AY About You Magazine May 2020

OUTYOU

ARKANSAS' LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

I

MAY 2020

I

AYMAG.COM

VID-19 P. 71 Taco Bucket List I Foster Care Month I Burlsworth Foundation $5.00 U.S.

MAY

injection

SPECIALS

Special pricing: Botox $10 a unit Dysport $4 a unit and all filler $100 off

Make an appointment with Dr. Spann and our Nurse Injector Hailey at 501-219-8000.

*Model.

Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19 and restrictions to our industry, appointments are subject to change. Our office follows all state and federal guidelines to ensure patient safety and compliance.

My Passion. Your Results. www.littlerockplasticsurgery.com 2200 N Rodney Parham Rd, Ste 200, Little Rock, AR 72212

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

D E L I V E R I N G

EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS IN SELLING EXCEPTIONAL

HOMES. Brandy Harp

D E L I V E R I N G EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS IN SELLING BEAUTIFUL

HOM E S .

Brandy Harp 501.868.3444 | jonunderhill.com |

@jonunderhillrealestate

We Keep People All O

Mary with beautiful porcelain veneers.

Make 2020 Your Year For A Beautiful...

4

Over Arkansas Smiling People all over Arkansas trust Dr. Lee Wyant with their smile. As Arkansas’ only Fellowed Cosmetic Dentist and providing over 35 years of excellence you can be sure you’re in good hands.

His credentials, experience and caring concern for each individual patient allows him to provide exceptional esthetic results regardless of the challenges presented. To learn how Dr. Wyant can help you have an incredible smile, call today to schedule your complimentary smile consultation.

501.819.3608

ACCREDITED FELLOW

COSMETIC SERVICES Porcelain Veneers & Crowns Dental Bonding Zoom® Whitening Invisalign • Dental Implants

C. LEE WYANT, DDS 16524 Chenal Pkwy Little Rock, AR 72223 501.819.3608 smilearkansas.com

All photos are of beautiful smiles created by Dr. Lee Wyant.

Dr. Lee Wyant Smile!

5

aymag.com

6

ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS:

$225M

INVESTMENT

$200M$344M

IN PAID TAXES (OVER 1O YEARS)

$3.15B+ REGIONAL

ECONOMIC IMPACT (OVER 10 YEARS)

1000+

NEW JOBS DEDICATED TO

PROPOSED RESORT DEVELOPMENT IN POPE COUNTY, ARKANSAS

OUR COMMITMENT:

TO BE THE ECONOMIC PARTNER YOU DESERVE.

HIRING & SOURCING LOCALLY Learn more at

LegendsArkansas.com

The people of Arkansas have shown us great support. It will be our honor to repay it, long into the future.

OPERATED BY:

8

10

Through fear, frustration, and masks, we can still smile at each other.

Thank you to all the healthcare workers across Arkansas tirelessly working to improve the COVID-19 situation everyday.

See what we’re doing to help at DeltaDentalAR.com/COVID-19.

12

Hope Courage Resilient During this difficult time, stay safe.

Hope to see you soon.

14

15

aymag.com

SHORT-TERM REHAB, LONG TERM CARE & RESPITE SERVICES We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled common area to our beautiful outdoor patios, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us.

#3 CHENAL HEIGHTS DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK, AR

n

501.830.2273

n

HICKORYHEIGHTSHR.COM

18

19

aymag.com

20

21

aymag.com

22

ENERGY EFFICIENT | DURABLE | TESTED & VERIFIED

Creating a more comfortable and resilient home.

Green building is fundamentally about living with clean air in a healthier environment, using sustainable materials, and lowering energy costs.

5 01- 416 - 898 6

RiverRockBuilders.net Little Rock, Arkansas

*Free delivery to showers for Jonesboro only!

The only sleeper sofa you can sleep o

O N SA L E

R E TA I L E R

MARCH 1 - 11 ROCK RECLINE Swivel glide

COME EXPERIENCE THE LIVING CHAIR

1504 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock, AR 501-280-3200 TUE - SAT 10 AM - 5 PM

R

E

T A

I

L

E

R

E X T E N D E D R E TA I L E R I N F O R M AT I O N

Spring Sale going on Now! Great selection of outdoor furniture in stock.

Family Owned and Operated Since 1920 19650 I-30, Benton • congofp.com • 501.316.4328

26

27

aymag.com

28

When considering a facility for short-term rehabilitation services, families want the best they can get for their loved ones, and they have to look no further than Superior Health and Rehab in Conway.

Our rehabilitation gym offers state-of-the art rehab and features interactive equipment to enable our licensed therapists to create a comprehensive therapy program designed to get our residents back to their prior functional level, regain their self-reliance and facilitate a return to home as quickly as possible.

625 Tommy Lewis Drive • Conway, AR• 501-585-6800 • superiorhrc.com

30

31

aymag.com

32

33

aymag.com

Taco AY’s ARKANSAS

Bucket List Presented by

3 Check off the Taco Bucket List as you visit a small sample of our favorite taco spots. lex’s Taqueria l A

l L as Americas Too

l T aqueria El Cuñado

ntigua’s Grill l A

l L ocal Lime

l T aqueria El Palenque

quarius Taqueria Tequila l A

l L os Arcos

l T aqueria El Rey

Springdale

Magnolia, El Dorado & Mezcal Bar Eureka Springs

l

aja B

Grill Benton, Little Rock

antina Laredo l C

Little Rock

harly’s Taqueria l C

Springdale

Grill Hot Springs Quesos Fayetteville

Little Rock

Little Rock

iguel’s Taqueria l M

Little Rock

l T acos 4 Life

l T acos Atilano & Tamale Co.

l La Tapatia Taqueria &

Springdale

l T aqueria Gonzalez Conway

North Little Rock

l T aqueria Guanajuato Springdale Little Rock

Various Locations

l E l Torito

Little Rock

ango’s Gourmet Taco Shop l M l T aqueria Jalisco San Juan Fayetteville

Hot Springs

Bryant, Conway

Birria Little Rock

Conway

l T aco Mama

on Pepe’s l D

Springdale

l L os Gallos Taqueria & Birria l T aqueria Guadalajara

ockingbird Bar & Tacos l M

Little Rock

Little Rock

Fayetteville

Fort Smith

on C

el Campo A La Ciudad l D

l

l L os Bobos

exico Chiquito l M

olorado C

eights Taco H

Jonesboro

Jonesboro

Hot Springs

l

Little Rock, Rogers

l L os Taqueiros

apo’s Tacos l C

l

Fort Smith

North Little Rock

l T aqueria Azteca

Benton, North Little Rock

l T aquería Don Güero

l T aqueria Karina Cafe Little Rock

l T aqueria La Pasadita Little Rock

l T aqueria México Springdale

l T he Fold: Botanas & Bar Little Rock

l T rickDilly

Bentonville

l T ula

Fayetteville

eyo’s Mexican Grill l Y

Bentonville, Rogers

Springdale

Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these restaurants might have limited services and adjusted 35 hours. Please check ahead with the businesses to see what offerings they currently have available.

aymag.com

36

37

aymag.com

38

40

42

When you’re ready to swing back into playfully interactive activities, we’ll be here. amazeum.org 1009 Museum Way | Bentonville, AR

CREATE A PLAN FOR YOUR PASSION

SUBSCRIBE to

Fee-Based Wealth Management Customized to Your Financial Needs

aymag.com

Pavilion Woods Building 2300 Andover Court, Suite 560 Little Rock, AR 72227

Our mission is to inform and entertain you by providing accurate information that enriches lives. Did we mention it’s about you? Go to aymag.com and click on the subscribe tab.

Only $20 a year!

Is art collecting your passion? Or do you want to build houses in Haiti? Help educate your grandchildren?

Call the Conger Wealth Management team or visit their website today.

Conger Wealth Management empowers you to make confident, fully-informed financial choices – creating a plan for your passion.

501-374-1174 congerwealthmanagement.com

Investment advisory services and financial planning services offered through Advisory Alpha, LLC DBA Conger Wealth Management, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

43

aymag.com

in th e

46

47

aymag.com

“They all came to see Elvis,” Burgess said Cash told him. “We might as well go home. They’re not here for us.”

48

65

TH

ANNIVERSA

RY

your invitation

A FIRST-CLASS TIME ...

EVERY TIME ... FOR 60 YEARS.

65

to serenity.

For the past 60 years, there’s been one name in trout fishing, and that’s Gaston’s.

We’ve got everything you need for a family vacation, romantic getaway or group gathering, year-round. From world-class trout fishing to fine dining and drinks to just watching the river roll by, Gaston’s gets it right, every time.

YRS

TH

65 NIV. AN

Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita 870-867-2191 • 800-832-2276 • MountainHarborResort.com Premier Lodging • Full Service Marina • Lake View Dining • Turtle Cove Spa

1777 River Road Lakeview, AR 72642 870-431-5202 Email gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20’ 55” N Long 92 33’ 25” W Follow us on

www.gastons.com

HOME & GARDEN • FOOD & DRINK • ARTS & CULTURE • TRAVEL • HOME

Arkansas at your door. aymag.com

49

aymag.com

50

51

aymag.com

52

53

aymag.com

CABOT HEALTH & REHAB, LLC

is a skilled nursing facility offering resident-centered care in a convenient and quiet location. Cabot Health & Rehab, LLC is located in beautiful Cabot, AR near the city center, medical offices and hospitals. Our team consists of licensed nurses, physicians, therapists and other medical specialists who believe in building strong relationships with our residents and their families. We believe this is essential to the healing process.

ACCOMMODATIONS & SERVICES

Cabot Health & Rehab, LLC offers both semi-private and private rooms (when available). Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that our residents are provided a robust activity calendar, a superior dining experience in a warm, family-like setting. When recuperation and convalescence is needed, our staff works as a multi-disciplinary team to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program to facilitate a return to home.

health &

C si n

ce

ab reh

cabo t

REHABILITATION

198

5

CABOT HEALTH & REHAB, LLC 200 North Port Drive Cabot, AR 72023 Phone 501-843-6181 Fax 501-843-6736

When indicated, our team of therapists work with residents to customize a rehabilitation program which can include physical, occupational and speech therapy with a focus on improving mobility, endurance, safety and facilitating a return to home. A tailored treatment plan will allow residents to recapture health and an independent lifestyle when possible. The enrichment of daily physical function can significantly improve a resident’s self-reliance and overall happiness.

5 STAR Ratings Skilled Nursing Facility • 2 Courtyards • Cable System • Modern Furnishings • Private & Semi Private Rooms • State-of-the-Art Rehab Gym

• Restaurant Style Dining • Separate Rehab Dining • Hospice & Respite • Physical, Occupational, Speech Rehabs Offered

Medicare • Private Pay • All Major Private Insurance We are an 80 bed facility with both private and semi-private rooms. We offer Rehab services (PT, OT, and ST) as well as Long-Term Care.

121 Spring Valley Rd., Cabot, AR 72023 (501)605-1545 | Fax: (501)605-1505

Greystone

Nursing and Rehab, LLC

54

Tours available daily—call today to schedule yours!

www.GreystoneNursingAndRehab.com

Hot Springs’ newest, premier skilled nursing and long term care facility.

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

2600 Park Ave | Hot Springs, AR 71901 | 501.321.4276

56

57

aymag.com

58

Natural Looking

Permanent Makeup

by Grayson

59

aymag.com

60

61

aymag.com

62

63

aymag.com

64

65

aymag.com

66

67

aymag.com

68

What could you do with faster internet?

It’s time to find out with OzarksGo!

FIBER INTERNET // TV // PHONE

MENTAL we are HEALTH aymag.com

.

E .

L l B I a S e S R O is P e s l i g ERY g u V r The Stand RECO In Arkansas, mental health issues are affecting people of all ages and the suicide rate across all ages is at an all-time high. But there is hope.

The BridgeWay provides a continuum of care that is safe, secure and serene. Just as each patient is different, so too are our programs. The BridgeWay is the only psychiatric hospital in Arkansas with distinct programs for seniors 55 and older, adults 18 and older, adolescents, ages 13-17, and children, ages 4-12. Whether it is for mood, thought or substance abuse disorders, we provide separate units for each population.

21 BridgeWay Road, North Little Rock, AR 72113 1-800-245-0011 | thebridgeway.com

aymag.com/mental-health-guide

Quality Care Rooted in Arkansas

69

aymag.com

we

fighting COVID-19

For 140 years, you’ve known UAMS as the state’s health care leader… where the brightest minds deliver advanced treatments.

Now more than ever, you depend on UAMS to care for not only you and your family, but your friends, your coworkers and more during this unprecedented time in history. Fighting COVID-19 has been a challenge worldwide, but we are dedicated to doing everything we can to beat this virus.

More than a hospital. More than a health sciences university. And more than cutting edge research. UAMS is an integrated health system — one that serves all of the state, ensuring better access and, ultimately, a better state of health for each and every Arkansan.

For the latest COVID-19 information and resources, visit UAMShealth.com/coronavirus.

UAMShealth.com

2004064 AD VCC AY full page ad.indd 1

4/13/20 12:37 PM

37 PM

71

aymag.com

72

73

aymag.com

74

75

aymag.com

76

77

aymag.com

78

79

aymag.com

80

81

aymag.com

Celebrate Your Company’s Milestone Arkansas

Mental Health Guide

DESIGN AWARDS | 2019 A SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS MONEY & POLITICS • NOVEMBER 2019

AMP | APRIL 2019

AY Media Group, locally owned publishers of Arkansas Money & Politics, AY About You, Mental Health Guide, and more, are proud to offer book publishing for your company. We produce the finest quality books through our creative content division for many of the Arkansas area’s leading businesses.

For additional information or to discuss the creation of your book or other custom content for your brand, please contact: Heather Baker | 501-244-9700 | HBAKER@AYMEDIAGROUP.COM

ABOUT

YOU MEDIA GROUP

82

FEMALE LEADERS HOLD KEY ROLES AT CONWAY REGIONAL Two strong women are at the forefront of a major industry with leading roles at Conway Regional Health System. Carol Angel, M.D., an anesthesiologist, is the chief of staff; Andrea Woods, J.D., is the chair of the Conway Regional Board of Directors.

Dr. Angel is the founder of Conway Anesthesiology Consultants and has been practicing anesthesiology for more than 20 years. Woods, a Conway attorney with Nabholz Construction, has been a member of the board for eight years.

When Woods and Angel accepted their roles within the health system, neither could have anticipated a world-wide pandemic.

As cases of COVID-19 began to rise in Arkansas, the health system adapted quickly, initiating protocols and establishing innovative ways to best serve its community.

The unprecedented time, Woods says, has only strengthened the health system’s mission and calling.

“We are blessed that everyone has the same goal,” she says. “To get through this together.”

The circumstance has also redefined how she views her role within the organization.

“This has been a reminder for me as board chair that the role of the board of directors is strategic. I’m a lawyer, not a healthcare provider,” Woods says. “As such, I need to step back and let the professionals do what they do best-care for our patients and families.”

Conway Regional President and CEO Matt Troup emphasized the value both Woods and Angel bring to the health system, as well as their willingness to serve their community.

“Andrea and Dr. Angel bring immense value to our team at Conway Regional,” Troup says. “As we navigate this unprecedented time, I am grateful for the commitment, dedication and compassion these two leaders bring to the conversation. As a health system, we have worked diligently to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff, and I am proud of how our team has responded to this pandemic with a willingness to serve. At Conway Regional, we are called toward one goal: caring for others. Andrea and Dr. Angel embody that mission.”

Angel emphasizes that through the pandemic, the health system’s fundamental purpose has not waivered. “Our mission has continued to be the same, to provide excellent care to all of our patients,” she says.

She credits early decision making by Conway Regional’s leadership for helping the health system get ahead of the crisis.

“Early on, decisions were made by physicians, medical staff, our CEO Matt Troup and the executive leadership team,” she explains.

These decisions enabled the health system

to best ensure the health and safety of its patients, visitors and staff.

These early changes included establishing one of the first drive-thru testing areas in the state for COVID-19, launching telemedicine, creating a community call center and providing employees with wellness offerings such as a relaxation room, free meals during their shift and free daycare.

Aligned with the health system’s values, the calling to serve is prominent in the lives of both leaders. In addition to their key positions at Conway Regional, Angel and Woods serve as role models for women throughout Faulkner County.

Can you describe your roles as chief of staff and chair of the board?

Angel: “My role as chief of staff is to colead because we consider this a physician-led hospital. When there are areas where we have to have more dialogue with physicians, I take part. If there are areas of conflict, I help to mediate; when there are opportunities for growth, I give my perspective. The goal is always to advance our medical care in Faulkner County.”

Woods: “My role as chair of the board is to facilitate the making of decisions that will benefit our community and everyone who serves the hospital. The board provides a variety of strategic perspectives since we all come from diverse backgrounds.”

What is it like to manage the expectations and meet the challenges?

Woods: “Looking back eight years ago, the health system was in such a different place. We were hunting down opportunities to make sure we could survive and thrive, making Conway Regional the premier health system of choice for physicians and health care professionals. Now we are blessed to have opportunities coming to us. There have been so many amazing opportunities, but it takes time, review and vetting.”

Angel: “I didn’t know what it was going to be like, but one of the things that surprised me is how the leadership team works together to form the strategy. I am pleasantly surprised that the goals we have set have been met so quickly.” She cites how quickly the health system adopted an ACM for primary care doctors. “We started with a plan, it was executed and put into place. I am very impressed by that and I am proud to be part of it,” she says.

Woods also cherishes the meaningful moments she has experienced in her role.

She recalls voting to join the ARSAVES stroke program that is hosted by UAMS. “When I was shadowing in the Emergency Department, I got to look into a patient’s eyes and know that this program saved his life. It’s

83

Andrea Woods and Dr. Carol Angel. awesome and humbling to be around people who really do save lives every day.”

Do you consider yourselves to be role models, and glass-ceiling breakers for women in health care?

Woods: “At Conway Regional there are amazing women in a multitude of leadership roles. There were several women trailblazers here long before I arrived. You can’t walk the halls of the hospital without seeing strong female role models at every level of the organization.”

Angel: “I have been told that the younger female doctors really look up to a female chief of staff. In that they feel that my role is as a trailblazer for them, a game changer; I am honored to be a part of it.”

How do you strike a work-life balance?

Woods: “I don’t think there is any such thing as a true balance. I like the analogy that life is like standing up in a canoe. Initially you may feel steady but pretty soon the waves will come. You don’t know when, where, or how rocky it will be. If you have good people in the boat with you, it’ll all work out.”

What are some of the surprises and challenges?

Angel: “The whole strategy to execution process has been a pleasant surprise.”

Woods: “Taking on the management of Dardanelle Regional Medical Center is unique, and I look at this relationship as one of many ways Conway Regional expresses its values. We are a not-for-profit and have a clear mission to serve.”

What advice do you have for young women who are aspiring to leadership roles?

Woods: “Remember, the little bumps along the way are not walls. You can handle any challenge.”

Angel: “Don’t be insecure or intimidated, rise up and go for it!” aymag.com

Best of

2018

When you you walk walk into into the the Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing && Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center Center you you will will feel feel aa comfortable comfortable atmosphere atmosphere different different When from any any other other facility facility you you have have visited. visited. We We feature feature tall tall ceilings ceilings and and an an open open floor floor plan. plan. We We have have aa lovely lovely dining dining room room and and from covered outdoor outdoor patio patio area. area. aa covered We specialize specialize in in short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation and and long-term long-term care care services. services. The The short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation area area has has its its own own We diningarea areaand andday dayroom. room.From Fromthe themoment momentyou youenter enterour ourfacility, facility,we wewant wantyou youto toexperience experiencethe thedifference differenceour ourfacility facilityhas has dining to offer. offer. From From our our light-filled light-filled day day areas areas to to our our beautiful beautiful outdoor outdoor areas, areas, we we want want you you and and your your loved loved one one to to feel feel comfortable comfortable to and safe safe when when staying staying with with us. us. You You will will also also notice notice the the pride pride we we take take in in our our facility facility by by keeping keeping our our building building sparkling sparkling clean clean and from the the inside inside out. out. from Our team team isis dedicated dedicated to to providing providing aa safe safe and and comfortable comfortable environment. environment. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and Rehab Rehab offers offers modern modern Our conveniencesin inaagracious gracioussetting. setting.We Weprovide providedaily dailyplanned plannedactivities activitiesled ledbybyCertified certifiedActivity activityDirectors, directors, like like social social events events conveniences and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions.

We strongly encourage family participation in group and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days. activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.

To help help you you plan plan your your visits, visits, we we provide provide aa monthly monthly event event calendar calendar and and aa monthly monthly meal meal planner. planner. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and To Rehab does not have set visiting hours.

We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.

Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.

We try try our our best best to to communicate communicate with with patients patients and and families families to to help help alleviate alleviate the the anxiety anxiety that that accompanies accompanies this this journey. journey.

We Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. person. We We recognize recognize that that rehabilitation rehabilitation involves involves not not only only the the patient, patient but the entire family. each

501.753.9003 •• 519 519 Donovan Donovan Briley Briley Boulevard, Boulevard, NLR NLR •• www.robinsonnr.com www.robinsonnr.com 501.753.9003

Salem Place NURSING & REHABILITATION, INC

You must approve this artwork before production will begin.

Send approval with order number to service@moxyox.com

479.419.5879 moxyox.com

Salem Place offers Memory Care for your loved one with cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer’s, including dedicated male and female units. Version 2.1 | 1.16.20

• Dedicated Male and Female Memory Care Observation Units • Proactive approach • Person-centered • Focus on strengths vs. individual decits

2401 Christina Lane | Conway, Arkansas 72034 | Phone: 501.327.4421 | Fax: 501.329.8997 www.salemplacerehab.com | We accept: Medicaid, Medicare, Private Pay.

87

aymag.com

88

89

aymag.com

90

Colonel Glenn Health & Rehab is central Arkansas’ newest premier-skilled nursing and long-term care facility. Our skilled team is focused on serving you and your family with excellence.

LONG-TERM CARE

REHABILITATION

RESPITE CARE

13700 David O Dodd Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210 501.907.8200 • colonelglennhr.com 92

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

94

95

aymag.com

Cheese Dip

By Joe David Rice

C

That contest, a blind taste test, occurred ulinary enthusiasts find all sorts on Dec. 7, 2016, on Capitol Hill during of especially notable goodies the weekly Steering Committee lunch across Arkansas: apples, involving dozens of Republican senators. peaches, tomatoes, fried pies, barbecue, This distinguished group met in the watermelon (both red- and yellowCapitol’s Mike Mansfield Room (S-207), meated), catfish and, of course, poultry. a large and handsome setting, complete However, certain vocal foodies will with American black walnut paneling and claim the state’s signature dish is cheese a portrait of George Washington hanging dip — and they can present a convincing above the fireplace. The Texas entry was case. For one thing, cheese dip made its provided by Uncle Julio’s of Dallas while world debut in 1935 at Mexico Chiquito, Arkansas’ dish came from Heights Taco a central Arkansas restaurant. Over the & Tamale Co. of Little Rock. Once the years, it was copied by other restaurateurs tasting was finished, a tally was taken. and spread across much of the country, Arkansas won, hands down. often shown on menus as “queso.” Many “It was a foregone conclusion before of us consider a perfectly seasoned bowl of we left the state of Arkansas,” said Scott this delicacy as the dip du jour for Super Bowl Sundays. Some even include it in McGehee, the Little Rock cook, “so we their wedding receptions. were not surprised at all. Arkansas cheese In 2009, Little Rock attorney and dip is on a different level than Texas queso, filmmaker Nick Rogers produced a that mild runny thing that they try to pass 20-minute documentary tracing the off as cheese dip down there.” history of this gastronomical delight. The The editorial staff of the Arkansas film, In Queso Fever: A Movie about Cheese Democrat-Gazette celebrated the victory Dip, quickly developed a large following Heights Taco & Tamale Co. with a 400-word congratulatory piece on the internet and played at the Little titled, “Arkansas beats Texas (again).” That same day on the opposite Rock Film Festival. page of the newspaper, columnist John Brummett also noted the The following year saw the inaugural edition of “The World outcome, writing, “The win … was so convincing that the Texans Cheese Dip Championship” at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium. couldn’t even filibuster.”

Dozens of teams from throughout America competed in the festival, Several of my culinary-inclined friends swear there’s no better which drew 6,000 spectators — hungry aficionados who consumed comfort food than a fresh batch of homemade Arkansas cheese dip.

225 gallons of the cheesy concoction. Several regional competitions Paired, of course, with a fine selection of local craft beers and a bowl affiliated with the championship event have since been organized. of crisp tortilla chips.

In late 2016, The Wall Street Journal published a front-page article It’s never too early to begin experimenting with your own recipe. on Arkansas’ claim as the birthplace of cheese dip. Indignant Texans A chunk of cheese is required — and it’s not uncommon to combine immediately cried out, insisting that queso was a longstanding dish pepper jack cheese and processed cheese with milk and flour via a originating in the Lone Star State years before Mexico Chiquito’s double boiler or slow cooker. Chopped tomatoes, garlic, onions and cheesy appetizer hit the tables. The debate soon reached the Halls green chili peppers are typically added. Same for jalapeños. Some of Congress in Washington, D.C. Sens. John Boozman and Tom folks will include ground beef or venison or even bacon in their closely Cotton of Arkansas and Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz from Texas guarded concoctions. As for spices, cayenne, cumin, paprika and chili promptly entered the fray, demanding an objective competition to powder seem to be favored. But let your creativity run! determine which state could offer the tastiest version.

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.

2 96

aymag.com

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

• SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION • LONG-TERM CARE • RESPITE SERVICES

Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is nestled in the heart of the River Valley in Russellville, Arkansas.

Our staff provides skilled professional care in a compassionate and supportive atmosphere. Russellville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center not only provides long-term care services, we also offer a wide range of rehabilitative services.

Our physicians, nurses and staff all believe strong relationships with residents and their families is essential to the healing process. The entire staff is devoted to providing quality care, which celebrates the dignity and grace of every single resident.

Winner of the

GOVERNOR’S QUALITY AWARD FOR 2019

215 S. PORTLAND AVE. RUSSELLVILLE, AR

479-968-5256 • russellvillenr.com

A Growing Health System for a Growing Community

Left to Right: Mark Clark, Ph. D, Tim Freyaldenhoven, MD, Ph. D, Keith Schluterman, MD, Regan Gallaher, MD, and Bhavana Sharma, MD

Expanded Access

More Specialists

Innovative Services

Faulkner County’s Only Neuroscience Center The Conway Regional Neuroscience Center is the only of its kind in Faulkner County and has a proven record of excellence. Neurologists provide comprehensive services to diagnose and treat illnesses of the neurological system, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. Visit conwayregional.org for more information.

We’re not just growing—we’re growing together.

#conwayregional

New Medical Offices