WINC Oct 2018

The Life of a Football Wife womensinc.net

OCTOBER 2018

WINC Reader’s Choice Ballot Inside!

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Married to Football

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HOMETOWN HERO

DOGS IN COSTUME

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NAna’s kitchen

ANIMAL SHELTER

A LOOK BACK

Publisher Kelly Sublett Contributing Writers

PUBLISHER’S LETTER October is here and it’s a big, fat month full of birthdays and fall fun in my house, and I know for many of our readers!

I turn 40 on October 6. I was fine with it all year, but as the days inch closer, I am struggling a little bit to imagine I’ve actually come to this milestone. Some of this realization makes me sad and some of it makes me glad … But here’s the deal, the good Lord saw fit to bring me this far and fill my day with blessings abundant, so I am going to be just fine. Nobody panic!

But this season is also all about football in the South, and Faulkner County is no exception.

Melissa Gates tackled our cover story, giving a credit to the Friday Night Wives we can all thank for keeping their coachhusbands stocked with super snacks and tons of support through ups and downs of the season.

Growing up as a coach’s kid, I know the struggle. My mom went into labor on a Friday night while dad drove a bus of boys to an out of town game. I spent many birthday weekends in the bleachers. I cannot imagine doing what my mother did with my children. Long nights, heat, cold, hot dog and nacho dinners and a husband who is absent a lot through the season. …

It’s rewarding but tough, and these women are truly amazing.

I wrote a column in 2015 for the Log Cabin Football Preview addressing just this.

“My mother was a cheerleading sponsor, so Friday nights were family nights. My brother played for Dad, so he rode the appropriate bus. My sister was 11 years old and had a spot with the cheerleaders.

As my mother tells it, by the next season, I also was riding the cheerleading bus in a car seat.

“By the time my first birthday rolled around, the whole town was in on celebrating.

“My mother has ‘pictures to prove’ there were more than 100 people at my first birthday party — an entire high school football team, a cheerleading squad, a high school band, etc. …”

So I have had an unreasonable expectation of birthday celebrations since birth. Good luck throwing my 40th, Cody Sublett!

This month also brings another birthday for my girl baby who is not such a girl baby anymore. … Presley Kate is turning 11, and at least this time around, we’re still looking for unicorn decorations and trendy toys.

So, there’s that.

And then there’s Halloween, one of the most fun days of the year for my crew. I don’t know if I can get away with dressing them in a themed pair this year (see photo). They’re on to me and apparently I am “lame.”

Our Majestic Mama Andrea Champlin offers some costume options for your furbaby, and shows off some DIY decorating that will make you scream with delight.

We’re also welcoming October with a salute to shelter dogs, as this is the month designated to honor those pups. We take a look at the City of Conway’s animal shelter and all the good that team is doing for the animals in their care.

So fill up your fall days with laughter and fun and if anyone wants to bring me a few gallons of ice cream, a new pair of yoga pants and some tissues for my birthday, I’ll gladly accept.

Kelly

Jeanette Anderton Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates – Cover Story Marisa Hicks Kelly Sublett Photographers Ron Beckman Andrea Champlin Amanda Cole– Cover Story Kelly Sublett Art Director Jay Prince Advertising Sales Director Lisa Licht Advertising Sales Executives Crystal Geraldson Leigh Anne Gray Editorial Board Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates Lisa Licht Kelly Sublett

Questions or Comments?

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

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Married to Football:

The Life of a Coach’s Wife

by Melissa Gates

It’s impossible to think of October without thinking of pumpkins, falling leaves, and football. But for three Faulkner County women, football is a year-round thing. That’s because they’re married to the coaches. The players hang out in their homes, their kids hang out at practice and their husbands travel and work a lot.

The women have careers of their own, are raising families, and have adopted a larger family full of teenagers and 20-somethings; the football team. We at Women’s Inc. wanted to know exactly how they do it; and how excited they are for this season.

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It’s the very first year for 31-year-old Jessica Brown to cheer on her husband, Nathan, as University of Central Arkansas’ head coach. She’s used to sitting in the stands, as Brown has been an assistant coach there for four years; and before that she cheered him on as UCA’s highly decorated quarterback. Jessica says, “I’ve always enjoyed seeing him flourish under the lights of God’s given talents; and how he guides and directs his steps for His glory. I’ve never met a more humble person with a servant’s heart than Nathan Brown. He’s easy to want to support and get behind.”

Mother of two little ones; Rylee, 6 and Luke, 4, Jessica stays busy as a substitute teacher at her daughter’s elementary school, hosting Bible studies and devotionals with the assistant coach’s wives, and even helping her husband with the team. She says, “I’ve always felt like they are an extension of our family.

Our football family that god has blessed us with to love and encourage each and every day...whatever the need of today, we meet it. Emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually we are on 24/7 for our football kids like they are Rylee and Luke.”

Jessica travels to all UCA’s away games with her husband and when they’re D’Ann & playing at home on the purple and gray stripes she’s in the front row. She Keith F imple says, “I like to be as close to the field as possible to see and hear Nate and the players.” Her game day good luck ritual is to bring her husband peanut M & M’s and Doritos. Jessica says, “They’re his favorite snacks before games.

Ever since I met him that’s been his go to before games. It’s a tradition now.”

Jessica recently started blogging about her experiences on and off the field.You can follow her at www.hebeholdsgrace.home.blog.

Across town, 42-year-old Michelle Buchanan, has been cheering from the stands at Hendrix College since her husband, Buck, launched the football program there in 2012. She’s a busy college professor at UCA, has moved across state lines to support her husband’s career, and even hosts his players in their home.

Jessica & Nathan Brown

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Michelle says, “During fall camp, I visit with each football player and manager and learn their favorite snack or candy. If Hendrix wins the game, then on Sunday mornings I visit the locker room and place their favorite snack or candy in their lockers. I do this for every win.”

Michelle grew up in Texas; always in love with the sport. She says if football wasn’t on the TV, then they were in the front yard playing it. Michelle says, “Football has always been a part of my life, but I didn’t understand plays and rules as well as I do now.

My first understanding came when I started dating Buck and learning about offensive holding (he played on the defensive line). I’m the wife who gets up Saturdays and watches college game day on ESPN waiting on Hendrix games to begin.”

Michelle is working on her PhD at UCA and sometimes takes her own travels when her husband is on long recruiting trips or teaching summer football camps in Europe. “One year I traveled to Antarctica doing seismic research on the Ross Ice Shelf for six weeks; yes, I lived in a tent on the ice.

Another year I traveled to the Galápagos Islands where I helped teachers develop project-based instruction units. Last summer I traveled to Costa Rica. In May 2019, I’m teaching a study abroad class for UCA that will take teacher candidates to Belize.

I enjoy traveling.”

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recruiting season, “IDuring manage quite well since it’s just me and the dog. ” –Michelle Buchanan

When she’s not traveling the world, Michelle says she’s fine being home alone when Buck is on the road; adding, she’s very independent. Michelle says, “I mow the yard, fix the washing machine, replace the ceiling fan, laundry the clothes, feed the dog, clean the house, grade student work, sleep in the middle of the bed, shop for weekly groceries, work on my own assignments and research.”

Like Michelle, 46-year-old D’Ann Fimple grew up loving football. She is excited for her first season wearing Wampus Cat blue. She spends Friday nights cheering on her husband’s team. Keith Fimple is the new Conway high school head coach. The couple just moved from Springdale. D’Ann says, “Everyone in Conway has been so welcoming. We feel blessed to be here and thankful for the opportunity.”

D’Ann is a busy Conway Public School teacher, has crisscrossed the state supporting her husband’s career, and is taking care of their two kids. Leah Grace is 14, and Brock is 8. D’Ann says, “I would say during the season is the hardest for us. Keith is gone a lot and is very busy but it’s also very exciting.

During football season I have to make sure I stay organized and keep my calendar updated with everyone’s activities.”

The couple has been married 22 years; so D’Ann is used to sitting in the bleachers cheering Keith’s team on. Her favorite vantage point is with the best fans.

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She says, “In 20 years I’ve sat in many different places. I will usually sit with the other coach’s wives and families.”

But before she takes her place in the bleachers she slips a surprise into Keith’s bag. “I will fix an index card for Keith that has a Bible verse or an inspirational saying and a prayer.

I will send it in his bag for him to read later before the game.”

Fall is obviously a very busy time for these precious coach’s wives. So as you put pumpkins on your porch, and think about raking leaves; keep these three in your prayers.

They wish they had time for pumpkins and fall decorating; but they love being covered up encouraging their husbands and supporting the team and sport he loves.

Team schedules: www.ucasports.com www.hendrixwarriors.com www.conwaywampuscats.com

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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Nana’s ‘Don’t stir what I’ve been cooking’ Photos and story by Kelly Sublett

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For Pam McDowell, hard work is the norm.Voted Faulkner County’s Best Realtor in 2018, she knows a thing or two about long hours and thing or two about people.

“You work when other people aren’t working, and you never judge a book by its cover,” she says. “My first love is real estate, and my second is cooking.”

But Pam doesn’t believe in making things harder than they should be, especially in the kitchen.

“There are some things that are just so simple,” she says. “Don’t overthink it!”

Pam is grandmother to 4-year-old Tanner Gray McDowell and mother to Jay McDowell and wife, Michelle.

“I used to hear other grandparents talk about having grandchildren and I thought, ‘that’s ridiculous!’ But when Tanner came, I was just as silly as all those other grandparents,” she laughs.

Tanner loves his “Mammy” — his name for her — and they see each other at least once a week.

“Mammy” was decided on after Pam was asked one too many times if her grandson would call her “Pammy.”

“It was close enough and not ‘Pammy’,” she grins.

Part of being a grandmother is sharing her home with family and friends, but Pam has two very important rules: “The kitchen is only big enough for one woman.” And, “Don’t stir what I’ve been cooking” — not a bad rule of life, either.

Pam spends time in the kitchen as a way to unwind.

She enjoys cooking for people and hosts holidays and special occasions in her home regularly.

“When you’re planning a big event, make as much as possible in advance,” she says. “Most of the time, none of that has to be prepared the day of. Have dishes out in advance, whether serving dishes or table settings.

And don’t ever be afraid to buy salad in a bag.

“Make out a menu and grocery list a week or three days in advance.You can do it!”

Pam says she adores her gas cooktop and says anyone can get started with a few Southern basics and an iron skillet — basics she learned from her mother and former mother-in-law who she says was an incredible cook and taught her about seasoning foods.

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“The first thing I ever cooked was the day my mother brought my baby sister home,” Pam says. “I made pinto beans, fried potatoes, cornbread and green beans. I was 11 and a half years old.”

Pam’s mother and father were older parents with some health problems, so when Pam was old enough to help out, she did her part with joy.

“I’m still a down-to-earth, simple cook,” she says. “My mother went to work at a chicken processing plant when I was 5 years old, so I learned the things she cooked and the shortcuts. A lot has changed in 50 years about the way we do things.”

TV dinners changed the dynamic for working mothers back then, and Pam says she wasn’t shy about shortcuts when Jay was younger.

“He grew up on McDonald’s, Long John Silver’s and pizza from Bob’s Grill,” she says. “I’m serious.You do what you have to do.

But Jay always has liked my Rotel mac and cheese, too.”

Pam remembers her mother’s skill with candy making, and when she was first starting out as a Realtor, her mother would make 10-12 different kinds of candies for Pam to pass out to clients.

“There were some simple things, but I remember her making peanut butter balls and it would take forever,” she remembers.

“Candy is not easy.

“But mother made the. best. hamburgers in the world! She would use beef from the farm and eggs and bread. One or 2 pounds of beef would feed all of us. She would make these big patties kind of thin and fry them in the iron skillet. We thought we had died and gone to heaven!”

Guilt Free Low Fat Banana Pudding

• 1 large pkg. sugar free & fat free instant vanilla pudding mix • 1 can of fat free condensed milk • Dash of salt • 2 cups of 2% milk • 3 (8 oz.) containers of either lite or free cool whip • 1 box reduced fat vanilla wafers • 3-4 bananas • 2 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract Directions: Mix pudding, salt and milk, add condensed milk and vanilla, add cool whip. Layer wafers, pudding, bananas, top with crumbled wafers. Chill.

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Pam also recalls her mother’s signature French fries, made in Crisco — an almost forgotten ingredient these days.

“Back then, you took leftovers and food far more seriously,” she says. “You didn’t just run to the grocery store after work. Meat wasn’t as plentiful, and you had to have a substitute — beans and peas — anything you grew in the garden.”

Pam remembers a small refrigerator in her home growing up.

She also remembers her parents renting a frozen storage space in Clarksville near their home.

“I remember we had an upper unit where we would store processed meat,” she says. “I remember climbing up there and getting in and getting out because I was terrified of getting locked in the freezer!”

Pam’s home now is far from those early days. Her kitchen is much like the woman herself — sophisticated, warm and inviting.

Her favorite dish to make is her “guilt-free” banana pudding, that is requested at potlucks, office parties and family get togethers at least twice a month. It graced the pages of a 2006 McDowell Properties cookbook she put together with her agents at the time.

“I converted a traditional banana pudding recipe to be fat free because back then, I was very conscious of fat content,” Pam laughs.

“Now I know I just basically swapped fat for carbs. There is no such thing as ‘guilt-free’ banana pudding! But, this is a great recipe that everyone loves.

“It is import to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but not everyone’s the same and we need to remember that. But beyond that, whatever you eat has to taste good!”

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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DIY

by Andrea Champlin Sure you can buy all of your Halloween decorations in a store, but where’s the fun in that? I stopped by a local thrift store for some inspiration on some DIYs for Halloween, and I found some great things! I’m going to show you how you can make your own creepy candelabra, Halloween canisters, and festive books for display.

Let’s get started!

I saw these canisters at the local thrift store and I knew they’d be perfect for some spooky spell supplies. If you need a place to store your eye of newt, you can make these canisters from any that you have around.

Supplies • Black Spray paint • Gray acrylic paint • Water • Gold metallic paint (I used Precious Metals premium leafing finish) • Paper towels • Paintbrush • Mod podge • Scrapbook paper • Printer

1. Clean the canisters.

Before 2. Spray paint black. Let dry.

3. Mix gray acrylic paint and water. Lightly brush over the black paint. Wipe off excess paint with paper towel. Let dry.

4. Print spell ingredient labels on tan scrapbook paper. I used photoshop to make labels. If you want these you can download them on my blog, TheMajesticMama.com 5. Cut the spell ingredients to the size you need for your canister.

6. Attach label with mod podge. I also tore little pieces of scrapbook paper and filled in the design on the canister.

7. I also used some scrapbook paper to fill in the fruit designs on the canister.

8. Paint details with gold metallic paint to highlight the canister.

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Halloween Cannisters

Decorative Books

Before

I always need books to put things on to add different heights to my seasonal displays. I found these books at the thrift store. Don’t worry. None of these are literary masterpieces. It was simple to make these books Halloween ready to add in to my decor.

Supplies • A book that should’ve never been written • Scissors • Mod podge • Scrapbook paper

1. Remove any dust jackets.

2. Spread mod podge on book cover and spine.

3. Place scrapbook paper. Leave about an inch to fold under the cover, trim the rest with scissors.

4. If there’s enough scrapbook paper, wrap around to the back of the book. If not, use a second piece of scrapbook paper.

5. Trim the paper by the spine even with the spine of the book.

6. Cover the front and back covers and the spine with mod podge.

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Spooky Candelabra

I think candles can be the spookiest, yet not scary, thing for the little ones. I started with this plain jane candelabra and added some inexpensive candles.

Supplies • Candelabra to transform • Mirrored Paint • Spray bottle of water • Black acrylic paint • Glow-in-the-dark paint (optional)

1. Clean your candelabra. It seems that everything I get from a thrift store has a layer of dust and dirt on it. I like painting my finds, I don’t like painting dirt. Make sure you clean it well before you start.

2. Spray your candelabra with the spray bottle. I sprayed liberally and let the water bead. I was going for a tarnished silver look.

3. Spray the wet candelabra with the mirrored spray paint.

Obviously, do this outside in a well-ventialted area.

4. Let dry.

5. (Optional) Spray with glow-in-the-dark paint. Let dry.

I like this project because it doesn’t look like you just spray painted your candelabra. Next, just add some candles and you’re done. There are so many things you can do with this. I added some poison bottles and a decorative chain.

You can see more photos of these projects at TheMajesticMama.com.

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

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Cross Creek 10009019

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Bob Peters (left) helped Sgt. Jim Harris design the mailbox to honor veterans. Harris said that he retired from the Army National Guard after he was injured during a tour to Iraq in 2007 and wanted to create the patriotic mailbox to honor those still serving.

Veteran honoring veterans Photo and story by Jeanette Anderton

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The main reason Sgt. James “Jim” Harris joined the military was because he wanted to protect and serve his country. He served in the Army National Guard for 27 years before he was injured while he was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007.

“After that, I decided it was time to retire,” he said.

He lives in Vilonia with his wife, Wanda, and their three sons — Garrett, Trace and Ryan.

“James came up with an idea of a patriotic mailbox to show his gratitude to all the men and women who have served and are still serving this great country,” Wanda said.

Harris said that he’s had the idea for years.

“I’ve always wanted to do a patriotic mailbox,” he said. “With the help of [family, friends and some local businesses] the dream became a reality.”

About a year ago, he came up with the design that features an artillery shell, giant dog tags featuring the Harris name and traditional American symbols — the bald eagle and American flag.

“At one time I was in a field artillery unit so I came up with the idea for the mortar from that,” he said.

D&D Concrete of Vilonia donated the concrete and poured it for free. Andy Lee of Vilonia Metal Works, Inc. and Eric Jones of Airbrush Outfitters of Searcy helped with mailbox and cover.

Harris said fellow veteran Bob Peters was a “huge help that saved me a lot of time and money.”

All told, he said, the project took around a year. The mailbox is compliant with Federal regulations. Patriotic mailboxes are rarely as elaborate as the one Harris installed, but ideas are readily available across the internet.

Harris said if others want to create a patriotic mailbox of their own, he would willing to help them.

“If someone was interested in something like that, I could help them come up with a design,” he said.

Veteran IDs Available in Faulkner County The Veterans Honors Rewards Program is a quick and easy way for local veterans to obtain a photo identification to obtain rewards and discounts through participating businesses. The county circuit clerk’s office will scan DD2-14s for free and provide the veteran with a photo ID on the spot. It will include photo, name, branch of service emblem, etc. That card then can be used for discounts and special offers. Businesses are invited to sign up for no charge to make veterans aware of discounts.

For more information: www.veteranshonors.com Questions?

Contact Faulkner County Circuit Clerk 724 Locust St. Conway, AR 72034 Call 501-450-4911 or email crystal.taylor@faulknercounty.org

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CASA Festival of Chairs What is CASA? The Children’s Advocacy Alliance is a partnership of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of the 20th Judicial District and the Children’s Advocacy Center. We serve Faulkner, Van Buren, Perry, Searcy, and Conway counties.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of the 20th Judicial District (CASA) was founded in 2000, dedicated to training citizens to provide a voice to the voiceless foster children in our community. The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) was founded in 2010, joining CASA, forming the Children’s Advocacy Alliance. The CAC provides forensic interviews, therapy, sexual abuse medical exams, and family advocacy for abused and neglected children.

What is Festival of Chairs ?

The Festival of Chairs’ signature feature are the repurposed chairs by local artists. The chairs are symbolic of the children and families that the Children’s Advocacy Alliance serves on a daily basis. The chairs start the journey broken, tattered, abused, then they arrive at the Festival of Chairs as beautiful works of art; this is the visual representation of the path walked by the children we serve. These chairs, along with other works of art and hundreds of other unique items, are featured in live, silent and super silent auctions.

What are needs the community should know about and how can we help?

We have served 344 children since January 1, 2018. Every dollar raised at this event goes towards helping more children in our community. One way the community can help is to become a CASA Volunteer for speaking for change, and progressing towards a better future. children in foster care; through that you make a child twice as likely to How many years has Festival been in graduate high school, half as likely to existence? re-enter the system, and twice as likely Seventeen years. to find a safe permanent home.

Over the years, how much money has Festival raised?

Since it began to 2017, it has grossed a little over a million dollars.

Event Information: Legacy Acres 100 Legacy Acres Drive, Conway AR, 72034 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets may be bought through our Facebook event page, “Festival of Chairs XVII” or through our website www.hopeandjustice.org For more information on sponsorship, contact Leia Smith at lsmith@hopeandjustice.org

Who is on the board?

David Hogue - President Shawn Evans - Vice President Patrick Lewis - Treasurer Turk Smith - Secretary Our vision is a community united in Jennifer Morehead the protection of all children. Your support helps us continue our mission Sarah Murphy Brittney Burks of ensuring that every child in our community who is abused or neglected LaTresha Woodruff-Johnson Justin Welter has a voice for justice and a place for Anushree Jumde hope. Moreover, your support creates Liz Hamilton the possibility that we may prevent Louise Furst abuse prior to it happening through awareness, education, and prevention. Adena White Brandi Wiseman Spend an evening with us at the Cody Sublett Festival of Chairs, embracing hope, 24 WINC. | October 2018

Additionally, right now we have outgrown our office space and cannot adequately provide services to all of the children who need us. In order to better serve our community, we need a forever home so that we may provide for every child in need of hope, healing, and a voice for justice.

One simple way to contribute to ending child abuse in our community is through attendance of Stewards of Children. It is a 2.5 hour continued education course proven to better the safety and wellbeing of all children in our community. If you cannot give up 2.5 hours, we understand. Take 15 - 30 minutes and tour our Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) to see how we spend our money.

For more information, visit www.hopeandjustice.org 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.

Colors and Smells and VZV If I were to conduct a poll and ask what thoughts come to mind when Fall is mentioned, I’d almost bet that cooler temperatures and leaves changing colors would be at the top of most lists. At our house, anything “pumpkin” would also have to be included. In fact, Shirley has already changed her morning coffee to pumpkin spice. I dare say, however, hardly anyone would say Fall makes them think, “Great!

Vaccine season is here!”

No, this isn’t yet another article about the importance of getting your flu shot, although that should definitely be on your radar screen. In fact, we’ve already seen some patients with the flu. This is about a relatively new shingles vaccine called Shingrix®. If you or anyone you know has ever had shingles, you already know how painful and debilitating it can be. The CDC states that Shingrix® is recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and related complications for adults with normal immune function aged 50 or older as well as adults who previously received the live zoster vaccine, Zostavax®, and is the preferred vaccine.

Shingles are due to the presence of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the body as a result of a case of chickenpox earlier in life.

While it’s pretty rare, one can also develop chickenpox by coming into direct contact with oozing blisters from someone who has an active case of shingles, and going forward, they have the virus in their body. Just like the IRS, one can never get away from that

for the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used virus – it stays with you all of your life and to say. Shingrix® is extremely hard to find. can rear its ugly head at any time.

To use football jargon, GlaxoSmithKline, the As you might expect, increasing age manufacturer, has outkicked their coverage. does play into the shingles equation. The The demand has far exceeded the supply Shingrix® website states, “An increase in and it will take them some time to catch up. age causes a natural decline in immunity.

This brings me to some important As immune function declines, there is a “takeaways” from this article for you. At reduction in the number and function of our pharmacy, we see prescriptions for immune cells that prevent the reactivation Shingrix® practically every day, but you do of the varicella zoster virus. This leads not have to have a prescription to get it. If to a sharp increase in the incidence and you are 50 or older you do need to get this complications of shingles. By the age of 85 vaccine, even if you have had the original the lifetime risk of developing shingles rises Zostavax® vaccine. You do need to get this from 33% to 50%.” vaccine if you have had shingles before – just Shingrix® is given as a 2-shot series, wait until the blisters and other symptoms with the second dose administered 2 to 6 have disappeared. Finally, if you have started months after the original dose. It is given your series and the second dose is not in the deltoid muscle (upper outer arm) available within the 2 to 6-month window, just like most other immunizations and don’t panic. The CDC says it will still be can be given at the same time as your flu, effective, as long as you get your second tetanus, or pneumonia immunizations. Full dose, but get it as soon as possible. You do disclosure here, from personal experience not have to restart the series. and reports from patients, you will have So, if you are over 50 and haven’t already a sore arm. My arm was pretty sore for done so, contact your pharmacy, preferably a good 3 or 4 days, and I felt pretty lousy Smith Family Pharmacy , and get on the for about 36 hours after my second dose. waiting list. We currently have 90 doses But, it is absolutely, positively worth it!

Compared to the original Zostavax®, which on backorder and expect them to start dribbling in. We will call you and let you was about 50% effective, Shingrix® has an know when yours is available. effective rate of up to 97%. I like those BIO: David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith odds.

Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and Now – the staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been taking care of people in the Conway people in my and surrounding areas for more than 44 years. He loves age bracket will spending time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren. appreciate this –

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October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

Highlighting the Conway Animal Shelter Photos and Story by Kelly Sublett The Conway Animal Shelter is an immaculate facility on the western border of the city, and over the last 15 years, has seen a number of improvements, from the building itself to the level of services offered.

For 15 years, Director Shona Osborne has worked to first and foremost keep the animals healthy in a top-notch facility, but beyond that, has implemented programs for outreach and volunteerism to bring awareness to the center.

Osborne says the upgrades and addition of kennels, new chain link and cinder block walls, ceiling fans throughout and a mobile adoption unit has increased the quality of life for dogs and cats in care of the city. “We have worked to do all the things necessary to keep animals healthy,� she says.

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Osborne explained the city shelter is a partner with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and acts as a “source shelter” for a relocation program managed by the organization.

“Southern shelters typically have more animals than homes, so we are able to transport to a ‘receiving shelter,’ typically in the northern part of the United States where, if you can wrap your mind around this, there are more homes than animals.”

ASPCA source shelters must be inspected and approved, and there are not many throughout the country, Osborne says. Every two weeks, dogs are transported to a receiving shelter.

“It’s a lengthy process,” she explains. “It is time consuming, but the pluses by far outweigh the negatives.”

Dogs transported are usually adopted out of the receiving shelter in 42-72 hours after arrival. All the animals and potential adoptive families are vetted before placement.

All of that vetting on the animal’s behalf is done at the Conway shelter. Any dog over 6 months old, in addition to extensive health screenings, is behavioral tested to determine the general social ability of the dog.

Every two weeks, anywhere from five to 22 dogs are transported from the shelter.

“People locally get first choice of our dogs, but they have to be a viable applicant,” Osborne says. “That’s always what we do for the community.

“I also want to make clear that the dogs left behind here are not bad dogs, but the ones who move have to be sound dogs. I mean, we’re asking a lot of these dogs and we have to feel like they can handle travel, staying overnight in a place they’re not familiar with. …”

Although this process is placing dogs in loving homes all over the country, the Conway shelter does not necessarily benefit monetarily.

“Knowing these animals are going to a home, and we know it won’t be long before they [are placed], is worth it,” Osborne says.

However, because the Conway shelter is part of the program, the facility is eligible for grants. In 2017, the center received $40,000 for improvements for the asphalt pad in the rear of the building and for a drain system. Other money was earmarked for kennels.

Osborne says the Conway shelter receives fewer animals each year, primarily she believes because of a 2011 state law requiring any animal up for adoption must be spayed or neutered.

“We don’t spay or neuter for the public, but after five days, the animal becomes ‘city owned’ and is put on a surgery schedule,” she explains. “These animals we adopt out has a direct impact of total numbers [coming back into the shelter]. That’s the best explanation I have.”

Osborne also points to strategic “marketing” of the shelter pets to speed the adoption process, and again, bring awareness womensinc.net 27

to the shelter. Friends of the Conway Animal Shelter raises funds and resources to help care for shelter pets as well, helping pay specifically for heartworm treatments.

Osborne uses the internet and social media to tell the stories of available pets as well. Petfinder.com, AdoptAPet.com, RescueMe.org and Conwayanimalwelfare.org are the main online resources Osborne uses. On Facebook, www.facebook.com/ conwayanimalwelfare and www.facebook.com/focasconway also are great places to meet the animals available and read their stories — which Osborne spends hours writing.

“I go the extra mile for the animals,” she says. “We have a lot going on behind the scenes to help these dogs and cats [get adopted].”

PetSmart and Petco stores in Conway allow space for cats needing adoption because space at the city shelter is limited for felines. Osborne says that relationship aids in the adoption

process locally.

Osborne says the Conway shelter is committed to making sure the animals have the best opportunities. Adoption rates are above the national average of 25 percent and well below the 65 percent national rate of euthanization.

Part of the success of the shelter also can be attributed to a robust volunteer program that requires an hour and a half class for people wanting to help walk dogs, play with cats, etc. The shelter will take the class to schools and other organizations wanting to rally people to help.

“I cannot stress enough how important volunteering is,” Osborne says. “Even if someone is only here once a week for 30 minutes, that’s going to make a difference in that animal’s life.”

Outreach programs are also available for schools, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the city.

To adopt: Visit the Conway Animal Shelter (4550 US-64, Conway, AR 72034) and look at animals.You’ll find the names, breeds and other information on kennel cards.

Fill out a one-page application.

Applicants are vetted by shelter staff to make sure placement is beneficial for the family and the animal, only then are decisions are made on first come, first served basis.

Once the animal is available, the shelter will contact the chosen applicant. Families (including current pets in the home) are invited to come and visit their potential new pet for a meet and greet.

The adoption fee is $50 and $60 for residents of Conway and includes: • Required city tags (City of Conway) • Microchip • Complete vaccinations • Spay or neuter complete

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My Adoption Story: Gracie and Gabby

by Chris Quinn Owner, The Furniture Consignment Place Sometime in 2006 I started looking for another dog that I could train to be a therapy dog, as my golden retriever had passed away recently. He and I were one the first 6 teams to participate in the T.A.I.L.S program at Children’s Hospital in Animal Assisted Therapy. I missed him terribly and I truly wanted to do AAT again.

I had been volunteering at the Conway Animal Welfare Unit for a year or so on Saturdays when I came across Angelina: she was an adorable black terrier mix who was able to jump from the floor of her kennel to the top of the ledge, making sure she would be noticed!

She was full of milk, as she had recently had some puppies, however, they were nowhere to be found when she was abandoned on Mitchell Street. She was very friendly and lovable, I could not resist!

I put in an application and soon after, I was able to take her home. She never became a therapy dog due to her personality, but Angelina (now Gracie) not having the personality or disposition for a therapy dog truly did not matter at this point; she was now a permanent part of our family. As the years have passed, she now has some arthritis, but she’s still as feisty as ever! She has brought our family so much joy!

Gabby also came from The Conway Animal Welfare Unit; her alias is

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Peaches. Gabby was found abandoned in Cresthaven Subdivision. She had a cherry eye and a hernia; she was in bad shape.

If memory serves me, The Friends of the Conway Animal Shelter group paid to have her cherry eye and hernia repaired. Thank goodness for this group! This is just one of the many instances with animals that the city of Conway does not appropriate funds for, so FOCAS, as it is called, takes care of those issues for injured animals so that they can be adopted to loving homes.

FOCAS also pays for many other things that the shelter needs such as ceiling fans, industrial cooling fans, awnings for the outside kennels and much, much more.

I adopted Gabby from the shelter in 2007, she also has brought us many joyful moments as part of our family. Gabby is a Cairn terrier and Jack Russell mix, so you can imagine who runs the show around our house!

If you have not visited our highly regarded Conway Animal Welfare Unit, please stop by soon and visit! Make sure you check out all the wonderful animals available for adoption. Also, please visit with the caring and dedicated staff. I can guarantee you that you will find the love of your life there, whether it be a cat or a dog. These animals need your love and a place to call home for the rest of their lives. Remember, when you adopt a dog or a cat it is a commitment for life.You won’t regret it!

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Dogs in Costume

by Andrea Champlin

I’ll admit it. I go a little overboard decorating for holidays. It’s one of my quirks that my husband tolerates and that my children love. My kids start talking about what they’re going to be for Halloween in September. Why? Because I have pumpkins out already in September and the Chasing Fireflies Halloween catalog comes in the mail. My children will look at this catalog for hours and talk about what they want to be for Halloween. Invariably their attention turns to our dogs. Dressing up our dogs is almost as much fun.

You can coordinate your pet costume with your child’s costume, or let your pet’s individuality shine through. We recently got a toy poodle puppy and I love this dog. I had a black poodle as a little girl, and I’ve wanted a toy poodle for about 20 years. Finally got one!

This little puppy has been all the rage amongst my children and their friends, especially my daughter. Her friend, Haven, brought the cutest little dog costume over. Somehow whenever you see our little black poodle, Peanut, you really want to put something pink and cute on her. I also wanted to show that she could be cute and fierce, so we also tried a Wonder Woman costume.

Our other dog, a 5-year-old shih tzu named Cotter, is not at all happy with his new sister. An appropriate Halloween costume for him would be that of a grumpy old man. He would nail it. He could just go as himself. But, my children don’t think that’s very funny,

34 WINC. | October 2018

so Cotter will be an ewok this year since they’re Star Wars obsessed and shih- zus already look like ewoks anyway. However, the head piece is giving Cotter a little bit of trouble, so we also tried a hot dog costume. And a lion costume. He was the least miserable in the hot dog costume. The poodle loved them both!

Halloween is so much fun at our house and I hope you enjoyed seeing my two favorite dogs dressed up! Really I do, because my shih tzu hates me now.

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

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36 WINC. | October 2018

Reader’s Choice Award 2018

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The 2018 WINC Reader’s Choice Awards is the opportunity for our readers to tell everyone what they love about Faulkner County. Nominate your favorites to let them know they’re doing a great job!

Readers who nominate businesses and services in 25 or more categories will be entered to win a $250 VISA GIFT CARD!!! There are two ways to nominate your favorites. Go to the online ballot at www.thecabin.net\winc or fill in this ballot and mail to 1111 Main St. Suite 102 Conway, AR. 72032.

All mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than midnight November 14, 2018. The winners will be announced in the January 2019 issue of WINC magazine, available December 28, 2018 Favorite place to have a salad ...______________________________________________

I only trust my smile to (Favorite Local Dentist)... ______________________________

Most romantic dinner date restaurant... _______________________________________

I only trust my smile to (favorite local dentist) ...________________________________

I entertain business clients for lunch at ... ______________________________________

I only have eyes for (favorite local optometrist) ... _______________________________

Favorite place with patio dining ...____________________________________________

Favorite local OB/GYN ... __________________________________________________

Best place to meet the girls for lunch ...________________________________________

For cosmetic procedures, I’ll only go to ... _____________________________________

On my birthday, take me to dinner at ... _______________________________________

Favorite local general physician ... ____________________________________________

When I want a good burger, I go to ..._________________________________________

Best pediatrician ... ________________________________________________________

My favorite restaurant staff is at ... ___________________________________________

Our favorite nurse is .... ______________________ at __________________________

The kids always want to eat at _______________________________________________

My favorite veterinarian ...__________________________________________________

The sweet treats are fabulous from ... _________________________________________

When my pets need grooming, their favorite groomer is... ________________________

I love to special order cakes from ... __________________________________________

When my car needs repair, I only trust ... ______________________________________

I find the most fabulous shoes at ... ___________________________________________

I only have family photos taken by ... _________________________________________

When I want to dress for the occasion, my first stop is ... _________________________

When my appliances need repair, I always call ... _______________________________

I always find the perfect piece of jewelry for any occasion from ...__________________

My dream home would be filled with furniture from ...___________________________

A sharp-dressed man shops at ... _____________________________________________

I like to buy my cars from ..._________________________________________________

Best local hair salon ... _____________________________________________________

When I need a realtor, I personally call ... _____________________________________

My favorite hair stylist is ... ___________________ at ___________________________

The real estate company I count on is ... ______________________________________

I love to buy my cosmetics from ... ___________________________________________

Best personal trainer is ... _____________________ at ___________________________

The folks at do a great job cleaning my home/office... ____________________________

Best child care services ... ___________________________________________________

The only insurance agent I use is... ___________________________________________

When I have a problem, the plumber I call is from ... ____________________________

The pharmacist with the best customer service is... ______________________________

When I need a handyman, I only call...________________________________________

When I need an attorney, I call... _____________________________________________

When I need tools & garden items, my local hardware store is ...___________________

My car breaks down and I need a tow, I call ... _________________________________

Favorite place to receive flowers from is ... _____________________________________

When I need a unique gift I go to ... __________________________________________

My Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist is ________________________________________

The top spa in our area ...___________________________________________________

I love my pool from________________________________________________________

My favorite massage therapist is ... ___________________________________________

My favorite Downtown Conway Business is ... _________________________________

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by Randy Anderson – Antioch Baptist Church

What is

DivorceCare at Antioch Church in Conway is a 13-week support group for people experiencing separation or divorce. In the past two decades 750 Faulkner County people have participated in this vital group for finding new life balance and recovery from what may be one of life’s worst experiences.

WHY DIVORCECARE? Nobody goes into marriage thinking that it won’t last, but divorce is far more common than many suppose. So what is a church or community to do to help people who have experienced the devastating emotional, financial, and relational impact of divorce?

At Antioch, the answer is we love them and help them return to better emotional health and happiness through a small group process we call DivorceCare.

The resources are the most widely used recovery program in the nation and features many of the top counselors and professionals in America.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT DIVORCECARE? A typical group session contains around a dozen Conway area participants comprised of both women and men. Each week contains a 40 minute video providing all the best information on the topic of discussion (anger, finances, forgiveness, new relationships, etc.). Following the video one of our DivorceCare leaders who has been where you are will offer helpful assistance and lead a discussion time. People don’t have to speak. For some it may be weeks before they feel comfortable joining the conversation. But soon, most will find that the discussion time provides a great release of tension.

The whole evening only takes about 90 minutes and many say that it’s the only hour of their week that they feel good. Sure there are deeply felt emotions expressed, but the acceptance, support, and insight gained make it the best hour of the week.

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DIVORCECARE? WHAT DIVORCECARE IS NOT! DivorceCare isn’t marriage counseling.

Couples don’t attend the group together but often one spouse will attend a 13-week session and the other will attend the next group.

Which brings us to one of the most important aspects of the program: Participation doesn’t close the door to reconciliation. Not only is it not necessary to have a final divorce decree to attend the group, but sometimes separated spouses may may attempt a reconciliation of the marriage. While it is rare, We gladly will help you turn that corner and provide helpful assistance for those whom it is a possibility.

WHAT’S THE COST? The only cost for the group is your $15 workbook that guides you through the process. It contains a brief daily exercise that builds upon the material discussed in the group and is a vital part of the recovery process (scholarships available).

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS DC4K – DivorceCare for Kids Over a decade ago Antioch began providing assistance to the children of divorce. The program called DC4K focuses on the needs and experiences of children ages 5-12 when the parents are separated or divorced. Designed by Child Life experts, the program provides vital support for children to navigate the frightening impact of the divorce upon the family. DC4K meets at the same time as the adult DivorceCare and provides a caring and compassionate environment for the children.

GriefShare Closely akin to the impact of separation and divorce is the experience of death of a loved one. GriefShare provides a

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13-week support group to those grieving the loss of someone close. Whether it’s a spouse, a child, a sibling, or parent, grief over the loss is profoundly impacting. Many have found the GriefShare curriculum to provide a vital resource in finding a “new normal” as they navigate the future without their family member.

WHEN DO THE GROUPS MEET? There are two 13-week sessions each year. All the groups meet at Antioch Church (150 Amity Road – Conway) on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8pm. The Fall session begins on the Wednesday – 2 weeks before Labor Day and the Spring session begins on the first Wednesday after the first full week of January.

WHAT IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED? Call the church at 501-329-5153 and one of our pastors can often provide much of the same counseling you’ll receive in the

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group. Most people prefer being involved in the group process, but we can still help if that doesn’t fit your need.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS In addition to the ongoing support groups that Antioch provides there are a number of seasonal one-night seminars that are offered. They always meet 8 days before Thanksgiving on Wednesday night at 6:30 at the church, and feature groups designed to help people navigate the holiday season. This year on Wednesday, November 14th, there will be a group for both Divorce support and Grief support. It follows the same format as the “regular” support groups (informational video by experts followed by a group discussion time, and a helpful workbook to guide your recovery) but is designed to provide urgent help and insight into the challenges of facing your first holiday season after death or divorce.

Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Brain Structure and Function

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

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

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

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

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

The results were striking: The worse the initial hearing loss, the more likely the person was to develop dementia. Researchers say that there are plausible reasons for why hearing loss might lead to dementia — the brain’s hearing center, called the auditory cortex, is very close to the regions where Alzheimer’s first starts.

Hearing loss also has a noted link to brain shrinkage. Although the brain naturally becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage

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

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

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

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

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A Look Back...

by Cindy Beckman

Wal-Mart Associates Look Back

Wal-Mart associates who worked at the first three Wal-Mart #5 locations in Conway recently gathered for a reunion at Friendship Baptist Church. Approximately 30 associates, as well as family and friends, attended the gathering organized by long-time associates, Nan Haggard Keathley, Deborah Fox McCollum, Loyce Valentine Ray and Brenda McKenzie Turner.

Wal-Mart #5 opened in Conway in 1966 in the Mid-Town Shopping Center, where Larry’s Pizza is today. John Hawks was the first manager of the store followed by Johnny Ryal and then John Tillman. Ola Hawks, John’s wife, attended the reunion, along with several associates who worked at the original location.

In the summer of 1972, Wal-Mart built a new store in the Faulkner Plaza Shopping Center on Oak Street. Keathley and McCollum, both still in high school, were hired for $1.60/hr. to help stock the new store; they continued to work there through their senior year and beyond. Both remember Mr. Sam coming to the store. He always looked at their name tags and greeted them by name.

Wal-Mart associates were assigned to departments to stock and price products; back then, every product had to have a price tag on it. Everyone was a cashier, however, and could be called away from their departments to check out customers. On busy days, that could end up being all day. The associates were trained that the customer was always right, and they were to do whatever it took to make sure the customer always left the store happy and satisfied.

John and Kay Tillman are pictured in the Wal-Mart location at Faulkner Plaza. John Tillman served as Wal-Mart #5’s manager from 1969-1975.

42 WINC. | October 2018

Wal-Mart associates and friends fielded a softball team in 1976.

Nan Haggard Keathley served as checkout supervisor at the Faulkner Plaza Shopping Center location.

The ribbon-cutting for the new Wal-Mart store in the Faulkner Plaza Shopping Center took place in the summer of 1972. Attending from left to right: Jeff Ballard, Assistant Manager Bob Pemberton, Manager John Tillman, Assistant Manager Bud Hendricks, Sharon Hawks Goode, Vida Ward, Mrs. Tillman, Eurlene Hoffman and Ethel Matthews.

Miss SCA Brenda Groce was in front to help with the ribbon cutting.

Under the management of John Tillman, the associates at WalMart #5 became one big family, developing lifelong friendships.

They laughed together and cried together, celebrating life’s ups and downs. Tillman was out on the floor everyday with the associates putting out stock or unloading freight. If they worked all night doing inventory, he would take them out to Clawson’s and feed them. They all worked hard, taking personal pride in making the store one of the top locations in the country. Thus began the legacy of the Conway store that would become one of the top stores in the Wal-Mart chain.

Tillman also mentored many of these young associates. For many it was their first job; he helped them grow up and become great associates. Lisa Berry Coleman recalled the time when Mr. Tillman took the time to sit down with her to discuss her dreams and goals for the future. She listened to his advice and later became a very successful manager with Lowe’s.

Wal-Mart #5 was always busy, but on Friday and Saturday nights, it was packed. Much of Conway would come to stroll the aisles and visit with people they knew. My family was no exception. We went to Wal-Mart every Friday night after we went out to eat. This location also became the spot for teens to “cruise” because practically everyone was there on the weekends.

Since Wal-Mart closed at 9 p.m. back then, the associates all left at the same time every night. According to policy, everything in the store had to be straightened up before anyone could go home. When your department was done, you went to help straighten in another department. The associates worked quickly; managers would determine when all was well, and the associates would all walk out together.

Sometimes, however, they stayed for potlucks or after-hours parties. The associates also had a lot of fun with other activities in the store like fashion shows or other special promotions.

During the White Sales, they would wear pajamas on Fridays.

They also formed a softball team, playing in the city league in 1976 and 1978.

When Mr. Tillman left in 1975, Robert Miljan and Steve Furiner were managers for a couple of years each. Under Furiner in 1978, Wal-Mart re-located into the new Conway Towne Centre on Hwy. 65. Office Depot, Bargain Hunt and Urban Air are located there today. This was the last grand opening that Sam Walton would be able to attend.

Tim Greeno became the manager of Wal-Mart #5 in 1980.

The associates remained close, continuing to work hard to be the best Wal-Mart store. At their annual Christmas parties, they played games and had a wonderful time. Both McCollum and Keathley remembered playing “The Newlywed Game” with Greeno serving as Master of Ceremonies.

Nan Keathley continued to work at Wal-Mart after high school and was given the opportunity to work full-time as the office cashier during her sophomore year of college. In 1990, after 18 years of full-time employment, she finally left Wal-Mart and returned to college to become a teacher.

In 1992, Wal-Mart opened the Supercenter on Harkrider and began opening 24 hours a day. McCollum moved to this location and continued to work there. She started out in the lingerie back in 1972 but worked in fabrics for years. The last few years she worked in claims, retiring in August after working at Wal-Mart #5 for over 45 years.

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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44 WINC. | October 2018

Central Arkansas Baton Twirling What We Offer

of an audience or camera is important for self confidence. This is important for scholarship opportunities too! *Confidence Through learning and growing in baton *Poise and Gracefulness There is nothing more twirling skills and performance experience, students develop beautiful than a well trained twirler! This takes not only skill with self assurance and pride in their accomplishments. They are less batons but also the ability to dance and entertain. What a joy to afraid to try things. feel beautiful… *Friendship Whether twirling for recreation or *Coordination Hand to eye coordination and body competition, strong friendships develop and often last a life time. control go hand in hand with a wonderful baton twirling A sense of family exists and we all help one another. performance. Training and strength show in everything a twirler *Fitness Everyone wants to be “in shape” and healthy. does.

Baton Twirling is a full work out and takes mental skill as well as *Presentation We all face a situation at some time that physical ability. Feeling good about yourself is an important part requires us to “present”- Speaking in the classroom, college or of growing up. job interview, scholarship interviews, teaching a class, even just *Leadership Twirlers learn to step up and lead by telling a story to friends. Often this can be intimidating. Twirlers taking responsibility for their part in an organization. We teach learn to prepare well and trust that preparation so that they that being a twirler is an honor and along with that comes present with confidence and ease no matter what the situation. responsibility.

This ability is helpful throughout life. *A Chance to Give Performers spread joy and *Encouragement We all need to be encouraged. excitement by sharing their talent with the community on Twirlers work on their own level in most activities and have the many levels. Local performances, school involvement, band, and chance to succeed on many levels. Someone encouraging you to competition all give our youth a chance to shine. And what a fun keep going and push yourself can change a life. You being the best way to be a part of activities!

YOU is easier when you have people backing you. Baton Twirlers *Fun Twirling is FUN! We just feel good when working take care of one another! toward a goal and sharing the work! It takes a team to reach *Good People You will meet some great people in high levels and the accomplishments are shared. We all need help twirling-all over the world. People who work hard and give and working together is a great way to achieve success. their best make great company. We care about YOU becoming *Accomplishment Goal setting is a great skill to successful and growing up to be great members of your develop at an early age and baton twirling is built on that! In community. order to succeed, twirlers learn time management, perseverance, See our Facebook page Central Arkansas Baton Twirling. discipline and to Never Give Up. A feeling of accomplishment is a Hope you’ll join us! boost to anyone!

Janice Jackson Seamands is a charter member of the Baton Twirling Hall of Fame, *Interview Skills Those who choose to compete work 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 on speaking and making a great impression. Being at ease in front

by Janice Jackson Seamands

over 40 colleges and universities as well as high schools throughout the nation.

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Historical Events The Faulkner County Historical Society has joined forces with the Faulkner County Museum, the Oak Grove Cemetery Association and the Conway High School Drama Department to offer these “haunted historical Halloween” events.

“Spirits of the Cadron” Set for October 13 Travel by lantern light to the annual “Spirits of the Cadron” to hear first-hand ghost tales told by guides portraying historical characters at the Historic Haunted Cadron Settlement Park on Saturday, October 13 from 6-8:45 p.m.

Sponsored by the Faulkner County Historical Society and the Faulkner County Museum, these haunted tours through history will start at the Cadron Blockhouse.

Tavern wenches will meet and greet visitors.

At each station of the lantern-lighted tour, guides dressed in period costumes will share scary stories about the settlers who once lived in the state’s second-oldest EuroAmerican settlement.

Characters will be portrayed by various prominent Faulkner County leaders, historical reenactors, area students and others with a knowledge or interest in local history. The purpose of the event is to not only educated the community on its history but have a little fun at a local historic site.

At the tour’s end, visitors may “whet their whistles” in the Cadron Blockhouse Tavern with the Faulkner County Museum’s favorited spiced cider. Ginger snaps will be served to those famished after their haunted historical tour.

Admission is $2 per person or $5 a carload. Bring your families and friends to a fun night of haunts and history! Rain cancels.

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“Gone but Not Forgotten” The Conway High School Drama Department, under the direction of A. J. Spiridigliozzi, and the Oak Grove Cemetery Board will present “Gone, But Not Forgotten” at the cemetery on Sunday, October 21, 3-5 p.m.

Volunteer tour guides will lead visitors through various stations in the cemetery where the drama students will present short vignettes of several notables who are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. There are a number of community leaders buried in the cemetery but this year, the students have chosen to focus on these: • James Douglas “Justice Jim” Johnson (1924-2010) • Virginia Lillian Morris Johnson (1928-2007) • Guy H. “Mutt” Jones (1911-1986) • Elizabeth Relyea Jones (1916-2003) • Judge Russell C. Roberts (1910-1980) • Ida Marie Belk West (1926-2014) • Benton Turner (1836-1901) • Mary Thayer Turner (1859-1930) • Edward Munro Merriman (1843-1917) The event is free, but donations are encouraged. The intent of the event is to allow the public to learn more about local people of the past who made a significant contribution to the development of Conway. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

“This has been a great opportunity for our students,” said Spiridigliozzi.

“They researched their historical person, wrote the scripts and designed the costumes. They have learned more about all aspects of theater plus it has allowed them to learn more about the history of Conway.”

Board members and volunteers will greet visitors as they arrive at the cemetery and direct them to parking and the welcome desk where the tours will begin. The tour guides will provide historical background on Conway and Oak Grove Cemetery as they lead the groups.

Oak Grove Cemetery is located at the east end of Bruce Street just south of the old airport. It was established in 1880 on the south edge of town in a grove of oak trees. Most of Conway’s leading citizens from its earliest era, as well as about 100 Civil War soldiers, both Union and Confederate, are interred along with veterans of other wars. The historic section of the cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

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