living example of how to love others well.

What’s your hidden talent?

I am not sure I’d challenge just anybody, but I am tough to beat in a foot race.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Ms. Jackson” by OutKast.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?

My father always said, “Half of life is just showing up.” It sounds simple, but I have come to understand that time spent with others and being present is essential for building relationships and success.

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Community Bank President, Southwest Arkansas, Arvest Bank

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Gin martini

Restaurant:

Jones Bar-B-Q in Marianna

Podcast: “Bear Grease”

Sport: Golf, hunting

2023

LEVI BAUER

Levi Bauer knew he wanted to be involved in the business world as early as 12. As an adult, he dove into his chosen career headfirst and began honing the skills he’d need to succeed, from process improvement to executive strategy to project planning. His introduction to the health care industry came through finance, as he held CFO roles at various hospitals and surgery centers. Bauer’s eyes were opened to the possibility of using his knack for data and numbers to help others, and he’s never looked back. Now in the CEO chair, Bauer wields his business acumen to improve the outcomes and experience of every patient OrthoArkansas serves.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

I would be a coach. I’m the odd one who would much rather watch a sports team practice than watch the actual game. It’s inspiring when someone gives their all to become the best, and I love helping people achieve that.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Effort and excellence. We only have one life on this planet. Why would you want to do anything other than become the best version of yourself possible?

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an excellent ping-pong player.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

It’s the small, daily steps towards one’s goals that accumulate to create signi fi cant progress over time. It’s not always glamorous or immediate, but consistency is a key factor in achieving lasting success in any endeavor.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self?

Don’t be so concerned about growing up. I’ve always been a long-term thinker, often “living” years in the future. But this way of thinking sacri fi ces fully enjoying the current moment.

What defines success for you?

I feel successful when the people I work with are successful. I love helping people reach their full potential.

HOMETOWN: Omaha, Nebraska; moved to Arkansas in 2019

OCCUPATION: CEO, OrthoArkansas

EDUCATION: University of Nebraska Omaha

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Old fashioned

Restaurant: Maddie’s Place

Food: Pizza

Movie: “Tombstone”

MICAH BEARD

Micah Beard got his start in banking in college as a part-time teller. He’s held roles with Citizens Bank since 2008, and in 2021, he was named regional president for the bank’s North Central Arkansas and South East Arkansas markets. Beard attributes his success to “good upbringing and a solid work ethic,” as both his parents and grandparents taught him the value of sweat equity. “Working for what you have makes you appreciate it,” Beard said. Outside of work, you can find him enjoying time outdoors with his family, whether it’s hunting, fishing, bike riding or cheering on daughter Avri at volleyball, tennis and basketball games.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you? Success is not what you have obtained, but who you’ve become.

What role does faith play in your life?

Faith plays a very important role in my life. I am a work in progress, but knowing there is a greater plan is comforting. Watching my daughter grow up in the church and knowing God gives me strength and purpose.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love the team I work with. We are bankers who enjoy what we do and work hard to put our customers and community first.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion? A good man is humble and kind, puts God and family first, and works harder than others.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Humility. I admire successful people who give credit to others.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Give it your all. Always give 100%. Don’t be satisfied with par.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Surrounding yourself with the right people.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you? I am a hands-on person. I enjoy building projects and anything mechanical. I have renovated our cabin on the White River, owned and tinkered with several Harleys and own a 1967 Camaro. Working on things helps me unwind.

HOMETOWN: Born and raised in Monticello; moved to Batesville in 2003

OCCUPATION: Regional President, Citizens Bank

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Monticello; Graduate School of Banking at LSU; University of Pennsylvania

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Half and half tea

Movie: “Top Gun”

Sport: Razorback football and baseball

2023

LEE BEASLEY

Real estate developer, restaurateur and Hot Springs native Lee Beasley has been involved with a number of Spa City eateries over the years, from stints with J&S Italian Villa and Copper Penny Pub to the landmark McClard’s Bar-B-Q and JB ChopHouse. Primarily focused on buying and selling property – and armed with a keen eye for great opportunities – Beasley has been making a name for himself in the investment and restaurant industries for the last 30 years. His namesake Beasley Properties, Inc. portfolio of restaurants currently includes McClard’s, JB ChopHouse, Sunset Grill on Lake Balboa and Rod’s Pizza Cellar.

What do you love most about what you do? I have the freedom to work unlimited hours on various projects.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity? Stepping back and assessing the problem to see what created the adversity in the first place.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? The same one, just bigger and better.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others? My ability to assess value.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Honesty.

What person, past or present, do you admire most? My father.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? They were right in just about everything they told me.

What defines success for you? Finishing what you started.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Tenacity.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person? Wrigley Field.

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Real Estate Developer

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Crown Royal

Restaurant: JB ChopHouse

Snack: Dried banana chips

Book/Movie: “The Pelican Brief”

MATT BEASLEY

Matt Beasley’s interest in finance began in high school, when he started investing the money he made selling computers at Sears in the stock market. His first ever investment? Arkansas Best Corporation – better known today as ArcBest. Now chief financial officer, Beasley provides strategic insights and guides investment decisions for that very same company. When he’s not busy telling the ArcBest story to analysts and investors, you might find Beasley out on a run or enjoying a cup of joe at Fort Smith Coffee Co.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

I enjoy traveling. Some memorable trips from the last few years include taking my son to London to visit the British Museum, going on a family road trip to the Grand Canyon, and taking a group of college students on a study abroad trip to Italy.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code?

My family instilled in me the importance of doing the right thing, even when it might not be the easiest path or when nobody is watching. I feel fortunate to work at a company like ArcBest that places such importance on integrity.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

Life tends to throw unexpected obstacles in our way, but I’ve found that making consistent, incremental progress, however small, helps navigate through tough times.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Don’t be so hard on yourself.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? A travel agent.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

There is a common, misguided expectation that men should always be strong, stoic and self-sufficient. Admitting when you’re struggling isn’t a sign of weakness – it is an act of courage.

HOMETOWN: Fort Smith

OCCUPATION: CFO, ArcBest

EDUCATION: University of Tulsa; St. Edward’s University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Coffee

Restaurant: Pad Thai Cuisine in Fort Smith

Food: Ice cream

Podcast: “Deep Questions with Cal Newport”

Sport: Basketball

MATT BELL

It takes a certain set of skills to be a successful entrepreneur. It takes an even bolder brand of visionary to tread new ground in a given industry. That is exactly what Matt Bell has set out to do with Origami Sake, the Hot Springs brewery he opened this year with plans to bring the traditional Japanese drink to American palates. For Bell, creativity must go hand-in-hand with drive and knowledge to ensure success. With the help of his team, Bell and Origami Sake are putting Arkansas front and center in this niche corner of the alcohol market.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?

Kindness and humility.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

In my personal life: raising my incredible daughter, Savannah. In work: starting Arkansas’ first sake brewery using Arkansas-grown rice and Hot Springs’ famous water.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an artist.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Take risks and surround yourself with good people.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

To make an impact in the community and the state that I call home, Arkansas.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

It’s OK to fail. If you are not failing at something, you are not taking enough risk.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who positively affected the life of my daughter and the success of my employees, impacted the community and elevated the industry in which I chose to work.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Owner, Origami Sake

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Sake (duh)

Restaurant: Petit and Keet

Snack: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

TV Series: “The Office”

Sport: College football

2023

Maxwell Blade is a jack-of-alltrades when it comes to entertainment. At 10 years old, Blade discovered dual passions for magic and music; he was inspired to learn the art of illusion by TV magician Mark Wilson, and he learned to play the piano by ear around the same time, composing his own pieces by the age of 13.

After a stint as a professional musician, Blade moved into magic full-time. His show at Hot Springs’ historic Malco Theatre is now in its 27th season. When he’s not dazzling audiences onstage, Blade enjoys a variety of other artistic pursuits, such as woodworking, painting and design.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

My shocking white hair that you can see from a mile away, which became my trademark in some of my earliest days of entertainment.

How would your family/close friends describe you?

Artistic, spastic, creative, bold, hilarious and thoughtful.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My three beautiful daughters – and wonderful human beings – Courtney, Lexi and Gabby.

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

MAXWELL BLADE

In my younger years, Elton John was the catalyst for me to pursue music and the stage as a way to make a living. In my life, which was filled with difficulties and chaos, music gave me a way to escape all of that and express myself as an individual.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Hang on boy, it’s going to be OK.

What’s your purpose?

First and foremost, to be a good man to my family. My purpose is also to entertain people. To make them laugh, to make them feel and to take them out of the troubles of everyday life through the theater of entertainment.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” by Elton John.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Don’t take yourself too seriously, and laugh as much as you can.

HOMETOWN: Fort Smith

OCCUPATION: Theater Owner, Master Illusionist, Comedian, Painter

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Sweet tea

Restaurant: The Malco Lounge

Snack: Hershey’s chocolate

Movie: “The Bourne Identity”

GEORGE WILLIAM “BILL” BOOKER II

Bill Booker gained a deep respect for the funeral profession at the tender age of 7, when his family moved next door to a funeral home in El Dorado. Now, as a funeral director and president of Roller Funeral Homes, Booker has a unique and special place in some of the most intimate moments of peoples’ lives. It’s not a responsibility he takes lightly, either. Seeing death up close has made Booker “keenly aware” of the brevity of life, and he embraces the opportunity to help others through those difficult times.

What’s number one on your bucket list?

To see the beaches at Normandy and the cemeteries. What a sacrifice by our forefathers.

Who is your hero and why?

My wife, Carolyn, because she has bravely battled breast cancer twice and never questioned why it had to be her.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

Performing as the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera.”

What’s your hidden talent?

Singing, but it’s deeply hidden.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It reminds me of how I felt meeting my wife for the first time at 21.

In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?

Understanding an old Greek proverb: “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I loved being a disc jockey while working in college. In those days, we did it all – news, weather, sports, music (vinyl records).

HOMETOWN: El Dorado

OCCUPATION: President, Roller Funeral Homes; Funeral Director; CPA

EDUCATION: Arkansas State University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Unsweet iced tea

Restaurant: The Villa (still in mourning)

Food: Arkansas strawberries

TV Series: “12 O’Clock High”

Sport: College football

JAMES D. BORNHOFT

From the moment he first stepped foot in a courtroom, James Bornhoft knew it was where he was meant to be. While obtaining his law degree from the University of Denver, Bornhoft interned with the Boulder District Attorney’s Office before going to work as a special victims unit and human trafficking prosecutor in Colorado. Back home in Arkansas, Bornhoft founded his namesake law firm, where he represents victims of injustice with an unmatched passion. Of all the lessons that more than 10,000 hours in a courtroom has taught him, the most important one for Bornhoft is “that hard work beats talent. There is truly no substitute for it.”

How would your family/close friends describe you?

Hard-working. Deeply loyal to friends and family.

What quality do you admire most in other men?

A strong work ethic coupled with taking care of one’s family.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Marrying my wife, Caitlin. She is way out of my league and the best thing that has ever happened to me.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Success is fickle. All one can do is work hard.

How would you like to be remembered? That I wasn’t just a good attorney, but a good man as well.

What’s your purpose? My family.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity? Just keep going. You will have good days, and you will have bad days. The key is to never quit.

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Founding Attorney, Bornhoft Law

EDUCATION: University of Denver; University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Restaurant: Deluca’s, J&S Italian Villa

Sport: Football

In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?

Don’t wait to live the life that you want to live. If you want something in this world, you have to take it. No one is going to give it to you. Don’t let yourself be told that you can’t do something. The only person who can make that determination is you.

2023

ANDY CALDWELL

As a lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation, Andy Caldwell loves using his expertise and abilities to help people. When people are injured at work and have their claims denied by insurance, Caldwell ensures they get the benefits they’re entitled to, affording them the treatment they need to continue providing for their families. Caldwell attributes his success to the penchant for hard work instilled in him by his father, who didn’t believe in sleeping in. Although he didn’t care for his father’s “no free weekends” ethos growing up, Caldwell has certainly come to appreciate the strong work ethic it gave him.

How did you get into your career?

My dad’s best friend was a lawyer, and he and his law partner let me work for them in the summer after my junior and senior years of high school. Thanks to the exposure that I got at Sanders and Hill in Arkadelphia, I knew this is what I wanted to do.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Determination. I love reading about men who have accomplished great things, in spite of their circumstances, through determination and grit, when they could have stopped pursuing their goals for one reason or another.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I like to play the guitar. I do not play it well or nearly as often as I would like, though.

What person, past or present, do you admire most? My father.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Hard work. As the great golfer Ben Hogan said, ‘You have to dig it out of the dirt.’ In order to be elite at anything, you have to put the time, effort and work in to improve your skills.

Who is your hero and why?

My parents. My mother obtained a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and her Ph.D. My father worked his way through college and started several businesses. They did all of this while raising three children, and they remained married until my father’s death in 2016. They set a great example for us to work hard and to value family.

HOMETOWN: Arkadelphia

OCCUPATION: Attorney

EDUCATION: Henderson State University; University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Restaurant: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Sport: Golf

JAY CALHOUN

After working as a traveling tour manager, Jay Calhoun left the music industry in search of a new career and more time to spend with his wife and pets. Real estate turned out to be the perfect fit. Calhoun now enjoys a very different kind of management, tackling the ups and downs of buying or selling a home and making it a positive experience for his clients. Outside of work, you might find Calhoun at the piano, out on the golf course, or exploring one of the state’s mountain biking trails.

To what do you owe your success?

I attribute a significant portion of my success to the guidance of my mentors early in my career. I applied their wisdom and insights to establish the foundation of my business. My energy and enthusiasm for the work, coupled with their expertise, expedited my success.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? Owning an animal rescue facility.

By what saying or slogan are you known to friends, families or business associates?

One of “The Four Agreements” – Be impeccable with your word.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Honesty.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Consistency.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I used to buy and sell motorcycles and cars as a side hobby. Though I don’t ride anymore, I still love motorcycles.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Stay curious, and don’t look down on people because they are older or younger than you. Embrace other generations and try to learn from them.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you? Have grace and patience, both with yourself and others.

HOMETOWN: Texarkana, Texas; moved to Arkansas in 2007

OCCUPATION: Realtor, Signature Properties

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Negroni

Restaurant: The Pantry Crest

Food: Quiche

Podcast: “The Tim Ferriss Show”

JOHNNY CAMPBELL

Restaurateur Johnny Campbell got his start in the restaurant business as a pizza delivery driver, working his way up to franchisee and executive before branching out into other ventures. Last year, Campbell and his restaurant group took the helm at Mockingbird Bar + Tacos –now known as The Bird – and other concepts are in the works. Campbell relishes the hospitality side of the business; seeing the way quality food and a great experience can change someone’s day makes the hard work and crazy hours worth it. At the end of the day, Campbell’s biggest accomplishment is being a man his family, friends and staff are all proud to know.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave? That I treated people well. That they knew just how much I cared about them and wanted nothing but the best for them.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

Music journalist. I could be the modern day Lester Bangs.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?

My dad has always said that, in the end, stuff is just stuff; if it weren’t for friends, loved ones and family, we would truly have nothing.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Always be humble. For a short period in life, I thought I was “somebody.” I must have looked like a total jerk during that period.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

Realizing that someone out there is facing something far worse.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age?

Finding the balance between work, play and rest.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

I would love to attend one of the NHL Winter Classic games on New Year’s Day.

HOMETOWN: Cabot

OCCUPATION: Restaurateur

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Sweet tea

Restaurant: Oyster Bar, Bruno’s

Food: Cheese dip and salsa

Book: “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” by Hunter S. Thompson

Sport: Hockey

MARVIN L. CHILDERS

Whenit comes to transitioning from one career to another, sometimes all it takes is being in the right place at the right time. That was the case for former state Rep. Marvin Childers, who happened to be exiting the legislature at the very moment the Poultry Federation was hiring. Having served as the president and chief lobbyist for the group since 2007, Childers relishes the opportunity to positively impact the industry across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Childers also practices law with the firm Friday, Eldredge & Clark. When he’s not hard at work, you can probably find him enjoying a round of golf with his friends.

What is your proudest accomplishment? The opportunity to serve the people as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

Physician.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I flew a crop duster at age 16.

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

My dad, Marvin E. Childers.

What role does faith play in your life? Without it, I would fail even more than I do.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

Losing a baby sister changed me in more ways than one can imagine. It taught me that life is short and that bad things happen to good people.

Who is your hero and why?

My dad; he taught me how to work hard and never give up on being a better person. He taught me by example how to give back and do so without recognition.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.

HOMETOWN: Cooter, Missouri; moved to Arkansas in 1986

OCCUPATION: Attorney; Lobbyist

EDUCATION: University of Mississippi; University of Mississippi School of Law

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Maker’s Mark and 7-Up

Restaurant: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Food: Chicken

Book: “The Appeal” by John Grisham

Sport: Golf

2023

Keith Cooper, MD, has more than 28 years of experience as a family practice physician, completing his residency in family medicine at the Area Health Education Center in Pine Bluff and at UAMS. He was inspired to pursue medicine after spending time as a rural volunteer firefighter and EMT, where he saw the urgent need for family doctors. Outside of work, Cooper is a beekeeper and avid runner; he has finished the Boston Marathon multiple times and is currently working towards completing the World Marathon Majors.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

My father’s career relocated our family to multiple foreign countries and parts of the U.S. while I was growing up. The constant adaptation to change forced me to be flexible and helped me relate to a wide range of people.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Honesty.

KEITH COOPER, MD

What is your proudest accomplishment? Raising two amazing kids and keeping my family close.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love getting to spend time with patients and listening to what is ailing them. Listening is what makes a great provider – it allows you to better help the patient.

What person, past or present, do you admire most? My father. He was the ultimate example of a true gentleman.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps? Honor your commitments.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope to teach others the principles of a healthy body and mind.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Family Practice Physician, Conway Medical Group

EDUCATION: Baylor University; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

FAVORITES:

Restaurant: Boulevard in the Heights

Food: Dark chocolate

Book: “Outlive” by Peter Attia, MD

2023

Michael Crowe has a passion for helping others, so when his mentor at Ouachita Baptist University suggested a career in law, the choice was clear. Having realized his dream in founding his namesake law firm, Crowe serves injury victims in Arkansas and Texas, intervening on behalf of good people and guiding them through what can be some of the most difficult times of their lives. Crowe hopes to leave an impact in his field by changing the stereotypes around personal injury lawyers, and working to improve a system that is often not built to benefit victims.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a great source for restaurant recommendations. I take it very seriously!

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

MICHAEL J. CROWE

My dad. He was loved by all. He defined charisma, generosity and strength. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Treat people right. Do your best. Give of your time and money. Be a good listener.

To what do you owe your success?

Put people first. It is easy to lose sight of your “why.” Focus on your passion and purpose, and success will follow.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Your team. Good people are hard to find. When you find them, treat them right. I could not do what I do at the Crowe Firm without my incredible staff.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Invest in Bitcoin – and get out at the right time.

What role does faith play in your life?

It guides every decision I make. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Lord’s provision in my life. I can look back on specific and tangible moments where I know He guided my steps.

By what saying or slogan are you known to friends, families or business associates?

“Let’s play it by ear.”

HOMETOWN:

Morehead City, North Carolina; moved to Donaldson at the age of 12

OCCUPATION: Attorney, The Crowe Firm

EDUCATION:

Ouachita Baptist University; Baylor Law School

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Coke Zero

Restaurant: Cheers in the Heights

BEN CRUM

Whenit comes to multitasking, Ben Crum isn’t one to shy away from spinning multiple plates. Crum got his start in the insurance industry at age 18, working at his family’s company and eventually opening his own agency in 1996. He started his trucking company, CrumTrans LLC, in 2020, and enjoys the dual responsibilities of helping protect businesses and their workers and making America’s freight move. Outside of work, you can probably find Crum outside enjoying nature, whether that’s duck hunting, deer hunting or spending time on the lake.

What is your proudest accomplishment? This is still to be determined; I’m not finished yet.

What’s your hidden talent?

I believe I could win “The Voice” if only I could perform in my truck.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

Brain surgeon.

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

My father-in-law. Through adversity, he has been able to persevere.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Be your own person and forge your own path. You can trip in others’ footsteps.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

You are never out of the fight until you quit.

To what do you owe your success?

Strong support from my wife, Ari, and my family.

What’s number one on your bucket list? Fly in a squirrel suit.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person? The Running of the Bulls.

HOMETOWN: Stuttgart

OCCUPATION: President, Crum Insurance Agency; CrumTrans LLC

EDUCATION: John Brown University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Grey Goose martini

Restaurant: Yaya’s Euro Bistro

Snack: Peanut M&M’s

Book: “Darwin’s Doubt” by Stephen C. Meyer

Sport: Football, baseball and basketball

JOHN CAMPBELL

“CAM” DEACON, III

After spending his entire career in finance, it was time for Cam Deacon to shake things up. Though he’d always had a focus in commercial real estate, Deacon recently joined Moses Tucker Partners as the director of capital markets, which has allowed him to expand into brokerage and development. Outside of that work, Deacon has a passion for food; in another world, he’d be a writer after the likes of Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern. The “secret chef” can cook anything from barbecue to a five-star meal, and when it comes to trying new recipes, “the more complicated, the better.”

“Suit

up and show up”

– Chris Moses

What’s number one on your bucket list? Scuba dive with great white sharks off the coast of Africa.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

I had a stroke on March 15 of this year, and if time has taught me anything, it’s to live in the moment. That caused me to reevaluate how I spend my time and to appreciate every moment I have with my wife and children.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Tongue rings are not a good look. Even if you take it out after two weeks, your friends and your mother will never let you live it down.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

I’d love to go to the British Open at the Old Course at St. Andrews. That’s where golf started and where Jack Nicklaus played in his final competitive tournament. It would be a dream to walk across Swilcan Bridge.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? A willingness to change and adapt regardless of longheld beliefs. Times change. Cultures change. If you’re not willing to listen and adapt, you become a dinosaur.

How are you known to friends, families or business associates?

I’m known among my family and friends as “The Governor.” I’m not sure if it’s my demeanor or just my hair.

HOMETOWN: West Memphis

OCCUPATION: Director of Capital Markets, Moses Tucker Partners

EDUCATION:

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Old fashioned

Restaurant: Kemuri

TV Series: “Ted Lasso”

Sport: Golf, and anything

Arkansas Razorbacks

TAYLOR DENNISTON

Taylor Denniston

grew up around the family business, so it’s no surprise he came back home to Fort Thompson Sporting Goods after three years in regional sales for Sig Sauer. A proponent for all things outdoors, Denniston is an avid duck hunter, bass fisherman and snow skiing enthusiast. He attributes his success to the time-tested practice of “showing up, day in and day out.” Denniston loves being able to set customers up with the gear they need to get outside and enjoy their passions. It’s safe to say, the Fort Thompson legacy is in good hands.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

Be on the professional bass fishing circuit.

What quality do you admire most in other men?

Balance and work ethic. Being able to have a great family life while maintaining a successful business.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion? Being honest and trustworthy.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Marrying my wife, and raising our two boys.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

It goes fast. Slow down and enjoy everything as it comes.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who always followed through, and as a good husband and father.

What’s your purpose?

As far as the business, I would say to keep growing and maintaining our place in the market, making sure we take great care of our employees and, of course, taking great care of our customers.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Keeping up with trends in your industry and having friends from different generations.

HOMETOWN: North Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Vice President, Fort Thompson Sporting Goods

EDUCATION:

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Tito’s and soda

Restaurant: Maddie’s Place

CARTER DODD

Carter Dodd isn’t your typical hospital administrator. Despite a longtime fascination with medicine, Dodd never felt “wired” for a clinician or physician role. Instead, he jumped right into leadership and completed a Master of Science in health care administration. Since he’s still on the younger side for his field, Dodd brings a unique perspective to his team, and he’s able to contribute to Conway Regional’s success while continuing to keep up with the aspects of medicine that intrigue and excite him most.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

The only answer I’ve ever had to this question – probably since I could talk – is to be a race car driver! I love the thrill and excitement of racing, and I have followed racing and the car industry for as long as I can remember.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Accountability and integrity. Those qualities allow you to trust that each person will do right by others and follow through on their expectations.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?

Anyone who acts for the benefit of others and stays true to their word is a good person in my book.

What do you love most about what you do?

It is incredibly rewarding to find solutions to the puzzles we face each day knowing that we are providing more people than ever with high-quality care and positive patient experiences.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Find ways to get your foot in the door! My graduate program required a residency year in the health administration field; having the experience and connections from that year really jump-started my career.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

The only legacy I can hope to leave as a leader is being supportive of my people and thoughtful in the decisions I make. If I can do that, I will know I’ve done right by others.

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Associate Administrator, Conway Regional Health System

EDUCATION: Trinity University; University of Alabama

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Sweet tea

Restaurant/Bar: Any great steakhouse

Snack: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

TV Series: “Yellowstone”

2023

BEAU DURBIN

Beau Durbin has achieved a meshing of career and passion that many strive for. He got his start in real estate in between college and law school. Now a real estate lawyer and principal broker of his own real estate firm, Durbin is consistently ranked as one of the top-selling brokers in the Hot Springs/Central Arkansas market. He is especially excited about the growth of Hot Springs into a true Southern destination, as his work allows him to be in the middle of all the action. Besides scoping out properties and working on remodel projects, Durbin enjoys an eclectic mix of hobbies, from antiquing and painting to hunting and enjoying summer lake days with his family.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love the thrill of a deal. That’s what drives me every day.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

My dad was a mentor and taught me how to be a good person, how to listen and how to be good in business. He died in July of 2022. This was the biggest loss I’ve experienced in my life to date, but going through this has made me stronger in many ways, and it’s made my family grow even closer.

How would your family/close friends describe you?

Honest, patient, wise and a fixer of sorts – the kind of guy who knows how to solve problems.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My family is my proudest accomplishment. My wife and two boys are everything to me.

What defines success for you?

A good career doesn’t mean a lot unless you have your health and a happy family. Balance is something that requires constant thought and maintenance throughout your life. I feel success is more of a journey than a destination.

What advice would you give someone following in your footsteps?

Some crack under the pressure of multitasking – some thrive in it. Learn to thrive in it.

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION:

Owner/Principal Broker, ESQ. Realty Group; Attorney/Partner, Crow & Durbin, Attorneys at Law

EDUCATION:

University of Mississippi; University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Tito’s and soda with lime

TV Series: “Yellowstone”

2023

DEREK A. DYSON

After a stint with the Department of the Navy and the White House Situation Support Staff, Derek A. Dyson went to work at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It is there that he learned about the importance of different energy types and the tremendous opportunities presented by alternative energy. Now, Dyson leverages his skills and experience as president and CEO of Today’s Power, Inc., a North Little Rock-based solar energy company. Beyond his career successes, Dyson’s proudest accomplishment by far is being a father to his two outstanding children.

What do you love most about what you do?

Contributing to alternative energy advancement. It provides economic independence, self-reliance and job creation in rural, tribal and underserved communities both in the United States and internationally.

What role does faith play in your life?

The teachings of my family regarding faith, love and stewardship are the foundations of how I approach life. Not a day goes by where I don’t recognize the importance of giving back to others, not for a reward, but because it is the right thing to do.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code? My mother and my siblings. Growing up in a single-parent household with ten siblings, I was blessed to receive a similar message from each of them: “Be proud of who you are and your family, and always do right by others, even if they may not do right by you.”

How would your family/close friends describe you? Determined and dedicated.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Patience, and listening to others.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

Adversity breeds opportunities – to utilize your faith, to demonstrate your abilities and to learn, grow and persevere.

HOMETOWN: Norfolk, Virginia; moved to Arkansas in 2021

OCCUPATION: President/CEO, Today’s Power, Inc.

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Iced tea, lightly sweetened with honey

Restaurant: @ the Corner

Snack: Fruit

Book: “The Collected Poems of Sterling A. Brown”

Sport: Basketball

2023

JACOB FLORES

Though making a career onstage has taken years of commitment, music has always been in Jacob Flores’ blood. His grandfather’s mariachi band featured several members of his large family, and Flores quickly developed a strong passion for performance. Staying true to his roots while developing a love for all music genres, he decided early on that his strength was going to be versatility. He began performing songs across multiple genres in both Spanish and English. When it comes to being successful in such an unpredictable industry, Flores said, “I think my willingness to grow, adapt and always work at my craft is what sets me apart.”

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

Digital design and videography. I love attention to detail and I take great pride in designing quality work that reflects my brand. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to symmetry and small details. Presentation is everything!

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Remain humble, no matter how successful you become. Most people attain a goal and then get comfortable and lose the drive that led them to success in the first place. There will always be someone out there more talented who is working twice as hard. If you don’t stay humble, you quickly lose sight of this.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who tried to leave this world just a little bit better through the power of music and kindness.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an extroverted introvert. There is no feeling in the world quite like getting up on a stage in front of thousands of people and holding them in the palm of your hand. Equally, I love resetting by coming home after a gig, putting my feet up, and eating my to-go food.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

Being a single parent at 19 taught me to grow up quickly. I wanted to give my son the best life possible, and I knew what type of dedication it would take. I hope to be a role model for my son, as well as other fathers out there.

HOMETOWN: Lubbock, Texas; moved to Arkansas in 2000

OCCUPATION: Musician, Entrepreneur

EDUCATION: Hot Springs World Class High School; National Park College; Henderson State University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Cherry Coke

Restaurant: Jose’s Mexican Grill& Cantina

Snack: Peanut M&M’s

Movie: “Remember the Titans”

Sport: Table tennis

2023

RYAN FLYNN

Ryan Flynn has been at the helm of the family business, Network Services Group, since 2013. He worked his way up at the company for 15 years before that, and he’s seen the tremendous growth the company has achieved in that time and under his leadership. Flynn is proud to help business owners meet and exceed their goals, especially when it comes to an arena as vital as IT. Outside of the office, Flynn enjoys working on the family farm and coaching his children’s sports teams.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

General manager of a professional sports team.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

I have found through hard work and faith in God that we are able to overcome many difficult circumstances and attain great personal and professional success.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Selflessness.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is the family my wife and I have built. We have three sons – Cole, Noah and Maddox – and a daughter, Payton.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Remember to care about others’ wants, needs and goals above your own wants and needs.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope to leave a legacy of caring about others more than I care about myself.

What role does faith play in your life?

Faith is first in my life, followed by family and friends.

Who is your hero and why?

Misti, my wife. She is by far the most caring person I have ever met, and is everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Those are things I have to work on, and she does them naturally.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

HOMETOWN: Cabot

OCCUPATION: CEO, Network Services Group

EDUCATION: High school

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Coffee

Restaurant: Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill

Food: Homegrown

Arkansas tomatoes

TV Series: “Yellowstone”

Sport: Football

JEAN-PAUL FRANCOEUR

While studying classical guitar at UA Little Rock, JP Francoeur joined a gym to reverse some of the damage done his first year of college. His dramatic transformation impressed his fellow gymgoers, and Francoeur quickly went from giving casual advice to becoming a certified personal trainer. In 1992, he decided to go all-in on his own facility, and, as he put it, “The rest is history.”

Francoeur is a dedicated father, husband, friend and mentor, and he is passionate about helping people rediscover the joy of movement.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

What sets me apart as an integrative health specialist is how fast I’m able to get amazing outcomes using technology like the Neufit Neubie. Leveraging technology like this enables me to get my clients out of pain, improve their range of motion and get back to doing the things they love faster than traditional methods. When I invested in my business, buying several machines and training some of the area’s top professionals to become masters at them, it was in an effort to create the largest possible ripple effect. I dedicated myself to building a team of talented professionals who specialize in things like aesthetics, sports performance, massage and functional nutrition.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I was a cheerleader for two years in college. It was a total blast!

What quality do you admire most in other men? One of the greatest gifts we men can offer to each other is empathy. When I have a male client telling me about what he’s going through, and I can hold space for him, that can be as impactful as the session itself.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Not one single thing. We have to make mistakes and suffer consequences to grow. Besides, 18-year-old me wouldn’t listen anyway!

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

I like practicing and performing with my guitar. My wife and I enjoy sailing out at Lake Maumelle. I’m an avid mountain biker, and I love to rock climb.

HOMETOWN:

Fort Bragg, NC; Leadville, CO; Johnson City, TN; moved to Little Rock in 1986.

OCCUPATION:

Founder, JP Fitness and Recovery; NeuFit Therapist and Trainer; LMT

EDUCATION:

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Ultimate warrior juice (Water)

Snack: Nut-Thins with Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus

Book: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

GLENN GRIMES

“Retirement” is not a word you’ll find in Glenn Grimes’ vocabulary.

The 68-year-old businessman joined his father at Capitol Glass Company straight out of high school and has owned the business since 1990. Now that his own son runs the day-to-day operations, Grimes has followed his passions into other ventures, including Lacey’s Boating Center and the Shiloh Marina at Greers Ferry Lake. His family and friends know him as a workaholic; even outside of his business pursuits, Grimes finds ways to stay busy. From water skiing and hunting to riding motorcycles and flying airplanes, you can almost always find Grimes outdoors and on the move.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who lived life to the fullest.

What’s number one on your bucket list?

To live to 100.

Who is your hero and why?

My dad – he was a WWII vet and became successful through hard work.

By what saying or slogan are you known to friends, families or business associates?

“It is what it is.”

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I grew up riding horses and rode bareback broncs.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

The birth of my son.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code? My mother.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Keep moving. Never stop.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you? Patience.

In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?

Take control of your life – you are not entitled to anything.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Owner, Capitol Glass Co.; Lacey’s Boating Center; Shiloh Marina

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Unsweet tea

Restaurant: Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill

Snack: Peanuts

RILEY HAYS

Though it was unrelated to his bachelor’s degree in aviation management, Riley Hays did find his career in college; it just happened to be while working for a roofing supply company. He went on to become a catastrophe insurance adjuster, and he now owns his own roofing and construction business. He loves being able to help people in times of need and provide excellent service for such an essential part of everyday life. After all, there’s no substitute for having a roof over your head. Away from work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, building things and spending time outdoors with his four children.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My successful marriage of 15 years, my four children and building a legacy for my family.

What role does faith play in your life?

Faith plays a foundational role in my family and business life. I use it to guide my decisions in both areas.

What’s number one on your bucket list? Dive with sharks in South Africa.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? Commercial pilot.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

The experiences I have learned the most from are extreme catastrophic events. It brings out the best in people, helping others.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

A positive attitude is 90 percent of overcoming most issues.

In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?

Hard work, honesty and integrity are all themes from previous generations that are extremely important to pass along.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field. We used to live in Chicago and loved going to Cubs games. I would love to go back!

HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee; moved to Arkansas in 2011

OCCUPATION:

Owner, Riley Hays Roofing & Construction

EDUCATION: Oklahoma State University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Old fashioned

Restaurant: Big Orange

Snack: Haribo Gummi Bears

TV Series: “The Wire”

Sport: Football, baseball

2023

QUINCY HURST

In a family almost entirely made up of lawyers, Quincy Hurst assumed, like everyone else, that he would pursue a legal career. But in college, he realized he preferred business to law. Luckily, he’d grown up around Superior Senior Care, the business his mother started when Hurst was just 2 years old. Working his way up from billing clerk to manager to COO, Hurst has helped the business grow and thrive. When he does find time to relax, Hurst loves to take the family out fishing, tubing and wakeboarding at Lake Ouachita.

What’s your hidden talent?

I’m pretty sure I make the best scrambled eggs in the world.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I was always worried I wouldn’t be a good enough dad to raise successful children. My kids are still young, but they already have better qualities than I could ever hope for. I have to give more credit to my wife, so perhaps my greatest accomplishment was convincing her to marry me!

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Buy stock in Amazon. Lots of it.

In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?

Just sitting down and talking to someone from a previous generation is a good start. A big difference in the younger generation is that they’ve stopped meeting and communicating face to face. Who learned how to fish without learning it from their father or grandfather? No one. You have to talk to the old guys to learn how to do stuff.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Watching TikTok every now and then keeps you relevant, at least.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

I was a long-distance runner from childhood through college. I thrived on the uphills, when everyone else was slowing down or giving up. The mental strength I gained from that has carried through into my business life.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Scheduled text messages. When you get that awesome idea in the middle of the night, there is nothing better than the scheduled text feature.

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: COO, Superior Senior Care

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Slightly dirty Tito’s martini

Restaurant: The Oak Room

Snack: Wasabi and soy sauce almonds

Sport: Football (Razorbacks and Cowboys)

2023

WYATT JONES

Despite being the third generation of the powerhouse jewelers behind Sissy’s Log Cabin, Wyatt Jones initially had his eye on a different kind of diamond. He planned to pursue a future in baseball, but opted against the surgery he’d need to stay on the field. That led to a heart-to-heart with his father, Bill, who officially invited him to join the family business. “It felt like a calling from God,” Jones said, “and I’m grateful every day for what I get to do for our clients with my family at my side.” Nowadays, when he’s not busy helping Sissy’s thrive, you can find Jones in the great outdoors, hunting, hanging out and reconnecting with nature.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Graduating gemology school.

What do you love most about what you do?

It’s an honor to be a part of our clients’ special moments in all stages of life, and I carry the responsibility of helping them mark these special occasions with pride and humility.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

Everything I’ve experienced in my life has thickened my skin, showing me the importance of working hard, persevering through failure and treating others with kindness and respect.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Lead by example. Good leaders are willing to do exactly what they’re asking others to do, and that’s been an example set for me by my family and coworkers.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? I would be a farmer. I love being outdoors and appreciate the hard work that’s required of those in that occupation.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

I love talking to people, and I can relate to almost anyone. It’s about understanding people, where they come from and the challenges they’ve faced. I love connecting with people in that way.

How would your family/close friends describe you?

They would describe me as a great friend and someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of others.

HOMETOWN: Pine Bluff

OCCUPATION: Vice President and Manager, Sissy’s Log Cabin - Conway

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Milo’s sweet tea

Food: Steak

TV Series: “Below Deck”

2023

DUKE LIPSKY

Duke Lipsky always considered himself to be business savvy, so the only thing more inevitable than a major in business and finance was following his father’s footsteps into the real estate industry. Now known as “The Duke of Real Estate,” Lipsky continues to build on the lessons he’s learned from his father, whether it’s providing unmatched service to clients or providing for his family. Lipsky loves helping clients conquer the challenges of making investments, and years of diligence, focus and faith have allowed him to build an impressive portfolio. To others who want to follow a similar path, Lipsky has straightforward advice: “God first, work ethic second.”

What role does faith play in your life?

Everything in my work and personal life is centered on my faith in God, and I don’t want to imagine where I would be without that foundation. If there is one thing I am sure of, it’s that placing your faith in God will always keep you on the right path, and give you the peace and confidence to keep going, no matter the circumstances.

What person past or present do you admire most?

My wife, Kayla. To watch a person achieve their goals with such strength, perseverance and continued faith in God is not only admirable, but helps to guide me through each step of my life.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

No matter the time or the situation, you will never regret helping someone else.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Simply being available and relatable will open so many doors. It also never hurts to have a furry companion at your side – my dog, Peggy, is the best.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code?

My mom. She is the most selfless person I have ever met. She puts everyone else before herself, and lives to serve God and others.

How would your family/close friends describe you?

Loving, strong, honest, hardworking, godly and willing to drop any and everything to help someone in need. I have the best sisters in the world, and I hope that I can be half the friend and confidant to them that they have been for me.

HOMETOWN: Jonesboro

OCCUPATION: Real Estate Sales and Investments

EDUCATION: Arkansas State University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Arnold Palmer

Restaurant: Who Dat’s in Bald Knob

Snack: Deer jerky

TV Series: “Yellowstone”

Sport: Golf

KELLY K. LOVELL

Kelly K. Lovell took an interest in the culinary world during a yearlong stint in Washington, D.C. after college. On his return to Arkansas, Lovell and business partner, Walt Todd, restored a beat-up smoker, affectionately known as Count Porkula, and began perfecting their technique. And perfect it they did: the pair opened Count Porkula BBQ in 2008 and haven’t looked back since. From its start as a food truck to its place at The Rail Yard beer garden, and now with two locations in Little Rock and North Little Rock, things are only getting better for Lovell and the Count Porkula crew.

What do you love most about what you do?

To hear from customers how good the food is. I will never get tired of hearing compliments.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you? Do it right the first time, period.

To what do you owe your success? Mistakes.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I love to cook more than BBQ, and I love plating food in an artistic way.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Take bigger risks.

What’s number one on your bucket list? A 14-day Mediterranean cruise.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.

In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations? Communicate daily, in person. It’s not what you say to people, it’s how you say it.

HOMETOWN: Farmington, New Mexico; moved to Arkansas in 1994.

OCCUPATION: Co-Founder/Co-Owner, Count Porkula BBQ

Education: University of Central Arkansas

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Macallan 12 on the rocks

Restaurant: Count Porkula, of course

Snack: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Sport: Football, golf

DAVID LUKAS

Agood book can change your life – especially if you’re David Lukas, whose experience reading Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad” turned a lifelong fascination with numbers into a full-fledged financial career. Lukas struggled with the traditional education system, but the challenges he faced only made him more resilient. Since starting his own company with $2,500 and a dream, Lukas has made a name for himself as a financial adviser, author and radio host. In an especially gratifying twist of fate, he was even featured in Kiyosaki’s later book, “Rich Dad’s Success Stories.”

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

A divemaster on a dive boat somewhere in the Caribbean.

To what do you owe your success?

I wholeheartedly attribute my success to my exceptional family and team! Without my wife Leah, our wonderful children, and my team’s dedication, expertise and shared vision, I could not have achieved what I have. They are the engine that keeps the business running smoothly, and their diverse talents and strengths bring so much value to our work.

What do you love most about what you do?

The privilege of assisting people during their most vulnerable moments. It’s not just about numbers or financial strategies, it’s about making a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives when they need it the most.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

The legacy I hope to leave behind is one rooted in service to others. More than any personal achievement or accolade, I want my impact to be measured by the lives I’ve touched and the positive changes I’ve been able to effect.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

I have been fascinated with the underwater world since I was a little kid. I even had a pair of goldfish that lived 14 years! I love coral, so I have saltwater reef aquariums, and I love to scuba dive.

What’s your hidden talent?

I am hyper flexible; I can stand up while putting one leg behind my head.

What’s number one on your bucket list?

To dive with whales.

HOMETOWN: Jacksonville

OCCUPATION: Retirement Planner/ Investment Adviser

EDUCATION: Life!

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Hop-flavored tea

Food: Seafood

ALLAN R. MARSHALL, MEd

All it takes is one conversation to change the trajectory of a life. That’s exactly what happened for Allan Marshall, MEd, who entered college set on a political career. His mentor, Jim Vaughan, invited him down a different path, and Marshall began raising money at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. In the 16 years since, Marshall has made his career in philanthropy; he’s raised transformative gifts for neighborhoods, cities and institutions. Of his current role at ACHE, Marshall said, “I am in a position again to transform a community and its people, as I raise monies to produce more primary care doctors and health care professionals in Arkansas and beyond. I do so humbly knowing the impact that ACHE and I can bring to Arkansas.”

To what do you owe your success?

My parents, Walter and Phyllis Marshall; countless mentors and former teachers; the communities of Cuney and Jacksonville, Texas.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I worked as the Chief Development Officer at the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. This position raised monies for literacy programs and initiatives in support of the indelible legacy of former first lady Barbara Bush.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

That I was the best husband to my wife, Amy, and the greatest father to my son, Lincoln. That I was a man who loved God, my family and others.

What’s number one on your bucket list?

To visit London.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Return of The Mack” by Mark Morrison.

By what saying or slogan are you known to friends, families or business associates?

“Be good” is a line from my grandmother, Earnestine Marshall, that I use when I wrap up any conversation.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I almost died at the age of 5, following my father as he visited a tomato patch. I was saved by God and our smart dog, Susie, a German shepherd who shielded me from oncoming traffic.

HOMETOWN: Cuney, Texas

OCCUPATION: Executive Director of Advancement, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

EDUCATION: Baylor University; Dallas Baptist University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Old fashioned

Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

Snack: Popcorn, fruit snacks

Movie/Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Sport: College football

DAVID M cDOUGALL

Though painful, tragedy often has a way of highlighting what’s most important in our lives.

David McDougall spent his 20s in Denver working in corporate sales, but the loss of his brothers led him to move back home and closer to his parents. Working through the grief with his hands, McDougall took a job at a small granite shop in Jonesboro. That job soon transformed into a full-on passion and a new career. Six years ago, McDougall sketched out his dream on the back of a napkin; today, that dream is a reality in Countertop World, now the largest stone fabricator in Central Arkansas.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

Losing my brothers made me realize at an early age that life is too short to be stuck doing something that doesn’t bring joy. It also made me realize the importance of family – spending time with my wife and children is one of my greatest joys.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

My wife, Emma, and I are in the process of visiting all 52 Arkansas state parks, showing our children the history and beauty of our state. We really enjoy hiking and all the outside activities with our dogs and three daughters.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

You’re going to hear a lot of “no’s” before you hear a “yes.” My advice would be to find what you are passionate about and pursue it. When you love what you do, those “no’s” are a lot easier to hear.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

Good things are going to happen and so are bad things. The only thing we can control is how we respond to it.

To what do you owe your success?

Knowing my strengths and weaknesses, and not being afraid to ask for help from people smarter than me.

HOMETOWN: Arkadelphia and Piggott

OCCUPATION: Co-Owner/CEO, Countertop World, LLC

FAVORITES:

Beverage: La Croix

Snack: Almonds

Sport: Cycling, snowboarding

KEVIN NEWTON

Kevin Newton has been in sales and marketing for his entire career. Under the mentorship of his fatherin-law, who recognized his skills and trusted him to grow the business, Newton has been able to wield his networking abilities and expertise to help C.B.M. Construction thrive. One of the most rewarding aspects of his work is the opportunity to engage with different people and connect with them on a personal level. Outside of the office, Newton is an avid golfer; at the top of his bucket list is playing a round at the renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

To what do you owe your success?

My ability to listen to others and communicate effectively. I have been working in various fields and roles since I was 15 years old, and I have gained a lot of valuable insights and skills from those experiences.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

To be kind and empathetic to others. Whether it is your colleagues, your clients, your partners or your competitors, everyone deserves respect and understanding. You never know what challenges they are facing or what opportunities they can offer you.

What role does faith play in your life? Without faith, we are nothing.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? My wife says I missed my calling as a weatherman. In my profession and love for golf, I’m always checking the weather.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code? My parents. Period.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

I haven’t been to the Kentucky Derby yet, but I’m going.

HOMETOWN: North Little Rock

OCCUPATION: President and Owner, C.B.M. Construction Co., Inc.

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Vodka soda with lime

Restaurant: Cheers in the Heights

Snack: Potato chips

Sport: Golf

LEWIS PORTER, MD

For Lewis Porter, MD, success is a matter of faith, integrity and hard work. His family and friends describe him as a compassionate workaholic and perfectionist, traits that serve him well in his role at the Saline Surgery & Weight Loss Clinic. Porter relishes the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients, and he considers himself blessed to be used by God for healing. When it comes to what sets him apart from others, Porter’s answer is as wise as it is humble: “As with anyone, all of our individual life experiences make us unique,” he said. “I guess I never forgot that I’m just a guy from Beaumont, Texas.”

What’s your hidden talent?

I love to (try) to sing!

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

Classic car restoration.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? Musician.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?

A good man is one who is willing to do what is right, despite ridicule and consequences.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

Scary movies freak me out.

What person, past or present, do you admire most? The apostle Paul.

What defines success for you?

Having a career that you love, which allows you to take care of your family and help others – and it’s legal.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Raspberry Beret” by Prince and The Revolution

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

At some point, I would like to either attend the Super Bowl in person (preferably with the Dallas Cowboys!) or the U.S. Open tennis tournament and finals.

HOMETOWN: Beaumont, Texas; moved to Arkansas in 2005

OCCUPATION: General Surgeon, Saline Health System

EDUCATION: Lamar University; Howard University College of Medicine

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Diet Coke

Food: Key lime pie

Movie: “John Wick”

Sport: Football

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION:

DYLAN POTTS

Attorney, Gill Ragon Owen, P.A.

EDUCATION:

Hendrix College; UALR Bowen School of Law

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Pinot Noir

Restaurant: Doe’s Eat Place

Snack: Chocolate-covered almonds

Movie: “Black Hawk Down”

Sport: Baseball, football

Followingin the footsteps of his older brother, Dylan Potts decided to pursue a legal career. Since 2002, he’s been with Little Rock firm Gill Ragon Owen, where he specializes in commercial litigation and labor and employment law. Prior to joining the firm, Potts worked as a public defender in Jefferson County – a valuable experience he recommends to any budding attorney before they enter private practice. Potts attributes his success to the strong work ethic his father instilled in both him and his three brothers; each of them learned the value of hard work and commitment from an early age.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? Farmer.

How would your family/close friends describe you?

Focused, loyal and assertive.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Commitment.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Being married to my wife, Angie, for 23 years

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

My grandfather Murray, a WWII vet.

To whom do you credit your moral/ethical code? My wife.

What role does faith play in your life? Our family does not miss Mass, wherever we are in the world.

What’s your hidden talent? Growing watermelons.

2023

BRENT ROSSON, MD

Brent Rosson, MD, is no stranger to raising the bar, both literally and figuratively. Rosson found his passion for rural medicine after finishing his residency and coming back to his hometown. This year, he was elected chief of staff at Harrison’s North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. In college, Rosson excelled in track and field, competing in the high jump. He was named to the All-SEC Academic Team every year, and competed on multiple NCAA and SEC championship teams. Most exciting of all, Rosson and wife, Hannah – and their border collie, Boone – will be welcoming baby CeCe this summer.

What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?

Honesty and integrity.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

Never take “no” for an answer. There is almost always another way to look at a problem or situation.

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

I would be a coach. I am fortunate to volunteer as an assistant track coach at Harrison High School in my spare time.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?

My father and grandfathers both showed me what hard work can accomplish, even though I didn’t always see it, or want to hear it when I was younger.

What’s your hidden talent?

Cooking – and still having some jumping ability.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

A “need” to succeed, not just “wanting” to succeed.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

Track and field at the Olympics.

HOMETOWN: Harrison

OCCUPATION: Physician

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Mountain Dew

Restaurant: Slim Chickens

Food: Chips and salsa

TV Series: “The Office”

Sport: Track and field

LEE SCARLETT

Sometimes the adage “the customer is always right” applies to your career, as well. That was the case for Lee Scarlett, who was invited into the wide world of home building by a client at his insurance agency. Scarlett was eventually bitten by the “construction bug,” and decided to go into custom home building full time. A history buff, Scarlett spends his time outside of work collecting antique guns, swords, armor and books, as well as limited bottles of scotch, rare cigars and pipes – an assortment that has resulted in his study being more aptly called “The War Room.”

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I have four: my beautiful wife of 28 years and my three daughters.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

That I know more about women’s designer shoes and purses than most men probably would.

What do you love most about what you do?

To see a new house concept on paper and then bring it into the real world never gets old. My kids drive past homes we built 25+ years ago and say, “Our dad built that.” It’s a rewarding feeling knowing that families will celebrate milestones in those homes for generations, and that they will be standing long after I’m gone.

How have your experiences shaped you into the man you are today?

This career path has taught me to be patient. The large homes we build don’t happen overnight, so never be in a hurry. Better to do it slowly and right, than to rush and risk making mistakes.

How would your family/close friends describe you?

Social, fun-loving, and someone who never met a stranger. Every time we get on an elevator, my kids always say, “Dad, don’t talk to anyone.”

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

My father. He’s a self-made man, retired at 36, and never missed a practice, game or event for any of his kids. He’s been the steadfast rock for me, my mom, my brother and sister, and seven grandkids for almost 80 years now.

HOMETOWN: Carson City, Nevada; moved to Arkansas in 1994

OCCUPATION: Founder and CEO, Celtic Construction Inc.

EDUCATION:

University of Nevada; Missouri State

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Pint of Guinness

Restaurant: Ruth’s Chris

Food: Pizza

Movie: “Braveheart”

Sport: College basketball; NFL football

2023

PATRICK SCHUECK

There’s no business like the family business, and Patrick Schueck knows it well. After finishing his engineering degree at the U of A, Schueck worked as a design engineer before opting to enter the construction industry. Once he took a job at Lexicon, the steel fabrication and construction company started by his father, he never looked back. Now at the helm as CEO, Schueck is a passionate leader with a big heart who takes great pride in Lexicon’s role in building America every day. As he carries on his father’s legacy, Schueck’s self-described “constructive discontent” means he’s constantly looking for improvement, ensuring that tomorrow will always be better than today.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

My hobbies are hunting, fishing and all things related to my kids – Mason, Ava, Hayden and Whitten.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? A professional athlete.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I have beaten cancer three times!

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

Everything happens for a reason, so play the hand you are dealt.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a gravitational force of nature.

By what saying or slogan are you known to friends, families or business associates?

“Get it done!”

What’s your hidden talent?

I can read people very quickly.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? Dad always said, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person? Wimbledon.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: CEO, Lexicon Inc.

EDUCATION:

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Four Roses Single Barrel

Restaurant: The Hillcrest Fountain

Snack: Pringles Salt and Vinegar Crisps

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION:

BRIAN T. SCOTT

Owner, Commerce Title & Closing Services

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Red wine

Restaurant: Oceans at Arthur’s

Food: Sushi

Sport: Texas Longhorn football

Brian Scott got into the title business by chance. In August of 1984, Scott was helping his mother prep her classroom at Robinson High School. As it would just so happen, the school’s work-study director had a friend at a title company who needed someone to fill in for a few months. For Scott, a career was born. While he relishes being able to help people achieve the American dream of home ownership, his biggest accomplishment in life is being a wonderful father, husband and grandfather to his family, who would describe him as “in charge with a big heart.”

If you could have any other job, what would it be?

High school football coach.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you? I do not like attention.

What person, past or present, do you admire most?

Gen. George S. Patton.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

Life is never as good as it seems and never as bad as it seems.

What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

I have an incredible wife who is my rock and makes me want to be a better person.

What’s number one on your bucket list?

Climbing Mt. Everest.

Who is your hero and why?

Mimi (maternal grandmother) — strong, quiet and steady. When she did give her opinion, you better listen carefully and understand she was right.

Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?

My dad told me that, at some point, the older I got, the smarter he would be. Dad was right.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person? A Formula One race in Monaco.

2023

BLAKE SMITH

Blake Smith always enjoyed numbers and math, so he had his career sights set on investments and trading early on. But once he gave accounting a try – and saw that the field came with more opportunities and less stress – there was no going back. In February of 2022, Smith was named chief financial officer at Birch Tree Communities, a nonprofit behavioral health program. He is proud to know that his work is positively changing the lives of others and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

I’ve been playing guitar for 25 years and am a member of my church’s contemporary band. I also enjoy golf, traveling, working in the yard and doing odd jobs around the house.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My beautiful and amazing wife, Betsy, and our two wonderful sons, Austin and Dylan. The life we’ve built together is something I’ve always wanted.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self?

Don’t worry so much about your future. Everything will fall into place like you want it to if you put in the effort. Time is on your side.

What role does faith play in your life?

Faith is something that helps me to get through the most difficult times, and it’s something I’m grateful to have in the best of times. The older I get and the more I learn about it, the stronger it becomes.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who gave back to his community and supported his family. As someone who loved and was loved in return.

What’s number one on your bucket list? Travel across Europe, Africa and – if possible in my lifetime – take a short trip to space.

HOMETOWN: Batesville

OCCUPATION: Chief Financial Officer, Birch Tree Communities, Inc.

EDUCATION: Arkansas State University; University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Coffee, bourbon

Restaurant: 42 Bar and Table

Podcast: “StarTalk Radio”

Sport: Football, basketball, golf

2023

WILL SMITH

As a former ranger for the National Park Service, Will Smith brings a unique set of skills and experiences to his work at Bailey & Company Real Estate. He’s never been afraid to chase his passions, whether they lead him across the country or back home to Arkansas. Believe it or not, real estate and being a steward of the great outdoors have more in common than you’d think: in both arenas, no two days are ever the same. When it comes to sales, Smith often jokes that “the hardest door to open in the morning is the car door,” because success is all about showing up and putting in the work.

What are your favorite hobbies/pet projects outside of work?

Fly-fishing, traveling, snow skiing and anything to do with plants and flowers.

What’s your hidden talent?

I can shuck corn with my feet.

What’s number one on your bucket list? Climbing Mount Everest.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you?

Chase your dreams and not what is going to make the most money. If you are passionate about your career, success will naturally follow.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

Becoming an Eagle Scout. If you know an Eagle Scout, you know the countless hours that go into the program to achieve such an honor. I attribute a lot of the opportunities and doors that have opened for me to the fundamentals of the Scout Oath and Law that the Boy Scouts instilled in me.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

Never give up, and don’t make excuses. Just because the front door is locked, it doesn’t mean the window is closed. Take a step back, create a game plan, and crawl through that window.

Who is your hero and why?

My dad, without a doubt. Without his encouragement to take the chance, try something new, and take in as many life experiences as possible along the way, I would not be where I am today. He continuously pushes me to be the best version of myself while remaining selfless. My dad is the man that I can only hope to become one day.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Realtor®, Bailey and Company Real Estate

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Monkey 47 Gin and

Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic

Restaurant: Ciao Baci

Snack: Hot Cheetos

TV Series: “House of Cards”

2023

WALT TODD

For Walt Todd, cooking barbecue with soon-to-be business partner Kelly Lovell turned out to be a match made in smoked-meat heaven. After restoring an old smoker dubbed Count Porkula, what started out as a side gig in 2008 quickly evolved into a full-on food truck and, today, two brickand-mortar locations in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Todd loves seeing the positive impact a good meal can have on someone’s day, and he’s proud to have a hand in bringing people together. But Count Porkula isn’t the only porcine place in Todd’s life: he and his family love to rescue any kind of animal, from dogs and horses to turtles and, recently, a pig.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps? You need to love it first. Then work at it. Educate yourself and put the time in. Surround yourself with people who are as passionate as you and who build you up in the process.

What’s one thing you’d tell your 18-year-old self? Calm down and slow down. Some of my greatest regrets came when I reacted to something or someone quickly rather than taking the time to think about the correct next step.

How would you like to be remembered? As a man of my word and a hard worker.

What’s number one on your bucket list? I’d like to go to a World Series game in which the St. Louis Cardinals are playing. By the looks of things recently, that may be a while.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

Failing. Without learning the hard, valuable lessons that come with losing a business – along with other losses – I would not be who I am today.

Who is your hero and why?

My mom. She sacrificed to give me a better life and provide the opportunities that she didn’t have growing up. She is the strongest person I know.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? Anything from Pearl Jam.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Co-Owner/Co-Founder, Count Porkula BBQ

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Cold beer

Restaurant: Faded Rose

Sport: Baseball

BRENDAN TURNER

Brendan Turner

settled on his career while at college, but he didn’t do it inside the classroom. What he found instead was a job at Top of the Stairs bar in Blacksburg, Virginia. After a year in the kitchen, he worked as a doorman, bouncer and bartender before getting into management. Back home in Central Arkansas, Turner now lends his skills at North Little Rock’s Cypress Social, where he loves making people happy with great food and drink. Friends and family are quick to describe Turner as fun-loving, outgoing, kind and reasonable – that is, he said, “until the bear is poked, or if I’m hangry.”

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

Try not to take things personally. You have to let some things roll off your back like water on a duck’s back.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? A TV host for the Food Network. I would love to do a show like “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” travel the country and try all different types of food.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

My ability to roll with the punches. In the restaurant industry, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. You have to be able to move forward without a change in your mood.

What person, past or present, do you admire most? Mahatma Gandhi.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

Summer abroad in college to China and Vietnam.

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

Cowboys vs. Packers at Lambeau Field.

What’s number one on your bucket list? Go to Italy and Greece.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: General Manager, Cypress Social

EDUCATION: Virginia Tech

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Ice-cold beer

Restaurant: Cypress Social

Food: Corn dog, scallops

Movie: “The Goonies”

Sport: Football, golf

ARLO WASHINGTON

Arlo Washington is a man of faith and a man of the people. Washington overcame adversity early in his life after the loss of his parents; he went to barber college, opened up his own shop at 19 years old, and eventually started the Washington Barber College. But the entrepreneur was called to meet an even greater need: giving unbanked community members the financial resources they needed to succeed. Step one was the nonprofit People Trust Loan Fund. Then, at the end of last year, Washington opened the People Trust Community Federal Credit Union, laying the foundation for generations of financial empowerment.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I am a chef.

What role does faith play in your life?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hope was and is all I have had, and it has brought me thus far.

What’s your hidden talent?

I am a cane master, but not in a fraternity.

What’s number one on your bucket list?

To walk where Jesus walked in Jerusalem and to see where he rolled the stone away.

What one life experience above all others has shaped you into the man you are today?

Losing my mom and dad and experiencing homelessness for about three weeks when I lived in another state.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity?

P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Lost Ones” by Lauryn Hill.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

The race is not given to the swift nor to the strong but to those who can endure. Never settle for less than your best; the greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur

EDUCATION: High School; Barber College; On-the-job Training

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Nehi Peach

Restaurant: Benihana

Food: McIntosh sweet potato pie

Book: “The Color of Money” by Mehrsa Baradaran

Sport: Basketball

KEITH WORTSMITH

Keith Wortsmith worked in mechanical engineering consulting out of grad school before joining Independent Air Conditioning, the HVAC company his family started back in 1931. Under his tenure, he has rebranded the company to DASH Heating & Cooling, and he’s been successfully steering the ship since 1997. The most important lesson he’s learned in all that time is simple: “Don’t look back – you’re not going that way.” Outside of work, Wortsmith loves to spend time outdoors, whether he’s playing golf, riding his bike or relaxing at the lake with his family, friends and favorite canine companion.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Being married for almost 30 years and raising three incredible daughters.

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I made the cheer squad as a college freshman at the U of A and cheered on the Hogs for two years!

If you could have any other job, what would it be? Professional golfer or fighter pilot.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?

To grow a successful HVAC business, you need to compile a management team with similar forward-thinking goals and ensure your employees feel appreciated for their contributions.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity? Remember that almost nothing is as good or as bad as it may seem, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Something Like That” by Tim McGraw.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant, at any age? Learn from your children. They know stuff!

What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?

I travel with a group of my buddies to sporting venues and events each year. We’ve got a bucket list, and the Florida vs. Georgia football game – aka “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party” – is up next.

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: President and Co-Owner, DASH Heating & Cooling

EDUCATION:

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; Vanderbilt University

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Gin and tonic

Sport: College football

2023

CHRISTOPHER ZEHENDER

Chris Zehender has spent his entire career within the ecosystem of Frank Fletcher Companies. He got his start in high school as a busboy at the Riverfront Steakhouse, and after graduation, he requested a transfer to Fletcher’s car dealership. Now the general manager of Frank Fletcher Dodge, Zehender is still having as much fun as he did on his first day 22 years ago. For Zehender, success is all about building quality relationships, from finding a good company and working your way up to giving customers the same great service and experience every day.

To what do you owe your success? Frank Fletcher.

What’s the most important life lesson that time has taught you? You never get more time.

What’s the secret to overcoming adversity? Staying calm in the storm.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? A sports broadcaster.

What quality do you admire most in other men? Loyalty.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others? I always find a way to make things happen. There is no “can’t” in me.

What person, past or present, do you admire most? Tony Ransom, my uncle, who stepped up and raised me. He taught me everything a man should be.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

That I was a great father, husband and family man.

What’s number one on your bucket list? Skydiving.

HOMETOWN: Jacksonville

OCCUPATION: General Manager, Frank Fletcher Dodge

EDUCATION: Jacksonville High School

FAVORITES:

Beverage: Coca-Cola

Restaurant: Benihana

Snack: Laffy Taffy

Podcast: “The Joe Rogan Experience”

Sport: Basketball

Ozark Gateway

Aregion defined by its natural beauty, enriched by the creativity and generosity of its residents, and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Our region covers eight unique counties, each with its own history, heritage, events, and attractions.

From spontaneous jam sessions on a courthouse square in the Ozarks to the scenic beauty and rich heritage of the Delta, the region is dotted with activities for the whole family. Our towns offer an eclectic selection of museums, shops, art galleries and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts have a variety of rivers, lakes and streams to choose from plus plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, caves and caverns and beautiful camping areas.

The Ozark Gateway region is a special place where nature and culture, work and play, young and old exist in perfect harmony.

Born to

New LIFE

Colossians 418 Prison Ministries lead inmates to service

By ANGELITA FALLER

Club members join hands for a prayer during a class session.

May is a time of celebration, as family and friends gather to watch students graduate from high school and college. There is a sense of hope and excitement in the air as graduates begin the next chapter of their lives.

At the Arkansas Department of Corrections Varner Unit, located in Lincoln County, a unique graduation ceremony took place May 12 for the first 18 graduates of the Arkansas Department of Corrections Prison Seminary Program, which is aimed at reducing violence within state correctional facilities with the help of inmates trained in religious studies.

“We can’t go on a senior trip, but the students did have an official graduation with caps and gowns,” said Dr. William “Dubs” Byers, a member of the Arkansas Board of Corrections and president of Colossians 418 Prison Ministries. “The graduates were able to invite one or two people who are on a visitation list, so they had family members there. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary had a reception with cake. For me, it was a tremendous experience. Their cumulative GPA is 3.8. I am very proud of them.”

These first-of-their-kind graduates can now apply to the ADC Field Ministry Program that will allow them to minister to other inmates across the state of Arkansas. Varner will get first pick, with at least four graduates remaining to work at the high-security prison.

During the graduation ceremony, the graduates and staff honored the family of Robert A. Neal, a member of their class who passed away before he could complete the program. A 19th student who participated in the program and previously had his sentence commuted by former Gov. Asa Hutchinson graduated on the Mid-America campus during their spring ceremony.

Working under the direct supervision of chaplains, the graduates will provide counsel, advice and support to their fellow inmates while working as field ministers and teaching in prison programs. These graduates might teach in substance-abuse programs, provide counsel to new inmates and

visit those who are receiving medical care or in hospice.

“They would be what’s called indigenous missionaries,” Byers said. “We want to train inmates who can live inside the prison system for years alongside the others and do ministry work. They will be able to teach and preach under the supervision of the unit chaplain. They might go and sit with inmates who are on suicide watch or go into the lockdown areas and talk with inmates on lockdown. We are attempting to train indigenous missionaries who can minister inside the prison system for years to come.”

One of the new graduates of the prison seminary program said he has learned his life didn’t end upon his arrest, and he has gained compassion to help people who are lost.

“Surprisingly, prison is filled with a lot of good people who made terrible mistakes,” the student wrote in a survey of the program. “Many inmates truly want help overcoming deeply rooted issues, and I’m convinced a change of heart is the only way. Jesus makes this possible!”

PROVIDING A LIGHT IN THE DARK

The prison seminary program was inspired by a program at Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. After seeing a need to develop a prison seminary program in Arkansas, Byers and former state Sen. Eddie Joe Williams visited Angola in 2016. Byers, who worked in the Arkansas Correctional School District for nearly four decades, said he was “totally blown away” by the impact the prison seminary graduates had on prison life.

“These graduates are teaching in the vocational school, pastoring churches inside of Angola prison and ministering to other inmates in need,” Byers said. “It’s something I wanted to see in Arkansas. Burl Cain (former warden of Louisiana State Penitentiary) talked about moral rehabilitation. It doesn’t matter what your background is. You don’t have to be a Baptist, a Methodist, a Catholic or even an atheist to recognize the impact this program has. You are able to instill morals, so the inmates are

kinder, get along better with staff and treat people better.”

In 2019, the Arkansas Baptist Convention and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary created the Arkansas Prison Initiative with the cooperation of the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Colossians 418 Prison Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded to help support the prison seminary program through outreach and fundraising efforts.

Colossians 418 board members include Byers, president; Williams, secretary; Heather Lawrence-Harris, treasurer; Rev. Tyrone Broomfield; Warden James “Hoot” Gibson; Dr. Bob Harper; and Steve Carleson. The board members come from many different faiths, including African Methodist Episcopal, Assembly of God, Baptist, Methodist and nondenominational which allows members to cross religious divides to seek donations and grants from a variety of organizations and individuals.

The nonprofit is named after the corresponding Bible verse: “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

According to Byers, the Bible verse is a reminder that providing ministry to those in prison is a mission that early Christians took up thousands of years ago.

“The apostle Paul says to remember me while I’m in prison,” Byers said. “Paul spent quite a bit of time in prison, as did Peter and some of the other writers of the New Testament. Anytime you inject the presence of Jesus Christ into any environment, things get better. People learn to treat each other better, and they get along better. Burl Cain called it ‘injecting morality into the prison system.’”

CHANGING THE CULTURE OF PRISON THROUGH MINISTRY

The prison seminary program at Varner supports the spiritual training of inmates within the Department of Corrections. Male inmates who meet certain requirements can apply to the program, and those selected are transferred to the Varner Unit and enroll in a fouryear college program, where they earn a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tenn. The accredited college has a satellite campus at Varner Unit, which is run by a full-time faculty member from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

Inmates who join the program do not get a break on class expectations due to being incarcerated. They must complete the same classes and homework assignments as students who attend the Memphis campus which, for the first two years, largely includes core college courses, including English composition, literature, history and math. Junior and senior years are spent on leadership, development, Biblical preaching, counseling, pastoral ministry and principles of teaching.

Colossians 418 has three main goals: Carry the gospel of Christ to the inmate population; reduce recidivism by providing moral rehabilitation for those who will be released from prison; and change the culture within the prison system by bringing the positive influence of Christ’s teachings inside prison walls. By fulfilling these goals, officials hope to

create a prison culture that is less violent and develops inmates with a higher respect for other people and property.

There are other prison seminary programs across the country, but what makes the program at Varner unique is that it’s geared toward those who are serving long-term sentences. To be considered for the program, potential applicants must have 10 years or more remaining on their sentence, as well as maintain a clean disciplinary record, hold a high school diploma or GED and make a commitment to help change the culture within the prison system.

“All the programming is generally designed, and rightfully so, for inmates who are not far from being released,” Byers said. “We have a lot of inmates who are going to be locked up for a long time, and there aren’t a lot of programs for them. When this program started, there was a lot of excitement among inmates who were going to be locked up for a long time. This gave them an avenue, something to work for and hold on to.

“We give preference to inmates who are long-termers, and we try to get about two-thirds who are lifers. They are really excited about being able to get a four-year degree and have the opportunity to do ministry inside the prison where they will live the rest of their lives. This is home to them.”

PROVIDING A NEW PATH FOR MORE INMATES TO FIND THEIR CALLING

Byers works to spread word of the prison seminary program far and wide. During a visit to the Dumas Chamber of Commerce meeting in January, he asked local business, churches and community leaders to keep the educational program in their prayers, and to consider making contributions for a new building being built to house the prison seminary program at Varner Unit.

Colossians 418 is raising funds for the new 5,000-square-foot metal education building at Varner Unit, to replace its current classroom space occupying two rooms in Varner Unit’s gymnasium. The new facility, which will be located near the prison chapel, will accommodate 100 students and two full-time faculty members. It will include four classrooms, a library, two offices, two storage rooms and restrooms. Construction costs will be covered completely by donations with no cost to taxpayers.

According to Byers, businesses across the state have come together to provide many of the materials needed to construct the new building, including supplying building materials, architectural services and in-kind services such as labor.

Colossians 418 is also raising funds for the anticipated increase of students in the prison seminary program once the new educational building is complete. Tuition costs $4,000 a year per student. With the program looking to expand to a cohort of 25 new students every year, it would cost $400,000 per year to provide scholarships to 100 students a year at the Varner Unit.

For the first four years, the Arkansas Baptist Convention has generously supported the program by providing scholarships for all the students. While the Arkansas Baptist Convention will remain a key donor and supporter of the program, it will no longer be providing scholarships for all the students. Colossians 418 is looking for new donors to help provide scholarships for the student inmates, scholarships that the organization considers life-changing.

There are many opportunities for those interested in donating. Donors who give $4,000 will provide a one-year scholarship to a student enrolled in the prison seminary program. Those interested can also provide funding for the educational building, the library or a classroom in memory of a person.

Anyone interested in making a contribution to the building or scholarship fund is encouraged to visit col418.org for more information, or mail a tax-deductible donation to Colossians 418 Prison Ministries, P.O. Box 721, Dumas, AR 71639.

“This program is a calling, but you have to be 100 percent committed and put in the work,” one student wrote of the prison seminary program. “It is worth anything you have to give up. This program is a true blessing.”

It’s officially the season to celebrate our great nation’s Independence Day, and what better way to observe the United States’ 247th birthday than by attending one of the many amazing firework displays that take place every year in The Natural State. Whether you prefer to enjoy fireworks by land, over water or even from a boat, there is certainly a show in Arkansas meant for you and your family.

Traditions are often thought of as the glue that keeps families together, and while we normally speak of traditions regarding holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, the Fourth of July also holds many family-favorite activities for Arkansans throughout the state. AY About You has listed a few of the largest and most-popular destinations to enjoy the glittery illuminations in the night sky.

Independence Day Fireworks on Lake Hamilton July 2

39th Annual Pops on the River July 4

Located in Little Rock, this fireworks display, which is presented by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, can be viewed from either side of the Arkansas River. Taking place at Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, located at 400 President Clinton Ave., this display will include live music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, food, kids’ activities and most importantly, pyrotechnics. The gates to the show open at 5 p.m., and fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. Rules are as follows: No ice chests, no pets, no fireworks, no smoking and no children left unattended. Blankets and chairs are welcomed for this event. In addition to live music presented by the ASO, there will also be live entertainment from Rodney Block Collective, The Kemistri Band featuring Nicky Parrish and Midnight South.

Big Bang on the Range July 4

Head to Hot Springs on July 2 for a free Independence Day Fireworks Display on Lake Hamilton. Located at the Highway 7 South Bridge this massive display will include fireworks of all shapes and sizes, shot from the middle of Lake Hamilton. Visit Hot Springs will be sponsoring this show, and those who want to watch the pyrotechnics display from the water are urged to keep a safe distance from the launching area. Boaters should be aware of other boaters. In the case of rain, fireworks will be rescheduled for Monday, July 3.

Freedom Fest Conway July 3

The public is invited to Jacksonville this July 4 for its annual fireworks display, Big Bang on the Range. Fireworks will take place at Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex, located at 2800 Graham Road, and gates to the event will open at 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for the fireworks show over a wide-open range. Handicap accessible, this event guarantees great fun for the entire family.

Conway’s Premier Music and Fireworks show will take place July 3 at Beaverfork Lake Park. This event is perfect for the entire family to enjoy, as there will be fireworks in addition to food trucks, live music, a park area and swimming. This year’s food truck vendors will include Tacos 4 Life, Wade’s BBQ, Nach’Yo Nachos, Smackin’ Wings and Things, Bragg’s Big Bites, Henry’s Happy Dogs, Las Delicias, Antonio’s PhillyStyle Italian Ices and Kona Ice. This event will start at 6 p.m.

July 4th Spectacular

An American Salute at Walmart AMP: July 4

An Evening at Orchard Park July 4

The Walmart AMP, in conjunction with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, will be celebrating our nation’s Independence Day on July 4. Under the direction of Paul Haas, this event is sponsored by the City of Rogers. Gates open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Tickets to the spectacular can be bought in advance online and range from $3-$25, with prices for lawn tickets set to increase on the day of. This year, Walmart AMP will be offering new add-ons for all shows, including the July 4th Spectacular, with premiere parking set at $30 and lawn chair rentals at $10. Tickets and add-ons can be purchased online, and will be delivered digitally.

Mayor’s Annual 4th of July Celebration at Harry E. Kelley Park July 4

Bentonville Parks and Recreation will be hosting An Evening at Orchard Park – Bentonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. This free event is open to the entire community and will begin at 7 p.m., running through 10 p.m. Live music and paid concessions will be made available, and guests can park throughout Memorial Park. Handicap parking will be located at the lot next to the entrance of the park, with shuttles available for transport. Food trucks and live music will be offered throughout the night, and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks Over The Harbor July 4

Returning to Harry E. Kelley Park this July 4, the Mayor’s Fourth of July Celebration will include food trucks, free public transportation, giveaways, live entertainment and what Fort Smith claims to be the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the region. This is a free, family-friendly event. At 4 p.m., streets around the park will begin to close, transportation from Garrison Avenue, Rogers Avenue N., A Street and N. B Street will begin at 5 p.m., which is also when the gates will open to the park. The fireworks presentation will begin at 9:30 p.m. Rules for this event are as follows: No alcohol, no personal fireworks, no pedestrians allowed on the bridge, and guests should avoid rocky areas, as well as the river.

The biggest fireworks show on Lake Ouachita will take place this July 4 in Mount Ida. Guests are invited to enjoy the lake lighting up and patriotic music by land or by lake, as Mountain Harbor Resort celebrates Independence Day. In addition to a huge fireworks display, Mountain Harbor Resort will also host a Patriotic 4-Wheeler Parade earlier in the day, with a red, white and blue party all day long. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. in the park in Harbor South with the 4-wheeler Parade, which also will include jeeps, horses, golf cars, UTV’s and anything else that rolls. An old-fashioned flag-raising ceremony with kids, dogs and group singing will also take place immediately before the parade begins. NOTE: Personal fireworks will be prohibited on Harbor property, and those who violate this rule will be issued a $500 fine.

EAST SIDE STORY

The Rail Yard patio is a popular meet-and-eat spot in the East Village neighborhood.

Photo by Jenn Terrell.

East Village is Downtown’s Next Big Thing

By JOHN CALLAHAN

ecades of separation from the rest of the city by Interstate 30 once took a heavy toll on east Little Rock. Reaching that side of town was difficult, and years of decline and disparity left very little reason to make the journey. Today, however, is a very different story; East Village is now home to a plethora of new and unique experiences for the city of Little Rock, with local food and drink, offices, housing, educational institutions and plenty of room to grow.

East Village roughly defines itself as the area of Little Rock bordered by I-30, the Arkansas River, the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport and Ninth Street. The area began as small subsistence farms, but with the first arrival of rail lines in the late 1800s, and its advantageous position on the Arkansas River, East Village quickly developed into a thriving industrial hub. Home to foundries, cotton mills, freight yards and factories, the area was well-connected to the rest of the city by Third, Sixth, and Ninth Streets. It remains the oldest industrial complex in the city and possibly in the state.

“Probably the pinnacle of manufacturing here was right up until after World War II,” Cromwell Architects Engineers President Dan Fowler said. Cromwell is currently headquartered in what was once the Sterling Paint Factory in East Village, and its partnership with Moses Tucker Partners has been a driving force behind the revitalization of the neighborhood. “This building was built in 1947 in two different phases, and it was built with expansion in mind, which says to me that they knew they were growing.

“East Village stayed the primary manufacturing concentration from here all the way out to parts around the airport for a long, long time until the Port of Little Rock opened out on the river. Then you saw larger scale manufacturing moving out to those larger parcels where you had better access to transportation, barge traffic and rail traffic. So, as you saw that rise at the port, you saw a decline in this area.”

Especially following the construction of I-30, East Village lagged behind other areas of Little Rock for years. The first sign that things were going to change appeared in the form of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, which began construction in 2001. The library opened in 2004, and was immediately a major draw to the neighborhood, welcoming more than 5 million visitors since then. The Clinton Library was followed just two years later by the headquarters of Heifer International, a global nonprofit organization that has assisted families in over 125 countries.

“There were ideas that this would become a nonprofit corridor,”

Dan Fowler

Neighborhood landmarks include Cromwell’s reinvigorated headquarters in The Paint Factory (below), Lost Forty Brewing (right), the Rail Yard (middle right) and Camp Taco (bottom right).

Fowler said. “So other nonprofits were starting to line up, trying to figure out ways to build other headquarters here. At the same time, we as a country ran into a recession. That stalled out fundraising, and I think that really stalled out ideas of major headquarters construction.”

The next new face in town was Rock Town Distillery in 2010, an example that would later be followed by two local craft breweries, Lost Forty Brewing in 2014 and Rebel Kettle Brewing in 2016. These developments quickly grew East Village into a hub for local food and beverage production.

A number of factors made East Village a great spot for Lost Forty Brewing, explained Russ McDonough, co-owner of Lost Forty’s parent company, Yellow Rocket Concepts. The industrial construction of the area made it ideal for starting a large production brewery, and rent was comparatively low. Very close proximity to I-30 also makes it easy to distribute products and easy for customers to reach from the interstate, with frequent visitors from the Little Rock Air Force Base.

“We also liked the idea of going into a neighborhood that we hoped we could breathe new life into,” McDonough said.

Lost Forty has been a hit over the past decade, becoming the state’s largest brewery with a popular taproom and successful commercial distribution. It has done so well, in fact, that in 2021, Yellow Rocket Concepts decided to expand their footprint in East Village by establishing Camp Taco just down the street in the building that formerly held Rebel Kettle and East Sixth Brewing.

“We liked the East Village Area,” McDonough said. “We get lots of traffic from Dassault Falcon Jet and some of their suppliers after work. The guys who were brewing at Rebel Kettle were friends of ours, and they were going out of business, so we saw it as a chance to diversify our food offerings and have a little specialty brew house where we could make smaller batches.”

According to McDonough, the restaurant at Lost Forty has exceeded all expectations, and their location in East Village has had no significant negative impacts. Moreover, the continued growth of the neighborhood seems to promise a bright future.

Office dwellers in the neighborhood tell a similar story. When the team at Cromwell began looking for a new location for its headquarters, Fowler explained, they knew they wanted to find somewhere that they could do some good. The company had played a role in the revitalization of downtown at their previous location on the corner of Markham and Spring streets and wanted to continue that legacy.

“We ultimately landed in East Village because of this idea of hav-

ing the ability to have some positive impact and positive change,” Fowler said. “But also because there were some great bones, some great buildings and great businesses that were in operation here. There were just a lot of things that seemed primed to happen.”

Cromwell purchased the aforementioned Sterling Paint Factory in 2015, turning it into the flagship project of East Village’s revitalization. The restored building, known simply as The Paint Factory, exemplifies the mixed-use development of East Village while also retaining many of the building’s historical elements. Most of the building’s space is dedicated to the Cromwell office, with the second floor home to 12 Star Flats residential apartments, owned by Moses Tucker Partners.

Meanwhile, the western end of the building is retail space currently home to Sterling Market, a unique experience that combines five menus in one space, ranging from a bar to a bakery to pizza to sandwiches. The building is also home to a community meeting space named The Mixing Room, which is available for booking.

“To me, that just makes it a much richer living experience,” Fowler said. “It allows folks from different perspectives and with different reasons for being there to mix. You may have a person in a suit sitting next to a person in a biking outfit.”

By moving to East Village, and by including both residential and restaurant space, Cromwell hoped to help legitimize the area as a home for new offices, new restaurants and new residential spaces. Growth and development have certainly followed in their wake, such as The Residences at Harbor Town, a luxury apartment complex less than half a mile from the Heifer International Headquarters that boasts its own waterfront and boat docks.

“A couple of days prior to us announcing our move, eStem announced their school [construction] project, which is just across the street from us,” Fowler said. “Having a major construction project that brings a thousand kids a day through here was a major, major success. It brings a lot of visibility and a lot of foot traffic to the area, which is what we want.”

Over the years, due to the pandemic and more mundane factors, many of the names and faces of businesses in the area have changed. Though Rock Town eventually left East Village for SoMa in 2018, the restored building is still known as The Distillery and now houses locally owned food and coffee shop Fidel & Co. as well as Rock Dental Brands.

One of the earlier residents that has stuck around is The Rail Yard, a beer garden with indoor and outdoor space featuring a rotating cast of food trucks and plenty to drink. Co-owner Linda Newbern said the spot attracts a diverse crowd throughout the day.

“For lunchtime, it’s people that work around here, so a little bit older, but then in the evenings it’s younger. It really depends on what’s going on,” Newbern said. “On a Saturday, we’ll get a lot of young couples with their children and a lot of people with dogs, because the children can

While visiting Lost Forty Brewing, don’t miss the chance to dive into some cheese dip.

run around and not worry about causing any trouble. Then as the night goes on, it becomes more of a younger crowd.”

Though everyone faced setbacks during COVID, The Rail Yard’s outdoor space gave patrons room to social distance, allowing it to get back on its feet quicker than most. What has caused difficulty for the business, however, is the very problem that contributed to East Village’s previous decline, that being separation from the rest of Little Rock. Newbern noted that the long closure of the Sixth Street bridge caused issues, making it more difficult to reach East Village for those who don’t frequent the neighborhood.

Fortunately, there are projects in the works to help reconnect eastern Little Rock to the rest of the city, such as a planned deck park over I-30 between Sixth and Ninth streets, which has already received a $2 million planning grant from the United States Department of Transportation. Once completed, it will connect the neighborhoods of East Village and Hanger Hill with McArthur Park and the recently reopened Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

It will be years before those ideas become a reality, but in the meantime visitors can still pass under the interstate at Third Street or over it on the Ninth Street bridge. Additionally, the replacement of the I-30 bridge over the Arkansas River has opened up some 17 acres of greenspace, leaving much of East Village within easy walking distance of the River Market.

It’s not hard to find a reason to make the trip, whatever you might be looking for. For travel destinations, the Clinton Presidential Library is a major cultural institution, home to exhibits and archives on the Clinton presidency, as well as events such as “A Dung’s Eye View of Dinosaur Life in the Cretaceous Period,” which was held in June by a professor of paleontology from the University of Colorado Boulder.

The William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands run between the library and the river, showcasing wildlife and river life for the enjoyment and education of the millions of library visitors. The Southeast Bike and Pedestrian Trail, part of the larger Arkansas River Trail, also runs through the entire neighborhood, while the Rock City Yacht Club provides access to the river.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential stand along I-30 Frontage Road, giving immediate access to I-30.

For education, there are the aforementioned eStem East Village Junior High and Elementary Public Charter Schools, as well as Carver Magnet Elementary. Directly next to the Clinton Presidential Library

stands the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, which is the first school in the nation to offer a Masters of Public Service degree, focusing on careers in the areas of nonprofit, governmental, volunteer or private sector service.

If food and drink are what you’re after, you’ll find few better destinations in Little Rock. The Clinton Library is home to 42 Bar and Table with a patio looking out at the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. The Rail Yard brings in some of the city’s best food trucks, and Camp Taco offers tacos, Mexican ramen and homemade pops (with or without alcohol) in a nostalgic, summer camp atmosphere. The Sterling Market offers a wide array of local food options, Fidel & Co. specializes in locally roasted coffee, and Rosie’s Pot and Kettle combines classic Southern comfort food with delicious pies made from scratch. Adult beverages of all sorts abound at Lost Forty, Camp Taco and the Rail Yard.

There will be even more reason to visit before long, as another major project is already underway in East Village, the Artspace Windgate Campus, created by a partnership between Artspace, a nonprofit real estate developer of artist live/work housing and the Windgate Foundation. Set to be constructed in 2024 and open in 2025, the campus will be a hub for artists to live and work, featuring a four-story building with 60 units of affordable housing for artists and their families, 10 artist-in-residence studios, event and gallery space and 16,000 feet of commercial space.

“To me, this is the area of downtown that has the greatest potential for some great things to happen,” Fowler said. “There are large tracts of property, there’s easy access to transportation, easy access to downtown proper, nice flat land, and it’s just waiting on the next big thing.”

Food, drinks and treats abound in East Village, from down-home grub to food truck fare.

UFOzark

UFO Conference Provides an Out-of-This-World Experience

By JOHN CALLAHAN

ach year since 1988, with the sole exception of the dark days of 2020, hundreds of extraterrestrial enthusiasts and experts have gathered at the Ozark Mountain UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, which celebrated its 35th year in 2023

The longest-running UFO conference in the nation, the event originally began as Flying Saucers – The Beginning, organized by Bill Pitts of Fort Smith. In 1989, Lou Fisher, co-editor of the UFO Newsclipping Service, a monthly compilation of newspaper stories on UFOs from around the world, took over and renamed the event to the Ozark UFO Conference. Since then, several others have carried the torch, including Dolores Cannon, a renowned hypnotist.

Today, the conference is organized by Ozark Mountain Publishing, Inc., of which Cannon was a founder. Held this year at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, it spanned three days between Friday, April 14, and Sunday, April 16. Several hundred attendees gathered to hear eight speakers discuss their research, findings and experiences in the hunt to find life beyond our world.

It may come as a surprise to those outside ufology (as the study of UFOs is sometimes called) that for many of the speakers, the subject was not a matter of little green men in flying saucers, though such things have not been ruled out. While it remains the Ozark Mountain UFO Conference, the term UAP, standing for “unknown aerial phenomenon,” was to be heard as much or more than the classic “unidentified flying object.”

As one speaker, Trey Hudson, explained, the shift in terminology represents a change in understanding. Rather than suggesting a physical object, a UAP might be something that is not a machine in any way that we understand the idea. Perhaps they are some sort of craft, or a form of plasma or something else entirely.

The field is more complex than ever, and according to Forest Crawford, master of ceremonies for the event, is being taken more seriously than it has been in decades.

The 1950s and 1960s might be considered the heyday of UFOs, the peak of their legitimacy in the eyes of not just the everyday American, but of the United States government. From 1952 to 1969, a program by the U.S. Air Force called Project Blue Book systematically compiled and investigated 12,618 UFO reports to determine if UFOs represented a legitimate national security threat. It was determined the vast majority of these sightings were misidentifications of natural phenomena or aircraft. Though the project concluded that there was no evidence that UFOs represented a national security threat or extraterrestrial vehicles, a full 5.5 percent of the sightings remained unexplained despite USAF’s best efforts.

For decades after, the public perception of ufology languished. But as Crawford and some of the speakers were excited to report, that perception has begun to shift in recent years. In 2019, the U.S. Navy began a new program for its pilots to report UFO sightings. In early 2020, the Navy declassified three videos that had previously been leaked, confirming that the footage was real and that the objects observed in the videos remain unidentified.

Most exciting to ufologists were the 2022 congressional hearings on UFOs. Like Project Blue Book, these hearings once again posed the question of whether UFOs could represent a national security threat. Though the Department of Defense insisted that there was no evidence that any of the unidentified phenomena were extraterrestrial in origin, the question has once again entered the mainstream. Many of this year’s conference presenters had different methods for uncovering the mystery of extraterrestrial life, from personal encounters to researching UAP hotspots to more unorthodox approaches. One of the keynote speakers, Sean Cahill, is a retired U.S. Navy chief master-atarms who witnessed the 2004 Nimitz Tic-Tac encounter. Another speaker, Kristi Pederson, claimed to have had contact with extraterrestrials since the age of 5, and the conference’s final speaker, Terry Lovelace, claimed he and his friend were not only abducted and experimented upon by aliens, but were afterwards drugged and interrogated by special agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Hudson also recounted numerous unexplained experiences at an undisclosed location he dubbed “the Meadow.” Much like the more famous Skinwalker Ranch, this site has been the location of all manner of strange occurrences and sightings ranging from UAPs to Bigfoot, as well as Native American legends, ghost stories and tragic events, including murder.

A former officer of military intelligence in the U.S. Army with training in emergency management, WMD security, anti-terrorism and more, Hudson is director of the Anomalous Studies and Observation Group. Other members of the group tend to come from high-stress professions, including military, law enforcement and emergency medicine, which allows them to keep cool and clearly report unusual sightings.

Hudson and the Anomalous Studies and Observation Group have been researching the Meadow since 2016, when a member of the group saw what he at first thought was the moon move the wrong way across the sky. A black pinhole then appeared in its center and expanded like the lens of the camera.

On numerous outings to the Meadow, Hudson and the group report having witnessed a wide variety of unexplained phenomena. On one occasion, two members of the group watched another through a thermal camera and claimed to see his heat signature turn into a ball of energy, rapidly move across a field, then return to his original shape. The man in question had no recollection of anything of the sort. Later, they found his GPS had tracked where he walked over the course of a night, showed him traveling in long straight lines from point to point, which would be impossible to do on foot due to the area’s rugged terrain.

On another visit to the Meadow, a few members saw a strange box behind the treeline at night. A thermal video showed as three of the men approached the area, their heat signatures apparently disappeared as they get close. The box disappeared, but when they attempted to recreate the situation later on, their heat signatures remained visible in the same location even as they passed behind heavy cover from trees and undergrowth.

Hudson and the others eventually began to question whether the various fields of ufology, cryptozoology and paranormal studies were, in Hudson’s words, “different facets of the same diamond.” Using a case where his group recorded what appeared to be two figures watching them from behind the treeline, he explained that ghost hunters might conclude that these were ghosts, a sasquatch hunter might think they were sasquatch babies, and a UFO hunter might say they were aliens. In reality, it might be some combination of any or none of those things. They then began to use methods from other disciplines, like ghost hunting, at the Meadow, some of which produced results while others did not.

Hudson said he now believes many of the strange phenomena seen at the Meadow have been the result not of aliens in flying machines but of portals, either naturally occurring or perhaps intentionally created by a civilization with the technology to do so. He used the example of the ant and the road: Say there is an anthill in a forest, then humans build a highway through that forest. If an ant finds the road, would it be able to even comprehend what the road is, much less a car that comes roaring along it? Whatever these portals are, he contended, perhaps it is something we simply cannot comprehend.

Another of the speakers used a more unusual technique in the search for answers: Yemé Jeaneé is the lead instructor at the Farsight Institute, a nonprofit organization that uses “remote viewing” to glean information about extraterrestrials as well as more mundane goings-on on our own planet.

Remote viewing is a process by which a person can supposedly gain information about targets that are distant in space and/or time that could not otherwise be seen. Both the United States and the Soviet Union used remote viewing in an attempt to spy on one another during the Cold War, though how successful these efforts were remains unknown. The Farsight Institute performs its viewings under blind conditions, meaning that viewers are told that there is a target but given no information about it. What they see is then compared to findings from other viewers.

Trey Hudson

Forest Crawford

Ben Hanson Yemé Jeaneé

Jeaneé claimed she has been communicating with ETs through remote viewing for the past five years, though she unknowingly communicated with them in the past before coming to the Farsight Institute. Most of the ETs she has contacted have been “reptilians,” an alien race the institute believes have both a major empire in the Milky Way Galaxy as well as a powerful presence on Earth, infiltrating governments around the world to oppress humanity and prevent the secret of their existence from being revealed.

As lead instructor, Jeaneé is the most effective viewer at the Institute. She refers to herself as “the Interrogator,” explaining she is able to break past the defenses put up by the aliens and find information that they are attempting to hide. Her viewings, and the research of the institute, have focused on a wide array of topics, from the activities of various extraterrestrial groups to important human figures such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

Another of the conference speakers, Ben Hanson, is a security and emergency/disaster preparedness professional who has also hosted several TV programs on the subject of ufology, including “Roswell: The Final Verdict” and “UFO Witness.” Though he has spent many years in the search for extraterrestrial life, he proposed a different question at the Ozark Mountain UFO Conference: What would happen in the case of disclosure, if the government revealed that aliens are real beyond a doubt?

In the same period the Air Force was studying UFO sightings with Project Blue Book, the CIA established its own scientific committee to answer the national security question called the Robertson Panel. The panel concluded UFOs were not a national security threat, but they could cause confusion and mass hysteria to be exploited by the Soviet Union. Therefore, the panel recommended a policy of public information that would minimize the risk of panic. According to Hanson, that would mean that even if proof of UFOs was discovered, it should still be withheld from the public to prevent mass panic. NASA was more optimistic, suggesting that the discovery of aliens could lead to increased unity among nations rather than social disintegration.

Hanson, who holds an executive master’s degree from Georgetown University, wrote his thesis on what would happen in the case of disclosure, describing it as a “novel crisis” or “black swan” event, something that is so outside the realm of what we expect that we are either unable or unwilling to prepare for it. He gave Hurricane Katrina as an example: New Orleans and the state of Louisiana had prepared for the eventuality of a hurricane, but their plans did not account for just how severe Katrina turned out to be. Hanson argued that if we fail to think big enough and strange enough when it comes to emergency preparedness, we will

be caught off guard.

Disclosure, however, would be very different from a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other typical form of crisis. It would be what Hanson called a psychological crisis, where the immediate effects are not physical destruction, but a shift in the way we look at the world, threatening our perception of reality. He gave an alternate example of suddenly discovering that animals are sentient beings, capable of speech. Studies have shown that most people do not panic during a natural disaster because they know what to do. In the case of a psychological crisis, however, most people would be totally unprepared with no idea of how to react.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided some examples of how humans might respond to a psychological crisis. According to Hanson, mask mandates and lockdowns required a shift in our everyday realities, while panic buying of things like toilet paper (despite the lack of an increased need for toilet paper) showed that perceived risks can sometimes cause as many problems as real threats. In his thesis, Hanson constructed an extensive web of cause and effect consequences that could result from disclosure, such as a stock market collapse leading to bank failures. Nearly everything on the web short of martial law ended up happening during the pandemic. The risks from disclosure were clear, Hanson argued, so the government ought to have a plan in place to mitigate those risks.

On a less ominous note, the conference offered more than just questions and answers about extraterrestrial life. It also featured more than two dozen vendors, offering everything from alien plushies to caricature pictures to jewelry to all things esoteric. Mystic Forest, a shop based in Mountain Home, brought massive stacks of tarot cards and books on mystical subjects. A plethora of other vendors offered palm readings, healing crystals, four-leaf clovers and more.

Many of these vendors made their own products by hand. The Steampunk Buddha, for example, is run by Becky and Erik Epp, a husbandand-wife duo who create unique handmade jewelry. In Erik’s words, he cuts the stones for the jewelry and his wife does the rest, and no two pieces are the same. Artist Denise Marta-Burch of Ridgeline Arts likewise showcased artworks and prints including vibrant illustrations of rocket ships and robots as well as more subdued depictions of natural scenery. She and her husband, Jim Burch, said that this was their second year at the conference and that they enjoyed it greatly, describing the attendees as serious but fun.

If you’re disappointed to have missed out on this year’s conference, worry not. The Ozark Mountain UFO Conference has been going strong for 35 years and will no doubt return next spring, with more tales to be told of encounters of the strangest kind.

(Left) Becky and Erik Epp of Steampunk Buddha, (right) Denise Marta-Burch of Ridgeline Arts.

Catching Starshine in a Bottle

Alyson Courtney reaches for the sky at Argenta Community Theater

By KELLI REEP // Photos By CHRIS DAVIS

If ever anyone was sunshine in human form, it is Alyson Courtney. Blonde, petite, vivacious and radiating positivity, Courtney makes you instantly feel like you have been friends for life.

The director of development at Argenta Community Theater, Courtney joined the theater a year ago after an extensive career in local television journalism, most recently at KATV Channel 7 on the morning show. Her husband, Wess Moore, also has a career in broadcast journalism, serving as co-host of The Zone on 103.7 The Buzz radio and sports director at KLRT-FOX16 TV. Add to these frenetic schedules two daughters, Brooklyn and Berkeley, who participate in acting, singing, dancing, cheerleading and sports, and Courtney is constantly on the go.

What drew her to leave a solid career to venture into fundraising for community theater? It was a winding path.

“I left KATV Channel 7 and TV news after 24 years in the business with plans to take a year to spend time with my girls, especially my oldest who is a graduating senior,” she said. “My last day was a Monday, and I had plans to sleep in on Tuesday — like, really sleep in until 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. I’d set my alarm for 2:30 am every day for 14 years and it was so sweet to turn off that alarm. I actually deleted it from my phone, but I forgot to silence my ringer.

“That very morning at 7:03 a.m., I got a text that woke me. It was from Vincent Insalaco, the co-founder and producing artistic director of Argenta Community Theater. He asked if I had time to visit that day, and that conversation led me to becoming the director of development. Fundraising and nonprofit work were never where I saw myself landing, but if you know Vince you know it’s almost impossible to tell him no. I started this new path two months after that conversation.”

Courtney’s favorite element of her job at Argenta Community Theater is the storytelling aspect, not unlike her career in broadcast journalism. And what a story it has to tell: Insalaco and his cofounder, the late Judy Tenenbaum, created a remarkable cultural attraction 14 years ago, during a period when regional and community theaters across the country were struggling mightily.

“The history at Argenta Community Theater is rich, and when you couple that with incredible growth, over the last year as well as the new ways we’re connecting with the community and the

vision we have for the future, we’ve got a pretty magical story,” Courtney said. “I could go on and on for days about the benefits of supporting the performing arts and why I love my job, but mostly it is because I’m surrounded by passionate, creative people who want to do good in this world, so it makes ‘work’ incredibly fun and rewarding.”

Today, Argenta Community Theater is putting together a strategic plan to ward off the financial challenges other theaters in the country are currently facing. The multi-pronged strategy includes building an endowment, reaching new and diverse audiences, and moving into public schools with more education efforts.

“Did you know that currently there are 63 schools in Pulaski County, North Little Rock and Little Rock school districts with no performing arts programs?” Courtney said. “We believe we have a responsibility to our children to help supplement in this area when public school funding does not. We have some amazing professional teaching artists at Argenta Community Theater who are pouring into our students, and we feel strongly that we must go beyond our walls with our efforts.

“We also work with Celebrity Attraction and The Rep to provide our students access to industry professionals who are working on Broadway and on national touring productions. Together, we are often able to do so at no cost. In fact, our partnership with The Rep is one of the first in the nation to have a fully funded, pre-professional training program for the most elite young artists in our community.”

In that program, teens ages 13 to 18 are selected based on auditions, letters of recommendation from their performing arts teachers, and their own essay detailing their passion for the arts and their goals beyond high school. The program, which would typically cost each student $500 per semester, is completely scholarship-based, thanks to the generosity of Will Feland and Mary and Jim Wohlleb. Courtney said such patronage is a key driver not only for Argenta Community Theater’s programs, but for supporting arts education as a whole.

“This type of philanthropy, that drives programs for awareness and education, levels the playing the field and really prepares our students for the competitive world of college auditions and professional work,” Courtney said.

The best way to support Argenta Community Theater or any art form in the community, she said, is to become a donor and volunteer.

“Being a patron is wonderful, but nonprofit theaters will never be able to survive on ticket sales alone,” she said. “It takes generous donors and volunteers to produce the quality of work and experience we provide. I think most people take entertainment for granted, but we truly get little funding from the state and federal government and the grants awarded to performing arts organizations are becoming fewer and fewer.

“We have some incredibly generous supporters, including private individuals, corporations and small businesses who believe in the work we are doing providing robust performing arts education programs and building a richness of art and storytelling to our community. Our challenge daily is to raise the bar on the work we do, but we simply cannot do it without the collective group of donors, volunteers and supporters.”

Communities need the arts and thriving arts organizations as a

means of bringing people together in meaningful and transformative ways, Courtney explained.

“Without places to visit and experiencing the beauty of a live performance, our communities become a much less colorful and attractive place to live, work and visit,” she said. “We must have spaces that invite children who have an interest in the arts to create, explore and perform. As Vince always says, ‘The stage is as important as the football field or basketball court.’ He’s so right — every child needs a place to find their passion, and we’ve seen our theater and education program explode because the need is so great.

“In fact, we’ve had waiting lists for all classes and summer camps, and we will serve 500 kids this year and hundreds more who want the unique educational experience we provide. Our growth is needed, but the cost to provide these opportunities, hire professional teaching artists, invest in the facilities and live out our mission of never turning a child away because of the inability to pay tuition is extraordinary. Every donation, big or small, makes an enormous difference, and my goal is to ensure all our donors know their investment is meaningful.”

Courtney said her experience in local television afforded her the opportunity to build relationships with people across Arkansas, which has helped her get into doors to share the story of Argenta Community Theater.

“I don’t think I’d be as successful in this profession without my experience as an anchor/reporter,” she said.

Her latest role continues her long-held dream of being in the middle of the action professionally. She knew when she was in middle school that she wanted to be a journalist mostly, she says, because she wanted to know everything about everything.

“I’m naturally curious and have always been hell-bent on knowing the truth,” she said. “Not just what everyone else was saying, but knowing for myself. I took telecommunications classes in high school and majored in broadcast journalism at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where ‘Steel Magnolias’ was filmed. Fun fact: my sister was one of the flower girls in the movie, and spent a lot of time with Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Sally Field and Olympia Dukakis. I’m still jealous to this day.”

Growing up in north Louisiana “in the country,” as she called it, her parents worked tirelessly to provide for Courtney and her two sisters.

“My dad was a pipefitter and traveled a lot for jobs, and my mom worked in the office at our school,” she said. “She sometimes worked two jobs. My folks still live in Shreveport where my dad is retired and my mom is the bookkeeper at one of the public high schools. They never miss coming to see the girls in a show.

“I was the first in our family to go to college. [My parents]

The lobby gallery at Argenta Community Theatre.

taught us all about the value of hard work and I always had a job, from the time I was 13 years old. I was a babysitter, a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons, a server at a sports bar in college, cleaned houses, worked in the admissions office. I hardly remember ever not working.”

After college graduation, Courtney landed her first job as the early morning producer for the NBC affiliate in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she met the anchor of that show, Wess Moore. The couple would work together at the same stations in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas for the next 13 years, but theirs was an inauspicious start, to say the least.

“He was this jerk who was six years older than me, had been on TV in two other markets, and had little patience for my inexperience,” she said. “He was constantly correcting me and was critical of my writing. Looking back, he’s probably the one who taught me the most about being a journalist, as well as Anne Jansen, B.J. Sams and Andy Pearson later, but I sure didn’t like working with Wess at the time. Two years later, we moved to south Texas together to work at the ABC affiliate, and then four years later, I married him.”

Courtney’s goal was always to be a reporter in the field, because it was the action that drove her. She says she loved being in the middle of the biggest news stories, talking to people from all walks of life, conducting an interview with a death row inmate one day and sitting down with a former president the next.

“I did stories where I was getting behind-the-scenes access of our troops from Arkansas training for war, and I visited a farm in Arkansas to interview a man about his talking chicken,” she said. “I covered Hurricane Katrina and devastating tornadoes in Arkansas, and I learned so much about humanity and heartbreak. I’m not sure there is any other profession that you truly have no idea what the next day will bring. I loved every second.”

Morning TV turned out to be where Courtney found her place as the schedule allowed her to be home with her daughters as they grew up.

“Being a mom is what I always wanted more than anything else in the world. I dreamed of it my whole life, so it was an easy decision to move to morning television and really be present and soak in the time I had at home,” she said. “I got to not only report important news, but also have a lot of fun for two hours and work with some of the most amazing people who ended up being my closest friends. Then, having a daughter entering her senior year made the timing perfect to join Argenta Community Theater.

“Having been a journalist puts the reality of just how short life is in your face. I think that’s shaped who we are as a family in terms of not taking things too seriously, loving each other big and enjoying the adventure of it all.”

Both Brooklyn and Berkley Moore are aspiring actresses. Brooklyn just graduated high school and was accepted into the theater/ screen arts degree program at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. During her sophomore and junior years of high school, she worked in Los Angeles on a streaming series and she also works as a fashion model and founded an arts nonprofit. Berkley will be a freshman in high school in the fall, and is also is an actress, singer, dancer, cheerleader and volleyball player. She, too, has her sights set on attending college in southern California.

“Our girls fell in love with performing after seeing “Mary Poppins” at The Rep. It wasn’t long after that they started auditioning,” Courtney said. “I had no idea how to prepare them. I am definitely

not an actor; I just played myself on television. At ages 6 and 9, they began landing roles, first at school and then working professionally at The Rep and doing commercial/TV/film work. They’ve never stopped.”

“We have performed together for the Make-A-Wish lip sync battles, and we love Halloween and dressing up and theme stuff. It’s a little absurd. And like most families, we are all incredibly busy, juggling lots of balls and working crazy schedules, but we truly enjoy every second of it and we make it a priority to soak in both the mundane and marvelous in life.”

Both Brooklyn and Berkely aspire to continue as professional actresses as a career. Their mother said they have significant savings accounts because of the work they’ve done so far, which helps afford them the opportunity to travel and experience things very few kids their age get to experience.

“Acting and performing have been their whole lives, and we can see their passion for it,” Courtney said. “But whatever they ultimately end up doing for careers, I hope they love it. I know acting has prepared them for so much more than the stage and screen. They’re amazing girls and our goal has always been to just make sure they stay focused on being good humans, loving others and finding their own place in the world, and for Wess and me to be the support they need. We’ve only ever acted with them during self-tape auditions where we’ll be their reader or off-camera scene partner, and it’s pretty comical sometimes. Wess and I both really stink at acting.”

If that take is surprising, consider that Courtney insists that despite being in thousands of homes every morning during her stint as news program anchor, she really doesn’t love being in front of a large audience.

“On TV, you’re really only talking to a camera and that was easy for me. It is quite different than being on a stage with hundreds of people looking back at you,” she said. “I am definitely not a stage actor, but I do enjoy talking to our audiences during our on-stage, preshow curtain speeches. However, I get to be myself, so it’s not difficult.

“I was lucky, really, because my parents grew up without much and they didn’t have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, but they wanted me to be able to try anything I was interested in. I did pageants, was an extra in a couple of movies, took gymnastics, piano lessons, ballet, tap, jazz, even clogging. I was a cheerleader, a swimmer and lifeguard, and a model at our local mall. Because I did so many different things, I never really excelled at any one particular thing, but I was average at a lot of things. I’m sure that helped me become well-rounded, but also probably why staying focused is not my strength.”

Supporters of the Argenta Community Theater, and those who would be, might beg to differ, as Courtney pours her attention and considerable skillset into raising the money to sustain and grow the arts at all levels. For her part, she simply sees her job as finding her role, cast in a richly talented and deeply committed tribe.

“We believe holding true to our mission of being a theater for the community is important, holding true to the vision of people like Vince and the late Judy Tenenbaum who built this theater while also evolving and recognizing the need to continually engage new audiences,” she said. “The passion within everyone who is a part of this organization is like none I’ve ever seen anywhere. We want Argenta Community Theater to outlive us all.”

“The passion within everyone who is a part of this organization is like none I’ve ever seen anywhere. We want Argenta Community Theater to outlive us all.”

The of

Book NUMBERS

By DWAIN HEBDA

Joshua Kear flicks the face of his smartphone and glances at the screen. He smiles.

“Nine years, 11 months, 23 days,” he said, as the phone goes back to dark in his hand. “That saved $43,736.”

Both sets of numbers are significant in the life story of the Conway police officer, husband and father of two. The first group, tracked by an app on his phone, tells him the length of his sobriety, which by now is past the 10-year mark and counting.

The second figure, tracked continually by that same app, calculates the money saved on the alcohol he didn’t buy during that time. Which, considering at his worst he was drinking the cheapest stuff he could find, is a lot of booze.

“I was physically addicted to where I had to have at least a fifth, and up to a half gallon a day. Every day,” he said. “My whiskey drinking, by the end of it, was to the point where if I didn’t drink, I’d go into seizure.”

For Keer, numbers represent order among chaos, reassuring grains of certainty in a disease that offers none. Amid a million shades of gray, he has learned to cling to a single static and binary question: Did I drink today? If the answer is no, put it on the board. If one day the answer is yes, the timer goes to zero, and the process begins again.

The why of it all matters, of course, as knowing the why helps him replicate his success and minimize his chance of failure. Anything beyond this fundamental equation – like the all-too-familiar jackals of shame, guilt and remorse – are merely pinpoints through which leaks the very self-esteem and strength needed to carry on, so he tunes them out as best he can.

“When I was drinking, my mindset was more than anything wrapped up in my identity as a failure,” he said. “I was letting me beat down my own self-worth, and that didn’t change until I let my identity change. If I wake up and say, ‘I’m nothing but an alcoholic,’ I’ll only ever be an alcoholic. When I woke up and said, ‘I am a child of God,’ I gained the chance to surrender my will over to God.

“I saw myself as broken, as a failure.”

Josh Kear

Conway man gains rare new chance at life through faith and family.

“My mindset today is just remembering who I am and forgiving myself as a daily thing. I still struggle with that.”

Kear is one of those alcoholics whose image doesn’t square with his behavior. The product of a stable, Christian home, he was a standout academically in high school and had been a missionary in Botswana by age 16. Later, he attended Louisiana Tech University from which he graduated cum laude with a fine arts degree.

What wasn’t as widely known were his struggles with depression and searching for acceptance, both of which helped nudge him toward alcohol by age 13, the opening chapters of his life as a young, but high-functioning alcoholic.

“At a really young age, I liked to fight, and older kids were willing to accept me into the group because of that,” he said. “They had more drinking going on, and I guess that’s kind of what took me in. It was about finding that identity, and when I did, I grasped onto it and I let that consume me.

“Identity, for me, is a big part of both addiction and sobriety. I saw myself as broken, as a failure, as an outcast growing up. There was something going on that I always thought was wrong, but whenever the brakes got cut, I just couldn’t stop.”

Kear met his future wife at Louisiana Tech, and within a year of getting married, the first of two sons arrived. His fragile self-confidence, battered further by the pressures of fatherhood, accelerated his addiction. At last, drinking became remedial, a medical necessity, with accompanying self-loathing that played on a loop in his head.

“There was a trajectory of my drinking; it got to the point where I couldn’t not drink,” he said. “As a photographer, I had to use my camera, and I had to keep my hands functioning. If I didn’t drink, I had the shakes and couldn’t get through it.

“I had two kids I’d always dreamed of, the wife I’d always wanted, but I didn’t remember who I wanted to be. I didn’t think there was any path back from that. I was hopeless; my family deserved better, and I was unable to give them that. I knew my wife was loyal enough; she wasn’t going to leave me, though she should have. I wanted them to have a way out, because I didn’t see a way out for myself.”

The beginning of the end came one ordinary day when Kear made his way to the backyard and sat down on the back porch of his carport. There, he stuck a 12-gauge shotgun to his throat and pulled the trigger, blowing off the top of his index finger and a beer can-sized hole out the back of his neck.

“You could see the spine,” he says, as calm as talking fishing. “The only thing untouched was that artery. I didn’t bleed out because [the muzzle] was close enough that it cauterized the wound itself. My wife came out, held my head on for me, and they airlifted me to Shreveport. I’ve still got a bunch of pellets in my spine and neck area.”

The only thing more astonishing than Kear’s survival and recovery is that blowing off half of his throat in a botched suicide attempt still didn’t represent the rock bottom from which he would finally resolve to get help. That moment came quietly, at his parent’s home in Conway, as he pretended to work underneath his truck while in fact he was retrieving his stash from the one hiding place his wife hadn’t discovered.

Hearing someone approaching, he saw his mother’s feet from under the vehicle.

“She said, ‘It’s safe to come out’” he said, quietly. “I rolled out, and that was my breaking point — the look on her face.”

On the suggestion of his brother, Kear visited Renewal Ranch in Conway. He remembers it being more desperation than confidence in

Having finally faced his demons allows Kear to better focus on his wife and sons.

the faith-based rehab program that convinced him to give the place a try.

“I met with [Executive Director] James Loy and he talked to me about faith, hope, love, all these things,” he said. “I was like, ‘He’s a great salesman, but none of that’s going to apply to me. I’ve done this. I know Christ. It’s not going to work.’ ”

The program started as he expected, detoxing, a painful experience where the body is deprived of the substances it demands most. Curled into the shower pan and white-knuckling through convulsive heaves and shakes, he fought to expel a howling demon whose talons were sunk knuckle-deep into his body and mind.

“It was hell,” he said. “I just remember being in the fetal position in the shower, hoping that I’d be OK. At some point in that I said, ‘OK, I’ll do everything you ask. I’ve got one shot at this, and if I screw that up I won’t didn’t get another.’”

After the first month, he called his wife and said he felt he was onto something different and decided to stay another month. What he thought was taking root in fact did, and he gave himself the time to allow it to embed in his body and soul.

“I discovered that, when all the problems were going on, I was like, ‘I’m drinking because of all these other things,’” he said. “When I was at Renewal Ranch, all those other things were gone and I was alone, but those problems were still there. Suddenly, I didn’t have anything else to blame. And I didn’t have anywhere else to turn. All my support stuff was out of the picture. The only person I could lean on was God, and that was the only person I needed to lean on.”

After completing the program, Kear stayed on as a counselor for a time. He joined the local police force in 2018, as much to his own surprise as anyone’s, thinking his background would bar the door. Instead, it’s opened the floodgates for a career that encounters fellow addicts and alcoholics under difficult circumstances. He’s so good at it, it landed him Officer of the Year honors in 2019. Still, his is not an easy melding of career and personal ministry.

“When I interviewed, they asked me what I thought one of my weaknesses would be. I said [the job] breaks your heart,” he said. “My first overdose call as a cop was for a young man that I knew I couldn’t resuscitate. That was my one PTSD moment, not being able to bring back a friend of mine.”

Still, Kear soldiers on, intently cognizant of his own health and sobriety as he does so. He stays well for his family and so that he can remain open, on every shift, to whoever the Almighty puts in his path.

“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “Secrets killed me, or they almost killed me. Now, I’m honest about everything. I’m not afraid to say, ‘Hey, guys. This was a hard night. I need to talk.’ That’s extremely valuable.

“As for what I want people to take from my story, I guess it would be that there is hope. You don’t have to do it on your own. And just because life feels like you’ve destroyed it, God can rebuild it and make it look a lot more beautiful.”

Rodeo queen Ja’Dayia Kursh is striving to grow diversity in the Western lifestyle.

How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls?

By SARAH COLEMAN

in 2017, Ja’Dayia Kursh was named Miss Rodeo Coal Hill of Arkansas on her 17th birthday. The significance of her title was not immediately apparent, but after an interview with Essence in 2019, she was formally recognized as the first Black rodeo queen in Arkansas.

Even before this recognition, Kursh was determined to use her platform to bring attention to diversity and inclusion within the arena. Since 2019, Kursh has been a driving force in pushing for inclusion in Western brands and in rodeos. She even hosted the inaugural Miss Rodeo Fort Smith at Hero’s Arena in Natural Dam, in an effort to make the sport accessible for everyone.

“Being recognized as Arkansas’ first Black rodeo queen was really bittersweet for me. I was only 19 years old, but I knew it held weight. I knew then that as the first, I had so much more work to do,” Kursh said.

Rodeos are deeply ingrained in both American and Arkansas culture, with the oldest organized rodeo dating back to 1888 in Prescott, Arizona, and the first rodeo in Northwest Arkansas dating back to 1926. Rodeo queening is not all that unlike other pageants. Miss Rodeo America, the national organization, serves as a scholarship 501c(3) nonprofit and operates similarly to the Miss America organization, with regional and state competitions held throughout the year.

Rodeo queens, like other pageant queens, represent their titles at various events – educational, charity and other – including rodeos and parades. Rodeo queens are well-versed on rodeo knowledge, public speaking and horsemanship.

A Fort Smith native, Kursh is a first-generation cowgirl who started riding horses at age 6 and competed in her first rodeo when she was 13 years old. In an effort to satiate her interests, she got involved with Arkansas Seven, a local riding group. After her first rodeo, Kursh knew it was something she wanted to continue to do.

“I had been riding horses for a while when I got involved in the rodeo. It felt really good to be part of something like that, and that first rodeo really inspired me,” Kursh said, adding that rodeoing also drove her interest in the Old Fort Days Dandies, a bygone mounted drill team formerly based in Fort Smith.

Diversity and inclusion efforts are incredibly important to Kursh, as she said she wished she would have seen more minority representation in rodeos growing up. While she said she’s now aware of the Bill Pickett Rodeo, she wishes she would have known about it when she was introduced to rodeoing. Bill Pickett was an Afro-Indigenous cowboy local to West Texas and known for his showmanship skills. The rodeo named in his honor has existed for nearly 40 years and celebrates the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls in the western U.S.

// Photos By KIRSTIE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

“The lack of diversity and representation is so deep. The western industry, when I was growing up, was seemingly really reflective of white cowboys, and looking back, nobody really was focused on representation,” she said.

According to Kursh, it is no secret that seeing cultural representation in all aspects of life is important, a view backed up by numerous research studies published by Forbes and the Economic Policy Institute. Recognizing the lack of representation in her own journey toward becoming a rodeo queen, she works extra hard to give Black girls someone to look up to.

“I know that the things I speak about can make people uncomfortable, but I’ve found that the people who are uncomfortable tend to be the exact people I’m speaking to,” Kursh said. “I started Miss Rodeo Fort Smith because I really got tired of copyand-paste rodeo queen pageants. I got tired of being mad about the problem and realized that I just needed to be the woman that God already intended for me to be, and everything after that came so naturally.”

In just two months, Kursh was able to put together a diverse event with representation of girls from all demographics and backgrounds. To pull off the event, Kursh secured sponsorships from brands such as Ranch Dress’n and Rock and Roll Denim, so that cost would not be a barrier for participants.

“I will never not be the first Black rodeo queen in Arkansas, and that is something that I think few understand. I turned my feelings of resentment into action, and boom, Miss Rodeo Fort

“I don’t care how old you are, what anyone has to say about you or how out-of-reach your goals seem to be, if you want to achieve something badly enough, don’t give up.”

Smith Pageant was born,” Kursh said.

“I just needed the support and kids to sign up who wanted to come out here and learn about rodeo queening. I handled the sponsorships and the clothes; the girls didn’t pay for anything. I did all of it so we could have a pageant that was truly inclusive.”

Kursh is affiliated with several brands including Wrangler and Justin Boots, and she has partnered with several others over the years. She said she looks for brands that are truly representative of other cultures.

“I’ve been wearing Wrangler jeans for basically my entire life, and I remember looking through their social pages and didn’t really see anyone who looked like me, initially,” Kursh said. “After I asked them about it, they were one of the only brands that seemed genuinely interested in making sure their brand was as inclusive as possible.”

From that moment, Kursh began to receive attention from multiple other brands, companies that were also searching for ways to involve other demographics.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing at first, but I realized shortly after that speaking up caused this ripple effect in the representation that existed in these brands,” Kursh said. “I’ve built some amazing relationships with these brands; they respect me, and every brand I partner with truly is looking for ways to be more inclusive.”

While she has taken responsibility for co-creating inclusion in the industry she is so proud to be a part of, Kursh has made one thing clear: She is nobody’s token.

“I’m blessed to be able to say that I’ve played a huge part in making sure that amazing cowboys and cowgirls get the opportunities they deserve,” Kursh said. “I don’t want to be the token Black Girl. … I do, however, want to encourage representation of all nationalities.”

Kursh is looked up to by many young girls and women, and because of this, she is passionate about setting a positive example, despite any negativity or backlash she has received.

“I have so many little girls to teach and to help grow, so that I can give them the same opportunities I had to fight tooth and nail for,” she said. “I kind of ran so that they could walk.”

Kursh’s inaugural event was not only diverse, she said, it also made for the largest rodeo queen pageant in the entire state, with 50 participants registered and 32 contestants. Fort Smith Mayor George McGill crowned the winners, which included Queen Carissa Webster, Teen Jaydah Releford, Princess Skyla Burton, Sweetheart Stella Smith and Little Miss Cataleya Reyes.

The Miss Rodeo Fort Smith Pageant also benefited Agriculture for Kids, a nonprofit organization Kursh founded to teach children who don’t otherwise have access to the farm about agriculture and the ag economy. She said the nonprofit, in addition to her status in rodeo queening, helps her fulfill her biggest role in life, empowering young girls and women to be whoever they want to be.

“I don’t care how old you are, what anyone has to say about you or how out-of-reach your goals seem to be, if you want to achieve something badly enough, don’t give up,” she said. “Keep pushing and keep going; you never know who you are inspiring.”

For more information about Kursh visit her Instagram page @Jadyiakursh, and for more information regarding Agriculture for Kids or Miss Rodeo Fort Smith, visit Facebook at Miss Rodeo Fort Smith.

She’s the MANN

By BECCA BONA

Coach and Mom Continues Crusade for Wrestling in Arkansas

“NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT.”

Kristi Mann embodies this particular mantra every time she encounters a challenge. A military wife and mother to three sons – Tanner, Tyler and Tucker – she knows a thing or two about powering through. From her personal life and beyond, she kept these words at the forefront of her 30-plus-year career in special education.

Even now, after retiring from teaching, she dedicates a considerable amount of time to sharing that never-give-up attitude with a young generation of wrestlers that call Arkansas home.

As the Arkansas State Chair of USA Wrestling, the Little Rock native has spent the past 15 years championing the sport locally, while simultaneously working to ensure that Arkansas finds a place on the national stage. An athlete herself, Mann was a decorated gymnast in high school before participating in cheerleading at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

All this to say, she knows firsthand the impact sports can make.

“I can see the rewards from how they grow as a person,” she said of Arkansas’ young wrestlers. Even as her sons have moved on to other pursuits, Mann continues to support wrestling throughout the state. Her motivation? Seeing each athlete come into their own.

“It’s believing in them. It’s telling them that ‘Hey, you’re in the trench. Here’s my hand. Come on, you’ve got to get right back up there,’ ” she said.

Probably her favorite part of wrestling, and why she stays involved, is that there’s a chance for everyone to shine when they step onto the mat. “It’s such an inclusive sport,” she said, and Mann knows how much each achievement can mean to a young athlete.

“This is what is really cool about wrestling,” she said. “It’s very individual because it’s only you and one other person on the mat.

You don’t pass the ball off. No one blocks for you. It’s all you.” WRESTLING: A FAMILY AFFAIR

Her journey to the mat actually began on a soccer field.

All three of her sons were athletic from a young age, and she describes herself as the perennial “team mom” as they bounced from basketball to baseball and other sports in between. At one point, one of her sons found himself on a soccer team without a coach. She didn’t skip a beat.

“I had to coach,” she said, firmly, “because nobody would step up.”

In middle school, wrestling came into focus, initially for her oldest son, Tanner. “Football was in off season,” she remembers, “and so we were introduced to wrestling.”

At the time, the sport was new to the state, but had a major catalyst in local businessman and Hall of Fame wrestler Greg Hatcher. Hatcher brought four-time NCAA champion Coach Pat Smith to the state and also founded the Arkansas Wrestling Association in 2005. Greg provided financial backing and brought awareness to the sport, while Pat dedicated himself to coaching young Arkansans.

“They are both such great supporters,” Mann said. But they needed help.

Mann found herself in a situation reminiscent of that longago peewee soccer field. As a teacher experienced working with parents and a military wife to a football coach, no less, she was familiar with working complex logistics. So began the short story of how Mann found herself at the helm of Arkansas wrestling.

“I was all beans and bullets,” she said, laughing. “All of a sudden I’m the state chairman ... that position was just kind of cast upon me.

“I was this sole person standing on the national level, trying to get Arkansas recognized, saying, ‘Hey, we’re here.’ We’re a state and we’re wrestling.’”

Growing the program in The Natural State meant a lot of trips to Fargo, North Dakota, for the annual USA Championship matches. The best wrestlers from all over the country attend each year in an Olympic-style competition. Later on, Arkansas’ best wrestlers would also attend championship dual meets in Tulsa, OK, which are matches between two teams and provide an opportunity for wrestlers to participate in a more team-like setting.

That first year in North Dakota, Mann wasn’t aware of what she didn’t yet know. A prime example – she accidentally signed Tanner up in the wrong age division.

“That’s how blind I was, going in,” she said. “But once I hit the ground running, I absorbed everything.”

The story makes for a fun anecdote all these years later because despite the snafu Tanner won, a first for the Mann family and also a first for the state.

“That was huge,” Mann said. “There were actually a lot of people around his mat, going, ‘OK, show us what you got, Arkansas.’ ”

Mann was beyond ecstatic, but soon found out how much work there was left to do for Arkansas to get its due credit. At that first meet, for instance, she had to repeatedly correct the announcers for confusing “Arkansas” with both “Arizona” and “Alaska.” They couldn’t for the life of them figure out from whence this mysterious Tanner Mann appeared.

Photography by REBECCA FELLERS

I’m Momma Mann to all of my athletes.

“I ran to the announcer table and shouted, ‘He’s from Arkansas! Arkansas!’” she recounted, laughing.

Mann made a distinct impression, enough to be nicknamed after the state she was leading to wrestling prominence. Even today, other wrestling supporters from across the country still call her “Arkansas” when they see her at meets, corralling young wrestlers to their prospective mats. It’s a moniker she wears with pride.

Following Tanner’s groundbreaking victory, Mann’s middle son, Tyler, would earn accolades in his own right, notably as the first wrestler from Arkansas to earn All America status in 2012. He managed to do it a second time, as well. Her youngest son, Tucker, came into his own in baseball, becoming an All Conference player.

Mann has always tried to embody a positive attitude, inspired by her father. She passed it down to her sons in the form of the family motto, KIPA: Keep It Positive, Always.

THE FUTURE OF WRESTLING IN ARKANSAS

That first year, Mann accompanied a couple of coaches and 18 boys up to Fargo. In the past few years, that number has increased to nearly 70 athletes. And, in the past five years, girls have traveled to Fargo as well, with nearly 20 slated to go this summer. Arkansas has been one of the first states to support girls in wrestling.

“My boys have probably seen me cry five times in their life, and [including girls] was one of them,” she said. “As girls’ wrestling is exploding across the country, I just thought, ‘Heck yeah! We were one of the first here in Arkansas!”

Part of Mann’s motivation and support for girls in wrestling goes back to her early days as the state chairman. As mentioned, she was responsible for coordinating the logistics for traveling to Fargo and Tulsa. She was also responsible (and still is) for representing Arkansas at the national level when it comes to policies through the USA Wrestling.

It was at her first leadership convention in Colorado Springs that Mann realized she was the sole female in a male-dominated arena.

“At the Chairmens Council, we go over a lot of logistics that filter down to the national policies,” she said. “It definitely took about five years for everybody to figure out who I was. When you go to those, a lot of the other states have a delegation. In Arkansas it’s me, a delegation of one, and I’m the boss.”

A few years ago, Mann met another woman at the leadership conference, who happened to be with the New Jersey delegation. They became fast friends, as Mann was ecstatic to

find an ally, and her new friend was relieved to find someone who could show her the ropes. Their friendship led to the opportunity for Mann to attend a lobbying event in Washington. The event was supported by Wrestle Like A Girl, an organization founded with the goal of making space for girls in wrestling.

Mann felt a drive and passion to support the effort in any way possible. Having spent time on the frontlines in wrestling, not only at the state but national level, she knew what it felt like to be the only woman in a room full of men. And she also knew what it meant to run circles around them.

“In Arkansas, when a girl wants to wrestle in high school, she has her own division,” Mann explains. “But in states that haven’t sanctioned a girls division, the girls have to wrestle the boys.”

Mann’s New Jersey contact asked if she would mind advocating for a girl from Alabama who didn’t have any supporters. She agreed. Upon meeting the young athlete, Mann noticed how shy she was, so she channeled her inner coach, taking the opportunity to give the wrestler a pep talk before meeting with lawmakers.

“I said, ‘OK, here we go. So this is what we’re asking for,’” Mann said. “We’re going to say, ‘Hey, I’m a really good wrestler. There are college scholarships out there that are waiting for me, but I’m only wrestling boys. They’re not going to see how well I can do.’”

Not only was the young girl empowered, but the lawmakers took note. Representatives from Wrestle Like a Girl saw Mann’s impact and quickly asked her to talk to more lawmakers, which she gladly obliged.

“I’ve never felt more powerful as when we were talking to all these men about giving these girls their platform,” she said.

As excited as she is to help other states in their cause, Mann’s truly gratified to be making a difference for girls in Arkansas who wrestle.

“Some of my girl wrestlers, they kind of watched me in Fargo, and they’ve noticed that there’s a woman, me, in a man’s world there,” she said. “And I feel like that has inspired them to not only just be on the team, but to lead the team.”

Mann’s passion for inspiring new leaders is a 24/7 pursuit, and she finds other ways to provide that leadership through giving back to the community. She volunteers with the Little Rock Touchdown Club and the Broyles Award. She also enjoys calling the Hogs with radio talk-show host David Bazzel on 103.7 The Buzz.

When asked about the future of wrestling, Mann smiles. Beyond wanting to see numbers grow and getting more girls involved, she has high hopes for what’s next.

“Some of them see me now and they’ve got their own children. And we’ve got new wrestlers that will call Arkansas home, on the horizon,” she said. “I’m Momma Mann to all of my athletes.”

AGE is Only a NUMBER

Meet three Arkansas seniors who are just hitting their stride

By DWAIN HEBDA

For all the attention youth culture receives in modern society – and the technology, causes and fads that come with them – the world hasn’t completely gone to the kids just yet. In fact, the nation’s seniors still hold their share of power in the U.S. thanks to a number of factors, from population numbers to economic clout.

The figures are staggering. The baby boomer generation, which has redefined American society in ways large and small, are graying in such numbers they’ve been labeled the Silver Tsunami. The first ripples of this wave, seen in 2011, has pushed 52 million individuals past the age of 65, per the U.S. Census Bureau, with that total expected to nearly double by 2060 to 95 million individuals. That works out to 1 in 5 Americans being a senior.

The group is notable for more than just sheer headcount. Seniors boast a total net worth of $1.6 trillion per SuddenlySenior.com and spend $7 billion annually. Seniors account for 60 percent of health care spending – including 74 percent of prescription drugs and 51 percent of all over-the-counter drugs – plus 41 percent of all new cars and 80 percent of luxury travel.

Conversely, the mass migration of people into the senior category brings with it certain challenges for the services and infrastructure that exist for their health and well-being. Housing, health care and social programs are just a few of the constructs that are groaning under the unprecedented new demand.

But for all of the challenges they face at this time of life, today’s seniors are hardly wearing out their rocking chairs. As a segment, baby boomers –individuals born between 1946 and 1964 – are known for their competitiveness, discipline and confidence, associating self-worth with their work, per marketing91.com. This means as a group they are not content to take in life from the sidelines and many work later in life, be it for pay or as volunteers.

In Arkansas, 17 percent of the population falls into the senior demographic, which is more than 525,000 residents. AY is About You caught up with three senior citizens who have refused to let the passage of time dictate their worth or keep them from doing what they love to do.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

—Eccl. 3:1 (KJV)

RICK FLEETWOOD

You may not know Rick Fleetwood personally, but it’s very hard to miss him. Check out the society pages covering charity galas and you’re very likely to see him smiling radiantly in photos through his extensive community service positions. Or, you might see him out-working people half his age at the Little Rock Athletic Club.

And if you do know him, as seemingly thousands in Little Rock do, you know his gentle nature, unfailingly positive outlook and genuinely warm personality that directs his steps toward making life better for others.

“The good Lord gives you seven days a week and 24 hours a day,” he said. “You must make use of it, every bit of it. That’s what you do.”

Fleetwood was raised in Monette where he was infused with the spirit of pitching in and helping others. His onefor-all attitude, which is essential to the survival of a town of 1,000 people, was modeled as the norm in his childhood household.

“Everybody wanted my father as their father,” he said. “He was the dad that everyone wished that they had. If you needed help it was nothing for somebody at night to come ring the doorbell at 2 o’clock in the morning needing assistance. He would be there for them. So, even back then I understood the importance of volunteering, trying to make the community better.”

After studying at the University of Arkansas and serving his country in Vietnam, Fleetwood came back to Central Arkansas and got into the field of orthotics and prosthetics. Over a 45-year career, he’d eventually elevate to the role of CEO of Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory, retiring in 2019. But he’s just as, if not more well-known for his community service, having once sat on 17 boards simultaneously from the local through national levels.

A few of the groups benefiting from his leadership include Easterseals Arkansas, United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, CARTI and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Gala, among many others. His community service has only one common denominator – to help his fellow human beings –but those groups that serve people with physical challenges are closest to his heart.

“If you’ve ever dealt with people with disabilities, you know that they’re not heard that often. They’re not at the table and that hurts greatly,” he said. “I was always trying to be something of a voice for them if they couldn’t be their own voice, and they had every right to be their own voice.”

Fleetwood, 75, has pruned back his volunteer work in retirement, but not much. He said getting involved is too important to him personally. He also has a message for other seniors who think they have outlived their usefulness or don’t have anything to give to their community.

“When you retire, you don’t retire from life,” he said. “I believe, to the day you die, you have a responsibility to your family, to your God, and to your community, and just because you’re retired you do not get relieved of that responsibility.

You just don’t turn your back on somebody because you got old; you hopefully will offer wisdom and guidance and help them get through something, as you did.

“I believe that we deserve the experiences that we have. If you don’t get out and you make a difference, if you choose to be part of that segment that does nothing, then I’m sorry, that’s what you’re going to end up living with. But if you get out and you try to help and try to make a difference then, hopefully, all of us will live in a better world.”

SEN. JANE ENGLISH

Since 2009, Sen. Jane English has been at the people’s service. The graduate of Arkansas Tech University in Russellville served from 1984 to 1997 as senior project manager with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, working to recruit new manufacturing companies and helping existing companies expand. The experience formed the foundation of her legislative career, one she still continues today at age 82.

“At that time, I really saw the opportunity for Arkansas to move forward,” she said of her decision to run for office. “Life was changing, the state was changing, the world was changing. One of the things that I really saw that was so important was education and the opportunity for people to develop skills so that they could get better jobs.”

English spent two terms in the House of Representatives before being elected to the Arkansas Senate in 2012. In her first session as a senator, she began beating the drum for reforms in the education system to provide a better and more comprehensive system of career training for students.

“I came in thinking, ‘What is one thing I could do that would really make a difference in the state?’ And that one thing was change the workforce system here from kindergarten through career,” she said. “My colleagues accepted that, and I’ve seen over the last 10 or 12 years things have really begun to change here in the state of Arkansas. A lot of really good things are going on in our secondary schools, in our high schools and even our two-year colleges. So, I think I made a difference.”

English chairs the Senate Education Committee which gave her a front-row seat to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ signature LEARNS Act to reform public K-12 education in Arkansas.

“I’ve stayed on education and families and really tried to make sure that we’re thinking ahead,” she said. “This new science of reading is critically important and a piece of legislation I had that changed the way we’re teaching kids to read. For me, reading should be a campaign. Every parent, every grandparent, everybody ought to be making sure kids know how to read, because that determines their future for the rest of their lives.”

English is happy to see more women being elected to state office since she first entered the House, including the historic win by Sanders as the state’s first female governor. She also moves in friendlier political waters today as the state’s political landscape has shifted dramatically to the right. Those factors, plus time and

experience in the statehouse, continues to make her an effective legislator, even in divisive times.

“When I was first in the House, obviously the Republican Party was not in the majority. I’m pleased that we have gone this far,” she said. “Being in the majority party has helped me to move some of the things that are important to me forward.

“But I also don’t get as worried about some of the stuff that a lot of people do. I realize there are all kinds of voices out there. There are all kinds of opinions and everybody doesn’t think the things that I think are important are important. You’re not always going to agree on everything.”

This understanding of people and the ability to distill ideas into law is one reason English still enjoys the legislative process, staying active in it long after many of her peers have taken their leave.

“I always maintain that age is only a number,” she said. “For me, being able to have some influence in the way we do business in the state and where we’re going as a state is really important. The opportunity to make a difference, to make some changes, to see things moving forward, that’s what keeps me going. It keeps me involved.”

MAURICE ROBINSON

The numbers associated with Maurice Robinson’s life are substantial – 80-plus years old, 60 years of marriage, five decades living in Benton and a 44-year career with Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. But there’s one number – 100 – that stands out among all the rest.

That’s the miles he covers per race as an ultra-marathon competitor and at which he set an American record for a runner over 80 in 2021. In fact, his time of 29 hours, three minutes and change was the world’s second-fastest 100-miler in the world posted by an athlete in that age group, averaging 17:20 per mile.

“I got hooked on running and racing,” he said. “I enjoyed running with neighbors and friends and enjoyed getting trophies once in a while. That was fun. I got addicted.”

He got into running late and his first training run was less-than-spectacular — “I ran about a hundred yards and just bent over,” he said – but soon he’d joined a local running club and was entering races, an activity inspired by his wife Norma.

“My wife is a breast cancer survivor,” he said. “I started going with her to 5K Races for the Cure. She enjoyed walking them and she would jog a little. I would go with her wherever she wanted to go. We went to several states.”

Things might have stopped there except for Robinson’s habit of running into people in unexpected places who inspired him to push his limits.

“In my Sunday school class, there was a man who ran marathons and ultramarathons,” he said. “One day, I found out he was going to run the Arkansas Traveler 100 out of Perryville. When he did it, he came back and could barely walk because of the blisters on his feet. I thought, ‘Why would anybody want to do that?’”

Robinson was nonetheless intrigued and before long had entered his first 50-mile race, which was just a gateway drug to 100-mile races, roughly the equivalent of running from Little Rock to Ozark in one stretch. One race turned into two and two into four and today Robinson has put about 20 100-milers into his rearview mirror. And he wasn’t just finishing them, he was running at a pace that ranked him one of the best in the country in his age group.

On Christmas Eve 2020, he announced to a stunned houseful of guests what he had planned for the new year – to run the fastest 100-mile American time by anyone 80 or over – and asked for their help as part of Team 80.

“I don’t think they thought I was in my right mind, but they said they would help,” he said.

After months of training and tune-up races, he toed the line in November at the Prairie Spirit Trail race in eastern Kansas for his bid at immortality. His race strategy played out almost to a tee, but no strategy spares a runner entirely and he developed a lean in his running posture from about Mile 75. By Mile 97, every step took concerted effort.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to make it,” he said. “I stepped over to a trail post and grabbed it, hugged it and momentarily stretched my back again. I could see the red inflatable finish archway, so I doubled down to finish the course.

“When I hit the finish line, I just cried dry tears of happiness to see my son and other members of my family waiting there with open arms. It was so emotional.”

Media coverage and a letter from the governor followed his accomplishment, but Robinson’s favorite tribute was waiting in his front yard upon returning home to congratulatory family and friends.

“They were holding big cardboard signs, each with a different phrase,” he said. “The cutest one was the one my granddaughter, Boyce Bethel, was holding that read, ‘My Paw Paw is faster than yours.’ That’s what I was going for.”

Comstock Private Wealth Management

You’ve worked hard your adult life, you’ve saved diligently and shown the financial discipline to set up (and stick to) a sound retirement savings plan. The big day arrives when you no longer clock in or report to the office. Congratulations – you’ve made it.

But now what? Financial experts will tell you one of the biggest mistakes you can make in retirement savings is tripping over the finish line – failing to continue to manage and plan as you did during your working life.

Beckie Comstock of Comstock Private Wealth Management/Raymond James said the first important “do” of taking a plan from accumulation stage to implementation stage is to meet with a qualified professional to discuss the variables and goals that await in retirement. These meetings should be held well in advance of your last day of work.

“Start planning for your actual retirement date, two to three years ahead of time,” she said. “Don’t wait until it’s one month down the road and you’re ready to turn in your resignation.”

Comstock said it is equally important to continue to meet with your financial planner throughout your life to talk financial status,

SENIOR SERVICES SPOTLIGHT

plan strategy and generally keep up on life changes that affect your money.

“Make sure you have a financial adviser that proactively requires you to come in,” she said. “Are you on track? Has something changed health-wise? Has there been a divorce? Has a child maybe has moved back home? Have you decided to relocate? It goes on and on and on.

“We require our clients to meet with us face-to-face, eyeball-to-eyeball once a year.

Market Place Pharmacy

In our hustle-and-bustle, here today-gone tomorrow world, it’s nice to know there are still some places that do things the old-fashioned way, with great customer service. That’s exactly the prescription for success that Market Place Pharmacy has followed for the past 40 years, the last four of them by owner and pharmacist-in-charge Daniel Cate.

“I personally know the vast majority of the people that come through the door,” he said. “It’s cliché, but it really is like being a family. Those people care about me and my family, they know a lot about my life and vice versa. That’s something that we love here, to know the people who come in. It’s kind of like talking to your friends all day.”

Market Place maintains those relationships offering, services many competitors don’t including offering home delivery and keeping customers up-to-date on routine immunizations. It also brings a level of one-on-one expertise and communication that’s hard to find in big-box stores.

“One thing folks sometimes just don’t know is most Medicare plans are accepted here,” Cate said. “There’s a lot of confusion about that, the insurance part. We also do a couple of different forms of what’s called compliance packaging; we can do a bubble-pack system and we also have a type of packaging that is basically a pill organizer that the pharmacy fills for the patient. It’s called Dispill, and it’s a type of compliance packing that puts all the patient’s meds for the day into a specific package for morning doses, noon, dinner time and bedtime.”

Cate said contrary to what some people think, his small, independent pharmacy is also equipped to handle all kinds of prescriptions, at competitive prices.

“We take care of the sick at a couple of local nursing homes and so there’s really very few things that we don’t have access to,” he said. “There’s really nothing that Sam’s or Walmart of CVS can get that I can’t.

“Because we accept insurance, those co-pays are by and large going to be the same across

Some people come in once a month. Some people want to come in once a quarter. Every six months to a year are what we recommend, depending on how tight their situation is.”

Individuals should also make sure knowledge isn’t being held on a “need-toknow” basis by one person in the household, leaving the spouse or kids in the dark.

“We do require both of the spouses meet with us,” Comstock said. “One of them is typically going to be the lead and that’s who you’ll deal with mostly. But at those six-month and annual reviews they both need to come in, so that they both know what’s going on and are comfortable with their adviser.”

Comstock Private Wealth Management 501.359.3068

raymondjames.com/cpwm/

the board. It’s just a contracted rate with the insurance, not necessarily with the pharmacy. Then, for things that aren’t covered, we routinely meet or beat the non-insurance pricing for those large chain pharmacies.”

Market Place Pharmacy 11316 Huron Lane, Little Rock (501) 225-5056

marketplacepharmacylr.com

Physicians are on the medical staff of The BridgeWay, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of The BridgeWay. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

AVALON

870-735-4543

610 South Avalon

West Memphis, AR 72301

BATESVILLE

870-698-1853

1975 White Drive

Batesville, AR 72501

BRINKLEY

870-734-3636

1214 US Highway 49

Brinkley, AR 72021

BROADWAY

870-735-5174

800 W Broadway W. Memphis, AR 72301

CAMDEN

870-836-6833

900 Magnolia Road SW

Camden, AR 71701

CHENAL

501-228-4848

3115 Bowman Road

Little Rock, AR 72211

CREEKSIDE

870-449-4202

620 North Panther

Yellville, AR 72687

EL DORADO

870-862-5124

1700 E. Short Hillsboro

El Dorado, AR 71730

GREERS FERRY

501-362-8137

1040 Wedding Ford Rd.

Heber Springs, AR 72543

HARRISON

870-741-3438

115 Orendorff Avenue

Harrison, AR 72601

HILLCREST

870-887-3811

1421 W 2nd Street North

Prescott, AR 71857

JOHN BARROW

501-224-4173

2600 John Barrow Rd.

Little Rock, AR 72204

JONESBORO

870-935-7550

1705 Latourette Drive

Jonesboro, AR 72404

MAGNOLIA

870-234-7000

2642 North Dudney

Magnolia, AR 71753

MINECREEK

870-845-2021

1407 N Main Street

Nashville, AR 71852

MT. VISTA

870-741-7667

202 Tims Avenue

Harrison, AR 72601

PARK AVENUE

501-623-3781

1401 Park Avenue

Hot Springs, AR 71901

PINE BLUFF

870-534-8163

6301 South Hazel Street Pine Bluff, AR 71603

PREMIER

501-955-2108

3600 Richards Road North Little Rock, AR 72117

SEARCY

501-268-6188

1205 Skyline Drive

Searcy, AR 72143

SILOAM SPRINGS

479-524-3128

811 W Elgin Street

Siloam Springs, AR 72761

TEXARKANA

870-772-4427

2107 Dudley Street

Texarkana, AR 71854

HEALTHY AT ANY AGE Health services as one ages are crucial to quality of life

By JOHN CALLAHAN

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that things eventually break down as they get older, whether it be tools, machines or the human body.

Yet in any of these cases some upkeep, a little TLC and a bit of elbow grease can go a long way in putting off that breakdown for as long as possible. When it comes to your health, it’s crucial to make regular checkups at the doctor in order to keep that metaphorical check engine light turned off for a long time.

“None of us realize that we’re not 25 or 18 anymore, and we have to keep being reminded,” said Dr. Jeanne Wei, director of the UAMS Institute on Aging. “We all think we can still stay up all night, we all think

we can do everything and we’re immortal. But over time, we’re reminded that that might not be so much the case.”

Some reminders are small but others, like arthritis, can be painful and persistent.

“Arthritis is a big problem, just because people are learning how to use their bodies in a way that may be somewhat more painful, somewhat more limited than what they’re used to before,” said Jesse Abeler, D.O., of Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. “Obviously, previous injuries may create a change in function as well. And that may lead to an unexpected change in their abilities. Sometimes you lose grip strength or you

lose some degree of comfortable motion, and so you have to learn how to adapt and work around that.”

Abeler explained that keeping those functions is much easier than trying to regain them after they’ve been lost, and simply waiting for them to come back eventually isn’t going to work. Taking time to stretch your hands, arms, legs and back on a daily basis will help your joints stay mobile and flexible much later into your life. Unfortunately, arthritis isn’t so simple. There’s no surefire way to prevent it, though factors like obesity, smoking and injuries can increase the risk. If you do develop arthritis, there are options for dealing with the pain.

“It can be managed with some overthe-counter anti-inflammatories or analgesics like Tylenol to mitigate some of the symptoms,” Abeler said. “There are some topical medications like Voltaren gel or Diclofenac cream, which do a good job as far as symptom control and making your day much more enjoyable. Some patients don’t tolerate anti-inflammatories well, so you’re left with other forms of mitigation and control like heat or ice. The textbooks still argue back and forth which one is better at what time, but certainly whichever one seems to help joint pain, that’s the one to use.

“Stiffness is a very strong side effect that comes along with arthritis, and so the counter to that is again working on flexibility, trying to keep your joints as supple and as mobile as possible. Start with a warmup or some gentle stretches or light exercise even before your day starts, it certainly makes a big difference.”

While arthritis is certainly painful, some reminders of your age can be dangerous and life-changing wakeup calls. It’s much better to remember that you aren’t invincible and take preventative measures than to find out the hard way. Falls are a particularly common and dangerous example of this.

“When an older person falls and, God forbid, if they break something, there ensues a whole sequela of events that could end up with them in the hospital, with them in prolonged rehab, at the nursing home,” Wei said. “Between a third and maybe even 40 percent of our patients today don’t go home after a fall. We continue to be funded here at UAMS for preventing falls and for remediating patients who fall, but we’re not as far in our progress as I wish we could say we were.

“Part of this is because falls are so multifactorial. Sometimes our vision is not as clear as it used to be, we might have cataracts or our corrective lenses might not be the same. [Our] sense of

balance is not as good, there’s changes in the anatomy and the structure, so that our center of gravity shifts a little bit higher and it’s easier for us to tip over. In addition, our reaction time is not as quick. A young child, when they stumble, quickly restores their sense of balance. But because it takes us a few milliseconds longer, we sometimes can’t restore that balance as well as we used to.”

Some medications like blood pressure medicines and sedatives can also make you more likely to fall, especially when taken in combination with other medications that can have unexpected side effects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 36 million falls occur among adults over 65 every year. Nearly a million of these falls result in hospitalization, and falls are the cause of more than 95 percent of hip fractures. Moreover, deaths resulting from falls have actually increased 30 percent over the past 10 years.

So how does one prevent falls? Exercise is a good start; improving your balance, strength and coordination can help you recover when you trip over an obstacle. Many falls happen at home, so you should make sure to remove as many obstacles as possible: secure rugs and wires or cords, use non-slip bathmats rather than a towel or rug, clean up spills and throw away trash. Ask your doctor if your medications are safe to combine and use mobility aids if necessary.

One reminder of age that isn’t quite so dangerous is minor memory problems.

“We all think we’re cracker jack at everything, we’re brilliant and we can remember everything,” Wei said. “And then one day we start to notice that maybe we don’t remember a person’s name that we would think that we would. And we say, ‘I know this person, but I can’t remember the name.’ People are surprised when it first happens. I’m not talking about permanent cognitive impairment or neurocognitive disorders, I’m talking about regular age-related changes.

“The point is, people don’t realize that they really do start to not remember as much as they used to, and it’s OK. If you think about how much information our poor little brains have been storing for each of us, it’s better storage than any artificially made computer. But not even the best artificial intelligence yet can take everything, synthesize it and act on it in the way that we call on ourselves to do constantly.”

The good news is that as we get older, the technology and medicine that can help us stay healthy and active is only getting better and better. If there’s one place where saying “They don’t make them like they used to” is a good thing, it’s the doctor’s office. Technology advances at breakneck speeds, and things we once only dreamed of are now commonplace.

“Fifty years ago, we couldn’t treat a heart attack,” Wei said. “If you had a heart attack, sorry about that, you might make it. Now, we can

Jeanne Wei, M.D.

Jesse Abeler, D.O. Anne Trussel, M.D.

treat everybody. It used to be, if you needed some work done on your heart in terms of either the coronary arteries that supplied the heart with oxygen and nutrients or fixing one of the valves, we used to have to do open heart surgery. It was not an easy thing, it took a long time to recover. Nowadays, you could do it on the same day, even if you’re 95, and go home. It’s phenomenal.”

Cancer, likewise, is an entirely different beast from what it used to be, and the changes have occurred very, very quickly. Wei recounted the story of a patient she had who was an identical twin. Both sisters were diagnosed with advanced stages of lung cancer, but one was diagnosed about 18 months earlier. That twin was told that there was little that could be done. When the other twin was diagnosed just over a year later, there was a new antibody therapy available for certain lung cancer mutations. That patient had one of the mutations that was treatable with the new therapy, and she is now on her way to her 102nd birthday.

For those who do take a serious fall, orthopedic surgery has also advanced to help you get back on your feet. Abeler explained that joint replacement technology has changed tremendously in the past 15 to 20 years, with replacements dramatically improving in terms of longevity, durability and components. And with computer and robot-assisted surgeries becoming more common, the process of replacing a joint has become much easier with better outcomes.

Moreover, research shows that there are many things you can do on your own, or keep away from, to keep your body in tip-top shape, no appointment necessary. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a serious condition that affects some 6 million people in the United States, that along with other forms of dementia kills more seniors than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Treating the condition is difficult and there is no known cure, but there is hope.

“Until now,” Wei said, “we kind of viewed [Alzheimer’s] as something that happens and that it will progress, and there’s really no good way to reverse or delay it. But I have such good news for you in so many ways. In the last two years or so, data has come out, study after study, showing that yes, you can delay dementia indefinitely. And it turns out, even if you have the genetic predisposition to get Alzheimer’s, you can completely reverse that risk by yourself if you do all of the right things.”

As Wei explained, there is a particular set of alleles that can increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Should you happen to inherit the worst of these alleles from both parents, your odds of developing Alzheimer’s increase twelvefold. Yet even in those conditions, taking the right steps can entirely negate the risk.

Exercise is of course an important factor, as is diet. A Mediterranean diet is your friend, with low salt, lots of vegetables and little to no alcohol. Eating your greens is essential, but so are proteins, which are necessary for repairing and replacing damaged cells. Yet the source Wei recommends for proteins may not be what you’re expecting.

“Here’s the bottom line: I tell my patients who are over 75, steak and

eggs, eggs and steak. They look at me and they say, ‘But you’re a cardiologist, how can you say that?’ And the answer is, it’s more important than it is harmful. You can maintain your function, you can maintain your memory and your thought process. And we now have so many ways to treat atherosclerosis that it’s not the worst thing anymore.”

While a regulated diet, exercise and some basic precautions can do a great deal to keep you in good health, there are some things they won’t prevent alone, so Wei still recommends you pay your doctor a visit when you turn 65. Any number of possible health issues could be developing as you age, and the sooner those issues are found, the easier they are to treat.

Though we’d all like to be able to move on our own without any trouble for the rest of our lives, that unfortunately just isn’t always possible. Try as we might, sometimes knees just give out, bones break and backs don’t bend like they used to. Luckily, there are a myriad of devices and equipment meant to help make your life easier and safe as you age. And like medicine, these devices have come a long way in the past few decades.

Cindy Bishop of Diamond Medical Equipment & Supply, Inc. understands just how important these devices can be; her mother ran the company before her, and Bishop both took over the business and cared for her mother after she retired. She is also a member of the baby boomer generation, who form the majority of Diamond Medical’s customers.

“What we try to do is help these older adults stay and age in place,” Bishop said. “Today, older adults are more active than they used to be. They want to have an active lifestyle because people are living longer and they’re healthier. [Baby Boomers] are the longest-living generation in history. Baby boomers are more affluent than previous generations and they’ve saved more money, so they want better-looking products and they’re traveling more.”

As their clients have changed, so has the system that surrounds them. When her mother started the business, Bishop explained, the biggest payer was Medicare. A person would walk in with a doctor’s prescription for a piece of medical equipment, the company filed the claim with Medicare, and that was that.

Nowadays, things are more complicated. If an individual wants Medicare to pay for the equipment, it requires prior approval from their Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan. That requires a great deal of documentation and even if it is approved, Medicare will often only cover the most basic version of the needed equipment.

Simply put, most people aren’t satisfied with the most basic option anymore. Retail is now the majority of Diamond Medical’s business, selling directly to aging individuals or their caretakers rather than filing with Medicare. It’s not hard to see why – even for something as simple as a walker, there’s a clear difference between the bare basics and models that come with seats, backrests and storage space. Both help people move and prevent falls, but one has some pretty clear advantages.

High-end or otherwise, there are a wide array of medical devices to

Exercise is of course an important factor, as is diet. A Mediterranean diet is your friend, with low salt, lots of vegetables and little to no alcohol. Eating your greens is essential, but so are proteins, which are necessary for repairing and replacing damaged cells.

fit your needs. For those who are no longer able to walk on their own, wheelchairs are both sleeker and lighter than they used to be, with some weighing less than 20 pounds. One transport chair, made for those that cannot move the wheelchair themselves and must be pushed by someone else, weighs only 13 pounds.

Power scooters are another popular mobility aid with plenty of options: some can be folded up for easy transport, some can go 18 miles in a single charge. Others come with accessories like phone chargers and storage space, and some are even built for going off-road. Renting is also available for short-term use; those who don’t need a scooter for everyday life might find them helpful for trips that would otherwise involve too much walking. Other mobility aids include threshold ramps to help you get out the door.

Aside from wheelchairs and scooters, there are numerous other devices that you might not think of, including grabbing tools, exercise equipment, blood pressure monitors and power lift chairs, which look for all the world like a simple reclining chair, but can safely lift you into a standing position or lower you to sit. Because the majority of falls take place in the bathroom, there are also many devices meant to improve bathroom safety, ranging from bath chairs to grab bars to raised toilet seats.

Another increasingly popular resource to help you both feel and look better are med spas. Somewhere in between day spas and medical clin-

SENIOR SERVICES SPOTLIGHT Carelink

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another organization with CareLink’s wide range of resources and experience in aging services. For the past 44 years, the organization addresses some of the greatest obstacles that threaten seniors’ ability to live healthy, happy and at home.

CareLink, the Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging, provides a range of vital services that fall under three general headers:

• Helping homebound older people remain independent and at home.

• Helping active older people stay fit and involved through senior centers, wellness programs and volunteer opportunities.

• Easing the burden family caregivers often experience when looking after loved ones by connecting them with resources to make duties more manageable.

• Providing information and assistance to older people, family, friends and organizations looking for senior services and aging-related resources.

The organization serves homebound older people, active older people and family caregivers in Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe, Prairie, Pulaski and Saline counties. As a local nonprofit, CareLink’s only goal is to help seniors meet the opportunities and challenges of aging.

A sampling of specific service programs includes:

ics, med spas are not a replacement for either, but are rather meant to be a relaxing environment where specialized treatments can be either performed or overseen by a physician. Anne Trussel, M.D., owner of Sei Bella Med Spa in Little Rock, is one such physician.

“We see patients of all ages. I believe my oldest patient is 89. Probably 20-25 percent of my patients are over 65, and the 65+ group comes for a wide variety of reasons,” Trussel said. “I get a great deal of pleasure in helping people feel and look better about themselves and enjoy coming to my office as opposed to dreading a doctor visit.”

Sei Bella and other med spas offer numerous aesthetic treatments to help you look younger, such as botox, fillers and laser hair removal. Other options can help with a wide range of health problems, such as Emsella, a painless, noninvasive and FDA approved treatment for urinary incontinence for men and women. Hormone replacement therapy can also be provided to treat conditions like low testosterone in men or the symptoms of menopause for women, helping to provide an overall sense of wellness as well as improve intimacy.

The older you get, the more important it is to protect your health. Exercise, diet, visits to your doctor, medical devices and other treatments are all helpful ways to do this, but be sure not to rely on just one. A longer, healthier and better life is within reach, and while it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself, now is a much better time than later.

HomeCare – Providing in-home assistance with day-to-day tasks such as bathing, grooming and meal preparation.

Meals on Wheels – Nutritious meals delivered directly to seniors unable to shop or cook for themselves.

Information and Assistance – Trained staff provide callers with information on available programs, services and resources in the community for older people and their families.

Medicare Part D Counseling – CareLink’s trained staff help recipients evaluate clients’ Medicare Part D plans to ensure they have the best coverage for the coming year.

Family Caregiver Services – Support and resources for family caregivers looking after aging loved ones.

Transportation - Trained drivers transport older adults to vital destinations including medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and senior centers.

Fitness and Wellness Programs – Exercise classes and wellness programs are provided through senior centers and other locations throughout central Arkansas.

And much more!

CareLink’s impact in its service area is considerable. In fiscal year 2022, the organization provided 668,872 Meals on Wheels delivered directly to seniors in need and 276,166 hours of in-home care, helping seniors with

day-to-day tasks such as bathing, grooming, light housekeeping and more. In addition, CareLink provided 30,299 one-way rides to seniors who might otherwise not have transportation to medical appointments and other destinations and assisted 11,700 seniors with information and resources, connecting them to vital services.

CareLink

(501) 372-5300

(800) 482-6359 (TDD) carelink.org

&

Q with A

Anne R. Trussell, MD

Q. What is the purpose of hormone replacement therapy?

A. Bioidentical hormone pellet therapy alleviates the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause in women, as well as the symptoms of andropause in men, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, low libido, brain fog, fatigue and some sleep problems. It can also help protect against osteoporosis and help build back muscle mass.

Q. How does it work?

A. Bioidentical hormone pellets are made out of sweet potatoes; through a process in the lab, hormones are extracted that are identical to what our bodies used to make. Pellets are about the size of a grain or rice or smaller and are inserted painlessly into the upper bottom through a simple procedure by Dr. Trussell in the office. The pellets are then gradually absorbed over 4-6 months, releasing hormones.

Q. When should someone consider starting hormone therapy?

A When symptoms of menopause or andropause start. Doses are tailored to each individual person's needs, so you only get what you need each time. Bioidentical hormone pellets come in multiple different doses, so it is NOT a one-size-fits-all treatment.

Q. What are the different treatment options available, and which is the best?

A. One option is synthetic hormones, which Dr. Trussell will not prescribe and has never taken herself. Bioidentical options for

women include creams, gels and pellets. Dr. Trussell prefers the pellets due to convenience and the ability to achieve optimal hormone levels. Men have the option of a testosterone injection weekly or bioidentical hormone pellets about every 5 months.

Q. Are there risks or side effects to be aware of?

A. It's important not to get too much hormone to avoid side effects of breast tenderness, swelling and/or hair loss. Bioidentical hormones do not increase your risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer, but it is still important to have your yearly checkups. Doses are determined by lab work, medical history, symptoms, height and weight.

Q What sets Sei Bella apart from others providing hormone treatment?

A.Dr. Trussell practiced internal medicine for 20 years before she retired and opened Sei Bella Med Spa, so she is also going to be checking your B12, full thyroid labs, vitamin D and metabolic panel – not just your hormones. She has been providing and receiving bioidentical hormone pellets herself for 13 years.

Physician Owned and Operated

Anne R. Trussell, M.D. ABAARM FAARM

10310 W. Markham, Ste. 202 Little Rock 501.228.6237

seibellamedspa.net |

Lakewood Health and Rehab offers skilled professional care in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere.

Lakewood Health and Rehab offers skilled professional care in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere.

We invite you to experience the difference our facility has to offer from the moment you walk through our door.

We invite you to experience the difference our facility has to offer from the moment you walk through our door.

Call us to today to schedule your tour!

IN-HOUSE SPECIALTY

Call us to today to schedule your tour!

SERVICES

Lakewood Health and Rehab, LLC.

Lakewood Health & Rehab

Lakewood Health and Rehab, LLC. offers an inhouse team of professionals providing specialty services to better serve the specific needs of our residents.

2323 McCain Blvd, North Little Rock • 501.791.2323

Rehabilitative Services providing Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy.

Our team is passionate about bringing the latest programs and techniques to our patients. They utilize therapy modalities combined with a comprehensive therapy program for strengthening, balance training, pain reduction, wound healing, and increasing range of motion.

Lakewood Health & Rehab

• IV Therapy • Wound Care provided by our Wound Care specialists

2323 McCain Blvd, North Little Rock • 501.791.2323

FACILITY AMENITIES

Lakewood Health and Rehab offers skilled professional care in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere.

• State of the art Rehabilitation Gym

• Physician Services 24/7 by Specialized Staff

• 24-hour Nursing Services

• Wonderful Activity Program

We invite you to experience the difference our facility has to offer from the moment you walk through our door.

• Beauty Salon Services

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Lakewood Health & Rehab

Lakewood Health & Rehab 2323 McCain Blvd. North Little Rock 501.791.2323

Mind Over Matter

By SARAH COLEMAN

Mental well-being is just as important as physical health, and though there has been a decades-long initiative to remove stigma from seeking help, mental illness continues to impact the aging population. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States experience mental illness each year, and 457,000 adults in Arkansas had a mental health condition as of 2021.

While not all adults with a mental health condition fall into an aging population, which is classified by the Population Reference Bureau as adults 65 years old and over, it is important to remember that aging individuals are not exempt from common struggles with mental health.

Mental Health is Physical Health

According to NAMI, mental health is physical health because the mind and the body are interconnected. This means that those who struggle with mental health may often face additional physical health problems such as chronic conditions or cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. While common, chronic conditions such as these can result in a worsened quality of life and may even shorten life expectancy, according to NAMI.

The relationship between physical and mental health can be seen in a patient of any age, however this trend can become worrisome for both children and providers of aging adults.

“Research has revealed that the aging population is suffering more from anxiety and depression than what is reported,” said Carol Johnston, administrator for Superior Senior Care. She explained that anxiety and depression rates in the aging population can be attributed to loneliness, losing independence and grief.

Tammy Hawkins, APRN with Renew Mental Health and Wellness, said she believes the aging population is also being heavily impacted by anxiety and depression, which can present with physiological diagnosis.

“I encourage children and loved ones of an aging person to be aware of the symptoms and effects of depression and anxiety,” Hawkins said. “The most common thing I see impacting the elderly is depression, which deals a lot with the isolation that aging can bring. It can also be due to coping with grief and loss, in addition to dealing with loss of senses such as hearing and eyesight.”

Losing hearing or eyesight can commonly result in further isolation and withdrawal from social events. Hawkins and Johnston also attribute anxiety, sleep issues and memory problems as common mental health battles for geriatric individuals.

“Physical ailments such as loss of hearing and eyesight, dementia or loss of independence can significantly limit their ability to socialize,” Johnston said. According to Hawkins, warning signs of grief and coping skills should also be evaluated closely.

“Grief can come from a variety of sources such as grieving a loss of a job through retirement, grieving friendships and grieving family members,” Hawkins said. “It is so common that people think grief follows a specific timeline, and truthfully, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Our job is to help grieving people cope while validating their feelings and helping them work through that grief.”

The 2019 Arkansas State Plan on Aging showed a 72 percent increase in the aging population in Arkansas from 2000 to 2019, meaning many more could be suffering from a decline in mental health in their later years.

“The population of 65-year-olds and up in the United States and in Arkansas continues to rise,” Johnston said. “When you are looking at mental health affecting physical health in the aging population, research is showing that a positive mental health stance can result in a family member living longer and being physically healthier. I think most families of an aging individual would want to do anything they can to support their loved one in doing both of these things.”

While younger populations seem to have a more focused outlook on mental health research, Johnston said the older individuals she has worked with have commonly been hesitant or resistant to the topic.

“It really does fall on the family members to educate themselves on the

Mental health care a priority for many seniors, families

research around aging and the effects of mental health on physical health,” Johnston said. “It’s also important for family members to reach out to the necessary support systems such as home, community-based services such as agency care.”

Johnston also said family members should strive to become aware of signs of hopelessness in their aging loved ones. Among these signs, isolation tends to be a huge sign of deteriorating mental health and can be attributed to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, according to NAMI.

“In paying attention to a loved one’s physical pain and discomfort, you will likely see a decline in mental health, just as you would with a chronic or serious health diagnosis. As your family ages, there really isn’t a way around it,” Johnston said.

In addition to being aware of how mental health can impact physical health and vice versa, Johnston said the loss of independence can be a trigger for a decline in mental health.

“When we look at the aging population, we see how identity roles shift as men and women age,” she said. “It could be something such as losing the ability to prepare family meals for holidays or losing the ability to provide for your family after retirement. People may feel like they’re, in a way, losing who they are as they age and you can see a negative impact in that if the family is paying attention.”

Memory and Aging

Outside of mental health disorders, memory diseases are also important to be aware of as the aging population continues to grow. According to Hawkins, a large number of people are at risk for developing dementia, however it is important to not assume memory issues are directly related to dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.

“Losing memories or experiencing a decline cognitively is not always directly tied to dementia,” she said. “Memory can be lost in the aging population for a number of reasons, including physiological reasons, side effects to medications or even thyroid disorders..”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia can be described as a general term for loss of memory, language, problem solving,

and other cognitive abilities needed for completing tasks in daily life. There are several forms of dementia, including Korsakoff Syndrome, Frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and the most common form, Alzheimer’s disease.

While some memory issues can be attributed to non-memory loss related diseases, it is equally important for relatives to understand the likelihood and warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, to augment the diagnostic process by mental and physical health providers.

There are 10 signs of Alzheimer’s disease for family members to make themselves aware of including memory loss that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing daily tasks; confusion with time or place and trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships. Also of note are new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; and changes in mood and personality.

“The biggest barrier for families in the process of getting a diagnosis is having the first conversation with a physician about their cognition,” said Jacob Simburger, communications manager at Alzheimer’s Association. “Only 40 percent of Americans say they would talk to their doctor right away when experiencing symptoms of MCI. Many dismiss changes in memory as normal aging.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 70 percent of Americans said they would want to know early if they have Alzheimer’s disease

As far as preventing the onset of the disease, practices such as regular activity, not smoking or drinking alcohol, and staying social have shown to be beneficial to overall cognitive health.

Tammy Hawkins Carol Johnston

Family members attend a rally for Alzheimer’s awareness at the Arkansas State Capitol.

if it could allow for earlier treatment. However, data also explains that physicians are not talking to patients as proactively as they should.

“Nearly all PCPs report waiting for patients, 97 percent, or family members, 98 percent, to make them aware of symptoms or request an assessment,” Simburger said.

Early diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have been shown to positively impact the course of treatment. The Alzheimer’s Association also attributes earlier diagnosis to being useful for developing a treatment plan early on that is manageable for adult children and siblings to implement and maintain.

“Getting an early diagnosis gives families time to form a support network for their loved one,” Simburger said. “And for the person newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, early treatment can allow the individual the chance to communicate about what they want during each stage of the disease.”

Simburger added that new treatments for dementia are most effective in the early stages of the disease, and these treatments are only made available to patients after being diagnosed.

“We never hear from families that wished they had waited longer before they sounded the alarm. The earlier Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated,” he said.

Current research has also been beneficial, having resulted in new treatments and awareness of certain preventive measures. These advancements have been proven to delay or slow the speed of decline in dementia patients.

ROADBLOCKS TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA

93% of older adults believe cognitive changes are a part of normal aging.

99% of PCPs refer patients to specialists when they detect cognitive impairment.

Only 40% of Americans would talk to their doctor right away if experiencing early memory or cognitive loss.

PCPs report not having enough time during routine visits to perform thorough cognitive evaluations and say they are not entirely comfortable using existing assessment tools.

97% of primary care physicians (PCPs) report waiting for patients to make them aware of symptoms or request an assessment.

PCPs place the most trust for Alzheimer’s diagnosis in neurologists (79%) and geriatricians (68%)

For more information, visit alz.org/facts

“There are now FDA-approved treatments such as aducanumab and lecanemab that treat one of the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s. Additional clinical trials are underway and offer the hope of additional treatments,” Simburger said.

“It’s important to remember that no two treatments are the same, even if they are in the same class of drug. They act differently in the brain, even if they achieve similar end results. As new treatments are approved, early detection and diagnosis are even more critical to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible.”

As far as preventing the onset of the disease, practices such as regular activity, not smoking or drinking alcohol, and staying social have shown to be beneficial to overall cognitive health.

“Although a balanced diet has not been proven as an effective treatment to address symptoms of Alzheimer’s, the best current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, also may help protect the brain,” Simburger said.

More than half of PCPs feel there is a shortage of specialists in their area; this is particularly evident in rural places.

20 U.S. states are considered “dementia neurology deserts” –places that are projected to have fewer than 10 neurologists available per 10,000 people in 2025.

YET 70% OF AMERICANS

WOULD WANT TO KNOW EARLY

IF THEY HAVE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IF IT COULD ALLOW FOR EARLIER TREATMENT.

A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.

One of the most beneficial things in promoting early detection of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is raising awareness of warning signs, symptoms and behaviors. The nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association is committed to not only providing local resources, but also educating the community about cognitive health and memory diseases.

“We want people to know we are here to help them navigate the many issues they will be facing after a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis,” Simburger said. “We can provide information on local resources and providers, education through our community classes and programs, a 24/7 helpline and connections to support groups for families. Our Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an annual opportunity for these families to come together in support of each other’s stories and to involve the community in the fight against Alzheimer’s.”

Colonel Glenn Health & Rehab is central

Best 201 8 of

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.

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 • 519 Donovan Briley Boulevard, NLR • www.robinsonnr.com

A Slice

of

HEAVEN

Cherokee Village delivers the unexpected in beautiful surroundings

By DWAIN HEBDA

It’s another beautiful day in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and the picturesque town of 5,000 is just waking up. Residents get in their morning strolls or cruise along on their bikes to greet the day, while elsewhere a hundred cups of coffee are polished off en route to the lake, the golf course or the office. As the sun warms the surrounding lush green forest and dances on the clear waters of the lakes, the community hums a peaceful tune amid spectacular natural scenery.

To the first-time visitor, Cherokee Village might feel like any small town or just another of the planned retirement communities that are so prevalent in the United States today, but it’s not. Cherokee Village, the first development of the visionary Cooper family, drew the blueprint for an entirely new category of real estate development.

Today, another local family is looking to take the concept and elevate it in ways the founders likely never imagined. As community developer Jonathan Rhodes of King-Rhodes and Associates Real Estate noted, Americans of all ages are rediscovering the joys of small-town life. Those communities that can effectively partner their natural attractions with amenities, as Cherokee Village continues to do, hold enormous potential for the future.

“As I like to say, there are two fundamentals,” Rhodes said. “One

we just inherited, because of nature and because of what the original developer did. And two is amenities, the things that make this community a place where you want to retreat with family and with friends. Those things don’t change generation to generation.

“Our overall goal in community development is how do we do creative placemaking here and how do we bring growth here? My function in the last decade has really been to get our community refocused on thinking about longterm development. One of our opportunities is to take some of these assets, whether it’s the commercial town center or some other asset, and figure out a way to do creative placemaking so that we make sure that those centers of the community are vibrant and active.”

Rhodes has a long history with the place, as his family arrived in Cherokee Village in 1971. Jonathan’s father, Ron, joined the seminal real estate company, now known as King-Rhodes and Associates, in 1981. Jonathan Rhodes returned to town to work in the family business in 2012, and the company purchased the development rights and property to Cherokee Village about 10 years ago. Ever since then, the focus has been on creating quality of place to propel the community’s growth and development.

“When I came back in 2012, what I found here is a community that was still struggling to come out of the recession,” Rhodes said. “What’s happened over the last 10 years is the community started to rethink where it wanted to go. As a result, we’ve seen some gains in terms of new commercial businesses that have come to town.

“Then, something interesting happened, which was COVID-19. I think what COVID-19 did for small communities like Cherokee Village was it refocused a light on

Stunning lake views, golf shots galore and fun community events (opposite) come standard in the charming small town of Cherokee Village.

what we have here: an abundance of natural resources, nature, beauty, recreational amenities and small-town charm. It highlights places like ours as a destination to relocate whatever your age.”

The governance of the community is a mix of elected city officials (Cherokee Village incorporated in 1998) and an elected suburban improvement district or SID.

“We get to handle all the fun stuff,” said Betsy Waugh, general manager for the Cherokee Village SID. “We take care of the amenities, the fun things that people get to do when they are property owners or guests of property owners in Cherokee Village. We manage and maintain those items.”

The inventory of amenities the SID is responsible for include Cherokee Village’s two 18-hole golf courses, seven lakes, various parks and campgrounds as well as the Thunderbird Recreation Center.

“This year we started upgrades at our campground,” Waugh said. “Since COVID hit, camping has begun something huge all over the country and we were just not up to par with that. So, the last couple of years we’ve

been able to spend funds on upgrades so that we can accommodate the amperage on those bigger RVs. We also just did almost half a million dollars in renovations to our swimming pool at the Thunderbird Center.”

Cherokee Village was born in 1954 under the leadership of attorney-turned-developer John Cooper Sr. Originally of Earle, Arkansas, Cooper studied at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, the University of Arkansas and what was then called Southwestern, now Rhodes College, in Memphis. In 1927, he received a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law in Tennessee, the same year he and fellow Earle native E. C. “Took” Gathings became partners in a law practice.

Cooper represented insurance companies looking to refinance mortgages and he learned much about property titles. In time, he saw real estate as more lucrative than law. His idea for the as-yet unknown retirement community model came by recognizing the burgeoning mass of post-World War II retirees on the horizon and his own memories of childhood vacations on the Spring River near Hardy. Cherokee Village was constructed by

marrying those two elements and making it affordable enough for the average person to afford to live the vacation lifestyle year around.

“The national interstate system was being built and you had this first generation of folks who were going to retire with social security benefits,” Rhodes said. “When John Cooper looked at this new generation, this postWorld War II consumer generation, he saw that they were mobile and had the money to have a good retirement. He envisioned creating a place where they can come and buy in snd that’s what started Cherokee Village.”

Cooper formed the Cherokee Village Development Company to purchase land, divide those purchases into lots and construct homes to make Cherokee Village a reality. The concept, which originally envisioned families as well as retirees to help establish a generational population, was proven almost immediately. Less than a decade after opening, the development sought to buy more land, which it did through a property swap and improvement deal with the Memphis Boy Scouts Council to acquire its nearby summer campground Kia Kima. That and other transactions grew Cherokee Village to 13,500 acres by 1980.

In addition to housing, Cooper built lakes, golf courses, various community buildings, and water systems as amenities for residents. And almost from the beginning, the elder Cooper had his eye on other markets. He would clone his concept in Bella Vista (1965) before handing the company reins to his son, John Cooper Jr., in 1968. He remained active in the firm until 1989 and died in 1998.

“John Cooper [Sr.] started the first planned recreation community in Arkansas and the first of its kind in the nation. But he gets very little credit for it,” Rhodes said. “When you look at that generation of Walton and Tyson and Stephens and Hunt, Cooper was that generation. He was a little bit older than them, but he was blazing his own trail. All of the rest of those guys are very well known for what they did, but Cooper is probably the least known for the impact he had, not only on this industry but on the state of Arkansas.”

The younger Cooper took his father’s concept and ran with it, establishing Hot Springs Village (1970) and Sienna Lake in Pulaski County (2005) plus five more communities in Tennessee, South Carolina, Missouri and West Virigina between 1986 and 2004.

Whether full-time residents or as vacationers, Cherokee Village is becoming a favorite spot for young families.

“John Cooper [Sr.] started the first planned recreation community in Arkansas and the first of its kind in the nation.”

Chiropractic Health & Rehab

Pain and stiffness in the joints are very common as we get older. But given the activity level of today’s seniors is much higher than in past generations, the emphasis on retaining flexibility and minimizing post-workout pain has never been higher.

Dr. Bev Foster has been treating patients of all ages for more than 25 years. In that time, she’s steadily built a loyal clientele seeking – and getting –relief from common conditions as well as those who view her services as part of regular health and wellness.

“As people get older, the effects of activity, gravity, injury and stress create changes in the joint system,” she said. “The skeletal system is prone to aging just like the cardiovascular system, just like the brain. There are visible signs of aging in bones and joints and some of the signs of aging are compression or closing down of spaces between joints and changes in the shape, sometimes the density of the bone. All of these things can be called ‘wear and tear arthritis.’

“Fundamentally I see four types of patients. Many patients I see for the first time after they’ve had a fall, after they’ve lost mobility, or after they’ve had a fracture or spinal surgery. Another group is highly active; they’re sports-minded even in their senior years. We seek to really improve their game and keep them in the game. There are patients who are proactively maintaining their structure. And then there’s the group that simply waits until it hurts so bad they can’t stand it.”

Chiropractic Health & Rehab offers a wide range of services to meet patients’ individual needs. A few of these include cold laser therapy, spinal decompression, acupressure, electrical muscle stimulation and spinal manipulation.

“Where I come in is, I’m a mechanic. I deal mechanically and manually

with the neuromusculoskeletal system,” Foster said. “Keeping that person upright on two feet can be enormously beneficial in regard to the function of the heart, the lungs. When people are standing up straight, because their skeletal alignment is upright, we know that they live longer, statistically.

“Most people enjoy coming to see me because I really tailor the treatment to each patient. Sometimes all it takes is just a small shift or decompression of a joint to make a huge difference in an aging or injured elder.”

Chiropractic Health & Rehab

(501) 371-0152

drbevfoster.com

ty in-step with what current and potential residents demand. Rhodes said leadership tries to balance the original blueprint from which the community sprang with new ideas and thinking to broaden Cherokee Village’s appeal.

develop their lot, build a house, use it as a vacation home, pay it off, and then when they were ready to retire, this place would be ready for them.”

John

Rhodes said developing for the future doesn’t necessarily mean building more lakes or golf courses (in fact, there are no immediate plans to do either), but there are still plenty of things to consider to keep the communi-

“Cooper’s model was very interesting because he initially recruited younger people and families down here in the 1960s,” Rhodes said. “His original idea was what he called ‘graduated retirement.’ They would go out and recruit folks to come for a two-night/ three-day vacation and typically they were in their 30s and 40s.

“The idea was to get them here at a younger age when they were maybe starting their families or had young kids, and they would buy into the community. Over time, they’d

As a result, Cherokee Village’s population looked a lot different in the 1960s and 1970s than it did in the 1980s and 1990s when residents started to reach retirement age. At that time, leadership made the strategic error of backing off recruitment of younger prospective residents, which self-perpetuated a reputation for Cherokee Village as being “for old people only.” This was a turn-off to young families as well as baby boomers who, even as they’ve become seniors today, recoil at being called old. It’s a phenomenon Rhodes has worked hard to counteract.

“I don’t use the word ‘retiree’ a lot; what we use is ‘relocator,’” he said. “You know, when Cooper was developing here, the idea of retirement was you finished a 30-year career in a factory or somewhere, you came here with your pension and your social security, and you played golf six, seven days a week. And I think retirement looks very different today.

“The baby boomer generation thinks differently than the generation Cooper was marketing to. It’s a much more mobile generation, it’s a generation that is not necessarily sitting

Judges at the 2023 Arkansas Pie Festival take their instructions.

Cooper Jr. transitioned from president to CEO in 2002, a position he held until his death in 2013.

Tranquil scenes such as this appear nightly on the city’s clean, peaceful lakes.

or golfing every day. It’s a generation that may still want to work, that may want to do some part-time or contract work, may want to do a home-based business. As a community, I think it’s up to us to look at what we’re offering in a different way as well.”

This new attitude is on display in multiple ways in town. The community is finishing up a project funded by a National Endowment of the Arts Our Town grant, telling the history of the community back to Native American days. It’s also home to the Arkansas Pie Festival, which draws thousands to the community in spring, just one example of the power of tourism and event marketing as another pathway for future growth.

“We’ve got an eclipse task force together right now,” Waugh said. “We’re in one of the prime locations for next spring’s total eclipse.

SENIOR SERVICES SPOTLIGHT

We’ve put a task force together in our community with the city and SID and a lot of our emergency services and we are working together to get prepared to build something around that.”

Arkansas Surgical Hospital

Arkansas Surgical Hospital was founded in 2005 by surgeons seeking a more direct and rewarding experience for their patients. The hospital continues to be physician-owned, meaning surgeons are the decision-makers. This allows them to control their patients’ care at a greater level and have direct input over the best course of treatment.

“Our hospital is designed to provide an efficient environment to our physicians, which generates a convenient and safe experience for patients and their families,” said Brian Fowler, CEO.

The surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital have extensive experience, in specialties ranging from orthopedic and spine treatments to breast oncology and interventional pain management. No matter how involved a procedure is or what area of the body is affected, the goal of every surgeon is to help patients improve their quality of life so they can get back to doing the things they love.

Arkansas Surgical Hospital is one of the only 5-star hospitals in the state — ranking in the top five percent in the nation for patient experience. The hospital features 41 private patient suites and 13 state-of-the-art operating rooms. The physicians at Arkansas Surgical Hospital perform more joint replacement procedures than any other hospital in the state, while maintaining a lower-than average-infection rate.

Private suites, catered room service and spaces for loved ones to rest all complement the outstanding level of surgical and nursing care that patients receive.

“It’s a privilege to work in an organization with such expertise in areas that matter most to patients — quality care, cost efficiency and patient outcomes,” said Fowler.

To learn more about Arkansas Surgical Hospital and the orthopedic, spine and pain management procedures performed by its award-winning physicians, visit:

ArkSurgicalHospital.com.

Other projects also reflect the all-ages mentality, including day-to-day amenities that make it easier for people to both live and work here. Rhodes said the key is having the vision to start the process of building such amenities early enough to beat the competition, but not too far ahead of demand.

“We’re doing a lot of creative grassroots work, what we’re calling tactical ruralism. We see something in another community, and we look at how we can retrofit that for a rural community,” Rhodes said. “About eight years ago, we saw what was happening in Little Rock with the Technology Park and co-working spaces. We decided we wanted to figure out how to do a rural version of that.”

Although they couldn’t have anticipated the pandemic effect, leadership’s timing in opening the Spring River Innovation Hub in 2017 turned out to be perfect, right in step with the remote workplace revolution that would soon follow. Last year, per Statista.com, 46 percent of all U.S. workers worked exclusively at home or in a hybrid work arrangement.

“By the time COVID shined the light on working remotely in rural communities, we had already recognized how we needed to do something to accommodate that,” he said. “We got a Delta Regional Authority creative placemaking grant to help us create that space.”

Today, the center has become a focal point in the community for various programming and services, putting Cherokee Village on the radar of people who might have otherwise looked past moving here.

“The Spring River Innovation Hub has developed into a place where there could be some co-work space, where there is opportunity for small business development and networking,” Rhodes said. “We’ve showed folks

who are looking to relocate to places like this that they can work remotely, that we are a place where you can plug in and do all that.”

Rhodes said community amenities tend to work hand in hand. A potential resident might initially be attracted to the local out-

door recreation – lake, woods, golf, etc. –but require certain resources in order to do their job. This also applies to seniors looking to retire, but who want more to do than endless golf or fishing.

“Cooper wasn’t building trail systems and mountain biking trail systems,” Rhodes said. “Today, if you’re doing community development, you look at trail systems and biking in a way that they weren’t in the ’60s and ’70s. If you’re not talking about trail systems and mountain biking, you’re missing a major growth opportunity.”

The momentum of the last decade has put the community on a path to a very exciting future, Rhodes said, one that continues to accentuate the old with the new.

“Looking forward 10 years, I think we will remain very relevant,” he said. “People’s desire

to be in a place like this, with the natural beauty and the amenities that we have, is still there. We haven’t lost that, we just continue to build on it. So, I think in the next 10 years, there’s definitely room for growth here. There’s a lot of land, a lot of undeveloped lots. What we’d love to see is some very strategic, smart growth that speaks to current market demands.

“Even in an age where we’re totally digital and we’re connected in so many ways, that desire to go back to the land, to reconnect with nature and with each other on a personal basis doesn’t change. And arguably, it’s even more important now than ever. Cherokee Village today is kind of like an old house that has great bones, but it needs updating. You don’t tear down an old house with history and great bones, you just figure out a way to modernize it or improve it or make it relevant for today’s market. That’s this community.”

“The momentum of the last decade has put the community on a path to a very exciting future.”

Southern Hospitality & Community Banking

South Fork River & North Golf Course, Cherokee Village

Home, Sweet Home

Elder living options abound in Central Arkansas

By NICHOLE SINGLETON

As humans, we experience a multitude of changes in our lifespan with aging holding great significance both physically and mentally. The natural perception of aging is ascending during youth as children and adolescence yearn for adulthood, but starts descending as adulthood transitions closer to retirement.

It’s not uncommon for seniors to avoid entertaining the idea of retirement communities or assisted living altogether — a conversation oftentimes put to the side more than once because of the hesitations and reservations surrounding it.

“There is a natural hesitancy to move out of your home where you have lived for many years,” said Angela Hansard, The Manor Senior Living Community director of marketing. “Seniors don’t do well with change, and for that matter, I don’t think any of us do.”

According to Mark Hamby, resident and family services director at Baptist Health’s Parkway Village, this uneasiness typically stems from not understanding the concept of what retirement living is and therefore view it as “I’m going to a nursing home.” This is an assumption rooted in the fear of losing all control of one’s lifestyle held throughout their life and now those freedoms and the independence from that lifestyle are in jeopardy of no longer being available. Additionally, this reluctancy could also stem from the descending view of aging and the self-image

of feeling old.

In 2023, The Natural State offers plenty of options for seniors and their families in terms of retirement living and senior care that don’t threaten loss of freedoms or independence, but rather, benefit their quality of life. Independent living, assisted living, and even in-home care services are available right in the heart of Central Arkansas.

This is good news for Arkansans as our lifespans continue to trend upward with more people living longer. According to Hansard, The Manor is seeing residents who are five to seven years older enter assisted living compared to those they saw a decade ago. Parkway Village, who has a resident who is over 100 years old in independent living by herself, is experiencing similar aging trends.

“Some of the biggest trends I’ve seen, and I’ve been here 20 years, when I first came here the average move-in age was probably in the early-to-mid 70’s,” Hamby said. “Over the last 10 years, it crept up to more like 80, 82 [years old].”

As Arkansans continue to live longer, the trends of what seniors in a retirement community want stay consistent. According to Paige Beck, Parkway Village sales consultant, most don’t want to manage the upkeep of a home, but aren’t interested in living in a high-rise building either. The neighborhood atmosphere and freedom of personal living space is a

big contributor when they are exploring senior communities.

Parkway’s independent living residents can choose between apartment homes, cottages or villas that feature 12 different floor plans, ranging from 475 square feet to 2,400 square feet, with studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom living options. They also come with their own unique amenities including complete indoor and outdoor maintenance, fully equipped kitchens, outdoor patios and covered or garage parking.

“[The residents] are very independent,” Hamby said. “It’s just like they are living in their own home but they’re living on this campus and we’re taking care of all their housing needs for them.”

The Manor offers two-bed, two-bath townhomes at both their Little Rock and Benton locations that include a one-car garage, fully equipped kitchen and WiFi and streaming television. The Manor also handles all the lawn care and landscaping as well as repairs and maintenance for its residents.

The level of security for residents is always a big factor; at The Manor, each townhome is within a gated neighborhood and has its own security system. Parkway’s 90-acre Little Rock campus is fully enclosed and gated with security personnel on staff including a gate attendee 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Every visitor must enter the community by checking in at the gate first and will only be permitted with the approval of a resident or Parkway staff member.

“We have maintenance staff and security staff that meet the residents’ needs like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Beck said. “Everyone goes beyond the call of duty to help make residents feel comfortable. It’s really wonderful to hear when people call me for just that reason, because they know that they are going to be taken care of here.”

With living arrangements and security levels answered, residents turn their attention to the amenities and activities senior communities offer. According to Hansard, the three areas where expectations have risen are active social life, care and dining.

“Regarding amenities, [seniors] are looking to be close to their

Quality appliances, higher-end finishes and a neighborhood-like setting are atop many people’s wish list for senior living.

(Photos courtesy of Parkway Village.)

medical providers and to have a good assortment of activities, events and outings to remain vibrant and engaged,” Hansard said.

Both The Manor and Parkway Village offer an excellent array of amenities and activities that more and more seniors are gravitating toward. These include medical transport, exercise and wellness opportunities, emergency response systems, onsite salon and barber and a community theater. Parkway Village even offers fishing, an indoor heated pool, a convenience store, a dog park, and grooming parlor right on campus.

While activities are an obvious selling point for seniors, their families are equally concerned with the care communities will provide and can guarantee.

“Families want to know that their loved ones will be cared for and much of that revolves around communication and teamwork [between staff and families],” Hansard said. “Aging is at times a scary and arduous process requiring a lot of both hands-on support and a shoulder to lean on. I’d say that great activities, a safe environment and a worry-free lifestyle are what families want for their loved ones.”

Residents in assisted living need additional help or extra attention with daily activities of personal care, such as showering or dressing and medication management. The Manor offers chef-prepared meals, regu-

It’s not uncommon for seniors to avoid entertaining the idea of retirement communities or assisted living altogether.

lar wellness visits from a doctor or staff, medication management and an emergency response system in each apartment. Parkway Village offers its assisted living residents three daily meals, smaller size apartments, safety pull cords that call for staff help and has staff available 24/7 as well as a nurse in the building from early morning to late evening and a nurse on call overnight.

For residents who require even more attention or care, Parkway Village has two separate facilities on its campus dedicated to nursing care and memory care. Parkway Health Center offers 24-hour, licensed nursing care that is more in-depth than someone may get in assisted living. This facility features private and semi-private rooms with electric beds, an enclosed courtyard and secured exits.

The Ginny & Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center is licensed as an Assisted Living II facility and is certified as an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit. This facility offers enhanced memory care focused on dementia and provides a specialized program of activities for its residents. It is equipped with private one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, an emergency call system, a wander management system and staff especially trained for this kind of care who are onsite 24 hours. This includes a licensed nurse to administer and manage resident medications.

As any family that has done it knows, the hardest part of moving seniors into communities like Parkway Village or The Manor is having the conversation itself. Yet knowing when it’s time to ask for help, and the confidence to make that decision to move into senior living, are critical to the health of the elder and their loved ones .

“When you’re surrounded by all this stuff for years and that’s your routine every day, it’s all you know,” Beck said. “It’s a lot and it can really be overwhelming.”

According to Kim Clatworthy, owner of Elder Independence Home Care, a lot of times family members, spouses, or friends really don’t know what they need or how to even ask for help.

“I think a lot of times the change that’s involved with moving a family member is pretty daunting,” Clatworthy said. “Ideally people would like their family members to age in place and stay at home so when they find out there’s a resource for them to be able to do that it’s reassuring.”

Elder Independence allows seniors to stay within the comfort of their homes, an environment they have been accustomed to for so long, by bringing compassionate care to them with a trained staff of almost 100 caregivers and 24/7 services. With in-home care, Elder Independence understands the focus shouldn’t solely be on the needs of the pa-

tient but those of the family as well.

“They’re worried about the changes they are seeing with their family member not being able to do their normal activities and daily living independently,” Clatworthy said. “They’ll notice the house that used to be tidy is no longer tidy or the food that used to be prepared is not being prepared or bills aren’t being paid.”

Clatworthy said it’s important for her team to give people peace of mind that there are solutions for the challenges they’re facing when caring for their elderly loved ones. Since opening in Benton nearly 25 years ago, Elder Independence has provided quality in-home care over its main service areas, which in Central Arkansas includes Grant, Jefferson, Saline, Pulaski, Lonoke, Faulkner and Garland counties.

The type of care Elder provides covers the full spectrum of patient needs from non-medical care such as companionship, medicine management, meal preparation and housekeeping to short term transitional care, disability care, transportation services and after-surgery care.

Additionally, Elder Independence provides care and services that may not be as commonly addressed such as family support and respite care that offers support to family members who are serving as caretakers. Elder Independence also offers hospital sitter services when family members are hospitalized but still need a caretaker present. Other additional services include veteran care and Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

“Our goal is to offer solutions for families and help keep their loved ones as independent as possible and able to live their senior years in a dignified manner,” Clatworthy said. “We can plug them into all the solutions out there, whether it’s just home care or time to make the decision on assisted living.”

Regardless of where one is during their senior aging process, Central Arkansas is equipped with a variety of options to help meet a variety of individual needs. Many individuals look to communities for companionship and friendships especially for those who have lost spouses. Others are hesitant and wish to put off a major life change by bringing in home care.

Whatever the need, Parkway Village, The Manor and Elder Independence have the trained and dedicated staff to walk your family through each point of the process to find the option best for you and your loved ones.

“It’s nothing to hear when someone moves in [Parkway Village] and who’s been here for six months say something to the effect of ‘Gosh I wish I had done this years ago’,” Beck said.

Baby boomers aging in record numbers have senior living communities building rapidly to keep up with demand. (Photo courtesy of The Manor.)

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!

ACT YOUR AGE

HOBBIES AND TOYS TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR GOLDEN YEARS

By JOHN CALLAHAN

You’ve spent decades working hard and saving money. Whether retired or not quite fully, you finally have a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor and take it easy. The only question is, what are you going to do with all the time and savings you’ve got on your hands? Here’s a quick rundown of just a few of the options to help you enjoy this chapter of your life.

GOLF

Golf is often closely associated with retirement, and there’s a good reason for it: golf is just as much mental as it is physical and can be played regardless of age without the strain and risks of injury that come with more physically strenuous sports. Many golfers don’t begin the sport until they’re in their senior years, while someone who has been playing the game their whole life may find themselves growing better as they age and continue to gain experience. More-

over, it’s a good way for aging individuals to exercise and stay active while having fun and spending time with others.

But getting into the game takes more than picking out shiny new clubs, and the modern golf shop has much, much more to offer. Heights Golf is one such example, carrying all the gear you need plus custom fittings, training and a whole new way to enjoy golf.

“I’m ranked in Golf Diges t as one of the top teachers in the state,” said Jason McFarland, general manager. “So, if you need help learning how to play golf, whether you are a brand-new player or if you’ve been playing your whole life, I can find things that everyone needs to work on to be better at this game.

“From a fitting perspective, you can play golf forever, but your swing speed will get slower as you get older. Getting the right club shaft for the swing that you have currently is a major thing. I swing very fast, so I need a heavier, extra-stiff shaft. Most seniors swing slower and need a lighter shaft, but everybody’s different based on strength, how much you play golf and how long you’ve been playing golf. That’s why getting fitted is very important.”

McFarland noted that while some people who are just starting out do come in and buy top-of-the-line gear, there’s nothing wrong with getting a beginner’s kit. When you’re learning how to play, it might be better to have clubs that can be knocked around and banged up while you get the hang of things.

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of Heights Golf, however, is its two state-of-the-art TrackMan indoor golf simulators. Used for practice by top professional golfers, the simulators precisely track dozens of different data points, including club speed, face angle and club path, all while comparing your stats to top players around the world to show where you can improve. In addition to practice mode, you and your friends can play on 225 different courses – including regular spots for the PGA tour like Pebble Beach and Quail Hollow – as well as in game modes such as minigolf or “Magic Pond,” a game aimed at children to help get them excited about the sport.

Another major advantage is that once you rent one of the simulators, it’s yours until your time is up. On a golf course, many new golfers play more slowly than the expected pace and might hold up groups behind them, while a more experienced player might find themselves waiting for a group in front of them to finish. At a simulator, you can play at your own pace, be it two holes in two hours or two rounds.

“I think most beginning golfers should play 30 to 40 times before

they ever go onto a golf course,” McFarland said. “I want everybody to go outside and play golf and have fun. But there’s a lot of different things that you need to learn that get you to that point of having fun, because everybody has expectations to play well. And before you can play well, you have to practice, get lessons and learn things. It takes time, but golf is something you can do forever.”

GOLF CARS

Once you’ve got your new golfing set and you’ve honed your skills at the simulator, it’s time to head out to the course. To make getting around the course a little easier, you’ll be needing a golf cart – or rather, a golf car. As it turns out, while most people refer to the vehicles as carts, the American National Standards Institute considers the vehicles to be cars because they are self-propelled, while a true cart would be pushed or pulled by something else.

Whether you call them carts or cars, they aren’t by any means limited to golf – they’re a fully fledged form of transportation. As David Webb, general manager at Clear Creek Golf Cars in North Little Rock can attest, vast numbers of golf cars are used for just about everything under the sun that isn’t golf.

“We rent golf cars, we sell golf cars and we service golf cars,” Webb said. “We rent to War Memorial for graduations. They have eight high school graduations where they need to shuttle people around. We rent to Hendrix College for orientation and commencement. Halloween is a big rental time for us; neighborhood communities can load the kids in a six-passenger golf car and go around the neighborhood. And, of course, golf courses rent an enormous number for tournaments.”

Other rental clients include apartment complexes, shooting ranges and the Arkansas State Fair.

As for individuals who come in to buy golf cars for personal use, Webb estimates that only about 40 percent of them are actually planning to use them for golf, while the remaining 60 percent are purchased

David Webb, general manager of Clear Creek Golf Cars in North Little Rock, shows off a sporty red model.

(Photo by DeWaine Duncan)

“We rent golf cars, we sell golf cars and we service golf cars.”

for recreation or transport. Golf cars are extremely common in retirement communities where they provide an easy form of mobility assistance. People use them to ride around the neighborhood, go to the store, visit restaurants or even on farms to help take care of property and livestock. And as the uses for golf cars have expanded, the cars themselves have evolved.

“The big thing now is lithium,” Webb said. “You can still get fluid lead-acid batteries, but you have to keep those batteries watered and charged and they’re heavier. Lithium is lighter in weight, charges in half the time, you don’t have to water them and the battery is guaranteed for six years. A fluid lead-acid battery will diminish as the charge capacity goes down, but lithium batteries are going to perform at the same speed and acceleration whether they’re at 100 percent or 10 percent.”

Befitting the name of golf cars, some models have just about every feature you could expect from an actual car, from headlights and tail lights to Bluetooth speakers, two, four and six seats, blinkers, side mirrors and hazard lights. A few reach the point of becoming street legal, though they still cap out at around 25 miles per hour. Whether your needs call for a basic two-seater to carry your golf clubs or up to what basically amounts to a SUV, there’s something that will fit the bill.

MOTORCYCLES

While golf cars are all well and good, maybe you’re looking for something a bit on the wilder side – or at least something you can drive on the Interstate. If you prefer the thrum of a motor and the wind on your face as you cruise down the highway, a motorcycle is hard to beat. Rich Richards of Richards Honda-Yamaha knows that well; as the fourth generation of a family business, he’s lived at his dealership in Little Rock longer than any house he’s ever been in.

“I’ve seen people get involved in [riding motorcycles] when they were a youth and now they’re in their 60s and 70s and still riding,” Rich-

ards said. “It’s as much a hobby as it is a passion. I’m not going to say it’s something to do. It’s almost a way of life.”

Most older motorcyclists have been riding for decades, but Richards explained that there are still some who come in having never ridden a motorcycle before, hoping to cross it off their bucket list. Others have a list of places they’d like to visit now that retirement has given them the time to do so, and they want to experience that journey on a motorcycle.

Touring motorcycles such as the Honda Goldwing are specifically designed for those sorts of long-haul journeys – Richards described them as “a rolling sofa on two wheels.” Powerful motors, bigger gas tanks, luggage space and comfortable seating for coast-to-coast rides are the telltale signs of a touring bike, and many newer models come with amenities such as GPS, stereo systems and Bluetooth. Of course, all of these features also pack on a lot of weight, meaning a touring bike isn’t as nimble as most other options.

“In some ways we’re seeing, I don’t know if de-evolution is the right word, but we’re seeing some motorcycles like the Rebel 500 become popular for the fact that a lot of the guys with big bikes are wanting to

Today’s golf cars run the gamut from basic to loaded with extras (above). (Photo by DeWaine Duncan) For something zippier, a four-wheeler is always a good choice (right).

(Photo by Drew Harris)

move to something simpler,” Richards said. “They want to step down to something lighter, more nimble, more basic, to where all they’ve got to do is focus on the road in front of them and not deal with all of the amenities around them. They’re going back to peanut butter and jelly.”

While some veterans turn to the stripped-down experience of a simpler bike, the same options might be good for an inexperienced rider, as a heavier, more powerful bike is harder to manage and might get away from them. Richards noted that many motorcycle manufacturers have been producing more entry-level machines lately in an effort to attract younger riders, so it’s a good time to get started.

It would be remiss not to mention safety. Motorcycles can be significantly more dangerous than cars, so make sure you’re properly licensed and get accustomed to your vehicle in a controlled environment before taking it out on a busy road. Always wear the proper safety equipment and drive responsibly.

TRAVEL

A golf car can carry you around the neighborhood and a motorcycle can take you across the country, but then there are destinations that you can’t get to on wheels. There’s an entire world out there, rich with countless sights, sounds, cultures and experiences, and there’s never going to be a better time to go see and experience it. Cindy Minor, president of Small World Big Fun Travel, is an expert in helping people figure out where they should go next.

“When you’re in this stage of life, travel looks different from how it did when you were in your 20s, 30s or 40s,” Minor said. “There is a desire for ease and comfort. We’re not here to do this necessarily in the most inexpensive way, and we aren’t talking about hostels and backpacking across Europe.”

There are more than a few different ways to travel, but Minor’s number one recommendation for older clients is river cruises. On these cruises, ease and comfort is the name of the game. Just pack your bags, hop on the plane and show up. You only need to unpack once; from that point on, everything else is taken care of. And while a river cruise might not have the tropical feel of an ocean-going cruise ship, they do provide a much more intimate experience, with perhaps 150 people aboard a ship instead of thousands.

Another advantage to river cruises are the possible destinations. Rivers can take you to the heart of a country, to great capitals like Paris, Vienna and Budapest, but they can also take you to some of the smaller cities and villages where the culture of a nation really shines. One of Minor’s favorites is Regensburg, a city in southern Germany along the Danube River. Largely spared the destruction of World War II, the city is famous for its medieval old town and is home to a restaurant that has continuously been in operation since the 1300s.

Other destinations easily experienced by river include much of southeastern Europe, Egypt and Vietnam. The United Kingdom, likewise, is accessible through an extensive network of canals that were crucial during the Industrial Revolution. Though their economic importance has faded with time, many of the “narrow boats” that navigate the canals have been converted into cruising hotels capable of traveling through much of the English countryside.

Whether or not you decide that a cruise is the right choice for you, Minor offered a few steps for figuring out where you want to travel overseas:

Check if your passport is still valid. This point cannot be emphasized enough. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at

“[Motorcycling] is almost a way of life.” Rich Richards of Richards

least six months beyond the date at which you enter the country, and even the expedited process for obtaining a new one can take from eight to 12 weeks. Check, check and double check. Dream big, plan early.

“Start making your bucket list and get an idea of what sounds good to you,” Minor said. “Do you want to see the northern lights? Do you want to see the Eiffel Tower? Do you want to tour vineyards in the south of France?”

Enlist a professional. “Call your trusted travel agent and say, ‘Here’s what I’m thinking about,’” Minor said. “Your travel agent is going to be able to say, ‘OK, let’s take a look at that bucket list and let’s make a plan for how to check those off your list.’ Your travel advisor is there for you, like your financial adviser. That’s our job.

“Once you’ve got some ideas about how you want to prioritize your bucket list, we can start talking about where, when and how much does that cost? And if your dates are flexible, maybe you want to go in October instead of June and save a little bit of money. If you really need to see the tulips in Holland, well, there’s a six-week window when you can get in and see that, so we can help you figure out how best to do that.”

Minor also strongly recommends travel insurance.

“When you buy a refrigerator, do you get insurance on the refrigerator? Everybody’s got an opinion on that,” Minor said. “This is different. And there’s trip insurance that covers cancellation, but that’s different.”

While travel insurance can cover cancellations that otherwise would not be refundable, it can also cover numerous other costly eventualities such as medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost baggage or belongings and rental car damage.

Minor’s final recommendation is to not let fear of the cost stop you from seeing the world.

“Yes, certainly, you can spend literally hundreds of thousands of dollars on the most fantastic villas and private cruises. You can spend the money if you want to,” she said. “But I think a lot of people need to understand that travel can be more affordable than you think. One of the things I hear people say is that airfare costs so much. Yes, it does, but what’s the reward at the end of that? I would prefer to be able to have space and lie flat [on a flight], but maybe first-class is not the best use of your funds.

“There are so many fabulous things to experience at a time of life where you’ve earned it, where you have the means, the time and the desire to go. So, don’t let the fear of what it costs stop you. Don’t let the fear of a 10-hour over-water flight stop you. Because if I’ve learned anything at this stage of my life, it’s that we shouldn’t make decisions out of fear. I want to go and experience those things at a time in my life that I can still enjoy them and make those memories.”

Honda-Yamaha in Little Rock.

(Photo by Drew Harris)

POPLAR GROVE IS ELDER CARE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME.

The Greenhouse Cottages of Poplar Grove is long-term care reimagined. Each community is centered around loving homes where elders are supported by quality care, have day-today freedom, and positive relationships are nurtured. In each cottage you will find 12 private, spacious rooms, each with its own private bathroom. This model allows a higher staff-to-elder ratio, providing the direct care and attention they need to thrive. Poplar Grove is conveniently located in West Little Rock so your loved one can get the customized long-term or short-term care they need, close to home.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POPLAR GROVE.

Administrator Carnail Williams with elder, Ms. Louise

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.

Shining Light Tragedy Through

ARORA Transforms Lives Through Organ, Tissue Donation

By KELLI REEP

Two drivers, both preoccupied with the day’s responsibilities and rushing to get to them, collide in a tragic motor vehicle accident. The toddler boy in one of the cars does not survive the wreck.

For the people who loved him, this would be the worst day of their lives.

A husband pulls into the circle drive of the dialysis center so he can drop off his wife for treatment. This appointment has been added to the growing and shifting list of medical appointments the couple have faced together. It began when they discovered the wife had cancer, which through rigorous and brutal chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she was able to conquer. However, that same treatment rendered her with end-stage renal disease, making dialysis a necessity of living unless she receives a kidney transplant.

For her and the people who love her, this would be the best day of their lives.

Arkansas Regional Recovery Agency (ARORA) experiences this situation every day, and the organization’s purpose is to transform heart break into something the grieving and the waiting can celebrate.

“We work to find light in the darkness of tragedy,” said Matthew Ellison, manager of organ recovery at ARORA. “As health care providers, we see what families go through when they are on wait lists for organs, and we see what families go through when they are deciding whether their loved one should be a donor. It is never easy for either family, and we do everything we can to make that process for both as clear and uncomplicated as possible.”

ARORA was established in 1987 as a nonprofit, accredited organ procurement agency. Serving 64 counties across the state, ARORA is headquartered in Little Rock and has a satellite office in Northwest Arkansas. The agency’s mission is to restore lives through recovery of organs and tissue for transplant. There are three transplant centers in Arkansas: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Baptist Health.

About 300 Arkansans are on the transplant waiting list, but only 62 percent of the state’s eligible residents are registered. In the United States, more than 100,000 people are on the national waiting list for organ transplant, and another citizen is added to this list every nine minutes. According to ARORA, 6,000 people die each year because the organs for which they are waiting are not donated in time to save them.

“My dad needed a kidney transplant, and I decided, as a nurse, to come to ARORA because I may not have been able to get him the kidney he needed, but I could help some other daughter save her father,” said Hailey Beights, hospital clinical coordinator with ARORA.

The advances in organ recovery and donation have progressed greatly over the past century. The recovery process is highly regulated, detailed and advanced. However, the lifesaving capabilities of a donor have far-reaching results. The process for organ donation begins with the donors themselves.

“There is a selflessness and sense of generosity organ and tissue donors have when they or their loved ones decide to become donors,” Ellison said. “The gift they are giving doesn’t just save one person’s life – it affects the entire community.”

The organ donation process begins with the donor. Because ARORA is part of a multidisciplinary team of health care providers, the agency will be alerted from hospitals if a patient in the hospital’s care is moving toward end of life care.

“There is a regulatory requirement for hospitals to notify

us,” Ellison said. “We then stay apprised of how the patient is doing with the hospital team. However, we do not speak to the patient or the family unless they express interest in organ donation, and we have no input over patient care before they pass. We only speak to the family when the patient is deceased, the patient’s family is ending terminal care, or the family initiates the conversation about organ donation.”

If the patient is already a registered organ donor, has agreed to become one in end-of-life care, or the family agrees he or she can donate their organs and tissues when the patient is declared brain dead, ARORA’s clinical team then assumes the patient’s care.

“If a patient is declared brain dead, and he or she is a registered organ donor, ARORA talks with the patient’s family about their wishes,” said Jenny Jalisko, director of organ recovery at ARORA. “If the patient is not an organ donor, but the family wants he or she to be, we are brought in to discuss what that involves and how it works. If the family does not initiate the conversation, we do not approach them. Organ donation is strictly up to the donor and family.”

Once ARORA’s critical care team assumes care for the patient, they work to maintain the patient and optimize organs and tissue for the donation process. This process can take days.

“It’s during this time we care for two patients: the donor patient and the receiving patient,” Ellison said. “We run diagnostic testing to look at all organs and tissues to see how they are functioning.”

During this time, data from the donor patient is entered into a national database, United Network for Organ Sharing. This database uses the donor’s data to match with transplant recipients throughout the country. The algorithm in this database assures a fair and equal process for the prospective receiving patient.

“ARORA has no say or participation in who is chosen for organ or tissue transplants,” Jalisko said. “Every organ has its own list, and factored into that are things like distance, health of the recipient, blood type, etc.”

“We work to find a recipient for every organ and tissue donated,” Ellison said. “All organs and tissue are recovered at one time, and depending on where the recipient lives, his or her transplant team may fly in to accept the donation and fly right back out to perform the transplant procedure.”

The heart, liver and pancreas can go to three different recipients, and the lungs and kidneys are distributed to four individuals (a transplant recipient can receive only one lung or kidney from a pair, not both). In addition to these organs, eyes and tissues such as skin, bone, tendons, blood vessels, heart valves, bone marrow, pericardium and spine also can be recovered and provided to patients in need.

“The organs a donor gives can touch hundreds of lives,” Jalisko said. “The tissues can touch even more, and with advances in this field, more people are eligible to be donors, which allows more people on the transplant waiting list to receive life-saving care.”

Corneas from donor eyes can restore a person’s sight. Tendons can replace

Matt Ellison

Hailey Beights Jenny Jalisko

“The organs a donor gives can touch hundreds of lives. The tissues can touch even more, and with advances in this field, more people are eligible to be donors, which allows more people on the transplant waiting list to receive life-saving care.”

“I find comfort to know that my son still lives on.” Ruby and Alejandro Roa donated their son Alexander’s organs, saving another preschooler’s life.

those torn in a person’s knees, hips, elbows or shoulders so they can heal, be free from pain and return to an active lifestyle. Skin is used in grafts for burns or cancer wounds, hernia repairs, tissue expansion such as in breast reconstruction, flap surgery for cleft lip or palate, birthmarks, pressure ulcers, carpal tunnel syndrome and more.

“Bone and spines are vital for correcting spinal deformities in children and in some hip replacements,” Ellison said. “The ways organs and tissues can help people who need them make such a positive impact on their lives. Advancements in donation technology and care is making it where almost anyone can be an eligible candidate. In fact, we recently had an 80-year-old donor whose gift helped a cancer patient. There are ways tissues will be used next year that the health care community never even considered this year.”

What drew Beights, Ellison and Jalisko to work for ARORA was a shared commitment to helping people in their darkest moments. ARORA is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year, because the team never knows when organs may become available for transplant. With a 24-hour call center and 24-hour shifts, the team knows there is always an expert available who can help problem-solve or answer questions.

“We are among the most highly professional and highly skilled people in the medical field, in my opinion,” Ellison said. “We all have one mission in mind when we come to work each day: help both the donor and the recipient. When it comes to families, we have teams who work with them before they make the decision to donate and after their loved one has died, because their care is just as important.

“A lot of times, families find donating their loved one’s organs and tissues helps in the grieving process. That is a remarkable way of looking at how the worst day of their lives helped another family heal. It is nothing short of a miracle.”

For Ruby and Alejandro Roa, their son, Alexander, was a gift they had been praying for. His mom said he loved dancing, Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story, and to spend time outside whether it was at the park, on a swing or in the hammock at his grandmother’s house.

It was a typical weekday morning when Alejandro left for work and Ruby and Alexander were leaving for the babysitter. The motor vehicle accident that happened that morning changed their lives forever. Because of the severity of his injuries, Alexander and his family were flown to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Ruby and Alejandro were told to prepare for their final moments with their son.

ARORA came in to meet with the couple about organ donation, telling

them the lifesaving way Alexander’s organs could help those waiting for transplants. The Roas made the difficult decision to donate Alexander’s heart and kidneys.

“ARORA was very supportive throughout the process,” Ruby said. “We had happiness to know that Alexander saved a preschool-aged child. He saved someone that maybe was not going to [otherwise] make it, and he was able to give those people the gift of life again.”

“We decided that by giving, we could help save another person’s life,” Alejandro said. “And know that our little one is in another person and that he will not be completely gone.

“I find comfort to know that my son still lives on,” Ruby said. “So as difficult that this journey may be, just knowing that ARORA is always going to be there for you, whether it’s a phone call or sending you letters on holidays or on the anniversary date, they are always going to be here every step of the way to help you with your grieving.”

There are several ways to become an organ and tissue donor. Visit arora.org/donatelife/ to complete a form online, or if not in Arkansas, visit donatelife.net. When renewing your driver’s license or obtaining a state ID card, choose to become an organ donor. You also can write ARORA at 1300 Wilson Road, Little Rock, AR 72205 or call 501-907-9150 for information on how to become a donor.

This side of SEVEN

– By Jason Pederson

THE UNIVERSITY OF AT ARKANSAS TEXAS

If current trends hold, this fall the freshman class at the University of Arkansas may include more students from Texas than from Arkansas.

That doesn’t surprise me. Our daughter lives in Fayetteville, and when I visit. I like to take her dog, Rory, for a walk. While strolling through the parking lot of a nearby apartment complex (The Vue on Stadium Drive), I can’t help but notice all the Texas license plates on vehicles parked outside.

The Vue is a new complex, and the north-facing units offer a great view of Razorback Stadium, Bud Walton Arena, Old Main and much of the University of Arkansas campus. It is one of several complexes close to campus that are used to house freshmen because there is not enough room in the residence halls to accommodate record-breaking enrollment.

This tipping point between Arkansas freshman versus Texas freshman almost happened last year. On the 11th day of the 202223 fall semester, which is when headcount is taken, there were 2,799 degree-seeking new freshmen from the state of Arkansas and 2,565 from the state of Texas. The year before the numbers were 2,615 to 2,014, respectively, and the year before that 2,452 to 1,341.

There has always been a healthy presence of Texans on the U of A campus, but up until five or six years ago, the freshman class ratio was generally two Arkansas students for every one Texas student. Now it is nearly 1:1.

I moved to Arkansas 30 years ago, shortly after the Razorbacks moved to the SEC. My first exposure to the intense dislike that Hog fans have towards the Longhorns was the 2000 Cotton Bowl. The first college football game of a new century produced a 27-6 beatdown of Texas, and the fan excitement was on par with the celebration following the 1994 basketball national championship.

To Razorback fans, especially fans over 50, this rivalry with Texas is different. And it will soon be a rivalry renewed when the University of Texas-Austin joins the SEC. So, news that The Hill is being overrun by students from Texas, of all states, might be unsettling to some.

But if you are an Arkansas native who is enrolled at the U of A, you might want to thank your Lone Star classmates. That’s because while in-state students paid $7,660 in tuition per semester last year, out-of-state students from Texas and elsewhere paid $25,420 for the same education. Apply those rates to last year’s freshman class, and Arkansas students paid about $48 million in tuition, while their 18-year-old classmates from Texas paid about $154 million. This is not exact, as scholarships lower the overall costs on both sides. But regardless, Texas parents are helping to keep college more affordable for Arkansas parents.

The rise in out-of-state students is a fairly new and very intentional phenomenon, especially among land-grant universities. These colleges were established following the passage of the Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862. It allowed for the acquisition of what was previously largely Indigenous land and allowed each state to create colleges that would “benefit the agricultural and mechanical arts.” (That is where the “A&M” in Texas A&M, another land-grant college, comes from.)

The Morrill Act made each state responsible for the education of its citizens. The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville was founded under the Morrill Act in 1871, around the same time as many other state flagship universities.

While many states have multiple major universities (i.e. Oklahoma/Oklahoma State, Alabama/Auburn, Ole Miss/Mississippi State, etc.), for purposes of this article, I am going to

look at what has been happening at six other public land-grant research universities that, like Arkansas, are their state’s lone flagship institution: Louisiana (LSU), Tennessee (UT-Knoxville), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) , Missouri (MU), Minnesota (UM) and Wisconsin (UW-Madison).

Minnesota and Wisconsin have a reciprocity agreement. So, while the University of Minnesota enrolled about 6,700 new freshmen last fall, the vast majority are from Minnesota and Wisconsin (meaning they pay less). Which might explain the 3.5 percent tuition hike this year, and why the U-M system is now asking the state legislature for $300 million dollars, in part to help make up for a tuition shortfall.

Wisconsin welcomed 8,628 freshmen — its largest incoming class ever. But only 44 percent hail from the Badger State. UW-Madison is required to enroll a minimum of 3,600 in-state students annually. Prior to 2015, the state imposed a cap of 27.5 percent on out-of-state students. The cap was lifted that year, and the surge in out-of-state students since has allowed in-state tuition to remain constant for a decade ($9,273/semester). However, out-of-state students are paying more than four times that much ($37,904/semester last year).

At Nebraska’s flagship university, less than one-third of undergraduate students come from out-of-state; as UNL Public Affairs Director Leslie Reed puts it, “As Nebraska is a landgrant institution, UNL prioritizes Nebraska and Nebraskans.” Still, recent declines in enrollment has UNL working to recruit students beyond the Cornhusker State’s borders, students who would pay $24,900/semester in tuition as opposed to $7,770. Like its Big Ten brethren, UNL is dealing with a $13 million dollar budget shortfall this academic year on the heels of a $10.7 million dollar shortfall in 2021-22.

Missouri, LSU and Tennessee don’t have that problem. Mizzou enrolled over 5,000 new freshmen in 2022-23 (up 2.7 percent); 6,785 freshmen arrived on Rocky Top last fall (up 14 percent); and LSU welcomed a record 7,637 new students (up 8.5 percent). Five years ago, out-of-state students at LSU comprised 18 percent of the undergraduate student body. That total is now approaching 33 percent.

The record growth at Tennessee has become too much. As a Feb. 2023 press release from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions noted, “To deliver the best Volunteer experience for all students across all four years in course offerings, residential experience and student life, UT will reduce the size of its first-year class and enroll fewer students than last fall.” Undergraduate students have been complaining about housing, parking, class sizes and other aspects of a crowded campus life created by a 10-year trend of growth in freshman class sizes.

The in-state freshmen representation at Mizzou, LSU and Tennessee last school year ranged from 67 percent to 69 percent. Minnesota and Nebraska both topped 70 percent, while fellow land-grant institutions Wisconsin (45 percent) and Arkansas (43 percent) are much lower, drawing from nearby, heavily populated states (Texas and Illinois). But Madison enrolls four times as many Wisconsinites as Illinoyers. Again, Arkansas is approaching a 1:1 ratio with Texas.

“For the last 20 years, nearly every flagship university in the U.S. has been decreasing its share of in-state students and enrolling more students from out of state, a phenomenon I call ‘The Great Student Swap.’ So begins a report for the Brookings Institute authored by Aaron Klein and published in September 2022. Klein finds that over the past 20 years, the University of Arkansas and 20 other flagship universities have reduced the number of in-state students enrolled by over 50 percent. Klein points out that while this has increased university tuition revenue, it has also driven up student debt.

Balancing a budget involves cutting costs or increasing revenue. Lowering salaries, eliminating positions or abandoning the arms race of newer and fancier facilities are unpopular options, so the pressure to increase revenue remains constant. Klein hypothesizes that adding more out-of-state students can irritate in-state politicians who in turn reduce state funding, which in turn necessitates adding more out-of-state students, creating a vicious cycle. He says a “virtuous cycle” exists in North Carolina, where out-of-state freshman enrollment at UNC-Chapel Hill and most other public state universities is capped at 18 percent. Government support for those universities remains strong.

Where do all of those Texas license plates wind up after graduation day? The Dallas-area Razorback Club is among the largest, so my guess is the vast majority put the education they gained in Arkansas to use in their home state of Texas. In a state desperate to improve the quality of its workforce, that is a concern. The university and economy of Northwest Arkansas benefits from the time Texas students spend in Arkansas, but not so much the state as a whole.

Plus, we don’t need divided loyalties in the student section when the Longhorns come to town.

What we will need is the biblical advice shared in the books of Matthew, Luke, Proverbs and elsewhere: Love your enemies.

JASON PEDERSON

For two decades, Jason Pederson served as KATV-Channel 7’s Seven On Your Side reporter. Now on the other “side” of his award-winning time on the news, he now serves as Deputy Chief of Community Engagement for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. His perspective-filled and thought-provoking column, “This Side of Seven,” publishes exclusively in AY About You magazine monthly.

MURDER MYSTERY: Badd Barbie

– By Sarah Russell –

Badd Barbie – that’s what she was called on her Instagram fan page. She loved that name. She thought it suited her. The judge thought so too. On Jan. 13 of this year, Kelsey Ingram Turner was sentenced to 10 to 25 years on charges of second-degree murder. The blonde from Jonesboro had always wanted to be in the headlines. Now she was – she and Dr. Thomas Burchard.

Los Angeles, 2017: Kelsey Turner is hunting fame as an Instagram model. Using social media to gain exposure, such models post their photos online, the objective being to earn the largest number of viewers possible. With 100,000 of the latter, Kelsey showed the potential to reach the financially lucrative Instagram levels. When she wasn’t creating content to post, she did lingerie and swimsuit modeling, even a few acting gigs.

Once she bought herself a set of enhancements, her modeling jobs narrowed to a specific genre: men’s magazines. In Italia Playboy, Maxim, Dream Vixen, Kelsey showed a side of herself most of Jonesboro had never seen. Online, she carefully crafted an image of a very successful and glamourous model, while the truth was, she had two kids and was a 24-year-old double divorcee with no steady income. Badd Barbie lived in a world of smoke and mirrors. Then he came along – this man who knew about public perception and the art of illusion.

Thomas Burchard’s membership in Los Angeles’ exclusive Magic Castle acknowledged his status among the most acclaimed magicians in the world. It was, however, at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula that the 7l-year-old child psychiatrist worked his greatest magic. Among patients, parents and colleagues, Dr. Burchard was beloved. And he loved them right back, too, refusing to retire after 40 years

in practice because he simply couldn’t bear to.

Burchard rarely spent money on himself. Inevitably attired in khaki pants, a white button-down shirt and bow tie, he was a familiar figure at the big-box stores, loading up his cart with food, clothing and other necessities for the needy. He seemed particularly touched by struggling single moms, so much so that his friends teased him about his “damaged-women syndrome.”

Burchard too was online visiting sites that would have shocked his colleagues. Badd Barbie was, she told him, a young mother just trying to get back on her feet. But, as a cop later wryly noted, it wasn’t her feet she was photographing and sending Burchard pictures of. Just like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Badd Barbie worked her magic, and his money started to disappear.

The pornography, he told his partner, Judy Earp, was a harmless fantasy, and as offensive as she had found it, she accepted this as truth. After moving to the Monterey area, the intelligent Judy had for 17 years blended well into Burchard’s life. Now Badd Barbie was about to make the same move.

Cops and texts would later confirm the good doctor and Badd Barbie soon embarked on a “transactional relationship.” They both had, it seems, a shadow life, but even by that standard, the setting for the relationship was odd, particularly for Badd Barbie.

Salinas, an agricultural community within the Monterey Peninsula, was hundreds of miles from L.A. Such a move would hardly be a career advance for a girl used to the cameras. And why Burchard? If she needed a man’s money, Los Angeles was an epicenter of wealthy men. Perhaps Burchard and his prescription pad offered what others couldn’t? There was at least one addiction among the two of them. Kelsey was like heroin to him, he told a buddy, firmly adding they were going to build a life together.

Meanwhile, Judy had found Kelsey’s lease, co-signed by Burchard. Kelsey, her mother and kids were now in quite the nice neighborhood, and the neighbors, as she soon learned, intended to keep it that way. Soon the disturbance calls made her house a well-known address to cops. Judy also discovered that huge amounts of money were disappearing from the couple’s account, at an alarming rate.

In the latter part of 2018, Judy was approached by a social worker. Concerns had been expressed – perhaps from colleagues – that Burchard was in the early stages of dementia. The visit confirmed what Judy had already begun to suspect. Things would have to change for his protection and maybe Judy’s as well. Kelsey’s online taunting of her had become

Dr. Thomas Burchard

unnerving.

Her ultimatum was simple: One woman or the other, permanently. Thinking Vegas would be a carrot for Kelsey, Judy suggested Burchard move her there. Kelsey responded by threatening to kill Judy. Badd Barbie didn’t like to lose control, but move she did.

The first of March 2019, Burchard pulled a disappearing act, only letting Judy know his location once he was in Vegas. Kelsey was such a consummate liar, he just had to see for himself, he said. Had he found out that Kelsey had helped herself to a relocation package worth $300,000 by using his passwords and computer-generated checks? Or was he a man in need of his fix, even as he vowed to Judy he was merely getting to the bottom of things?

Burchard showed up unannounced at Kelsey’s house situated on Puritan Lane. Although he had paid the rent on the place through June, it seems he wasn’t aware that, in addition to Kelsey and her son, there were two roommates. Or that Logan Kennison, an ex-gangster, was on premises, sporting a new tattoo of Kelsey’s name. Badd Barbie was now having a bad moment.

Burchard used Kelsey’s Mercedes – seemingly the only car among them – to take a roommate’s beautiful blonde girlfriend to the store, and trouble started. A territorial Kelsey ranted until the girl upon her return made a quick exit by taxi.

The next ride generated more anger. Living in the house rent-free as a nanny was another roommate, Diana Pena. Burchard and Kelsey went to pick her up after she finished her bartending shift at one of the casinos. On the way back, Kelsey took Burchard’s phone to use the GPS. She found more than directions; including texts between Burchard and Kelsey’s mother about the welfare of the son. Kelsey saw this as threatening her custody. He tried to calm her, but she answered with fists.

Back at the house, the air was thickening with Kelsey’s rage, to the extent that Diana asked a friend to take the child for the night. Kelsey now began to yell about there being child porn on Burchard’s phone. Her tone was one of extortion. He knew it wasn’t true, but any hint of such would ruin his life.

Diana said he seemed more confused than anything, emphasizing to no avail that he loved Kelsey. He didn’t understand, he said, why she was doing this. But Badd Barbie wasn’t letting go of it. Burchard went to an upstairs bedroom slamming the door in frustration, Kennison right behind him. Thus began Burchard’s final disappearing act.

When you get a call about the Lake Mead area, a Vegas detective later said, you know it’s not going to be natural death, it’s murder. North of Vegas, it’s a desolate, hostile desert location that can harbor a body for

years. No such luck for Badd Barbie. Located in the first week of March, that abandoned Mercedes sang like a canary. The interior revealed blood splatter as well as an attempt to start a fire to destroy evidence. The trunk held everything from the crime scene – latex gloves, blood-soaked towels, and a baseball bat. Underneath all that was the deceased doctor.

The VIN number and the license plate quickly identified Kelsey as the car’s owner, and detectives soon connected Kelsey’s address to several welfare checks. A missing person’s report had been filed by a California woman. Dr. Thomas Burchard had been found, and Badd Barbie was gaining fame by the moment. But upon arrival, the cops found the house empty, and they made Kelsey, Diana and Kennison the subjects of a nationwide manhunt.

It wasn’t much of a search. The FBI and the Las Vegas police tracked Kelsey, still with her son, to Stockton, California. A terrified but still alive witness to the crime, Diana Pena, turned herself in to the Las Vegas police. The ex-gangster was found at his mom’s house.

Kelsey wasn’t talking, and while Kennison implicated Diana, her statements and the evidence countered. Kelsey, Diana told cops, was the instigator of Kennison’s beatdown of Burchard with a baseball bat. In an attempt to survive, the stunned but still coherent Burchard tried to bargain for his life. Take him to the hospital; he’d tell them he had been mugged. He willingly got in the backseat of the car, but he was pistol-whipped to death before it ever left the garage, hence the interior blood. The brutality was such that Judy wasn’t able to view the body.

Kennison is now doing 18 to 45 years in prison. For Diana’s cooperation and lack of involvement in the attacks, she served no time. And Badd Barbie had one more trick up her sleeve – she was pregnant.

Defiantly refusing to name the father, Kelsey got further attention by playing to the cameras at every opportunity. After the birth of the child, she took an Alford plea, a legal maneuver whereby the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the evidence is such that a guilty verdict was likely inevitable should the case go to trial. It will be years before she has the possibility of being paroled from her North Las Vegas jail.

And the others? Judy lost Burchard and everything else, having been taken for savings in excess of $750,000. She wasn’t even left with a car. Kelsey’s father had to set up a Go Fund Me to cover her legal fees, but since then, it’s been pretty much crickets from Jonesboro, including from the local media. One local explained that it is out of concern for Kelsey’s children – two now in Arkansas and one in California – all believed to be with family. Badd Barbie, meanwhile, is still out there on the Internet. She has, after all, become infamous in her life of smoke and mirrors.

Logan Kennison

Diana Pena

Kelsey Turner

Chiggers

By Joe David Rice

Chiggers clearly favor the soft, nether regions of our skin – the very places your momma told you to never, ever scratch in public. But if you’re covered in chigger bites, ignoring that maternal advice may be the least of your worries.

Adult chiggers, which are a form of mite, pose no threat to human health. It’s the parasitic actions of their larvae – about 1/5th the size of the period at the end of this sentence – which can cause even the most refined and cultured among us to wildly scratch those inappropriate spots and make profane utterances.

Throughout the spring, sum mer, and fall months, adult female chiggers deposit eggs nearly every day. With the exception of deserts and swamps, almost every other kind of terrain seems conducive to chigger propagation. Woodlands, stream banks, lake shorelines, trails, meadows, forests, pastures, blackberry patches, orchards, and the like are ready-made habitat for these vile creatures. Hot and dry conditions will temporarily discourage the voracious larvae, while overcast and humid days apparently offer opti mum opportunities for feasting.

The larvae aren’t necessarily predisposed to attacking humans. Their preferred hosts are typically unfor tunate lizards, snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals. But those larvae that alight on the skin of large mammals known as humans get right to work searching for food. Contrary to our usual assumptions, chigger larvae don’t actually bite us but do something far more disgusting: they insert their mouth-like appendages into desirable feeding sites, such as hair follicles or pores (often in the aforementioned private areas) and let their saliva do the dirty work. The saliva passes digestive enzymes into our skin which dissolve tissue, presenting the larvae with a tasty concoction of human cellular material. This gruesome process causes the body’s sur-

rounding tissues to harden, in effect creating a feeding tube for the larvae to suck up partially digested skin cells and lymph.

Shortly after that initial injection of saliva is when the itching begins and it’s most intense within a day or two of the “bite,” typically lasting about 24 hours. The affected area generally appears as a reddish bump on the skin, often resembling a small blister or pimple. A few itching spots can be tolerated by the brave, but a collection of them can be hellishly agonizing. Although the offending larvae can easily be removed by scratching, digging one’s fingernails into the skin can lead to unsightly and potentially dangerous bacterial infections. Most doctors recommend ignoring the alleged home remedies (such as bleach, finger nail polish, etc.) and urge application of calamine lotion or topical, anti-inflammatory creams to treat the seemingly relentless itching.

As with many things in life, prevention is the best way to deal with chiggers. First and foremost, avoid areas where the tiny bastards are poised for ambush. Should you have no choice but to enter their domain, take these precautions: be generous with the application of insect repellent, especially around the waist and ankles; wear long pants and long sleeves; tuck pant legs into boots if possible; take a hot, soapy bath immediately after traversing chigger territory; and thoroughly wash exposed clothing.

The good news in all this is that North American chiggers do not transmit human diseases. Only an urge to scratch. And a loss of dignity.

Joe David Rice, former tourism director of Arkansas Parks and Tourism, has written “Arkansas Backstories,” a delightful book of short stories from A through Z that introduces readers to the state's lesser-known aspects. Rice's goal is to help readers acknowledge that Arkansas is a unique and fascinating combination of land and people – one to be proud of and one certainly worth sharing.

Each month, AY will share one of the 165 distinctive essays. We hope these stories will give you a new appreciation for this geographically compact but delightfully complex place we call home. These Arkansas Backstories columns appear courtesy of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. The essays have been collected and published by Butler Center Books in a two-volume set, both of which are now available to purchase at Amazon and the University of Arkansas Press.

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Left to Right: Chris Maranto, MD, Heath McCarver, MD, and Mikio Ranahan, MD