Local Magazine - July / August

JULY / AUGUST 2017

An Arkansas Oasis LITTLE ROCK TECH PARK

BACK TO SCHOOL

THE LITTLE PANTRY

www.simplythebestcatering.com

501-955-2020

Every Day Is Wine Day!

Arkansas' premier diver training facility since 1978 • Scuba Classes • Diving Trips • Service Center • Scuba Equipment

Great craft beer selection and

• Heated Indoor Pool • Birthday Parties

growler bar!

501.834.2134 Kiehl Ave. & Hwy 107

753-6004

1 0 7 l iqu o r . c om

2323 N. Poplar ∙ N. Little Rock, AR

Intersection of

2

www.ricksdivecenter.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS BIKE & HIKE 5

The sixth annual Bike & Hike for ALS.

5 15 20

BACK TO SCHOOL 7

An open letter to children as they head back to school this fall.

SURVIVED BY 9

In the aftermath of his younger brother’s death, Evan Hurst lives through grief’s darkest moments.

EAT LOCAL / SHOP LOCAL 10-11

Discover local restaurants, shops and services in central Arkansas.

BE A LOCALIST: DIG DEEP 12 #AligningBusinesses

FEATURED FAVORITE 15 Skinny J's

GARVAN GARDENS 16-17

An Arkansas Oasis of Activity & Natural Beauty.

VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME 19

Teaching children how to take part in their communties.

HEELS AND WHEELS 20

Local event helping local burn survivors

CLEAN EATERY 21

Healthy meals delivered right to your door!

THE LITTLE PANTRY 22

What a little heart can do to change the world, in this case, one pantry at a time. .

FEATURED ARTIST 24 The Fried Pies

27 download the app

now!

LITTLE ROCK TECH PARK 27

The Little Rock Technology Park is focused on being a force multiplier in the effort to create new, high-paying jobs tied to various technologies.

LOCAL FIRST: DIRECTORY 30-31

Your directory for keeping business local

www.localmag411.com Local. Magazine

Local_LittleRock

PUBLISHERS

Rich Niemeyer Kaitlin Schmidt

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kaitlin Schmidt

COPY EDITOR Therese Fowler

COVER DESIGN Kaitlin Schmidt

PHOTOGRAPHER

Masters Media Productions

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adam Cherepski, Susie Cowan April Lane, Jillian McGehee Melissa Tucker

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ladye Albini Laura Mullins Rich Niemeyer

For advertising information, please call 501-476-4200.

For Subscription services, please call 501-554-1126.

Local. Magazine is published bimonthly by 411 Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 1835, N. Little Rock, AR 72115 411publications@gmail.com The contents of Local. are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the publisher.

CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT JILLIAN MCGEHEE A former newspaper reporter and magazine staffer, Jillian McGehee enjoys writing about the region's people and places.

She lives in Little Rock, operating her own business as a writer and content manager for online and print mediums. The river trail helps her stay healthy with bike rides and runs as does her CrossFit family at CrossFit Align in North Little Rock.

MELISSA TUCKER Melissa Tucker has spent nearly a decade in journalism, but these days she's a copywriter for the Sells Agency in Little Rock. When not writing quippy slogans, you'll probably find her playing roller derby, taking her kids to the library or ordering a second cup of coffee.

3

YOUR BODY MADE

BETTER

Call Today To Get Your

Complimentary Consultation Body Contouring Skin Tightening Cellulite Reduction Weight Loss

www.vitalityone.net

(501) 504-6950 Conquer The Core

Transcend Your Thighs

Black Angus Where fresh homemade food is served!

Monday - Shrimp Stir Fry Tuesday - Pot Roast Wednesday - Meatloaf Thursday - BBQ plate Friday & Saturday - Catfish

Orangutan Critically Endangered

501-228-7800

4

10907 N Rodney Parham Little Rock, AR 72212

2425 Prince Street, Suite 3 Conway, AR 72034

NEW at the Zoo

Black Rhino Critically Endangered

Spend a day exploring wild spaces & discover our latest wild faces.

Chimpanzee Critically Endangered

littlerockzoo.com

Colobus Monkey Threatened

Bike & Hike Getting active for ALS - April Lane

S

unday, August 27 will be the 6th annual Bike & Hike event for ALS. The event is hosted by Rockwater Village. The route will start and finish along the Arkansas River and Rockwater Village.

The upcoming 2017 Bike & Hike route will be the same as last year's ride. It will kick off at 7 a.m. and begin and end at 1600 Rockwater Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72114. Participants will ride their road bike approximately 18 miles from the North Little Rock location, starting at Rockwater Village, through the Arkansas River Trail in North Little Rock. From there, riders will scale over both the Big Dam Bridge and the Two Rivers Bridge. Following these scenic views, participants will ride to Maumelle Park, turn left along Pinnacle Valley Road, and go through Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Riders can stop at the transition station in the field next to the Environmental Pond area along Pinnacle Valley Road.

In order to transition from biking to hiking, participants can leave their bikes in this secure area. Individuals can also use this transition area to change their shoes and clothes if they like. To begin the hike, people will walk along the path to cross Pinnacle Valley Road and enter East Summit trailhead. Then, the hikers will trek up the EAST side, down the WEST side, and loop around on the base trail. This will ultimately end at the transition area. Hikers can take another break before finishing the last leg of the event, the ride downtown toward the location where the race began. The finish line party will begin at Rockwater Village around 10 a.m., and it will feature music, snacks, food, and drinks. Participants will also receive two beverage tickets, redeemable at the Diamond Bear Brewery tent.

Les Vahsholtz was diagnosed with ALS in January 2012. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral

sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. He and his family were unfamiliar with this debilitating disease. At the time of his diagnosis, Vahsholtz vowed to take action. He set out to do everything he could to document his ALS journey. He also wanted to participate in clinical studies, and to take as many of his planned retirement trips as possible.

Vahsholtz’s son, Tim, wanted to bring awareness to the community about ALS in a way that honored his father. Tim says he was always involved in cycling, and it was this love that led to the creation of the event.

When asked how the Bike & Hike came about, Tim says, “It's funny how it happened.

I have always been a cyclist and participated in many events over the years. When I was trying to think of ways to host a fundraiser and bring awareness, I naturally thought of a bike event. It wasn't until a friend mentioned that we should do a hike event as well that we thought of doing an event around both."

It rained heavily during the first event in 2012.

Over 75 people took up the challenge, and since no lightning was present, the event continued as scheduled. Proceeds were gifted to the ALS Association of Arkansas, and an increase of awareness of ALS was achieved through this unique dual-sporting event. Les Vahsholtz was confined to his motorized wheelchair on that September 2012 day. He was unable to talk, but he participated as the first honorary “horn blower” to kick off the race.

Vahsholtz sadly passed away in December of 2012. His legacy lives on through the Bike & Hike, where each year, the race continues to highlight the Vahsholtz family's missions of awareness, support and comfort to those fighting this disease, and the ability to find a cure. After six years the event has grown to attract cyclists far and wide.

Tim and other supporters of the Bike & Hike are continuously improving the event. This year's participants may look forward to fully supported rest stops, water stops, transition stations, and gear bags. Even more than the event's perks, participants will also know they are helping to fight the battle against ALS through providing funds. Registration will begin on Friday, August 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rockwater Marina. It will continue on Saturday, August 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bring your

hiking gear with you to registration.

Proceeds from the Bike & Hike for ALS will benefit the ALS Association of Arkansas and its new initiative, Operation Speak Easier.

Operation Speak Easier’s objective is to help those with ALS to be able to communicate more effectively through speech devices.

As ALS progresses, speech becomes slurred.

As time goes on, a person loses the ability to speak. While “text to speech” devices and software are available to the public, these programs are limited in their abilities. Operation Speak Easier aims to provide those with ALS the ability to access additional programs in order to communicate more effectively.

The Bike & Hike event is an amazing way to support the journey to conquer ALS. The cost to participate is $65.00 per person, and participants will undoubtedly have a fantastic experience this year as they have in years past.

If you are a fan of Bike & Hike, but do not plan to participate in the event, we invite you to consider a donation to ALS Association of Arkansas. Please see www.bikehikeforals.com for more details.

BIKE E HIKE &

CHALLENGE

AUGUST 27, 2017 5

www.argentaflats.com

501.712.1214

7th & Maple, Downtown NLR North Little Rock, AR www.centerstoneconway.com 501.328.2179

Proudly serving you since 1976

Kubota ZD1211-60

Experience the power of Kubota!

www.fisertractor.com ®

6

Fiser Tractor has the equipment to get 2017 started off right!

Sales | Service | Parts | Rental 24218 I-30 Bryant, AR · 501-847-9043

835 S. Donaghey Ave Conway, AR

Back to School

An open letter to my Children as you go back to school - Adam Cherepski Today you are you, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is youer than you!

-Dr. Seuss The inquiry of "who are you?" is an important question to ask yourself on occasion, but it is one that definitely comes to mind as your kids head back to school. There are a myriad of things we wish for our children: We wish they will be happy. We wish they will be successful.

We wish they will find joy in whatever they do. All of this wishing makes me think of the adage, “Wish in one hand ...” ... well, you get the idea. Wishes serve as benchmarks, and we should never stop until we provide our children with the tools they need to make these wishes a reality.

Notice that I did not say it is our job, as parents, to ensure our children accomplish their goals. Our role is to show them the way; the rest is up to them. So, as we embark on another school year, be it preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, or college, there are some things I want my kids to know as they begin their journeys. You could call this my list for wish accomplishment. Keep in mind these are in no particular order of importance.

• Be Kind – You know, that whole Golden Rule thing. I would like to revise this rule just a little. Yes, be kind to others, but don’t forget about you. Be kind to yourself. Not only is it a good feeling to be kind to yourself, but it also serves as a great reference as to how you should treat others. I am not going to lie to you; it is impossible to be kind all the time. Hell, I’d be willing to bet that even Gandhi went off on a telemarketer a time or two. Mother Teresa probably had a few choice words for someone in her neighborhood when she was your age.

The point is to try. Make an effort.

• Be Honest – Again, not easy. I never said any of this would be. I would like to tell you lying will get you nowhere, but you will discover that is not always the case. In fact, a lot of people are successful because of lies. You will be faced with a moment where you have the option to tell the truth or to tell a lie. When that happens, you have to ask yourself, "is it worth it?" Is it a true success if the outcome is based in falsehoods? See what I did there? True…False?

Get it? Ok, look, sometimes being honest can hurt you, and it can hurt others, but I guarantee you, a lie hurts much worse.

• Be Ridiculous – I cannot stress this enough. Enjoy the present. Be crazy. Let loose.

Have fun. With that being said, let me bring you back to Earth. Yes, I want you to be a goofball, but I want you to remember to stop short of acting obnoxious. I know this may be confusing, but don't worry, I will definitely let you know when you are getting close to the line. There are times when you will need to be serious, and there will be times when you will have to be reminded to loosen up. This is life.

• Be a Leader – You will encounter situations where someone must step up and take charge.

Be that someone. Do not be afraid to move out of the background and assert yourself. I understand it is easier to be in the shadow; it is safe in the shadow. When placed in a position of leadership, listen to the others involved. It is the group's input and support that will make you a stronger leader. You should not do anything alone, nor should you want to.

• Be a Follower – Crazy, huh? I just told you to be a leader, and here I come to completely contradict myself. Good leaders result from being good followers. I am not saying you should be a punk (sorry, I can’t think of another term). Sheep! Yeah, don’t be a sheep. The best followers are the ones that contribute. They do not sit idly by and wait for something to happen or wait to be told what to do. You will learn when you should lead and when you should follow. Trust your instincts.

• Be Positive – This is just as important for you as it is for those around you. Not everything will go your way. In fact, there will be times when it seems nothing is going your way. In those times, it does you no good to get down about it. I am not saying you do not have the right to be upset or sad, but you should never let it consume you. Negativity spreads. Once it has taken over every aspect of you, it remains hungry. It attaches to those closest to you and does everything it can to overtake them. It feeds until you cannot stop it. Therefore, the best way to stop negativity is to prevent it. Good times will come around again, but you may miss them if your head is down.

• Be Respectful – If you want respect from others, you must give it. Respect is earned.

Yes, you are 7 and 9 years old, and you may not understand this yet, but you will. When we tell you to use your manners, this is a form of respect. "Ma’am" and "sir" and "please" and "thank you" are just the beginning, but they are excellent places to start. You will get these down, and the rest will naturally follow.

The great Aretha Franklin knew what she was

talking about.

• Be Grateful – Nothing you have is owed to you. Yes, as your parents, we will provide a roof over your head, food on your table, and clothes on your back. On the other hand, going out to eat, getting the latest video game, and sitting through the most recent rendition of Disney on Ice are bonuses. That last one is actually one of the biggest sacrifices a parent can make. Don’t get me wrong, we love doing these things for you; in fact, we wish we could do more, but just remember to be appreciative. Don’t take what you are given for granted.

• Be Confident – Be sure of yourself. Don’t ever let anyone else tear you down. What you think about yourself is far more important than someone else’s opinion of you. You are amazing, and when you realize that, only amazing things will happen for you. Again, there is a caveat: don’t be arrogant. Confidence is holding your head high, but it should never get to the height where all you do is look down on others.

• Be Dependable – You rely on others. As I mentioned earlier, you cannot accomplish anything alone. Remember to flip the coin and know that others count on you. When they do, don’t let them down. Be present and keep your commitments to your friends and family.

Help others. When you say you are going to do something, do it. Sometimes this calls for personal sacrifice – so do it. Responsibilities are constant; make sure you fulfill them.

In my opinion, these are all great traits to instill in our kids, not only at the beginning of the school year, but all year round. But how?

Yes, we can make a list and put it in a blog and maybe even read it to them, but is this really the best way? My kids are 7 and 9 years old; they barely know what some of these things really mean, so what good is it to just tell them? I think the answer is we need to show them. That is the real challenge – to avoid the parental trait of hypocrisy. Do as I say, not as I do. Kids are a reflection of their parents. Embody these traits and you may not have anything to worry about.

If we learned anything from 1980s television commercials, they learn by watching us … that, and drinking milk has amazing effects on the human body.

7

824 W. 7th St. DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK

#suite102salon

} } Voted best salon of 2016

SALES-SERVICE-MOVING-TUNING

COME IN AND PLAY! 1222 S. Main Street • Little Rock, AR (501) 372-1446 • www.pianokraft.com

Need an I.T. company upgrade?

Want to make the move to the cloud?

Give us a call.

8

501-758-6818

Survived By...

In the aftermath of his younger brother’s death, Evan Hurst lives through grief’s darkest moments, while trying to restore his family’s financial stability.

- Jillian McGehee Losing someone close to you is never easy, especially if he is a friend or family member.

When your loss is your best friend and your baby brother, life after death can be downright debilitating. Since the passing of his brother, Ryan Hurst, 19-year-old Evan Hurst has been seeing through blurry lenses, but he’s putting whatever strength he has into helping his family restore the quality of life enjoyed before the car accident that took his 16-year-old brother’s life.

The day after Easter this year, Ryan and his friend were driving back from Conway during a heavy rainstorm, Evan says. “He was supposed to be home by 10 p.m., and at the Morgan/ Maumelle exit, they hydroplaned. Ryan was thrown out of the vehicle.”

After nine brain surgeries, unconscious the entire time, Ryan passed away May 7. The boys’ mother, Ashley Hurst, a nurse, never left Ryan’s side at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Evan shares. “From the time she walked into the ER, she stayed there for three and a half weeks while he was in the hospital. She said she wanted to be the first thing he saw when he woke up.”

Their mom was laid off a week after the accident. After laying her youngest son to rest – they have an older brother named Cody – Ashley was offered her job back, but at a fraction of the salary she was earning, Evan says.

Their mom is his example of what working hard looks like, Evan says, noting she always provided as a single mom. “Now her baby’s gone and she’s struggling.”

When the wreck happened, Evan was working

as a server at Chuy’s. “I tried to go back and work after the accident, but I wasn’t stable and couldn’t do it. I fell off the wagon. I moved out of my mom’s because I didn’t want to use the utilities when she’s not there and be a burden on her.”

Evan is actively looking for employment and had an interview scheduled the week of this interview.

“Ryan was my best friend and with me through everything,” Evan continues. “It’s hard to look at a future without him. I have nightmares a lot about Ryan and wake up in cold sweats crying.”

The boys grew up in Redfield, dreaming of one day opening up a motorcycle and mechanic shop together. “We did stuff that got us dirty and got us in trouble. We were just being boys in a small town. He was the joy in my life.”

Evan remembers the first time he held Ryan.

“I was 4 years old and was so excited. I dropped him in the towel and he landed on my foot. I remember thinking how much my toe hurt, but Mom was commenting on his bruised collarbone. It broke when he landed on my toe.”

As the two grew older together their passion was listening to music together, Evan says. “We would just drive around listening to music.”

Things are looking up for Evan as he is signed up for college in the fall. He will attend the mechanics program at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

Right now Evan is focused on helping his mom and family, which also includes his 3-month-old son, Eli. “After Ryan’s death, I looked at my son differently and think about how precious life is. What if I only have 16 years with my son? That’s not that much time.”

In an effort to find help or work and in something that interests him, Evan walked into Rock City Harley-Davidson about a month ago.

Travis Lemmons, head of marketing, met with Evan and was intrigued, he says.

“I could tell by reading his face that he was really genuine about what he was trying to do,” Travis says. “There was a motorcycle ride done in honor for his brother’s funeral, so I knew the motorcycle community had supported him.

I told him, ‘I can really sympathize with you,’ but rather than giving him $50 and sending him on his way, I reached out to Local Magazine and others to come meet this kid and hear his story. I’m an only child but lost my mother and

know how not having her has affected me. If I can save him from doing something stupid to survive, our efforts are so worth it. How he handles this grief situation could mold him into the man he will become.”

A Go Fund Me campaign has been set up to help Evan and his family. On the landing page, www.gofundme.com/rxzmb-help-medicalexpenses, Evan writes: “Hello. My name is Evan. My younger brother Ryan passed away May 7, 2017. Ryan was only 16 years old. His dream was to work on motorcycles in a shop that we would eventually open together. My mother needs help with expenses incurred due to my brother’s passing.

My mother never left the hospital while Ryan was still alive, which ultimately led to her getting laid off. After Ryan passed away, my mother was offered her job back, but at a fraction of her original salary. I’m trying to help my family get back on their feet, so I’m asking for your help.

Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated and will be put toward the expenses that she has incurred. I really appreciate your time and thank you for all your help.”

Another organized ride may take place and also serve as a fundraiser in the near future, says Michael Davidson of Bikelifelittlerock – a group of bikers helping to bring the biker community together and gain a positive outlook from outsiders. Davidson is one of the people Lemmons contacted to rally around Evan and who helped initiate the Go Fund Me initiative.

Those who have come in contact with Evan hope to inspire him to make good decisions and inspire the community to give a man like him a chance. He’s just a young man, surviving the hardest year of his life without his best friend and baby brother at his side.

9

eat

Tacos 4 Life and their customers have the exciting opportunity to help end childhood hunger around the world by donating a meal for every meal sold. 2 locations at: 716 Oak Street (501-358-6005) and 2235 Dave Ward Drive, Suite 101 (501-205-1380) in Conway

Mean Pig BBQ is family owned and operated and strives to serve only the best cuts of meat and the freshest sides. You may have seen them on Man Vs. Food, where Adam took on the Shut Up Juice Challenge. 3096 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy in Cabot. 501-941-5489

Say Cheese Food Truck provides delicious handcrafted Sandwiches. Co-owners, Brian Bostic and Trent Moss are following the dream of owning a food truck, serving a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh made soups with high quality ingredients. @saycheesesandwiches

Brave New Restaurant provides a casual, warm environment, delicious food and excellent service at a reasonable cost with a goal to have every meal be a celebration of food. 2300 Cottondale Ln. in Little Rock.

501-663-2677

K Bird honors the regional cuisines and street food of Southeast Asia & has definitely become a local favorite. Using all fresh ingredients, the simple menu offers favorites such as pad Thai, fried rice & curry dishes are sure to impress. 600 North Tyler St. in Little Rock. 501-352-3549.

District Fare is the Republic of quality meats and eats. Dine in or take out. They offer sandwiches, house made charcuterie, meats, cheeses and specialty market items not typically found in the area. 2807 Kavanaugh Blvd. in Little Rock. 501-671-6328

Patti Cakes is a scratch bakery dedicated to serving desserts reminiscent of a visit to Grandma’s. As soon as you open the door, the scent of freshly-baked desserts will make your nose happy and your heart feel at home. 2106 Robinson Avenue in Conway. 501-205-1969

Doe's Eat Place features Little Rock's favorite steaks, hot tamales with chili, succulent broiled shrimp, tasty grilled salmon, mouth watering hamburgers and more. It is filled with memorabilia that makes the experience what it is. 1023 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. 501-376-1195

Lassis Inn is the little blue landmark that has been around since 1905. It is known for the best fried fish in Arkansas (catfish or buffalo).

No chicken, no burgers, no salads -- just fish.

Fish that is made VERY well! 518 E. 27th St. in Little Rock. 501-372-8714

La Terazza Rum & Lounge is an authentic Venezuelan restaurant offering appetizers, soups, pastas, unique entrĂŠes and desserts. You can also come check out the extensive bar and the best mojitos in town! 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd in Little Rock. 501-251-8261.

10

shop

RPM Marine Performance offers winterizing, dewinterizing, service and repair, parts and accessories for all of your boating needs year around. 348 Highway 64 E. in Conway.

501-932 6394

South Main Creative puts an Urban twist on the traditional antique mall with authentic antiques, vintage items, local art and artisan-made goods.

Our unique variety of art, craft, and DIY classes are always favorites! Tues-Sat 10-5:30, Sun 10-3.

1600 Main Street in Little Rock. 501-414-8713

Abby Road proudly sells locally-made glass, the latest in vaporizer technology, hand-made festival clothing and accessories, disc golf supplies, unique gifts, decor, and more! 1400 South University Ave. in Little Rock. 501614-6400

LJ’s Automotive Repair provides top-quality automotive services to Central Arkansas.

Specializing in all auto repair, they offer everything from oil changes to general repair problems. A family owned business that fixes what others can’t. 8403 JFK in Sherwood. 501-392-6497

Lakewood Health & Rehab is a licensed nursing home. The staff provides personalized services designed to meet the needs of every patient and offer the assistance you need while respecting your independence. 2323 McCain Blvd. in North Little Rock. 501-791-2323

Beauty's A Breeze wants each woman that comes through their doors to feel like they have someone to count on with their closet needs.

They have a wide variety of clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, & more all under $40! 918 W. Main Street Suite 3 in Cabot. 501-232-1454.

Central AR Baton Twirling is Janice Jackson Seamand's newest studio that focuses on the instruction of baton twirling to students from beginners to advanced twirlers. Classes offered include group twirling, twirling dance, and private twirling. 1089 Front St. in Conway. 501-733-1131

Stifft Station Gifts is a quirky gift shop and place to play in a really old building located in the Historic Stifft Station District. Offering a variety of locally made goodies, homemade products and more. 3009 West Markham St. in Little Rock. 501-725-0209

West End Cigars is a premium shop that showcases a comfortable lounge with leather chairs, flat screen TVs and free wifi. Check out www.westendcigar.com for more info. 10720 N Rodney Parham Rd, # A-7 in Little Rock. 501-425-1186

Pins & Needles Alterations offers services for all your alteration needs for men's, women's, and children's clothing. We also alter formals and wedding gowns and sew on patches! Rush service available. 612 Office Park Drive in Bryant. 501-943-7282

11

BE A LOCALIST.

By Kaitlin Schmidt

#AligningBusiness

D

uring the first week of June, I flew to Boston, Massachusetts for the Local Sustainable Economies Conference.

This three-day conference, hosted by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN-MASS), showcased Local First organizations, independent business alliances, and sustainable businesses from around the world. The days were filled with some of the most amazing and inspiring speakers and breakout sessions for focus groups.

The speakers were highly acclaimed community development specialists. I was amazed by the backgrounds of these leaders, so I wanted to share some information about their lives with you. Although every presenter offered informative sessions, my top three speakers were: Kimber Lanning from Local First Arizona; Michael Shuman, local economy leader and author of Local Dollars, Local Sense; and Deborah Frieze, co-founder of the Boston Impact Initiative and author of Walk Out, Walk On. Kimber Lanning is Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies 12

for new models of economic development to create vibrant local economies. Lanning’s passions, which are seen throughout her work, include fostering cultural diversity and inclusion, economic resilience and responsible growth for Arizona. Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization celebrating independent, locally owned businesses. Local First Arizona supports, promotes and advocates for a strong local business community and raises public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies.

With her accolade of accomplishments, Lanning has been an inspiration to me, and I remember my first phone call with her in 2015.

In our phone call, we were discussing how to aid local Arkansas communities in their quest for sustainable growth, and Lanning assured me the task is a journey, and it is a journey our state does not have to take alone.

It was clear from our conversation that “local” movements are happening throughout the country, and Arkansas will be supported by and can look to other economic development specialists throughout the country for guidance.

Michael H. Shuman is an economist, attorney, author, and entrepreneur, and a globally recognized expert on community economics.

He is one of the architects of the crowdfunding reforms that became the “JOBS Act,” signed into law by President Obama in April 2012.

Shuman is currently Director of Community Portals for Mission Markets and a Fellow at Cutting Edge Capital. He is also a founding board member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and an adjunct instructor in

community economic development for Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. His most recent work, Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money From Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity, In Local Dollars, Local Sense, Shuman shows investors how to put their money into building local businesses and resilient regional economies while also gaining profit in the process.

Deborah Frieze walked out of her career as an executive in the high-tech industry. She explains she “was disillusioned by a business culture that emphasized short-term results, looked upon growth as an end rather than a means, and cared more about compliance than community.” Since that time, she has become an author, an entrepreneur and a social activist.

Frieze is a founder of the Boston Impact Initiative, whose mission is to fund economic justice for those most oppressed by social and economic constraints.

I could write this entire article about how inspiring these people were, but what are really important are the messages I carried home.

My favorite quote from the conference was “Local First means People First.” This phrase struck me because it is evident there is a deeper meaning to “going local” than simply to buying local food and eating at local restaurants. Our emphasis on all things local is an emphasis on people; the members of our home. So, in our quest for supporting local businesses and individuals throughout Arkansas, I created a list of highlights from the conference that we, as community members, can think about in order to support our communities of people.

Grow Local. We must strive to cultivate a strong ecosystem to meet the needs of all stakeholders in their community.

Professional building maintenance and heating and air conditioning services for:

Wise Investments. We must place capital into the hands of our local and diverse-job creating entrepreneurs as a key function of growing strong local economies and thriving communities.

Go Greener. Our communities to unite to ensure our businesses have access to education and information about sustainable practices.

Be Fair. Our businesses should strive to create quality jobs and empower employees.

Residential ClientsHomes & Rental Properties Commercial ClientsOffices, Restaurants, etc New Home Construction HVAC installation Replacement HVAC Systems Interior and Exterior Lighting Maintenance Family Owned & Operated

501-960-8971 24300 Chenal Pkwy #4023 Little Rock, AR 72223 www.yatesmaintenance.com

Create Magic. Being local requires igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in all of us as we work to grow our local enterprises and invigorate our local economies.

There is so much heart behind the local movement, and Arkansas will be a better place for being an active part of the local first, people first journey. As stated by an attendee of the conference, Raphael Souchier, “[Our local businesses] keep nourishing our hope for a humane future.�

Over the course of this conference, I learned so much about sustainable growth in local communities, and I am not finished learning yet. Being a part of a group of thoughtful, passionate, and dedicated individuals deepened my love for my home. In seeing how these local movements are becoming successful throughout the country energized me to help to continue to move Arkansas forward. A love of local is my hope for the future.

DOWNTOWN 501- 353-1045 323 Center St Little Rock, AR

B R AY G O U R M E T. C O M Mon-Thurs 7:30am - 3pm Friday 7:30am - 2pm

CARTI 501-660-7699 8901 CARTI WAY Little Rock, AR

BREAKFAST

7:30am - 9:30 am

- Susie Cowan

LUNCH

10:30am - close

13

Attention members & guests

Open daily at 3pm

PARTHENON A Counter Culture Shop

Live Music, Billiards, Food, & Fun on Tap. Open Daily 11am-2am

JULY

7th

Live music Fri. & Sat. nights

Akeem Kemp 3

8th 14th

Hoodoo Blues Revue

15th

Steam Loco

21st

Breaking Eden Reunion

22nd

Dirty Lindsey

28th 29th

Big Shane Thorton

Shotgun Billy’s

Southbound 420

AUGUST

4th

TBA

5th

90 Proof

11th

Markus Pearson Band

12th

Luke Williams Band

18th

TBA

19th

TBA

26th

Hoodoo Blues Revue

Plus MUCH more! Check out the website for the full band schedule.

Home of the 1/2 lb Midtown Burger!

JULY

6th 7th 8th

Nick Brumley & the Pollies Goodfoot MotherFunkShip

13th Okilly Dokilly

14th Brian Nahlen Band 15th Mike Dillon Band 21st Magnolia Brown 22nd ClusterPluck

28th Cadillac Jackson 29th Chapter : Soul

AUGUST

3rd 4th

Tim McGraw afterparty w/ The Salt Dogs

The Tumbling Wheels w/ Trey Johnson & Jason Willmon

10th Grassfed (no cover - 8pm) 11th Youth Pastor 12th Greasy Tree 25th The Crumbs

26th Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe

For the complete schedule, check out:

TCSMIDTOWN.COM

1611 EAST OAK ST. Conway , AR 72032

14

full schedule & food menu: www.fourquarterbar.com

415 Main St. N. Little Rock, AR

Hookahs•Shisha•Papers•Supplements•Games Detox Products•Tapestries•Flags•Candles Incense•Hand pipes•Gift Items•Vaporizers

(501) 565-5000 Open 7 days a week!

Mon. - Sat. 10 - 7 Sun. 1pm - 6pm

The Magick Cottage

•Incense sticks •Resin Incense •Florida Water •Herbs •Pendulums •Stones •Jewelry •Soaps •Washes •7 Day Candles •Incense Burners •Fairy statues •Cauldrons •Crystal Balls •Books •Salt Lamps •Leather Journals

Mon. - Sat. 10am - 6pm

6221 Colonel Glenn Rd. • Little Rock, AR

(501) 916-9622

{

{Favorite

Featured Skinny J's

S

- Adam Cherepski

kinny J’s began in 2009 in Cash, Arkansas near Jonesboro. Chef James Best returned home to his roots after attending Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Back in Cash, Chef Best set out to open a restaurant to serve great food to the great people of his hometown. Since then, his concept has grown. He moved the Cash location to Jonesboro and has since opened locations in Paragould in 2013 and North Little Rock in 2015.

The North Little Rock location is located in the downtown, Argenta District. “Not Your Average Steak and Burger Joint” is one of the most accurate mantras I have come across, and in the case of Skinny J’s, it is something they can boast. There is nothing average about the fare at Skinny J’s.

At first glance, you might think bar food is their bread and butter, and you would not be entirely incorrect in your assessment. The “bar food” is definitely a forte they have mastered, from the cheese fries and Reuben eggrolls, to the incredibly varied burger and sandwich offerings. However, there is so much more to Skinny J’s than you may realize. I can honestly say that before speaking with some of the staff, I was not privy either.

What was even more surprising than the unique takes on the “bar food,” is the quality of the entrees in that category. The steaks, referred to on the menu simply as “COW,” are all handcut in-house every day. The fact they take the time to butcher the steaks esch day, in addition to the fact that all of the steaks are certified Angus, is indicative of the desire for quality and freshness Chef Best holds dear.

Options for steaks include a filet, which can be topped with bleu cheese or the housemade gorgonzola sauce; a sirloin, an 8 ounce center cut; and a ribeye, ranging from 12-18 ounces in size.

Skinny J’s is not short on seafood offerings either. They offer raw oysters on the half shell, but I implore you to dive into the chargrilled variations. Unique toppings such as jalapeno, bacon, sriracha, parmesan, and mozzarella adorn the aptly named "Slap Yo Mama" version. You will not be searching for flavor when you give these a try. The "Skinny Style" are topped with crab, crawfish, as well as parmesan and mozzarella, and the "Classic Chargrilled" have a spicy parmesan butter. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

Now, let’s move to the bar, because why not?

Local offerings are important to the team at Skinny J’s, and their love of local shows in their drink selection. There are 14 different beers on tap at any one time, and of these 14, at least eight are Arkansas-based brews. Many of the mixed drinks also start with a Rock Town base – Skinny J's is a local business that supports local businesses. We love that!

This local-first approach carries over into the seasonal menu, or as they call it, the “Limited Time Only” menu. Each season brings anew, and this is absolutely the case with the “Limited Time Only” options. The bill of fare is based on the freshness and the availability of local products, so you are pleasantly surprised with each seasonal iteration.

Skinny J’s, for all intents and purposes, has been typecast as a place to grab great bar food, and while this attribution is true, it is so much more. Skinny J’s gives you the fine dining treatment with the care and the quality of what they place on the table, but it does so in an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. The next time you are looking for an excellent dinner destination, do yourself a favor and consider Skinny J’s. I know I am going to.

Skinny J’s is located at 314 Main Street in Downtown, North Little Rock in the Argenta District. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, and Sundays for brunch from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and dinner from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Their phone number is 501.916.2645. You can also find them on Facebook and at skinnyjs. com.

Saturday July 22 State House Convention Center

Tickets available at www.GARBF.com HOSTED BY

15

ON THE C OV E R

Garvan Woodland Gardens An Arkansas Oasis of Activity & Natural Beauty - Jillian McGehee | Photos by Masters Media Productions

A

rkansas is known for its natural beauty.

The splendor of “the Natural State” is neatly exhibited at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs – the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. Its mission is to, in part, preserve and enhance a unique part of the Ouachita environment and provide people with a place of learning, research, cultural enhancement and serenity.

Garvan is known for big events, such as its spectacle of holiday lights. Unique events are held throughout the year as well. And a little known fact is that its café delivers food to the Garvan boat dock on Lake Hamilton during the summer months, notes Sherre Freeman, marketing director.

Notable Events July and August abound with events for the whole family.

The July art exhibit by the Brushstrokes Art Club– “Garbanzo Gardens” – is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through the 31st in the Magnolia Room.

Brushstrokes is an art club formed in Hot Springs Village to foster a sense of community and support for those with an interest in the 16

visual arts. Through meetings and various programs such as demonstrations by members and guest artists, “Painting of the Month” recognition awards and opportunities to exhibit their work, Brushstrokes is able to encourage the artistic growth of all members. Brushstrokes also sponsors national and local professional artist workshops for Brushstrokes members and non-members.

On July 18, Garvan horticulturist and garden manager, Minnie Shelor, hosts “Beat the Heat: Gardening in the Shade” to share the top performers for shade, based on the success at the Gardens, as well as recommendations for Southern gardening.

Two fun events centered on food and libations are happening in July.

On July 6, Stone’s Throw Brewing of Little Rock teams up with Loblolly Creamery to show your taste buds a few different ways to enjoy two things you might already love: beer and ice cream. “Ice Cream and Beer Pairing with Loblolly Ice Cream” takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Magnolia Room.

On the 13th, Stone’s Throw returns to host a wine and beer tasting with Chataeu Aux Arc Vineyards. The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Magnolia Room.

For children, there is the “Fairy and Wizards Tea” on the 11th. Children are the honored guests at this popular summertime tea. The food and beverage event is served in the traditional English tea style with patrons enjoying assorted scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts, all accompanied by a variety of flavorful hot and cold teas.

Children are encouraged to dress as fairies or wizards for this fantasy-filled afternoon while the Gardens’ own “tea fairy” entertains with a short lesson in tea etiquette, followed by stories

to delight the young fairies in attendance. The event is at 3 p.m. in the Magnolia Room.

More fun events are available, too, such as the beer- and cheese-making demonstration on the 15th by Nolen Buffalo of the Water Buffalo in Little Rock.

The first class, from 10 a.m. to noon, will focus on cheese making. Cheese made from goat milk is called “Chevre.” Buffalo will make Chevre cheese in class from locally sourced goat milk. He will also discuss making farmhousestyle cheese. Participants will sample some farmhouse cheese made a few days prior.

After a lunch break, Buffalo will demonstrate the process of making beer using grains and no additional extract sugars. The entire process of converting starches from grains into sugar, rinsing those grains of the sugars, and then adding hops to a boiling pot is referred to as “all grain” brewing. Each step will be covered from both a scientific and practical perspective.

It is highly recommended that participants have either attempted to make beer using extract methods or have read extensively about the beer-making process to get the most out of this class.

August’s art exhibit is the “People’s Choice Award” by the Traditional Art Guild Exhibit.

The Traditional Art Guild of Hot Springs will present its award show at Garvan throughout the month. About 35-40 artists from the Greater Hot Springs area will participate in the exhibit. Paintings of nature subjects in all mediums (oil, acrylic, pastels and watercolor) will be presented. The art will also be offered for sale by the artists, with a portion of sales

going to projects at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

The art show winners are chosen by votes from visitors to the Gardens.

On the 22nd, Shelor, garden manager, will share simple ways to add water features to your garden in the special event “Water You Waiting For?” Shelor will discuss the basics of adding easy and inexpensive garden features, as well as tips for how to install more elaborate water features. The event will happen in the Magnolia Room.

Back by popular demand, local artist and Garvan staff member Suzie Burch will present a two-day creative workshop on the 29th and 30th. Each participant will design and create a dimensional mosaic art piece. Following the principal, “One person’s trash is another’s treasure,” mosaic art can be made by upcycling materials often found at the flea market or the neighborhood yard sale.

While all materials are provided, students are encouraged to bring old trinkets, stones, and other pieces of “junk” that they would like to include in their finished piece of art.

Day one will find students designing and placing pieces. Day two will allow students to grout and cure the finished product.

For the kids, there are the Natural State Ecology Day Camps from Aug. 1-3. Open to participants of all ages, these day camps are designed with the rising fifth- to eighth-grade student in mind. Each day may be attended individually. Activities and informational sessions will be centered on Arkansas ecology, while addressing various themes within the general topic. Students will have the opportunity to engage in creative projects, including designing a natural habitat.

Of Note Garvan Woodland Gardens’ landscape is filled with unique gardens and architecture such as the Anthony Chapel. A new structure in the works is a tree house to be built in the Evans Children Adventure Garden.

The idea of the tree house is a natural evolution of the construction of the children’s garden, says Becca Ohman, garden director. She says the main tree house structure is about 28 feet tall, with the tallest point 41 feet off the ground, and the lowest at 13 feet. It’s 45-feet long and four stories tall, including the crow’s nest.

Inspiration for the tree house’s architecture comes from the “architectural wonders of Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Fay Jones’ Garvan Pavilion and the Anthony Chapel,” Ohman says. “The design responds to the site by ending and curing around statuesque shortleaf pines and provides constant view of its inspiration, the surrounding woodlands.”

Joe Dooley and his wife, Martha, are avid volunteers and enjoy special events held at Garvan, such as the Ballet Arkansas gala held at the Anthony Chapel last fall. The gardens’ pergola is named after the Dooleys and has become the go-to spot for small, intimate, outdoor weddings.

Joe is a volunteer docent. “The joy of being a docent is meeting people from all over the world,” he says, noting Garvan has an estimated 175,000 visitor count each year.

The joy of Garvan goes beyond tulips, daffodils and holiday lights, he says. “The programs benefit the community by providing educational forums, lectures, demonstrations and on-hand workshops for adults and children.”

Here for You Whether you’re looking for a summer day outing or planning a special occasion, Garvan Woodland Gardens likely has something for you. Visit the website, www.garvangardens.org, to learn more details to fit your specific needs and to also stay current on special events. Some events are free. Ticket prices and how to get them also are noted with each event listed on the calendar.

Volunteer Opportunities For those looking for a way to give back, Garvan Gardens has a comprehensive program that welcomes volunteers, Freeman says.

17

T IMBO

Weddings

P ROMOTIONS

Birthdays Corporate Events

MOBILE DJ SERVICE

Class Reunions

Mark Timmons (Owner)

501.993.6264

www.timbopromotions.com (Online Booking Available)

thousands of items in store!

Beer, Wine, Cider, & Mead Making Supplies.

Cheese Making Supplies Pickling Supplies Hydroponic, Indoor, Organic, & Aquaponic Gardening Supplies New & Used Items

168 S Broadview Greenbrier, AR (501) 358-6485

OFFERING SATURDAY CLASSES IN:

Hydroponic Gardening Wine Making • Cheese Making Beer Making • Soda & Cider Call or follow us on Facebook for class schedules!

Discount on class material after the class.

501-725-5296 BEER ON TAP AVAILABLE NOW! Pints, 1/2 Growlers, Growlers & Flight Samples from multiple brewers.

Open & serving beer 7 days a week!

106 Rodney Parham Rd. Little Rock, AR 72205 18

1435 S. Pine Cabot, AR (501) 286-6068

All juices made in house

www.drippersvapeshop.com Friendly staff

Beginners & Advanced welcome!

Low Prices

NEW LOCATION! 913 Malvern Ave.

Hot Springs

Volunteer locally Spend your time making a difference this summer.

- April Lane

Freedom! School is out and summer has started. Lake trips, pool days, and snow cones have begun. There is much fun to be had in The Natural State, and many families will be taking some time to enjoy all it has to offer. In addition to vacationing this summer, you may consider spending some time giving back to our local communities.

In thinking of my childhood, I have summertime memories of the time I spent at the lakes, parks, and pools, but I also have a fond recollection of working in an elderly neighbor’s lawn and volunteering at a local foodbank.

When we make service work a normal part of our lives, we demonstrate values through action to show our kids a way to live a life of purpose outside of ourselves.

To help in your search for volunteer opportunities, we put together a list of a few ides you can ponder. If volunteering at an organization is not your style, there are many other options for volunteer work that can be organized in your own backyard. Volunteering isn’t always “official.” Examples of backyard volunteering are running errands for a housebound neighbor; helping your local city council with upcoming events; donating all or a portion of the proceeds from your springcleaning garage sale to an organization of your choosing. In addition to these ideas, the following is a list, in no particular order, of things you can do to make a difference in your community this summer: 1. Animal Welfare: Are you interesting in sewing or knitting? You could put those skills to use and make dog/cat toys for shelter animals. To do this, you can use inexpensive fleece remnants or old torn jeans. In addition to toys, you can transform old blankets, pillows, or fabric remnants to make pet beds for shelters.

2. Combating Homelessness: Learn rehabbing skills while volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Rules may vary for the ages of volunteers.

3. Environment Conservation: Volunteering for the National Park Service Youth Conservation Corps (age 16 and up). You could also organize a neighbor-wide “trash the litter” effort in your community. Don’t forget the gloves!

4. Community Outreach: Make a “grandfriend” at a nursing home, assisted living facility, or in the neighborhood. Spend some hot days inside to play card games, do crafts together, teach each other new skills, make up stories, exchange advice, and build a real connection.

5. Health and Wellness: Visit Arkansas Children’s Hospital and take books, toys, art, to spend the day warming up the hearts and lives of the children and families. You can inquire about becoming a long-term volunteer which requires additional training.

6. Feeding the Hungry: Gather up food for a local food pantry or organize an office-wide cereal drive.

7. Civic Involvement: Get involved in a civic cause. Write, call, or drop by your local government offices. Seek out and attend local public meetings with constituents in your district.

8. Personal Cause: Create your own campaign or join one through DoSomething.org. You can choose the cause, the amount of time you have available, and the type of service you want to participate (donations, face-to-face, events, taking a stand, etc.). For example, you can work to stop friends from texting and driving; raise awareness about domestic violence; or create

activity books for children in hospitals.

9. Arts and Culture: Do you sing or play a musical instrument? Volunteer to give music lessons to people in your community. You can even take your skills to local shelters, volunteer at fundraising events, or play at senior organizations.

10.Veteran and Military Support: Send a package or cards to deployed troops, veterans, wounded soldiers or first-responders through organizations such as Operation Gratitude.

These are just a few ideas and ways to volunteer during the summer. Hopefully your summer work will lead into a year-round adventure. The richness that is added to our lives by reaching out to support and lend a helping hand to another cannot be understated.

No act is too small, and every little bit helps.

Simple acts of kindness add up to be pillars of every community. These are a few ways that you can contribute some to ours. Don’t be afraid to get out of the comfort zone of everyday life and see what you can do to enrich the lives of others. It is rewarding and as gratifying as any other adventure that lay waiting in our beautiful state.

For a full list of nonprofits in Arkansas, visit www.arkansasgives.org/organizations

19

Heels

d

an

WHEELS

Anything is possible when you own your own story.

C

amp Sunshine is a family of children, not just campers, who come every year for four days. The Camp is their support, their friends, their advisors, their extended family. These are children that have gone through an awful traumatic injury in their lives. They’re survivors.

Not victims, survivors. They are strong and have grown from it. With challenges that most adults could not even begin to fathom, these children have overcome what most would consider the impossible. They are still able to show up here with a smile on their face looking to have a good time with their friends. You wouldn’t know for an instant the miles of roads they’ve traveled to get here.

AS one camper put it, “It is a time and place to get away from reality. Be around people who have gone through what you’ve been through.

You don’t have to worry about what else is really out there.”

As a burn survivor since the age of 2 years old, fashion designer, author, and inspirational keynote speaker Linda Rowe Thomas's heart clearly beats for philanthropy. Thomas has solidified her role among the many community leaders dedicated to empowering the community.

Linda's designs grace the runway for worthy causes across the nation, and she continues to receive national recognition for her philanthropy service and design accomplishments.

Linda has used her adversities to inspire young burn survivors and later founded the Designing Hope Foundation. In partnership with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and The Arkansas Fire Fighter’s Association, Designing Hope ensures the success and growth of programs like Camp Sunshine and SOAR for survivors.

Over 100,000 patients are admitted every year to Burn Centers across the country. While many burns are minor and do not require hospitalization, some burns can be very extensive or deep and may require hospitalization and surgery. Approximately one-third of patients treated for burns are pediatric patients. Designing Hope is committed to the empowerment of burn survivors by promoting the physical and emotional healing as well as their continued growth and development.

This year, Ray of Sunshine - a committee of ordinary people supporting the extraordinary cause of Camp Sunshine - has partnered with Designing Hope and Arkansas Children’s

Hospital to host events that will help benefit Camp Sunshine and all of the families that attend.

Join us for their first event of the year, Heels & Wheels on July 30th at the Metroplex. There will be BBQ and live music from Chris Tarkington, GoodFoot, and Sean Fresh. There will also be a fashion show and a car and motorcycle contest.

All proceeds will go to Camp Sunshine.

To view Linda’s fashion designs for yourself, visit www.romasbylrt.com. You can also find out more about the Heels & Wheels event on the Ray of Sunshine Facebook page and more about Designing Hope at www.designing-hope.org.

JULY12-5pm 30

@ Metroplex

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS! Custom Printed Pens, Koozies, Bags/ Backpacks, Sunglasses, headphones & MORE!

· Jewelry making supplies · Classes · Jewelry Repair · Beads, beads & more beads!

w w w. b a n a n a g r a p h i c s b e n t o n . c o m

537-0928

NEW LOCATION!

Screen Printing & Embroidery

1608 South Main St. · Little Rock, AR

Family owned & operated for 24 years!

105 S. Market St. Benton, AR

501.315.9000 20

Toni Frazier, CIC Agent NPR #1743997

Richard Frazier Agent License 23436

(501) 225-1818

As we continue to follow The Clean Eatery on their journey of making central Arkansas healthy, we see that they take great pride in offering only the freshest food to their customers. What started as a personal desire for quality, fast, healthy food options has turned into a local fitness and clean-eating staple. The Clean Eatery takes great pride in offering only the freshest organic foods and maintaining fivestar quality ratings. The biggest gap in fitness, weight loss/gain and athletics are the foods we eat. When trying to stay on track, it’s nice to have somewhere to go that supports your goals and satisfies your taste buds. The Clean Eatery does just that.

Running your business is tough enough without worrying about insurance.

Specializing in Restaurant and Hospitality Business Insurance. Call now to receive a quote!

Multiple Carriers

Home · Auto Life · Health

808 Reservoir Road, Suite B Little Rock, Arkansas 72227 P: 501-225-1818 · F: 501-223-8682 choicematters@frazieragency.com www.frazieragency.com

There are options for weight loss, weight gain, athletics, etc. You may be wondering what kind of meals Clean Eatery offers. Ryan told us, “The meals are new every week. Everything from vegetarian, to paleo to vegan to pescetarian (vegetarian with fish), and even the occasional ‘pegan’ which is the paleo/vegan combo. Every client’s needs are different, so we make sure that each individual meal is tailored to their specific needs and tastes.” The food itself in this program is based on helping a person achieve his goals, not just for subsistence.

When it comes to portion control, Ryan says this is important for controlling your metabolism. If you are eating correctly portioned meals throughout the day, your metabolism can operate at a high speed. “Think about if you’re doing 80 miles per hour and you hit a speed bump. It’s the same thing for your body. Not to mention the types of food you’re filling it with. Different types of fats, types of sugars… they provide a different type of viscosity, so to speak. Think of the motor oil in

your car. If it’s really heavy and thick, your car is not going to run correctly. The cleaner it is, the better it runs. So you have to constantly change that out regularly,” says Ryan. Each prepared meal program has a variety of options to hold you accountable and successful.

Whether it be at the gym, body building, training for a marathon or just losing 20 pounds, The Clean Eatery has options. With so many diet fads and questionable diet supplements on the market, sometimes "the right thing to do" can become ambiguous, and you can feel lost and alienated. The Clean Eatery is here to help you create positive habits for life and put you right on track to achieving your fitness and weight loss goals. If you feel like getting healthy is going to be difficult or that food is just not going to taste as good as what you’re used to, give Clean Eatery a call and chat about your options.

One testimonial states, “I decided to try this after it was recommended by a friend. I was interested in weight loss and learning to eat healthy with appropriate portions. I do the 5 days/week option and I have done this program for 4 weeks and have already lost 8 lbs!

The food is surprisingly delicious! I often think of healthy food as tasteless and for the majority, it's not the case! I love it and plan to continue on this journey for 8 more weeks! Thank you clean eatery for giving me a new outlook on food!

Check out their website today to find out how they can lead you down the road a new view of eating clean and living well.

www.cleaneaterylr.com

21

The Little Pantry - April Lane

Ginger Beck has been giving back for many years in this community. As a teacher, a volunteer, a friend, and an artist, many throughout the community have benefited from her passions and kind heart for quite some time.

Ginger’s first passion has been teaching, but her skills certainly do not stop there.

“I have been teaching high school English for 15 years. I currently teach for the Little Rock School District at Hamilton Learning Academy, an alternative school that services students who are successful in a smaller environment. I am also apprenticing at 7th Street Tattoo here in Little Rock.”

It was no surprise when Ginger decided to pick up another cause, and The Little Pantry was born. “I saw that Fayetteville had a Little Free Pantry and thought it seemed like a really simple, yet helpful project that I could work on here in Little Rock. I always like to be involved in something to better myself or others, and this pantry seemed like the perfect fit. I emailed them to ask if I could use the name, and they were very helpful. They want the project to spread across the country, and it absolutely is.”

The idea quickly spawned into an effort picked up by friends and supporters. “We had money and materials donated. My good friend Ash Gray, Aaron Reddin with The Van, and Rannell Dee donated their time and work space for the construction. I chose Dunbar Garden because it is a private organization and property so we could collaborate easily. Also, Dunbar Garden works so closely with Dunbar Middle school, that I knew students would see and benefit from helping stock it or utilizing it as needed.”

It is no secret that our homeless friends need support, love and nourishment through the difficult times. Beck recounts some of the work she has witnessed in the city and how that really contributed to her wanting to do something to help as well. “Seeing Aaron and the rest of the volunteers at The Van doing so much for homeless in Little Rock and seeing how many of the families of my students struggle, even though they aren't homeless, made me want to help in some small way. I wanted it to be available for anyone who needed it with no questions asked. “ Once it was up and running, several supporters made monetary donations to help keep The Little Pantry stocked. She set up a PayPal for out of town persons who want to donate (littlefreepantrylittlerock@gmail.com) and an amazon wish list that ships items directly to the pantry.

The needs are pretty simple. Anything nonperishable and new: food and toiletries.

The only used items accepted are gently used 22

books. Beck says they like to keep the pantry full but also keep an overflow stock in storage.

Ready make meals, baby items, canned foods, macaroni, ramen noodles, peanut butter and jelly, deodorants, haircare products, women's hygiene products, coloring books or activities for kids, school supplies, and anything else that won't melt.

Right now the pantry is supported by several monthly donors and people from the community who stop by with a bag or two every so often.

Many times, Beck will buy items with donations and deliver them. Items can be donated MonFriday 8-4pm at Dunbar Garden, 1801 S. Chester Street, Little Rock, AR. You can follow them on their Facebook page at facebook.com/ littlefreepantrylittlerock. There is also a link to the amazon wish list on there as well. Other ways to follow the pantry is by following on Instagram: @littlefreepantrylittlerock Anyone can access the pantry Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm and on some Saturdays or special events in the evenings when Dunbar Garden hosts. All a person must do is walk in and either donate or take what they need. They encourage people to look around the garden, which has lots of fresh vegetables for sale and chickens with eggs for sale, but walking in and out is perfectly acceptable as well.

When asked if the pantry has empowered people in the community Beck says, “Absolutely.

We have had many people really enjoy sharing when they can, and we have even gotten thank you notes left in the pantry from people who were in need. The response on Facebook has been positive as well.” The main challenge going forward is to keep the community involved and excited about donating. If several people drop off a bag or two once a month, or give a small monetary donation each month, that will help keep it going. “The pantry is in a safe area and available to everyone, including, but not just for the homeless.”

They say big things come in small packages, and I think that one thing that Ginger Beck and everyone who is supporting The Little Free Pantry is showing is that one small idea and a handful of friends can spawn a project that has the potential to really impact the community.

The Little Free Pantry and Beck really showcase what a little heart can do to change the world, in this case, one pantry at a time.

Arkansas Yoga Collective is the place to learn the art and science of yoga.

With up to 8 classes a day ranging from beginner to all-levels, private lessons, wellness consultations and weekend workshops, you can create a yoga schedule that works for you. Pair your yoga class with a luxurious massage from Restoration Therapeutics. Enjoy local coffee, amazing teas, all natural products from KIND FOLKE apothecary, Fair Trade gifts and more.

ALL-LEVELS CLASSES SUNRISE YOGA BEGINNER VINYASA FOUNDATION CLASSES ASHTANGA classes EVENING & LATE NIGHT CLASSES GUIDED MEDITATION PRIVATE & CORPORATE YOGA NEW STUDENT SPECIAL! $30 FOR 30 DAYS 501.313.2950 7 8 0 1 C a ntr e l l R d . S u ite D

HOMME + FEMME HUDSON JEANS IRON&RESIN EPTM ZANEROBE WESC AG DIESEL VITALY NIXON RVCA

365 Yoga Dream -Sarah Thomas

As the summer solstice arrives, you may want to celebrate with your passion for yoga. You can connect to this organic time change with your yoga practice, balancing yourself with the time and gaining a deeper connection with the sun and the changing of the seasons and changes in your life.

Many yoga practitioners learn the Sun Salutation Sequence early on in their practice.

What an excellent way to greet the sun on any day, but during the summer solstice, this sequence has even greater meaning. Sun Salutations consist of a set of yoga poses done in a specific order: 1. Mountain: Stand with your feet shoulder's width apart, with arms in the prayer position.

PROVISIONS FOR THE CULTURED GENTLEMAN

11220 N. RODNEY PARHAM RD. SUITE 3 LITTLE ROCK 72212

5 0 1 . 2 4 6 . 5 4 6 6

Personal Local Service...

It’s what I do.

(501) 907-5747 April Pollard

april.pollard@edwardjones.com 11601 Pleasant Ridge Rd. Ste 303 Little Rock, AR 72212

2. Extended Mountain: On an inhale, slowly raise your arms over your head and bend backward as far as you comfortable can.

3. Standing Forward Bend: On an exhale, bend forward from the waist, touching your hands to your feet and bending your knees if you must.

4. Plank: Exhale, then extend both your legs back into something resembling a push-up in the up position.

5. Low Plank: Exhale and lower yourself into a push-up in the down position.

6.Cobra or Upward Dog: On an inhale, bring your neck, head and chest up while leaving your legs on the ground and tilting the head back.

7. Downward Dog: Bring your head down and raise your hips into the air on an exhale.

8. Walk, step, or jump your feet behind your hands at the front of the mat.

9. Repeat Standing Forward Bend.

10. Repeat Extended Mountain.

11. Complete routine by resting in Mountain.

23

FEATURED ARTIST Imagine yourself sitting in a room surrounded by friends and strangers when a familiar song plays. That moment of harmony does something magical to the entire group. All of a sudden, friends and strangers come together and the dynamic is changed. Nine times out of ten, the conversation turns to the song. Music gives us a sense of commonality that not much else can.

The Fried Pies is a local bluegrass/folk band with the sole purpose to use its music to bring people together. The band uses songs as a mechanism to form a community between the musicians and all members of the audience. Reed Balentine, one of the founding members of the band, told me a bit about the group and its music.

Of course, my first question was about the name of the band. Balentine said the name came about four years ago, even though the group was formed two years later. The story of how the name came to be was when Balentine was enjoying – you guessed it – a fried pie! While indulging on this sweet dessert, Balentine

Veteran Owned & Operated

realized pie was like music. Everyone likes it. To make pie even better, we Southerners perform a task that we do best: We fry it.

Balentine carries this philosophy into the band's music. Like the sweet dessert frying in a skillet, the Fried Pies puts its own unique spin on fan favorites. In fact, Balentine referenced one of the band's biggest crowd pleasers: TLC’s “Waterfalls.” Their "fried" version of this mid90s classic contains a musical combination of a banjo, a guitar, a mandolin, an upright bass, and a harmonica. If the word “unique” doesn’t come to mind after thinking of that musical style, then I am not sure what word would.

I bring up the concept of crowd favorites, because that is where members of Fried Pies center their efforts. They play what the people want to hear. Balentine says the band does not prefer to push its original music on anyone. If the band gets an inclination to play an original song, the members will ask permission first. After all, we are all about manners in the South. At a Fried

Pies show, you will hear a little bit of everything.

They perform songs pre-dating the 1900s all the way up to current pop songs. The genres can include, but are not limited to, country, gospel, folk, reggae, and R&B. While the offering is varied, every piece on the set list will be “fried.”

The Fried Pies see their music as a way to bring people together. They do everything they can to find the elusive balance between nostalgia and novelty. If you teeter on this balance in the slightest, you run the risk of losing some of your audience. It is the balance keeping everyone rooted, and it is what the band strives to achieve.

If you want to hear the Fried Pies, they tend to play outdoor venues such as farmers' markets and festivals. They often play the Flux Festivals in Greenbrier. The next Greenbrier event is Quantum Flux on September 8th-10th. They are also available for private events. Look for them on Facebook for scheduled appearances and booking information. Be sure to be on the lookout for their first album around the first half of August.

- Adam Cherepski

Gravel Ridge Productions, lLc

Photography | Editing | Videography | Digital Media | Special Effects

501-313-7985 • Graysonholt@ymail.com In association with non-profit organization

House of Melody Education Songwriting | Lessons | Audio Production Band Instruction | Rehearsal Space

501-831-3336 • Kishmoody@yahoo.com 24

Why is

Local

Shopping

?

Important to You

CASTON-JAMES

Shopping local embraces innovation. It puts the community in control of our economy. Furthermore, seeing local businesses sprout up inspires & encourages the people of Arkansas to reach out and make improvements to their surroundings. Without local businesses, Arkansas would be in the hands of replaceable franchises who are only concerned with dollar amounts.

Co-Owner of Paramount Skateboards

Local breweries give our state A LOT of its flavor. All across America, you can find the major breweries on the shelf but the local taprooms, where experimental single batch beers are being created, are one-of-a-kind.

The combined presence of our communities' many local flavors and ingredients make it different from every other place in the world. By supporting our breweries we ensure that uniqueness is preserved as a part of our state's flavor.

Your own personal chef!

Our meals include: The Highest Quality Ingredients, No added Junk, Paleo & Primal Options, Gluten Free, Grain Free, 100% Grass-Fed & Pastured Meats.

901.488.1110 info@cravefuel.com

www.cravefuel.com

REED LEWALLEN Co-Partner of the Great Arkansas Beer Festival

TEMEEKA STEWARD Office Manager, Banana Graphics

Shopping local is one the easiest ways to help your community and local economy. Local, small business owners are usually families themselves employing local people from your community. When you shop local, you are not paying some un-named CEO of a large corporation in another state. You are helping pay the salary of the single parent right down the street who works hard to put food on the table. You are helping pay for upgrades to your community park around the corner. You are helping children at the elementary school around the corner eat lunch. You are helping the city maintain our roads and utilities.

In short, by shopping at a local small business, you are actually making a difference.

I believe that doing business with local stores results in a better and stronger community by increasing the local revenue. More businesses are able to hire more people locally which in turn increases our economy and makes it better for everyone.

We Believe the quality of our Health determines the quality of our life & nothing is more important than that!

4150 Heritage Drive North Little Rock, AR

CrossFitAlign@gmail.com

901.237.4644 www.alignlr.com

RICHARD DEUTSCH Owner of Piano Kraft

REDEEM FOR 1 FREE WEEK! 25

Conway Family Bowl

QUARTE R MAN

IA

Wed. 8:45 pm- 12 am $6 cover charge, 25¢ Bowling, 50¢ food menu !

KIDS BOWL FREE

Kids 15 & under bowl 2 games FREE every day until Oct. 1st. Register online.

GLOW BOWL

Fri. & Sat. 10 pm-1am Unlimited Glow Bowling $15 per player

Since 1870 Bennett’s Military Supplies has been Arkansas’ oldest and largest store of its kind.

1010 E. Oak St. Conway, AR

501-329-2638 kidsbowlfree.com We specialize in: · Genuine Military Items · Boots Clothing · Packs & Gear & Airsoft Products

608 Main Street · Little Rock

501-372-2944

Residential, Commercial, Automotive SERVICES: » Over 100 Architectural film options » Clear heat blocking film » Ceramic, carbon & metalized automotive film options » High impact security film » Head-light & tail-light wrap » Paint Protection / clear bra » Early morning, after hour & weekend appointments available

www.sunstop.solar 501.708.0903 26

13120 Crystal Hill Rd. Ste F North Little Rock, AR

- Melissa Tucker Photos by Masters Media Productions

E

arlier this spring, the Little Rock Tech Park updated the local entrepreneurial scene by installing like-minded, techfocused companies -- and caffeine from one coffee shop -- under one roof.

The new features of Tech Scene 2.0 hopefully will prompt new partnerships, collaborations and “creative collisions,” said Tech Park executive director Brent Birch.

To be eligible for a spot in the new office building, (which spans two buildings on Main Street, and will eventually include a third), companies must have a technological focus or play a support role, like intellectual property or patent attorneys.

Of those qualified, many are start-ups, but others are well-established companies wanting a satellite office in downtown Little Rock. So far, about 30 companies have set up shop in the Tech Park, and most have an average of 2 to 3 employees. "The new space is an ideal place for new companies looking to grow," Birch said.

“The biggest thing we offer is professional space at a very affordable and flexible rate, which allows the companies to shrink and grow as needed,” Birch said. “Instead of having their capital tied up in office space, we allow them space here, and they can navigate where their company is headed.”

The professional space makes it easier to recruit customers and employees. It also includes a mailing address, state-of-the-art conference space, meeting rooms, break rooms, high-speed internet, and furniture and utilities, all at a month-to-month price.

The Tech Park also has a second floor, overlooking the coffee shop, where law students and others come to work or study.

This floor serves as overflow for locals, but also has modern-looking Herman Miller chairs and sofas, private booths for phone calls, and co-working space, which can also be rented.

Because those spaces are open to the public, the office areas and elevators on the upper floors require a security badge for access.

THE BIG IDEA The concept of the Tech Park originated 2005 when locals saw a need for lab space for research emerging from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“We were losing quite a few companies to Dallas, Nashville, and St Louis, because employees and students were coming up with ideas on these states' college campuses. Those involved get ready to turn these ideas into a profit businesses, but they didn’t have any reason to stay here, mainly because we didn’t have lab space,” Birch said. “So that’s where the project got started. This current phase does not have any of that in it because this was the lowhanging fruit, and the start-up scene has taken off since that was dreamed up.”

He said future phases will include laboratory space, but for now, the building will incubate the burgeoning tech market.

The Tech Park also houses the Venture Center, which is an entrepreneurial support outfit. “People walk in the door with ideas, and they need to flesh it out and need mentoring and access to people that can help them, and that’s the role the Venture Center plays,” Birch said. “They run the ‘Accelerator’ that’s going on now, where they had 10 companies come from all over the country spending three months here fleshing out their ideas.”

Last year, two of the companies participating in the Accelerator ended up relocating to Arkansas from St. Louis and Atlanta, he said.

THE HARDWARE: The Tech Park presently encompasses about

38,000 square feet, spanning two buildings on the 400 block of Main Street. Future plans for the park include a third building at Capitol Avenue and Main Street, which now houses state employees. The main building, with Blue Sail Coffee Company operating in the lobby, is six stories tall and sits in the middle.

“We moved in here March 1. We purchased the property in February 2016 and started construction in April,” Birch said. “So, in 11 months, we’ve turned this thing around because this building has been vacant since the early ‘90s.

This is where Stephens, Inc. was before they moved to the big tower.”

The three-story building next door was formerly a law firm. The two buildings, both built around the 1920s, have been remodeled and joined together on the three floors where they meet. The finished product is a mix of vintage brick and wood, modern glass, aluminum, and white-board paint, all of which results in a modern-industrial feel with some throwback accents.

The Tech Park also owns the parking lot across the street, and the lot next to Channel 7, as well as two lots behind the building where they plan to add a parking deck.

“The [third] building next door is the biggest.

It’s 48,000 square feet, and we inherited a lease from the state of Arkansas on that building,” Birch said. “The Arkansas Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education are in that building, so they will be there for another five years as part of that lease.”

Currently, Birch is the sole employee of the Little Rock Tech Park. He’s executive director, marketer, property manager, and, when necessary, the janitor.

“I came here from Arkansas Business Publishing Group where I was chief information officer for 14 years, so anything technology wise, I led that piece of it,” he said.

27

“But that required me to wear a lot of different hats, because you name a hat, I wear it here. I’ve cleaned glass. If there’s too many hand prints on the front glass, I’ll be more than happy to clean it up. I handle just about everything here which keeps it something different every day.”

The two buildings are designed to offer different office environments. The three-story building is set up for fully-enclosed, private offices, while the center building has more open-air, glass-walled working environments and desks stationed outside of them.

Birch points to a glass office and explains, “A founder of a company would begin in one of these, and as they start hiring people, they could put them out here.”

Some of those areas are currently used for coworking, which offers access to printers, copiers and scanners as well as a locker and utilities and a month-to-month price point.

The top floor has no tenants yet, but is set up for long-term lease space. The floor plan is open and not yet designed. Until it’s filled, the floor has been used for events.

Despite having one empty floor, Birch is happy with how fast the Tech Park is filling with tenants. “The fourth floor, opened around May 1, and we have already filled it,” he said.

“We have one office left up there, so I’m pretty pleased with that.”

The Tech Park is a five phase process, and Birch says he’s in the early stages of phase two.

Future phases will include laboratory space to stay true to the original concept.

“We’re going to design the building to where if we wanted to convert an additional floor to lab space, we could,” he said. “The third phase is a parking deck on this back side, because we will put buildings on these lots we own, and we’ll lose our service parking if we do that. So, we’ll get in front of that problem by building a deck, which will have a first floor with retail and a restaurant.”

The fourth and fifth phases include more office space. The third building will be more suited to a bigger company that might want multiple floors. It’ll work for somebody,” he said.

28

PLUGGING IN PEOPLE As the Tech Park fills up with people, Blue Sail Coffee in the main lobby keeps the place buzzing.

“We had coffee in the plans the whole time, for its ability to create some energy in that front space, and so people who aren’t part of the project can come in here and realize there’s some pretty cool things going on here.”

Blue Sail Coffee Company is based in Conway, and the Tech Park is its first location in Little Rock, said co-owner and Coffee Director Andy Pickle.

“The tech sector is heavily caffeinated to create their ideas and solve problems and we are happy to help fuel them,” Pickle said. “In our Conway locations, we’ve worked with authors, artists, developers and coders, and they are some of our favorite customers, it’s so awesome to see all their work come to fruition/ We felt it was a perfect fit to work with the same type of people in Little Rock.”

Blue Sail Coffee Company also hosts Tuesday networking events called “Lift the Rock” to showcase a local entrepreneur or start-up.

And Blue Sail isn’t left out of the collaboration -- some of the tenants have proposed coffeerelated apps and other ideas for working together on marketing.

With the 30 forwardthinking companies inside the building, the Tech Park has already become a hub of collaboration and creativity, said Mike Steely of Sparkible.

Steely owns a marketing technology firm which works in digital marketing and data analytics, but since moving into the Tech Park, the focus of his firm has started to evolve and grow.

“The direction is changing daily, as we’re constantly connecting to new people and rethinking the next 10 steps. Next week,

it’s probably going to be different,” he said.

Steely is an “old-school tech guy” and says the Tech Park was appealing from both an operational and strategic standpoint.

“We’re small with two fulltime and some part-time employees and some remote resources, so the ability to come here and operate with internet and conference rooms on a month-to-month basis allowed us to take those risks to move downtown and be in operation before we would otherwise be able to afford it,” he said.

From a strategic standpoint, Steely says the collaborations with other companies in the Tech Park have already advanced his business and will likely lead to partnerships.

“I have 4 to 5 people pop into my office each day asking me questions about what they do, and I’m asking them for help, and it’s all done in an extremely unselfish manner,” he said.

“These companies have overlap, but everyone is helping out from a creative standpoint, and not expecting anything in return. This is a payit-forward facility, and in two to three months here, the offerings I have for my clients are better, and I’ve double the amount of revenue I can produce.”

Most of the collaboration is spontaneous, but it’s become more formal, Steely explained.

“I think you’re to see some unique partnerships created here with people who want to grow and build big things in Little Rock, and that’s the whole point of what we’re doing,” he said. “We want to do good things together and grow.”

417 Main Street Little Rock, AR (501) 658-5231 lrtechpark.com

29

DIRECTORY Business, Professional & Technical Services

(501) 225-3600 www.lrac.com

CDots Media (501) 786-6323 www.cdotsmedia.com

Suite.102.Salon 824 west 7th street, Ste. 102 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 371-0102

Dane Dover, CPA, CGMA 10515 W Markham St., Suite J-4 Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 580-2979 www.danedovercpa.com Document Management, Inc. 6201 Murray Street Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 562-9995 www.docman.biz Manatt Web (501) 351-2358 www.manattweb.com Prater Law Firm (870) 543-9064 praterlawfirmpllc.com Sparkible Idea Comapny (501) 410-3394 sparkible.com Urban Frontier LLC (501) 588-7345 www.urbanfrontier.org Health, Beauty, Wellness Clean Eatery LLC (501) 508-5088 www.cleaneateryLR.com Crave 4150 Heritage Dr North Little Rock, AR 72117 (901) 488-1110 www.cravefuel.com Crossfit Align 4150 Heritage Dr North Little Rock, AR 72117 (901) 237-4644 www.AlignLR.com Joey Edwards Salon 5817 1/2 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Little Rock, AR 72207 (501) 336-5559 www.joeyedwardssalon.com Little Rock Athletic Centers 4610 Sam Peck Road Little Rock, AR 72223

30

Retail, Gifts, Hobbies Argenta Bead Company 703 Main Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 537-0928 www.argentabead.com Bella Vita Jewelry 523 S Louisiana St., Ste. 175 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 396-9146 www.bellavitajewelry.net Dogtown Sound 4012 J.F.K. Blvd North Little Rock, AR 72116 (501) 478-9663 www.dogtownsound.com

The Freckled Frog 419 President Clinton Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 514-2060

Izzy's Restaurant 5601 Ranch Dr. Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 868-4311

The Green Corner Store 1423 Main Street Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 374-1111 www.thegreencornerstore.com

Kent Walker Artisan Cheese 323 S Cross St. Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 301-4963 www.kentwalkercheese.com

The Vapor Connection 11601 W. Markham St Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 916-9733 www.the-vapor-connection.com

Loblolly Creamery 1423 S Main St Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 396-9609 www.loblollycreamery.com

The Water Buffalo 106 S Rodney Parham Rd. Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 725-5296 www.thewaterbuffalo.com

Rock Town Distillery 1216 E 6th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 907-5244 www.rocktowndistillery.com

WordsWorth Books & Co. 5920 R Street Little Rock, AR 72207 (501) 663-9198 www.wordsworthar.com

Stone's Throw Brewing 402 E Ninth St. Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 244-9154 www.stonesthrowbeer.com

Education

The Pantry 11401 N Rodney Parham Little Rock, AR 72212 (501) 353-1875 littlerockpantry.com

Volunteers in Public Schools Little Rock School District 616 N. Harrison Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 447-4450 www.lrsdvips.org Eat - Drink - Play

ESSE Purse Museum 1510 Main Street Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 916-9022 www.essepursemuseum.com

@ The Corner 201 East Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 400-8458 www.thecornerlr.com

Erin Lea Lorenzen (501) 590-6072 erinlealorenzen.com

107 Liquor 250 W Kiehl Ave. Sherwood, AR 72120 (501) 834-2134 www.107Liquor.com

Little Rock Frets 10300 N. Rodney Parham Little Rock, AR 72227 (501) 223-3738 www.littlerockfrets.com MADDOX 11525 Cantrell Rd STE 403 Little Rock, AR (501) 313-4242 www.ShopMaddoxOnline.com Rock City Outfitters 406 Edgewood Drive Little Rock, AR 72113 (501) 454-7712 www.rockcityoutfitters.com Romas by Linda Rowe Thomas 310 Center Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 301-4913 www.romasbylrt.com

Blue Sail Coffee 1605 Simms St. Conway, AR 72034 (501) 733-8006 bluesail.coffee Boulevard Bread Company 1920 N. Grant Street Little Rock, AR 72207 (501) 663-5951 www.boulevardbread.com Dempsey Bakery 323 Cross Street, Suite B Little Rock, AR 72210 (501) 375-2257 www.dempseybakery.com Four Quarter Bar 415 Main St. North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 313-4704

The Root Cafe 1500 South Main Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 414-0423 www.therootcafe.com Trio's 8201 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72227 (501) 221-3330 www.triosrestaurant.com Farms - Food Trucks - Farmers Markets Agrilla The Bun (870) 476-0253 www.facebook.com/agrillathebun Bernice Garden Farmers Market 1401 S. Main Street Little Rock, AR 72202 (615) 423-7967 www.thebernicegarden.org Dogtown Farmers Market 410 Main Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 425-1988 www.dogtownfarmersmarket.com Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative 245 Quality Dr Clinton, AR 72031 (479) 310-0037 www.grassrootscoop.com

Little Rock Tomato 3720 E. Broadway North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 945-0511 www.littlerocktomato.com Little Rock Urban Farming 5910 G Street Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 319-7511 littlerockurbanfarming.com The Southern Center for Agroecology 5910 G Street Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 319-7511 southerncenterforagroecology.org Event And Venue Services Legends of Arkansas (870) 540-9867 www.legendsofarkansas.com Milestone Events Center LLC 1418 Main St North Little Rock, AR 72214 (501) 313-4264 www.Milestoneeventscenter.com Arkansas Circus Arts 1101 Cumberland St Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 701-3622 www.arkansascircusarts.com

Nonprofit AR Hunger Relief Alliance 1400 W Markham St Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 399-9999 www.arhungeralliance.org Argenta Downtown Council 301 Main Street, Set. 203 North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 993-1234 www.argentadc.org

Just Communities of Arkansas 1400 W. Markham, Suite 405 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-5129 www.arkansasjustcommunities.org The Van (The One, Inc.) 8016 Faulkner Lake Rd North Little Rock , AR 72117 (501) 955-3444 thronginc.org Promotion - Printing - Media

Arkansas Community Foundation 1400 W. Markham #206 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-1116 www.arcf.org

Ad Craft of Arkansas, Inc. 1122 West 3rd Street Little Rock, AR 72203 (501) 372-5231 www.adcraftarkansas.com

Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub 201 E Broadway North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 907-6570 www.arhub.org

Ink Custom Tees 400 Casey Drive Maumelle, AR 72113 (501) 851-6916 www.inkcustomtees.com

EAST Initiative 6215 Ranch Drive Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 593-8977

Local Magazine 1100 West 2nd Street, Ste 1 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 476-4200 www.localmag411.com

Heifer International 1 World Avenue Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 376-6836 www.heifer.org

Rock City Interactive 300 S. Rodney Parham Rd. Ste 1 Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 960-7829 www.rockcityinteractive.com Southern Branding 824 W. 7th Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 771-1063 www.southernbranding.com

For more information about Local First Arkansas and how you can get involved, go to www.localfirstar.com

WHE RE THE LO C A L S G O.

Exercise YOUR RIGHT TO TRY OUR CLUB FOR FREE .

play on

Co nta ct us a b o u t yo u r f ree t r i a l .

501 . 225 . 3 6 0 0

501.2 2 5.57 1 1 501 .81 2 .5555 w w w.theathleticclubsar.com

501 .374.1 0 05 31

PLAN YOUR R E M SUM E R U T N E V AD NOW! Call or visit the website to make your 2017 reservations now!

CLASSIC LOG CABINS

• Luxury, Group & Family Cabins Available • Charming Interiors • Loft Bedrooms • Modern Amenities

CLASSIC BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER ADVENTURES • Multiple Different Day Trips • Primitive Multi-Day Trips • Canoe Rentals • Hiking Excursions

Use PROMO code Local17 to receive a 5% Discount!

Valid for reservations made online March 1st-April 30th. Reservations can be for anytime during the 2017 season.

buffaloriveroutfitters.com 1-800-582-2244 9664 Highway 65 N. | St. Joe, AR

Authorized Concessioner

Buffalo River Outfitters is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River.