AY About You February 2022

ARKANSAS’ LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2022 | AYMAG.COM

Black History Month | Romantic Dinner Bucket List | ‘Hamilton’ $5.00 U.S.

To HOPE...to HEAL...

TO LAUGH...TO LIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Healthcare System is located n Little Rock and is one of Arkansas’ largest behavioral health facilities. We offer acute inpatient and residential services for children and adolescents ages 5-17 who are struggling with emotional or behavioral health issues.

e Provide a Full Continuum of ehavioral Healthcare Services

al inpatient care | School-based services | Partial hospitalization Acute inpatient care |Hospital Outpatientisservices Pinnacle Pointe one of Arkansas’ largest behavioral inpatient facilities for

children and adolescents ages 5-17 struggling with emotional or behavioral issues.

TRICARE® is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved.

We offer a full continuum of services to children and teens age 5 to 17 who are suffering from emotional and behavioral issues. These include depression, anxiety, mood swings, grief or loss, attempts to harm self or others, and other high-risk behaviors.

11501 Financial Centre Pkwy.

Acute Inpatient CareAR| Sub-acute (long-term) Inpatient Care | Partial Hospitalization Little Rock, 501.223.3322 Video • 800.880.3322 Outpatient Services | Telehealth Conferencing | TRICARE® Military Program for Military Dependents We are dedicated to providing quality healthcare to our patients and support to families. Please contact us today to find out more.

O U T FOR H H C A ELP T RE O DAY PinnaclePointeHospital.com Follow us on Facebook!

11501 Financial Centre Pkwy.

Little Rock, AR 501.223.3322 • 800.880.3322

ROOM FOR MORE

Oaklawn has all you need for the ultimate getaway. Book yours at Oaklawn.com.

ARKANSAS’ ONLY CASINO RESORT HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS 1-800-OAKLAWN No racing on Easter.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

R A C I N G • C A S I N O • H O T E L • S PA • E V E N T C E N T E R • D I N I N G L I V E R A C I N G D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 - M AY 2 0 2 2 • O A K L AW N .C O M

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

We Keep People All

Chelsea’s stunning smile with No Prep Veneers!

Make 2022 Your Year For The Beautiful...

Over Arkansas Smiling

“People all over Arkansas trust Drs. Lee Wyant and Alyssa Lambert with their smile. With a combined 40 years of experience in providing clinical excellence you know your smile is in good hands.

Dr. Wyant is Arkansas’ only Fellowed Cosmetic Dentist.

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

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All photos of beautiful smiles created by Drs. Wyant and Lambert.

Smile You Deserve!

WHAT’S INSIDE 10 12 14 126 128

Publisher’s Letter Connect

Top Events Murder Mystery Arkansas Backstories

HOME&GARDEN

Building Your Best Story

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FOOD&DRINK

upid & Ambrosia C alentine’s Day Recipes V FMike ace Behind the Place: Coats

24 32 34

TRAVEL

A Love Lock on Paris Hot Springs Happenings

40 50 52

22 Stargazing Events in 2022

ARTS&CULTURE

GWorld irls Just Wanna Change the 90 ‘ The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For’ 96 V oices of Change 102 S haring the Love 86

HEALTH

Romantic Dinner Bucket List, page 28

110 We Are Family 116 A Not-So-New Year’s Resolution

ABOUT YOU 58 14 Days of Valentine’s Day Giveaway

62 Ask an Expert 106 This Side of Seven:

There’s No Place Like Home

ON THE COVER We’re looking for love in all the right places this month. And it doesn’t get much better for adoration than in Paris, Arkansas.

Read more: page 40.

Photo/composite by Jamison Mosley.

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2022-2023 PRE-K REGISTRATION OPEN Students entering Pre-Kindergarten are now eligible to register at the Pulaski County Special School District.

The PCSSD Pre-K program is part of the Arkansas Better Chance program and supported by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. It provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to build on through kindergarten and into elementary school.

PCSSD Pre-K program students must meet age requirements: Pre-K 4 students must be four (4) on or before August 1, 2022. Pre-K 3 students must be three (3) on or before August 1, 2022.

AGE-ELIGIBLE CHILDREN MUST ALSO MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: • Family with gross income not exceeding 200% of the Federal Poverty Level • Parents without a high school diploma or GED • Low birth weight (below 5 pounds, 9 ounces) • Parent under the age of 18 at the time of child’s birth • Immediate family member with documented history of substance abuse/addiction • Child has a developmental delay as identified through screening • Eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act • Limited English proficiency • Parent has a history of abuse or neglect or is a victim of abuse or neglect (documented)

ABOUT PCSSD

REGISTER NOW pcssd.org/register

An age-eligible child who falls into one of the following categories are exempt from the family income requirements: foster child, child in custody of/or living with a family member other than the mother or father, child with immediate family member arrested for or convicted of drug-related offense, child with parent activated for overseas military duties.

Another option available to PCSSD families is our DRIVEN Virtual Academy. This is a 100% online school for students K-12. Nearly 600 students were enrolled in DRIVEN for the first semester of this school year.

Students currently enrolled in PCSSD can fill out a letter of intent to return for the 2022-2023 school which can be found at PCSSD.org/register. Registration for students new to the district will open March 1.

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.

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Heather Baker hbaker@aymag.com SENIOR EDITOR

Dustin Jayroe djayroe@aymag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mark Carter mcarter@aymag.com

STAFF WRITERS

Emily Beirne ebeirne@aymag.com Sarah Coleman scoleman@aymag.com Katie Zakrzewski katie@aymag.com

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Lisa Fischer lfischer@aymag.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Mike Bedgood mbedgood@aymag.com

ART DIRECTOR

Jamison Mosley jmosley@aymag.com

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Kellie McAnulty kmcanulty@aymag.com

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

Janie Jones has been a journalist for more than 20 years. She and her husband, Wyatt, co-wrote two books: Hiking Arkansas and Arkansas Curiosities.

She is also the author of The Arkansas Hitchhike Killer: James Waybern “Red” Hall, a book that originated from a two-part article she contributed to AY About You.

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

Ebony Blevins After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from Arkansas State University, Ebony Blevins has worked for and with numerous publications and marketing companies around Arkansas.

Along with freelancing, she is currently developing her fine art photography body of work.

Angela Forsyth lives in Northwest Arkansas.

Her articles have been published in AY About You, Arkansas Money and Politics, Food & Drink, Modern Home Builder, Manufacturing Today, Inside Healthcare, Retail Merchandiser and many more magazines.

She’s a happy wife and mom to four kids and a dog.

Jason Pederson spent 20 years as KATV’s Seven On Your Side reporter.

He is now Deputy Chief of Community Engagement for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lora Puls lpuls@aymag.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Linda Burlingame lindaaymag@aol.com Tonya Higginbotham thigginbotham@aymag.com Mary Funderburg mary@aymag.com Tonya Mead tmead@aymag.com Shasta Ballard sballard@aymag.com Amanda Moore amoore@aymag.com

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Jessica Everson jeverson@aymag.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATORS Jacob Carpenter ads@aymag.com Virginia Ellison ads@aymag.com

CIRCULATION

Ginger Roell groell@aymag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Kaitlin Barger, Kenneth Heard, Meredith Mashburn, Tony Milligan, Sarah Russell, Jared Sorrells

ADMINISTRATION

Casandra Moore admin@aymag.com Vicki Vowell, CEO

TO ADVERTISE:

501-244-9700 or hbaker@aymag.com

TO SUBSCRIBE:

501-244-9700 or aymag.com

Nic Williams, an Arkansas native, is a practicing lawyer and contributor to AY About You. He has developed original recipes for more than half a decade and considers Ina Garten as his inspiration.

Most importantly, he’s a proud doggy dad and is grateful for his supportive friends and family.

AY Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10 AY Magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) is published monthly by AY Media Group, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AY Magazine, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AY are copyrighted ©2021, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY. Please recycle this magazine.

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publisher's letter

Feeling the Love I’ve never been too keen on Valentine’s Day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s always nice to be pampered and spoiled, wined and dined. But I’ve always held a greater affinity for the more familial of the major holidays — Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year feels different, though. Maybe it’s something in the air; maybe it’s the spell of cupid’s chokehold. Either way, we’ve got quite an amorous issue of AY About You cooked up for you.

Let’s start with the next edition of the AY’s Arkansas Bucket List: Romantic Dinner. If you’ll be dining out for the holiday this year, you better get on making those reservations. Fortunately, we’ve got quite a list of great places for a romantic evening — from all across the state.

For those of you who’ll keep the festivities at home again this year, our recipe contributors whipped up a couple of great dishes for you to impress the Valentine in your life.

And our latest Face Behind the Place feature is the man behind one of Conway’s favorite places to spend the night out — Mike Coats of Mike’s Place. His humility is reverent, but I think it’s safe to say at this point that he’s established himself as a culinary legend in Central Arkansas, eyepatch and all.

You didn’t think we were done with Valentine’s Day already, did you? The main attraction is one you’ve likely already seen — the cover story on Paris, Arkansas, by Joe David Rice. The capital of France is known fondly as the “City of Love,” and the little Paris in our backyard is just as worthy of the moniker.

February is also home to another holiday, one that transcends more than just a day (or just one month, frankly) — Black History Month. To reflect on where we’ve been, how far we’ve come and what goals we should still strive toward, we talked with a few of the influential individuals making a difference in Arkansas: the folks behind Black-Owned NWA, and one of the ladies at the helm of the podcast Blackbelt Voices, each of whom have made national news for their efforts.

Oh, and here’s another appetizer, free of charge: the popular Broadway show Hamilton makes its debut in Arkansas this month. We made our way into the “room where it happens” and talked to one of the cast members of the upcoming performances at Robinson Center.

“There is only one happiness in this world — to love and be loved.”

Enjoy!

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar

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TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM The Arkansas Arquettes: Christina and David Arquette’s Big Plans for Arkansas

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READER FEEDBACK FAV FIVE: COFFEE SHOPS “Thanks for the call out of all these great shops. The folks at Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee truly appreciate all you do for businesses and consumers alike. Cheers.”

Jim Alley

12 Romantic Retreats for an Arkansas Getaway

A NEW SEASON: THE CITY OF PINE BLUFF GETS A LIFT “Julie Craig did a great job writing this article about the incredible new library.”

Phyllis Norris

Arkansas Films Make USA Today’s List of ‘Movies You’ll Want to Watch in 2022’

FACE BEHIND THE PLACE: JOE VINCENT II OF ROCK CITY KITCHEN “Thanks so much for the amazing feature!”

Rock City Kitchen

Historic, Hospitable, Home: Pocahontas A New Season: The City of Pine Bluff Gets a Lift

MAKING MAMA PROUD: MAE ESTES IS HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES “Trust me, she has ALWAYS made her mama proud! Thank you so much for this article!”

Darlene Hendricks Estes

INSTAGRAM

CONTESTS

We compiled 22 of the most exciting stargazing events in 2022.

Have you seen the new Scream movie? We wrote about the big plans Christina and David Arquette have for Arkansas in the January issue of the magazine.

For #NationalArkansasDay, we revisited the original AY’s Arkansas Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in the Natural State.

Contest deadline is February 14! Go to aymag.com and click on the “Contests” tab.

1. ROCK N ROLL SUSHI Little Rock has two locations where you can rock (to the jukebox) and roll (with some sushi). Try out some of Rock N Roll Sushi’s flare and flavor on the house with this gift card to either of its capital city locations.

CODE: SUSHI

2. GADWALL’S GRILL

Find your new favorite place to eat when you visit Gadwall’s Grill. This North Little Rock mainstay has been feeding locals and visitors alike for 30 years, and it’s still making some of the best food in Arkansas. Find out how good it is with a gift certificate to the restaurant.

CODE: GRILL

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3. TURPENTINE CREEK

Take a walk on the wild side at Turpentine Creek.

This Eureka Springs refuge provides a home for abandoned and neglected big cats, from tigers to lions to leopards. Win two tickets to tour the refuge, and see all the amazing animals!

CODE: CATS

It’s a new season for AY’s Best Of! Nominations closed in January, and the voting round begins in March. Stay tuned!

!

January WINNERS Rock N Roll Sushi: ROBIN BURKETT Loblolly: DIANE MCDANIEL Turpenting Creek: CAROLYN LASSEIGNE

agenda

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Top

you just can't miss!

RHEA LANA’S All month

Benton, Little Rock, Rogers

The nation’s biggest name in children’s consignment is kicking off its 2022 tour in three locations this month — Little Rock (2/6-12), Rogers (2/13-19) and Benton (2/20-24).

REBA MCENTIRE Feb. 5

Simmons Bank Arena — North Little Rock

Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let her down. The Queen of Country is taking the stage on the north side of the river for what will surely be a night to remember.

HAMILTON Feb. 8-29

Robinson Center — Little Rock

Hamilton makes its Arkansas debut this month. Don’t “throw away your shot” to see one of the most-decorated theater productions in history.

Read more: page 90

ELI YOUNG BAND Feb. 11

The Hall — Little Rock The Hall, one of Arkansas’ latest entertainment venues, has another splash on the marquee ready this month with Eli Young Band.

GARDEN BROS NUCLEAR CIRCUS Feb. 17-21

Arkansas State Fairgrounds — Little Rock The self-proclaimed “largest circus on Earth” is swinging into Little Rock this month, with plenty of family fun from the comfort of its climate-controlled Big Top arena.

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events

Feb. 14, Valentine's Day

3-16

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African American Medicine in Arkansas Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Little Rock

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

6 Harlem Globetrotters First National Bank Arena, Jonesboro

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Little Rock Anime Festival 2022 Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

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11-13

Arkansas Food Hall of Fame: Winners Announcement CALS Ron Robinson Theater — Little Rock

Arkansas RV Show Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

17-20

25-27

Ballet Arkansas: Coppelia UA-PTC, North Little Rock

Hot Springs Boat & RV Show Hot Springs Convention Center

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home

Tracie J. Kelley

is the president and CEO of KellCo Custom Homes, Inc., Energy Air, Inc. and KellCo Real Estate, Inc. Since 1992, Kelley has been in custom home building and the real estate industry, serving all of Central Arkansas.

“The most important task for me right from the start is establishing a solid relationship and a good understanding of my clients’ best interests of

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Building Your Best Story

By AY Staff

their new home, which includes an excellent level of communication,” Kelley says. “Once a budget and approval process has been established, I then start the planning and architectural design phases. For me, it’s much more than just building a home. My greatest passion in custom home building is having the ability to build with a unique vision that adds personal testimonies to each project within the communities of Arkansas.”

Kelley’s overall goal is for the homes she builds to be a reflection of its owners and their aspirations.

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stunning

Stonehill In the heart of Sherwood sits this one-of-a-kind custom home, which was crafted to be an exquisite abode with an abundance of amenities. Kelley combined the purity of her design with a whimsical use of glass and metals.

Multiple floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural lighting within many areas of the home, while a heavy use of modern-natural materials around the home’s exterior creates a powerful

aesthetic bond.

The two-story, switchback staircase offers a striking and clean flare, with black iron and solid stainless spindles, while showing off the dazzling glass chandelier perched directly above. This sleek design echoes the large windows and blends seamlessly into its contemporary surroundings, adding originality to the home, both inside and out.

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Kelley has a soft spot when it comes to master suites. This one was designed using luxurious porcelain materials on the bath wall and shower.

The dazzling chandelier immediately catches the eyes of all who enter.

Kelley has a soft spot when it comes to master suites. This one was designed using luxurious porcelain materials on the bath wall and shower.

The shower is a double walk-in and was designed with champagne trim lines and waterfall tub filler. These streamlined and striking contrasts are what Kelley refers to as “bold movements.”

The stark-white spa bathtub is centered elegantly, encapsulating serenity and simplicity.

The home also has an open floor plan and luxury features, including

profile lighting within the stair treads.

“People often hear that every home that I design and build is my favorite,” Kelley says. “Each home has a special uniqueness that I find myself falling in love with, each and every time. I build homes to reflect the lifestyle of today and carry your expectations forward — where families can grow and make memories.”

Kelley strives to deliver a dreamhome reality with each new project she begins. Every home has a story, and she loves building those, too.

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charming

The exterior of the home features natural stone which amplifies its rustic, yet charming attributes.

The rear patio area features an enclosed sunroom with beautiful views of the private greenspace.

Cliffside

The Porte Cochere Estate House at Cliffside is a stunning and uniquely inspired home. The porte-cochere style is an echo of the 19th Century and features a grand entrance to a private courtyard. This private residence also has a motor court that accommodates added parking.

Kelley had several goals while designing and building this home, such as embracing traditional styles while also incorporating modern originality; combining timeless elements to create an eclectic sense of wonder.

The double drive leads to an artfully designed landscape with rusticstyle amenities. Its large windows frame the picturesque views and absorb lots of natural light which further highlights the coffered ceiling within the hearth room, handcrafted brick arches and woodwork. The chef ’s kitchen is perfectly appointed with a large, culinary island and is accompanied by a double butler’s pantry. Italian porcelain splash tiling and acacia hardwood flooring accent the area built for entertaining, with plenty of space for family and friends.

“As a custom home designer and builder, I am driven to new levels of uniqueness and architecture that continue to be the driving force for all my endeavors within the real estate industry,” Kelley says. “The responsibilities of a good contractor are hefty and, to say the very least, exhausting. Working with each individual needs of my clients is important to me, and it’s equally important that I get it right. Throughout the entire build process, I am fully committed and engaged.”

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ARKANSAS’ NO. 1 PLACE FOR HEAT! Over 20,000 square feet of showroom space we are able to display the largest selection of Wood and Pellet Stoves, Wood/Gas Fireplaces, Gas Logs, Grills, Smokers, Fire Pits and Outdoor Furniture.

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National Kids Dental Health Month 2022

Say No to Cavities Challenge National Kids Dental Health Month 2022

Say No to Cavities Challenge

Mark your calendar with an X each time you brush.

Brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes before bedtime.

Don’t forget to floss once a day.

Daily brushing and flossing keeps teeth and gums healthy, and here is a fun way of getting you and your kids into the habit.

In February, National Kids Dental Health Month, we’re challenging families and classrooms to brush their teeth twice a day, floss daily and track their progress on a calendar chart.

Check the box when you floss.

FEBRUARY 2022 BRUSHING & FLOSSING CHART Sunday

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If you visit the dentist during this month draw a big smiley face on that day.

Visiting the dentist at least once a year also helps keep your smile healthy.

Say No to Cavities Challenge Entry Form

Download the chart at www.deltadentalar.com/nocavitieschallenge Child's Name:

Deadline for entering is March 4!

Child's Age:

Parent/Guardian's Name & Email: Child's School Name & District:

Two lucky participants will win a Nintendo Switch OLED!

All entires must be received no later than 5 pm CST, March 4, 2022. Forms can be mailed to Delta Dental of Arkansas, P.O. Box 15965, Little Rock, AR 72231 or emailed to Marketing@deltadentalar.

For complete challenge rules, please visit DeltaDentalAR.com/nocavitieschallenge.

Participants up to age 17 may submit their completed charts to Delta Dental of Arkansas to enter a drawing for one of two Nintendo Switch OLED models.

The "Say No to Cavities Challenge" is open to children, ages 17 and younger, who are residents of Arkansas. Employees of Delta Dental of Arkansas and their immediate family members are not eligible. There is no purchase necessary to participate. One entry per child, please.

All entries must be received no later than 5 pm CST, March 4, 2022. Forms can be mailed to Delta Dental of Arkansas, P.O. Box 15965, Little Rock, AR 72231 or emailed to Marketing@ deltadentalar.com. The drawing for the winner of the Nintendo Switch OLED will take place on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 12 pm CST. The winner's parents or guardians will be notified by email.

DeltaDentalAR.com

www.deltadentalar.com/nocavitieschallenge 23

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section header

Roots Restaurant.

(Tony Milligan)

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& Ambrosia Cupid T

By SARAH RUSSELL // Photos By TONY MILLIGAN

here it was again — a mysterious blip on the radar. Alternately hovering, then darting, this unidentified object had clearly targeted our airspace. Fighter jets were swiftly scrambled to ensure public safety. According to unnamed sources, the object was quickly identified and sent off with an enthusiastic thumbs-up from the pilots. It was, after all, a well-known frequent flier. This little cherub with wings has quite the reputation.

Cupid — as he is universally known — was merely doing a bit of reconnaissance. It is, of course, his mission to target not only those seeking love but also first-time users, as well as those whose relationships are in need of a booster shot. All this is in preparation for the day honoring his former cohort, Saint Valentine. Their partnership ceased to exist due to one Roman Emperor Claudius II, a ruler who cared only for triumph in war, not love.

In an attempt to ensure his victories, he deemed it illegal to marry, believing single males made better soldiers.

Love found its own warrior in Valentine, who notably wore a purple amethyst ring with an image of Cupid engraved on it. As a symbol of love, Cupid was still legal under Roman law. Valentine’s use of the ring, though, signaled to the soldiers his willingness to circumvent the law. His subsequent success at performing these marriages led to Claudius’ wrath. It did not end well for Valentine. The amethyst fared better, now being February’s birthstone.

Cupid’s position is intact, but there’s a wide range of behaviors reflecting the struggle that love — or lack thereof — can sometimes be. There are those whose thirst sustains the multimillion-dollar romance novel industry. Then there are the one-and-done partners, (“I said, ‘I love you’ once before, why do I have to keep repeating it?”). Well, as Marriage. com notes, whether you are giver or the receiver, romantic gestures are the oxygen of love. “They remind you that your partner has not only chosen you but appreciates your presence in their life. … It reaffirms your position as ‘the one.’”

So, sometimes you just have to lay your heart on the table. A well-chosen table is key here.

Within the last couple of years, several new restaurants have impressively upped the ante on the culinary scene, making an alignment with Cupid totally delicious in every sense of the word. Any Type A will see this as multipurposeful as well. Bonding over new experiences strengthens relationships; being treated royally is most people’s cup of tea; and lovers — note the quote — “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

That’s how Todd Gold, director of food and beverage for Pine Bluff ’s Saracen Casino Resort, started a lifelong affair with ambrosia, the culinary choice of the Greek

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gods. Thirty years ago, Gold explains, “Making Little Rock known for something besides BBQ and catfish” became the goal for him and other like-minded chefs. Today, the city is a reputable culinary destination. And Gold? Well, he was thinking he might just ride into retirement in his position at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College. Having been notably involved in the institute’s creation, Gold found satisfaction in bringing up others in the business.

Gold didn’t have a roving eye. No, that’s not how he got to Pine Bluff. The sweet whisper in his ear was the challenge of creating another culinary — and hospitality — destination.

The buzz hit the kitchens across the region. Soon, Pine Bluff saw an impressive migration.

“Best of the best, cream of the crop” is how Gold enthusiastically describes the professionals who came to Saracen. Indeed, the resumes they brought along reflect serious credentials. And make no mistake — Gold was a drawing point for those wanting to work with the best. As much as he would like to deflect attention from himself to this team, the number of his awards tell his truth. Heck, even the CliffsNotes on those are longer than most menus.

Perhaps one reason Gold was tempted away was the opportunity to also work with some of the highest-quality food and beverage available, best reflected in the resort’s Red Oak Steakhouse.

The Quapaw Nation, which owns this casino, is its own major supplier. It has its own brewery, roastery, greenhouses, beehives and, yes, herds, the latter of which provide the bison and beef.

Chef Joe Coleman and his team also plate items such South African lobster, Colorado pork and

Below: From the salmon to chocolate desserts, everything is decadent at Red Oak. (Courtesy)

A5 rated Kobe steaks. As Gold notes, “There’s the Rolex, and then there’s the counterfeit.” He is referring to the extensive certification required to serve such distinguished beef. Fewer than 10 restaurants in the United States have legal certification, this being a rare exception in the South.

Impress yourself with another coveted menu item.

That would be the Kentucky bourbon Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year. How divine is it? Well, New Yorkers have been known to jostle to pay more than $300 a shot for it. Want to share some love? Order Roy’s Ringside Red craft beer. Favored by legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr., part of its proceeds go to his children’s foundation.

Children? For the Lowes of Jonesboro, there are two of them now. Luckily for all of us, one of them caused the plans of this couple to go awry. More than a decade earlier, Chef Karl Lowe had set off from Arkansas to Ecuador. There he did well to find his ambrosia, establishing five restaurants. But then Cupid nudged in with an Ecuadorian chef named Paula who agreed to take his job offer. A slow simmer that love was, but time proved it was undeniable, as they would later marry.

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Below and left: The menu at Roots is as upscale as it is familiar for a unique but approachable way to “fine dine.”

In a visit back to Jonesboro, Mr. and Mrs. Lowe focused their sightseeing on investment property.

But when the real estate agent found out they were chefs … well, he had a restaurant for sale. Not in their plans, but then the Lowes found out they had a bun in the oven, so to speak. With a quick pivot, they set down roots, affirming that with the eatery called Roots Restaurant.

The “modern city vibe” of Roots, as Karl describes it, is but the first sign that the Lowes prefer a contemporary take on fine dining, one which is common in Latin establishments. Paula explains, “Everything is a little more organic, more minimalistic, more sustainable.” Sourcing locally and regionally provides a fresher product and also reaffirms their commitment to community. Not to say there aren’t Ecuadorian products in the mix.

The menu, too, is a merger — sometimes a juxtaposition — of cultures. Their Southern and Ecuadorian roots are mirrored in the choice of ingredients, flavors and techniques. “Hog and Hominy” compete for attention with the “LLapingacho”; the New York Steak and Pecan Demi-Glaze Duck Breast duke it out with braised Newman’s Pork Shank and, oh, that Fried Cornmeal Snapper. Did we mention lunch, which includes JB Farms Wagyu Burgers? Savor every moment — this love is fleeting.

“Once a menu item hits and goes away, it doesn’t

come back,” Karl says, referring to their seasonal menu rewrites.

Ready to make a toast? You can’t take this for granted in Jonesboro, being that it’s in a dry county. Nevertheless, private club status, which Roots obtained, allows some circumvention on that. The beverage menu at Roots reflects some fine, full shelfs, the likes of which also go into crafted drinks.

Rumor has it there might have been champagne flowing right before New Year’s at Roots. One future husband, in a set of impressive moves, not only brought his sweetheart there for the first date, but also for his proposal.

Here’s to love, everyone!

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aymag.com

Romant ic Dinner Bucket List AY’s ARKANSAS

Presented by

l 21 West End

l F ayrays

oots Restaurant l R

l 5 01 Prime

l Grotto Wood-Fired Grill

amantha’s Tap lS

emuri l K

o Restaurant-Bar lS

l L a Piazza Itallano Ristorante

l Sonny Williams’

Fort Smith

Hot Springs

llsopp & Chapple l A

Little Rock

rthur’s Prime Steakhouse l A

Little Rock

ordinos Restaurant & Wine Bar l B

Fayetteville

l Brave New Restaurant Little Rock

rood & Barley l B

North Little Rock

ache Restaurant l C

Little Rock

apeo l C

Little Rock

l Capers Restaurant Little Rock

heers in the Heights l C

Little Rock

iao Baci l C

Little Rock

l Crystal Dining Room Eureka Springs

l Cypress Social

El Dorado

nd Wine Cave a Eureka Springs Little Rock El Dorado

l Le Stick Nouveau Eureka Springs

l Mike’s Place Conway

mar’s Uptown l O

Jonesboro

l Pasta Grill

Conway, Russellville

etit & Keet lP

Little Rock

l Red Oak Steakhouse Pine Bluff

evel Restaurant and Bar l R

Fort Smith

l River Grille Bentonville

iverfront Steakhouse l R

North Little Rock

Jonesboro

Room & Wood Grill Little Rock Little Rock

Steak Room Little Rock

able 28 l T

Little Rock

l The Butcher Shop Little Rock

he Grumpy Rabbit l T

Lonoke

he Hive l T

Bentonville

l The Oyster Bar Little Rock

usk and Trotter l T

American Brasserie Bentonville

l Vault at 723 Hot Springs

etro 1925 l V

Fayetteville

aYa’s Euro Bistro l Y

Little Rock

North Little Rock

3C heck off the Romantic Dinner List as you visit a small sample of our favorite places.

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AY About You

Arkansas Bucket List Every Wednesday morning on KARK 4

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aymag.com

aymag.com

Alley’s Bone in Filet - Dry Aged Prime Beef -

Romantic dinner for two?

Arthur’s has a table waiting for you. arthursprimesteakhouse.com | oceanslittlerock.com

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Un-beeHONEY

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The pure sweet gift from nature.

The natural sweet from the natural state.

2001 N Poplar Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 501-758-1123

fischerhoney.com

Recipes

Nutella French Madeleines Madeleines are soft, spongy cakes that are the perfect end to any Valentine’s Day meal. The best part is that the batter is made in advance, so all you have to do is put them in the oven while you and your loved one are sitting down for the main course. These pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.

Inspired by Julia Child’s Classic French Madeleines recipe from her cookbook Way To Cook

INGREDIENTS

Whisk eggs in a stand mixer set to medium speed. As eggs are whisked, add ¼ cup of sugar, wait about 10 seconds before adding the next ¼ cup, and another 10 seconds before adding another ¼ cup. Increase speed to medium-high, and continue whisking until the batter is the consistency of thin pudding and is pale yellow in color. Whisk in the vanilla extract and citrus zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt until thoroughly combined. Use a rubber spatula to gradually fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture in intervals. Do not add all flour at once. Fold butter into batter until well incorporated.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours.

1 stick unsalted butter, diced 3 large eggs ¾ cup granulated sugar 3 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest or orange zest 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup Nutella ¼ cup powdered sugar

THE DAY OF BAKING Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray madeleine pans with nonstick baking spray, and lightly dust with flour, tapping pan over sink to remove excess flour.

Put 2-3 teaspoons of batter in the center of each madeleine mold. The top of batter should be about the same height as the rim of the pan, but batter will fall and spread throughout the mold while baking.

Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown with domes formed on top of madeleines.

Remove pans to a cooling rack or stovetop, and allow them to cool in pan for 2-3 minutes, before gently removing madeleines to a cooling rack. Using a small spoon, spread Nutella on ends of madeleines, and dust with powdered sugar.

Serve warm, and store extras in an air-tight container.

THE DAY BEFORE BAKING Over medium-low heat, swirl butter in a sauté pan until it begins to foam.

Once foaming, use a rubber spatula to stir, making sure to scrape bottom and sides of pan. As soon as butter has a caramel color and nutty aroma, pour it into a glass bowl to cool, making sure to include dark brown milk solids. Make sure the butter is not bitter or burned.

The whole process should take 7-10 minutes.

By Nic Williams

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Mushroom Spinach Risotto Mushroom Spinach Risotto is one of my favorite sides to eat and make. It pairs well with almost any fish or meat you can think of to create a delicious dinner at home.

This is best served immediately with parmesan cheese.

3 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup white wine or extra broth 1 cup arborio rice 1 ½ cup mushrooms of your choice, chopped 1-½ cup spinach, thawed and squeezed dry if frozen ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup freshly shaved or grated Parmesan cheese Sprinkle of parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat broth in a saucepan and keep warm. You can also use a microwave.

2. Heat large skillet over medium heat, and add butter.

3. After butter is melted, add onion and garlic, and cook until onion is translucent.

4. Add wine, and stir until it reduces (about 5 minutes).

5. Turn heat to medium-low, and add rice, mushrooms and spinach.

6. Add hot broth about ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed.

7. Repeat until all broth has been added and absorbed by rice.

A creamy sauce should form.

8. Add salt and pepper.

9. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Recipes

INGREDIENTS

By Kaitlin Barger

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food

Heather Baber Roe

Mike Coats.

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Face Behind the Place:

By Dwain Hebda • Photos by Jamison Mosley Mike Coats figured out early that in the hospitality business, as in life, it pays to surround yourself with talent and keep a smile on your face, parallel philosophies the 70-year-old employs liberally in his seminal Conway restaurant, Mike’s Place.

This sense of humor and appreciation for people has seen the nowbeloved eatery through the pandemic, rising prices and shrinking labor pools of late. And, it’s a core ethic that’s proven more than just a business philosophy, as the magnet that has attracted and held the loyalty of diners for nearly 20 years.

“COVID was a monster challenge for us, just monster,” Coats says. “In the last few weeks, almost all of my managers assist in the kitchen because we’re so shortstaffed. We just recently hired two or three people, but [managers] are having to put in a lot of their time back there.

“There were times over the past two years when I thought, ‘Will people ever go out and eat again?

Am I a dinosaur?’ Not so. We’ve had such loyal guests. During the pandemic, some people walked up to me, and they were telling me how many times they’d eaten here, and they gave me a check for $5,000 for my staff. We’ve had blessings like that in different ways.”

Mike’s Place inspires passion in the public, thanks to its excellent service, easygoing atmosphere and truly great food. It’s the kind of place business lunches, special-occasion dinners and routine weekly nights out are accommodated with equal aplomb. In fact, it’s such an ingrained part of the community, it’s hard to remember the controversy that divided the community over its opening in 2005.

The kerfuffle stemmed from the fact that Faulkner County is dry and staunchly so, even as city leaders had for years pointed to the exodus of cars on nights and weekends from Conway to Little Rock for dinner and drinks, revenue that could be retained locally. By the early 2000s, the

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call for change had grown as loud as from those wanting to keep Conway thirsty.

Someone had to be first across the liquor line, and Mike’s Place was that pioneer. Officially designated a private club/restaurant — the first in the city since World War II — the New Orleans-style establishment came into being, and downtown has never been the same.

“In the very beginning, we got hit pretty hard,” Coats remembers. “There was some discontent about what we were doing, and there were people standing across the street with bullhorns telling me I was going to hell, and I ruined their downtown and things like that.”

The presence of Mike’s Place did more than just loosen the tap on alcohol; it led a rebirth of Conway’s core that has yet to ease up.

“Conway had never been open after 5 p.m. in its life,” Coats says.

“Every business took half a day off. There was no parking problem ’til my restaurant opened up downtown, so that took some Xxxx xxxx xxxxxx getting used to. Downtown had to learn to live with what a busy restaurant brings to town. It was a growing experience, for us and the downtown.

“I feel like we were that piece that became a renaissance for Conway.

Once we came in and broke some doors down, now there are 70 or 80 private clubs that are at $260 or $270 million in hospitality revenue.

Every now and then, people still call me outside and tell me how we’d ruined their town. My biggest percent on alcohol, ever, was 16 percent. I average 15 percent. We’re 85, 86 percent food. We’re not a honky-tonk.

Never intended to be.”

Coats relays these stories without a hint of bitterness in his voice.

Talking to him, you get the sense that nothing rattles him after what he’s seen in life and in business, so long as one maintains a sense of humor. aymag.com

Mike’s Place ... led a rebirth of Conway’s core that has yet to ease up.

Take, for instance, Michaelangelo’s, a restaurant he opened downtown three years after Mike’s Place, a venture which ultimately didn’t survive.

Approaching the restaurant’s last day, Coats hatched a plan to send it out in style. In a move symbolic on many levels, he staged a New Orleans-style funeral that marched employees from Michaelangelo’s around the corner and down the block to Mike’s Place.

“Sure did. Scared my investors to death,” he says with a laugh. “I told them, ‘We’re not going to close like everybody else. We’re not going to put a note on the door, and the staff read about it.’ I told my staff two weeks out, ‘Hey, here’s what’s going to happen. I want you to know about it. I’m going to try to take all of you that I can with me.’”

Coats, a native Louisianian who graduated high school in Fordyce, began to learn the ropes of the food and beverage industry in college. He

bartended and later managed the Conway Country Club in between classes and sports at the University of Central Arkansas, where he ran track and played football for two years. Serving the city’s well-heeled taught him the art of patter and other people skills he’d employ to great success in several stops to come in the restaurant business.

“If I’ve had any one talent in life, it’s finding talent and then getting people to work and getting them to pull together as a team,” he says.

“I don’t have a culinary background. There’s not one menu item that

I put on, not one recipe that was mine. I just hire really bright people.

Almost all of my managers are a 30 ACT and up. I am the dumbest of the bunch by far.

“I drive them crazy because I’ll go eat somewhere like Cheyenne, Wyoming, and I go, ‘Man, this shrimp is great! Why can’t we do it?’ And they figure it out for me.”

Coats’ propensity for self-deprecation is well-worn, as he is quick to deflect credit and praise to others for his success. But one challenge was his and his family’s alone to overcome — the 1994 plane crash that cost him an eye and nearly his life. Flying passenger in a friend’s ultralight, a water landing error flipped the craft multiple times on the Arkansas River before taking on water. Exiting the cabin, Coats was struck across the face by the still-spinning propeller.

“The endorphins are kicking in so much you don’t know what’s happening,” he says. “I just thought I was drowning, but it was really blood going down my nose. I had about a half-inch left of my nose. It was pretty horrible.”

Coats probably should have bled to death, but the fates were with him to reach medical help in time. The next 18 months would see 21 surgeries, but it would take much longer for him to come to grips with the aftermath of what happened.

“I thought it would define my life at one time, and I would like to say now, it didn’t,” he says. “I thought at one time I would always be defined as this guy with the crippled face. A lot of times, I didn’t think I could ever deal with people again effectively. I even had a prosthetic made; it worked for one hour, looked like crap, threw it away.

“That’s when I said, ‘OK, I’m the guy with the patch, and this is what it is.’ Kids call me ‘pirate,’ and it doesn’t offend me at all. I’ve just been so fortunate. I’m a people person, and I’ve been able to meet and work with so many interesting people in this business. I am truly blessed.”

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aymag.com

NURSING & REHABILITATION LIVING PROFILE

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A Love Lock on

PARIS

travel

By JOE DAVID RICE Photos By JAMISON MOSLEY

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aymag.com

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the thoughts of many readers may be drifting to romance — and chocolates, flowers, and … love locks.

Love locks? For those unacquainted with this century-old custom, a love lock is a simple padlock that a couple latches onto a bridge, gate, fence, monument or other public feature to commemorate their undying love. To cement the deal, the names or initials of the sweethearts are inscribed on the lock along with the date — and the key is then tossed aside to symbolize their never-ending devotion.

Although the tradition of love locks can be traced back to the young women of Serbia who wanted to safeguard their loves during World War I, its current revival falls squarely on the shoulders of Federico Moccia, an Italian novelist whose work has been compared to that of American writer Nicholas Sparks. One of Moccia’s books, first published in 2006 and translated into English as I Want You, includes a scene where two young lovers attach a padlock to a streetlamp on the Ponte Milvio, the oldest bridge in Rome, as a sign of their eternal affection.

Real-life teenage couples in Rome soon began imitating this practice, and the tradition then exploded once the movie version of the book hit the big screens a year later. In fact, so many young lovers had placed padlocks on the lamppost that it began to buckle under the weight, forcing the mayor of Rome to have them removed.

It was only a matter of time before love locks began appearing on many other bridges throughout the world, literally piling up in Algiers, Dublin, Venice, Winnipeg, Canberra, Toronto, Las Vegas, New York, Little Rock and, of course, Paris. So many were attached to the Pont des Arts, a famous and much-loved pedestrian bridge over the River Seine near the Louvre, that a section of the structure collapsed a few years ago due to the overwhelming weight of the padlocks. As a result, the Paris Mayor’s Office began a new publicity campaign, “Love Without Locks,” and directed city workers to remove more than 1 million locks from this single bridge. In short, love locks have fallen out of favor in Paris. Paris, France, that is.

But love locks are allowed in Paris, Arkansas, a community of some 3,500 residents in the west-central region of the state. Not only allowed but encouraged at the Love Lock Fence located in the Eiffel Tower Park. Yes, you read that correctly: Eiffel Tower Park.

In Arkansas.

Maybe we should start at the beginning. Shortly after the Arkansas General Assembly created Logan County in 1871, a commission was charged with determining the county seat. Their efforts proved unsuccessful, so the decision was referred to the voters who picked an unnamed site in the north-central part of the county. The initial suggestion for the town’s name — Marysville — was set aside when research showed another post office in Arkansas had already claimed that name. One of the commissioners, R.D. Waddill, apparently an admirer of the French capital city, suggested Paris. The name stuck, and Paris, Arkansas, was incorporated on Feb. 19, 1879 — 143 years ago this month.

A turning point for Paris occurred in 1897 with completion of the Arkansas Central Railroad line that offered a connection to Fort Smith (40 miles to the west). Farm products, particularly cotton, were shipped out to more distant markets. But between its inaugural run and 1929, this railroad — along with dozens of others across the country — also transported an entirely different cargo: children. Orphaned children to be specific, all from New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other eastern cities, and sent west to find families. An estimated 200,000 or more, shipped out in groups of 25 to 100 per train and accompanied by agents, were relocated in this manner, with several hundred of them arriving in Arkansas. These children were discharged at a handful of cities in the state, to in-

42

clude Paris, where they met their new families. The priests at Subiaco Abbey (a short distance to the east of Paris) helped match the youngsters with local folks. Some landed in loving environments; others found themselves working long hours as little more than field hands and fighting for table scraps. Today, more than a few families in Logan and surrounding counties can trace kin back to the orphan train era.

In 1901, Logan County was split into two judicial districts, primarily due to the rough terrain (Booneville Mountain, Backbone Mountain and Mount Magazine) that bisected the 708-squaremile county and made administering it difficult in those horse-and-buggy days. Paris retained the title of county seat for northern Logan County, and Booneville was designated to serve the county’s southern half.

Mining of coal began around Paris in 1906 and continued until the 1950s. More than 30 mines were in operation in the industry’s heyday, with some 2,000 miners on the payroll. During that time, 250 to 300 tons of coal were shipped daily to northern markets via the Arkansas Central Railroad before other fuels gradually replaced coal. The Logan County Coal Miners Museum & Memorial is a fascinating area attraction.

Another one worth your time is the Logan County Museum (also known as the “Old Jail Museum”). This handsome, two-story, red brick building housed its first prisoners in 1904 and remained in service until 1971. Its exhibits contain information on Native Americans, coal mining, early medical care and the orphan trains. Site of the last legal hanging in Arkansas, the museum offers a reenactment of that grisly 1914 event — with actors attired in period costumes — when scheduled well in advance.

Deciding to take advantage of its namesake, town promoters in 2014 placed an 18-foot-tall replica of the original Eiffel Tower atop a 7-foottall, two-tiered water fountain on the west side of the downtown square. Standing a full 25 feet high

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From the food to the history and heritage, Paris is one of Arkansas’ finest gems.

(Photos courtesy ADPHT)

(although dwarfed by the 1,063-foot height of the famous edifice in France), it is an intriguing photo op. Trivia enthusiasts might be pleased to know that this smaller version is painted with exactly the same paint mixtures as its older brother across the Atlantic. The three shades of brown (chosen for harmony with the Parisian cityscape) were donated by the French manufacturer. And if you’re wondering why three shades, here’s the answer: The darkest tint is applied at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower and the lightest at the top “to ensure that the color is perceived to be the same all the way up as it stands against the Paris sky.” Such a distinction may be unnecessary in Logan County, but I digress …

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The view from Mount Magazine.

Which brings us to the legally sanctioned and politically correct Love Lock Fence in Paris, Arkansas. Located next to the Eiffel Tower, this unique point of interest was erected in 2017 during the city’s annual “Spring Time in Paris” festival. Hanging the first lock was none other than Savannah Skidmore, Miss Arkansas 2016. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to attach locks to the fence, thus demonstrating to the public the everlasting love they have for their significant others. Keys are typically pitched into the fountain.

Should you forget to bring your own lock to Paris, don’t fret; a number of local vendors will gladly supply you with an appropriate memento.

Paris, Arkansas, was incorporated on Feb. 19, 1879 — 143 years ago this month.

While croissants and baguettes won’t be found at corner bistros in Paris, there’s no shortage of good food. Barbecue enthusiasts will need to check out Smokin’ Taters BBQ, a popular eatery located at 1212 E. Walnut Street. Pitmaster Rusty Tate and his wife, Denise, offer ribs, brisket and the usual barbecue options, plus smoked bologna and even smoked meatloaf.

Craft beer aficionados will find a trio of destinations in the greater Paris area to experience: the Pridgin Family Brewery, Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company and Country Monks Brewing. When at the latter, plan on spending some time at Subiaco Abbey, an American Benedictine Monastery and one of the most striking buildings in the state.

Named after Subiaco, Italy, where the first monastery founded by Saint Benedict was located, it’s home to 39 Benedictine monks. (You might want to bring back a bottle of their legendary hot sauce!)

For cooler temperatures, though, consider a side trip to Mount Magazine, the site of Arkansas’ highest elevation (2,753 feet above sea level) and only a 20-minute drive south of Paris. The summit is also home to one of Arkansas’ newest state parks, Mount Maga-

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zine, and its lodge, restaurant, cabins and trails. Park Superintendent Lee Woodard finds himself about 240 miles west of his hometown of Lepanto and 2,500 feet higher, but loves this rugged country.

Now in his third year as superintendent, Woodard appreciates the win-win relationship between the park and the community. “People from Paris often hold their banquets, class graduations and reunions up here,” he says, “and park visitors enjoy going into town for supplies.”

One of the many locals who have a special place in their hearts for Mount Magazine State Park is Hershel Cleveland, former Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives. Although he compiled 45 years of public service over the course of his career and participated in dozens of ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, few meant more than the grand-opening of the park in 2001. “It’s one of Arkansas’ real treasures,” he says.

Now serving his third term, Mayor Daniel Rogers is another staunch advocate of the state park, noting that it lures travelers off Interstate 40 and into Paris. Rogers grew up working in the family’s longstanding dairy business and knew about everybody in town, paving the way for his election at the age of 27. He’s now working hard for the town’s citizens, describing his time as mayor as his “dream job.”

He’s devoted a good deal of effort to improving the community’s senior center, and is also committed to building a new city park, even asking local kids for their thoughts on what should be included. “It’s important for a mayor to understand that it’s not his city,” Rogers says. “It’s their city.”

And he’s counting on AY readers making Paris their city, too — and perhaps leaving a little something at the Love Lock Fence. aymag.com

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MISSISSIPPI RIVER STATE PARK

r e v o c d i s ething new som

Looking for new adventures for your family and friends? Come together at Arkansas’s 52 state parks and experience endless possibilities.

Plan your adventure at ArkansasStateParks.com Pick up your FREE PASSPORT at the nearest state park today.

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HOT SPRINGS

happenings February Gallery Walk Feb. 4 Downtown Hot Springs

Live Horse Racing

Every Weekend Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

For the Love of Women at the Vapors Feb. 4 The Vapors

‘Point of View’ Exhibit

All Year Mid-America Science Museum

US-97 Home & Outdoor Show Feb. 4, 5 Hot Springs Convention Center

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Jimmy Lewis & 8 Second Ride Live at Boogies Bar & Grill

5th Annual Chili Cook-Off Feb. 13 Boogies Bar & Grill

Feb. 5 Boogies Bar & Grill

Stardust Big Band

Feb. 20 Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

Rye Davis at the Vapors Live

Rebel Stakes

Feb. 26 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Feb. 5 The Vapors Live

COME SEE US AT THE

ARKANSAS RV SHOW Feb 11-13 at the STATEHOUSE CONVENTION CENTER

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e e S t Mus in 2022

By Dustin Jayroe

From lunar eclipses to meteor showers to comets, these are some of the most exciting stargazing events in 2022.

Note: A version of this story originally published on aymag.com in January.

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Quadrantid Meteor Shower

Black Moon

Jan. 3, 4

April 30

Meteors per hour: 25-100 The start of a new year always means the return of the Quadrantids.

The annual shower typically spans the first week of January, and its peak rates fall on the night of Jan. 3 and morning of Jan. 4 this year.

One of Sky and Telescope’s best-predicted showers of the year.

Many are familiar with the phrase “Blue Moon,” which refers to a phenomenon when two full moons occur in a calendar month. But its sibling, the Black Moon, is also a celestial event worth noting. A Black Moon is when two new moons happen in the same month, which happens in April this year. There’s nothing to actually see here — just enjoy a second time stargazing without a moon crowding out all the starlight.

Vivid Venus for Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 Our neighbor Venus is steadily approaching its highest point in the morning sky this month, meaning it will be very well-placed and shining brightly for the Valentine’s Day holiday. Which is perfect timing considering Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty and desire.

Look to the southeast in the waning hours before dawn.

Photo courtesy NASA.

Venus-Jupiter Conjunction April 30 Remember the “Christmas Star” that was all the rage two holiday seasons ago? That was technically just a very close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, and, while it was a rare happening between those two,

Via Stellarium.

Close Approaches of Venus, Mars and Saturn March 24-April 5 The mornings of late March and early April will be headlined by Venus, Mars and Saturn. The trio will seemingly dance around each other in a tight triangle during this two-week span, culminated by a very close approach of Mars and Saturn — to within a half-degree — on April 4.

The tight pairing of Venus and Jupiter on the morning of April 30. (Stellarium)

planetary conjunctions from our vantage point happen fairly frequently.

Although, not always as close as this one between Venus and Jupiter. The pair will come to within 0.14 degrees of each other on the morning of April 30, appearing to “merge” together as one singular point of light, and close enough to fit within the same view field of a telescope. Look to the southeast before sunrise.

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Lunar eclipse phases. (NASA)

Comet C/2021 03 (PanSTARRS) Late April/early May You may have missed it between all the other news of 2021, but last year, scientists discovered a new comet — Comet C/2021 03 (PanSTARRS) — which is currently approaching the inner solar system. Its perihelion, or closest point to the sun, is calculated to occur around April 20; its closest approach to Earth will be around May 7-9. The unpredictability of comets in general and the novelty of this one makes it hard to predict if it will be a stunning sight for the naked eye or just a dim fuzz through binoculars, but keep an eye out for this event either way. It might be the last chance we ever have to see the comet, as it has a chance to be flung out into the vastness of the galaxy, and never return.

C/2021 03 perched above the constellation Perseus on the night of May 7. (Stellarium)

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Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower

Six Visible Planets Align

May 6, 7

June 18-27

Meteors per hour: 20-60 The Eta Aquarids is a meteor shower consisting of debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. It’s usually a much more fruitful event for the Southern Hemisphere, but plenty of “shooting stars” can also be seen in the Northern Hemisphere. The shower is active from April 19 to May 28, and peaks during the first week of May.

A rare alignment of six (!) planets will occur toward the end of the month. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus will form a plotted line in our dawn sky. Uranus will be the most difficult to observe, but the other five will dazzle quite brightly. What’s more: The ones traditionally regarded as naked-eye observable — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn — will also be in the correct order in which they orbit the sun.

One of Sky and Telescope’s best-predicted showers of the year.

Total Lunar Eclipse May 15 Plenty of chatter made the rounds about the lunar eclipse of November, but that was only a partial one at 97 percent. In May, we get a total lunar eclipse, a full-fledged “Blood Moon.” This also coincides with the full “Flower Moon” of the month, so this is being dubbed the “Flower Moon Eclipse.” Nearly the entirety of North America will be able to witness the event, which will begin at around 8:30 p.m. CDT. According to National Geographic, the moon will reach its “deepest and most dramatic red” at 11:11 p.m.

Do with that information as you “wish.”

Before dawn on June 24. Uranus (not charted) will be between Venus and the moon. (Stellarium)

Tau Herculid Meteor Shower

Supermoon

May 31

July 13

Meteors per hour: 50+ (?)

Like the possibility of Comet C/2021 03, chalk this one up as a “maybe” — but a maybe that will be well worth your time if it transpires. Usually, the Tau Herculids shower only results in a couple of meteors per hour, and many may never have even heard of it. It consists of debris left behind by the fragmenting of Comet 73P/SchwassmanWachmann-3 in 1995, and this year the Earth is forecasted to pass through one of the richest particle pools of that dead comet. Space. com is calling this “perhaps the most dramatic sky event in 2022.”

The second supermoon of 2022 will also be the biggest full moon of the year.

One of Sky and Telescope’s best-predicted showers of the year.

Supermoon June 14 The first of three supermoons will shine in June. A supermoon is when a full moon reaches its perigee, or point closest to Earth. The difference is usually marginal, however.

A full moon over Mallard Lake in Manila. (Tony Milligan)

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Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower July 30 Meteors per hour: 20 The Delta Aquarids is made up of debris from comets Marsden and Kracht, and generally runs annually from July 12 to Aug. 23. It’s another that’s best-viewed below the equator, but those in the Northern Hemisphere are in its visibility range a couple of hours before and after midnight. This year’s shower lines up with the New Moon, meaning no moonlight competition for the shower.

One of Sky and Telescope’s best-predicted showers of the year.

Supermoon Aug. 12 The third and final supermoon of 2022.

Perseid Meteor Shower

Orionid Meteor Shower

Aug. 12, 13

Oct. 21 Meteors per hour: 10-20

Meteors per hour: 60-90 One of the best meteor showers in all of the heavens, the Perseids runs from July 17 to Aug. 24, peaking in mid-August. The full moon will cut into the number of observable meteors this year, but it should still be a worthwhile stargazing event.

Jupiter Opposition

The Orionids is another meteor shower formed by the orbit of the famous comet Halley. While not one of the largest showers, it’s always a favorite because of this fact, and since it radiates from another celestial darling — the constellation Orion. The Orionids runs from around Oct. 2 to Nov. 7.

One of Sky and Telescope’s best-predicted showers of the year.

Total Lunar Eclipse

Sept. 26

Nov. 8

The gas giant Jupiter reaches a unique opposition this month, or point directly opposite the sun in the sky. This will also mark its closest approach to Earth, known as its perigee. It will be the closest moment between Jupiter and Earth since 1963.

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The second lunar eclipse of 2022 and last one of totality until 2025 happens in November. However, this time the United States’ viewable range will be divided, with the central/eastern portions of the country only seeing a partial eclipse.

Looking west on Dec. 8 after midnight. (Stellarium)

Leonid Meteor Shower

ter occultation, meaning the moon will orbit directly in front of it, blocking it from view.

Nov. 17

Mars Opposition

Meteors per hour: 15-200 (?)

The consensus is split around the Leonids this year. The annual shower, formed by debris from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, is typically an average event. However, some years have seen incredible outbursts, the last occurring in 2001. Some are forecasting a normal shower with a couple dozen or so meteors per hour; others, however, are predicting the shower might be enhanced by a dense cloud of particles expelled by the comet in 1733. The most optimistic outlooks predict a potential of 200-plus meteors per hour.

But like the Tau Herculids, we won’t really know until we get at or near the date.

One of Sky and Telescope’s best-predicted showers of the year.

Mars Occultation Dec. 7 Mars will get plenty of time in the limelight — or moonlight — to close out the year. On this night, the red planet will encoun-

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Dec. 8 The following evening, Mars will be at peak brightness in the sky when it reaches its opposition. Since our next-door neighbor only hits opposition every 26 months or so, the next one won’t happen until 2025.

Geminid Meteor Shower Dec. 13, 14 Meteors per hour: 100-200 This would likely be the best meteor shower to see of 2022 (or at least the most reliable), if not for the heavy moonlight coinciding with its peak for the second year in a row. However, it’s a strong enough shower for plenty of meteors to still make the rounds for our eyes.

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4 y a w a e Giv

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of Valentine's

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e know that Valentine’s Day may look a little different for many of us this year, but we still want to give you, our readers, the opportunity to make it a memorable one. That’s why we’ve brought back our annual Valentine’s Day Giveaway to help you spice up your special day.

How To Win Each day of February leading up to Valentine's Day, visit AY’s social media platforms for the code word of the day. Enter it at aymag.com/ contests for your chance to win. Items must be picked up in person.

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1

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day ALL ABOUT FLOWERS —

Flower Arrangement ($70 value) 106 E Elm Street, El Dorado 870-862-5437

day

allaboutflowerseldorado.com No Valentine’s Day is complete without a stunning arrangement of flowers, and El Dorado’s favorite florist has you covered this year.

SUNLIMITED TANNING & DAY SPA — Six (6) BodyTone™ Sessions ($2100 Value) 3421 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock 12911 Cantrell Road, Little Rock sunlimitedtanning.com Contour your body while burning fat with Sunlimited's non-invasive solution to create a stronger, tighter core and well-defined muscles. FDA approved 30 minute treatments with no downtime.

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day

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THE SCRUB SPOT —

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$100 Gift Card 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Suite 101, Little Rock 501-766-7876 arscrubspot.com Be one of the first in line for The Scrub Spot’s grand opening on Feb. 21 with this generous gift card.

THE TAMALE FACTORY — Dinner for Two ($100 value) 19751 Highway 33, Augusta 870-347-1350

Treat your loved one to world famous tamales and mouth watering steaks.

Located in Woodruff County right between the White and Cache Rivers; an area that can described as the Gateway to the Delta.

SOMETHING SWEET —

$150 Gift Card 221 S. Pruett Street, Paragould 870-565-5169 paragouldsweets.com Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like “something sweet.” This gift card may be used on a wedding cake or custom cake.

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day TIPTON & HURST —

One Dozen Roses ($100 value) tiptonhurst.com

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MURRY'S DINNER PLAYHOUSE — Perfect Wedding, 3 Tickets Feb. 8–March 12 6323 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock 501-562-3131

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a classic arrangement of red roses. Tipton & Hurst’s premium longstemmed red roses never disappoint.

murrysdp.com

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THE CROWN SHOP —

Valentine Bogg Bag Gift Bundle ($135 value)

It’s the day of the wedding, but the groom woke up in bed next to a stranger and has no idea how she got there. With the bride-to-be due to arrive at any moment, he begs his best man to pretend she’s his girlfriend, and chaos and comedy ensue! It’s sure to be a mad-cap walk down the aisle!

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10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite B1, Little Rock 501-227-8442 thecrownshop.com The Crown Shop is your one-stop shop for all of your Valentine gift giving ... gourmet chocolates, homemade fudge, chocolate covered strawberries, luxurious bath products, roses and more!

day BALLET ARKANSAS —

Family 4 pack to Coppélia & the Toymaker February 17-20 ($200 value)

Don't Forget!

UA-Pulaski Tech Center For Humanities And Arts 501-223-5150

Each day of February leading up to Valentine's Day visit AY’s social media platforms for the code word of the day. Enter it at aymag.com/contests for your chance to win. Items must be picked up in person.

balletarkansas.org Filled with comedy and virtuoso dancing, Coppélia & the Toymaker has become one of classical ballet's most beloved stories across the globe.

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KEMURI JAPANESE RESTAURANT —

BODY SCULPTURE OF LITTLE ROCK —

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6 Laser Hair Removal Treatments of a Medium Area ($1,050) 16900 Chenal Parkway, Suite 140 Little Rock, 72223 Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

501-503-1772 bodysculpturelr.com

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Have you grown tired of shaving and waxing? Or perhaps you’re sick of nicking yourself while trying to remove unwanted hair. With the advanced technology of the Splendor-X Laser, removing hair from the face and body has never been easier, faster, and more effective on all skin types.

Gift Certificate ($100) 2601 Kavanaugh Boulevard Little Rock, 72205 501-660-4100 kemurirestaurant.com

The light and fresh (and delicious) food at Kemuri is the perfect place for a date night with the one you love most.

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SISSY’S LOG CABIN —

Heart Stud Earrings ($325 value)

12 day

Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Conway, Memphis sissyslogcabin.com Speak her love language this Valentine's Day with these beautiful white Mother of Pearl earrings from the LAGOS Maya Collection.

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AT THE CORNER — Brunch for Four 201 E. Markham Street, Little Rock 501-400-8458 thecornerlr.com

One of Arkanas’ best brunch spots is offering a complimentary brunch, bottle service and a sweet treat for four to its “Galentine’s” day event.

DOE'S EAT PLACE — $100 Gift Certificate 1023 W. Markham Street, Little Rock 501-376-1195 doeseatplacelr.com Spend a special night with your special someone at the iconic Doe’s Eat Place in downtown Little Rock.

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AY About You is proud to present the 2022 edition of its annual special section,

ASK AN EXPERT

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ow, more than ever, it can be hard to find the facts behind life’s most pressing issues, the answers to all of our questions. One website says this, but another says the opposite. One false step and all the flowers are dead, the faucet’s leaking — and we still haven’t solved the mystery of “what’s for dinner”.

Fortunately, we’ve gathered dozens of Arkansas’ influential and knowledgeable leaders and asked them the questions that you want answered. From health care to homebuilding and finances to cosmetic surgery, we’ve got the answers and insights from those who know best — experts.

ASK AN EXPERT

HEALTH CARE

Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care “AFMC, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, is a 50-year-old health care nonprofit organization. Today, we lead in health care claims review and other aspects of the health care industry. AFMC operates the state opioid dashboard and provides many health care and business solutions. ”

WHERE IS AFMC BASED?

AFMC is an Arkansas-based company. Our headquarters are in downtown Little Rock, with secondary offices in Fort Smith. Due to the pandemic, all 330 full time employees and 205 temporary employees work remotely. AFMC proudly has staff in 55 of Arkansas’ 75 counties and in a few bordering states.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SERVICES AFMC OFFERS?

We offer traditional services for Medicare and Medicaid, including Practice Transformation for health care providers, health care provider outreach and education, surveys and analytical services, and call center services. We also provide program evaluation services and support health utilization management. We ensure quality across the board in all our relationships.

WHO ARE AFMC CUSTOMERS?

AFMC serves customers in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, Vermont and Arkansas, to name a few. Locally, we serve businesses in the private sector and governmental agencies. We have experience in industries such as transportation, health care and education. We customize solutions for client needs.

HOW NIMBLE IS AFMC?

AFMC can stand up new solutions for your company very quickly. Our response time is effective and efficient. We have a proven track record and maintain a client retention rate of more

than 90 percent. In the past, AFMC has launched life-saving call centers in less than one week.

HOW CAN AFMC HELP YOUR BUSINESS?

AFMC is diversifying its portfolio with new lines of business, including offering a HIPAA compliant call service center with Arkansas-based live agents. We provide end-to-end COVID-19 services from testing to vaccinations to augmenting health care staffing. AFMC can provide testing and vaccinations for those in the private sector as well.

WHAT INNOVATIVE WAYS IS AFMC BROADENING ITS REACH?

AFMC TV was created in summer 2021. These internet-based shows air weekly, (afmc.tv) covering timely and important health care and lifestyle topics. The pandemic also magnified the business need to provide virtual options for conferences, whether one day or multiple days. AFMC provides virtual expertise to many organizations, saving time and allowing educational conferences to continue.

WHY AFMC?

AFMC has subject matter experts that manage a variety of specialized services — from community and health care provider outreach programs, COVID-19 and health utilization management services. These experts can be called on as needed to help you with large-scale campaigns or specialized projects.

1020 W 4th St #400, Little Rock • 501-212-8600 • afmc.org

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ASK AN EXPERT

NONSURGICAL COSMETIC PROCEDURES

Arkansas Aesthetics

Katherine Thomas, RN “We never want to change the way that you look — we only want to enhance what you have naturally and to prevent damage from the aging process.”

WHAT MAKES ARKANSAS AESTHETICS DIFFERENT?

The whole patient experience is a priority for us. We keep our appointments at least an hour apart so we can spend time learning about your goals. We will never over-inject or do anything that you don’t need. I often tell people “no” more than I tell them “yes.” Our top priority is to care about you and what is best for you.

WHAT IF I’VE NEVER HAD A NONSURGICAL PROCEDURE DONE BEFORE?

When you come in and we can tell that you’re nervous or anxious (which is totally normal) we spend time and we talk about what you’re afraid of, and what we will do to help you through it. We will do everything we can to make you comfortable and ensure you have the best experience.

WHAT IS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR LINE OF WORK?

I think that women are judged too harshly these days.

If people want to get injectables to make themselves feel better, they should. They shouldn’t be judged for it. I will say, going to an injector that has your best interest in mind and will tell you if you need something or you don’t is the key.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

We are an aesthetic practice that only does neurotoxins and derma fillers at the highest level.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALITY ASSURANCE METHODS?

We continue our education every day and want to learn everything there is to know about what we do. We don’t offer a lot of different services; we’re hyper-focused on what we do.

1031 N. Rodney Parham Road, C7, Little Rock • 501-319-4064 • Arkansas-Aesthetics.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

CIGARS

Cigar Republic

Joe Miller, Owner/GM

WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE CIGAR INDUSTRY HEADING INTO 2022?

There was a steady growth period for cigars for several years before COVID-19, and the pandemic has simply accelerated that growth. In 2021, our industry imported more than 400 million cigars into the U.S., which is an all-time record. Part of this growth is due to infrastructure with more and more upscale cigar lounges opening around the country, which undoubtedly brings in new smokers. Most of our customers say they smoke a lot more now that they have Cigar Republic than before we opened three years ago. The female demographic is also growing as more women discover just how relaxing a good cigar can be, especially when paired with an Old Fashioned. Overall, things are great for the cigar industry and I expect even more growth in 2022.

I DON’T SMOKE OFTEN AND JUST WANT SOMETHING LIGHT AND EASY; WHAT SHOULD I SMOKE?

Probably a milder cigar with a Connecticut-style wrapper. We recommend the DBL Amarillo Fancy Belicosa. It has the best Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, but also has a unique Maduro barber pole on the wrapper which adds another layer of flavor and complexity. I describe it as mild, but not boring! Flavored cigars are very popular for casual smokers and can be up to 30 percent of our weekly sales. The Moontrance by CAO offers a smaller Petite Corona size with clear notes of exotic fruit, bourbon and vanilla, which is very popular with the ladies. Deadwood has taken the flavored cigar industry by storm over the last few years and their Fat Bottom Betty and Leather Rose are top sellers with the men.

MOST RETAIL ITEMS SEEM TO BE MOVING ONLINE AND THESE CIGAR WEBSITES SEEM TO PROMOTE A LOT OF BIG DISCOUNTS. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING FROM A LOCAL TOBACCO SHOP?

prices should be very comparable as many top cigars are priceprotected. The fact is a lot of the online discounts are with cigars they want to get rid of, not necessarily what you want to smoke.

Finally, your local shop will take the time to talk to you, help you and educate you.

I’M WANTING TO EXPLORE WHISKEYS AND BOURBONS THIS YEAR; WHAT IS YOUR SUGGESTION?

To begin with, when you buy from a quality local shop the cigars will always be more fresh. Most of our cigars have been in our humidor for months and under constant care. Secondly, your local shops give you a comfortable place to smoke, and Cigar Republic offers you a “million-dollar” lounge with a $75,000 fresh air system where the room’s air changes every five minutes. If you buy online, you’ll need to tough out the weather in your garage or on your patio. As for price, on the top brands, your local shop’s

Cigar Republic has a “Wall of Whiskey” with more than 400 bottles on display. Our regular pours are 2 ounces, but we offer flights where you can choose four different 1-ounce pours, and this is the best way to discover your palate. From Monday through Wednesday every week, we offer $5 off your flight, as well. I would recommend the Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon, the Macallan 12 Year Scotch, a Redbreast 12 Year Irish and the Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey. This will give you four unique flavor profiles, and all at a reasonable price.

1315 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock • 501-615-8040 • CigarRepublic.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

NURSING HOME

Briarwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

MAY WE BRING FOOD INTO THE FACILITY?

WHEN IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER A “SKILLED NURSING FACILITY?”

When evaluating a senior, it’s important to look at the ADL list because it will touch on points when nursing home care could be required: • Cannot use telephone • Unable to shop without assistance or even shop at all • Needs meals prepared and served or cannot maintain an adequate diet

Yes, food may be brought in from outside of the facility for your loved ones. We would ask that any opened food be kept in a sealed storage container.

WHAT ARE THE VISITING HOURS?

Briarwood Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours.

We view this facility as the “home” of each resident. We would ask that if visiting on evening and weekends that noise levels be kept at an appropriate level as they would be in your own home.

CAN RESIDENTS LEAVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES? CAN RESIDENTS STAY OVERNIGHT WITH THEIR FAMILIES?

• Cannot participate in housekeeping activities • Needs laundry done by others • Needs travel assistance or does not travel at all • Isn’t capable of dispensing own medication • Incapable of handling money or making day-to-day purchases In short, each resident is different and requires separate care levels. Contact our social director today if you feel you are struggling to figure out if your loved one needs additional care.

Yes, most residents are free to come and go with their family members. We do ask that you sign your loved one in and out at the nurse’s station. Also, please make sure and give the facility as much advanced notice as possible so we may better support in any travel.

Additionally, no resident that is currently receiving Medicare Part A benefits is allowed to be out of the building overnight due to government regulation.

516 S. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock • 501-224-9000 • briarwoodnursingandrehab.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

HEART HEALTH

David Griffin, MD

CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute

DOES HEART DISEASE BEGIN WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?

No. This is a common misconception that the need to combat heart disease doesn’t begin until an older age. It’s never too early to implement healthy lifestyle changes. Making small changes now, like walking more or eating healthier, can help you reduce your chances of heart disease later in life.

WHAT ARE COMMON RISKS FOR HEART DISEASE?

Common risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Without a commitment to a hearthealthy diet, a person’s risk factors will continue to grow which increases the likelihood of coronary artery disease, heart attack

or heart failure. Stopping the use of tobacco is one of the most effective lifestyle changes to improve heart health and reduce the risk of developing a number of different heart conditions.

IS THERE A WAY TO SEE WHERE MY HEART HEALTH STANDS NOW?

The new HeartSmart program at the CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute offers a comprehensive series of heart screenings to ensure your heart health is where it needs to be — and it only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The best thing is, you only have to remove your shoes during the screening process. Learn more about the HeartSmart screening program at chistvincent.com/heartsmart.

chistvincent.com/heart

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ASK AN EXPERT

CARDIOLOGY

Conway Regional Cardiovascular Clinic WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE?

Managing the risk factors that are in your control is the number one way to prevent cardiovascular disease.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT RISK FACTORS THAT CAN BE MANAGED?

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM EXERCISING WITH ENOUGH INTENSITY?

To be effective, the exercise must elevate your heart rate. It is also important to exercise 30 minutes, five days a week.

IS THERE MEDICATION THAT IS HELPFUL?

Smoking cessation and controlling blood sugar (diabetes), cholesterol and high blood pressure are important, along with exercise having the biggest impact. An American Health Association (AHA) study of patients indicated that moderate exercise, 30 minutes per day for five days per week, can decrease the mortality rate by 30 percent. The AHA also studied the effects of walking, running, weightlifting, cycling and swimming and found these exercises to be equally effective. The exercise regimen should also include muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity on two or more days a week. Strength training should involve all major muscle groups to provide full health benefits.

IF AT RISK FOR HEART ATTACK OR STROKE, WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS?

Heart attacks do not always present with dramatic symptoms.

Only about 50 percent of patients have typical symptoms: crushing chest pain, nausea, sweating or pain going down the left arm and up into the jaw. About 20 percent never know they have had a heart attack. A common theme among new cardiac patients is going to be exertional shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, and a dull, achy discomfort that can be mistaken for indigestion. It is important to recognize changes in your health.

For example: If someone exercises regularly and one day on a twomile walk, they become short of breath or must cut the walk short because they don’t feel good, they should visit with a physician.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO VISIT WITH A PHYSICIAN?

Regular visits with a family doctor to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other vitals are important. Without those yearly visits, cardiovascular disease can go undiagnosed and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

There have been improvements in medication related to cardiovascular disease and diuretics. However, it is important to know that not all medicine is helpful. For instance, the average person does not need to take aspirin unless a doctor has diagnosed them with heart disease, atrial fibrillation (an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm), or if they are at risk for stroke.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE?

The signs of stroke in men and women include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I MAY BE HAVING A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE?

When treating heart attack and stroke, fast response by health care professionals is essential for the patient’s survival and quality of life. Anyone experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately. Most emergency responders are equipped with mobile communication technology that can transmit electrocardiograms (EKGs) from the ambulance directly to the nearest, most appropriate emergency room. Once the EKG is sent to the ER, the heart team will be onsite when the patient arrives. The heart and stroke teams at Conway Regional have achieved the American Heart Association’s gold standard awards and are among the fastest rapid response teams in the state.

525 Western Avenue, Suite 202, Conway • 501-358-6905 • www.conwayregional.org

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ASK AN EXPERT

MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE

Dawn S. Hughes, MD

PERINATOLOGIST, Conway Regional Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center of Arkansas “Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) comprises of specialists who are obstetricians which provide specialized care for women with high-risk pregnancies. We have the pleasure of caring for two patients at once. We work in collaboration with neonatologists, genetic counselors, pediatric specialists and the patient’s primary obstetrician to provide highly specialized care. ”

WHEN DOES A PATIENT NEED A MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST?

This is usually determined by the patient’s obstetriciangynecologist (OB-GYN) prior to or during pregnancy and is based on a patient’s medical and family history. Our patients include mothers who are older than 35 (or advanced maternal age), those who have health conditions that could complicate pregnancy (such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.) or those who have had high-risk pregnancies in the past. We also take care of unborn babies with issues such as structural abnormalities, genetic differences and growth restriction.

ARE YOUR PATIENTS ABLE TO KEEP THEIR PERSONAL OBGYN?

Absolutely. We practice with and in addition to the primary OB-GYN. My goal is to thoroughly assess a patient’s pregnancy and develop a plan of care to get both mom and baby safely through delivery day. For many patients, this means seeing an MFM once or twice during the pregnancy for targeted ultrasounds and recommendations.

ARE THERE CERTAIN WARNING SIGNS THAT WOMEN SHOULD BE AWARE OF DURING PREGNANCY?

One of the confusing and often frustrating aspects of pregnancy is that many symptoms can often be totally normal or a warning sign of a potential complication. It almost always takes a complete clinical evaluation to tell the difference. Because of that, it’s always best to discuss any concerns with an OB-GYN or MFM.

WHAT’S THE MOST SURPRISING THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE?

I didn’t realize how much my practice would change my outlook on life. Learning everything that can go wrong in a pregnancy gave me a profound appreciation for when everything goes right. After a hard day at work, I find myself marveling at my own children and the miracles that they are.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST?

I am a nerd through and through, and I don’t think there is anything more interesting than the science of pregnancy. I was also drawn to the specialty because it allows me to form lifelong bonds with my patients. On any given day, I get to walk with patients through some of the happiest and saddest moments of their lives.

WHAT CAN A PATIENT EXPECT FROM A VISIT WITH AN MFM?

Most visits include an in-depth interview to assess a patient’s medical and genetic history as well as a detailed ultrasound.

The ultrasound is a highly detailed assessment that looks for structural issues with the baby as well as markers that could help to identify a genetic issue. The MFM then discusses the results of the ultrasound and goes over the plan of care for the duration of the pregnancy. This is always one of my favorite parts of each visit because it gives patients an opportunity to ask questions, to really understand and be a part of developing their own care plans. So much of pregnancy can seem overwhelming, so I love using this opportunity to put women in the driver’s seat of their care as we navigate their pregnancy together.

2200 Ada Ave., Suite 200, Conway • 501-513-5424 • conwayregional.org

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ORTHOPEDICS

Conway Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center

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

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

In addition, COSMC orthopedic surgeons Grant Bennett, MD, J. Tod Ghormley, MD, and Scott Smith, MD, use the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery to provide an innovative way for patients to receive knee/hip replacements.

HOW DOES MAKO WORK?

WHAT IS MAKO ROBOTIC-ARM ASSISTED SURGERY?

A CT scan is uploaded into the Mako platform and a threedimensional model of the knee or hip is used to create a pre-plan and assist the surgeon with the procedure. The surgeon can then proceed with or adjust that plan once in the operating room by controlling the robotic arm that helps execute the procedure with greater precision and accuracy.

Mako is an approach to joint replacement that offers the potential for more precise, customized positioning of implants for each patient. Mako technology can be used to perform hip and knee replacement surgeries that are less invasive and more precise than traditional methods.

DOES THE ROBOT PERFORM THE SURGERY OR IS IT MY SURGEON?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAKO AND TRADITIONAL SURGERY?

The Mako technology is a tool that the surgeon uses to perform the procedure. Your surgeon is always in complete control of the robot’s arms.

Mako enables the surgeon to make cuts that are often so precise that less bone is removed, and there is decreased trauma to the soft tissue surrounding the knee or hip. For many patients, this can result in less time on crutches or a walker for the patient.

550 Club Lane, Conway • 501-329-1510 • www.conwayregional.org

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COUNTERTOPS

Countertop World WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER REPLACING MY COUNTERTOPS?

Updated countertops are a huge selling point if you are considering placing your home on the market. You also might be considering updating the look of your home, and countertops are a huge step in the right direction. You may also find maintenance or upkeep of your current countertops to be a hassle. With a wide variety of countertop materials and options, we can help find the best fit for design and function for your busy lifestyle.

WHAT’S CURRENTLY THE MOST POPULAR COUNTERTOP MATERIAL?

Quartz is currently the most popular due to the wide array of designs and specific colors available, as well as ease of maintenance.

Natural stone is also still very popular as well for its one-of-a-kind uniqueness.

WHAT’S THE MOST DURABLE COUNTERTOP MATERIAL?

Quartz and granite are both very durable. Quartz is the most stain-resistant on whites and lighter colors. Granite is the most resistant to heat.

WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY COUNTERTOPS?

Quartz is maintenance-free. No need to seal, however, protection from heat should be used. Granite, quartzite and marble require sealing. Countertop World offers a 15-year sealer applied by a technician to ease your mind. We also offer a five-year or 10year warranty through Granite Gold to cover all of life’s mishaps and ease your mind.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT MY COUNTERTOPS TO LAST?

With proper knowledge of materials and maintenance, your countertops can last a lifetime. Our staff can provide all the knowledge needed to select the right material that will be sure to give you years of durability and satisfaction.

WHY COUNTERTOP WORLD?

Our staff has 100-plus years of combined experience to help you find the perfect fit for your family and lifestyle. We also offer a large selection of in-stock material to help make your decision easier. That, combined with state-of-the-art equipment for precision fabrication, makes Countertop World the place to go.

Give us a call or stop by and let us help you get started.

26096 I-30, Bryant • 501-481-8117 • countertopworldar.com

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IN-HOME HEALTHCARE

Elder Independence Home Care

SHOULD I HIRE A PRIVATE CAREGIVER OR WORK THROUGH AN AGENCY?

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A LOVED ONE MAY NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IN THEIR HOME?

A place to start is by assessing their current level of independence.

Note that you may not be able to answer some of these questions without talking to other family members, close friends of theirs, clergy, etc.

• Signs of injury • Change in ability or appearance • Changes in routine • Unusual amount of clutter • Unsafe driving • Behavioral changes WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOME CARE SERVICES?

• Companion Care – Provides emotional support and companionship.

• Personal Care – Provide assistance in completing everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and oral hygiene.

• Transitional Care – Care provided following hospitalization or a stay in a rehabilitation facility.

• Short Term Disability or Illness – Short term care is provided to individuals after an illness or surgery.

• Home Care for Chronic Conditions – Care provided for conditions or illness such as; Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, COPD, Heart Disease, Diabetes, etc.

There can be pros and cons to both private caregivers and working through an agency. Just a few of the pros and cons are listed here: Agencies typically perform a full vetting on their caregivers (background checks, drug screens, reference checks, etc.) while an individual may not be able to perform these on a private caregiver.

While you can sometimes hire a private caregiver for less per hour than a caregiver through an agency; with an agency you will have the peace of mind knowing a caregiver is licensed, bonded and insured.

Another factor to consider is will you have a replacement if your private caregiver is out unexpectedly? Agencies are usually able to send a replacement if your caregiver must be absent unexpectedly.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN CHOOSING A HOME CARE AGENCY?

Some of the important questions are:

• Is your agency licensed?

• Are your caregivers W2 employees or 1099 contractors?

• What is the screening process for your caregivers?

• How long have you been in business?

• What is your training process for your caregivers?

HOW IS IN-HOME CARE PAID FOR?

Benefits of a Long Term Care Insurance Policy, VA Benefits, Medicaid, or Private Pay.

5200 Highway 5 North, Suite 5, Bryant • 501-847-6102 • elderindependence.com

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QWO PROCEDURE

Edward J. Love, MD, FACS WHAT IS QWO?

Essentially, it is an enzyme called collagenases. It is not known exactly how it works. It is intended to treat moderate to severe cellulite. The enzyme attacks the fibrous bands that “pull” the skin downward creating a dimple in the skin. If the band is released, the dimpling will smooth out over time creating a more youthful appearance of the skin.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE FOR QWO?

If you have moderate to severe cellulite, it is time for an evaluation. It requires an in-person consultation to see if you are a candidate.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

QWO has been cleared by the FDA for cellulite in the buttocks only. Although it has been used throughout the thigh region with a very high satisfaction rate.

WHEN CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS FROM QWO?

Results with QWO are considered permanent as the enzyme destroys the band that is pulling and causing the dimple in the skin.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

At least a year. There are many patients that are reporting positive results farther out than one year that would be considered permanent.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH QWO?

The most common side effects of QWO include injection site bruising, pain, areas of hardness, itching, redness, discoloration, swelling and warmth in the treatment area.

Bruising is almost guaranteed by the nature of the enzyme and can be significant. So it is a good time to consider QWO in the colder months secondary to clothing covering the treatment areas.

HOW CAN I SCHEDULE A FREE QWO CONSULTATION?

Call Dr. Edward J Love’s office at 501-224-LOVE (5683) to schedule an appointment with our nurse injector and QWO specialist, Kerri Hogan, BSN, RN.

9500 Baptist Health Drive, Suite 200, Little Rock • 501-224-LOVE (5683) • edwardjlovemd.com

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EYE CARE

Shelby Brogdon, OD McFarland Eye Care

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE 20/20 VISION?

20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity, the clarity or sharpness of vision, measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.

Vision is more than just seeing 20/20. Other important vision skills include peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision. These all contribute to your overall visual ability. Also, having 20/20 vision does not mean the eyes are free of any ocular disease. Many eye diseases can cause damage to the eye before affecting your vision.

WHY DO I NEED A YEARLY EYE EXAM?

A yearly eye exam is important for people of all ages. For children, we evaluate the visual skills needed to be successful in school along with determining if glasses or contacts are needed and checking the health of their eyes. In adults, visual needs change over time including using reading glasses or bifocals for near work.

As we age, looking into the health of the eyes can detect early signs of ocular disease like glaucoma or macular degeneration. The sooner we can detect and treat these diseases the better we can protect against permanent vision loss.

The eyes are also a window to our body, so a yearly dilated eye exam that is looking at the blood vessels inside your eyes can detect diabetes and high blood pressure before other signs are noted. So be sure to get the whole family scheduled for annual eye exams!

WHAT IS CAUSING MY EYELID TO TWITCH AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Eyelid twitches are really common and can be quite annoying.

The main causes include fatigue, stress, increased caffeine intake, eye strain, dry eyes and electrolyte imbalances. Personally, I have found stress to be the number one factor for myself and my patients.

These eyelid twitches sometimes come and go but can also persist for weeks. There are a few things you can do to try to get some relief. The first thing is reducing stress, which is a lot easier said than done. You can also try to get some extra rest and hold off on getting that extra cup of coffee. If you are working long hours on digital devices, give yourself plenty of breaks throughout the day to avoid eye strain. Be sure to lubricate your eyes with artificial tears and try to stay hydrated. If symptoms still persist, visit your local optometrist for an evaluation.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT EYE STRAIN FROM WORKING LONG HOURS ON THE COMPUTER?

Headaches, eye fatigue and blurry vision on the computer that all get worse at the end of the day? If this sounds familiar to you, then you are probably suffering from eye strain. This is very common in both children and adults and has become increasingly problematic as we have moved more work to our digital devices over the last few years.

When discussing eye strain with my patients, we sometimes discuss computer glasses and/or adding a bifocal or antireflective coating to their lenses. This all depends on the patient’s prescription, age, and work environment. I definitely recommend following up with your eye doctor to discuss what options might benefit you.

One thing that could work for most people and something I always mention is called the 20/20/20 Rule. It states that every 20 minutes on a digital device, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your eyes and prevent excessive eye strain. You can stand up and stretch, look out a window, or take a little stroll, just be sure to look away from any devices. I challenge you to give it a try this week.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?

The first step toward LASIK actually begins by seeing if you’re a candidate for the procedure. We make this as easy as possible by offering free LASIK evaluations at McFarland Eye Care. We will perform various tests and measurements to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. We will let you know during this appointment if we think LASIK is right for you. Once you have all the information, you can decide if you want to move forward with LASIK. We understand that this is a big decision and we are here for you — to answer questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Little Rock, Bryant, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff • 501-830-2020 • McFarlandEye.com

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INSURANCE

Charlotte Potts State Farm Insurance

WHAT ARE THE AREAS OF INSURANCE THAT YOUR AGENCY PROVIDES?

My State Farm agency provides all lines of products that State Farm offers — home, auto, life, health, business insurance (including worker’s comp), annuities, Rocket Mortgage products, Medicare Supplement products, Trupanion pet insurance and retirement products.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES THAT PEOPLE MAKE WHEN SELECTING AN INSURANCE COVERAGE/PROVIDER?

The biggest mistake we see people make is selecting the “cheapest” policy available. The old saying is true, “You get what you pay for.” It’s fine to select a less expensive policy when all other variables are equal, but they usually aren’t. The liability portion of a policy is what protects people’s assets if they are sued. Choosing the lowest amount protects them the least. My team and I try to explain exactly how someone’s policy responds and what the limits are when a claim has to be made.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD PEOPLE BE ASKING THEIR INSURANCE AGENT?

How can you best protect the risks my family has?

WHAT ARE POLICIES PEOPLE USUALLY NEED AND DON’T HAVE OR DON’T HAVE ENOUGH OF?

Life insurance and disability insurance are the policies where people are typically severely underinsured. Lots of people “have it at work” and think that’s enough coverage. For instance, a person may have $100,000 of life insurance at work, but if they make $50,000 per year, that $100,000 doesn’t last but two years. A great rule of thumb is to do the math: Your income x the number of years you would want your family to have that amount = the amount of death benefit you’d want in force so your family’s lifestyle could continue financially uninterrupted for that many years. Anything less makes your family short on funds.

ARE YOUR INSURANCE PACKAGES ONE SIZE FITS ALL, OR CAN YOU TAILOR PACKAGES BASED ON SPECIFIC NEEDS?

State Farm’s insurance policies are definitely NOT one size fits all. Each family has different risks and different amounts they stand to lose. We tailor policy contracts to provide coverage for what clients need or want.

WHAT MAKES YOUR AGENCY DIFFERENT?

My team and I strive to be true risk managers for our clients. Whatever a family’s risks may be, we want to help them understand how to offset those risks. We also educate clients on how their policies work for them and where their potential gaps may be. We strive to become referable and stay referable. We have a genuine love for others and do our best to be trustworthy members of the communities that we serve. Thank you to each of our clients, future clients and friends for allowing us to serve you and your families!

17200 Chenal Pkwy, Suite 290, Little Rock • 501-821-1441 • charlottepotts.com 707 Main Street, North Little Rock • 501-791-1100 • charlottepottsinsurance.com

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Today’s Power, Inc

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY COMES FROM SOLAR ENERGY?

In today’s energy grid, there is a diverse mix of power to ensure that we have access to reliable power. In the United States, roughly 20 percent of our grid is made up of renewable energy, and over the last seven years, we have experienced increased deployments of solar energy which currently make up roughly 3 percent of power consumed in the U.S. Producing more than 42 billion kilowatthours in 2020, solar is expected to make up a large portion of our energy in the years to come. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), solar energy is projected to account for the largest share of new capacity.

In Arkansas, Today’s Power has played an integral role in increased the megawatt (MW) capacity of solar in the Natural State. With more large-scale projects than any other Arkansasbased developer, Today’s Power has successfully increased the solar footprint in the state by more than 40 MWs since 2014.

WHAT ARE PPA’S, AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM AN OUTRIGHT PURCHASE?

When deciding to add solar to your mix at your business or organization, you must decide if it is more advantageous to secure your solar energy via ownership or a power purchase agreement (PPA). For those looking to take advantage of tax incentives and see a dramatic reduction in energy consumption during daytime hours, ownership may be the right path for you. Organizations without a tax appetite may consider a PPA whereas there are no up-front costs associated with the development of the project, and tax incentives are passed along to the developer, which provides a set rate for power produced by the solar system throughout the

SOLAR POWER

contract term of a power purchase agreement.

ABOUT HOW LONG DOES A SOLAR SYSTEM LAST, ON AVERAGE?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV panels, are built to last for more than 25 years. Indeed, many solar panels placed as early as the 1980s are still operating at expected capacity. At Today’s Power, we anticipate that solar systems may degrade at a rate of 1 percent each year, which means that after 25 years, a solar system should be operating at 70-80 percent of its full capacity.

WHAT IS BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE?

Utility-scale battery storage is becoming increasingly important in the operation of the electric grid, bringing cost savings, environmental advantages and unprecedented system flexibility. A battery energy storage system (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges (or gathers) energy from the grid or a power plant and then releases that energy when electricity or other grid services are required.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY?

One of the biggest common misconceptions about solar energy projects, especially for the public sector, is that taxpayers will lose millions of dollars to solar farms. But, for when renewable energy projects are built in local communities, state and local governments receive tax revenue. This means that the renewable energy projects in Arkansas have resulted in significantly more money invested in our communities and schools.

7300 Industry Drive, North Little Rock • 888-322-4275 • todayspower.com

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REAL ESTATE

Velda Lueders Coldwell Banker RPM Group

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?

Since 1995, when I joined an all-female company, at a time that Faulkner County was experiencing significant growth, and it hasn’t slowed down since! I truly love my profession.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE CONSIDERING BECOMING A REALTOR?

Be flexible; real estate isn’t a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 career.

I had a young lady tell me, right after she received her license, that she wasn’t going to work on weekends, and she would not be available before 10 a.m. She was out of the business in less than a year. Scheduling time for yourself and your family is important, it’s just a matter of balancing your time wisely.

WHAT DO YOU WISH THAT BUYERS KNEW BEFORE CALLING A REALTOR TO LOOK AT HOMES?

Know what they can afford to buy. Meet with a loan officer or your financial advisor, they will talk with you about your income and outlay each month, figure your debt-to-income ratio, and then provide you with a pre-approval letter for a loan or a proof of funds statement if you are paying cash. In today’s market, sellers want to know that the buyer submitting an offer have their financing in place.

WHAT SHOULD SELLERS DO TO PREPARE THEIR HOME TO BE LISTED?

Make an appointment with your REALTOR to come and have the “talk.” You are hiring a REALTOR to provide you with all the information to get your house ready for showings, an offer on your house for the best price, and all in the least amount of time possible. Go room by room and have your notebook handy for writing down the items that your REALTOR determines need to be cleaned, repaired, removed or simply re-arranged. Some sellers are more comfortable with their REALTOR coming to the house and preparing this list for the sellers. Your REALTOR is a source of information and will help you in finding a handyman or contractor to make repairs, someone to remove items you are getting rid of, etc. A clean, well-maintained home is what buyers are looking for.

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE MARKET?

It’s been crazy! For a few weeks in 2020 we were shut down, and then it was determined that REALTORS were essential in the workforce, and we went back to work. Precautions were put in place, and things began to go back to somewhat normal. Calls were coming in that, with everyone being home, families needed a larger home to meet the needs of homeschooling and working from home. The flip side of the coin were calls from homeowners

saying they don’t need the amount of space they have; they want something smaller, easier to take care of. It continued in 2021. Low inventory has been and still is a huge issue for so many areas in Arkansas.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE MARKET WITH THE RISING INTEREST RATES IN 2022?

We are seeing an increase in rates, but the rates are still low compared to what we have seen in years past. We will see the rates put some buyers out of the buyer pool, though I believe this will be a small percentage of buyers. Many of our lending institutions have some amazing programs for buyers.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS?

Being involved in my local, state and national associations allows me to network with so many great agents. When we are attending meetings, we share ideas, experiences, ask questions/ suggestions of how to handle certain situations and most of all, build lifelong friendships. I have REALTOR friends in just about every state — even Puerto Rico!

WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO OBTAIN REALTOR DESIGNATIONS?

I was encouraged to continue my real estate education early on in my career. It has been so beneficial. I strive to provide the very best real estate experience for the buyers and sellers I work with, and real estate education is a huge part of that.

609 Locust Street, Conway • 501-730-2857 • veldalueders.com

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Blackmon Auctions “I am licensed in 24 states, and we consistently work in about 15 states a year. We have conducted live auctions in all lower 48 states and have sold virtually in Canada, Mexico and Alaska. ”

AUCTIONS ARE YOU THE ONE WHO TALKS FAST?

I am. I am the owner of the company, and I still auction at every auction we have. The auctioning, or the chant, is one of my favorite parts of the auction business. I got my license when I was 18 and have been selling ever since then.

I WANT TO BUY SOMETHING AT AN AUCTION. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE?

Ask questions, inspect and do your homework well before the day of the auction. Make sure you know exactly what you are buying and what condition it is in. Auctions are exciting, and buyers make two mistakes.

One, they want their item to be in better shape than it really is. They want to think they found something that no one else noticed. Sometimes, you are the only one bidding for a reason. Second, buyers go over their original budget. Before the auction starts, write a number down, and don’t go over that number when you are bidding. That number you write down the day before the auction is an educated value. When the auction starts and you are bidding, that amount is based on emotion and competition.

WHY SHOULD I AUCTION SOMETHING AS OPPOSED TO LISTING IT MYSELF?

An auction is the best and most efficient way of selling that brings out the competition and need from your buyers. You might be able to list something on an online marketplace and sell it quickly, but are you really getting the highest market value? A well-advertised auction conducted by an established auction company will always create the highest market value for that day.

5423 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock • 501-664-4526 • blackmonauctions.com

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Bow Tie Wealth Management A veteran-owned business.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR WHAT SERVICES DOES BOW TIE WEALTH MANAGEMENT PROVIDE?

The services we provide impact our clients and their families for generations. We serve them alongside their trusted attorney, CPA and other advisors on issues such as retirement planning, estate and tax planning, cash flow analysis, portfolio management, distribution strategies and charitable planning.

IS YOUR FIRM A FIDUCIARY?

Yes, we accept the duties of a fiduciary. We operate in compliance with the fiduciary standard, meaning we are bound by the legal and ethical standards of the Fiduciary Rule. Our firm puts our client’s interests first by charging a transparent and agreed-upon flat fee, rather than dealing with commissions.

DOES YOUR FIRM GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

Yes, our firm is committed to helping others. We actively serve in leadership roles in our churches, The CALL, on both a local and statewide level, Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center, the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation and The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. We also support other impactful organizations around the country in communities where our clients live.

WHAT TYPES OF CLIENTS DO YOU WORK WITH?

We work with a limited number of individuals and families who need and want a trusted advisor involved in their life. Whether they have a background with a tech company, mainstream company or a professional or medical services provider, our clients have financial planning concerns and transitional events in their lives that are demanding. Each client receives personalized services with an experienced partner to fit their individual situation.

340 Ouachita Avenue, Suite 2B, Hot Springs • 501-204-8000 • bowtiewealth.com

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Brashears Furniture

FURNITURE/INTERIOR DESIGN

CAN YOU WORK WITH ANY BUDGET?

Brashears will work with all budget sizes. We will start with any priority pieces and rooms and work with you until a beautiful space is complete.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR ROOM YOU’RE ASKED TO DESIGN FOR?

Family room spaces are our most popular request. It’s more important than ever to have a comfortable and inviting space to come home to.

Sectionals continue to be very popular and can be customized to fit any space.

WHAT ARE KEY DECOR OR FURNITURE ELEMENTS THAT ELEVATE A ROOM?

In addition to thoughtfully placed furniture, our rooms are not finished without the details that pull the room together — like an area rug that defines the space or the art and tabletop accessories.

DO YOU WELCOME CLIENT INVOLVEMENT?

Yes, all are welcome. The decision makers, friends of the family and little helpers are key in ensuring we’ve met everyone’s wants and needs.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE BETWEEN DESIGN STYLES?

A big part of the shopping experience is the knowledge of the staff. Because of this, Brashears is able to offer top-notch, in-store complimentary design and decorating services, which has been a huge hit with customers over the years.

At Brashears, we ask you for any pictures of your space or photos you’ve been using as inspiration. This gives us an understanding of any existing pieces we should consider and work around. If you have more traditional or contemporary furnishings, we offer transitional pieces that offer a soft flow and connect to your personal look and style.

Springdale, Arkansas • Berryville, Arkansas • Branson, Missouri • brashears.com

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Dr. Eric Wright

Wright Plastic Surgery

PLASTIC SURGERY HAS THE FIRM, TIGHT SKIN OF YOUR YOUTH GIVEN WAY TO THINNING, CREPINESS, AND LAXITY?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Wright is pleased to offer a safe, effective alternative to surgical skin tightening for the face and body called Renuvion.

WHAT IS RENUVION?

Renuvion, formerly called J-Plasma®, is a minimally invasive skin tightening treatment that combines radiofrequency energy (RF) and helium gas to heat the skin just beneath its surface. The result is immediate tightening (contraction) as well as continued firming for months through increased collagen production.

WHAT AREAS CAN RENUVION TREAT?

Renuvion is best for treating areas of mild to moderately lax skin, which often include: Jawline, Neck, Upper arms, Upper back and bra line, Abdomen and Thighs.

After massive weight loss or pregnancy, patients with significant skin laxity often need a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift, or thigh lift to attain their desired results. Dr. Wright will recommend the appropriate procedure combination during a personal consultation.

WHEN WILL I SEE MY FULL RESULTS?

Patients often notice tightening in treated areas right after their treatment. As new collagen develops over the following six to nine months, the skin becomes even firmer and thicker.

1701 Center View Drive, #201, Little Rock • 501-575-0088 • drwrightplasticsurgery.com

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BARIATRIC SURGERY

Dr. Lewis Porter

Saline Surgical Associates

WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A COLONOSCOPY?

The current recommendations are that any adult with normal risk factors, even without any overt symptoms, have their first colonoscopy at age 45.

Subsequent scheduling a colonoscopy are dependent on many factors, to include family history, other medical conditions and, of course, symptoms.

SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR HERNIA REPAIRED?

It is recommended that most people that have a hernia in the absence of prohibitive risk factors should have their hernia repaired electively. It is almost always better to have a hernia repaired electively rather than emergency.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

Most procedures for weight loss are based on a patient’s body mass index (BMI). A patient with a BMI of 40, or a BMI of 35 with two weight-related diseases, can be considered for weight loss surgery. In addition, other testing and screening processes are used to determine if a patient is a good candidate for the weight loss procedure.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD) AND WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?

GERD is the movement of the contents of the stomach back into esophagus.

The most common complaint is heartburn, but other complaints such as coughing, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and even asthma-like symptoms can occur. GERD is most often aggravated by factors such as caffeine or spicy food intake, overeating, weight gain or carbonated beverages. Many times, alleviating these factors can greatly improve or resolve reflux. Sometimes, the treatment requires over the counter or prescribed medications to reduce acid production in the stomach. Occasionally, a patient will require surgery to improve or alleviate GERD.

5 Medical Park Drive, Benton • 501-778-4862 • salinesurgical.org

ASK AN EXPERT

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Empire Kids

Brooke Plack, President & Founder

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD START PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES?

There is no age too young to begin introducing active play. Quality early learning programs focus on fine and gross motor skills, body awareness and developing social skills with children of similar age — all of which are beneficial to your child’s overall development.

MY CHILD WANTS TO PARTICIPATE BUT IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE. DO YOU HAVE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?

Financial constraints prevent many youth and children from participating in sports and extracurricular activities. Although the burden of scholarships is often too great for small businesses, at Empire Kids we partner with The EMpact One Foundation — a local nonprofit organization with a mission to provide children with access to high-quality experiences through recreational classes, sports teams and extracurricular activities without regard for financial or logistical constraints.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN WHILE IN THIS CLASS?

Sure, backbends, cartwheels, and warp walls are important — but what truly matters is what he or she takes away from their experience. Our mission at Empire Kids is to “Build Pride, Courage and Confidence” in every child we serve. Because at the end of the day, it is more important for a child to learn grit, determination and perseverance than it is to win any competition or game. The championships will be forgotten. The trophies will be long gone. But the character instilled within a child will carry them throughout their lives.

3524 Alcoa Road, Benton • 501-574-6078 • empirekidsar.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

HEAT AND AIR

Energy Air Inc. “Energy Air provides both commercial and residential services. Our services include new construction, new installation of existing systems, duct install and repairs, and refrigeration, such as commercial units.”

AM I COVERED BY A WARRANTY IF I USE ENERGY AIR?

Although warranties may vary on each product, Energy Air continues to focus and provide only the best in workmanship and manufacturer warranties around, such as lifetime and 20-year warranties. Our primary product line of the Amana and Daikin systems are supported by a multitude of superior indoor comfort systems with outstanding warranties.

I DON’T NEED A NEW SYSTEM BUT I WOULD LIKE TO FIND SOME WAYS TO SAVE MONEY. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

There is never a better time than now to save money on your heating and air system. Energy Air provides a preventative maintenance program to help each customer with saving money and making sure their system is running at peak performance which helps in optimal energy efficiency savings.

WHY ENERGY AIR?

Since 1992, Energy Air has maintained its primary focus on its customers’ needs, continuing education of the heating air advancements within the industry, and providing only the best in energy-efficient, highquality HVAC equipment which is backed by exceptional warranties and customer service. Energy Air knows the importance of not only maintaining your system’s overall health maintenance but the knowledge of proper installation and repairs to each system. Having a licensed, educated and certified HVAC contractor is extremely important and is dependent for the system’s performance.

930 E Kiehl Ave, Sherwood • 501-913-8001 • www.energyairar.com

ASK THE EXPERT

HOME BUILDER

I WANT TO HAVE A NEW HOME BUILT, WHERE DO I START?

The first order of business would be to look at your overall financial stability. Talk to a local lender and see what your approval process involves and how much you are able to budget for your new home build. Every process is different and based on each individual’s unique situation.

Second, choose a builder — wisely! Make sure the contractor you are seeking is properly licensed. Each builder is different and offers different perspectives, design approach and services. In addition to the normal process of searching through online platforms, do your own homework. Don’t be afraid to look at that builder’s work.

KellCo Custom Homes “Many builders are able and appreciate the opportunity to help their clients with a concise plan, up front, on an interior design. KellCo Custom Homes delivers a complete design package to help you execute the design starting with the architectural phase. Having a strong team on every level during construction is critical.”

WHAT IF I AM HAVING A HARD TIME SOLIDIFYING MY VISION, BUT HAVE A GENERAL IDEA OF WHAT I LIKE?

This is where having an experienced builder comes in. KellCo Custom Homes specializes in taking a build vision to the next level and creating a unique, oneof-a-kind home that will provide your family with the day-to-day demands and for years to come. Take time to share with your builder your overall desires for the home and your builder can take it from there.

AM I NUTS OR IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUILD A NEW HOME?

The new home building industry is at an all-time high. With interest rates at unprecedented lows, the demands of new home building is remarkable and the housing market is stable, while the supply of existing homes is tight. Exercise patience while the industry continues to successfully manage the shipping of building materials which may have a slighter delay in some areas. It’s not business as usual, but business in our new normal. Overall, KellCo Custom Homes knows how to make it all happen. Now, more than ever, people are working from home and want more space. KellCo builds custom homes to accommodate in-home offices, study spaces for the kiddos, home gyms and outdoor living for backyard activities, such as outdoor kitchens, inground pools and spas.

Sherwood, AR • 501-993-5232 • kellcocustomhomes.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

Kitchen Tune-Up

KITCHEN CABINETS CAN CABINET DOORS ON OLDER CABINETS BE REPLACED WITH NEW DOORS?

In most instances, they can. Our doors are custom-sized to fit any cabinet opening.

CAN YOU PUT NEW ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS IN OLDER CABINETS?

Yes, roll-out trays are a perfect example of custom-sized organizers to fit your space. New trash pullouts in the space of a trash compactor are also popular.

HOW CAN I CHANGE THE STAIN COLOR OF MY EXISTING CABINETS?

We offer refacing, where we apply a factory stained veneer to the cabinet box. New custom-sized doors and drawer fronts, as well as trim moldings, are installed to complete the look. In most instances, the cabinets look like new cabinets.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR DOOR STYLE HOMEOWNERS ARE SELECTING?

The shaker door style is still the most requested. We are also installing slab door styles for homeowners wanting an easy to clean and maintain door style. Flat center panel doors with an applied molding are also a popular option.

WHAT FINISHES ARE HOMEOWNERS SELECTING?

White is still a popular choice. We are seeing homeowners asking for warmer shades such as ivory or antique white as well. As gray continues to be a popular choice, navy accents and green accents are increasing as favorite choices.

9710 Maumelle Boulevard, Maumelle • 501-223-8888 • kitchentuneup.com

ASK AN EXPERT

Miracle-Ear

HEARING CARE WHAT ARE THE MAIN SERVICES THAT YOU PROVIDE?

At Miracle-Ear, we provide help for anyone who does not seem to be hearing as well as they once did. During our free hearing aid evaluation, we can uncover if the reason the television is so loud is something that would need medical attention or if it is as simple as hearing aids.

IS THERE A DISCRETE OPTION TO HELP WITH MY HEARING IMPAIRMENT?

Having a hearing aid that is not visible is important to many users. At Miracle-Ear, we have small and nearly invisible instruments to choose from. Our hearing aids are designed to be virtually unnoticeable.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER MODERN ADVANCEMENTS THAT MIRACLE-EAR PROVIDES?

For the first time ever, our hearing aids are equipped with a motion sensor that can detect your movement. The hearing aid can tell if you are walking, running or sitting and consider that information to deliver the most personalized hearing experience.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON EARLY SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS, AND WHEN SHOULD I THINK ABOUT SCHEDULING A CONSULTATION?

Shelly York, BC-HIS*

Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences

Hearing loss often occurs gradually over time; therefore, early signs may be subtle or easy to miss. Here is what to watch for: others complain about volume levels; you can’t understand what people are saying; you have trouble listening in crowds; you hear ringing in your ears; “What?” has become your catchphrase.

If several of these early signs and symptoms of hearing loss sound familiar, you may have hearing loss. It is okay—you are not alone. The first step you should take if you feel you may be suffering from hearing loss is to have your hearing checked by a Miracle-Ear Hearing Instrument Specialist. They will help determine the degree of hearing loss, if any, and whether hearing aids could help.

Thanks to the wide availability of hearing aid technology, hearing loss does not have to control your life.

Little Rock, Hot Springs, Morrilton • 501-227-4327 • miracle-ear.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

MENTAL HEALTH

NAMI Arkansas

WHAT IS NAMI ARKANSAS

NAMI Arkansas is a private, 40-year-old nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people living with mental illness, their families and the community. NAMI Arkansas operates a statewide organization providing and coordinating a network of local support groups providing support, education and advocacy throughout the state. To get information or find a resource, call the NAMI Helpline at (800) 844 0381.

WHAT IS THE NAMI ARKANSAS HELPLINE?

The NAMI Helpline is here for you. Helpline staff and volunteers are working to answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps.

The NAMI Helpline is a free, peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Helpline staff and volunteers are experienced, welltrained and able to provide guidance. The NAMI Helpline does not offer individual casework, legal representations or individual advocacy. To contact the NAMI Arkansas helpline, call (800) 844 0381.

CAN MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES BE PREVENTED?

A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too.

None of this means that you’re broken or that you, or your family, did something “wrong.” Mental illness is no one’s fault. And for many people, recovery is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a vital role in your recovery process.

1012 Autumn Road, #1, Little Rock • 501-661-1548 • namiarkansas.org

ASK AN EXPERT

TECH SUPPORT

Network Services

HOW ARE BACKUPS DONE?

We have found that so many IT service providers take responsibility for backups without making sure they really work. They must have a proven backup plan in place and the staff to maintain the backups. You should always verify that the data can be recovered before a disaster happens.

WHAT LAYERS MAKE UP YOUR CYBERSECURITY SERVICES?

Many IT providers install security software without monitoring or taking real action. You really want to see an active protection plan with a strategy that includes detection to make sure you are safe. Find out if they have real human eyes on your security 24/7.

WHAT IS THE SUPPORT EXPERIENCE LIKE DURING AND AFTER BUSINESS HOURS?

IT providers normally react to issues and spend very little time thinking about the experience they are providing. Asking this type of question will quickly reveal if they have a passion for your staff ’s experience or just trying to give okay customer service when they call. Our hope is that you can feel empathy and compassion when you are working with an IT service provider.

DO YOU HAVE A LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR OUR ORGANIZATION’S SUCCESS?

It is rare to find an IT provider that embraces the role of becoming a trusted partner. You do not want to just find someone to fix a broken printer; you want to find someone that is looking out for your organization. By asking the question, we hope you are able to uncover their passion for your long-term success.

501-758-6058 • nsgdv.com

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ASK AN EXPERT

HORSE RANCH WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF WARHORSE RANCH?

The ranch boards horses and, in some cases, we do rescues or shortterm rescues. We work and train horses and help their owners gain or regain their trust.

IN WHAT OTHER WAYS IS THE RANCH A CONNECTING PART OF THE COMMUNITY?

We also do trail rides for small groups or even just a couple — with a great dinner or lunch as part of the excursion. Need a beautiful barn wedding? We got you.

Dr. Zachary Young

ARKANSAS PLASTIC SURGERY Helping people through the practice of medicine is in Dr. Zachary Young’s blood. While growing up in Jonesboro, he was exposed to medicine by several family members that were doctors. The desire for a medical degree came naturally, but Young also found a way to still carve his own path, one that led to plastic surgery.

“I always knew I wanted to do surgery,” he says, going on to say that he enjoyed helping out at his dad’s optometry clinic as an adolescent, but the real “eye-opener” was serving as a scrub tech for his surgeon uncles in college. “You can literally transform somebody, and you don’t have to wait. It’s not like giving somebody a pill where you have to wait and see if it works; you can totally change whatever you’re going in there to change — whether that be cancer or something cosmetic.”

Dr. Young attended medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). After earning his MD, he went on to complete a seven-year general surgery residency training program at UAMS, meriting a number of professional and patient-related accolades along the way, landing him an induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. From there, Dr. Young took his talents to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he completed a three-year fellowship in plastic, reconstructive and hand surgery. With all of this knowledge, experience and a board certification from the American Board of Surgery under his belt, Young returned to his home state, and in

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2020 joined the team at Arkansas Plastic Surgery.

“There really are no boring days in what we do,” he says.

“On the same day, we can do breast surgery for cosmetic reasons, like an augmentation, and that afternoon, we can do a reconstruction where you’re making somebody’s life whole again after a cancer operation.”

Dr. Young finds separation in an area that, due to his father and uncles before him, came naturally: bedside manner and honesty.

He prides himself on having an open dialogue with each patient, every step of the way, in turn developing a bond of trust and understanding about the upcoming surgical journey. Preparedness and excellent training are paramount to successful surgical outcomes.

“If your pilot is sweating while flying the airplane, then there’s a problem,” he says. “I feel like it’s the same way with surgery.”

Arkansas Plastic Surgery

9500 Kanis Road, Suite 502, Little Rock 501-219-8388 arkansasplasticsurgery.com

SHERWOOD

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC

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.

SHERWOOD

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC

245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR 72120 Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644

arts&culture

Girls Just Wanna Change the World

Reigning USA National Preteen is Making a Difference, One Classroom at a Time

I

By EMILY BEIRNE Photos courtesy AVA MAE MASTERS

Inspire compassion, inspire kindness and inspire Earth. These are the three pillars on which the USA National Miss pageant is balanced upon. For every young girl who comes through the system, these pillars are used to empower and motivate the next generation of leaders to give back to their communities and make the world a nicer place.

Ava Mae Masters, a 12-year-old from Bentonville, was crowned USA National Preteen in the summer of 2021; the first Arkansan to hold the title. She held a state title for three years before donning her national crown and sash — and for her own personal mission to spread kindness, the perfect platform to reach more people.

“I get to do lots of appearances around the community and in schools. I go into elementary and middle school classrooms talking about our national platform of ‘Inspire,’” Ava Mae says. “Our girls do a lot of community service and find what they’re passionate about in our pillars of compassion, kindness and Earth.”

Ava Mae found her passion at an earlier age than most. Second grade, to be exact. Bullying is unfortunately not unique to one age group; it can be found almost everywhere. She made it her personal mission to stop bullying through her 501(c) (3) — “Inclusion Begins with I.” “I started my nonprofit in the second grade because of a little boy with Down syndrome named Henry,” she says. “He was treated differently by

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other kids because of his disability, and I didn’t like that at all. Henry was one of my very, very good friends, so seeing what he was going through was hard. So I came up with the idea for Inclusion Begins with I.” The nonprofit promotes inclusion and being kind to everyone. She advocates for anyone who has been mistreated or bullied, and she’s ready to tell anyone who will listen what it means to be a good human being.

“The mission is not only for kids with disabilities but also just for anybody with differences.

Whether that’s race, gender or whatever it may be,” Ava Mae says. “We will be making a website later in the spring for my nonprofit, and I have been able to talk to over 2,000 students in Arkansas about Inclusion Begins with I.” Ava Mae’s organization has also begun an advocate program that equips people with merchandise, tools and resources for the kindness campaign. There are currently advocates in 12 states, and Gov. Asa Hutchison has declared “Inclusion Begins with I Week” for the past two years in support of her cause.

As part of her role as USA National Preteen, Ava Mae is constantly looking for more opportunities to serve the community, and if those opportunities happen to coincide with her organization, it’s a cherry on top.

“I have been able to get super involved in

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things relating to my platform,” she says. “I work at my church with special needs students, and they are the kindest, sweetest people ever. They’re awesome.”

The media has consistently portrayed pageants and pageant queens through superficial lenses. The USA National Miss website states that they, “Leave young women empowered, motivated, encouraged, inspired and equipped to reach their full potential.”

The girls and women who compete are essentially acquiring the skills needed to be leaders in their communities, nationally and, maybe someday, internationally.

Ava Mae has been in pageants for as long as she can remember, and as she describes her time as a titleholder, one can only assume the pageant world is not for the weak but rather the most strong-willed and strong of heart.

“A lot of pageantry is confidence. I have friends that when they first started doing pageants they had no self-confidence, but after practicing public speaking and being on the stage, they grew so much,” she says. “You also learn how to take care of your community. I do a lot of community service as a national titleholder, but even as a state titleholder — I was a state titleholder for three years — I was able to do tons of community service throughout Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas in general. Whether that was donating clothes, donating food, volunteering at church and all kinds of different things.”

Constantly surrounded by empowered females ready to make a change, Ava Mae looks to one woman, in particular, for guidance.

“My mom works very, very, very hard for her family, and I have been blessed with many opportunities,” Ava Mae shares. She gives a little laugh and adds that her dad also works hard to support their family, but in the spirit of women supporting women, she’s proud of all her mother has accomplished. “She is the hardest-working woman, a loving mother, and I look up to her.”

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One skill she most likely picked up from her mother is time management. Between traveling around the country with her fellow USA National Miss queens, growing her nonprofit and seizing every opportunity to give back to the community, Ava Mae is also in the middle of her seventhgrade year.

The young queen is preparing for her final year of junior high, with high school right around the corner. And as though she wasn’t already doing more than most kids her age, she is also a competitive dancer.

“I’ve been dancing since I was 3 and competitively for seven years. I dance for my school, Lincoln Junior High. I love dancing, and it’s a huge part of my life,” Ava Mae says passionately.

“Managing my time through USA National Miss, school and dance has really been a challenge, but it’s also been such a great year.”

“USA National Miss is faith-based, and I have an incredible director that emphasizes that,” she says. “Anything that we do is always brought back to Jesus, and it’s really been an amazing and eye-opening part of my reign.”

Her 2021 USA National Preteen reign is halfway through, and Ava Mae shares one of many highlights in her experience so far.

“USA National Miss is well-known for their prize package, and part of that is we get numerous trips around the country during our reign,” she says. “I recently got back from Hollywood, California, with the three other older queens. It was the best thing ever. I’ve always wanted to go to [California]; it was beautiful, and it was the perfect time to grow closer to my UNM family.”

The USA National Miss organization holds a special place in her heart, as she has been a part of and competing in the pageant for so many years.

“USA National Miss is faith-based, and I have an incredible director that emphasizes that,” she says. “Anything that we do is always brought back to Jesus, and it’s really been an amazing and eyeopening part of my reign.”

As the new saying goes, things look different due to the pandemic. The pageant world has had to make a few adjustments for queens and competitors to perform their duties, but Ava Mae is rolling with the changes and finishing out her term with positivity.

“We’re not allowed to go into schools and classes to do presentations right now, but we have been doing a lot of virtual presentations through Zoom and talk to students that way,” she says. “It’s been very different, but we’re still going.”

Looking forward, Ava Mae plans to focus on school and prepare for the inevitable day she transitions from junior high to high school. In the meantime, and probably for the rest of the time, she will continue spreading kindness.

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arts&culture

‘The

MOMENT

You’ve Been Waiting For’ Hamilton Debuts in Arkansas This Month

By TYLER HALE Photos courtesy CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

I

n retrospect, writing a rap musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton seems like a blindingly obvious recipe for success.

Success stories often appear destined, as if they have sprung fully formed from the minds of their creators. Hamilton has had no shortage of successes since the musical debuted, and that has made the show seem unstoppable.

But like the historical character it depicts, the musical has humble origins that managed to transcend its beginnings and tap into something greater.

Lin-Manuel Miranda created Hamilton, fusing elements of musical theater, hip-hop, dancehall and rap, with the story of the first U.S. Secretary of Treasury after reading Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton. Originally, the project was developed as a concept album, rather than a musical.

According to the book Hamilton: The Revolution, Miranda told a White House audience in 2009, “I’m actually working on a hip-hop album — a concept album — about the life of someone who embodies hip-hop … Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton.” This concept album evolved into the musical, which would eventually find its way to the Public Theater in New York City, and later make its Broadway debut at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

After inspiring zealous adulation, setting box office records and winning an untold number of awards — including 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and even a Pulitzer Prize for Drama — Hamilton has been cemented as the Broadway success story of the last decade, if not the 21st century to date.

This success, though, was hardly a guarantee. The idea alone — making a musical about the first Treasury Secretary — was an artistic gamble.

Even some who helped propel Hamilton to its stratospheric success questioned the concept at first. Daveed Diggs, who won a Tony Award for originating the roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, admitted that he thought the idea for Hamilton was “terrible.”

Until he heard the music.

Audiences and critics have agreed, making Hamilton a popular and critical success since its inception. The musical, its album and a stage film have become massive successes that have reinvigorated musical theater and introduced new generations and audiences to the art.

Now, Hamilton is touring around the United States and the world, and soon, it will be coming to Arkansas for the first time. *************** The Broadway smash was expected to make its way to Arkansas during the 2020-21 season. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced theaters around the world to shut down, delaying its arrival.

Now, Hamilton is making its long-awaited bow at the Robinson Center, in Little Rock, this month. Musical theater fans can enjoy a two-week stay of the popular show, which will be performed evenings on TuesdayFriday, and have matinee and evening shows on Saturday and Sunday. erning’s harder,” Washington tells Hamilton during the musical.)

Whether it’s your first time No longer an outsider, Hamilton is now a cabinet secretary and to watch Hamilton on stage or Washington’s “right-hand man.” But trouble looms as new rivals your fifth, the show offers a dazsurround him and he struggles to navigate the politics of the new zling spectacle of choreography, nation. moving lyrics and the emotional It’s the story of America writ large and small ­— the story of journey of a young man who Tyler Belo America’s birth alongside one man’s effort to achieve the American helps forge the future of a young dream. nation Spanning roughly 30 years, Hamilton chronicles the early days of the *************** United States of America, from the rising tide of the Revolution, to the desperate early years of the Revolutionary War, to the birth pangs of the Hamilton is not just the story of Alexander Hamilton; its tapestry new government and the tensions that arise between the founders. of narratives includes a wide range of historical characters who helped Split into two acts, the musical tells the story of Hamilton’s rise and shepherd the United States into being. These characters are given new fall in America during the American Revolution and the early years of life by Miranda’s lyrics and music in a way that gives modern audiences the young nation that is formed in the Revolution’s aftermath. new insight into their thoughts and actions.

Stepping onto the docks in New York Harbor as an immigrant Audiences at the Robinson Performance Hall will have the opporfrom the Caribbean, Hamilton sets out to “take his shot,” to make a tunity to watch the Angelica Company cast’s interpretation of the roles difference. With a “top-notch brain,” serious writing skills and outwhen they see the musical in Little Rock. The Angelica Company is one sized ambition, Hamilton rises from his lowly origins to become Gen. of three casts in the North American tour of Hamilton, in addition to George Washington’s aide during the Revolutionary War, a noted lawthe Philip Company cast and the And Peggy Company cast. yer and the first Treasury Secretary, laying the groundwork for the naOne of the members of the Angelica cast is Tyler Belo, who is playtion’s financial system. ing the dual roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison.

In the first act, Hamilton is the outsider who must rise to the top.

Mulligan, a tailor-turned-spy for the revolutionary cause, is one of With the help of a few friends, Hamilton becomes a player in the RevoHamilton’s early friends who appears in the first act. A brash young lution. The first act establishes his major relationships — Washington; man who brags about his “potency,” Mulligan stands in stark contrast to the Schuyler sisters, including his wife Eliza and her sister Angelica; and Madison, the frail statesman who is a key ally to Thomas Jefferson and a his one-time friend and later rival, Aaron Burr. rival to Hamilton and his fiscal policies during the second act.

The second act zooms forward past the American Revolution — the A Long Island native, Belo is a recent college graduate, coming to former colonies have won the war and must now get down to the dirty the Angelica cast from Five Towns College. Belo auditioned for the business of governing themselves. (“Winning was easy, young man. Gov-

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By Tyler Hale// Photos By

show during his senior year, nabbing the role and starting a whirlwind national tour — until the pandemic struck.

The Hamilton national tour was forced to take a break as theaters on Broadway and around the world closed in response to the novel coronavirus. It was a gut punch for Belo, who described it as “surreal” to see theater and performing virtually vanish during the early period of the pandemic. “I really, really missed it,” he says. “It can go away — I never thought it could, but it can.”

With the show back on the road, Belo is motivated to bring Mulligan/Madison to life for audiences. The dual role is perhaps the most overlooked of the performances in Hamilton, requiring the performer to embody two vastly different physicalities and mannerisms in each act.

It’s a performance that demands endurance and significant skill from actors on a daily basis.

Despite the differences between the two characters, Belo is quick to point out that Mulligan and Madison share one important trait: what they are fighting for. It’s how they go about achieving their goals that sets them apart, he says. “These men are both revolutionaries. Madison is a little more sneaky, and Hercules is more genuine and upfront.”

Performing in Hamilton, to Belo, is not just a gig, but something bigger. For him, getting the opportunity to be in Hamilton is a responsibility to ensure that the audience feels seen, no matter their background.

“I think when we do the show, we represent what America can be, what America is,” Belo says. “You’ll see everybody up there. … There’s something for everybody in our show.”

That’s not to say that he’s not having fun on stage, though. Belo’s favorite song to perform is “Yorktown,” with its explosive entrance for Mulligan. A close second is “My Shot,” which he likens to a cannon shot for the audience. “‘My Shot’ is right out of the cannon. It sets up the world of the show,” he says. Other favorites include “What’d I Miss,”

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which he has a small part in as Madison, and Eliza’s heart-rending solo song, “Burn.” *************** Toward the end of the musical, Hamilton describes America as a “great unfinished symphony” that he “wrote some notes” for and that will be sung by others. Through this musical, America is finally singing for Alexander Hamilton and the many other unheralded figures who helped lift the fledgling nation up.

But more than a history lesson, the musical is a celebration of where we have been, where we are and where we are going as a nation. As Hamilton, the man, shows, we have all the capacity for creation and revolution, as well as the capacity for destruction. The choices that we make individually and collectively will determine how the American project continues.

It’s a musical about revolution and hope, told with a sense of optimism about the future of America. For young and old audiences — and all those in between — it’s an intoxicating experience to see Hamilton on-stage and in-person to witness this outpouring of talent and emotion.

Don’t throw away your shot to see one of the great modern musicals right here in Arkansas. Book your tickets to Hamilton today to see history in action.

Hamilton will show at the Robinson Performance Hall in Little Rock from Feb. 8-20.

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Our facility fe residents, as w 42-inch flat sc and friend con with 23 pri

At Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation 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.

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER at

GOOD SHEPHERD 2600 Park Av Bobby Lamb, Administrator 3001 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock AR 72205 • Phone 501-217-9774 • Fax 501-217-9781 www.goodshepherdnr.com

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eatures all private rooms for o well as, private short term reha creen televisions and telepho nvenience.

We have a dedicat Our facility features all private rooms for our long term residents, as well as, private short term rehab rooms with ivate rooms andandan enclosed 42-inch flat screen televisions telephones for family and friend convenience. We have a dedicated secure unit with 23 private rooms and an enclosed courtyard.

Park Ave | Hot Springs, ARAR 71901 |71901 501.321.4276 | ve |2600 Hot Springs,

arts&culture

Voices of

Adena White, Katrina Dupins and Kara Wilkins.

(Lacey West)

Change

By SARAH COLEMAN

Black American history is often discounted from retellings of history, though it is often said the world does not move without Black creativity. Adena White, editor of Conway Publications through the Conway Chamber of Commerce and co-host of Blackbelt Voices, celebrates Black culture and heritage year-round through a passion project turned podcast.

White grew up in Conway County, where her learned experiences shaped her understanding of the world. She grew up in church, just as many Southerners do, and attended predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

“I remember growing up as one of the only Black people in my school; I was proud, but I had to learn to be OK with not caring what other people think,” White says. “I remember being insecure about the way I speak. I was always a shy person.”

Growing older and still remaining in Central Arkansas, White began to recognize that some of her experiences were shared and, to an extent, seemingly universal.

“I think actually just being exposed to other people online, seeing how we all have such a common experience, makes you feel not alone — a sense of belonging and learning to be OK with being myself and seeing society shift and become more accepting,” White says, concluding that she found new truth in not only being smart but being accepted.

With her public relations background and skills in writing, White set out to start a blog to highlight voices in the South. Eventually, this led White to start Blackbelt Media, where even the name includes threads of history that tie Black southerners together.

Southern culture might include farming and a somewhat jaded past, but the creativity and history include so much more. The Blackbelt region stretches through Alabama in a land that is known and celebrated for rich, black soil that transformed farming. This area flourished by growing prized commodities that were cultivated by Black hands.

The phrase “Blackbelt” started as a geographical pinpoint but has grown through the years to represent places in the south where Black people are predominant. These are places where the culture is just as rich as the soil.

While the population of Black southerners dropped drastically following the Great Migrations, 55 percent of Black Americans still live in Southern states. With frustration from being ignored and misrepresented, an idea was sparked to create content relating to these shared experiences.

White had many moments that ignited her desire to do more. The biggest moment of shock came after the Charleston church shooting, which resulted in the deaths of nine Black Americans that were attending a Bible study.

“I grew up in church, and I also grew up seeing blatant racism, but what really made me upset was not only the loss of people but the reactions and debates following this, especially because the focus shifted from these

Adena White. (Jamison Mosley)

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(Lacey West) people to the conversation about the right to use a Confederate flag,” White says. “To me, that moment made a huge impact on my life, and the conversation following became one about Christianity, not one about Black people.”

Knowing about racism through experience is vastly different than knowing about racism on an institutional level. The yearning to learn is what ultimately really started a fire in White.

“I wanted to learn more about everything — I felt what it meant to be awakened; I prayed for connection and belonging,” White says. “I wanted to absorb the knowledge from what I was hearing. After attending PWIs, I wanted to learn more and to hold the South accountable. I began to crave conversation, part of the spark that was in me.”

White set out to create these conversations, and in the light of them decided that she wanted to start Blackbelt Voices, the podcast that would later be featured in national outlets.

Reaching out to a fellow public relations professional, White brought Kara Wilkins into the project as a co-host. Later, White’s sister, Katrina Dupins, and brother-in-law, Prentice Dupins Jr., came on to help with the creation and production of the podcast.

It wasn’t long until Blackbelt Voices was being written, recorded and produced (starting in the same studio where White’s cousin, Leo Cummins III, sits down for the podcast Black Dude White Dude) while telling Black Southern stories from first-person narratives. With the first podcast officially published in September 2019, White and the others had no idea where this venture would take them. In January 2020, Apple featured Blackbelt Voices as part of its “New and Noteworthy” list, and after the murder of George Floyd, the podcast released a special episode that would be recognized in a Vanity Fair article. Oprah Daily Insider listed Blackbelt Voices as one of the “15 Best Educational Podcasts.”

“My first thought was always, ‘Wow,’ and that there were people out there aside from Black southerners that were listening,” White says. “My second thought was always to critique and push myself to produce better.”

White recognized that she needed to nurture Blackbelt Voices for it to grow. So that’s what she set out to do. In a transition to the position she currently holds at the Conway Chamber of Commerce, she began to work part-time. This allowed her the focus she needed to cultivate Blackbelt Media into what it is today.

As a person who has lived in Central Arkansas for her entire life, White craves inclusivity to partner with the diversity in the area.

“I think inclusion looks like being able to have a say in your community; it means having your story included, and it not being prescribed to you,” White says, including the importance for people outside the South to stop writing the region off.

She stresses the ability to “have your story included, and own South-

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ern heritage — own your Southern history and not having the phrase ‘Southern pride’ just mean something for white folks, but also to recognize how Black people have contributed to our region and culture, rooted in Black culture.”

White recognizes there have been great community resources in the area, including City of Hope Outreach and Conway Ministries. However, White noticed a gap in race-related organizations and initiatives up until recent years. Through working at the Chamber of Commerce, White noticed the change in people’s attitudes and how they wanted Conway to look, including more arts and entertainment.

It has become somewhat common knowledge that diversity without inclusion and equity doesn’t really mean anything. Inclusion and equity go hand in hand with creating an accepting community. Working for the chamber, White has a broad knowledge of community — for her, inclusion means everyone has a voice.

“Being able to use your voice and inviting others to do the same, it shouldn’t take away from your experience,” White says. “Inclusion is everyone having a seat at the table without others being threatened. We all have voices; everyone wants to be a part of the big picture.”

She has highlighted voices of not just experts in fields such as anthropology, but she has also helped tell the local stories that need to be heard.

One of the most notable stories White featured was one of the Conway community, Ronnie Williams, who retired from the University of Central Arkansas in 2021, with the Ronnie Williams Student Center named after him. This was not a story entirely about Williams though, it was a story about his brother Marvin, who died in police custody.

“I’ve always respected his involvement in the community. Knowing that he trusted us to tell the story was very humbling,” she says. “I cried when I heard the first few seconds of the episode. I was so proud of how it was produced, and it felt like a huge responsibility in a good way.”

Blackbelt Voices makes a point to educate. This is enacted in a wide range of topics, from history and culture to justice and liberation, as well as equity and economic opportunity.

White has had several moments confirming that Blackbelt Voices was her destiny.

“There are always moments when I am reminded that this is something that I need to be doing,” she says. “We all have doubts sometimes about it, but it energizes me. I love talking to these people and learning from them. We get out in the world, we do interviews and we remind ourselves why we do this.

“The more people like me use their voice, the more empowered others are to use theirs while creating representation and a better sense of belonging.”

Blackbelt Voices can be found anywhere you listen to podcasts. aymag.com

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arts&culture

J’Aron Merchant and Jazmine Hudson.

SHARING

THE LOVE: Black-Owned NWA is a Vital Service for the Region

T

By SARAH COLEMAN // Photos By JENNIFER TERRELL

hrough making long-distance moves to the small, though activitypacked, Northwest Arkansas region eight years ago, two women found themselves cultivating community. After connecting through a local event, J’Aron “Jae” Merchant and Jazmine “Jazzy” Hudson quickly became best friends, and during the time spent creating a community, they also created a brand.

Merchant, a freelance illustrator and animator, is originally from the Virgin Islands. Hudson, a retail professional, is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. Among discovering the common backgrounds they held through going to Historically Black Colleges and Universities — better known as HBCUs — and other shared experiences, Merchant and Hudson started a community blog to highlight the chronicles of two Black women living in NWA. By Hudson and Merchant, their blog JazzyJaeNWA, highlights all things food, fun and art.

“Moving to NWA can be a struggle, especially for Millenials of Color with no friends, family or significant other. … We highlight that not only are there things to do in the community but that people of color are here to not just survive but to thrive,” the two wrote on JazzyJaeNWA.

“Protect your peace and protect your mind; living here is easier for some than it is for others. Just remember you aren’t a tree, you aren’t stuck.”

A change in scenery would be an understatement, however. While differences with both of these moves were relevant, Hudson says she believes they were both educated in a way to help them tackle big changes.

As HBCU graduates, with Hudson having attended Tennessee State University and Merchant attending Savannah State University, they both learned valuable lessons relating to culture and community.

“Upon graduation the reality is different than that of an HBCU; we both moved to a really white area, which we understood that 2 percent of NWA population is Black, with that number being primarily composed of college students,” Hudson says, speaking on how unique NWA culture really is. “However, the connection and friendships in the area are lifelong friendships, with fantastic people to connect with.”

While community was something to be created, Merchant and Hudson both decided to branch out to sustain the area and culture. This is how spin-off blog Black-Owned NWA was created.

Black-Owned NWA really took off in summer 2020, as not only an educational resource but also as a community bulletin style Instagram account. The account now has more than 11,000 followers, and contains a large amount of resources for Black businesses. This account highlights services and places such as DJs, doctors, shops, fitness professionals, real estate agents, restaurants, murals, makeup, barbers, hair salons and artists.

Notably, Black-Owned NWA draws attention to community groups, such as Bike POC, which has helped people of color get into biking, an activity that has become more than common in the hills spanning from Bentonville to Fayetteville, especially since the addition of the Razorback Greenway — the biking trail that spans 37 miles across NWA. The blog also dawned on community activist Nate Walls, the owner of Secondhand Smoke, a barbecue joint that redesigned itself as a nonprofit organization, focusing on feeding the community and, ultimately, helping solve the area-related hunger issues.

While this may have started as a blog, Black-Owned NWA has grown, becoming more than just a list of companies and resources, but a community in itself.

“I think it has helped in a major way with education, especially with those who don’t understand African American diaspora, it’s helped people feel seen — and even when people aren’t kin to it, they have reached out for understanding,” Hudson says, explaining how this has helped to move the diverse area into one of inclusion.

While JazzyJaeNWA has always served as a resource for people of color, it started with a mission to help minorities thrive upon moving;

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Black-Owned NWA has furthered that mission by creating resources where they weren’t always readily available.

Expressing gratitude, Hudson spoke fondly of her NWA connections, touching on a time she and Merchant were out of Arkansas for work.

“The community has been the best thing; the people here are awesome. Jae and I lived in New Jersey for seven months, in the height of the pandemic. When we couldn’t find eggs, a friend from NWA went out of their way to send eggs to us,” Hudson says. “When we moved back, our friends Jenny and Dave Marrs had renovated our home, which was a moment that meant a lot to us.”

Jenny Marrs from HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous wrote about this renovation on her blog, Our Good Table.

“When Jae and Jasmine moved to New York at the start of the year, they left behind a gaping hole in our community and, personally, in our family,” Marrs wrote, grateful for the two’s hard work. “They both serve our area selflessly — from the countless hours spent volunteering at Havenwood to their work curating Black-Owned NWA to their overall ability to bring energy and enthusiasm to seemingly every event that takes place in our town — they love big and make everyone around them feel welcome and seen.”

Merchant and Hudson’s renovated bohochic rental can be seen in season 2, episode 9 of Fixer to Fabulous.

In the midst of highlighting Black-owned businesses, Merchant and Hudson met Madia Willis while she was planning an MLK Day Celebration in the area. Willis mentioned on The Today Show how the two blogs personally helped her build a community.

The timing ultimately resulted in the launch of Black Paper Party, a company that has been featured by multiple news organizations including Huffpost and, most recently, The Today Show. On top of this, the brand can be seen in social media posts of celebrities, such as actress and producer Issa Rae. “Very similar to the launch of Black-Owned NWA, we met Madia in the community, and we all decided that there had to be something to create with all of our specific skills. Through brainstorming ways to celebrate Black culture, we decided we wanted to create Black representation during the holiday season, and we wanted it to be easily accessible,” Hudson says, noting the difficulty in finding inclusive decor around the holidays.

Willis serves as the CEO of Black Paper Party, while Merchant is the chief product designer, and Hudson is the chief merchandising officer. Made in the United States, Black Paper Party is a woman-owned business where Willis, Hudson and Merchant have a combined 15-plus years of experience.

“Through intense brainstorming sessions, we came up with the idea

for Black Paper Party. … With everything going on with the world, we wanted to provide gifting solutions that would help people focus on what matters most: spending time and making memories with loved ones,” Willis told The Today Show on Nov. 23, 2021. It was in November that Black Paper Party mentioned the possibility of expanding to more occasions and holidays.

Where there is a passion for doing what you love, there will always be a way. A lesson that Hudson has taught well.

“My personal inspiration is really my parents,” Hudson says. “I grew up with a super crafty mom and a business-man dad. … I really drew from them for Black Paper Party and Black-Owned NWA, and I really grew up with so much Black representation which seeped into my culture and found a way to provide for my community.”

Hudson touched on the struggles of moving to a new place, while

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emphasizing the toughness of transitioning.

“Protect your peace and protect your mind; living here is easier for some than it is for others. Just remember you aren’t a tree, you aren’t stuck,” Hudson says. “There are people here that have found ways to create a fantastic life, and create the lives they wanted to live.”

Hudson says she firmly believes that moving to and owning a business in Northwest Arkansas is the best-kept secret in the country. There are so many unique experiences and ways to thrive, and many holes to be filled in the Black community.

Black-Owned NWA will continue to highlight and grow within the community by drawing attention to unique businesses, services and more. In addition to posting these businesses and guides around the community, Hudson and Merchant hold several Black business expos throughout the year, with one in the works for the end of February.

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This side of

SEVEN

e c a l P o N s ’ e r e Th ike Home L – By Jason Pederson

My

dad, Joel, had a side hustle long before there was such a term.

As a teacher at the local tech college, he had his summers off. So he and another teacher, Dan Richter, decided to build homes. Starting in 1975, P&R Construction built spec homes, meaning that they had no buyer when they started and hoped to attract a buyer before they finished. Dad and Richter only built one home each year, and they ended up making about $5,000 each for their efforts (or about $23,000 each in today’s dollars).

They built four homes, the last one in 1978. It is still occupied by the family who bought it.

“There wasn’t much to buy or rent at the time,” recalls Jim Shumaker. He had just moved from Iowa to take a job in my hometown of New Richmond, Wisconsin. “We found a small place on 6th Street to rent, and we drove around looking for a place to buy. We saw your dad working on the house. It was almost finished.”

Jim and his wife, Cheri, made an offer. The builders accepted, and 235 Grand Avenue became home to the Shumakers and their boys,

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Steve, Dave and Mike.

I asked Jim to pick his favorite out of 43 years of memories. “Oh, probably having the boys here.” Rambunctious, smart, athletic boys with lots of friends and girlfriends constantly coming and going. Until one went off to college in Madison, and the others went off to college in Eau Claire. And once they were gone, they stayed gone, making good lives for themselves and their families in nearby cities.

An expansion project at the Shumaker home added a comfortable TV room along with a deck/gazebo to the west. Jim finished out his career at 3M, while Cheri did the same as a nurse at Holy Family Hospital. And now, it’s back to the way it was before the boys. Just Jim and Cheri. Two people well-loved, two lives well-lived, in a home full of shared memories.

Except only one can really remember.

“My mom’s memory has been failing, and it’s getting worse,” Cheri’s son Mike says. “She no longer remembers who I am.”

Disclaimer: Mike is my best friend. He happily shares how I traumatized him with a cruel remark on his first day of 2nd grade at a new

Mary Carol in her childhood bedroom in El Dorado. school (“Who’s the new fat kid?”). But somehow, despite that auspicious beginning, here we are, in our early 50s, still on this journey together. Mike has been telling me about his mom’s decline for years.

Over Christmas break, I stopped by at 235 Grand Avenue for a visit while Mike was there.

“What is your name?” That was the greeting a stern-faced Cheri gave me when she answered the door. Once Jim indicated things were OK, I was welcomed inside, and Cheri was conversational and delightful.

But she re-asked the same question a couple of times, offering me a glimpse into what Mike had been telling me. As we chatted, Mike started to get emotional. I don’t think his parents noticed, but I did.

Later, I asked him about it.

“It was just great to have you there,” he says. “It meant a lot to me that you stopped by.”

Home is an intimate place. Home can bring out emotions. Dorothy had it right — there is no place like it.

At the same time back in 1978 when Dad was building Mike’s home, he was also building ours about a mile away. And like Mike, I can still visit home. I can go to my old room, sleep in my old bed, recall old memories and make new ones. It is great, but it can’t last. The day will come when new families will start making new memories in the places only our families have ever called home.

When my wife Mary Carol turned 50, she wanted to spend a weekend in her hometown of El Dorado. She wanted to drive by where her grandmother lived. She wanted to cruise up and down Northwest Avenue and park on the “cool” side at Sonic (did you know Sonics have a cool side?). And she wanted me to drop her off at Hugh Goodwin Elementary around 2:30 p.m. so she could walk the several blocks down North Jefferson Avenue to the home where she grew up, just like she did as a girl.

So I did. I parked nearby, where she would join me 30 minutes later.

And then I sent this message: “Just dropped her off at Hugh Goodwin.

I’m parked on Washington, back behind your house.”

You see, I had contacted the current owners of Mary Carol’s old

home via Facebook and shared with them what I believed to be her desire to step foot again into the home of her youth. They loved the idea, and a plan was made.

Andrea and John Benson watched Mary Carol through the blinds as she stood across the street, wistfully looking at the place she called home more than three decades ago. After she joined me a block away, I unexpectedly pulled into the driveway and said, “Let’s just ring the doorbell and ask to take a look around.”

“Are you crazy?” she exclaimed. But she followed me as I hopped out, and as we approached the front door, it opened and Andrea said, “Welcome!” Mary Carol slowly realized what was happening. She was being given an opportunity to step back into time.

The second she crossed the threshold and walked through the doorway, she burst into uncontrollable tears.

Why? Dorothy knows why.

Not only did the Bensons allow Mary Carol to look all through the home at her own pace, they had prepared a meat and cheese tray and popped open a bottle (or two) of wine to share with us. Many changes had been made, and another remodel was in progress. But much of the structure remained just as Mary Carol remembered, transporting her back to the ’70s and ’80s in a way no other location on earth could. We were there for two, maybe three hours. Our generous hosts and the wonderful conversation made the time fly by.

Both my wife and my best friend shed happy tears, remembering happy times. But not everyone has strong or happy connections to home. Some homes are abusive or dysfunctional. Children born into military families often have many homes. So do children in foster care.

Homes are lost in fires, natural disasters, bankruptcies, divorces and bad economies. Some are lost to neglect and time. And many people are homeless.

2 Corinthians chapter 5 teaches us that, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

No matter what your experiences are in any earthly home, it cannot compare to what awaits the eternal home for those who choose Christ.

We were all created with one true home in mind, and it’s not found on Jefferson Avenue. And it’s not found on Grand Avenue. Any good experiences there are just a glimmer of our future home.

Mike and his brothers are encouraging their parents to hand over the keys for 235 Grand Avenue to another family — that a move to assisted living is a good idea. Jim is not ready. “I think we’ll stay here for a while longer.”

C. S. Lewis wrote of his characters in his final book in the Narnia series, The Last Battle.

“All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover page and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

I guess Dorothy had it half right. There is no place like home.

Home just isn’t in Kansas.

JASON PEDERSON For two decades, Jason Pederson served as KATV-Channel 7’s Seven On Your Side reporter. Now on the other “side” of his award-winning time on the news, he now serves as Deputy Chief of Community Engagement for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

His perspective-filled and thought-provoking column, “This Side of Seven,” publishes exclusively in AY About You magazine monthly.

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Susie Morgan.

RMHC’s Vital Service Continues, Chocolate Fantasy Ball Still On If the first eight months are any indication, Sophie Laura Brown is going to be a handful for her parents, Brittany and Kagen Brown of Jonesboro. Just an infant, the little girl has already shown a stubborn, unyielding streak that is likely to be the cause of many long nights in the years to come.

It’s a trait the little tyke comes by naturally, passed down by parents who have shown similar mettle during these difficult first months of life. Over the past twothirds of a year that the family has been away from home while Sophie receives treatment at Arkansas Children’s, strength and faith are all that hold the little family together some days.

“I hate to say it’s the worst time to have a child, during COVID, but it is literally the worst time to have a child,” Brittany Brown says. “It is so stressful; you have to pick and choose who comes and sees her, who doesn’t come and see her. Then you have to face, ‘Is it worth risking her health for somebody to come see her for an hour or two hours? Is it worth my daughter getting sick and potentially catching COVID, and honestly not making it if she does catch COVID?’” Brown takes a long breath, and you hear the air squeeze past the hundredweight of having a seriously ill child. Talking about the challenges the couple has faced to meet work requirements and assuage the unrelenting worry over Sophie’s condition, Brown’s tone is soddened with exhaustion.

“I don’t wish it upon anybody,” she says.

Yet for as much as the family has been stretched and torn during their ordeal, Brown is quick to point out how much worse things could have been, had it not been for Ronald

McDonald House Charities of Arkansas. The Little Rock nonprofit operates the Ronald McDonald House located right across the street from Arkansas Children’s and Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAMS, providing lodging and meals to families with sick children, as well as a Care Mobile bringing free pediatric dental service to communities statewide.

Brown doesn’t like to consider what her family’s life would be like if they didn’t have Ronald McDonald House to call home during Sophie’s treatments, but she’s not shy in saying it would be a much different reality.

“Honestly, if we couldn’t stay here at Ronald McDonald House, we wouldn’t be in Little Rock,” she says. “We both work; we are not upper class by any means, and we’re not poor by any means.

But the fact that I don’t have to worry about paying rent or paying for a hotel every night or every week or every month makes it so much more comfortable and so much at ease.

“It’s a humbling experience to stay here; just from our experience it’s taken me aback to understand fully how generous people can be and how much people honestly struggle in the world today.”

Brown’s sentiments are echoed throughout the comfortable sleeping rooms and open, cheery dining areas of the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room by every family that stays here.

And there are many — in 2020 alone, nearly 3,300 families spent more than 6,500 nights, fortified by more than 20,000 meals prepared and delivered to parents at their child’s hospital bedside. And that’s just a fraction of the services delivered in years uninterrupted by the pandemic.

“It’s a humbling experience to stay here.”

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are for what they do,” she says. “Providing us a safe place to stay while our daughter is in Children’s Hospital, the staff and volunteers are always so kind, and they really try and make it feel like a home away from home.

“The families here are people who make you feel like you’re not as alone. You can only understand what we’re going through so much, unless you’re going through it yourself with your own child. When we hear the success of another baby we’re like, ‘Yeah, it can happen. We’re going to be fine. If they can do it, we can do it.’

“Or if they were doing well and now there’s a step back, we can encourage each other to remember that there’s going to be setbacks, but there’s going to be three steps forward.”

Such endorsements define the purpose and mission of Ronald McDonald House better than anything else can. And it’s what keeps staff, volunteers and donors alike motivated to continue to support the House That Love

All told, Ronald McDonald House saved 2020’s families more than three-quarters of $1 million dollars in lodging, toiletries, meals and laundry services, to say nothing of the inestimable value of moral and mental support.

Samantha Kennedy has been a resident at Ronald McDonald House since late summer, following a trip she and her boyfriend took from Florida to Northwest Arkansas to see his family. During the visit, she contracted such a severe case of COVID-19 she was intubated for a month and on a ventilator for 36 days, all while expecting baby Charlotte.

Again, toughness runs in families.

“I was given a 10 percent chance of survival. She was given a zero percent chance of survival when I was intubated at 21 weeks,” Kennedy says. “She was born at 26 weeks, and she’s honestly a little miracle, 100 percent. All I hear is how feisty she is. ‘She’s a little diva, and she’s feisty.’ I said, ‘She needed that fight.’”

Ronald McDonald House has been invaluable in supporting the family’s journey, not only for the cost savings but for the moral support Kennedy has experienced from other families and the organization’s staff.

“Words can’t even express how grateful we The Kennedy family. (Courtesy)

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Built, despite today’s very challenging times.

“The support our families gain from each other and from our staff is just priceless,” says Janell Mason, executive director. “One of the moms told me recently, and we hear this all the time, she said, ‘I can call my mother and talk about this. I get to call my girlfriends and talk about it, or my sister, but no one understands the ups and downs on the daily basis like the staff here and the other families here.’

“I think about that component a lot. You walk in from a full day at the hospital, and here is Wilma [Foster, guest relations manager] at the desk saying, ‘How’d it go? How is your baby?’ And they respond. Sometimes everything’s great. Then sometimes they need a shoulder to cry on.”

Mason serves a lot of functions around here, equal parts ringmaster, sorority mother and Tinkerbell, flitting from family to family, imparting her own special brand of magic.

But the fundraising element puts an uncharacteristically weary note into her voice.

It costs in the neighborhood of $100 a day to operate a single-family suite at Ronald McDonald House, a cost no family is required to pay, although freewill donations are accepted.

The pandemic has complicated the organization’s usual fundraising activities. And while Mason’s buoyed by the continued generosity from the community, money is a constant concern, especially as community needs mount, and the organization plots its long-range plans to meet them.

Still, the sight of one young mother’s smile or one toddler released from the ICU or one family checking out to go home sustains her and her troops. It’s all worth it, she says, as underneath the masks and past the 75 percent allowable capacity and beyond the many pivots the team has had to make, there’s still much magic to be absorbed.

“I ran across this quote recently, by Katharine Graham. It says, ‘To love what you do and feel that it matters, how could anything be more fun?’” Mason says.

“You know, our fun comes in different ways, and we have to create it sometimes, but I’m just so honored to get to do this and help families, and know that whatever action I made that day could potentially make a difference. It’s been inspiring at a time when we all need to be inspired.”

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Photos of the Brown family during their hospital and RMHC journey. (Courtesy)

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One of the most anticipated social events of the year is back on Little Rock’s calendar. Chocolate Fantasy Ball, benefiting Ronald McDonald Charities of Arkansas, is set for Saturday, April 9 at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock.

“Everyone has heard of Chocolate Fantasy,” says Susie Morgan, past board member, longtime volunteer and repeat chairperson for the 2022 gala. “It’s a very fun, very elegant, well-organized event, and I think that’s what people like about it. It doesn’t drag.

We get our point across, but it’s fun, and it’s a very entertaining ball, set in this beautiful room with great food and chocolate. That is a fantasy.”

Morgan says the response to this year’s event, has been very strong, even as the gala has had to be pushed from February to April out of an abundance of caution related to the ongoing pandemic. She says besides the uniqueness of the ball itself, the mission is what attracts people year after year. And 2022, Chocolate Fantasy’s 40th iteration, is no different.

"The need for what we do is expanding,” Morgan says. “The house has become a place for everybody from all the hospitals to use. It’s a much-needed resource. People understand what a great service our house provides. It’s just like a family. I mean, it’s a home. It’s not just a place to go.

“Our dream is to continue building upon what we have here to serve more families. That was true when we built Ronald McDonald House; it was true when we opened the Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAMS; and it’s truer than ever as we look to the future.”

For tickets and information about the 40th Chocolate Fantasy Ball, please visit rmhcarkansas.org/chocolate-fantasy-ball-2022.

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health

By ANGELA FORSYTH

eart disease can happen at any age, but by the time we reach our middle years, many of us can expect to be closely monitoring our blood pressure and cholesterol. That’s because the two are key risk factors in heart disease, and unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “About 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year — that’s one in every four deaths.”

Among Arkansans, the statistics are even worse. More than 40 percent of adults in the state have high blood pressure (a leading cause of heart disease and stroke), placing us as the fourth worst state in the country. These are certainly sobering statistics, but the good news is we do have a stake in our overall heart health. Even those with predispositions can improve their chances if they follow medical recommendations.

It may not be January any longer, but the year is still young, and it’s never too late for resolutions. In honor of February’s American Heart Month, let’s review some of the basics and commit to a healthier 2022.

The CDC states that interventions that reduce risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking and physical inactivity could prevent as much as 80 percent of heart attacks and strokes.

Lifestyle changes and medications go a long way in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. Dr. Robert Schatz, a non-interventional cardiologist for Northwest Cardiology in Siloam Springs, shared some of the most important changes people can make toward better heart health. According to Schatz, “Controlling blood pressure isn’t about one thing a person does. There are many lifestyle changes that everyone can implement to optimize their chances of not having end-organ damage from poorly controlled blood pressure.”

He notes that some of these changes include:

Stress management has been associated with high blood pressure for a long time, but it may come as a surprise that overall mental health plays a big role in heart health. In 2021, a scientific statement was published by the American Heart Association titled “Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection.” The journal brought the idea forward that perhaps clinicians have been singling in on heart disease without looking at patients as a whole, and without paying enough attention to how psychological health can affect physical health and disease.

According to the report, “There is a substantial body of good-quality data showing clear associations between psychological health and CVD [cardiovascular disease] and risk.” The report infers that the mind, heart and body are all related. Since the three are interconnected, a disease that affects one component of the human body can also affect the other two. In the case of depression, for example, there could be physiological connectors in common. The biochemical changes that predispose some people to depression could also be responsible for their heart problems.

Some research suggests that daily stressors (work challenges, poor relationships, financial hardship) and traumatic stress (witnessing or expe-

• Eating a well-balanced diet • Limiting alcohol • Exercising

• Managing stress

• Maintaining a healthy weight • Quitting smoking

• Taking your medications properly

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riencing a threat to safety) can negatively impact heart health. A study from 2011 showed that work-related stress was associated with a 40 percent increased risk of heart disease.

Stressful childhood experiences can also have far-reaching effects. Childhood trauma and psychological stressors have been linked to higher levels of metabolic risk factors later in life. PTSD was also found to be linked to a 61 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease.

On the other hand, positive psychological health (happiness, optimism, gratitude and mindfulness) is associated with cardiovascular benefits. Studies show that more optimistic individuals have approximately 10 percent longer lifespan and greater odds of living past age 85. Even when people have already been diagnosed with heart disease, those considered to be more optimistic showed a lower number of cardiac hospital readmissions.

Plus, happy individuals tend to sleep better, exercise more, eat better and not smoke — all factors that are known to improve health.

The bottom line is there is a lot of research suggesting that interventions in mental health could benefit heart health. The American Heart Association suggests that “simple screening measures can be used by health care clinicians for patients with or at risk for CVD to assess psychological health status,” and that psychological health should be considered in the evaluation and management of patients with or at risk of heart disease.

If Schatz could only say one thing to his patients, he would say, “Care for your heart as if it were a big diamond, and never take it for granted because it’s a gift.”

Remember, there are many contributors to heart disease that are well under your control. Don’t smoke, and if you do — quit.

Take charge of your mental health. If you feel anxious, stressed or depressed, make an appointment to see a counselor, and talk to your doctor about prescription options.

Be informed about your blood pressure and cholesterol. If they tend to be high, check your numbers regularly and stay on top of taking any medicines you’ve been prescribed.

Maintain a healthy weight by eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly. Eat foods that are low in trans fat, saturated fat, added sugar and sodium. Try to fill at least half your plate with vegetables and fruits, and aim for low sodium options. Get moving for at least 150 minutes per week. You can even break up the exercise into 10-minute blocks for a total of 30 minutes in a day.

It’s OK to start your resolutions in February. Do it in honor of American Heart Month.

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H E A R T O F T H E M AT T E R WITH DR. MONICA LO HEART DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN WOMEN, BUT FEW KNOW IT. DR. MONICA LO OF ARKANSAS HEART HOSPITAL EXPLAINS HOW HEART DISEASE DIFFERS IN WOMEN AND HOW TO EMPOWER YOURSELF TO TAKE ACTION. Heart disease has long been thought of as a men’s health issue -- a misconception that can be deadly for women. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, with one in three experiencing a heart attack or stroke in their lifetime.

How is this life-threatening illness overlooked? According to Dr. Monica Lo, electrophysiologist at Arkansas Heart Hospital, many women are unaware that heart disease can even affect them. Some mistake the symptoms as stress, lack of sleep, headaches, indigestion or a host of other seemingly insignificant issues. But women are not the only ones missing the signs.

“It’s not just female patients with a perception that heart disease doesn’t happen in women,” says Dr. Lo. “A lot of physicians think women have a lower risk and may ignore the therapies and diagnostic tests that are applied to men.”

But nearly 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented.

Knowing your heart health and evaluating risks can give you priceless insight.

SECRET SYMPTOMS OF H EA R T ATTAC KS I N WOM EN Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for women, but we’re more likely to experience atypical symptoms like:

SEVEN FACTS A B O U T H E A R T D I S E A S E I N W O M E N 1.

Heart disease affects more women than all cancers combined.

2.

One in three women will experience a heart attack or stroke in their lifetime.

3.

Only 54% of women recognize that heart disease is their #1 killer.

4.

Women are more likely to have a heart attack without chest pain.

5.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease did not have previous symptoms.

6.

Women only make up 25% of participants in heart-related research studies.

7.

Stress is a larger risk factor for heart disease in women than for men.

Nausea

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OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ARE PREVENTABLE

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Your heart keeps you moving, laughing and living. And something this special deserves specialized care. Choose the only hospital in Arkansas dedicated entirely to your heart.

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2021 DIAMOND JOURNALISM AWARDS

AY Media Group is proud of those staff members recognized in the 2021 SPJ Diamond Journalism Awards, which honor the state’s top journalists.

Heather Baker

Dustin Jayroe

Special Section, Print/Online Second Place, Arkansas Mental Health Guide Judges’ comments: “This topic may not be front and center for many, but COVID-19 has brought the issue to a wider audience. These well-written stories document journeys that others may have had. Plus, there is a full listing of resources and help for anyone seeking aid. Good job.”

Winner, Outstanding New Journalist Judges’ comments: “The mark of a good writer and storyteller is when the reader can glide through a story without stopping. That’s what you get from Dustin Jayroe. The research is spot-on, the writing is conversational. From topic to topic his work stands out. It’s hard to believe he’s only been in the profession for fewer than five years. Congratulations.”

Editorials, Magazines First Place, Editor’s Letter, Arkansas Mental Health Guide Commentary, Print/Online Second Place, Deserts for Trees column, AMP Health, Science & Environment Writing, Print/Online Second Place, Pandemic reporting, AY Ongoing Coverage, Magazines Third Place, Substance Use reporting, AY, *Shared with Dwain Hebda

Mark Carter

Editorials, Magazines Second Place, Editor’s Letters, AMP Sports, Magazines Second Place, “Enjoying the Ride,” AMP Judges’ comments: “The pandemic has given thousands of people the chance to explore the world of road biking and mountain biking. This story puts that into perspective to show how the activity is growing by leaps and bounds.

And, it’s important to the state’s economy. A good piece. A good read.”

Rebecca Robertson

Magazine Design First Place, Food and Home series, AY Judges’ comments: “This submission truly reflects the elements of modern magazine design. Large, beautifully composed and well-lit photographs are accompanied by nice page layouts and a combination of fonts and color palettes that fit the mood and theme of the stories, amplifying their messaging and overall storytelling power.”

Business Writing, Print/Online Second Place, Pandemic and business reporting, AMP

Magazine Design Second Place, Business series, AMP

Jamison Mosley

Photo Spread/Essay Second Place, A Fight to End the Fight, AY *Shared with Ebony Blevins and Ian Lyle.

Lora Puls

Judges’ comments: “Dramatic black and white photo spread of a protest of mostly black young people. The eight pictures showed a lot of emotion. Special use of color in the flag draped around one young man’s shoulders really popped.”

Special Section, Print/Online Second Place, Arkansas Mental Health Guide Judges’ comments: “This topic may not be front and center for many, but COVID-19 has brought the issue to a wider audience. These well-written stories document journeys that others may have had. Plus, there is a full listing of resources and help for anyone seeking aid. Good job.”

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MURDER MYSTERY: BAD MEDICINE – By Janie Jones

T

he Palace Drug Store at 624 West Dickson Street in Fayetteville was a staple in the community. Besides getting their medicine there, folks would stop in for morning cups of coffee or afternoon milkshakes at the soda fountain. And the establishment sold stationery, school supplies, magazines, film, tobacco and a large selection of boxed candy. Customers knew the co-owners, Ray Huff and Joe Bruce, could be depended upon to meet their needs, and also knew the business would open on time every morning at 8 o’clock, sharp.

On Feb. 4, 1974, Huff was puzzled when two women called him to say the front door was still locked at 8:15 a.m. Bruce should have opened it already. When Huff arrived at the scene, he found Bruce’s body lying near the doorway of his office. He had suffered two gunshot wounds to the head. It appeared he was in his chair when shot, as a small amount of blood was on the desk.

Fayetteville Police Chief Hollis Spencer surmised Bruce was first shot in the back of the head and then in the temple after he fell to the floor. Shot at close range, he had powder burns on his face from the coup de grâce to the temple, though autopsy results proved either bullet would have been fatal. The slugs fragmented when they hit their target, but they were .22 caliber rounds. The weapon was nowhere to be found. Washington County Coroner Dr. John Vinzant estimated the time of death was about 6:40 a.m.

Detectives wondered if the murderer may have lured Bruce to the store early, claiming it was an urgent situation requiring medicine right away. Bruce and Huff were known for going the extra mile in accommodating their customers.

Robbery was considered the possible motive because the killer had stolen money and drugs from two safes. A cabinet where the

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shop owners kept cash was open. Fayetteville Police Sergeant Clint Hutchens said the store’s alarm system had been turned off, and State Police Criminal Investigator Quimby Johnson said the lights were off when authorities arrived. The rear door leading to the garage was unbarred, and the garage itself was unlocked.

This was believed to be the escape route for the shooter. Huff told them only he and Bruce had keys to the building.

Taken in the deadly heist were checks worth $3,500 and another $600 in cash, but $1,000 was left behind in two cash registers, along with $250 in Bruce’s wallet. The 102 bottles of stolen narcotics, however, had a street value of around $5,000.

The drugs included codeine, morphine, Dexedrine, Benzedrine, Demerol, cocaine and opium.

Other pharmacists in town were unnerved by the violent attack on their colleague, so Chief Spencer offered them armed escorts when they received night calls.

Lawmen questioned relatives, friends, employees, former employees and business associates. Although theft appeared to be the reason for the murder, detectives could not rule out the chance that the robbery was a cover for a more personal motive.

The idea was hard to fathom, Bruce being such a well-liked member of the community. In a letter to the newspaper editor, Dr. Paul Kirkpatrick wrote, “Joe Bruce dispensed medicine, but he did much more than that. He gave a little of himself to others.

He provided medicine for my family when neither he nor I knew when I would have the money to pay for it.” Another letter writer was of the opinion that frontier justice should be meted out to the killer when captured.

Bruce, 42, was survived by his parents, his wife, three chil-

dren, one brother and a myriad of friends. Following a funeral service at the United Methodist Church, he was laid to rest in Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Bruce had been an active Mason and Shriner, and mourners were encouraged to honor him with memorials being made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.

All drug stores in Fayetteville closed for the funeral service, and pharmacists started a reward fund ultimately totaling $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Bruce’s death.

As part of the investigation, the police set up a confidential phone line for people to report tips. One caller contacted Sgt. Hutchens at home and gave him the names of five people in West Plains, Missouri. The caller said the five were involved in the murder. Hutchens, Johnson and Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Mahlon Gibson traveled to West Plains, but they concluded the Missourians were innocent of the crime. Chasing another lead, the officials went to Fort Smith after receiving word from investigators there that they had arrested a man with a sizable quantity of drugs in his possession. As it turned out, the drugs were not the same kind as those stolen in Fayetteville. Another arrest catching the attention of law enforcement happened in Little Rock where an individual was detained for having a large amount of drugs and two small caliber firearms. Detectives checked out the attempted robbery of a drug store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, occurring on the same day as the Palace Drug Store caper.

Before being captured, the brazen Tulsa thief shot the pharmacist in the arm and shoulder. But despite the best efforts of the lawmen, all of their legwork turned up nothing.

A month into the investigation, authorities still toiled away, trying to solve Joe Bruce’s homicide. They racked up well over 1,000 man hours, administering polygraph tests and interviewing dozens of people. Two officers worked exclusively on the case.

They often returned to the question of motive. True, it did look like a robbery, but little things kept pointing to the possibility of the theft being a cover for another purpose. They speculated the slayer was someone the victim recognized. Police actually said there was a strong likelihood that the gunman was a close friend of Bruce’s and theorized Bruce did not open the narcotics safe himself. It was someone who knew where the safe’s key was hidden. Also, by unbarring the backdoor and exiting through the garage, he seemed familiar with the premises. Why murder the pharmacist? He was no threat. He was shot from behind while sitting at his desk. The fact that Bruce opened the shop at such an early hour and then sat down with his back to the man implied he trusted the perpetrator. And then there was the second shot to make absolutely sure he was dead, forever prevented from identifying the person who ended his life. If the killer carried out the heinous act for personal reasons and was, therefore, an amateur lawbreaker, he or she would have been unsure or nervouse, a

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quick getaway uppermost in their mind. This might explain why they left behind or forgot the $1,250 in the cash registers and in Bruce’s pocket.

Ray Huff owned and operated The Palace Drug Store for 26 years. He passed away June 24, 2011. The Campus Bookstore now occupies the building at 624 West Dickson Street.

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Fayetteville Police Department has seen no new developments in the murder of Joe Bruce in recent years. This is not to say he is forgotten.

aymag.com

John H. Johnson

By Joe David Rice

F

ew individuals have overcome the challenges of the late John Johnson of Arkansas City. A third-generation descendent of slaves, Johnson was born on Jan. 19, 1918, in a shotgun house three blocks from the Mississippi River. His father worked as a laborer in a sawmill, and his mother was a camp cook. Shortly after his father’s death in an accident at the mill, the 9-year-old Johnson and his mother faced another daunting setback: the Flood of 1927. In Succeeding Against the Odds, his 1989 autobiography, Johnson wrote about the sheer terror of the breaking levees: “And now we were running and the water was coming behind us and dogs were barking and people were screaming and my mother was gripping my hand so hard I thought it would come off. Would we make it? Or would the rampaging water roll over us, as it was rolling over the mules and chickens behind us? For a terrifying moment, the issue was in doubt. Then my mother shifted into a higher gear, lifting me almost off the ground, and we scrambled up the slippery incline of the levee.”

Johnson and his mother spent the next six weeks camped atop the Arkansas City levee, along with hundreds of other refugees. From their vantage point on the narrow strip of dry ground, they watched the dark, swirling flood waters cover the tin roof of their home. When the murky waters finally receded, they found that the force of the current had moved their battered house — full of nasty muck and unwelcome creatures — several blocks from its original site.

That same year, Johnson’s mother remarried. His mother and stepfather instilled a strong work ethic into young Johnny — he learned how to cook and wash and iron clothes — and they encouraged him to excel in school. Unfortunately, formal education for Black students in Arkansas City ended with the eighth grade. Johnson’s mother, convinced that her son deserved a good education, was determined to save enough money for them to relocate to Chicago where opportunities were far better. But when he had completed his eighth-grade assignments, she didn’t have

Guardian, and by 1939 was its editor.

Among his tasks were weekly briefings with Pace, bringing him up-to-speed on what was happening in the world of race relations.

In one of those rare “ah-ha!” moments, Johnson realized he was in the perfect position to launch a publication aimed at Black readers. But no one was willing to loan startup capital of $500 to an unproven 24-year-old African American until the Citizens Loan Corporation came through — provided he had collateral, a term unfamiliar to Johnson.

(ADPHT) After nearly a week of crying and prayenough cash for them to make the move. Her ing, Johnson’s mother agreed to put up her new answer was for Johnson to repeat the school year furniture as a guarantee for the loan.

Johnson set up a desk in a corner of a friend’s while she continued to set aside every dollar she could find. In July of 1933, following his second office, composed a letter inviting recipients to eighth-grade tour of duty, mother and son caught subscribe to Negro Digest for $2 a year, and used a ride to McGehee and then took the train to the $500 to buy stamps for the 20,000 names on Chicago — by way of Little Rock, Memphis and the mailing list he’d borrowed from the Supreme St. Louis. Johnson was 15 years old. His stepfather Life Insurance Company. Three thousand people responded, and the first issue of Negro Digest made the same journey several years later.

The transition from Arkansas City to Chi- hit the streets on Nov. 1, 1942. Less than a year cago wasn’t easy. His Southern accent worked later, the magazine’s circulation reached 50,000 against him and so did his rural wardrobe. While monthly and held at that level until the October his mother was able to obtain better clothing, 1943 issue. A cover story by First Lady Eleanor Johnson spent hours reading self-help books Roosevelt that month boosted circulation to and practicing his elocution in front of a mir- 100,000 and, according to Johnson, “We never ror — and then decided the real answer was to looked back.”

John Harold Johnson parlayed that success study harder than any other student at Wendell Phillips High School. The dedication paid off into not only a fabulously successful media cawhen he was elected senior class president and reer (he also published Ebony and Jet magazines also served as editor of the Phillipsite, the school and held broadcast interests) but ventured into newspaper. After Phillips High burned, stu- cosmetics and fashion. As his empire expanddents were transferred to the new DuSable High ed, Johnson had trouble renting office space School. Graduating on June 11, 1936, Johnson in New York City, apparently because of his was the only student to speak during the com- race. He telephoned an Arkansas friend named mencement exercises. One of his mentors had Winthrop Rockefeller, who made one call and pulled him aside earlier, suggesting that “John” got Johnson the accommodations he needed in would be more appropriate than “Johnny” in the Rockefeller Center.

Johnson, the first African American to make days to come. It was then that he added “Harold” Forbes’ annual list of the 400 wealthiest Amerias his middle name.

Harry Pace, president of the Supreme Liberty cans, received the Presidential Medal of FreeLife Insurance Company, hired the new gradu- dom from then-President Bill Clinton, another ate as a part-time aide for $25 a month. Johnson Arkansas friend, in 1996. His restored home in began working on the company’s newsletter, The Arkansas City is open to the public.

Joe David Rice, former tourism director of Arkansas Parks and Tourism, has written Arkansas Backstories, a delightful book of short stories from A through Z that introduces readers to the state's lesser-known aspects. Rice's goal is to help readers acknowledge that Arkansas is a unique and fascinating combination of land and people – one to be proud of and one certainly worth sharing.

Each month, AY will share one of the 165 distinctive essays. We hope these stories will give you a new appreciation for this geographically compact but delightfully complex place we call home. These Arkansas Backstories columns appear courtesy of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. The essays have been collected and published by Butler Center Books in a two-volume set, both of which are now available to purchase at Amazon and the University of Arkansas Press.

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