Women's Inc - August 2015

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. AUGUST 2015

Associate Justice Rhonda K. Wood’s career full of accolades

Spotlighting Faulkner County’s remarkable

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Editor Lori Quinn Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Detra Clark Rachel Dickerson Jessica Hauser Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Brandon Riddle Jennifer Stanley Kelly Sublett Chief Photographer Brandy Strain

A U G U S T 2 015 / / W O M E N ’ S I N C .

Publisher Zach Ahrens

CONTENTS

WINC.

6 on the cover

Justice Rhonda Wood: For the greater good

Contributing Photographers Lindsey Faith Watson Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham Advertising Coordinator Molly May Advertising Sales Executives Sarah Allen Crystal Geraldson Tara Mallett Lisa Licht Advertising Artists Lauren Crimes Jay Prince Ashley Turnage Editorial Advisory Board Leah Ashby Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Jennifer Stanley Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann

Questions or Comments?

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

cindy bates

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Business model yields success

JENNY BUTLER

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Author’s tales of the Buffalo River

INSIDE: women in business, 23-58

62 SHOPPING columns

Accessorize yourself!

74 iMATTER

Kaitland Townsend’s culinary art

60. spiritual

66. art scene

64. book review

72. quick bites

Embracing a new future

by Andrea Lennon

The Largest Manhunt in American History

by Susan O’Keefe

After-school arts activities

by Jennie Strange

A new spin on pizza

by Chef Jill McCollum WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

cover stor y

“At the trial court, my decision affected only the litigants involved.

Now, my decisions often affect the entire state. There is a tremendous amount of pressure.”

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justice rhonda wood

For the greater good Justice Wood’s career full of accolades

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain and submitted Associate Justice Rhonda K. Wood of Conway was elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2014. The Conway resident’s election was well-deserved, as her resume reads like a “how-to” for reaching the State’s highest court.

Justice Wood earned her BA with a distinction in politics from Hendrix College and graduated magna cum laude. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at UALR Bowen School of Law, where she graduated with highest honors in 1999. She earned top score on the Arkansas Bar Examination and is a founding board member of Conway Interfaith Clinic. Justice Wood is married to Dr. Michael Wood, and their children are Ashley Wood Packard, who is married to Chance; Brittney Wood; Kyle Kennedy; and Sean Wood.

The couple also has two grandchildren, Blakeley and Gage Packard. Of her family time, Justice Wood said, “Believe it or not, our whole family loves books, so we all spend a lot of time reading and digging through old bookstores. We also spend a lot of time in the pool.” She strives to expose her grandchildren to her profession, as well. “I try really hard to have my grandkids see where I work, so I usually try to take them by my office whenever they are spending several days with us. I deliberately expose them to what I do, especially my granddaughter. I want her to see anything is possible. My grandson loves my [collection of ] gavels. [He calls them] ‘gammers’ — his version of gavel and hammer combined.”

Politics were appealing from an early age. “I grew up in a politically active family and was always fascinated with the political process and how our government functions.”

She began in the private sector. Past work includes the Wood Law Firm of Conway and Williams & Anderson PLC of Little Rock. Justice Wood’s career has focused on appellate law, health law and business law; she predominately practiced in Arkansas trial and appellate courts.

When asked what led to her interest in these areas, she said, “I began to study health law simply to familiarize myself with the area, given my husband’s profession. I

came to love it, and that was in 1996 when health law as a niche area of the law was just developing due to the passage of the Federal HIPAA regulations.” Justice Wood feels health law, specifically, contains important, timely issues, saying, “Without a doubt, federal regulations are making it increasingly difficult for small practitioners and small hospitals to survive. Patient care simply cannot take a back seat to compliance with regulations, and I fear we are moving in that direction.”

A voracious reader and an avid runner, Justice Wood also served as assistant dean at UALR Bowen School of Law. In this post, her focus was on student admissions, teaching health law and business law, founding the externship program and coaching Moot Court. She is also certified faculty for the National Center for State Courts and is a frequent lecturer and presenter for the Arkansas Bar Association, the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts, local county bar associations and multiple community organizations.

Her associations are numerous and impressive, including the Arkansas Judicial Council, Committee for Education, Committee for Long-Range Planning, Committee for Racial and Gender Equality and co-chair of the Committee for Juvenile Drug Court. She is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, the Faulkner County Bar Association and in the past has served as co-chair of the Committee for Health Law, chair of the Committee for Find-a-Lawyer, Law School Committee. She was a six-year delegate to the Arkansas Bar Association, and was the Legislative Liaison for Health Law. She is a publication contributor for the Arkansas Bar Association, HIPAA Preemption Analysis for the State of Arkansas (in 2003) and the Arkansas Bar Association, Arkansas Public Health Bench Book (in 2009).

Justice Wood’s past awards include Arkansas Woman Law Graduate of the Year, Arkansas Bar Association Outstanding Service Award recipient, five-time recipient of the Best Continuing Legal Education Presentation by the Arkansas Bar Association, Arkansas Elected Official of the Year by the Arkansas Federation of Business WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

Michael and Rhonda Wood love spending time at home with their two furry family members.

and Professional Women and Community Leader of the Year by the Conway Morning Rotary Club.

Despite these accolades and her community involvement, Justice Wood never pictured herself in public service. In fact, when asked if this was a goal, she responded, “Absolutely not. I knew I would work on campaigns, and I did, but I had no intention of being the actual candidate.” Despite these best intentions, she became a Circuit Judge for the 20th Judicial District, where she served from 2007 until 2012.

“I heard civil and juvenile cases. Trial judges who hear civil cases simply have to be organized. It’s all about getting cases resolved and trying to ensure everyone is being treated equally and has access to the system.

Good trial judges are good time managers.”

Of her responsibilities in the juvenile cases, she said, “Juvenile court was completely different. I had to learn to be tenacious with the children and families in my court. There was often a lot of creativity involved, because what worked for one child wouldn’t work for another. It was very stressful juggling so many lives.”

From there, she became an Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge from 2013-14. “It [was] night-and-day different. It was much easier as a trial judge to just make deci8 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2015

Justice Wood with her two grandchildren, Gage and Blakely.

sions on my own. If I wanted a case heard quickly and decided, I simply did it. Now, every decision on the supreme court is a collaborative one. There are seven of us with equal voices but very different perspectives.

It takes four of us to not only agree on the outcome, but also the how, when and why as part of that outcome. We are also, for the

most part, the court of last resort. Absent the extremely rare case that is appealed from us to the U.S. Supreme Court, our decision is final. The stakes are also higher. At the trial court, my decision affected only the litigants involved. Now, my decisions often affect the entire state. There is a tremendous amount of pressure.”

The Woods’ granddaughter, Blakely, practicing using a judge’s gavel.

When asked to discuss a memorable case, Justice Wood said, “Every case we have is difficult, or frankly it wouldn’t be in front of us.

One case that was especially difficult this term was the criminal case involving DWI laws in the state. Our decision created a potential that Arkansas could have lost millions in transportation funding.

Governor [Asa] Hutchinson moved quickly to include the issue in the special session and let them develop a legislative solution. Our hands were tied. I was not pleased with our decision and knew it would create problems for the state and for prosecutors, but we had to follow the law. Sometimes we make decisions that we would probably give anything to be able to reach a different result, but we must follow the law.”

When asked to expound on her duties as a Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, she explained, “[It] is a limited jurisdiction court.

That means not everyone has a right to appeal their case to us. We take issues of first impression, election law disputes, cases involving a challenge to a legislative act as violating the Arkansas Constitution, criminal cases involving the death penalty and life in prison as examples. We also can take other appeals coming from the court of appeals if we elect to...”

The post is not all high-profile cases, as it involves a great deal of administrative responsibilities. “Our court oversees the functioning of all the other courts in the state. Between the supreme court and the Administrative Office of the Courts, there are close to 300 employees. Each justice has their primary areas of assigned responsibilities,” Justice Wood explained. Her areas of oversight include post-conviction relief; the Supreme Court’s Commission on Children, Youth, and Families; court reporters; and court security. “Thus when not working on actual cases, I’m overseeing and reporting back to the court ways to improve those areas and making sure any problems are being addressed.”

Justice Wood has certainly become the change she wished to see in the world. Hopefully her young granddaughter will also one day wield the gavel.

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feature story

“We want to take care of our customers as well as our parents took care of them and even better. We want to keep that going, and we want to attract new customers.”

Cindy Bates, along with her brothers Terry and Roger, operate Bates Furniture store in Downtown Conway.

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cindy bates / bates furniture

Bates Furniture’s business model yields success

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain For Cindy Bates with Bates Furniture in Downtown Conway, business is a family affair. The store, which was started by her parents Harrell and Vivian Bates, has been in business since 1978.

Her parents actually began as an upholstery shop in 1963, which they ran from their home. At the time her father worked at Elmer’s Home and Auto and her mother was a homemaker.

“My mom was a good seamstress, and it started from there. The home and auto store closed, and they had already been doing the upholstery work, so they bought a furniture store on Front Street in 1978. They kept the furniture up front and upholstery in the back, and it grew from there,” said Cindy.

In 1985, Bates Furniture moved to its current location at 918 Front St. The business has always been downtown. While the furniture business continued to grow, they closed the upholstery side nine years ago when her mother retired.

The Bates’ had seven children, including James, David, Cindy, Terry, Roger, Kevin and Cheryl. Of the siblings, Terry and Roger work at the store with Cindy. The three do whatever is needed to make Bates Furniture successful.

“When you are in business for yourself, you do everything. We all sell. We all transport the furniture. We all go to market and do buying. We really do it all,” Cindy said.

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Cindy, Roger, and Terry Bates continue the legacy that their parents started in 1978 by selling furniture in Downtown Conway.

Bates Furniture has two other full-time employees, Randy and Mark, who handle deliveries and the loading and unloading

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of trucks.

Bates offers home décor in addition to furniture. They carry several lines, includ-

ing Dreamline Bedding, which is made in Cabot, Arkansas; Riverside Furniture; Best Home Furnishings; American Manufacturing; Southern Motion; Catnapper; Washington Manufacturing; Affordable Furniture; and Med-Lift; among others.

“Best is an exclusive line for our area,” added Cindy. Furnishings offered include recliners of all types, such as lift recliners and power recliners. They also have accent chairs, end and coffee tables, swivel chairs, gliders, framed art, lamps, beds and mattresses.

Bates Furniture has many repeat customers. “Our awesome customers make our business. My parents really built a great base for me and my brothers to take over. They had many loyal customers.”

Harrell Bates passed away two years ago, so Cindy cites the children’s desire to continue building on the legacy he began.

“We want to take care of our customers as well as our parents took care of them and even better,” she said. “We want to keep that going, and we want to attract new customers.”

They partially do so through print and radio advertising. “We also have a Facebook page, where I post new products. Word of mouth is also great, and our customers continually recommend us,” Cindy said.

Of their locale, Cindy added, “We love being downtown. We have such good neighbors, and so many of our neighbors have been here for a long time — Dayer Jewlers, Crossman Printing, Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers, and many more. I am sure they have good client bases, and patrons tend to walk around downtown. It is thriving here, and we get a lot more foot traffic. We try to give everyone who walks in a good deal!”

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feature story

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JENNY BUT L ER

Local author tells tales of the Buffalo River

By Leah Ashby Photos by Brandy Strain and submitted Jenny Butler, a Conway resident of The Village at Hendrix, has penned a memoir about growing up on the Buffalo River and has also touched on a controversial piece of the river’s history. Her story is “medicine for the soul.”

Jenny, a retired English teacher and licensed counselor, chronicles life on the Buffalo River in her book “Stolen Water, Forgotten Liberties: A True Story Along Arkansas Highway 14 and the Buffalo River.” The book weaves together two stories: a memoir of her larger-than-life father, Joe Barnes, and the story of the Buffalo National River.

Joe Barnes, Jenny’s father, was a World War II veteran and operated his canoe rental business under the Highway 14 bridge from 1969 until the early 1980s. When the Buffalo River became a national river, Barnes was forced to sell his land, like many others, and move his business elsewhere. He later sold the business altogether, and it is now known as Wild Bill’s Outfitters.

Jenny began to formulate a plan for the book when her mother passed away in 2004. “I started putting a collection of pictures and a few short family stories in a notebook. From there, it has been an organic process as it grew, changed and took on a life in different places,” she said.

The tale became more than just a memoir about her father and life on the Buffalo. “I began to do interviews of people who knew Joe Barnes, and one story led to another. After I interviewed Jerry Patterson from

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Marshall, I knew I had to write the story down in black and white. He told me the story of the 40 canoe operators and their meetings with the Department of Interior.

It was a story that had never been told, and it was at this point I knew I had a story that was more than a memoir,” Jenny said.

Jenny completed the book in 2013. While she wrote the book for many reasons, she hopes this story is medicine for the soul in a generation of entitlement. “Stories can adjust our thinking, which in turn can impact our feelings. “Stolen Water, Forgotten Liberties” is about a man with a thirdgrade education from a dirt-poor family who returned from WWII with PTSD symptoms but ended up making a difference in his community and leaving a rich legacy.” she said.

Accolades abound for “Stolen Water, Forgotten Liberties.” In addition to abundant praise from readers, Jenny was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2015 Los Angeles Book Festival and was selected as a finalist in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Awards in the Regional Non-Fiction category.

Jenny and her husband, Stan, own property close to the river and spend more than 18 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2015

“It was a story that had never been told, and it was at this point I knew I had a story that was more than a memoir.”

— Jenny Butler

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Scenes from the Buffalo River submitted by Jenny Butler

half their time there. The Buffalo River remains a significant part of Jenny’s life.

“Few things in life bring such pleasure as beauty or art, whether it’s music, a painting, a culinary pleasure or a beautiful room.

God has given us some majestic gifts. The Buffalo is one. Her beauty gives me simple pleasure. Just breathing the air and smelling the wet gravel beside her makes me happy.

The Buffalo gives me security. She is always there, whether flooded or low and mossy, not just when she is flowing well like turquoise green diamonds. Sitting alone beside the Buffalo, I’ve made my best decisions and had my best takes with God. She is an altar for worship; she is a respite and a sanctuary.

The Buffalo is my friend.”

According to Jenny, her story may not end with the book. She is currently in final negotiations with the film development and production company, Capstone Entertainment Group, to bring “Stolen Water, Forgotten Liberties” to the big screen.

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in the news Alan and Lisa Robertson of A&E’s Duck Dynasty to speak at Life Choices Gala

Life Choices, the pregnancy resource center located in downtown Conway, will host their annual fundraising gala, “Celebrating 35 Years of Life,” on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Conway Expo Center.

This year’s featured speakers are Alan and Lisa Robertson of A&E’s Duck Dynasty.

The event will be catered by D&L Catering and will also feature a live auction as well as a ministry update. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dress for this year’s event is casual.

For more information about sponsoring a table or attending this free event, please email lifechoicesgala@gmail.com or call 501-329-5944.

United Way of Central Arkansas 2015 Campaign Kickoff

During the coming months, United Way of Central Arkansas staff and volunteers will be making workplace presentations to thousands of employees throughout Faulkner and Perry counties in coordination with the annual community campaign, “Be the One.” Fundraising is, of course, one of the main goals. The campaign fuels the work of local health and human-care partner organizations. These partnerships are key to building long-term solutions that will keep food on people’s tables, move people off the streets and into housing, assure every child has an equal chaance to succeed and get more people out volunteering.

However, the campaign is about more than just raising dollars.The campaign presentations allow the public an opportunity to learn about the needs of our community and the ways they can make a profound impact. It’s about people helping people. It’s raising awareness and realization.

Sometimes there are hard-working families who, despite their own best efforts, find themselves facing circumstances they simply can’t handle alone.

Participating in the community campaign provides employee growth opportunities and promotes teamwork while boosting morale in the workplace. It also

brings together employees from all levels and departments who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work together, thereby fostering a stronger, more cohesive and more motivated workforce.

Are you interested in mentoring a young person, offering your skills as a financial advisor or spending time with a senior?

You’ve come to the right place! Your United Way representative can go over these opportunities during your company’s presentation.

This year, your local United Way community campaigns support 31 local programs that benefit individuals and families in the areas of education, financial stability and health.

We help prepare children enter Kindergarten ready to learn, keep them reading at grade level, and stay on track to graduate high school. We provide support for families of children with developmental disabilities. We give at-risk boys and girls a chance to participate in safe after-school programs. We provide tools to help more working individuals and families improve their financial stability.

Upcoming Events Aug. 1: Stuff the Bus - Collecting School supplies for the community; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Walmart on Dave Ward Drive Aug. 4: Agency Reception — Welcoming the 2015-16 Funded Partners; 4:306:30 p.m.; Faulkner County Council on Aging, 705 East Siebenmorgen • Sept. 15: CEO Luncheon — Kickoff for our campaign year; noon-1 p.m.; Centennial Valley Country Club (Event Center) • Nov. 26: Turkey Trot — Fundraiser 5K; 8:30 a.m.; Centennial Valley Country Club (Parking Lot)

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spiritual

Embracing a new future R

By Andrea Lennon

ecently I was sitting in a room full of women who serve as pastors’ wives. Each lady shared her story of how she came to faith in Jesus Christ. Most of the stories began with, “At the age of six, Jesus saved me.” Or, “I grew up in church, and I can’t remember a time when I did not know that God loved me.”

I will never forget how one lady’s story surprised us. She told us that she grew up in a family where God was not acknowledged.

She told us about the patterns of hurt and sin through the first 30 years of her life. Then she shared how shocking it was to her when she encountered the love of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that He offered her. “Every day I am thankful for my salvation. It makes a huge difference in my

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life,” she finished.

In the Bible, we find a similar story. It is the story of Ruth. Ruth was from Moab. The atmosphere of Moab during Ruth’s day was perverse. There was no respect for the One True God. The chief god of the Moabite people was Chemosh. Worship of Chemosh and other gods included child sacrifice and sexual promiscuity. We don’t know the details of Ruth’s life, but I imagine her past had left her with some scars. Not only was the atmosphere of Moab perverse, the Moabite people were enemies of God’s chosen people the Israelites. All of this made Ruth an unlikely person to be chosen by God. Amazingly, that is exactly what happened. In the midst of disfunction, God chose Ruth to play an important role in His unfolding story of love and redemption. As a result, I feel certain that Ruth would have described the grace of God

and the family of God as “difference makers” in her life.

You may be asking what God called Ruth to do. I am glad that you asked! For starters, God called Ruth to move from her hometown of Moab to Bethlehem. This move set the stage for Ruth to be included in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Without a doubt, there was a difference between Moab and Bethlehem. Historically, Moab and the people who lived there were enemies of God. Bethlehem was different.

It was a special place that God provided for His people to live even through their lives were full of sinful mistakes.

Here is the important point. For a season of Ruth’s life, Moab was exactly where she needed to be. Although the dark environment grieved God, it served an important

purpose. When it came time for Ruth to move from Moab to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law in order to join God’s chosen people, the differences between the two cultures would speak volumes about the character of God. You see, there came a point in Ruth’s life where she had to long for something more than Moab. She had to believe that there was a chance for a better life — a life that was full of God’s hope and peace. She had to know that her life could be lovingly directed by the One True God. I wonder if you can relate to Ruth’s story?

Do you have a “Moab” in your background?

This could be a childhood full of abuse, teenage years of neglect or a draining relationship as an adult.

All of us have one or two “Moabs” in our lives. These circumstances can paralyze us.

They can cause us to accept less than God’s best. Thankfully, the story of Ruth helps us see the heart of God in the midst of these moments. God values everyone no matter their age, gender, background, race or social standing. Throughout history, we see that

God has enjoyed using unlikely people to display His amazing grace!

Would you describe yourself as an unlikely person? If so, take heart! You are just the kind of person that God loves to use.

Right now, you can know that God loves you. Your past does not have to define you.

It is a new day. Take a moment and ask God to help you. Then read this verse of scripture and ask God to show you practical ways to apply this verse to your life. “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 25:15, New International Version) Like Ruth, you can follow God. The result — you will experience a life that is vastly different from anything you ever imagined.

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.

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shopping

Accessorize yourself!

Available at Medcare Pharmacy

Available at Lefler’s

Available at HipSway

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buy local

Available at Grand On Oak

Available at E. Leigh’s

Available at Lefler’s

Available at Medcare Pharmacy

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book review

hampton sides

‘Hellbound on His Trail’

The Electrifying Account of the Largest Manhunt in American History Authored by Hampton Sides Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe 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, Jr. 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.

At a time when our nation is reeling from the recent church shootings in Charleston, South Carolina, and debating the placement of the Confederate flag, the discussion this book warranted seemed perfectly timed. As much as things have changed, it seems unfortunately some things have remained the same.

“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 Galt.

From his Missouri prison escape to his purchase of camera equipment to take pornographic photographs, Galt’s every move has been tracked and traced. He frequented sleazy motels and flophouses. He ate most meals from a can. He dressed neatly and relied heavily on Brylcreem to create his manicured coiffure. At the end of a twomonth manhunt, just minutes from slipping into freedom at London’s Heathrow Airport, was Eric S. Galt. “Galt” is one of several aliases used by King’s assassin, known to most as James Earl Ray. “I thought he was a sociopath, a man with no moral compass,” shared one reader with experience in the criminal justice system.

“He was depraved on multiple levels. To him, theft was acceptable,” offered another reader.

Streamlining sources and careful to separate his own opinion from what can clearly be found in published and private documents, Sides does a remarkable job introducing and 64 WOMEN’S INC. / AUGUST 2015

advancing characters in a sometimes tangled web.

In the days leading up to the assassination, evidence paints a portrait of a weary Dr. King.

Late night meetings, coast to coast travel, marches and protests had taken a toll on the husband and father of four. Coretta lived in Atlanta and bore the daily duties of keeping house and minding the children. Money was scarce. There was infidelity.

In April 1968, King was in Memphis to stage a march in support of the city’s striking sanitation workers. Two of the men had suffered a grisly death. The giant jaws of a garbage truck had malfunctioned. The men were gruesomely dismembered. Their deaths barely received two inches of copy space in The Commercial Appeal. Instead, the overshadowing headlines announced a birth in the family of Memphis’ favorite son. Elvis was a father. Life and death screamed from the front page in stark contrast.

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, however, 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.

Chaos ensued. Ralph Abernathy, King’s right hand man and best friend, heard screams and shouts from the King entourage in the courtyard below. When Abernathy knelt beside his friend, King’s right jaw had a hole “as large as a fist.” His blood “glistened ... and steadily pooled around his head, soaking his shirt and suit coat.”

The author includes obscure facts like Loree Bailey’s death. Loree was one of the white owners of the Lorraine Motel. She collapsed and died in the aftermath of the shooting, distraught with grief.

One of King’s mistresses was asked to stay behind as King was loaded into the ambulance and rushed to a nearby hospital.

A colleague of King’s recollects “that it just wouldn’t be right for the Kentucky state sena-

tor, Georgia Davis, to be put in that awkward position”.

Current civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson is said to have dominated media time immediately following the shooting. He was quickly dismissed from King’s surviving inner circle and labeled as a man out for his own glory.

Enter FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, a man whose hatred of King was well known. To balance the scales, King had an ally in Attorney General Ramsey Clark. The unlikely pair spearheaded one of the most comprehensive investigations in America’s history.

“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.

Susan O’Keefe is a wife to Jack, mother to four children, and eager to face the crazy, awesome, fun things God delivers daily. She and her family recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi, where Susan will continue to read and review, instruct fitness classes, and embark on this next adventure in life.

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the arts

Arts Scene

After-School Arts Activities: Questions All Parents Should Ask

By Jennie Strange

So… it’s that time again! Back to school is just around the corner and with it comes the process of deciding on after school activities, which then leads to every parent’s worst nightmare of trying to figure out how to fit soccer, ballet, taekwondo, football, violin lessons, swim practice and family dinners all on one calendar. While I can’t help you with that troublesome calendar, hopefully I can help you when it comes to making decisions about how to choose the right after school arts activities for your kids.

Always Ask No matter what type of arts your child is interested in, there are a few questions you should always consider when you are checking out new places.

• First, check into the training and background of the instructors. Unlike many professions, there are not strict state licensing programs for after-school music, dance, or art teachers, which means anyone can open a studio and start teaching.

• Does the organization run background checks on their staff and instructors?

• Is the facility clean and safe? Do you feel comfortable leaving your kids there?

• Do they have emergency procedures in place for events such as fires and tornados?

• Does the staff seem knowledgeable? Do they know the answers to your questions or are able to direct you to someone who does?

• Ask about their expectations of students and parents; talk with them about your expectations for your child’s lessons – make sure these match up.

• Get a list of any policies regarding fees, refunds, tuition payments, and commitments. It’s better to be aware of this information up front!

On a Musical Note • Depending on your child’s age and what they are interested in, you might have an option for group classes, private lessons, or semi-private lessons. Talk with the staff about these different formats and which one would be best for your child.

• Speak with the potential instructor about your goals for the lessons – is your child trying this out just for fun? Working towards a band or ensemble placement goal?

Preparing for musical auditions?

Aiming to get into a college music program? These goals can affect the

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layout of lessons.

• Want to get your child started in music, but not sure what instrument to go with?

With preschool or kindergarten students, it’s a good idea to start with group music classes that will introduce them to overall basic music concepts. For older kids wanting to pursue a particular instrument, ask them what instrument interests them the most. Odds are, if they like the instrument, it’s going to be a lot easier to get them to practice!

• Ask the instructor if they teach music by ear, or if they teach the student through learning to read music. Some instructors will do a combination of both. Discuss the values of each.

Jumping into Dance Classes • Look at the type of programs the studio offers – is it primarily a competition studio? Recreational classes? Pre-professional ballet program? Make sure this lines up with the goals of you and your child. While it’s hard to know at the age of 4 or 5 which direction they will go or if they will even stick with it, keep in mind that the foundation at even this young age can set the stage for their future goals.

• Ask about the different genres

Artist Highlight

Barbara Satterfield Artist/ Exhibit Consultant

Originally From: Dallas, Texas Professional background: Art and Museum Studies. I served as a faculty member in the UCA Department of Art and directed UCA’s Baum Gallery of Fine Art from 2001-2011.

Why did you decide to go into visual arts? I’ve loved art all my life, but didn’t have the confidence to pursue it until I started retraining for the workplace age 45. I was told I was too old to make it a profitable career. So I pursued a profession in museum work- to be around art!

Since retiring from UCA, I’m able to do my art work — and be around museums and exhibits! I guess I’ve come full circle.

Mediums you work in: Fibers/fabrics, found objects, and clay. My favorite to work with is clay.

Current projects: I have just finished a show of my Found Object Sculpture pieces and a public art tour of figurative sculpture. I’m currently designing a new series of serving pieces, and reinterpreting the figure for a new series of sculptures.

Where we can see your work? Work is currently available for viewing and sale on my website: www. barbarasatterfield.com . New work can be seen at my bi-annual Open Studio Tour on Saturday, November 20 at 48 Southshore Lane in Conway. offered – ballet, tap , jazz, modern, hop hop, etc. – and about the differences of each. While you may be picturing your child onstage in a pink tutu, its possible tap or hip hop would be a better fit for their personality. It’s also a good idea to let young students try two or three different types of dance to see what they like best.

• Try a class! Most studios will let you take a class for free – this gives you a great opportunity to get a feel for the environment, the teachers, and the overall program structure.

• Check out the flooring in the studios. Raised flooring is best for dancers, with wood floors also common. Classes taking place on concrete flooring or similar surfaces can present safety hazards to the students.

Trying Your Hand At Art • Once again, consider your goals for visual art classes. Do you just want your kids to have some time to get messy and have fun? Do you want them to be taught foundational elements? A combination of both?

• Ask about the different types of classes offered.

General art classes often expose the students to a variety of formats – drawing, painting, collage, etc.

- and are great options for younger or beginning students. Other students may want to focus specifi-

cally on drawing skills, watercolor, 3-D, or other mediums. Talk through these options with both the instructor and your child.

• Ask about the instructor’s teaching philosophy.

For example, is the class format designed where all students create the same works, or are they given freedom to create within given guidelines? Are the works produced actually student created or does the teacher play a hands on role in the creation?

Good luck!

While your child might be young and just trying some new activities for fun, keep in mind that at this stage in the game kids’ minds soak in more than you may realize. Even at a preschool age their instruction is setting a foundation either for future training or even for how they view art or themselves as artists. So whether you just want them to take a few years of piano for the experience or you’re hoping for a future concert pianist, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to consider all your options.

Jennie Strange is the founder and Executive Director of Blackbird Academy of Arts, a nonprofit 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

AUGUST Arts Events Please check out the event website for more information and pricing.

July 15-August 15 Original song submissions accepted for the Alchemy Songwriting Competition; www. alchemycompetition.org; (Ages 13-Adult) August 1 The Orphans @ The Lantern Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; ConwayLanternTheatre@gmail.com (PG13) August 2 The Orphans @ The Lantern Theatre; 2:30 p.m.; ConwayLanternTheatre@gmail.com (PG13) August 3-4 Auditions for Moonlight and Magnolias @ The Lantern Theatre; ConwayLanternTheatre@gmail.com (A) August 5, 12 Artsfest Planning Meetings @ the Faulkner County Library; 4:30 p.m.; beth.wilson. norwood@gmail.com (G) August 13 Artsfest Pizza Party Fundraiser@ US Pizza; 4:00-9:00 p.m. Just drop by to eat! Look for Artsfest Pizza Party on Facebook. (G) August 7, 14, 21, 28 The Conway Writer’s Group @ Senior Citizen’s Center; 2:00-4:00 p.m.; rreising54@ gmail.com (G) August 19, 26 Artsfest Planning Meetings @ the Faulkner County Library; 5:15 p.m.; beth.wilson. norwoord@gmail.com (G) August 23 Artsfest Art Marketplace and Volunteer Information Meeting @ the Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m.; kathrynoneal@gmail.com (G) Rating key: G – Suitable for all ages PG-Suggested for ages 7+ PG13- Suggested for ages 13+ A- Suggested for Adults 18+ WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 67

events

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Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner Count y ‘Part y of the Century’

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beauty

sunless tanning

submitted article from kangabloo/exotic tan

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apparel

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fashion

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So many people think double denim or denim-on-denim, whichever you prefer to call it, is an absolute no-no. However, when it’s done right it can look amazing! Denim-ondenim is having a moment right now, yet putting the look together can seem a bit intimidating. The trick for getting double denim right is all in the pieces you choose.

The basic rule of thumb for denim-on-denim is making sure the washes and colors are completely different from each other.

This means pairing a light washed blue denim jacket or shirt with dark blue, black or grey jeans. Something about distressed denim (ripped jean shorts or jeans) just lends itself to the double-denim look. It’s almost impossible to go wrong this way.

If you want to try something a little more on trend for this season, you can do denim-on-denim by tying a denim shirt around your waist so it falls over your skinny jeans or shorts. This works really well and is a great way to incorporate more denim into your look.

So, these are my tips for all of you creating a fantastic double-denim outfit. One that looks chic and not overdone. How many of you adore the denim-on-denim trend and can’t get enough of it? Tag your double-denim photos on Instagram @SHOPFRENCHLILY

Renee Notto, owner of French Lily, has worked retail her entire life. She managed The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters and Gymboree. Before opening French Lily, she was office manager for Notto Chiropractic Health until she realized a desk job was not a good fit for her.

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food

Back to school is just around the corner

It’s that time of year — already! It was just yesterday that the kids got OUT of school!

It’s time to start stocking up on pencils, note book paper and glue sticks. School list are out, so moms and dads get out your checkbooks; they are never cheap. A few ways to help save on schools supplies are as follows: • Start slipping a package of pencils/paper into your food grocery basket, it will help when it’s time to get the full list; • Dig around the house, I bet you can find some old packages laying around; • Look in last year’s back backs, I bet the kids never used all those folders you had to send; • It’s not too early to start stocking up on lunch supplies either Those first few weeks of school are always crazy, so plan ahead, make some casseroles a few weeks ahead and put them in the freezer, you will be glad you did once school starts.

Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can be reached at jmccollum@cbc.edu or (501) 730-4422

Pesto Pizza

Pizza Dip

1 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust ½ cup pesto 1 ripe tomato, chopped ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped 1 (2 ounce) can chopped black olives, drained ½ small red onion, chopped 1 (4 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and sliced 1 cup crumbled feta cheese Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread pesto on pizza crust, top with tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, red onion, artichoke hearts and feta cheese. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning 1-2 cups pizza sauce (depending on your taste) 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup parmesan cheese 1 package of pepperoni cut into pieces Chopped black olives Use a 9x13 baking dish or something similar. Spray your pan. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and Italian seasoning, spread on the bottom of your baking dish. Top with pizza sauce, pepperoni, both cheeses and finish with black olives. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with chips.

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a spin on pizza

Taco Pizza 2 (12 inch) raw pizza crust 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix, divided 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 (16 ounce) can fat-free refried beans 1/3 cup salsa ¼ cup chopped onion ½ pound ground beef 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese In a small bowl, combine tomato paste, water and ¾ of the package of taco seasoning mix. Stir in chili powder and cayenne pepper, set aside. In another bowl, mix refried beans, salsa, and onion, set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until evenly

brown; drain excess fat.

Season with the remaining ¼ package of taco seasoning and a small amount of water. Simmer a few minutes, then remove from heat. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Spread a layer of the bean mixture on, then a layer of tomato mixture. Sprinkle with seasoned beef and top with cheddar cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Turn pizzas halfway through baking.

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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, ages 10-23, 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 womensinc@womensinc.com.

Culinary Artist

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By Kelly Sublett Submitted Photos Kaitland Townsend is cooking up something special for her future, aiming her sights on a career in the culinary profession.

At age 12, Kaitland was glued to Food Network and similar programming, always enjoying the yummy concoctions bubbling out of the television screen.

kaitland townsend “I loved seeing what decorations they did,” she says. “I GENERATION was excited to learn about culinary classes offered at Conway High School.”

Kaitland spent four years in Culinary Arts classes and ProStart, a pre-college high school program, before accepting admission to the culinary program at College of the Ozarks in Missouri, where she will begin classes this fall.

In 2014, her team placed second at the ProStart statewide competition, and in 2015 she took home the gold in the SkillsUSA competition for commercial baking and pastry.

In the ProStart competition, Kaitland competed with a team of three others from Conway High, and they constructed a three-course meal in just two hours on two burners.

“The high school programs were great,” she said. “I learned everything I needed to know, from kitchen prep to food safety and then everything from soups and sauces to complex meats.”

But Kaitland says her love is truly in the batter and hopes to eventually own and operate her own bakery “somewhere in the South.”

She has some experience there, too, having worked for a locally owned bakery in Conway before leaving for college.

“I really learned how to deal with customers, and a lot of times I put a smile on their face when I made birthday cakes, pies or cookies,” she said. “I enjoyed that part the most.”

Kaitland says her degree in Culinary Arts will be complete in four years.

imatter