WINC. February 2019

womensinc.net

FEBRUARY 2019

Love& Marriage

photo by Amy Jones Design

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LOVE & MARRIAGE

NAna’s kitchen

MAJESTIC MAMA

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HONORING MLK

HOMETOWN HERO

A LOOK BACK

PUBLISHER’S LETTER February often is not my favorite month. I don’t care for the mid-winter temperature ups and downs. And I feel like Valentine’s Day is an expectation I cannot meet. Really.

I am not great at the warm and fuzzy hearts and flowers holiday. I wish I were.

I mean, I see the draw. I like love. I like flowers and feelings. I just don’t show that a lot in public. It’s not my comfort zone.

I do love building Valentine boxes with the kiddos. And in this month’s WINC, our Majestic Mama Andrea Champlin shares fun DIY cards for the whole family to share.

I do like walking into a florist the week of and seeing all the creative and beautiful things being designed for lovers. I even like the idea of jewelry. Sentimentally, I totally get it.

But I also have some incredible memories of Valentine’s Day, that although funny and heartwarming, kind of make me cringe.

Like the time in kindergarten when we made peanut butter and jelly heart-shaped sandwiches in class. There were turkey and cheese options for those with allergies and such, but because I was THAT kid, I made mine with jelly and cheese. The ride home in Dad’s Toyota truck became a scene from a really bad version of The Exorcist. Grape jelly and cheese. … I will just leave that there.

Or the time I had strep throat in junior high and the boy I liked had his MOM drive him to my house with an ice cream cake. My parents gushed and gushed. I felt awful and looked appropriately awful. Then I ate my Valentine’s cake with my parents.

I mean, in a teenager’s view of “awkward” that was catastrophic.

Or the time my high school boyfriend was late to first period on Valentine’s Day and burst through the door of my literature class with a giant heart-shaped box of candy. He was a theater student, so you might get his joy of a big production.

Only that box was empty. Little did he

know, he was dropping caramel chocolates through the halls of our small high school all the way to the classroom. Awkward.

We were both assigned to cleaning up the smashed candy for the rest of the day.

Or the time the same boyfriend decided to “propose” – like down on one knee and everything – at a fancy restaurant where he had made reservations. He was proposing to PROM, but the whole of the patrons were clapping and oohing and I was mortified. We broke up on prom night by the way. … Sad story.

Living on campus during my freshman year of college, I was minding my OWN business on Valentine’s Day when my friend double-booked her dates. Second fella showed up with roses, and I was tribute. I had to walk downstairs and explain to that poor boy she had already run off on another date. He was so confused. I felt so bad.

My husband and I avoid the day, usually. … He is the kind to agree to “no gifts” and shows up with some incredible thing. … Then I just stand there like Forrest Gump with hands on my hips -- “I know what love is. …”

So I cannot seem to “win” the day. It has always eluded me. But I guess, if I am looking at everything in my New Year’s perspective, as a storyteller, I have some Valentine’s Day stories to tell. That’s a happy thing.

This month in WINC, we applaud the testament to lovers and friends. Our cover story by Melissa Gates examines three love stories, told over time, and we’re so proud to tell them!

I chose this photo of my children to honor this month. They love without condition and when I see them loving each other every day, my heart is full and the mission is complete. Love one another any time, anywhere, any month, any day. Take stock in those moments and memories.

I leave readers, no matter their views on Valentine’s, with this from The Beatles: “For lovers and friends I still can recall, some are dead and some are living. In my life, I’ve loved them all.”

Kelly

Publisher Kelly Sublett Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Hilary Andrews Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates – Cover Story Marisa Hicks Kelly Sublett Photographers Ron Beckman Andrea Champlin Amy Jones Design – Cover Story Kelly Sublett Art Director Jay Prince Advertising Sales Director Lisa Licht Advertising Sales Executives Kelly Booy Crystal Geraldson Leigh Anne Gray Editorial Board Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates Lisa Licht Kelly Sublett

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621 e-mail: ksublett@thecabin.net or write to: 1121 Front Street, Conway, AR, 72032 www.womensinc.net

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&Marriage:

Love

Sometimes you need to ‘ride the tractor’ WINC. honors different stages of forever love story by Melissa Gates, photos by Amy Jones Design It’s February, and that means love is in the air.

If you’re married, used to be married or are in a long-term relationship, you know how hard (and what a blessing) it can be. It’s not as simple as cupid shooting an arrow into your heart as Valentine’s Day may lead some to believe. Or is it?!

To honor one of life’s greatest mysteries and blessings I interviewed three married couples seeking their definition of love. Of the three couples; one is newlywed, one has been together more than 20 years, and one is celebrating 50 years together. These are the experts when it comes to commitment, romance and making it work. I presented them all with similar questions and enjoyed comparing their answers taking into account how long they’ve been married.

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Our newlyweds are Corey and Callie Parks are in their mid-20s. They’ve been married two years. They have two dogs. Both are working on advancing their careers and/or finishing graduate degrees.

Best piece of advice you got on your wedding day? Has it helped?

Corey & Callie: Give 100-percent even when your spouse isn’t able to; and continue dating throughout your marriage.

How do you like to spend Valentine’s Day? Corey: I usually surprise Callie early in the morning with breakfast, flowers and gifts or a card. Then we have a nice

dinner that night. It’s one of our favorite holidays; so I try to ensure she feels loved and appreciated.

What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has done for you?

Corey & Callie: Neither of us is the Hollywood romantic type at all. Our primary love languages are words of affirmation and acts of service. That means it’s usually actions or what we say to each other that we find more romantic.

When you hit a “rough spot” or disagreement, what’s the best way to work through it?

Corey & Callie: Put yourself in your spouse’s position and try to understand why they are feeling a particular way about something. Let your guard down and have honest conversations.

Don’t get defensive. Be willing to admit you’re wrong and apologize.

Is marriage exactly what you thought it would be?

Corey & Callie: Marriage is an aspect of life where it’s hard to understand until you’ve been there. Books, movies, relatives, friends all try to describe how it should be but every relationship is different. For us, it has been finding the person you want to do life with. Develop our system as a team, challenge each other to be their best as an individual and as a couple, working through the hard times, laughing in the good times, and unconditionally loving each other through it all.

What do you like to do together in your free time?

Corey & Callie: Cheer on the University of Central Arkansas Bears football team, walk the dogs, read books, binge-watch Netflix, have a Redbox double feature with candy and popcorn, or a date night out with friends.

How do you define “love?”

Corey & Callie: Love is wholeheartedly going through life with your person. Be willing to celebrate the good time and face any challenges together.

What plans do you have for the years to come for your marriage?

Corey & Callie: We’ll check off some professional and personal goals, go on a vacation or two, and hopefully add a baby to our family.

How do you carve out time for just the two of you?

Corey & Callie: It’s a challenge as we work and attend school.

We have a no phone rule during our time together and really strive to be in the moment and enjoy each other’s company.

Where would you eat and what would you do for a favorite date night in Central AR? Corey & Callie: Pasta Grill or Wunderhaus, followed by bowling and a movie. womensinc.net 7

Tiffny and Brian Stewart have been married 25 years. They both are in their 40s. They have four beautiful children ranging in age from 6 to 14.

The Stewarts have spoken on marriage panels at their church and recently took an incredible anniversary trip to Bolivia.

Best piece of advice on how to make a marriage last?

Tiffny & Brian: A full-size bed! It’s small enough that we can’t go to bed angry!

How do you like to spend Valentine’s Day? Tiffny: We have a scavenger hunt with our kids. Brian doesn’t like the materialism of Valentine’s Day so he usually buys me flowers on another day in February.

Brian: We usually have a nice dinner but I refuse to send flowers on that day.

I send them earlier and sometimes after as well. The hype drives me crazy!!

What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has done for you?

Tiffny: Brian writes me beautiful poetry. I have a journal full of his writings.

Brian: It’s not one thing, but it’s the gifts she buys me. She puts so much thought into any gifts she gets me and is always getting me something awesome!

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When you hit a “rough spot” or disagreement; what’s the best way to work through it?

Tiffny: When you are able: listen, discuss and forgive quickly.

Laughter helps, too.

Brian: Knowing how the other person needs to process what’s going on – Tiff needs time to think and not be pressured to have resolution now.

How do you define “love?”

Tiffny: Commitment for the long haul!

Brian: Putting the needs and wants of someone else ahead of your own.

How do you carve out time for just the two of you?

Tiffny & Brian: We try to find time to sneak away for lunch when I’m home in my office, have a date night, or “ride the tractor” (just talk about whatever is on your mind) whenever we can.

How do you keep the romance alive years into marriage?

Tiffny: It’s important to remember what attracted you to your spouse. We like to go away alone together once a year to have time to reconnect.

Brian: It’s making sure you do the little things that lets your spouse know you are thinking about them. It can be a quick text, a note, holding the door open, or saving the tiny, crispy French fries at the bottom of the bag.

What do you like to do together in your free time?

Tiffny & Brian: Travel, hike, camp, spend time with friends and family, eat great food and drink great wine. Just hanging out and talking.

How has your marriage evolved or changed over the years?

Tiffny : We are very comfortable with each other after being together almost 32 years. We have been through many seasons together; some tougher than others. We know that we are dedicated to Team Stewart.

Brian: I think the longer we are married, the more we continue to appreciate the work and commitment that it takes. I don’t think any of us realize that in the beginning.

What plans do you have for the years to come for your marriage?

Tiffny & Brian: Enjoy our children while they’re still at home and travel. We can’t wait to watch the kids grow up, graduate, go to college, and see where life takes them.

Where would you eat/what would you do on your favorite date night in Central AR? Tiffny & Brian: I prefer a lunch date while the kids are in school.

It would be a meal at Wunderhaus, a glass of wine and a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

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Jim and Carolyn Dunbar (my parents!) are celebrating 50 years together this year. That’s a HUGE accomplishment and I could not be more proud of them. They met in elementary school, which I always thought was precious. My dad talks about how important it is to know each other’s families, and how having families with many things in common is helpful. I credit our family’s successes and blessings to my parent’s long-term marriage and faith in God that they passed to my brother and me. I believe longterm marriage is an incredible gift to pass to your children.

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How old were you when you got married?

Jim & Carolyn: We were 21 years old.

Best piece of advice on how to make a marriage last?

Carolyn: Put the other person first and always be trustworthy and honest.

Jim: Know the person you are marrying and know their family.

Communicate to your spouse and be honest and trustworthy.

Apologize when you are wrong. Count to 10 before blaming your spouse for something.

How do you like to spend Valentine’s Day? Carolyn: We have spent many Valentine’s Days apart due to Jim’s work travels so any Valentine’s Day we spend together is special.

Jim: Dinner and a movie.

What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has done for you?

Carolyn: There is nothing better than hearing ‘I love you.’

Jim: Marry me.

When you hit a “rough spot” or disagreement, what’s the best way to work through it?

Carolyn: Open communication is important. When that is immediately difficult, take time for each to consider the issue at hand and discuss later. To paraphrase James 1:19, “be quick to listen but slow to speak and anger.” Forgiveness is so important.

Jim: Stop, take a breath, and let things cool off.You don’t need to have the last word. Apologize if you are wrong. If your spouse doesn’t apologize just go on. It’s just a bump in the road.

How do you define “love?”

Carolyn: Love is caring for someone so much that you put their needs before your own. Along with that comes trust, honesty, kindness, patience and joyful laughter.

Jim: Early in our marriage love was a passionate marriage.

Over time love becomes deep love – a caring love for one of the most precious things in your life.

How has your marriage evolved over the years?

Jim & Carolyn: It’s evolved into a trusting, caring, honest relationship that continues to grow with experiences.

What do you like to do together in your free time?

Jim & Carolyn: Spending time with family and friends, and having grandkids is the icing on the cake. We enjoy going to Starbucks, movies and dinner.

What do you attribute your long lasting marriage to?

Carolyn: We have strived to have a Christ-centered home filled with family always making new memories.

Jim: A patient and understanding spouse. A strong spouse that could be alone as I traveled; and could travel alone to see her family when they were ill and I was traveling for work.

What plans do you have for the years to come for your marriage?

Jim & Carolyn: We hope to continue an active lifestyle with family and friends, sprinkled with travel. Next up is a Danube River cruise.

Where would you eat and what would you do on your favorite date night in Central Arkansas?

Jim & Carolyn: We always enjoy eating locally at Mike’s Place, where the staff feels like family. From there we might attend a UCA Reynolds program or a movie.

I love that each couple has found what works for them and what maintains their marriage. So as love is in the air this month, or if Cupid shoots an arrow through your heart, remember if you put the other person first you will be truly blessed in return.

Melissa Gates has been telling stories in Faulkner County for more than a decade. She has interviewed a wide variety of interesting people from U.S. Presidents to rock stars, and countless community leaders. After growing up in the Midwest, she is thrilled to call Conway home, alongside her husband and three kids.

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Central Arkansas’ Top Realtors 2019

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My Favorite

Stories

by Andrea Champlin

Most people either love or hate Valentine’s Day. As a child I loved it, as a teen and young adult it was either anxiety-ridden or just plain depressing, and as a happily married woman and mom of three young children, I love it again.

I also appreciate a good love story. And since it is the month of St.Valentine, I thought I’d share some of my favorite love stories with you. I was going to just do books, and then I thought about some great movies.

The best part? It doesn’t matter if you have a significant other or not.You can read the book with someone or alone.You can watch the movies with some friends and a glass of wine. Just enjoy a day celebrating love, because we need more of it in this world.

So, I’ve narrowed it down to my three favorite classic books and my three favorite classic movies.

Books Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen This is my favorite book of all time and I usually read it at least once a year. The dashing, wealthy, and extremely arrogant Mr. Darcy and the quick-witted, intelligent Elizabeth Bennett are one of the most famous couples in literature. In a time when a woman of Elizabeth’s social station’s only job was to get married to a suitable genetleman, this is a fascinating look into society. And it’s funny! You get used to the language after a few pages, so don’t get discouraged.

Jane Austen is also the queen of happy endings, so if you want a feel-good story, this is perfect.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This is the first line of the book. As soon as I read this I put the book down and thought about it for about for a few minutes. Tolstoy was right! Think about it.

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The lovely Anna Karenina is fated to a boring marriage and falls in love with the dashing Count Vronksy. She didn’t mind leaving her husband so much, but leaving her son was unbearable.

I can’t help but think of the gossip magazine covers in the grocery store that glorify divorce and new romances. The love affair between Anna and Count Vronksy starts off very exciting.

Her marriage is boring and her husband is cold, and Vronsky seems to be everything her husband is not. Is it true love? Should she have stayed with her husband? I love the complexity of this book, and I can’t help but feel sorry for the lost and tragic Anna Karenina.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell Rhett Butler is the ultimate bad boy, and I blame this story for some poor dating choices in my youth, since I read this book in high school. Scarlett O’Hara is my favorite character in literature, not because she is a good person, I don’t think she is, but because she is a survivor and she doesn’t let pesky things like morals and society’s standards stand in the way of doing what is best for her.

It’s an epic tale set during the most turbulent time in American history since The Revolution. This Pulitzer Prize winner begins on the eve of the Civil War and takes you through Reconstruction.

Frankly, my dear, you must read it.

Movies Casablanca (1942)

The Painted Veil (2006)

“Out of all the gin joints, in the world, and she had to walk into mine.” Sigh. Poor Rick. My husband and I went to watch this together at The Orpheum theatre in Memphis several years ago. It’s been one of my favorite movies since. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman play star-crossed lovers Rick and Ilsa that are both trying to survive during World War II. The music is wonderful, the story is even better, and you won’t believe how many sayings from the movie have made it into the modern American lexicon. I can watch this one over and over.

I watched this movie so long ago I almost forgot about it. But while I was coming up with my favorite love stories, I saw this title and instantly remembered how much I loved this movie.

It’s based on the 1925 novel by W. Somerset Maugham (that I haven’t read, but it’s now on my list!) It doesn’t start off well for the married couple; he loves her, she doesn’t love him. She has an affair. He finds out. But it’s what happens after this that makes this a beautiful story. The acting is brilliant and brings this story to life.

Have tissue handy.

An Affair to Remember (1957) I cry at every different version I see of ether movie, but this is my favorite. A man and woman, played by Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, are each engaged to other people; but during a cruise from Europe to New York, they fall in love. Both agree to get their engagements, get their affairs in order and meet on the top of the empire State Building in six months, but things don’t go as planned. I dare you to watch this without crying. There is also a version with Warren Beatty and Annette Bening called “Love Affair” that’s equally tear-jerking.

Andrea Champlin is a Conway transplant with a new appreciation for toads and mythical creatures. She’s a wife, mom of three, and likes to create pretty things all while trying to get the mom thing right. Andrea can usually be found toting her kids around or planning their next trip, but always with paint on her hands.

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Honoring Martin Luther King In January, the Faulkner County community came together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Jan. 18 during the annual prayer breakfast honoring the Civil Rights leader at the University of Central Arkansas, remarks were given by Fort Smith’s first African-American Mayor George B. McGill, UCA president Houston Davis and Congressman French Hill. Guests heard performances of the Negro National Anthem and other selections from the Sylvan Hills Middle School Vox Chorale. On Jan. 21, organizations, city and government officials joined an annual march through Downtown Conway. The march started at Simon Park and concluded at the Faulkner County Library where community leaders and Gov. Asa Hutchinson addressed the crowd.

Photos by Andy Robertson and Hilary Andrews/Staff Photos

UPCOMING EVENTS: On the heels of the MLK events, African American History Month kicks off February 1.

• Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall Inspired by the words and action of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “We Shall Overcome” by Damien Sneed showcases repertoire from across the African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded speeches. This production ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway and

spirituals. From Aretha Franklin, to Wynton Marsalis; Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder; Nina Simone to Donny Hathaway; and traditional spirituals and music from “the Wiz”, Damien’s unique understanding of each genre allows him to fluidly cover so much musical ground in a single performance. Sneed will be accompanied by additional vocalists and instrumentalists.

For more information, vist uca.edu/publicappearances.

Across the state, events are planned throughout the month. Get the full lineup online at www.arkansasheritage.com/blog/black-historymonth-events-in-arkansas.

Commitment Commitment (noun) | com-mit’-ment: Now there’s a word that scares a lot of people. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines it as an agreement or pledge to do something in the future, something pledged, or the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I sometimes fear that true commitment is becoming more and more rare, which is really sad because there are so many areas of life where true commitment is important.

A number of years ago I heard the story of a farmer who was asked to define commitment. Using what he called the breakfast example, he explained that the cow was very cooperative when she provided the milk for breakfast, and that the chicken was equally cooperative in providing the eggs.

However, the pig was committed.

February is the month where we all – yes fellas, that means you – go out of our way to show our love and commitment to our spouse or significant other. We should be as committed to our spouses as the pig was to breakfast, and definitely be “all in” in our relationships. You ladies definitely deserve a lot more than a little candy or a few roses for putting up with us guys. After nearly 47 years of being married to me, Shirley deserves a medal.

Both Shirley’s parents and my parents were great examples of how married couples should treat each other. I’ve often said that I grew up in “Leave it to Beaver” land. Dad and Mom truly reminded me of Ward and June Cleaver. You younger readers might

want to Google that. My folks taught me to prioritize my commitments and hold firm to them. Commitment to God always came first with them and it does for me as well. I believe a life without a commitment to God is a life lived without a true purpose.

They also taught me a proper respect for others which I have tried to show every day through the way I treat people at our pharmacy. If you have ever worked with the public, you’ll understand when I say that some folks make that a little more challenging than others.

Not too long after I finished pharmacy school and started my career, I realized that what I have to sell, people don’t necessarily want to buy, but do so out of necessity. Many of them feel bad and are grumpy. Given a choice, they would rather spend that money for something else. I decided if I could make them laugh, or at least smile, it might make them feel better. That’s why you can usually expect a corny joke when you come to our pharmacy. In fact, a friend of mine from church once brought me a cartoon that said, “They say laughter is the best medicine, so take your prescription to a funny looking pharmacist.”

I have a signed and framed copy of The Oath of a Pharmacist hanging on the wall in our pharmacy from when I received my official license. That version was revised by the American Pharmacists Association in July 2007, and like the

Hippocratic Oath for physicians, it is sworn to by all pharmacists upon graduation. It reads as follows: “I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow, I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns. I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for my patients. I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me. I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence. I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and legal conduct.

I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care. I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.

I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.”

This has been my commitment to my patients, my staff, and my colleagues for nearly 45 years. With God’s help I hope to continue fulfilling this Oath of a Pharmacist for many years to come.

David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been taking care of people in the Conway and surrounding areas for more than 44 years. He loves spending time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

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Nana’s

by Kelly Sublett

Nana’s kitchen is a

‘Hole in the Wall’ Toni Burrows, Liz Farris launch program for county seniors 20 WINC. | February 2019

N

ot all Nanas work out of their home kitchens to bring stories and home cooked meals together. In fact, many of them are regular faces in the community, offering daily smiles and service to all of us. Toni Burrows and Liz Farris are two such women.

Together, they run The Hole in the Wall Cafe in Downtown Conway in the “Old Gin,” located at 1016 Markham St. The facility also serves as an event hall and catering is available year round.

In 2019, Toni and Liz have launched a new program for a special group of people they hold in high regard at the cafe. Caring and Sharing for Faulkner County Seniors: The Mrs. Odeal Adams Foundation will kick off February 1 and will offer a free meal for area seniors and their caregivers once a month.

“Since I’ve been here,” Toni begins through tears, “Well, since I’ve been here, I have served food to so many older people who I have loved. I have brought them food to their houses, just because they requested it and they couldn’t get out of the house. So many have passed away. …

I’ve gotten to know their caretakers, too.

“I just thought, ‘What can I do?’”

Toni recruited Liz, and together they made a plan. The Hole in the Wall will show support for seniors and their caretakers one plate of meatloaf or fried chicken at a time.

“Older people know what real food is,” Toni says. “To be able to give them that is something we know how to do.”

The program is named in honor of a longtime friend and customer Mrs. Odeal Adams who soon will turn 95 years old. She is known throughout the city of Conway as a “precious soul who has touched so many people’s lives,” Toni says. And Mrs. Adams is the inspiration for the program.

And the program also is special to Liz. Having been a constant caretaker for own parents through

Ms. Odeal Adams, right, and caregiver Anita

If you have a friend or family member or are the caregiver to someone who is over 75 years of age or who is confined to a nursing home, you may sign up once each month to bring them into the restaurant or come in and pick up their lunch as well as your lunch at no cost.

Participants must sign up one time each month. The Hole in the Wall will contact each participant in order of sign up to come in for their free lunch plates.

Sign ups are ongoing, and the first meals will be given beginning February 1.

Sign up by messaging Hole in the Wall Cafe (Catering & Events) on Facebook; by email at theholeinthewall@att.net; call 501-205-1325 Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; or come into the cafe at 1016 Markham St. in Conway.

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the end of their lives and having cared for a daughter through a cancer battle, Liz says caretakers are due a home-cooked meal that is good for the heart and soul.

“I cared for my mother and father for seven years two nights a week and weekends,” she recalls. “We always cooked for Mom and Dad, and we had Meals on Wheels some, but it is so helpful to feed them, too – to give them a meal and something good.”

Both Toni and Liz have grandchildren of their own, and know how important relationships are now and in the future. Toni has five grandchildren who call her “Mimi.” Liz has one new grandbaby who she hopes will call her “Granny.”

Toni says she knows God has great plans for all her grands, but she never avoids an opportunity to pass on her lessons of goodwill to others or a recipe for her own grandmother’s biscuits.

“I can make a mean homemade biscuit,” Toni laughs. “Everything we make here is homemade, and most are recipes I’ve had forever.”

Among the favorites in the restaurant she says are her meatloaf, fried cornbread and parmesan chicken.

“They’re all traditional, from scratch,” she says.

In honor of the kickoff to the program, Toni agreed to share the secrets to her Coconut Cake with WINC Magazine.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she squirms, handing over the recipe. “People love it, though! I won’t give away my recipes for Fresh Strawberry Cake or my Peanut Butter Pie! Every dessert is homemade, and it’s always a close race between the fresh strawberry drizzle and that Peanut Butter Pie!” If you know a favorite family cook and would like to nominate them for a feature, please email ksublett@thecabin.net.

Coconut Cake • 1 White Cake Mix • 1 Pkg. Dry Whipped Topping Whisk together.

• 3 Eggs • 1 Tbs. Coconut Flavoring • ⅔ Cup Oil • ¾ Cup Water Mix together.

Mix together first two mixtures on LOW speed. Be sure there are no lumps. Spray pan lightly and flour. Pour mixture in pan and bake on center rack at 325 degrees for about 18-20 mins. Check after 15 minutes.

While cake is baking mix the following: • 1 can Cream of Coconut • 1 tsp. Vanilla • 2 Tbs. Coconut flavoring • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk When cake comes out of the oven and is hot, take tablespoon and press down on cake,

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making holes about an inch long all the way across and down the cake. Pour ½ of the cream mixture over cake and let cool.

Put the other half of the cream mixture in cooler to use later.

For the icing you will need; • 2 pkg cream cheese 8 oz. room temp • 1 tsp. Vanilla • 2 Tbs. cold butter sliced thin • 2 ½ cups of powdered sugar Mix together on medium cream cheese, vanilla & butter. Slowly add in powdered sugar. When cake is cooled, spread over top and add toasted coconut as desired.

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Taking care of you: Massage Envy offers relief

by Kelly Sublett Massage Envy opened its doors in Conway in October, and franchise owner Albert Pilkington III, says the welcome here has been incredible.

“It’s not only about selling massages,” he says. “It’s about establishing relationships.”

Pilkington says the location in Conway’s Lewis Crossing shopping center off Interstate 40 was a good choice, offering accommodating services in a place where other businesses are open late and on weekends.

“Our goals are to create a pricing structure and convenience for clients to access an ongoing lifestyle,” he says. “For so long, Americans have looked to massage as a luxury item, but we believe in massage as a daily lifestyle to promote overall health.”

His team of massage therapists are well trained and continue to focus on training throughout their employment at Massage Envy.

In addition to massage services, Pilkington’s Conway location offers a menu of skin care services by trained estheticians.

“We offer a full line of skin care,” he says. “From chemical peels to facials that are surprisingly popular among women under age 35. Those over that age bracket usually say ‘I am going to do it,’ but never get around to it because they have busy lives and children and jobs that make it difficult in some cases.

“But we’re open late and have easy ways to schedule appointments, like through our phone app.”

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Massage Envy in Conway is one of 1,200 locations nationwide, so a membership package also would allow clients to utilize services while traveling for no extra fee.

“It’s better than a gym membership,” Pilkington says.

“If you don’t use your monthly massage, it will roll over to the next month.”

Pilkington has a background in healthcare, serving as a hospital administrator for many years. He understands taking control of overall health, and believes in the power of massage for healthy living and health maintenance.

“I wanted to do something different but stay in the medical industry,” he says.

The University of Central Arkansas graduate and Searcy native also wanted to return to his roots in Central Arkansas. This franchise opportunity was a good choice, he says.

“I have always been blown away by how many people are fighting chronic pain and who finally try massage regularly as a pain management option.”

Massage Envy offers specialized consultation and massage for the individual client. Each session is developed around client needs and many times, Pilkington says, can aid relief for muscular injuries, plantar fasciitis, post operative pain, migraine and tension headaches, insomnia and more.

The facility also offers total-body stretching using the Streto Method, designed to enhance flexibility, mobility and performance

and proven results from latest industry research.

“It’s not just about relaxation,” he says. “It’s about being able to have relief from pain without a pill. We believe in that.”

Skin care, too, he says is just as important to overall health and wellness for men and women.

Facial treatments specifically for acne-related issues of the face and back, hydrating and exfoliating, anti-aging and hand and foot treatments are among services offered.

“Feeling good and relaxation are part of an overall lifestyle approach more people need,” Pilkington says. “Here, we make each treatment fit the client and we ask a lot of good questions to line you up with a therapist to meet those specific needs. And we ask for feedback. We also like to educate. This is something everyone needs.”

Now through the end of February, Massage Envy’s Conway location is offering a couples massage and free aromatherapy for $100.

“It’s a great introduction to what we do, a great way to unwind and to spend a relaxing time with a significant other,” Pilkington says.

Hours in Conway are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information on the membership program or to schedule an appointment, log onto massageenvy.com or call 501-557-3684.

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Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Brain Structure and Function

by Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D. Recent studies shed light on the importance of timely treatment of hearing loss.

Most people believe that hearing loss is a condition that only affects their ears. In reality, untreated hearing loss can affect so much more, including brain structure and function.

According to a 2013 John Hopkins University study, hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and dementia.

A 2011 dementia study monitored the cognitive health of 639 people who were mentally sharp when the study began.

The researchers tested the volunteers’ mental abilities regularly, following most for about 12 years, and some for as long as 18 years.

The results were striking: The worse the initial hearing loss, the more likely the person was to develop dementia.

Researchers say that there are plausible reasons for why hearing loss might lead to dementia — the brain’s hearing center, called the auditory cortex, is very close to the regions where Alzheimer’s first starts.

Hearing loss also has a noted link to brain shrinkage.

Although the brain naturally becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage seems to be fast-tracked in older adults with hearing loss, according to the results of a study by Frank Lin, M.D Ph.D. through Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging. The report revealed that those with impaired hearing lost more than an additional cubic centimeter of brain tissue each year compared to those with normal hearing.

Those with impaired hearing also had significantly more shrinkage in particular regions, including the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri, brain structures also responsible for processing sound and speech.

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When a person is affected by untreated hearing loss, their auditory cortex becomes “impoverished” due to the lack of sound stimulation. Treating hearing loss in a timely matter, however, can help offset this.

These studies indicate the urgency in which hearing loss should be treated. “If you want to address hearing loss well,” Lin says, “you want to do it sooner rather than later.”

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Don Gardner, left, works with service-dog in training, Mr. Dibs, during a session.

WN METO O H

HERO

Service Dogs of Distinction

by Hilary Andrews Don Gardner has worked with and trained dogs for more than 30 years.

In 2016, the Faulkner County resident realized the need out there to help veterans and started the nonprofit, Service Dogs of Distinction, with co-founder Marsha Wyatt, which trains out of Rose Bud and Fayetteville free of charge to veterans, The training organization uses the Assistance Dogs International training program.

Gardner said the dogs come from rehoming, animal shelters and rescues and aren’t “breed specific,” but do look for ones more calm natured.

“We like to say it’s not the outside [that matters] it’s the inside,” he said.

The trainers bring the dogs into their homes and start the “foundational skills,” — at least 11 including basic obedience — before they are paired with a veteran.

After a veteran has gone through their 30-day preparing training, Gardner said the human begins interacting with several dogs at various levels.

He said it’s the dog most often that lets them know when they have found their veteran.

The trainer said if there’s no connection between human and animal, it won’t work, recalling a labradoodle named Cash, who went home with his veteran recently. Both clicked very well during that early training.

“I mean, I could see it the second session in,” Gardner said, adding that bond is special and rare.

He said during training times, he sees it all, from sending veterans home with German Shepards and Shih Tzus, to veterans coming in withdrawn to being “chatterboxes” in six months time.

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“It is about building relationships with each veteran,” Gardner said. “They’ve got to understand that definitely we’re not in it for the money, we’re not in it for the glory or the fame.”

Gardner said when a veteran reaches out, they’re usually at the end of their rope.

He said the mentality of the military is to get the job done and most are conditioned to keep going despite what their body is telling them, no asking for help — typically viewed as a sign of weakness — with medication as the one solution that is most offered.

He said he’s had clients tell him that they self-medicate, drink and do other things to deal with what is going on.

Gardner told the Log Cabin Democrat about one veteran in this situation. His sons were in sports but he had never been to any of their games because of his mental-health-related issues.

When overseas, he told Gardner he’d use those numbing agents to suppress the problems — everyone did.

Stateside, he told Gardner his family would go out to eat, but he would come up with an excuse to stay home, hiding what was going on.

“We may be the one last thing they approach so we want that to be very beneficial from the get-go,” Gardner said.

To start, they fill out an application online then meet for one-on-one interviews and talk about the 10- to 15-month commitment.

Due to their trust issues, Gardner said veterans can come in anxious, distrusting, maybe depressed and suicidal. “[That veteran’s] success story went from being so nervous at the interview [...] to being able to go to football games and practices with his boys – the dog right there with him,” he said.

Gardner said one picture the veteran’s wife sent him of the veteran and his dog and his son still in full uniform standing together after a football game, sums up what he views as success “That was the first time he had ever seen his boy play,” Gardner said, smiling.

Dogs graduate with at least three services — ADI standards — they can provide, which range from waking their veteran from nightmares, standing behind their veteran and alerting them to when someone is approaching as in line at a grocery store, “blocking,” or standing

in between their veteran and people and fetching certain items.

Gardner spoke about a veteran who recently called him who was “giddy like a 15-year-old school boy,” because he and another veteran friend were sitting down eating in a restaurant.

“That wasn’t too big of a deal if nobody had understood the backstory that the man had … that was the first time he had went into a restaurant and had sat down and had a meal in over seven years,” he said.

This same veteran used to isolate himself from human interaction, suffering from PTSD and dementia, until his son called Gardner to see if he could train his dad’s dog to find him in case A veteran and his Service Dog of Distinction he got lost.

Not only were they able to do use the bathroom versus the usual suicidal that — the dog had a leash with a note morning thoughts he had been plagued and if he was by himself, a person could with for so long — and the success comes pick up the leash and tell him to find his when they gain that self-worth again. owner and he would — Service Dogs of “Seeing them get results with their dogs, Distinction was also able to train the dog seeing the benefit they get out of seeing, to find his veteran’s car when he forgot ‘I did this, I had a big part to do with this, where he parked.

I learned these training methods and I “I guess the biggest reward for myself trained my dog [...] to help me for the rest is seeing someone regain another part of of its life,’ he said. Gardner said when the control of their own life,” Gardner said.

Gardner said they all have stories — like veterans see that accomplishment, they quit looking at their “I can’ts” and start the veteran who recently called him and seeing the “I cans,” and what they might be said the first thing he thought of that morning was having to take his dog out to able to do again.

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Duck Derby The Conway Regional Health Foundation raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for men’s health services with its inaugural Duck Derby on Jan. 10-11. Nearly 600 people attended the banquet and 25 teams participated in the next day’s duck hunt.

The winning McNeill team is shown with Dr. Thad Hardin (left) and Conway Regional President and CEO Matt Troup (right). The team was made up of (shown from second left: Jacob Trammell and daughter Lettie Jane, Cole McNeill, Stephen McNeill and Carson McNeill. [John Patton submitted photo] Edafio Technology Partners sent a team to the event, and team members snapped this shot at sunrise on Jan. 11.

[Edafio Technology Partners on Facebook]

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[Photo Courtesy Andrea Woods]

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Conversations with a

Nicole and Jeremy King Children: Emma, 6; Ellie, 4; and Addie, 2.

Hometown: Jeremy’s hometown is Friday Harbor, Washington, and Nicole is from Livermore, California.

Occupation: Jeremy is a pipeline operator and Nicole is an occupational therapist.

Fun facts: Jeremy got his first concussion in third grade when he hit a parked car riding a banana bike.

Nicole was MVP for her high school volleyball team, taking third place in Nor Cal!

What’s the last music you listened to as a family while driving?

Pandora Today Christian Hit Radio What’s your guilty pleasure?

Nicole: watching The Bachelor and eating caramel bars Jeremy: buying vehicles What’s the one thing in your home you want to get rid of but that your spouse won’t allow?

Nicole: Nothing, anything I don’t like, I have Jeremy put in the garage Jeremy: Nicole’s excessive amounts of clothes Who is your favorite animated character?

Nicole: Belle from Beauty and the Beast Jeremy: Big Hero

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What are you most passionate about?

Nicole: God, my family and friends, and my job Jeremy: God, family and friends

Which is your favorite restaurant in town?

Nicole: Tacos For Life!

Jeremy: Taylor’s Made

Is your family more Elvis or Beatles?

What is the furthest you’ve Jeremy & Nicole: Ummm.. been from home and why? how about Tim McGraw Nicole: Hawaii for a babymoon when I was Who is the better driver?

Jeremy: Me, 100% pregnant with Ellie Jeremy: Hawaii and Alaska Nicole: define “better”... he has gotten way more tickets!

Do you prefer mountains Who is the calmest? or the beach?

Jeremy: Me Nicole: depends on the Nicole: Probably Jeremy... season: in the winter I like but if he gets upset, he gets the mountains, summer I really upset! love the beach Jeremy: 100% mountains Who do you most admire?

Nicole: my parents, they set a great example of how to be loving, self-less parents Jeremy: my wife

What is your family’s favorite hobby?

Jeremy: the girls shop for clothes, I shop for cars Nicole: me and the girls love clothes shopping!!!!

Where do you go to church?

Jeremy and Nicole: New Life Church Conway What is your favorite memory as a family?

Jeremy: Moving to Arkansas Nicole: Road Trips, I love just packing up and heading out of town

Cody Sublett is a native to Faulkner County. He is a local business owner and enjoys sharing the personalities of the people he meets. Whether it is another small business owner or a family he has had the pleasure of working for, the Cadron Creek Craftsman is happy to share a little bit about the people who make Central Arkansas unique and diverse.

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Valentines for Kids

by Andrea Champlin

When I was a little girl, I loved Valentine’s Day. I used to spend hours picking out which Valentine card went to each person in my class. I loved filling out the envelopes and decorating my white Valentine bag during class. Times have certainly changed, but I haven’t. I still love getting Valentines ready for my children in elementary school.

When my oldest child was in preschool, I think I spent about six hours cutting and gluing homemade Valentines for her seven classmates. It’s then I knew I had a problem. As we kept adding to our family, clearly I couldn’t spend 18 hours on Valentines. I mean, I would if I could, but my kids also want clean clothes to wear and food to eat. Priorities.

One thing that I noticed during that first Valentine’s Day in school, is that Valentine’s Day has turned into a miniHalloween. There’s a lot of candy and small toys involved. That didn’t happen in my day, but I like this change and embrace it.

I started these Valentines by heading to a couple local discount stores for some inspiration. I found cute little gum ball machines, suckers, glow sticks and snack cakes. I knew I could make some cute cards with appropriately cheesy sayings to attach to them.

I discovered digital paper and clip art a few years ago and it has been Valentine-changing. There are some great, inexpensive digital papers on Etsy that can be easily downloaded, and that’s where I found all of these designs that I used on the cards.

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I made these in Photoshop, but you can other programs, anything that uses layers. But since I know Photoshop, and you can try it for free for 7 days, I’ll go through the steps in Photoshop.

13. Go to File, Place Embedded, choose your saved card.

14. Do this until the page is filled.

15. Print on card stock.

16. Cut out the Valentine cards.

1. Purchase and download digital papers from an online shop. I Once your cards are printed, use a hole punch and ribbon to use Etsy. attach the card to your Valentine treat! And you’re done!

2. Save photos to folder.

If this seems a little too daunting for you, I get it, and that’s ok.

3. Open Photoshop. Go to file, new, and open a new document. If you like these Valentine cards they’re available to download on 4. Choose the width and height of the cards. I chose 3 inches my blog. by 3 inches and 4 x 5.5.You can choose any size you want.

5. Now you’re ready to start you card!

6. Go to File, Place Embedded, choose the digital paper you have saved.

7. Size the paper and place it, hit enter.

Andrea Champlin is a Conway transplant with a new 8. Use the rectangle tool, draw the rectangle shape to fit your appreciation for toads and mythical creatures. She’s text. a wife, mom of three, and likes to create pretty things all while trying to get the mom thing right. Andrea can 9. Use text tool to type in your Valentine message. usually be found toting her kids around or planning their 10. Save your card. next trip, but always with paint on her hands.

11. Go to File, New. 12. Choose standard paper size, 8.5 x 11. womensinc.net 37

by Zac Hendricks

Renovations for Resale

As a home remodeler we get asked often “What will be the best thing to remodel in my house in order to get the most out of it?” Most people would agree, that if your house has structural issues, roof leaks, HVAC problems— get those fixed first. After all of the major issues are taken care of, now you can think about the items that will make your house look more appealing to a buyer at a higher price compared to your neighbors’ houses.

Here are 3 Before renovations (in no particular order) that will help make your house shine!

1. Exterior Lipstick People generally start making assumptions the minute they drive up to the house whether they will buy it or not. If your house has a garage door that’s dented in, shrubs overgrown, or paint peeling off it will be harder for someone to get past that even if you have an immaculate interior. Statistics show that garage door replacements, simple landscaping, and siding repair/replacements will give you more bang for your buck when you’re trying to sell your house.

2. Kitchen Makeover I may be a bit biased here because there is nothing more fun than tearing out walls in an old house. But I believe that having a more open floor plan makes your house feel bigger which will help it to sell. Opening your kitchen up to the living room or hearth room

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will make your home feel more spacious and inviting. Countertops are also important. In some neighborhoods plastic laminate tops, such as Formica, won’t make much of a difference for resale.

However, Quartz and Granite have quickly become the industry standard in most houses. Even in a 1,000 square foot house, stone counter-tops can make your house stand out among the rest.

3. Master Bathroom Transformation The master bathroom is a mysterious one for me. I can shower, brush my teeth, and use the bathroom in a 30 square foot space every day and be fine. However, as a married man I know that women prefer more space in the morning to get ready for the day. For that reason, if you have room to expand, in some cases it may make sense to enlarge your After master bath by cutting into your bedroom.

One trend we are seeing a lot is the “smooth transition shower.” We have taken fiberglass showers out and installed smooth transition showers with tile and cultured marble in several of our customers’ houses. For some customers, it’s an absolute necessity due to health issues. For others though, they are planning for the future or what we call “Aging in Place.” They are preparing to be in the house for the last 30, 40, 50 years of their lives, so they plan ahead for the time when they may need a smooth transition shower to keep from having to step over a curb.

When you’re getting ready to sell, just remember that you don’t necessarily want to remodel for your own specific tastes, but to the masses that will be looking to purchase your home. If all you do is update your home to fit into the current century, your house will be in a much better position when it hits the market.

See the full article and images at www.hendricksremodel.com/blog.

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A Look Back...

Conway High School students in 1997.

Conway High School students gather for a group picture at the JA Business Luncheon in Little Rock.

Conway Junior Achievement students participate in JA Bowl-a-Thon at Conway Bowl.

Wampus Cat Junior Achievement

by Cindy Beckman This year, Junior Achievement (JA), a non-profit economic education organization, is celebrating its 100th birthday! It came to Arkansas in 1987 and to Conway shortly thereafter, offering age-appropriate curriculum to K-12 classrooms.

JA was founded in 1919 by Theodore Vail, President of AT&T; Horace Moses, President of Strathmore Paper Company; and Sen. Murray Crane of Massachusetts. Its first program, JA Company Program, was offered to high school students as an after-school program. Over the last 39 years, JA has expanded its programs and broadened its scope to include in-school programs for all ages.

Junior Achievement USA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado but has 109 area offices in all 50 states that serve more than 4.8 million students. JA Worldwide has over 100 member countries and has reached over 100 million students since it began in 1919. Using business volunteers, JA’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Junior Achievement of Arkansas was established in 1987 and four years later, as the Conway High School economics teacher, I invited JA into my classroom. I taught JA Economics, an activitybased curriculum, while each week Acxiom and Kimberly Clark volunteers came to my classroom to facilitate the JA Management and Economic Simulation Exercise (MESE) program.

My first volunteer was Marv Komerovsky, Kimberly Clark’s plant manager. Each week, he led the students through JA MESE, a business strategy simulation in which students made decisions that impacted their market share in a fictitious industry. Today, it is an online strategy simulation called JA Titan.

In JA Company Program, the students organized themselves into a company that wrote a business plan, sold stock, developed a product and then marketed that product. Over the years, the student company, Wampus Cat JA, became known for developing 40 WINC. | February 2019

and marketing spirit products such as senior class shirts and Wampus Cat t-shirts and hoodies. The companies produced spirit products until 2012 when the program was eliminated due to curriculum changes.

For 20 years, Junior Achievement provided my economics students with many memorable experiences in addition to the engaging curriculum. Students were often invited to the state JA business luncheon where they had the opportunity to meet celebrities like Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboy owner; Stedman Graham, Oprah Winfrey’s longtime partner; and Gale Sayers, famed Chicago Bears football player.

As the teacher, I also benefitted greatly from the JA experience.

In 2001, I was named the Junior Achievement National Economics Teacher of the Year. That summer, I joined economics teachers from around the world at JA headquarters in Colorado Springs as we learned new strategies for teaching economics and entrepreneurship.

JA has updated its programs through the years to reflect a changing economy as well as changes in technology. While the 1991 JA programs utilized a 3.5-inch floppy disc, by 2012, the technology had evolved from VHS to DVDs. Many programs today have online learning platforms.

The delivery methods for JA programs have also changed in recent years. While volunteers formerly visited elementary classrooms once a week to deliver age-appropriate economics curriculum, volunteers now come into the schools for JA in a Day, a whole-day of enriching economics activities usually taught to an entire grade level of students.

JA Company Program also received a makeover. An all-day training at UCA, led by The Conductor, an entrepreneurship and innovation team, kicks off the program for central Arkansas students. Specialized business volunteers provide expertise and guide the student company teams as they start their businesses.

Conway High School students met with Stedman Graham, Oprah Winfrey’s long-time partner, who was the featured speaker at the 1997 JA Business Luncheon in Little Rock.

They also received autographed copies of his book, You Can Make It Happen (1997).

Lizzie Wells’ two Entrepreneurship classes at the Conway Area Career Center are then mentored by a team of six Conway business volunteers who visit the classroom throughout the semester. Students use a new interactive online learning platform to plan and operate their business.

Through this hands-on experience, students learn to do break-even analysis, develop a marketing and sales campaign and keep accurate financial records. At the end, they liquidate the business and produce an annual report which is presented at a pitch competition among the company teams.

Although retired, I am back in the classroom coordinating the business volunteers who are mentoring the Conway JA Company Program. Facilitating these student companies has re-ignited my passion and it is now igniting the passions of a whole new generation of students and volunteers.

Cindy Beckman is a local freelance writer. She writes A Look Back, a weekly Tuesday column; A Look Forward, a bi-monthly Sunday column; and the daily Yesterdays column for the Log Cabin. She has also authored several local history books and articles.

She may be reached at beckman@windstream.net

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by Morgan Tidwell A picture is worth a thousand words. In a world that is consumed by social media, photos are the number one way we as individuals market ourselves. If you take a profile picture from 10 years ago and compare it to your most recent photo you will likely notice the drastic increase in the quality of the photo. Not only that but we have now been introduced to the amazing world of “filters”. These new facets of photography allow the average Joe to swipe left to a filter that not only enhances our best features but also disguises our not so great physical attributes.

So, why are we so obsessed with our photos? Because they tell the story of the life we want to convey to our audience. Today’s real estate industry is no exception. How you market a listing through photos can have a large and direct impact on the success of a sale.

Almost everything we do today is done online. This technological shift has expanded potential exposure immensely.

Utilizing this source of exposure to market listings is highly effective. Images are the driving force behind maximum exposure and engagement on social media and the quality of the images is of equal importance. Professional photography offered by an agent and their agency proves to the seller that both agent and company are invested and committed to providing the highest

degree of professionalism when it comes to selling your home.

According to the 2018 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, Eighty-seven percent of homebuyers who searched for a home on the internet found photos to be among the most useful features of REALTOR websites.

We are all photographers in our own right in today’s world seemingly being born with a smartphone as an appendage.Yet it is crucial for the seller to remember that the quality of the images of a home for sale has been directly linked to the amount of time that a listing stays on the market. Homes with high quality photography sell 32% faster than those with average photo quality. In real estate marketing, quality and quantity go hand in hand. A home with one photo spends an average of 70 days on the market where as a home with 20 photos spends 32 days on the market. For homes in the $200,000 to $1 million range, those that include high quality photography on their listing sell for $3,000 - $11,000 more.

For example, which one of these photos is more appealing to an audience of potential buyers? Whether the photo is of a home that you are or aren’t in the market for or may or may not be in your price range, the high-quality photo is much more attractive and is proven to drive more potential buyer traffic to that listing.

So, what have we learned today? When marketing a listing, invest in quality photos, post enough of them to tell a story and use the beautiful World Wide Web to get as much exposure as your heart desires.

ERA TEAM Real Estate offers professional photography, virtual tours and drone images/videos. For questions about photography and marketing services call ERA TEAM Real Estate: 501.327.6731 Literary Sources Include: (www.prnewswire.com), (www.retipster.com), (www.redfin.com) 2018 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 42 WINC. | February 2019

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