WINC March 2019

MARCH 2019

womensinc.net

Party

like a Princess

2 WINC. | March 2019

womensinc.net 3

6

PRINCESS PARTY

20

34

MAJESTIC MAMA

KID TRAVEL MAPS

12

28

38

NAna’s kitchen

HOMETOWN HERO

A LOOK BACK

Publisher

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Green. That’s the color of the month.

For a few reasons, I could identify March as a special part of the late winter/early spring season.

This month, we start seeing the beginnings of spring blooms at Wye Mountain, as the annual Daffodil Festival kicks off March 2. A local favorite, the festival runs from March 2-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking is free. Crafts and food vendors will be on site as well. Knowing this season’s weather is unpredictable, festival organizers recommend following the Daffodils on Wye Mountain Facebook Page to keep up with how the blooms are coming along. It’s great family fun, and we don’t usually miss the opportunity for incredible photos in the spring outdoors.

Next is a birthday month for my mom!

As she recently moved here, we have had two consecutive years of celebration, and that is always fun.

Then there’s the luckiest day of the year and my wedding anniversary, March 17!

The idea to get married on St. Patrick’s Day was not intentional, as most of my immediate family are school teachers or were attending school, so Spring Break was the best time to get them all together.

I found out a year later, in March, we would welcome our son in the fall.

So March is indeed a milestone month for my household.

But March also is Women’s History Month, and I never pass up an opportunity to honor the amazing women who carved a path for me over time. Women most always have an incredible story, whether individually or as a group. I encourage you to sit down with a woman you admire and ask her to tell her “story.” You will be inspired and often walk away with new perspectives and great advice!

This month, our faith feature will highlight Ruth’s mother in law, Naomi.

Biblically, too, women have a history that teaches, guides and lays important groundwork for those who will follow.

Our cover feature highlights another young woman blazing a trail of teacups, complete with tiara. Melissa Gates spotlights a high school senior who launched her own business that is catering to the magic of make believe.

And our Majestic Mama again uses her mad mama skills to construct a DIY map project fit for the whole family and just in time for planning summer trips.You know, being organized and planning on documenting memories with fun, familyfriendly projects will always pay off in the end.

I’ve often come across things from childhood, such as a scrapbook or momento from a family trip, and I think about how lucky I am to have those items in my adulthood.

And it is worth mentioning, my high school colors were green and white, so most everything that marked that time of my life is significantly green, from spirit shirts to my letter jacket.

Green. Again, I bring up the color of the month because green is my favorite.

It reminds me of The Wizard of Oz, picturesque southern pastures, the song “A Wonderful World,” lime popsicles and this pair of pants I had in high school that were bright green. I wore them with a hot pink sweater and green camisole. I will never forget the way those pants made me feel – hopeful and empowered.

And as spring is gearing up and blooms are speckling the horizon soon, remember that everything has a purpose, even those green pants.

So may your month be geen with all the newness, hope, wonder and trailblazing!

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?

Kelly

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

womensinc.net womensinc.net 55

6 WINC. | March 2019

Party Like a Princess:

Teen Entrepreneur Thrives story by Melissa Gates, photos by Amy Jones Design Kalyn Huselton was once told she didn’t have the “look” of a princess. From that day forward she’s had the determination to prove that person wrong. Kalyn didn’t think anyone should be spoken to like that. I can’t agree more. The 17 year old has launched a successful princess party business; and also designs princess wigs, dresses, and tiaras. This girl is going places.

At a recent volunteer appearance at the Faulkner County Library I witnessed her dressed as a famous mermaid, reading to children at toddler story time. She entered the room in authentic character saying, “Hello little guppies!” The kids were womensinc.net 7

enthralled with her. Kalyn enjoys her volunteer work just as much as her paid appearances. “I’ve always loved kids; and luckily kids have always liked me,” she says.

Kalyn launched her company “Royal Characters” two years ago. She spends her weekends dressed as any number of famous theme park princesses and also employs nine performers that dress as others. Some days Kalyn and her crew will have as many as three appearances each. Kalyn says, “One of the wigs weighs more than 10 pounds! The costume and make up changes are not easy. In fact, weekends can be exhausting!”

The Conway High School senior initially became a budding entrepreneur several years ago while bored at her brother’s baseball games. To pass the time she started making jewelry to grow her savings account for her family’s next Disney trip.

Growing up, she went every year and has a grandmother that was always playing Disney movies. Kalyn remembers her favorite always being Tiana; and the “Princess and the Frog.” She says, “Tiana is the best role model because she’s hard working and not handed anything.”

8 WINC. | March 2019

Like her favorite role model, Kalyn is very hard working. After a family member asked her to dress as Snow White for a birthday party a couple of years ago she was hooked. She joined a local business that was doing “princess parties” but after several appearances, Kalyn says she was told she didn’t have the “look” of a princess. She was told that she could only be a mascot inside a full costume suit like Elmo or Mickey Mouse. She decided then and there to launch a premiere and authentic character experience business.

“When I opened, I set out to create the highest quality company in Central Arkansas. ... I’m proud to say that I’m completely satisfied with where we are…bringing magic to children is something this job does every single day. It makes me feel wonderful; and I know that children love it even more.”

Her mom, Angie, couldn’t be more proud.

“I am not shocked that Kalyn has been able to pull this off. I’ve never seen such vision in my whole life. If she’s told something can’t happen, she finds a way.”

When Kalyn began showing interest in designing her own tiaras, dresses and accessories, she realized knowing the

Computer Aided Design software (CAD) would benefit her. So she found a family friend who needed some babysitting while attending CAD classes in Morrilton. She exchanged free babysitting for him to teach her CAD. “He was only able to graduate because I babysat his son; and I learned CAD!” She’s now able to design accessories that are made in Japan and shipped to her.

Kalyn is set to attend college at University of Arkansas at Little Rock after graduating from Conway this spring. She will study web design and development. She plans to continue running her business through college.

She then plans to expand it after finishing college and open a princessthemed venue to among other things, teach princess classes during the day for little ones.

“I wouldn’t give this up for anything in the world,” Kalyn says.

After spending a little bit of time with Kalyn Huselton, I can assure you not only does she have the “look” of a princess; but the heart of one as well.

And that’s the most important.

Royal Characters books parties all over Central Arkansas; they’ve even had some bookings out of state. To find them, search “Royal Characters” on Facebook. For more information, email inquiries@royalcharacters.com.

They book Monday-Friday after 5 p.m.; but starting in the summer they’ll book all day during the week. Weekends they book 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

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.

womensinc.net 9

ADVERTISEMENT

Getting Used to Hearing Aids and Better Hearing

By Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D. You’ve finally decided that it’s time to get hearing aids, or maybe you just recently got your first pair but aren’t quite sure about what to expect. Hopefully your doctor gave you some tips for realistic expectations and you’re moving along without a hitch. I hope that this short article will inform you about what to expect and/ or motivate you to seek a diagnosis and treatment for your hearing loss. I’ve written in this space on prior occasions that hearing sounds and understanding speech are different. Hearing is the ability of your ears to detect the presence of a sound while understanding is the ability of your brain to formulate those sounds into something that is meaningful. The primary complaint of all patients with sensory neural hearing loss is. “I hear but I can’t understand”. The brain must be constantly stimulated to process sound and ironically it is our ability to ignore unwanted sounds that help us hear better in noisy places.

In order to begin to hear better, new hearing aid users must learn to filter out what they don’t want to hear the same way that they did when their hearing was normal. People with normal hearing have the ability to do this and don’t even think about it. No hearing aid can distinguish between what you want to hear and don’t want to hear as well as your brain can. The longer you go without hearing well the harder it is for your brain to relearn to understand speech in the presence of other noises. We can all get used to things to the point where we ignore them. If you were to move in to a house close to the railroad tracks, you might not sleep for weeks, or even a few months because you would be so aware of the trains going by.

After several years someone might ask you, “How can you stand that?” and your response would be, “Stand what?” The train didn’t get quieter, but you became so used to it that your brain learned to ignore it and it no longer interferes with your normal activity

10 WINC. | March 2019

or sleep. The more that you wear your new hearing aids the more sound you will be hearing, and your brain learns to better sort out things that are not important so that it can focus on the sounds of voices that keep you engaged in the conversation.

Getting used to your hearing aids should only take a couple of weeks and most patients tell me that they don’t even know they are wearing them after a few days. I generally tell a patient that they should expect a 75-80% improvement in their ability to understand. This is meant to imply that you will hear much better but can sometimes miss what was said.

It helps to be self-motivated and stay positive about hearing and understanding better. Hearing aids have improved dramatically in the past few years but more importantly those improvements have helped patients regain much of their speech understanding that was once lost to them. They can help you too!

womensinc.net 11

Nana’s Story and Photos by Kelly Sublett

Mixing in a few

saucy memories 12 WINC. | March 2019

In a small kitchen, some of one family’s best memories often are made. At least that’s what Denise Burton believes. It’s about the conversation and the laughter while an heirloom sauce is simmering on the stove. It’s about the puppies waiting anxiously for a cast off from pan. It’s about a house full of grandchildren having access to all their favorite snacks.

For Denise, too, it’s making the best of life changes and holding on to memories, often identified by a smell or a story.

“I grew up in Long Island, New York,” she says. “I am from a German background, but had a lot of Italian friends who gave me tips and secrets. This sauce is my father’s recipe.

“Growing up, he did a lot of cooking and baking. I remember this sauce most of all.”

On a recent cold morning, Denise began the process of making her Pasta Bowls – a deconstructed lasagna, as she describes it.

There are no measuring spoons or written recipe to follow. It’s all done from love and memory.

“Dad made baked beans from scratch, too,” she says. “He would cook and I would watch. To me, there’s not a certain way to do this. I go by looks and the smell.”

As she cooks, Denise talks about those secrets she learned all those years ago. A chunk of carrot will absorb the acidity in a tomato sauce. A little white wine cooks off, but adds a slight sweetness to eliminate the tang, too. One Bay Leaf goes a long way for flavor.

“This is a crowd favorite,” she says while lifting the saucepan lid for aroma. “I do the ‘secret thing’ for the grandkids. I mix in some spinach and tell them ‘it’s spices!’ They cannot taste it but it is in there.”

Denise tells stories while she cooks, often laughing an infectious laugh at memories from childhood with her two older sisters – she is the youngest by 12 years.

“We always had Sunday dinner at my house,” she says. I remember German pot roast and corn and … well so much. Dad would help my mom. They would brown the roast and put it in an

“To me, there’s not a certain way to do this. I go by looks and the smell.”

womensinc.net 13

aluminum pan that they would punch a few holes in. Then invert the pan and [the roast] would soak up all the flavor, like a steam.”

Later, her own husband of 30 years, Doug, would insist on Sunday dinners with their family, too. He would make the main dish and she would make the bread.

“Oh, I love to bake! My children loved that homemade bread,” she says.

The couple had two sons and a daughter. After Doug’s passing in 2013, Denise moved from Conway to Morrilton and admits it is harder to gather everyone, including all six of her grandchildren (and granddog Cheech) every week.

“We all live in different places, and everyone is so busy, but we still try to do that as often as we can,” she says.

Her grandchildren visit a lot, though, and “Granny” always has the necessities on hand.

“They call me the ‘Gummie Granny,’” she laughs, holding up assorted boxes of gummies. “I try to do what their parents want, so I don’t have any sugar in the house, but I have these! And I always have Capri Suns in the fridge.”

And even her favorite Pasta Bowl has been amended over the years to accommodate special diets and requests.

“Like today, I am using whole wheat penne pasta,” she says.

“And I use cottage cheese and not ricotta. But I still use Mozzarella!”

Denise won’t give that up. She says there are memories mixed up in Mozzarella.

She grew up in Long Island, and although she moved to Arkansas a few years after her 18th birthday, she still misses New York-style pizza.

And like all memories, one begets another.

Denise grew up the daughter of a state park superintendent.

She fell in love with caring for race horses and show horses.

Parts of her story, complete with trophies and ribbons and grandness, remind one of the movie “Secretariat,” complete with

14 WINC. | March 2019

descriptions of race tracks and the beauty of the horses, the long hours and the fun “hanging out at the stables.”

She tells stories of a culture unlike that of the place she now calls home in small-town Arkansas. School outings to Broadway musicals and watching Guy Lombardo conduct an orchestra on the water at the famous Jones Beach Theater, part of the state park in Wantagh, New York.

In high school, she participated in a Girls Athletic League in the 1970s, which included riding lessons and other sports, like softball and swimming among them.

“I miss horses the most,” she says. “I miss riding. But I have found some old friends from those days on Facebook. I have an old VCR tape of me riding, and my niece says she is going to put it on a [DVD] for me. My children haven’t seen it. My grandchildren haven’t seen it.”

After landing in Conway, Denise worked for the SAS shoe factory from 1989 to 2009, when the factory shut down. She went back to school and got a degree in accounting, which she puts to use at the Morrilton library.

“I think the hardest thing for me these days is cutting down these recipes,” she laughs. “It’s usually just me, so I don’t cook as often as I should.”

Denise begins spooning her completed Pasta Bowl mix into two disposable pans.

“I bowl in Conway every Monday, so I am going to drop these by for my son and daughter,” she smiles.

And as for her grandchildren, she will continue to teach and tell stories from her kitchen.

“I learned how to do their names in pancakes, like personalized pancakes, and they love that,” she says happily. “I do have to remember to do it backwards, like in a mirror, and that’s the hardest thing about it!”

If you know a favorite family cook and would like to nominate them for a feature, please email ksublett@thecabin.net.

Denise Burton Pasta Bowls

You will need: • 1 ½ lb ground beef • 2 Tbs butter • 1 small onion (use to liking then save the rest for salad topping) • 2 large carrots (one cut in half for sauce--one shaved for salad topping) • ½ green pepper (save half for salad topping) • 2 cloves of garlic minced • 1 regular can diced, petite tomatoes • 1 16 oz. can tomato sauce • 1 can tomato paste • 1 to 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning • ½ tsp Oregano • ¾ tsp Basil • 1 Bay leaf • 1 box pasta of preference (cooked to al dente)

For the filling: • 1 16 oz. fat free cottage cheese • 1 10 oz. pkg. Frozen spinach, drained • 1 egg • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (have extra on hand for topping of dish) In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the onion and peppers to soften. Add garlic, but just before browning when slightly caramelized, add the beef. Once cooked through, drain grease.

Add tomato sauces, paste and tomatoes and spices. Add the Bay

leaf and two carrot halves. Mix well and bring to a bubble. Then, turn heat to low and allow to simmer for as long as you can.

Boil the pasta to al dente in a pot with a dash of salt and olive oil.

Do not overcook.

In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, spinach, egg and cheeses.

Once the sauce is done, remove the Bay leaf and the carrots.

Arrange the drained pasta in a baking dish. Pour half the sauce over the pasta and mix well.

Then add the cottage cheese mixture on top of pasta. Do not mix in. Pour the rest of the sauce over the pasta/cottage cheese, spreading to cover all exposed pasta.

Bake in 350 degree oven until bubbly.

Remove from oven and cover with Mozzarella cheese as desired. Return to oven and bake until all cheese is melted into the orginal mix.

Serve with salad and bread as desired.

This dish can be frozen. Do not add final cheese topping. When dish is removed from freezer, heat through at 350 degrees.

Then follow final direction from above.

womensinc.net 15

16 WINC. | March 2019

womensinc.net 17

ADVERTISEMENT

My Thoughts on CBD Oil I’ve never considered myself to be a controversial person yet I’m not usually one to shy away from controversial subjects, but, when it comes to the subject of CBD oil products, I’ve pretty much avoided the issue altogether – until recently. Due to the inconsistent and often vague interpretations from various regulatory agencies about CBD oil products, I had little interest in stocking them and really didn’t know much about them. Even though I had many customers ask me if I planned to stock them, frankly I worried about what people would think about me, including the medical community.

How my peers, friends, and customers regard me and my professionalism has always been extremely important. Recently, however, a variety of things has piqued my curiosity, started me on a quest to learn all I could as quickly as possible, and yes, prompted me to stock CBD products in our pharmacy.

Before we go too far, let’s cover the basics.

CBD (cannabidiol) products can be derived from both the hemp plant and the cannabis (marijuana) plant. What’s the difference? The difference for me, as a pharmacist, involves safety and legality. The CBD products derived from cannabis contain varying amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psycho-active component of the marijuana plant. While the “legal limit” of those products is less than 0.3%, that’s 0.3% too much for me. High-end hemp-based CBD oil products, like the ones we now sell in our pharmacy, have ZERO percent THC, which make them imminently safer than other products on the market.

Here’s one reason that I decided to offer CBD products.You may remember that my

18 WINC. | March 2019

article in last month’s Women’s Inc. was on commitment and focused on the Oath of a Pharmacist. In that oath, it stated that “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” and that “I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.”

The fact is, I had numerous customers who were already using CBD products and buying them goodness-knows where. That scared me to death. I was failing to “embrace and advocate changes” that might actually help them. It was truly an epiphany for me.

Another reason is a curiosity whether they might be helpful to me personally. I’ve had an abnormal heart rhythm for a long time – probably close to 40 years now. And, as the old saying goes, “I ain’t getting any younger.”

I’m having a lot more issues with my joints – typical arthritis pain and inflammation.

Standing up on a concrete floor for 45 years has taken its toll on my feet and ankles.

Because there is mounting evidence that NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve, or prescription NSAIDs like meloxicam, are not good for heart patients, I can’t take those anymore and I refuse to take opioids. Consequently, I have started taking CBD oil myself to see if it helps me.

Let’s cover some key “take-aways” from this article. First of all, not all CBD oil products are created equal.

Source, concentration, consistency, purity, and manufacturing procedures

are all incredibly important. It seems that nearly every tobacco store, vape shop, health food store, and vitamin store have some version of the products, and goodness only knows where and how they are manufactured. Even more frightening are all the products available on the internet.

Next take-away – no one, including me, can make any medical claims about CBD oil. It is illegal to do so. While there are countless people who make claims that CBD products can provide relief from just about any condition you can name, there are no scientific studies as yet published to substantiate any of these claims. Personally, I’m hoping that it will help me with some of the inflammation in my joints and perhaps help me sleep a little bit better. My results will be just that, my results, and nothing scientific.

Here are the last take-aways. Because of the way that CBD products target the endocannabinoid system in the body, I don’t expect immediate results. It may be 3 or 4 weeks before I notice any difference. Plus, they do have some potentially significant drug interactions, so please talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are using them, and make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

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.

womensinc.net 19

A ninja party with foam swords and t-shirt head gear was a lot of fun

Party Planning for Little People

by Andrea Champlin The first thing that you need to know about planning a party for children is this: do not stress yourself out. Seriously, they’re kids. Mine like to play with cardboard boxes.

However, I know we live in a Pinterest world and that advice can be difficult to follow sometimes. I threw a party for my eldest’s first birthday that included about 50 people at our house.

It was fun, but I also realized that party was maybe a little more for me than for her, and that’s ok. I gave birth to her so I’m allowed to have fun on that day, too. If you want to throw a crazy big party, do it! If you want low key, those are so fun too! I’ve done both.

(Note:This is for elementary age and younger. I am now the parent of a middle schooler, and I have to relearn what is cool and not cool for this set.)

Over the years of throwing parties for children, I’ve come up with a formula that works every time. First of all, my parties last an hour and a half. Two hours is usually too long and chaos ensues. One hour and 30 minutes is the perfect time. The kids 20 WINC. | March 2019

aren’t quite ready to go yet, but add another thirty minutes and they’re hanging from a chandelier in your dining room.

My formula is always the same: 10 minutes—Arrival 40 minutes—Activity and games 20 minutes—Cake and presents 20 minutes—Free play No matter what theme we were going with, all of the parties at my house followed this schedule. If it’s somewhere like Urban Air or Hogwild, I may modify.

So how do you choose what activities and games? Well, first plan your theme. My children are usually extremely opinionated on this topic, so this is an easy one for me. We’ve done tea parties, Ninjago, princess, Star Wars, Hawaiian luau, Toy Story, Batman (three times and counting),Venetian pool party, Thomas the Train, and many more.

Adam loves Batman.

This year we will have our fourth consecutive Batman party

So now that you have your theme, what do you do?

1. Plan a date and time. This can be tricky with sports and different schedules. I actually did a party on a Sunday afternoon this year. And remember, if you plan a party at lunch or dinner time, you will want to serve more than cake.

2. Find a venue. This is an easy one if it’s at your house.

3. Plan your food, activities, and decorations. If Pinterest is good for anything, this is it! I’ve used it for every single one of my parties. (If the venue is somewhere other than your house, verify what food and decorations you’re allowed to bring.)

4. Send the invitations about 2 weeks before the party. I usually do digital invitations. There are some online services where you can email guests. More often though, I’m texting my digital invitation.

Happy planning! And if you’re having a party in your home, let me leave you with this tidbit of wisdom: Having 10 girls in your home is completely different than having 10 boys in your home.

Plan accordingly.

These girls made Venetian masks before a swim in the Grand Canal (the pool in our backyard)

Things to Remember • Balloons are an inexpensive way to make a big impact.

• Have bottled water for grown ups.

• Try goody books instead of goody bags. I can usually find a Magic Tree House book to go with any theme!

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.

A Toy Story party for my son that included cut out shapes of metallic poster board on the walls womensinc.net 21

22 WINC. | March 2019

womensinc.net 23

Women of faith: The love of Naomi

by Melissa West A few days ago something really cool happened to me: I gave birth to a son. Like mothers everywhere will tell you, this led to a host of emotions flooding my mind and heart over the last week. It’s strange how the gender of your children can change the perspective you have toward them from Day 1. When my daughter was born, I was very introspective about what it means to take care of a tiny girl who would someday care for children of her own. I constantly consider how my role in her life will impact the role she plays in the lives of her children, and my actions are often centered on this. But when my son was born this week, I thought of my husband. Not ever having any brothers, my own mother was not a “boy mom” as it is referred to these days. I am often intimidated by my own inexperience with boys and sometimes wonder if it will feel as natural to forge a relationship with him as it did with our daughter. My thoughts have drifted back to the same woman’s face over and over when I imagine what our relationship will look like: my mother-in-law.

I come from a family full of big emotions and loud voices.

Women are dominant figures and love fiercely, sometimes

overwhelmingly. Mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts were everywhere in my household. My husband, on the other hand, comes from a family with more balanced numbers, and a woman who loves quietly. She is not one to make a show of her emotions, and her own personal feelings on a topic won’t be displayed for anyone to see. However, as I approach 10 years of knowing this woman, I’ve discovered that her “way” is shown strongly through her actions. My husband’s love language, likely as a result of the way he was loved as a child, is acts of service. If he sees a need, whether it be emotional or physical, he will attempt to meet it through actions. It has occurred to me over the last few years that it is likely he loves this way because his mother loved him this way. She loves me this way, and in that regard, has taught me to love others in this way. Less words, few tears; just small acts of service.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in Ruth.

However, it is not so much Ruth’s story that has always intrigued me as that of Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law. Naomi was a wife and mother of two sons. When famine struck their land, Naomi’s

Re/Max 10013014 24 WINC. | March 2019

“Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1: 16).

husband moved her and their sons to a foreign land, where both he and his sons eventually died. Naomi is left widowed and childless, and in her charge are her sons’ wives, two Moabite women who are not of her faith.

Scripture reveals little to nothing about Naomi’s relationships with these women prior to the death of her sons. What we know is that when Naomi decides to return home to Judah, she directs her daughters-in-law to return to Moab so they will have hope of remarrying and living among their people and their Gods. Both daughters are saddened to leave, but Ruth refuses. Her famous words have echoed ladies Bible studies for years: “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge.Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1: 16).

The seeds Naomi must have planted in Ruth up to this point have clearly taken hold, and Naomi’s influence is just beginning.

She cares for her daughter-in-law from this point on through wise instruction and guidance, despite having faced tragedy in her life that I can hardly conceive of. Her guidance ultimately fulfills a part of God’s plans to save the world, as Ruth births a son, Obed, who fathers Jesse, who fathers David, whose lineage eventually produces Jesus Christ. The plans God had for Naomi, Ruth, and the world were brought to fruition in part due to the influence of a mother on her son’s wife.

When I look at my son my heart breaks a little, just like it did with my daughter in those early days, as I realize the “letting go” begins at the moment of birth. It is a long process of love and unnoticed service to raise up children and watch them pave their own way. I imagine he will love a woman someday and make her his wife, and it will continue to break my heart more to see his eyes leave mine for her’s, but what a calling God has given me to love a boy until he becomes a man, and continue to love he and his wife as if she were my own daughter. I’m blessed by a mother-in-law who has been an integral part of my path toward salvation, whose love and enduring service has taught me to better love those around me, and who’s quiet but profound life has softened my own ever so subtly. I am most grateful to God for using us in all seasons and relationships to further His plans. What a gift to love a son while he’s mine, and love the God who let me borrow him.

Melissa West is a God-follower, middle-school science teacher, wife, and mother.

womensinc.net 25

26 WINC. | March 2019

womensinc.net 27

WN O T E M HO

HERO

John Edmond Ross Sr Editor’s Note:This story was submitted by U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) who recognized John Edmond Ross Sr., a Vietnam War veteran, in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series commemorating the military service of Arkansans.

Story and photo submitted John Edmond Ross Sr., a Vietnam War veteran, grew up in Kansas during the Great Depression. He was working for Beech Aircraft Corporation in Wichita when he went to the draft board.

“They told me I would probably be next month’s pick,” Ross said.

Shortly after this meeting, he was inspired by the Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movie “Jumping Jacks” about Army paratroopers.

“The sergeant was all enthused. He hadn’t recruited a paratrooper in some time and he was telling me how glamorous it was going to be,” Ross said.

28 WINC. | March 2019

It was months before he would experience excitement as a paratrooper. First he had to endure basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and kitchen police duties which included what Ross calls “the filthiest job”—cleaning out the grease traps. Once his eight weeks of basic were completed, he learned that he would have to continue his training before Airborne School because there were no spaces available for new students.

Eventually he started “jump school” at Fort Benning, Georgia, and underwent more intense physical training. Many guys washed out because they “just couldn’t take the day-to-day endurance.” Ross and the other students were required to complete five jumps. His first jump was memorable because he became tangled with another parachute, but his training served him well and he and the other paratrooper landed unharmed.

Ross left the Army in 1956, but after getting married he realized how great the paycheck and the benefits were so he rejoined later that year within the allotted time for him to retain his rank.

In 1960, he received orders to go to Vietnam. Ross wasn’t familiar with the country and asked his colleagues who were also uncertain where in the world it was. He looked it up in a geography book to learn where he was going.

“We were there for about a week and they couldn’t find jobs for us,” Ross said.

He went to personnel and asked for a job or be sent back home. He was assigned to Duc My Camp in south central Vietnam, with officers and other senior non-commissioned officers.

“That was about as un-army as the Army could be,” he said.

He served another tour in Vietnam in 1970. For his service he earned the Bronze Star among other distinctions. Ross retired from military service in 1974.

“I loved the Army. It was great. It was my home,” he said.

Today, Ross calls Conway home.

“I am grateful for John Ross’ dedication to our country and his willingness to serve.

Capturing his memories and sharing his experiences of serving our nation in uniform is a great tribute to his service,” Boozman said.

Boozman will submit Ross’ entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.

30 WINC. | March 2019

womensinc.net 31

Conversations with a

Cameron and Megan Cain Hometowns: Cameron is from Greenbrier and Megan is from Mayflower Children: Jonathan, 19; Madison, 17; two current foster children Occupations: Cameron is a Senior Reactor Operator at Arkansas Nuclear One and Megan- Listing Agent with The de Freitas Team at Keller Williams Realty Central Something out of the ordinary people may not know about you: Megan: “I love theater, so much that I cry at every signal performance I attend.” Cameron loves to grill and smoke meat.

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

Post Malone What’s your guilty pleasure?

Cameron: Hershey’s candy bars Megan: Skittles What’s the one thing in your home you want to get rid of but that your spouse won’t allow?

Megan: extra vehicles Cameron: doesn’t like getting rid of things Who is your favorite animated character?

Cameron: Wolverine Megan: Looney Toons What are you most passionate about?

Cameron: Megan and the kids Megan: I am most passionate about my family, and being a child advocate/foster parent through our states foster care system.

32 WINC. | March 2019

What is the furthest you’ve been from home and why?

Cameron: Toronto for work Megan: Bulgaria for a mission trip to work in an orphanage Do you prefer mountains or the beach?

Cameron: Mountains Megan: Beach Who do you most admire?

Cameron: Jesus Megan: My late grandmother Marie McClure, she was always happy and positive and always had a smile for anyone and everyone.

Which is your favorite restaurant in town?

Cameron: Chinatown Megan: Wanderhaus Is your family more Elvis or Beatles?

Elvis

Who is the better driver?

Cameron: Megan Megan: Me, only during the day Who is the calmest?

Cameron: Definitely me Megan: absolutely Cameron What is your family’s favorite hobby?

Cycling Where do you go to church?

New Life What is your favorite memory as a family?

Christmas mornings, in our pjs drinking coffee and watching the kids open their gifts.

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.

womensinc.net 33

Travel Maps for Kids

by Andrea Champlin We’re a family that likes to travel.

When I got out of college, my first position was as an internal auditor, and I had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States. All of the auditors in my office had maps of the United States printed on plain white paper. Whenever we did an audit in a new state, we’d color that state in with a yellow highlighter.

I’ve been looking for something similar, although a little more decorative, and I have had such a hard time finding something. I finally came across some scratch off maps that I thought would be perfect, they just needed a little modification so we could use them the way I’d envisioned.

I love how these function for my kiddos now. They walk by these several times a day and I know they’re being imprinted.

• Supplies • Scratch off Map • Mod Podge • Foam brush • Frame with back • 4 Books • Wax Paper (optional) • Scissors (only if your map and frame sizes don’t match) Note: When you order the map, please note the size. There are many different sizes to choose from.You also want to make sure it’s a size that will be easy to find a pre-made frame.

1. Remove the front glass or plastic and the backing of the frame.

2. Using your foam brush, spread mod podge on the front of the frame backing (not the side that faces the wall.)

3. Carefully place your scratch off map on top of the mod podge. My map came with a tissue paper cover to protect the map, I left that on top and used my hand to smooth the map, working from the center.

(If yours didn’t come with a protective cover, you can use wax paper.)

4. Leave the tissue paper or wax paper over the map, and place a book on each corner.

5. Let dry.

6. Place the frame back with its newly glued map back in the frame. Mine came with plastic and I did not add that back on.

7. Carefully scratch off your states.

8. It’s ready to hang!

I didn’t add the front glass back on because I want it to be easy for my kids to scratch off when they get a new state. And we generally go on trips all together, but that won’t always be the case, so they each have their own map. I also got them a book about the states. We have family meetings to decide where to go on vacation and I like that they can read about the states, as well as recognize them on a map.

And if nothing else, my children will know that New Mexico is in the United States, not Mexico.

For more photos on this DIY and links to supplies, you can visit my blog at TheMajesticMama.com.

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.

womensinc.net 35

Where the Book Meets the Curtain: Theater, library partner for writing competition Red Curtain Theatre and the Faulkner County Library are partnering to host a creative writing competition inspired by the precocious Matilda, the title character in both Roald Dahl’s novel, “Matilda,” and “Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical” by Steve Minchin.

Matilda is described as an early reader whose creative storytelling empowers her to change the course of her life. Along the way she inspires those around her who feel powerless to be brave and change their stories as well.

Change the Story is a creative writing competition.

Participants are asked to alter and/or change the ending of wellknown story. Writers can pick one of the following stories: • Goldilocks & The Three Bears • The Three Little Pigs • Little Red Riding Hood • The Three Billy Goats Gruff • Cinderella • Aladdin Submissions will be accepted now through Monday, March 18.

The overall winner will be announced Friday, April 5.

Submissions will be divided into two categories, grades five and under and grades six and up.

All entries must be submitted no later than Monday, March 18, via email to mary@fcl.org or the postal service (postmarked no later than 3/18/19) to Mary Spears Polk, Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler, Conway, AR 72032.

All submissions need to include the full name of the participant, age, phone number, grade, school, and parent name.

Submissions will be judged by a panel and evaluated based on creativity, character development, and use of language to communicate ideas. The overall winner will receive four (4) tickets to Red Curtain Theatre’s April production of the regional premiere of “Matilda: The Musical,” a photo with the cast and a cast T-shirt.

Family Book Club: Matilda Edition is a family book club that will meet three times at the Conway branch of the Faulkner County Library. All three meetings will be on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and include light snacks. Meetings will be facilitated

by Jenny Wallace and Mary Spears Polk. All families will be provided a copy of the book, Matilda.

• March 7, 2019 – pre-reading discussion, activity, read the first chapter together • March 21, 2019 – discuss the first half of the book • April 4, 2019 – final book discussion In order to plan appropriately, families will need to register in advance for the Family Book Club. Families can register at the front desk of the Conway branch of the Faulkner County Library or by emailing mary@fcl.org.

For more information on the Change the Story creative writing competition or the Family Book Club: Matilda Edition, please contact Mary Spears Polk at 501-327-7482 or at mary@ fcl.org.

Red Curtain Theatre’s production of “Matilda: The Musical” will take the stage April 12 – 20, 2019 at Staples Auditorium on the Hendrix College campus. For tickets go to www. redcurtaintheatre.com.

womensinc.net 37

A Look Back...

After outgrowing his plant facility on Harkrider, Dave Ward built a new bus plant on a 200-acre site along Highway 65 South. At one time as many as 1,200 employees worked at Ward Bus. In 1993, the Ward family sold the bus plant to American Transportation which then was bought out by International Corporation. Bus assembly was discontinued in 2009 but some bus parts are still manufactured here by DBG which bought out IC in 2017. Credit: Faulkner County Museum

The Industrialization of Conway

by Cindy Beckman Business leaders play a very important role in the area’s economic development and as World War II ended, Conway business leaders stepped up, realizing that more local jobs would be needed. War plants were closing, veterans were returning home, and the farming economy that had provided employment in the past was declining.

International Shoe Company, the world’s largest shoe manufacturer, would be the first major employer to be wooed to Conway by the Chamber of Commerce and area business leaders.

Opening in May 1947, the factory employed around 400 and produced 7,000 pairs of shoes per day during peak production. By 1952, the company employed 550 workers.

Add to this the homegrown Ward Body Works which had outgrown its plant on Harkrider by 1952 and built a new plant south of Conway along Highway 65. This plant, renamed Ward Bus, turned out 10 to 32 buses a day and at one time employed

as many as 1,200. It was the largest school bus builder west of the Mississippi River.

More industry came in the early 1950s as Dean Milk of Chicago purchased the Swift & Company plant downtown in 1952 and Virco Mfg. purchased the Dunn Table Company in 1954. These also employed hundreds of workers.

Building on that success, Conway business leaders began to recruit more industry to the growing city. Over the next three decades, the Faulkner County Industrial Development Corporation (FCIDC), the Conway Development Corporation (CDC) and the Chamber of Commerce would bring in more large industries and create the first Industrial Park.

One of the lessons learned when recruiting International Shoe was that it was easier to negotiate with potential industries if there was already land available; striking an agreement with

“This plant, renamed Ward Bus, turned out 10 to 32 buses a day and at one time employed as many as 1,200.”

38 WINC. | March 2019

Virco Manufacturing, the country’s largest producer of classroom furniture, purchased Dunn Table on Harkrider in 1954. In the 1980s, its manufacturing capacity was expanded, and it became a major packing and distribution center. Two more expansions took place in the 1990s. Credit: FCHS housed in UCA Archives individual landowners could be unpredictable. So in 1956, a group of about 15 businesses contributed $44,000 to the FCIDC to buy land for industrial development. The group then purchased 31.38 acres in southern Conway west of the railroad with Robins Street bordering on the north.

Meanwhile in 1958, FCIDC and the Chamber of Commerce announced that Baldwin Piano, the No. 1 producer of pianos, would establish a branch plant to Conway. A Howard spinet production line was temporarily set up in the old Ward Bus plant on Harkrider.

Baldwin was enticed to Conway, largely by Thomas G. Wilson, President of First State Bank and FCIDC head, because of the availability of personnel available for training. In addition, FCIDC had secured a site for the future plant between Tyler and Hairston streets along the railroad extending to the west.

In 1959, FCIDC announced that Universal Match would build a new, modern $2.2 million plant on the land south of Robins Street. The plant would produce various refrigeration products

and was named Customade Products Division (later Universal Nolan). It would employ 250 to 300 men.

The city and county provided utilities as well as paving Robins Street. The city partnered with the CDC, formed in 1959 by 77 Conway businesses, individuals and organizations, to finance the plant. The CDC was also led by Wilson, who played a large part in landing this factory, too. The land and 200,000-square-foot plant, owned by the FCIDC, was subsequently donated to the CDC which took over the lease.

The CDC then helped FCIDC purchase 60 acres west of the railroad between Tyler and Harrison for the future Baldwin Piano plant. Later, when Baldwin elected to build a plant in south Conway, the CDC sold 50 acres and donated the other 10 acres to the city for a park. The cash was then used as a down payment on a 178-acre tract on the east side of town for another industrial park.

Conway Industrial Park was dedicated in September 1963. The CDC served as developer and administrator for the new park.

The first tenant was Prince-Gardner, which manufactured billfolds, This aerial photo of the Conway Industrial Park was taken in the early 1970s.

Businesses located in the park at that time were Associated Farmers Co-op, Coffey-Clifton, Conway Corporation, Conway Machine, Demographics (now Acxiom), Fleming and Sons, Garrison Motor Freight, Humble Oil and Refining, K-Line, Kimberly-Clark Conway Mills, Nabholz and Texaco. The 65 Drive-in and Ward Bus can also be seen in the upper left corner while Customade can be seen in the upper middle along with Virco. Photo Credit: Faulkner County Museum

womensinc.net 39

International Shoe Factory opened this plant at Hairston and Mitchell in 1947 and by 1952 employed 550 workers. Credit: FCHS housed in UCA Archives

key cases and purses and employed 131 people. Eighty acres was subsequently added to the park and railroad spurs were installed. The new cloverleaf I-40 129 exit later gave the park easy interstate access.

Kimberly Clark opened its Conway Mills plant in the Industrial Park in 1968 and FMC Automotive Service Equipment Division located in the park in 1972.

Aeromotors, a company that produced submersible and jet water pumps, established a plant there in 1974. By the mid-1970s, 40 industries were located in the park, employing 4,358 people and bringing the park to near capacity.

As a result of the vision and concerted efforts of Conway business leaders in the post-war decades, Conway would enjoy a diverse economy that would provide jobs for thousands and allow Conway to thrive.

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

40 WINC. | March 2019

f o c i Mus s m a i l l i W n Joh

PM 0 3 : 7 – 0 2 L I R P ,A Y A D R U SAT

The most recognizable name in film score composers, John Williams has created the music for over one hundred Hollywood hits. Get your tickets now for these fun and famous pieces: Star Wars, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Superman, Schindler’s List (Drew Irvin, Soloist)!

Reynolds Performance Hall • UCA Campus, Conway Tickets (501) 450-3265 • ConwaySymphony.org underwritten by

womensinc.net 41

ADVERTISEMENT

The millennial Challenge and Impact of Student Debt on Homeownership

by Morgan Tidwell

The traditional first steps for young adults after graduating college is to find a job and form their own household, well before purchasing a home. However, in a recent 2016 study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and American Student Assistance, 42% of student loan borrowers reported delaying moving out of a family member’s home after college, with 24% delaying for at least two years. However, since many young adults use this living situation as a way to pay down debt and save, further increases in student debt loads would likely extend the amount of time individuals live at home, thereby postponing the formation of households. In fact, approximately half of all borrowers in the NAR survey believed that student loan debt inhibited their ability to rent alone.

The strain of student debt impacts the perceptions and beliefs of households regarding their ability to purchase a home.

Approximately 71% of non-homeowners in a 2016 study believed that their student loan debt delayed them from buying a home.

Non-homeowners with more than $50,000 in student debt were the most likely to feel that their debt delayed them from buying a home, with approximately eight out of ten feeling this way.

The millennial generation is also more likely to suffer from this problem, whereas the Generation X and baby boomer respondents felt their inability to own a home because of student debt was attributed to high debt-to-income ratios. In many ways educational attainment is becoming an increasingly important step toward achieving the American Dream of owning a home.

Education generally increases both job opportunities and income.

In fact, the average earnings premium of a college degree, the percentage by which wages of college graduates exceed those of otherwise comparable high school graduates, rose substantially

42 WINC. | March 2019

by approximately 25 percentage points for both women and men to 50.8%, reflecting both rising opportunities for those with degrees and a decline in real average earnings for those without a degree.

In general, increased earnings potential from additional education makes saving for a down payment, qualifying for a mortgage and affording monthly mortgage payments easier, particularly in an environment of rising home prices and still tight credit standards. In fact, compared with not having a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree increased homeownership by 17.5 percentage points for young adults.

Although education generally increases future earnings and in turn boosts the future likelihood of buying a home, student loan debt is having young adults opting to live with their parents or remain in shared living situations because of the financial burdens caused by student debt, thereby postponing the formation of additional households.

For all of the potential home buyers, before you give up on your home buying plans talk to your Realtor and Lender as there are a number of 100% loans available for individuals based on a number of factors including area and income. Additionally is may be possible for the seller to pay some of your closing costs on your behalf.

The ERA TEAM Real Estate is one of Faulkner County’s leading, knowledgeable and top producers. We are full time agents with the knowledge, dedication, customer focus, and commitment to all aspects of your Real Estate needs. Call us today with your real estate questions 501.327.6731 Data sources include National Realtors Association and American Student Assistance

womensinc.net 43

tennis. playing. hiking.

Get back to gardening. boating.

With the new Mako Robotic Technology, replace your knee or hip with more precision.

When you need a hip or knee replacement, know that Conway Regional is the only hospital in Conway to offer the Mako RoboticArm Assisted Technology — a more precise surgical experience that’s tailored to your specific needs. And only at Conway Regional will you have the personalized care of RecoveryCOACH to guide you through your surgical journey from pre-op to recovery. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

ConwayRegional.org/Mako

501-513-5569

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology