MARCH / APRIL 2018
Celebrate Maya
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Since 1870 Bennett’s Military Supplies has been Arkansas’ oldest and largest store of its kind.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
www.localmag411.com Local. Magazine
Local_LittleRock
DISCOUNT TROPHIES 5
A local company celebrates 40 years in business!
7 16 21 26 download the app
now!
NEIGHBORHOOD OF DREAMS 7
Local filmmaker and writer, Lazrael Lison, revisits home.
FEATURED ARTIST 8
Ryan Howard plays it safe, then pursues his passion.
EAT LOCAL / SHOP LOCAL 10-11
Discover local restaurants, shops and services in central Arkansas.
BE A LOCALIST 12
John William “Sunshine” Sonny Payne departed this world February 10, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and music history that won’t soon be forgotten.
FEATURED FAVORITE 15 Count Porkula BBQ
CELEBRATING MAYA ANGELOU 16-17
Maya Angelou has been of great influence for more than 50 years. Read more to find out what is being done in her honor for students in Arkansas.
THINGS TO DO THIS SPRING 19 FEEL THE POWER 21
Complete Body Daily was founded with the goal of developing the industry’s highest quality CBD infused products to ultimately help others feel their absolute best.
LIVING IN ARGENTA 23
Located in the Historic Argenta District in North Little Rock, this modern community is a site to be seen.
THE FIRST TEE 26
Teaching Arkansas Youth more than just a great swing.
GROW FACING FORWARD 28
Making time for yourself and springing forward through the seasons.
PUBLISHERS
Rich Niemeyer Kaitlin Schmidt
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kaitlin Schmidt
COPY EDITOR Stacey Bowers
STAFF WRITER Adam Cherepski
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Masters Media Productions
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathleen Jacobson, April Lane, Richard Ledbetter
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Ladye Albini, Rich Niemeyer, Mike Stewart 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 ADAM CHEREPSKI Adam received his Master’s degree in Education from UALR. He enjoys everything there is to do with food, from cooking at home to dining at locally-owned establishments. Writing is a passion of his. Be sure to check out his blog, oneflewovermyhouse.tumblr. com and on Facebook at One Flew Over My House. RICHARD LEDBETTER Richard Ledbetter resides among the gentle-rolling hills of his South-Arkansas farm, where he penned and published a pair of historical novels, "The Branch and the Vine" and "Witness Tree;1910." He regularly contributes to several regional periodicals and performed feature roles in a number of Arkansas made movies.
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A taste of Louisiana Daily Specials Mon-Fri
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Discount Trophies of Arkansas Celebrates 40 Years - Adam Cherepski
O
n February 1, 1978, Steve Mayfield moved from Dallas, Texas, to Little Rock, Ark., to open his own retail awards shop, Discount Trophies of Arkansas. He had worked in the original location of Discount Trophies in Duncanville for a couple years, where he learned every aspect of the business in order to be better prepared for his own venture. It was this preparedness along with his previous business experience that set him up for success. In fact, this success came at a rapid pace. In 1980, growing sales forced Mayfield to leave his original 600-square-foot area and settle into the 1,300-square-foot office next door. That did not suffice for long either, and in 1983 he added even more space to create a 2,500-square-foot showroom and workshop. Currently, Discount Trophies takes up the entire shopping center of which it once was just a part, totaling 5,000 square feet. Early on, people in the industry began to take notice of Mayfield’s success. Beginning in 1983, he began his tenure as the State Director for the Trophy Dealers and Manufacturers Association. He served the TDMA Board of Directors in this role from 1983 to 1985. In 1987, he was voted the TDMA Dealer of the Year. His accomplishments were noted throughout the industry, and Discount Trophies is now the largest business of its kind in the entire state of Arkansas. Mayfield knew early on that his store would be run as a family business. He stated that employees are the most important asset, and having workers that you can trust is imperative. His children, Sheri Goff and Jason Mayfield, play an integral role in the business, as they have for years. It is their charge to take their father’s vision forward. There is always someone in the Mayfield family at Discount Trophies ready and willing to help. This is not to say that Steve Mayfield is ready to hang it up. You can still see him at the store more often than not doing whatever he needs to do at the time. He has always operated by the mantra that he would never ask his employees to do anything he himself is not willing to do. His workers know that they can count on him, and in turn, he can count on each of them. Trophies and awards are often at the center of polarizing conversations as of late. This is not what this article is about, but I do want you to think of the last time you or your child received a trophy or award. Remember the pride that washed over you. Any time I have received one, whether in soccer as a kid or in my career as an
adult, the first thing I think of is, “Where am I going to display this?” My kids, as soon as they get an award, place it on a shelf for all to see, but more importantly, for them to see. I have moved numerous times throughout my life, and every time I have packed the boxes, there are soccer, basketball and baseball trophies (most likely from Discount Trophies) from my childhood that make the move with me. This may be sad, but for whatever reason, I cannot let go of the fact that I was free throw champion at my school in 1991. Regardless of one’s feelings on the “Everyone Gets a Trophy” conversation, it has had an effect on the trophy business itself. It is this effect that has encouraged Discount Trophies to adjust and adapt. In the early years of the shop, trophies and plaques accounted for approximately 80% of the business, and other products made up the remaining 20%. At this point, trophies now account for 40% of total business, and other projects make up the rest. This shift has been gradual, and Discount Trophies has made this transition seamlessly. The days of countless bowling trophies are behind us. Now, some of the orders include engraved stainless tumblers, rifles and watches as well as glass etching, signage and name badges. With the advances in machinery and software, if you want something personalized, Discount Trophies can take care of it for you. It was interesting to learn of all that they have done and what they can do. It is not just the gold plastic figure on the marble base anymore, to say the least. Another concept that Steve Mayfield and family have had to contend with is something that hits all retail outlets—online sales. The age of finding everything online is here, but there is a lot to be said for walking into a shop, talking to someone who can help and getting the personal service that is lacking in an online setting. With something as meaningful and personal as a trophy, award or other similar item, the faceto-face conversation is crucial. Mayfield and the rest of the staff will meet with you, discuss options and make sure that all of your needs are met. That cannot be said for some site with a chat window in the bottom corner of the page. Mayfield is there to make sure you are completely satisfied, not just with a bottom line. Discount Trophies is located at 5403 W. 12th Street in Little Rock. Call them at (501) 666-1502, or find them at www.artrophies. com or on Facebook at facebook.com/ discounttrophiesofar. 5
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Neighborhood of Dreams Filmmaker and Writer Lazrael Lison Revisits Home
- Adam Cherepski
Lazrael Lison was born and raised in Little Rock. His childhood was spent living in a twobedroom mobile home that housed nine people. He only discovered later in life that his was one of poverty and hurdles. He was not aware of this at the time because he was surrounded by loved ones who supported each other. It was this unwavering support that enabled and encouraged him on his road to attaining his goals. He attended Faith Christian High School in Little Rock before heading to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After his time on “The Hill,” he knew it was time to pursue his dream of being a filmmaker. In 2001, at the age of 21, he began this journey and headed to Hollywood to make his dream a reality. Lison began writing plays and short films in junior high. He is one of the lucky ones who, at an early age, knew exactly what he wanted to do in life. Often, the aspirations of a writer can be dimmed, if not extinguished all together. Lison would not let his light and passion be deterred. In fact, it was the adversity that he experienced in his life that made him more determined and steadfast in his pursuit. Since he has been in Los Angeles, Lison has financed, written and directed various film projects that have secured his reputation for creativity in a very short time. Within four years, with money he had saved being a
personal trainer, Lison self-financed his first film, Kontrast, and it was at this point that he was hooked. He began his company, Summer House Pictures, and has produced and directed numerous successful films and shorts. His credits also include a 15-episode comedy series, documentaries, commercials, music videos and other projects. He has worked with such celebrities as Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo and Judd Nelson, to name a few. When asked about the name of his company and how he came up with it, he gave all the credit to his wife. A native of Belarus, she remembered growing up with a summer home and the good feelings that it gave her. She wanted this sentiment to be present in their new company, thus the name Summer House Pictures. Lison’s most recent project gives him the opportunity to extend his reach even further. He has written his first novel, Neighborhood of Dreams, which details the life of Morris Wright – a somewhat autobiographical character – through the trials of his youth to the successes of his adulthood, and how the former leads to the latter. Wright, as an adult, is a famous actor and screenwriter, and it is this success that leads him to the notion of writing his memoir. Whether intentional or not, Wright has forgotten where he comes from, and it is this literary venture that serves as a powerful reminder of the sequence of events that culminate in his present lot in life. Neighborhood of Dreams follows the then ten-year-old Wright with his friends and family from childhood school days to their adult lives. The story begins in Southwest Little Rock and ends up in Hollywood, mirroring the path of Lison. The novel illustrates how the power of determination and the support of loved ones can remove the hurdles and obstacles that one might encounter along the way. When asked what compelled him to try his hand at a novel as opposed to a screenplay, Lison said, “Novels give you an opportunity that the film industry does not; you get to write from the heart. In movies, your films are based on the market.” This speaks to the emotional investment he has made in Neighborhood of Dreams.
Now, Lison feels compelled to return the favor to the very community that helped write his success story. Through writing Neighborhood, he has also created the Lison Scholarship Program. The program awarded a $1,000 scholarship to an underprivileged high school senior in February of this year and will award five more later this spring. Lison partnered with North Little Rock Police Officer Tommy Norman to help select the inaugural recipient of the award from within his own district. When asked why he chose a scholarship as a way to reach out, Lison’s answer was simple and direct: “Somebody helped me.” He is aware that he would not be where he is if not for the people who believed in him and built him up along the way. Now, he takes it upon himself to be a support for others. His scholarship program is a way to let kids know that someone believes in them and is there to support them as well. He made sure to point out that his efforts do not stop with the scholarship. He intends to also help mentor the recipients. He wants to connect them with those that can better help them succeed in the arenas of their choosing. Not only does he want to see them flourish in their studies, but he is more interested in how they are doing five or ten years down the road. What kind of adult have they become? Do they feel successful? In that vein, he is not just giving them a monetary award, he hopes to give them a chance. Applicants must be low-income high school seniors in the state of Arkansas and must write an essay on Neighborhood of Dreams and how they can apply it to their lives. While this is the first year for the Lison Scholarship Program, Lison hopes this is just the beginning. He hopes for growth. He wants nothing more than for the program to grow in order to reach more students across the state of Arkansas, and in turn wants to see those recipients grow to be successful adults. For more information about Lazreal Lison, his book and the scholarship program, visit www.neighborhoodofdreams.com.
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Follow Your Art
Ryan Howard plays it safe, then pursues his passion.
- Kathleen Jacobson
Ryan Howard was a creative child who loved music and art, and he wanted to chase a music major at an arts school in Atlanta, Georgia. He was even accepted into the school and had his mind set to go, or so he thought. As he began discussing how to put the plan into motion, he found the overwhelming sound of experienced, older voices advising him to choose a stable, safe path and re-evaluate his major and school choice. With a strong moral press to act responsibly in his life planning, he headed to college near his home instead to pursue pharmacology. In the years to follow, he would give up on that specific pursuit and land a career closer to his original childhood goals—a job at Apple teaching media and creative computer skills. He would also begin a family with his wife Priscilla and have a son named Isaiah. With his career allowing him to pay his bills and build some security, he used his free time to explore advancing and honing his creative skills and love for the arts. He began writing music and performing shows at local venues, either solo or with other artists. As he began to gain confidence in his writing and performing, he set out to jazz things up a bit and had a video made for some of his music. Unfortunately, the experience wasn’t so productive, and he realized something very important about himself—he didn’t want anyone to have that much creative control over his art. To him, that meant he would have to learn film and video. In 2012, his wife bought him his first camera to experiment and learn with. During his free time he would study up on the experts, take free training courses offered through his job at Apple, ask others he met in the business and work on side projects to gain experience. Eventually, this drive to learn and grow led him to believe in his own talent and work enough to turn his art into a major career path. Currently, Howard regularly plays harmonica 8
at multiple local venues, including South on Main, White Water Tavern, Sickyz and The Rev Room. He covers different varieties of musical genres including jazz, blues, funk and hip-hop. He also has become a skilled videographer with a portfolio that includes music videos, promotion videos, short films, wedding videography, engagement films and his own daily 60-second Vlog, commonly featuring his current work and his family. Wanting to use his gift to give back to the community, he got involved at local nonprofit Our House, in the Children’s Center located in Little Rock. There he works as the arts facilitator and teaches classes to kids 1-17 years old. The center hosts lectures and classes that teach different types of art and media classes. He describes this work as his biggest project at the moment. Passionately describing his experiences thus far with teaching, he said, “They are super gifted and talented kids. But if you aren’t exposed to certain things, you can’t explore what you are good at.” He teaches different types of classes, including comic book storytelling, digital film making and spoken word. Howard’s adventures are a reminder that we all take different paths to live out our dreams, even if we are driven by a lot of the same motivators. Adam Grant poignantly discusses these motivators in his novel Originals, stating, “When we marvel at the original individuals who fuel creativity and drive change in the world, we tend to assume they’re cut from a different cloth… But the most successful originals are not the daredevils who leap before they look. They are the ones who tiptoe to the edge of the cliff, calculate the rate of descent, triple-check their parachutes and set up a safety net at the bottom just in case… Ultimately, the people who choose to champion originality are the ones who propel us forward… They feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try.” To connect with Howard and his music, follow his work here: www.thehowardexperience.com instagram.com/rahhoward twitter.com/rahhoward soundcloud.com/rahhoward
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eat
Blue Canoe Brewing is one of downtown’s favorite breweries. They now offer a beer themed menu that includes starters, entrÊes, desserts and a slider and float pairing. All available at the taproom. 425 E 3rd St. in Little Rock 501-492-9378
Cabot Meat Market offers a variety of retail meats and seafood including steaks, sausages, pork, hamburgers, chicken and side items. There are family pack specials and salsas, honey, jams and jellies. Processing also available. 119 N. Adams St. in Cabot. 501-843-5511
Nexus Coffee provides high quality, ethical sourced coffee at an optimal meeting and coworking spot. You can order off a full food menu and even grab a local brew while viewing works of art from local artists. 301B President Clinton Ave in Little Rock. 501-295-7515
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
Lakewood Fish & Seafood Lounge is a sports bar and seafood joint. You can find sops, salads, oysters, catfish, shrimp, crab, and even an alligator basket. Stop by to check out the daily fish, too! 4801 North Hills Blvd. in North Little Rock in the Lakewood House. 501-758-4299
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
Lagniappe @ 610 brings a taste of Louisiana to Downtown. Specials include Red Beans & Rice w/ Smoked Sausage, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, and a fish fry every Friday. Food cooked to order. Full service bar open 7 days a week. 610 Center St. in Little Rock. 501-374-4678
Southern Table is a boards, bites and bruschetta eatery specializing in seasonal small plates and a shared menu with world dining options. Proudly serving Southern Table produced cheeses and Raimondo Winery wines and products. 323 S. Cross St. in Little Rock. 501-379-9111.
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AFTER
Arkansas Crawl Space Improvements offers moisture treatments, repairs to damaged and mildewed insulation, vapor barriers, auto and power vent insulation removal, and sump pump installation. 12 years of experience. Call or text now for a FREE estimate. 501-291-8834
shop
BE F ORE
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
J & P Bike Shop has a wide variety of bikes, racing apparel and skateboarding equipment. They also offer service and repairs on your bicycle. There is a 10% discount for all military and bike club members. 7910 Hwy. 107 in Sherwood. 501-835-4814
E & B Customs specializes in oversized tires and wheels for any vehicle. They also offer HID Headlights, Powder Coating & Paint. Stop by today and learn how to customize your vehicle! 3623 John F Kennedy Blvd. in North Little Rock. 501-758-0088
Funky Junky has a huge selection of reused, re-purposed and reconditioned furniture from the 60s and 70s, vintage funky finds, clothing and antiques. Its not just a shop, it's a journey through time! 1103 Oak Street in Conway. 501-358-6400.
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
National Pawn Shop has been locally owned and operated since 1945. Arkansas's oldest gold and diamond broker. Come by today at the corner of Washington and Main Street to buy, sell or trade. 100 E Washington Ave. in North Little Rock. 501-375-6789
Park Hill Pet Clinic is a total-care veterinary facility dedicated to small animal health care, treatment and disease prevention. Services include, but are not limited to, exams, laser therapy, surgeries, baths, dentals and in house labs. 2900 N. Main St in N. Little Rock. 501-758-7387.
Legacy Jewelers offers a wide variety of unique jewelry pieces for every budget as well as custom design, jewelry and watch repair, battery replacement, engraving and strap adjustment..Over 40 years of experience. 1604 S. Pine St. Ste B in Cabot. 501-941-3003
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BE A LOCALIST. By Kaitlin Schmidt
Another Blues Man Done Gone
- Richard Ledbetter
John William “Sunshine” Sonny Payne departed this world February 10, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and music history that won’t soon be forgotten. Born in Helena, Ark., Nov. 29, 1925, the 92-year-old hosted KFFA AM 1360’s “King Biscuit Time” Blues radio broadcast for 67 years beginning in 1951. According to Bubba Sullivan of Bubba’s Records on Cherry Street in downtown Helena, “He did the first presentation of live Black music anywhere in the U.S. Being old school, he was still playing records on the air. Nobody does that anymore.” Payne’s love and knowledge of the Blues and music in general made him an excellent host and mentor to numerous young musicians early in their careers. A short but impressive list of those whom he promoted and encouraged along the path to fame includes Bobby Rush, James Cotton and Charlie Musselwhite. Payne understood and empathized with the struggles of living on the road, having played upright bass for such greats of the Big Band Era as Harry James and Tex Ritter. Bobby Rush said, “You wouldn’t believe we were friends for 64 years and never had a cross word. I will miss him, but how blessed we are to have had a relationship like ours for so long. My tears are tears of joy.” Delta Cultural Center Assistant Director Thomas Jacques, who co-hosted KFFA’s “Delta 12
Sounds” program with Sonny, shared his recollections: “The best advice I ever heard him give young musicians was, ‘Be yourself. Develop your own style. Wanting to be like someone else won’t work out in the long run.’” Jacques told how he first came to share the airwaves with Payne: “Sonny ran King Biscuit Time, but when he was absent I filled in. The first time he went to show me how to run the booth, he said, ‘There’s nothing to it, just do this and this.’ His hands glided over the controls and he made it look so easy that I was both mystified and terrified at the same time. I said, ‘Slow down!’ After that, he took a little more time to go back through and teach me everything. I eventually got the hang of it. He’d been doing it so many years he could run the board and spin records blindfolded.
Bobby Rush and Sunshine Sonny Payne at Bobby Rush Appreciation Day in Helena Oct. 5, 2016
“King Biscuit Time ran from 12:15 to 12:45. Then we co-hosted ‘Delta Sounds’ from 1 to 1:30. It was funny because one minute he’d be playing some old-time Blues man then the next Rock-a-Billy or an opera concerto.” “He was irascible,” said Jacques, “and a consummate professional who didn’t readily suffer fools. But I believe he was a genuinely gentle soul who loved conveying his interest in Delta music. That doesn’t mean he might not be making faces at you the whole time constantly trying to get you to laugh. It was a joy working with him. He helped everyone feel at home on the air and just wanted to have a conversation, share feelings, lighten up and have a good time. “It took a while to get to know him. He always liked a dining partner, so that was one way I got to be around Sonny. It took a lot of lunches for him to warm up to me, but I learned so much from him over time. “We saw him in the best of health and worst of health, making come backs from just this side of Lazarus. But he was a guy who had no interest in retiring. Up until a month and a half ago, he was still driving his car to work at 92 and doing his own radio show.” Helena’s King Biscuit Blues Festival will celebrate 33 years this October 2018. When the Downtown Association first looked into hosting an annual event, they hit upon the musical heritage of the region as a theme. Jim Howe, Sr., owned KFFA radio from 1980 until November of 2016. The fest committee approached Howe about adopting the King Biscuit name. He gladly obliged and worked with George James to design the now famous festival logo that closely resembles the Sony Boy brand corn meal package who originally sponsored King Biscuit Time. Howe said, “Sunshine was a wonderful friend of mine. He was already there when I bought the station. Health wise, we’ve all had a rough last couple of years. Even when he was so sick, the show is what kept him going and his love of life still shining. “King Biscuit began in 1941. Growing up in Helena, times were economically very tough for Sonny. He lost his mother at an early age. He joined the Army in 1949 and got the chance to see the world. After he came home from the service, he asked for a job hosting King Biscuit Time. They started him to sweeping floors at the station and putting away records at the end
Sonny's studio just how he left it.
of the day. But it wasn’t long before he got the chance to do announcements and ads on the air and eventually became host DJ in 1951. “I had an operations manager at one time who didn’t like Blues and thought we ought to be full-time Country. I didn’t agree but wouldn’t interfere with him doing his job. He took the Biscuit off the air. He left in ’84 for greener pastures and I immediately went to Sunshine and asked, ‘What will it take to put King Biscuit back on?’ He went and got all the old advertising scripts and client lists he’d saved and we were back up in running in no time. “Within five years, we won a Peabody broadcast award. Sonny, my wife Nancy and I went to New York to the ceremony in 1992. We really didn’t realize what a big deal it was until we got there. Sonny sat at the head table and accepted the award for the station. It was a fun and interesting time. “Even though he could be rough and gruff, Sonny had the biggest heart you’ll ever see and didn’t hold grudges. He did so many things to help people that the world will never know. Sonny was Sonny, and we’ll never see another like him.”
501-379-9101 515 MAIN ST. N. LITTLE ROCK Mon-Sat: 7AM-6PM MUGSCAFE.ORG
Friends, family and fellow musicians joined together at Cherry Street's Trackside Grill for the Saturday Feb. 17 Sunshine Sonny Payne Memorial Jam.
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Attention members & guests
Attention members & guests
Open daily at 3pm
Live music Fri. & Sat. nights
Live Music, Billiards, Food, & Fun on Tap. Open Daily 11am-2am
MARCH
3rd
Lypstick Hand Grenade
9th 10th
Hoodoo Blues Revue
16th
Fenix
17th
St. Patty’s Day w/ Dirty Lindsey
23rd
Luke Williams Band
24th
Big Shane Thornton
30th 31st
Shotgun Billy’s
Jeff. Coleman and the Feeders
Strange Brue
APRIL
6th
TBA
13th
Dead Eye Opie
14th
Jason Kinney Band
20th
Dirty Lindsey
21st 27th
Ryan viser
9th
brian nahlen band
10th
queen anne’s revenge
16th
DANGEROUS IDIOTS
Green Jello
17th
bruh jones
Cajun St. Patty’s Day w/ Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe
23rd
otis
24th 30th
vintage pistol
31st
electric rag band
Polyester Robot
10th The Salty Dogs 16th 17th
23rd Red Oak Ruse 24th Brian Nahlen Band
20th The Salty Dogs 29th ALS Speakeasy Party
APRIL
6th 7th
TITANIUM BLUE
31st
13th
THE MIKE SCHMID BAND
14th
MELODIE ROOKER
20th
DANGEROUS IDIOTS
21st
queen anne’s revenge
27th
black river pearl
28th
big dam horns
Federalis
The Good Time Ramblers
APRIL
1st
Agent Orange
TBA
Koda Lee Collective
DeFrance
7th
The Dear
8th
All You Can Eat Crawfish Party!!
Home of the 1/2 lb Midtown Burger!
MELODIE ROOKER
30th Guitar is Dead w/ The
6th
Plus MUCH more! Check out the website for the full band schedule.
MARCH
3rd
MARCH
9th
Open 7 Days a Week 3PM to 5AM
defrance
13th Weakness for Blondes 20th Lagunitas 420 Party w/ Aaron Kamm and the One Drops
21st DeFrance
28th AR Literary Festival Tribute For the complete schedule, check out:
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to Lou Reed
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415 Main St. N. Little Rock, AR
Trivia on Tuesdays @ 6PM Live Music on Fridays & Saturdays Karaoke on Sundays @ 7PM 1316 MAIN ST•LITTLE ROCK, AR Must be 21 to enter
{
{Favorite
Featured Count Porkula
Photo by: Abby Benham LITTLE ROCK est.
- Adam Cherepski In the South, barbecue is a hobby of a good number of us. We get up early, get the smoker going and place an assortment of meats on the grates. We wait, we babysit and we make sure that our efforts return the results of tender, flavorful food. Whether it’s pork, ribs, brisket or chicken, there is just something about barbecue that brings out the meat’s peak flavor. Some of us even imagine, as we sit next to the smoker, what it would be like if this hobby became something more. Walt Todd and Kelly Lovell had these same thoughts, and their quality product has brought them to the next step. What was a hobby at tailgating events and cookouts has taken on a life of its own as Count Porkula BBQ.
Count Porkula was the name that they gave to their smoker. When they found it, it was not in the best shape. It was on its last leg, so it was up to Todd and Lovell to bring it back to life, and they now have something that will last a lifetime. Over the next few years, they cooked for family and friends, all the while taking feedback and suggestions to create what is now their distinct flavor – a blend of different styles that is like no other. That is, for all intents and purposes, the hardest part of getting started in barbecue. How do you set yourself apart from the countless other hobbyists turned professionals? The only way you can is the taste. The “taste” in barbecue comes down to the rub. Count Porkula’s unique blend of seasonings marries both sweet and spicy so well that you will know why it took more than two years to develop. Most barbecue purveyors get their start in the competition circuit. In fact, most have their
2015
LOCAL UNION
trophies and accolades on display for all the customers to see. This seems to give a sense of credibility to the people at the smoker and their methods. Todd and Lovell have done well in the competitions in which they have participated, but they are not in it for judges sitting at a table. They do what they do for the people who enjoy their food. Awards are great, but they determine their success when a customer calls them to book their catering, or when someone comments on Facebook or Twitter to see where they are going to be serving that week. It is the customer who lets them know how good their food is, not a plaque on a wall. Count Porkula can meet your catering needs no matter how big or small. They have taken care of weddings, church events, tailgates and any other type of party you can imagine. Everything is served buffet style, and they’re also available to slice and pull for the ultimate in presentation and freshness. They will work with you to come up with a custom menu that will meet the barbecue needs of all your guests. As spring approache s, look for their trailer at various events around the city and give them a try if you have not already. If you have tried them, you know you’ll be going back. If you want to have the Count Porkula flavor at home, look for their rub and sauce at local merchants as well as online at countporkulabbq. com. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see where you can find them next, and book your next catering at countporkulabbq.com
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Celebrate the Legacy of Maya Angelou
ON THE C OV E R
- Adam Cherepski
Maya Angelou once said, “If we don’t plant the right things, we will reap the wrong things.” While interviewing Janis F. Kearney, the founder of the Celebrate! Maya Project, this quote came to mind. For Kearney, it is Angelou’s life that inspired her to create Celebrate! Maya. Observing the life Angelou lived can only serve as a catalyst, a call to action, and that is exactly what it did for Kearney. Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, Mo., and moved to Stamps, Ark., when she was three years old. She lived with her grandmother off and on until she was 14. Arkansas, for all intents and purposes, was her childhood home. Even though, as a child, she called our state home, there was very little going on here to celebrate this extraordinary woman before Celebrate! Maya. In October of 2014, the Project began its mission of celebration during “A Day of Remembrance – Celebrating the Life of Maya Angelou,” in Stamps, Arkansas. The Project is a small, diverse group who share the passionate belief that Maya Angelou is a symbol of greatness and that her contributions are invaluable to the state of Arkansas and our world. They bring this to light by promoting literacy, art, creativity and social consciousness in the Delta region of our state. Kearney feels it is imperative to concentrate efforts on young people. The Celebrate! Maya Project reaches out to students in the forms of scholarships, poetry competitions and art contests, as well as various other events. Scholarships are awarded annually to worthy graduating seniors. The students must exhibit a drive for excellence in academics, community 16
service and involvement. An essay is also required for this award. There are three awards given each year – one in Stamps, and two at another Arkansas high school. This other high school is rotated every two years – another illustration of the goal of spreading the mission of the Project. Poetry competitions are for students in grades 10-12 in Stamps and the current adopted school. Poetry played an integral part in the life of Maya Angelou, and it is her words that still inspire today. Poetry is something that is taught in schools, but not necessarily appreciated. This competition brings the importance of poems to students and others. The programs also address those younger than high school age. The Still I Rise Delta Voices Initiative takes Maya directly to Arkansas schools and communities. This year’s Still I Rise Delta Voices art contest will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Primary School in Hope. When asked why it is important to her to concentrate efforts on the youth in our state, Kearney stated that Angelou had a childhood of many trials and tribulations. Events transpired that many children today will never understand. However, there are some who may be able to empathize with what she went through. There is no real way to tell which child will fall into which category, so it is best to cast a wide net to ensure everyone is included. Angelou used the hardships she encountered in her youth as a spur to success, happiness and renewal. This expansive net is used to inspire and enlighten, which is exactly what these children seek, whether or not they know it. This spring, there are numerous events around the state that do, in fact, celebrate the great Maya Angelou, and the Project is in charge of steering. It all begins in April, the month of Angelou’s birth. • April 4, the Day of Remembrance will take place at Marvell-Elaine High School. This program will feature music and poetry by students and local artists. At this event, the winners of the 2018 scholarships and poetry awards will be announced. • Thursday, April 19, The Celebrate! Maya Project, in partnership with the Clinton Presidential Center is sponsoring “Celebrating Maya at
90,” a luncheon and celebration in honor of her 90th birthday. The luncheon also honors the 25th anniversary of her poem, “The Pulse of Morning,” performed at the 1993 Presidential Inauguration of President Bill Clinton. The event will also feature a communal reading of the poem by local artists and community leaders as well as various musical selections. The keynote speaker for the luncheon and celebration is Rita Whack Coburn, noted filmmaker, longtime friend and colleague of Maya Angelou and codirector/producer of Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, the award-winning film about the life of Angelou. The celebration is from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, and tickets are available by going to the event Facebook page, “Celebrating Maya at 90 Luncheon and Celebration.” • Sunday, April 22, is the birthday celebration that will take place in Angelou’s childhood hometown of Stamps. • April 29, the Arkansas Literary Festival and the Celebrate! Maya Project will sponsor a program and discussion of Maya’s earliest work, I Know why the Caged Bird Sings, as the Festival’s 2018 Classics in Context. Maya Angelou has been of great influence for more than 50 years. Her reach is much further than the state borders. Her net is wide. Her words are just as important today as they were in the past and call for empathy, enlightenment and empowerment. Since 2014, Kearney and the Celebrate! Maya Project have carried the net and continued to cast it across Arkansas. For more information on the Celebrate! Maya Project and what you can do to get involved, visit www.celebratemayaproject.org or their Facebook page @celebratemaya.
2014 Inaugural Celebrate! Maya Poetry Contest Winner What Does a Caged Bird Dream? Savannah A., Lafayette County HS, Stamps, AR
What does a caged bird dream? I watch through the rusty, metal bars at the other birds that float high above me. My wings lay beside me, decrepit and useless, my feathers falling like the sands of time A caged bird, it dreams of flight. What does a caged bird dream? A constant noise that’s been ringing in my ears. Wind chimes and sirens in the distant human world. I feel dryness in my throat, my voice cracking in attempts to speak A caged bird, it dreams of song. What does a caged bird dream? I see the same dreams, day in and day out. My lock is rusted, but worn from constant attempts to open it. I can see the key, hanging mockingly just a few feet away. A caged bird, it dreams of freedom. What does a caged bird dream? I can no longer stand on the perch that once held me. My vision is blurry, and my breathing has slowed. My feathers have turned grey, and my limbs are barely moveable. A caged bird, it dreams of youth. What does a caged bird dream? I think of flight, and song, and freedom. I think about the different lands I could have explored. About the joy I could bring to others with my voice. I think about everything at once, before my soul slowly fades away. A caged bird, it dreams of a second chance.
Writings submitted by students from Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic School Spring Break is upon us which means, as parents, it is time to figure out what we are going to do with the kids. For most of us, it means that we have to take off work and find something to entertain them. We do this for them, but mostly so we don’t hear the whining that would transpire should any sedentary moment occur – that may be just my house. Well, we can try and wrap our head around what might appease the angels with the risk of failure, or we can see what they want to do. That is exactly what we did. We found a group of children of different age levels and asked them what they might like to do around the state (we have to be budget conscious) for spring break. They came up with some fantastic answers. In fact, some of the answers had me thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” The good thing is, I didn’t have to…and you don’t either. Here are just a few of the great suggestions they came up with.
Fun Things To Do in Arkansas Andrew – 8th Grade Arkansas has many fun things to do over a weekend or over a break. From obstacle courses to overnight camps, Arkansas offers many different types of activities for any occasion. I like to ride mountain bikes. In Arkansas, there are trails everywhere that are built for almost everybody. Most state or national parks in Arkansas have mountain bike trails. Of the trails that I have ridden, one of the best is the Cedar Glades Trail in Hot Springs National Park. Several other good trails are the Lake Leatherwood Trail located near Eureka Springs and the Slaughter Pen Trail System in Bentonville. There are trails designed for beginners and long-time riders alike. The aforementioned trails are mid-level trails. One of the beginner trails is Pfeifer Loop in Little Rock. One of the more challenging trail systems is also in Little Rock, more specifically in Burns Park. There are trails with many rocks, some with smooth, flowing single tracks, and some with sharp climbs and steep descents; some event have all three. So, whether you are a beginner or a long-time rider, Arkansas offers a wide range of trails for different levels of riding.
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A Tour of Arkansas Madeline – 7th Grade My idea spring break in Arkansas would be very fun-filled, even though many deem Arkansas a state with nothing interesting to do. If I could plan the ideal one-day trip, my first stop would be at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, which is entirely free. A while ago, when I visited it, I learned many interesting things about architecture, painting, sketching, and sculpting. After going there, I would love to eat at Shotgun Dan’s, a pizzeria only found in Arkansas. Next, I would enjoy hiking up Pinnacle Mountain, which is also free and enjoyable. Pinnacle Mountain is part of the Ouachita mountain range and is located just outside of Little Rock. From the top, you can see much of the Mississippi River and enjoy the view of grassy fields. After going there, I would eat dinner at Tacos 4 Life, and amazing Mexican restaurant mainly found in Central Arkansas. Then, to finish my trip, I would walk around the downtown area of Hot Springs which has many historical houses and bathhouses, and just enjoy the buzz of people around me. These are some of my favorite places in Arkansas, and I know you would enjoy them too.
If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be. - Maya Angelou
The Perfect Spring Break Elizabeth – 5th Grade
Spring Break in Arkansas Simone – 4th Grade Have you ever wondered what to do for spring break? There are many fun place in Arkansas, however it is hard to pick just one to visit. I am going to tell you about one of my favorite places. The place I have chosen to tell you about is Heifer International. Heifer is a fun and educational place for kids and adults. It can be an all-day trip or a two or three hour visit. At Heifer, you can see many adorable animals, a great garden, and inside the building is an education area. Heifer also has a nice café, so you can get a snack or some lunch. Now, let me get into the specifics – the animals you can see are pigs, goats, alpacas, cats, and a cow. Also, in the garden are many vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. There are many types of flowers and more beautiful plants. Inside the building is an interactive model of a selfsustaining village that Heifer builds in needy areas. The kids get to do a scavenger hunt, and if you finish, you get a Heifer button. Heifer is free but does need and accept donations. There is also a nice gift shop. I hope you can visit Heifer International during your spring break.
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My perfect spring break starts in Petit Jean. The beauty of Petit Jean helped the creation of Arkansas’ first state park. In the park, you will find three places with structures, trails, and bridges. With a waterfall and beautiful rustic campsites, it is a perfect vacation spot. Second, go to the Buffalo National River. You can go on a calming, but fun canoe or kayak trip. You would spend a long time exploring just half of the river by walking, with a beautiful sight at every turn or bend on the trail. Next, going to Hot Springs, with Oaklawn horse racing and Magic Springs, is a great family-friendly vacation stop. Here, you will also find aquariums, gardens, museums, and duck tours. Finally, we move on to Jonesboro. This may not seem like a fun place, but it is, and I will tell you why. Jonesboro is full of art and character. It is full of galleries, live entertainment, and unique food. The best thing about Jonesboro is that you never run out of things to do. If you are bored, just walk to one of their huge parks. That is just part of the Arkansas spring break journey.
We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated -
Maya Angelou
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39th Annual Wye Mountain Daffodil Fest March 3, 2018 - March 11, 2018 23300 Hwy 113 South, Wye, AR 72016 Seven acres of 20+ varieties of daffodils. Arts & crafts, food vendors, historic church tours, kids activities and more. Tulip Extravaganza March 1, 2018 - April 14, 2018 Garvan Woodland Gardens Celebrate the end of winter during this spring bloom time annual event. There are thousands of beautiful blooms followed closely by over 150,000 brilliant Dutch tulips making it the biggest display of spring color between Dallas and Memphis. 14th Annual Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival March 16, 2018 - March 20, 2018 Hot Springs, AR • valleyofthevapors.com The festival will feature over 45 acts from all over the U.S. and Canada over the course of five nights. The festival has built a reputation for bringing cutting-edge up-and-coming artists to Hot Springs and this year’s festival will be sure not to disappoint.
First Ever 15th Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade March 17, 2018 Bridge Street. Hot Springs, AR The parade turns 15, and Napoleon Dynamite will be there to fire the starter’s pistol marking the beginning of zany fun and frivolity. Great Escape Weekend & Easter Egg Hunt March 30, 2018 - April 1, 2018 Petit Jean State Park Enjoy free nature programs and family activities. The celebration concludes with an “Easter Egg Scramble” for children to search for about 2,000 Easter eggs. Contact the park for a schedule. Harbor's Huge Easter Egg Hunt, Doggie Hunt and Party and Firetruck Parade March 31, 2018 994 Mountain Harbor Rd., Mount Ida, AR A great celebration of Easter on Lake Ouachita. The fun starts with a huge egg hunt, followed by games and refreshments and the popular "Doggie Easter Egg Hunt!" After the party, the kids (big and little) jump on the fire trucks for our fire truck parade.
THINGS TO DO THIS SPRING
Catch a glimpse into the realities of homelessness for the thousands of Arkansans living unsheltered. Catch past episodes on: unshelteredarkansas.com 27th Annual Eggshibition April 6, 2018 Jack Stephens Center Featuring live and silent auctions, live music, delicious food, and unique works of art. Proceeds support services for the children and families in Youth Home, Inc.’s mental health programs. 5th Annual Downtown Dash April 7, 2018 401 S. Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201 The race starts at 8:30 am at the Junior League Building on Scott Street. In addition to the 10K/5K, this year’s event includes a Kids 1K event, “Downtown Dash, Jr.” Earth Day Celebration Weekend April 21-22, 2018 Pinnacle Mountain State Park Celebrate Earth Day with programs dedicated to helping you discover how to keep Pinnacle Mountain State Park a healthy and happy place for all. 15th Annual Arkansas Literary Festival April 26-29, 2018 www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org A mixture of sessions, panels, book signings, workshops, performances, activities, and special events. 19
Spring into Yoga
OMNIVORES, HERBIVORES, VEGANS . . . HEAD NORTH
-Sarah Thomas Pilcher
THE NLR GOURMET BAR @501NORTHBAR
Let’s spring into yoga and leave our winter bodies behind. As the days become longer, we have time to regenerate ourselves. Not only will we see changes around us in nature but within ourselves. Try this detoxing pose this spring to help you keep healthy energy within yourself . Reverse Crescent Low Lunge Twist Pose Start in Tadasana, mountain pose. Stay grounded and strong in this pose. Step back with left leg and come into a lunge pose with right knee bent and directly over left ankle. Bring your palms together to your heart. Your back knee can be on the floor. Low lunge to make the pose less intense or balance in high lunge. Keep knee off the ground and push through back heal. Reach the crown of your head forwards to lengthen your spine and your heart. Take a deep inhale. As you begin to exhale, twist towards your right leg. With your palms still together, place your left elbow to the outside of your right thigh or knee, attempting to get your torso as close to your leg as possible. Elevate your heart to your thumbs to lengthen the spine. Press your palms together to engage your arms, and try to twist in deeper, sending your chest in the direction of the sky and shifting your eye upwards over your right shoulder. Keep the right hip back and down and avoid twisting hips and shoulder in the same direction. Stay here for 5-10 breaths. Safely come out this asana, and place your hands down on the mat, then step back to a Downward Facing Dog Pose. Repeat with your left leg forwards. Rest in child pose Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels, then separate your knees about as wide as your hips. Exhale and slowly lay your torso down between your thighs. Lay your hands on the floor alongside your torso with your palms up, and release the front of your shoulders towards the floor. Feel how the weight of the front of your shoulders opens your shoulder blades wide across your back. 20
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REASONS TO SHOP The "Shop Small" movement is certainly growing, but sometimes we could all use a little reminder on why it's so important to support your community's businesses.
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Living in Argenta - Adam Cherepski It seems everywhere you turn there is new construction in Central Arkansas. More often than not, the larger projects you see are apartment communities with hundreds of units per community. Sometimes, these projects are at the center of great controversy due to their proximity to local neighborhoods. One of the reasons for this is usually when one complex goes up, there is another right behind it if the space allows. Each development does their best to differentiate themselves through aesthetics, floorplans, and amenities, but in all actuality they just end up separating themselves from the neighborhood in which they reside. This, however, is not the case with Argenta Flats. This 160-unit community is located in the Historic Argenta District in North Little Rock. It is important to note the Historic element of the neighborhood because Argenta Flats respects and holds true to this identity in its architecture and respect for the area. Where most developments want to stand out from the crowd, Argenta Flats is content and actually insists on blending in. They realize the neighborhood they are in is special, and they have no intentions of intruding on that. When I went to meet with Beth Reed, Nicole Rigby, and Sydney Stroud, all of Salter Properties, I actually had trouble finding the leasing office, as it blended in seamlessly with the architecture of the surrounding homes.
The leasing office, if you can call it just that, is a story in and of itself. It, the Rapillard House, is actually on the National Register of Historic Places, and was built in 1927. The house has recently been renovated under the guise of interior designer, Beth Reed. What was once a quaint, two-story home is now a fully-functional leasing office and resident clubhouse. Mind you, this was all done while maintaining the historical integrity of the home. Amenities available in the house include a fitness center, a business center, a book exchange room, as well as a wine room.
Outside, they have added grills, picnic tables, and, surprisingly enough, a pool. Everything is available to the residents twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Beth was nice enough to give me a tour of the home, and I was pleased to hear of the painstaking efforts that were taken in order to make sure that they didn’t just come in and gut the place to the point of being unrecognizable in regards to its earlier life. While there is an office downstairs, it still felt like a home, which I think was Beth’s ultimate goal. She successfully melded the old with the new. Argenta Flats gives you the big city feel in a small community. There are not many apartment communities around that can offer the plethora of neighborhood opportunities that they can. You are literally within walking distance of a wide assortment of dining and entertainment venues. Local breweries Diamond Bear, Core, and Flyway are just a few blocks away. Restaurants including Skinny J’s, Mugs Café, Reno’s, and more are close enough for a stroll to a wonderful meal or great cup of coffee. Cregeen’s Irish Pub is there to provide any other needed libations as well. And, let’s not forget the fact that both Verizon Arena and Dickey-Stephens Park are both literally in the neighborhood. If walking is not your thing, then you’re in luck – the Little Rock River Rail trolley runs right along the exterior of AF, making it easy to enjoy the area without getting your car out of the lot. The location is also ideal due to its contiguity with downtown Little Rock as the commute is almost non-existent without having to deal with the traffic and congestion of the urban setting. Again, if you plan accordingly, the trolley is at your service in this respect. What’s also great about Argenta Flats is they see themselves as a neighborhood within another neighborhood. This is evident in the activities and offerings for the tenants. Common areas such as the grills and picnic tables often become social gathering spaces. The wine room mentioned earlier hosts what is called Wine Down Fridays where residents can gather to
drink wine, play games, and engage in much needed conversation with neighbors. The book exchange room hosts a collection of books that individuals can borrow from and contribute to. The sense of community is felt throughout every unit.
Apartment homes are available in six floor plans, including three options with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, and three options with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. All units have stainless appliances and granite countertops. Large walk-in closets and in-unit washer/dryer sets are also standard. Stained concrete floors, wood plank flooring, private balconies and vaulted ceilings are available in select units. In case you are wondering, the community is also pet-friendly and offers an off-leash dog park. Argenta Flats will always be part of the neighborhood and they want it to stay that way. For all intents and purposes, they do their best to blend in with their surroundings. They look like neighborhood homes. They feel as if the homeowners around them are in fact their neighbors. They encourage their residents to be a community. With all of these successful efforts in trying to blend in, what they truly do is stand out. The Argenta Flats leasing office is located at 123 W. 7th Street in North Little Rock. For more information, you can call them at 501.712.1214, check them out online at argentaflats.com, or visit their Facebook or Instagram pages. 23
FEATURED RECIPE
T IMBO
Spring Vegetable P ROMOTIONS and Quinoa Salad MOBILE DJ SERVICE
A trio of fresh herbs deliver a major dose of freshness while balancing out more robust flavor components.
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Mark Timmons (Owner)
501.993.6264
www.timbopromotions.com (Online Booking Available)
INGREDIENTS: • 2 1/2 cups fresh asparagus, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces • 1/2 cup frozen green peas • 3 center-cut bacon slices, chopped • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 2 teaspoons whole-grain Dijon mustard • 1 3/4 cups Ginger-Coconut Quinoa • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves • 5 ounces baby spinach • 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
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DIRECTIONS: Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Add asparagus and peas; boil 2 minutes. Drain. Plunge into a bowl of ice water; drain. Cook bacon in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon; set aside. Add vinegar, butter, and Dijon mustard to drippings in pan, stirring with a whisk until butter melts. Add quinoa and pepper to pan; cook 1 minute. Place quinoa mixture in a medium bowl; add asparagus mixture, parsley, tarragon, thyme, and spinach, tossing to combine. Divide quinoa mixture among 4 plates; sprinkle evenly with reserved bacon and almonds. 24
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
Why is
Local
Shopping
?
Important to You
RAY PRATT
Operations Manager at SubOhm Vaperz
It’s not just about supporting your neighbors, or putting money back into the local economy. In my industry, folks say they can “save more shopping online.” That’s not really true though. Shipping, taxes, minimum orders, wait times...all those things add up. When you shop local, you’re building a relationship. That’s the core of it honestly. We want and count on your business to stay open, so we are wanting to create the best relationship we can. Those few cents you may save on one purchase online, still get made up elsewhere - usually three or four times over. But that relationship with the little local guy? We go out of our way to keep it low for all our customers, on every purchase, because we DO want and need you coming to see us even if it’s just to say ‘Hi’ here and there.
Celebrating 40 years in business! Shopping and dining here local is a great way to grow our community. It’s a great way to network and make great friends in the process. There is no better feeling than supporting local business’s and in return they do the same for you. Local is helping unify our community and I’m a supporter for life.
JORGE VARGAS Sales Manager at United Traders
For me, shopping local provides many benefits that national chains just cannot offer. Purchasing produce and meats from local farmers, and continuing to cultivate those relationships, enhances and ensures a more personalized experience. By shopping local, I know that my money is put back into Arkansas communities and benefiting our local economy.
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DONNIE FERNEAU Chef/ Partner Catheads Diner
Why buy local? Your local merchant can help make the best decision in choosing product for you. You know what you are getting when you leave with the product. You have easy access to the seller if there is a problem. The seller is your advocate to the manufacturer. If your product needs servicing, it will likely be serviced locally. Build a relationship with a local merchant and have a friend for ever.
MICKEY REED
Owner at J&P Bikes
5403 W 12th St • Little Rock, AR
666-1502
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The First Tee Teaches More than a Great Golf Swing - Adam Cherepski The great golfer Peter Jacobsen once said, “One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot – the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.” Sure, there are countless quotes about golf and life, but this one rang true as I was learning more about The First Tee of Central Arkansas. I recently sat down with Laura Nix, the executive director of The First Tee, to discuss what I thought was going to be the different programs that are available for youth to learn the game of golf. I was delightfully blindsided when she looked at me and said, “We don’t teach golf.” Nix brought to my attention some misconceptions pertaining to The First Tee. She clarified her statement that they don’t teach golf by saying that they teach life skills through golf. They do teach the fundamentals of a good golf swing, but character education is the primary goal. The program provides a fun, active environment for young people on the course, in schools and at various youth centers. Golf is merely the tool that is used to develop these children and adolescents. Nix gave an example of this concept in action: “When you begin a round of golf with someone, it is understood that you shake that individual’s hand and introduce yourself. This is one of the first things we teach and how that translates to everyday life.” Something that seems so simple can have a huge impact on a child. She also mentioned that her eight-year-old son attended a session one day, and she asked him what he learned. He responded that he learned about responsibility and that it was his responsibility to feed the dog. This was the first thing that came to his mind – nothing about golf.
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The programs are designed around teaching The First Tee Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. This is a lot for someone to absorb, but through golf, it just works. Each of these values is ever-present in the game, and it is the goal of the program to have these values carry over into everyday life. It seems that a lot of these tenets can be conveyed using other sports, so it begs the question, “Why golf ?” Golf is unique because it is, for the most part, an individual’s sport. The player must follow an elaborate set of rules and must self-govern, whereas other sports rely on outside officiating. In golf, just as life, you are the determining factor. Your successes, failures and the subsequent responses are up to you and only you. The First Tee also instills a code of conduct that concentrates on the principle of respect – respect for one’s self, respect for others and respect for surroundings. They encourage healthy habits centered on physical, emotional and social well-being. And The First Tee also incorporates the life lessons of communication, self-management goal-setting, and overcoming challenges into everything they do. While teaching the game of golf and the mechanics of a good swing, they are preparing young people for far more. Another thing that Nix brought up was the fact that The First Tee of Central Arkansas is actually a public course on which anyone can play. The available courses include a 9-hole regulation course with three sets of tees as well as a 9-hole par-3 course with holes ranging from 48 to 113 yards. The driving range consists of 6 target greens ranging from 80 to 325 yards, and there are also two large putting greens and a chipping area available. The greens fees are very affordable and every dollar goes to supporting the outstanding programs. You can also choose to become a member of the facility for unlimited access to all they have to offer. So, if you are an avid golfer looking for a new challenge or someone who has a hodge-podge of clubs in a bag that was given to you, the courses at The First Tee can meet your golfing needs.
The entire program is self-funded. Everything The First Tee does is by way of fees, memberships and donations. The Stephens family generously donated the initial funds to get the program off the ground, but since then (2011), they have been on their own financially. It is due to the financial support of individuals and organizations in the community that The First Tee is able to instill values and healthy habits in local children ages 5 to 17 through golf. From nearly-impossible chip-ins to the inexplicable slice, golf takes us through highs and lows. We must take the victories and concentrate on what we do well all the while striving for better in the areas we need to improve. The mission of The First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. All this time, I just thought they taught kids how to swing a club. Sometimes, it’s good to be wrong.
The First Tee of Central Arkansas is located at 1 First Tee Way off South University Avenue in Little Rock. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at www.thefirstteear.org. Their number is 501.562.GOLF (4653).
$45/MONTH $80/MONTH
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I was walking out of my house recently and noticed that there are five daffodils fully bloomed and making a somewhat early appearance for spring. Just a couple of weeks prior, I noticed as they peeked through the soil. They struggled to make their way upwards toward the sunlight that they are predisposed to reach for so they can generate energy. They grow best when facing the sun, but they will also grow almost anywhere and multiply very quickly. It seems somewhat chaotic, but also has a sense of order about it. This resonated with me and got me thinking about how each year as the seasons change, so do we. Each season spurs a new phase of the year with different objectives, responsibilities and dreams. We adjust to the demands that every season brings whether we want to or not. We move forward through the chaos and search for the agreeable side to the seasons we find ourselves in until we are met with another shift and another cycle. Each of us is fastened into our lives in a certain place. Just like a seed that is planted, we enter this world and begin our multitude stages of growth. There is something awe-inspiring about the growth of all things, the patterns and poetic symbolism of it all and the way the cycle of growth continues to emerge, regardless of our feeling stagnant from time to time. The second law of thermodynamics in Physics says that everything in the universe is
moving toward chaos. However, out of the chaos springs forth order, only to fall apart again. This seems depressing on the surface. Pema Chodron, author and Buddhist teacher, remarked on the chaos theory of life, “We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together, and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” This process of life in motion is impossible to argue with. Though it is somewhat difficult to suggest to ourselves, and others at times, that everything around us is continually transforming, we can see it in nature, just like watching the daffodil break through the soil. We often do not see ourselves this way and even worse we do not allow for it to be seen in others. We have a desire for stability and comfort, something secure for us to hold onto. Growth and change can often be very painful for us as individuals and it can be hard to accept in others. If we go deeper and embrace some of the courage it takes to acknowledge this change, it can be very liberating. The biggest tip I have ever received is to remain flexible in life. This is one reason why, no matter the obstacle, a flower can emerge. There
is a photo I love that shows a tree that has fallen over, and out of it sprang four other trees. They do not meet an obstacle standing between them and the sun they require for energy and decide that there is something in the way, so they need to stop growing and remain as they are, where they are. They become flexible and move around the obstacle or grow with it by continually adjusting until they are transformed. It is this transformation that allows for a change in perspective from scary and depressing to inspiring. Flexibility will obliterate a comfort zone. Our comfort zones can often be a very limiting arena that we find ourselves trapped in. We can get used to solidarity and the idea of an environment we can “control.” Eventually this space of non-transformation will inevitability become more painful than allowing it. When we create space for an alleviation of this burden to constantly be in a state of comfort, we can experience the force that will move us forward into the next phase, and then the next, and so on. Being vulnerable to the seasons of life can make us feel weak. It is almost like feeling like Jim Carrey in “The Truman Show,” as if there is this entire world being spawned into existence to test and manipulate us by pushing us toward and away from things in an almost inexplainable way, but really there is a puppet master haunting us the entire time. This is where flexibility really counts, as well as perseverance and courage, but also detachment and allowing for things to unfold without too much grasping. Leading researcher on shame and vulnerability, Brene Brown, echoed some of the same sentiments as Chodron: “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy— the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” The reality is that we often stay so preoccupied with the constant flow and rhythm of the world around us that we don’t take the time to stop
and embrace the idea of dancing with our own personal vulnerability long enough to really see that is where the birthplace of growth and change occur. It is also where we most frequently can see the strength and courage that
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. are most needed for us to keep leaping forward and paving a pathway to wonderful things not yet created. Walking through the next phase and season of life knowing that uncertainties are going to knock the breath out of us once in a while can be very liberating and a trial by error process. In the end, I believe we will all turn out just fine if we endure the discomfort and keep moving around the obstacles and pushing through the thick of it knowing that once we push through, there will be some relief on the other side. That is the reward and the energy needed for awaiting the next cycle and season to come forth. Embrace the process, and welcome the growth spurts while facing forward. There is plenty of beauty up ahead, behind and right in front of us if we have the fortitude to see it.
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Spring at Me & McGee Market is busy, and we love it! Seeds have been started, blackberries are trimmed and there has been a lot of planning. Meeting our growers and touring their farms is always a joy. We have been plotting out vegetable varieties and have made sure we will always have plenty to offer at the stand.
Potted Herbs are available at Me & McGee Market in the early spring. Rosemary is a favorite of ours. It really is such a pretty plant and has a multitude of uses. It also develops into a small shrub that accents the landscape so well. Lemon
Average NOT YOUR
Verbena, Mint, Basil, Thyme and others will round out the offerings. We’ve begun working with two Arkansas Strawberry growers. This gives us the opportunity to have early season berries. 2018 is the first year we have been open before May, and we anticipate strawberries to be huge! Geri, of Geri’s Jams and Jellies, has made the spring favorites her theme for the season. She has made Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Pecan, and Strawberry Habanera Jams for the Market and for the Arkansas Made Arkansas Proud show at War Memorial April the 14th. As far as vegetables, one variety we are looking forward to is the Golden Zucchini! With the popularity of the Zephyr squash, we felt we needed to offer a new type, and this is a NE Arkansas Farmers Market favorite. Golden zucchini at a glance looks like a yellow squash, but the zucchini characteristics show themselves. Having a sweeter flavor, the Golden is sure to be a complementary veggie to any southern meal! Another part of our planning has been focusing on pickling cucumbers. We underestimated the need for Me & McGee Pickles in 2017! We will do our best to make sure we have a steady supply of Arkansas pickling cucumbers. The pickle of the year award goes to the Hot Bread & Butter. Tomatoes are also a top priority. We have planned for plenty of local tomatoes, especially a collage of different cherry tomatoes, red
slicers and popular heirlooms like Cherokee Purples. Brad’s Atomic Grape and Black Beauty are two varieties we cannot wait to try! We will also be covered on Okra. Burgundy Okra and Jing Orange Okra are two varieties with red pigments. They are both tender, taste great and add a burst of color. Don’t worry we will still be stock with green old trusties like Clemson spineless. We will have plenty of seeds available from Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds.
Be sure to check out our Facebook Page and Website for all the latest information. You can come visit us at: 10409 Highway 70 in North Little Rock, AR.
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