July 2018

JULY 2018

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Take a bite out of Summer!

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ICE CREAM

NAna’s kitchen

MAJESTIC MAMA

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Tribute to irby

DIY LOCKER DECOR

A LOOK BACK

Publisher Kelly Sublett

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Y’all … it’s HOT. I have a love-hate relationship with summer. It’s true.

Visiting my grandparents and cousins in Star City usually was a nightmare of heat and ticks and dirt roads, but the payoff was worth it.

Four-wheelers, Tasty Freeze, wiener roasts, mud pies, fireworks, American flags, vacation bible school, campouts on the front lawn and all-night giggles were totally worth every mouthful of dust kicked up from a rickety pickup.

Growing up in the Hill Country of Texas, we lived on a lake. So hot Texas summers were spent water skiing, swimming and timing running jumps from the back dock.

Outdoor concerts were amazing in Austin. Being under the stars on a big blanket with your best friends, listening to my favorites like Bob Dylan and REM live … These are some of my incredible memories as a teenager.

Summer camps, baseball, swimming, fishing and a good boat ride all make the list.

But none of that was enjoyed without the threat of second-degree sunburns, sweating through your clothes when you’re trying to look cute, and stepping out of the shower and never being able to dry off. Forget makeup all together.

As an adult, summers mean travel and spending time with family. It seems like every weekend there’s a cookout or get together. My little family takes a float trip to the Buffalo or Spring rivers annually.

Sneaking away early on a Friday is not uncommon, either.

On the flip side? Both my children were born in early fall, so that means I was seven to eight months pregnant in the stickiest part of the summer. Thank goodness for maternity maxi dresses — amiright?!?!

For me, summer is a memory-making opportunity. Sunshine and fun are always

possible and heat stroke and sweating in places you were not aware of before are probable.

And then, there are the festivals and fruit and apple pies and ice cream!

Homemade ice cream at a church social, an impulse to swing through McDonald’s for a $1 cone, adding gummy bears and chocolate chips to a Marble Slab favorite flavor all have been part of the summertime memory-making business in my family.

Those institutions of ice cream treats like a half-price Sonic shake have a stake in my memories, too.

July is National Ice Cream Month, and this issue of WINC. Magazine honors that childhood spirit of a cold treat on a hot day. And Conway is booming with new options try!

Also this month, we take a look at preparation for outfitting middle schoolers with locker decor that will aid individuality and something to look forward to between classes.

Our Majestic Mama, with the help of several local businesses and donations by readers and WINC. Magazine, was able to turn a drab dorm room into a dream space for a deserving young woman. Her story is one that will get you thinking about how to send that freshman off to school in style!

So for all of the things that summer is — the good, the bad and the sweaty — WINC. Magazine hopes you’ll all make some memories to look back on!

Contributing Writers Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates – Cover Story Marisa Hicks Kelly Sublett Photographers Ron Beckman Andrea Champlin Wy Hawkins – Cover Story Kelly Sublett Art Director Jay Prince Advertising Sales Director Lisa Licht Advertising Sales Executives Bobby Eller Crystal Geraldson Leigh Anne Gray Editorial Board Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates Lisa Licht Jay Prince Kelly Sublett

Questions or Comments?

Kelly

Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: WINC@thecabin.net or write to: 1111 Main Street, Suite 102, Conway, AR, 72032 www.womensinc.net

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Ice Cream A summertime tradition Is booming in Conway

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ummer is in full swing and it’s never been hotter out; just in time for lots of new ice cream and alternative options in Conway.

There are so many now it’s almost overwhelming. We enlisted the help of the Cook family to help us figure out which is best and why.

July is National Ice Cream Month, proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. WINC. Magazine took the opportunity to challenge one local family to a feast of the frozen treats.

Joey Cook is the head pastor at City Church in Conway.

Cook and his family are highly involved in area leadership in several aspects. Since starting the church five years ago, the Cooks have launched the Toad Suck Daze worship service (which happens the Sunday morning of the festival), as well as Freedom Fest. That’s a free, annual Fourth of July event with fireworks at Lake Beaverfork. (This year’s event is June 30th at 5 p.m.). The City Church congregation recently moved downtown into the old Second Baptist spot on Harkrider. The Cooks are also involved with youth sports in Conway. Joey’s wife, Syndal, was excited for WINC. Magazine’s ice cream challenge; along with their third-grade son Ryder and daughter MJ, a second grader.

I know some people with strong opinions about Pineapple Whip on Harkrider; a food truck in the 10 Box parking lot.

They serve many flavors of what resembles soft serve ice cream; although it’s much lighter and very refreshing on a hot day. Their Facebook page shows a Pineapple Float; which they describe as “a yummy combination of real pineapple juice and delicious Pineapple whip. Will make your taste buds dance.” We sent the Cook family here first. They had the pineapple cone, a cherry cone, and the pineapple/cherry twist cone.

Parents say: — “A truly unique product…the fruity concoction is a treat to the taste buds.” “Get it in a cup so none of the incredible ice cream melts away.”

by Melissa Gates, Photos by Wy Hawkins 6 WINC. | July 2018

Kids say: “My cherry cone was so good.”

— “Pineapple Whip is my favorite because I love cherry. It was so so huge and twirly and yummy.”

“We always go get ice cream after every first day of school; it’s a tradition.”

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Las Delicias is opening a second location in downtown this summer. They also cater. Their original store is on the northside of town off Donaghey. Las Delicias is best known for its homemade popsicles, or paletas; but they also have a wide variety of ice cream flavors. In a very informal Facebook poll I took, Las Delicias was the clear favorite in Conway.

People are saying: — “It’s a Conway grown and owned business, and they have fabulous flavors like Mexican chocolate and sweet corn.”

— “Las Delicias is my favorite because they have so many choices. Everything is delicious.”

— “It’s so different than everywhere else in Conway.

You have to try it.”

The Cook family had lots of yummies, from an Oreo ice cream bar, to a chocolate bar with sprinkles, a Mangonada, and something called a Pina Loca (described as Mexicanstyle pineapple).

Parents say: — “The mangonada was different than any dessert I’ve ever had and also my favorite. It’s mango ice cream at the bottom with fresh mango on top.”

— “Las Delicious was my favorite.There are no additives or preservatives in any house-made products.”

Kids say: — “My Oreo bar had a whole Oreo in it!”

Andy’s Frozen Custard is opening a second location on Oak Street. The existing store is very popular on Dave Ward Drive. It’s a favorite for my family for sure. We love the kid sundae made from chocolate custard with M&M’s on top. My daughter and I also request marshmallow sauce be added. It’s amazing!

On my Facebook poll: — “I’m a sucker for the specials at Andy’s! Right now it’s strawberry shortcake. So good.”

— “We enjoy the outdoor atmosphere of Andy’s.”

—“We go to Andy’s all the time! It’s easy to do after school; you don’t have to get out of the car!”

The Cook’s had a draft root beer float, the James Brown Funky Jackhammer, and chocolate and vanilla cones.

Parents say: — “The James Brown is incredible! The hot fudge in the center of the flavorful ice cream is the perfect summer treat.”

Las Delicias

— “The float took me back to a simple time. It reminded me of coming back into the house after playing hard outside and mom fixing me a scoop of ice cream into an ice cold glass of root beer.”

Kids say: — “So so so so yummy!”

— “I love Andy’s. We always go get ice cream after every first day of school; it’s a tradition.”

The final place we sent the Cook family was Rita’s Italian Ice. It recently opened by Sam’s Club. They serve custard and Italian ice.

Many on Facebook responded about Rita’s: — “Rita’s is our favorite! They have the best custard in Conway and the Italian Ice is amazing.”

— “The Money family loves Rita’s Italian Ice!” (that’s from my dietician)!

The Cooks had strawberry Italian ice with vanilla custard on top, a Blendini with root beer Italian ice, chocolate custard, and gummy bears; a chocolate sprinkle and a rainbow sprinkle cone — both chocolate dipped.

Parents say: — “I was surprised at how good gummy bears are in custard. I guess you can’t mess up Rita’s. It’s incredible!”

Kids say: — “Rita’s has the smoothest custard. It is my favorite.”

— “I want to eat there every day.”

Roll It!

Las Delicias

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is making its debut in Conway.You’ve probably seen the new building at Oak Street and Interstate 40. It’s scheduled to open in July.

Franchise owner Paul Hoover says, “We look forward to getting to know and serve the Conway community with cooked-to-order steakburgers and frozen custard freshly churned throughout the day.” Hoover says their Signature Turtle Sundae is a fan favorite.

And possibly the newest ice cream sensation is coming to Conway, based on the “rolled” ice cream concept.

Alex Cottrell is an entrepreneurship student at the University of Central Arkansas, and three months ago, launched an ice cream catering business with a twist.

Roll It! Frozen Cream is operated out of a specialized catering cart, and is as much a show as it is a treat.

“A lot of people say the process is mesmerizing and that they can just sit there and watch me do it all day,” Cottrell says. “Most people try to solve the riddle of how it freezes so fast.”

Roll It! uses real ice cream as a base made by Cottrell’s local crew. That ensures a creamy texture and allows the rolls to be larger.

All-natural cream is frozen with favorite ingredients to create ice cream unique to each patron. The company also has a vegan non-dairy cream option, as well as Italian Ice.

Pineapple Whip 10 WINC. | July 2018

“It literally goes from liquid to solid right before your very eyes. It’s like hibachi for ice cream! After people taste it, they usually say ‘it tastes just like ice cream!’ And ‘it’s so light,’” he says. “Many other Ice cream roll stores use a powder base. Our ratio of ingredients and style of preparation keep the mixture light and airy so you don’t feel heavy or sticky after eating it!”

Roll It! has more than 15 base flavor options. Patrons then have the option of mixing in strawberry, Oreo, blackberry, banana, mocha frappe, Fiddle Faddle, brownie, Reese’s, blueberry, pineapple, cherry, Fruity Pebble, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Sweet Tea. Cottrell says he is always adding to the list.

“What makes it so cool is that our customers can mix and match to create any sort of flavors they want so the possibilities are endless,” he says.

Roll It! will cater events, parties, festivals, weddings and more.

“We’ve worked with organizations all over Conway and the surrounding area including: StateFarm, Conway Christian School, TriTechne, Family Life Bible Church, Morrilton Primary School, LeeAnn’s Fine Jewelry, Better Life Ministries, UCA, Relay for Life & many more,” Cottrell says.

Catering is available in advance or even the day before, depending on availability. Contact Roll It! for booking

through the Facebook page @ Roll It Frozen Cream or email rollitconway@ gmail.com.

“We are always looking for investors and mentors to help us take this business to the next level,” Cottrell says. “We’re going to keep servicing the community and building the brand while we search for a home!”

“Milk & Sugar” is another rolled frozen option coming soon to Conway.

A banner announcing a Prince Street location is hanging in the strip mall near the intersection with Salem Road. More information is available on their Facebook page.

Joey Cook and his family definitely look forward to trying both of those options as well. After all the yummy taste testing, each member of the Cook family agrees, anything cold on a hot summer day is scrumptious!

Joey says, “Simply put, I don’t think I can pick a favorite!” Thank goodness there are so many fabulous options in Conway because there are plenty of HOT days!!!

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

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Former Irby Dance Studio students recently put their tap shoes back on to pay tribute to their former teacher, Rochelle “Hootie” Irby, who passed unexpectedly last fall. Front row (left to right): Amber Rowlett, Bailey Romeo, Tammy Free, Madelyn Roper, Gail Dunaway, Teri Breeding, Thresa Shamburger, Susan Freedle Back row (left to right): Samie Pew, Lainye Tapley, Melanie Church, Sarah Shaw, Beth Sketoe, Lisa Gamble, Jamie Bailey, Lori Moix, Katherine Murphy Not pictured: Darcy Caplan, LeAnn Moore and Hannah Smith. Photo Credit: Submitted

Former Dance Students Pay Tribute to Irby

by Cindy Beckman

12 WINC. | July 2018

When Rochelle Irby passed away unexpectedly last fall, she left a huge legacy. As the owner of Irby Dance Studio, she had coached and mentored dozens of dancers. She was a second mother to many, a counselor to some, and one of their biggest fans, encouraging them to give dancing and life their best effort.

Irby started her dance studio in Conway over 50 years ago, teaching thousands of students over the years. Currently instructors at Irby Dance Studio teach third and fourth generation students in four locations—Conway, Little Rock, Morrilton and Searcy. Irby’s daughter, Wendy Jones, is director/owner of the Little Rock location.

Many of Irby’s former students, now with children of their own, wanted to pay tribute to this woman who had such an impact on their lives. That is why they put their tap shoes back on and arranged

a tribute to their former teacher at this spring’s annual dance recitals.

Twenty women, all former students from the Irby Dance Studios at Morrilton, Conway and Searcy, were showcased at the recitals in each of those cities. All wore black T-shirts that said, “Ms. Irby’s Girls” on the back. They performed a classic tap routine to “In the Mood,” a Glenn Miller classic from the big band era. Susan Freedle, who directs the Irby Dance Studios at Morrilton and Conway, choreographed the tap dance.

Melanie Wilbourn Church, one of Ms. Irby’s former students who performed with the group, said, “Yes, we did this! Its been a lot of years since I’ve put on my tap shoes! I enjoyed dancing again with these ladies. We

share our love for our wonderful teacher and friend. She would be proud of her girls!”

“Hootie,” as she was lovingly called by many, will be sorely missed, especially by her students. She was a special lady who invested greatly in the development of her students, not only as dancers, but also as accomplished and capable adults.

“God broke the mold when He made her,” said Susan Freedle, who began her dance training with Irby at the age of 3.

“She was a force to be reckoned with and we were so very blessed to be her students.”

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

She may be reached at beckman@windstream.net

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Nana’s

by Kelly Sublett

16 WINC. | July 2018

The Artistry of

Summer Soups

There’s a lot of color in Sheila Parsons’ kitchen, but it’s not the environment that immediately catches the eye. It’s the lady herself.

Sheila smiles bright and bold at the opportunity to welcome people into her home, especially the kitchen she’s made the centerpiece there for 40 years. Everything about her is strong and popping with rich tones — from the art pieces on her walls that each tell a story to the fabric necklace she wears crocheted by a friend.

“I can’t live without color,” she says. “My mother was a painter and my father was a musician, so I grew up not knowing there was anything other than art.”

Sheila is a well-established artist who has adventured all over the world teaching art classes. There are traces of her world travels around her home and her kitchen is filled with pottery from places that framed her love of people, culture and food.

“When I was a child, I always wanted to travel, to live in a place, not just check it out,” Sheila says.

And she did.

Sheila, a Batesville native, served in both the Peace Corps in Bolivia and Teacher Corps after earning a Masters Degree at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York. She took a teaching position at the Brooklyn Friends School — a K-12 school known

for its culturally diverse curriculum. She taught at the American High School in Mexico City during the Vietnam War. Her son, Lucian, was born with a dual citizenship.

“I loved living in Mexico,” she says. “It was the noise on the street, the music you hear, you can see mountains from anywhere and the people are so friendly. They really have a sense of separation of work from their lives.”

Now Lucian and wife, Kelly, reside in Maryland where he heads a virtual reality educational department at the University of Maryland. They have two children, Elizabeth “Van D.”, 9, and Creighton, 11.

“We see them four times a year,” Sheila says. “I can’t stand it too long.”

Her grandchildren call her Nana.

“Van D. won me over during Thanksgiving dinner when she asked to be excused to work on her art,” Sheila says. “I mean, of course!”

The grandchildren love Nana’s chicken and dumplings and always ask for “Nana’s Sketti.”

“I just throw everything in that comes along — artichokes, olives — you name it! I love the way the [dish] makes the house smell,” she says.

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Growing up, Sheila credits her mother with teaching her how to cook, albeit a trial by chicken.

“Mother let me cook,” she laughs. “I remember the first thing I ever made was a cake for my daddy’s birthday. I was about 12. I remember he cut it and said, ‘Well, that’s nice and firm!’ He was trying to be nice, but I knew a cake wasn’t supposed to be firm! I cried and cried.

“But the rule in our house was if you chose not to go to church, you had to fix Sunday dinner. I remember the first time that happened. I had been out with friends and gotten in late. I just told my mother I couldn’t go to church. She said, ‘Fine. The chicken is in the fridge. Have it ready.’

“When I opened the fridge, it was a whole chicken! I didn’t know how to cut up a chicken, but I knew dinner couldn’t be late.

So I cut up that chicken into about 17 pieces!”

Her mother’s influence is prominent, still. Sheila’s table settings were inherited and she uses them with joy regularly.

“No one is going to want to use them when I’m gone,” she advises. “Enjoy what you have. That’s what’s intended.”

Sheila’s favorite meals are influenced by her many trips to Acapulco where she taught art classes through the years at Flying Colors, a workshop for artists.

Cold Avocado Soup • 2 large or 3 smaller avocados • ½ cup powdered milk • 1 quart milk (2% or whole) • 1 Tblsp. Knorr Suiza powdered • Chicken broth (sold in jars) — OR 3-4 • Bouillon cubes • Juice of 1 lime Throw it all in a blender and chill for 6-24 hours. Season with salt and white pepper. Top with any of the following: parsley, chopped chives, slice of lime or avocado. Serve with crusty bread.

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Painter’s Palette Soup

It’s OK to play with your soup! Potato leek soup any way you want to make it, but puree it.

• ½ tsp. Chicken bouillon • 4 leeks — white parts only

• 4 large potatoes • Salt and pepper

Dice & cook together until soft, then puree in small batches in a blender. Add whole or 2% milk to the right consistency. After all is pureed, keep warm or refrigerate until serving time.

The Paints: In separate pots, salt and boil them to a vigorous simmer • Pot 1 — ½ lb. chopped baby carrots and 1 Tblsp. Sugar • Pot 2 — a couple of beets cut into little sticks and 1 Tblsp. Sugar • Pot 3 — blanche a bunch of spinach and 1 Tblsp. Sugar Then, individually puree those. These are your paints. Dribble a little of each color in the soup and drag a toothpick through it for design. Voila!

“I think my favorite times were times in Acapulco sharing wonderful meals with people,” she says. “Even now, I love to entertain. I love to set a table with bright colors.”

On a recent afternoon, Sheila invited friends for summer soups.

Both recipes were plucked from a favorite cookbook written by Flying Colors founder Johanna Morrell, “From Palette to Palate.”

The first course was Cold Avocado Soup, followed by a rich and eye-pleasing Painter’s Palette Soup.

“Food is a gift because of the people you share it with,” she says. “I think art and food both are titillating to your senses. I had a friend once tell me, ‘Sheila, you gulp life!’ I guess that’s not a bad thing.”

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

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Phamous Pharmacists On a whim, I decided to go in a different direction with this month’s WINC article.

Okay, to be totally honest, I ran out of original ideas for summertime medical content. Last summer I touched on bug bites, sunscreens, and the many benefits of water, but this month I drew a blank.

Fortunately, during one of our recent pop-up thunderstorms, a crack of lightning reminded me of Benjamin Franklin and his fool-hardy stunt with a kite and a key. (See last month’s WINC article about the dumb stunts that men pull.) For an accurate account of what really happened that day, go to www.fi.edu and read the article about Franklin and the kite experiment.

What you may not know about old Ben was that he was actually a pharmacist. He helped to establish the first public hospital in the United States and the first hospital pharmacy. In his early years he worked as a clerk in a mercantile store where he dispensed herbs and medicines. While doing so, he would also dispense health advice for the customers and is credited for such quotes as “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That second quote describes preventive medicine as we know it today. Let’s look at some other “Phamous Pharmacists” whose names you might recognize.

John Pemberton patented Coca-Cola as a medication in the late 19th century. He was injured during the Civil War and created the original formula, a mixture of coca leaves and kola nuts, to assist himself and his patients, who were heavily addicted to

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opioids, to wean off the drugs. Pemberton become the basis for the suntan product advertised his product in the Atlanta Journal manufactured by Coppertone. and it gained immediate popularity. To raise Hubert Humphrey worked as a money to support his addiction and to pharmacist in his father’s drugstore in support his family, Pemberton then sold this the 1930s and went on to enjoy a highly patent to the Coca-Cola Company, and a successful career in politics as a U.S. Senator household name was born. for the State of Minnesota, and then as Agatha Christie is best known as a crime Vice President of the United States. Some novelist and playwright, but during the First of the most notable accomplishments of World War, she served in a hospital as a his political career included chairing the pharmacist. Intrigued by poisons, she used advisory council for the Peace Corps, her expertise as a pharmacist as the basis chairing the Civil Rights Council, organizing for her stories. Her famous novel on a case an antipoverty program, and working with of thallium poisoning, The Pale Horse, led Congress to enact Medicare. to the correct diagnosis of several real-life Sir Isaac Newton, the man who changed cases. Her books have sold over 2 billion the world with his theory of gravity, served copies worldwide. as an apprentice apothecary in Grantham, Charles Alderton worked as a pharmacist England, living with the town’s apothecary at in a drug store in Waco, Texas in the late Cambridge, where he began his illustrious 1800s. He noticed the customers growing career in physics and mathematics. bored with the traditional soda flavors of O. Henry worked in his uncle’s drugstore that time period and created a carbonated as a teenager and became a pharmacist at drink with a flavor that smelled similar to all the age of 19. We know him best as the of the various fruit syrups used in the store author of The Gift of the Magi. to make sodas. The result was a beverage Unlike good ole Ben Franklin, I highly with 23 different ingredients that remains doubt that I will ever do anything highly popular to this day. Dr. Pepper: “The noteworthy enough to get my picture on friendly pepper upper.” the hundred-dollar bill. But I’ll be totally Benjamin Green, an airman in the Second content with being known, not only for World War, initially applied a type of red “dispensing herbs and medicines,” but also veterinary petrolatum to his skin to protect for making sure my patients know how to himself from harmful use them properly.

UV rays during David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith wartime. After Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and the war he added staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been taking care of people in the Conway and other substances surrounding areas for more than 43 years. He loves spending to develop what time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren. would ultimately

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Anna Smith, Adalyn Lamey, and Annabel Champlin

LOCKER DECOR

by Andrea Champlin Lockers have come a long way. Back in my day, we would wrap our textbooks in brown paper from grocery store bags and decorate the paper with markers. Times have certainly changed. My daughter will be decorating her locker with rugs and chandeliers.Yep. I’m serious. My husband had the same look on his face that you probably have on yours now if you’re not already familiar with this completely ridiculous, yet exceedingly fun, over-the-top practice.

I first noticed this phenomenon a few years ago when friends posted pictures of their daughters’ lockers on social media. They were so cute! And elaborate! So I googled, discovered it’s a thing, and have been patiently waiting for my Annabel to start middle school so we could decorate her locker.

However, if you purchase everything you see in these lockers, you will spend between $80-120...per locker. I did not want to 22 WINC. | July 2018

spend that much decorating a locker, but I still wanted it to be cute! So get some middle school friends together, share some supplies, and DIY some locker decor!

DIY Locker Wallpaper I think the most impactful thing you can do to a locker is add wallpaper. It’s the easiest way to add color and pattern. There are three types of locker wallpaper that I found available for purchase: 1) thick paper held on with magnets and 2)magnetic wallpaper sheets and 3) vinyl with self-adhesive backing. Here’s what I used for my version: Supplies: • Fabric OR Thick Wrapping Paper OR Chalkboard Contact Paper (adhere with magnets) and Chalk Markers OR a mixture of all three

• Magnets • Scissors • Tape Measure I used a mixture of wrapping paper, fabric and chalkboard contact paper to create these fun lockers. Simply cut to size and use magnets (see pom pom magnets below) to place in your locker. If you’re in Conway middle schools, you must use magnets to put up your wallpaper, tape of any kind is not allowed.

Note: The lockers in Conway middle schools have a curve in the door, which makes it a little difficult. It was hard to get the chalkboard contact paper and the wrapping paper neatly on the door. I’m going to try to convince Annabel to use fabric on the door, but she was pretty smitten with the chalkboard paper, so we’ll see.

Locker wallpaper ranges from $15 for paper wallpaper and around $45 for magnetic.You can get enough fabric for around $5. The chalkboard contact paper and wrapping paper is a little more.

A huge benefit to using fabric is that there are so many more options, and you can mix patterns. If you buy locker wallpaper, it’s usually one pattern.

DIY Locker Chandelier Supplies: • Magnetic Motion Sensor Lights • Fishing Line • Hot Glue Gun/Hot Glue • Light Sparkly Sequins/Glitter Foam Self-Adhesive Stickers • Ribbon or Sequin Trim 1. Cut six pieces of fishing line, approximately 8 inches each.

This does not have to be exact.

2. Use foam stickers on the bottom of the fishing line. (This is so they will hang straight down.)

3. Use more foam stickers OR use knots to tie sequins on the fishing line.

4. Do this to all six pieces of fishing line.

5. Glue the top of the six pieces of fishing line onto the motion sensor light. (careful not to glue it shut, you still need to be able to change the batteries) Cut off excess fishing line.

6. Wrap ribbon or beaded trim around the light to cover the hot glue that you used to glue the fishing line on. (again, careful not to glue the light completely shut) These chandeliers are really neat because they go on every time the locker is opened because they have motion sensors.

Most that you buy in the store have an on/off switch. If you purchase a chandelier, they’re around $20. If you split these supplies between three friends, it’s about $8 each. Links to the lights I used are on my blog. womensinc.net 23

DIY Locker Rugs Supplies: • Fur Fabric • Scissors • Tape Measure • Anti-slip rug pad (optional) 1. Measure the bottom of the locker.

2. Cut fabric a little smaller than locker floor.

3. I’m going to hot glue a non-slip rug pad to put under the fabric, so the rugs will be less likely to bunch up when putting books in. (optional) Locker rugs sell between $10-15. I made six rugs with about $12 worth of fabric.

DIY Locker Frames Supplies: • $1 frames from the dollar store • Spray paint • Magnets • Hot glue gun/glue stick 1. Remove frame backing and glass 2. Throw the glass away 3. Go outside and spray paint the frames. (I used gold and pink) 4. Take off the stand on the back of the frame (I just ripped it off) 5. Glue magnets onto the four corners of the frame backing 6. Insert picture and the newly magnetized frame backing.

I had spray paint on hand and I bought the magnets in bulk to use on all of these projects, so these frames were about $1.40 each DIY Locker Mirrors Supplies: • Craft mirror (any shape)

Come see our new, modern furniture or shop at our antique gift shop!

“Family Owned. Family Operated. Family Prices.”

385 HWY 65 N CONWAY, AR • (501) 932-6193 CW-SPAD0621104400

24 WINC. | July 2018

• Magnets • Hot glue gun/glue stick • Pom pom balls (optional) 1. Hot glue four magnets on back of craft mirror.

2. Hot glue pom pom balls around the edge of mirror (optional) Total cost of mirrors $2-4.

DIY Locker Pencil Holders Supplies: • Cheap plastic, magnetic pencil holders from local discount store

• Spray paint These pencil holders were white plastic and little sad. I sprayed one with gold spray paint and the other with pink spray paint to make them a little more exciting.

Total cost of $1.64 DIY Flower Locker Magnets Supplies: • Bouquet of artificial flowers (I found some half off at a local craft store) • Magnets • Hot glue/glue stick

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• Wire cutters 1. Remove the plastic stem from the flower.You will need to remove all of the plastic from the flower or the hot glue will not hold.

2. Glue the flower to the magnet.

Cost-Around $5 for several, 6-10 magnets.

These are great projects to share supplies with a friend to cut down on cost. We had a chandelier-marking party at my house with some girls and it was fun watching their creative minds work. Enjoy your crafting time together. And remember, gold spray paint goes with anything!

More photos and links to some of these supplies can be found on my blog, 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.

26 WINC. | July 2018

Red, White and Blue, what a wonderful set of colors!

My first memory of Independence Day is that it is also my sister Mandy’s birthday and growing up as a young child, I used to think that the fireworks were just to celebrate her birthday! We used to get together as a family, my cousin Roger would make homemade ice cream, and we’d watch my sister open presents before we enjoyed the fireworks together.

Of course, I grew past 3 years old and learned what else is celebrated on the 4th of July, the day we celebrate our independence as a nation! As I think of my sister’s birthstone, the Ruby, and its incredible red beauty, I start thinking of the three colors in the American flag and their meanings. They are very appropriate for these great United States.

In gemstones, red would be signified by the Ruby, white by the Diamond, and blue by the Sapphire.

The meaning of the gorgeous red Ruby for thousands of years has been passion.

Imagine the passion that our Veteran’s must have felt as they left their homes and families to fight in the War of Independence and gain freedoms for this nation that would be enjoyed for generations to come!

The Diamond is the hardest gemstone.

The word ‘Diamond’ actually stems from the Greek word ‘Adamas’ which means unconquerable. Hard (durable), unconquered, beautiful; these are all very good descriptions for the diamond and interestingly enough, very good descriptions of our great nation as well.

The blue Sapphire, which is one of the more popular colored gemstones, represents wisdom and truth and the understanding of justice. It also has many religious meanings as well and was often worn to ward off evil spirits.

So when looking, from the gemstone point-of-view, at the colors of our American flag, we can see passion for our freedom, a hard and unconquerable spirit, wisdom, truth and justice. I am so very, very proud to live in a country where you and I are actually free to come up with such a definition. We are free to elect our own leaders, voice

our opinions, bear arms, practice the religion of our choice, marry whom we wish to marry and celebrate Independence Day any way we choose.

Whether it is with my sister for her birthday or out on the lake watching the fireworks, we need to all take a moment to bow our heads and hearts and thank God for our liberties and for the brave and selfless men and women who have fought for our freedoms and continue to do so today.

We salute you and would like everyone to remember that Independence Day and those fireworks are for you, our honored veterans!

As a side note, my sister’s favorite gemstone has always been the purple Amethyst, which stems from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ which means ‘not intoxicated’.

Happy birthday Mandy and Happy birthday to the United States of America!

Cindy Webb is the owner of Francis M. Fine Jewelry in downtown Conway. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech/Communications from UCA, her Graduate Gemologist title from GIA, her Certified Gemologist title from AGS and has continued her education with GIA by receiving the Pearls diploma and Insurance Replacement Appraisal diploma. Cindy has worked in the fine jewelry business for the past 25 years in literally every capacity and is also a practicing numismatist. She and her husband, Donald, live in Conway with their 3 adopted cats.

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WN METO O H

HERO

George Bible: Service, Life Lessons, Love

by Kelly Sublett

28 WINC. | July 2018

Serving in the Korean War as a Senior U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, George Bible, of Conway, saw much of the war through the eyes of the injured and hurting.

But one bright spot in his service that he enjoys talking about was falling in love with his wife, Beverly.

“I had to grow up, but the best thing about the military was meeting my wife and marrying the love of my life,” he says.

“She has been my 5-foot, 2-inch, eyes of blue gal for 66 years.”

Beverly traveled 3,000 miles from Grimes, Iowa, to San Diego, Calif., when she turned 18 to marry George, and the couple eventually had two children together.

A daughter, LaDonna, is still living, but George and Beverly lost an adult son who had disabilities in 2012. He was 49 years old.

There are other children, too — 20 of them. George and Beverly fostered children through many years of their marriage.

George followed the path of service not unlike other family members, although not necessarily by choice.

“I was drafted to serve in the Army on Dec. 26, 1950, and did not want to join the Army,” he says. “So, I joined the Navy. I had two uncles in the Navy, so it was kind of a family tradition.”

Boot camp was a wake-up call, and George admits he had to learn the ropes.

“Boot camp was very tiring and full of

discipline,” he says.

Primarily, George became a hospital corpsman at San Diego Balboa Naval Hospital. However, he also served aboard a ship attached to the atomic energy commission — both unique experiences.

“I was assigned to the neurosurgeon ward and took care of paraplegics and quadriplegics as an X-ray tech,” he explains. “I was in charge of hospital documentation, blood draws and IVs.” But much time was spent on the ship headed to the Marshall Islands where atomic bombs were tested.

George doesn’t share too much about his service time (he served until December 1955) and doesn’t boast about awards and honors. And although he was happy to receive the rank of Buck Sergeant 3rd Class, he says, every other honor earned was like the one before it. ”I can’t tell you which was most important to me,” he says.

But the stories he does share, even in context of the situation, are worth a smile.

“While trying to cheer up a paraplegic 19-year-old,” George says, “I told him a funny joke without realizing he was having a stomach problem at the time, so it turned out bad for both of us!”

George had the pleasure, he says, of meeting celebrities from USO shows to include Forrest Tucker, Andy Griffith and others. He’ll tell you about the food. …

“In the Navy, the best meal was always the hot meals, and the worst was finding bugs in the cornbread,” he laughs.

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A gift from our Majestic Mama to a daughter

by Andrea Champlin 30 WINC. | July 2018

Sometimes I think my gifts are silly. Like maybe I spend a little too much time painting, or coming up with new ideas to make something, or decorating rooms. Often I feel guilty about my creative brain and think that there are more important things I should be doing.

But then I meet someone like Kristen Bailey and I get a new perspective and think maybe my gifts aren’t silly or frivolous.

Kristen recently graduated from Conway High School and will be attending the University of Central Arkansas this fall. And while most girls are shopping for dorm supplies with their moms, Kristen isn’t able to do that. Her mom passed away unexpectedly a few years ago.

Kristen was recommended by her CHS counselor, Jan Armstrong. I met Kristen for coffee one morning and I could easily see why. Kristen is an intelligent, kind, hard-working girl.

Almost every time I contacted her she was at her job at Larry’s Pizza; a job which she will continue while she attends UCA.

Before Makeover

I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to help Kristen decorate her room. I really enjoy working with small spaces to make them as welcoming and comfortable as possible, and to be able to do this for Kristen just made my heart happy.

When I asked Kristen what words she would use to describe her ideal dorm room, she said “fun” and “energetic.” Of course, I translated that into lots of color! I started with some watercolor ikat fabric that I found online and built the room around that.

We were fortunate enough to have our fabric for the headboard, bedskirt, and chair pillow donated by Linda Marie’s Gift & Fabric Store in Vilonia and seamstress Debbie Moreland (Mom and Pop’s Shop @palletandthread on Facebook) donated her time and skill to sew everything for us.

Cody Sublett of Cadron Creek Craftsman made the headboard and his dad, Rick Sublett of Rick’s Auto Upholstery upholstered it.

This project would not have been possible without our donors.

The bedskirt is not your typical bedskirt, it is made of several panels with ties on the top. This way you are able to raise or lower your bed to any height and adjust your bedskirt by tying it further back on the bed’s platform springs. This was such a useful thing I learned during this project. Using panels also allows easier access to storage underneath the bed. Dorm rooms can start to look cluttered because there is so much to store in such small space, but elevating your bed makes room for lots of concealed storage underneath.

I also ordered a queen coverlet. I really want Kristen be able to take the things we purchased for her dorm room and use them when she moves out. Since her bed was raised to the highest setting, the coverlet looks perfect on her bed.

We also used blackout white curtains attached to the wall with command hooks. These soften the room so much.

The desk chair was a little bit sad, so we replaced it with this blue velvet rolling chair that is so stylish and a little more womensinc.net 31

Kristen and Larry Bailey

comfortable.

A shower curtain was used to cover the sink. This will also give extra storage underneath. And since we used a shower curtain, there’s no worry about getting it wet.

And of course you have to have a dry erase board and cork board over the desk. The super cute blue desk lamp also has a port for charging electronics. How handy is that?!

And I was able to get my paint out and paint a canvas that would coordinate with Kristen’s new room.

We did a room reveal and it’s one of my favorite projects I’ve ever worked on. Kristen brought her dad, Larry Bailey, and it was the sweetest moment. I’m so thankful to Publisher Kelly Sublett, WINC. Magazine and the Log Cabin Democrat for supporting this project and to our sponsors. Also thanks to Andy Isom and Craig Seagar with UCA for their help getting into the room during the summer.

Sometimes gifts that we think are a little silly can have a big impact on others. I’m so proud of this project. It was a moment

32 WINC. | July 2018

I’ll never forget. There were happy hearts at the reveal and I hope Kristen’s mom is looking down from heaven knowing that we took care of her little girl.

For more details on this story you can go to my blog at TheMajesticMama.com/winc.

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.

Give a child confidence and you give them the world!

by Janice Jackson Seamands Baton Twirling is beautiful movement, coordination, strength, control, timing, poise, confidence, expression and communication with an audience. Twirling combines technical baton movements and tricks with many forms of dance and gymnastics for a most entertaining performance skill. From novice through elite competitive and collegiate levels, twirling provides many benefits such as fitness, confidence, outstanding carriage and posture, ability to perform for the public, self presentation and interview skills, opportunities for travel, college scholarships, music appreciation and interpretation and the joy of entertaining and becoming a leader.

Competition twirling is available to those students who want the thrill and challenge of testing their skills and reaching the height of their abilities.

This venue is great training for those hoping to obtain a college scholarship for baton twirling. Interview is a part of competitive twirling because we want our representatives to be well spoken in public and desire that they are able to present themselves in a confident, relaxed and informative manner. Many will have the

CENTRAL

ARKANSAS BATON TWIRLING opportunity to do tv or news interviews, etc.

School twirling with a marching band is available and allows students to be part of an organization at school. The friendships and bonds formed are strong and lasting.

Show twirling is open to any twirler and allows students to take part in community activities and share their time and talents with organizations and clubs and become better performers through these experiences.

Dance technique for baton twirlers is offered and encouraged for all twirlers wanting to grow and excel. When you

watch a beautiful baton twirling performance, you quickly become aware that the twirler is also a trained dancer. Correct technique and body awareness as well as control are required when creating the entire package. Our classes are geared specifically to this need along with stretching and conditioning and floor work gymnastics to be included in twirling routines. This training puts students ahead in any setting.

Classes are geared toward all levels-novice through elite. Everyone is important and all goals are respected.

Some want to twirl for recreation, fitness and fun. Others want to reach a higher level such as featured twirler, scholarship possibilities, state, regional, national and world championships. College scholarships are also given at our national competitions each year.

Most employers love to interview baton twirlers because of their work ethic, time management abilities, confidence and presentation skills!

Janice Jackson Seamands is a charter member of the Baton Twirling Hall of Fame, instructs and judges across the USA and Europe, has produced state, regional, national and world champions in every major twirling organization and has had twirlers at over 40 colleges and universities as well as high schools throughout the nation.

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Conversations with a

Maggie Griggs Spouse: Luke Griggs Children: Kent & Levi 5 years Hometown: Conway until I got married in January 2011 and then moved in with my husband in Clinton.

Occupation: Financial Advisor at Centennial Bank What’s something people wouldn’t generally know about you? I figure skated for 7 years in Little Rock.

I took cake decorating classes and made cakes for a few years.

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

We listen to country and pop the most.

The last thing we listened to as a family was country.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate.

What’s the one thing in your home you want to get rid of but that your spouse won’t allow?

My couches. They are over 10 years old and leather. I want to update them with fabric couches, but since we have three boys in the house, he won’t let me.

Who is your favorite animated character?

I don’t watch much animation, but as a kid I loved Jerry from Tom & Jerry.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about spending time with my family and taking vacations with them. I want to soak up every memory with them while they are little. Once they grow up, I’ll miss it.

34 WINC. | July 2018

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

Mexico for an all-inclusive vacation with my husband and my parents. It was a good beach getaway while our children were too young to go.

Do you prefer mountains or the beach?

Since I live in what I consider “the mountains,” I prefer the beach. The peacefulness of waves crashing onto the shore and feeling the breeze, is so relaxing and peaceful.

Who do you most admire?

I most admire my grandma. We have always been close and I loved seeing how she loved my grandpa when he was alive. She is witty and fun.

Which is your favorite restaurant in town?

L’attitude Bistro in Clinton.

Is your family more Elvis or Beatles?

Elvis. We are country and soulful.

Who is the better driver?

My husband, Luke, is a better driver

than I am, but I always drive. He hates to drive and I like to.

Who is the calmest?

That’s a hard question. I feel like we are both pretty calm. I guess I would have to say that I’m more calm than Luke is.

What is your family’s favorite hobby?

Fishing at the Little Red River below our house. Our property lines the river.

Where do you go to church?

We are currently looking for the perfect church fit for our family.

What is your favorite memory as a family?

When we went to the beach last year.

We stayed at a house on the beach and everyone was happy and carefree. Our kids enjoyed the water and we enjoyed seeing them happy.

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.

Improving the banking experience Life isn’t lived exclusively Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s happening before your daily commute begins, and long after you’ve arrived home for the night. There’s church on Sunday mornings, soccer practices on Saturday afternoons and a whole host of activities in between.

Few things are constrained to “banker’s hours,” so why limit the hours you can bank?

FAB&T is new to the City of Colleges, but throughout the financial institution’s nearly 70 years serving central Arkansas, it has been focused on making life easier for customers. With that in mind, FAB&T has opened a Conway branch with personnel who can be reached all seven days in the week.

Located at 804 Hogan Lane, the bank features three QŪB (pronounced “cube”) machines, featuring an interactive teller experience than can be accessed during extended hours.

Bank personnel are available through QŪB from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

QŪB blends the convenience and independence of an ATM and online banking with the personal touch of being inside a FAB&T branch.

With QŪB, you can cash a check down-to-the-penny, make a deposit, pay your house or auto loan, and interact with live account representatives, all without leaving the comfort of your vehicle.You can also access QŪB as an ATM, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with your FAB&T debit card from MasterCard.

Additionally, FAB&T offers a 24-hour customer support line — (800) 982-4511 — operated by an Arkansas-based staff.

“Over the years we have tried hard to look at new services or changes from the customers’ point of view, and then work back from there,” board chairman, CEO and bank president Larry Wilson said. “What is good for the customer? How can

we help make banking and life easier? Let’s take a look at that, and then build what we do from there.”

FAB&T refers to this approach as helping customers “LIVEFirst.”

Improving the banking experience and communities in which FAB&T operates is central to the bank’s mission since its founding in 1949. FAB&T was instrumental in securing the Little Rock Air Force Base being located in Jacksonville in the 1950s, and bank founder Kenneth Pat Wilson was a significant force in establishing Rebsamen Memorial Hospital for the town in 1962.

FAB&T, which has 22 locations throughout central Arkansas, was recognized as Bank of the Year for the Air Force in 2015 and 2016. The bank recently announced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, and FAB&T’s 3 Degree Guarantee on THV11 has helped spotlight nonprofits throughout its service area.

“First Arkansas Bank & Trust has always supported the communities we serve,” said Mark Wilson, senior vice president of FAB&T and a 1998 Hendrix graduate. “We work together with our fellow businesses to help our communities with educational initiatives. We’re excited to join Conway, grow with the community and provide those same banking services we have provided to our customers in Jacksonville, Heber Springs, Greenbrier, Cabot and other communities for the past 68 years.”

FAB&T designed the Hogan Lane branch as a modern and welcoming environment for customers. From opening a new account to securing a mortgage, home equity line of credit or small business loan, customers have access to what Mark Wilson describes as “the branch of the future.”

“This is not the branch of the 1990s or 2000s. We’re bringing a new style of banking, that’s really the old style - personalized attention and all the financial services you need.”

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In the Field at Camp Halsey

by Cindy Beckman In May, UCA archaeology students were out in the field honing their skills at Camp Halsey, a 1930s camp near Woolly Hollow State Park that served as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) residential camp. Camp enrollees assisted local farmers with Soil Conservation Service (SCS) projects.

In the 1930s, the U.S. government established “demonstration projects” tied to soil conservation programs within watershed areas. The Cadron Creek Demonstration Project was one of the first in Arkansas. Camp Halsey was set up as a SCS/CCC residential camp in 1934 to provide local participating SCS farmers with additional labor to assist in

various soil conservation methods like building terraces, fencing, sodding pastures, controlling gullies, seeding fields and protecting streams and banks.

Camp Halsey temporarily closed a year later but reopened in 1937 as a forestry camp, remaining open until 1939. The remaining buildings were then dismantled and removed. The camp, located on the privately-owned Halsey farm, has remained virtually untouched ever since.

The foundations of the various buildings/barracks, officers’ quarters, supply buildings, recreation hall, latrine and bath house, mess hall and kitchen, educational building, infirmary, two pump houses and a blacksmith shop—are part of the visible remains as well as Front Street, the road which ran through the camp.

The Camp Halsey Staff, left to right: Saddler, construction engineer; Howard Hankins, draftsman; Claud Williams, foreman; A.J. Troxell, superintendent; Hall, foreman; Whitaker, draftsman; R.W. Quertermouse, senior engineer; and Westall, engineering draftsman Photo Courtesy of FCHS housed in UCA Archives 36 WINC. | July 2018

There is also a huge double fireplace which stood at the end of the recreation hall, and a rock message board.

In 2016, Lynita Langley-Ware, Faulkner County Museum Director, and Dr. Duncan McKinnon, UCA Assistant Professor of Anthropology, began collaborating with Larry Halsey, current family caretaker of the property where Camp Halsey is located. They did preliminary mapping and began gathering historical data for what has now become the Faulkner County Survey Project.

The Field Archaeology class, conducted by Dr. Duncan McKinnon, did the field work at the

Front Street at Camp Halsey, looking west.

Each barrack housed 35 CCC enrollees.

Photo Courtesy of FCHS housed in UCA Archives

Camp Halsey remains as part of their May Intersession class. This was the first class to do systematic field work at the site.

The students used a Bartington magnetic gradiometer to map the area, learning skills related to site survey and field data collection. They also worked with a Topcon total station, on loan from the Arkansas Archeological Survey, to

create a site grid and collect topographic data.

“We are so fortunate to have a real archaeological site right here in Faulkner County. This project is just beginning and there is so much work to be done here. We will be able to bring students out here for years to come as we unearth this important part of our history,” said Langley-Ware.

Although the preliminary plans were to excavate and map what was thought to be the infirmary site, it only took a day or so to reveal that the building remains they were studying was probably the garage. Students gained valuable experience in traditional excavation methods and artifact collection as they sifted through the site.

Following a week of field work, the students went back to the UCA archaeology lab in Burdick

Hall, examining and testing the artifacts as well as analyzing the data they collected.

The class concluded with a final research paper that would be submitted to the Journal of Undergraduate Research in Anthropology (JURA) for review.

“Not only are the students getting to do actual hands-on work in the field, they are also gaining valuable experience and developing skills that will help them to further their careers in archaeology,” Dr. McKinnon said.

The site history and current news, as well as historical and archaeological information about the camp, can be found at http://camphalsey.com.

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

An old rock at Camp Halsey message board that stood along Front Street.

Photo Credit: Cindy Beckman

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38 WINC. | July 2018

How Hearing Loss Affects Understanding Properly programmed hearing Our ability to hear is not the same as our aids used on a regular ability to understand. Hearing is a function of basis can provide the ear. Speech understanding is a function improvement in not of the brain. The ear collects sound and only hearing but transmits it to the brain. The brain translates understanding as what the ears have collected into something well. Research shows “People just mumble when they that it can understand. If hearing loss that most people with talk. I hear but I don’t understand.” prevents the ear from picking up the sounds hearing loss wait seven of speech then the amount of information years between the time that the brain has to work with becomes that they first start having limited and speech understanding suffers. problems and the time that If this goes unchecked for many years the they get a hearing test. In brain effectively forgets how to process this time the brain is losing speech efficiently. It’s a case of use it or lose practice at understanding. If the first step it and why early intervention with properly hearing loss is too severe and goes is getting an examination, preferably in a fitted hearing aids is so important. on for too long there is always a chance medical clinic that specializes in diagnosing There are two primary components of that it cannot be improved, but almost speech, volume and clarity. The volume of always, patients who choose to correct their and treating disorders of the ear and hearing. Hearing health is an important speech becomes vowel sounds that we hearing loss sooner rather than later, and aspect of our daily lives and poor hearing make with our vocal cords. The clarity of who wear their hearing aids often will hear has been scientifically linked to numerous speech comes from consonant sounds that and understand speech much better. negative health consequences ranging from are produced with the lips and teeth. If high An accurate examination can reveal depression to dementia. frequency hearing loss prevents us from exactly where the deficit lies along the Our in-house data of thousands of hearing the soft sounds at the beginning of spectrum of speech sounds, and which type patients reveals that following a 30 day a word and we only hear the loud vowel of hearing aid circuitry and programming sounds, then we don’t know if the person will best help the patient regain the ability to trial of today’s smart technology hearing aids, 97% of users experience enough speaking said, Hat, Cat, or Sat. We just hear, understand speech more clearly. benefit to want to keep using their devices. “at” and accuse the speaker of mumbling.

“I hear but I don’t understand.” “People When will you decide that it’s time to start This seems worse in a noisy place like a just mumble when they talk.” There is a understanding better? restaurant. solution to this lack of understanding. The

by Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D.

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A Look Back...

Goin’ Swimming

This group of mostly high school girls were photographed hanging out at the pool in 1968. They are (left to right): Payne Stoltz, Dorothy Bentley, Laura Sneed, Kelly Dunaway, Becky McConnell, Sharon Gray, Shary Yates, Nancy White, Susan Goode and Leslie Thompson. Photo Credit: John Reno, Log Cabin photographer, June 5, 1968.

by Cindy Beckman As temperatures rise, swimming becomes a popular activity in central Arkansas. Nothing is better on a hot summer day than a dip in cool water. Most early Conway residents, however had to find a nearby creek, pond or river to cool off.

However, that changed in 1922 when Conway residents finally got a swimming pool. On the outskirts of northwestern Conway, a group of 13- and 14-year-old boys ambling about in the Kuykendall’s pasture discovered a pool of standing water next to a knoll. Suspecting there might be an underground stream there, they began digging, hoping to build a swimming pond.

Frank Kuykendall discovered the group, which included his two sons, Arnold and Robert, and asked what they were doing. Once he heard their explanation, he told them, “If you are going to do that, I’ll help you and we’ll do it right.” With the help of a hired hand and two mules, Frank and the boys dug a swimming pool with a shallow wading end and a deeper end for swimming and diving. The pool was ready by the next spring.

The shallow third of the pool was concreted while the deep end was only tamped-down dirt. The sides of the entire pool were reinforced with rock and mortar. After the first year, some businessmen asked Kuykendall if he would finish concreting the pool and make it available for the entire city. A drain was installed with a long pipe laid to “Rocky Branch” where the water emptied. Wooden pipes were laid alongside the pool to fill it from the city water system.

During the season, the pool was emptied, cleaned and refilled weekly. The sides and bottom were scrubbed and rinsed thoroughly before new water was added. It would be years before there would be a filter system.

Dressing rooms were built. The Kuykendall daughters, Ivah and Claudia, managed the basket room (where patrons stowed their possessions) and the concession stand. Their brothers were lifeguards. Eventually, the Kuykendall sisters took over most of the operation.

The Kuykendalls opened the pool every summer for the next 18 years. In 1934, the original building at the pool burned and a

new, larger two-story building made of logs was built. The second story living quarters had a deck all along the front.

In the early 1940s, the Kuykendalls sold the pool to Karl and Margaret Dreher, immigrants from Germany. The Drehers made several improvements, including rebuilding and enlarging the pool house. They lived upstairs all year round. Many patrons remember the one-armed lifeguard, Tony Zermatten, who worked for them.

In the mid-1950s, the Drehers retired and sold the pool to Jim Miller who updated the pool, added a new filtration system and renamed the pool Miller’s Swim Club. In 1964, he made it a private club with membership dues of 50 cents per individual or family.

The summer of 1964 ended with a memorable Labor Day party at the pool. Miller drained the pool for dancing and Conway Twitty’s Band, which included Conway native Tommy Markham as drummer, performed in the shallow end. Eight hundred young people attended.

The pool was a very popular place. My mother told me that as a young girl, she walked from south Conway (Nutter’s Chapel Road) to the pool where she met up with friends and stayed all day. School class parties were also held there.

Miller added a Health Club with a gymnasium, sauna, a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath and massage tables two years later. By 1968, a

nine-hole golf course and driving range was added and the facility, with 300 members, was renamed Miller’s Swim and Golf Club.

Miller sold the club in the late 1960s and it was renamed Briarwood Country Club in 1970. The name change gave the club more prestige and made it easier for members to utilize the facilities of country clubs elsewhere. It was a very popular place during this time, providing swimming and golf at an affordable price.

Conway residents, however, soon had other places to swim.

Cadron Valley Country Club (now the Links at Cadron Valley) opened in 1973 and Centennial Valley Country Club opened in 1998, providing beautiful pools for their members. Many residents would build their own backyard pools or swim in pools at apartment complexes.

Briarwood Swim Club closed a few years ago but the pool still sits on Tyler, stirring the nostalgic memories of passersby.

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

This 1968 photo was taken on Guest Day at Miller Swim Club. More than 180 people turned out to swim. Photo Credit: John Reno, Log Cabin photographer, June 5, 1968.

This color photo of Miller Swim Club was made in the mid-1960s. The property in the background would be the site of the 9-hole golf course. Photo Credit: Submitted photo

Kuykendall Swimming Pool opened in 1922.

The Kuykendall family ran it for the next 18 years.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of FCHS housed in UCA Archives

Life Choices celebrated the opening of their new facility with a ribbon cutting Friday, June 1. The new facility, located at 1330S Donaghey Avenue will be open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Mothers can earn points through parenting classes that can be used in the Life Choices boutique.

Life Choices: You are not alone By offering confidential and free services such as pregnancy testing, pregnancy options counseling, limited ultrasound, Down a busy street on a small plot of post abortion support, community land surrounded by the hustle and bustle referrals and parenting classes, Life of Conway, there is a quaint little home Choices devotes ‘her’ time to helping that to the naked eye would not seem significant to the city around it. women, and their families, through the In this home, however, lives one of processes and decisions of bringing new life into the world.

Conway’s most hospitable, faith driven Driven by faith, a devoted staff and many inhabitants. ‘Her’ name and ‘her’ teachings volunteers, Life Choices’ goal is to make are Life Choices. the journey of pregnancy a special, joyous Life Choices Pregnancy Resource experience by offering a safe place to Center opened its doors in 1980 and has young women. been serving the Conway community for Speer, executive director for the past 13 more than 38 years. “’She’s’ had a couple of different names, years, says all she has ever wanted to do but it’s always been the same mission,” said is help people and that she used to think teaching was the way.

Executive Director Maria Speer.

by Eden Corley

Executive Director Maria Speer

Executive Director – Maria Speer Nurse Manager - Lisa Speer

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However, God had different plans.

“Life has taken me on a journey and God brought me here. I have [since] realized there are a lot of ways to help people, and sometimes that means you aren’t necessarily the one in front of them, [but] behind the scenes making it happen,” she explained And former client Morgan Drayton can attest to that statement.

Eighteen years old and pregnant, Morgan says a friend told her about Life Choices.

“I was scared, [but] Life Choices was really kind and caring,” said Morgan.

She went through parenting classes, counseling sessions, and says that Life Choices became a place of refuge for her during a difficult time in her life.

Life Choices offers limited ultrasounds done in office.

Client Services Manager - Julie Martin Center Manager - Bethany Nelson Client Advocate - Deb Hogan

Center Bookkeeper - Rachel Hall Assistant to the Director - Jamie Bagby

I came to give you life, and life abundant.

– John 10:10 “I appreciate everything they did, they were very helpful. It’s such an amazing organization,” Morgan said.

Morgan is now the proud mother of two children, and a recent college grad with plans to earn her Masters.

When asked what she would say to others in her situation, Morgan says “There’s always hope. Life happens. Just keep your head up, pray and seek God, because it will get better.”

In an effort to better help young women like Morgan, Life Choices recently moved into ‘her’ first permanent establishment.

At the June ribbon-cutting ceremony, Speer explained that though Life Choices has been serving the community for nearly 40 years, this would be the first time “she” would be serving out of “her” own facility.

Prior to the new establishment, Life Choices had been working out of rented office space.

“We felt like we had the permission from the Lord to move forward and begin looking for our own facility,” said Speer.

Working with a $600,000 budget, the board of directors was finally able to find a property that fit all criteria set for the new facility after a decision to search began nearly four years ago.

One aspect of criteria that the board was adamant about was that the facility be within a certain mile radius of the University of Central Arkansas.

“It’s not that we [set out] to serve them more than others,” explained Speer.

“We just felt like there are so many students that fit our demographic, that

[by] being closer to them, we can reach more of them and be more of a help.”

Many factors then went into making the new facility open for business.

The property had to be rezoned for office purposes, as it was originally residential, and then it was on to construction.

“Along the way we had people step up,” said Speer.

Ray Nabholz of NBMC served as project manager and volunteered his time to the cause.

H&M architects also donated many hours to the project through plans and revisions and unforeseen circumstances along the way.

After the purchase of the property, an addition to the building, paving a parking lot, landscaping and furnishings, the total cost comes in just under their original budget. “...which is amazing, considering we even did more than originally planned,” Speer said with a smile. “I think that’s a testament to [the fact that] from the beginning, God has had his hand on this.”

With the opening of the new facility, Life Choices has better means to continue to serve the young women in ‘her’ community.

Wiping a tear as she spoke, Speer smiled and said “I think all of us do what we do because we genuinely care about these women, their families and their babies and we want them to know they are not alone.”

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More Than 50 Reasons to Celebrate.

This year, CareChex® named Conway Regional: #1 Hospital in the Central Arkansas Market for Medical Excellence in Overall Hospital Care (2018)* #1 Hospital in the State for Patient Safety in Orthopedic Care (2018)* #1 Hospital in the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health (2018)* Plus, 49 other prestigious awards* In addition to our full and dedicated team, we would like to thank you, our patients, for continuing to trust Conway Regional for your health care needs. *CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc.

One Team. One Promise.