Women's Inc 06/17

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. JUNE 2017

FATHER’S DAY ISSUE

&

ARMED READY

S7 offers firearms, self-defense and combat fitness services

HOPE FOR A FATHERLESS GENERATION WINC’S MEN OF DISTINCTION PATH OF AN EAGLE SCOUT

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CONTENTS 6 SHOOTING SAVVY

Conway’s new firearm, self-defense and combat fitness service center

DISTINGUISHED

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Men who are a reflection of Faulkner County’s business leadership

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J U N E 2 017 WOM EN ’ S IN C .

WINC. Editor Lori Quinn

KEEP THE FAITH

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Hope for a fatherless generation

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FOOD Hello summer!

Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Detra Clark Marisa Hicks Colleen Holt Nancy Jackson Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Jennifer Stanley Jenny Strange Kelly Sublett Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham Advertising Sales Executives Crystal Geraldson Sara Grady Leigh Anne Gray Rusty Hunnicutt

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Advertising Artists Jay Prince Lauren Morgenstern

HOMES

Brad Lacy’s story of his life

56 ARKANSAS SHAKES Catching up with two AST members

ARTS

Reynolds Performance Hall announces 2017-18 season

58

iMATTER The path of an Eagle Scout

columns 50. book review Father’s Day Favorites Susan O’Keefe review 4 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

52. spiritual

The Way Maker

by Andrea Lennon

Editorial Advisory Board Leah Ashby Jenny Cabantac Detra Clark Alyson Fish Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Christina Munoz Madsen Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lanette Rogers Mary Margaret Satterfield Jennifer Stanley Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: WINC@thecabin.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 • www.womensinc.net

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cover stor y

Trip and Courtney Leach and Tara and Ryan Stephens, owners of S7 Tactical

TECHNICAL SKILLS S7 understands the spectrum of protection needed and offers firearms, self-defense and combat fitness services

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain A new addition to Conway, S7 Tactical, offers training services and a privatemember, referral-based club with a shooting range scheduled to open this fall.

S7 is owned by Conway residents Ryan and Tara Stephens and Trip and Courtney Leach.

The Stephens are parents to Logan, 7, and Brooklyn, 4, and moved to Conway from California three years ago for Ryan’s job.

“We love Arkansas,” Tara said.

Ryan is a special agent for the government. He trains police officers in firearms and defensive tactics and has been training military and law enforcement personnel for more than 10 years. He is passionate about safety and pushing people to succeed. He serves on the security team at New Life 6 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

Church, and Tara serves on the PTO at Ellen Smith Elementary.

Tara is an at-home mom and does freelance interior design in her free time.

The Leach family includes children Quinten, 12, Alex, 10, Bentley, 5, and Abigail Jane, 4.

Courtney moved to Arkansas from Indiana to attend the University of Central Arkansas, and Trip attended Hendrix College. They met during their respective senior years working at Stoby’s restaurant. In fact, their first home as a married couple is now pattiCakes Bakery.

Trip is the director of finance at New Life Church, and Courtney serves as the executive director of Community Connections, a nonprofit that provides free extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and support for their families in Conway and throughout Central Arkansas.

Trip is a board member for the Conway Public Schools, and Courtney is an active member of the Conway Kiwanis Club.

WINC was able to talk with the owners about how S7 Tactical came about and future plans for the company.

When did S7 Tactical open?

Tell us a little about S7’s concept.

We developed the S7 Tactical concept in 2008 with an original goal to increase the safety of military and law enforcement professionals through realistic and effective firearms training. We also desire to train civilians and help make our communities safe.

The mission of S7 is to humbly provide our clientele with superior service in line with their ever-changing safety needs.

S7 understands the spectrum of protection needed and offers firearms, self-defense and combat fitness services.

s7 tactical We believe in serving fellow men and women versus chasing profits. When our clients are safe and empowered and can perform actions to increase their protective posture, we have made a difference.

We believe in having an emotional investment in our clients and want to have a stake in their professional and personal growth. We believe in God, country and freedom.

S7 is broken into two components: S7 Tactical offers training services, and the Arkansas Gun Club is a private-member, referral-based club. The range is scheduled to open in the fall of 2017. Training opportunities are currently available, and registration information is on our website.

Where is it located?

S7 Tactical is located off Highway 64 between Conway and Menifee.

Where did you get the idea for such an endeavor?

We wanted a facility that provided a warm, welcome, family-friendly environment to enjoy a favorite American pastime.

We also wanted a location convenient for the citizens of Conway and surrounding cities.

We offer diverse training courses to serve everyone from men and women who have never shot a gun before to skilled individuals who would like to hone their skills to a greater level. An element we believe will be unique to this area is the combination of fitness and firearms.

We will have obstacle courses combined with shooting scenarios that will be advantageous for law enforcement and military training.

We will have steel targets and more diverse offerings than most shooting ranges, such as run-and-gun elements.

Describe the services you offer.

S7 Tactical provides training to benefit our clients for a lifetime, giving them skills needed to protect themselves and their loved ones. We offer a variety of training courses to include firearms, self-defense and functional fitness services, as well as a referral-based private range. ... We are in the business of people. We want our clients to survive and thrive, and we love seeing our clients become safer and accomplish life goals.

Leach and Stephens families at the S7 Tactical shooting range

Do you offer classes? Do you provide training necessary for a concealed carry permit?

Yes, we offer a variety of classes and plan to add more in the near future. Two classes we currently offer are the American Rifle Build (ARB) workshop and Sheepdog Skills.

The ARB is an interactive workshop that allows individuals to purchase an allinclusive parts package and build their very own rifle with the help of a certified armor

and our experienced staff. We took all the guesswork out of building a rifle and made it easy for our clients to learn about the nomenclature, assembly and basic function of the AR platform.

Our Sheepdog Skills class is continuous training designed to introduce students from all walks of life to the spectrum of protection. Each time a student arrives for a training evolution, they will participate in a functional fitness workout, immediately followed by self-defense training selected from WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

Design plans for S7 Tactical

our diverse curriculum. A student will build a healthy body and prepared mind through strength, skill and ability, thus becoming more confident, empowered and prepared to protect themselves. S7 Tactical does provide concealed carry and recertification classes.

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How do you differentiate your business?

We are a business that believes in honoring God and serving people. We invest in others and help make our community safer.

When our clients are safe and empowered,

we have made a difference. We believe in providing excellence in everything we do.

One of the key elements of S7 Tactical is our emotional investment in our clients. We want to have a stake in their professional and personal growth.

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Is the range indoor or outdoor?

S7 Tactical is in the planning and building phase of creating an outdoor, premier training facility. We want a safe, fun, relational and desirable place to train and enjoy. The outdoor range will be accessible by members and individuals taking training courses. The range is being constructed with safety in mind. The initial plans offer: • 50 yard, 10 lanes shotgun and pistol bay • 100 yard, 10 lanes for bolt gun and carbine bay • 100 yard law enforcement “shoot and move” bay • A BB gun and archery training area • A state-of-the-art pavilion for students and members to socialize and create memories.

How might someone new to firearms become involved at S7?

Whether you are a law enforcement officer, hunter, or just starting out, S7 Tactical is a great place for someone to hone their skills or just to enjoy shooting. Anyone can find information about S7 Tactical training opportunities by visiting our website.

We have been blessed with an outpouring of support from local businesses and the community. At our groundbreaking event in February, we had local law enforcement, community leaders, business owners, family and friends there to support the vision. Our hope was that 50 friends would come to the event, and we had more than 250 people present that afternoon! To date, we have over 15 business sponsors, including Provision Storage Solutions, Dr. Thad Hardin with Banister-Leiblong Clinic, Dr. Aaron Forester with Groovy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, C2 Powersports, DeBoard Electronics, Arthur’s Beauty College, Canant Concrete, Tucker Creek Veterinary 10 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

Clinic, Farris Agency, Mallard Contractors, Derden Landscape and Irrigation, Dewees HVAC, Blake Roussell with Central Arkansas Realty, Arkansas Petroleum Solutions, Brandon Baxter with State Farm Insurance, A & B Dirt Movers, Inc., Defender Firearms and Supply and Refine Crossfit. We love these businesses and are so excited to work with each of them.

How is the Arkansas Gun Club involved or related to S7?

S7 Tactical owns and operates the Arkansas Gun Club. The range was designed as a training facility; however, we wanted to provide referral-based, private memberships. We currently have a membership waiting list. If you are interested in being added to the list, please email S7Tactical@gmail.com.

What does S7 Tactical stand for?

S7 Tactical was initially chosen because we believe opinions, equipment and tactics in regard to shooting change over time, but the seven fundamentals of marksmanship never change. We believe one can always rely on the basics to succeed.

The S also represents our Savior Jesus Christ, and the number seven is the number of completion. In our logo one might notice the two shades of red. ... The dark red represents the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross for our sins, and the lighter red represents the blood of our fallen military that was shed for our freedom.

For more information on S7 Tactical, or for a schedule of classes, visit www.S7tactical.com. If you would like to learn more about becoming a business sponsor, contact S7 via email at S7tactical@ gmail.com.

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feature story

FOR A HOPE FATHERLESS

generation Photos by Brandy Strain and Monte Jones

We celebrate fatherhood. And rightly so! Being a dad is among the most difficult yet unspeakably rewarding roles a man endeavors. As we honor fathers this month, may we also find men who will stand in the gap for those without a father-figure. After all, if our God is Father to the fatherless, how could we, who are called to be imitators of him, be anything less?

Consider the impact of the fatherless epidemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these statistics directly impact more than 1 in 3 children here in Arkansas, as 234,000 kids are growing up in single-parent households. But let’s not get lost in big numbers.

Each one of these kids has a name, a story, a dream, and a purpose. You see them every day. And they are in desperate need of hope.

My father instilled values in me that have guided so much of my life: “Always do what’s right, even when it’s tough.”

“If you learn to work hard, then you’ll always find work.”

“If you get in a fight, start with the ringleader. When you win, the rest will scatter.”

Think back to your own childhood. Who made a difference in your life? Was it a parent who loved you even when you made a mistake? Was it a teacher or coach who 12 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

deliver hope

From left to right: Monte Jones, Director of Operations for Deliver Hope; Bryton Driver, volunteer mentor; Daniel Tyler, Founder and Executive Director of Deliver Hope; Aaron Carter, Hope House Director WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13

E D U C A T I O N

P O V E R T Y

SEVENTY-ONE PERCENT

FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY

SEVEN TIMES MORE LIKELY

of high school dropouts are fatherless

FATHERLESS HOUSEHOLDS ARE 4X MORE LIKELY TO LIVE IN POVERTY

FOR TEEN GIRLS TO BECOME PREGNANT IN FATHER-ABSENT HOMES

Source: Edward Kruk, Ph.D., “The Vital Importance of Paternal Presence in Children’s Lives.” May 23, 2012.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; ASEP Issue Brief: Information on Poverty and Income Statistics. September 12, 2012

Source: National Fatherhood Initiative, “Father Facts 7” 2014

challenged you and believed in you when you doubted yourself? What made that relationship so impactful?

While there may be some sweeping gesture that could impact youth, such heroic efforts usually fail to reach those who are numbed by life’s disappointments. Rather, it is often the small, everyday interactions that shape a life. At Deliver Hope, this is what we call “Life-on-Life Mentoring”.

Deliver Hope is a Conway-based nonprofit with a mission to “deliver hope to at-risk youth, no matter the circumstance.”

We serve the community by recruiting and training mentors to make a difference in the lives of teens. More than a program, these relationships reveal the Gospel of Jesus to hopeless teens, provide necessary resources for their holistic growth, and help them become all that God has created them to be. The role of a mentor is not dissimilar from the role of a father.

We train our mentors to do three things well: love, model, and coach.

Every kid deserves to know that someone is crazy about them just the way they are. Unfortunately, youth today are used to fathers and authority figures who come and go, make demands, and then kick them out or leave them entirely. Until they know that they are loved consistently and unconditionally, youth cannot learn healthy trust.

Edison Sullivan, the Mentor Director with Deliver Hope, relates, “To me, mentoring is all about accepting a kid unconditionally, without judgment or disapproval. Once I am genuinely accepted as a friend, then the mentee will open his heart and value my advice.” When we persistently show up in a teen’s life, and when we accept them as a person even if we don’t approve of their actions, then we build a trust that becomes the foundation of a transformational mentoring relationship.

Anyone who has been around kids knows they learn more from what they see us do than what they hear us say. This means that we should gladly forfeit our turn to give golden advice for the opportunity to model the right attitudes and behaviors. This is why mentoring with Deliver Hope is not an event. We encourage our mentors to invite youth into their everyday life. Let them see how you handle your weekly errands, how you respond to unexpected traffic, or how you interact with your boss and coworkers. Even our struggles and failures are prime opportunities to model humility and apology. Seeing our life of faith and integrity, youth begin to desire our guidance.

Only after we have established trust and proven integrity can we expect a youth to heed our advice. Sometimes it takes

months to get here. But how many years of broken trust must these youth overcome?

Providing hope for a fatherless generation, your investment is worth the effort. For what we lack in wisdom given from our fathers, we look to a greater authority: “Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 Like being a dad, being a mentor is among the most difficult yet unspeakably rewarding roles anyone may endeavor. We take courage from Christ’s example, that while we were sinners, he loved us, he came to us, he lived real life among us, and he sacrificed himself for us, inviting us to trust him for abundant and eternal life.

How can we, who are called to be imitators of him, do anything less?

Make a difference this month in honor of Father’s Day by signing up to be a mentor at www.Deliver-Hope.org/VolunteerForm.

You may also make a tax-deductible contribution to Deliver Hope at www.Deliver-Hope.org/Donate. For more information, you may reach us at 501.358.6306 or info@Deliver-Hope.org.

S U B S T A N C E

A B U S E

T E E N

E M O T I O N A L

P R E G N A N C Y

H E A L T H

DRAMATICALLY GREATER RISK

TWICE AS LIKELY

FOR FATHERLESS CHILDREN TO ABUSE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

FOR CHILDREN OF SINGLE-PARENT HOMES TO COMMIT SUICIDE

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Center for Health Statistics. Survey on Child Health

Source: The National Center for Fathering, “The Consequences of Fatherlessness” 2017

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WINC.

MEN OF DISTINCTION The following men are a reflection of Faulkner County’s outstanding business leaders in 2017.

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pet health

ADVERTISEMENT

Treating Pets Facing Flea and Tick Infestations

Pet owners love many things about having companion animals. But flea and tick infestations are probably not on the list of things pet owners love about their furry friends.

Few pets will go their lifetimes without experiencing fleas and/or ticks. Understanding common flea and tick behaviors can help pet owner’s better handle infestations.

Fleas and ticks do more than just create irritating skin ailments for dogs and cats.

Fleas and ticks also can transmit diseases to pets and even people.

There are more than 850 species of tick and 1,600 species of flea identified around the world. The main goal of these parasites is to suck the blood of their hosts in order to reproduce.

Both fleas and ticks can survive months to even a year or more without feeding.

Fleas are especially prevalent in warm, humid areas.

Ticks tend to be active in warmer weather as well.

Fleas and ticks live outdoors and prefer grassy and forested areas. They need moisture and prefer to stay out of direct sunlight.

Both seek warm, dark humid places.

Fleas can wait out winter indoors. Fleas

and ticks are especially skilled at attaching themselves to companion animals. Fleas can leap quite far. Revival Animal Health says fleas can leap vertically up to 7 inches and horizontally as far as 13 inches.

Fleas can easily hop onto dogs, cats or even humans passing by. While ticks cannot leap, they are excellent climbers. Many ticks will attach to a lower extremity on an animal and then climb slowly until they reach the preferred location for latching on.

Identifying symptoms of flea or tick infestations on dogs or cats is relatively easy.

Scratching and biting of irritated areas is often the first indication of a flea problem.

Pet owners usually notice ticks when petting their animal and feeling a strange bump. On occasion, ticks are discovered while crawling on the pet’s fur, before they have latched on to the animal.

The Animal Health Institute advises combatting flea and tick populations with pesticides and repellents. Growth inhibitors also are included in the options for flea and tick control. Powders, spot-on liquids, collars, and pills may be used as well.

Veterinarians can best assess which flea or tick product will be best for a specific animal. Keep in mind that formulations for treating flea and tick problems in

PETHEALTH cats may differ from those used to treat flea and tick problems for dogs, so they shouldn’t be used interchangeably.

Also, follow the instructions from the veterinarian or manufacturer carefully so as not to overmedicate the pet. To catch fleas and ticks before they become problematic, and in conjunction with using medications, follow these additional tips: • Wash pet bedding on high heat regularly.

• Clean your home thoroughly to remove any immature fleas and their food sources.

• Check pets regularly for pests and groom them frequently.

• Look for fleas and ticks after coming in from outdoors.

• Mow lawns each week and remove any lawn and garden debris. Though flea and tick infestations can be unhealthy and uncomfortable for pets, pet owners can take steps to prevent such problems.

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shopping

Father’s Day

gift ideas

from Bell & Sward

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Shop local and find the perfect gift for dad

All shirts and ties available at Bell & Sward in downtown Conway WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 35

food The Perfect Burger

Could any food be as simplistic and delicious at the same time as a patty of beef on top of a crusty bun, served with lettuce, tomato and your choice of condiments?

Burgers are the go-to item for barbecues, campouts, fast-food meals and late night trips to the diner.

If ever there was a recipe to master, it would be grilling the perfect burger. Though barbecued burgers may seem easy to make, all too often burgers are botched by a few mistakes. But don’t worry, burger mastery is within reach if you follow these simple tips.

• Begin with fresh meat. Freshly ground meat will produce the best flavor.

• Fat has flavor. Make sure the fat content is about 18 to 20 percent of the mix.

• Keep the meat cold. Chilled burger patties will firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

• Don’t overhandle the meat.

• Oil up the grill. A clean, well-oiled grill prevents burgers from sticking.

• Make sure the grill is super-hot. It may only take three to five minutes per side to cook the burgers.

• Resist the urge to squash the burgers.

Satisfy your appetite with these summertime tips

Marinades add flavor!

Defined as a savory acidic sauce in which food is soaked to enrich its flavor, marinades help break down fiber and tenderize certain foods. The base of many marinades include vinegar, lemon juice or wine, and marinades can be enhanced with spices, oil and herbs. It’s important not to let foods sit in marinades for too long, as any alcohol, acid or salt in the mixture can chemically “cook” the food in a process known as “denaturing.” Adhere to timing recommendations when using store-bought marinades, and keep such guidelines in mind when using homemade marinades as well.

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Pressed Watermelon With Basil Water For many people, a backyard barbecue or picnic in the park is not complete without a refreshing slice of fresh watermelon. But while watermelon is most often associated with dessert at warm weather soirees, this beloved fruit is much more versatile than that.

Easy to prepare and ideal on warm afternoons and evenings, the following recipe is sure to cool down your guests.

Makes 6 servings 4 cups watermelon 6 to 8 large basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon white wine vinegar 4 cups chilled still water Pinch of sea salt 1. Combine the watermelon chunks and basil in a colander placed over a large bowl. Using a metal ladle or spoon, press the watermelon to extract as much juice as possible (the remaining pulp should be fairly dry).

2. Season the juice with the sea salt and vinegar and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Add the water, stir and serve.

Food pairings: Grill chicken or fish, feta and tomato salad, shortbread cookies.

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feature story

CREATURE COMFORTS ‘It is the story of my life on these walls’

By Colleen Holt Photos by Brandy Strain When one thinks of writing their life story, visions of pen, paper and computers come into mind. For Brad Lacy, his story is told with brick, mortar and lots of love.

“It is the story of my life on these walls,” Brad said recently, scanning the walls of the new “man den” at his home at the corner of Locust Street and College Avenue. The home was built in 1924, and this room was one part of an addition started in 2012. Although it took some time, Brad said he has finally gotten the room just as he wants it – full of memories from childhood to his adult life as president and chief executive officer of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

The most important part of his plan for the room consisted of having one solid wall for hanging special items. “I knew I wanted to hang a bunch of things that were meaningful to me,” he said. “And this has turned out better than I imagined.” He said he only has the family items in his collection because he was consistent in asking for items throughout the years.

Growing up in Ida (Cleburne County), Brad lived the life of a small town kid, and much of that time was spent with his grandfather, Zeb Lacy. “Both of my parents (Harol Dene and Maxine Lacy) worked, so I spent summers with my grandfather.” By association, Brad also spent time with his grandfather’s mule, Sam, who lived to be over 40 years old. “My Dad knew Sam when he was young and then I knew Sam,” Brad said.

Sam is well represented in Brad’s home.

For instance, Brad commissioned a watercolor to be created from a photo his mother had taken of him and his granddad plowing in about 1976. The painting -- in shades of brown, gold and yellow – was created

by Sean Shrum of Jonesboro. There are six pieces of art by Shrum in Brad’s home.

One of the last pieces Brad added to his collection was obtained last fall, and it was a surprise find. “I was visiting a cousin who 38 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

brad lacy home

“I want to come in here and feel like I’m surrounded by the things I love. I live in this room.”

—Brad Lacy

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Brad commissioned this painting of he and his grandfather plowing a field with his grandfather’s mule, Sam. Sam lived to be over 40 years old and his collar is displayed on the art wall as well.

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lives on our family homestead, and I walked into my grandpa’s old corn crib,” Brad said.

Behind the door he found a true family treasure – the collar that Sam the mule wore while plowing. The collar hangs in a place of honor, high on the wall in Brad’s new room.

“It is so meaningful. I’m sure this is the one he was wearing in the photo.”

The next generation featured in Brad’s new room includes his Dad. “I can say this –

he is a big deal in the fox hunting world. He has friends all over America, and we always had a ton of foxhounds. Many of them became my pets.” Not only does Brad have a painting of some of the foxhounds included in his room display, he also has hung up several of the horns that his Dad used to call his hounds.

A bittersweet but beautiful piece in Brad’s collection was created by his niece, Madelyn

Johnston, daughter of T.J. and Rachel Johnston. Brad recalls “Uncle Brad date nights” with Madelyn, and in particular one in October 2012. “She sent me a thank you card and asked what I wanted for Christmas,” he said. “I said I wanted her to do a painting of a Kudu, my favorite animal.” Although she couldn’t believe that was ALL he wanted, she began her painting in earnest.

Sadly, Madelyn passed away 10 days

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before Christmas that year. However, her painting was nearly done. The missing parts -- such as the animal’s nose – are some of Brad’s favorite things about the painting. “It is the most meaningful thing I have in my place,” he said with a smile.

Other items that round out the collection include a photo of the columns of Old Main at the University of Central Arkansas; drawings of iconic Conway scenery; a watercolor of his own home; and a Vivian Noe original painting of a UCA Bear.

In keeping with the UCA theme, the walls of the “man den” are a neutral gray, and the en-suite bathroom has purple walls “because I always wanted a purple room.” The room also features stout wooden beams spanning the ceiling. This design was carried over from the older part of the home, which has coffered ceilings. Helen Lockhart helped Brad find just the right carpet and wall colors, and Luke Porter was in charge of the full addition, which took about six or seven months.

“I want to come in here and feel like I’m surrounded by the things I love,” Brad said.

“I live in this room.”

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This painting that Madelyn Johnston did for her Uncle Brad for his Christmas gift in 2012 is “the most meaningful thing I have in my place.” Sadly, Madelyn passed away right before Christmas of that year.

M eet t h e W I N C T eam

Rusty Hunnicutt Advertising Sales Executive How long have you been at the Log Cabin Democrat? Since October, 2016 What was your first job of any nature?

Sacking groceries at Harvest Foods What made you want to work at the Log Cabin Democrat? I realized that it has evolved into much more than just a newspaper. Digital products and services, website building, geo-fencing, and many more

modern methods of helping local businesses grow through advancements in technology. We have something that can work for every business in Faulkner County.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being out and about in the community.

Finding ways to help businesses grow with advertising.

What is something people would never know about you without asking? I am full of useless trivia knowledge about 80’s and 90’s movies and music.

How do you like to spend your free time? I love all kinds of outdoor activities, but my absolute favorite thing to do is ride my Harley, Blue Thunder. I am a member of the Punishers Law Enforcement Mo-

torcycle Club. We are a charitable organization and are always looking for ways to ride with a purpose and give back to the community.

What would be your ideal vacation?

A permanent one;) I would start with a motorhome toy hauler and explore the U.S. I want to see a game in every Major League Baseball park and then ride each state’s top rated motorcycle route. When I complete that, I want to spend 2 weeks in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

Words of advice: It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Twist the throttle and leave your worries in the wind!

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health

ADVERTISEMENT

Would You Like a Do-Over?

By David Smith

Boy, I sure would! As a matter of fact, I’d like a bunch of them. Unfortunately we don’t get too many “do-overs” in life and we have to suffer the consequences of our actions. You might be wondering where in the world I’m headed with this. Well, sunscreen up and put on your sunglasses so we can talk about skin cancer awareness and the dangers associated with too much sun exposure – both natural and artificial.

What brings this to mind is a (painful) memory of a childhood experience that I would love to do-over. One pleasantly overcast summer day, my mother and one or two of her sisters took all of us kids to pick peas from a local farmer’s pea patch.

After we had enough peas to stamp out hunger in a third world country, we all went to the lake where we swam for 3 or 4 hours while the ladies sat under a shade tree and shelled the peas. My brother, John, and I had blisters on our backs the size of silver dollars, and back then, silver dollars were about twice as big as the dollar coins we have today! Miserable doesn’t even come close to describing how we felt. We couldn’t even put on a shirt for a week and stayed inside the house by the window unit air conditioner. That was 52 or 53 years ago and, admittedly, we should have known better, but you can bet your purple hull peas I haven’t made that mistake again.

Did you know that skin cancer is the

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most common form of cancer in the United States? It is also the most preventable of all cancers. Fast forward to today. May is skin cancer awareness month. Our society seems to think that a nice tan is a sign of beauty, health, and perhaps affluence. In fact, we can’t wait for springtime to get here so we can start working on our tans.

There is a common misconception that a nice tan protects you against sunburn. Is that a fact or a myth? According to Dr. Terry Robins, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation, “A tan, whether you get it on a sunny beach or from a tanning bed” (or at the lake on an overcast day while your mom shells peas) “damages your skin.”

You see, while we all love a little bronze color on our skin, tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV ) radiation from the sun or tanning lamps, and repeated exposure leads to cumulative damage to skin cells.

This can lead to wrinkles, actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), and skin cancer. Go to www.SkinCancer.org and read some of their articles.

What about people of color? Do those ethnic groups have to worry about sun exposure? The short answer is absolutely yes. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of race. While melanoma rates are higher in Caucasians, melanoma is more deadly in people of color. According to a July 2016 study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, African American patients are most likely to be diagnosed with

melanoma in its later stages, have the worst prognosis, and the lowest overall survival rate. Sadly, according to a survey of African American participants in that study, 63 percent said they never used sunscreen.

To be fair, certain skin cancers are caused by factors other than UV exposure, such as genetics or environmental influences, and may occur on parts of the body rarely exposed to the sun. For example, people with dark skin are more susceptible to a particularly dangerous form of melanoma that typically appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Early detection is crucial when it comes to any type of cancer, including skin cancer, so people of all ethnicities need to monitor their skin regularly and see their dermatologist annually.

Use sunscreen before sun exposure and don’t forget the tops of your feet and the top of your head, including the part in your hair. My favorite sunscreen products are Blue Lizard, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, Aveeno Active Naturals, and Coppertone Kids spray. I’ve already had one basal cell removed and sure don’t want another “doover” of that!

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 a pharmacist in Conway for over 41 years. He loves spending time with family and is NO1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

beauty

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Treat Your Skin to a Skincation

By Angela Jackson

The crazy, lazy days of summer are here! Don’t let the damaging effects of your favorite summertime activities wreak havoc on your skin. Studio Skin just launched the Skincation Summer Series which offers three 30 minute express facials designed to help exfoliate, nourish and restore summer-depleted skin.

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SKINCATION SUMMER SERIES TAHITI EXPRESS

In July, it’s off to the exotic flower essences of Tahiti.

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in cellular energy and collagen production, while protecting the skin with plant stem cells and natural anti-inflammatory ingredients.

SKINCATION SUMMER SERIES TUSCANY EXPRESS

Complete your skincation in August with the mouth-watering aromas of a Tuscany kitchen using oregano, thyme and basil.

Our Tuscany Express treatment provides a stimulating exfoliation with the benefits of Italian herbs promoting healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Angela Jackson, owner of studio SKIN has been a licensed aesthetician for 16 years. She currently sits as an appointed member on the Arkansas Dept. Of Health advisory committee.

Angela is a member of Associated Skincare Professionals, an organization dedicated to the promotion of safe, quality skin care. Angela practices in the Fayetteville area, has for over 14 years, under the direct supervision of a board certified plastic surgeon.

Angela has been offering skincare in the downtown Conway area for the last 6 years. She offers expertise and certifications in corrective skincare, facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, airbrush tanning, full body waxing and make-up.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 45

feature story

LASTING LEGACY Submitted story and photo

The reason Joe Whisenhunt is a huge supporter of the arts at the University of Central Arkansas is not only because he’s a Board of Trustees member, but because of a much more personal connection.

The Conway businessman is working to continue the efforts started by his mother more than 40 years ago.

Last year, the Whisenhunt family dedicated a $250,000 gift to UCA in memory of Margaret Whisenhunt, who helped establish the Friends of Music, an organization that works to enhance the student experience in the Department of Music.

The gift will help the university become an All-Steinway campus, which means that at least 90% of the pianos are Steinway or Steinway-designed pianos. There

46 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

are only 179 all-Steinway schools worldwide, and 98% of all piano artists choose to perform only on Steinway pianos.

The donation allowed the upgrade and equipment purchase for a practice room suite made up of five practice spaces that now bear Margaret Whisenhunt’s name.

“I’m trying to improve the student experience on campus.

I’m invested in the fine arts. I’m invested in the theatre program, the [Arkansas] Shakespeare Theatre and the music program,” Whisenhunt said, representing the Whisenhunt family.

Four of the small rooms have been equipped with K52s, the finest Steinway upright pianos that are made. The fifth room is larger and holds a refurbished Steinway Model M, which is a medium grand piano. All of these spaces were also equipped with bookshelves, updated locks, and forthcoming security cameras.

In addition, the donation made it possible to purchase the East Indian Rosewood grand piano

DO N ATIO N TO U CA that had previously been in the President’s House. It has since been moved to UCA’s Fireplace Room, where it is used for events there and in McCastlain Hall. It was the centerpiece of music for the recent Night of Distinction and the UCA Testimonial Dinner to honor retired music faculty.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson expressed his gratitude in a letter to Whisenhunt, “With the first phase of the Steinway Project allowing students to have new practice pianos in a new suite of rooms, Friends of Music is showing its support to heart and soul of UCA—the students!

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, thank you for your continued support and service to UCA, to your community and to your fellow citizens.”

The donated funds also allowed the purchase of a soprano saxophone, a suspended cymbal, brass mutes, and two horns. The department was also able to refurbish a cello and provide Apple TV access for two classrooms. A small Steinway 1098 piano was also purchased a few months later for use in a classroom.

Friends of Music and Whisenhunt were also behind the renovation of the Recital Hall stage in Snow Fine Arts Center. The wood, once so squeaky that it interfered with concerts and recordings, is now a dark rich finish with no extraneous sounds.

The original gold curtain from the 1960s

was also replaced with a new black drape from Bevy’s. Additional practice rooms that fell victim to flooding and contained original carpet were also given new paint and carpet. The total cost of these renovations was around $30,000.

“Friends of Music has made the impossible possible for us,” said Department of Music Chair Paige Rose. “With rising costs of music, instruments, and equipment, we could never afford even one piano or a much-needed renovation of this cost. Our budgets cover our operating costs, travel, sheet music, some lowercost instruments, and other year-to-year staples, but without Friends of Music, we could never forge ahead with large scale purchases. Joe Whisenhunt has revived what is so vital to the music program at UCA, and his impact and thus, his mother’s impact, will be felt for generations to come.”

That impact has inspired more and more Friends of Music to support the Department of Music, and those benefits are showing. In the fall of 2016, the department held a Fall Gala that featured classical selections from strings, opera, and chamber groups during dinner and a full jazz band dance following the meal. The event featured a new portable dance floor that Whisenhunt donated to UCA for events. With Friends support, the depart-

ment also began its SoundScapes concert this spring, which featured show-stopping performances from all areas of the Department of Music. The night began with a Friends of Music reception and was the culmination of several recent social events specifically for Friends of Music members.

Whisenhunt has also been instrumental in supporting the Community School of Music, which is a part of the music department. His children have been involved in Voices of Central Arkansas, the awardwinning children’s choir, for several years.

When the group and its audiences became too large for concerts in the Recital Hall, they moved to performing in Ida Waldran Auditorium. Whisenhunt secured funds to purchase sound shells, which are used in auditoriums to project sounds outward to the audience. VOCA, as the group is known, continues to flourish under the direction of Dr. Sheri Cook-Cunningham.

“We so appreciate Joe Whisenhunt and his family for their ongoing commitment to UCA, and their desire to make the UCA Music Department the very best,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “His contributions enable us to stand out above the competition. On behalf of the entire university, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Joe and his family for their generous gifts. They are transformative for our music program.”

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 47

health

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Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus is often described as roaring, buzzing, crickets, hissing, static, humming, or ringing. It may be louder or softer at times and is most noticeable when it’s quiet. Many people have it and simply learn to ignore it, but others can’t seem to ignore it and are bothered constantly.

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease and there is not a specific treatment to cure it. The most common cause of tinnitus is sensory hearing loss. This condition presents two simultaneous complaints: “I hear but I don’t understand” and “My ears buzz or ring.” There can be other conditions that cause or contribute to tinnitus to lesser extents. High doses of asprin, chemotherapy drugs, caffine and medications for hypertension can all contribute to increased tinnitus, but by and large the most common condition is hearing loss itself.

The following information is taken from the American Tinnitus Association Treatment Option page of their website:

Hearing Aids

Tinnitus is overwhelmingly connected to some level of hearing loss. Augmenting the reception and perception of external noise can often provide relief from the internal sound of tinnitus. Most patients develop tinnitus as a symptom of hearing loss, caused either by age, long-term hearing damage, or acute trauma to the auditory system. According to the general scientific consensus, hearing loss causes less

48 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

external sound stimuli to reach the brain.

In response, the brain undergoes neuroplastic changes in how it processes different sound frequencies. Tinnitus is the product of these maladaptive neuroplastic changes.

Patients with hearing loss and tinnitus may find relief from the use of hearing aids and other sound amplification devices.”

A 2008-9 study published in The Hearing Review revealed that approximately 65% of patients experienced mild to moderate relief from tinnitus while using hearing aids and that 22% experienced major relief. The House Ear Institute in California has referred to hearing aid amplification as, “The gold standard for tinnitus relief.”

There is agreement within the audiology community and verified through research that amplification is considered the standard of treatment for tinnitus management in the presence of sensory hearing loss.

There are other forms of treatment available that are less successful and often incorporated in the absence of hearing loss such as tinnitus retraining therapy and masking.

Also, from the American Tinnitus Association: “There are presently no FDAapproved drugs specifically for tinnitus, and no medications that have been shown to reverse the neural hyperactivity at the root of tinnitus. Drugs cannot cure tinnitus.”

So no matter how many advertisements you may see on television about cures like Lipoflavanoids and other vitamins, there is simply no medical evidence that they work.

However, here is evidence that antianxiety drugs work to help relax patients and make them feel less anxious about their tinnitus.

You should visit with your otologist about these options.

All major hearing organizations include hearing aids as tinnitus treatment: the American Tinnitus Association, Better Hearing Institute, American Otological Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Speech Hearing Association, House Ear Clinic, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and the American Academy of Audiology.

Many of the better and more sophisticated hearing aids available today contain some form of tinnitus masking incorporated into the hearing aid circuitry which is easily used by the patient. One of the greatest challenges in working with tinnitus patients is that everyone is different.

ReSound hearing aids include a tinnitus sound generator (TSG) that has helped many patients manage their tinnitus. The Smart App allows each patient to select and switch between sounds that provide the most relief. This direct audio streaming from a smartphone gives the patient direct access to customizable soundscapes that fit their unique needs.

Again, tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.

Tinnitus can not be cured, but it can be managed.

real estate

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So... How is the Real Estate Market?

One of the most common questions we get asked as professional REALTORS® is, “How’s the real estate market?” This is a good question. Buyers want to get informed about the marketplace so that they can negotiate the best price possible, and Sellers want to make sure they’re listing their property at a price that attracts buyers.

We all realize that the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and the supply of that item is limited. The last two major reports issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed information that suggests that now continues to be a great time

to sell your house.

In real estate, there is a guideline that often applies; when there is less than a 5-month supply of inventory available, we are in a seller’s market and we may see appreciation.

Between 5-6 months is a neutral or balanced market, where prices will increase at the rate of inflation. More than a 6-month supply means we are in a buyer’s market and may expect depreciation in home values. Be careful of someone giving you a blanket response to “How is the Real Estate Market” doing as there may be multiple answers as you get deeper into the analysis. For example lower priced homes may be in the Seller’s market range while higher priced homes may be a Buyers market. In Faulkner County Conway may be selling well while the more rural areas may be slow. Be sure you ask someone who really knows the local market conditions.

Lets look at the market data compared to 2016 (year over year through May 15) and see how that could affect buyers and sellers.

In 2017 the Average Sales Price is $172,009 compared to the Average Sales Price during the same time last year which was $169,734. What this tells us is sellers are getting more for their homes in 2017 than in 2016.

In 2017 552 homes have sold in Faulkner County compared to 2016 where 488 homes had sold - this indicates that sales are up by 13% in 2017.

If we break that down by city at the data by the major cities in Faulkner County, here is what we see: Conway homes - 353 sold in 2017 vs 341 homes in 2016 - a difference of 4% higher in 2017.

Greenbrier homes - 102 sold in 2017 vs 82 in 2016 -a difference of 24% higher in 2017.

Vilonia homes - 33 homes sold in 2017 vs 31 homes in 2016 - a difference of 5% in 2017 We are seeing Days on Market are shorter this year than last year in all price homes as inventory continues to be lower than the past few years. This has lead to more multiple or competing offers. This in not only a local trend but one we are seeing on a national basis.

Takeaway: Inventory of homes for sale is still well below the 6-month supply needed for a normal market. Prices will continue to rise if a ‘sizable’ supply does not enter the market. If you are going to sell, now may be the time to take advantage of the ready, willing, and able buyers that are still out looking for your house.

The Tobey Team at Crye-Leike Realtors Conway are 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 501-358-0023

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 49

book review

Father’s Day Favorites

By Susan O’Keefe Check the list this year. For dear ole dad, what can you do? Does a pair of socks adequately express your sentiments? How about a new tie, or maybe a personally crafted artistic piece for the man who has trained, tutored, cheered, and chided? Here’s a novel idea. Consider giving him a story, a story to read, a story to enjoy, a story to digest and then discuss. A few Father’s Day selections are below.

The Burden of Being Champ

Jerry A. Miller, Jr. The author is anybody’s dad, granddad, and as common as the man next door.

Yet, his insightful and inspiring stories set him apart in a captivating way.

Readers are 50 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

touched by his candid, sincere recounts of milestones along his life’s path. Woven intricately are Jerry Miller’s own spiritual memorial markers as his Christianity is absorbed and emanates from his very being.

It’s a sweet book chronicling the good doctor’s thirty years as a practicing pediatrician and the roads that led to his passion for life.

There are stories from overseas as Miller and his young family served those who had never seen a real doctor. There are tears and sadness as death strikes at an early age.

Ecchymoses and petechiae are uncommon words in most vocabularies, but in Dr. Miller’s dry, witty humor, he relays stories from every mother who has become frantic in the middle of the night. There are funny vignettes such as the witty description of the time most moms want to talk during their child’s examination, which just happens to be as soon as the doc’s stethoscope rests in his ears!

As a father to four grown children, Miller casually and personally shares highlights and even a few regrets. His experience makes him a top candidate as advisor. Readers are sure to find varying degrees of love and laughter on every page. For the medical student, for the parent, for the elementary kid who didn’t perform well in school, for the athlete whose basketball career ended earlier than expected, and for all of us somewhere in between, this heartwarming book serves as a reminder of the important love stories we all have to tell.

The Boys in the Boat; Nine Americans and Their Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

Daniel James Brown It was the boat that saved his life. A boat!

Nothing more than a two foot wide thin shell that held nine boys afloat as they rowed into manhood.

This was the recurring theme mentioned by readers who described “The Boys in the Boat” as a triumphant account, rewarding, and redemptive.

Author Daniel James Brown writes with as much precision as an Olympic coxswain.

Telling the true story of a ragtag bunch of hard-working underdogs from the University of Washington, Brown puts readers in the moment. The Great Depression is loom-

susan o’keefe ing. Opportunities are few and far between.

Food, clothing, and basic necessities are scarce. But still there is hope ... in the boat, on the crew.

Attempting to earn a spot on the wellrespected Washington team in the 1930s is farm boy Joe Rantz. His mother’s dead.

His father’s deserted him twice. Joe has one raggedy sweater to his name. The odds are clearly stacked against him. But he has grit.

He has determination. And he has a desire.

Miraculously finding himself on the brink of earning a college education, Joe scraps for every penny of tuition. He rents a room at a local community center in exchange for custodial services.

He meets the woman he will eventually marry. And he sets his sights on a spot in an eight man boat. The story’s effortless swell keeps readers engaged and interested. The sheer physicality of a sport that drew 80,000 fans to a college regatta is a testimony to its caliber.

The nine working-class men, who put the University of Washington on the international map in 1936, won more than gold.

They won a new lease on life. They found comfort in their own skin. They overcame an enormous obstacle and not only beat the boys of the Ivy League schools, but also won on the global stage.

“The Boys in the Boat” provides a realistic snapshot of life in the 1930s. It’s a riveting story of competition and camaraderie. This triumphant tale left readers in our group begging to know more about the boys in the boat. Their story is one worth reading, telling, and celebrating.

Hellhound on His Trail — The Electrifying Account of the Largest Manhunt in American History

Hampton Sides Drawing from a goldmine of investigative documents, eyewitness accounts, law enforcement reports and more, author/historian Hampton Sides dramatically delivers an accurate account of the last days of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior.

Events leading up to the assassination of the civil rights leader are presented in narrative form that make the reader forget that unfortunately, this story is fact, not fiction.

“If more college textbooks read this way, I would have been a history major,” candidly offered one reader.

“Hellhound on His Trail” returns readers

to the roots of the civil rights movement and deeply explores the personalities, politics, maneuvers and missions of dozens of key players. The opening chapters chronicle the daily routines of Eric Starvo Galtin, known to most as James Earl Ray. Dr. King knew the danger of the work he felt called to do.

He never shied from it. He didn’t want a bodyguard. Months before his death, he had talked about the reality that he could very well die a young man. Many believe King had premonitions about his death.

On the night he died, eyewitnesses say he was energized and invigorated. As he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel inhaling the fresh air and seemingly full of life, a bullet pierced the right side of his face at a velocity of 2,670 feet per second.

“Hellhound on His Trail” has been described as “gripping, engrossing, and chilling ... hitting readers with the shuddering intensity of a high-speed collision.” If there is a desire to learn from history and to continue to progress toward equality for all races, this book is not optional. It is a necessity.

Destiny of the Republic; A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President

Candice Millard Amidst corruption, political backstabbing, and a nation reeling to establish itself only a century after its inception, there lies a tale of madness, medicine and murder. United States President James A. Garfield is a genuine rags-to-riches story. He embodies the rise to heroism status that Americans pay billions to watch at the box office.

And yet this Ohio native occupies only a few pages in our history books. His time served in the Oval Office was a mere four months. Perhaps the circumstances sur-

rounding his death carry as much weight as his time in office.

In those days, elected officials allowed, even encouraged, the general public to visit their office. On more than one occasion, a mentally unstable man named Charles Guiteau appeared at the White House and sat politely in a waiting area in order to bend the President’s ear.

Sadly, Guiteau would find his place in history as the infamous assassin of our 20th President.

Perhaps the most shocking part of Garfield’s story is the lengthy lingering after he was shot in the Washington, D.C., train station. The medical professionals in our book club were glued to the pages as Millard methodically describes how our country’s top physicians refused to practice any sort of sterilization, waving it off as too time consuming and unnecessary. European scientist Joseph Lister attempted to persuade American doctors to scrub themselves and their instruments.

Instead, physicians searched for the bullet in Garfield’s back by simply inserting their naked finger; no scrubbing, no gloves, no sterile instruments. Within a few weeks of the shooting, our President succumbed to a septic situation and died.

Although his minimal tenure in office robbed him of a seemingly lasting legacy, “Destiny of the Republic” brings James A. Garfield to the forefront like never before.

Susan lives in Augusta, Georgia, where her husband, Jack, is the Augusta University Men’s Golf Coach. Susan originally hails from Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville with a major study in Communication and a minor study in Health and Wellness. Susan enjoys the adventures of motherhood as she parents Lucy, John-Freeman, Henry, and Hogan (plus Oxford, the family’s black Labrador).

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 51

spiritual

THE WAY MAKER

By Andrea Lennon

Have you experienced traveling “hiccups?” Have you missed your flight, picked the wrong lane of traffic and got stuck, or missed an exit?

These things happen to me all of the time!

Recently I was traveling overseas and found myself in an usually sticky travel situation. The plan was simple. Our group would fly out of Little Rock to Dallas. We would fly from Dallas to Beijing, and then fly from Beijing to our final destination.

A slight delay in Dallas resulted in missing our connection in Beijing. Thankfully, the airline was on top of the situation. Our group was rebooked on an outgoing flight the next day and given hotel and meal vouchers. After a three hour hunt for luggage that turned up empty, we arrived at our hotel and crashed.

52 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

a n d r e a l e nn o n

The next day was a marathon day full of surprises. We found our luggage and also found out that we were never booked on the outgoing flight. We had been placed on standby. We “stood by” all day long!

After many hours of waiting, running from terminal to terminal, and talking to more people than I can remember, we found ourselves in a foreign country and not sure when or how we would be able to leave.

Back to the hotel we went, but this time it was not quite as easy. Our visa’s had expired.

Day three was going to be a long day.

Would we be able to get a flight? Would an expired visa be a problem? Our group arrived at the airport early. We wanted to have plenty of time to navigate the issues that would come up during our day.

I can assure you that we were praying and trusting God to lead us every step of the way. The first good news came about two hours into the day. We were confirmed passengers on an outgoing flight! Next came the customs process. We were called to the counter and questioned. We told the agent our situation and explained why we were in their country with an expired visa.

The customs agent stamped our passports and we were allowed to pass through. We went through security and found our gate.

We did a little shopping, bought some lunch, and waited for our flight. WHEW! The day was working out and we were relieved.

About an hour before our flight, I saw a

customs agent, security guard, and airline personnel walking towards me. The lady walked up to me and said, “You have a problem.” In my best Southern girl way, I smiled and said, “I do not have a problem. I am doing great.” She looked at me and said, “No. You have a problem.” My heart sank. I said, “OK.” She told me to gather the women and follow the agents.

We walked back to the Customs desk. We were told to sit in a holding area while the agents figured out what was going on with our group. Very little communication took place during this time. There were tears, prayers, and lots of uncertainties.

After several tense moments, we were able to leave the customs area, go back through security, and arrived at our gate with five minutes to spare. We boarded our flight just in time. What an ordeal! It took almost three days to solve our traveling hiccup. As I look back on the experience, I am reminded of three things.

God is always in control! Even when our lives feel out of control and the outcome is unclear, God is making the way. He is the “Way Maker!” “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV ) We can always trust God! It is easy to place our trust in circumstances. We can look to a ticket or an itinerary and think, “That’s the plan.” However, when the plan

does not work out, it matters Who we trust.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4) A day is coming when we will leave this world! “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ( John 14:6) Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. We are saved the moment that we admit that we have sin in our lives, trust that Jesus’ death paid for our sins, and ask Jesus to save us from our sins. These simple steps change the direction of our lives, both now and forever.

God is faithful to teach us. I will be heading overseas again in the near future.

This time I will go with a new perspective knowing that God is the One who makes the way. I plan to focus more on Him and less on my travel itinerary. How about you?

Do you need to focus more on Him and less on your plans or circumstances? My friend, He will show you the way! He is the Way Maker!

Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew.

Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 53

arts

Reynolds Performance Hall Announces 2017-18 Season Kicking off with a lecture Sept. 25 by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. as part of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, Reynolds Performance Hall will feature a record 23 events for the 2017-18 season at the University of Central Arkansas.

The season will include Broadway, Pops and Night Out Series, two Distinguished Lectures and two Add-On Specials as well as six Main Stage EdUCAtion shows and a benefit performance for Main Stage.

“The 2017-18 season offers spectacular concerts, beloved Broadway musicals, thrilling variety shows and notable speakers,” said Amanda Horton, director of Reynolds. “Our Pops Series will include multi-award winning musicians America and The Charlie Daniels Band, who are both trail blazers in the music industry.

“Our Broadway Series will bring to life the classic tales of Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz and also includes the 2014 Tony-award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. We will also have exciting world entertainment options with the taiko drumming ensemble TAO from Japan, and Dublin Irish Dance, which features highly-trained Irish dancers accompanied by an eight-piece traditional Irish band.”

The season includes:

Broadway Series

• The Wizard of Oz, Nov. 12, 3 p.m., presented by the Log Cabin Democrat • Million Dollar Quartet, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m., presented by the Log Cabin Democrat • Cinderella, April 18, 7:30 p.m., presented by WINC magazine and Andy’s Custard • A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, April 29, 7:30 p.m., presented by Arkansas Times Pops Series • Charlie Daniels Band, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., presented by My Country Y107.1 • America, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m., presented

by KARN 102.9FM 54 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

• Pixar in Concert featuring the Conway Symphony Orchestra, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m., presented by 501 Life magazine • Home Free, March 13, 7:30 p.m., presented by Conway Printing Company

Night Out Series

• Jack Hanna Into the Wild Live! presented by Nationwide, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., presented by 501 Life magazine • Dublin Irish Dance, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., presented by B98.5FM • TAO: Drum Heart, March 4, 7:30 p.m., presented by Alice 107.7FM • Cameron Carpenter, April 3, 7:30 p.m., presented by the UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication.

Distinguished Lectures

• Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., presented by KOKY 102.1FM • Jenna Bush Hager, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., presented by 501 Life magazine

Add-on Specials

• A Charlie Brown Christmas, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., presented by Y107.1 • Christmas with BJ Thomas, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Main Stage EdUCAtion

• How I Became a Pirate, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Mooseltoe, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Freedom Riders, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• Pinkalicious, Feb. 11, 3 p.m. (public performance), and Feb. 12, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Cirque Zuma Zuma, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Charlotte’s Web, April 6, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. (public performance), presented by Toad Suck Daze

ARTS CALENDAR

June 2017 Events – Please check out the event website for more information and pricing.

Benefit for Main Stage EdUCAtion • A Christmas Carol, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.

The Main Stage EdUCAtion series, aimed at Arkansas school districts, debuted in 2015-16. Horton said then the goal was to increase access to the arts for Kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

“The Main Stage Education Series continued to grow in its second season with almost 9,000 students, teachers and parents served,” she said. “We had school groups attend from across Arkansas, including Mountain View, Little Rock, Searcy, Cabot and Conway. For our 2017-18 season, we are expanding our program to six shows that are sure to entertain while educating the students.”

Subscription renewals for current season ticket holders are available now. New subscriptions will go on sale to the general public June 26. Subscriber Courtesy Week, when those who bought packages for the season may purchase individual tickets to any show before they open to the general public, will be July 31-Aug. 4. Single tickets will go on sale to the general public Aug. 7.

To purchase a new subscription package beginning June 26, call (501) 450-3265 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individual tickets may be purchased in person at the box office, online at uca.edu/reynolds, or by calling (501) 450-3265 beginning Aug. 7.

Individual series prices range from $90-$130; Performing Arts Package (all three series) range from $245-$380; individual tickets for all shows except lectures are $30-$40; lectures are $15. A “Pick Six”, build-your-own package is available to donors of $100 or more.

For more information, contact Horton at (501) 450-3682 or ahorton@uca.edu or Julia Dossett Morgan at (501) 852-7889 or jmorgan@uca.edu or visit www.uca.edu/reynolds. Details about all the upcoming performances as well as information about Reynolds Performance Hall may be found there.

June 1-4: Mothers and Sons and Stop Kiss @ The Lantern Theatre; 7:30 p.m. thelanterntheatre.com (PG13) June 9: Dance Intensive Showcase presented by Blackbird Academy of Arts @Hendrix College, Staples Auditorium; 6:00 p.m. www. blackbirdacademy.org (G) June 9-10, 17-18, 25, 29: Love’s Labour’s Lost presented by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre on the Lawn at UCA; 7:30 p.m. www. arkshakes.com (G) June 13: Danny Santos in Concert @ Faulkner County Library; 7:00 p.m. nancy@fcl.org (G) June 15: Open Mic Night @ Faulkner County Library; 7:00 p.m. nancy@fcl.org (G) June 16-18, 25, 27: The Music Man presented by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 16, 27 @7:30 p.m.; 17,18, 25 @ 2:00 p.m. www.arkshakes.com (G) June 17: Kerry Grombacher in Concert @ Faulkner County Library; 3:00 p.m. nancy@fcl.org (G) June 23, 24, 28: Julius Caesar presented by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.arkshakes. com (PG13) June 29: The Taming of the Shrew presented by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 2:00 p.m. www. arkshakes.com (G) Rating key: G – Suitable for all ages PG-Suggested for ages 7+ PG13- Suggested for ages 13+ A- Suggested for Adults 18+ Jennie Strange is the founder and Executive Director of Blackbird Academy of Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality performing and visual arts education. She lives in Conway with her husband, Statler, and a random assortment of dogs, goats, and chickens. To submit your arts calendar events, email Jennie@blackbirdacademy.org

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feature story

Catching Up with Two AST Members

By Mary Ruth Marotte Submitted photos

Recently I sat down with two of my favorite folks, who just happen to be two of our most valued and esteemed AST company members. Chad Bradford and Jordy Neill have been with AST several seasons.

Audiences will remember them in last year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with Chad as Oberon and Jordy as Tom Snout (The Wall). These two talented actors and musicians were also involved in last year’s touring production of Twelfth Night — Chad directed the production, and Jordy entertained audiences with his hilarious Sir Toby Belch. That production made 12 stops last summer in various Arkansas towns and then toured Faulkner County Schools in the fall, after receiving a grant from Conway Development Corporation and Toad Suck Daze.

I asked Chad and Jordy to talk with me about their experience with AST and the exciting challenges they face this season.

Chad will direct our touring family show, The Taming of the Shrew, and Jordy will star as Petruchio in this production.

Mary Ruth: Chad, what is your vision for this show?

Chad: I think that The Taming of the Shrew is a love story. It’s funny, provocative and challenging all at the same time. Shrew, of course, like all of Shakespeare’s work, was written in a particular time with a particular audience in mind. The mores and expectations of an Elizabethan audience were very similar, and in some instances, very different than ours.

Our task is to bravely confront the differences

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in our own contemporary expectations with the social norms of the Elizabethan era. In our version, that means embracing the broad characters and physical comedy, and emphasizing the idea of surrender versus submission.

We are, in essence, wrestling with the text to bring out how love — that is, true love — allows us to willfully surrender to the passion we feel for our partner, and how when you find the perfect person, that surrender allows you to truly become your “best self.” There is a kind of baggage that this show carries with it; however, I’ll say that you’ve never seen Shrew like this.

We plan on taking the audience’s expectations of what this play is about and turning that on it’s head. The challenge is actually what makes producing and directing this piece so exciting.

Mary Ruth: Chad, why did you have Jordy in mind as Petruchio?

Chad: Jordy is one of my best friends, and one of the funniest actors I know! He defies expectation with every role he plays. He learned from a young age to be fearless as an actor, and that’s what I most admire about him — and why he is perfect for Petruchio.

Jordy is also tender, sincere, and has a certain comic genius.

If Petruchio is a haughty, testosterone ridden meathead, the way he treats others in the play can seem at best, off-putting, and at worst, downright cruel. However, if we elevate the world into a place where the comedy is broad and our hero Petruchio is somewhat of a clown — unsure of himself, yet sure of his

arkansas shakespeare theatre AST’s season opens on June 9th on the UCA Lawn with Love’s Labour’s Lost and runs through July 9th. The Music Man opens in Reynolds on June 16th, Julius Caeser opens on June 23rd, and The Taming of the Shrew is in Reynolds on June 29th and can also be seen in stops all over Arkansas this season. For a full calendar of shows, go to arkshakes.com. love for Katherine — then I think we find that Petruchio has a depth that can be arresting and charming.

Mary Ruth: Jordy, what drew you to the role of Petruchio?

Jordy: Petruchio is one of those problem characters in Shakespeare that a lot of people have trouble connecting to — for plenty of appropriate reasons! That challenge alone is appealing to me; allowing audiences to view his complexity and helping them toward empathy toward him are my main goals as I head into this process.

Mary Ruth: Chad, you directed last year’s touring show. What are you looking forward to with regard to this year’s tour? What’s it like to take a show around the state to different locations/venues?

Chad: I love the family touring show. It may be my favorite offering that the festival provides.

I think my favorite thing about the touring show is watching and listening to audiences as they leave the theatre hearing phrases like, “I actually understood the story,” or “Wow, I didn’t know I liked Shakespeare,” or my favorite “I didn’t know Shakespeare was funny!” Watching people experience some of the best dramatic literature ever written and having such a positive reaction is the most rewarding thing about the job. Bringing this work to towns that may not have many cultural opportunities is what this show is all about. It truly is ARKANSAS’ Shakespeare festival.

Mary Ruth: Jordy, you’ve done the touring show several times. What have been the challenges and

rewards? Favorite character?

Jordy: The touring show is a grind that I absolutely welcome every single season.

Anytime I’m unable to do it, I long for the experience. The bond you build on the road with your collaborators is one that remains, and being able to perform in a variety of venues really challenges you as a performer.

Favorite tour character: The Dromio Twins in Comedy of Errors.

Mary Ruth: How do you plan to engage young people?

Chad: Renaissance special effects! Meaning original music performed by the actors, dance, simple and striking spectacle, and of course, the timeless humor Shakespeare brings to all of his comedies. I’m also trying some new things this time, emphasizing the commedia del’ arte tradition in the piece and a few more surprises. You’ll have to wait to see!

See you all at the shows!

Mary Ruth Marotte is Executive Director of AST and Professor of English at UCA.

Mary Ruth: Jordy, how do you see the relationship between Petruchio and Kate?

Jordy: The relationship is something I hope to discover as we rehearse. I’m excited to work with newcomer Kat Cordes (Kate) and see what we can create together. The discourse between them is at times tumultuous and rigid with a lot of push and pull, but under the surface their courtship reveals a deeper understanding of one another that neither character is able to fully realize until later in the play.

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imatter

the path of an eagle scout

By Kelly Sublett

Wyatt Toal, 15, is a very motivated and determined young man. The son of Jimmy and Audrea Toal, this Conway 9th grader is diligently working to become an Eagle Scout. But becoming an Eagle Scout is not for the faint of heart. Less than five percent of all scouts actually achieve this rank.

58 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2017

Wyatt is a member of Boy Scout Troop #392 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Conway. He started as a Cub Scout in first grade with Pack #400 at Jim Stone Elementary and became a Boy Scout in fifth grade. His scoutmaster is Christopher Scott.

To become an Eagle Scout, Wyatt first has to earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Some badges are required while others are elective. Each merit badge course lasts approximately three months and is supervised by an expert on the subject matter. There are a variety of topics to study, with specific requirements for completion.

Wyatt said, “Some of the topics I’ve tackled are Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Aviation, and Public Speaking.”

In addition to earning merit badges, a scout must also plan and lead an approved Eagle project that benefits the community. The candidate must create a budget, gather supplies, and recruit others to help execute the project. The requirements also dictate that Wyatt must raise the funds to pay for his project or have supplies and material donated.

After noticing that there was no flag to salute during the playing of the national anthem at Curtis Walker Park’s Optimist Club football field, Wyatt asked Conway Parks and Recreation and the Optimist Club if he might install a flagpole at the facility for his Eagle project. They agreed

so he is currently putting together his action plan to install the flagpole this summer. Wyatt also plans to have a ceremonial presentation of the flagpole to the City of Conway Parks and Recreation after it is installed.

“I plan to include the Conway High JROTC, the VFW, City of Conway officials, the Optimist Club and any other group that wishes to participate in the event,” Wyatt said.

According to Boy Scout rules, all Eagle Scout requirements must be completed before Wyatt turns 18 years old. A final step requires the candidate must go before an Eagle board, made up of council members, to answer questions about why they want to be an Eagle Scout and what they have learned during this long, sustained process.

Once Wyatt is approved by his troop, district, local council, and National Council, he will be recognized in a special Eagle Scout ceremony attended by his friends, family, and mentors. He will be awarded the Eagle Scout rank, represented with many ceremonial awards. He will then take a new oath as an Eagle Scout and his parents will be presented with keepsakes representing Wyatt’s journey to Eagle. His projects and memories of scouting will be displayed at the event and formal pictures will be taken with the new accolades.

Putting together a project like this shouldn’t be a problem for this scout. Last fall, Wyatt convinced a south Arkansas farmer who grows watermelon to send him some so he could sell them.

“The farmer sent Wyatt not only 62

wyatt toal

watermelons but 50 pumpkins as well. He set up a trailer at Prince and Salem and sold them all in one weekend. He kept a spreadsheet, documenting each sale, and ended up making a profit of $750, which went into his savings account,” said his father.

In addition to Scouts, Wyatt has also been involved in several other community activities. He has volunteered for the Optimist Club for several years, helping manage the equipment for the youth football program. He also has gone on an Ozark Mission Project trip to Jonesboro with his church youth group. They helped with home repair projects and yard work for widows and the elderly. At Thanksgiving, he helps pack and deliver meals to needy families through New Life Church.

Wyatt has played football since fourth grade. He played on the White Team at Carl Stuart Middle School (CSMS) before joining the CJHS team this past year. He is currently participating in CHS spring practices. This past year, he joined the Conway JROTC program. He also recently ran his first 5K, the Glow Run at the State Fairgrounds.

While at CSMS, Wyatt served as vice-president of the Junior Optimist Club. He is now a member of FBLA, recently creating a PowerPoint presentation with two classmates on Internet Safety.

They entered the presentation in the spring FBLA competition at UCA. And in the midst of all these extracurricular activities, he has kept up a 3.5 GPA, taking mostly pre-AP classes.

Wyatt Toal has accomplished a lot already but if the past and present are any indication of his future, we can expect even greater things from him in the future.

GENERATION

imatter

Young people are often the pulse of a community, as sporting events, school events and activities bring them into the spotlight. Women’s Inc. wants to showcase these young people in a special feature each month. iMatter will seek to tell the stories of a new generation of community, skill, success and achievement. Do you know a student in Faulkner county who is truly one of a kind? Send youth’s name, school, parents contact information (if under 18) and a brief explanation of why you think your youth or you would make a iMatter candidate to Winc@thecabin.net