Come Home Magazine by Come Home

Come Home 016 June 2 May-

Vol. 2, Issue 5

20 under

LEGACY

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2 Come Home2 Come Home

WELCOME HOME I started studying for the abstracter exam with my mom when I was 8 years old and could plat land better than most adults. Abstracting didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really pan out for me since 8 year olds are not allowed to be bonded in the state of Arkansas, but my knowledge came back into play later on. (Enter cute boy in college wanting to work in the title industry.) Our local grocery store however did allow me at age 10 to have a charge account and I became the proud owner of a concession stand inside my dad's auction barn. From ages 10 to 25 I worked alongside my dad (and the rest of my family) every Saturday night at the Bell Auction Barn. When I was not running the concession stand I moved furniture, clerked, cashiered and caught bids. (Enter, once again, same cute boy that thought the auction life was awesome.) I spent my weekdays through the summer and every Saturday night at the auction barn. My afternoons during the school year were spent inside musty old courthouse vaults scanning records and indexing them into the program my mother had created for the title and abstract industry. I received a degree in education from ASU (where I met abovementioned cute boy) and went on to teach elementary school for 12 years. At the time, I could only see doing anything else other than working in the family business. I could not see the invaluable education my parents were pouring into me my whole life: lessons that made me who I am today. They also allowed me the opportunity to find out for myself that you never really stop working alongside your parents. They are with me in every aspect of my business life. Working in the family business is not always easy. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is the hardest thing you could ever do, but I value all I learned from my parents. I listen to them and still seek their advice, even if I don't always take it. More than the lessons I have learned about business from both of them, I am grateful for the life they created for me and my brother and for the work ethic they passed on to us. I no longer work with my mom and dad on a daily basis, but I still find myself in musty courthouse vaults from time to time because my husband, Chris (cute boy mentioned above that loved land and auctions), along with a partner, purchased my mothers software company and the abstracting legacy continues. As for the auction house.... I am game if you are, daddy. "100 dollar, 100 dollar, who will give me a hundred?" This year's 20 under 40 issue is a salute to those who chose to follow in their parents' or grandparents' footsteps. It's not always easy, it certainly is never dull, but there is nothing greater than working with your family to build a legacy. -Heather

Come Home Crew Heather Hinrichs Editor/Art Director Robin Seymore

Contributing Editor/ Graphic Designer

Kerrie Szabo Photographer

Contributing Writers Heather Hinrichs Robin Seymore Ashley Hoppis Monique Wilson Shelley Dirst Michelle Rost Valerie Haight Kim Trublood W. Spencer Hinrichs Contributing Photographers Becky Mathis/Rear Window Photography Kerrie Szabo Valerie Haight Chase Smallwood Mallory Jeffers

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Come Home 3

contents

A day with Cabin Fever and Driftwood Artists Daryl & Michele Freed Written by Robin Seymore Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

20 under 40: Legacies Written by Ashley Hoppis, Monique Wilson, Robin Seymore, Heather Hinrichs Photographed by Becky Mathis/Rear Window Photography

Come Home Kitchen: Crawfish Boil Pinch, Peel, Eat, Repeat Prepared by Friends Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

Come Home Kids: Ozark Comic Book Creator Gustav Carlson Written by W. Spencer Hinrichs Illustrations by Gustav Carlson

Floating the Buffalo Written by Michelle Rost Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

For the Love of Geocache Written & Photographed by Valerie Haight

Rock Climbing Written by Kimberly Trublood Photographed by Chase Smallwood

Beckham Creek Cave Lodge Written by Shelley Dirst Photographs submitted by Mallory Jeffers

Come Home 5

MELISSA LEE (stylist/eyelash artist/owner) AMY EDWARDS (senior stylist) BAYLEA MARTIN (stylist/eyelash artist) BRITTANY MARTIN (senior stylist/educator) KERALEIGH STACY (stylist) BRYAN WYATT (stylist)

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200 E. Rush, Suite #2 200 E. Rush, Suite 2 870-741-5222 Harrison AR 72601 Harrison, AR 72601 Arkansas Soliciting agent only. Not authorized to issue policies. BlueCross BlueShield Available only to residents in Arkansas.

Marilyn Mathis Independent Broker

Medi-Pak insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the Soliciting agentArkansas only. Not issueis policies. federal Medicare Program. Blue authorized Cross and BluetoShield a Medicare-approved Part D Available only to residents in Arkansas. sponsor and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

Medi-Pak Insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare Program. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

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A day with Cabin Fever

From the Classroom

to the Boardroom

and Driftwood Artists Daryl and Michele Freed

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Come Home 7

Arriving at the Freeds it is immediately noticeable that artists dwell here. It's not messy, but the phrase, "work in progress" comes to mind. Talent and passion run through the home's eaves and floorboards, as if they've worked their home like a piece of driftwood. Daryl and Michele Freed are driftwood carvers who focus mostly on water fowl and fish, although Daryl dabbles in other inspired pieces such as his "holy" cross, crafted from what I would call "Swiss cheese driftwood." Daryl works on naturals, while Michele handles the decorative elements of their pieces. "We do our thing," declares Michele. "It's not my thing and his thing. It's ours." And so it has been throughout their eleven year marriage. Daryl lived in northern

Michigan building canoes under the "Little Sturgeon River Woodshop" name. His son (and partner) encouraged Daryl to start buying Michele's products. They worked out a deal that lasted for several years until they finally met and became, in Daryl's words, "a match made in heaven." He states this with a twinkling eye and a bear hug for Michele, not to mention a laugh reminiscent of the postman in the movie "Funny Farm." They both have held "real jobs" but have found much success and

happiness with their business, "The Cabin Fever Store." While Michele's first duck carving (pictured top left) is no scrapper, her woodworking has truly become art, rather than a hobby. The duo started out renting booths at various art shows, and did a fine business with that, but it was at the Ward World Championship Carving Competition that Michele began noticing carvers standing in line with their pieces locked in fancy handmade boxes. She eventually got the nerve to ask Daryl what they were doing, to which he replied, "Competing, of course!" So Michele decided she would enter her white swan (see opposite page) just to see what would happen. Daryl quickly and haphazardly got a towel from the truck that he'd used to wipe diesel fuel on. She swaddled her swan in it and got

in the line. You can probably guess that she won second place, but she never would have! They have since narrowed down their shows to three per year and can be a little more particular with their time. Michele has a favorite piece, which recently won honorable mention at the World Championship Carving Competition. It's the mallard hen pictured on the article cover. Even though her white swan (above) won second place in the WORLD, she feels her mallard

hen represents her immenselyimproved skills as a carver and painter. Michele "aspires to improve every new piece." That, she does. Both Michele and Daryl have their own tools and work spaces, but that doesn't mean tools, and sometimes even mounts, don't get "shared." There have been mild disagreements about how a mount should have been used, but they keep their disagreements light, and have "learned to forgive!" While they use only driftwood,

their predominantly used trees include red cedar, Louisiana cypress, and a saltwater wood that carves beautifully from the North Carolina Nags Head area. Michele's Foredom tool once made her feel pretty uptown. She has now graduated to more specialized saws, sanders, finishing tools and even various bill studies to help perfect her detailing. "Shipshead's Passion" (below left) was the piece that catapulted the pair into a more serious class of carving. This is when Ducks Unlimited took notice of the

Freeds' immaculate presentations of their beloved water fowl. The couple began donating pieces to be auctioned off by Ducks Unlimited, and, of course, this gave them an even bigger fan base, even though they have sold pieces to folks from England, Canada and Mexico. In 2014, they were invited to DU's "big" convention in St. Louis, Daryl was recovering from a heart attack so they sat that one out, but graciously accepted the invitation in 2015 where their pieces "flew off the wall." Snort.

Come Home 10

"We still go driftwoodin' together. We praise the Lord, love on each other, have a shore lunch, and look for our next mounts," croons Daryl, with the love-gusto he adorns on Michele. He may be a self-proclaimed "lone-wolf-crazy-Ninja-carvin' dude," but he admits to learning new tricks from his talented wife. Really, they act like newlyweds who may be high on life, or might just be high on the notion that, in Daryl's opinion, "We are only counterfeiters of God's creation."

Advice from a driftwood artist:

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under 20 40 L E GAC Y

Nate Miller, Matt Miller, Jake Miller Meredith Miller, Father Miller Hardware Come Home 13

Nate Miller, Matt Miller, Jake Miller Meredith Miller, Father Miller Hardware (pictured on previous page) Miller Hardware is much more than an eighty-five year old hardware store and lumber company. To the three Miller boys it is their family's legacy. Miller Hardware opened in 1931 along the banks of Crooked Creek on the Harrison square with Nath Miller as proprietor. Over the years, Miller's has moved locations, survived a flood, and expanded greatly. Joe Miller acquired the business from father Nath, and then Meredith from his dad, Joe. With Meredith at the wheel, Nate, Matt, and Jake Miller have all climbed on board with their dad and taken on the responsibility of continuing the retail business. Having grown up watching the two generations before them run Miller's, the boys are all in high hopes that they can work together and make the very best decisions for the future of the company. The bar has been set pretty high for the brothers, but they are all grateful for the hardworking men that precede them. Miller Hardware employees are what keep the machine well oiled and running. Without their knowledge and customer service the business would suffer tremendously. They keep the customers coming through the front door, and that is the key for survival. In an area where the competition is high, the consumer is given many choices. The employees strive to make Miller's the customers' first choice, and accommodate their needs. Nathan is the oldest of the boys and he is married to Jill. They met while 14 Come Home

he was in the US Navy and stationed in Pensacola, Florida. They reside on the family's farm and share their home with two dogs, Chief and Winnie, whom they love dearly. Nate is a perfectionist, (you should see his garage) and he can build anything. His willingness to spend time with customers ironing out every fine detail and gathering materials benefits Miller's considerably. Nate is most grateful for his strong family, and the morals and values that have been instilled in him. His favorite part about his career choice is working with his family everyday. He and Matt work closely with Meredith buying and selling hardware and building materials for numerous construction products. Whether it's bidding a job for a contractor, or helping a customer find the right hardware for their project, Nate is always there to greet a customer with a friendly smile and a strong handshake. Matt is the middle and tallest brother. Sorry, Nate and Jake, truth hurts! When Matt was a child, he spent countless hours in front of the television with a controller in hand. He was always "trying to beat the game" and he usually succeeded. He has always been a satisfaction seeker, and I'm fairly positive that the Legend of Zelda was his main motivator. Whatever game he chose to play, he seemed to master it, and those abilities have definitely spilled over into his adult personality. He enjoys helping customers with their projects and loves the satisfaction of seeing the finished product. He has chosen to follow in the footsteps of three generations of "hardworking, honest, and smart businessmen." And like those three generations before him, "would

never ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do." Matt said that it is his family that motivates him to work hard. He has been married to Beth for eight years and he has four children. They live on a farm and raise chickens and Guinea pigs. Jake is the baby brother, and the accused family "favorite." He also lives on a farm with his wife, Kali, and three kiddos. He raises cattle and spends his free time farming, which he loves. He is the head honcho over at Miller's Saw Shop where he deals in lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, and all other outdoor power equipment. They service what they sell, and have the best mechanics in the area on staff. They have the capability to get a customer's machine back up and running quickly and efficiently. Jake's nickname when he was younger was Jake the Snake. Those big brown eyes can fool you. Charm got him out of endless dilemmas that could've resulted in major punishment. I've heard it said that Jake Miller could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman wearing white gloves. I guess it's true what they say, once a salesman always a salesman. Jake's friendly demeanor and effortless hospitality keep customers coming back to Miller's Saw Shop for the best customer service and outdoor power equipment on the market. On any given day at Miller Hardware, you can find the boys, and their overall clad Dad busy keeping the legacy alive. From the stories about Grandpa Joe that find their way into daily conversations to just being put in a position to help others, Nate, Matt, and Jake Miller all agree that continuing on with their family business was never not an option.

Dana Horn Vicki Sherrell, Mother Gymnastics, Etc. (pictured on next spread) Many little girls grow up wanting to be gymnasts. They want to flip and jump and twist and turn on the uneven bars, dance and prance in the floor routine, and/or have complete and perfect grace on the balance beam. A motherdaughter team did those things and continue to do so almost daily. Vicki Sherrell and Dana (Sherrell) Horn have Gymnastics, Etc. in Harrison where they jump, tumble, dance and prance teaching little girls and boys almost every day. Both women are tiny in stature. Dana looms over her mom (not quite 5 feet tall) with her 5 foot 2 inch frame. But their size is right to be able to do those gymnastic feats. Ms. Vicki, as her students know her, has been in the business of motivating young gymnasts for 34 years and can still “show” her students what she wants them to do. Dana remembers when her mom started teaching gymnastics and dance in their basement in 1982. Dana was five, and gymnastics has been a huge part of her life since then. In 1992, Ms. Vicki relocated the gym to the west side of the square where Gymnastics Etc. still resides. The mother-daughter duo coach noncompetitive gymnastics and cheer. They have students that range in age from 3 to 15. Ms. Dana was a competitor herself up through level 7, so she knows what she’s talking about. She went to college as a kinesiology major (the scientific study of human or non-human body movement) and then switched over human environmental science. She coached competitive gymnastics

in Bentonville for two years before deciding to come home and join the family business. After her mom’s three decades in the business, Dana admits that the hardest part of continuing the legacy is the physical demand, but she’s up to the challenge. On the other hand, the most rewarding part is keeping the traditional art of gymnastics and the discipline of teaching progressions alive in this area. Dana loves spending time with her family. Her favorite vacations are spent on the beach with her parents, her sister's family, her husband and kids. If money were no object, Dana told us she would love to spend her days outside in the sunshine reading books. While observing my two sons at Gymnastics Etc. recently, I was taken back to the early eighties when I was a student in Ms. Vicki's gym class. Gathering around her to stretch in her basement, “Eye of the Tiger” blaring from the record player and dreams of being the next Mary Lou Retton on the front of the Wheaties box, flooded over me. That’s when I came back to the present hearing Ms. Dana's same commands, "strong arms, straight legs, pointed toes, gymnastics finish."

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Dana Horn Vicki Sherrell, Mother Gymnastics, Etc.

Jonathan Dove Bill Dove, Father Miguels Mexican Villa 18 Come Home

Jon's Mom managed Miguel's for two years before his parents bought it from Mike Mecke in 1992. Jonathan was homeschooled at the time and was able to go to work with his Momma. He started out waiting tables, prepping food, washing dishes, and painting signs. Jonathan still remembers his first big

Arkansans on Medicare

whenever they can and Jonathan tip, seven dollars, all in change. As his schedule allowed, he continued says work is much easier when they are all there with him. working at night and on weekends during school, and would work at According to Jonathan, the hardest Miguel's on summer break. Jonathan part about continuing the family graduated from Harrison High School legacy is that "there are a lot of in 1997 and instead of leaving the Mexican restaurants in the area, and small town like many of his friends, it can be hard to try and continue he chose a career in the restaurant with the values the restaurant was business. Being able to work with his started on, while keeping up with the family, see familiar faces on a daily 200 E. Rush, Suite #2 competition. the end, basis, and raise a family in Harrison 200 E. Rush,InSuite 2 it's about serving quality food to our customers. Harrison AR 72601 were all he desired. Harrison, AR 72601 Both regulars that feel like family, and Jonathan married Jessyka and they 870-741-5222 new faces." have two daughters, Karlyn and Stop by Miguel's for lunch or dinner Brinkley. The girls have comeSoliciting to Arkansas agent only. Not authorized to issue policies. Monday through Saturday 11 am to know and love their family business Available BlueCross BlueShield only to residents in Arkansas. 8 pm, and see for yourself that their and the importance of working hard. Medi-Pak insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the Soliciting agent only. Not authorized issueis policies. Mathis secret is in You willMarilyn often catch Brinkleyfederal waiting Medicare Program. Arkansas Bluethe Crosssalsa. and BluetoShield a Medicare-approved Part D Available only to residents in Arkansas. Independent Broker sponsor and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. tables and Karlyn washing dishes. They likeMedi-Pak to help outplans at are Miguel's Insurance not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare Program.

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Jonathan Dove, along with his dad Bill, own and operate Miguel's Mexican Villa. Miguel's is a staple in Harrison, and has been for many years. The decor is festive and fun, but the food and friendly faces are what keep the customers coming back! The cast iron skillet fajitas, fried flautas, homemade salsa, and chocolate dirt ball are just a few of the many delicious reasons why a visit to Miguel's is mandatory.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.

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108 East Stephenson Harrison, AR 72601 870-704-4000

A Vintage Marketplace filled with antiques, home decor pieces, handcrafted items and unique painted treasures. OPEN MON - SAT 10-6 / SUN 1-5 FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

Ken Savells | Aldon Taylor | Lisa Hunt, administrative assistant 200 E. Rush Ave. Suite 2 • Harrison, AR 72601 Phone (870)743-6677 • Fax (870) 743-6675 Securities Offered Through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC

Tom Ramsey Ronnie Ramsey, Father Ramsey Motors

20 Come Home

There was never a question in Tom Ramsey’s life as to what he would do for a living as an adult. He would one day run Ramsey Motors and he’s now living that dream at 36 years old. Ronnie Ramsey, Tom’s dad, is a hard worker. He’s worked his whole life. He started Harrison Auto Salvage many years ago and built it up. When that business sold, Ronnie was looking for something else to buy and develop. He started Ramsey in 1987 with the purchase of the Chrysler/Dodge/ Plymouth dealership from the Cecil family. The business thrived and they expanded from a small lot to an expansive dealership location. Ronnie added Jeep in 2008 to continue his business growth plan. Ronnie dedicated huge amounts of time and effort over the years to produce a successful business and he did succeed. When the father-son devised a plan for Tom learning to take over was obviously going well, Ronnie officially retired December 31, 2014, and hasn’t come back to work except for short periods when asked. Cindy, Tom’s mom, also played a big role in the day-to-day business management. When Tom came to work in 2002, she became less and less involved, confident things were transitioning into good hands, her son’s.

a priority as his home family. Even Tom’s name holds family connections being named after his dad’s uncle, Thomas Ray Moore. Tom was brought up in a great family, both at home and work, and he’s focused on keeping it great. Tom says his priorities have shifted as he’s matured and today, he’s grateful to be alive and raising his family in Harrison. That wonderful family is his beautiful wife Mi’chel, almost 2-year-old Mason (who has more hair than most adults), and baby girl Elle is due in September. Tom loves spending time with his large circle of friends and says that’s what make him laugh the most is when he’s reminiscing with them. If he could travel back in time, it would be to the year 2001, his last year of college when he had no responsibilities and he’d tell his younger self to have more fun and work harder. Friends, fire and music are the three things he’d need to survive on a

deserted island. However, don’t expect him to sing along with his friends or take the spotlight on Karaoke night, Tom says "no way" to singing. He doesn’t think he has any special talents but did reveal that he can understand an auctioneer (that’s pretty impressive to me). He says that if he could possess any super power, it would be invisibility so he could hear and see everything he wanted. With all the busy adult life, Tom doesn’t have time to collect anything but he used to collect baseball cards as a kid and wishes he still had a few of those cards. Tom shows the same work ethic and dedication that his dad did for so many years. Now that Ramsey Motors is being led by the second generation and doing so well, it’s just a matter of time until the plan gets set for the third generation to take the reins one day. It would be a safe bet that Ramsey Motors will still be around and thriving for that to happen.

Family is important to Tom. He credits his dad Ronnie as being his hero, recognizing that is a bit cliché but so true. Ronnie taught Tom hard work and dedication come before ownership and being the boss is not just a title. They made a plan for how Tom would work his way through various departments for two years, then attend National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) school. Life happens and due to staffing changes, that plan took three years. Tom graduated from NADA and is now at the wheel of the family business. His goal is to grow it, maintain it, and protect it. He really sees his work family to be as high

Come Home 21

I asked Jim Brisco, on a scale of 1 to 10 how funny are you and he told me, “1 being unfunny, I would say 2 because I repeat jokes that other people have told me.” I think that’s the funniest thing I have heard in a long time. As a matter of fact I laughed throughout Jim’s entire questionnaire, and he and his dad Nolan kept us laughing through the entire photo shoot. They remind me of hanging out with my grandpa and all his friends at the coffee shop. Jim is a collector of good jokes and bad habits, and the dry wit of this pair together is hilarious. This father/son team work together nearly every day. Their industry description is promotional products, but in reality it is a custom advertising business. Practically anything you can think of, but with your name on it. Nolan and a couple of other people started ABC Advertising in 1984. They were in the industry working for

Mitch Cash

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

mitch@cashandwhatley.com 608 Highway 65 Marshall, AR 72650 870-448-3600

200 E. Rush Ave., Suite # 9 Harrison, AR 72601 870-704-4058

someone else and decided to try it on their own. Jim decided to give it a go because he liked the idea of being his own boss, plus he liked the “abstract idea” of being able to work harder to earn more income. He couldn’t say that always happens, or that he will ever make a rock star income, but he feels blessed to do it just the same.

The best part of continuing the legacy for Jim is being able to spend a lot of time with his parents. However, working with family is sometimes a tough thing. "Not because of anything other than they know me very well. Also, it is tough to take off, because it makes it harder for someone else to cover for you," according to Jim.

When asked to describe his folks, Jim said, "My father is, as he would say, a ‘traveling salesman.’ Since 1977, I am not sure he has ever finished a day and completed everything he wants to. He just gets to a stopping point where he can pick back up the next day. He and my mother have tried to pass on a work ethic that is both moral and dedicated to me and my sister." When Jim lived at home and he wanted to go out on the town, his mom would say, “Remember who you are.” He may not have always taken that to heart, but it has always stuck with Jim.

The aspect of his career he enjoys most is the people he comes in contact with that he would not otherwise. Jim finds motivation to work hard due to his family's habit of wanting 3 meals a day and a warm place to sleep!

Todd Whatley

Waylan Cooper

4700 S. Thompson, C103 Springdale, AR 72764 479-750-1101

1041 Highland Circle Suite 42 Mt. Home, AR 72653 870-424-2324

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Next time you run across Jim, tell him a joke. He needs them to move up the funny scale or maybe just to add to his collection.

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Jim Brisco Nolan Brisco, father ABC Advertising

Lauren Brown Cary Nabors Mike and Karin Nabors, Parents Neighbors Mill

24 Come Home

Lauren Brown and Cary Nabors, a sister and brother pair, have grown up involved in the family business Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Café. The restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner was always a life-long dream of their father, Mike Nabors. He even had the foresight to purchase an old grist mill back in the 70’s which is still being used to grind whole wheat, spelt and rye to make the delicious and nutritious breads and bakery items in the Harrison location today.

After making the decision to sell Dairy Queen, which they had made the top grossing franchise in their region, Mike and Karin (Lauren and Cary’s mother) felt it was time to step out on their own and see if the Neighbor’s Mill concept Mike had dreamed about could actually work. With land purchased, they broke ground in December of 1999. Lauren tells us it was a real family affair. Lauren and her brother pitched in and painted walls, hammered nails, cleaned up, whatever needed to be done. They had lots of family and friends help them get this dream off the ground. Cary, only 12 at the time, even drove the Skyjack.

who was being relocated every year; along with their parents Mike and Karin, met as a family at Assateague Island State Park in Maryland. Mike gave them all a proposal to consider that would involve them coming to work for the restaurant. To many this might sound like an offer you could not refuse, but to Lauren and Cary, they could, and they did, refuse the offer. It was not until months later, each without the other one knowing, both called their parents to tell them they had changed their minds.

Lauren knew after living in New York City and loving every single aspect of big city life, that it would be difficult to come back home to Harrison. Lauren and Cliff would, however, be interested in opening a franchise of Neighbor’s Mill in a city like Springfield, Missouri. Just in case you haven’t heard, let me tell you this has happened. Once the seed was planted, it took Lauren and Cliff another two years but they are now the proud franchise owners of a Neighbor’s Mill in

Springfield, Missouri, and business is wonderful.

Cary, who actually did want to stay in Harrison, is now at the helm of the original Neighbor’s Mill as the general manager and heads up the company’s franchise team. Both Lauren and Cary agree, living up to the high standards their parents created, and family expectations for the future of the business, are the most challenging parts of continuing this family legacy. It is hard work, but it is good work that really means something, and it is the kind of work that hopefully pays off in the end. Mike and Karin are still actively involved in the business. Mike is still dreaming big for the future of the Neighbor’s Mill franchise, and Karin is still managing the books for both locations. I guess it can be said that the family that bakes bread together, stays together.

Success in the beginning came slowly. The concept Mike and Karin created was completely new to people and it took a little time for their customers to realize how wonderful Neighbor’s Mill was. After winning over the locals they soon began to attract tourists and business began to steadily grow. A feature in Southern Living and the good graces of KY3 (television station), and many other local media outlets, news of their bakery and café quickly spread. Nowadays everyone in the Ozarks has heard of Neighbor’s Mill and their reputation continues to grow as they ship their breads across the U.S. on a regular basis. Cary and Lauren always knew their parents had created something special, it’s just that neither of them were really interested in continuing on with the business. That is until 2012. Lauren and her husband Cliff were living in New York City; Cary, a National Park Ranger

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In 1951, Woodrow Magness opened a car dealership in Harrison. He grew his business based on a tried and true principal: "Take care of your customers and they will take care of you." Today, the dealership is still open, owned and operated by the Magness family. In the 60s, Woodrow's son, Bill, joined his father. In the early 70s, they acquired the Toyota brand to go with Buick. The business soon outgrew its facility on old highway 65 and in the mid-90s, construction was completed on the new building on the 65 Bypass. By 2000, a third generation family member joined the team. Bill's son, Matt, started learning the ropes, and now serves as General Manager of operations today. In the early 2000s, the Buick franchise was sold and the business focused on a single product, Toyota. The best part of continuing the legacy for Matt is working side by side with his dad in their hometown. However, working with his dad also runs Matt the risk of disappointing him. Matt says, "Other than that, there's nothing bad about it." It's evident when talking to Matt how important family is to him. He's named after his sweet mother Marcie's dad, Thomas Ray Moore (Thomas Matthew Magness), who died long before Matt was able to meet him. That is what he would do if he could choose any period of history to travel to: hang out with his grandpa. Matt loves golf almost as much as he loves his family. He collects golf clubs and would spend most of his time on the course if he could. His friends keep him laughing, and vice versa, if Matt were to perform, say, Snoop Dogg at karaoke night?! Matt's warning label would read, "LOUD VOICE!", but his love of life and people would drown out the noise. While you wouldn't catch him on any carnival rides because of vertigo, you might find him at his favorite family vacation spot, Santa Rosa beach. And you would undoubtedly hear him tell wife Caroline and their two gorgeous kids, "Love you more," and he would mean it.

Matt Magness Bill Magness, father Magness Toyota Come Home 26

Justin Methvin Mark Methvin, Father Methvin Sanitation

28 Come Home

In 1987, Mark and Charlotte Methvin just after moving to Lead Hill, Arkansas, heard about a guy that wanted to sell his trash “company”. This “company” consisted of one truck, a few dumpsters and a small customer list. Justin Methvin’s parents bought the company and Methvin Sanitation was born. Almost 30 years later, the Methvin Sanitation Company boasts a few more trucks, a few more dumpsters and a much larger customer list than when they started. Justin says his father is the hardest working man he knows and his mother is the most giving and compassionate. He has watched his parents put so much of their lives into the family business and he is honored to get the opportunity to help grow and strengthen what they have created. He recalls heading off to the University of Arkansas to find his own way and

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admitted he headed down the wrong path a few times. Quickly realizing that his life was not going anywhere, he headed home and hopped in the back of a garbage truck, and the rest is history. Justin may have started in the back of the truck, but he will tell anyone that will listen his favorite part of working at Methvin now is the spreadsheets. You read that correctly. Justin has an unnatural love of spreadsheets, tracking data and trends. He loves working with numbers, data and research. It makes his day when he can help make the company more efficient because of something he has figured out with his spreadsheets. While he admits working with family is not always easy, he loves that his family can have a very disagreeing day at the office, but still all go out to eat together for dinner.

Justin loves his family and tells me he would be a mess without his wife Lacey and his kids. While he enjoys date night at the movies with Lacey, he prefers to read a book. Justin currently owns more books than he can read in his entire lifetime. He sets yearly reading goals and is currently trying to read at least twenty books in one year. If money were no object and Justin could choose any one thing in the whole world to do? You would find him on mission trips building houses or churches in a third world country for those in need. Justin doesn't think enough of his father’s hard work ethic or his mother’s compassion rubbed off on him, but it sounds to us like it has.

Named after the Seychelle Islands, Seychelle Mahoney tells us, “In my dream world, I would play tennis with our children on all three tennis court surfaces we own, perform yoga in our family's yoga studio, and swim in water surrounding our family island.” If you know Seychelle, she may not own her very own island or three different types of tennis courts, but she does get to play tennis a lot with her family and that love of tennis and life was handed down by her parents. "My parents are dream parents. As a youngster, you dream of having these influential role models as your parents. I'm so proud and blessed to have both Bill and Melba Bruton as mine. My father is known as the 'Ambassador of Tennis.' BUT, if you want someone to laugh at you as much as she's going to laugh at herself while hitting the ball at your shoestrings, my mother is your gal. I only hope I'm ten percent as good at parenting as my parents were with Brittany, Billy, and me."

Seychelle began playing tennis or at least hitting the tennis ball by the age of four. By the age of eight, she was in her first USTA sanctioned Arkansas Junior tennis tournament. This continued until the summer of her nineteenth birthday. She and her father spent countless hours at the city courts, at tennis camps, or at Quail Tree Racquet Club laughing and training, to develop the game they both loved. Once completing her junior status in the Arkansas tennis region it was time to think about college tennis, playing the game recreationally, or becoming a tennis professional. In college she chose to play basketball; however, her love for tennis never parted. Seventeen years later, Seychelle and Bill are still members of the United States Professional Tennis Association. They also still give lessons and encouragement. They love to have whole families take lessons under their instruction. Tennis is a game for life. The more families are encouraged to engage in their lessons, the more it will influence

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their lives. Tennis is known as a eustress. Eustress is defined as "stress that presents opportunities for personal growth; positive growth." Until you give the game a try, you'll never know what that means. Tennis has all levels of service for the novice to the most supreme. Seychelle and Bill welcome all levels of players to come together entertain the entire family. I asked Seychelle many questions about herself and there were three that totally described her. Seychelle is kind, loving, selfless and the constant encourager, and here are three additional things that sum up Seychelle to me. If she could have anyone play her in a movie, she would choose Ann Lemley. Her hero is her brother Billy, and “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is her anthem. Pick up a racket and head down to the tennis courts and find Seychelle and her dad and play a game or two with them. You will learn a lot more than just tennis.

Seychelle Mahoney Bill Bruton, Father Coaching

Tate Morris Roger Morris, Father Morris Cattle Company Tate Morris did not officially join the family cattle business until the year 2000 when he graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Animal Science. He grew up in the business his entire life, just like his father Roger and his grandfather “Curley” before him. Each of these men chose to continue a legacy started over 60 years ago by Tate’s great grandfather, Alfred Morris. The Morris Cattle Company was started in the 1960’s at Olvey, Arkansas. Alfred would buy local cattle and take them to Iowa to sell and, while there, he would purchase farm equipment and bring it back to Arkansas to sell. By 1965 Leonard “Curley” Morris had come on board and they had scales installed. In 1972 Roger, Tate’s dad, joined the family business and obtained his auctioneer’s license. The Morris family continued with the cattle auction until the 1990’s when the demands of the cattle business changed and the auction service was closed. Today, Roger and Tate work side by side continuing a cattle buying business legacy that is four generations strong. Tate will be the first to tell you that the best part of continuing the legacy of the Morris Cattle Company for him is creating relationships with his customers and providing farmers with the option to market their cattle locally. During the photo shoot, Roger, Tate, Tate’s beautiful wife Kara, and daughter Allie, showed us around their land. Many words could describe what we saw that afternoon: family, tradition, endurance, strength, beauty, God’s country, but one really resonated with me the entire time—pride. Great pride, as a matter of fact. Great pride for those that had come before them. Pride for the dedication and hard work the Morris men have invested to create the legacy, and pride in the determination of Roger and Tate working side-by-side to continue the Morris Cattle Company legacy.

Chris Rost is an outdoor guy. He loves anything with two wheels whether it has a motor or not. He takes good care of himself and he works hard, so he can play hard. These are just a few of the things that can describe him. He is most grateful for his wife and family and his heroes are all the men and women who fight for our country. Chris thought that being the third generation to take over the family business behind his grandparents Carl and Bethene Kressman and then his dad Frank Rost, would be easy. LOL. Chris tells us that he loves getting to visit with the customers of

Nature’s Wonders every day and the greatest part of continuing his family’s legacy is watching his family grow and prosper, but until now, he never realized that being the boss is hard. Chris along with his beautiful wife Michelle are the new faces of Nature’s Wonders, a natural foods and supplement store. You can still find his grandmother, Bethene, in the store and if you will let her, she will carry out your groceries for you and always has the most charming things to say to everyone she meets. This love of customers and building strong relationships must have been handed down to Chris and all of

their employees really, because every time you go into the store you are greeted with smiles and everyone is knowledgeable and eager to help you with any questions you might have. Chris’s love of life spills over into his love of continuing the legacy his family created. Chris’s philosophy, “Life is too short to spend too much time working. Make time for fun, family and friends”.

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Chris Rost Bethene Kressman, Grandmother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wonders

Justin Harness Roger Harness, Father Harness Roofing, Inc

Tony Lama Harness. That rolls off the tongue nicely, right? Well apparently Patty and Roger Harness felt otherwise, and named their only son after the other brand of boots that Roger was selling back in 1981, Justin. Thirty-five year old Justin Harness has been working in his family's business for the majority of his life. Justin's dad, Roger, bought Harness Roofing from his brother when Justin was a youngster. Roger drastically increased the business into the company known today as HRI. Justin went to work for Harness Roofing when he was fourteen, and he worked every summer until he graduated from high school. He has been with the company full time, except for one year, since then. Justin took that year off and went to Wyoming, where he worked on several different ranches, and got a feel for what it was like to work for other people. Harness Roofing Incorporated is a

commercial roofing and waterproofing business. They operate on a "lead by example" attitude, and their team consists of 230+ employees and their families. Without the dedicated employees, HRI would not be the successful company that it is today. "When you work with great people, you have a great job and it makes for a great day." Justin loves the environment that HRI and their employees provide. They are committed to their customers and strive to deliver the best customer service everyday with honesty and integrity.

When Justin is not at work, he resides on a farm that has been in his family for generations. He has been married to Lauren for eleven years, and they have three children, and a fourth on the way. Their oldest son, Cannon, is Justin's hero. Cannon is disabled, and confined to a wheelchair. Justin told us that if he were a super hero, he would want his powers to be "helping the disabled be able again."

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Justin Harness is friendly and kind. His love for the outdoors and hunting is very visible in his family's home. He collects branding irons and Winchesters, and his favorite movie is Lonesome Dove. He is most grateful for God, his family, and good friends. Justin gives full credit to his dad for his work ethic and for setting the best example of what a husband, father, friend, and leader of a company should look like. Justin told us that the best part of continuing the legacy of Harness Roofing is "getting to see my mom and dad enjoy themselves. They have both worked so hard, and I'm not just continuing a legacy, I'm giving back to the ones that started the legacy."

Harness Roofing is celebrating their fortieth anniversary this year, and their goal isn't to be the biggest, but to be the best!

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Carlee Pederson Forga & Ben Forga Steve & Beckii Pederson, Parents Illumination Station, Inc.

If John Wayne was a girl, he would be Carlee Forga. And if ever two words described her parents’ determination in creating a lighting empire, those words would be True Grit. Carlee’s parents, Steve and Beckii Pederson, started Illumination Station back in 1992. They took their entire savings to start the business. It was only a few years prior to this they had to pawn their bedroom set just to buy groceries for the family. Carlee tells us, “My folks put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to build the company into what it is today. They used to drive around in an old Chevy Astro van selling lamps out of the back. My parents really have lived the American Dream.”

An American dream where hard work pays off and grows into a lighting powerhouse that wholesales lamps to some of the biggest names in the business. For example you can find their designs in T.J. Maxx, Ross, Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, HomeGoods, Marshall's, and Gordman’s, just to name a few. Their showroom is amazing, so amazing in fact that the buyers come straight to them to place their orders. Carlee can’t imagine ever giving up on this kind of legacy. She is honored to be able to continue this dream along with her husband, Ben. Continuing to grow the business with integrity and humility are their plans. These are traits passed down to her by

her parents. Carlee feels the pressure to maintain the legacy and to not let her parents down is the hardest part of her job. She would never want to do anything they would be ashamed of or be a part of anything that might harm the businesses future. She hopes that Ben, herself and the Illumination Station team will continue building something wonderful and that in 100 years they will still be one of those companies that can proudly say they are still family owned and friendly. Carlee never wants to see her parents' company become an insensitive corporate environment.

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Britton Lott mentioned in her interview, “When you have three radiologists in the family, everyone gets tired of hearing your dumb x-ray jokes.” When I read this about the Bennetts, my mind immediately began trying to come up with some to share with them but I couldn't think of any I thought were “humerus." (See what I did there?) Britton and Claire Bennett both followed in their father, Chris Bennett’s, medical footsteps and became doctors of radiology. Claire is more of a generalist, like her dad. She loves the breadth of radiology. One minute you could be reading an MRI of an abdomen, and the next minute you might be sticking a needle into a spinal canal. Claire loves that every scenario has potential to be something really interesting. Throughout her father’s career, Britton saw at a very early age how special it is to have a job that you love. Since she and her dad are near-clones, she felt like she should at least consider radiology (but not before first exploring every other option first!). As a medical student, Britton realized she could be a radiologist and specialize in breast imaging and then she was sold. At Britton’s clinic in Fayetteville she sees lots of Harrison patients. It always makes her proud to have them say nice things about her dad.

40 Come Home

Both Claire and Britton know how well they do their jobs impacts the care a patient receives. Radiology is more behind-the-scenes than other fields, so they have to be really mindful to treat the images as patients. Both girls seek advice from their dad and will ask each other questions about difficult cases. Sometimes they even all end up at the same conferences. With a total of six kids growing up, the sisters each mention their fondest memories of family are at the lake. They now have growing families of their own. Claire has three beautiful children and Britton has one. Add that to growing medical careers and they find time is not always on their side, but every chance they get, they still gather at the lake house with their parents and siblings. Printed on a coffee mug at the lake house are the words “Hang in there!” Whenever any of the Bennett kids are going through a hard time, their dad will spend as long as needed, talking on the phone with them, letting them vent or work things out. And then at the end of the conversation, he ALWAYS tells them “Hang in there!” It is so classic. I have a feeling that same listening ear and encouraging motto passed down to the Bennett children is also used for his patients. No matter what people are going through or what we each face, the Bennett motto says it all, “Hang in there!”

Dr. Claire Beaumont, Dr. Britton Lott, Dr. Chris Bennett, Father Radiology

Cole Campbell Robert Campbell, Father Jim Campbell, Grandfather Campbell Bail Bonding

Cole Campbell is a quiet, polite, young man but involved in a loud and sometimes rude business. He, along with his dad, Robert, and grandpa, Jim, have a bail bonds business, Campbell Bail Bonds. Cole may be a man of few words but is blunt in business. People who have been arrested call one of the Campbell trio at all hours of the day and night to bail them out of jail. The Campbell boys agree to fund them or not. The cost of a bond is 10% of the bail amount owed and it should be paid by the person’s court date. When the court date rolls around and the client doesn’t show up for the court date, the Campbell three go on the hunt because if the client never shows up, the bail bondsman has to pay the entire bail amount to the court. If the client is not present at court, a warrant is issued for him/her and then the bondsman is given a certain number of days to return the client to jail. They must retrieve the client and haul him/her back to jail so the company doesn’t have

to pay the entire bond amount. The guys have a very vested interest in the making sure the client makes his/her court date. They have had to seek runaway clients as far away as Washington, California, and Puerto Rico. Campbell Bail Bonds is a three generation business that was started by Jim Campbell and son Robert in 2001. Jim’s sister, Betty Smart, had a bond company (Smart Bonding) in Oklahoma and convinced Jim to open his own company in Arkansas. Jim and Robert welcomed Cole, Robert’s son, into the business shortly after his high school graduation in 2009. All three Campbells report for duty daily at the office, but they are typically on call 24/7 and cover for each other when necessary. It makes big family vacations together a bit difficult if not just downright impossible, because someone is always in trouble and in need of their help.

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Partnering with family can be a challenge but Cole says it’s fun working with his dad and Pa. Criminals are a creative lot so it’s truly something different every single day. This is the only business that Cole knows. He thought he might want to work in cars and tried it his senior year and the summer after graduation, but then made the choice to join his elders. He says it makes a good living and he truly enjoys it. In talking with Cole, he certainly knows his business and even mentioned recent statute changes that affected his business. Impressive for a young guy who could easily ride the coattails of the older Campbell men. Cole is expanding his own family soon. He and wife, Hannah, are expecting their first child very soon. When asked about whether he wants his child to one day join the business, Cole said that he wants his children to be happy. The Campbell men certainly know happy, so odds are that tradition will certainly continue.

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“The more you learn, the more you like it.” That’s a quote from Mark Jenkins when asked why go into the business his dad started in the early 1990s. The Jenkins family moved to Harrison, AR, around 1985 when Russell Jenkins, Mark’s dad, began working in this part of the state. They originated in southern Arkansas. Russell wasn’t a plumber/ electrician full time at first. While working another job, Russell picked up the plumbing/electrician skills on the side part-time. After working a lot of years with Paul Layton, a local Harrison plumber/electrician, Russell started his own business, Jenkins Plumbing and Electric. Mark remembers working with his dad and Paul when he was as young as twelve years old. Mark says that there’s a lot to learn in this business and it’s a bit frustrating on the front end when you just don’t know how everything fits together and where it all goes. After 8 years of vocational school, Mark knows those things now and loves making it all work. Mark started his work journey full time at age eighteen when he became his dad’s apprentice. While working all day learning things at work, he went to school at night to learn even more about work. He attended four years of plumbing school and four years of electrician school. Mark said it’s a little hard

to grasp all of it at first, but with practice you get better and you begin to like it better. Mark worked with his dad daily for a lot of years. He said that his dad might get them all started and take more fishing days now than he used to, but Russell is still involved with the business. They discuss the jobs they do and how to make sure everything gets done and all the bills get paid. Some of the earliest (and best) memories that Mark remembers center around family. He recalls family fishing days. A lot of the family would go fishing— grandparents, uncles, cousins, and friends would go out for the day. Upon their return, there would be a huge fish fry. All the family would show up whether they fished or not. He says those days of being together were the best. He still holds the love of fishing now. In his spare time, he likes to fish. Just recently, he introduced his son (17 months old) to being on the boat and seeing what all the fun is about. Mark said he loved it and can’t wait until the water is warm enough to fish and swim with his family. Judy Jenkins is Mark’s mother and he credits her as being an inspiration to him. He says that she has always shown him to treat people the way he would want to be

Mark Jenkins and son Jenkins Plumbing & Electric

treated. Russell might have been a bit more stern but he showed Mark a job and life that has made him happy and successful. Mark enjoys the fact that now his mom and dad can go out fishing together when they want while he stays and tends the business. Mark’s work family is important as well. He has worked with some of his crew for ten years and when you’re only 35, that’s a significant chunk of time. His customer family ranks high on his list, too. Mark says, “Without customers, none of us would be here”. He is thankful for their loyalty and business. Mark gives special thanks to his dad for all the years working day and night to get where they are now. Russell spent plenty of time and had lots of patience teaching Mark. Working together has given them a type of relationship at home and work that many people just dream about. Mark wants to make sure and keep the business around so that his son, the 3rd generation Jenkins, can join in the mix one day. Mark’s final note of thanks would go to his wife, Heather, for being so supportive of what he does daily, and for enjoying it all with him. They plan to grow their family and the family business for more generations to come.

Zach Lee Arleen Lee, Mother Interior Design

If you don’t know who his people are let me just start by saying Zach is a member of the Lee family and the Lees are known for quite a few things: being a creative tight-knit family, hardworking, with a crazy good sense of style, and design ideas that are out of this world. Oh yeah, and music. They are pretty good with singing and playing instruments. Zach always knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of one of his parents; it just took some time to come to the realization of which one. He started out at the University of Arkansas thinking he might enjoy a degree in agriculture like his father. A couple of grade reports later he realized that wasn’t the path for him. Even though Zach grew up surrounded by family who had devoted their entire lives to decorating, landscaping, architecture and home building, it still did not feel natural to switch his major to interior design. Call it pride or just being stubborn, Zach eventually ended up at Drury University and had settled on graphic design. There he had a professor who was a musician and they spent more time in class with their guitars picking than anything else. Over the next several years, Zach landed himself in several very creative and successful career choices, from landscaping with his Uncle Keith to

music ministry at BNC (Brand New Church). Then about four years ago, Zack took the leap of faith and trusted the creative genes he had been blessed with and became a full-time freelance designer. He feels like his mind has no limits on what he can create. When asked exactly what it is he does or if he has a specialty area, Zack feels like his job description does not have a period at the end but just continues on as he finds new outlets for his design ideas. Zach attributes his mom Arleen Lee as one of the most naturally creative people he knows. She is the one who built his confidence in the profession and she has always encouraged him when he was in the desert, searching for his calling. Sometimes we run from the very thing that we should have been clinging to all along. It was only fitting, coming from the long line of creative family members that he would find a wife that could keep up with him on the artistic scale. Shari, Zach’s wife, is a hair stylist and an amazing artist in her own right and together they have created two very talented children. Zach’s love of his family and his Savior run deep, they are the most important things in his life. Creative people often have the hardest time getting what is in their heads out into the world for all to enjoy, but Zach seems to be on top and he keeps telling himself, “it is all part of landing the plane.”

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Zach Lee wants to design it all and having only 24 hours in a day are not enough for him. Zach will be the first to tell you about his wonderful family legacies and how proud he is of his father (Steve) and mother (Arleen), grandparents, aunts and uncles, brother and cousins.

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“Born, raised, and stayed in these hills” has been the motto of Harrison Land Office forever. It seems that Travis Turner, fifth generation realtor, has taken that to heart and continues the legacy. Travis’s great-great grandparents started it all in Little Arkansaw (no, that’s not misspelled). They had Little Arkansaw Land Office along with Elmer’s Land Office in Green Forest back in the 1920s. The family opened Harrison Land Office in 1942 in its current location in Harrison. When opening, Harrison Land Office was actually 4 miles outside the Harrison city limits. It now has city all around it for miles on all sides. Working amongst all that history might weigh down a young person trying to make their way in the world, but not 30 year old Travis Turner. His family and long line of realtor ancestors fuel him to be successful in his chosen field of family realty at Harrison Land Office. Travis says he started in real estate when he was about five. His earliest memories involve being the ridealong with maternal grandmother, Arah Dean Turner, who has been a successful Harrison realtor since she was a small child. Starting young must run in the family. Arah Dean made her first real estate sale when she was about eight years old. Her parents were both realtors and they were out showing property and trying to make a sale and left Arah Dean at the office to answer the phone and handle any off-the-street business. So, that’s what she did. She left her

48 Come Home

parents a note (since there weren’t any cell phones), got in the car with the strangers, directed them to the property, showed it, came back to the office, and made the sale. If Granny could be successful young, Travis might as well get going, too. He remembers working around Harrison Land Office all summer and taking out trash, answering the phone, and listening to real estate deals being made. Those pretty real estate signs that stand tall? There’s an art to putting those in the ground and Travis is wellversed in it. While working in real estate, Travis has the opportunity to do something else he loves – benefitting humanity. While being in the business of finding homes for others, he sees lots of people that just don’t have homes and that has sparked a passion to seek out assistance for those without homes. Getting listings and making sales is what pays the bills and makes the daily to-do list but Travis is adamant about achieving a balance between work and philanthropy. Come Home asked the question, “What would you do if money was no object?” Travis stated, “Money is no object, quality of life is the object.” Family, tradition, and heritage are essential and very important to life, according to Travis. Those are the reasons that he does what he does. After all, like the four generations in front of him, he was “born, raised, and stayed in these hills.”

Travis Turner Arah Dean Turner, Grandmother Harrison Land Office

Sara Moore Susan Beeler, Mother Nursing

“I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” After meeting Sara Moore this is the soundtrack in my head. She is an AirEvac nurse and she is the real deal. AirEvac is a helicopter ambulance that provides access to individuals in need in rural areas that do not have quick availability to a hospital. She is stunningly beautiful and every bit an American patriot. She talked about her dream job with a fire inside her that every student, middle school and above, should hear. After ten minutes with Sara, they will all want to be nurses. She owns it and she sells it. Her confidence in her ability is astounding and she does not sugar coat it at all. She will tell you that she sees patients on the worst days of their lives, whether it be someone who is critically ill or traumatically injured, her goal is not just to provide them with lifesaving care while they are being transported, but to offer them a friendly face.

hands, dried and swaddled numerous squealing newborns, and coached parents through one of the most difficult, scary beautiful events of their lives. It’s no wonder Sara wanted to be part of this. They truly make nursing sound magical. The example passed down from Susan to Sara is still being passed along to Sara’s two girls. She hopes that they will learn from her to “not be afraid to jump in with both feet, take that risk, and become something great.” These are lessons we could all take to heart.

she will make a difference, a real difference. Looking at the American flag patch sewn to her arm and thanking God for this country and the freedom she has to do her dream job. The AirEvac motto is "Semper Salus – Always Safe". I pray my loved ones never need the service of AirEvac, but if we do? I hope on the worst day of my life we are in the hands of Sara Moore and her crew.

Sara feels the most pride when she puts on that flight suit, climbs into the helicopter with a crew that is more like family, trusting their lives to her, and hers to them. Looking down on our homes, knowing

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When she was a young girl she fell in love with the TV show “MASH”. She believes that sitcom sparked her love of medicine and aviation. She also has a mother in the nursing field, Susan Beeler. Sara is very proud of her mom and that may have attributed to her desire to become a nurse. She tells us her mom has been a registered nurse for 25 years with 18 of those being in obstetrics. Susan was probably present at the birth of many people walking around Harrison today. She held many laboring mothers’

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Hailey & Austin Albers Mike Mills, Father Buffalo Outdoor Center

Hailey (Mills) Albers is a simply beautiful girl living a simply beautiful life on the beautiful Buffalo River. Her family business, Buffalo Outdoor Center (BOC), was started by her father, Mike Mills and is celebrating 40 years of success this year. Mike along with Hailey’s mom, Evelyn, started BOC as a canoe rental operation in 1976 when the Buffalo River was a brand new National Park with just a few hundred visitors a year. BOC has grown into a complete lodging and outfitting resort in Ponca, AR. Mike is now mostly retired and the whole operation falls under the supervision of Hailey’s husband, Austin Albers, with Hailey being the #1 assistant right by Austin’s side. Mike began renting canoes to see a beautiful river nestled in the Ozarks, and eventually BOC grew into Arkansas’ Premier Adventure Resort. Now guests can canoe, hike, ride, stay, and celebrate all in the same location. All set in the small community of Ponca, AR, population 13.

Hailey and Austin married and lived and worked in Northwest Arkansas in the Rogers area. The couple found they were making almost weekly trips to BOC to escape the hustle and bustle of “city life”. As luck would have it, Mike and Austin’s business minds connected and Austin took to the company as if he’d been destined to it. Mike recognized the perfect package he had in Austin and Hailey and he knew that the business would continue to thrive under second generation management. Austin and Hailey are the dynamic duo. They are grateful for the opportunity to do something they love every day. Hailey says she’s very lucky that the business her dad started has become so successful. She says that the road less traveled that her father began down years ago, has become a well-worn path to fun on and around the river. She knows that Mike’s elbow grease and life commitment to the business is the basis of BOC. Mike is quick to say that

Life is better with great teeth

and receive off! Hailey spent$5 some of her summers working for Mike but didn’t really count In Boone County there are Spend $40 on products on this becoming her life’s work. When 56 she children in care$10 off! movedand offfoster toreceive college and met 14Austin open foster homes Albers, things started to change.

When not working, Austin and Hailey love to travel. Together, they choose a special item from every place they travel to commemorate the trip—a cross. It is a fitting symbol for a very grateful girl. In Hailey’s own words, “I could go on and on about gratefulness, but I’ll keep it to this. Gratefulness comes very easy for my heart. I am most grateful for God’s love, and He has taught me in life, in marriage, in business, in family, in health, about how He continues to love us every day! I am so grateful for my husband, all our family, and the life we have been given.” Simple, sincere, and well-said.

life is better

out a living doing what Spend $30Mike on carved products Harrison Office he loves most, paddling and hiking and receive $5 off! 120 West Bower the Buffalo. BOC has expanded into a 870-741-1050 complete lodging outfitting resort, Spend $40 onandproducts offering guests a broad variety of outdoorJasper School District 609 West Clark and receive $10 off! experiences. They have a large resort 870-446-6740 (the Riverwind Lodge) for big events, 870-204-6262 21 rustic, yet luxurious cabins, and 209 log N. Willow even a wilderness zipline canopy tour. Tori Chappelle, Guests come from allOwner/Stylist over the world to Amanda Hall, Stylist visit and initially connect, or re-connect, Katie Murry, Stylist with the beauty Buffalo River nature Over 46 years has to offer. BOCcombined hosts mostly couples experience and families but Personalized has also entertained service journalists, television personalities, movie companies, and others who come hoping to capture the essence of the Buffalo River on paper Spend $30oronfilm. products

he certainly did not hire Austin to take his place because he was his son-in-law. Mike made the decision because Austin was the best man for the job. Mike knew BOC and its 40 plus employees, who are just like family, would be in great hands with Austin and his darling daughter at the helm.

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ROBERT HUBBARD, DDS Life better ROBERTR. R.is HUBBARD, DDS with great teeth Harrison Office 120 West Bower 870-741-1050

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Come Home Kitchen

pinch, peel, eat, Repeat 54 Come Home

Prepared by Friends / Photographed by Kerrie Szabo

Backyard Crawfish boil (Feeds 8-10 people)

Ingredients

32 pounds live crawfish 1 4.5 pound bag Louisiana Crawfish, Shrimp & Crab Boil 3 pounds smoked sausage 3 pounds jumbo shrimp 2 pounds black mussels 15

pounds red potatoes, cut in half

12 ears of corn on the cob, fresh or frozen Whole green beans, fresh or frozen 6 8-ounce boxes of mushrooms 6 yellow onions quartered 6 large yellow lemons 6 heads of garlic, cut horizontally salt

Directions 1. Rinse your live crawfish off until the water runs clear. 2. Pour 6 gallons of water into a boiling pot with a strainer basket. Add 1/4 container of salt, and 1 bag of powdered Louisiana Crawfish, Shrimp & Crab Boil to the pot until boiling. 3. Add six large lemons cut in half, yellow onions quartered, six heads of garlic, and two containers of mushrooms. Bring to a boil for 7 minutes. 4. Add sausage, red potatoes, green beans and corn on the cob--fresh or if frozen just make sure cornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defrosted. Cook on a low boil for 15 minutes then return to a full boil, then add the crawfish.

5. Once you add the crawfish to the boiling water, return the water to a boil. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes. During the last two minutes add your shrimp and black mussels. 6. Immediately after you turn the pot off add 1-2 bags of clean ice, let the crawfish soak for 15 minutes. After the crawfish soaks, remove the crawfish pulling the basket strainer out and pour onto a table layered with newspaper or brown paper bags and dig in!

Hours: M-F 10 to 5:30 Sat. 10 to 3

You can also add artichokes, celery, asparagus and broccoli. Have fun, and remember, Pinch, Peel, Eat, Repeat!

215 North Main | Harrison, Arkansas | (870) 741-5309 SHELBYS

shelbysharrison

Come Home Kids

Ozark Comic Book Creator

Gustav Carlson

Written 58 Come Home

W. Spencer Hinrichs

Illustrations

Gustav Carlson

Where up?

did you grow

Newton County, Arkansas on Cave Mountain to be quite specific. I was raised on a goat farm, and lived there until I was 14 or so. Then I lived just down in the valley until I graduated high school in Jasper, Arkansas. I still remember the first comic book ever given to me. I must have been around 6 years old at Hudson’s Grocery in the checkout line, fighting with my older brother and younger brother about nothing I can remember now, when my mom offered each of us the comic book of our choice. I thought she was just wanting us to buy a book, but I know now she really just wanted us to behave. We all grew quiet and still as we began to make our choice. I remember looking at each cover and thought, "how can I choose just one?" I had never seen a comic book before and she kept saying, “Just pick one,” and she held one open for us to see what was inside. I loved looking at the cover. My brothers quickly chose but I could not make up my mind until I found one with two covers, one on front and one on back. My mom explained it was a double issue. The comic I chose that day was an Archie and Friends double issue. I still have it. Although my Archie’s have been packed away to make room for my newest comic obsessions such as The Walking Dead and Marvel’s Nova, I still reach for those small sized Archie’s at the grocery store just to keep up with him and the gang. Several years ago, Mrs. Ginger Milan was in our family’s restaurant and told me all about a young comic book creator from Jasper, Arkansas, who was coming to do a presentation about his work at the Boone County Library. My parents made sure on the evening of the event that we closed early and all went to hear Gustav Carlson speak. Once again I was encouraged to buy some comic books. That night I purchased the first editions of three of his works: Tourist Unknown, Blue Anniversary, and Eve of the Ozarks: Girl & Goat. I stayed after to speak with Gustav about his work. We traded emails and I began to follow him on Tumblr. He spoke about growing up in Newton County and how he now lives and writes about the Ozarks from his home in Fayetteville. Long before I was ever a part of Come Home magazine I knew I wanted the chance to interview Gustav Carlson. He wasn’t much older than me and I remember thinking then he loved what he was doing and lived a pretty cool life. I am thankful I met him years ago and I am honored to share his story with you.

Where

do you currently work and what exactly do you do there?

Currently I'm a freelance comic creator/illustrator. I do a great number of things from album art and band posters to doing art direction on plays and documentaries. Basically if it involves drawing, I've probably done it in some capacity! And save for your special occasion I work from home. I've got a little office set up and pretty much do everything from there. Though sometimes I run off to the cabin I was raised in to work from there as a bit of an escape.

When

did you first become interested in comic books/graphic novels?

Hard to say! I was raised outside of Jasper, and subsequently Dogpatch USA which is based on the Lil' Abner comic strip by Al Capp. So comic book imagery has inundated me since I can remember. And of course the standard superhero fare was introduced to me by way of cartoons in my earlier years. But I don't think I got into comics until I was in high school. Mike Mignola's Hellboy was one of the specific jumpstarts into my particular interests with the field. It was both so high concept and so rooted in actual folklore that I couldn't help but love it.

Did

it start out as a hobby?

Oddly, no, not really. I was supremely lucky to have an experience VERY early on that made a career in drawing seem like the most natural thing in the world. When I was six or seven years old I was every bit of an avid Godzilla fan. I watched the movies religiously and of course would draw the monsters battling it out. At one point I was buying all of the Godzilla toys I could get my hands on. Both from being a kid who played with toys, but also to populate my own little attempts at stop-motion Godzilla movies. But I would get frustrated that I couldn't find my favorite particular monsters. Who knows what was driving me on this front, but I actually found the toy company's address on the back of the toy boxes. Knowing nothing of copyright law, I assumed the adults making these figures had never heard of my favorite monsters, and so I drew designs of them and mailed them to this company. Trendmasters was their name. It should be noted that I did this without my parents really having much of a clue of it. I think they thought I was mailing something for some promotion for a free toy or something. But a few weeks later my mother found me on the phone with their customer service asking if they had received my drawings. And who would guess, but enough kids did this that they had a woman on staff specifically to talk to kids like us. Ya know, letting us down gently on why they couldn't make these specific guys. But, this woman did encourage me to send more designs and they would kind of critique them, so to speak. And maybe I should make up my own monsters. So I did this for a matter of months, having a blast the whole time. And eventually I was surprised to find something from Trendmasters in the mail. It was an invitation to visit their studios in St. Louis. Again a lot of luck here, but my parents were wonderful enough to take me to visit. And at six or seven years old I saw room full of grown-ups drawing monsters for a living. So right then and there probably ruined me having any kind of standard career aspirations or even a path to them.

what point did you realize this could become a career?

Aside from what aspired to me when I was very young, I would say very concretely in college. I was initially a fine arts major in college. But my senior year I moved into the creative writing degree. Lot of loaded reasons for sure. But ultimately I felt like it would better prepare me for comics than a fine arts degree. But one thing I hadn't anticipated was that some of my teachers saw some drawings of mine, and actually hired me a couple times to do playbill and book covers. So that was probably the first spark.

Take

me through the steps of creating a comic like concept to newsstand?

Tourist Unknown

from

Woof. It's different every time I think. For something specifically like Tourist Unknown, I think it comes from either a scene or a place. The whole series is predicated on exploration, so I often try to find where I'm going first. Once I have a planet, time, or scenario I just start running. It was something I started way back in Eve of the Ozarks, the idea of creating a playground instead of a standard story framework. At least at first. Once I know the world I'm working in I know the perameter of the story I can tell. What kind of story complements this world, what kind of cast and so forth. Then I put all of them in the playground, let them take the slides, or sit on the swings. Jumble them up. Once I have some idea of how they interact with the world I set up my actual story framework. I plot about 3/4 of a story and start drawing. For work I do alone I skip the scripts, jump to layouts, and then just start drawing. From there I sort of set a page limit and make up the ending as I go along. Usually all of the pieces are there for it; it's just the assembly. And putting myself in the shoes of the main character helps me come up with endings that cheat less on a narrative level. Basically I stop trying to be a writer and instead a player in this little world. It's a very momentum heavy process. Following that it's the boring but necessary work of assembling a book for print and download. Which is just kinda fitting pages into margins and sending to printers. Then calling stores, advertising, and a load of hokum no one particularly wants to do. But well, it's the job part of the job.

Where

do your ideas for stories and characters start?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not even sure I could tell you really. So many have started from idle doodles or just letting the mind wander. A lot of characters have popped up in various forms over the years in the margins of notebooks. Sort of like actors auditioning different roles. And eventually I find the character they belong to so to speak. But it's rarely a conscious process. And certainly never an immediate one. You really get to know the character over the course of a comic. For good and ill.

you do both the writing and the illustrations for each of your titles? By and large, yes! I love the whole process of it, and I honestly don't see the difference in the writing and illustration anymore. It's all storytelling to me.

Advice

for young people wanting to get started? Start now. Get a website/blog/ tumblr/Instagram or whatever. Set up goals and a regiment. Maybe set up a drawing a day post for a week. Then a month. Then a year or whatever. Not only is it great for improving as an artist, it also helps you build a schedule and ability to maintain deadlines. Also as a bonus that it builds up an internet following which is crucial for the early days of the career.

Are

the places you write about similar to places you have been? With Tourist not at all. It's about going as far away from the comfortable as possible. With Eve of the Ozarks and Backwood Folk, oh totally. It was a version of Newton County where all of the folk tales were true. Po'Dunk was absolutely a composite of Ponca/Cave Mountain/Jasper.

Which

character do you feel the closest connection with? Probably at this instant the Tourist. For whatever reason, she is the first character that I am writing that is my own age. The Backwood Folk gang was 28-30 when I was 20. Eve was 11 when I was 23-25ish. And the Tourist is right there looking at 30 at the end of the tunnel. She's also a character that speaks a lot like me. Minus cutting out some of my southern idioms she probably shares more of my vocal tics than any other character.

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floating the buffalo river written by Michelle Rost / photographed by Kerrie Szabo If you are anywhere near the Buffalo River, chances are you're going to hear someone say "Let's go floating!". Floating? What does that mean? Well, it's actually just another way of saying kayaking or canoeing, or getting into any type of buoyant vessel and "floating" down the river. It's truly one of the best ways to enjoy the Buffalo, especially if you like to relax and be adventurous at the same time. The first thing you would need to decide is what type of boat you'd like. Unless you already have a kayak or canoe, which most people don't, you will need to rent one. Traditionally, kayaks seat one person and tend to be a bit more stable. Canoes generally seat two people and are a tad more on the wobbly side, at least for the less experienced. This is an individual preference, and

64 Come Home

wherever you choose to rent your boats can help you decide.

you'll float at a faster pace if the current is swift.

Another decision to make when planning your float trip is where you would like to float to and from. Depending on the time of year, you may be limited in choices. As a general guideline, the upper Buffalo is best to float during the spring and early summer, where the lower Buffalo peaks later in the summer. This is another decision the rental facility can help you make. They will arrange your pick up at the end of the float.

Knowing the approximate length of the trip will help you decide how many snacks you'll need, if you need to pack meals, and what other items you might want to take along. Traveling light is great when floating, but you don't want to get hungry or thirsty out there. There aren't any convenience stores along the Buffalo! Whatever you pack, you'll want to make sure you have a way of securing it in your boat. In the event that you tip over, which isn't uncommon, you want all your items to stay put and not go floating down the river without you. Another important reason to secure your belongings is to keep the river clean! This is why you want to have a trash bag with you that secures in your boat to collect

Once you've got your plan for where and how, find out how long that float is expected to take. Most of the sections can be completed in three to six hours, depending on how many times you stop along the way to take breaks. This can also vary by water levels and intensity, i.e.

garbage (recycled mesh produce bags from the grocery store work great, as they don't hold water and they tie at the top). If you rent a boat, this will likely be included. As far as food is concerned, it's a good idea to pack a variety of quick energy snacks, like fruit or nuts. If you're packing prepackaged foods like energy bars or chips, be mindful of keeping the wrappers from ending up in the water. Sandwich fixings are a must if you'll be out for a few hours. A cooler is fine to take as well. The smaller, the better is a good rule of thumb as far as those go. Depending on the number of people in your group and the types of boats, you may or may not be able to fit all the things you'd like, so make sure you find a spot for the most important things.

in your vehicle so if you're wet, you can change before you head home. Floating is an activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, but it's going to be a much better experience if you're prepared. These are just some quick reference tips from someone who learned a lot from asking a lot of questions. So do that. Ask questions and research and learn so that you can plan the best float trip for you. Now, it's time to go floating! Just sit back, look out at the view all around you, and take in all the Buffalo River has to offer. It's truly an amazing gift to get to experience the natural beauty of the Buffalo National Park area. So get some friends together, rent some boats, pack a lunch and enjoy! Happy Paddling!

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A dry bag or dry box is necessary. You can usually purchase these anywhere that sells camping gear. This is a great place to store your phone, if you must take it, a camera, sunblock, perhaps a small towel, or anything you'd like to keep dry. Even if you don't tip over, you'll still likely get wet. A hat can also be a life saver if you're sensitive to the sun. Your feet will be the first to get wet, so it's a good idea to wear sandals that strap on to your feet. Flip flops will probably not fare well on the river, as getting in and out of your boat in the swift current can whisk them away. This is also important because there are some hiking trails along the way, so if you plan to explore those, you'll want the appropriate attire. Wear clothing that dries quickly if possible, and always bring dry clothes to leave

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Geocache 68 Come Home

written and photographed by Valerie Haight

Seven pair of tennis shoes trample velvet greenery lining an enchanted trail as children compete for a closer look at the geocache coordinates on my phone. Determined to be the first to discover the elusive prize and satisfied this latest glance will spawn victory, they sprint down a wooded path that hugs the turquoise waters. Tender green shoots peak through dry remnants of winter and happy chatter permeates the warm, soft breeze as they explore the forest with vivid imaginations. Sticks transform into talking wands, pine cones become paint-bombs diffusible only by a purple flower, and squirrels morph into fireball-throwing tree trolls. Wagers and plans fly: where will the treasure be? What will it contain? Who will find it first? Excitement mounts as we trek further into nature’s haven and I let my mind wander like the winding path holding today’s adventure. How many parents are flat busted and frazzled, still searching for the cure to that dreaded childhood affliction – boredom? How many people haven’t experienced the raw excitement of locating an elusive cache? Just how many don’t know geocaching is exercise, stress

management, and skill building camouflaged in fun? Laughter trills through the dogwood blooms, grabbing my attention. We’re getting closer and I’m not sure who’s more excited, them or me. We check the coordinates again and it confirms we’re in the hot spot. The kids get serious. The search gets real. Curious hands push aside leaf piles and bushes. And then it happens. “Found it!” All heads turn toward the one holding the box. My heart pounds and I push aside my own excitement to focus on their expressions charged with anticipation as the kids form a protective barrier around the coveted prize. The lid of a weathered wooden box is lifted and its rusty hinges creak, adding to the tension. They gasp, oooh and aaaah in unison. Little fingers brush across the plastic legs of an army man. They try on rubbery bracelets and touch smooth shells of acorns and bumpy seed pods. Seven discussions about one very awesome geocache makes it hard to hear what each child is proclaiming, but their faces require no explanation. My son spots a tiny plastic Ziploc and

extracts a log sheet with some age to it. He pulls it out, taking care with the deep creases in the page and each child signs their names, chooses a trinket and replaces the box carefully for the next wave of geocachers. My face hurts from grinning and it occurs to me as I watch their busy fingers and racing minds, teaching kids to seek challenges and obtain hidden goals builds rock-solid, responsible, adventurous adults. That’s hard to top — until you watch your child leave a geocache trinket for another adventure seeker to discover later. To create your own geocaching adventure, visit geocaching.com and watch the video on how to log in, locate geocaches, and connect with other geocachers. The site offers helpful information including safety precautions, property permissions, and regulations regarding placing caches (i.e. Wildlife Management policies). Also, check out the Leave No Trace site lnt.org for tips on how to preserve and protect our forests. There are also several local geocache sites like arkgeocaching.org and geocaching.com/local/?state_id=4 which include upcoming events and forums. Most Arkansas State Parks allow geocaching and this link lists which ones do, as well as guidelines for successful geocaching! arkansasstateparks.com/things-to-do/ geocaching Go wild…and for the love of geocaching, think green!

I've learned a lot about myself since I started climbing three years ago, when a friend invited me to go. I was intimidated. I had always wanted to try it, but I also had a very sensible fear of heights. Rock climbing seemed like a daring stunt that you talked yourself into on a Colorado vacation ... like a bucket list kinda thing. Rock climbing was not an activity for a lazy Tuesday afternoon in Northwest Arkansas. I was also nervous to go and "not be good at it". I'd never been an athlete. I can't throw a ball through a net to save my life, and if you throw one at me I will instinctively protect my face. What if rock climbing was too hard and I just embarrassed myself? Pretty quickly, though, my curiosity outweighed my concerns, and it was with a sense of adventure that I met my friend to try rock climbing for the first time.

Rock Climbing written by Kim Trublood photographed by Chase Smallwood 70 Come Home

I had never heard of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, despite having lived in Arkansas my whole life and near Harrison since 2002. That seems funny to me now, because Horseshoe Canyon is a big deal in the climbing world. Just as paddlers come from far and wide to float the Buffalo, climbers come from across the nation to experience the gorgeous sandstone of Horseshoe Canyon. It was a short, pleasant hike from our cars to the bluffs that were our destination. As we arrived at the 50 foot high vertical walls, my fears crept back in, but I was determined to try. I must admit that it was challenging, physically and mentally. I was terrified that I would fall, and I felt awkward as I alternated between death-gripping the rock and forcing myself to inch upwards. I came off the wall on my second climb, and I thought that was surely the moment of my death. It wasn't. I realized that when I "fell", the rope caught me. I simply

dangled a few inches below where I had slipped while my friend kindly encouraged me to get back on the rocks. I was physically only able to do three climbs that day before my arms were spent, but the damage had been done. I was hooked. That was three years ago, and I've changed a lot since that first day. I'm much more confident. I believe that I can do difficult things. I believe that I can grow and expand my limitations. I fear less and trust more. My sweet and patient husband is my most frequent climbing partner, and it has been great for us. There's something else big that I've learned: absolutely anyone can do this. There is nothing holding any of us back that isn't in our imagination. Wherever we are physically, there is a climb that is the perfect match for our ability. Horseshoe Canyon is a rock climbing paradise with all the variety you could ever ask for, and that's just one locale in our amazing state. Cole Fennel released his book, Rock Climbing Arkansas, just last year, and it details the prolific diversity of established rock climbing routes throughout the entire state. You can find people to go with, too. There are Facebook pages devoted entirely to finding climbing friends, and there are even apps for that. Horseshoe Canyon offers private guided climbing trips of their rock playground, and Elevate Sports of Harrison hosts a bi-monthly Community Climbing Day at Horseshoe Canyon. It's so much more accessible than I had ever imagined before I first walked up to the rocks that day. Don't let fear and worry hold you back. Take that hike. Expand your boundaries and push your limits. You will surprise yourself. I did.

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Beckham Creek Cave Lodge

WRITT EN BY S HEL L EY DIRS T / PH OTO G RA PH ED BY M A L LO RY J EF F E R S

76 Come Home

the cave entrance near the top of a steep hill, high above a stocked, spring-fed pond that glitters in the open valley below.

There is something powerfully disorienting about the natural world when you confront it and let go of your illusion of control. In so much of our lives, we build our towers, manicure our postage stamp lawns or cultivate our little half-acres of earth. We labor to create neatness and order. Although we know our presence on Earth is only a flash in time, we need to be reminded that there is something greater than we are. And we may seek renewal in unusual places. Consider G.K. Chesterton’s description of the transformation of St. Francis, familiar to fans of Mumford and Sons for the allusion in their song, “The Cave.”

The man who went into the cave was not the man who came out again... He looked at the world as differently from other men as if he had come out of that dark hole walking on his hands… —G.K. Chesterton, St. Francis of Assisi

When we pilgrimage to stand beneath the Redwoods, marvel at the Grand Canyon, brave the windswept Cliffs of Moher, even hike the dizzying Goat’s Bluff Trail to glimpse

the world from above, we lose ourselves in these moments, our perspective altered by the natural world. How lucky that we live in the Ozarks, a land of wonders to explore. How lucky that we are stewards of this part of the earth. Stewardship. That’s how Beckham Creek Cave Lodge property manager Hansen Doolittle sees it: “It’s a living cave, and we just hang out in the middle. It’s ours for now.” The 280 acre property home to the Beckham Creek Cave Lodge is tucked away in Newton County near Parthenon, but it’s certainly off the grid if you are counting on Google Maps to get you there! A previous owner built a helicopter landing pad, and after driving there, I can see why. A dirt road adventure will eventually bring you to

It may be an eighty-fivedegree spring day, but as soon as you step inside, the heat vanishes, and the air feels different. It’s clearly a cave, but it’s also an elegant cathedral with 40’ high limestone ceilings. The centerpiece is the Spanish Waterfall formation, an underground waterfall cascade that has been studied by groups from all over the world. It’s breathtaking, really - the cave itself - and it’s amazing how the labors to transform it into a modern living space have not overshadowed the living energy of the cave walls. In addition to the original cave dwellers from prehistoric times, this cave has hosted modern occupants who’ve attempted to create a more luxurious retreat. Most famously, millionaire John Hay (founder of Celestial Seasonings) purchased the property in 1983 to build a bunker where he would store freeze-dried food and provisions for family and

friends to survive nuclear holocaust. The $146,000 purchase price became a $2 million investment as workers hauled out loads and loads of earth to create a haven that was eventually featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Sold to a Missouri businessman soon after, the space was revamped in 1989 at a cost of over six million dollars, then sold and updated again in 2007 to be used as a private lodging and rental property until its recent owners funded the renovation that was completed this spring. When current property managers Rayne Davidson and son Hansen Doolittle were tasked with the renovation project in 2012, they sought out Zach Lee of Urban Revival Design in Harrison. He took on the challenge, realizing there was nothing typical about this project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It felt like I was on the moon,â&#x20AC;? Zach described his initial work envisioning the transition he wanted to make. Once he pitched his design concept to the property owners in Texas, he was given free reign, something designers might not often experience. However, Zach soon discovered how challenging the project would be. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just take out a cave wall or rely on square layouts or even truly waterproof everything. All of the work had to be done with an eye to nature of the cave, working in harmony with not only the aesthetics but also the elements.

The work was extensive. Taking everything back to the cave walls, they poured 6,000 square feet of 6-inchthick concrete for new flooring and interior structure. They redesigned two geothermal heat and air units that also dehumidify, a necessity in a space where water still drips from stalactites and bats do make their appearance now and then. In the design process, Zach accounted for the location of these natural drips, used furnishing materials designed to handle indoor/ outdoor use, and handcrafted certain elements to meet the specifications of the spaces the cave allows, including a special round bed for the upstairs suite and an immense chandelier

for the dining area. The result is a stunning elegance in an industrial meets natural design. Amidst all the amenities of a modern resort suite, guests can actually climb around in the many little alcoves, take a steaming hot shower mixed with cold drips from the stalactites above, slide into the glamorous movie-star bed beneath the faux fur throw, relax in the soft recessed light, and sense the energy of the rock formations just out of reach. This is as close to caveman as you want to go. Of course, adventurers have already gone further, exploring the one and a half miles of the Beckham Creek Cave - a labyrinth of tunnels, caverns,

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and waterfalls accessible now through the back door of the lodge. It is also home to the source of the spring that flows into the waterfall in the living room, under the floors, outside the entrance to form an upper pool, and then falls almost a thousand feet to create the pond below. The cave hosts various species of bats hanging not far above eye level and is home to a previously undiscovered species of Springtail found in recent years by a local cave biologist. The inner cave has been explored and mapped by experts but is not open to the public, perhaps because it soon narrows to a point where you’d have to make a commitment to get dirty and better be an experienced caver to attempt. Eventually, after doing a side army crawl through the tunnels you’d find a 20 foot waterfall and would arrive at the Devil’s Dance Floor, a spot marked on the map with a skull and crossbones. There’s a story there involving a sheet of transparent crystal and an unlucky caver stepping out, crashing through, and falling thirty feet below. Just trust them. It gets real out there! The Beckham Creek Cave is truly one of Arkansas’ natural wonders, and the newest incarnation of the lodge inside is a marvel just waiting for guests to seek their own respite for renewal. Find out more at beckhamcavelodge.dreamhosters.com.

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