There’s no time like Christmastime at Silver Dollar City, with over 6.5 million twinkling lights and holiday shows that sparkle on every stage. The magic of the season shines from the top of the 8-story tree to the jingle of jolly that parades through the streets. Plus, hearty homestyle feasts to share and handcrafted gifts made right before your very eyes. It’s America’s Best Holiday Event and it promises to be your family’s newest Christmas tradition! Make plans today at silverdollarcity.com
Come as you are and discover it all, from sparkling springs and Ozark peaks to live tunes and delicious eats. In Eureka Springs, you’re free to be; consider yourself invited.
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MEETS HEART WHERE HUSTLE
Hustle meets heart when it comes to Pulaski County Special School District’s (PCSSD) athletic programs. PCSSD coaches are dedicated to their students’ development not just as athletes, but teammates, scholars and young adults. Four secondary coaches from across the district shared why they became a coach, their hope for their programs and how athletics help develop well-rounded students.
Former WNBA player and University of Tennessee alum, Coach Shekinna Stricklen of Sylvan Hills High has a clear vision of how playing sports helps support an athlete in the classroom and beyond. “I think athletic programs are important to education because they contribute to the development of physical, mental and social dimensions of the athletes.”
At Mills University Studies High, Coach Michael Flowers shares his path to coaching. “I became a coach because I wanted to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. I believe in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and as a coach I teach those qualities to student athletes. I’ve always believed in the power of athletics to shape character, and coaching gives me the opportunity to help students develop not just as athletes, but as individuals.”
Joe T. Robinson Middle girls’ Track and Volleyball Coach Angela Jones hopes her student athletes develop meaningful life skills through her programs. “My desire is that they find a sense of belonging and the ability to work as a team to achieve a common goal. I want them to learn that they will not always ‘win,’ but they can be a ‘winner’ by always giving their best and working together. I hope they come to realize that diversity is something to embrace throughout their lives.”
About PCSSD
“I became a cheer coach because I have a passion for mentoring young adult athletes, and fostering a positive energetic team environment,” shares Maumelle High Cheer Coach Katrina Jones. “I cheered in middle school through high school and I wanted to help students develop their skills, confidence and teamwork that translates in the classroom in their school work, on and off the field.”
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 25 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.
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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.
Heather Swayze is a mom of two boys and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Dakota, for 10 years. She attended Arkansas State Three Rivers and Henderson State University. Since 2014, she has served the central Arkansas area, providing photography for weddings, couples and families.
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.
Lori Sparkman, owner of Lori Sparkman Photography, has traveled the globe to work extensively with beautiful brides and grooms, fierce fitness clients, and growing families, as well as high-profile and corporate clients. She prides herself in capturing their personalities with a sophisticated and lighthearted style.
Kelli Reep is a writer and public relations practitioner in central Arkansas. When she is not looking for the best pie in the state, she is being ordered around by three cats. She likes to read, cook, sleep and help out when she can.
Jason Burt discovered his love for photography in 10th grade. Starting with black and white film, he developed and printed images in the darkroom, igniting a lifelong dedication to photography. After high school, Burt honed his skills while working for student publications and the public relations office at Harding University, graduating in 1997.
Jamie Lee is a freelance photographer originally from southwest Louisiana who now resides in Little Rock. With a strong focus on portrait, branding and food photography, she loves capturing people’s stories and cultures through the lens, helping businesses build their brands visually, and showcasing the local food scene and small businesses.
Davis was born and raised in Sherwood but now resides in North Little Rock with his wife and 7-year-old son. When his son was born, his wife asked for a new camera to take pictures of their little one. From there, his love of photography grew, and he is proud to be one of the contributing photographers at AY magazine.
We all have big dreams for our children and we know they’ll have dreams of their own.
No matter what type of education those dreams call for, we have a plan.
The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan allows our education savings to grow tax-deferred. And every little bit helps.
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Thanks to You!
We have reached the month of November and one of the most wonderful seasons, a season in which food and football take center stage and families travel through the brisk countryside to gather and celebrate. If you are like us, there is always something going on this time of year, but there is also ample time to sit back and count one’s blessings.
This issue of AY About You is stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, making for plenty of good readin’. This month, our “Bucket List” stops at one of my favorite cities in Arkansas, Hot Springs. We sample the cuisine, visit some local sites and take a spin in the beautiful outdoors of this wonderful community. November is Feast Month in Spa City, so be sure to drop by and sample the fare.
We also feature some of the best caterers in the state who would just love to prepare your holiday spread this year. Many of these longstanding places are as familiar as family anyway, so why not treat yourself to a hasslefree holiday and let someone else do the cooking?
During this time of thankfulness, we also visit some local nonprofits that are doing great work in the community.
Last but certainly not least, we fast-forward to the Christmas season by taking a look at all of the holiday cheer to come in community festivals around the state. At the head of that list is Searcy, which, for our money, is the Christmas Capital of Arkansas. You will not believe the lengths this town goes to celebrate the season.
As we enter the home stretch of 2024, I find myself surrounded by things for which I am thankful, not the least of which is getting the opportunity to promote this beautiful state and its wonderful people. However and wherever you choose to spend Thanksgiving this year, may you be surrounded by the people you love most while still remembering those who need a helping hand.
Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar
Help Arkansas Workers Save for a Stronger Future
AARP Arkansas is advocating for workers to have an easy way to save for retirement on the job through a public-private retirement savings option.
Over half of Arkansas private sector workers don’t have access to a retirement savings option at work, leaving them unprepared for the future and at risk for greater reliance on public, taxpayer-funded programs.
Public-private retirement savings options help workers take control of their own financial future.
Learn more at aarp.org/ARsaves
facebook.com/AARPArkansas | @ARAARP | aarp.org/AR
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READER FEEDBACK INSTAGRAM
THE LADY IS A CHAMP
I just read online the article Dwain Hebda wrote based on his interview of me and I was so impressed with his writing skills, accuracy and research. No wonder you have such an outstanding magazine as AY by incorporating such a gifted writer on your team! It shows how excellent you are in formulating such a great publication. A true magazine. Thank you for helping get the word out on CACs so more folks will know that help is on its way into their lives as needed. I’m very thankful for you. You are a blessing.
Susan Hutchinson
JACKSONVILLE LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS: THE HOOK
We love it! The best fish and great people!
Neil Palmer
INTRIGUING WOMEN 2024: JILL MCDONALD
This is awesome! Congrats Jill! Much deserved!
Angela Akers
HOT SPRINGS REAL ESTATE AGENT TO BE FEATURED ON MY LOTTERY DREAM HOME
You did great! You are a “natural”!
Jami Tait Jaso
SERVER SAYS: LISA DEDMON OF O’MALLEY’S IRISH GRILL
LOVE her positive energy! She’s amazing. I’ve gone and taken people to O’Malley’s not just for the food, but for her kindness. All around this place is a 10/10!
Hannah Weidner
INTRIGUING WOMEN 2024: JESSICA HUGHES FORD, APR
Congratulations, beautiful as always!
Elizabeth Ann Tuck-Rowan
‘STORY OF STRENGTH’ — BRECKENRIDGE VILLAGE SET FOR COMEBACK
Anxiously awaiting the opening of DeLuca’s. Already a big fan of Waldo’s and would LOVE a Scoops!!!
Donna Crouch Elkey TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM
Problem Child makes itself home at former Count Porkula location
Silver Dollar City to invest half a billion dollars in new theme park resort
Entertainment districts for Breckenridge Village, Plaza Frida
Arkansas State Fair Pageant crowns five queens in historic competition
Delta Diamond Chef winner
Problem Child makes itself at home at former Count Porkula location
Silver Dollar City to invest half a billion dollars in new theme park resort
5Top
you just can't miss!
PICCOLO ZOPPÉ WINTER CIRCUS
Nov. 6-17
Creekside Community Center — Harrison
Nov. 22-Dec. 8
Argenta Arts District — North Little Rock
Piccolo Zoppé will be bringing its new Winter Circus to both Harrison and North Little Rock this month. The audience will be transported back in time as they view the magical European circus based on more than 100 years of tradition from Italy.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
Nov. 9-10
Robinson Center — Little Rock
Nov. 12-17
Walton Arts Center — Fayetteville
Get in the holiday spirit early, and enjoy Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. As one of the most beloved Christmas stories, this musical is a must-see and will be showing in both Little Rock and Fayetteville this month.
JURASSIC QUEST
Nov. 22-24
Statehouse Convention Center — Little Rock
The world’s largest and most popular dinosaur event will return to Little Rock this month, bringing exciting experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Life-size dinosaurs such as the apatosaurus, spinosaurus and T.rex will be featured.
7TH ANNUAL NORTHERN LIGHTS
Nov. 23
Argenta Plaza — North Little Rock
North Little Rock’s annual holiday festival will be held this November at the Argenta Plaza. As a free, family-friendly event, guests can enjoy photos with Santa, live entertainment, children’s activities and even the Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus opening performances.
NIKKI GLASER ALIVE AND UNWELL TOUR
Nov. 30
Oaklawn Event Center — Hot Springs
Comedian Nikki Glaser will bring her new Alive and Unwell Tour to Oaklawn Event Center in Hot Springs. This show is for mature audiences only.
Jump In!
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos provided
Wintertime is not a period of the year when most people’s thoughts turn to swimming pools in Arkansas. With falling leaves and falling temps, few people are thinking about cooling off, since most are focusing instead on roasting the turkey and hanging Christmas decorations.
Jeremy Lawson understands this fact. As co-owner of Luxury Pool & Spa in Russellville and Conway with his brother, Shane Lawson, he can relate to customers who find it hard to think “swimming pool” when they are feeding the fireplace every night.
On the other hand, Jeremy likes to remind people, winter months are the ideal time to get a family’s dream pool built. Given the slower workload and moderate temperatures in the Natural State, winters provide an ideal climate for the work of installing a backyard oasis.
“The fall and winter months can be great months to build pools in the state of Arkansas because we generally don’t have such harsh winters that we can’t work,” he said. “Depending on rainfall and weather, we’re able to get a job done and ready to use and enjoy once the weather warms up.
“Every spring, we’ll have customers come in who are wanting a pool installed in time for that summer, and the reality of that is it’s usually just not doable due to the backlog of jobs we already have scheduled. Combine that with the wetter weather we tend to have in the springtime, and a customer could stand to lose most of the summer “if not all of the summer” waiting for their project to be completed.”
Jeremy said even during uncharacteristically cold spells, which can play havoc with concrete work, the company has engineered ways to keep a project moving in the fall and winter.
“We counteract those colder temperatures with heat blankets and a blowup dome that allows us to keep the work area at the suitable temperature,” he said. “That and some creative scheduling around weather events allows us to pretty much work all through the winter.”
The fact that customers have to consider starting construction in the offseason at all is a testament to the company’s skill and craftsmanship, as Luxury Pool & Spa has steadily established itself as the elite among pool builders in Arkansas.
As third-generation owners, Jeremy and Shane have seen all manner of pools come into vogue over the decades, starting in the days when customers could have any shape of pool they wanted as long as it was rectangular. Not so today — the shape, design and configuration of
While an aquatic oasis may be the last thing on homeowners’ minds right now, buying ahead of swim season ensures pools are ready in time for summer.
“
Now there are so many options. You can make your home pool almost any shape you’d like, and there are plenty of design elements that we can do to truly make it a beautiful space that’s an extension of the home.
— Jeremy Lawson, Luxury Pool & Spa
swimming pools is limited only by the client’s imagination and budget.
“In the early days of the business, there might have been three styles of pool the customer could choose from,” Jeremy said. “We see pool designs now that mimic natural bodies of water. Today’s pools feature rock formations, waterfalls, grottos and really lush landscaping to create an experience that is more natural and visually appealing.
“Plus, smart pool technology allows for remote monitoring of the pool’s systems from temperature and lighting to chemical levels, which enhances the convenience for the owner.”
Homeowners today not only desire their pools to be easier to monitor and maintain but to also run more efficiently and use less energy. Jeremy said pool technology has evolved to keep up with new expectations thanks to more energy-efficient pool equipment, variable-speed pumps and LED lighting, all of which lower environmental impact and operating costs.
“If you came into our showroom 45 years ago and talked with my father about a pool, his questions would probably center around if you wanted a diving board or if you wanted a slide or maybe even a pool light,” Jeremy said. “Now there are so many options. You can make your home pool almost any shape you’d like, and there are plenty of design elements that we can do to truly make it a beautiful space that’s an extension of the home.”
The components of a modern swimming pool may have changed, but the motivation for putting one in has remained consistent. Family recreation, relaxation and entertaining are still as powerful a draw to install a swimming pool as they ever were.
“A pool and spa are investments in your lifestyle,” said Andrea Lawson, Jeremy’s wife and the company’s general manager. “Pools can bring years of enjoyment and satisfaction to you and your family, making your home a more enjoyable place to live.”
“The demand for pools and spas has remained pretty steady in this market,” Jeremy said. “Even COVID-19 didn’t slow it down much. If anything, demand for pool installations actually went up because people were staying home and
Gone are the days of uniform rectangles; today’s homeowners can buy pools in nearly every shape imaginable.
couldn’t go to public places to swim. They saw the value in having their own pool and spa as part of an overall lifestyle.”
The company pays just as much attention to the quality and detail of its spas as it does its swimming pools. No matter what a customer can dream up — from in-ground spas that complement a swimming pool to a stand-alone units that can help soothe the aches and pains of the day — Luxury Pool & Spa has the expertise to meet it.
“We’ve built elaborate spas that attach to the swimming pool, and we carry 20-some models of portable spas that are also very popular,” Jeremy said. “Most people love to have a spa three months out of the year, but there are some folks, like me, who love their hot tub year-round too.
“We carry a wide range of spas to meet just about every need and backyard, and as far as the portable models go, we can generally deliver within just a few days. We also just unveiled a new financing program that makes our portable models affordable to a wider range of customers.”
Everything Luxury Pool & Spa sells and installs is backed up by some of the best warranties in the business. Many clients are so happy with the original work, they come back to the company for ongoing maintenance for their pools and spas.
“There’s one thing we have always harped on, and that is we service everything we sell, which is getting harder to find these days,” Jeremy said. “We not only seek to build something the customer loves today; we want to help the homeowner take care of that pool for life.
“The fact of the matter is pumps and lights and other things in pools have to be serviced from time to time. We’re proud of the fact that we’ve built the kind of trust with our customers that they continue to do business with us on the service side.”
Both Jeremy and Andrea said one of the most gratifying aspects of the business is knowing they are providing a product that creates happy memories for families and friends. That is what drives the company’s quality-first mentality, even after more than four decades in business.
“There’s not a standard of how you’re supposed to build a pool in Arkansas. There’s not a book anywhere that says this is how you should do it,” Jeremy said. “We’ve engineered our processes over 40-something years in business to make sure we’re building something that’s going to last and that the customer is going to be proud of and that we’re going to be proud of. That’s what this company was founded on, and that’s what continues to set us apart in the marketplace today.”
“Regardless of the style of pool one chooses, the memories it brings can last a lifetime.
There’s one thing we have always harped on, and that is we service everything we sell, which is getting harder to find these days. We not only seek to build something the customer loves today; we want to help the homeowner take care of that pool for life.
— Jeremy Lawson, Luxury Pool & Spa
19650 Interstate 30, Benton AR congofp.com 501.316.4328
One of central Arkansas’ top sellers, Medlock’s almost two decades in the business have shown her that invaluable lessons are learned through real-life experiences.
“This holistic approach has equipped me with the insights needed to thrive,” she said. “I have always had a passion for serving others, leveraging a diverse background in the beauty industry and real estate to help individuals achieve their goals.”
Medlock said the most challenging aspect of her job is the shared disappointment when a client’s dream home appears out of reach in a fiercely competitive market.
“The most rewarding part is witnessing the eventual resolution and realization that things have a way of falling into place as they should,” she said. “Finding the right home for my clients and seeing their joy makes every hurdle worthwhile.”
Medlock credited the “many remarkable women” throughout her life for leaving a lasting imprint, and she strives to do the same for young women in her path.
6
”SUCCESS IS NOT JUST ABOUT PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT THE RELATIONSHIPS YOU NURTURE AND THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
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Talking urkey
Thanksgiving catering something to be thankful for
By LANCE BROWNFIELD //
Photos provided
Shades of oranges and yellows decorate the treelines and the interiors of our homes. Rows of flannel overshirts participate in backyard football games. The familiar smell of dressing and pumpkin pie greet guests at the door. Those are some of the fondest elements of the modern Thanksgiving celebrated by many Americans, but whenever the last car pulls out of the driveway and hosts wake up from their food comas, there are typically a whole lot of dishes to clean, a fridge to organize using tupperware Tetris and a messy house to pick up. All that comes after hosts slaved over a stove for hours and pre-cleaned the house and kitchen for guests and their dishes.
Wouldn’t it be nice to just take part in the celebration and none of the chores, just like in childhood? Several companies in Arkansas offer time-saving options for Turkey Day.
It’s
‘‘
a blessing to me. Year after year, the same customers, so it makes me feel very blessed that people trust me with their holiday foods since they’ve got families, people coming in from out of town, all of their guests. It’s an honor to be trusted like that.
— Tori Morehart owner of DownHome Catering
“We always look forward to it. It’s like our Super Bowl time,” said Tori Morehart, owner of DownHome Catering in central Arkansas. “We have to get our turkey faces on.”
Her company offers meals in aluminum pans that can be picked up the day before Thanksgiving. Customers just take the pans and warm them in the oven.
“We do everything from the family meal packages to the full catered for offices, corporate stuff,” she said. “A lot of businesses have Thanksgiving meals for their staff.”
Morehart said her company is already booked to do several corporate Thanksgiving events and can take orders for up to 1,000 people or more. Thanksgiving and Christmas are DownHome Catering’s two busiest times of the year.
The family meal package includes holiday meat, turkey or ham, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, two holiday sides and bread. Rates vary for the packages. A family meal package, which serves up to 10 people, costs $159.95 plus tax or $15.99 per person for a larger group.
"There's a lot of cooking to do for Thanksgiving," she said. "We help folks actually get to enjoy it. "Morehart has provided catering for more than 21 years, garnering many loyal and repeat customers.
“It’s a blessing to me,” she said. “Year after year, the same customers, so it makes me feel very blessed that people trust me with their holiday foods since they’ve got families, people coming in from out of town, all of their guests. It’s an honor to be trusted like that.”
Some of her repeat customers include several organizations that receive breakfasts and lunches delivered the day before Thanksgiving. Morehart said she can take on any size order, and her deadline is one week before Thanksgiving.
She said her favorite item in the meal packages is the turkey, which Downhome Catering bakes or deep fries before slicing for customers. The catering business also sells whole turkeys and hams.
“The best way to do it is to have us slice it, put it in the pan and send it,” Morehart said.
If all one needs is a turkey or ham, there are several local options with solid reputations and fans throughout the state. Longtime favorite Petit Jean Meats of Morrilton is one of them.
“Customers have depended on and trusted Petit Jean Meats for 96 years,” said Ed Ruff, president. “We take pride in knowing that customers still enjoy the very same products that we started smoking in 1928. Because of our small atmosphere, we can make important decisions and listen to and fulfill our customers’ needs quickly.”
Petit Jean Meats is owned by the fourth generation of the family that originally started it as Morrilton Packing Co.
The company offers a wide range of products that can be ordered online at pjmeats.com or by calling (800) 264-2475. Ruff said the deadline for orders depends on the size, but for bulk orders, companies should usually order two weeks prior to the delivery date — the earlier the better. Petit Jean also offers meat for families. With shipping all over the U.S., the company takes any size order.
Ruff said the two considerations for ordering from Petit Jean Meats are time and taste.
“Cooking a ham or turkey can be time consuming,” he said. “The most important reason is the taste of Petit Jean products.”
Whatever option one decides to go with, the meat will need to be warmed by following the instructions on the package.
“We always say, ‘Save the turkeys; eat a ham,’” said Wayne Cox, who has been head of marketing at Petit Jean Meats for more than 30 years.
Cox said industry wide, the price is shifting down on hams, while prices are increasing on turkeys since the avian flu has been detected in some turkeys, but the local hog market has decreased dramatically in the past few years in the state.
According to Cox, Arkansas produced 800,000 hogs in 2021, dropping considerably to 400,000 in 2023.
“That’s not a good thing,” Cox said. “We need more hog production. The problem is they’re not real aeromatic, obviously. There’s some odor to it, so anytime anybody tries to locate a large hog farm, people usually are against it.”
In addition to ham, Petit Jean Meats also smokes bacon, and both processes take about 16 hours to complete.
“Our customers can expect quality meat smoked the old-fashioned way over hickory wood,” Ruff said. “As we have said for many years, ‘Petit Jean Meats: Taste the difference.’”
‘‘
“Our customers can expect quality meat smoked the old-fashioned way over hickory wood. As we have said for many years, ‘Petit Jean Meats: Taste the difference.’”
— Ed Ruff president of Petit Jean Meats
When thinking about catering, many people have preconceived notions: It is usually for businesses, meetings, parties and such and it is usually finger foods or a basic meal like chicken and mashed potatoes with a roll. However, one company has put the idea of catering on its head by focusing on health. Fifty percent of the clients at Rx Catering in Little Rock come from the medical industry, said founder Jay Ramsey, including everything from prescription drug reps to various departments at medical centers around the capital city.
Rx Catering does not sacrifice flavor at the expense of creating a healthy meal but provides a delicious selection for any occasion that diners will not have to worry about coming back to bite them.
Founded by Ramsey in 1994, Rx Catering delivers within an hour-and-a-half radius of Little Rock and as far south as Hot Springs and Pine Bluff.
Perhaps one’s priority is time and convenience this holiday season. With two locations, one in the Heights neighborhood of Little Rock and the original location in Lewisville, Burge’s provides an easy way to get a smoked ham or turkey done right. The company offers a wide variety of meats with different flavorings and options of whole or sliced — and the best part is patrons can pull up and staff will bring orders to the car.
Petit Jean Meats in Morrilton has been in business since 1928.
Jay Ramsey
Above: With two locations in Arkansas, Burge's is a holiday go-to for many. Right: Holly's Country Cookin' in Conway serves up the comfort food holiday guests crave.
The company, which has been in operation since 1962, is run by owner Jeff Voyles. The quaint, cozy locations reminiscent of yesteryear highlight the focus of the establishment — just serving good food. Maybe that is why Burge’s has been named to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
To order, call (501) 666-1660 in Little Rock or (800) 921-4292 in Lewisville or visit smokedturkeys.com.
“We’ve got a real loyal customer base, but we always love to get new customers that maybe tried us for the first time at a friend or family member’s house the previous year, and now they want one for their own,” Voyles said. “That’s how we grow our business is through word of mouth.”
To place an order locally, call a few weeks ahead. Burge’s also delivers across the country from their site out of the Lewisville location.
At the Little Rock store, in addition to being able to purchase a turkey or ham, customers can also buy cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, turnip greens, green beans and other side items, Voyles said.
One last option could be classified as an expert in fixin’s. Holly’s Country Cookin’ in Conway regularly serves up many of the sides Arkansans know and love to have on their Thanksgiving plates. The Southern comfort eatery has a weekly menu of specials that features plenty of Thanksgiving staples such as cornbread, beans, coleslaw, green beans, black-eyed peas and mashed potatoes, to name a few.
The business, which is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, is currently taking orders for Thanksgiving meals until its book is full.
Holly’s has been reviewed by AY About You’s publisher, Heather Baker, who said: “This is the best food in the entire world. Oh my gosh, it is so delicious. It’s the best chicken-fried steak I’ve ever had.”
The pies and cobblers, which are as plentiful as the entrees, are also top-notch — and of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without a good pie.
No matter what one decides this holiday season, it could be just as delicious and cost-effective to go with a Thanksgiving meal prepared by a local restaurant or caterer and avoid all the mess and fuss. It may even be the start of a new holiday tradition.
“They still get the smell of Thanksgiving food that’s cooked in their house without any of the mess,” Morehart said. “Then all of the pans, you can just throw it all away when you’re done with it.”
Pump it Up
Icebox pumpkin cake an easy holiday hit
By
Thanksgiving is almost here, and the ovens are working overtime. Take a load off in the kitchen with this delicious icebox pumpkin cake. Made with pumpkin puree and graham crackers, this easy dessert can be made ahead of time, which means one less thing to think about and one happy cook at Thanksgiving.
NO BAKE, NO PROBLEM
This no-bake pumpkin cake is called an icebox cake because there is no baking involved at all. This particular dessert features a graham cracker base that uses full sheets of graham crackers rather than graham cracker crumbs — talk about making things simple for fall entertaining.
AMY GRAMLETT // Photos by AMY GRAMLETT
The ability to prepare desserts in advance of a hectic holiday makes no-bake desserts ideal for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Oven space is often at a premium those busy weeks, so being able to completely make a dish or dessert without the use of an oven is ideal. Additionally, the majority of no-bake desserts transport well, which makes life easier for those traveling elsewhere for dinners or gatherings.
KNOW YOUR PUMPKIN
In general, pumpkin does not naturally contain much sugar, since pumpkin is actually a type of squash. For that reason, pumpkin dessert recipes often include added sugar to elevate the sweetness. There are different types of pumpkins, and pie pumpkins are known to be a bit sweeter than other varieties.
For this recipe, make sure to use a can of pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The two products are often near one other in the grocery store, so grabbing the wrong one is an easy mistake to make.
While the two items are basically the same — made from natural pumpkin and/or squash varieties that are cooked and mashed — the difference is pumpkin puree is truly natural and has no sweeteners or spices added. Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, has additional sweeteners and spices.
GET CREATIVE
The holidays are all about traditions old and new. Do not be afraid to put a personal spin on this dessert to suit various tastes.
• Double the recipe for a crowd.
• Rather than 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, combine 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger or allspice.
• Swap caramel sauce for a thick dark chocolate sauce or a butterscotch sauce.
• Replace the pecans with walnuts.
HOLIDAY HACKS
At this busy time of year, hosts and hostesses need all the shortcuts they can get. Here are a few tips for prep and presentation to create a stunning spread without a lot of extra steps.
• Rather than serving this dessert in slices like a cake, serve it in mini trifle style, scooped into glass bowls or plastic cups.
• Serve the dessert in one large trifle bowl, allowing for guests to scoop out servings on their own.
• When making this recipe, do not forget to line the pan with foil to make cleanup a breeze. Also, the foil serves as handles for transferring the icebox cake to a cake plate or other serving tray.
• Be sure to allow for proper chill time so the cake cuts easily and the slices do not slump when cut.
INGREDIENTS
• 24 ounces thawed Cool Whip divided into 16 ounces and 8 ounces
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 12 honey graham crackers
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• Sea salt caramel sauce for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
• In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Beat until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
• Fold in 16 ounces of Cool Whip.
• Line an 8-by-8-inch or 9-by-9-inch pan with foil. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese/Cool Whip mixture on the bottom.
• Top with 3 graham crackers. Fill gaps by breaking one more graham cracker into smaller pieces.
• Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with cream cheese/Cool Whip mixture.
• Top with the remaining 8 ounces of Cool Whip.
• Refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving. (Overnight is best.)
• Garnish with pecans and drizzled caramel.
• Refrigerate leftovers immediately.
SEA SALT CARAMEL SAUCE
Caramel sauce is available at any grocery store, but making homemade caramel sauce is much easier than people might think. It only takes a few ingredients and a little time to make it at home.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients together in a medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk continuously for 7 to 9 minutes or until thickened. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
When drizzling caramel over the icebox pumpkin dessert, use a squeeze bottle or a plastic storage bag with a corner snipped off. Caramel drizzles best when it is a bit warm.
Future-Focused,
History-Honed
Spa City preps for tomorrow while honoring cultural and natural resources
By SARAH DECLERK // Photos provided
From its Native American origins as the Valley of the Vapors to its current nickname, Spa City, most any moniker for Hot Springs pays homage to the namesake thermal waters that have drawn visitors to the area for centuries.
Coupled with other outdoor amenities, including a national park, mountain bike trails and three lakes, plus attractions such as Oaklawn, Magic Springs, Mid-America Science Museum, Garvan Woodland Gardens and Bathhouse Row, it is no surprise that Hot Springs is one of the top tourist spots in Arkansas.
Despite its natural appeal, the city languished at the turn of the millenia, but Hot Springs has experienced a renaissance in recent years thanks to hard work, investments and a dash of civic pride.
“As we approach the end of 2024, Hot Springs continues the upward trajectory that began about 25 years ago, when the city began to emerge from an extended period of stagnation,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs. “In that time, we have seen Hot Springs residents and leadership partners return our city to its place as the No. 1 tourist destinations in Arkansas.”
He pointed to the revitalization of Bathhouse Row and the city’s historic downtown, Oaklawn’s dark-horse success as one of the premier thoroughbred racing venues in the country, and the emergence of new events, restaurants and outdoor attractions as evidence of the city’s comeback.
“I can only say that our residents, businesses and city leaders are committed to a policy of never resting on our laurels,” he added. “We are not content to sit back and see what happens. We will continue to pursue a vision of making Hot Springs an even more attractive place to live, work and visit far into the future.”
Erin Holliday, member of the Hot Springs Board of Directors, has witnessed the city’s evolution firsthand as a Hot Springs native who returned to the city in 2010, after graduating college. The downtown area is busier than ever, she said, adding that restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic brought a tourist boom to the city.
“When people weren’t flying, they still wanted to go on vacation, and all of a sudden, our typical radius of where a visitor would come from expanded tremendously because it was still less than a day’s drive, and you didn’t have to get on a plane. People could come, and whether it was a vacation rental or a hotel that they stayed at, they felt that they could have a safe vacation for themselves and/or their family,” she said. “Then we started seeing more and more license plates from an extra state away in every direction, and that trend has continued.”
The expansion at Oaklawn has helped accommodate more conventions and meetings in the city, in addition to helping shore up the city’s capital improvement coffers, she said. Hot Springs has provided a number of enhancements to residents in recent years, including a new sidewalk program that provides safe pedestrian routes to school.
The city is also working to extend its greenway trails to Entergy Park and will soon open the Jean W. Wallace Wetlands Trailhead, she added. Eventually, the trail system will connect to the planned, 65-mile Southwest Trail and the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock.
“We’re looking at a larger plan for neighborhood connections so when it’s all done years from now — it’s a huge project — individuals will be able to walk or bicycle almost anywhere in the city safely over our main streets,” she said.
Growing up in the city, Holliday said she took for granted its natural setting and artsy vibe. She noted that Wednesday Night Poetry and the monthly gallery walk are two of the longest-running events of their kind and speak to the city’s culture — a tight-knit community with urban appeal that has a way of charming visitors.
“We see a lot of people who visit, and they have come back to invest,
Steve Arrison
Erin Holliday
whether it’s to buy a home that they’ll eventually live in when they retire or to move here full time because they’re able to work remotely or they’re retired,” she said. “We’re seeing that shift in having an increase in homeowners and residents that are from other places, and they’re coming here because they visited first and they fell in love with it.”
One person who came to Hot Springs on vacation and was so impressed that he decided to move there is Bill Solleder, director of marketing at Visit Hot Springs.
“We have the best tasting magical water that you can drink that flows freely, and I can fill up my cup downtown at these free jug fountains,” he said. “I think that the combination of urban and nature and what we’ve all been here for for so many years, the spring water, those are the most important elements of Hot Springs that I always tell people about.”
Visit Hot Springs is currently promoting Majestic Park and the Northwoods Trails as two of the city’s newest attractions, he added.
“We’re aligning ourselves with the state of Arkansas and sort of embracing the Natural State slogan again and really pushing outdoor recreation,” he said. “Of course, being a national park, people always see a national park as a way to get outside, so outdoor recreation is huge.”
He also named events such as the World Championship Running of the Tubs, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival as reasons people visit the city.
“Those are all events that really celebrate Hot Springs’ unique, fun, quirky personality,” he said.
In November, the city pays homage to its acclaimed restaurants during Feast Month. The city has long been known for its barbecue and burgers, he added, but recently, the city’s pizza options have taken center stage thanks to establishments such as Deluca’s Pizza, SQZBX, Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Beer Garden, Rocky’s Corner, and Rod’s Pizza Cellar.
“We are really beginning to see Hot Springs become the Pizza Capital of the South,” he said. “I think this November, we’re going to stick a flag in Hot Springs and just claim it, that we are the Pizza Capital of the South.”
He added that the downtown has seen a resurgence in part thanks to investments at Oaklawn, which now boasts the Forbes four-star-rated Astral Spa. The expansion at Oaklawn gave developers the confidence to move forward with projects such as the Park Hotel and Medical Arts Building renovations and open new businesses at the furthest reaches of downtown.
“We’re bordered by the national forest and national park and the lakes in so many places, so it’s hard for us to expand,” he said, “but I think a lot of developers are seeing the potential for what is already there and to renovate and restore.”
Yet to come are the restoration of the former Army-Navy Hospital and the redevelopment of the Majestic Hotel site, he said.
“Downtown has really exploded with lots of new growth,” said Cole McCaskill, vice president of economic development at the Hot Springs Metro Partnership, who said that more than 230 new businesses have opened and about $165 million has been invested downtown since the Majestic Hotel fire
Top, left: The treehouse at Garvan Woodland Gardens is enchanting to explore. Top, right: Magic Springs provides both a theme park and a water park. Opposite, top left: Equipment for the water supply project rolls past City Hall. Opposite, right: Bathhouse Row is a unique cultural attraction. Opposite, bottom left: DONS Southern Social and other restaurants have made Hot Springs a destination for foodies.
Bill Solleder
Cole McCaskill
in 2014. “There’s been a lot of cool new restaurants and retail stores open up. It’s become, really, the downtown that should have been all along.”
He added that the Metro Partnership hopes to attract a developer to the Majestic site by leveraging the site’s proximity to the Northwood Trails to create a ski-lodge concept for mountain bikers.
“It would be kind of like a base camp area, a nice, boutique, lodge-style hotel on that property where you can enjoy drinking a beer and sitting in the hot tub after a long day, looking down Central Avenue, and then having some retail — some outdoor retail — some restaurant and sort of a villages-type mixed-use concept on that site,” he said.
Other work to enhance the city is less visible but no less important. Bill Burrough, city manager, said a number of infrastructure improvements are in the works, including an ambitious solar project. The city is committed to becoming completely self-sustaining using renewable energy and, over the past three years, has reached 6 megawatts of its 12.55 megawatt goal.
“This is something that was important for our board as we looked at how we could be more green within our community,” he said. “We do a lot of things to achieve that goal, but that’s probably the most significant that we’re working on today.”
In addition, efforts are underway to overhaul the city’s wastewater system, and the city is midway through a $150 million water supply project that began last year and is set to be complete next year. The massive undertaking will tap Lake Ouachita to provide the city with an additional 15 million gallons of water a day.
“As we see parts of the country really going through drought stages, having their aquifers or service water no longer being an option, I truly believe that not only will it provide water for the next two or three generations for residents of Hot Springs; it will also be a huge economic development tool as companies that have industry that uses large amounts of water will be looking for areas that have an ample supply,” he said.
The water supply project is one key to ensuring the city’s success for years to come, said Gary Troutman, president and CEO at the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
“We feel like we’re ready to be the next really hot growth spurt in Arkansas,” he said. “Obviously, northwest Arkansas speaks for itself, but so do Conway and
Jonesboro, and Benton and Bryant have experienced tremendous growth if you’re looking at the fastest-growing cities and counties in the state. We’ve done everything, been knocking on the door, and now we’re ready to enter that conversation with unlimited water — virtually unlimited water.”
The chamber is focusing on developing, attracting and retaining the talent needed to sustain the industries of tomorrow, he added. Some of those efforts include designating Hot Springs as a ACT Work Ready Community and visiting local schools to teach young people about the myriad job opportunities in the area.
In addition to cultivating local gems such as Mountain Valley Spring Water, Alliance Rubber Co., Xpress Boats, Vulcan Pickleball and Origami Sake, all manner of occupations can be found at National Park Medical Center and CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, and earlier this year, Amazon announced a new last-mile facility slated for Hot Springs.
“We’ve identified 40 manufacturing and industry partners here that the weekender or the vacationer here probably doesn’t think about,” Troutman said. “We’re in the schools. We’re telling the kids that the rubber bands they’re using in class not only are used at Hot Springs High and Lakeside and Lake Hamilton but are used all over the globe, and they’re made right here in Hot Springs, Arkansas.”
Roadway development will continue to be integral to the city’s growth, he said, adding that the opening of U.S. 70 east in 2018 helped propel the city forward, and the new Interstate 30 corridor will help expedite traffic further. He added that he would like to see “five lanes from here to Lake DeGray” to provide the same welcome to visitors from southern Arkansas, north Louisiana and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Bill Burrough
Gary Troutman
Dining in Hot Springs
By SARAH COLEMAN // Photos provided
There is no place quite like Hot Springs. Known for its unique events and happenings, the city is certainly worth a visit. Regardless of time of year, there is sure to be something to gravitate toward. There is so much to explore throughout the national park, and dining is no exception to the potential for adventure.
Back Porch Grill
4810 Central Ave.
With a slogan of “as good as it gets,” Back Porch Grill officially opened its doors in 2002. As a familyowned and -operated business, those dining at the restaurant can expect nothing but the highest quality in food and service.
According to owner Charles Jennings, Back Porch Grill is not only a local favorite but also a pretty popular choice among tourists, as well.
“Guests can expect consistency — consistency with the food, products, service and drinks,” Jennings said. “The best thing about being located on Lake Hamilton is getting to serve summer tourists and locals that have been visiting us for years. The view of the lake and the sunset is beautiful and brings in people year-round.”
the cowboy bone-in ribeye, which is superbly marbled and locks in the flavor of 13 blend seasonings Jennings created himself. He also recommended the redfish special, which consists of a lightly blackened redfish topped with sauteed bay scallops, baby shrimp and mushrooms and smothered in the homemade Cajun cream sauce.
The restaurant is the place for Martinis on the Bay, one of the best places to grab a handcrafted martini or another cocktail.
As the holiday season quickly approaches, Back Porch Grill plans to release its new menu at the beginning of December.
“The new menu items will include the Caribbean jerk meatball, the honey chipotle pork belly as an appetizer, tequila lime shrimp, our version of a country-fried steak, and our version of fish and chips to name a few,” Jennings said.
Back Porch Grill loves to support the community and gives discounts to all military, first
Steak and seafood are a hit among locals and tourists alike at Back Porch Grill.
Trejo’s del Lago
4904 Central Ave.
After a long day of working up an appetite on the lake, nothing quite hits the spot like Mexican cuisine. Luckily for residents and visitors alike, Trejo’s del Lago is conveniently located by the water and has a plethora of dishes to choose from.
The restaurant is situated with a scenic lakeside view and is dedicated to handcrafted cocktails, fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and unparalleled hospitality. According to marketing manager Elise Ravet, Trejo’s del Lago provides an unforgettable dining experience that captures the rich culinary heritage of Mexico right in the heart of Arkansas.
Overlooking Lake Hamilton, Ravet said the restaurant has a stunning view of magical sunsets nightly, which certainly should not be missed. Trejo’s del Lago also offers live music on its patio every weekend from April to October.
Known for its flavorful dishes, house-made margaritas and warm, welcoming atmosphere, the spot has become a local favorite for residents and tourists alike, and the tacos de salmon is one of the most ordered dishes.
Ravet said the pina colada is one of the most popular drinks, and since it is served in a whole fresh pineapple it is ideal for sharing — or not.
“Our sopa de mariscos is also very popular and comforting,” Rivet said. “The dish consists of house-made seafood broth with fresh tilapia, shrimp, clams, crab and squid.”
With the holidays quickly approaching, customers can view potential specials on the restaurant’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram and Threads. The restaurant’s Mayan Room can accommodate up to 50 seated guests, making it a great venue for holiday parties, family gatherings, birthdays, baby showers, wedding rehearsal dinners and more.
Trejo’s del Lago officially opened its doors in 2017, and in 2020, it went through renovations and rebranding. A family-owned restaurant, the eatery is open seven days a week.
Cajun Boilers
2806 Albert Pike Road
After being closed for nearly a year for renovations, Cajun Boilers officially reopened in October, bringing a brand-new experience to visitors. According to the new owner, Gabe Galster, throughout the renovations he was able to preserve the bones of the beloved
restaurant, even though the building went through a complete rehabilitation.
“It’s almost a totally different restaurant. We’ve put everything we have into preserving it and making it a place my family can be proud of and a place where people are happy
to eat at,” Galster said.
Cajun Boilers exists as a homage to Louisiana, Galster’s second home state. The menu includes the favorites from the original restaurant, as well as new items that have been pulled together from family recipes and traditions.
“We’ve really been able to have fun with this process and keep the restaurant traditional but with a modern flare,” Galster said. “It’s very eccentric, which is how our family is. We’re a mix of all kinds of things, and we believe the restaurant is a good reflection of that, especially with the new menu items that we’re bringing in.”
Galster said he and his team have been focusing on not just what they can add but what they can execute consistently and well. As of now, Galster’s favorite menu item is the shrimp and grits.
“Every time I go to a New Orleans-style Creole restaurant, I want to try the shrimp and grits. Our shrimp and grits is totally different from any other shrimp and grits in
Trejo's del Lago serves up Mexican fare and fun drinks.
Creole fare abounds at Cajun Boilers.
Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood has garnered a following since opening in 2001.
Arkansas, and it’s based on how I grew up,” Galster said.
The shrimp and grits is based on a recipe used by a famous New Orleans restaurant that was across from Galster’s mother’s house. According to Galster, the restaurant made barbecue shrimp that was not actually barbecue but included a rich, buttery, spicy sauce. The recipe uses a combination of that and cheese drip, making for one of the most flavorful dishes a person could try.
“We’re trying to find the balance where we can still source good ingredients out of Louisiana and out of the Gulf Coast while offering a price point that is affordable for a family to come in and eat. We want it to be a place that families can come to once a month for a special outing to sit down and enjoy camaraderie and have a good meal,” Galster said. “That’s really what Cajun Boilers was for me as a kid. We didn’t live in Hot Springs, but Cajun Boilers held a special place for me because it was the closest that I could get to what we got
Fisherman’s Wharf Steak & Seafood
5101 Central Ave.
A local classic, Fisherman’s Wharf Steak & Seafood opened in 2001. Started as a family-owned and -operated restaurant with just a handful of employees, the restaurant has grown to be one of the most frequented establishments on the shores of Lake Hamilton.
Co-owner Jane Carder said Fisherman’s Wharf is a casual, fun and family-friendly place to enjoy good food and amazing views.
“You’ll find our staff to be helpful, attentive and willing to go above and beyond to ensure an exceptional dining experience,” Carder said.
The menu is stacked with seafood favorites such as Gulf oysters, crab legs, shrimp, nine types of fish that can be prepared grilled, broiled or fried, along with flawlessly grilled Black Angus beef steaks that are hand cut and aged 21 days.
“Our most popular menu item is the grouper Oscar, a grilled 8-ounce fish filet topped with lump crab meat, jumbo shrimp and asparagus, served with house made Dijon cream sauce,” Carder said. ‘Our Bang Bang Tacos and bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp are guest favorites, and our blueberry lemon drop martini has been a big hit.”
While the eatery’s dinner menu stays the same year-round, guests can look forward to the introduction of seasonal cocktails periodically. In the fall, Carder said, the establishment offers an apple pie Moscow mule and a pumpkin spice or butter pecan espresso martini. There will be more festive libations revealed for the upcoming holidays, as well.
“We truly appreciate the loyal, local customers who visit us frequently and the out-of-town guests who’ve made a visit to the Wharf a tradition whenever they’re in Hot Springs,” Carder said. “It’s our pleasure to serve all of you.”
down in Louisiana.”
The drink menu has also been revived and includes new craft cocktails introduced to the menu. The signature drink is a frozen concoction commonly referred to as a bushwacker.
“That’s my favorite drink after a hot day on the lake. We have it going in our daiquiri machines here, but we have a lot of other cool drinks here that are homages not only to Cajun culture but also to Hot Springs,” Galster said. “We have a bartender here that has helped us create about 14 signature cocktails. All of them are very unique, and I think they’re going to be a big hit.”
According to Galster, Cajun Boilers is focused on not only food and drinks but also on creating an atmosphere in which to spend time with family and friends over those food and drinks. The entire outdoor area has also been redone to make it more of a place where people can enjoy a game while staying cool.
hot springs
Dining Perfecta
Looking for the best cuisine in Arkansas?
By HEATHER BAKER // Photos by LORI SPARKMAN
T“There’s no place like home,” is one of my favorite movie lines of all time because it sums up how I feel about where I am from and reminds me how amazing things can often be found right under my nose. Nowhere is that more true than one of my favorite places in the world, the incomparable Oaklawn Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The words “legendary” and “landmark” are not too grand to describe this storied spot. Pass by the paddock into the familiar grandstands during thoroughbred season, racing form in hand, and you have joined a tradition that stretches back generations. For the past 120 years, Oaklawn has been the place to see and be seen in Arkansas, and you can bet I will be one of the first through the gates when the new season opens in December.
However, as much as I love Oaklawn, it has not always been the place to find a grand meal. Sure, it had its delicacies — I have yet to find anyone who has not yelled for their horse down the stretch with one of the track’s legendary corned beef sandwiches in one hand — but overall, Oaklawn was for years the place where you came for the ponies and then went somewhere else for dinner.
That fact was not lost on fourth-generation president Louis Cella, one of the most astute businessmen Arkansas has ever produced. Taking over the top job in the wake of his father’s death in 2017, Cella knew what it would take to transform Oaklawn from an elite thoroughbred track to an elite entertainment destination, and under his watch, the property has grown to include a casino, a fabulous hotel, a world-class spa and, not least, incomparable dining.
It took time, and it took money — lots of it — but Cella’s vision has proven prophetic. As Spa City enjoys a wider renaissance of its own with dozens of new and refurbished restaurants, hotels and attractions, Oaklawn has been at the literal and figurative center of it for gamblers and non-gamblers alike thanks to the world-class dining options that are now there for the asking.
I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and to see and do many remarkable things. Wherever I go, food is always on the itinerary, since I always like to seek out those local places that give a place its character. Oysters at the Gulf, gelato in Italy, freshcaught seafood in Florida, Memphis barbecue and Michelin-star creations in cities coast to coast have all been set before me in my travels, along with a hundred other delicacies, each telling a story about a place and people.
But as my opening line states, out of all those incredible plates, nothing compares to Arkansas, and if that sounds like blasphemy or just empty praise for my beloved home state, one dinner at Oaklawn will change your mind.
An assortment of restaurants elevate the hospitality at Oaklawn to a new level.
I was recently invited to watch the chefs at work in the kitchen for a command performance arranged just for AY About You, and it was nothing like anything I had ever experienced. The skill and artistry with which the team moved was amazing as each magazine cover-worthy dish came to life right before my eyes.
The room crackled with creative and frenetic energy — a splash of oil over here, a dash of seasoning there, the flash of a knife, the dance of a flame — as the chefs moved in a tight choreography. It was remarkable to watch them put their skills on display; I already knew something special was soon to be tasted.
Any one of Oaklawn’s collection of restaurants would be enough to put it on the culinary map, but part of Cella’s genius is to offer options for all tastes and budgets without sacrificing quality fare in any of them. That philosophy runs throughout the food service top to bottom at Oaklawn. From the quick bite to the special occasion dinner, the attitude is uncompromising.
For example, a sports bar in the middle of a bustling casino does not sound like much, but one bite of almost anything off Silks Bar & Grill’s menu will change your mind about how good pub grub can be, no matter how unkind the blackjack tables may have been. It stands to reason that any place with the pride and skill to lend prestige to the humble chicken wing or elevate a club sandwich is going to take fine dining to stratospheric heights.
The company’s full culinary skill is on display nightly at two incredible spots on the property, the OAK room & bar and The Bugler, each of which offers impeccable service and incredible food while still maintaining its own identity.
Of the two, The Bugler has dominated the headlines of late, and with good reason, making the OAK room & bar something of a hidden gem and a sparkly, stunning one at that. It is difficult to explain how two restaurants on the same premises give off such unique vibes and yet stay connected except by being imbued with the same commitment to incredible food.
ties, which have dropped big bucks to lure a celebrity to put his or her name over the door, The Bugler staff knows it builds its reputation with every single plate.
Then again, it could just be a bit of a chip on the shoulder about being often overlooked during the conversation of the best food to be had — casino or otherwise — in the country, let alone the South. Whatever it is that drives the team at The Bugler, it is working.
The restaurant was highly anticipated right up to opening night and has been a tour de force ever since, setting a new standard for fine dining in Arkansas. Patrons from all over the country come for the incomparable sea bass and lamb chops, not to mention USDA Prime Iowa steaks custom butchered to Oaklawn’s exact specifications and wet aged for at least 21 days. Masterfully prepared, my go-to filet is always temperature-perfect, cuts like butter and delivers exceptional flavor.
Guests can expect to find a culinary experience like no other.
Oaklawn describes the OAK room & bar as “modern fine dining,” and that, perhaps, comes closest to describing what can be found there, but I also detect a profound sense of place in the approachable menu via the sublime gumbo, the Duroc chop, and the Oak Room Wedge topped with crispy crawfish and cayennebuttermilk dressing.
Other entrees, such as the Provence chicken and sake sea bass, allow the kitchen to flex its creative muscles, resulting in highly composed plates and a depth of flavor that have won the OAK room & bar OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award for 2023, as well as legions of dedicated fans.
Given the high quality and luxurious ambiance of the OAK room & bar, dining at The Bugler almost feels like stepping into the middle of a sibling rivalry — anything you can do, we’re going to try to do better. Or it might be that unlike other casino proper-
Perhaps the thing I appreciate most about The Bugler is the hint of swagger one gets out of the kitchen. There is a burger on the menu there, which surprises a lot of first-timers, given the restaurant’s reputation and elegant setting, but I think I have figured out why it is there. Simple though it may seem, there is no place to hide with a burger — no sauce to cover things up, no sides to duck behind — so any inferior ingredients or flaws in preparation are glaring.
The Bugler chefs step up to this challenge with a wagyu beef patty topped with crispy pork belly, white cheddar and housemade pickles as a badge of honor. “Watch this,” they seem to be saying, producing an ideal balance of flavors in an ohso-satisfying sandwich that is changing the idea of what a burger is and how perfect it can be. Every. Single. Time.
It goes without saying that the wine lists at either place are exceptional, and both restaurants lavish diners with an amazing array of desserts that, difficult as it is to leave room, must be experienced to round out an incomparable meal. These dinners are like a symphony, and skipping the sweets is akin to walking out before the final act. They are that good.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about dining at Oaklawn is despite the relative youth of The Bugler and the OAK room & bar, they have already woven themselves into the historic fabric of the place. Many people talk of first meeting their spouse and how it felt like they had always known them, and that is the feeling I get when I enjoy a meal at Oaklawn.
I guess it has something to do with how pride and passion for what one does never goes out of style, be it in food or art or magazine publishing. In that way, the restaurants of Oaklawn have quickly become classics yet retain the youthful energy and exuberance to amaze and delight diners each and every time. Join them for your next special occasion, family celebration or just because it is Tuesday; you will not be disappointed.
VISI
hot springs
Hot Springs Feast Month highlights best in city’s eats
Dig In!
By AY STAFF
In a state known for great food, Hot Springs occupies a place all its own in the culinary lexicon. From plate lunches to fine dining, steaks to pizza and pancakes to desserts. Spa City has something to please almost every taste and craving, and more options arrive seemingly by the week.
To help whet foodies’ appetites, Visit Hot Springs launched Feast Month a few years ago to showcase the very best the city has to offer.
“Anyone involved in tourism is always trying to figure out how to keep the momentum going during the spring, winter and fall,” said Bill Solleder, director of marketing at Visit Hot Springs. “Feast Month was born out of us really wanting to give our restaurant partners some love. We expanded it to be the whole month of November, which usually is a quieter month for us, and it’s been a very successful promotion.”
Spurred by its own webpage, hotsprings.org/feastmonth, Feast Month covers all things food in Spa City, complete with videos of local establishments and the chance to cast one’s vote for the best restaurants in a variety of categories. Diners are asked to tag their social media posts with #FeastMonth and #VisitHotSprings to show where and what they are eating, and many diners choose via a tip by “foodiegrams” displayed on the site using user-generated pictures and videos of real guests’ dining experiences.
“Food is about comfort, especially during November, when we’re all thinking about all those comfortfood options,” Solleder said. “Feast Month has all of those things you’re used to, no matter where you’re from, but I ask people to dig a little further and find those restaurants that are unique to Hot Springs and to Arkansas, for that matter. People who do that will be surprised at how much we offer and how much there is to try.”
Restaurants get in on the act by providing special deals and discounts during the celebration, deals which are also accessible via the website. Solleder said enthusiastic and widespread participation of the city’s many restaurants is key to the promotion’s success.
“When the visitor is planning a trip to Hot Springs, they’re looking for three things: Where am I going to Bill Solleder
stay, what am I going to do, and where am I going to eat?” he said. “There’s so many dining options in Hot Springs that are so fantastic. We have visitors that plan their entire trip to Hot Springs just based around food.”
As the foodie scene continues to grow in Hot Springs, more restaurants continue to open successfully. Feast Month helps give the new restaurants some exposure, in addition to highlighting old favorites.
To top everything off, Visit Hot Springs posts segments of Feast Mode, a short video series it has commissioned to help pique diners’ interest in the city’s food scene. Solleder said the strategy was launched to encourage the public’s curiosity and interest in trying someplace new.
“Maybe five or six years ago, we started working on the video series,” he said. “Once a month, we go in, we bring in a video crew, and we do a feature on one of our restaurants. Doing that every month for a few years now, we’ve been able to feature just about every restaurant there is in Hot Springs. Then again, places keep opening, and so we’re not liable to run out of subjects for a while.”
Solleder said using the Feast Month website is a great way for foodies to discover something new around every corner of the city, which tends to happen in waves.
“There was a time when barbecue was what everyone was talking about. Then came a period where it seemed every new restaurant was some sort of Mexican taco joint,” he said. “Pizza sort of took over from there; in fact, we’ve really become quite a pizza town. There’s always been fine dining in Hot Springs. We’re a meat and potatoes city after all, but lately, that’s being challenged by the food truck boom. We’re seeing food trucks pop up all over the place and move around, offering great variety.
“All of that adds up to Feast Month turning into a favorite event on the local events calendar. Hot Springs offers more diversity and options every year, and that’s something, as a resident, that I really love about this town and this promotion in particular.”
For all the details of this year’s Feast Month and to view videos about dining spots all over the city, visit hotsprings.org/feastmonth.
2023 Visitors’ Choice AWARD WINNERS
Hot Springs Feast Month is all about discovering new things, but with so many dining options to choose from, it is also good to start out with the tried and true. Below are the eateries that were voted best in their category by diners during last year’s Feast Month, according to more than 3,000 votes cast. The Feast Month Visitors Choice Awards were presented by Visit Hot Springs and AY About You magazine.
To vote for favorites in the 2024 competition, visit hotsprings.org/feastmonth.
BEST BBQ
Smokin’ In Style BBQ 2278 Albert Pike Road, Suite F
BEST BURGER
Ouachita Bar & Grill 915 Central Ave.
BEST PIZZA
Rocky’s Corner 2600 Central Ave.
BEST TACOS
Capo’s Tacos 200 Higdon Ferry Road
BEST STEAK
501 Prime 215 E. Grand Ave.
BEST SOUTHERN-STYLE FOOD
Mama Vee’s Southern Homestyle Cuisine 420 Malvern Ave.
BEST VEGETARIAN
Cafe 1217 1217 Malvern Ave., Suite B
To vote for
BEST SWEETS
Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe 502 Central Ave.
BEST BREAKFAST
The Pancake Shop 216 Central Ave.
BEST ASIAN CUISINE
The Pho House 608 E. Grand Ave.
BEST ITALIAN CUISINE
Via Roma Italian Restaurant 1521 Malvern Ave.
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Rock ‘N’ Roll Hibachi 420 Malvern Ave.
hot springs
Hot Springs serves up highly-recognized
pizzerias
By LANCE BROWNFIELD // Photos provided
There are two cities most people recognize as pizza capitals in the U.S. — New York and Chicago — but Hot Springs is becoming more and more known for the beloved dish.
While Hot Springs does not have its own style of pizza named after it (yet) or a group of four crime-fighting reptiles who ride skateboards to enjoy the city’s freshly baked pies, several pizzerias have been gaining a lot of attention over the past few years.
Rod’s Pizza Cellar, Rocky’s Corner, Sam’s Pizza Pub, SQZBX [pronounced “squeezebox”], Deluca’s Pizza, Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden, Hawgz Pizza and Burgers — these are just some of the names that have become iconic among locals and tourists alike when it comes to pizza.
“The city does have a lot of great pizza restaurants, and they’re all
unique in their own way,” said Billy Marsh, manager at Sam’s. “They’ve all got different locations or the style of pizza they make, and it’s great being in such a vibrant pizza community in Hot Springs.”
Heather Post, general manager at Deluca’s Pizza in Hot Springs, started when the business was only 6 months old in 2014. The restaurant was located on Park Avenue back then but has since moved twice, most recently to its current downtown location on Central Avenue. A decade later, she remembers serving only five pizzas for four tables on her first day and closing early. She rolled into full time as general manager in 2022.
“Over the years, I got to know him, and I really just fell in love with his vision and his craft,” Post said of Deluca’s owner, Anthony Valinoti. “I just had confidence in what he was doing, and I’ve been watching his personal growth and struggles with honing his craft and finding
the right people to help him out in that area, in the kitchen. I fell in love with it, so it’s always been kind of a growing, big part of my heart in life.”
Post recalls when a sellout day was just 60 pizzas, then moving to Central Avenue when the restaurant’s limit upped to 140 pizzas per day. Now the acclaimed restaurant sells 280 to 300 on a sellout day.
Some of that meteoric growth has been due to the recent internet fame Deluca’s received last year, when Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy paid the pizza joint a visit and gave one of his famous One Bite Pizza Reviews in late February 2023. The internet celebrity gave Deluca’s an 8.7 out of 10, which is a high mark for the series that now spans the country.
“It’s humbling, and it’s rewarding, both,” Post said. “That’s kind of, partially, been a longtime dream of ours and, I’m sure, for many pizza places, so that moment when [Portnoy] was here was truly a moment of just being proud and honestly just shock and awe.”
Post said she had tears pouring down her face as she watched Portnoy reviewing their pizza from inside the restaurant. He also sampled Rocky’s and the Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn, rating them 6.9 and 5.9, respectively.
“We didn’t realize the magnitude that he actually has as far as the power of the internet,” Valinoti said. “You kind of think that you need to be on TV or a movie star or whatever it is to garner that kind of attention. At last look, I think the combined videos were 6 or 7 million views. He literally doubled our business overnight.”
Valinoti said since the review was posted, people from all over the world have made the journey from Europe, Canada, Mexico and across the United States to try Deluca’s.
“It’s insane,” he said. “His reach was far greater than what we ever could have anticipated, so it’s been a magical year since he walked through our doors.”
The high ratings from the pizza review also earned Deluca’s a spot at this year’s Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Fest in New York City last month. About 35 of the highest rated pizzerias in the country descended on Randall’s Island Park for the second annual festival. Deluca’s is the very first pizza place to represent the South in the event, which draws more than 5,000 fans per year.
Post said the secret to Deluca’s success has been the quality of the ingredients and the skill of growing the product yet keeping it consistent.
“We’re very particular about the tomatoes we use, the flour we use, the yeast, the salt,” Post said. “Our dough is very scientific. It’s not just tossed together carelessly. There's a lot of planning and process involved.”
She said there is also “an element of care” from the staff. It’s not just a job, and the entire crew cares about the work, the customers and the craft.
While Deluca’s has come to be known far and wide for its pies, Valinoti said the burgers and the pasta are just as delicious.
Another highlight of the past year has been the process of opening a second location in Little Rock’s Breckenridge Village shopping center this month.
“Breckenridge has been a slow and arduous development. Let’s put it that way,” Valinoti said, adding that the decision to branch out to Little Rock will make his product more accessible to more people.
While there have been some setbacks in the revitalization efforts at Breckenridge, such as the March 2023 tornado and the September 2023 microburst, Valinoti said the other business owners invested in the project have made it worthwhile. He said he hopes the new location will be equal to or better than the Hot Springs location.
“Obviously, the developers have done everything possible to make this a truly special destination,” he said. “Breckenridge is a revitalization project for the area, which makes it attractive to me. You have a group of great businesses coming in that are trying to build something new and great.”
Post said the flagship location should not be affected much by the new addition to the Deluca’s family but that it will be more convenient for Little Rock patrons. She said the two locations will share a “joint custody” of the Little Rock customers.
“We’re very particular about the tomatoes we use, the flour we use, the yeast, the salt.”
— Heather Post, manager at Deluca's Pizza
Deluca's Pizza, from left, Sam's Pizza Pub and SQZBX are some of the pizzerias helping Hot Springs earn a reputation as the Pizza Capital of the South.
“I know they’re all really excited about it, but they all still visit Hot Springs for various reasons,” she said. “People still plan to frequent us, as well, when they visit. A lot of them enjoy the vibe of this location, as well. Each place will have its own kind of special vibe but the same good food.”
Post is hopeful the excitement about the pizza festival in September and the opening of the new location will make for more visitors during one of the slowest times of year for tourism in the Spa City.
“As growth in Hot Springs spills out of the downtown core, we’re glad to be in a part of town that’s easy to access, no matter what the holiday traffic looks like.”
— Cheryl Roorda, co-owner of SQZBX
“We’re thrilled to introduce the new Deluca’s location in Little Rock, where we’ve taken the essence of our Hot Springs spot and infused it with a fresh, exciting twist,” said Katie Windham, the first manager of the new location. “Imagine deep red booths, intimate lighting that sets the perfect mood, and a vibrant mezzanine that’s ideal for enjoying cocktails and bar snacks. We’ve added a touch of the unexpected with our signature leopard lamps, bringing an element of fun and flair to the atmosphere.
“We can’t wait for everyone to experience this unique blend of elegance and energy in our new space. I have immense respect for Heather and Anthony and the incredible culture they’ve fostered at our Hot Springs location. Having dined at all three original spots, I was truly inspired by what they’ve built. When the opportunity came to be part of opening Deluca’s Little Rock, I knew I wanted to be a part of that history.”
While the story of Deluca’s is in many ways the story of the rise (literally) of pizza in Hot Springs, Marsh said Sam’s has an interesting story of its own. The establishment sits inside a little neighborhood by Lake Hamilton on Burchwood Bay Road in what used to be a house that was built in the 1940s.
First opening in 1983, the family-owned business offers thin, crispy pizza using the same dough recipe throughout all those years, but the most unique aspect is the origin story of the name. Sam’s was named after a dog who once lived in the neighborhood.
“He would actually lay by the front door, and you’d have to walk over him to get inside,” Marsh said, “and so they named it Sam’s.”
After the dog died, the owners erected a concrete statue of Sam in the front of the house. Inside the statue are Sam’s ashes.
“He still sits by the front door today,” Marsh said.
Ambiance accents the cuisine at SQZBX, from left, Sam's and Deluca's.
Marsh said the restaurant features a large menu and is “not just a pizza pub.” There is also a wide selection of vegan food available, including a vegan philly and vegan cheese for pizzas, and the dough is made vegan, as well. The restaurant also features live music and a family-friendly atmosphere.
“A lot of people just come to sit on our patio and enjoy the weather,” Marsh said. “When the [Oaklawn] races are in town, it’s a good place.”
SQZBX, on the other hand, could be called the alternative man’s (or woman’s) slice. Cheryl Roorda and her husband, Zac Smith, have
curated a unique atmosphere that blends the history of the building, which used to be Davis Piano Co. on Ouachita Avenue, with the welcoming ambiance of a modern brewery and restaurant. The name comes from the couples’ other great passion in life, music.
Smith and Roorda were a traveling music duo for about 15 years and performed by the name “The Itinerant Locals.” Roorda plays the tuba, while Smith’s main instrument is the accordion, which is also often called a squeezebox. As their well-traveled children got older, Roorda said, “we thought about all the bars, restaurants and outdoor events we’d played and wondered if we could distill what made the good ones good into a place of our own.
“We wanted a short name, and no one knows what a helicon is, so it seemed a better choice,” she said of the tuba-like instrument her husband also plays.
The charming name is not the only musical note in the story of SQZBX, since the pizzeria is connected to a community radio station run by the couple. KUHS 102.5 FM fills the other half of the property on Ouachita Avenue and is tied to nonprofit Low Key Arts, an organization responsible for music and festivals such as Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival, Persistence of Vision Film Festival and arts programs such as the Inception to Projection educational filmmaking course. Smith acts as the station manager, while Roorda is president of the board for LKA.
“We had the vision of a community radio station that would complement the open, welcoming dining and conversation we envisioned for SQZBX Brewery and Pizza,” Roorda said. “KUHS is all volunteer-driven, the only solar-powered radio station in Arkansas and is a project of Low Key Arts.”
While it is certainly unique to have a radio station “just down the hall from the bathrooms” at 240 Ouachita Ave., the pizza place that opened in 2017 has been making noise in the pizza world ever since. The spot is set to celebrate its seventh anniversary in December,
and during SQZBX’s time open, Ouachita Avenue has evolved into a thriving corridor. Also known as Sidetown, the neighborhood features other popular businesses and restaurants, including Colorado Grill, Starlite Club and Splash Wine Bar, as well as several retail options. Many of the businesses may not have been there but for the funky SQZBX breaking the seal on the city’s first improvement district.
“We are glad to see the growth of the neighborhood, and the foot traffic that finds its way to the great retail and service shops on our blocks,” Roorda said. “As growth in Hot Springs spills out of the downtown core, we’re glad to be in a part of town that’s easy to access, no matter what the holiday traffic looks like.”
Throughout the years, SQZBX has relied on its dedicated staff members, many of whom have been around since the beginning, and their commitment to ingredients as the secret to developing intense customer loyalty.
“SQZBX is about putting fresh, homemade food out in a beautiful place and letting the ingredients speak for themselves,” Roorda said.
The dough is made every morning for the next day’s service, cold proofing overnight. The vegetables are hand-cut daily, meats and cheeses are sliced on location, and the herbs and produce are sourced locally. The restaurant uses only premium cheese and toppings.
“Our handmade dough and home-brewed beer really stand out, and that’s the basis for everything we serve, but one featured ingredient that people talk about a lot are the Sweetie Drops,” she said. “They’re the little pickled peppers that go out on our amazing salads. Some people will request them as a pizza topping, and they go so well with the homemade chunky blue cheese dressing. We get a lot of props for our gluten-free and vegan options, as well.”
Always excited to put new items on the menu, SQZBX’s newest creation is the hot honey pizza, which features shredded pepperoni and fresh basil.
The signature craft beer is brewed using only malts, hops, water and yeast. Varieties cover the usual bases of lagers and ales, all of which pair well with the great pizza. Regulars know that as cooler temperatures come in, one of the best places to enjoy a SQZBX pizza is on the restaurant’s back patio, under a big pecan tree.
“Our main goal is to assemble great ingredients and then get out of the way,” Roorda said. “Pizza and beer are essentially great food and drink, and a meal at SQZBX satisfies that itch for a great meal beautifully served.”
With the falling of the leaves comes the lull in Hot Springs’ tourism, which provides for ideal, low-key dining at one of the legendary pizza places the town has to offer. When it comes to the pizza game in Hot Springs, it seems everyone wants a slice of the pie. Happily, both visitors and locals alike have an abundance of dining options that are ever innovative yet satisfyingly consistent.
HOT TOPPINGS
Pizzeria owners weigh in on controversial pizza topics
New York versus Chicago style
“New York because Chicago is too much like a cake, although all pizza is good.”
— Anthony Valinoti, owner of Deluca’s Pizza
“I’d probably be more of a New York-style guy — you know, the big slices, holding them that way — and I think they’re a little bit more on the thinner side as far as, like, a deep-dish Chicago, I’m more of a thin-crust guy.”
— Billy Marsh, manager at Sam’s Pizza Pub
“I’m definitely a fan of New York-style pizza — it’s just got that perfect balance of crispy crust and foldable slices.”
— Katie Windham, general manager at Deluca’s Pizza’s Little Rock location
“When it comes to dough, we’re New Jersey all the way. If you know, you know.”
— Zac Smith, co-owner of SQZBX
To pineapple or not to pineapple:
“We have pineapple on the menu, which may upset people with nothing better to think about. Is it ‘authentic’? I don’t know, but when you consider that pineapple was introduced to the Mediterranean at about the same time tomatoes were, it puts ‘new’ ingredients in perspective.”
— Zac Smith, co-owner of SQZBX
“I do enjoy [pineapple] on other pizzas from time to time, but when it comes to Deluca’s pies, I stick to the classics. Our ingredients are meticulously crafted to highlight the highest quality flavors, so I wouldn’t want to alter that perfection.”
— Katie Windham, general manager at Deluca’s Pizza’s Little Rock location
“Yeah, you’ve got to do the pineapple. A little bit of barbecue pulled pork on the pizza, some barbecue sauce and some pineapples and red onions — i’s a really good pizza.”
— Billy Marsh, manager at Sam’s Pizza Pub
“If a customer wants pineapple, ranch or any other crazy addition, then they can leave my restaurant.”
— Anthony Valinoti, owner of Deluca’s Pizza
Outdoor rec opportunities flow from Spa City
By MARK CARTER // Photos provided
Arkansas’ first city of tourism takes its name from the active hot springs that flow from Hot Springs Mountain. Forty-seven springs pump out roughly 1 million gallons of water per day at an average temperature of 143 degrees and represent the main draw for Hot Springs National Park.
Scientists at the National Park Service have estimated through radiocarbon dating that the water that reaches the surface in Hot Springs fell as rainfall more than 4,000 years prior.
For hundreds of years, the springs have attracted visitors — be they indigenous tribes, European explorers, early Major League Baseball spring trainers, Depression-era gangsters or the millions of contemporary tourists of today — seeking recreation and even healing.
The renowned hot springs, combined with the vibrant blues and greens of the surrounding mountains, forests and lakes, make the Spa City a true destination for outdoor recreation.
Whether one enjoys water sports, fishing, mountain biking, hiking or just relaxing in nature, Hot Springs has it covered.
Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park
Over 31 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails
NORTHWOODS
Northwest Arkansas has become a national hub for mountain biking — and deservedly so — but Hot Springs' Northwoods Trails take a back seat to no one, boasting 31.5 miles of world-class mountain biking. The Hot Springs area is also home to three mountain biking trails — the Womble Trail, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and the Ouachita National Recreation Trail — that are among 53 trails worldwide to achieve “epic” status from the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Located just five minutes from downtown, the system includes single-track, multi-track and flow trails, jump lines, and the Lucky 13 expert section. The trails are color coded, just as slopes are for snow skiers — green for beginners, blue for intermediate riders and black for experts.
“We opened the Northwoods Trail system in November of 2018 with the help of the Walton Foundation — over 31 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails that opened up a whole new visitor market for our community,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, the city’s tourism arm.
Northwoods offers 23 total trails. For the more experienced riders, black-designated trails include End of the Rainbow, Lucky 13 and Wishbone. Intermediate blue rides can be found on the Bethel, Cats Meow, Blue Jay, Lowrey, Dreamcatcher, Freeman, Zig Zag, Screech Owl, Sidecar, Valkyrie and Waterworks trails. Green rides can be had on Whip-poor-will, Waterworks, Pumphouse, Pullman, Nighthawk, Mockingbird, Dewdropper, Brown Thrasher and Bees Knees.
Northwoods’ annual Viking-themed Güdrun — Northwoods MTB Festival — draws riders from all over the country and beyond. The 2024 installment runs Nov. 8 to 10.
Trails are also available for hikers and trail runners. Trail conditions are updated daily online at northwoodstrails.com. The park opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m.
Northwoods is not the only place where one can access the area’s natural beauty. In addition to the mountain biking trails, hikers and trail runners can find hundreds of miles of trails in and around the Spa City. Hot Springs
The Northwood Trails provide mountain biking opportunities on par with those in northwest Arkansas.
National Park itself offers 26 miles of walkable trails, most within easy access of downtown. Like their mountain biking counterparts, the trails offer scenic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Day hikes can be found at Lake Ouachita State Park, Lake Catherine State Park and within the 1.8-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, which is home to more than 50 trails, including the five-loop Little Blakely Trail System and the 4-mile Hunt’s Loop Trail.
The Tri-Lakes region that surrounds the city represents not just a local tourism draw but a national one, as well.
LAKES, LAKES, LAKES
The lakes that surround Hot Springs — Ouachita, Hamilton and Catherine, each created by a dam on the Ouachita River — are known for their water sports, fishing and, in the case of Ouachita, scuba diving. Plus, nearby DeGray Lake south of Hot Springs attracts its own share of outdoor recreation enthusiasts and is noted for its birdwatching.
The Tri-Lakes region that surrounds the city represents not just a local tourism draw but a national one, as well. Many residents of surrounding states own homes on one of the lakes and visit multiple times per year.
Lake Ouachita is the state’s largest at
An assortment of lakes provides abundant water-based recreation opportunities within reach of downtown Hot Springs.
40,000 acres and represents the most rustic of the Hot Springs lakes. Commercial and residential building is restricted on Ouachita to protect the lake and views of the surrounding hills that roll through Ouachita National Forest. Water sports are big at Lake Ouachita. Water skiing and fishing — especially bass and striper — are popular at the lake, and visitors are likely to see any number of different kinds of watercraft, from fishing and ski boats to kayaks, canoes, sailboats and houseboats. Free primitive camping is permitted on any of the lake’s numerous uninhabited islands.
Marinas, including the renowned Mountain Harbor Resort, and campgrounds dot the lake’s shoreline, which runs for 600 to 900 miles depending on the water level. Plus, the lake has earned designation as the cleanest lake in the country, making scuba diving a popular activity.
If Ouachita represents Hot Springs’ “country” lake, then its “city” cousin is the smaller Lake Hamilton, portions of which stretch
directly into the city itself on its western and southern flanks. About one-sixth the size of Ouachita, Lake Hamilton is heavily developed and has restaurants, resorts, dockside stores, condos and vacation homes — some of them Robin Leach worthy — lining its shores. Most of the guided boat tours in the area take place there. Duck boats, pontoons and party barges are the main modes of transportation.
Pleasure boaters dot the lake from spring to fall.
Lake Catherine, meanwhile, is the hidden gem of the Hot Springs lakes. Considered more of a wooded oasis and sister lake to nearby Lake Hamilton, the 1,900-acre Catherine is known for its natural, undeveloped feel and is popular for water sports and fishing.
Lake Catherine State Park offers a popular swim beach and the only full-service marina on the lake, as well as year-round boat and cabin rentals, campgrounds, an RV park, and a hiking trail that leads to a waterfall and swimming hole.
Whether one enjoys water sports, fishing, mountain biking, hiking or just relaxing in nature, Hot Springs has it covered.
IN THE TREES
Perhaps Spa City’s most unique new outdoors attraction is Sarah and Lee Medley’s In the Trees, a treehouse retreat located just north of town.
With six children, Sarah Medley said she and her husband launched In the Trees because they understand the importance of downtime. They always plan an end-of-the-year getaway for just the two of them, during which they reflect and plan. The couple launched In the Trees because they wanted to provide an opportunity for others to do the same. The cabins
and treehouses at the resort were designed with relaxation and serenity in mind, she said.
Each cabin and treehouse is outfitted with a hot tub, heated bathroom floors, luxury bedding, an electric indoor fireplace, a smart TV, a vinyl record player, Bluetooth speakers, an outdoor fireplace, an outdoor deck that affords a picturesque view of the Ouachita Mountains, and a stocked kitchen that has cooking basics, Caraway luxury cookware, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, a stove and a microwave. Plus, most units include additional loft sleeping.
Founded by Sarah and Lee Medley, In the Trees offers out-of-the-box lodging steeped in nature.
Oaklawn Hotel
Living the Spa Life
For those with the time, Hot Springs has the attractions
By AY STAFF // Photos provided
Hot Springs is the recognized tourism capital of Arkansas and has been ever since people started trekking to the central Arkansas spot to soak in the thermal waters in 1807. Ever since, Spa City has been a magnet for those seeking rest and rejuvenation, from Al Capone and Babe Ruth to countless stars of the stage and screen to millions of ordinary people seeking an unforgettable stay.
Some may think that in the latter stages of the year, the community closes down, but Hot Springs is a place for which there is no offseason. Sure, the thoroughbred races do not run year-round, and there are months where it is a little too chilly to be on the lake, but there is plenty of entertainment and attractions to be enjoyed here any time of year.
Tourists do not have to blow their entire two weeks of time off to have a good time, either, although one could. Part of the allure of Hot Springs is its versatility of attractions for all ages that can fill up a day, a weekend or a full-blown vacation. Even an evening can be a memorable occasion, given the city’s thriving dining scene and the myriad of live entertainment that is always happening.
The following itineraries contain a sampling of the city’s best activities and attractions for newbies or for those who are just looking for a break from the ordinary. Whether one has a day, two days or a long weekend to spend, Hot Springs is the place to be, but be warned: Spa City has a way of soaking into a person, bringing them back time and time again.
Welcome to Hot Springs, the city where the party never ends.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
Let’s be honest – one-day Hot Springs excursions are more for the experienced visitor or the local who cuts a beeline to the city for this or that activity. The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade (shorteststpats.com), the World Championship Running of the Tubs (hotsprings. org/events) and the Güdrun — Northwoods MTB Festival (northwoodstrails.org/events/ gudrun) are about as contained as Hot Springs attractions get, offering a full day of fun with a modicum of schedule.
However, those seeking to enjoy a Saturday or playing hooky from work or school can also have a good time cobbling together their own itineraries, whether for shopping, feasting or sipping. Just know that for every one thing taken in, there are five that must be left out due to time. This itinerary is not meant to be exhaustive but to provide a starting point. Rest assured that visitors are sure to come back.
Be smart about things, and come the evening before to enjoy a stay at the Waters (thewatershs.com), the city’s first boutique luxe hotel, right in the heart of downtown. For dinner, stroll over to the Ohio Club (theohioclub. com) for a taste of history (not to mention what many call the best burger in town). The ambiance and charm of the place makes it easy to envision Bugsy Siegel or Capone seated in a booth or at the bar, which is fitting considering they and others of their ilk were frequent patrons.
From there it is a short jaunt to Maxine’s (maxineslive.com), where the action has been happening since Arkansas’ most famous madame, Maxine Temple Jones, the place’s namesake, first entertained her clientele in the late 1940s. The menu of options is not as notorious today but just as tempting, featuring great pub fare and a hopping musical lineup to enjoy.
After making it back to the Waters, the night is not complete without a nightcap at the rooftop bar. The place is open only sparingly throughout the week, so
plan accordingly; the view and atmosphere are not to be missed. Linger in a luxury suite the next morning before heading out for some retail therapy. Can’tmiss spots include Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium (bathhousesoap.com), which offers everything bubbly for the bath, laundry, body and face. Take skin care to the next level with a visit to Ageless Aesthetics of Arkansas (agelessaestheticsar.com), which carries a full line of luxury skin products and offers pampering services to give skin a healthy glow. Grab a chic souvenir fit to actually wear from the fashionable yet casual Buffalo Clothing Co. (501) 655-0678. Be sure to hit Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcake Shoppe (fbgcupcakes.com) to have a little sugar on hand for the drive home or to share later.
Speaking of sugar, keep shopping energy high with a stop at Indulge (indulgesweetsavory.com), one of Hot Springs’ newest dining experiences. From savory crepes filled with delightful ingredients to creamy artisan gelato and warm, freshly baked cookies, the menu offers satisfaction for every craving. The new spot also offers cocktails, coffee drinks and even full-on picnic baskets to go.
Not into shopping? Spend the day on the trails by renting a bike at Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co. (hotspringsbicycletouringco.com). Join a guided tour of the city’s sights or rent a ride and set off through the Northwoods system (northwoodstrails.org), some of the most acclaimed mountain biking in America, which is accessible from downtown.
Alternatively, head to Tula Yoga Studio (tulayogahs.com) for an invigorating yoga session guaranteed to bring mind, body and spirit into total alignment through various forms of the art, from inversion classes to balanced beginners to hot yoga guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Afterward, refuel at Taco Mama (tacomama.net), which offers some of the freshest takes on Mexican food in Arkansas, before heading for home. Remember: Filling up a day with Hot Springs activities is easy; narrowing it down to 24 hours is the hard part.
A single day in Hot Springs can be jam-packed with fun activities during any season.
TWICE AS NICE
2
DAYS
Once the 24-hour junket gets into one’s system, it is natural to extend a stay to cover two days, and once again, Hot Springs does not disappoint. If something got missed off the top list, mix and match it with the following recommendations to create a weekend that will never be forgotten.
For a great lodging experience, check out the unique treehouse lodging available at In the Trees (inthetrees.com). Relaxing, stylish and fully furnished, this lodging option sets the stage for a truly extraordinary weekend of activities.
Once checked in (again, get there the evening before) make the short jaunt into the city for a proper pint and a rollicking good time at Copper Penny Pub (copper-penny-pub.com), one of Spa City’s oldest and friendliest watering holes. Enjoy Irish favorites such as fish and chips, Guinness stew and shepherd’s pie, along with live music, as a fitting welcome to the weekend.
The next day, head over to the award-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (garvangardens.org), the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. Enjoy a canopy of towering pines that protect the delicate flora and fauna as the waves of Lake Hamilton lap gently along 4.5 miles of wooded shoreline and rocky inclines. The gardens feature something of interest year-round.
Following lunch — try some fine seafood fare at Fisherman’s Wharf Steak & Seafood (501) 525-7437 or a quick nosh at Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden (gratefulheadpizza.com) — head over Ham-
mer & Stain (501) 547-9411 for a fun afternoon of creativity. The doit-yourself art studio welcomes walk-ins during regular business hours (unless a private party or class is in session), allowing visitors the chance to complete one of several ready-made projects or partake of the candle bar — or sign up for a class that sparks an interest in one of several artistic categories.
Get refreshed for the evening, and then head back into the city for an unforgettable dinner at DONS Southern Social (seeyouatdons.com), home to one of the area’s hottest young chefs, Joshua Garland. Reservations are highly encouraged for this exciting culinary experience.
Cap off the evening with a spellbinding performance by Maxwell Blade (maxwellblade.com), one of the most acclaimed illusionists in the business. Held in the completely renovated Malco Theatre, Maxwell Blade’s show is a high-energy combination of magic, music and comedy for all ages. For something more intimate, check out the up-close illusions of Jonathan Erlandson in the Malco’s intimate parlor room theater.
Following the show, take in the splendor of yesteryear with a drink in the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa’s (arlingtonhotel. com) famed lobby bar before retiring for the evening. The next day, pay a visit to All Things Arkansas (allthingsarkansas.com) for a fitting memento of the visit or to snag a gift for the person petsitting the dogs back home. Then be the first in line for Deluca’s (originaldelucas.com) evening service, which offers some of the best New York-style pizza to be had anywhere. Locals also know about the amazing cheeseburger at Deluca’s, and many order it as an appetizer before sampling a pie that has been rated tops in the country by national publications and influencers. It is the consummate bite to end a fabulous two-day sojourn to Spa City.
Two days provides even more opportunities to experience the abundance of attractions, eateries and entertainment in Hot Springs.
LUXURY PACKAGE3DAYS
Ready to go all-in on a luxurious three-day getaway? Spa City is up to the challenge. In addition to everything mentioned thus far, the following attractions and accommodations take the Hot Springs experience up a notch for the finest in food, fun and frivolity.
The three-day package is all about going in style from start to finish, and that begins with the accommodations. Check into the hotel at Oaklawn (oaklawn.com), where every creature comfort has been carefully engineered to guarantee an unforgettable stay. Gaze down upon the legendary oval from a trackside suite, then head over to one of the acclaimed on-premises restaurants, such as the OAK room & bar, which offers some of the best dining in Arkansas in a casually elegant atmosphere. Afterward, try your luck at the blackjack, poker or craps tables before retiring to your suite.
The next day, plan to get an early start to claim a place in line for a legendary meal at The Pancake Shop (pancakeshop.com), which is renowned throughout the South for its breakfast fare. Lines can get long, especially at the peak of racing or tourist season, but early birds tend to get through with minimal wait.
Fortified by the best pancakes since Mama’s, get ready for an adventure on the water, courtesy of Jimi Easterling, aka “The Fishing Coach”
A long weekend offers even more time to check out the incredible attractions in Hot Springs.
(jimi.e.fishing@gmail.com), on the hunt for a lunker. Easterling is a fishing savant, having built a substantial following on social media, YouTube and, of course, his guide service. He knows where the big one bite.
Those who are not into fishing but want a unique experience on and off the lake should check out one of the oldest and most unique tours of Hot Springs National Park via National Park Duck Tours (rideaduck.com). The 75-minute tour aboard an amphibious World War II DUKW combines the best sites by land and lake with an entertaining guide to point out the landmarks along the way. Guests can experience a tradition that goes back generations.
Following the day’s activity, plan for a memorable dinner at J&S Italian Villa (jandsitalian.com). This family-owned, intimate restaurant offers some of the most delicious entrees anywhere in Spa City, from pasta and seafood to beef and veal, all expertly matched with fine wine. Save room for the decadent desserts to round out an unforgettable meal.
Day 2, rise and report to Astral Spa (oaklawn.com/resort/spa), Arkansas’ only Forbes four-star-rated spa. Engage the senses in vitality pools, heated pool loungers, needle showers and infrared saunas, and choose from a robust menu of therapies to satisfy each individual guest. Truly unlike anything to be found in the region, Astral is the ultimate experience in pampering.
Freshly rejuvenated, head over to the Gangster Museum of America (thegangstermuseum.com) to learn the romantic history of Hot Springs as a playground for some of the most famous gangsters in history. Owney
From the Gangster Museum of America and Lake Catherine State Park to the restaurants and spa at Oaklawn, Hot Springs can provide for most any getaway.
Madden, Bugs Moran, Lucky Luciano and more considered Hot Springs their own personal playground, where they reveled in booze, babes and gambling while city leaders turned a blind eye.
After another turn at the tables or slots, dress for dinner at The Bugler (oaklawn.com/dining/the-bugler), another of Oaklawn’s fine dining experiences. Offering some of the best chef-inspired cuisine in the state, the Bugler sets the standard for sophisticated fare that defines elegance without being pretentious or stuffy. Enjoy the award-winning wine list or settle in with a signature cocktail while awaiting a meal of aged steaks, fresh seafood or handmade pasta followed by delicious artisanal desserts presented stunningly.
Day 3 starts with the short drive to Lake Catherine State Park and the Falls Branch Trail. The 2-mile trail, rated moderate, begins near the campground and winds through the pine and hardwood forest, crossing Little Canyon Creek several times. The highlight of the 1.5- to 2-hour hike is the seasonal scenic waterfall on Falls Creek that provides a stunning photo op.
That adventure can build up an appetite, so head back to the city and visit one of Hot Springs’ acclaimed barbecue restaurants. Stubby’s BarB-Que (stubbys.com), which opened in 1952, and McClard’s (mcclards. com), established 1928, have both been around for generations and are part of the city’s culinary lore due to their fragrant and succulent ribs, pulled pork and delicious homemade sides. Whatever Falls Creek took out of hikers, either of these time-honored joints will put it back and then some.
As Hot Springs recedes in the rearview mirror, make a promise to return. The light is always on, and the fun is always just around the corner at the tourism capital of Arkansas.
FOOD & DRINK
501 Prime
Back Porch Grill
Bubbas Brew’s on Lake Hamilton
The Bugler Café 1217
Capo’s Tacos
Copper Penny Pub
Crystal Ridge Distillery
Deluca’s Pizza
DONS Southern Social
Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe
Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden
Hamilton Hangout
Indulge
J&S Italian Villa
Kollective Coffee + Tea
The Lobby at the Arlington Hotel
Mama Vee’s
Mainline Sports Bar
Maxine’s
McClard’s
The OAK room & bar
The Ohio Club
Origami Sake
Ouachita Bar & Grill
The Pancake Shop
The Pho House
Red Light Roastery & Coffee House
Rock ‘n’ Roll Hibachi
Robo World
Rocky’s Corner
Sam’s Pizza Pub
Silks Bar and Grill
Smokin’ in Style BBQ
Stubby’s Bar-B-Que
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
SQZBX
Taco Mama
Track Kitchen
Trejos del Lago
The Vault
Via Roma Italian Restaurant
The Rooftop at the Waters
Hot SpringsBucket List
OUTDOORS
Balanced Rock
Goat Rock Trail
Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Lake Catherine State Park Falls Branch Trail
Northwoods Trails
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
American Craft Sake Fest (April)
Feast Month (November)
Güdrun — Northwoods MTB Festival (November)
Hot Springs Christmas Parade (December)
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (October)
Live racing at Oaklawn (December-May)
Spa-Con (September)
Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off (November)
Tulip Extravaganza at Garvan Woodland Gardens (March-April)
World Championship Running of the Tubs (June)
World’s Shortest St Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
LANDMARKS
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
Buckstaff Bathhouse
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs Arkansas Historic Baseball Trail
Hot Springs Mural Tour
Magic Springs
Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic
Oaklawn
Quapaw Baths & Spa
3 Check off the Hot Springs Bucket List as you visit a small sample of our favorite places.
2024
By Mak Millard
AY About You is proud to present the 2024 "Faces of Arkansas," some of the most influential leaders and businesses in the entire state. From banking and real estate to fitness and interior design, these men and women are at the top of their games, cementing lifetime legacies in their respective fields.
Flip through these pages to learn what makes this year’s class exceptional and deserving of such acclaim.
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Photography by Chynna Bottoms, Jason Burt, Heather Clements, Chris Davis, Jamie Lee, Steve Lewis, Monica McGhee, Lori Sparkman and Heather Swayze.
CARTI THE FACE OF CANCER CARE
CARTI is more than a cancer treatment provider — it is the trusted destination for comprehensive care. Serving over 50,000 patients annually, CARTI’s model extends care to patients from every county in Arkansas and beyond, setting the standard for accessible, compassionate cancer care.
CARTI’s multidisciplinary team — including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, urologists and more — deliver care by bringing expert treatment close to home.
The organization’s commitment to innovation goes beyond traditional treatment. The clinical research team at CARTI is able to offer patients the latest in therapies and trials, which can have a profound impact on survival rates. By integrating breakthroughs such as personalized medicine, immunotherapy and minimally invasive robotic surgery, CARTI remains at the forefront of cancer treatment. This research focus ensures patients receive the most effective care, from precision diagnostics to individualized treatment plans.
Arkansas’ first cancer-focused surgery center, the CARTI Surgery Center. With extended-stay
Pictured above from left to right: Rhonda Gentry, M.D.; Matthew Hardee, M.D., Ph.D.; Sam Makhoul, M.D.; Donald B. Norwood, M.D.; Yara Robertson, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Scott Stern, M.D.
capabilities, it offers patients a more convenient, supportive environment that enhances recovery and outcomes. It is an example of CARTI’s commitment to reshaping cancer treatment through innovation and patient-centered care.
Technology and innovation are only part of the story. CARTI knows that a cancer diagnosis brings emotional and financial challenges, too. That is why CARTI opened The Bridge in 2024, expanding access to critical support services like transportation, lodging, wellness programs, counseling, support groups and more. Patients receive care that extends beyond medicine, with CARTI supporting both their health and overall well-being.
CARTI is synonymous with compassionate, leading-edge cancer care. With a mission of making trusted cancer care accessible through compassion, innovation and purpose, it continues to transform the lives of patients across Arkansas, ensuring that, wherever there is a need, CARTI will be there.
Garrett Excavating is more than just a company; it is a team of passionate individuals dedicated to creating lasting, positive impacts on Arkansas communities. The third-generation earthmoving and construction company has been committed to improving the infrastructure that moves, houses and shapes the Natural State since 1950. With projects ranging from hospitals and roads to apartment complexes and subdivisions, Garrett Excavating lays claim to, and works to live up to, the title of “Best on Earth.”
As much as the company invests in its equipment, tools and cutting-edge techniques, Garrett Excavating also pours heavily into the people who make it great.
The company strives to be a prime example that putting people first does not come at the expense of profitability, but actually enhances it. A supportive culture that values both personal and professional development has made Garrett Excavating a destination workplace that attracts top talent from both inside and outside the industry, fueling the company’s intentional growth.
Garrett Excavating’s mission is to build inspiring projects that create community value and social prosperity, and that means that every project is a chance to have a meaningful impact. Every interaction at the company, whether with customers, vendors, industry
professionals or employees, is another opportunity to impact the lives, hearts and minds of people. Every member of the Garrett Excavating team is unified in the pursuit of excellence — not simply exceeding expectations but setting entirely new standards for what a thriving, people-first company can be.
The success of this approach depends on dynamic, mission-driven leadership. The Garrett Excavating leadership team embraces change, setting an industry-wide tone and redefining what is possible in construction and excavation. While remaining uncompromising on expertise and execution, the company gains an edge by fostering a culture where
collaboration and problem solving rule the day.
Garrett Excavating is a growth-minded company, so the next few years promise even more investment into people, projects and communities. The company aims to continue expanding its footprint at a sustainable pace while consistently creating new opportunities for its team members to thrive. That formula for success has kept and will continue to keep Garrett Excavation ahead of an evolving industry and everchanging markets.
Better infrastructure starts with better people, and Garrett Excavating is committed to building better futures for clients, partners and employees.
Garrett Excavating
WILDFIRE FARMS THE FACE OF FARMING AND AGRICULTURE
COREY AND ANNA WHISENHUNT
Whether raising crops or creatures, Arkansas’ farmers know the value — and reward — of a hard day’s work. Down in southwest Arkansas, Ozan-based Wildfire Farms is contributing to this legacy through pursuits both traditional and innovative.
“I was raised on a 600-head sow farm,” said CEO Corey Whisenhunt. “My father taught us how to work for what we have, and it all started with him.”
Five years ago, Whisenhunt built a 2,500head operation of his own just behind his father’s property. Today, Whisenhunt and his family work alongside six other laborers to ship out 6,000 pigs each month. Whisenhunt is a contractor at JBS Live Pork, a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau and board member at the Arkansas Pork Producers Association. That said, Wildfire’s production does not stop at sows.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and a few years ago, I started studying the cannabis plant,” Whisenhunt said. “I was talking to my dad because we were trying to figure out a way to use his old farm, so we decided to grow hemp.”
Just two years in, the hemp side of the business has grown steadily thanks to partnerships with like-minded friends and family. While Whisenhunt serves as president and CEO, his wife, Anna, is vice president and runs Wildfire Farms’ online and retail operations. His father, Ron, manages the farm. Cousin Gail Hearnsberger
is secretary and treasurer of Wildfire’s board. Her husband, John, is a doctor and serves as medical adviser and chairman. With this group and other dedicated partners, Wildfire Farms is on a mission to improve people’s quality of life and educate them on the benefits of hemp products.
“What motivates us at Wildfire Farms is watching what this plant has done for so many people,” Whisenhunt said. “The testimonies that we get from everyone that uses our products is the reason why we are so driven to do what we do. It’s about people getting better.”
Wildfire Farms produces chemical- and pesticide-free hemp using all-organic farming practices. Every product is stateand lab-tested, giving customers highquality, all-natural CBD and THC options.
Whisenhunt and company also advocate for wider awareness of the plant’s uses, from medical research to stress reduction in animals and creating all manner of hemp-based products. There is still much potential to get out of hemp, Whisenhunt said, but it will depend on lawmakers to allow farmers to maximize it.
“We work very hard in our hog and hemp farms to provide the cleanest and best products we can on both ends,” Whisenhunt said. “We hope to set an example that says hard work and dedication definitely pay off and to always trust God because he will see you through anything.”
FIRST NATIONAL TITLE CO. THE FACE OF TITLE COMPANIES
Faithfully serving clients since 1997, First National Title Co. is widely recognized for its commitment to closing deals, no matter how much work is involved. The company is helmed by attorneys Jim Pender and David Harrison, whose legal expertise allows them to handle even the most complex real estate transactions. Despite what can often be complicated and demanding work, First National Title fundamentally exists to fulfill a very simple ethos: offering clients a superior resource with superior service.
In an era — and a real estate industry — where it would be easy to look upon title services as just another stream of revenue to supplement one’s main line of business, First National Title opts for depth rather than breadth. Not only has the company stayed in their lane, they have become the standard-bearer for what a title and closing business ought to consist of. As the
state’s largest independent title company, First National Title employs close to 200 team members across the state who provide hundreds of years of combined experience in the title business. That expansive footprint also ensures that even clients in rural areas of the state have access to local experts and quality service. The company’s 25 brick-and-mortar offices are in constant communication, giving the company’s dedicated and attorney-supervised staff the ability and know-how to serve clients in all 75 counties. A broad network of title plants, largely maintained by the company itself, also gives First National Title an edge when it comes to the thoroughness of its research. At First National, accurate and
JIM PENDER, OWNER,
AND
DAVID HARRISON, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
detailed property information is provided by skilled professionals, ensuring an excellent experience from start to finish.
First National Title Co. closes both residential and commercial sales, as well as loan refinancing transactions. The company provides title examination and escrow closing services for all real estate transactions, including 1031 tax exchanges, and issues mortgagee’s and owner’s title insurance policies. A reputation for results has led First National to be called upon frequently by out-of-state title companies needing to get deals over the line in Arkansas. The company also works behind the scenes with plenty of companies based in the Natural State, as well.
First National’s vision is to continue expanding its franchise statewide and regionally, instilling its business model in strategic markets poised for growth while never compromising on expertise and service in any of the communities it is fortunate enough to serve. As the title company of choice for scores of clients, including real estate agents, lenders and even other title companies, First National Title provides Arkansas with a level of comprehensive service that is unmatched anywhere else.
First National is an agent for First American Title Insurance Co., Chicago Title Insurance Co., Commonwealth Land and Title Insurance Co., Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., and Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.
First National Title Company
THE FACE OF ACCOUNTING
LANDMARK CPAS
True to its name, Landmark CPAs is an essential navigation aid — in this case, for businesses and nonprofits navigating complex financial situations. Through comprehensive, personalized accounting services, Landmark CPAs positions clients for growth, helps them feel confident in their financial records and empowers them to make smarter business decisions.
While accounting is a highly technical field, successful accountants must also have communication skills, integrity and a knack for problem solving. For that reason, Landmark CPAs has set itself apart by prioritizing relationships, ensuring that technical expertise is always matched with client service and satisfaction. That reputation is why clients have trusted Landmark CPAs for more than six decades.
While proud of its history, the firm is also looking
toward a promising future. A recently announced merger with Garland & Greenwood CPAs will add 40 people to the Landmark team in January, as well as expand the firm’s footprint to Bentonville, Conway and Jonesboro. The firm currently has offices in Fort Smith, Little Rock, Rogers and Russellville, plus two more in Arizona. This merger brings together two highly respected firms, combining their extensive expertise and resources to enhance Landmark’s capabilities and provide new opportunities for staff and clients.
Landmark CPAs strives to be a valuable partner to its clients, staff and local communities. Landmark partners with clients to reach their financial goals, partners with its people to invest in their personal and professional development, and partners with the communities it serves to make a positive impact.
Landmark CPAs — 800-825-3608 — landmarkcpas.com
Landmark CPAs
NORWOOD DAY FLORAL CO.
CHRIS NORWOOD AND CHRISTINA DAY-ESSARY, OWNERS
It is not hyperbole to say that the right floral arrangement can be transformative. Whether used for special occasions, daily celebrations or moments of comfort, Norwood-Day Floral Co. strives to create meaningful experiences for customers through its unique and artful arrangements. Owners Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary share a deep passion for the beauty and emotion flowers can evoke.
“We’re inspired by the power of nature to communicate love, joy and empathy, and we love being able to express that through our floral designs,” Day-Essary said. “We’re also motivated by our connection to our customers and being there for all of life's events.”
Using locally or American-grown flowers whenever possible, Norwood-Day Floral Co. has an unwavering commitment to quality, creativity and personalized service. Developing relationships with
local growers allows the company to pour back into the community and provide sustainable, fresh blooms. As established and well-respected names in the floral industry, Norwood and Day-Essary are also eager to share their expertise far and wide, whether through behind-the-scenes educational videos or involvement on national boards.
“We aim to set a high standard of excellence, creativity and leadership for our peers and competitors,” Norwood said. “We take pride in representing the artistry, emotion and care that go into each bouquet while building strong connections with our community and inspiring trust in our brand.”
Through new and expanded services, sustainability initiatives and involvement with charitable causes and organizations, Norwood-Day Floral Co. aims to prove that they are much more than just a flower shop.
“We don’t just sell flowers — we help create memories,” Day-Essary said.
SOWELL ARCHITECTS THE FACE OF ARCHITECTURE
RIK SOWELL, AIA, OWNER AND PRESIDENT, CENTER, AND CODY AND EMILY FERRIS, AIA, PARTNERS
Over the past three decades, Rik Sowell’s namesake architectural firm has garnered a reputation for superior design coupled with a commitment to fairness, honesty and open communication that fosters long-lasting relationships. At the core of Sowell Architects’ work is a teamwide belief not just in the caliber of their work but in the contributions they can make to Arkansas’ prominence on the national stage.
Sowell, who founded the business in 1995, has been intentional with ensuring the firm’s continued success for the long term. Partners Cody and Emily Ferris are slowly taking the reins over the next several years, giving Sowell time to pass his knowledge down to the next generation of exceptional Arkansas architects.
“We will put the emphasis on our clients and continue to design buildings which reflect their needs, wants and vision. We will continue to push the envelope of design and maintain a high level of client satisfaction,” Sowell said. “The true mark of a successful architectural firm is a trail of happy clients. Our ultimate goal is to provide the highest level of service we can.”
“As an architect in Arkansas, one of the most important things we do is to design buildings and spaces that harmonize with the local environment and culture,” Sowell said. “We involve residents and stakeholders in the design process that meets their needs and enhances their quality of life. The result is visually appealing architecture that contributes to the beauty of Arkansas’ landscapes Sowell Architects — 501-450-9633 — sowellarchitects.com Sowell Architects, Inc. @sowellarchitects and urban areas, making them more attractive to residents and visitors.”
THE FACE OF ASSISTED EQUINE AND HIPPOTHERAPY
HORSEPLAY HIPPOTHERAPY & THERAPEUTIC RIDING
ERICA KENNEMER, LEFT, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Conway’s HorsePlay Hippotherapy & Therapeutic Riding was founded on a deep-seated belief in the healing value of horses, especially for children and adults with disabilities. The nonprofit works to provide these individuals with an enriching learning environment that encourages personal growth, developmental capabilities and self-esteem.
Occupational therapist Erica Kennemer founded HorsePlay Hippotherapy & Therapeutic Riding in 2018. A lifelong passion for horses combined with an equally deep affinity for helping children with special needs gave rise to an organization that now fills a critical gap in specialized therapeutic services for children in central Arkansas. Kennemer earned her Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist certification in 2020, making her the only occupational therapist with such credentials in the state. She and her husband, Justin, also own a clinic,
Therapy Monkey, where Kennemer serves as clinical director for a talented team of occupational, physical and speech therapists.
The proven benefits of hippotherapy and therapeutic riding have led to increasing demand for these services. Kennemer’s vision for HorsePlay is to become accredited through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and to offer state-ofthe-art, equine-assisted therapy to individuals with developmental, physical and mental disabilities.
Recognizing the already exorbitant cost of health care for families of children and adults with special needs, HorsePlay aims to offer hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services free of charge. There are multiple opportunities to support the crucial work of Kennemer and her team, including donations, volunteering and sponsoring a horse or rider.
horseplay.cloud
HorsePlay Therapy horseplayhippotherapy
THE FACE OF AUCTIONEERS
WOOLEY AUCTIONEERS
BRAD W. WOOLEY, PRESIDENT
A sale is nothing without the right buyer. Wooley Auctioneers knows that better than most thanks to nearly 75 years as a trusted resource for clients. Making the auction process easy and successful has been the guiding principle for three generations of the Wooley family since 1950, from founder B.L. Wooley to his son, Brad H. Wooley, and now grandson, current president Brad W. Wooley.
“The auction business is in my DNA,” Wooley said. “Being the face of the auction industry means honoring the legacy of my grandfather and father while also moving forward with new tools and techniques. It’s a blend of tradition and innovation, and I’m proud to continue the family’s reputation for doing things the right way.”
and innovative marketing, but trust is still the cornerstone of every interaction. Clients know Wooley Auctioneers has their best interests at heart, and the Wooley team works hard to keep it that way.
As the business approaches its 75th anniversary, Wooley’s goal is to continue expanding across Arkansas and beyond while improving the auction process with new technologies. The business will continue to be involved in the community, as well, especially through charity auctions. No matter where the future leads, Wooley Auctioneers aims to show that success in this industry comes from putting people first.
“It's about doing the hard work, being straightforward and never cutting corners,” Wooley said. “If you’re looking for a reliable partner to guide you through the process, we’re here to help.”
Wooley Auctioneers has stayed ahead of an evolving industry with data-driven strategies Wooley Auctioneers — 833-924-3669 — wooleyauctioneers.com
Wooley Auctioneers Inc.
PINNACLE HEARING THE FACE OF AUDIOLOGY
MARY CHATELAIN, Au.D., FOUNDER, LEFT, AND ALLISON MABRY, Au.D.
From a single room in a friend’s medical clinic to a multi-location leader in Arkansas audiology, Pinnacle Hearing has come a long way through 11 years and counting of “Helping Arkansas Hear.” Founder Dr. Mary Chatelain has no plans of slowing down any time soon, either. She has put together a dedicated team of experts, including fellow audiologist Dr. Allison Mabry, whose goal is to deliver high-quality hearing health care to the people of Arkansas.
Pinnacle Hearing believes that when hearing is restored, relationships flourish. Inspired by the perseverance, empathy and compassionate spirit of Chatelain’s father, Jerry Arrington, Pinnacle Hearing approaches every patient with love and care, and the clinic’s exceptional hearing health care hinges on the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and understood.
“We are proud to represent a community of exceptional audiology practices in our state, and we are committed to setting the standard for hearing health care,” Chatelain said. “As more patients understand that seeing an audiologist is the critical first step in addressing hearing concerns, we embrace the opportunity to be their trusted partner in the journey toward better hearing and a fuller life.”
Pinnacle Hearing is also widely recognized as a leader in outreach and community development, providing hearing education to public schools, first responders, churches and musicians. The clinic has formed partnerships with rural hospitals to bring crucial hearing health care services to underserved communities. Through learning seminars, informational programs and screening events, Chatelain and her team raise awareness about hearing loss and the importance of audiology services.
Little Rock: 501-225-6060 — Camden: 870-837-2823 — pinnacle-hearing.com
Pinnacle Hearing pinnaclehearing
FACE OF BANKRUPTCY LAW
ARLAW PARTNERS
VANESSA CASH ADAMS, PARTNER
As a bankruptcy lawyer, Vanessa Cash Adams may be the last person anyone wants to call — but once clients do, they can rest assured they are on the path to a brighter future. During her 17 years of practice, Cash Adams has helped hundreds of individuals, families and businesses navigate the tricky waters of financial hardship. Alongside the knowledgeable and compassionate team at ARlaw Partners, Cash Adams gives clients the tools they need to escape the cycle of debt and better their situation.
“I want my clients to feel that they are not alone and that I truly understand the stress and anxiety they are going through when having to meet with a bankruptcy lawyer,”
Cash Adams said.
future or they will lose their home and car during the process. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth, Cash Adams said.
“Bankruptcy helps people’s credit once the bankruptcy case is successfully completed,” she said. “I have seen several of my clients purchase homes after filing bankruptcy and successfully completing their case. Also, in most bankruptcy cases, a person can keep their home and vehicle and still file bankruptcy.”
Whether it be bankruptcy, divorce, death of a loved one or property disputes, each person at ARlaw has faced similar hardships, and that motivates them to find the best solution possible for every client. Cash Adams said she hopes to see ARlaw Partners continue to grow so she and her partners can reach more Arkansas families and businesses when they need it most.
Misconceptions about bankruptcy abound. Many assume it will ruin their credit and ARlaw Partners — 501-710-6500 — arlawpartners.com arlawpartners
CONWAY REGIONAL SURGICAL ASSOCIATES
ANTHONY MANNING, M.D., FROM LEFT, BROCK KING, M.D., AND JOSHUA DICKINSON, D.O.
As central Arkansas continues to address the prevalence of obesity and its effects, Conway Regional Surgical Associates stands apart as the only accredited bariatric surgery program in Faulkner County. Conway Regional’s interdisciplinary bariatric surgery team consists of physicians, psychologists, dietitians and physical therapists, all of whom work together to support patients throughout the surgical journey and beyond.
The emotional aspects of bariatric surgery are often just as important as the physical ones. The road to surgery can be arduous at times, even without possible insurance hurdles, other medical conditions, and the questions and concerns of both patients and their families. Conway Regional’s empathetic approach is
built with the patient in mind to alleviate stress and make this process as smooth as possible.
Given obesity’s contributions to a whole host of health conditions, bariatric patients may see a variety of improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, fertility and more. In pursuit of its goal to bring those benefits to more patients, Conway Regional was the first to offer bariatric surgery on a robotic platform. The group will continue to lead by example when it comes to expanding its offerings even further.
Bariatric surgery is a big step and an important one, but it is only the beginning for patients. More than just celebrating weight loss, Conway Regional Surgical Associates helps patients establish sustainable practices that will help them lead healthier lives for years to come.
Those in the beauty industry know their work is often wrongly perceived as a vanity project. Erin Courtway, also known as the Rainbow Injector, is glad to push back against that misconception. As an aesthetic injector and the owner of PRISM Aesthetics in northwest Arkansas, Courtway cultivates an environment of empowerment, one where clients walk out feeling like their best selves, both inside and out.
“I have the privilege of being part of transformations that give people confidence and joy extending far beyond the physical,” she said. “Seeing the positive impact that instilling confidence has on my patients' lives has been incredibly rewarding.”
Courtway’s entry into business ownership was an unexpected one. Initially offering injections just to bridge the gap between jobs, the demand for her services soon grew into a sustainable operation all its own. Courtway opted to call her new business PRISM in reference to her Rainbow Injector title and her founding vision of bringing light to others. The anti-aging clinic now employs 15 dedicated team members and serves clients in both Rogers and Fayetteville. Courtway also continues to be an industry leader and has been recognized as one of the top injectors in the country.
PRISM Aesthetics prides itself on staying up-to-date on the most innovative products and techniques in order to deliver best-in-class results for every client. Courtway and her team offer a variety of services, from fillers and IV therapy treatment to weight loss management and hormone replacement therapy. As its reach continues to grow, PRISM Aesthetics advances a holistic approach to beauty that is much more than skin deep.
SEI BELLA MED SPA
ANNE TRUSSELL, M.D.
Anne Trussell, M.D., is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
As the owner of Sei Bella Med Spa in Little Rock, Trussell helps patients regain their confidence, energy and wellness through innovative hormone treatments, noninvasive body contouring, facial injectables and more. Thanks to Trussell’s 20 years of internal medicine practice, the med spa is able to offer patients both indepth medical expertise and the latest in wellness and beauty treatments. The goal of everyone at Sei Bella is to provide the highest level of service possible.
“Patients often tell me they choose Sei Bella Med Spa because they know I will give them an honest answer about the best way to spend their money for the best bang,”
Trussell said. “There are very few med spas in our area who actually have a physician in the office all day long, performing med spa treatments along with the rest of the staff.”
Trussell’s calling to serve others manifests outside the med spa, as well. She also works to raise awareness and fund research for the Children's Tumor Foundation in order to find a cure for neurofibromatosis.
Additionally, Trussell is passionate about decreasing the number of stray and neglected animals, especially through fundraising and urging the importance of spaying and neutering. She also serves on the board of the Friends of the Faulkner County Animal Shelter.
“I am committed to giving back to society as much as I can,” she said.
LOW’S BRIDAL THE FACE OF BRIDAL
From a humble Brinkley bridal shop to a sought-after wedding gown destination for brides all across the region, Low’s Bridal has come a long way since opening its doors in 1977. At the base of that success is a commitment to excellence in both product and service. Visitors to Low’s find not only a wide selection of dresses unparalleled by many others but smiling faces on hand to lend their expertise and help brides find the ideal gown for their special day.
“We are motivated by our lovely brides,” said owner Dorcas Prince. “All of us at Low’s want to see the bride’s special smile when she chooses the dress of her dreams. To be part of this special moment when she is one step closer to marrying the love of her life is a privilege.”
Low’s Bridal strikes a careful balance between continuity and innovation. After 47 years, Low’s has become renowned for its impressive range of styles and sizes. As times have changed — and shopping trends with them — the shop has also increased its inventory to include dresses brides can take home straight off the rack. No matter the style, size or situation, Low’s only purchases from certified designers, bringing in more than 1,500 new dresses each year in sizes 0 through 34.
“Our goal for the future is to continue evolving,” Prince said. “Just as the world changes, so does the bridal industry. Therefore, we must strive to embrace changes that will improve the bridal experience and selection for our brides.”
THE FACE OF CBD
HEALING HEMP OF ARKANSAS
ERIN
GRAY, OWNER
Healing Hemp of Arkansas exists to empower the community through education and access to highquality CBD products. By prioritizing transparency, integrity and exceptional service, owner Erin Gray aims to create a trusted environment where individuals can explore the benefits of CBD and make informed choices for their health and wellbeing.
“What motivates our CBD company is the profound impact we see our products have on our customers’ lives,” Gray said. “Hearing their success stories and witnessing their journeys toward improved well-being inspires us every day.”
As a locally owned brick-and-mortar store, Healing Hemp of Arkansas is able to respond to the unique needs of those it serves, identifying gaps in the market and providing products tailored to customers’ unique needs. Integrating powerful ingredients such
as nootropics and adaptogens allows Healing Hemp to address multiple aspects of health, from mental clarity and stress reduction to enhanced vitality.
“We are dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with our customers, guiding them on their wellness journeys with compassion and expertise,” Gray said. “Together, we’re dedicated to promoting an understanding of wellness that nurtures both body and mind.”
Healing Hemp’s mission extends beyond personal health, as well, and includes a focus on the positive environmental impacts of hemp on the environment.
In addition to CBD products, the store offers a diverse range of hemp clothing, bags and accessories.
“We believe in harnessing the full spectrum of hemp's benefits not just for personal well-being but also for the health of our planet,” Gray said.
Healing Hemp of Arkansas — 501-313-5243 — healinghempofarkansas.com
Healing Hemp of Arkansas healinghempofarkansas
THE FACE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
CRISTIN BEENE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Early education lays the foundation for a lifetime, and Cristin Beene has made it her goal to give the children in her community a foundation of high-quality Christian education. Beene founded Central Christian Academy in 2008, and the school has since expanded to multiple locations in central Arkansas serving more than 500 children from infants through fifth grade. Sixteen years on, the school is still growing as more families seek out its holistic, faith-based approach.
Central Christian Academy's program is based on a balanced, faith-based curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning. The school’s mission is to empower families through faith, academic excellence, child-centered learning and interactive play activities.
The school values its teachers and staff, who are essential in equipping students with essential skills and knowledge. Prioritizing a collaborative, encouraging environment allows Central Christian Academy to work cohesively and achieve its goals. Team members are recognized for their dedication and are given the opportunities and guidance needed to grow as educators and leaders.
Central Christian Academy remains flexible in the face of a changing educational landscape yet unwavering in its commitment to student success. Beene’s experience across various educational settings has given her valuable insights into the needs of families and students, especially places where there are gaps in resources and support. Her entrepreneurial expertise, combined with a passionate team and the support of involved families, will ensure Central Christian Academy and its students continue to flourish.
STEVE AND RHONDA GASSAWAY, OWNERS
Eureka Springs-based Mountain Bird Coffee & Tea Co. is a wholesale food and beverage manufacturer and coffee roaster. As native Arkansans, owners Steve and Rhonda Gassaway are extremely proud and appreciative to have had the support of customers and the community for its 15 years in business and counting.
The driving force behind Mountain Bird’s operations is a sense of responsibility — and, even more so, an honor — to offer coffee, tea, syrups and sauces with core values in mind: approachability, sustainability, traceability and regenerative farming practices. Protecting the Earth and supporting its people go hand in hand, and that is why Mountain Bird sources its beans from farms dedicated to those same principles.
“When traveling to origin, you touch and feel
where coffee comes from and the amount of love that goes into every bean we select to roast. Our master roaster spends time cupping coffees where they are harvested to ensure what is tasted at origin shines through when you brew it,” Rhonda said. “With this responsibility in mind, we can bring coffee and associated products while furthering regenerative agriculture to ensure availability of specialty coffees for the long term.”
Mountain Bird's focus as a wholesale specialty coffee roaster is to support a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and businesses. Through both this work and its e-commerce offerings, Mountain Bird provides consistently excellent customer service, all while ensuring a production model that customers can feel good about from bean to bag and beyond.
M. PALMER CONSULTING
ADDISON MAHAFFEY, FROM LEFT, MELANIE PALMER AND HANNAH LASTRA
Through community-centric grants, fundraising and board development assistance to nonprofits of all sizes and missions, M. Palmer Consulting is working toward a more inclusive and more effective nonprofit ecosystem in Arkansas. The M. Palmer team, which includes Melanie Palmer, Leilani Ocasio, Hannah Lastra, Addison Mahaffey and Alexander Battaglia, shares a passion for equitable work done well. Staff members utilize their expertise to raise resources and support the visionary nonprofit leaders who call Arkansas home, making clients’ lives easier and their work more impactful.
Palmer and her team believe that good consulting is relational, not transactional. Their job is to meet clients where they are, understand where they want to go and remove the barriers that are in their way. M. Palmer wants nonprofits and the professionals who work with them to pursue community-centric practices that encourage philanthropy that uplifts everyone.
That drive is reflected in the diverse M. Palmer team, each member of which brings unique perspectives and believes wholeheartedly in the power of philanthropy to transform communities.
As approachable, relatable connectors, M. Palmer Consulting centers equity in everything it does and is not afraid to challenge tradition in order to do so. The firm’s business model is designed to support nonprofits of all sizes, and the firm has particular expertise in working with victim service organizations, food banks and social service agencies. Headquartered in northwest Arkansas, M. Palmer Consulting serves nonprofit clients all across the state and country.
From systemic work closing equity gaps to supporting the next generation of nonprofit leadership, M. Palmer Consulting is laying the groundwork for years of positive impacts, strengthened communities and philanthropic equity.
THE FACE OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE
BORNHOFT LAW
JAMES BORNHOFT
Attorney James Bornhoft has always had a passion for representing victims of injustice. His vision for Bornhoft Law, his Hot Springs-based practice, is to be the firm Arkansans turn to when it matters most. Bornhoft and his team are dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality legal representation in key areas that have profound impacts on families and individuals — family law, criminal defense, personal injury and estate planning.
“I make it a point to be personally involved in every case, ensuring that each client feels valued and informed throughout the legal process,” Bornhoft said. “Knowing that I can help someone achieve justice, whether it's for their family or their future, is what drives me every day.”
a high bar for professionalism and client satisfaction. His goal is to balance aggressive advocacy with compassion for clients, showing that attorneys can achieve excellent results while maintaining professionalism and respect for all parties involved.
In the coming years, Bornhoft plans to expand the practice further by adding more attorneys and staff to handle specialized legal areas. Additionally, Bornhoft Law will expand its trust and estate planning services and, as always, continue to utilize the latest and most effective technology to better serve clients.
“Bornhoft Law was built on the principle that every Arkansan deserves strong legal representation, regardless of their background or situation,” Bornhoft said. “Whether you're facing a family crisis, criminal charges or need help planning your future, our team is here to guide you with honesty, expertise and compassion.”
The Bornhoft team leads with integrity, setting Bornhoft Law — 501-501-5297 — bornhoftlaw.com
THE FACE OF CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
RANDY WIGGINS CO.
RANDY WIGGINS, PRESIDENT
The Wiggins family has been building homes for more than 50 years. Having grown up in the industry, Wiggins upholds his family’s legacy through a steadfast commitment to both personal and community development.
“I am always motivated to learn and share my knowledge. Everyone brings something new and different,” Wiggins said. “I want to always be receptive and encouraging.”
Wiggins has been developing neighborhoods and building homes in central Arkansas for 38 years. His handpicked team of skilled craftsmen, designers, bankers and vendors is unmatched, and he prioritizes honesty and transparency in every client interaction.
“With much care and attention to detail from each team member, their ideas come together to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind place to call home,” he said. “I see to it that the finished product is always so much more than they ever imagined.”
While Wiggins has plans drawn to fit the dimensions and fall of each lot in his subdivisions, that is where the similarities end. No two homes are the same, and each element is tailored to fulfill the client’s wish list.
“That list always changes throughout the build, because it is very difficult for most people to get a sense of the space on paper,” he said. “I think our draftsman is actually a magician, to be able to draw a very detailed house plan from so little information.”
Wiggins’ vision for the future involves turning more raw acreage into rows of beautiful homes. He will continue to explore interesting styles and bring his best to the development of neighborhoods throughout central Arkansas.
FRANKS DERMATOLOGY THE FACE OF DERMATOLOGY
LIZ TURBEVILLE, PA-C, FROM LEFT, HAYDEN H. FRANKS, M.D., AND BAILEY POLLOCK, PA-C
At Franks Dermatology, serving the entire state of Arkansas is not just a job — it is a mission driven by a passion for helping people achieve healthier skin. From acne to skin cancer and everything in between, the team led by Dr. Hayden Franks is dedicated to providing toptier care in a compassionate and welcoming environment. Whether one lives in Little Rock or anywhere in Arkansas, Franks Dermatology is committed to bringing expert skin care closer to home.
Franks explained, “We are intentional in everything we do. We strive to leave nothing to chance and to provide a facility, staff and culture that provides for healing at the highest level. Our goal every day is to be the best in our field, to listen to our patients’ questions and stories, to learn and to have a positive impact on our patients and their health.”
To make care even more accessible, Franks Dermatology has expanded with two highly skilled
board-certified physician assistants, Bailey Pollock and Liz Turbeville. Franks also has a medical aesthetic practice, SKN at Franks Dermatology, a medical spa to meet growing demand for cosmetic treatments. Additionally, the clinic’s gap-year program for medical assistants allows future health care professionals to gain invaluable experience before entering medical or PA school.
“Our providers and staff at both clinics are curious,” Franks shared, “curious about skin diseases and conditions of all types, curious about what could be causing a patient’s condition and curious about how we might be able to serve their needs.”
At Franks Dermatology, it is not just about treating conditions — it is about truly understanding the unique challenges each patient faces and offering solutions that improve their quality of life. With this unwavering dedication, Franks Dermatology continues to set the standard for comprehensive skin care in Arkansas.
SOUTHERN INTERIORS
ALYSSA HAGEWOOD
Leaps of faith are never guaranteed to succeed, but Brian and Donna Hagewood have proven that hard work and the right team can make all the difference. At just 24 years old, Brian made the decision to start his own business, bringing his wife and their young family along for the ride.
With Southern Interiors now celebrating 25 years and counting — and daughter Alyssa joining the team — the Hagewoods have turned the business into a destination for all one’s home improvement and renovation needs.
Southern Interiors has garnered a reputation for exceptional quality, customer service and design expertise. Brian’s time in the industry goes all the way back to high school, when he worked in a flooring warehouse before moving to outside sales. That depth of experience allows him to better understand the needs
of his customers and what it takes to complete each project. The team at Southern Interiors relishes the opportunity to walk with clients through every step for renovations that meets their performance needs, design wishes and budget.
The Hagewoods set a high standard of excellence for every part of their business, from the Sherwood showroom to the client’s home. Southern Interiors offers an unmatched variety of materials and a stateof-the-art design process, while a team of licensed general contractors ensures that the installations exceed client expectations. Flooring, countertops, kitchen and bath — there is no corner of the home that Southern Interiors cannot redesign, remodel and refresh into a homeowner’s dream space.
SYNERGETIC SOCIAL THE FACE OF DIGITAL
HAYDEN MEDLOCK, FOUNDER
Synergetic Social's mission is to empower businesses with the essential tools needed to leverage the incredible power of social media. With full belief in the idea that "people buy people, not brands," Synergetic Social emphasizes the importance of human connection in the world of digital marketing.
“We seamlessly blend strategy with creativity, providing our clients with an experience that's not only smooth but also immensely enjoyable,” said founder Hayden Medlock. “Our approach is both fun-loving and results-driven in equal measure.”
Synergetic Social exists to help businesses reach their utmost potential by bringing each client's unique vision and brand to life online. The agency takes care of strategizing, curating, executing and refining every facet of a client’s social media journey — or, as Medlock
explained, “We make your digital marketing our full-time job.”
“What sets us apart is that we stand by our word,” she said. “When we say we’ll get something done, we follow through. Every client truly matters, and you’re never just another number. We’re committed to showing up for you every day, putting in the time and effort to help your business thrive.”
The agency continues to grow thanks to referrals from satisfied clients, and Medlock is excited to collaborate with more businesses across the country looking to leverage the incredible power of social media.
“I love doing the hard work for my clients and seeing it pay off in their favor,” she said. “For me, it’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about going above and beyond to ensure my clients thrive and reach their goals.”
ENTERGY ARKANSAS THE FACE OF ENERGY
VENTRELL THOMPSON, VICE PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE
Few businesses deal with stakes as high as those at Entergy Arkansas, where its product must be produced, transported and delivered instantaneously 24 hours a day. While providing safe, reliable and sustainable electricity at an affordable price is Entergy Arkansas’ top priority, the utility provider aims to do much more than that.
“I like to think that Entergy Arkansas is very much a part of the fabric that makes Arkansas what it is today,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service. “Our mission is to power life today and in the future by continually improving the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy.”
Last year, Entergy Arkansas employees volunteered approximately 29,000 hours in local community service, and the utility provider awarded $2.75 million in grant dollars to local nonprofits. Philanthropic outreach works in tandem with investments in grid resiliency and
modernization, allowing Entergy Arkansas to contribute on multiple fronts to a society that is healthy, educated, environmentally safe and productive.
The energy industry is undergoing a transformation, both in increased demand for electricity and changes to how it is produced. Meanwhile, Entergy Arkansas is ensuring the state’s economic resilience by expanding its portfolio and investing in diversified energy generation — from renewables like solar and hydro to clean and efficient nuclear power and natural gas.
“At Entergy Arkansas, we stand ready to play our part in giving the state an economic advantage to win new business and more jobs for the people of Arkansas,” Thompson said. ”Day in and day out, we’re working to improve lives, enable the growth and expansion of the state’s economy and create prosperity across our diverse communities.”
MIDTOWN SOCIAL THE FACE OF EVENT PLANNING
GAIL HEARNSBERGER, OWNER
Potential is a powerful thing, but it is nothing without follow-through. Gail Hearnsberger is pioneering change in her hometown of Nashville, Arkansas, through a combination of vision, passion and good old-fashioned hard work. That is what got her first venue, Off the Beaten Track, off the ground, and now the formerly dilapidated spot is a beautiful wedding space. She has worked a similar magic with Midtown Social, southwest Arkansas’ newest entertainment venue and a hub for gatherings and good times of all kinds.
In past lives, the space now known as Midtown Social was home to the Case Knife factory, which closed up shop in the mid-seventies. After stints with various HVAC businesses and other small operations, the space
Midtown Social — 870-845-9780
Midtown Social became a warehouse before eventually going back up for sale. Not content to let it go abandoned or be razed, Hearnsberger set to work acquiring and overhauling the property. New life has come in the form of fresh paint, lighting and ample seating, as well as concrete flooring and a new stage. Aptly, the main gathering space is called the Patio, and a steadily filling schedule of performances and events means Midtown Social is ready to hit the ground running.
There is inspiration everywhere for those who know what to look for. Motivated by a desire to revive forgotten spaces and bring people together, Hearnsberger is showing even more people what this small town with a huge heart has to offer, one show at a time.
HEATHMAN FAMILY DENTAL
MONTY HEATHMAN, DDS
Monty Heathman, DDS, is the founder and owner of Heathman Family Dental in Little Rock and the Dental Clinic of Stuttgart. Heathman has served families in Arkansas for more than 23 years, and his commitment to excellence keeps patients coming back. Heathman has won AY’s "Best Of" for six consecutive years, demonstrating his passion for both professional excellence and patient satisfaction.
Heathman Family Dental and the Dental Clinic at Stuttgart also work to make dental care as accessible as possible, whether through insurance and program partners or general availability. The clinics take emergencies anytime, and a member of the Heathman team can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“What I feel makes our practices special is that our teams and myself listen to what our patients’ wants and needs are,” Heathman said. “We are genuine, compassionate and understanding in our approach in order to tailor our options of services to each individual. We treat our patients like family in a family setting.”
His clinics offer the latest in cosmetic procedures and general dentistry, including tooth-colored fillings, root canal therapy, TMJ therapies, all-on-four implant dentures and full-mouth rehabilitation, in addition to Botox and dermal fillers. From routine cleanings to total smile makeovers, patients can trust that their oral health is in good hands with Heathman Family Dental and the Dental Clinic of Stuttgart.
Heathman Family Dental — 501-223-3838 The Dental Clinic of Stuttgart — 870-673-2687 heathmanfamilydental.com
THE FACE OF FAMILY LAW
ARLAW PARTNERS
CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM, PARTNER
ARlaw Partners was founded to provide effective representation to Arkansans in every corner of the state. With his emphasis on family law, partner Charlie Cunningham has dedicated his practice to walking with clients through what can be some of the toughest moments of their lives.
“Family law is tricky because unlike other areas of the law, there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer,” Cunningham said. “People’s emotions are at their peak because you are dealing with something incredibly personal — their family life, their children and spouses. Family law attorneys need to be tough but empathetic, passionate but levelheaded.”
about what can often be uncertain territory. Relieving those burdens for others is rewarding work, but it requires a skilled attorney who can balance compassion with honesty to achieve the best resolution possible, he said.
“It’s an area of law that if the parties are open to it, there is room for a lot of creativity to find middle ground and, therefore, the best chance of providing stable and healthy lives for the most vulnerable people at issue — children,” Cunningham said.
ARlaw Partners is on an exciting growth trajectory that will allow it to serve even more Arkansas families in the years to come. By 2025, the firm will have a full mediation practice that includes not just family law but civil cases such as personal injury and contract disputes, as well as probate.
Alongside his partners, Cunningham said, he wants ARlaw to be a firm that helps all types of people and gives them reassurance ARlaw Partners — 501-710-6500 — arlawpartners.com arlawpartners
THE FACE OF FINANCIAL PLANNING
WEALTHPATH INVESTMENT ADVISORS
Helmed by a team of financial advisors, WealthPath Investment Advisors offers independent, fee-based investment advisory services from offices in central and northwest Arkansas.
Whether clients are busy professionals, small-business owners, navigating inheritance or faced with any number of situations in between, WealthPath puts a skilled personal financial team right at their fingertips.
WealthPath recognizes the importance of its fiduciary responsibilities, and being an independent firm allows the advisors to focus solely on acting in the best interest of the people they serve. WealthPath’s team is also made up of full-service, independent insurance agents who can provide life, health, long-term care and disability insurance. That independence proves vital to giving clients the best possible service; agents are able to obtain competing quotes from multiple carriers, allowing clients to select policies that fit their budget and coverage needs.
The advisors at WealthPath have more than 160 years of combined experience in financial services, and each team member is dedicated to helping clients prepare for their financial future through a winning combination of trust, compassion and knowledge. Guided by a commitment to reasonable costs and cutting-edge tools, WealthPath gives people the confidence they need to pursue financial success on their own terms.
WealthPath would like to congratulate Scott W. Daniel for being recognized as one of the top advisors to watch by AdvisorHub for the past three years.
Advisory services offered by World Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered by Pensionmark Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. World Investment Advisors, LLC is affiliated through common ownership with Pensionmark Securities, LLC. Financial Advisors may also be registered representatives of St. Bernard Financial Services, Inc. (member FINRA & SIPC). St. Bernard Financial Services, Inc. and Pensionmark Securities, LLC are non-affiliated entities. *Advisors are ranked on a 100-point scale in three categories: scale, a function of assets, production of quality of service; growth, a year-over-year change in assets, clients and production; and professionalism, which includes regulatory record, community involvement and team makeup. Advisors must have a clean regulatory record and seven years of experience and have been with their current firm for at least two years. All data is current as of Dec. 31, 2023.
Little Rock — 501-671-6690
Rogers — 479-845-6220 — wealthpath.net
WealthPath Investment
THE FACE OF FITNESS
365 FITNESS CONWAY
BROOKE WALKER, IFBB PHYSIQUE PRO, FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, PERSONAL TRAINER
Whether one wants to excel at a certain sport, compete as a body builder or just stay limber enough to play with one’s children, there is no shortage of options when it comes to workout splits, regimens and recommendations. That seemingly endless array of choices makes the guidance of a fitness expert worth its weight in gold — or iron. Thankfully, 365 Fitness Conway has award-winning staff members and trainers who help clients of all fitness levels take the next step on their wellness journeys.
“Our primary goal is not only to provide a training facility to our community but to encourage overall health and wellness,” said body builder and personal trainer Brooke Walker, who has been at 365 Fitness for 14 years.
A four-time Olympia athlete with numerous victories to her name, Walker was also the first woman in Arkansas to make it to the Olympia competition. An enthusiast in the truest sense of the word, she found a love for health and fitness at a young age and has made it her mission to spread that same love to the community. That goal is especially important as Arkansas remains among the states with the highest levels of obesity in the nation, and Walker strives to increase awareness about the issue and encourage more people to take control of their health.
“It is an absolute honor to be the face of fitness,” she said. “I am a firm believer in practicing what you preach, and I feel like I have done and continue to do just that.”
ROLLER FUNERAL HOMES THE FACE OF FUNERAL HOMES
TOM COMPTON, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Since its founding, the mission of Roller Funeral Homes has been to serve families with dignity and respect, guiding them through the process of saying goodbye to their loved ones in a way that is unique to each individual. Part of honoring the past involves looking toward the future. That is why the newly rebuilt Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock, once completed, will serve as a cornerstone for the community, helping families piece their lives back together after loss.
As executive vice president, Tom Compton is at the forefront of Roller’s work to ensure the future of funeral care in Arkansas is one of compassion, faith and unparalleled service. Through his contributions to both the state and national funeral directors associations, he is able to set a lasting example of collaboration and innovation.
“It would only be fitting for my face in this role to be a mosaic composed of the faces of so many
other people,” Compton said. “That mosaic would feature the Roller family, our management team, my co-workers, friends, teachers, ministers, family and other people in this noble profession. For every 'face' you see in our field, there are others working behind the scenes to be sure every detail is handled appropriately. We are all composites of those who have poured into us over the years."
Compton’s work and, indeed, that of the entire Roller Funeral Homes family is rooted in strong Christian faith. Outside of the Roller offices, Compton is passionate about his faith and is a dedicated son, husband, father and grandfather. No professional title in the world, he said, compares to being “Pa” to his grandchildren, Case and Colt.
“Family and faith are at the heart of everything we do,” Compton said. “They have always been guiding principles in my life, and they will continue to shape how we care for families ‘with all our respect.’”
THE FACE OF FURNITURE
CRAFTSMAN DECOR
BRENT AND AMY SAUNDERS, OWNERS
Brent Saunders grew up on a row crop farm outside of Stuttgart, and it was there that he picked up his love of building. While he has wielded all manner of materials and tools over the years, his real passion is woodwork. Craftsman Decor in Benton, which Saunders owns alongside his wife, Amy, is a reflection of his hardworking heritage and can be felt in every piece of furniture the business produces.
The high-quality, custom-made heirloom furniture at Craftsman Decor is designed to bring families together and build community for people all across Arkansas. Time spent around the dinner table is often the foundation for a lifetime of memories, and the Saunders’ relish the opportunity to help create inviting spaces that encourage and strengthen those connections.
personalized experience where our customers feel like they’re not just buying furniture,” Brent said. “They’re investing in their family’s legacy, just like we are investing in ours.”
Craftsman Decor takes pride in its hands-on approach, ensuring each piece has a personalized touch that brings the customer’s vision to life. As the business continues to grow, Brent and Amy want the Craftsman Decor reputation to be one of innovative workmanship and design balanced with deep care for its customers.
“My mother and father instilled in me the value of working with my hands and the importance of being involved in community, and I have been passionate about both throughout my life,” Brent said. “Being able to continue these traditions and share these passions with my customers is truly gratifying.”
“The most important thing we do is provide a Craftsman Decor — 501-313-1164 — craftsmandecor.com
LEAFGUARD OF ARKANSAS THE FACE OF GUTTERS
Since 2001, LeafGuard of Arkansas has been equipping homeowners with the innovative gutter systems they need to spend less time cleaning out sticks, plant matter and other clogs. The LeafGuard gutter system is the only one-piece covered gutter system available on the market. The patented aluminum system allows water to flow seamlessly into the gutter while simultaneously shielding gutters from leaves overhead.
system, but of what is best for Arkansas homeowners.
“Our mission is to help homeowners protect their homes,” said Bradley Wright, president of LeafGuard of Arkansas. “We do that by providing the best one-piece covered gutter system available and using trained and experienced employees to assure the best installation possible.”
An important aspect of gutter protection is a solid warranty, and LeafGuard’s lifetime clog-free warranty and excellent service ensure that a LeafGuard system will protect a customer’s home for years to come. Come bad weather and changing seasons, LeafGuard of Arkansas guarantees the satisfaction of a clog-free gutter.
As a local, family-owned contractor, LeafGuard of Arkansas is only as good as its people. Thankfully, the LeafGuard team is made up of experienced gutter professionals with an average tenure of more than a decade. They have a deep understanding not only of the LeafGuard LeafGuard Of Arkansas — 501-664-5400 — leafguardandmore.com
CHI ST. VINCENT HEART INSTITUTE
As a non-profit health care organization and healing ministry committed to improving lives, the CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute is continually expanding access to cardiologists and heart care resources across the state. When it comes to heart disease and other conditions, having adequate access to high quality, compassionate care close to home can make a world of difference.
The diverse team of cardiologists and heart surgeons at the CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute believes in a coordinated and personalized approach to heart care. From routine checkups to detect early signs of heart disease to the latest surgical procedures and heart health education, CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute is committed to helping Arkansans enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Heart disease impacts Arkansans at a disproportionately high rate nationally and is the state's leading cause of death. With hospitals in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Sherwood and Morrilton, along with more than 25 community clinics around the state — including a new clinic in Pine Bluff — the Heart Institute is able to provide immediate specialist insights and improve outcomes from anywhere in the Natural State.
CHI St. Vincent has been widely recognized as the best hospital in Arkansas for cardiology, and for good reason. The dedicated physicians and staff at the Heart Institute make it their mission to put the “heart” into heart care and to continue serving that care sensitively and passionately.
THE FACE OF HOME AND CAR INSURANCE
DENNIS BOST STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENCY
DENNIS
BOST, OWNER
Dennis Bost is a longtime resident of Little Rock and second-generation State Farm agent, giving his office an advantage both when it comes to cultivating local relationships and leveraging technical knowhow. Bost has been in the industry since 2004, and his team has a combined 60 years of experience, making it adept at helping clients navigate their coverage options and find plans that fit their budgets and needs.
“My goal is to truly educate people on the types of insurance they need,” he said. “In our industry, too many just sell products based on price instead of taking the time to match a family’s needs with the right products.”
insurance products and offers a wide variety of coverage for home, auto, business, health and more. As an industry leader, he is part of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and his office has qualified for the State Farm Chairman’s Circle multiple times.
“The way we run our agency sets us apart,” Bost said. “Growing up, my dad was a State Farm agent in Arkadelphia. I saw how he cared about his customers, and I have always taken that old-school approach instead of thinking of people as just another number.”
Bost and his team are on a mission to meet clients where they are and help them manage the risks of everyday life effectively, whether they are buying a car, moving into a new home or planning for their next chapter.
Bost became a State Farm Agent to make a difference in the way people purchase Dennis Bost State Farm Insurance Agency — 501-227-5100 — dennisbost.com Dennis Bost - State Farm Insurance Agent
THE FACE OF HOSPITALS
CONWAY REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
There are missions, and then there are callings. As a leader in health care, Conway Regional Health System answers the call to help others with bold leadership, exceptional services and an always-compassionate approach to care. Centered on a 180-bed acute care medical center, the health system provides a wide range of services, in addition to operating an expansive physician enterprise that includes 10 primary care clinics and seven specialty clinics.
The health system’s deep roots are also what allow staff to look toward the future of health care with confidence. Innovation and forward-thinking go hand in hand with Conway Regional’s legacy of care, and there is always an opportunity to expand access for those who need it most.
The graduate medical education program, for example, has more than 30 family medicine, internal medicine and rural-track medical residents learning to become critical thinkers, compassionate providers, skilled clinicians and future leaders in medicine.
The Conway Regional team has a strong sense of accountability to the communities it serves, and that is what continues to drive the health system after more than 100 years. Each member of the team, from doctors and nurses to therapists and administration, works as one to provide a continuity of care that is unmatched in the region. Conway Regional Health System — 501-506-2747 — conwayregional.org
Whether it is primary care or specialty care ranging from cardiology and orthopedics to gastroenterology and pain management, Conway Regional’s world-class providers will be here to care for north central Arkansas, central Arkansas and the River Valley for decades more to come.
Matt Troup, president and CEO
THE FACE OF IN-HOME CARE
ELDER INDEPENDENCE HOME CARE
For 26 years, Elder Independence Home Care has found strength and success in its intimate, personalized approach to in-home care. Elder Independence is not a franchise company, and that allows its caregivers to focus on what really matters: high quality, client-centered and affordable home care services that assist clients in leading dignified, independent lives in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Every caregiver at Elder Independence understands the importance of meeting clients and loving them where they are — literally. Being locally based in the community allows Elder Independence to assist clients more efficiently in all facets related to their home health care, such as transportation to doctor’s visits or community programs. Staff members are selected for their quality, honesty and compassion. At the end of the day, keeping loved ones in their own homes for as long as possible is the mission, and caring is their calling.
No matter where a client is located, Elder Independence wants to show them that “your family is our family.” Being trusted with in-home care is not something Elder Independence takes lightly, and its promise is to show a family’s loved ones the same level of quality care and compassion staff members provide for their own.
BRITTNEY UNDERWOOD, LEFT, AND CHELSI MUSICK, OWNERS
Founders Chelsi Musick and Brittney Underwood started Ketamine & IV Therapy Clinic of NWA to provide compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. The clinic empowers individuals to achieve holistic well-being through evidence-based practices, personalized treatment plans and a supportive environment. More than simply addressing symptoms, Musick, Underwood and their team are dedicated to tackling the root of the issue in order to nurture long-term mental wellness.
Over just five years, Ketamine and IV Therapy Clinic of NWA has grown into a thriving operation that serves more than 350 patients each month. The clinic also offers wellness options such as intravenous vitamins and hydration and ozone and NAD+ therapies.
The options are geared towards individuals struggling with chronic conditions such as long COVID, inflammation or autoimmune disorders.
“Most of our patients find us when they are at the lowest point in their lives,” Musick said.
“Seeing them come out of that dark place and live happy and healthy lives is what keeps us going. It’s heartwarming to see a new patient come into the clinic and watch them heal.”
For those who feel like they have run out of options seeking a more holistic approach to their health or experiencing the side effects of traditional medications, Ketamine & IV Therapy Clinic of NWA offers a new path forward.
“This is a place that truly cares for you,” Underwood said. “We don’t dismiss any concerns. We always have time to talk it out, and we always put safety first.”
Ketamine & IV Therapy Clinic of NWA — 479-318-2382 — ketamineclinicofnwa.com
Ketamine and IV Therapy Clinic of NWA ketamineandivtherapyclinic
THE FACE OF LUXURY CARS
MERCEDES-BENZ OF LITTLE ROCK
MARK LEE, GENERAL MANAGER
At Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock, the staff’s passion is plain to see. As a luxury car-buying service and experience, the dealership’s mission is to create an environment where customers can relax in the hands of knowledgeable sales professionals and truly enjoy the time spent picking their new luxury vehicle. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock aims to be synonymous with making a difference in the community.
People are what motivates General Manager Mark Lee and his dedicated team to provide the best service day in and day out. From the time they are greeted at the door to the moment they drive away in style, customers are taken care of at every step of the process.
With products as unparalleled in quality as
Mercedes-Benz, it is only natural that the level of service should be unmatched, as well. The dealership’s staff prioritize transparency and availability. After all, the most important part of the experience is not the sale itself, but the service afterwards. The team at MercedesBenz of Little Rock is always eager to go the extra mile for clients, building long-lasting relationships and working to become each customer’s dealership of choice for the future.
The Rockefeller family has done much to support and uplift Arkansas in many areas over the years. As a part of Winrock Automotive Group, staff members of Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock are grateful to be able to provide clients with exceptional products and services while contributing to the constant improvement of the state they call home.
Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock — 501-621-1264 — mercedesbenzoflittlerock.com
Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock mercedesoflr
BKC HOME BUILDERS THE FACE OF LUXURY LAKE HOMES
DAVID LITTLEJOHN, MARKETING COORDINATOR, FROM LEFT, DARA CALLEY, BUSINESS MANAGER; BREE CALLEY, FOUNDER AND OWNER; AND MJ JACKSON, FOREMAN
Bree Calley has always had a fascination with houses and architecture, and that interest initially led him into real estate, where he obtained his license at just 19. Calley’s inspirations for getting into the homebuilding side of things were his great grandfather, N.E. Parker, and great uncle, Doyle Parker. Both were skilled craftsmen, and the pride they took in their work informs the careful and thorough approach BKC Home Builders takes today.
As the premier homebuilder in the area, BKC Home Builders provides custom builds and remodels both big and small. From the earliest planning phases to move-in day, Calley and his team prioritize communication and keep clients involved at every step. After working with an expert draftsman and evaluating the jobsite, BKC Home Builders ensures comprehensive construction work, project supervision and vendor management. The company is also a onestop shop for remodeling. A talented team of builders, contractors, framers, electricians, plumbers and painters gets the job done right the first time, saving customers time, money and potential headaches.
A lake home is a large investment, making it essential to work with a homebuilder who understands the area and listens intently to clients’ needs. It is also no mean feat to produce homes worthy of the stunning lakeside views of Hot Springs, which is why scores of homeowners have put their trust into Calley and his team to turn their dreams into reality.
CONWAY REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
DAWN HUGHES, M.D.
Ultimately, the goal of Dr. Dawn Hughes and the team at Conway Regional is to keep women safe.
Through her work in maternal fetal medicine, Hughes educates women so that they are empowered to make the best decisions for their health and their families.
“While pregnancy is beautiful and natural, it can also be a risky and volatile time,” Hughes said.
A key mission for Hughes and Conway Regional is lowering the state’s maternal mortality rate, which is among the highest in the nation. Through comprehensive planning and the support of a multidisciplinary care team, patients are able to address comorbidities ahead of time to improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
“It is such an honor to be entrusted with the care of someone’s unborn child,” Hughes said.
When it comes to her vision for the future as more women and families place their trust in her, the support provided by Conway Regional Health System will continue to play an integral part.
“Conway has given me an opportunity to create my ideal practice,” Hughes said, “which is one where I have time to focus on each patient.”
Taking the time to get to know both patients — mother and child — is critical when creating a care plan that is unique to their needs and concerns.
In her line of work, Hughes emphasizes that empathy and meticulousness are the most important skills a provider must have. She and the team at Conway Regional continue to work to raise the bar for maternal fetal medicine across the region.
Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas, founded by Little Rock native Veronica Love alongside administrator and business partner Constance R. Jarrett, a registered nurse, exists to provide Arkansans with compassionate, professional, nonmedical care. Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas is committed to keeping seniors comfortable in their homes for as long as possible. The agency offers a variety of support services, from personal care and transportation to meals and companionship.
There are many benefits to in-home care, especially for aging loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Moving into a nursing facility can be an uncomfortable — not to mention expensive — process, and many seniors might be reluctant to move away from home. For seniors
with memory or other cognitive conditions, staying at home has the added benefit of being less disorienting, since a familiar environment offers security and peace of mind.
Arranging for in-home care helps seniors retain a level of independence while still assuring families their loved ones will have the help they need when they need it. Even temporary care can be a lifeline for relieving family caretakers. Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas distinguishes itself from other in-home care options by its ability and motivation to go above and beyond for clients. Love has a lifelong passion for helping others, and her guiding principle for the agency is simple: “caring for your family like our family.”
THE FACE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND COUNSELING SERVICES
KATHY JAMES PSYCHOTHERAPY AND WELLNESS
KATHY JAMES, LCSW
When it comes to overcoming obstacles to one’s mental health, it is less about identifying the “best” therapist and more about finding the “right” one — a trusted practitioner with whom one can develop a relationship and face head-on those mental and emotional barriers. Kathy James, a licensed clinical social worker, said she hopes to be that ideal fit for as many people as possible. Her eponymous psychotherapy and wellness practice provides services to individuals struggling with mental health, emotional or life issues.
“My motivation is to work with individuals to provide the necessary tools to help them face and overcome their individual challenges,” James said. “This is sometimes a lengthy process, but when you see an
individual own their story and make changes in their lives to improve, it is an unbelievable feeling.”
Each person’s road map to recovery is unique, and James leans on empathy and creativity in equal measure to help people discover their individual paths. Hers is an example of hope and compassion, grounded in her own struggles and always looking toward the most effective treatments and solutions.
“I believe that God does not call the equipped; he equips the called. My work as a therapist gives me a purpose and a passion,” James said. “I absolutely love all of my patients and sincerely want to help them overcome what blocks them from happiness in this world.”
Kathy James Psychotherapy and Wellness — 501-551-6553 — kathyjamespsychotherapy.com
SOUTHERN CARRIER SERVICES
VERONICA LOVE, PRESIDENT
For families caring for elderly or disabled loved ones, transportation can pose significant hurdles. Unable to drive, one might be at the mercy of their loved ones’ work or school schedules. Alternatively, a family might not be able to provide the specialized transportation their loved one requires. Southern Carrier Services works to address that urgent area of need with safe, comfortable and convenient nonemergency medical transportation services.
President Veronica Love, who also founded Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas, has always felt compelled by her strong faith to serve others. Her business acuity and entrepreneurial spirit have allowed her to organize and lead teams of caregiving professionals whose expertise, integrity and kindness make a tangible
difference in the lives of Arkansas families.
“What motivates me to go on is the reward on someone’s face after our level of care has been expressed,” she said. “It’s priceless. There is still a lot of good to do in the world, and we want to be sure we do our part.”
Love’s caring heart moves her not only in supporting those in need, but in creating generational wealth for her own loved ones. Her life experiences have taught her the value of hard work and compassionate care, and her businesses reflect that commitment through exceptional services that prioritize comfort, safety and satisfaction. Her vision for Southern Carrier Services is to become the leading transportation service provider in the area, setting the industry standard for quality, reliability and personalized service.
Terry Hartwick does not have a mission — he has a job, and he is passionate about fulfilling it to the best of his ability. As the mayor of North Little Rock, Hartwick is a dedicated public servant who strives to make a difference in the quality of life for every resident. From public safety to picturesque parks, North Little Rock is a gem and one that Hartwick aims to keep shining for visitors and locals alike.
“Everyone needs to be heard, no matter how big or how small their needs may be,” he said. “I return every phone call.”
Now in his third term as mayor, Hartwick said he is extremely proud of what the city has been able to accomplish. There is plenty more excitement on the horizon, as
well, including a new conference center in the works, a new central fire station in MidCity, and updates to the city’s community centers and animal shelter. North Little Rock brings so much to the table for the state of Arkansas, Hartwick said, and he and his hardworking team work to ensure that will be true for years to come.
“The people I am surrounded by are the key to my success,” he said. “All city employees take pride in the job they do.”
After his time in office comes to a close, Hartwick hopes to leave a positive legacy for the community leaders who will follow in his footsteps. No matter what, he said, “Do what is best for your community, state, group or agency.” Mayor Terry Hartwick — 501-975-8601 — nlr.ar.gov
THE FACE OF NWA REAL ESTATE
LINDSEY & ASSOCIATES
MARTHA CORNWELL HAGUEWOOD, CRS, GRI, EXECUTIVE BROKER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Experience and local knowledge are worth their weight in gold when it comes to real estate, and Martha C. Haguewood enjoys both in spades. A Realtor since 1991, Haguewood entered the field on the advice of Lindsey & Associates co-founder Jim Lindsey himself.
“He told me that he thought I had what it takes to be a successful Realtor, and I always strive to live up to his standards of success,” she said.
Born and raised in northwest Arkansas and a proud University of Arkansas alumna to boot, Haguewood makes it her mission to give prospective residents a warm Natural State welcome. She knows that it takes more than just paperwork to turn a house into a home. It also takes a real sense of community, and Haguewood is eager to show buyers everything Arkansas has to offer, from natural beauty to Razorback athletics.
“Buying or selling property is one of the largest, most important transactions in someone’s life,” Haguewood said. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. There is
no better compliment than a repeat customer or a referral.”
Recognized for her work ethic, eye for detail and enthusiasm for all things real estate, Haguewood’s dedication to her craft is apparent during every interaction. She consistently ranks among the top 1 percent of Realtors in the region and the state. As an exemplar of the industry, Haguewood reflects Lindsey & Associates’ commitment to service, professionalism and community engagement.
“My goals are to continue to provide a concierge service by working hard every day to make sure I am meeting and exceeding the needs of my clients,” she said. “It is not a one and done; I’m in it with them throughout the years, and I am always available to help when needed.
“Just like Jim Lindsey stated in our company motto, ‘We bring great neighbors together.’”
Lindsey & Associates — 479-521-6611 — lindsey.com
Lindsey & Associates, Inc.
ARKANSAS SURGICAL HOSPITAL
Arkansas Surgical Hospital was established by surgeons who wanted to create a more personalized and fulfilling experience for their patients. Since 2005, ASH has been dedicated to safety, efficiency, affordable care and exceptional patient experiences. As a physician-owned hospital, ASH allows surgeons to make key decisions, giving them greater control over patient care and direct influence on treatment paths.
The surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital have extensive experience, and their specialties range from orthopedic and spine treatments to breast oncology and interventional pain management. Arkansas Surgical Hospital provides more orthopedic, spine and sports-injury treatments and total joint replacement procedures than any other facility in the state. 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 few five-star hospitals in the state — and for good reason. In addition to the expertise of staff
and surgeons, patients consistently rate the hospital highly for its overall care experience. This includes 41 inpatient suites — each with a separate room for family members to rest in while patients recover — as well as an on-site chef and room service so patients can select meals prepared specifically for them.
Arkansas Surgical Hospital is proud to receive ongoing recognition from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other national organizations for its overall level of quality and patient experience. Each of the hospital’s services is meant to complement the outstanding level of surgical and nursing care that patients receive in the hospital’s state-of-the-art operating rooms because the team at ASH believes that people heal better when they are at ease.
Arkansas Surgical Hospital takes pride in its disciplined focus on safety and comfort, and every surgeon, nurse and staff member is committed to excellent outcomes for patients and their families.
The goal of Dr. Eric Wright and his team at Wright Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Little Rock is to make the practice synonymous with compassion and expertise. Knowledgeable staff go above and beyond for every patient to deliver exceptional results at an incomparable value. Wright has worked hard to create a space where patients feel valued and heard and where each surgical or nonsurgical journey is tailored to patients' unique needs and aesthetic goals.
“The confidence and self esteem our patients experience is not only a gift for them but for myself, as well,” Wright said. “Seeing the smiles and sometimes even life changes is the motivation. I strive to provide the latest technology and to set the standard for patient outcomes and care.”
Wright Plastic Surgery’s collaborative approach allows for deeper, more trusting relationships between patients and providers. The practice has also recently expanded to include a state-of-theart outpatient surgery suite, giving surgical patients a more convenient and private experience with a hand-selected surgical team. Whether they are seeking a surgical treatment or any of the med spa’s full spectrum of nonsurgical services, patients feel comfortable from the very first phone call or consultation.
“We are focused on being a life-long partner for our patients,” Wright said. “In an ever-evolving field, Wright Plastic Surgery remains at the forefront by integrating the latest techniques and technologies. Our continuous pursuit of excellence ensures that Arkansas residents have access to world-class care without having to travel far from home.”
Wright Plastic Surgery & Med Spa — 501-575-0088 — drwrightplasticsurgery.com Wright Plastic Surgery drwrightplasticsurgery
ROBIN MILLER, CEO, OWNER, PRINCIPAL BROKER
In many industries — but especially in real estate — experience can make or break one's success. That is why, when Warren Buffett's real estate division Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices came to central Arkansas, leadership looked for a principal broker/owner with a profound, yearslong understanding of the community, its properties and its people. That broker was Robin Miller, who now leads Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty after nearly four decades in the industry. The Arkansas team combines the trusted Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand with deep local knowledge to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. Miller’s market expertise makes her an adept problem solver and advocate for clients as they look to buy, sell, move into their first home or find the next property of their dreams. No matter what path clients are on, Miller and her agents approach
every interaction with integrity, transparency and a commitment to excellent service.
As a steward of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand in the state, Miller is also passionate about building the next generation of Arkansas real estate professionals. She has learned the value of pouring into people and prioritizes a culture of empathy, support and trust. That empowers agents to learn and grow alongside one another while striving to deepen their abilities and expertise.
At their core, Miller and her team are motivated by much more than a sale. They are committed to fostering relationships that stand the test of time, becoming trusted advisors for their clients as their real estate dreams evolve and grow. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty, clients can find their forever agent.
THE FACE OF RETIREMENT LIVING
PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE
CHRIS MARSH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FROM LEFT, STEVE LEWELLEN, DIRECTOR OF HEALTH CARE, AND DAWN YAKOUBIAN, DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
Since 1965, Presbyterian Village has provided high-level quality of life for individuals 55 and older by creating a family-like community that nurtures residents’ minds, bodies and spirits. A nonprofit organization sponsored by nine Presbyterian churches in the greater Little Rock metropolitan area, Presbyterian Village was one of the first continuing care retirement communities in Arkansas.
services, from transportation and religious services to beauty salons and wellness activities.
The Presbyterian Village board of directors and administration is always looking towards the future and working to enhance the services the community provides. Presbyterian Village responded to the growing need for dementia care by opening the Vista in 2023. Just this year, Presbyterian Village became licensed through the state of Arkansas to provide assisted living services. Additionally, fees are calculated on a nonprofit basis designed to give the best care for the lowest cost. Through all its offerings, Presbyterian Village aims to create a living environment that fosters personal dignity and independence.
Well known for its home-like, caring atmosphere, Presbyterian Village has a number of long-term staff members, which allows residents the convenience of stable caretakers who truly get to know them. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation are also available and feature a high staff-to-resident ratio and levels of care designed to meet residents’ individual needs. Residents benefit from a wide variety of Presbyterian Village — 501-225-1615 — presbyvillage.org
Presbyterian Village Little Rock
THE FACE OF SIGNS
HAMMER & STAIN HOT SPRINGS
CYNTHIA HALL, OWNER
Hammer & Stain is an independent, woman-owned business where guests can immerse themselves in a wide range of doit-yourself projects. While there are more than 120 studios around the country that share the Hammer & Stain name, they are not franchises, so each spot is as unique as the city it resides in. Owner Cynthia Hall was eager to bring the concept to Hot Springs after encountering it firsthand at another location.
“We are a bunch of makers who love sharing, crafting and collaborating to bring fun and excitement to our own areas,” Hall said. “We have the tools, paint and supplies, and the best part is we clean up the mess.”
Hammer and Stain is also a go-to for bachelorette parties, corporate team
building and other events, and nearly endless customization is available. Customized engraving on all manner of items — including the studio’s flagship 3D wooden lake signs, a must-have for any waterfront property — makes Hammer & Stain a destination for gift shopping, as well.
“I absolutely love being a cheerleader to everyone who walks through our doors,” Hall said. “Many people come in saying that they aren’t artists, but we work with them every step of the way. It puts a giant smile on my face to hear them laughing and saying, ‘I did this,’ as they walk out the door.”
Hammer & Stain is about the joy of creation and the connections that can form over a shared project. When people come into the studio, Hall said, they come in as strangers and leave as friends.
Hammer & Stain Hot Springs — 501-547-9411 — hammerandstainhotsprings.com Hammer & Stain Hot Springs hammerandstainhotspringsar
THE FACE OF SPEECH, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
JUSTIN AND ERICA KENNEMER, FOUNDERS THERAPY MONKEY
With locations in Morrilton and Conway, Therapy Monkey provides vital physical, occupational and speech therapy services to the children of central Arkansas. The practice combines traditional therapy approaches with progressive specialties such as vision-focused and hippotherapy. Therapy Monkey’s multi-sensory, play-based model supports wholebrain development.
Founders and occupational therapists Justin and Erica Kennemer have more than 20 years of combined experience across a variety of settings, including acute care, rehab, outpatient adults, orthopedics, burns, industrial ergonomics and pediatrics. The pair moved to Greenbrier in 2015, and Erica founded Conway-based HorsePlay Hippotherapy & Therapeutic Riding in 2018. Realizing an urgent need for more specialized therapy services in the area, the Kennemers opened Therapy Monkey in 2021.
At Therapy Monkey, therapists use a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve functional progress. This ensures new skills are carried over into everyday life across a variety of settings, from home and school to the wider community. Therapy Monkey works directly with caregivers to design a plan tailored to their concerns and the unique needs of each child.
Also among the practice’s offerings is a summer enrichment camp led by a pediatric occupational therapist, which allows children to reap the developmental benefits of unstructured time spent in nature.
By fostering creativity, encouraging children’s natural sense of curiosity and supporting the development of skills ranging from speech and balance to cognition and emotional regulation, the team at Therapy Monkey meets children where they are and equips them to succeed.
REHAB SPECIALISTS THERAPY & FITNESS
ANDI REEVES GREEN, DPT
Dr. Andi Reeves Green was born and raised in southwest Arkansas, so it was only natural that she would return to raise a family and give back to the community that shaped her. At Rehab Specialists Therapy & Fitness, her mission is to enhance the health and performance of athletes and individuals by providing expert care focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation and longterm well-being.
“We’ve built something special here. It's like a vortex where patients often become employees, pursue further education and eventually find their way back to us,” Reeves Green said. “I take pride in being more than just a boss; I'm a mentor and friend to my team, fostering a family-like atmosphere where we support each other personally and professionally.”
Reeves Green’s expertise as both a certified athletic trainer and doctor of physical therapy allows the clinic to bridge the gap between injury management and long-term recovery, offering a more comprehensive and seamless care experience for patients. Through this work, Rehab Specialists supports the community, from high school athletes to weekend warriors and everyone in between, in achieving their physical goals and improving their overall quality of life.
“Ultimately, my vision is to position my practice as a leading health and wellness provider in the region, known for delivering exceptional, personalized care that supports long-term health and performance,” she said.
CONWAY REGIONAL STROKE CARE TEAM THE FACE OF STROKE CARE
Conway Regional Health System is accountable to the communities it serves and provides high-quality, compassionate health care services, and the Conway Regional Stroke Care Team is no exception. The team — made up of emergency department physicians and nurses, neurologists, CT technicians, radiologists, laboratory technologists, and ICU and patient floor nurses — is deeply committed to providing timely, excellent care.
There is a crucial three-hour time limit for stroke diagnosis and treatment. For that reason, the stroke care team’s highly skilled health care providers answer the call at all hours of the day and night, utilizing advanced telehealth technology to coordinate care with neurologists from throughout the state. As the primary stroke center covering an eight-county service area and
a designated Level 3 trauma center, Conway Regional’s emergency care providers are ever-diligent in providing essential care during a stroke.
Conway Regional’s goal is to continue to be a regional leader in stroke care. Indeed, with a door-to-treatment time consistently beating 60 minutes, the team is not just meeting but exceeding national gold standards for treatment. The stroke care team was awarded two 2024 American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines awards and has received the Gold Plus award for the past two years. Conway Regional was also rated No. 1 in the market for stroke care by CareChex by Quantros in 2023.
As with the rest of Conway Regional Health System, the Conway Regional Stroke Care Team promises to be bold, to be exceptional and to always answer the call.
THE FACE OF SUSHI
ROCK N ROLL SUSHI
CHRIS ALLEY, OWNER, FROM LEFT; LAUREN MCALISTER, DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY AND CULTURE; LEO LAGUNA, DIRECTOR OF CULINARY ARTS; AND JASON ALLEY, OWNER
Dining out is as much about atmosphere as it is flavor, and Rock N Roll Sushi turns both up to 11. Owners Chris and Jason Alley, alongside Culinary Director Leo Laguna and Director of Hospitality and Culture Lauren McAlister, have brought the franchise’s fresh, high-quality sushi and vibrant rock 'n' roll charm to six locations across Arkansas.
“Seeing customers enjoy the food and atmosphere and knowing we’re contributing to the community by creating jobs and partnerships with local suppliers, inspires us to keep growing,” Jason said. “It’s about more than just serving meals; it’s about bringing people together and creating a place where they can relax, have fun and enjoy great food.”
Laguna ensures the restaurant consistently offers fresh, innovative plates of sushi that stand out in the market. Meanwhile, McAlister facilitates a welcoming environment where both customers and employees feel valued and connected. Between its singular theme and enthusiastic team members, Rock N Roll Sushi promises a memorable experience for first-time guests and regular patrons alike.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts who share our passion for great food and community. We’re excited to grow the Rock N Roll Sushi family across Arkansas, bringing our energetic dining experience to new cities and towns,” Chris said. “If you’re looking for a business opportunity or simply want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal, come be part of the Rock N Roll Sushi story.”
Rock N Roll Sushi sets the standard for hospitality with its unique take on the dining experience. Rock N Roll Sushi — 501-821-1838 — rocknrollsushi.com Rock N Roll Sushi @rocknrollsushiofficial
THE FACE OF TRUCKING
STALLION TRANSPORTATION
GARLAND RICE, FROM LEFT, COLT RICE, ELIZABETH SKINNER BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: BUTCH RICE, DREW PARSONS, SETH CARRUTH, BRODY WELCHER, JEFF HOLT
Stallion Transportation Group, headquartered in Beebe, was established in 1992 by founder Butch Rice. Having recently celebrated three decades in business as both an asset trucking company and third-party logistics division, Stallion has made a reputation for itself as a bar-setting contributor to the transportation industry.
Stallion’s leadership has spent decades investing in the youth of the company, and they are excited to be passing the reins to the next generation of executive leadership that will continue to foster relationships with employees and customers. Those relationships have allowed the company to stay in front of industry hardships and enjoy a commendably low driver turnover rate. By investing in advanced technology, employee success and leading customer experience, Stallion is ensuring a bright and successful future for the company.
At its core, the Stallion team is a close-knit community of talented people with Christian values. They enjoy the outdoors, sports, friendly competition and serving the great state of Arkansas. Built on a foundation of generosity, the company recently exceeded $1 million in charitable contributions and has supported a number of organizations vital to the Natural State, including the Arkansas Foodbank and Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Special Olympics Arkansas, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and local school and community organizations.
Stallion Transportation Group — 800-597-2425 — stalliontg.com stalliontg
ARKANSAS UROLOGY THE FACE OF UROLOGY
Arkansas Urology is the state’s premier urology practice and a leader in all things urology. Founded in 1996 in Little Rock, the practice has since grown to include 11 locations, 14 physicians and more than 20 advanced practice providers treating over 130,000 patients a year across the Natural State. Arkansas Urology is proud to provide comprehensive treatment services for men and women of all ages, utilizing the most effective, state-of-the-art procedures in a caring and compassionate atmosphere.
One of the largest obstacles in health care is ensuring access, and Arkansas Urology is addressing that challenge head-on. The Arkansas Urology Foundation was launched to raise awareness about the importance of early detection with prostate cancer, comprehensive men’s health screenings and other urological issues to help serve the state’s underserved and underprivileged. The practice provides free screenings across the state, offering educational information to patients and referring physicians, as well as supporting initiatives that directly impact men’s and women’s health.
In spring 2023, Arkansas Urology opened a 4,400-squarefoot diagnostic and treatment center. The new location eliminates the hassle of patients having to coordinate multiple site visits as they move through diagnostic and treatment procedures, keeping costs lower for patients and allowing for more efficient care. The center features a 3 Tesla MRI machine with substantially more resolution, and the practice will introduce new treatment procedures that are more targeted than surgical removal of the entire prostate. When it comes to experience, innovation and service, Arkansas Urology is unmatched. Under the leadership of its expert physicians, the practice’s nationally recognized clinical pathways ensure each and every patient receives the best individualized treatment plan possible. From the Centerview Surgery Center in Little Rock to the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Center in Little Rock and from kidney stone walk-in clinics to the diagnostic and imaging center, AU Pharmacy, men’s health clinics, Arkansas Urology Research Center in Little Rock, and from the AU Foundation, Arkansas Urology leads the way by providing the most comprehensive umbrella of services.
THE FACE OF VETERINARY CARE
HEALTHY LIFE PET CLINIC
KATELYN LANG, DVM, FOUNDER
Pet parents in central Arkansas will soon have something to celebrate. This fall, Healthy Life Pet Clinic will open in North Little Rock, bringing with it state-ofthe-art veterinary services and compassionate care for all manner of furry, feathered and scaled companions.
Arkansan by way of Tulsa, founding veterinarian Katelyn Lang, DVM, has a lifelong love of animals big and small. After finishing her undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Lang went on to obtain her doctor of veterinary medicine from Oklahoma State University. Quickly drawn back by the charms of the Natural State, Lang worked as an associate veterinarian in northwest Arkansas before taking the leap of faith to start her own practice further south.
Naturally, Lang’s work is inspired by a passion for pets. Even more than that, however, she is motivated by a love of connection. She relishes the opportunity to educate and serve people who love their animals by working side by side with owners to keep their pets happy and healthy for as long as possible.
Healthy Life Pet Clinic will provide central Arkansas pets with a wide range of crucial services, from regular wellness checks and vaccinations to dental cleaning, nutritional counseling and much more. Lang has extensive experience working with a number of different animals, and Healthy Life will offer exotic pet medicine, as well.
With opening day close at hand, the team at Healthy Life Pet Clinic is eager to show the central Arkansas community — both two- and four-legged — what the practice is all about.
THE FACE OF WELLNESS
BEYOND WELLNESS
Beyond Wellness is an all-encompassing health and wellness option for both men and women and offers a full spectrum of services. As a proud local business, Beyond Wellness is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of Arkansas one individual at a time by prioritizing individualized patient needs and continually embracing cutting-edge wellness solutions.
Contrary to what is commonly found in the mainstream medical model, Beyond Wellness empowers individuals to take control of their health by offering an individualized, root-cause approach. The practice utilizes precision medicine in order to provide holistic, tailormade solutions for achieving one’s wellness and aesthetic goals.
found right here in the Natural State thanks to owners Ashley and Matt Huneycutt. They have been intentional in fostering a strong team culture that encourages collaboration, creativity and open communication, motivating the talented health and wellness experts at Beyond Wellness to provide the highest standard of care every day.
In a rapidly growing health and wellness industry, Beyond Wellness leads by example. The practice remains flexible, adapting to the changing needs of its clientele while also staying abreast of the latest technologies and techniques in the wellness space. With locations in Little Rock and Lonsdale, a third under construction in Hillcrest, and a soonto-be-announced fourth location in the works, Beyond Wellness is ushering in a new era of wellness inclusivity and sophistication for Arkansans.
That caliber of personalized care, which is traditionally reserved for enclaves such as New York and Los Angeles, can now be Beyond Wellness — 501-476-7171 — beyondwellnessar.com
CALDWELL LAW FIRM
ANDY L. CALDWELL
Andy L. Caldwell has been practicing law since 1999. After entering the field of workers’ compensation, Caldwell saw that many individuals were not getting the benefits to which they were entitled, and he set out to change that. Ever since, the goal of Caldwell Law Firm has been fighting for the benefits of injured workers, helping them return to work and provide for their families.
“When an injured worker is wrongfully denied workers’ compensation benefits, they cannot work, and they lose their ability to earn their income,” Caldwell said. “They then have to seek other benefits, which come at the expense of the taxpayers. It is my mission to prevent insurance companies from wrongfully shifting the burden of the liability that should
Workers’ compensation can be a confusing process, one made even more difficult when dealing with an injury and uncertain income. The Caldwell Law Firm team works to make this challenging time more manageable by providing clear communication and expert advice.
A detail-oriented problem solver, Caldwell has become a leader in workers’ compensation law. He has lectured to Fortune 500 companies, insurance carriers and members of the bar on topics such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and legal ethics.
501-500-5512 — caldwellfirm.org rightfully fall upon them to the taxpayers of this state.”
AY’S guide to the 2 24
Holiday Season
LIGHT DISPLAYS
All Lit Up! Merry & Bright Jacksonville
An Old Time Christmas Branson, Missouri
Arkansas State Capitol Little Rock
Christmas at the Park Jonesboro
Christmas on the Square Benton
Creekmore Park Holiday Lights Fort Smith
Downtown Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs
Many holiday celebrations hearken back to the past, but rarely do they transport visitors through time like the decorations in this Victorian town nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Tour historic homes and duck into decked-out shops while basking in the glow of countless lights around every corner. Head uphill toward the Christ of the Ozarks and catch even more light displays at the Great Passion Play.
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Tour at Big Cedar Lodge
Branson, Missouri
Bathhouse Row
Hot Springs
The bright lights of Spa City get even brighter from late November to early January, when more than 1 million holiday lights blanket downtown Hot Springs. Visitors can stroll all along Bathhouse Row, enjoying festive displays, decorated shop windows, and the decked-out Arlington Hotel lawn and lobby. Warm up afterwards by soaking up the holiday cheer at a spot like the Ohio Club or Superior Bathhouse Brewery.
Edgewater neighborhood
Maumelle
Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights Sherwood
Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends
Pine Bluff
Finney’s Christmas Light Wonderland
Crossett
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs
Holiday Lights Extravaganza at the Arkansas Museum of
Natural Resources
Smackover
Holiday Tram Rides at Big Cedar
Lodge
Branson, Missouri
With the first of fall gone and Halloween just barely in the rearview mirror, it is time to turn one’s attention to the jam-packed months of November and December. For many, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s come with promises of full schedules, full houses and full plates. For those in charge of the itineraries and menus, that can make for a gauntlet as harrowing as it is heartwarming.
Between all of the shopping trips, theater productions, light displays and whatever else there is to deck the halls between now and January, it is important to remember that there is a reason for all that festive frenzy — and that reason is not stuffed into any stocking or turkey. Hopefully, this handy list of season essentials will not only provide a few ideas but save a bit of time celebrants can use to carve out a moment of heavenly peace amidst the chaos.
The Natural State is filled to the brim with holiday cheer, so this list is not exhaustive by any means. Still, from musicals and magic shows to caterers and Christmas trees, there is a little bit of everything here to get the holidays started.
Lights of the Delta Blytheville Lights of the Ozarks Fayetteville
Lighting of the Square Bentonville Lights of Joy Branson, Missouri
North Hills neighborhood
North Little Rock
Park Plaza Mall
Little Rock
Pleasant Ridge Town Center
Little Rock
Pleasant Valley neighborhood
Little Rock
Stewart Family Christmas Light Display
Fayetteville
The Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods
Little Rock
Let There Be Lights! by the Promised Land Zoo Branson, Missouri
As the capital city’s premier light festival and one of the largest immersive light festivals in the nation, GloWILD! at the Little Rock Zoo is a truly unique way to make spirits bright during the holidays. For a little more than 45 nights between November and early January, the zoo grounds will be alight with more than 500,000 LED lights and dozens of handcrafted silk lanterns.
Every year brings exciting new displays divided into themes ranging from larger-than-life animals and botanical scenes to mythical and imaginary worlds. Past sections have included the Tranquil Forest, Cactus Corridor, Wisteria Corridor, Prehistoric Animals and the Arctic Winter Zone, which includes Christmas-themed displays. From glow-in-the dark snails and a stunning peacock to a 100-footlong, 20-foot-tall dragon, scores of children — and kids at heart — have been transported into a world of wonder as they navigate roughly 33-acres of pure illuminated magic.
Last year’s GloWILD! was the most successful event in the history of the Little Rock Zoo and attracted more than 40,000 visitors. Now in its fourth installment, GloWILD! will have three all-new sections. Mystical Marvels will explore the majesty of Chinese arts and culture using dragons and other fantastical beasts. Amazing creatures from around the globe will be featured in the Animal Kingdom section, along with breathtaking scenes of migration across the Savannah. Last but far from least, whales, sharks and vibrant coral reefs will bring the beauty of the ocean topside for an enchanting evening of natural wonder.
In addition to giving families an ideal holiday season activity and an unforgettable experience, GloWILD! raises money for the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, which reinvests proceeds back into the zoo in the form of new exhibits and other improvements. GloWILD! is made possible by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an international event design company and the largest Chinese lantern festival producer in North America.
2024-2025 dates:
Nov. 7-10, 14-17 and 21-30
Dec. 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-24 and 26-31
Dec. 12: During sensory night, event light and noise will be adjusted for sensory sensitivity.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve party included with GloWILD admission. Jan. 2-5
Lost Canyon Nature at Night Christmas Cart Tour at Top of the Rock Branson, Missouri
Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve turns into a winter wonderland after dark this holiday season. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the landscape, while elaborate light displays line the 2.5 miles of paved paths that wind through the property. A cozy golf cart ride offers guests a relaxed way to enjoy this unique blend of natural history and festive decor.
The Light Show NWA
Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville
Time Loop by Klip Collective: A Forest Light Experience
Bentonville
Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Branson, Missouri
White River Wonderland Batesville
Whimsical Christmas Light Show
Barling
Winter Nights and Magical Lights
Camden
EVENTS
Actors Theatre of Little Rock presents The Black Nativity Dates to be announced Little Rock
Red Bears at Titanic Through Dec. 31
Titanic Museum Attraction, Branson, Missouri
The Titanic Museum Attraction’s annual tribute to the 135 children aboard the RMS Titanic continues this Christmas season. Stuffed red and plaid bears symbolizing the love between parents and children dot the holiday decor throughout the attraction, and each is tagged with the name of one of the 135 young passengers.
An Old Time Christmas Nov. 2 to Dec. 30
Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri
Live holiday shows, festive treats and 6.5 million lights cannot be wrong — Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is a must for any holiday season travelers. Dubbed the “most illuminated park on earth,” Silver Dollar City’s yuletide celebrations include a character-filled parade, an eight-story animated Christmas tree, 50-foot light tunnels and much more.
Santa’s Wonderland at the Pyramid Nov. 3 to Dec. 22
Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, Memphis Bright Nights Series
Nov. 6, 13 20 and 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock
Holiday Open House
Nov. 8 (Ladies Night), Nov. 9 Downtown Van Buren
How
Christmas! The Musical
Nov. 9 and 10
Robinson Center, Little Rock
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Nov. 12 to 17
Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
GloWILD! at the Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock
Dr. Seuss’
The Grinch Stole
(Touring)
CARTI Festival of Trees
Nov. 14 to 16
Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov. 14
510 Main St., North Little Rock
Winter Nights
Nov. 14 to Dec. 21
Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
2024 Festival of Trees (Multiple Events)
Nov. 16, 21 and 30 and Dec. 1, 3, 5 and 6
Mount Sequoyah Center, Fayetteville
Lighting of the Stewart Family Christmas Light Display
Nov. 16
Fayetteville
Nov. 20 to Dec. 24
TheatreSquared, Fayetteville
A Magical Cirque Christmas Nov. 20
Robinson Center, Little Rock
23rd Annual Taste of the Holidays
Nov. 21
Mid-America Science Museum, Hot Springs
Holiday Craft & Gift Sale
Nov. 22 and 23
Jacksonville Community Center, Jacksonville
Visit the Jacksonville Community Center for the 47th annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale. This two-day shopping event features original works of art and unique gifts, woodwork, holiday decor and more. Support Arkansas artists and local vendors while checking names off the holiday gift list.
of the
Nov. 22
Downtown Fayetteville
North Arkansas Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Nov. 22 and 23
Batesville
What Could Go Wrong the Night Before Christmas?
Nov. 22 and 23
The Pocket Community Theatre, Hot Springs
Annual Friendsgiving
Nov. 23
Marlsgate Plantation, Scott Holiday Markets on the Square Nov. 23 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21
Fayetteville
Lighting of the Square
Nov. 23
Downtown Bentonville
Northern Lights Holiday Festival
Nov. 23
Argenta Arts District, North Little Rock
Christmas comes to Argenta Plaza again this year with the annual Northern Lights Holiday Festival in North Little Rock. Bring the whole family for photos with Santa, live entertainment and kid-friendly holiday activities. Be sure not to miss the Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus opening performances at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Nov. 24
Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway
2024 Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off & Holiday Lights Kick Off
Nov. 25
Downtown Hot Springs
In Hot Springs, chilly weather equals chili cook-offs. Head to the Exchange Street parking deck to sample the variety of entries vying for this year’s title of best chili in town. Spa City businesses will bring the heat while the city switches on its iconic downtown array of holiday lights.
Holiday Lights Opening Night Nov. 23
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
This 210-acre gem nestled in the Ouachitas is a celebration of the natural Arkansas landscape treasured both for its botanical beauty and its stunning chapel. The holidays bring the gardens to life in a new way, allowing guests to grab hot cocoa, explore the grounds and enjoy an array of more than 7 million twinkling lights.
Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus Nov. 23 to Dec. 8
Argenta Arts District, North Little Rock
The Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus is bringing its latest winter production to cities around the Natural State, stopping in the Argenta Arts District in late November and early December. With roots in Italy, the boutique European circus has enthralled audiences since 1842. Guests can enjoy warm beverages and snacks while being swept away by the magic of the Zoppé family.
Ken Freeman Huff, Puff, Then Stuff 5K
Nov. 28
Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail
A Fertle Holiday — The Main Thing Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 20, 21, 27 and 28
The Joint Comedy Theater, North Little Rock
Hot Springs
Storytime with Scuba Claus
Nov. 26 and 29 and Dec. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 18 and 20
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Springfield, Missouri
Put the “sea” in the holiday season with a cast of underwater friends and Christmas spirit all around. Scuba Claus and trusty helper Peppermint dive to the Great Barrier Reef to spread the joy of Christmas, and Mrs. Claus reads a cheerful holiday story while guests sip hot cocoa, make crafts and write letters to Scuba Claus.
Lights
Ozarks Lighting Night
The Nutcracker Ballet by the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Co. Nov. 29 and 30
Basin Park Tree Lighting
Nov. 30
Eureka Springs
Historic Downtown Eureka Springs welcomes the holidays with open arms at the annual Basin Park tree lighting ceremony. Free and family friendly, the lighting ceremony kicks off a full season of dazzling displays and holiday cheer that touches every corner of the unique Ozarks destination.
Chick-fil-A Illuminate: A Conway
Christmas Tradition
Nov. 30
Downtown Conway
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Citizens Bank Pocket Park
Nov. 30
Batesville
Christmas Parade of the Ozarks
Nov. 30
Rodeo of the Ozarks, Springdale
Dink the Halls Pickleball Tournament
Nov. 30 to Dec. 1
Batesville
The Nutcracker Sweets by Ignite Dance
Nov. 30
Eureka Springs
Christmas Tree Lighting and Candlelight Dinner
Dec. 1
Marlsgate Plantation, Scott
A Christmas Story: The
l December 4 to 22
Argenta Contemporary Theatre, North Little Rock
Christmas Afternoon Tea
December 4, 11, 14 and 18
Marlsgate Plantation, Scott
Mid-City Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 4
16th and Main streets,
North Little Rock
City of Conway Christmas Tree
Lighting
Dec. 5
Main Street and Third Avenue, Conway
Ice on Ice
Dec. 5
Hamp Williams Building, Hot Springs
Lights of the Ozarks Parade
Dec. 5
Downtown Fayetteville
Little Rock Winds Mistletoe Melodies
Dec. 5
UA-PTC CHARTS Theater, North Little Rock
P. Allen Smith Holiday Tours
Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13
Moss Mountain Farm, Roland
Russellville Christmas Parade
Dec. 5
Downtown Russellville
Silver Belles — A Christmas Comedy
Dec. 5 to 8 and 12 to 15
The Royal Theatre, Benton
Christmas Candlelight Dinner
Dec. 6, 13 and 20
Marlsgate Plantation, Scott
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
Dec. 6
Robinson Center, Little Rock
The Winter Wonderettes
Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15
The Pocket Community Theatre,
Hot Springs
A Very SoNA Christmas
Dec. 7
Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
All Lit Up! Merry & Bright
Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 7
Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s annual Christmas tree lighting takes place on Municipal Drive by the Jacksonville Community Center and City Hall. The all-ages event is open to the public, and the trail of holiday lights will be on display through the New Year to allow plenty of time for enjoying the scenery.
Christmas Parade of Lights
Dec.6
Eureka Springs
Santa will land in Eureka Springs for the annual Christmas Parade of Lights just as the decorated downtown streets fill up with festive faces, floats, bands and holiday cheer. Floats can register to be judged based on this year’s parade theme, a board game Christmas.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Move over, Rudolph — the live horse racing season is back at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort on Dec. 6. Six race days throughout December will give visitors plenty of opportunity to don their warmest coats and derby hats and enjoy a bit of Christmastime competition before the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes kicks off in January.
Marathon
Dec. 7
Batesville
Jacksonville Christmas Parade Dec. 7
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Parks & Recreation has been hard at work to make this year’s Christmas parade a night to remember. There will be the chance to write letters to Santa Claus, sip hot cocoa and see the city’s Christmas tree officially lit for the season. Marquee guest Santa will be joined by decorated floats, marching bands, dance groups and the fire department.
Musica
Hope for the Holidays 5K and Half
Oaklawn Racing Opening Day Dec. 6
Junior League of Little Rock
Holiday House
Dec. 7 to 9
Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
Madeline’s Christmas
Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock
Santa Drop 2024
Dec. 7
Arkansas Air and Military Museum, Fayetteville
Traditional Christmas Brunch
Dec. 7 and 21
Marlsgate Plantation, Scott
North Little Rock Elks
Christmas Parade
Dec. 8
North Little Rock
After jumping in to help the North Little Rock Sertoma Club in 2023, the North Little Rock Elks Lodge has officially taken the lead and promises a bigger and better parade than ever before. With a theme of Christmas around the world, Dogtown is sure to dazzle as floats, bands and jolly old St. Nick make their way downtown.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra —
The Lost Christmas Eve Tour
Dec. 8
Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock
Hot Springs Christmas Parade 2024
Dec. 9
Downtown Hot Springs
Santa meets sci-fi with this year’s Hot Springs Christmas parade theme, “tech the halls.” Cyborgs and silver bells will abound, as well as a hearty helping of music and all-ages fun. Put on by the Rotary Club of Oaklawn, proceeds from the parade help fund scholarships for local youth.
Sounds of the Season 2024
Dec. 9 to 13 and 16 to 20
Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock
Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy
Dec. 12
Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Spectacular with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 13 to 15
Robinson Center, Little Rock
Home for the Holidays Concert
Dec. 13
Eureka Springs
The sounds of the Ozarks are a delight any time of year, but there is something extra special when holiday tunes can be heard among the hills. Local singers and groups will perform a selection of seasonal songs in the Auditorium on Main Street during the annual Home for the Holidays Concert.
Ozark Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 13 and 14
Fayetteville Public Library
Children’s “The Road to Bethlehem” Experience
Dec. 14
Marlsgate Plantation, Scott
Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Creole Christmas
Dec. 14
Reynolds Performance Hall, Conway
Downtown Van Buren Christmas Parade
Dec. 14
Downtown Van Buren
Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Dec. 14
Downtown Batesville
Queen City Polar Express
Dec.14
Downtown Camden
$5 (Christmas) Movies at the Opera House
Dec. 15 and 23
King Opera House, Van Buren
Who’s Holiday
Dec. 19 to 22
The Studio Theatre, Little Rock
Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl
Dec. 20
Eureka Springs
The
Dec.
Walton
Sounds of The Season 2024
Dec. 9 to 13 and 16 to 20
Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock
Take a tasty trip through the historic downtown shops while sampling various cocoas and delicious holiday treats. Participants can get their own commemorative 2024 Eureka Springs Cocoa Crawl mug, just in time to leave it out for the real cookie-eating champion before he comes down the chimney.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays Dec. 20 to 22
Robinson Center, Little Rock
Jinglin’ Jeep Parade
Dec. 21
Eureka Springs
Who knew Santa’s other ride was a Jeep? Probably the folks at the 4th annual Jinglin’ Jeep parade and ugly sweater contest. Downtown Eureka Springs will be packed to the gills with the festive vehicles, while everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or canned goods and help pass on a little holiday cheer.
The Nutcracker presented by Western Arkansas Ballet Dec. 21 and 22
ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith
Candlelight: Holiday special featuring The Nutcracker and more Dec. 28
Albert Pike Memorial Center, Little Rock
Noon Year’s Eve Dec. 30
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
100th Anniversary Gala at the Arlington Resort Hotel Dec. 31
The Arlington Resort Hotel, Hot Springs
New Year’s Eve with Livin’ the Dream Dec. 31
Vapors Live Hot Springs
Snowman: A Family Concert
8
Arts Center, Fayetteville
New Year’s Gloing Eve
Dec. 31
Little Rock Zoo
Welcome a bright new year with the help of the Little Rock Zoo and the breathtaking lanterns of GloWILD! This family-friendly New Year’s Eve party is part of the regular GloWILD! admission price and features a live DJ, fun and games. Guests can explore the beautiful handcrafted silk lanterns and enjoy snacks, hot beverages and rides before ringing in 2025 with family and friends.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Dec. 31
Robinson Center, Little Rock
FOOD AND CATERERS
Bobbie D’s Southern Cuisine
Little Rock, Benton
Boulevard Bread Co.
Little Rock
Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams
Little Rock, Lewisville
Catering Arkansas
Little Rock
Community Bakery
Little Rock
Count Porkula
North Little Rock
Social North Little Rock
Brooke Willaims and Gina Marshall bonded over similar cooking styles and a penchant for perfection in culinary school, and their decade-long list of satisfied clientele is a testament to their combined talents. The pair founded Crave Catering Co. in 2017 and continue to provide phenomenal food for gatherings large and small.
Fire Dancer BBQ Bryant
Gina’s Catering Benton
Heritage Catering Little Rock
Little Rock, North Little Rock, Bentonville, Jonesboro, Hot Springs, Fayetteville
Lindsey’s BBQ and Hospitality
Cypress
DownHome Catering Little Rock
Etcetera Stuttgart
Big Bad Breakfast Little Rock
Blue Cake Co. and Honey Pies Little Rock
Capitol Smokehouse & Grill Little Rock
Crave Catering Co. Little Rock
Homer’s East Little Rock
Homer’s Kitchen Table Little Rock
The Honey Baked Ham Co.
House North Little Rock
Myrtie Mae’s Cafe
Eureka Springs
Nexus Coffee & Creative
Little Rock
Petit & Keet
Little Rock
Petit Jean Meats
Morrilton
Postmasters Grill
Camden
Rabbit Ridge Farms Bee Branch
Southern Food Co. Fayetteville
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Bentonville, Conway, Fayetteville, Little Rock, North Little Rock
Three Sam’s BBQ and Catering Mabelvale
Trio’s Restaurant Little Rock
Two Sisters Catering Sherwood
Vibrant Occasions Catering Benton
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer Bentonville, Little Rock, North Little Rock
DECORATORS and DECOR
Alber’s Christmas Decor Fort Smith
Amy Baker Designs Hot Springs
Bethany Finch Interiors Cabot
Camden Flower Shop Camden
Christina Gore Design Studio
Little Rock
Christmas Decor of Northwest
Arkansas
Lowell
The Details Fayetteville Designs
Little Rock
Eve’s Interior Decorating
North Little Rock
Four Seasons Landscaping
Springdale
Ground Crew
Jonesboro
Guess and Co. Des Arc
Handsome Holiday Heroes Northwest Arkansas
High Cotton Decor
Bryant
HoHoHo Lights Northwest Arkansas
Lights by Sparky Benton
Noel Lighting, Shelby Electric Benton
Curly Willow Designs Cabot
Loca Luna Little Rock
The Lighting Master Fayetteville
The Everyday Chef Jonesboro
Norwood-Day Floral Co.
Little Rock
SheFlair
Searcy
Silks A Bloom
Little Rock
Tanarah Luxe Floral
Little Rock
Tipton & Hurst
Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff
GIFTS
A.G. Russell Knives
Rogers
Art Group Gallery
Little Rock
Black Ribbon Books
Hot Springs
Box Turtle
Little Rock
City Supply
Fayetteville
Curly Willow Designs
Cabot
Eggshells Kitchen Co.
Little Rock
Fayettechill
Fayetteville
Fischer Honey Co.
North Little Rock
Flowers & Home
Benton, Hot Springs
Fort Thompson Sporting Goods
Sherwood
Freckled Hen
Fayetteville
Gearhead Outfitters
Jonesboro, Rogers, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Little Rock
Gifts of Arkansas
Little Rock
Guess and Co.
Des Arc
Sissy’s Log Cabin
Conway, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Memphis, Pine Bluff
Few things shine brighter than Arkansas at the holidays, but the beautiful selections at Sissy’s Log Cabin are at the top of that list. Diamonds make an unforgettable gift, and with a wide variety of designer jewelry, watches and more, there is sure to be something to make everyone’s holiday wishes come true.
Conway
Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler
Little Rock
LIVSN Outdoor Apparel
Bentonville
Midtown Vintage Market Little Rock
Norwood-Day Floral Co.
Little Rock
Ozark Outdoor Supply
Little Rock
Riffraff
Fayetteville
Rock City Outfitters
Conway
Tipton & Hurst
Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff
High Cotton Decor Bryant
House of Webster Rogers
The Kitchen Store & More
Townsend Spice & Supply Melbourne
The Vintage Mercantile North Little Rock
Whimsy Whoo Boutique Springdale
Aromatique Heber Springs
holiday season guide
Dreaming of a White (County) Christmas
Searcy’s Holiday of Lights makes spirits bright
By MAK
MILLARD // Photos courtesy of EXPERIENCE SEARCY
What the Arkansas holiday season might lack in snow, it more than makes up for in downhome Christmas cheer. Early November sees cities and towns all across the Natural State begin to transform into something more akin to a Hallmark movie, though perhaps made better by an infusion of Southern charm. Few places shine as brightly as Searcy, where the annual Holiday of Lights celebration has become a destination for countless yuletide travelers. Even Southern Living has added the city to its roster of “Cutest Christmas Towns,” and last year, the magazine praised Searcy as “the ultra-festive Christmas town of our sugar-plum dreams.”
From homeowners decking out their front yards to a living drive-thru nativity and from Harding University’s season-long display of twinkling lights to the annual Christmas parade, Searcy gives residents and visitors much to look forward to as the temperature starts to dip and the days grow shorter. Searcy A&P commissioners Tonia Hale and Tommy Centola, who serve as Holiday of Lights co-chairs, are especially eager for this year’s festivities.
“Until recently, Tonia lived around the corner from me, and we both decorate our houses tremendously,” Centola said. “We definitely have the Christmas spirit.”
NOVEMBER
Early November gives people the chance to check a few items off their holiday shopping lists early, not to mention getting well ahead of the Small Business Saturday crowd. Festivities kick off with a holiday open house on the 3rd, while the city’s Carmichael Center will host the Pumpkins & Peppermints Holiday Craft Fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9. Vendors run the gamut from handmade jewelry and art to holiday decor and homemade treats.
Excitement only builds from there as the city prepares to officially usher in the season with the annual lighting ceremony at Berryhill Park. Taking place this year at 6 p.m. Nov. 18, the Holiday of Lights Committee has pulled out all the stops to make the event even more memorable than before. Headlining the evening is Prancer, a real live reindeer who will join Santa and his sleigh for photo ops — including 500 Polaroid pictures — with the kiddos.
“We’ve actually been wanting to do that for a while,” Hale said. “Last year, I was in Branson, driving down the strip, and they had a live reindeer. I started visiting with the guy and connected with him on Facebook. We worked it out where we could have him here, and we found a sponsor to bring him to Searcy. We’re really excited because as far as we know, we’ve not ever had a live reindeer at our Holiday of Lights.”
As with any holiday event worth its candy canes and silver bells, the lighting ceremony will have plenty of cookies, cocoa and coffee on offer. The committee has also worked with the local schools to add new displays representing each of their mascots, meaning the park will now shine even brighter with help from a Harding University Bison, a Searcy High School Lion, a Riverview Raider and a Harding Academy Wildcat.
Just a few moments away, Harding University is set to hold its annual lighting ceremony on the same night, accompanied by its own supply of warm beverages and Christmas tunes. Once switched on, more than 1 million lights will illuminate the Harding campus through New Years, outlining buildings in brilliant detail and creating a dazzling effect in the tree canopy above.
“We will be maneuvering things around over the next couple of years with the construction of our new community center and a new inclusive playground at Berryhill Park,” Centola said. “We’ve already been discussing plans to do other things and what we could do to make things better.”
The annual Christmas parade in downtown Searcy is the crown jewel of the holiday season.
Harding University provides an impressive light display of its own.
DECEMBER
There is a whole slate of activities scheduled for Dec. 7, all leading up to the much-anticipated Christmas parade. The historic Rialto Theater will host a Polar Express pajama party at 10 a.m., followed by Santa Claus making a noontime appearance on the courthouse balcony to read A Visit from St. Nicholas. Just west of the court square, Art Alley will host Christmas tree painting at 2 p.m. Through it all, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pioneer Village will put on its annual Old-Fashioned Christmas open house, complete with holiday decor, treats, games and activities for the little ones.
As midday turns to evening, the parade will finally get underway, and the First Security Teal Grill will be fired up and churning out s’mores. Leading the parade are this year’s grand marshals, Betty Mote and Nancy Hatfield. Co-owners of Sowell’s Furniture, the downtown store started by their father in 1945, Mote and Hatfield are both dedicated businesswomen and exemplary community members. Mote was also instrumental for many years as part of the Holiday of Lights Committee, Centola said. He informed Mote and Hatfield that they had been selected for the honor, and the joy it brought them made all the hard work worthwhile, he said.
“They are bringing a lot to the parade but even more to
the community,” Hale said. “Look at their background, how many years they’ve served the citizens of Searcy, as well as their family there with Sowell Furniture. They’re just amazing women, so I’m very thankful to have them in our community and all that they give back to us.”
Hale and Centola are expecting an even better showing for the parade, as well, since groups started registering their floats as early as October. In addition to the regular entrants and crowd favorites, Centola is keeping an eye out for newer businesses to get on board as they come to the city.
“Every year it has gotten bigger and bigger,” he said. “One of the ones that have already signed up is very surprising because we’ve never had it in the parade before. We will actually have a Walmart trailer from their distribution center decorated for Christmas. They reached out to me, and I’m like, ‘Oh, definitely.’ I mean, you don’t get bigger than Walmart in Arkansas.”
While the parade certainly ties a pretty bow on the city’s Christmas cheer, Searcy has much more in store before Christmas actually arrives. Holiday music will fill the historic Smyrna Church at 2 p.m. Dec. 8. On Dec. 14, the activity formerly known as Characters in the Park will spend a second year as Characters, Cocoa and Cookies — much to the joy of the local fire department.
“Last year, out of necessity, we had to move that to the fire station,” Centola said. “It went over so well. The firemen were so excited. The policemen were so excited. We’ve moved it there permanently this year, and they have some great ideas to make it even better. … We had the
“
Every year it has gotten bigger and bigger. One of the ones that have already signed up is very surprising because we’ve never had it in the parade before. We will actually have a Walmart trailer from their distribution center decorated for Christmas. They reached out to me, and I’m like, ‘Oh, definitely.’ I mean, you don’t get bigger than Walmart in Arkansas.
— Tommy Centola
Left: Santa kisses a reindeer during Searcy's holiday festivities.
Below: Searcy landmarks are lit up during the holiday season.
motorcycle police there, and they were putting the kids on the motorbikes. They had pictures taken. There were fire trucks there. The EMS trucks were there. That in itself was a really great event, and I’m looking forward to that.”
The first two weekends of December will also give people ample opportunity to visit one of the biggest seasonal attractions for miles around. Searcy First Assembly of God’s Living Nativity is a passion project turned beloved holiday tradition that now sees visitors from out of town, out of state and even out of the country. The life-sized drive-thru production of the Christmas story spares no detail in its recreation of Bethlehem, down to the Roman soldiers, camels and reluctant innkeeper. This year’s Living Nativity takes place Dec. 6 to 8, 11, and 13 to 15.
Holiday of Lights is truly a collective effort, with residents, businesses and city officials all coming together to put on a great show for the steady stream of visitors who will come through between now and the New Year. A host of sponsors have been essential for pulling off bigger and better events each year, including, among others, the Searcy A&P Commission, Hart Construction in Searcy, Henard Foothills Equipment in Searcy and AY Media Group.
“Holiday of Lights is a big deal for the city of Searcy, and there are thousands of people that come through there from Nov. 18 up until Jan. 1,” Hale said. “We like to show off our city, and we like to take pride in what we have, and those sponsors help us do that. We’re very proud of that.”
Searcy Christmas Light Checklist:
Be sure not to miss any of the city’s stunning light displays, from the majestic White County courthouse and ethereal Harding lights to the classic Christmas scenes that adorn the parks and downtown shops:
White County Courthouse
300 N. Spruce St.
Historic Downtown Searcy
Multiple locations
Spring Park
113 E. Pleasure Ave.
Harding University
915 E. Market Ave.
Berryhill Park
501 Davis Drive
The Historic Benjamin Clayton Black House and Art Gallery
300 E. Race St.
Yancey Park
950 Skyline Drive
First Security Tech Center
Corner of North Main Street and East Race Avenue
Holiday of Lights Schedule:
Nov. 3:
Holiday Open House
Nov. 9:
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Pumpkins & Peppermints Holiday Craft Fair at Carmichael Center
Nov. 18:
6 p.m.: Lighting Ceremonies at Berryhill Park and Harding University
Dec. 7:
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Pioneer Village Old-Fashioned Christmas
10 a.m.: Polar Express PJ Party at the Rialto Theater
Noon: A Visit from St. Nicholas with Santa
2 p.m.: Christmas Tree Painting in Art Alley
6 p.m.: Christmas Parade
Dec. 8:
2 p.m.: Christmas Music at Smyrna Church
Dec. 14:
2 p.m.: Characters, Cocoa & Cookies with the Searcy Fire Department
Living Nativity Dates:
Dec: 6 | 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dec: 7 | 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dec: 8 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Dec: 11 | 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Dec: 13 | 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dec: 14 | 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dec: 15 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A horse-drawn carriage goes past the historic Rialto Theater during the Christmas parade.
Time, Talent, Treasure
As the holidays dawn and family draws near, many people’s thoughts naturally turn to their blessings and all that has been given to them in life. Out of gratitude, many people look to share their abundance with those less fortunate through donations and service to local nonprofits.
The end-of-the-year rush inspired by the holidays is a wellknown phenomenon in nonprofit circles. According to statistics compiled by Donorbox.com, GivingTuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, generated more than $3 billion in one day last year. Most nonprofits bring in 47 percent of online revenue the last week of December. Nearly half of that is donated on December 31.
All told, individuals donated almost $320 billion to charities and nonprofits in 2023, with both average one-time gifts ($121) and average monthly gifts ($25) up over 2022. However, the number of 2023 new donors and retained new donors from 2022 were both down sharply, off 18 percent. Nonprofits also lost ground retaining repeat donors (down 1.8 percent) and recapturing donors (down 3.5 percent) over the previous year. These wrong-way trend lines combine with the rising cost of everything and community need reaching all-time highs to create a perfect storm for many nonprofits. Year-end appeals are starting earlier and earlier (8 percent in September and 54 percent in October, Donorbox. com reported), and organizations are looking to become more sci-
entific in their approach to harnessing the goodwill shown by individual and corporate donors.
AY Media Group, the parent company of AY About You and Arkansas Money & Politics magazines, is involved in a number of nonprofits during a typical year and supports their work in a variety of ways. The following are three organizations that have caught our eye over the years for the work that they do and the impact they make in the community. While there are many worthwhile organizations in Arkansas and no act of charity or kindness is ever wasted, we have spotlighted these three to show people ways they can get involved in addition to the checkbook.
We hope these stories inspire new holiday traditions among our readership and lead to generosity and caring acts through the year.
IMMERSE ARKANSAS
Little Rock-based Immerse Arkansas was founded in 2008 to meet the needs and obstacles of kids aging out of foster care. Eric and Kara Gilmore, founders, started their life of service as houseparents at a group home, where they saw individuals released from the care of the state at age 18 with no resources, support or direction for the rest of their lives.
By 2010, the Gilmores had leveraged help from individuals, businesses and churches to open a space that provided supportive housing for youth aging out of the system. Over the next several years, the couple expanded their reach to serve runaways, homeless youth, and victims of sex trafficking and exploitation.
Today, Immerse Arkansas serves youth in crisis through several entities, the newest of which is the Station in Little Rock, a shelter for youth ages 18 to 24 that offers a chance to stabilize their current situations while considering the next move to a positive future. The Station is a unique shelter in that it was specifically built for homeless youth, housing 15 young people a night (more when counting teens’ children).
Immerse’s youth center, dubbed the OC for “Overcomer Central,” provides a safe, welcoming space where young people in crisis can get help, from meals and showers to laundry and other support. The OC also provides a range of classes and support, as does LifeBASE programs, which help teens and young adults develop life skills through one-on-one coaching, skills development, parenting skills and mentorship that helps young people prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Ashley Hooten, Immerse’s director of generosity, said the holidays are a particularly tough time for youth in crisis, reminded as they are of a situation that many times is devoid of family or positive, nurturing relationships.
“These youth don’t have families. They don’t have support,” she said. “The holidays can be super lonely, hard times for our youth.”
Hooten said the general public’s monetary donations are always appreciated, as are items for the Immerse pantry, from food items to personal care and hygiene products to diapers and baby wipes. What many people do not know about are volunteer opportunities that exist through
Immerse that help feed teens in body and spirit.
“One of the things that we always need help with is providing meals,” she said. “In the Station, we provide three meals a day 365 days a year, which is unlike what we’ve done before in our OC youth center and other places. A couple of the special meal times we really try to focus on to build community are our Saturday brunch and Sunday supper. Those are a couple of times we really try to get volunteers in to help us with meals.
“We also invite people to sit and eat with the youth if they want, to interact with them to build those relationships. It’s just very healthy for our youth to be able to interact with adults who are kind and generous and great role models for them. This is an easy opportunity to do that.”
In line with that, Hooten said, mentors are essential to the success of the programs, and Immerse is always looking to pair youth with caring adults from the community. Mentors are asked to devote as little as one hour a month to provide a willing ear and friendly support to someone who has had precious little of either in their life.
“One of the things about the mentor piece that’s so powerful, and I tell this to people a lot, these youth, a lot of them, have aged out of foster care. They’ve been around adults who have been paid to be with them, whether it’s a caseworker or foster parents to a degree, teachers, whatever,” she said. “Well, a mentor is not paid. A mentor is an adult who’s just wanting to spend time with a youth, and the youth know this.
“It is powerful that they’re able to have a relationship with an adult who has nothing to gain from the relationship monetarily, for sure. We have really focused in so much on mentorship in the last year or so to grow that program so that every youth who wants a mentor can have access to a mentor.”
Immerse helps kids aging out of foster care become confident, capable adults.
PROJECT ZERO
When it comes to the topic of children waiting for their forever home, Christie Erwin is a woman on a mission. The founder of Project Zero — the name is a reference to getting the number of waiting kids down to none — she is constantly on the soapbox for people to prayerfully consider becoming a forever family by adopting waiting kids in Arkansas.
Each child placed successfully is a life saved; according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, those who age out of the system — about 17,000 each year — are at much higher risk of multiple negative outcomes than their peers.
Among those sad facts are: 1 in 5 are homeless at any given time, less than half are employed, and 80 percent of women become pregnant by age 26. Only 58 percent earn a high school diploma by age 19, while 25 percent land in the criminal justice system within two years of leaving foster care.
“What we do is so important because it changes those statistics,” Erwin said. “The fight to us is priceless because we don’t want kids to be part of those statistics. We want them to have a loving, caring home. Adoption just completely changes the trajectory of their lives.”
Erwin’s strategy for reducing the number of waiting children in Arkansas is multifaceted. The organization has made personal videos of kids in which they get to tell their own stories and what it would mean to have a family around them. The group also helps bring waiting kids and prospective adoptive parents together through various events, a kind of meet-and-greet where each side gets to size up and get to know the other.
The group also makes the waiting a little more bearable by helping the kids live as normal a childhood as possible through birthday parties, holiday events and other special occasion celebrations.
AY About You caught Erwin in typical multitasking mode as she was preparing for the group’s biggest annual event, a holiday meet-and-greet blowout dubbed Candyland Christmas, as well as preparing for the Christmas mornings of her extended brood of 210 waiting children as of this writing.
“We had a big meeting with all the adoption specialists in the state about their Christmas
wish lists because we don’t want it just to be a generic toy drive,” she said. “We’ve done that before, and those are wonderful. They’re great, but we really want our kids to be able to make a Christmas list of what they want for Christmas.
A child with his gifts
“At the end of October, we released those lists to the public, and people can adopt a wish list and shop for those kiddos. Then we have a North Pole — that’s what we call it — where we work for two weeks before the event. People bring their gifts, unwrapped, and we wrap those, so we always need gift wrappers, as well.”
Erwin said the organization handles the many requested electronics on the respective lists, given such items typically cost more. Thanks to donors who contribute specifically to an electronics fund to help pay for those items, the cost for people to adopt the remainder of a list is lowered.
The gift wrapping, Erwin said, is just pure Christmas joy and requires just a little time and holiday spirit.
“It’s an exciting time, and it’s awesome, and it’s really fun,” she said. “You know, we’ve had kids in the past, a teenager who told the adoption specialist, ‘I really don’t know what to write. I’ve never made a Christmas list before.’ It’s just these normal things that we want them to be able to do, and then we want to honor that by purchasing what we can from their list.”
This year holds special meaning for Erwin, since the number of kids waiting in Arkansas is the lowest it has ever been during Project Zero’s history. While the need may not ever truly be eradicated, hitting that milestone puts an extra verve in her voice.
“We are just so grateful. We really are,” she said. “It’s so humbling, and it’s also motivating because we still have 210 kids waiting on us. It is certainly an incredible, beautiful gift to think that we’ve come this far.”
SECOND CHANCE YOUTH RANCH
Second Chance Youth Ranch is a testament to the thinking, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” That well-worn axiom could be applied to the organization’s founder, pastor Perry Black, who saw the need for more capacity for the state’s children in tumultuous family situations, so he built one, Second Chance Youth Ranch.
The saying also fits Rachel Hubbard and her husband, Billy, the organization’s operations directors. Both had careers and had only been married for six months when they saw that adults were needed to help kids in the system. They quit their jobs and moved to Second Chance Youth Ranch to become foster parents to seven teenage girls.
“We’re just the type of people where we see a need that needs to be met, we just jump in headfirst,” Rachel said. “If we’re going to foster, I would rather foster as many kids as possible and make as big a difference as possible.”
Over the years, Second Chance Youth Ranch has attracted likeminded people to the cause and grown its footprint substantially. Today, the group has built homes on its campuses around central Arkansas where some foster parents choose to live with the children in their care. It has also worked to increase the number of foster families overall who can take kids into their personal homes, be it for short-term emergency situations or for longer stays.
“We have three campuses with multiple individual homes on them, which we use for families that foster a large sibling group,” Rachel said. “Most people don’t have the room in their own home to foster a sibling group of five or six or seven or more children, so that’s what we use those campus homes for, to provide a large home that those families could foster from.
“Then many families foster in their own homes through Second Chance Youth Ranch, as well. Those are your more typical, traditionaltype foster families that are fostering one or two kids.”
Second Chance Youth Ranch partners with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to recruit, train and support foster parents and to help place children in the very best foster homes.
“We absolutely hate disrupted placements, so one thing we do is be very careful about what child we match with what family,” Rachel said. “It’s a really personalized service where we get to know our families. We know what behaviors they can handle and what their area of expertise is.
“That is uncommon in foster care. Usually it’s just like, ‘You’ve got a bed? I’ve got a kid. Let’s stick ‘em in there,’ because it’s crisis stuff. We slow that down because once we place a child, we do not want to move them from that home unless it’s to reunify with their biological family or to go with an adoptive family.”
Besides monetary donations, Rachel said the most impactful contributions that people can make is to do something for one of the foster families. Mowing the lawn, helping with laundry or providing other services to ease the workload is invaluable, she said. She added that churches that provide respite nights where church members provide child care one evening, allowing the foster couple a well-deserved date night, are worth their weight in gold.
Regarding the upcoming Christmas season, Rachel mentioned other opportunities to help make the season merry for the organization’s families.
“We’ll be providing Christmas gifts for at least 80 kids at Christmas, probably more,” she said. “It’s also a great time to bless the foster parents, the foster families, just kind of wrapping around everybody and making sure that Christmas is a great time for them. We always need gift cards at Christmas, and we use that throughout the year to bless our families when they need something. It’s just a really great time for people to give and for it to go for all those purposes.
“We also do a specific list for each child. We let foster parents make a list of the exact gifts that they would want that child to have, and then we find an individual sponsor for each of those lists. We don’t want to do just generic toys. We want each child to have what they’ve been hoping for.”
Billy and Rachel Hubbard
The Future of Arkansas
Young
livestock exhibitors
strut their stuff at state fair
On a gorgeous early Arkansas afternoon in October, the future of Arkansas is on full, vibrant display in Little Rock. Youngsters from elementary age through high school representing the best of the best among livestock exhibitors at the 2024 Arkansas State Fair stand tall and confidently, many sporting huge championship buckles from past fairs. Their animals are tethered and penned in two rows on the arena floor of Barton Coliseum, framing a central seating area. Adults in big hats and exotic-skin boots mingle in the center or browse over to the winning specimens.
Paisley Crangle is there, too, but it is hard to flag her down. The 9-year-old from Bismarck won grand champion honors for the winning market lamb, and while the rosette and barn banner are nice, she has
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by DWAIN HEBDA
more pressing business to tend to.
In a few minutes, Paisley, whose mom is a past state fair champion, will be in the ring, showing her animal in the hopes of generating top dollar from the assembled congregation. Until then, the pint-sized rancher works the room, a basket of sheep-shaped frosted cookies in one hand and a firm handshake in the other, following suit with four or five other competitors with whom she is competing for hearts and dollars.
“I like spending time with my family and friends, getting to know other people, and getting to have fun at the fair,” she said of her chosen activity, one that demands a lot of time leading up to competition. “We spend a lot of nights at the barn. We normally eat dinner at the barn, and we work with the animals almost every night.”
Mille Kate Foster, at left, Drake Carden, top, and Adleigh Munise all scored Grand Champion honors at the 2024 Arkansas State Fair.
For youth livestock exhibitors, the Sale of Champions at the Arkansas State Fair is the culmination of a year of hard work.
“
I like spending time with my family and friends, getting to know other people, and getting to have fun at the fair. We spend a lot of nights at the barn. We normally eat dinner at the barn, and we work with the animals almost every night.
— Paisley Crangle, 9, of Bismark
Welcome to the Sale of Champions, one of the most anticipated traditions of the Arkansas State Fair, in which the 1 percent of show animals take a final turn in the showring, this time to add big bucks to their owner’s haul of awards and fair swag.
Only the top-placing animals in the current fair’s competition make the sale featuring cattle, swine, goats, poultry, rabbits and sheep, which are sold at auction to help their young producers recoup some of the cost of raising them over the past few months.
The event differs from the garden-variety sale barn for the fact the animals on the program have been judged to represent the closest thing to perfection each breed has to offer and because the beasts do not actually change ownership hands.
While the auction part may be symbolic, the cash the critters fetch is real, and so is the work and dedication it took to get there. Every competitor, most of whom started when they were
in preschool, can attest to the extra hours beyond school, family and church obligations it takes to show livestock, particularly as the creme de la creme of the Arkansas State Fair. Depending on the species, animals need to be worked daily or close to that, washed and groomed regularly, and put through the paces and poses that will be required to catch the judges’ eyes.
“I would say it takes lots of work and lots of extra time, and you really have to spend time with your animal when you get them,” said Bristol Lee, whose market goat was named reserve champion for the second straight year. “They can really be hardheaded, most of them. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun too.”
Showing livestock is an expensive activity with built-in costs that put a lot of other sports and activities to shame. Starting with purchase price, feed and vet care of the animals themselves, it also takes money for travel and lodging, entry fees, and an assortment of grooming equipment that
turn the animals red-carpet-worthy.
Along the way, the kids get a daily course in problem solving and animal management. Talking to them, one hears incredibly mature and polished voices discussing the road they traveled to get to the sale.
“For a steer, you want one that’s wide bodied, thick muscled. For a heifer, you want one that’s wide bodied, as well, but big ribbed and lots of volume,” said Drake Carden, who won the glamor division for best market steer. “The main issue this year with my steer in particular is he would never eat. I’d feed him and feed him and feed him, and he’s just so picky. He’d nibble a little bit, and then he’d be done. We had to change feed.”
The payoff for all that work and effort is more than just bragging rights and a ribbon pinned to the wall. A champion animal can be good advertising for some livestock operations, and the experience itself plays a crucial role in the future of farms in Arkansas. Livestock showers learn at an early age what it takes to be responsible for raising animals, whether a single grand champion market hog or the vast herds that supply protein, milk and related products to the world.
According to its 2023 State Agriculture Overview, the National Agricultural Statistics Service noted Arkansas’ livestock inventory includes 1.6 million head of cattle, including calves, in addition to 32,000 goats, 134,000 hogs, 27 million turkeys and a little more than 1 billion chickens. Arkansas also produced 33 million pounds of milk valued at $7.3 million alone.
The cultural aspect of showing livestock is another strong attraction for young people. For many, showing animals runs several generations deep and wide, in step with their family’s heritage on the farm. Beckett and Jackson Rogers have competed against each other for several years, each getting an upper hand over the other in separate rabbit categories in 2024.
“It’s really fun,” Beckett said. “Sometimes it gets a little aggravating, competing against [his brother] because you want to win, but at the end of the day, we win together.”
Like a lot of this year’s competitors, the boys’ career plans include
to carry on in agriculture, either directly or indirectly, in some form or fashion, just as their parents and other relatives have all done.
“We’ve always been an ag-based family, and my father is actually an ag teacher at our high school,” Jackson said. “I want to be an ag director like my father and do something in agribusiness.”
That is good news at a time when Arkansas’ farms, the source of its No. 1 industry, are shrinking in number. According to farmflavor.com, there are just fewer than 38,000 farms in Arkansas, down 11 percent since 2017 and 21 percent since 2002. Those that remain are predominantly owned by families (86 percent), specifically men (61 percent), who are getting older by the minute, averaging 57.6 years of age.
Farmers ages 35 to 44 make up only 12.5 percent of the total, one third higher than the percentage of farmers 25 to 34 and younger than 25 combined at 9.1percent. That makes showing livestock and any other lure or incentive that keeps kids from leaving agriculture of primary importance to the long-term health of the industry.
‘I want to continue to do this all through high school, show cattle” said Marley Godwin, a pint-sized fourth grader who muscled her steer to reserve champion status. Asked what the secret is to raising an elite steer, she did not miss a beat.
“Hard work and dedication,” she said.
As the auction cycles through the various competitors and their animals to the sing-song beat of the auctioneer’s patter, the curtain lowers on another season of livestock competition in Arkansas, leaving each participant to think on the adventure just completed and set their sights on next year. For some, the annual ritual has brought more than awards and applause; the lessons learned have formed the bedrock of their personalities and the core of who they are.
“Most kids don’t understand the work that goes into this. They just think it’s like a holiday, you’re just getting out of school to come to the fair,” said Kenzee Henderson, owner of the reserve champion market lamb. “No, this is the place where you need to raise your kids at. This is what’s fun. This is where you learn your life goals. Pretty much anything you can learn anywhere else, you can learn more in a barn.”
Marley Godwin, 9, of Prescott shows her steer.
Right: Kenzee Henderson, 15, of Bee Branch poses with her lamb.
SALE OF CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to the following grand champion and reserve champion winners at the 2024 Arkansas State Fair.
GRAND CHAMPION MARKET STEER
Drake Carden, 17, Vilonia Auction Price: $28,000
RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET STEER
Marley Godwin, 9, Prescott Auction Price: $20,000
GRAND CHAMPION MARKET HOG
Millie Kate Foster, 9, Paragould Auction Price: $8,500
RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET HOG
Lizzy Mabry, 17, Farmington Auction Price: $3,100
GRAND CHAMPION MARKET LAMB
Paisley Crangle, 9, Bismarck Auction Price: $8,000
Jackson Rogers, 13, Paragould Auction Price: $1,700
GRAND CHAMPION PEN OF BROILERS (CHICKEN)
Tripp Foster, 7, Paragould Auction Price: $2,500
RESERVE CHAMPION PEN OF BROILERS
Hadleigh Baker, 17, Mountain Home Auction Price: $2,000
Jackson,left,13,andBeckett Rogers,10,ofParagould
Paisley Crangle, 9, of Bismarck
Bristol Lee, 10, of Gillham
BROTHERS IN ARMS
Two veterans reach out to fellow comrades in Conway
By DWAIN HEBDA
Ryan Stephens picked up the buzzing phone, recognizing the number immediately. On the other end was a fellow veteran — let’s call him Tom — one of his jiu jitsu students at Gray Beard Forge in Conway, the training facility he opened with pal Rob Hefley.
Stephens knew the man well, well enough to know the note in his voice that signaled something heavy was on his mind.
“Ryan, if it wasn’t for jiu jitsu, and what you and Rob are doing, I was gonna kill myself last night,” said the man, “but I decided not to ‘cause I
knew my training partner wouldn’t have somebody tomorrow morning.”
Stephens, who served two combat tours in Iraq following the 9/11 attack, isn’t a man who is shaken easily, but the message shot through him like a cold laser.
“That’s life changing,” he said to sum up the memory. “That’s what pays the bills for me.”
There are a lot of Toms at Gray Beard Forge, an 18-month-old facility that’s home to Forged By Fire, a nonprofit Stephens founded to reach veterans through martial arts training, something he had been
Ryan Stephens, at left, and Rob Hefley have leveraged their friendship to help others.
offering on his own for some time before that. It sits next door to Gray Beard Ammo, the business Hefley opened as a gun shop masquerading as a sort of clubhouse for vets and first responders, be they MMA student or not.
“What we’ve tried to do is create a safe place to land besides the local bar, you know? You don’t have to fight in the gym, you don’t have to work in the gun shop. You don’t have to do anything. You can sit at a table and just drink coffee if you want,” Hefley said.
“We’re trying to create a community, man, where people feel loved, seen and heard. You don’t have to prove anything, you can just show up. Our big thing is, we want to add value to people and we get to do that every day.”
Hefley and Stephens cut an interesting pair, proving the best friendships often attract the most polar of opposites. Stephens grew up in Texas and was working in law enforcement when commercial jets sliced the Twin Towers in half. Six days later he landed in U.S. Marines boot camp where among other things he became proficient enough in martial arts to become a corps instructor.
“I did a little bit of martial arts [before enlisting], but the Marine Corps really turbocharged my interest for hand-to-hand combat-style martial arts," he said. "I really thrived in that environment and ended up doing mixed martial arts and then training martial arts my whole time in and outside of the military.”
A self-described “educated redneck,” Hefley is an Arkansas native who joined the Army Reserves at age 17 as a combat engineer attached to the 49th Engineer Battalion in Conway. He finished his contract as a chaplain’s assistant and is currently working on a master’s degree in divinity with plans to fill a chaplaincy role with the Arkansas National Guard.
The two men met at a men’s ministry and immediately found a kindred spirit in the other, especially when it comes to what they see as their God-given mission to help vets. How they go about it, however, is another story.
“Ron’s like the right cross and I’m, like the go and tell you how much I love you, you know?” Hefley says as his pal chuckles. “I’m the one helping you up after he knocks you down.”
“I believe that God put Rob and I on the planet to go save people and so in our daily lives, we walk our authentic friendship, sacrificing ourselves for others. We just do it in different ways,” Stephens said.
“God put me on the planet to minister to rough, rugged men and women, to appeal to warriors who were trained to use their hands for violence but who, if they do that in society, they go to jail. They come to us and we give them a community, we give them a uniform, we give them a rank structure and we actually praise them for using violence in a positive way.”
The guys readily acknowledge their philosophy flies in the face of certain movements in society that would shelve traditional roles of males as hunters, warriors and providers. They don’t do what they do to make
Forged by Fire provides a healing community for veterans, first responders and non-veterans alike.
some kind of political statement or for the sake of machismo, they do it because they understand what’s hardwired into their clientele by nature and life experience often requires some considerable leverage to pry open the door to healing.
“I have a master’s in counseling and so I can talk to people from that perspective,” Hefley said. “Ryan, he gets them on the mat. Say a guy’s got anger about something, he’s like, ‘Hey, you can take it out on me. I can take that.’ I’ve watched him do it for so many, you know, he just loves on people in a rougher way, letting them get it out.”
The facility also houses Team Whimsy, which mobilizes willing hands to head to disaster areas to help victims of storms, often arriving well ahead of the government. In fact, the head of that group, combat veteran Daniel Shaw, most recently led two teams to hurricane-ravaged North Carolina, further giving purpose to men and women trained to complete missions.
“Our thing is, how can we find those people and get ‘em plugged in and how can we love on them?” Hefley said. “Sometimes, man, it’s just sitting there with them, you know, or sending a text message, or just hanging out or taking them to the range and shooting.
“Most of all, we always look to make time for people who think they don’t deserve it. Sometimes I think your presence is worth more than anything else because a lot of these people just feel forgotten about.”
Even with the depth of commitment shown by its leadership, the stark reality of what the Gray Beard family is up against is never far away. A week before this interview, a civilian friend of the program killed himself, and there’s no telling how many of the men and women who show up to a scheduled class or to buy a box of shells stare down the same terrifying abyss.
“When I have a veteran who commits suicide or ends up getting too heavy in the bottle, it really hurts my heart,” said Stephens whose 18 months on the battlefield feels particularly fresh in those moments. “I’m actually doing really, really good because I’m working on my purpose, you know? Rob’s given me that place to build a community where people feel free to talk out their problems or work out their problems. I feel blessed beyond belief.”
The friends would like to expand the program in time, perhaps share the lessons of Forged By Fire with other parts of the state or locations around the country. Until then, though, the local need remains great, so they channel their faith and their friendship into allowing others to lean on them, with hearts open to do whatever God decides next.
“I get to live a life every day that I don’t deserve,” Hefley said. “I get to hang out with my friends here. I enjoy coming to work, man, we go to Ryan’s range and shoot. Who gets to do that for work? I also have two great kids and a wife and I get to help people every day.”
Meanwhile, the lines of people grow longer, people whose internal walls splinter a little bit with each hold and every grapple.
“We’re bringing authentic friendships that aren’t generally found in the alpha male communities or military-type communities that are more often centered around the lone wolf concept, the do it yourself, suck it up, don’t have emotion thing. I believe that’s what’s leading this epidemic of suicide,” Stephens said. “I really believe with all my heart that what we model here works, because I’ve seen it, time and time again.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or you’re poor or you’re big and strong. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black or white, Christian or Muslim. When you get on the mat, it’s the truth.”
Ready to Rock
Guns and gear to give the most bang this season
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS
Hunting in Arkansas is more than a way to spend a winter’s weekend; it is a time-honored tradition handed down through many families generation after generation. If Grandpa’s Remington shotgun is not already in the case — or to find the ideal gift for a hunter this season — check out the following firearms, and gear made for bringing home the most greenheads this season. Manufacturer websites are provided for more information only. Effort has been made to feature items available through Arkansas retailers; availability may be limited, prices may vary. Always shop local first.
SHOTGUNS
BROWNING A5 HUNTER 20-GAUGE
$1,980 | BROWNING.COM
A stunner that shoots as good as it looks, the Browning A5 Hunter 20-Gauge comes in under six pounds and features a variety of choke tubes and a recoil pad to get that comfortable feel. Silky-smooth cycling and rapid loading and unloading are also among the features of this gun, which sits atop Wildfowl magazine’s “Best Shotguns of 2024” list.
BENELLI SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3
BE.S.T. 28-GAUGE
$1,949 | BENELLIUSA.COM
The latest in the company’s favored SBE series, this 28-gauge beauty comes in 26- and 28-inch barrel lengths and features an oversized bolt handle and safety, as well as the much-beloved chevron system to tame recoil. BE.S.T. treatment also ensures out-ofthe-box performance guaranteed to stand up to 25 years worth of elements.
FRANCHI AFFINITY 3.5
$1,129 | FRANCHIUSA.COM
Franchi shares the Beretta stable with Benelli, which allows the two names to swap technology and design, meaning much of what makes Benelli so coveted can be had for about half the price in the Franchi. Granted, $1,200 is not exactly chicken feed, but given what this gun packs, the money is well spent.
WINCHESTER SUPER X4 WATERFOWL HUNTER
$1,169| WINCHESTERGUNS.COM
When it comes to name recognition, it is hard to top the legendary Winchester brand, and now that it shares a parent company with highly regarded Browning, the product has never been better. A solidly built, soft-shooting, fast-cycling workhorse, this semi-auto shotgun does what hunters want and does it well — season after season.
BERETTA 686 SILVER PIGEON I VITTORIA
$2,549 | BERETTAUSA.COM
There was a time when female hunters had to adapt to guns made for men or downsized for juveniles, but no longer. The Vittoria line of Beretta shotguns are made specifically for a woman’s frame and dimensions and feature a smaller pistol grip and semi-Monte Carlo stock. The Silver Pigeon comes in 12- and 20-gauge varieties and has a 28-inch barrel.
CLOTHING
SITKA GRADIENT COLD WEATHER BIB
$269 | SITKAGEAR.COM
To be honest, the thing that really bites about duck hunting is the weather, especially among thin-blooded Arkansans. These bibs help keep hunters warm and dry thanks to PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core technology to trap maximum heat and wick moisture. The price is nice too.
BANDED CALEFACTION 3-N-1 INSULATED
WADER JACKET
$200-$330 | BANDED.COM
Designed and manufactured by people who have seen the inside of a blind or two, Banded’s jacket is made to be a do-everything, hunt-anywhere study in versatility. A waterproof shell combined with a breathable interior helps keep the wearer warm and dry, while the zip-out liner allows for usage in warmer months. Consider this a new favorite coat.
DRAKE WOMEN’S LST GUARDIAN FLEX
DOUBLE DOWN EQWADER JACKET
$160 | DRAKEWATERFOWL.COM
This versatile jacket by Drake boasts 100 percent waterproof and windproof upper body and arms, insulation, breathable fabric and fleece-lined hood. An updated fit allows for improved comfort and range of motion, and an abrasion-resistant finish ensures lasting protection. Watch out, boys — Mama’s coming through.
DSG OUTERWEAR WOMEN’S INSULATED RUBBER BOOT
$229 | DSGOUTERWEAR.COM
Unlike other models that are basically scaled down men’s boots, DSG’s new women’s models are built specifically with women in mind, resulting in a true fit. The 100 percent waterproof boot keeps feet warm and dry thanks to 1,200 grams of Thinsulate and a removable 5 mm wool felt insole to wick moisture. The footwear is not cheap, but those dogs are worth it.
CABELA’S GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER GLOVES
$49.99 | BASSPRO.COM
A top-rated model by several national publications, these beauties from Cabela’s/Bass Pro offer the warmth of mittens and the dexterity of gloves. Flip open the hood, and fingertips are exposed for dexterity; flip it closed, and let the 160-gram 3M Thinsulate do its thing. The 100 percent windproof, water-resistant gloves also offer leather palms and thumb overlays to help keep a handle on things.
ACCESSORIES AND GEAR
RIG’EM RIGHT SHELL SHOCKER BLIND BAG XL
$99.99 | RIGEMRIGHT.COM
Hunters can spend more on fancier bags, but why? Rig’Em Right’s Shell Shocker bags are built for utility and long wear using the toughest materials. Offering loads of useful features to keep gear protected and easily accessible, this bag features a built-in hard case for sunglasses, an integrated pocket for a drink bottle, a cell phone pocket with weather-resistant zippers, an internal ammo compartment and more.
RIXEY OUTDOORS GENERATION II DOG STAND
$199.95 | RIXEYOUTDOORS.COM
Created and made in Arkansas, the Rixey Generation II Dog Stand takes the ingenious engineering of the original and ups the ante without added weight. The platform weighs in at just 8 pounds and sets up in a snap around almost any tree, providing a stable 28-by-19-inch platform keeping a canine companion out of the cold water.
ALPHA INNOVATIONS
ALPHARACKUSA.COM
Another Arkansas manufacturer that is making a strong name for itself one high-quality product at a time, Alpha specializes in premier, American-made outdoor equipment. A maker of after-market attachments for side-by-sides in a variety of configurations, Alpha products make vehicles more versatile in meeting the needs of any discerning outdoor enthusiast.
Six for
2024 Arkansas Black Hall of Fame honors outstanding African Americans
Six outstanding achievers from the worlds of business, education and the arts were inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Oct. 26 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock. The 30th annual ceremony was hosted by the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation to recognize the honorees’ outstanding contributions to the state and beyond.
The 2024 honorees included: Steve H. Broadnax III, Phyllis Dickerson and Thomas East, all from Little Rock; Cora Duffy McHenry from Augusta; Mack Wilbourn from Magnolia; and the late Mamie Phipps Clark from Hot Springs.
“The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation is excited to honor our remarkable 2024 class of inductees,” Charles Stewart, ABHOF chairman, said before the induction ceremony. “These individuals have shown outstanding talent and determination, persevering through challenges to succeed in their career fields. Every year, we celebrate some of Arkansas’ finest, and this year is no different.”
Steve H. Broadnax III
A highly sought-after actor, educator, director and writer, Steve H. Broadnax III has worked extensively in regional theater for more than 20 years and currently teaches at Pennsylvania State University.
Broadnax’s Broadway directorial debut, Thoughts of a Colored Man, received a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Broadway Production, one of many awards his work has garnered.
He has also written several theatrical pieces, the latest of which, Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland, he directed in its world premiere at People’s Light theater in Malvern, Pennsylvania. That is just the latest in a string of professional engagements that has taken him from New York, Detroit and Seattle to South Africa, Australia and Scotland. Along the way, he has also had stops at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he taught and created and directed the Hip Hop Project.
He has also taken a turn as an educator, both for-
mally as co-head of the Master of Fine Arts directing program and associate artistic director for outreach at Penn State and informally through the art and science of directing plays.
“Direction is a service job. I’m in service of the play, which is the baby and its parent …” he told Octavia Washington in an interview for the Public Theater in New York City. “Each production has been my own therapy. Learning more about our humanity and who we are and who I am as an artist, a queer man — all of it has allowed me space to authentically be.”
Broadnax also said he views his career, in all of its iterations, as a means of completing a line of succession for the art form from one generation to the next.
“In just working within the institution of commercial theater, of Broadway, I find it an honor to look back and then, as an educator, to look forward,” he told Washington. “Now I take on the responsibility for that next person. They can take that knowledge and even pass the baton to the next generation so that they can stand on the work that I stand on and what my ancestors did for me. We are still building this ladder forward, upward.”
“In just working within the institution of commercial theater, of Broadway, I find it an honor to look back and then, as an educator, to look forward.”
Phyllis Dickerson
As CEO at the African American Mayors Association, Phyllis Dickerson has been described as a crisis manager, but that is not the only moniker she has gathered during a professional life that strains the boundaries of conventional accomplishment.
A testament to her communication skills, she is famous for her expansive network of connections, from Oprah Winfrey, rapper Common and Bishop T.D. Jakes to Daymond John of Shark Tank fame, among many others.
A product of Little Rock Central High School and the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, she learned about city government by watching her mother, the late Doris Wardlow Scales, who oversaw several wraparound service programs at the city, county and state level.
After graduating from UCA with a degree in business management,
All Time
By
which she would later follow with a masters degree in human resource development from Webster University, she got into fashion, first as a model and then as a retail executive.
In 2005, she took a job as special events coordinator for celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Central High. What was supposed to last 18 months turned into a full-time gig following the event, and seven years later, then-Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola hired her as his chief of staff, a role she had for a decade ending in 2015.
Her career put her in the orbit of dignitaries and political heavyweights, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis; former President Barack Obama during his days as a U.S. senator; and former first lady Michelle Obama.
In September 2021, she took her current role as the head of the African American Mayors Association in Washington, D.C., which represents about 500 mayors of color across the United States. On their behalf, she serves as a conduit between federal officials and Main Street mayors. She also interacts closely with the Congressional Black Caucus on policy issues of importance to the membership.
Throughout her tenure, she has remained connected to her hometown. In fact, she entered the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame after helping plan several past induction ceremonies.
Thomas East
A renowned vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Thomas East was raised in the East End community of Little Rock and graduated from what was then the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. As a pianist and singer, his unique style was shaped by musical legend Art Porter Sr. As a bassist, he was mentored by guitar virtuoso John Craig. This meshing of styles and influences developed in East an uncommon versatility in music.
Emerging onto the music scene in the early 1960s, East was listed among Southern soul music pioneers. As demonstrated by Memphisbased Stax Records, East’s brand of Southern R&B was grittier and funkier than the slickly produced music coming out of Motown Records in Detroit.
Notable tracks include “Slipping Around,” “Funky Music” and “Sister Funk,” a track complete with a shout-out to the 501 decades before saluting one’s place of origin became standard hip-hop fare. Each record mixes East’s fat yet nimble bass with expressive crooning while bringing the whole to a slow, irresistible boil.
A national recording artist, East played with international artists such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Johnnie Taylor. He still performs as a solo pianist and vocalist at local upscale eateries and sings with the Art Porter Singers at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Little Rock, continuing a musical journey that has covered much artistic ground.
“While it has always been uncommon to find someone with the versatility to sing in a gospel quartet, a jazz trio, a choir and as a soloist, it was Thomas East’s forte,” praised a news release publicizing his induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.
Cora Duffy McHenry
To understand the depth of Cora Duffy McHenry’s resolve in her career and life, one must go back to the beginning in Augusta, where, as a teenager, she had an epiphany about her future. If she was to become the person she was born to be, it would take education, and education did not come cheap.
“There was nothing for a young Black woman to do to earn enough money to go to school,” she told an interviewer years later. “I had to go all the way to Chicago to find work.”
She spent three summers with relatives, working at a burger stand and pharmacy, as well as at two full-time jobs in her final summer. Upon graduation, she was accepted to Southern University in Louisiana, where she worked her way through college.
Coming home to Arkansas, she joined Camden Fairview School District, where she taught foreign language for a decade. From there, she worked to improve conditions for teachers as an Arkansas State Teachers Association board member in the early 1960s. She was one of four board members seated following the ASTA’s merger with the Arkansas Education Association.
She then joined the AEA staff as assistant director for instruction and professional development and, after serving in several roles, was promoted to AEA executive director, a role she had from 1985 to 2000 as the first Black female to head a state affiliate of the National Education Association.
Among her many other accomplishments was advocating for a law that provided free textbooks in public K-12 schools in Arkansas. She also served as education aide to Dale Bumpers as governor and administrative assistant to Dale Bumpers as senator.
She was the first female and first minority member of the board of trustees at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. ATU’s Cora McHenry Scholarship for Teaching Excellence today assists minority students who have a commitment to teaching in Arkansas public schools. In 2002, she was appointed president of Shorter College, a his-
AY STAFF // Photos provided
torically black college in North Little Rock. Her many accolades include being conferred an honorary Doctor of Law by the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Shorter College, both in 1996.
“There was nothing for a young Black woman to do to earn enough money to go to school. I had to go all the way to Chicago to find work.”
Mack Wilbourn
It is fitting that Mack Wilbourn built his career in the service and hospitality industry; as anyone who has ever met him knows, those two qualities are fundamental to who he is as a businessman and as a person.
Born in Magnolia, he graduated high school in Tucson, Arizona, and attended the University of Arizona, where he majored in public administration. In 1971, he and a business partner, Brad Hubbert, became two of the first minority McDonald’s franchisees in metro Atlanta, growing the venture to four McDonald’s restaurants and more than 150 employees by the time they sold 21 years later.
Owner and president of Mack II, a fast-food management company, his holdings have been varied, but his philosophy of ethical business practices and serving the customer are unchanged. His current franchises include Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Checkers, Phillips Seafood Restaurants, Edy’s ice cream and Coca-Cola vending stations, all located at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. His two Popeye’s locations have ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, and his Checkers location has ranked No. 1 in sales in the Checkers/Rally’s system worldwide.
Other business ventures have included joint opportunities as a managing consultant at Paradies Midfield Corp., the Rouse Co. and Service America Corp. He became an Olympic licensee as a unique color-changing glass and mug wholesaler for the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics.
Throughout his time in business, he has given back to the community that has supported him. He has served on the boards of the Atlanta Business League, Butler Street YMCA, the Urban League, the NAACP, Zoo Atlanta, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, the National Black Arts Festival, the Brain Injury Association of Georgia, the High Museum and Center for Puppetry Arts, and the local advisory board of Branch Banking and Trust, all in Atlanta.
His Arkansas Black Hall of Fame induction resides alongside many other awards and commendations, including a proclamation by the city of Atlanta for professional and philanthropic achievement; Atlanta Business League’s 2011 Corporation of the Year, Atlanta Business League’s Hall of Fame, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Hospitality Hall of Fame, and many others.
Mamie Phipps Clark
Growing up in Hot Springs, Mamie Phipps Clark (1917-1983) knew the ugliness of institutional racism as a fact of life, yet she always referred to her upbringing as privileged because of the role models it gave her. Her father was a well-respected physician whose financial success allowed her mother to stay home with the children, both anomalies for the era.
In 1934, she graduated high school and enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on a merit scholarship. She studied psychology on the urging of fellow student, Kenneth Clark, who would later become her husband, and graduated magna cum laude in 1938. Her master’s work, which explored issues of race and child development, was furthered by her doctoral work at Columbia University in New York, where the Clarks were the only two African Americans in the department. In 1943, she became the first Black woman to graduate Columbia with a Ph.D.
Despite her success — three major articles were published featuring her master’s thesis — she was unable to find academic work and instead took jobs for which she was vastly overqualified. One such job, testing psychologist at the Riverdale Home for Children in New York, a refuge for homeless girls, exposed her to the lack of services for African American children in Harlem.
Finding no allies in city government, the Clarks started the Northside Center for Child Development in New York in 1946 as the first organization in the city to provide mental health services to Black children. She ran Northside until her retirement in 1979, and the center continues today.
Her most famous contribution to the field of psychology was the groundbreaking Doll Test in which she and Kenneth studied 253 Black children ages 3 to 7 — 134 from segregated nursery schools in Arkansas and 119 from integrated schools in Massachusetts. The experiment showed the children four dolls, two with white skin and blonde hair and two with brown skin and black hair, of which the children overwhelmingly wanted to play with the white doll and assigned it positive traits.
That pointed to the negative effect segregation had on racial identity and self-image. In 1954’s Brown v. Board of Education, Clark’s expert testimony and research via the Doll Test served as a basis for the successful arguments that ended school segregation.
Proceeds from the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame induction event benefited the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation grants program. In 2024, the foundation has awarded more than $55,000 to 16 organizations throughout Arkansas. Since 2010, ABHOF has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants and other significant investments statewide to nonprofits, impacting Arkansans in 71 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.
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Arkansas tackles sports-related head injuries
By SARAH DECLERK
From the first time their feet hit the gridiron, many athletes dream of making it to the NFL and eventually securing a Super Bowl victory. For all the fame and prestige that comes with a pro ball career, however, there are dark sides to glory.
Consider Mike Webster. During the 1970s and ‘80s, “Iron Mike,” as he was known, championed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense through four Super Bowl victories as center, but after his retirement in 1991, the harsh realities of the “head slap” era made themselves known.
Webster spent his post-NFL days homeless and with a litany of mental health problems, amnesia, dementia and depression among them, but it was only after his death from a heart attack in 2002 that Webster was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a kind of brain disorder thought to be caused by repeated blows to the head, by Dr. Bennet Omalu, who performed Webster’s autopsy.
That case and Omalu’s continued CTE research were chronicled in the 2015 film Concussion, forever changing the way the public thinks about brains and ball.
“That started a lot of the dialogue,” said David Bazzel, former Razorback and co-host of Morning Mayhem at 103.7 the Buzz. “I think that was when it first came out, when his doctor had discovered these issues with the brain, and I think it started with Mike Webster. That was really the
Football
was the sport with the most concussions at 271.
The
next highest was women’s basketball at 61, followed by men’s basketball at 50, cheerleading at 49, women’s soccer at 38, and volleyball at 36. Men’s soccer had 30, wrestling had 26, baseball had 24, and softball had 20.
first time I had heard about it, and then it started spreading like wildfire around the league.”
Although head injuries are a possibility in most any sport, much of the conversation surrounding concussions and CTE has focused on football. According to statistics provided by the University of Arkansas Office for Sports Concussion Research, which gathered data from 176 of the 293 high schools affiliated with the Arkansas Activities Association, 605 concussions were reported during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Football was the sport with the most concussions at 271. The next highest was women’s basketball at 61, followed by men’s basketball at 50, cheerleading at 49, women’s soccer at 38, and volleyball at 36. Men’s soccer had 30, wrestling had 26, baseball had 24, and softball had 20.
David Bazzel
Dr. Michael Israel
Of the high schools included, 95 percent required a doctor’s medical release for athletes returning to their sports.
“The incidence of concussions has risen in youth sports, but it is somewhat unclear if this is from improved reporting/ recognition or an acute increase in the number of actual injuries,” said Dr. Michael Israel, associate professor of orthopedics, pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and sports medicine director at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. “Coaches, parents and players are more educated about recognizing concussion symptoms, which increases the likelihood of these injuries being reported.”
Arkansas has been proactive in enacting policies to keep young athletes safe, he said, noting that the state ranked 12th in the 2023 State High School Sports Safety Policy Evaluation conducted by the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut. Florida, New Jersey and Georgia ranked in the top three, and Maine, California and Minnesota ranked in the bottom three.
The rising intensity of youth sports at younger ages, which increases the chance of injuries, has caused concerns about safety in youth sports, he added.
“Children generally take longer to recover from concussions than adults,” he said. “The brain tissue in children and teens is less myelinated, meaning it has less protective coating around nerve fibers, which can make it more vulnerable to damage from impacts.”
Concussions can also disrupt the developmental process as young brains form, potentially leading to lasting cognitive, behavioral and emotional effects, he said. However, he said, sustaining a concussion does not necessarily mean an athlete will develop CTE.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily affects brain function and is usually caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body, he added, while CTE is a degenerative brain disease believed to be caused by repetitive head impacts over a long period of time, not one or two events.
“These can occur in contact-sports players, military veterans and others with repeated brain trauma,” Israel said. “The most important thing to note about CTE is that it is caused by long-term, repetitive trauma, and generally, symptoms take many years to develop — and the damage is irreversible.”
Dr. R. Lee Archer, a professor in the department of neurology at UAMS, said he mostly sees concussions when it comes to sports-related brain injuries, but one of his patients showed signs of CTE during an autopsy.
“Since we can’t really diagnose CTE without an autopsy, tracking how well we are preventing it is difficult,” he said, adding that the NFL is aggressive about conducting autopsies on former players suspected of having CTE.
Playing football for many years increases the risk of developing CTE, he added.
feelings,” he said. “I think the best answer lies in better head protection and the rule changes we have now that call for strong penalties for targeting other player’s helmets for direct contact.”
While serious head injuries are rare in football, fatal injuries are possible, he said. In addition, taking time to rest after a concussion can help players avoid dangerous second-hit injuries.
“For a concussion, rest and avoidance of further head injuries is paramount,” he said. “Head injuries that occur close together can be devastating, as the brain is much more fragile in the days and weeks after an injury.”
“I played football and feel that it helped my development as a person quite a bit, but I do fear that I increased my chances of dementia by doing so, so I have very mixed
Helmet improvements and teaching players to avoid targeting the head when tackling are crucial to ensuring safety going forward, he said. Israel added that using upto-date, properly fitted equipment, requiring concussion training and education for coaches at all levels of competition, and teaching proper tackling techniques at an early age are all key to keeping the sport safe.
“Continually updating rules and regulations to minimize risks such as the NFL’s new kickoff rules can improve safety, as well,” he said. “Football is a common source of concussions due to the nature of the sport. The consistent high-impact collisions and contact lends itself to numerous potential injuries throughout a practice or game.”
Dr. R. Lee Archer
Former NFL player Brett Favre speaks to radio personality David Bazzel at the Little Rock Touchdown Club. (Photo by Ryan Parker)
At the end of the day, no matter what policies are put in place, how well you try to protect players, how well they try to protect themselves, I think people who love the game and decide to play are well aware of all the risks. The only way to prevent someone from not getting hurt playing football is not to step on the field.
— D.J. Williams, former NFL player
Although sports such as women’s soccer, lacrosse and hockey also have high rates of concussions, he said he expects there to be a continued decline in the number of children who participate in football.
Former Green Bay Packer Brett Favre told the Little Rock Touchdown Club in August that while he would not prohibit his grandsons from playing football, he would not encourage them to play. He recently starred in the documentary Concussed: The American Dream
D.J.
“I’m actually talking on a conference call with Dr. Omalu, and I asked him, ‘When’s a good time to play tackle football?’ and he sort of chuckles, and he says, ‘Never,’” Favre said at the touchdown club.
He added that Omalu compared the human brain to that of a woodpecker, saying that unlike a woodpecker’s, the human brain is not designed for repeated impact.
“That was really the first time I thought about it,” Favre said. “I think the NFL’s done a good job of rule changes and things like that, but I think they need to sink more money into finding a cure or a treatment, which we don’t have.”
At age 50, he said, he is not sure whether his memory problems are caused by aging or injuries sustained during his football career. He mentioned that ALS is becoming a concern among players because repeated head injuries can increase the risk of developing a neurological disease. Favre later announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Bazzel, 61, said he is grateful he has not experienced any health conditions as a result of playing football. He added that both advances in equipment and policy changes have helped make football safer since he was a player.
“You don’t see those head-to-head impacts like you used to when I played,” he said. “That was almost a thing that you wanted to do was go helmet to helmet back when I played, and so I did quite a bit, but I think from a rule-change standpoint, they’ve done a good job of trying to eliminate the unprotected player that could get hit, not knowing that it is coming.”
D.J. Williams, co-host of The Zone at 103.7 the Buzz and former Razorback and NFL player, said he worries about how head trauma from his playing days could affect him in the future.
“I’ve had so many — what we would call it in the industry — just getting your bell rung, and that’s where you get hit so hard that you kind of black out for a little bit, and you start seeing two or three of everything, and you just kind of wait for it to slowly start coming back together,” he said. “I think I’ve only been knocked unconscious twice, but yeah, we just thought it was a part of the game.”
A string of incidents that began with former linebacker Junior Seau
of the San Diego Chargers dying by suicide in 2012 brought Williams’ attention to CTE, he said. The same year, Jovan Belcher of the Kansas City Chiefs killed his girlfriend and himself in a murdersuicide. Then Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots was found guilty of murder and killed himself in prison. The brains of all three men showed signs of CTE.
“[Seau] just caught everyone off guard, and no one knew where it came from or what happened,” Williams said. “I think that’s when CTE kind of maybe just started being talked about, and then there were other players in the NFL where CTE became kind of a potential reason of why they did what they did.”
Awareness of head injuries was just beginning to gain momentum during Williams’ NFL career, he said, adding that there has been an increased focus on preventing head injuries in the years since.
“Back in the day, it was just like a free for all, and everyone was just aiming for the head to take them out,” he said. “Players would be excited if they could knock someone out of the game to where they couldn’t finish.”
Now targeting rules eject players from games if they purposefully — or sometimes accidentally — hit other players in the head. While Williams said he does not always support such rules when they cause players to be ejected over an accidental hit, he said the rules are a step in the right direction.
Another safety shift Williams is ambivalent about is the use of Guardian Caps over helmets. Although the caps have a “dorky” appearance that might have kept him from wearing them at games, he said he would have liked to have the caps, at least during practice.
“I think that would have taken a lot of the hits you suffer throughout the week off the table,” he said.
However, he added, there is no way to play football without some type of risk, and that is precisely what draws some players to the game.
“At the end of the day, no matter what policies are put in place, how well you try to protect players, how well they try to protect themselves, I think people who love the game and decide to play are well aware of all the risks,” he said. “The only way to prevent someone from not getting hurt playing football is not to step on the field.”
Bazzel said he does not worry too much about developing dementia or other conditions associated with CTE. He said he, like others, knew there was a potential for injury when he ventured out under the Friday night lights. He added that he expects more information about CTE to come to light as more players are autopsied.
In the meantime, he said, he is cautious about believing every instance of a former player behaving violently or developing dementia or mental health problems is a result of CTE.
“There’s a certain percentage of our population that’s going to have some of those same tendencies that didn’t play ball, so my deal is let’s wait and play this thing out,” he said. “Let’s continue to have safety measures in place, continue to play the game where safety is important but also not overreach to where we blame everything that’s negative on CTE.”
Williams
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SPECIAL IZED IEN T PRO GR AM DE SIGNED FOR WOMEN
Since 1983, The BridgeWay has provided behavioral healthcare services to our surrounding communities. Our programs are designed to give each patient individualized care to help manage their symptoms, resolve problems, recognize life stressors and effectively cope with their condition.
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Meeting the needs of our community
healthcare services to our surrounding communities. Our programs are designed to give each patient individualized care to help manage their symptoms, resolve problems, recognize life stressors and effectively cope with their condition.
Meeting the needs of our community women by prov iding a ca r
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women by prov iding a ca r ing, suppor t ive, st r uctu red env iron ment to help add ress past exper iences a nd
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• Recreational therapy
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solut
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ca re a nd solut ion-focused t herapy) a nd help w it h establishing lin ks to outside com mun it y resou rces so
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We can help treat:
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• Trauma (sexua l, physica l a nd emot iona l abuse)
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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!
Rehabilitative
Donna Terrell realizes dream project in Pine Bluff Fighting On
for thers
Alot can happen in 13 years; a child can complete kindergarten through eighth grade, three presidential elections can come and go, and Team USA can compete in multiple summer and winter games in that span.
Dreams can root or take flight in 13 years or thereabouts. The Brooklyn Bridge was built in 10, the same time it took Julia Child to master French cooking, and Mount Rushmore was carved in 14.
Thirteen years ago, Queah Habern died of colon cancer after a difficult and courageous fight against the disease, one her mother, longtime Little Rock Fox 16 anchor Donna Terrell, saw all too up close. This fall, Terrell realized a long-held dream that blossomed after her daughter’s death to create a
By DWAIN HEBDA// Photos provided
facility to house cancer patients during treatment.
On Oct. 24, she gathered with various dignitaries to break ground on Donna Terrell’s Warrior Lodge at Jefferson Regional in Pine Bluff.
“Oh my God, is this really happening?” she said. “You know, whenever you’re taking on a mammoth project such as this, it takes a lot of time, a lot of energy, a lot of, you know, ups and downs in terms of conversations that you have with people. Some of them are willing to help, some of them can’t help for whatever reason, and the fundraising takes on a life of its own. You just keep doing it and having that desire to want to do this, and then one day, it happens. I mean, it’s almost surreal.”
Terrell
The new lodge will offer four suites for cancer patients to use free of charge while receiving treatment at Jefferson Regional, upon the campus of which the lodge sits. Each suite is designed for a patient and caretaker and features an en suite bathroom, as well as access to amenities such as a washer and dryer, a fully equipped communal kitchen, an outdoor patio, and a shared living room with fireplace.
Terrell said the new home will be open to any cancer patient and is not just intended to serve those battling colon cancer like her daughter did.
“We do not discriminate when it comes to cancer. We hate all cancer,” she said. “If someone is sick with breast cancer or ovarian cancer or lung cancer or whatever and they need a place to stay, then we want to be there for them.”
She said she decided to locate the lodge in Pine Bluff after seeing the lack of resources such as other communities had. Those deficiencies came into sharper focus after spending time in the community where her husband, Dr. Kenneth Lambert, is an OB-GYN physician at the Jefferson Regional.
“I just felt like there was a need here,” she said. “I got to know the community a little better because of my husband. After we got married in 2020, we kind of divided our time between living in Pine Bluff and living in Little Rock. I was able to spend more time in Pine Bluff and get to know people and recognize a need.
“There’s a need in Little Rock, also, even though we do have facilities there, but Pine Bluff doesn’t have any facilities at all, so this is something that just sort of makes sense.”
Terrell has been very public about her daughter’s health battle, the difficulties of serving as a caregiver and the grief that followed her daughter’s death. During her cancer journey, Habern discovered that yoga helped her deal with the pain and mental stress of her condition, which inspired her mother to follow suit, particularly during her grieving period.
“Everyone pretty much knows, first of all, a cancer diagnosis is one of the most stressful things you can deal with. It’s an emotional downer,” Terrell said. “Now you decide, ‘I’m going to step into this, and I’m going to fight this disease,’ but in order to fight it, you’ve got all these horrible medicines and therapies that are going through your body. You’ve got all these doctor’s appointments. You’re worrying constantly if the tumor is shrinking or if all the cancer cells are gone.
“I knew nothing about yoga while she was doing it. It was offered to caregivers, but at the time, I just felt like this is something for her. After she passed, I made a decision to hire a yoga instructor to do some one-onone, and I remember being on the mat, and I became very, very emotional. One of the things the yoga instructor pointed out was this is part of the whole practice, and sometimes in doing this, the emotional part is like a burden being lifted.”
Terrell first began to serve other cancer patients and their families through yoga, forming Yoga Warriors Fighting Colon Cancer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 2014. That theme has carried through to this day, since the
Warrior Lodge will feature a yoga and meditation room to help patients center and refresh.
“When [my daughter] was battling the disease, at one point, she was going to a hospital down in Texas, and they offered yoga to patients and caregivers, so she started doing yoga,” she said. “She called me one day and said, ‘Mom, I did yoga, and it made me feel better.’ That always resonated with me.
“I thought, OK, let’s create an organization for cancer patients and any other person with an underlying illness or an illness that prohibits them from moving and running and racing. Let’s create an organization that really caters to them, and at the same time, let’s introduce the rest of the community to yoga and let them see what the benefits are all about.”
The idea took off, giving Terrell the confidence to dream bigger in the form of the Warrior Lodge.
“The idea, initially, was just to raise money so we could provide this yoga resource to cancer patients who really want to do it on a regular basis. That was our aim,” she said. “As time passed, we just started growing and earning more money. More people were buying into what we believed in, and we grew from there.”
Now, as the renamed Donna Terrell’s Yoga Warriors Fighting Cancer continues to flourish, it will soon have a home for people battling for their lives. Terrell said she hopes the home plays an integral part in the stories of the people who stay there, which would be the ultimate tribute she could pay to her daughter’s memory.
“You know, as time has passed, I’ve realized that it was no longer me just having a desire to do this. It’s me being called to do this,” she said. “What I’m doing is something that’s far greater than me. It’s even greater than my organization. Being able to help multiple cancer patients in this way is not a Donna Terrell thing. It’s more of a spiritual thing.
“I go through the ups and downs and sometimes the challenges of it all, and when I think, ‘Oh my God, this is not going to work out,’ I notice, ‘Oh my God, it’s working out.’ I see myself as the vehicle that’s being used to help these cancer patients, and I’m proud that it’s me.”
To learn more or to make a donation, visit dtwarriorlodge.org.
SHERWOOD
We are devoted to providing high quality care which celebrates the dignity and grace of every person who enters our facility.
At Sherwood Nursing and Rehab we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.
We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. 245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR
Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644
You Can Run, BUT…
You can run, but you cannot hide. Law enforcement in recent years has added a new weapon to its arsenal, and even the most Teflon of the bad guys are now seeing blue lights in their rear-view mirrors.
Case in point — the capture six years ago of the Golden State Killer. Between 1974 and 1986, Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. left a devastating toll of 13 murders and 51 rapes. For decades, DeAngelo seemed uncatchable. A former cop, he had been careful about not leaving evidence, at least as it was known and processed at that time.
DeAngelo’s 2018 capture dominated national news, but it was about more than the infamous killer being cuffed. A new methodology was introduced that overcame what had been a significant obstacle for authorities. The Combined DNA Index System, the database for DNA comparisons, was not launched until 1990. Many perpetrators of earlier crimes simply were not in the system, while those like DeAngelo, who had no arrest record, got a hall pass.
DeAngelo’s arrest was the bullhorn announcing that new DNA testing could identify a perpetrator’s relative, even six cousins out. DeAngelo’s demise began with DNA obtained from a victim’s 1980 rape kit. It was linked to a relative of his, thus beginning the path to his own identification.
It is at that point that an investigation shifts to a new crime
Joseph James DeAngelo Jr.
By SARAH RUSSELL
solving component: genealogy. The task is to find the original couple, the patriarch and matriarch, from which the identified relative and the perpetrator both descended. In order to do that, genealogists persistently muck through a multitude of records — birth, death, court, etc. — as well as archived newspapers and print and online family trees.
During the DeAngelo search, the identification of relatives expanded to 20 people who shared great-great-great grandparents with him. Names were eliminated until there were two viable suspects. Voluntarily taking a DNA test, one man was exonerated. As for DeAngelo, the cops surreptitiously swiped his car door handle. The DNA was a slam dunk.
DeAngelo’s identification is often thought of as the hallmark case in this new use of DNA and genealogy. Actually, two weeks prior, Ohio authorities had success utilizing the method to identify a Jane Doe found in 1981 just a few miles off Interstate 75 near the town of Troy. The girl, thought to be in her late teens or early 20s, had been left in a ditch, beaten and strangled but not sexually assaulted. Her Wrangler jeans and orange turtleneck were still on, as was a fringed leather jacket, a handmade pullover with purple lining.
The Buckskin Girl, as she became known, had a sprinkling of freckles across her face and reddish-brown braids secured by two blue rubber bands. Her feet were bare but clean, indicating she had been placed, but not killed there. Her well-kept body forensically ruled out drug addiction, prostitution or any signs of a hard life. No, she looked like the girl next door, and locals cared for her grave as if she was.
It is not unusual for such cases to ultimately slip away into obscurity, but the Buckskin Girl had the Miami County Sheriff’s Office as her guardians. To their credit, they have steadfastly pursued answers. Pollen from her clothing and strands of her hair were submitted to chemical isotope analysis.
That process revealed that in the year prior she had been traveling, not in Ohio but predominantly in Oklahoma and Texas, most frequently in the Fort Worth area. It was also established that weeks before her death, she
had been in Pittsburgh and Louisville, Kentucky.
Due to those efforts, the Buckskin Girl also became one of the first Jane Does posted when the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System database launched in 2009. The posting initially resulted in resounding silence, but then the MCSO heard about the new methodology.
Diligently collected in 1981 was a vial of blood. Refrigerating such samples was an unestablished protocol then, so the possibility of there being DNA that was not degraded was slim — but the angels smiled, the process worked, and the MCSO passed the baton. A year earlier, in 2017, a team of volunteer genealogists formed the DNA Doe Project. They became the decoders of the Buckskin Girl’s true identity, but their search came with heartbreaking assistance.
As a DDP genealogist explained, “John Sossoman essentially was putting a note in a bottle to tell the world, ‘What happened to my daughter?’ He was looking for her, and that was his note.”
Sossoman, a retired Kansas engineer, had submitted his information and that of his children to GEDmatch, a genetic genealogy website. For genealogists, it was a lantern in the darkness. The Buckskin Girl was Marcia Lenore Sossoman King, 21, formerly of Little Rock.
Marcia’s mother later clarified that King was the surname of her second husband, who adopted the girl. For 37 years, the former Mrs. Sossoman lived in the same place, hoping that someday her daughter would be home again. As for John Sossoman, he died barely three months before the Buckskin Girl was identified as his daughter.
For the MCSO, this is still an open murder case. Perhaps there is someone who knows what was happening during her life at that time and who might have been around her. Anyone with information can contact Chief Deputy Steve Lord, an officer who has worked on the case for more than 20 years, at (937) 440-3980 or lord.steve@miamicountyso.com.
In another case, the capture of a killer returned Horseshoe Harriet’s name to her. Robert Hansen, subject of the 2013 movie The Frozen Ground, was known as the Butcher Baker. Literally a baker, Hansen’s modus operandi was to abduct women, release them in a remote area and then hunt them down to silence their terror with a Ruger Mini-14 and/or a hunting knife. In 1983, a girl escaped him, putting an end to his murder madness. Once a police academy instructor, Hansen had evaded identification for more than 10 years.
Ballistics matched him to four murders, but authorities felt there were more. In a bid to get a plea deal, he agreed to fly with them to the wilderness outside Anchorage, Alaska, just as he had done with his victims. From the plane, he pointed out his killing field, chillingly referred to as his “murder map.” The bodies of 12 women were recovered, although it is thought that as many as 17 women died there.
Hansen remembered details about his prey, but as for their names, well, there had been no need for that. In 1984, the body of a Jane Doe was recovered from the edge of Horseshoe Lake. The date of her death could not be determined, but what she was wearing — a sweater, a coat with a pack of Kool cigarettes in the pocket, a scarf and leg warmers — matched Hansen’s description. What she did not match was any missing person reports. Unclaimed for almost four decades, Horseshoe Harriet, as she was called, lay under a Jane Doe marker in the cold earth of an Anchorage municipal cemetery.
Clockwise from top left: buckskin shirt, Marcia Lenore
Sossoman King, Robert Hansen and Robin Pelkey
Still intent on identifying her, Alaskan authorities in 2020 had her body exhumed. She had been out in the elements too long to get DNA off the body, but her bone marrow did not disappoint. That DNA ultimately led to relatives in Alaska and Arkansas. It also led to her name — Robin Pelkey, a girl who had lived for some years in Arkansas.
Leaving the state in her late teens, Pelkey had gone back to Alaska, where her father, stepmother and other relatives lived. Hansen described her as being homeless, and that is probably true. At that time, the construction of the Alaska pipeline brought men in to work, and the women followed, finding the transient environment to be cold and unforgiving. It is not known how Pelkey hit tough times, but without help, many women there were vulnerable to predators. Hansen, for one, specifically targeted such women.
In the wake of his conviction, Hansen’s wife and children were confronted with public hostility that was enflamed further by reports that Hansen had previously been suspected and/or convicted in other crimes, including rape. His devoutly religious wife had stayed with him despite that, praying for his redemption. He found none, and she, finding no mercy in Alaska, moved her two kids back home to Arkansas. In 2014, Hansen died in jail, having spent much less time there than his victims had in the cold ground.
In Anchorage, Alaska State Troopers purchased a tombstone for the 19-year-old girl whose justice and identity they had fought decades for. Similarly, folks in Troy, Ohio, still look after the grave — and the new tombstone — of the Buckskin Girl they took to heart so many years ago.
DeAngelo? He would have authorities think he is almost ready for his tombstone. In court, the feeble-looking old man in a wheelchair looked one breath away from extinction. His jailers had the ultimate rebuttal to his latest deception, releasing videos showing him doing his daily exercise routine. Perhaps he thinks he might once more be able to evade the law. Oh, DeAngelo you should by now: You can run, but you cannot hide.
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.
Ouachita National Park
By Joe David Rice
Even the most diligent eBay searchers will not find any maps, coffee cups, guidebooks, bumper stickers, T-shirts or key chains emblazoned with the Ouachita National Park logo. Chances are good most have never heard of the park. In fact, no one has ever visited Ouachita National Park, largely due to the fact that the place does not exist, but it came oh, so terribly close. Here is the story:
Years ago, in the mid-1920s to be a bit more precise, the fine folks in Mena decided that the nearby mountains in west central Arkansas would make a nice addition to the national park system. Critics of the idea claimed this desire to create a new national park was not so much based on scenic natural beauty but on, in a word, greed. While it’s true the community leaders realized a federal park in the area would boost the local economy, they also made a good argument that this remote and picturesque property in the Ouachita National Forest provided an ideal setting for a national park, especially since almost all the existing national parks were way out west and beyond the reach of millions of tax-paying citizens in mid-America.
However, when called to testify before Congress, Cammerer admitted he spent only half a day touring the huge tract and that he was unable to truly appreciate the views because the mountaintop he had visited was blanketed by fog. He also acknowledged that he’d fallen into the Little Missouri River during the inspection and his eyeglasses had been swept away by the current.
Undeterred, proponents of the park idea continued to gather support, forcing the National Park Service to send another emissary, Roger Toll, to the Mena area. Toll, superintendent of Yosemite National Park in California, spent several days touring the land and submitted an 88-page report upon his return to Washington. He noted the property was attractive and pretty but did not possess the superlative qualities required of a national park. He also complained about what he called “antirecreational” influences of the Ouachitas, such as snakes and chiggers. (One wonders how he might have described the bears, mountain lions, sheer cliffs and avalanches of Yosemite.)
In 1927, Otis Wingo, the U.S. Congressman serving the area, moved the idea forward by introducing a bill to establish the Ouachita National Park. This proposed reservation, situated between Mena and Glenwood, would encompass 160,000 acres, or some 250 square miles. A rugged and heavily forested area, it included the headwaters of the Caddo, Cossatot and Little Missouri rivers within the rough terrain.
The National Park Service strongly opposed the legislation, claiming the property lacked the truly unique or spectacular qualities required of a federal park. Arno B. Cammerer, the organization’s deputy director, traveled to Mena by train, saw the land, and returned to Washington where he dutifully told his superiors the proposed park was unacceptable.
Despite strong opposition from the National Park Service and its many vocal allies, legislation to create the Ouachita National Park passed the House of Representatives easily, swept through the U.S. Senate without a dissenting vote, and was forwarded to then-President Calvin Coolidge a few days before the end of his term. On his last day in office, Coolidge left the White House to attend the inauguration of his successor. As he traveled to the U.S. Capitol, Coolidge made a brief stop at the Library of Congress to deal with the final legislative matters sent for his approval. He signed several bills, but chose to ignore the bill to create the Ouachita National Park, in effect vetoing the legislation. An hour later, Herbert Hoover took the oath of office. The country soon fell under the grip of the Great Depression and interest in the Ouachita National Park slipped away.
Joe David Rice, former tourism director of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, wrote 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 — a story 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 readers 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 on Amazon and at the University of Arkansas Press.
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