June

ay

Raising the Bar

ARKANSAS’ BEST LAWYERS

Class with Sass

THE JUENGELS’ HELENA HOME Third Annual

ROCKIN’ SINGLES IN THE CITY

Southern Blues Polished Rooms Down in the Delta Silver Gadgets *

AY IS ABOUT YOU June 2010

*

aymag.com

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contents

June 2010

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Southern Comfort The Helena home of Janet and Victor Juengel is decked out with classic southern charm.

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Honoring the Law We recognize Arkansas Bar Association's 112th Annual Meeting in Hot Springs by highlighting some of the top in the field in the Natural State.

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Discover the Blues The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues and Clarksdale is home to some of the most respected blues landmarks, juke joints and museums dedicated to the art form.

PAGE 77

Avignon Meets Mississippi Morgan Freeman's Madidi Restaurant is the best of both worlds — traditional French cuisine with a simple southern twist.

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65

contributors

Eliza Borné is the assistant Web editor at BookPage and has written for the Boston Globe Magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray, and the Arkansas Times. Her favorite natural spots in Arkansas are Blanchard Springs Caverns and the White River.

Ron Balicki is a senior writer for Golfweek Magazine and golfweek. com and has been with the company for 27 years. He has won numerous writing awards and has covered many Masters, U.S. Opens, British Opens and PGA Championships as well as the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, President’s Cup and World Cup. Balicki and wife Debbie have lived in Mt. Ida, Ark., for nine years and rescue/foster dogs as part of the Warm Hearts Humane Society of Montgomery County.

Tobi Fairley is the owner of Tobi Fairley Interior Design and Tobi Fairley Gallery, a full-service luxury residential interior design firm and fine art gallery in Little Rock.

She was selected by Traditional Home magazine as one of the “Top 20 Young Designers in America” in 2009, and her work has been featured in media and periodicals nationwide including Traditional Home, Dream Bedrooms by Better Homes and Gardens, MSNBC.com and Design and Décor magazine.

DEPARTMENTS Publisher's Letter 08 Mailbag 10 Calendar 18 My Opinion 23 A List 24 Green Living 27 Artscene 28 Home 30 Tobi's Tips 33 P. Allen Smith 34 Gardening Tips 36 Destination 65 Dining Guide 74 Recipe File 79 Your Health 85 Sports 88 Your Money 90 Murder Mystery 92 Crossword 94 The View from Park Hill 96

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John Peace is a tax partner with the Little Rock law firm of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC. His practice is concentrated in the areas of estate planning, tax planning and business organizations.

He is also a CPA and has been involved in many facets of the accounting profession, including serving as chairman of the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and president of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He lives in Little Rock with his wife of almost 40 years, Pam, and their two poodles, Coco and Chloe.

Little Rock native, P. Allen Smith is an award-winning garden designer and host of the public television program, “P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home” and the syndicated “P. Allen Smith Gardens.” Smith is the garden design editor for national magazines such as Cottage Living and Woman’s Day. Smith is the author of the Garden Home series, which includes four books including his latest, P. Allen Smith’s Living in the Garden Home: Connecting the Seasons with Containers, Crafts and Celebrations.

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from the publisher

June is the month we celebrate Father’s Day. I’m a daddy’s girl. As a little kid, I often worked with my dad in the yard. I remember one hot afternoon, I asked my dad for a chew of his tobacco. He pulled out a pouch and handed me some. I promptly put the wad in my mouth and swallowed.

My mom says I turned the most Godawful shade of green she’s ever seen. My dad and I still do projects together, and that father-daughter bond is strengthened with every job.

This month, we remember our fathers with special gift ideas in our A-List. If your dad’s interest leans more toward the garden, P. Allen Smith suggests everything from hedge trimmers and edgers to a fully-loaded Viking outdoor kitchen.

Home is where the heart is, and that is never truer than at Janet and Victor Juengel’s plantation-style Helena home. Their unique and nostalgic collection of furniture creates a personal masterpiece. If your masterpiece needs a splash of color, designer Tobi Fairley uses nail polish as this month’s inspiration. Van Goghinspired artist, Norma Galusha, featured in this month’s Artscene, uses bold color to dominate her paintings. Galusha shares her love of art by teaching kids at the Cathedral School in Little Rock.

Clarksdale, Miss, is the birthplace of blues music. Associate editor, Amy Bowers, explores this delta town rich in southern charm.

Buttermilk fried quail, sweet corn succotash and cave-aged cheddar mac and cheese are just a few of the comfort foods she discovered at Morgan Freeman’s Madidi Restaurant.

Riddle me this: How do you tell if it is REALLY cold outside? A lawyer has his hands in his own pockets. Everyone has heard the proverbial lawyer jokes. The fact of the matter is we have a lot of excellent lawyers in our state. To help in your effort to find an attorney, we publish our annual guide of Arkansas lawyers included in The Best Lawyers in America 2010®. We publish this list in conjunction with the Arkansas Bar Association’s annual meeting held in June in Hot Springs.

This month marks the beginning of summer … here’s to backyards full of fireflies.

Vicki Vowell, PUBLISHER

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ay JUNE 2010 | VOLUME XXII | ISSUE 2

In Honor of Father's Day: PUBLISHER Daughter of Don Vowell

EDITOR Daughter of Clyde Jones & James L. Nichols Sr. athomas@aymag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Daughter of Jeff Bowers abowers@aymag.com ART DIRECTOR Daughter of James E. Freeman jfreeman@aymag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Daughter of Mark Hampton lhampton@aymag.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Daughter of Ventrice Caldwell wlair@aymag.com

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Daughter of Buck Johnson admin@aymag.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Daughter of John Peace brobinson@aymag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Daughter of Randy Bridges lbridges@aymag.com Daughter of Ron Lester & Curtis Homeyer ehomeyer@aymag.com Daughter of Bobby Franklin jfranklin@aymag.com “Daughter” of Karl Hinds lindaaymag@aol.com

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Nate Allen, Faith Anaya, Eliza Borné, Steve Bowman, Roby Brock, Jill Conner Browne, Cindy Conger, Tracy Courage, Vic Fleming, Janie Jones, Beth Phelps, Sonny Rhodes, Joe David Rice, P. Allen Smith, Susan Wallace, Rebecca Ward

Please recycle this magazine.

AY Magazine is published monthly by Active Years , Inc. ®

CORPORATE OFFICE 910 W. 2nd St., Ste. 200, Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (501) 244-9700 Fax: (501) 244-9705

aymag.com The contents of AY are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY. Subscription rate is $15 for one year (12 issues).

Single issues are available upon request for $5.

AYMAG.COM . 9

mailbag

Due to the article [“Magnificently Modern,” April 2010], I [have taken] prospective clients to the Bowtie house and Bakhita Ridge houses for tours! So, thank you again for taking such an interest in our work and showing it to your readers! I really appreciate our relationship and will continue to do my part in maintaining a high level of design in our homes.

Tim Maddox, AIA, AIA Arkansas, Northwest Section Chair deMx architecture, pa Fayetteville, Arkansas

DejaVu I, too, was a student at ASTC in 1952-54 and knew Charles Albright [Murder Mystery, April and May 2010]. What a shock it was to hear of the murders he committed as I thought he was a very nice young man. I have kept an 8-by-10 oil portrait he did of me in 1953, and it does emphasize my eyes.

How spooky — thank Janie for the story.

I’ve loved AY since it began years ago as a black and white newspaper. Vicki and your magazine have come a long way. Great job.

manages to capture the spirit of Karlyn Holloway much as she captures spirit in her art. It has been wonderful to hear all the positive, but varied responses to her paintings on exhibit at the Searcy Art Gallery.

It seems to prove the premise that art is an artist-viewer experience. Thank you for including her — and us — in your excellent publication.

Nancy Weber Via e-mail

Kudos and Courage Thank you for choosing me to do an interview for AY. I was very excited about it. It’s a very nice article. Please tell Traci “thank you;” she was a delight to talk to and did a great job.

My Name in Lights Thank you for asking me to be featured in AY Magazine; I have had old friends contact me and some nice compliments from others. Thanks for everything. I really enjoy the magazine and its content. What a pleasure it has been for me.

Fred Sands Via e-mail Capturing the Spirit Your article “Talent in Bloom” [April, 2010]

AY Magazine 910 W. 2nd St. #200 Little Rock, AR 72201

10 . JUNE 2010

Tom Killough, president Searcy Arts Council

Karlyn Holloway Austin, Arkansas You’re A Great Partner The story on Lisenne Rockefeller [“Living and Giving,” April 2010] is great! Thank you so much for featuring her and for providing priceless education to our community about Type 1 diabetes and Juvenile Diabetes Re-

search Fund ( JDRF). Our biggest challenge is always helping people to understand that Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease, is not like type 2, which is a metabolic disorder. I thought the picture was perfect! Also, thank you so much for the ad and for partnering with us.

R. Renay Dean, Executive Director Greater Arkansas Chapter, JDRF Our House Thank you; the story “Historic Habitats” [May 2010] was a wonderful article in every way. We’re excited about the turnout (and the weather forecast)! Thanks so much for your help.

Dana Daniels Nixon, president Quapaw Quarter Association Great Gift I enjoy AY and know Cindy Hodnett will as well [I'm gifting her a subscription]. I especially enjoyed The Green Issue.

Kay Hodnett Via e-mail

We love hearing from you. Write to Angela at athomas@aymag.com, or at AY Magazine, 910 W. Second St., Ste. 200, Little Rock, AR 72201

Love the Look I just checked in to the Arlington Hotel, and the fabulous AY Magazine was the first thing I saw on the table. Tell your potential Hot Springs advertisers that infrequent — but well-funded — travelers need more restaurant reviews!

Adrienne Freeman Via e-mail

We were thrilled to receive so many birthday wishes as AY turned 22 this past month. Our favorite was from Mike Poe in reference to our May cover: "Happy Birthday, AY. You are one of 239 things I love!"

@

aymag.com singles Take a sneak peek at our mystery singles.

Are you 35 or older? Are you a professional who is single? Check out AY’s Singles in the City archive and sign up today. vicki's blog You’ve read about our publisher Vicki Vowell and her battle with Meniere's disease. Find out how she’s doing as well as her opinion about dating, going green and more in Vicki’s Blog. videos Get a behind-the-scenes look at AY’s photoshoots. Find out what Editor Angela E. Thomas is talking about on Wednedays’ segments on KARK. recipe contest Got a family recipe that everyone just raves about? Have you invented a delicious culinary treat? Enter it in the 2010 AY Reader Recipe Contest. Finalists win a chance to perfect their recipe with some of the state’s finest chefs.

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inspiration

fresh asparagus June is an ideal month for asparagus. This vegetable is actually a member of the lily family and can grown up to 10 inches in one day under ideal conditions. Asparagus is high in folic acid and is a good source of vitamins A, C and B6. Enjoy this fiber-rich food steamed, grilled, sautÊed or roasted — or try it with a great dip recipe courtesy of gardening great P. Allen Smith on page 81.

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inspiration

•

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

•

Supplies: cardstock: (green, gray); color medium: (brown chalk) Craf-T Products; paper accent: (striped tag) BasicGrey; accents: (silver brads) Making Memories; (My Type concho alphabet) Colorbok; fibers: (brown ribbon) May Arts; (white thread). Instuctions: 1. Make card from green cardstock; chalk edges; 2. Cut rectangle from gray cardstock; adhere to card; 3. Adhere ribbon; 4. Trim tag; stitch to card; 5. Attach conchos to spell Dad; 6. Attach brads.

Project by Wendy Johnson for Leisure Arts. Item #4606 Joy Of Card Making Collectors Edition, $26.95. Find the pattern for this project at aymag.com/go/leisurearts or by calling (800) 526-5111.

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5507 Ranch Drive, Suite 103 • Little Rock, AR • 501.868.9882 • tobifairley.com 16 . JUNE 2010

by Beth Phelps

inspiration

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are bursting into bloom in shades of pink and blue to the white flowers of Annabelle.

The flower color of the old-fashioned “mop top� hydrangeas can be changed depending on soil acidity; acidic soil yields blue flowers, while pink flowers result in alkaline soils. Hydrangeas perform best in a partially-shaded garden spot and with a consistent supply of water.

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calendar

june events

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The Promenade at Chenal Outdoor Concert June 11, Little Rock. Get in on the great shopping opportunities as well as live music by The Big John Miller Band at this beautiful outdoor shopping center. Retailers include: American Eagle Outfitters; Ann Taylor Loft; Chenal 9 Theatre with IMAX; Claire’s; Coldwater Creek; Fitness Together; James Eyecare; Just Dogs Gourmet; DSW and more. chenalshopping.com.

“Alice’s Wonderland" through Sept. 15, Little Rock.

Explore this amusing exhibit at the Museum of Discovery.

It is a 2,500 square-foot interactive exhibit based on Lewis Carroll’s classic "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland." Re-live the story through exhibit areas such as the Riverbank, the Hall of Doors, and The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. (501) 396-7050 or amod.com.

“Smokey Joe’s Café” June 4 through 27, Little Rock. Music lovers, don’t miss this performance, packed full of some of the pop music hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Explore this age of American culture to the classic songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Tickets are $20 to $40. (501) 3780405 or therep.org.

The festival includes pageants, a talent show, arts and crafts, a carnival, vendors, tomato-eating contests, fireworks and more. Admission is free. (870) 226-5225 or bradleypinktomato.com.

Bug’s Bands & Bikes Festival June 5, El Dorado.

Enjoy a day dedicated to motorcycles and recreation in beautiful, historic downtown El Dorado.

This festival revs its engine with thousands of motorcycles, live music, crawfish and more than $2,000 in cash prizes awarded in the Bike Show. Admission is free. (870) 862-4747 or myspace.com/ bugsbandsandbikes.

Annual Spring Dinner to benefit the Scott Plantation Settlement June 5, Scott.

Help raise money for this beautiful plantation settlement in the serene rural setting of Scott, Arkansas. The evening includes food, music, cocktails and auction items. Tickets are $60. (501) 6634563 or scottconnections.org.

Movies In The Park throughout June, Little Rock. One of Little Rock’s most popular family events has a great lineup of free movies all summer long. Pack up the family and a picnic, and head to the Riverfront Park to catch the weekly, featured films including: “Back to the Future,” June 9; “The Blind Side,” June 16; “Kung Fu Panda,” June 23; and “The Dark Knight,” June 30. The amphitheater opens one hour before film showings; and all movies begin at sundown. moviesintheparklr.net.

54th Annual Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival; June 5 through 12, Warren. Experience this long-time, favorite festival on Main Street in downtown Warren.

10th Annual Art of Wine; June 10 through 12, Fayetteville. Enjoy wine tastings and food from multiple local

18 . JUNE 2010

restaurants at events including the Grand Tasting, Winemaker’s Dinner, Wine Lovers Brunch, Riedel Glass Tasting Seminar and Premier Tasting, scheduled throughout the weekend. Live entertainment, silent auctions, specialty wines and other items will be available at Walton Arts Center. (479) 443-5600 or waltonartscenter.org.

Little Rock Wind Symphony Presents “A Stars and Stripes Celebration”; June 12, Little Rock. The patriotic sounds of the Little Rock Wind Symphony will fill the air at MacArthur Park. Bring a picnic, and enjoy the free ice cream and music conducted by Dr. Karen Fannin. Admission is free. (501) 666-0777 or lrwindsymphony.org.

CARTI Tour de Rock; June 12, North Little Rock. Cyclists, enjoy a fun day at the Burns Park Soccer Complex. Ride the 12-mile Arkansas Children’s Hospital Family Fun Ride; more experienced cyclists can choose the Cornerstone Insurance Advanced Ride with course options of 30, 50, 62 or 100 miles. Registration fees include food and live entertainment. (501) 296-3429 or carti.com.

Passion for Fashion June 14, Little Rock. This sexy event at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre is a definite crowd pleaser. Enjoy champagne and wine with a cocktail buffet

by Cajun’s Wharf, Capers and Copper Grill followed by a runway show featuring fashions from Barbara Graves, including sleepwear, loungewear and swimwear.

Tickets are $75. (501) 378-0405 or visit therep.org.

Fort Smith Classic June 14 through 20, Fort Smith. This golfing charity event at the Hardscrabble Country Club is one of the largest fundraisers in the state, and this year, Arkansas’ own John Daly will compete. Charities benefitting from the event include Pink on the Links, Junior Pro-Am and Tickets Fore Charity. fortsmithclassic.com.

“The Wizard Of Oz” June 21 through 23, Little Rock. Explore the magical land of Oz with this production presented by Celebrity Attractions at the Robinson Center Music Hall. The whole family will enjoy the journey down the Yellow Brick Road with breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. Tickets are $27, $37, $47 and $52. (501) 2448800 or celebrityattractions.com.

Summer Arts Blast June 21 through 25, Little Rock. Help your child learn even while he enjoys summer break at this camp that promotes literacy through the arts, hosted by Wildwood Park for the Arts.

Students will experience literary, culinary, visual, musical, theater and horticultural arts at this picturesque location. (501) 821-7275 or wildwookpark.org.

66th Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks June 30 through July 3, Springdale. Have a buck wild time at Parsons Stadium as 500 contestants and professional athletes compete for more than $100,000 in prize money. Admission is $12 to $18. (479) 756-0464 or rodeooftheozarks.com.

John Prine in Concert June 4, Little Rock.

Don’t miss this great American folk musician as he makes a stop on his tour at Robinson Center Music Hall.

Tickets are $48 to $59. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Meet these mystery singles to be featured in May's Singles in the City section!

Each month, AY will feature a sneak peek of our Singles in the City in our print edition with a detailed profile on our Web site aymag.com. Full profiles and pictures of these attractive — and available — professionals will run each quarter.

aymag.com/go/singles AYMAG.COM . 19

Rockin’ SINGLES CITY

3nnrudal A

IN THE

Singles Auction Benefitting

June 11, 2010 When Friday, —

6:00 P.M. HAPPY HOUR • 7:00 SINGLES AUCTION

in the Park Where Pavilion — 8201 CANTRELL RD.

Tickets $30 per person Host Committee • Call 374-6661 for tickets.

• Appetizers, Beer, Wine, and Margaritas included.

• DJ on site after auction to keep this fun summer party going!

ay

MAGAZINE

Arkansas’ Premier Lifestyle Magazine

20 . JUNE 2010

Centennial Bank Christy Bourns Blake Casey Greg & Elizabeth Jones Evan & Shea Mathews

SPONSORED BY

Chris Marsh Lona Pierce Nancy Sherman Beth Sigler Evelyn Smith Vicki Vowell

Rockin’

SINGLESTHECITY

I

IN

AY has joined forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas’ volunteer auxiliary and Alice 107.7 to host the 3rd Annual Rockin’ Singles in the City.

It’s time to polish your dancing shoes as AY, Alice 107.7 and Big League partner once again for Rockin’ Singles in the City.

This year, we’ve upped the ante; the sexy professional male and female singles have been paired with dates and group outings, allowing singles and groups to bid on these fantastic packages. The packages include something for the adventurous, such as hang gliding and sailing; something for the rocker — the Alice 107.7 Rooftop Party; and something for the foodie, such as lunches and dinners at some of the state’s finest restaurants. Participants will bid on a weekend at a White River cabin for 18 people; dance lessons; dinner at Ump's Pub and grill and box seats at an Arkansas Travs game. We’ve also added a silent auction with items such as a high-fashion photo shoot, hors d’ oeuvres at 300 Third Tower, and box seat tickets at Oaklawn Park.

After the auction, we’ll dance the night away. Tickets are just $30 and include appetizers, beer, wine and margaritas.

The proceeds from Rockin’ Singles in the City benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA). BBBSCA pairs mentors, professional men and women, Bigs, with children, Littles, to help the youth reach their potential. The interaction between Bigs and Littles impacts their lives tremendously. “The friendships we facilitate create long-lasting relationships. Just one hour a week with a Big Brother or Big Sister can improve a Little’s self-confidence, expose them to new activities and environments and even introduce them to a career or vocation,” said Christel Cater, vice president, marketing and recruitment.

Monies raised at Rockin’ Singles in the City help reduce the costs of outings, removing the financial burden from the Bigs and ensuring the overall mission of BBBSCA. A big Thank You to Diamond Bear; Don’s Supply; Manning’s Music ‘n’ Motion; Sherwood Beverage; and Sunbelt Conference Services. 

Meet the Singles

Kendricke Bullard, Marsha Clevenger, Jaclyn Goldman, Greg Hammonds, Jeff Hill, Doug Homeyer, Jonathan Kazemi, Michele Ludwig, Eli Matthews, Meredith Mitchell, Jon Pendergrass, Holly Sonders

Tickets to the 2010 Rockin’ Singles in the City auction at Pavilion in the Park — June 11 — are just $30 each. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m. To get a sneak peek at all of the Singles, log onto bbbsca.org. To purchase tickets, call (501) 374-6661.

AYMAG.COM . 21

good reads

@

$18 amazon.com Statesmen, Scoundrels, and Eccentrics: A Gallery of Amazing Arkansans includes stories from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s “Remembering Arkansas,” column, written by Tom Dillard. Dillard provides entertaining shorts about the men and women who’ve helped shape our state’s colorful past and present.

@

$30 uapress.com Rivals — Legendary Matchups That Made Sports History is a great gift for the sports-loving dad.

The book includes essays about famous rivalries in golf, baseball, football and other sports, including basketball as seen on the cover, which features Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

@

$28 uapress.com You don’t have to be an entomologist to enjoy Arkansas Butterflies and Moths. Author Lori A. Spencer, coordinator for the Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival, includes photographs and information about more than 250 species found in Arkansas … a must-have for butterfly and nature lovers.

22 . JUNE 2010

by Jill Conner Browne

my opinion

CHUTES LADDERS

&

WHERE TO BEGIN TELLING THE TALE OF ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE? Thanks to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, The Cutest Boy in the World and I got to take a 12-hour cruise aboard the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush CVN77 Aircraft Carrier.

From the moment we got the invitation, TCBITW was, oh, what’s that song? WALKING ON SUNSHINE. If he never was before, he was surely at that moment, soooo glad he married me! Once we arrived at the ship, all I could think was, “Thank GOD, he is too old to enlist,” because he surely would have on the spot.

The ship is truly beyond belief; she is 4.5 acres of Sovereign America — wherever she sails. Getting to look at her up close was thrilling enough, but we got to have dinner in the Captain’s Quarters and take a private tour — including the Primary Flight Deck, which, I should mention, is up nine flights of LADDERS from the main deck. The only elevators on the ship are for the jets.

Along with several other authors, I had the astounding privilege of speaking to more than 8,000 sailors and their families, standing on a stage in front of the most enormous American flag I’ve ever seen. The event was a Celebration of Reading at Sea and was a gift from the Foundation to the ship’s sailors, builders and their families in honor of the dedication of the Doro Bush Koch Library onboard. I read from God Save The Sweet Potato Queens, the story of My Daddy Pooping in a Tree

(look it up) — and then asked if ANYBODY was surprised that boy grew up to be a SAILOR? No one was. To be on that ship, speaking to so many who serve our great nation — and SAILORS, at that — was my proudest moment as an author and as an American.

How I wish Daddy could have seen it! I felt Daddy’s presence with me very strongly as I put on his WWII Navy Pea Coat for the next part of our Amazing Adventure. We went up to the Flight Deck, with the 8,000 or so attendees, for the AIR SHOW. To be standing on that deck, within a stone’s throw of the wing tips of an F-18 as it launches? You become the thunder of the jets and the after-burners pull your face back into an uncontrollable grin as an equally uncontrollable shout of pure GLEE erupts. Grown men and women leaping up and down, screaming in delight and awe and children stunned into momentary silence before joining the tumultuous cheers.

The Most Queenly Moment occurred later — when they wanted all the authors to return to the Flight Deck for one more photo op. I FORGOT that I had put my Travel Hair BACK ON after the Air Show — and I accidentally went out there wearing it. The wind nearly blew my CLOTHES OFF — but my TRAVEL HAIR STAYED ON! The moment, thankfully captured in a photo, will be forever remembered as The Miracle of the Travel Hair on the Flight Deck of the CVN77. 

Jill Conner Browne is a multiple #1 New York Times® Best Seller. Simon & Schuster published her latest book American Thighs: The Sweet Potato Queen’s Guide to Preserving Your Assets.

She is featured regularly in national and international magazines and television shows. You can learn more about “Her Royal Highness” at sweetpotatoqueens.com.

AYMAG.COM . 23

AY’s Haute Picks

Summer is fast approaching …

… it’s time to update your look and get swimsuit ready. A healthy glow and brightly-colored accessories are always in-season. Looking for more? Try this great pair of glasses to zoom in on the touching film “War Eagle, Arkansas.”

JEWELRY

Vesta’s

BODY

B. Barnett

Multi-colored beaded necklace with chains

Chan Luu, $145

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion - $30.00 St. Tropez Body Moisturizer with L-Tyrosine - $15.00 St. Tropez Daily Moisturizer Tan Builder - $30.00 St. Tropez The Ultimate Tan Soft Mitt - $6.50 The Ultimate Tanning Solution!

Join our facebook fan page!

11525 Cantrell Road • Little Rock • 72212 vestasboutique.com • 501.375.7820

EYEWEAR

Burrow & Mr.Franks A new sleek-thin-line by KAZUO KAWASAKI made of Titanium with laser cutting on the sides make this a very light weight fashionable frame. *Firm not licensed to make eye exams

5909 R Street • Little Rock, AR • 72207 burrowoptical.com • 501.664.9350

24 . JUNE 2010

8201 Cantrell Rd • Little Rock • 72227 bbarnett.com • 501.223.2514

FATHER'S DAY GIFT

War Eagle

An extraordinary Friendship, in an Ordinary Town.

Based on a True Story.

Locally filmed and produced.

Purchase at Amazon.com today!

Amazon.com • WarEagleArkansas.com

photography by Janet Warlick

a list

Sophisticated

&SHINY

Skip the proverbial macaroni tie and the spatula for the grill, and give Dad something unexpected. He will look like a million bucks with these classic items.

If a splurge is in order for this Father’s Day, this Apple MacBook Pro in “aluminium” with 13-inch screen is a sure-fire winner, $1,500; provided by Best Buy, 11800 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock, AR 72211, (501) 227-4177, bestbuy.com

Embrace a bit of ‘20s glam with stainless steel hammered flask, $22, includes a three-letter monogram — engraved while you wait; provided by Vanness Pen Shop, 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR 72212,(501) 666-0668

Your dad will look like a rock star in these Ray Ban Sunglasses by Luxottica Group, $150; provided by Little Rock Eye Clinic, 9800 Lile Drive, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72205, (501) 224-5658, littlerockeye. com

This Calvin Klein silver tie will look dashing set against a silver shirt or rich-colored suit, $70; provided

by Dillard’s, 6000 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72204, (501) 6610053, dillards.com

Cufflinks are a musthave for the dapper dude, and these brilliant “buttons”

by Jonathan Wachtel add the perfect finishing touch, square, $58, and oval, $78; provided by Mr. Wicks, 5924 R St., Little Rock, AR 72207, (501) 664-3062

Your father will “be prepared” with this Classic SD Sterling Silver Victorinox Multi-tool by Swiss Army, $100; provided

by Ozark Outdoors, 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72207, (501) 664-4832, ozarkoutdoor.com

Boss Pure is an appealing mixture of aquatic freshness, energizing citrus and floral clarity. It is ideal for the style-conscious man, $65, by Hugo Boss; provided by Dillard’s, 6000 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72204, (501) 6610053, dillards.com

If your dad loves a fresh, piping-hot cup of joe, this stainless thermos by Glacier is an excellent gift, $25; provided by Ozark Outdoors, 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72207, (501) 664-4832, ozarkoutdoor.com AYMAG.COM . 25

26 . JUNE 2010

by Eliza Borné / photography from Arkansas.com

exploring arkansas As someone who was born and raised in Arkansas, I can attest to the joys of traveling in-state — and how I used to take it for granted. Spring breaks at Greers Ferry Lake … summers on the White River … weekend outings in the Big Woods … those activities are worthwhile, but summer vacations to Florida or across the globe are certainly more exciting . . . right?

Then I moved 1,500 miles to attend college in Massachusetts, and suddenly, when I came home to visit, I couldn’t wait to get outside. Now, I love visiting our state’s natural places. It feels good to travel locally. Staying closer to home, compared to going long distances, cuts back on fuel emissions from airplanes and cars. In most cases, it’s less expensive, and it supports our local economy.

Whether you’re a lifelong Arkansan who has floated the Buffalo River 20 times or a new resident, make a point to be a local tourist this summer. Take your children, grandkids or friends — and see firsthand why we are called The Natural State.

On June 30, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism will launch a green webpage — greentravelarkansas.com — to provide a resource for eco-conscious travelers. Dena Woerner, communications manager, said the site will have information on Arkansas restaurants that prepare food with local ingredients; hotels near trolley lines and bike rentals; LEED-certified buildings, such as the visitor center at Hobbs State Park; and activities that help you sustain yourself on the road, like yoga studios and walking and running trails.

While it’s not always convenient to recycle and use public transportation when you’re traveling, but the new webpage will allow you to do easy research before your trip.

“It’s harder to be as responsible when you’re in a place you’re not used to, and you’re running to the airport … you’re taking taxis,” Woerner said. “A lot of people are more conscious of that now. [They are] researching before they go, and asking, does this place recycle? Are they conscious of this? How are people responsible when I’m in another city, not just my own?”

Whether you travel in Arkansas or go farther away, there are always things you can do to make your next trip greener than the last. If you’re driving in a group, do you really need more than one car? Has your car been serviced? It sounds like a no-brainer, but under-inflated tires and maintenance problems can cause your gas mileage to plummet.

green living

Travelling while being environmentally conscious can be easy with a bit of pre-planning.

Snacking while you drive? Take re-useable water bottles and travel coffee mugs. A recycle bag in your car should be a mainstay.

If you’ll be sleeping for several days in a hotel, at check-in request to use the same sheets and towels for the duration of your stay.

When you’re visiting a new city, inquire at your hotel about bikerental programs, sight-see on foot or use public transportation.

When you pack, bring basics and wrinkle-free clothing that you can re-wear; it’s no fun doing laundry on a trip, besides, it wastes water. Travel should be relaxing, but it’s no excuse to relax your standards for sustainability. 

(Above) Two of my favorite activities in Arkansas are touring Blanchard Springs Caverns near Mountain View — the Caverns’ stunning cave formations will blow you away — and watching the sunset from the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock. Other great Arkansas activities include trout fishing on the White River in the Ozarks; canoeing the Buffalo River; walking through the swamp at Louisiana Purchase State Park near Brinkley; hiking amid boulders and trees to the beautiful Cedar Falls in Petit Jean State Park; and swimming in the peaceful Greers Ferry Lake. These are only a handful of ideas. Whether you’re looking for a daytrip or a weekend getaway, there are countless ways to have fun in your home state.

AYMAG.COM . 27

art scene

by Angela E. Thomas / photography by Lauren Hampton & courtesy of Norma Galusha

art

appreciation

Ready to Ride

As an instructor, Norma Galusha has taught hundreds of students to appreciate art. Hundreds of art lovers appreciate her talent as an artist.

Cone Flowers 28 . JUNE 2010

AY recently visited a private art gallery containing a number of beautiful paintings, including brightly-colored abstracts, detailed portraits, a commissioned cityscape and a painting of a grasshopper … each of the paintings were created by the talented artist, Norma Galusha.

No matter the subject, including landscapes and florals, and no matter the medium, including oils, watercolor, pen and ink or colored pencils, each piece is unique, draws the viewer in, is pleasing to the eye and is clearly the work of a talented artisan.

Galusha, an Arkansas native, found her creative side as a youngster. In her bio, she writes that she drew for her instructors’ bulletin boards in grade school. Art classes she took while studying at Little Rock Central High School sealed the deal for her. She earned degrees in art and English from the

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. For a short time, she worked as a graphic artist, but found it was not her calling. Eventually, Galusha found her home in the classroom.

“My mother was a teacher,” she said, laughing, “so I never wanted to do that. I think, I didn’t think it was glamorous enough, but I found I love the immediate feedback from the success of the kids … the light in their eyes when they feel good — it’s incredible.”

Galusha has helped create that light for more than two decades as the art instructor at The Cathedral School. It’s especially poignant with her older students. “Many students — eighth and ninth graders — are not successful in their others classes, but they excel in my art class,” Galusha said.

Galusha and her husband have three children; when they were small, she took time off from work to rear them. During this

hiatus, she created artwork with her children.

“Most of the work I created was pen and ink or needlepoint and cross stitch … items that were easy to come back to later. When my youngest [child] went to first grade, I became bored. I always had projects going, but I felt I wasn’t doing anything worthwhile, so I began to paint again.”

Galusha said the first pieces she created were mixed media, watercolor and pen and ink as they are easy mediums to work with.

Later, she returned to the classroom where she teaches the five elements of design, proportion and balance; students study artists and work with various art forms using clay, pastels and oils. Often, if she has an idea, she’ll teach the technique to her students and later execute it in her own work.

“Inspiration is the hardest thing.

Sometimes, I’ll sit down to paint, and I don’t come up with anything. Other times, inspiration may come from a magazine, an art book … the concept for an abstract may simply come when I sit down and sketch,” Galusha said. She paints from photographs and often crops the photograph to create a different perspective; an example of this technique is evident in her work “Bicycle.” “[Doing so] makes it mine. If I paint part of it, I’ve zoned in the one part I want to show, like a zoom lens in my mind’s eye,” Galusha said.

Her craftsmanship is not only appreciated by her students, but by the public at large as well. “Canning Season” was featured in the Arkansas Art Educators Exhibition; “Ready to Ride” was exhibited at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion; and “Veggies” was included in the 2008 Governor’s Calendar.

Each of these works is evidence of Galusha’s eye for detail and use of vivid colors.

“Color is an important element in my work.

It affects feelings, and color makes me happy,” she wrote. It’s an especially important element in her abstracts, which she calls non-objective.

Van Gogh’s use of color is one of the things that makes him Galusha’s favorite artist. “I like his later works most. He had such a horrible life, but he left behind such wonderful things,” she said. Galusha said teaching art has made her a better artist. “My progression as an instructor and an artist are parallel. I teach my students, they teach me.”

For more information about Galusha, visit arkansasartists.com. 

J. Juengel Interior Designs

701 Oakland Avenue Helena, Arkansas 72342 T. 870 572 1414 AYMAG.COM . 29

home

by Amy Bowers / photography by Jennifer Freeman

southern elegance Interior designer Janet Juengel and husband Victor, enjoy a classically southern home overlooking the beautiful greens of the Helena Country Club. Juengel is a well-versed interior designer with a booming business — J Juengel Interior Designs — in Helena, Ark., and though she often devotes her heart and soul to designing projects throughout the region, she has taken special care to create her own personal masterpiece of classic comfort and style.

The Juengel home is one of classic southern charm, situated along the greens of the picturesque Helena Country Club Golf Course. (above) Interior designer Janet Juengel sits in the entryway of her traditionally-decorated, Delta home that she shares with husband, Victor and beloved pet, Zsa Zsa.

30 . JUNE 2010

T

The Juengels bought their 6,800 square-foot picturesque, plantation-style home in 1993, and have worked hard to make it their own, with chic style and a collection of unique and nostalgic furniture pieces and décor elements.

The home was constructed in 1973 as a five-bedroom home for a large family; the Juengels were looking for a place to settle into as a couple since their son was heading off to college.

One of the first adjustments the couple made was to convert the first-level living quarters into a luxury master bedroom suite. They tore down walls and reconstructed the three-bedroom, one-bath area into a large master bedroom with a sitting area, enlarged closet and smaller, separate his and her bathrooms. They retained the two guest bedrooms upstairs for when their son and grandchildren visit.

“There is always something that sells you on a house,” Juengel said. “The dining room caught my attention. It was very important for me to have a large dining room; the one at our previous home was very small. I do a lot of entertaining, I just love it, and this dining room is perfect for it.”

The Juengels re-did the dining room mantle in marble and brought a large chandelier — a gift from her mother — to hang above the dining table.

Another addition to the home was the 2005 expansion of the front sitting room. The room, which used to be the front porch, was quite an undertaking that the couple worked together on.

“Victor designed the black and white marble floor. He did an outstanding job, but it was one of those things where if we knew what we were getting into, we wouldn’t have done it. The floor was

1. The Juengels' formal dining room. 2. Juengel chose traditional colors such as gold and maroon to add warm tones throughout. 3. Blue and white place settings accent the classic color combo. 4. The formal living room is outfitted in antiques and clean neutral shades.

5. The foyer floor of elegant black and white marble.

6. Windows bathe the home in natural light. 7. The breakfast room is the heart of this Helena home.

AYMAG.COM . 31

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brick before and was impossible to get it up.

We had to bring in jackhammers to demolish it. But I think it was worth it, now with the end result,” Juengel said.

The room is the perfect addition to the home. It serves as a classy entryway, awash with natural light. It also acts as a landing at the bottom of a winding staircase, leading to the upper level.

Every family has a certain room where they tend to spend most of their time. For the Juengels, it is the breakfast room. This casual room is adjoined to the kitchen for convenience. Its walls are lined with old barn timber, and when the couple vaulted the ceiling for the added feeling of space, they echoed the timber in rafters 17 feet above.

“This is where we eat meals and watch TV together,” Juengel said. She decorated the room as well as the kitchen in one of her favorite color combinations, blue and white.

“Blue and white is a combo that we see go inand out-of-style frequently, but I find it to be classic and actually on its way back in at the moment.”

Juengel stressed the importance of choosing decorating styles and colors that you are comfortable with when decorating your home. “When decorating my home, I chose to go with a very traditional method. I like English and French styles, and I think the two meld well together. I like traditional colors, and I used many of the same colors in my old house. I love these colors, and I feel at home with them.”

Another eye-catching element in the Juengel home is the abundance of wallpaper — the dining room, kitchen and bedrooms each have very unique, very striking wallcoverings. “You really don’t see as much wallpaper as you used to,” Juengel said. “If you use it strategically, you can really get a lot of impact out of it.”

The Juengel home is one where visitors feel welcome and at home immediately. The grounds are elegant and abundant with roses and other flowering plant life, much of which is visible from the many windows. The feeling of an airy, graceful southern home is apparent as you pull up the winding drive.

“I feel that my home is very warm and inviting,” Juengel said. “ I want people to say that it is elegant, but not standoffish. I want it to be a place [that people] come to, are comfortable and stay awhile.” 

by Tobi Fairley / photography by Nancy Nolan

tobi's tips

polished to

perfection

Design inspiration can come from literally anywhere … a leaf on a tree, a glass of Chablis, your best friend’s sundress. This time of year when I am wearing my favorite open-toed shoes, it’s my nail polish that gives me ideas for my next interior project.

(Left) Need a little drama in your life? Go for black and white on your walls and your nails. This great wallcovering is Monaco Damask by F. Schumacher. To bring this look to your personal style try Essie’s Marshmallow on your fingers and their Licorice on your toes. / Marshmallow Nail Polish by Essie, Licorice Nail Polish by Essie (Above) The look of this natural turquoise stone chandelier by Marjorie Skouras comes straight out of a bottle of Essie’s Turquoise and Caicos. If you want to take this hot shade to your walls, try Benjamin Moore’s Poolside Blue. It’s bright, bold and right on trend. / Turquoise and Caicos Polish by Essie (Equivalent Paint color: Poolside Blue 2048-40 by Benjamin Moore). (Above right) Lilacs in bloom smell, oh, so sweet, and it’s equally lovely in this feminine retreat. Lilacism polish from Essie is the inspiration for the hue. To create this look that is floral and fresh, try Sherwin William’s Enchant. / Lilacism polish by Essie (equivalent paint color Enchant SW6555 by Sherwin Williams).

p. allen smith

by P. Allen Smith / photography by Jane Colclasure, Kelly Quinn and Hortus Ltd.

father's day fare

F

Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and no matter if your guy is a gardener, a griller or a little bit of both, I’ve got a few ideas that are sure to put a smile on his face.

Whether your outdoor space is big or small, proper maintenance is key to keeping it in top shape. But instead of bombarding dad with tools he doesn’t need, help him design a system of only the items he’ll use. I’m a big fan of Stihl’s KombiSystem, which features more than a dozen attachments — including cultivators, hedge trimmers and edgers — that can be mixed and matched with any of their KombiMotors to create a custom yard and garden care system. Don’t forget the safety gear! It’s imperative to stay protected with the right gloves, footwear, glasses and other items for the job.

If he’s more of an entertainer, help dad “get his grill on” with the right equipment. I love the Viking outdoor kitchen at the Garden Home Retreat; it’s fully outfitted with a built-in grill, two separate burners, a warming drawer, sink, refrigerator and a portable beverage cart — all in easyto-care-for stainless steel. The outdoor kitchen also shares the adjacent summer kitchen’s chimney, which features a brick pizza oven; that’s always a big hit.

However, my favorite thing about the outdoor kitchen is that it’s just steps from the garden, so it’s perfect for picking an armload of vegetables and cooking a fresh meal. So whether you’re going all out with a complete outdoor kitchen or are just focusing on the essentials, plan your space with entertaining in mind. Locate your cooking and dining areas in close proximity to one another, and bring in additional outdoor seating, like oversized chairs and cozy benches, to ensure everyone has a place at the party. Consider decorating the space with containers filled with herbs and other edibles — not only will they provide a lush backdrop to the area, you’ll also have fresh ingredients close at hand.

34 . JUNE 2010

If your goal is to get your father interested in gardening, spend time together creating a few containers from which you’ll both reap the rewards. Plant a container filled with lettuces and herbs, and you can pick a fresh salad to accompany what’s sizzling on the grill, like this twist on preparing catfish (below) from our friends at the Viking Cooking School.

Choose a selection of peppers, cherry tomatoes, scallions and herbs for a container filled with tasty possibilities, like a sweet pepper salad. With the exception of the vinaigrette, all the ingredients can be grown at the same time. See page 81 for the recipe. 

Lemon Herb Grilled Catfish 4 3-to-5-ounce U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons white wine 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 teaspoon brown mustard ¼ cup chopped red onion 1 /8 teaspoon cracked black pepper ½ teaspoon salt additional herbs and lemon slices for garnish

Rinse the catfish fillets in cold water and pat dry.

Set aside. In a zip-top bag, combine the remaining ingredients. Add the catfish. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Turn the bag once or twice to evenly coat the fish. Do not marinate catfish for more than 30 minutes because the acid from the lemon will “cook” the catfish, which changes the texture. Heat your grill. Carefully oil the grill rack or basket. Remove the catfish from marinade. Set aside the remaining marinade to use later. Place the fish on a gas grill over medium heat or on a charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches over medium coals. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish is opaque in center, turning once.

Meanwhile, place the reserved marinade in small saucepan, and heat over high heat until boiling. Cook for one minute. Transfer the fish from the grill to a serving platter. Pour the heated marinade over fish.

Garnish with herbs and lemon.

- Courtesy of the Viking Cooking School

P. Allen Smith is an ardent vegetable gardener; professional garden designer; host of two national TV programs; a regular guest on the “Today Show,” and author of P. Allen Smith’s Bringing the Garden Indoors and other books in the Garden Home series. For more video tips and ideas, sign up for his free weekly newsletter at pallensmith.com.

AYMAG.COM . 35

Gardening TIPS Prune azaleas, weigela, forsythia, lorepetalum or any other springblooming shrubs now; pruning these plants in late summer or fall reduces next spring’s flowering.

Do not bag your grass clippings; go green – recycle them. Allow the clippings to fall, releasing the nutrients they contain back into the soil.

Not all insects in the garden are harmful; in fact, some of these bugs are actually beneficial. To keep the good bugs working for you, limit the use of pesticide in your garden. If an insecticide must be used, choose the least toxic alternative.

To keep annuals and perennials blooming longer, remove the faded flowers. Deadheading stops the plant from producing seeds thus keeping them flowering longer.

Beth Phelps is a University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension agent in Pulaski County. For more horticulture information, visit their website uaex.edu.

36 . JUNE 2010

AYMAG.COM . 37

38 . JUNE 2010

2010 SPECIAL SECTION

PRESENTED BY AY MAGAZINE

Arkansas’

BEST LAWYERS Those who practice law have often been much maligned, however there is great dignity and honor in defending the rights of citizens and prosecuting those who encroach upon those rights. Attorneys are key to the judicial system, which is a driving force in American society. This month, we acknowledge the intelligence and hard work of these professionals with The Best Lawyers ListingÂŽ and stories about how many of them lend their expertise and monies to non-profits and indiviuals in need.

AYMAG.COM . 39

BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

This issue of AY highlights the lawyers of the Arkansas Bar Association. Who are the best lawyers? They are the lawyers who matter.

They matter because the legal profession is a protector of the public against oppression and anarchy. Citizen lawyers drafted our national Constitution and Bill of Rights and created this great nation based on the rule of law and the separation of powers. The best lawyers serve ourselves and the citizens of Arkansas by protecting the rule of law, by making proper and necessary changes to laws that are unfair or passing new ones that improve the law and the administration of justice, or better yet, help those who need our voice because they can’t speak for themselves.

The best lawyers stand for tradition — the best traditions, traditions of the past and how they will shape the character of our growth in the future. The best lawyers stand for integrity. More often that not, integrity is tough. The best lawyers demand justice and work for new ways to be the messengers of right. The best lawyers stand for trust. Their clients and community trust them. They are state and community leaders and the leaders of tomorrow. The best lawyers are citizen lawyers committed to serving the public and the legal profession by promoting the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and excellence.

You will find examples of Arkansas’ best lawyers in this issue. There are more out there, all over our state — from small town to big city. We, in Arkansas, have a right to be proud.

This month, the Arkansas Bar Association will host its 112th Annual Meeting in Hot Springs. We expect more than 1,300 of the finest lawyers and judges from across the state to attend this year’s meeting, June 9 through 12. More than 83 hours of Continuing Legal Education and countless hours of receptions and fun-filled events are offered for lawyers, judges and their families. The Annual Meeting is one of the Bar’s finest traditions. To view the full program, log onto arkbar.com.

DONNA C. PETTUS, PRESIDENT ARKANSAS BAR ASSOCIATION

40 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

AYMAG.COM . 41

BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

To Whom Much Is Given Arkansas’ legal professionals are — as so many Arkansans — generous. Many of our state’s attorneys donate their time and talent giving pro bono hours providing legal advice and representation to low-income residents. Further, these men and women freely give of their time and income, volunteering and sponsoring individuals, organizations and events. This year, AY gave the largest law firms in the state the opportunity to “toot their own horns,” and tell us a bit about how they give back to the community at large. A thank you to Arkansas Business for lending us a list of the largest law firms in Arkansas.

DOVER DIXON HORNE PLLC While Dover Dixon Horne PLLC can trace its origins to the late 19th century, the evolution into a modern law firm, providing the advantages of specialization to its clients, began in 1921, when Joe T. Robinson, Joseph House, Jr. and C. Hamilton Moses formed the partnership of Robinson, House and Moses. In addition to his law practice, Robinson served at various times as a congressman, U.S. senator, governor of Arkansas and vice presidential candidate when Al Smith ran for president. The current law firm has 21 attorneys providing expertise in all areas of commercial law.

The DDH attorneys and staff believe in giving back to the community, serving on the boards of Centers for Youth and Families; the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America; the Pulaski County Bar Association; National Association of State Boards of Accountancy; the Arkansas Society of CPAs; the Central Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross; the Arkansas Historical Association; and the NLR Optimist Club, among others. DDH is a lead sponsor of Splatters, a fundraiser for the Centers for Youth and Families.

“As a law firm, we have been blessed with quality lawyers, a dedicated staff and wonderful clients, so giving back to the community is easy for us,” said Mark Allison, a member of the DDH Management Team. He estimated the value of the firm’s contribution to the community is around $150,000, or an average of around $7,000 per attorney.

Dover Dixon Horne PPLC 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3700 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-9151 • doverdixonhorne.com FRIDAY, ELDREDGE & CLARK Friday, Eldredge & Clark, Arkansas’ largest firm, traces its roots to Dec. 1, 1871, when George E. Dodge and Benjamin S. Johnson formed a law practice. Several partnerships then followed until 42 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

the current partnership was formed in 1953, under the name of Mehaffy, Smith & Williams composed of Pat Mehaffy, William J. Smith and John T. Williams. By 1960, the firm had grown to 10 lawyers and added the names of Herschel H. Friday and William H. Bowen. After Mehaffy’s appointment to the bench in 1963, the firm became Smith, Williams, Friday & Bowen. Bowen left the practice and Smith and Williams retired and the firm became Friday, Eldredge & Clark. Managing partners include Mehaffy, Smith, Friday, William H. Sutton and Byron M. Eiseman.

“We give because we have been blessed and want to share our blessing to better our community and profession,” Eiseman said.

The firm strives to be a good citizen of our state and community annually giving generously to more than 250 nonprofit organizations time and money having a total value of approximately $1 million.

Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP 400 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 2000 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 376-2011 • fridayfirm.com GILL ELROD RAGON OWEN & SHERMAN, P.A. For more than 40 years, the law firm known today as Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman, P.A. has represented businesses, not-for-profits, banks, utilities and individuals in resolving their disputes; expanding their businesses; building their communities; and forming strategic alliances. Their client list includes many familiar not-for-profit names — Methodist Family Health Foundation, Inc., Heifer Project International, Inc., United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc., just to name a few.

Regarding the community, the lawyers of Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman give of their time and treasure to more than a dozen entities annually in the six-figure range.

“With only 17 lawyers, we are not as big as some

firms in town, but that’s never been a goal,” said Charles Owen, president of the firm. “Our goal is simply to be the most trusted advisors possible to our clients and a good corporate citizen.”

Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman, P.A. 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3801 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 376-3800 • gill-law.com LASER LAW FIRM Laser Law Firm is a pivotal litigation firm in Arkansas. It was founded in 1952 by Sam Laser. Its commitment to tenacity in the courtroom is the defining characteristic of the firm’s outlook and reputation. Laser Law Firm has a Martindale-Hubbell rating of “A.” The firm is included in Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys. The firm is principally a civil defense practice, specializing in corporate and defense litigation.

Laser Law Firm has bench and jury trial experience in all types of civil defense. Some of which include arson, fraud, automobile, errors and omissions, civil rights, education, municipal, workers’ compensation, business and commercial, admiralty, products and premises liability, chemical and occupational, toxic tort, environmental and regulatory practice, along with general litigation.

"For many years, the partners have encouraged the attorneys, as well as the staff, to be involved in our community," Cotton Cunningham, managing partner, said. "The Laser Law Firm has received so much from our community, and in return, feels a strong need to reciprocate by employee participation and donations."

Laser supports many law organizations, but there are many outside the field of law that also reap the firm’s support, by way of money and volunteer hours. This past year, alone, there were close to 100 organizations or charities that received support from the Laser Law Firm. The following are just a few: 20th Century Hope Lodge for cancer patients;

Arkansas Zoological Foundations — “Generation Zoo”; Stewpot of Arkansas; AY’s Runway for a Cause; and VOCALS, Volunteers Organization Center for Arkansas Legal Services.

Laser Law Firm PA 101 S. Spring St., Suite 300 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 376-2981 • laserlaw.com MATTHEWS, CAMPBELL, RHOADS, MCCLURE, THOMPSON & FRYAUF, P.A. Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson & Fryauf, P.A. was established in 1976

by David R. Matthews in Lowell, Ark., and Craig A. Campbell joined in 1980. In 1983, George R. Rhoads joined the firm, and an additional office was established in Rogers, Arkansas. Edwin N. McClure joined the firm in 1986.

Larry J. Thompson and Mark T. Fryauf joined the firm in 1989 and 1993 respectively. In 1999 the firm became Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson & Fryauf, P.A. In 2002, Mauricio A. Herrera joined the firm and became a partner in 2008. Other attorneys are Sarah L. Waddoups, C. Eric Vester, Vicki S. Vasser, Jesse R. Reyes, and Of Counsel attorneys, Kimberly R. Weber and Mary Elizabeth Matthews.

McClure said the firm donates immeasurable amounts — both monetarily and in-kind — with charitable endeavors to a number of organizations, including The Adult Development Center; Rogers Little Theater; Legal Aid of Northwest Arkansas; and the respective churches of the attorneys.

Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson & Fryauf, P.A. 119 S. Second St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 636-0875 • mcrmt.com MITCHELL WILLIAMS Since its inception in 1954, Mitchell Williams has enjoyed substantial growth during its 56-year history. The beginnings of the firm are strongly rooted in the values, ambitions and tradition of excellence of one of its founders, H. Maurice Mitchell, a business leader who has become one of Arkansas’ most distinguished attorneys and philanthropists.

Providing strategic counsel on a variety of sophisticated legal issues and challenges facing companies in today’s global marketplace, the attorneys of Mitchell Williams bring together decades of diverse professional experience and extensive relationships to offer clients across the United States the most comprehensive services possible. The firm employs 75 attorneys from four offices in Arkansas, Texas and New York.

Take Time To Give, the firm’s charitable giving program, has incorporated more than 150 organizations throughout Arkansas and the region since its launch in 2004 and continues to grow each year. The firm lends support through financial contribution, pro bono services and thousands of volunteer hours our attorneys invest annually. The firm approximates the number of volunteer hours provided during the last five years to be about 30,000.

“Take Time To Give is not just about the firm’s charitable citizenship — it’s about stepping up to

meet the corporate social responsibility we all have to our communities,” said Harry Hamlin, managing director for Mitchell Williams.

Mitchell Williams named Our House, a Little Rock-based organization that provides the working homeless with safe, clean, comfortable housing, food, free child care, education and job training, as the firm’s 2010 Take Time To Give Primary Charity.

As such, Our House received a $25,000 donation in March and is the recipient of pro bono legal services, volunteer hours and is included in the firm’s advertising, marketing and communications efforts throughout the year.

Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard PLLC 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 1800 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 688-8800 • michellwilliamslaw.com JACK NELSON JONES FINK JILES & GREGORY, P.A. Jack Nelson Jones Fink Jiles & Gregory, P.A. ( JNJ), formerly Jack, Lyon & Jones, P.A., has served the state of Arkansas since 1986 as one of the premier general business law firms in the state, and has offices in Little Rock, Conway and Malvern. JNJ currently employs 18 attorneys and 17 staff members. Jack Nelson Jones Fink Jiles & Gregory, P.A., has steadily grown to meet the increasing needs of its clients.

JNJ has no written policy regarding volunteerism, but employees are encouraged to volunteer by partners in the firm during meetings and also encouraged to volunteer by the example that partners set. At least 41 percent of JNJ employees regularly volunteer with service organizations or otherwise donate time in service. Last year, employees volunteered approximately 1,100 hours. This number of volunteer hours is a good estimate of the average number of hours donated by JNJ employees yearly. In addition, JNJ donated approximately 132 hours of pro bono work, at a value of approximately $19,800 in-kind.

Donald T. Jack, Jr., senior partner, said, “We make a living out of this community, and we ought to be giving back to this community. That’s just an absolutely basic concept.”

Jack Nelson Jones Fink Jiles & Gregory, P.A. 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3400 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-1122 • jacknelsonjones.com QUATTLEBAUM, GROOMS, TULL & BURROW PLLC Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC, with offices in Little Rock, Springdale and Jonesboro, Ark., provides a full range of legal services to individuals and business organizations of all forms and sizes. Its practice encompasses a wide variety of transactions, litigation, regulatory advice, and estate planning to clients including Fortune 500 companies, regional businesses, small entities, governmental bodies, and individuals.

The firm was founded in July 2000 with five lawyers; as its 10-year anniversary approaches, it has grown to nearly three dozen lawyers. QGTB believes its rapid growth is a reflection of an expanding list of satisfied clients and recognizes that continued

growth and success depends on exceeding the expectations of clients by providing exceptional service and achieving extraordinary results.

QGTB is dedicated to giving back to its communities and donates time and resources to a wide spectrum of civic and charitable organizations.

Some of the organizations QGTB supports include: Arkansas Rice Depot; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; March of Dimes; United Cerebral Palsy; and Economics Arkansas.

“In addition to monetary contributions, we are extremely proud that many of our attorneys and staff are personally involved with a number of these groups and voluntarily donate their time to serve on boards and committees and to work behind-thescenes supporting these efforts,” said Kristine G. Baker, a managing member of the firm.

Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC 111 Center St., Suite 1900 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 379-1700 • qgtb.com RAMSAY, BRIDGFORTH, ROBINSON AND RALEY LLP For almost 100 years, Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP have provided representation to the residents of Pine Bluff and southeast Arkansas. Founded in 1911 as Coleman & Gantt, the current members of the firm represent institutions and individuals all over the state of Arkansas and have developed a regional and national law practice in the areas of agriculture and labor law.

Throughout its history, the attorneys of RBRR have contributed their time, talents and financial resources to local, state and national charitable and professional organizations. Currently, and for at least the last 25 years, every attorney at RBRR has been a participating attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, which provides legal services to the poorest citizens in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. Currently, and since at least 1920, the attorneys of RBRR have provided volunteer hours and financial resources to the Arkansas Bar Association, most evident by its members serving as president in 1920, 1940, 1963, 1979 and 2008.

The attorneys of RBRR have donated countless hours to the Red Cross; Salvation Army; Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Southeast Arkansas Community College; and organizations including their local schools and churches. RBRR continues the firm tradition of providing strong legal support to its clients and paying forward its time, talent and resources.

Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP 501 Main St. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 535-9000 • ramsaylaw.com ROSE LAW FIRM Rose Law Firm is the oldest and one of the largest law firms in Arkansas. The practice focuses on estate and tax planning, complex commercial business transactions, and litigation. The firm's goal is to provide the best legal representation available at a reasonable and fair cost to their clients. They are proud of the high legal and ethical standards that Love this?

Learn more at aymag.com/go/pallensmith have been established and the tradition of excellence AYMAG.COM . 43

that they work to maintain.

To be the oldest does not always mean the best, but the firm thinks a law firm gets to be the oldest through its commitment to and performance for clients and service to its community and profession.

According to Steve Joiner, the firm’s chief operating officer, “Technical competence is only part of what makes a good lawyer or a quality law firm. Greatness requires depth, perspective, and service to others.”

Each year, attorneys with the Rose Law Firm donate a significant amount of time to the representation of those who cannot afford legal representation through Volunteers for Central Arkansas Legal Services (“VOCALs”), which they helped establish.

Their attorneys annually invest a significant amount of time in the community by serving on the boards and committees of numerous nonprofit organizations. They also lend support through financial contributions to nonprofits, which include, among others, the Heart of Arkansas United Way; the American Heart Association; Baptist Health Foundation; the Arkansas Arts Center and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

Rose Law Firm 120 E. Fourth St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-9131 • roselawfirm.com

>>

WILLIAMS & ANDERSON PLC Williams & Anderson PLC focuses on delivering efficient team-oriented legal services of the highest quality. For more than 20 years, Williams & Anderson has provided sophisticated counseling and representation to public companies, large and small businesses, non-profits, state and local governments and individuals. With 27 lawyers, Williams & Anderson is small enough to offer personalized attention, responsiveness and cost efficiency, yet large enough to offer the legal resources appropriate to the engagement. They are trusted counsel to their clients in tackling new challenges and opportunities.

Williams & Anderson PLC supported a number of organizations last year, including: Lions World Services for the Blind; eStem Public Charter Schools, Inc.; University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc.; Central Arkansas Legal Services; and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“We are proud to donate our time, money and talents to organizations and causes that enrich and improve Arkansas and the legal profession,” said Jess Askew III, partner.

The overall monetary value of donations of time and money given by Williams & Anderson PLC in 2009 was $545,000.

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44 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Williams & Anderson PLC 111 Center St., 22nd Floor Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-0800 • williamsanderson.com WILSON & ASSOCIATES, P.L.L.C. Wilson & Associates, P.L.L.C. provides its clients in Arkansas and Tennessee with turn-key bundled services in the real estate default legal market.

The staff of more than 34 attorneys and approximately 300 employees work from four campuses in Arkansas and three campuses in Tennessee. Their mission statement: "an integrated mortgage and real

estate services organization that achieves customer satisfaction by providing quality, timely, professional services to our clients at reasonable and competitive rates. Our goal is to maintain excellence in our industry while providing a stable and fulfilling work environment for our employees."

“We stand proud of our employees’ commitment to contribute time and money within our community. Over the years, local and national charities have benefited from our contributions to them. Our efforts include fundraising; but, most importantly, we encourage everyone to volunteer time with their favorite charity. We are actively involved annually with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and have raised more than $60,000 since 2004,” Jennifer Wilson-Harvey said.

Other charities Wilson and Associates have worked with include: the Make-A-Wish Foundation; Habitat for Humanity; and the American Red Cross Haitian Relief fund where they raised $1,290 in one week. Wilson & Associates, P.L.L.C. recently made a significant three-year financial commitment to the UALR Bowen School of Law and has been an active contributor to both law schools in Arkansas for many years.

Congratulations to our partner

Wilson & Associates, P.L.L.C. 1521 Merrill Drive, Suite D-220 Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 219-9388 • wilson-assoc.com WRIGHT, LINDSEY & JENNINGS LLP For almost 110 years, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP has built a reputation for excellence in ability, service and professionalism as one of the premier law firms in Arkansas and the region. WLJ's clients benefit from the broad, deep expertise of the firm's more than 60 attorneys.

In addition to the outstanding service they provide their clients, the attorneys of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings are committed to excellence beyond their practice areas. Stewardship is a fundamental part of the culture and tradition at WLJ. The firm demonstrates a profound commitment to the community by giving up to $100,000 each year, which supports approximately 65 non-profit organizations throughout Central Arkansas. Audubon Arkansas, Baptist Health Foundation and The Rep are a few of the many recipients of their stewardship and commitment. WLJ has donated: $75,000 to Baptist Health Foundation's Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center at Parkway Village; $25,000 to The Rep for renovations; and $30,000 to Audubon Arkansas to fund construction of Audubon's office and education center.

"Our attorneys and staff also give their time to the community organizations we support financially. This really gives us the sense of having a personal stake in the successes of the community more so than just writing a check. Because of that, I believe the folks at WLJ would tell you that for all we 'give back' we receive far more in return by knowing we're doing the right thing," said Steve Lancaster, COO.

Wright, Lindsey & Jennings 200 W. Capitol Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 371-0808 • wlj.com

H. David Blair On being recognized as Best Lawyer in more categories than any other lawyer in Arkansas • Bet-the-Company Litigation • Commercial Litigation • Medical Malpractice Law • Personal Injury Litigation • Product Liability Litigation • Professional Malpractice Law Members of the Firm: H. David Blair • Robert D. Stroud • Michelle C. Huff

Blair & Stroud 28 Years of Effective Advocacy 500 East Main Street, Suite 201 P.O. Box 2135 Batesville, AR 72503 Toll Free 1-800-343-4218

www.blastlaw.com AYMAG.COM . 45

The Partners at Dodds, Kidd & Ryan

Congratulate

Judson C. Kidd and Donald S. Ryan on being voted two of AR Best Lawyers

Celebrating 60 years of practice concentrating in the area of personal unjury and divorce

Congratulations to Donald S. Ryan for 50 years of practicing Law

Dodds, Kidd, & Ryan 313 West Second Street Little Rock, AR 72201 501.375.9901

Safety is too

IMPORTANT to ignore.

Sponsored by Turner & Associates, P.A. 501.791.2277 46 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

The Advocate Kristin Pawlik was named the 2009 Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership Attorney of the Year by the Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership. As a member of the Equal Access to Justice Panel, she is part of a cooperative effort to provide free civil legal services to residents in Benton Country.

Kristin Pawlik imagined that she’d one day work in politics or broadcasting and, for a time, even considered being a doctor — “then I realized I hate science,” she said. She earned a degree in journalism and in her last year took classes in Arkansas politics, changing her aspiration. She earned a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and began her career at a local firm as a criminal defense attorney. From there, she worked as a public defender in Bentonville.

“You can’t get any more experience as a defense attorney than as a public defender,” Pawlik said. While serving in this capacity, her sense of empathy for others deepened. “People don’t come to see you because they’re having a good day,” she said, laughing. Her clients included the mentally ill and their families and drug offenders —“I learned just how badly substance abuse affects people’s lives. Some people adopt a criminal lifestyle … others ease into it to feed their habits," Pawlik said. “Defending people who have to involuntarily commit their family members is a real eye opener into how we treat mental illness [in America.]” For example, she once represented a woman who suffered from psychosis and severe post partum depression; as a result she smothered her infant and hid with the baby for a time. “It was clear that she was sick. My goal was to obtain a ruling for her that resulted in a balance of treatment and punishment. Many of the cases I work are complex. I always make sure I do as much as I can for my clients,” Pawlik said.

These experiences as a public defender are a large part of why Pawlik continues to donate her time. She joined Keith, Miller, Butler,

Schneider & Pawlik in 2003 and became a partner in 2008. Her areas of practice include domestic relations and employment law; she also serves as an ad litem for children. Often children are the forgotten parties in court proceedings. “Children shouldn’t be disregarded.

The mothers and fathers have attorneys to represent them. Someone must look out for

Pawlik

the children,” Pawlik said. Very often the cases involve divorce and custody cases. She said parents often become focused on the battle, not the children, and in some cases, are exposed to the parents’ anger toward one another or worse — drugs, alcohol or pornographic material over the Internet. “My job is to represent the children and their best interests. I often joke that if both parents are mad at you, you know you’re doing a good job.”

Pawlik is married and has two small children, so she must also find balance personally.

She said her husband, as well as the other partners in her firm, provide great support.

“All the partners in the firm give to legal aid causes, including the Promise of Justice Campaign through the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission.

“When clients go to Legal Aid, they are not certain what to expect. Often, people seeking help are turned away due to the lack of funds,” Pawlik said. In fact, half of those who seek assistance from Civil Legal Aid in Arkansas are turned away. Often, they are referred to attorneys who take on pro bono cases. She described the domino effect that can result from one situation. “A person may be hospitalized, lose his job, lose his home and as a result lose his child … these clients need representation.”

Pawlik’s commitment to equal justice for all Arkansans, regardless of income, was marked this past winter by the Arkansas Pro Bono Partnership: “Ms. Pawlik has worked tirelessly to help low income Arkansans with their legal problems as both an advocate for them and a fund raiser for Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Promise of Justice Campaign.”

Concentrating on criminal defense, employment law and family law and as an ad litem for children isn’t always the most attractive aspect of the law and it can be quite challenging, but Pawlik enjoys her work.

“It’s a passion, a calling … not just a job. I don’t always get paid for my work, but no one — not the other attorney, the judge or the client — should ever know you’re not getting paid.

Everyone deserves the best representation.”  AYMAG.COM . 47

BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Hallowed Halls The University of Arkansas system has a long history of excellence dating back to 1871. Today, the system consists of 11 universities including Arkansas’ two law schools: the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. We take a look at the two outstanding graduate schools.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS issue of the limits of congressional power and AT LITTLE ROCK (UALR) William H. presidential power had become of importance Bowen School of Law dates back to 1915. over the last few years, but many questions are It began as the Arkansas Law School, and in answered due to Supreme Court rulings. So 1965 joined the UA system under the Fayettethe focus shifted to the question of individual ville umbrella. In 1975, the school added a day program and became part of UALR. In 2000, the school was named the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in honor of its former dean distinguished attorney Bill Bowen.

John M.A. DiPippa, a Pennsylvania native, became dean in July 2008 after serving as interim dean.

He practiced law for a number of years at the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley in Virginia, where UALR William H. Bowen School of Law he also set the William and Lee Law School’s Clinical Program, whetting his appetite for academia; he came to UALR’s Law School in 1983.

He teaches constitutional law and said he enjoys the intellectual challenge associated with this course and teaching in general.

“There’s a real pleasure in working with students and seeing their growth,” DiPippa said. He said the class has changed over time. “Issues that were at the forefront in, say, 1983 have faded, but others have U of A School of Law taken importance; for instance, the 48 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

rights.”

Being dean has “both charms and challenges,” however, DiPippa enjoys being able to offer a vision appropriate to the law school.

UALR Bowen School of Law has nearly 500 full- and part-time students. The school receives more than 1,500 applications yearly (this year, they’ve received about 1,700) and admits roughly one out of four applicants.

“We look at the complete application. Our students are the most qualified and most interesting and diverse students around,” DiPippa said. “They tend to be older and a good number come to us from other states. We offer a good legal education at a good price.”

He said the average student debt-load is about $42,000 versus many other schools in which students graduate with debt-loads up to six figures. “Students also like our location. We are in the capital city. Little Rock offers great networking opportunities with leaders as well as externships and other opportunities.”

The school also houses the Pulaski County Bar Association and a Legal Clinic, which actually consists of three programs: the Litigation Programs take referrals from Central Arkansas Legal Services; the Mediation Program, which mediates several types of

disputes including civil disputes and other issues, i.e., between parents and schools (think individual education plans); and the Tax Law Program, which serves low-income taxpayers.

In 2009, the school admitted 166 students, 23 of the students are “of color.” The graduating class members: entered private practice (51 percent); went into business or industry (14 percent); serve the government and in judicial clerkships (both about 13 percent); serve in public interest (about 4 percent); and entered academic field (4.5 percent). An impressive 85 percent of this class had first-time bar passage.

The UALR William H. Bowen School of Law has a number of graduates who have gone on to well-known positions. Alum Ron Sheffield was appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court this January. The late Andree Layton Roaf, the first African American to serve on the Arkansas Supreme Court graduated from the school, as did Rep. Vic Snyder. The school continues to matriculate outstanding men and women, a fact that DiPippa is proud of. “We really work hard to emphasize our core values of professionalism, public service and access to justice.”

For more information log onto law.ualr. edu.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS SCHOOL OF LAW has been helping the region’s up and coming legal-minded professionals accomplish their goals with their extensive, highly-regarded degree programs since it was established in 1924 by the late Dean Julian S. Waterman. Waterman was a native of Dumas, Ark., who graduated at the top of his class at the University of Chicago Law School; he served as the School of Law’s first dean until his death in 1943. The school has continued to grow in size and student body as well as advancing in programs offered and accreditations. It was approved by the American Bar Association in 1926, had its first graduating class of 10 students in 1927, the same year it became a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

The school prides itself in its diverse curriculum that combines traditional classroom teaching methods with hands-on opportunities, such as practical “skills” courses, live client clinics, externships and opportunities for pro bono service. Many students choose to become involved in local, regional and na-

Dover Dixon Horne

PLLC

Best (best) adj. Of the highest quality, excellence, or standing Congratulations to our members named among the Best Lawyers in America: Jim Beachboard - Real Estate Law Garland Binns - Banking, Corporate & Securities Law Cyril Hollingsworth - Construction Law Allan Horne - Administrative & Insurance Law Michael O. Parker - Trusts and Estates, Tax Law John B. Peace - Tax Law Joseph Purvis - Workers’ Compensation Law Michael Reif - Family Law Gary Rogers - Family Law Dover Dixon Horne PLLC 425 W. Capitol, Suite 3700 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 375-9151 • www.doverdixonhorne.com

AYMAG.COM . 49

Congratulations for being recognized as one of the

Best Lawyers in America Rated “Premier Lawyer” by Fortune Magazine • “Outstanding Trial Lawyer in Arkansas” from Arkansas Trial Lawyers • “One of the Best Lawyers in Arkansas” in Arkansas Times for 9 years • “One of the Best Lawyers in Arkansas” in Democrat Gazette • Listed in “Best Lawyers in America”

S

O Accepting Referrals

CALL BUD 24/7 AT 501.376.3564 Little Rock, AR

BUD WHETSTONE

The Legacy Continues.

The attorneys and staff of Laser Law Firm, P.A. congratulate Frank B. Newell and Dan F. Bufford on being selected by The Best Lawyers in America Dan F. Bufford Frank B. Newell as 2010 Best Lawyers in Arkansas; they also wish to recognize founder Sam Laser for being named among The Best Lawyers in America every year since its first publication in 1983.

Little Rock: 101 South Spring Street, Suite 300 • Little Rock, AR 72201 • (501) 376-2981 Northwest Arkansas Office: 5100 S. Thompson, Suite 201 • Springdale, AR • 72765 Texarkana Office: 210 N. Stateline Ave. • Suite 503 • Texarkana, AR • 71854

“Over 60 Years of Excellence in Serving our Clients” 50 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Cynthia Nance (left) and John M. A. DiPippa serve as deans for the U of A School of Law and the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, respectively.

tional trial, appellate advocacy and other skills competitions. Traveling opportunities are also available for students who wish to expand their horizons overseas through summer programs in Cambridge, England, and St. Petersburg, Russia, and a number of summer study abroad opportunities.

Another thing that sets the University of Arkansas School of Law apart is that due to is roots in a greatly agricultural region, it offers an LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law, and is the only graduate law school in the United States that offers an LL.M. degree in agricultural law.

University of Arkansas School of Law’s Dean Cynthia Nance has been working to build the school further since she joined the university, first as a professor, in 1994. As dean, she is involved with many aspects within and outside of the school.

“I am the representative for the School of Law as well as the go-between for us and the university administration. I am also a fundraiser, I travel and speak for the school at conferences, keep alumni updated on our activities and even do our social networking with my blog, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. It all just depends on the day as to which hat I am wearing at the school,” Nance said.

She is very proud of her efforts to diversify the school and has made that a priority. The school is at 24 percent minority enrollment, with 398 students total.

Nance also touts the school’s job placement record. “We have a 95 percent placement rate for our graduating students, which is no small feat in this economy. We feel we have some very competitive students entering the job field, and we like to remind people of that.”

For more information about the University of Arkansas School of Law, visit the website at law.uark.edu. 

BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

The List CONTACT INFO: These lists are excerpted from The Best Lawyers in America® 2010, which includes listings for more than 40,000 lawyers in 80 specialties, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Best Lawyers in America® is published by Woodward/ White, Inc., Aiken, South Carolina and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803-648-0300; write 129 First Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801; email info@bestlawyers. com; or visit www.bestlawyers.com. Online subscriptions to Best Lawyers® databases are available at www.bestlawyers.com.

DISCLAIMER: Woodward/White Inc., has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, 2009, where that information is publicly available.

Consumers should contact their state bar for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney.

COPYRIGHT: Copyright 2009 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of Woodward/White, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission.

“The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc. METHODOLOGY: This list is excerpted from the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers lists attorneys in 80 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2010 edition of Best Lawyers is based on more than 2.8 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 25 years ago.

Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings.

The nomination pool for the 2010 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey, and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone.

Voting lawyers were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality – a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers® surveys. To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting, and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process.

Ultimately, of course, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents, and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases.

For all these reasons, Best Lawyers lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful guide to the best lawyers in the United States available anywhere.

Best Lawyers lists are available at www.bestlawyers.com.

“Best Lawyers,” and “The Best Lawyers in America” are registered trademarks of Woodward/White, Inc.

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW Little Rock Frederick K. Campbell Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Doak Foster Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

E. B. Chiles IV Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Patrick J. Goss Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Allan W. Horne Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151

Troy A. Price Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565

N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Robert S. Shafer Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

BANKING LAW

William H. L. Woodyard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Jonesboro Ralph W. Waddell Barrett & Deacon Mercantile Center, (870) 931-1700

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Little Rock Garland W. Binns, Jr. Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151

Fort Smith Robert E. Hornberger ADR, Inc. (479) 783-1776

Patrick A. Burrow Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Little Rock John A. Davis III ADR, Inc. (501) 376-2121

Randal B. Frazier Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000

Frank S. Hamlin ADR, Inc. (501) 376-2121

Donald H. Henry Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Sidney H. McCollum ADR, Inc. (501) 376-2121

John Kooistra III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

ANTITRUST LAW

David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Peter G. Kumpe Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Robert Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301 James M. Simpson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 APPELLATE LAW Fayetteville Constance G. Clark Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 R. Christopher Lawson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Kimberly Wood Tucker Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 David B. Vandergriff Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITORDEBTOR RIGHTS LAW Crossett Thomas S. Streetman Streetman & Meeks (870) 364-2213 Fayetteville Jason N. Bramlett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Jill R. Jacoway Jacoway Law Firm (479) 521-2621 Little Rock Charles W. Baker Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131

Charles T. Coleman Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 James F. Dowden (501) 324-4700 Judy Simmons Henry Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Harry Light Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Lance R. Miller Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Richard L. Ramsay Eichenbaum, Liles & Heister (501) 376-4531 Stan D. Smith Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Geoffrey B. Treece Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 North Little Rock David A. Grace Hardin & Grace (501) 378-7900 Siloam Springs John Terry Lee (479) 524-2337 Springdale William M. Clark, Jr. Cypert, Crouch, Clark & Harwell (479) 751-5222 BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350 El Dorado Dennis L. Shackleford Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Robert L. Jones III Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 Clifford W. Plunkett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Fort Smith C. Wayne Harris Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041 Bradley D. Jesson Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200 Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294 Helena David Solomon (870) 338-7427 AYMAG.COM . 51

Richard F. Hatfield Estate & Trust Litigation and Disputes

Hatfield & Sayre Attorneys at Law

401 West Capitol, Suite 502 Little Rock, AR 72201 501-374-9010

recognized again

Wagoner Law Firm P.A. AMERICA’S BEST LAWYERS, DIVORCE - 10 YEARS RUNNING 108 S. Pulaski Street Little Rock, AR 72201 501-244-9293 52 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Little Rock H. William Allen Allen Law Firm (501) 374-7100 Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Phillip Carroll Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 E. B. Chiles IV Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Kevin A. Crass Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Richard T. Donovan Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080 Patrick J. Goss Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 D. Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 M. Samuel Jones III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Jim L. Julian Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Peter G. Kumpe Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 John G. Lile Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Elizabeth R. Murray Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

(501) 374-6535 Charles L. Schlumberger Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Michael N. Shannon Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

John G. Lile Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Cyril Hollingsworth Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151

Jonesboro Joseph Barrett Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700

Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Jeffrey H. Moore Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Elizabeth R. Murray Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

John Dewey Watson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

North Little Rock David A. Grace Hardin & Grace (501) 378-7900

Steven T. Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301

Little Rock H. William Allen Allen Law Firm (501) 374-7100

John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Teresa M. Wineland Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Kristine G. Baker Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Pine Bluff Stephen A. Matthews Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532

John K. Baker Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

R. T. Beard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350 El Dorado Brian H. Ratcliff Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Dennis L. Shackleford Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Alfred F. Angulo Barrett & Deacon (479) 582-5353

Phillip Carroll Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 E. B. Chiles IV Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Gary D. Corum Wilson, Engstrom, Corum & Coulter (501) 375-6453 D. Nathan Coulter Wilson, Engstrom, Corum & Coulter (501) 375-6453 Kevin A. Crass Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Constance G. Clark Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600

Richard T. Donovan Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131

Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600

Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080

John Elrod Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Robert L. Jones III Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 Clifford W. Plunkett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011

Steven W. Quattlebaum Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Fort Smith C. Wayne Harris Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041

Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Bradley D. Jesson Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200

Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565

Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294

Beverly A. Rowlett Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore

Helena David Solomon (870) 338-7427

Don A. Smith Smith Cohen Redd Horan & Zuerker (479) 782-1001

Patrick J. Goss Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 D. Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 M. Samuel Jones III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Jim L. Julian Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Peter G. Kumpe Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Steven W. Quattlebaum Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

CORPORATE LAW

Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Jonesboro Ralph W. Waddell Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700

Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565

Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Beverly A. Rowlett Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Paul B. Benham III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Charles L. Schlumberger Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Garland W. Binns, Jr. Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151

Michael N. Shannon Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

C. Douglas Buford, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Steven T. Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301 John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Teresa M. Wineland Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Pine Bluff Stephen A. Matthews Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532

Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Price C. Gardner Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 H. Watt Gregory III Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000 Paul W. Hoover, Jr. Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Donald T. Jack, Jr. Jack, Nelson & Jones (501) 375-1122

Rogers James G. Lingle Lingle Law Firm (479) 636-7899

Walter E. May Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Marshall S. Ney Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (479) 464-5650

T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

COMMUNICATIONS LAW

John S. Selig Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Little Rock Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Lawrence Chisenhall Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 CONSTRUCTION LAW Little Rock Allen C. Dobson Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Jack East III (501) 372-3278

Robert Shults Shults Law Firm (501) 375-2301 Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Paragould Ray A. Goodwin Goodwin Moore (870) 239-2225

AYMAG.COM . 53

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: NONWHITE-COLLAR Fayetteville Timothy M. Buckley Buckley, McLemore & Hudson (479) 443-0070 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Warner H. Taylor Taylor Law Firm (479) 443-5222 Fort Smith Eddie N. Christian, Sr. Christian & Byars (479) 782-9147 Jonesboro Bill W. Bristow Bristow & Richardson (870) 935-9000

Fort Smith James Edward Christian, Jr. Christian & Byars (479) 782-9147 Little Rock David H. Williams The Law Office of David H. Williams (501) 372-0038 EDUCATION LAW Little Rock Clayton R. Blackstock Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW

Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950

Fayetteville Gregory B. Graham Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554

Little Rock Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080

Thomas L. Overbey Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554

John Wesley Hall (501) 371-9131

Craig H. Westbrook Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554

J. Blake Hendrix Blake Hendrix (501) 376-0679 Richard E. Holiman Holiman Law Firm (501) 375-1170 Jeff Rosenzweig (501) 372-5247 CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR El Dorado Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Timothy M. Buckley Buckley, McLemore & Hudson (479) 443-0070 John C. Everett Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 Warner H. Taylor Taylor Law Firm (479) 443-5222 Fort Smith Eddie N. Christian, Sr. Christian & Byars (479) 782-9147 Jonesboro Bill W. Bristow Bristow & Richardson (870) 935-9000 Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950 Little Rock Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080 Jeff Rosenzweig (501) 372-5247 DUI/DWI DEFENSE Fayetteville Christina D. Comstock Everett & Wales (479) 443-0292 54 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Little Rock Bryant Cranford Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 David M. Graf Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Joseph B. Hurst, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Alexandra A. Ifrah Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Wyckliff Nisbet, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 ENERGY LAW Little Rock Lawrence Chisenhall Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 Stephen N. Joiner Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 N. M. Norton Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Scott C. Trotter Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Little Rock Sherry P. Bartley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Joseph Henry Bates III Carney Williams Bates Bozeman & Pulliam (501) 312-8500 Allan Gates Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Samuel E. Ledbetter McMath Woods (501) 396-5400 Richard L. Mays, Sr. Mays, Byrd & Associates (501) 372-6303 Kelly M. McQueen Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 Charles R. Nestrud Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800 G. Alan Perkins Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 Brian Rosenthal Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Marcella J. Taylor Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Walter G. Wright, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 North Little Rock Ann P. Faitz Ann P. Faitz Attorney at Law (501) 831-5637 FAMILY LAW Hot Springs National Park Bryan J. Reis The Farrar Firm (501) 525-3130 Little Rock Marcia Barnes Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Barry E. Coplin Coplin & Heuer (501) 707-0300 Stephen C. Engstrom Wilson, Engstrom, Corum & Coulter (501) 375-6453 Sam Hilburn Hilburn, Calhoon, Harper, Pruniski & Calhoun (501) 372-0110 Henry Hodges Hodges Law Firm (501) 375-0400 Judson C. Kidd Dodds, Kidd & Ryan (501) 375-9901 W. Michael Reif Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Gary B. Rogers Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Jack Wagoner III Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Paragould Harry Truman Moore Goodwin Moore (870) 239-2225 Rogers David R. Matthews Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure,

Thompson & Fryauf (479) 636-0875 FIRST AMENDMENT LAW Little Rock Philip S. Anderson Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870 Donald T. Jack, Jr. Jack, Nelson & Jones (501) 375-1122

Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Michael W. Mitchell Mitchell, Blackstock, Barnes, Wagoner, Ivers & Sneddon (501) 378-7870

Kristine G. Baker Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Lee J. Muldrow Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

John L. Burnett Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269

Bruce B. Tidwell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

IMMIGRATION LAW

John T. Lavey Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269 Troy A. Price Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 North Little Rock Morgan E. Welch Welch & Kitchens (501) 978-3030 FRANCHISE LAW Little Rock David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Roger D. Rowe Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565 William A. Waddell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LAW Little Rock T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Little Rock Melissa McJunkins Duke Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Donna Smith Galchus Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon, & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Lonoke Kathy Woodward Goss (501) 676-6522 INSURANCE LAW Little Rock Frederick K. Campbell Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Charles B. Cliett, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Doak Foster Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Allan W. Horne Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 T. Ark Monroe III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Jeffrey Thomas Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

HEALTH CARE LAW

Nicholas Thompson Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Fayetteville Bryan G. Looney Kutak Rock (479) 973-4200 Debby Thetford Nye Kutak Rock (479) 973-4200 Fort Smith Elizabeth Andreoli Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200 Little Rock Charles B. Cliett, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 David L. Ivers Mitchell, Blackstock,

William H. L. Woodyard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Little Rock Ray F. Cox, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 J. Charles Dougherty Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Harold J. Evans Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

JOINT AWARDS

OUTSTANDING LAWYER AWARD Robert L. Jones, III of Conner & Winters, LLP in Fayetteville received the award in recognition of excellence in the practice of law and outstanding contributions to the profession.

OUTSTANDING LAWYER-CITIZEN AWARD Kevin A. Crass of Friday, Eldredge & Clark in Little Rock received the award in recognition of excellent performance of civic responsibilities and for demonstrating high standards of professional competence and conduct.

C.E. RANSICK AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Charles “Skip” Mooney, Jr. of the Mooney Law Firm, P.A. in Jonesboro received the award in recognition of outstanding con­tributions to the profession.

EQUAL JUSTICE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Justice Annabelle C. Imber Tuck, retired associate justice, Arkansas Supreme Court, received the award in recognition of her commitment to equal justice programs for the poor, including pro bono efforts through legal services programs.

OUTSTANDING LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION AWARDS: Craighead County Bar Association Pulaski County Bar Association Sebastian County Bar Association

Hermann Ivester Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Kathryn Bennett Perkins Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW Fort Smith Benjamin H. Shipley III Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (479) 783-8200 Jonesboro Paul D. Waddell

Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Kristine G. Baker Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Tim Boe Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 John L. Burnett Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269 John D. Coulter James, Carter & Coulter AYMAG.COM . 55

PRESIDENTS AWARD

2009-2010 Association President Donna C. Pettus selected the following active members for their outstanding work and service to the Association:

F. Thomas Curry of McMillan, McCorkle, Curry & Bennington, LLP in Arkadelphia received the award for his extensive service to the Association and as the new Association Secretary.

Matthew R. House of James, Fink, & House, P.A. in Little Rock received the award for his work on the “18 and Life to Go� handbook.

Rodney P. Moore of Wright, Berry & Moore in Arkadelphia received the award for his work on the Judicial Survey and Appellate Practice Education.

(501) 372-1414

(501) 376-2011

J. Bruce Cross Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999

Denise Reid Hoggard Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800

Oscar E. Davis, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 John D. Davis Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Allen C. Dobson Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Melissa McJunkins Duke Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Byron L. Freeland Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Kathlyn Graves Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Russell A. Gunter Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Melva Harmon (501) 372-1133 Christopher J. Heller Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Dan L. Herrington Friday, Eldredge & Clark 56 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Philip E. Kaplan Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 John T. Lavey Lavey & Burnett (501) 376-2269 David P. Martin Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 JoAnn C. Maxey Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Michael S. Moore Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Elizabeth R. Murray Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Janet Pulliam Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Richard A. Roderick Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Scotty M. Shively Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999 Frederick S. Ursery Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Brian A. Vandiver Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999

Fort Smith Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294

Thomas C. Vaughan, Jr. Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565

Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350

Carolyn B. Witherspoon Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (501) 371-9999

Jonesboro Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950

MORTGAGE BANKING FORECLOSURE LAW

Bryant Ted Boswell The Boswell Law Firm (501) 847-3031

Leigh Anne Yeargan Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Paul D. McNeill Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900

Mountainburg Michael R. Jones Gilker and Jones (479) 783-3109 Pine Bluff Spencer F. Robinson Ramsay, Bridgforth, Harrelson and Starling (870) 535-9000 LAND USE & ZONING LAW Little Rock W. Christopher Barrier Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW Little Rock Donald H. Bacon Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Edwin L. Lowther, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 MASS TORT LITIGATION Little Rock Sherry P. Bartley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Paul D. Waddell Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Overton S. Anderson Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887 T. Michelle Ator Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Donald H. Bacon Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Mariam T. Hopkins Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887 D. Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 M. Samuel Jones III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

MEDIA LAW

Springdale Robert J. Lambert Roy, Lambert & Lovelace (479) 756-8510

Fayetteville Kelly Carithers Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Walter B. Cox Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 James R. Estes Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Walker Dale Garrett Bassett Law Firm (479) 521-9996

M. Jane Dickey Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Hal Josephy Kemp (501) 372-7243

J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Laura Hensley Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350

Little Rock C. Tad Bohannon Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Ken Cook Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW

MUNICIPAL LAW

David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

John E. Tull III Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Jennifer Wilson-Harvey Wilson & Associates (501) 223-0949

Timothy L. Boone Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Steven W. Quattlebaum Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

Little Rock Jess L. Askew III Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Little Rock Robert M. Wilson, Jr. Wilson & Associates (501) 219-9388

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW Fayetteville Gregory B. Graham Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554 James W. Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Little Rock Paul B. Benham III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Douglas Buford, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Kevin R. Burns Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 H. Watt Gregory III Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000

John William Spivey III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Gordon M. Wilbourn Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000 NON-PROFIT/CHARITIES LAW Little Rock Sarah Cotton Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Byron M. Eiseman, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 James E. Harris Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

El Dorado Brian H. Ratcliff Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Dennis L. Shackleford Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Floyd M. Thomas, Jr. Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville Alfred F. Angulo Barrett & Deacon (479) 582-5353 Kelly Carithers Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Walter B. Cox Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Sidney P. Davis, Jr. Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 James R. Estes Cox, Cox & Estes (479) 251-7900 Walker Dale Garrett Bassett Law Firm (479) 521-9996 Robert L. Jones III Conner & Winters (479) 582-5711 Don A. Taylor Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Forrest City B. Michael Easley Easley & Houseal (870) 633-1447

Little Rock Overton S. Anderson Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887 Donald H. Bacon Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Michael D. Barnes Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Sherry P. Bartley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 R. T. Beard III Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Timothy L. Boone Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535 Dan F. Bufford Laser Law Firm (501) 376-2981 Michelle H. Cauley Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Robert M. Cearley, Jr. Cearley Law Firm (501) 372-5600 Kevin A. Crass Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 David M. Donovan Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406 Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080 Roger A. Glasgow Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Robert L. Henry III Barber, McCaskill, Jones & Hale (501) 372-6175

W. Wilson Jones Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131

Fort Smith Charles R. Ledbetter Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison (479) 782-7294

K. Coleman Westbrook, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Douglas O. Smith, Jr. Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041

OIL & GAS LAW

G. Alan Wooten Warner, Smith & Harris (479) 782-6041

Michael Huckabay, Sr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Jonesboro Bill W. Bristow Bristow & Richardson (870) 935-9000

Don Michael Huckabay, Jr. Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

John C. Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700

Jim L. Julian Chisenhall, Nestrud & Julian (501) 372-5800

Bobby R. McDaniel McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950

David A. Littleton Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887

Paul D. McNeill Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900

Edwin L. Lowther, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

John V. Phelps Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900

Robert M. McHenry McHenry & McHenry (501) 372-3425

Phillip J. Wells McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950

James Bruce McMath McMath Woods (501) 396-5400

Fort Smith Thomas A. Daily Daily & Woods (479) 782-0361 Robert M. Honea Hardin, Jesson & Terry (479) 452-2200 Little Rock G. Alan Perkins Perkins & Trotter (501) 603-9000 Magnolia Carolyn J. Clegg Keith & Clegg (870) 234-3550 PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION Arkadelphia Rodney P. Moore Wright, Berry, Hughes & Moore (870) 246-6796

Mariam T. Hopkins Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887

AYMAG.COM . 57

James M. Simpson Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Stuart P. Miller Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Jeff Singleton Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

John E. Moore Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Laura Hensley Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

James F. Swindoll Law Offices of James F. Swindoll (501) 374-1290

Randy P. Murphy Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887

James W. Tilley Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406

Lyn P. Pruitt Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Frederick S. Ursery Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Michael R. Rainwater Rainwater, Holt & Sexton (800) 434-4800

Richard N. Watts Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406

Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Bud B. Whetstone Whetstone, Spears & Odum (501) 376-3564

Beverly A. Rowlett Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Teresa M. Wineland Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Rick Runnells Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

Mountain Home Frank Bailey Bailey & Oliver Law Firm (870) 425-6041

Donald S. Ryan Dodds, Kidd & Ryan (501) 375-9901 Jerry J. Sallings Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Michael N. Shannon Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700

(501) 791-2277 Pine Bluff Stephen A. Matthews Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532 PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION

Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350 Jonesboro Joseph Barrett Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Michael D. Barnes Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Robert M. Cearley, Jr. Cearley Law Firm (501) 372-5600

North Little Rock Clyde Tab Turner Turner & Associates (501) 791-2277

James A. Buttry Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW

M. Jane Dickey Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131

Batesville H. David Blair Blair & Stroud (870) 793-8350

James E. Hathaway III Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000

Little Rock Timothy O. Dudley (501) 372-0080

Thomas P. Leggett Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

David A. Littleton Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887

David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

David M. Powell Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

PROJECT FINANCE LAW

John William Spivey III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Edwin L. Lowther, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Little Rock Harold W. Hamlin Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Bruce E. Munson Huckabay, Munson, Rowlett & Moore (501) 374-6535

David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

W. Jackson Williams Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

RAILROAD LAW

Lyn P. Pruitt Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Mountain View Elton A. Rieves III Elton A. Rieves III & Associates (870) 269-5757

Gordon S. Rather, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

North Little Rock Clyde Tab Turner Turner & Associates

Richard N. Watts Watts, Donovan & Tilley (501) 372-1406

W. Jackson Williams Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 PUBLIC FINANCE LAW Little Rock Robert B. Beach, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Gordon M. Wilbourn Kutak Rock (501) 975-3000

Jonesboro John C. Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Joseph Barrett Deacon Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Little Rock Scott H. Tucker

We congratulate ourour partners Larry and Denise Hoggard on on WeWe JimJulian**, Julian** Denise Hoggard congratulate partners LarryChisenhall, Chisenhall,Chuck Chuck Nestrud*, Nestrud*, Jim andand Denise Hoggard their recognition by their peers as on their recognition by their peers as

Best Best Lawyers Lawyers in inArkansas Arkansas

Regions Avenue RegionsCenter Center -–400 400 West West Capitol West Capitol Capitol Avenue Avenue Suite 2840 Suite 2840 2840 Little 72201 LittleRock, Rock, Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas 72201 72201 (501) 372-5800 (501) 372-5800 372-5800 www.cnjlaw.com www.cnjlaw.com www.cnjlaw.com *2010*2010 Fellow of theofAmerican College of Environmental Lawyers College of Environmental Lawyers Fellow the American Lawyers **2010 Fellow of theofAmerican College of Trial Lawyers **2010 Fellow the American College of Trial Lawyers Lawyers 58 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

GOLDEN GAVEL AWARDS 2009-2010 Association President Donna C. Pettus selected the following active members as Golden Gavel Award recipients for their outstanding work and service to the Association.

Taura McDaniel, Attorney Ad Litem in Jonesboro, for her work as chair of the Mock Trial Committee.

Zane A. Chrisman of USable Life in Little Rock for her work as chair of the CLE Committee.

Lamar Pettus of the Pettus Law Firm in Fayetteville for his work as chair of the Governance Committee.

From Left: Mariam T. Hopkins, Overton S. Anderson, Randy P. Murphy, David A. Littleton Brad L. Hendricks of The Brad Hendricks Law Firm in Little Rock for his work as chair of the Professional Ethics Committee.

Matthew D. Wells of the Davidson Law Firm in Little Rock for his work as co-chair of the Mock Trial Committee.

Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins, L.L.P.

Congratulates our partners on being named Best Lawyers in America 速 400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 2470 | Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Phone: 501-372-1887 | Fax: 501-372-7706

At Friday Eldredge Clark we are focused on YOUR needs Gwendolyn L. Rucker, Law Clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Jerome Kearney, for her work as chair of the Annual Meeting.

Rosalind M. Mouser of Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP in Pine Bluff for her work as chair of the Underwriting Committee.

Harry A. Light of Friday, Eldredge & Clark in Little Rock for his work as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Task Force.

Tom Womack of Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill in Jonesboro for his work as chair of the Audit Committee.

Cathy Underwood of Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock for her work as chair of the Online Legal Research Committee.

Jeffrey E. McKinley of Little Rock for her work as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Task Force.

400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 2000 Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201-3522 (501) 376-2011 www.fridayfirm.com AYMAG.COM . 59

The Design Center with Sandy Sutton is proud to present ENCORE! MAURICE CATHEY AWARD Teresa Wineland of Williams & Anderson, PLC in Little Rock received the award for her valued contributions to The Arkansas Lawyer magazine.

Now setting appointments to consider your fine pieces sandy.sutton@att.net Sandy Sutton’s Interior Spaces Encore Arlington Park, L.L.C Distinctive Kitchen & Baths Window Works Pacific Rugs CJ Horner Co.

Emcar Marble & Granite White Furniture Company Jadee Construction Peter’s Paint & Flooring Silks-A-Bloom White River Mouldings & Trim Bob Geer Construction

4330 Central Ave Ste G Hot Springs, AR 71913-7254 (501) 624-6700 (501) 520-4646 sandy.sutton@att.net www.sandysuttonsdesigns.com

Where quality, affordability, and style are to be expected.

CLE AWARD Lynn Foster, Arkansas Bar Foundation Professor of Law at UALR School of Law in Little Rock, received the award for her outstanding contributions to provid­ing quality Continuing Legal Education for the attorneys of Arkansas.

JUDITH RYAN GRAY OUTSTANDING YOUNG LAWYER AWARD J. Cliff Mckinney II of Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow PLLC, in Little Rock received the award for his service towards improving the administration of justice.

YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION FRANK ELCAN AWARD Gwendolyn L. Rucker, Law Clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Jerome Kearney, received the award for her out­ standing contributions to the Young Lawyers Section.

Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Frederick S. Ursery Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 REAL ESTATE LAW

ay

MAGAZINE

Arkansas’ Premier Lifestyle Magazine

aymag.com/go/subscribe

Fort Smith Thomas A. Daily Daily & Woods (479) 782-0361 Little Rock W. Christopher Barrier Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Jim Beachboard Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Tad Bohannon Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Price C. Gardner Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

60 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

Timothy W. Grooms Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow (501) 379-1700 Harold W. Hamlin Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Paul W. Hoover, Jr. Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 Hal Joseph Kemp (501) 372-7243 David F. Menz Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800 James M. Saxton Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 John William Spivey III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 Jay T. Taylor

Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 North Little Rock Stuart W. Hankins Hankins Law Firm (501) 371-9226 SECURITIES LAW Little Rock Paul B. Benham III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Garland W. Binns, Jr. Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 C. Douglas Buford, Jr. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 M. Sean Hatch Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 John S. Selig Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

C. Brantly Buck Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Bryant Cranford Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Walter M. Ebel III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Byron M. Eiseman, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Price C. Gardner Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 W. Wilson Jones Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 John C. Lessel (501) 954-9000 Michael O. Parker Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 John B. Peace Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151

STRUCTURED FINANCE LAW

John R. Tisdale Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Little Rock J. Shepherd Russell III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Thomas C. Vaughan, Jr. Lax, Vaughan, Fortson, McKenzie & Rowe (501) 376-6565

W. Jackson Williams Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

Pine Bluff Ted N. Drake Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532

TAX LAW El Dorado Joseph Hickey Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478

Anthony A. Hilliard Ramsay, Bridgforth, Harrelson and Starling (870) 535-9000 TECHNOLOGY LAW

Fayetteville Gregory B. Graham Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554

Little Rock Ray F. Cox, Jr. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

James Lee Moore III Reece, Moore, Pendergraft (479) 443-2705

J. Charles Dougherty Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

Thomas L. Overbey Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554

Harold J. Evans Williams & Anderson (501) 372-0800

James W. Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011 Craig H. W. brook Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554 Jonesboro Robert S. Jones Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Tom D. Womack Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900 Little Rock Samuel R. Baxter Baxter & Jewell (501) 664-9555 J. Lee Brown Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

TRUSTS AND ESTATES El Dorado Joseph Hickey Compton, Prewett, Thomas & Hickey (870) 862-3478 Fayetteville William Jackson Butt II Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 James Lee Moore III Reece, Moore, Pendergraft (479) 443-2705

recognized again

JOHN WESLEY HALL BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Thomas L. Overbey Overbey, Graham, Strigel & Wesbrook (479) 442-3554

Past President, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

James W. Smith Friday, Eldredge & Clark (479) 695-2011

1311 Broadway Little Rock, AR 72202 501-371-9131

Jonesboro

From street “crimes to war crimes, he has tried them all.

”

AYMAG.COM . 61

Robert S. Jones Barrett & Deacon (870) 931-1700 Tom D. Womack Womack, Landis, Phelps & McNeill (870) 932-0900 Little Rock Steve Bauman Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800 William Thomas Baxter Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 J. Lee Brown Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 C. Brantly Buck Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131 Allison J. Cornwell Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Sarah Cotton Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011 Jeffrey H. Dixon Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Rogers Christopher T. Rogers Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (479) 464-5650 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW

El Dorado Brian H. Ratcliff Shackleford, Phillips & Ratcliff (870) 862-5523 Fayetteville Constance G. Clark Davis, Clark, Butt, Carithers & Taylor (479) 521-7600 Fort Smith Eddie H. Walker, Jr. Walker, Shock, Cox & Harp (479) 783-7600 Jonesboro Phillip J. Wells McDaniel & Wells (870) 932-5950 Little Rock John D. Davis Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808 William M. Griffin III Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Byron M. Eiseman, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Betty J. Hardy Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

James E. Harris Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Michael R. Mayton The Mayton Law Firm (501) 376-0504

Richard F. Hatfield Hatfield & Sayre (501) 374-9010

Lee J. Muldrow Wright, Lindsey & Jennings (501) 371-0808

William Dixon Haught Haught & Wade (501) 375-5257

Randy P. Murphy Anderson, Murphy & Hopkins (501) 372-1887

W. Wilson Jones Rose Law Firm (501) 375-9131

Frank B. Newell Laser Law Firm (501) 376-2981

John C. Lessel (501) 954-9000

Eric Newkirk The Mayton Law Firm (501) 376-0504

Michael O. Parker Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 George N. Plastiras Plastiras Law Firm (501) 376-7410 Jean D. Stockburger Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard (501) 688-8800

Joseph H. Purvis Dover Dixon Horne (501) 375-9151 Mike Ryburn Ryburn Law Firm (501) 228-8100 Guy Alton Wade Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

John Cogan Wade Haught & Wade (501) 375-5257

Carol Worley Worley Wood & Parrish (501) 225-3535

K. Coleman Westbrook, Jr. Friday, Eldredge & Clark (501) 376-2011

Pine Bluff Michael Dennis Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532

Pine Bluff Ted N. Drake Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake (870) 534-5532 Anthony A. Hilliard Ramsay, Bridgforth, Harrelson and Starling (870) 535-9000 James C. Moser, Jr. Bridges, Young, Matthews & Drake 62 . JUNE 2010 / BEST LAWYERS IN ARKANSAS

(870) 534-5532

Texarkana Gregory Giles Moore & Giles (870) 774-5191

visit

HOT SPRINGS

Arkansas

Arkansas’ most unique mexican cuisine.

Come taste the difference!

1209 Malvern Ave • Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-624-MAMA (6262)

“America’s first resort” Hot Springs has much to offer … visitors can enjoy an abundance of water sports, including fishing, boating, water skiing and more. If you prefer to enjoy the Spa City by land, you’ll find Oaklawn Park an exciting attraction.

If shopping and dining are on your agenda, you’ll find clothing stores for the casual and the fashionista.

Take a load off by listening to great music or eating in one of the city’s many fine restaurants.

There’s something for everyone … both day and night … in Hot Springs.

Hot Springs:

4332 Central Ave. (501) 520 - 5227 (Temperance Hill) 220 Central Ave. (501) 321-0227 (Downtown)

Now with two Hot Springs locations!

AYMAG.COM . 63

READER RECIPE CONTEST *Entry deadline is September 4, 2010

LOG IN TO AYMAG.COM & SUBMIT YOUR RECIPE TODAY! Sponsored by the PTC Foundation Arkansas Culinary School

64 . JUNE 2010

by Amy Bowers / photography by Jennifer Freeman

destination

Clarksdale, Miss.

AY went straight to the heart of the blues — its birthplace — to explore the heritage and entertainment options this rustic, soulful city has to offer.

(clockwise from above) Local shops like this nursery add to the hustle and bustle of commerce downtown. Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art offers a variety of unique southern artworks as well as local music for sale. Get a lesson on the history of the blues at the Delta Blues Museum in downtown Clarksdale.

Clarksdale, Miss., is a delta town rich in southern charm that has grown from a history of hard times, and a soulful people who live for the good times.

The Mississippi Delta is characterized as the fertile flood plain between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, known as the birthplace of blues music as well as the once-ago king of cotton. Blues greats such as B.B. King, Son House, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, T-Model Ford and Muddy Waters have emerged from its banks, and great southern writers including Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Walker Percy and Eudora Welty have penned its poignant and often harrowing stories.

The landscape of the Mississippi Delta is beautiful; as you drive its highways, small, vibrant towns emerge from never-ending rows of corn.

One such oasis can be found in Clarksdale, Miss., the city where the legendary Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn to play guitar. The crossroads are still there at the intersection of highway 49 and the legendary Blues Highway 61, and are marked by a large monument.

For a thorough history of blues music in the delta, stop into the Delta Blues Museum, located in a building downtown that was originally the Yazoo and Mississippi River Valley Railroad depot, built in 1918. Today the walls of this building are filled with remnants, artifacts, photos, sheet AYMAG.COM . 65

music, posters, instruments, folk art and other memorabilia that captures the essence of the blues. One of the biggest draws is the Muddy Waters exhibit, which features a life-sized and very life-like statue of Waters playing guitar, within the walls of the very cabin he resided in created from salvaged wood.

For an unofficial tour of roots music, head to the Rock ‘n’ Roll & Blues Heritage Museum created by blues enthusiast Theo Dasbach.

This Netherlands-native grew up with a passion for blues music and made the move with his collection of memorabilia to Clarksdale to open the non-profit museum four years ago.

Dasbach believes that many styles of contemporary music have evolved from the blues. He aims to show the progression from country, gospel and blues beginning in Clarksdale to its ties to rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, funk, punk and heavy metal. The collection spans from the 1920s to the 1970s with more than 3,000 square feet of cases full of artwork on LP album covers; autographs; photos; 45 and 78 rpm records; magazines; news articles; movie and concert posters; concert tickets; an antique gramophone; guitars autographed

by B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Robby Krieger; and more.

For a dose of Delta art, visit Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art. This eclectic shop has everything — including mosaic sculptures and paintings by local artists, albums, t-shirts, books, gifts and more.

For nightlife, it doesn’t get better than Ground Zero Blues Club. The famous club is owned by local attorney and businessman, Bill Luckett; Academy Award-winning actor and Mississippi Delta resident, Morgan Freeman; and Clarksdale native and Memphis entertainment executive, Howard Stovall.

Ground Zero gives Mississippi blues musicians an outlet for their art, with live music Wednesday through Saturday nights. An interesting aspect of the bar is that it is covered from floor to ceiling with graffiti. According to owner Bill Luckett members of Blondie, Robert Plant’s son and Mike Wallace are among the many signatures scrawled on its walls. “It all started on opening night. There were some girls who got up on the bar and danced. There was one in particular who was really having fun so we traced the outline of her feet on the bar and wrote ‘reserved,’ for her. The tradition just kind of caught on.”

Be sure to grab a permanent marker from 66 . JUNE 2010

the bartender and leave your mark. The club serves lunch and dinner most nights and loftstyle apartments above the club are available to rent by the night.

No trip to Clarksdale would be complete without a meal at Freeman and Luckett’s fine dining restaurant, Madidi. This restaurant offers a delicious mix of classic French fare and deep-south culinary creations. Specialties include buttermilk fried quail, coq au vin and shrimp and grits. Check our Cuisine section for a full review of Madidi.

June is a great month to explore Clarksdale. In addition to all the great shops, museums, clubs and restaurants downtown, the 27th Annual Delta Jubilee festival will take place June 4 through 5. This festival showcases some of the best in regional music, a carnival, fireworks, children’s activities and more.

For more information about Clarksdale, log onto clarksdale-ms.com. 

o RESOURCES Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art (662) 624-5992, cathead.biz Clarksdale Chamber of Commerce (662) 627-7337, clarksdale-ms.com Delta Blues Museum (662) 627-6820 deltabluesmuseum.org Ground Zero Blues Club (662) 621-9009 goundzerobluesclub.com Madidi Restaurant (662) 627-7770, madidires.com The Rock and Blues Museum (901) 605-8662, blues2rock.com

AYMAG.COM . 67

destination

by Amy Bowers / photography courtesy of Tunica CVB

Tunica, Miss.

Each year, 10 to 15 million visitors explore The South’s Casino Capital.

Tunica’s central location makes it a great option for gamers who are looking to win big on their vacation without having to travel across the country.

DO

(from top) Harrah's Tunica offers vacationers top-notch options in gaming, dining, entertainment and more. The Casino Factory Shoppes have name brand items at great low prices.

68 . JUNE 2010

Take in the beautiful scenery of the Mississippi River aboard the Tunica Queen, a spacious 400-seat riverboat.

Relax inside the air conditioning as it sails up and down the river, or take in some sun on the deck of the boat. Choose from sightseeing cruises during the day, or a dinner cruise at night complete with food, drink and live entertainment.

Be sure to stop in the Tunica RiverPark, located just a few steps from the dock of the Tunica Queen. This 168-acre park has a museum and interpretive center where the whole family can explore the history of the Mississippi River through aquariums, interactive exhibits and dioramas that reveal the legend and the life of this mighty river. After a tour of the museum, explore the EcoTrail and take a gander from atop the Mississippi River Overlook on the veranda of the museum.

Refresh your body and spirit at the spa after a day of exploring the sights of Tunica. The Bellissimo Spa & Salon is located in the first floor of the Terrace Hotel, which is part of the Harrah’s Casino property. This chic spa offers a long list of services in a calm, relaxing environment.

Sample any of the treatments including: Hot Stone Therapy, Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, manicure, pedicure, ear candling, waxing, facials and full hair services.

SHOP

Find great discounts at national retail shops at the Casino Factory Shoppes. Shopaholics will find entertainment for hours at this 40acre shopping complex with outlets and stores featuring top men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories and home décor.

Some of the popular retailers include: Gap Outlet, Old Navy, IZOD Outlet, Nautica, Lane Bryant Outlet and OshKosh B’Gosh.

EAT

Harrah’s Tunica offers some of the best in dining. No matter your mood, budget or time frame, there is something in this casino to appease your appetite. For fine dining, there is the sleek, upscale and modernly-decorated restaurant simply titled — ’37. Named for the year that Bill Harrah opened his first bingo parlor in Reno, Nevada, this restaurant offers a swanky place to dine on exquisite fare and indulge in fine wine.

No trip to Harrah’s is complete without a stop at the delightfully-overwhelming Paula Deen Buffet. This author and cooking celebrity shares some of her favorite foods with diners at this 560-seat restaurant modeled after Deen’s own home. The buffet-style spread includes a plethora of southern, down-home cooked dishes. Stop in the Paula Deen gift shop on your way out for souvenirs and additions for your kitchen.

PLAY

Get all the play you can in Tunica with 24-hour gaming including Texas Hold ‘Em to blackjack, slots, craps and more. Choose from any of the nine top-notch Tunica casinos — Hollywood, Bally’s, Fitz, Resorts Casino, Gold Strike, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Roadhouse and Sam’s Town — each varies in themes, restaurant options and live entertainment.

Golf is huge in this river city with three world-class courses to choose from. The Tunica National Golf & Tennis Club features a championship course, golf academy, tournaments, clubhouse and four indoor clay tennis courts. Two casinos offer courses to golfers: the River Bend Links at Casino Strip Resorts and the Links at Cottonwoods golf course at Harrah’s Casino. Both offer a unique and memorable golf experience with beautiful greens that appeal to any difficulty level.

For more information about things to do and see in Tunica log onto tunicatravel.com.  AYMAG.COM . 69

destination

advertorial written by Linda Burlingame / photography courtesy of the venues

Eureka Springs

Summer is the perfect time for a mountain getaway, and there's no better place than the Ozarks and the quaint town of Eureka Springs.

Downtown the picturesque Eureka Springs Big CedarinLodge

Nestled in Arkansas' Ozark mountains, you'll find the beautiful town of Eureka Springs. The city has been named among the most visit-worthy towns in the United States. One trip to Eureka, and you'll see why it's a popular getaway and wedding destination.

As you read this, students from all over the country are arriving in Eureka Springs for “Opera in the Ozarks,” a program unlike any other.

Students study and perform; it’s a unique chance to perfect their operatic skills. The 2010 repertoire of “Carmen,” “Tosca” and “Don Giovanni,” three of the most famous operas ever written, will be exciting for the young artists and patrons alike. Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point is an intimate outdoor theater nestled into the Ozark hills. Several alumni of the Opera are internationally famous, performing at prestigious venues all over the world. The current artistic director is Roger Cantrell. He has worked with opera companies and tours from Seattle to the Lincoln Center, from San Diego to Houston, Louisville to Boston.

70 . JUNE 2010

Queen Anne Mansion

There's so much to do in Eureka, and wonderful restaurants make it a delicious dining destination. Casa Colina, in a beautifully restored 1890s home, offers unique Mexican fare and picturesque outdoor dining. Down the street, find Italian favorites at Café Luigi; nearby is Local Flavor, where locals and visitors alike enjoy an exceptional menu. When you come into town from the other direction, stop at Mud St. Café for a delicious breakfast or lunch. It's down a flight of stairs, but wasn't always — check their website for the "underground" story. Close by, The Grand Taverne at the historic Grand Hotel offers fine dining; the chef even has a balcony herb garden.

Around the corner and up the street, “molto bene” Italian at DeVito’s, also famous for the chef ’s trout.

Rogue’s Manor offers savory cuisine and eclectic lodging options, all in a very romantic setting. Out on the edge of town, Cottage Inn serves mouth-watering flavors of the Mediterranean in a peaceful setting; check out their wine dinner events.

If you seek tranquility, try the Suchness Spa, in the historic New Orleans Hotel, featuring a unique, melding of Eastern and European healing techniques. Suchness rituals include Crown Chakra, Thai Herbal Steam & Lotus Shower … rituals for body, hands and feet, and face. Owner Catherina Bernstein also designs eco-clothing, made from handloomed Fair Trade textiles, and artisan jewelry.

A couple of doors away, Quicksilver Gallery, another favorite, features art and fine crafts from about 120 artists. Glass, jewelry, watercolors, photographs, stunning pottery, fine works in metal and wood … an exceptional variety. Downstairs, you’ll find the musical instruments — gongs, chimes, brass Tibetan

Don’t Miss!

Eureka Springs Blues Weekend 2010 June 3 to 6 Jazz and blues music will be played by various award-wining artists at the Auditorium, Basin Park Hotel’s Barefoot Ballroom, Basin Park and venues around Eureka Springs.

AYMAG.COM . 71

Main hall of Queen Anne Mansion

Opera in the Ozarks

Evolving Body Care, Cultivating Spirit 479-253-2828 Hand-Loomed Silk Clothing and Jewelry Designs by

CATHERINA BERNSTEIN FREE TRADE GREEN STORE!

www.suchnessspa.com 72 . JUNE 2010

“singing bowls” — fascinating. You’ll love the treasures at Quicksilver Gallery, always part of 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll in Eureka.

While there, tour the brilliantly renovated Queen Anne Mansion. AY recently toured the brilliantly-renovated Queen Anne Mansion.

It is amazing, just gorgeous! The restoration is masterful and faithful to “American Queen Anne style fanciful architecture.” The Mansion is furnished with one of the most impressive collections of 19th century furnishings and decorative arts. From the elegantly-set dining room table to the lovely, whimsical baby's room, everything is showcased beautifully.

Other "must sees" in Eureka include: Christ of the Ozarks Statue (eurekabw.com); Thorncrown Chapel (thorncrown.com); and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (turpentinecreek.org).

For more information about Eureka Springs, its many art galleries; restaurants; inns, bed and breakfast and hotels; spas; nightlife and entertainment venues, log onto eurekasprings.org. 

o RESOURCES Eureka Springs (479) 253-7333 VisitEurekaSprings.org Café Luigi 91 South Main Street (479) 253-6888 Casa Colina Mexican Grill & Cantina 173 South Main Street (479) 363-6226 CasaColinaGrill.com Cottage Inn 450 W Van Buren (479) 253-5282 cottageinneurekaspgs.com DeVito’s Restaurant 5 Center St. (479) 253-6807 eureka-springs-usa.com/devito Grand Taverne 37 North Main St. (479) 253.6756 grandcentralresort.com Local Flavor Cafe 71 South Main St. (479) 253-9522 localflavorcafe.net Mud Street Café 22 South Main Street (479) 253-6732 mudstreetcafe.com Queen Anne Mansion 115 W Van Buren (479) 363-6233 Quicksilver Art & Fine Craft Gallery 73 Spring St. (479) 253-7679 QuicksilverGallery.com Rogue’s Manor at Sweet Spring 124 Spring St. (479) 253-4911 roguesmanor.com Suchness Spa 63 Spring St. (479) 253-2828 SuchnessSpa.com Vintage Cargo Euro-Vintage Marketplace 41 Kingshighway (479) 253-5943 VintageCargo.net War Eagle Mill 11045 War Eagle Road Rogers, AR 72756 (866) 492-7324 wareaglemill.com

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge This refuge was founded by the Jackson family in 1978 “to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected “Big Cats” with emphasis on

AYMAG.COM . 73

DININGGUIDE

BRANSON ANDY WILLIAMS MOON RIVER GRILL 2600 W. Highway 76, (417) 337-9539. Located next to the Moon River Theatre; you can now enjoy lunch or dinner before or after the show. Menu choices include some of Andy’s mother’s recipes, such as rhubarb shortcake (in season). Enjoy a glass of Andy’s signature wine along with your meal. Sun. through Sat., 11 a.m. until 1:30 a.m.; $$; andywilliams.com.

THE CHATEAU GRILLE 415 N. State Hwy. 265, (417) 3341161. Lakeside dining at the Chateau on the Lake features unique dishes such as pecan-crusted salmon and grilled filet and South African Lobster; special dining experiences available such as the Chef’s Table; Daily 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.; $$$; chateauonthelakebranson.com. I* BUCKINGHAM’S PRIME RIB & STEAKHOUSE 2820 W. Hwy. 76 (417) 337-7777. Located at the Clarion Hotel, you will find a very special restaurant hidden inside. Specialty items include steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. Enjoy the safari atmosphere and cocktails before dinner or after the shows in the Oasis Lounge. Lounge opens noon to 4:30 p.m., dinner served 4:30 to 9 p.m., Mon. thru Sun.; $$$; clarionhotelbranson.com.

EUREKA SPRINGS CASA COLINA MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA 173 S. Main St. (479) 363-6226. Casa Colina serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a beautifully-restored 1890 home. Try the Chihuahua Chorizo Flamada appetizer or specialties like Casa Colina Crepes and the House Specialty Aztec Boudin; Mon., Wed. through Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m., happy hour: 3 to 5 p.m., closed Tue.; $$; casacolinagrill.com. I* GASKINS CABIN STEAK HOUSE 2882 Hwy. 23 North, (479) 253-5466; Prime Rib is the specialty at the renovated, beautifully-landscaped 1864 log cabin just north of Eureka Springs; cozy, rustic atmosphere. Enjoy dishes like Atlantic Salmon and Shrimp Scampi; Wed. through Sat., 5 to 9 p.m., Sun. 5 to 8 p.m.; $$; gaskinscabin.com.

CONWAY

ZaZa Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock / (501) 661-9292 One taste, and you’ll be hooked. The housemade gelato at ZaZa Fine Salad & Wood Oven Pizza Co. is available in a variety of delicious, refreshing flavors. This Italian treat is made with little or no cream, making it an ideal alternative to ice cream. Purists will rejoice as the ingredients are based on fresh, seasonal fruit with no artificial flavors or colors. Zaza’s gelato flavors include: chocolate; dulce de leche; and as the summer approaches blackberry; strawberry; melon; pear and peach. You’ll also enjoy sorbetos in flavors such as honey lemon basil.

74 . JUNE 2010

MICHELANGELO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE 1117 Oak St., (501) 329-7278. Dine on fine Italian fare at affordable prices in this fully-renovated historic downtown location. Daily lunch specials include the Value-Express Pasta Bar from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with drink specials and $5 appetizers. Look for live music on the rooftop during the warm months; Mon. through Thu., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.; $$; michelangelosconway.com. I'* MIKE’S PLACE 808 Front St., (501) 269-MIKE. New Orleans by the way of Conway, this bistro combines outstanding service and food for a winning formula. With delicious entrees like their seafood crepes, Shrimp Brantley and mouthwatering steaks, you’ll soon become a regular; Sun. through Thu., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; $$; mikesplaceconway.com. '*

FAYETTEVILLE BORDINO’S 310 W. Dickson St., (479) 527-6795.

Northern Italian cuisine in a relaxed dining atmosphere, fullservice bar and an extensive wine list. Reservations required; Lunch: Tue. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dinner: Mon. through Thu., 5 to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., After Work, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; $ and $$; bordinos.com.

THEO’S 318 N. Campbell Ave., (479) 527-0086.Gourmet appetizers and entrées, great martinis, extensive wine list. Heated patio. Reservations recommended; Mon. through Thu., 5 to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5 to 11 p.m.; Lounge open Mon. through Sat., until 2 a.m. $$ and $$$; theosfayetteville.com. *

FORT SMITH

entertainment. They have a delicious menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza and more. Try more than 15 different variations of the burger including the Godsey’s Burger, Fire Burger, Jtown Burger and more. Pizzas are cooked in a woodburning oven and are built-to-order; Mon. through Wed., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thu. through Sat., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; $ and $$; godseysgrill.com. ' OMAR’S STEAKHOUSE 2628 Phillips Dr., (870) 972-6501.

Casual elegance, ambiance; specialties include filet mignon, veal marsala. Reservations required for parties of 8 and up; Mon. through Thu., 5 to 9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5 to 10:30 p.m.; $$; omars501club.com. ' PIERO’S RESTAURANT AND CLUB 320 S. Main St., (870) 802-3636. Fine art adds to the atmosphere of this downtown eatery. Menu features antipasto platter, delicious salads, pasta and entrées including scaloppini and piccata dishes; watch for daily specials — up to 14 each day; Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon. through Sat., 6 to 10 p.m.; $$. ' *

ROLANDO’S 223 Garrison Ave., (479) 573-0404. Unique blend of North and South American foods, Nuevo Latino cuisine, fine wines. Reservations recommended; Mon. through Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mon. through Sat., 5 to 9 p.m; $$; rolandosrestaurante.com.

LITTLE ROCK

21 WEST END 21 N. 2nd St., Ste. 102, (479) 434-4213.

This modern, fine dining eatery and martini bar offers an eclectic menu and an extensive bar featuring more than 40 martini options. Entrees include Spinach Fettuccini, Chicken Oscar and Cognac Pork Loin, and more; Tue. through Thu., 5 to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; $ and $$; 21westend.com. 

ARTHUR’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 27 Rahling Circle, (501) 821-1848. This American steakhouse serves only the finest cuts of beef; they are aged and cut in-house. Or choose from a wide variety on the upscale entrée menu including pork, lamb, fish, chicken and seafood. Enjoy great food, a beautiful presentation and friendly staff; Mon. through Thu., 5 to 9:30 p.m., Fri. through Sat., 5 to 10:30 p.m.; $$$. 

HOT SPRINGS

ASHLEY’S 111 W. Markham, (501) 374-7474. One of the crowing jewels of the luxury, boutique Capital Hotel. Each meal is a stellar experience … traditional Southern local and organic ingredients, prepared on-sight with imagination. Don’t miss chocolate French toast; gulf shrimp (or any seafood selection); purple hull peas with pot liquor; roasted chicken; and homemade ice cream and sorbets. Elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere, excellent service; breakfast: daily 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; lunch: Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner: Mon. through Thu., 5:30 to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5:30 to 10 p.m.; brunch: Sun., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $$ and $$$. I

CENTRAL PARK FUSION CUISINE 200 Park Ave., (501) 623-0202. This upscale, yet affordable, restaurant is a cozy place to dine in the Spa City. The eclectic menu includes items from a hearty steak cobb salad to Hawaiian rib-eye, burgers, Okinawa purple sweet potatoes and much more. Look for daily specials including a popular fresh fish dish on Fridays; Tue. through Sun., 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; $$ and $$$; centralparkfusion.com. * J’S ITALIAN VILLA 4836 Central Ave., (501) 525-1121.

Enjoy fresh fish or one of the many pasta dishes, outdoor dining available with view of beautiful Lake Hamilton. Happy hour from 4 p.m. to close. Reservations recommended; Mon. through Sat., from 5 p.m. until close; $$; jsitalianvilla.com. 

JONESBORO BRICKHOUSE GRILL 218 S. Main St., (870) 336-2441.

This New Orleans-influenced menu touts a wide range of eclectic Cajun cuisine including Rockin’ Chicken Salad, Born on the Bayou Pasta and Chair de Crabe. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the New Orleans-style balcony or come inside for the live music up to five nights a week. Sun. through Tue., 4 p.m. until close, Wed. through Fri., 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., Sat., 12 p.m. until 2 a.m. $; mightybrickhouse.com. '* GODSEY'S GRILL 226 S. Main St., (870) 336-1988.

Godsey’s Grill is a lively location for lunch, dinner, drinks and

BEST IMPRESSIONS RESTAURANT 501 E. 9th St., (501) 907-5946. Located in the Arkansas Arts Center, this upscale café offers diners an assortment of fresh and delicious lunch items from soup and sandwiches to salads and pasta; popular Sunday brunch menu offers an array of egg-based dishes such as the popular Traditional Eggs Benedict; Tue. through Sun., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $; bestimpressionsrestaurant.com. I* BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT 2300 Cottondale Lane, Suite 105, (501) 663-2677. Restaurant, staff and menu live up to owner Peter Brave’s reputation for innovation, excellence; favorite lunch spot for locals, beautiful for nighttime dining.

Seasonal menus, great selection of fresh seafood; don’t miss dessert, includes ice cream, local produce; scenic deck overlooks Arkansas River. Lunch: Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dinner: 5 to 10 p.m.; $ and $$; bravenewrestaurant.com.*

(501) 225-9600. Fresh, locally-grown produce, international influence, delicious mixture of flavors, textures and colors.

Menu includes small plates, tapas, as well as big plates. Don’t miss Cuban picadillo, artisan cheese sampler, tequila minishots. Any dessert is well worth every calorie. Tue. through Thu., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; brunch, Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; capisrestaurant.com; $ and $$. I*w CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE 3 Statehouse Plaza, (501) 399-8000. Relaxed atmosphere with stylish dining in one of the city’s premier hotels; great selection of prime steaks and chops, traditional Italian dishes; Mon. through Sun., 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon. through Thu., 6 to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5 to 10 p.m., Sun., 6 to 9 p.m.; $$$; peabodylittlerock.com. I CIAO BACI 605 N. Beechwood, (501) 603-0238. Great selection of appetizers featuring seafood, entrées with unique sides. Daily soups and specials; known for marvelous martinis; Mon. through Fri., 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sat., 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; $$; ciaobaci.org. * YFATSAM'S LOUISIANA CAFÉ 400 President Clinton Ave., (501) 244-4720. Selections, all tasty and filling, include hot water cornbread and purple hull peas along with traditional Louisiana dishes, such as po’ boys, gumbo and jambalaya.

Barbecue ribs and chicken, catfish and jerk chicken sandwiches with owner’s secret sauce and desserts like peach cobbler, bread pudding and sweet potato pecan pie are all a feast for taste buds; Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $.

FERNEAU 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd., (501) 603-9208. If you love breakfast, but don’t like rising with the birds, check out brunch served Sun., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the menu includes a BLT with Applewood smoked bacon, spinach, hot house tomatoes and black pepper mayo on toasted bread. Don’t miss Late Night at Ferneau, Thu. and Fri., 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sat.,

D 

Breakfast or Brunch

'

Live Music

*

Membership Required

Outdoor Dining

See Ad in this Issue

AGRA Member

+

w

$ Most entrées are less than $10; $$ Most entrées are $11 to $25; $$$ Most entrées are $26 or more

YCAPI’S RESTAURANT 11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 917, AYMAG.COM . 75

10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Dinner: Tue. through Sat., 5 to 10 p.m., Bar 5 p.m. to close; $$$; ferneaurestaurant.com. * LOCA LUNA 3519 Old Cantrell Road, (501) 663-4666.

This “bold Arkansas bistro” is well known for its flair, flavor and creative dishes featuring grilled meats, fresh seafood, delicious pastas and brick oven pizzas. Loca Luna is open for happy hour Mon. through Fri., 4 to 6:30 p.m.,Lunch Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sun., from 11 a.m., until 2:30 p.m. Dine from the dinner menu Sun. through Thu., from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and Fri. and Sat., from 5:30 to 10 p.m.; $$; localuna.com. * MADDIE’S PLACE 1615 Rebsamen Park Road, (501) 660-4040. Maddie’s features New Orleans-infused southern comfort foods, such as fried green tomatoes with crabmeat remoulade and po’boys. Don’t miss the hot sausage po’boy, the sausage is made in-house. You’ll also find smothered green beans, cornbread pudding and for dessert traditional bread pudding and pecan pie with homemade butter crust; Tue. through Thu., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; $ and $$; maddiesplacelr.com. * RED DOOR BISTRO 3701 Old Cantrell Road, (501) 6668482. Eclectic menu comprised of inventive dishes; check out the blackboard specials, which include a $5 glass of white or red wine. Entrees available in small or big plates. Customer favs include the Red Door Outrage, a sandwich with six

ingredients, and dishes from the adjacent Loca Luna; Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. lunch; Sun. through Sat., 4 to 7 p.m. Happy Hour; 5:30 p.m. until “people stop coming in,” about 10 p.m.; $ and $$. * SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM 500 President Clinton Ave., Ste. 100, (501) 324-2999. Quality service and excellent food — variety of sides, steaks prepared to perfection; extensive, award-winning wine list; Mon. through Sat., 5 to 11 p.m., Piano bar: Wed. and Thu., 7 to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 7 p.m. until close; free valet parking; $$$; sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.  VIEUX CARRE, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd., (501) 663-1196.

A delicious mix of Creole, French, Italian and Southerninfluenced foods; inventive dishes, fresh locally-grown ingredients. Don’t miss jazz brunch! Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon. through Sat., 5 p.m. until close, Jazz Brunch, Sun., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $$; afterthoughtbar.com.

ZAZA FINE SALAD & WOOD OVEN PIZZA 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd., (501) 661-9292. Bistro uses locally-made produce, health-conscious menu of gourmet salads, Italian-style wood-fired pizzas, homemade gelato, beer, wine and more.

Salad menu offers more than 100 ingredients. The fast-cooking Italian-style pizzas are baked in the 900-degree wood-burning oven in 90 seconds. Sun. through Thu., 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

CONCANNON LIMITED RELEASE PINOT NOIR

pairs beautifully with Salmon with Sour Cream Dill Sauce.

CONCANNON SELECTED VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY

is a wonderful match with Blackened Mahi Mahi with Tomatillo Salsa and Soft Polenta.

CONCANNON SELECTED VINEYARDS PINOT GRIGIO

serves nicely with Tilapia with Mango Salsa.

Founded in 1883 in Livermore, CA, Concannon Vineyard has established itself as one of the oldest, continually-operating wineries in America.

Concannon’s handcrafted wines are born from grapes grown in the San Francisco Bay area and along California’s Central Coast, which result in intensely flavored, wonderfully balanced wines.

76 . JUNE 2010

NORTH LITTLE ROCK CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB 301 Main St., (501) 376-PINT. Irish from ship to stern, you’ll find every meal well prepared, well portioned and tasty. Try their fish and chips, their authentic bangers and mash; and delicious desserts. Don’t leave without having a perfect, two-part pour pint of Guinness. Monthly beer dinners feature multi-course meals paired with beers; lunch, daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner, Sun. 3 to 10 p.m., Mon. through Wed. and Sat., 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thu. and Fri., 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $; cregeens.com. I* RISTORANTE CAPEO 425 Main St., (501) 376-3463.

Located in charming Argenta District. Intimate gathering place serving authentic Italian food, fine wines. Mon. through Thu., 5 to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5 to 11 p.m. $$; capeo.us.

I

 WINES OF THE MONTH

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Fri. through Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. $ and $$. *w

STARVING ARTIST CAFÉ 411 Main St., (501) 372-7976.

The Starving Artist Café is known not only for its fantastic fare, but also for its beautiful artwork by local artists. Enjoy lunch and dinner items, such as panini, crepes, gourmet salads and soups as well as daily specials; Tue. through Sat. 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.; starvingartistcafe.net. $ and $$. * UMP’S PUB & GRILL Dickey-Stephens Park, 400 W. Broadway, (501) 324-BALL. Enjoy a variety of Italian and American entrees, such as veal chops, lasagna and ribeye steaks, as well as sandwiches, burgers and subs in this upscale ballpark restaurant. Sit on the patio or dine inside; Tue. through Sat., 5 p.m. until close; $ and $$. *

ROGERS BASIL’S CAFÉ 3300 Market St., Ste. 136, (479) 4644190. Basil’s Café specializes in “global flavors.” Everything on the varied menu is creative, hearty and pleasing to the palate. Enjoy a lunch or dinner of entrees ranging from Crab Cake Pasta to Rack of Lamb Au Poivre. Lunch: Mon. through Fri. 11a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: Mon. through Thu. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. through Sat. 5 p.m. to close. $$ and $$$. * BREAD-N-BUTTER 113 W. Walnut St., (479) 246-0100.

Located in historic downtown Rogers, this cozy restaurant is tucked inside Steamboat Annie’s Antique Shop. Delicious, all-natural products create hearty soups, sandwiches, quiche and fresh salads. Don’t miss the “baby” cakes — petite and scrumptious to top off your lunch; catering available. Mon. through Fri., 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; $.

MISTER B’S STEAKHOUSE 1043 W. Walnut St., (479) 636-3122. Good and consistent quality, delicious and expert preparation. Steak, ribs, salmon, pork … it’s all prepared to perfection. Don’t miss the salad wedge or potatoes — fried or mashed — and save room for the chocolate cake. Great dining experience; Tue. through Sat., 5 to 9:30 p.m., $$; misterbsteakhouse.com.

Please note this list of restaurants is in no way exhaustive. AY welcomes suggestions from our readers.

If you would like to recommend a restaurant for inclusion, send an e-mail to athomas@aymag.com.

Madidi's buttermilk fried quail with whipped sweet potatoes and southern greens

FOOD WITH SOUL

Madidi Restaurant in Clarksdale, Miss., is a little-known treasure of the Delta. Fabulous fine dining with a rich, southern flare and heavy-French influence makes for a memorable dining experiences in a quaint Main Street-town born of the blues.

What do you do if you are an Academy Award-winning actor who wants to live near his hometown of Clarksdale, Miss., without sacrificing your love for fine dining? You open a restaurant, of course.

That is just what actor and Mississippinative Morgan Freeman did with the help of his friend and business partner local attorney and gubernatorial candidate Bill Luckett. The two met when Freeman was building his home in Charleston, Miss., just a short drive from Clarksdale.

“I met Morgan through a referral from a civil engineer who was helping him with his home construction. I was a contractor in the ‘90s, and I helped him with some problems he was having with his house. We became fast friends. We traveled a lot throughout the region looking for places with live entertainment and good restaurants,” Luckett said.

The pair decided to open Madidi in an old building in downtown Clarksdale that had been vacant for years. The restaurant had its grand opening in January 2001.

“We wanted it to be fine dining with stem-

ware and white table cloths, but not too formal.

There is no dress code. Madidi is elegant, but relaxed.”

There are two dining areas at the restaurant. Low lighting and exposed brick walls gives the establishment a cozy feeling, and the well-trained staff and impressive menu lets you know you are in for a five-star dining experience.

“The menu changes often, and it is very eclectic,” Luckett said. “Our executive chef, Levi Minyard is French-trained; he spent three and a half years working in Avignon, France, after he attended the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, Oregon.”

MADIDI RESTAURANT 164 Delta Ave. Clarksdale, MS 38614 (662) 627-7770 madidires.com Tue. through Sat., 5 p.m. until close; Brunch: every third Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The menu at Madidi has strong French and southern influences, mostly due to Minyard, who was raised in Oxford, Miss., and first discovered his love for cooking at age 3, when his mother taught him the art of crepe making.

His passion for culinary art is apparent in the creative and delicious entrees and appetizers on the Madidi menu. Each dish was fresh, flavorful and well thought-out.

“We have a well-trained kitchen staff here, and they know that each plate that goes out is important,” Minyard said. “They all want to become chefs. This is not just a job for them — it is a passion.”

Highlights from the starters menu include: fried oysters; rare ahi tuna with carrot and radish slaw; escargot persillade sautéed with garlic parsley butter and served with a baby green salad and grilled ciabatta; and tempura soft-shell crab served over edamame and sweet corn succotash in a curry sauce. Favorite entrees consist of: buttermilk fried quail with whipped sweet potatoes and southern greens; seared red snapper with roasted fingerling potatoes, legumes croquant, and basil pistou; duck a l’orange; and AYMAG.COM . 77

coq au vin with cave-aged cheddar mac and cheese and sautéed spinach.

From the appetizer menu, we sampled the escargot, which was tender and perfectly cooked in a savory vegetable broth, and the tempura soft shell crab, which was lightly battered in a flaky crust and served over a delicious medley of vegetables and a creamy curry sauce.

Both unique dishes were creatively-prepared and utterly phenomenal.

For our main course, we sampled a Frenchinspired entree as well as a southern classic. The coq au vin was exquisite as a serving of seared chicken breast along with red wine braised chicken leg. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the mac and cheese was a creative, creamy play on the comfort food classic.

The buttermilk fried quail is a favorite among diners, according to Minyard. The quail pieces are battered and fried to make for a delicious classic southern-inspired crust. The savory meat was complemented perfectly with the sweetness of the whipped and seasoned sweet potatoes served beneath it.

“Most of our clientele are tourists. We get a lot of people from foreign countries and travelers exploring the Delta in here. One Saturday night, we hosted a big table of foreigners. I was at Ground Zero later in the evening, and one of the ladies that was at the table grabbed me and pulled me aside. She told me that they were from France and had been traveling the United States for six weeks and that this was the best meal by far that they had in America. I thought that was one of the best compliments we’ve gotten,” Luckett said.

On Wednesday nights, enjoy a live blues musician in the lounge, or if you prefer a fullon band, head down the street to Luckett and Freeman’s blues club, Ground Zero Blues Club.

They opened the restaurant to fill a need for fine dining in Clarksdale, and opened Ground Zero four months later for the need of the birthplace of blues to have a good musical outlet. Ground Zero hosts blues acts Wednesday through Saturday nights and the occasional Sunday. “We have these two anchors now with Madidi and Ground Zero downtown. Ten years ago you wouldn’t see a car on this street after 5 p.m., sometimes, now, it’s hard to find a spot,” Luckett said.

The restaurant and bar are fine representations of the soul of Clarksdale — fine food with a southern, home-cooked feel and a lively juke joint to let loose and unwind.  78 . JUNE 2010

Dis˘ the

ON FISH

I think of fish when I want a no fuss meal. Fish can be seasoned, then baked or

quickly pan sautéed in 15 minutes, and while it is cooking you can make a sauce or condiment and a side dish, like a simple green salad with a vinegar and oil dressing.

This month’s recipes offer some tasty alternatives to fried fish. I did quite a lot of testing and in the tasting, I realized that these are not so much recipes as collections of methods and flavors that can be mixed and matched, depending on personal preferences and what is available fresh in the market. I am including a recipe for soft polenta, but you could substitute rice or grits if you prefer. Remember, fresh fish never smells “fishy” but should have a clean smell. Most groceries have set days when fish arrives, and store employees can tell you when that is. Once you get the hang of baking or sautéing fish, a whole world of flavor combinations opens up to you. There are dozens of pre-made spice mixtures and rubs out there, including a number that are made in Arkansas. Enjoy experimenting! by Faith Anaya

Tilapia with Mango Salsa 1 pound tilapia filets 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided Salt and pepper Dried oregano, basil and thyme to sprinkle

Wash and dry the tilapia. Brush with 1 teaspoon oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. When the oil shimmers, add the fish and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Fish is done when the flesh flakes and is opaque all the way through. Serve with mango salsa. Serves 3 to 4.

MANGO SALSA 1 ripe mango, chopped coarsely 1 ripe avocado, removed from the skin and chopped coarsely Juice of 1 lime, freshly squeezed 1 small shallot, minced Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Kitchen note: mangos have a large, thin, oblong pit, which can be confusing to remove. If you do not have a mango pitter, first cut off the two sides of the fruit from the pit. Remove the fruit from the peel by making a checkerboard pattern in the flesh with a sharp knife. Turn the peel and flesh inside out, then cut off the fruit into chunks.

AYMAG.COM . 79

Salmon with Sour Cream Dill Sauce ½ cup light sour cream ½ cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon drained capers 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste 1 pound salmon filets 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Combine sour cream, yogurt, dill, capers, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready for use, at least 30 minutes if possible. (Best used within 24 hours.) Wash and dry the salmon. Brush with oil, then sprinkle on herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Place in a baking dish and bake in a 350-degree oven for approximately 15 minutes, until fish flakes with a fork. Serve over rice with Sour Cream Dill Sauce.

Serves 3 to 4.

•

Blackened Mahi Mahi with Tomatillo Salsa and Polenta 1 pound Mahi Mahi 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons blackening spice (recipe follows)

Wash and dry the fish, then coat with blackening spice. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Put the fish into the skillet, and sauté the first side for 3 to 5 minutes. Fish should look cooked about halfway through. Turn to the other side and finish, about 3 to 4 minutes more. As the sugar in the spice mixture melts, it will blacken. Turn on the exhaust fan if it smokes. Test gently with a fork to see if it is cooked through. To serve, spoon some Tomatillo Salsa onto each portion and plate with soft polenta.

Serves 3 to 4. Kitchen note: this recipe works equally well with catfish. The catfish will take a few minutes longer to finish.

Hungry?

80 . MAY 2010

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa 2 large garlic cloves, peeled ½ pound (about 4 or 5 medium) tomatillos, husked and cut in half 1 small jalapeño pepper, stem broken off, roughly-chopped ¼ cup water Salt to taste ¼ cup finely-chopped white onion About ¼ cup (loosely-packed) chopped cilantro

aymag.com/go/cuisine

Set a medium skillet lined with foil over mediumhigh heat. Lay in the garlic and tomatillos cut side down. When the tomatillos are well-browned, 3 or 4 minutes, turn everything over, and brown the other side. The tomatillos should be completely soft.

Scoop the tomatillos and garlic into a blender or food processor, and let cool to room temperature, about 3 minutes. Add the chili and water. Blend to a smooth puree. Taste and season with salt, usually a generous ½ teaspoon. Scoop the chopped onion into a strainer and rinse under cold water. Sprinkle over the salsa,

along with the chopped cilantro. Adapted from RickBayless. com.

BLACKENING SPICE 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon freshly-ground black pepper ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper, more to taste 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Combine all ingredients in a bowl; stir well to blend.

Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Kitchen note: this recipe makes enough for several meals. It tastes great on salmon, snapper, catfish and shrimp and is also good on meats. Use it as a blackening spice or as a grill rub. Source: Salmon: A Cookbook by Diane Morgan SOFT POLENTA 3 cups milk 2 cups water 1 cup polenta, soaked for 10 minutes in 1 cup milk ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste ½ teaspoon blackening spice to taste

Pour the milk and water into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, and turn on heat to medium high. Pour in the polenta/milk mixture and cook, stirring continuously at first, then frequently, so that lumps do not form and it cooks uniformly. Stirring also helps keep it from sticking to the bottom and sides of the pot. The polenta is done when the grains have opened and softened.

The mixture will begin to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pot. Taste and season with salt and blackening spice. Pour out onto foil or parchment lined cookie sheet and let it sit a few minutes to set up.

Serve by spoonfuls or cut into squares. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Questions? Want to submit a recipe? Email Faith at info@ kidscookarkansas.com.

•

P. Allen Smith's Sweet Pepper Salad 1 red pepper, cored and seeded 1 yellow pepper, cored and seeded 1 orange pepper, cored and seeded 1 cup cherry tomatoes, washed and cut in half 4 scallions, chopped, green part only ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped BLACKENING SPICE ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced freshly ground black pepper to taste

Slice sweet peppers into thin strips and place in a large bowl. Add the herbs and tomatoes. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and herbs. Toss to coat.

AYMAG.COM . 81

82 . JUNE 2010

AYMAG.COM . 83

84 . JUNE 2010

by Rhonda Owen

your health

Counteract to

Cataracts Aging today isn’t the same as it was during our grandparents’ time.

Those of us approaching our older years expect to remain as youthful as possible for as long as possible — and we look to modern medical advances to make that happen.

S

ome of the natural effects of aging are more easily dealt with than others, primary among them the fuzzy and foggy vision caused by cataracts. Records of surgery to remove cataracts can be found as far back as the 5th century B.C., with the “modern era” of cataract removal beginning in the 18th century, according to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. But the majority of advances have occurred in the last 50 years, with the most recent being a selection of “multifocal” replacement lenses that can restore a person’s vision to a nearly natural acuity.

The conventional “monofocal” artificial lens implant most commonly used to replace the natural lens corrects vision at only one distance — near or far — and glasses are still needed after surgery. “Premium” multifocal implants, however, may do away with the need for a person to wear glasses to see things close up or far away.

A cataract (from the Greek word katarhaktes, meaning waterfall) occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye becomes opaque, causing double or blurry vision and poor night vision. To a person with cataracts, lights may seem glaring and too bright, or appear to have a halo around them.

Most people 60 and older will develop a cataract in one or both eyes; by age 80, more than half of Americans will have a cataract

or will have undergone cataract surgery, according to the National Eye Institute.

People in their 40s or 50s can also develop a cataract, but they usually fall into specific risk categories: diabetics; those who use tobacco products or spend a lot of time in the sun; those who have used steroids for extended periods and/or suffered a traumatic eye injury.

No matter the cause, no one is immune.

“Everyone will get a cataract, if they live long enough because the clear lens of the eye will get cloudy with time,” said Dr. Joseph Chacko, director of neuro-ophthalmology and assistant professor of ophthalmology and neurology at the Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, Chacko said. “Cataract surgery is the most successful surgery of all time for all mankind. More than 90 percent of people are very happy with the results of their surgery.”

"By age 80, more than half of Americans will have a cataract or will have undergone cataract surgery ..."

The surgical technique is called phacoemulsification. “We use a small instrument that uses ultrasonic energy to break up the lens, then it’s sucked out of the eye,” Chacko AYMAG.COM . 85

Dr. Lou McGrail 3405 Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR 72714

Shawna Grayham 1609 W. Main St. Russellville, AR 72801

Janice Neal Dr. Mary DeLoach 801 E. Harding St, Suite B 4844 North Hills Blvd Morrilton, AR 72110 North Little Rock, AR 72116

86 . JUNE 2010

said. “This way, we can do surgery through small incisions. We don’t have to use stitches anymore. The wound self-seals.”

Dr. Mitchell Weikert, an eye surgeon and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said he describes the eye to his patients as being like a peanut M&M. “It has a shell around it, a layer of chocolate, and it has the peanut in the center.

There’s a kind of cataract where the center part of the eye — the peanut — gets cloudy.

That’s the most common age-related cataract.

It’s called a nuclear cataract.”

After the cataract is removed, doctors insert an artificial lens made of plastic into the eye to restore clear vision. In most cases, this is the monofocal intraocular (IOL) lens, Weikert said. “Basically, what that means is the lens is designed to focus at one distance.

We can choose the power of the lens we put in the eye to target being able to see far away or up close. Most people want to see as good as possible far away.”

The advancing field of medicine now offers patients more exceptional options when it comes to the quality of their vision. People with cataracts can choose from several types of the new multifocal or “premium” intraocular lens implants that improve vision at multiple distances.

“With multifocal lenses, there are several rings on the lens,” Weikert explained. “Some of the rings focus far away and some focus up close. You can put that lens in a patient and get better vision close up and far away. There’s also a multifocal lens that we call ‘accommodating.’ This lens theoretically moves with the eye, flexes in the eye to focus at different distances.”

With either of these, it’s possible to improve eyesight so that the patient doesn’t need glasses or contacts, Weikert and Chacko

both said. Another type of premium lens, the toric IOL, corrects astigmatism as well as restores acuity.

Medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cover conventional lens implants, but not the cost of premium lenses, which can run an additional $1,500 to $2,500 per eye, depending on the surgeon and the type of lens used, according to AllAboutVision.com. Patients who want these must pay out of pocket.

Because of this, their use is still rare.

“At Jones Eye Institute, we might have six or eight surgeries in a day and only one using the premium IOLs,” Chacko said. “But the majority of people are happy with these lenses because they can see near and far with them.” 

These two images represent one's eyesight without cataracts (top) and with cataracts (below). The second image demonstrates how one's vision becomes opaque with cataracts.

AYMAG.COM . 87

88 . JUNE 2010

AYMAG.COM . 89

your money

by John B. Peace

ASSET PROTECTION

40

Planning for Those

&

UNDER

Using Limited Partnerships, LLCs & Trusts

>> to Protect Family Assets

I

magine this scenario: you and your spouse are in your 40s, 50s or 60s, and you both have good-paying jobs that have allowed you to start building a nest egg for future retirement. You have maxed out on your 401(k) contributions and have been able to open a nice securities account with a financial advisor. You also have a few rental properties that have performed well. You were presented the “opportunity of a lifetime” to invest in what appears to be a great real estate investment in Arizona, and it looks good on paper. The opportunity includes a modest cash investment, but you must guarantee a large mortgage loan to finance the remainder of the investment. Things go fine for awhile, but then the market becomes overbuilt and suddenly the amount of the mortgage exceeds the value of the property. The mortgage company forecloses, and the property sells at the foreclosure sale for much less than the amount of the 90 . JUNE 2010

loan, leaving a large deficiency. What does the mortgage company do? They sue you on your guaranty, get a judgment and come after you.

Your 401(k) account is probably exempt, but your securities account and rental real estate are not. Suddenly, your “nest egg” becomes a “rotten egg.”

What could you have done to prevent this horrible result? The answer: start asset protection planning at an early stage. The term “asset protection planning” may conjure up thoughts of quasi-legal offshore trusts in the Cayman Islands or illegal Swiss bank accounts; but this article is about perfectly legal entities that can shield a person from many liabilities. Two of these entities have similar characteristics, limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability companies (LLCs). Both of these entities can be created pursuant to Arkansas law.

Here is how an LP or LLC typically works: a husband and wife (or single person) will transfer some of their assets, such as business interests, real estate and securities, to an LP or LLC in exchange for an ownership interest in the LP or LLC. The transferors, or an entity controlled by them, will be named as the general partners (if an LP) or the managers (if an LLC) and will make all business decisions related to the LP or LLC assets. Over a period of time, the transferors may transfer some of the LP or LLC units to their children or grandchildren, but will always retain control over LP or LLC decisions.

So just how does an LP or LLC protect against claims of creditors? Under Arkansas law, a creditor of a limited partner or LLC member cannot attach the LP or LLC units owned by the limited partner or member. The creditor can only obtain a “charging order,” which means that the creditor is entitled to receive any distributions if and when they become payable to the limited partner or member.

Guess who makes the decisions regarding LP or LLC distributions? Distributions from the LP or LLC are only made if the general partners or managers make that decision. Therefore, the creditor with a charging order cannot force distributions from the entity. It gets even better … even though the creditor cannot force distributions, the IRS may decide that the creditor holding the charging order should be taxed on its pro rata share of partnership or LLC income — even if no distributions are made to the creditor! That is what we in the South call a double whammy: the creditor has

to come out of pocket to pay income tax on the share of partnership or LLC income the creditor did not receive. Most creditors will avoid a charging order like the plague.

“... start asset protection planning at an early stage.”

Another great technique for creditor protection is a trust. In a trust arrangement, a donor establishes a trust for one or more beneficiaries. Assets of the donor are transferred to a trustee, who administers the assets for the benefit of the beneficiary. There are many different types of trusts, some of which qualify for creditor protection and some of which do not. To qualify, the trust must be irrevocable and must contain what is known as a “spendthrift clause.” The spendthrift clause states that the beneficiary cannot sell or pledge his or her interest in the trust, and the trust assets are exempt from the claims of the beneficiary’s creditors. These clauses have been around since English common law and are readily accepted by the courts except in very unusual situations.

In most situations, a trust established by a donor for himself or herself (sometimes called a “self-settled” trust) will not protect against the claims of the donor’s creditors. But a trust set up by a parent for a child or grandchild either during the parent’s life or at death will protect against the claims of the child’s creditors. Today, more clients are setting up trusts for the lifetime of the children, to protect not only against the claims of creditors, but also the claims of a current or future spouse if the marriage goes bad.

It’s important to note that any asset protection planning must be commenced before creditors come calling. Transfers to avoid existing creditors will be set aside as a fraudulent transfer. So the best time to start is now. Contact your attorney, and see if asset protection planning is right for you.  John Peace practices tax and estate planning law with the Little Rock law firm of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC and is listed as a Best Lawyer in the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers in America. This article is for information only and is not intended to be specific legal or tax advice.

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AYMAG.COM . 91

murder murder mystery mystery

The

T

by Janie Jones

ARCH for

CHRISTOPHER JONES

he mobile home in a shady setting on AR 287 at Holland, Ark., looks much as it did on April 5, 2006, the date the former owner and resident went missing. The arch over the driveway entrance bears his initials, CJ. Christopher Jones. Most people called him “Chris.”

Jones was a 37-year-old master electrician who lived alone. He had one child, a daughter from an early marriage. His cousin, Steve Gunter, described Jones as “a quiet guy” who kept to himself — almost to the extent of being a hermit. He had people who cared about him, though, and he cared about them. In fact, it was a friend who went to his home on that April day and discovered Jones was missing.

His front porch light was on, and the door was open. That was odd because anyone who knew him was well aware that he always greeted visitors at the back door, not the front.

Jones should have been home. He was suffering from gout in his feet and legs, and the pain was severe, especially in one leg. He could get around on crutches, but had been spending most of his time in his recliner with his leg propped up. His friend was concerned and called one of Jones’ aunts, who then notified Gunter. When Gunter and the friend entered the mobile home, everything seemed to be in its proper place … the recliner in front of the television, an ashtray and spittoon within reach, house slippers, even Jones' crutches.

When Faulkner County Sheriff ’s Office (FCSO) investigators arrived at the scene, according to Lieutenant Matt Rice, “it looked like he had just walked out the door and never came back.”

His medication, wallet, keys, and vehicle were where they were supposed to be. There were no signs of a struggle and no apparent reason either for Jones to leave or for someone to kidnap him. He did have a drinking problem, aggravated by family misfortunes. His only brother, with whom he was very close,

92 . JUNE 2010

had been killed in a fiery wreck, and Jones had to identify the body by the jewelry his brother was wearing. Six weeks later, his father died from cancer. His mother had died 20 years earlier. About three months after Jones’ disappearance, the string of tragedies continued with the death of his daughter, who was killed in a traffic accident.

“He just vanished,” Rice said. “It’s the weirdest case I’ve ever worked on.”

The only item that couldn’t be found was Jones’ cell phone. Investigators pinged the phone but got nothing. It may have been turned off or, as Gunter said, “It may have been thrown in water somewhere. Who knows?

Gunter commended the FCSO for keeping the family informed and for their efforts to find Jones. “They searched by air and on foot, looking everywhere — old wells, anywhere it looked as if the earth had been disturbed.”

“Somebody said they found a shallow grave behind their house, and we went out there,” Rice said. “It was in the vicinity, and we dug it up, but it was a dog. Just to make sure, we dug beneath and all around.”

“Investigators brought in search dogs from Saline County,” Gunter said, “And they trailed Chris’s scent down the driveway to [AR] 287 back to [US] 65 going toward Springhill. They went about a mile and a half, and then the dogs lost the scent in a crosswind, and that’s exactly what Ms. Pate told us.”

Gunter was referring to Carol Pate, a Little Rock psychic who has consulted with families and authorities on missing persons cases and murder cases. As Gunter said, “We were at a total loss, and we were looking for answers.”

According to Pate’s impressions, two men came to Jones’ home and backed their lightcolored truck up the driveway to where a basketball goal stands. When he opened the screen door, the men snatched him, one on each arm, and he fell there on the steps and banged his knees on the concrete.

Gunter said, “She gave a description of what Chris was wearing at the time of his disappearance, what the circumstances were, and the area to check out. She said Chris had on a pair of blue jeans, but no shirt, no socks, no shoes, and every pair of shoes and boots that we knew he had, including his house shoes, were right there in the house. I asked her if Chris knew [the men], and she said, ‘Absolutely not.’ That explained to me why the front porch light was on and the front door was open.” They didn’t know to go around to the back.

“When I went to the trailer,” Pate said, “His [deceased] daughter, whom he called Sissy, came through and wanted to know where her father was. She wanted to know where he was because she couldn’t find him, which was really weird, but I heard her.”

Those familiar with the case speculated that Jones was kidnapped because he might have had something or known something pertaining to illegal activities, though he was not involved. About three months after his disappearance, someone broke into his home and ransacked the place. Drawers had been yanked out of dressers, but nothing was stolen.

Jones' mobile home

Pate thinks Jones’ possible inadvertent knowledge of criminal activity was part of the motive, but said, “There was a woman involved with him, and this was kind of over her. She lived in the vicinity, and she had been seeing him on and off. They had a relationship and somehow, someway, this is over her or about her. I think she had been picked up on drug charges.”

Pate described the woman as being in her late 30s and having dark brown, blonde and reddish streaks in her hair. The two kidnappers went by the nicknames “Deacon” and “Doughboy,” Pate said. She also implicated a

third man and mentioned the name “Curry,” as well as the towns of Carlisle and Lonoke.

“We did speak with a young lady from Lonoke,” Rice said, acknowledging Pate’s statement. “She was a girlfriend of one of Chris’s closest friends.”

“The man behind this,” Pate said, “had reddish blond hair and a ruddy complexion.

He seemed to dress in a western style.”

Pate also told authorities that Jones was driven to a “four-corner-type convenience store and gas station.” A Valero station stands at the intersection of AR 287 and US 65. “They got gas, and they may have used [Chris’] card.”

Lt. Rice said, “I do know that the last person to see him was a clerk at a convenience store in Springhill, and he was supposed to be with two white males in a white truck. I don’t remember his credit card being used.”

Pate was driven along a particular route that she thought the kidnappers had taken.

“There was an area we drove through where every hair on my body stood straight up,” she said, “and when we drove back across it, every hair on my body stood straight up again. It was farm area. Pastureland.”

Pate thinks Jones was either killed or buried there or both. His friends and family would like to know his fate. They maintain his property, awaiting either his return or, more likely, the declaration of his death.

Christopher “CJ” Jones is described as having muddy blond hair and blue eyes. He is 6’1” and, at the time of his disappearance, he weighed 185 pounds. Anyone with information about this case should call the FCSO Major Crime Unit at (501) 450-4917. 

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Jones (standing, left) with his brother, father (seated), daughter and nephew.

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AYMAG.COM . 93

TAKEN IN BY A SCAM?

by Victor Fleming

A scam, even by another name, has a beginning and an end — and something in between.

Across 1 What Hot Springs is known for 5 “The Devil Word ___” 10 Org. for Carry Nation 14 Late humor writer Bombeck 15 Hershey’s caramel-filled candies 16 Points at the target 17 Unit of the daily grind at Starbucks?

19 Cinematographer Nykvist 20 Retailer promoting itself as “never the same store twice” 21 Hopi doll 23 Of a king or queen 26 Knit and ___ 27 Implied 30 Dobbs of CNN 32 Heaps kudos on 35 Midori who was the first woman to land a triple/triple jump combination and a triple axel in competition 36 Spike-shaped eave hanger 39 Bite like a beaver 40 Grp. concerned with genealogy 41 Use a crib sheet while taking, as a test 43 “___ been had!”

44 “Rule, Britannia” composer 46 Type of skating 47 Squeak stopper

1

2

3

4

5

14

48 Succotash morsels 50 Religious sch.

51 Automatic-transmission letters 53 Manipulative person 55 “Peter and the Wolf” bird 57 Nickname for an adept handyman 60 Sana native 64 Mayberry Deputy Barney 65 Roundup cook’s “kitchen” 68 In present condition 69 Lake boat 70 Broadway’s “___ Yankees” 71 Faxed, perhaps 72 Removes wrinkles 73 Fruity drinks Down 1 Shakers, e.g.

2 Semester-long assignment, say (abbr.)

3 Two-band radio 4 Exotic vacation 5 Top dog 6 Thieve 7 Bar beverage 8 Football Hall of Famer Walker 9 “It’s ___!” (“No problem!”)

10 Towel’s companion 11 Marriage alternative for gay couples 12 Counterfeiter catchers

6

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10 16

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27

8

13 Sailors’ school (abbr.)

18 Alluringly different 22 ___-de-sac 24 Ones with green cards 25 Spots 27 Of ebb and flow 28 Pong maker 29 Side item with chili, perhaps 31 Last syllable 33 Goliath’s challenger 34 Terrific 37 Greek letter 38 Very long time 42 Huey, Dewey or Louie, to Donald 45 Least difficult 49 Census datum 52 Big name in 63-Down 54 Actress Christina 56 Wanda of “Evan Almighty” 57 Art curators’ degs.

58 Go up 59 “___ she blows!”

61 “Holy cow!” ancestor 62 Alaskan port 63 Rural guesthouses 66 Card game 67 Scam surrounding 17-, 41 and 65-Across and 11- and 29-Down

47 50

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AYMAG.COM . 95

the view from park hill

by Sonny Rhodes

MAN’S BEST FRIEND? M

y neighbor’s dogs are barking. At what, I have no

clue. Probably the wind. It’s 5 o’clock. That’s A.M. About this time yesterday, I wrote on my Facebook page about my irritation with those dogs. They were barking then, too. My post eventually prompted quite a few friends’ solutions to noisy dogs, including a BB gun, planting caster beans and a reference to someone’s Mamaw, whose solution would have been to “whip ’em up a biscuit.” Let me be clear: I do not endorse these ideas (or even pretend to know what two of them mean), but I appreciate my friends’ suggestions. It’s good to have friends who care.

I’m trying to find a silver lining here. I have no dog. Only thing between my yard and my neighbor’s is a chain-link fence, so if those dogs are keeping a booger out of his yard, maybe they’re keeping it out of mine, too.

Last Friday night I was at a friend’s house and we were sorting through old photos, looking for possibilities for a class reunion slideshow. I was surprised at how many pictures he had of dogs he’s had over the years. He lifted up one roughly 30-year-old photo, pondered it, and said, “Now he was a good dog.” I believe my friend looked a little misty-eyed. Being the sensitive guy I am I said, “Ready to go eat?”

Some will think of this as downright un-American, but I don’t get attached to dogs. Too many tragic departures when I was young. Part of my detachment also may have to do with growing up in the country.

My dad had lots of hunting dogs. We saw hounds as things that chased foxes, deer and rabbits, not things to be petted. Our utilitarian attitude might have been akin to how farmers don’t make pets of their livestock. (“Don’t get too attached to Wilbur, kids, he’ll be barbecue tomorrow.”)

Not that I’m pet-less. Two felines, the Siamese Precious and the indeterminate Tiger, share a house with us. Like the cat of Twain’s quote, they have mercifully little to say, other than occasional whining.

My neighbor’s dogs are still barking.

Hmmm, if I only had a hand grenade. No, hand grenade discharges are probably forbidden inside the city limits. I’ve already been to the doughnut shop. Had a couple of chocolate-covered goodies and a cup 96 . JUNE 2010

If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much. ---Mark Twain

of black coffee. I’m up for good now.

Coming back from my doughnut run, I noticed the garbage I set by the curb last night had been disturbed. Something had torn a hole in the bag, extracted three used packages of McDonald’s Fancy Ketchup and left them in the driveway. Probably a varmint. Despite lots of dogs and cats, Park Hill has its share of wildlife. At a lake near our home, I’ve seen beavers, muskrats and a fox. Rabbits and raccoons abound.

Sometimes they visit us.

About a year ago, my dreams were disturbed by scratching over in the far corner of the bedroom. Then the noise was under the bed. I groggily switched on a lamp and was shocked fully awake by seeing a young rabbit bolt out from under the bed with Precious in pursuit.

That scratching was actually a zigzagging, claws-on-laminate race for life. Precious had brought us an offering.

With some juking I hadn’t done since high school football, I was able to get between the cat and the rabbit, and corner the cottontail. I inspected to see if the bunny was hurt. Amazingly, I found no wounds, so I took the rabbit to the far corner of the backyard and bid it adieu.

About a month ago, we had a visitor come through the cat door.

Julie, watching television in the living room, heard the door squeak.

She glanced over, expecting to see one of the cats coming in from an evening out. Then she saw the raccoon. The raccoon looked at her, studied the cats’ food bowl, then apparently decided it should come back later. As quickly as it came, it was gone.

“That was a raccoon,” Julie said. She’s a calm person. I would have yelled and thrown something.

S P A S P R A D A W C T U We no longer leave cat food out CE OR MF AF E RE OB EL OA NS AS VI ME NS K A C H I N A T J M A X X all night.

R O Y A L P U R L Come to think of it, maybe T A C I T L O U L A U D S I C I C L E G N A W I T O my neighbor’s dogs are keeping ol’ C H E A T O N I V E D A R I N L I N E O I L A R N E Rocky at bay. I’m starting to feel S E M P R N D L L I M A S more charitable toward those mutts U S E R S A S H A M R F I X I T Y E M E N I … I’m not getting attached to C H U C K W A G O N F I F E C A N O E D A M N A S I S them, though.  S E N T

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