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Editor Lori Quinn

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WINC. Choice Awards

HALLOWEEN HOUSE

Kelley & Christy Means Halloween carnival in Chapel Creek Subdivision

WILKINSON’S

Wilkinson’s Mall recognized as a local favorite in readers’ poll

CHOICE AWARDS

Results are in — all YOUR favorite “everythings” in Faulkner County

22 JULIE’S SWEETS 26 Julie’s Sweet Shoppe is a local favorite in WINC. Choice Awards

30 FRANCIS M. JEWELRY FOOD

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Francis M. Fine Jewelry is voted favorite downtown Conway business

The 16th annual Dazzle Daze holiday shopping event, November 16-18

Halloween Goodies and Savory Pumpkin Recipes

iMATTER

High School senior, Abigail Allen, has a laser focus on her career goal

columns 54. book review The Water is Wide: A Memoir Susan O’Keefe review 4 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

60. spiritual

An Awesome Creator

by Andrea Lennon

Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Cindy Beckman Detra Clark Marisa Hicks Colleen Holt Nancy Jackson Andrea Lennon Susan O’Keefe Jennifer Stanley Jenny Strange Kelly Sublett Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham Art Director Robin Stauffer Advertising Sales Executives Crystal Geraldson Sara Grady Leigh Anne Gray Cortney Askins Advertising Artists Jay Prince Lauren Morgenstern Amanda Loggins Editorial Advisory Board Leah Ashby Jenny Cabantac Ayisha Canant Detra Clark Alyson Fish Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Christina Munoz Madsen Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lanette Rogers Mary Margaret Satterfield Jennifer Stanley Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann

Questions or Comments?

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

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“We want this to be a family friendly environment where parents feel comfortable brining their children out for fun. Some of the families have told us their children beg to come by every night and just take another peek.”

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HALLOWEEN HOUSE

Halloween House

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain

When it comes to celebrating Halloween, sisters Kelley and Christy Means bring the holiday to life! Each year, the sisters turn their yard in the Chapel Creek neighborhood of Conway into a Halloween showplace, featuring different holidayrelated scenes that bring joy to kids and adults alike. To finish off the holiday with a bang, the sisters and their parents offer a Halloween carnival on Halloween night.

“Our Halloween decorations started four years ago and consisted of two skeletons sitting in chairs on our back patio with spot lights on them. One of the little neighborhood boys asked his dad every night if he could come by and see “Bones” (meaning our two skeletons). Well ... after seeing his excitement, it was on after that,” said Kelley.

The sisters also decorate on Christmas.

“We love bringing joy to others. Each night during the month of October and December, we have a steady stream of cars driving by. We live in a fabulous neighborhood and our neighbors are so wonderful to allow our holiday indulgences,” Kelley said.

Although there is no particular theme to the Halloween decorations, Kelley and Christy create scenes that can be enjoyed by all ages, and they stay away from spooky and scary images.

“Each year we choose scenes that children will enjoy and have a couple of scenes that the adults will recognize. We created one scene from Saturday Night Fever (complete with disco ball and flashing lights) that we knew most adults would recognize and enjoy. We thought we would take them back to the ‘70s for a trip down memory lane. We change the scenes each year to keep it fun and exciting,” said Kelley.

“We want this to be a family friendly environment where parents feel comfortable brining their children out for fun. Some of the families have told us their children beg to come by every night and for another peek.”

Although the sisters create all the scenes, the entire family gets into the act when it comes to setup. “Getting ready is definitely a family affair. Each year we have several scenes that require building projects of some sort. Our Dad is creative and always willing to help us build exactly what we are looking for. We all love what we do and we start planning months in advance,” says Kelley.

Their Halloween decorations are normally put out the last weekend in September and it usually takes three to four days to complete.

“This past Christmas we featured different scenes from Christmas Story and we will add to that, but for Halloween we have a tendency to start over with each scene that we do. We try to be creative and make it new and exciting each year,” said Kelley.

“This year we had to upgrade to a 30-foot storage building to hold all of our holiday decorations. We like to make our skeletons come to life, and you NEVER know that they are going to be doing or what predicament they are going to get themselves into.”

On Halloween 2016, about 1,000 people visited the home at 145 Merlot to trick-ortreat and enjoy the carnival games and prizes.

“It is a family endeavor and a true labor of love for all of us. Dad runs the popcorn machine each year, and we make cotton candy, have cookies, cupcakes and hot chocolate, and Mom heads up that area,” Kelley said.

“We have wonderful friends who help us run the carnival games and bounce houses.

We enjoy every minute of it. It keeps growWWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

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HALLOWEEN HOUSE

ing every year because all of the community is invited to drop by. I am so excited to display our latest creations.”

Kelley’s upbringing definitely inspired her current fascination with holiday décor. Not only did her Mom decorate their own home, but they also enjoyed seeing displays throughout town.

“We grew up in Texarkana, Texas, and each Halloween and Christmas my Mom would decorate the house and make it such a special time. I remember driving around each Christmas with my parents and grandparents looking at Christmas lights,” she said. “I still remember one home in particular that had Santa and a team of reindeer that would move back and forth on a cable attached to the roof. I remember how much joy that brought to me and I wanted to one day do that same thing for others. If we can bring one smile or one bit of joy to a family during the holidays, it makes all of the months of planning worth every minute.”

Neither of the Means sisters is a professional designer, but it seems there is quite a bit of decorating ability in their blood. “I am a Nurse Manager at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and my sister is a Sales Representative for Lazy-Boy Furniture. Working in pediatrics allows me to display my childlike side at work as well as at home when it comes to holiday decorations,” said Kelley. “My sister is an incredible designer and it definitely comes naturally to her. She is extremely creative and always has fabulous ideas.”

No matter your age, a drive to the Means home this fall is a definite necessity. “Each year about mid-September the adults passing by will ask when the skeletons are coming out. During the months of October and December we receive numerous thank-you cards from our neighbors thanking us for making the holiday special for them and their children.”

“This is the reason we do what we do. God has blessed us tremendously and we believe that it is so important to give back to others.”

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The annual Halloween display and Halloween Carnival makes for lots of fun for the family at 145 Merlot in Conway’s Chapel Creek Subdivison

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Choice Awards 2017

Our 2017 WINC Choice Awards are all YOUR favorite “everythings� in Faulkner County. The winners and runners-up were determined by our readers. Ballots were submitted online, in person at the Log Cabin Democrat, or by mail. The ballots were carefully counted, and these are the results!

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Choice Awards 2017 Most romantic dinner date restaurant

Favorite place for a salad

WINNER

U. S. Pizza Co.

Pasta Grill

RUNNERS UP

Fuji Steakhouse Mike’s Place

On my birthday, take me to dinner at WINNER

Mike’s Place RUNNERS UP

Fuji Steakhouse Pasta Grill

Best place to meet the girls for lunch WINNER

Cross Creek Sandwich Shop RUNNERS UP

U.S. Pizza Co. ZAZA

I entertain business clients for lunch at WINNER

Mike’s Place RUNNERS UP

Cross Creek Sandwich Shop Pasta Grill

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café ZAZA

Favorite place with patio dining

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The kids always want to eat at WINNER

Chick-fil-A

RUNNERS UP

Larry’s Pizza Purple Cow

WINNER

The sweet treats are fabulous from

RUNNERS UP

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery

Mike’s Place The Patio Café ZAZA

When I want a good burger, I go to

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Andy’s Frozen Custard PattiCakes

WINNER

I love to special order cakes from

RUNNERS UP

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery

David’s Burgers JJ’s Grill Shorty’s

My favorite restaurant staff is at

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Cakes by Catie PattiCakes

WINNER

I find the most fabulous shoes at

RUNNERS UP

Wilkinson’s Mall

Mike’s Place Pasta Grill Stoby’s

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Belk Shoe Carnival

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Choice Awards 2017 I love the selection of women’s clothes at this local boutique

My favorite hair stylist is _____ at _____

WINNER

Robin Moore - Harrington & Co.

Jimbo Hendrickson, PH - Baker Drug

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP

E. Leigh’s

WINNER

The pharmacist with the best customer service is WINNER

RUNNERS UP

April Smith The Smith House Hair Salon Britnee - All About You

Amity Pharmacy David Smith Smith Family Pharmacy

When I want personal local jewelry I go to

I love to buy my cosmetics from

When I need an attorney, I call

WINNER

E.L. Clinical Esthetics

VESTA’S Hipsway

Francis M. Fine Jewelry RUNNERS UP

Fletcher Smith Jewelers Wilkinson’s Mall

I want to dress my man in clothes from

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Lefler’s Belk

The folks at _____ do a great job cleaning my home/office WINNER

WINNER

Moppin’ Mommas

RUNNERS UP

Amazing Grace Cleaning Tidy Tina

Bell & Sward Kohl’s Belk

RUNNERS UP

WINNER

Quincy McKinney RUNNERS UP

Daniel Goodwin, P.A. Gill Ragon Owen Beau Wilcox

My car breaks down and I need a tow, I call WINNER

Jim Smith Collision Center & Wrecker Service RUNNERS UP

Steve’s Auto Center Keith’s Towing

Best local hair salon

The only insurance agent I use is

WINNER

WINNER

Harrington & Co.

Bryan Quinn

When I need a unique gift I go to

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP

Conway Classic Touch

The Beauty Bar All About You Color Salon

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Steve Armstrong - Farmers Insurance Jay Bernard - State Farm

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Cherry’s Hallmark The Kitchen Store & More

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Choice Awards 2017 The top spa in our area WINNER

ELAN DAY SPA RUNNERS UP

Spa’ah Synergy & Star Aesthetics

My favorite massage therapist is _____ at _____

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Favorite local OB/GYN WINNER

Brandi Martin, MD Conway Women’s Health Center RUNNERS UP

Debra Lawrence, MD Conway Women’s Health Center Dr. Michael Wood, MD Renaissance Women’s Center P.A.

WINNER

For cosmetic procedures, I’ll only go to

RUNNERS UP

E.L. Clinical Aesthetics

I only trust my smile to (favorite local dentist)

Conway Women’s Med Spa Dr. Mitchell L. Collins, DDS, MD Collins Oral & Facial Surgery

Deidra Maltbia, LMT Synergy & Star Aesthetics Charina Wroten, LMT - Spa’ah Sissy - Accents Salon

WINNER

Dr. Steve Pascoe, DDS - Tooth Acres RUNNERS UP

Dr. Jim Flanagin, DDS Flanagin Dental Dr. Spencer Gordy, DDS Dr. King

Best pediatrcian WINNER

Alan Lucas, M.D. Arkansas Pediatrics of Conway RUNNERS UP

Karen Baker, M.D. Arkansas Pediatrics of Conway Dr. Jeffrey Craig, MD Central Arkansas Pediatrics Steven McNabb, M.D. Arkansas Pediatrics of Conway

I only have eyes for (favorite local optomestrist) WINNER

Dr. Susan S. DeBlack, OD RUNNERS UP

Dr. Richard L. Barnes, OD Dr. Melanie Smith, MD Conway Regional Medical Center

Favorite local general physician WINNER

Dr. Gil Johnson, MD RUNNERS UP

Dr. Robert W. Balentine Jr, MD Conway Regional Medical Center Dr. David Naylor, MD Banister Lieblong

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Our favorite nurse is _____ at _____ WINNER

Heather White, APN Conway Women’s Health Center RUNNERS UP

Ann Clarke, LPN Throneberry Family Clinic Amber Ledbetter Conway Regional Health System Cindy Freeman, LPN Arkansas Pediatrics of Conway

The best local pet groomer WINNER

PetSmart

RUNNERS UP

Chestnut Animal Clinic Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon

My favorite veterinarian WINNER

Dr. Ken Shaddox, DVM RUNNERS UP

Dr. Greg Hartman, DVM Hartman Animal Hospital Dr. Thomas Cabantac, DVM Tucker Creek Vet

I like to buy my cars from WINNER

Crain

RUNNERS UP

Caldwell Toyota Honda World Smith Ford

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Choice Awards 2017 When my car needs repair, I only trust

Best child care services

WINNER

1st Presbyterian Preschool

RUNNERS UP

Sonshine Academy Kidz University

Mr. Brake & Lube of Conway & Morrilton Austin Brothers Tire & Auto Smith Ford

I want to accesorize my home with items from WINNER

T.J.Maxx

RUNNERS UP

Cajun Brothers Furniture Park Hill Home

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WINNER

My dream home would be filled with furniture from

RUNNERS UP

Cajun Brothers Furniture

I only have family photos taken by WINNER

Strain Photography RUNNERS UP

Jackie Romine Photography SoHo Photography Blakelee Tinkler H and H Photography

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

Furniture Consignment H3 Home + Décor

My Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist is WINNER

Jeffrey P. Kirsch, MD, FACS - The Ear, Nose & Throat Center of Conway RUNNERS UP

Patrick L. Fraley, MD - The Ear, Nose & Throat Center of Conway Dr. Shaw, MD Central Arkansas E.N.T.

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Choice Awards 2017 When I need a realtor, I personally call WINNER

When I have a problem, the plumber I call is from WINNER

Michelle Parsley

Mickey’s Plumbing INC

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP

Pam McDowell Freda Lawless Jennifer Starr

The real estate company I count on is WINNER

Coldwell Banker RPM RUNNERS UP

McDowell Properties Re/Max Elite

Best personal trainer is _____ at _____ WINNER

WINNER

Tipton Hurst RUNNERS UP

Arrow Plumbing Salter Inc

Conway’s Classic Touch Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe

When I need a handyman, I only call

I love my pool from

WINNER

Jerrell’s Pools

RUNNERS UP

Luxury Pool & Spa Conway Garden & Pools

Tim Linville Kordsmeier Remodeling Josh Blount - Handyman 4 Hire

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

Sweat by Dr. FiT

Haynes Ace Hardware

RUNNERS UP

RUNNERS UP

Gina Tusson - Conway Regional Fitness Center Mallory Lefler - Conway Regional Fitness Center

Favorite place to receive flowers from is

Home Depot Lowe’s

WINNER

RUNNERS UP

My favorite downtown Conway business is WINNER

Francis M. Fine Jewelry RUNNERS UP

Mike’s Place E. Leighs

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WINC CHOICE AWARD WINNER

“I’ve worked for Wilkinson’s Mall for 23 years. Wilkinson’s is a family-owned company, and they treat me like family.” —Sue Hunter Members of the Women’s Department Management Team: Sue Hunter – 23 years, Monique Mansfield – 7 years, Katie Neal – 5 years, Shantay Bobo – 3 years

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Choice Awards Winner 2017

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Wilkinson’s Mall

by Leah Ashby

PHOTOS BY BRANDY STRAIN

Where do shoppers flock to find the most fabulous shoes in Arkansas? Wilkinson’s Mall, of course!

Wilkinson’s Mall, a mainstay in footwear in Conway, began as a wholesale shoe company in 1968. Founded by Bill and Jean Wilkinson, the thriving wholesale business became a retail store in 1987. Today, Wilkinson’s Mall is Arkansas’ largest shoe and boot store. The business thrived and ushered in a new era that not only offers a wide variety of shoes, but also clothing and accessories. Natalie Rose, one of the Wilkinson’s grandchildren, benefitted greatly from growing up in the family business.

“I have been working in our family business since I was 12 years old! I really don’t know anything different. I’m blessed to work with people I love, care about and look up to. We all understand that we are in this together and are working toward a common goal,” she said. “I was fortunate to work with my grandmother, Wilkie, for 27 years. Wilkie, my dad, and my aunt, Jenny, laid the foundation for our store to become the regional shopping destination we are today.”

After almost 50 years, Wilkinson’s Mall has maintained traditions, adopted current trends, and remains the gold standard in customer service. Wilkinson’s continues to adapt to

meet each customer’s needs with a level of customer service that is unmatched. Old school values are still very important, including complimentary gift wrap and establishing personal connections with customers. “We are very fortunate to have a strong customer base that appreciates a family-owned business, great customer service and personal relationships.

Without our customers, we would not be where we are today,” Natalie said.

Staying on-trend is also a top priority. “My favorite brands at the moment are Sorel and Dansko. These brands offer the cushioning and arch support I need. Plus, they are super cute. I can run around this store all day in these brands, and my feet never hurt!” Natalie said. “Athleisure is still really big. People are a little more casual now, so sneakers are being worn with just about anything. Block heels are on-point for dressier looks or even to pair with jeans. Ankle boots seem to be a customer favorite.”

Shantay Bobo, part of the management team at Wilkinson’s Mall, also stays on top of the latest trends to provide personal styling to anyone who walks through the door. “I love the rich colors and textures in the clothing and booties that are offered this season. From crushed velvet to soft suedes, the fall styles are simply irresistible,” she said.

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f eI NaC tC uH OrI eC E AsWt AoR rD yW I N N E R W Natalie credits much of the success of the business to the employees. With approximately 50 employees, she considers her family blessed to employ individuals with strong work ethics and positive, caring attitudes. “I think our customer service is what sets us apart from other retail businesses. Also, our management team works here every day so we can stay on top of what will keep us here another 50 years,” Natalie said.

Natalie also credits her devoted management team as integral to the success of Wilkinson’s Mall.

Sue Hunter, longtime employee and part of the management team, explains what being a part of the Wilkinson’s Mall family means to her. “I’ve worked for Wilkinson’s Mall for 23 years. Wilkinson’s is a family-owned company, and they treat me like family. Time flies when you’re having fun, and a day at work is fun for me!” she said.

Shantay Bobo echoes Sue’s sentiment.

“With over 20 years of retail experience working at various stores, I love working at Wilkinson’s because serving the customer is the most important part of my job. There is such a positive energy that radiates throughout the entire store.”

Lisa Hegeman, a long-time shopper, describes why Wilkinson’s Mall was voted the place to find the most fabulous shoes. “I’ve shopped at Wilkinson’s Mall for many years. I like shopping locally, and they are a great local shop that always has a great selection of shoes, clothing, jewelry and accessories. I especially love all the ladies that work there. They are always eager to help you and make you feel right at home.”

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WINC CHOICE AWARD WINNER

“Our employees make Julie’s who we are. They all go above and beyond what is expected, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help them.”

—Julie Bradley-Goodnight

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Choice Awards Winner 2017

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PHOTOS BY BRANDY STRAIN

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe

by Jennifer Stanley

Julie Bradley-Goodnight, owner of Julie’s Sweet Shoppe says their employees are all like family.

If it’s a homemade sweet treat and you are craving it, odds are it can be found at Julie’s.

Got a craving for a sweet treat? Need a cake for your next party or event? Look no further than local favorite, Julie’s Sweet Shoppe!

Julie’s won not one but two Best Of categories: “The sweet treats are fabulous from” and “I love to special order cakes from.” This comes as no surprise to patrons of the bakery, which opened its doors on November 11, 2013. As owner Julie Bradley-Goodnight says, “Fittingly, it was Veterans Day, and whether I had products ready or not, we were gonna open for the Veterans Day Celebration!” Julie’s offers a family owned business with a friendly atmosphere. Armed with years of recipes and baking experience, she and her staff of over 20 full and part-time employees offer ready-made items and special order creations for any event.

“Without our awesome employees, we would not be as successful. They are all like family to me, well, one of them is family,” says Julie. “I have hard working and dependable morning, afternoon, and night shift managers who all help each other, which helps me. Our

employees make Julie’s who we are. They all go above and beyond what is expected, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help them,” she adds.

“The sweet treats are fabulous from” Julie’s, and this award could not be more accurate.

Their sweet items know no bounds and include pies, fried pies, cupcakes, cookies, fudge, bread, pastries, and petit fleurs, among other goodies.

The sugar doesn’t stop there, as the bakery also offers a selection of sweets, such as 21 M&M colors, 24 jellybean flavors, lemon squares, brownies, pound cakes, and even seasonal king cakes. If it is a homemade sweet treat and you are craving it, odds are it can be found at Julie’s.

“We are always trying new items,” says Julie.

The bakery often offers new goodies based on customer request or employee suggestion.

“Right now, we are making caramel covered apples for fair time, and sugar coated pecans.

We love the fall season, where we make everything pumpkin flavored. We also continue to make Frank Brannan lemonades and limeades daily. On the first Wednesday of the month, we sell Frank Brannan chili dogs. We love WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 27

WINC CHOICE AWARD WINNER

keeping the Brannan legacy alive, and we sure miss Bobby helping us make those chili dogs and lemonades,” says Julie of their homage to a Conway culinary legacy.

“I love to special order cakes from” is also a spot-on award. Cake shapes range from round—in single or multiple layers—to sheet cakes, cupcakes, or custom designs. Available cake flavors include white, chocolate, strawberry, Italian crème, almond, lemon, red velvet, carrot, marble, cookies and cream, and banana nut. She offers almost any combination imaginable and enjoys tailoring cakes to fit the event theme.

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The shop creates custom work for birthdays, graduations, and nearly every event type.

As far as unique custom orders, one specific scenario came to mind for Julie. “We have the joy of making towering birthday cakes for Allyson, nine year-old daughter of Braedon and Rebecca Hutchison. When Allyson turned one, her dad vowed to add a layer of cake or cookie for each birthday, and he has been true to his word. This year she did have nine layers!”

Another memorable cake was a life-size deer groom’s cake. The cake was “carefully and fearfully delivered to a barn in Clarksville. It took three days of prepping before completion.

What a relief it was to get that cake on its table!”

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe is located at 201 Skyline Drive in Conway, toward Greenbrier.

In addition to its sweets and cakes, the bakery offers a breakfast menu that includes biscuits with white or chocolate gravy, pigs in a

blanket, and more. Muffins, danishes, turnovers, scones, and eclairs are also available for purchase. They also offer savory lunch items including cranberry chicken salad and ham and cheese roll-ups.

Of their Best Of category wins, Julie states, “We are very thankful for what God has blessed us with. It is humbling to know our customers care enough to take the time to vote. Thanks to all our loyal customers who faithfully vote for us!”

With their Best Of wins, Julie’s is well on its way to meeting their goal of being “the very best bakery and sweet shop in Conway and the surrounding areas.” Stop in for a meal or simply a cake pop. Either way, you will leave satisfied like so many others.

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WINC CHOICE AWARD WINNER

The store name is particularly special to me, as it is a derivative of my late father’s name.

“He was Francis Marion Hudson. He had the prettiest name … an old, masculine name.”

—Cindy Webb, Owner 30 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

Mary Goodwin, Bobbi Jo Feltmon, and Cindy Webb (seated).

Choice Awards Winner 2017

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Francis M. Fine Jewelry Francis M. Fine Jewelry has brought the feeling of a French boutique to downtown Conway.

Founded in the summer of 2017 by Donald and Cindy Webb, Francis M. specializes in high-end designer jewelry and strives to provide the best customer service around. The store is at 804 Front St., right in the heart of downtown.

“Our main goal within our store is to offer over-the-top customer service,” says Cindy. “We want to make things easy for you. We want you to be comfortable in our store and feel like you are in your second home.”

The store’s décor is modern and welcoming, with shimmering chandeliers and animal print accents, yet the classic touches that come with an older building are still apparent, especially the beautiful crown molding. The store itself was modeled after a French boutique and further inspired by Cindy’s friend Vivian Noe, who created a painting that depicts Francis M. on a lovely French street near the Eiffel Tower.

Francis M. uses individual display cases to showcase the collections offered by each designer. Francis M. carries designer jewelry lines such as Roberto Coin, Konstantino, Norman Covan, Just Jules, Heather B. Moore, Emily Amey Jewelry, and Ever&Ever Bridal. Plus, they offer vintage Chanel jewelry, estate jewelry and loose diamonds.

“We also specialize in custom design using the customers’ jewelry or diamonds to create something completely unique to them. We carry designers from literally all over the world and attend four to five jewelry shows a year,” Cindy said. “Our combined design experience plus connections within the jewelry industry allow us to offer our customers advice and have access to all types of jewelry from other designers. Our loose diamond inventory is infinite, as we can get anything you might want, usually within one day if we don’t already have it in stock.”

Francis M. also offers consignment sales if customers have jewelry they no longer need, and the store offers trade-ups on all diamond stud earrings and diamond rings. Jewelry repair is also covered at Francis M., and that includes everything, from changing a watch battery to repairing jewelry that has had a ‘bad day’,” Cindy said.

Jewelry at Francis M. is available in all price ranges, which was done purposely to help all customers be able to find something they could afford that day. In addition to jewelry, Francis M. has Luxe candles and sachets, and a baby section that has adorable rattles and jewelry.

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WINC CHOICE AWARD WINNER A trip around the store shows a variety of types of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and charms. Cindy loves Heather B. Moore charm necklaces, as they give someone an affordable piece of jewelry that can be added onto and further personalized over the years. She is also smitten with the Just Jules line of refurbished and re-created vintage jewelry. Roberto Coin does all of his jewelry line in 18 karat gold, and prices range from $400 to $14,000. A Greek touch is added in the boutique with Konstantino, the most popular and recognized line in the store. This line features sterling silver and 18 karat gold jewelry, ranging in price from $90 to a couple of thousand dollars.

“We have everything you can imagine in every style you can imagine. We have this variety so we can be ready for everyone’s

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needs,” says Cindy. She added that Francis M. is the only store in the state that carries three or four of the jewelry lines. Trunk shows for a few of the lines are coming soon, including Just Jules in December, a Vintage Chanel and Ropes of Pearls show in November, and Konstantino next spring. In the meantime, everyone is invited to join the Francis M. team on Saturdays for coffee and brunch and just “hang out and visit.” They also have a birthday club that is very popular, because every year on your birthday you can receive 20 percent off “your coveted piece of jewelry plus get an exclusive gift from us. We believe your birthday is your special day and should always be celebrated in style.”

The experience of the Francis M. team is impeccable. Cindy, who is one of Arkansas’ few certified working gemologists, has been

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WINC CHOICE AWARD WINNER

in the business for 25 years. She has expert knowledge of gemstones, watches, and how to do appraisals. Her team also includes Mary Goodwin, who has been working with Cindy for two years, and Bobbi Jo Feltmon. Cindy’s husband, Donald, has a full-time job but helps as he can and as he is needed.

The store name is particularly special to Cindy, as it is a derivative of her late father’s name. “He was Francis Marion Hudson. He had the prettiest name … an old, masculine

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name. I think he would have loved this whole thing. And I like that it’s a family name with a little edge by using the ‘M’ and a period.”

Cindy said she is privileged to have loyal customers who have followed her from her previous work in Little Rock and Conway.

“We’re building relationships that last a lifetime. I get up early every day and come down here early because I’m excited. I love doing this. I just want my customers to have a good time and be happy.”

Trunk shows for a few of the lines are coming soon, but in the meantime, everyone is invited to join the Francis M. team on Saturdays for coffee and brunch and just “hang out and visit.”

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food

Sweet

Treats for Fall

38 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

HALLOWEEN TREATS

Photos by Brandy Strain

Forget the spooks, Halloween is all about the sweet treats. You’ll be able to pick your poison from this selection of recipes for Apple Cider Ice Cream, Creepy Cookie Pizza, and cute little Haunted Haystacks.

All the flavors of fall and Halloween are rolled into this scoop of amazing Apple Cider Ice Cream. Add hot cinnamon apples and a creamy caramel and you’ll have a dessert made in heaven. This recipe is perfect for a small get-together, or freeze a couple of batches and serve it up at the next Halloween carnival.

Kids and adults, young and old, will enjoy a slice of Creepy Cookie Pizza.

What’s not to love about a giant cookie filled with chocolate candy?

Create the creepy spider web icing with powdered sugar and cream or milk. And to make it really scary, decorate the top of the cookie with a plastic spider.

Who remembers their mom making haystack candy? They are often made with broken, small pretzel sticks, but most commonly made with chow mein noodles. These adorable Haunted Haystacks are adorned with candy eyes, peeping from beneath the hay!

Dress your Halloween table with decorative ghosts and goblins, or keep it fresh with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Inexpensive decorations look just as festive, constructed from orange and black paper. For a really spooky effect, place a few pieces of dry ice in a bowl of water. This will make a big impact as the kids come by or your guests arrive, creating a smoky fog in and around the Halloween treats on your table.

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food

Creepy Cookie Pizza

Ingredients 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup orange and black, (or brown) M & M candies 2/3 cup powdered sugar 2 ½ tablespoons cream or milk Toy spider (optional)

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Preparation Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or pizza pan with parchment paper.

In medium mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars by hand or with an electric mixer. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until well blended.

Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.

Fold in M & M’s.

Spread mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool.

In small mixing bowl stir together powdered sugar and cream or milk until well blended. Place mixture into a zip-top bag. Seal and cut off 1/8-inch from one bottom corner of the bag. Pipe the icing in a spiral pattern onto the cooled cookie. Drag a toothpick from the center of the cookie to the outer edge in 8 different places, a few inches apart, to create the spider web. Add plastic spider until time to cut. Cut into 8 pizza slices and serve.

Haunted Haystacks Ingredients 11 ounces butterscotch chips 8 ounces chow mein noodles 36 candy eyeballs

Preparation In a medium, microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt butterscotch chips for 30 seconds then stir. Microwave again for 30 additional seconds. Stir until smooth. Up to 10 seconds longer in the microwave may be necessary.

Add noodles to melted chips and fold to incorporate and coat each noodle.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto wax paper and immediately affix 2 eyeball candies to each stack.

Makes 18.

HALLOWEEN TREATS

APPLE CIDER ICE CREAM with CINNAMON APPLES & CARAMEL SAUCE Apple Cider Ice Cream

Preparation In medium bowl, whisk together cream, cider, sugar until sugar is dissolved. Whisk in vanilla, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg.

Pour into countertop chilled freezer container. Insert paddle, cover with lid and start the machine. Freeze for 20 to 25 minutes for soft-serve.

Transfer to airtight container and place in refrigerator freezer for 2 hours to achieve a firmer consistency, which is recommended when adding hot cinnamon apples and warm caramel sauce. Makes 6 servings.

Cinnamon Apples

Preparation Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, sugars, cinnamon. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring often. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and the apples reach your desired texture (I like them a little bit crisp).

Caramel Sauce

Preparation In a small saucepan, cook sugars and butter over medium-high heat until sugars dissolve and mixture starts to bubble.

Remove from heat and add cream, stirring until blended. Return to heat and continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring continually.

Remove from heat; sauce will thicken a little as it cools. Serve warm over individual servings of cinnamon apples. Makes 6-8 servings. (This sauce is good on vanilla ice cream, as well.)

Ingredients 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup apple cider 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Ingredients 2 large apples, peeled and cut into small wedges 1 tablespoon butter 1 ½ tablespoons sugar 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Ingredients ¼ cup butter ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup brown sugar ½ cup heavy cream Pinch of salt

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food

Savory Pumpkin dishes Here we are, ready for another fall full of pumpkin delight. Pumpkin treats as big as the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin, or the harvest moon. We’d be hard pressed to imagine fall without pumpkin.

Everyone knows, in the fall, pumpkin flavored “anything” is all that and a bag of chips. And it really can be your go-to chip! Much like the popular root vegetable chips, such as sweet potato, red and golden beets, or even apple chips, pumpkin can be peeled, sliced thinly with a mandoline, brushed with olive and basically dehydrated in the oven. A sprinkling of sea salt, rosemary, and sage will take this cool new chip over the top! Dip it in your favorite creamy sour cream-based dip. These chips are loaded with flavor so they taste great on their own. Let’s make this the “new” pumpkin item of the year!

Another savory pumpkin sensation is a cast iron skillet of pumpkin cornbread cooling on the kitchen counter. While this version of cornbread doesn’t possess a distinctive pumpkin flavor, the addition of pureed pumpkin adds moisture and packs in extra nutrients. Starting the cornbread on the stovetop in the cast iron skillet ensures the crispy edges but leaves the inside pillow-y soft. It pairs well with soups, chilis and stews just in time for those cool fall evenings. Or cook up a big pot of beans and serve with a wedge of pumpkin cornbread topped with butter.

Pasta and pumpkin are a match made in heaven. Pumpkin puree, toasted and seasoned similarly to mole, lends itself to the creamiest of sauces in this recipe. Add a sprinkle of toasted pumpkins seeds for a little crunch. The pumpkin mixture in this recipe can also be used as a filling for homemade ravioli. To complete the ravioli, top with a quick brown butter-sage sauce.

Pumpkin puree is simple to make fresh for your favorite fall treats, and can be easily frozen for later use. Blend up a batch using the following method. Canned pumpkin works well, too, but be sure it is pure pumpkin “puree” and not canned pumpkin pie filling.

42 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

Pumpkin Puree

Choose a small pie pumpkin. Clean outside with damp paper towel. Cut pumpkin in half from end to end with sharp knife. Remove seeds, membranes and strings. Brush interior of pumpkin halves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 45 minutes in a preheated 350° oven.

Allow to cool, then scoop out the flesh and transfer to a blender. Outer skin will be soft and separate easily from the flesh; discard outer skin. Puree in blender on low speed for 1 minute, or until smooth.

Note: Pumpkin puree can be used to make these cornbread and pasta recipes, and for your favorite sweet treats such as pumpkin candy, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin milk shakes.

Tip: Extra puree can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze it for in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

This method can be used to prepare larger pumpkins, as well. Don’t forget to wash and dry the seeds to make pumpkin seed snacks!

Toast in the oven and sprinkle with salt or other savory seasonings while they are still hot.

It’s not all about the pumpkin lattes, pumpkin ice cream, or pumpkin fudge. The pumpkin trends are fun, but it’s time for new ones. Move over, sweet pumpkin treats, make way for the new kids in town!

PUMPKIN CHIPS

1 small pie pumpkin 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped 10 sage leaves, stacked and finely chopped Sea salt, such as Maldon’s

Preheat oven to 325°. Line 4 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove peel, stem, and seeds from pumpkin, scraping inside clean. Cutting pumpkin in half will make this easier. Cut halves into quarters. Carefully slice each quarter into very thin slices with a mandoline slicer, minding your fingertips (use mandoline safety guard if yours came with one).

Brush prepared baking sheets with half of the oil. Place sliced pumpkin onto prepared baking sheets. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and spread with fingertips to coat top sides of each slice.

Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Rotate baking sheets. Continue baking for 7 minutes.

Flip each slice over and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Paper thin slices will be ready, but if some of the slices are thicker they may require a few more minutes in the oven.

While pumpkin chips are baking, use a mortar and pestle to blend the rosemary, sage, salt. The back of a spoon on the cutting board will also work in place of a mortar and pestle.

Sprinkle chips with salt mixture immediately upon removing from oven. Let cool 15 minutes.

SAVORY PUMPKIN

PUMPKIN CORNBREAD Ingredients 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup olive oil 2 large eggs 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon butter

Preparation In large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt. Whisk milk, oil, eggs into dry ingredients. Whisk in pumpkin puree until well combined.

Preheat oven to 400°. Heat butter in cast iron skillet over medium heat. Pour batter into skillet. Cook on stovetop for 1 minute.

Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve hot with additional butter. Serves 8

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food

SAVORY PUMPKIN

CREAMY PUMPKIN PASTA Ingredients 12 ounces dry pasta, such as shells 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 cloves garlic, peeled, and smashed 2 shallots, peeled, and finely diced 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg 1 cup pumpkin puree 2 cups reserved pasta water or broth 4 ounces mascarpone cheese 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds Grated parmesan cheese to serve

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Preparation Prepare pasta per package instructions, timing it with the completion of the sauce.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. SautĂŠ the garlic and shallots for 5 minutes, stirring often, until tender. Add the oregano, salt, pepper flakes, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds, slightly toasting the spices. Push to the side and add remaining oil. Add pumpkin puree, stirring to mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the pumpkin mixture toast in the skillet for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. It will thicken slightly.

Add the pasta water or broth to the thickened mixture and stir to combine; cook for 5 minutes longer, stirring often.

Add mascarpone cheese and butter to the sauce, stirring until cheese is melted.

Serve sauce over prepared pasta and top with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

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health

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Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Brain Structure and Function

By Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D.

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

46 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

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.”

health

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Do You Know Your Pharmacist?

You probably don’t know it, but every October is American Pharmacists Month. Now, I’m not much of a “toot your own horn” type of guy, and I know I’m more than just a little prejudiced about this, but your pharmacist is a very important member of your health care team. Using just one pharmacy and getting to know the pharmacists on a first-name basis can actually benefit your health. If all of your prescriptions are filled at one pharmacy, the pharmacists who work there will become familiar with you and your medical history.

Why is that so important? Think about it for a minute – your pharmacist is the only member of the health care team who sees every prescription you take, whether it is written by your family physician or by any number of specialists. How many different doctors do you see? I’d just bet it’s more than one or two, and it is nearly impossible for all of your doctors to have an accurate medication list for every patient.

Just like your family physician is the gatekeeper for all of your medical problems and determines which is the best course of treatment for you, your pharmacist is the gatekeeper for all of your medicines. He or she – many times without you ever knowing it – carefully scans your complete medication profile before filling any new prescription for you. You’d be amazed at how many potential issues we catch on a daily basis, and how many of those issues we fix for our patients by interacting with the doctor before processing the prescription. Several times a week we get calls

from different physicians asking us to fax them over an accurate medication list for a patient.

This same principle applies to non-prescription medicines as well. Over-the-counter products – OTCs – are serious medicines.

Many of the OTC medicines that you can buy today were once available only by prescription.

Now that you can “self-medicate” with these medications, it is extremely important to read the contents and instructions carefully to avoid potential issues. Let’s briefly talk about a few of those issues that can occur when people use OTC medications.

Drug interactions, which are unwanted, unexpected, or undesirable results, may occur when taking an over-the-counter product along with other medicines, certain foods, or if the patient has certain health conditions.

There are many instances where a particular drug interacts or interferes with another drug, changing the way one or both of them act in the body. For example, certain antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, etc.) can prevent absorption of some antibiotics, blood thinners, and some heart medications, making them less effective. The same principle applies to certain foods. For example, eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin, simvastatin, or verapamil can increase the blood levels of these drugs, potentially leading to serious side effects. The opposite occurs when taking losartan with grapefruit products – blood levels are actually decreased, making it less effective. Examples of drughealth condition interactions are taking certain

decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have liver disease, or too much ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) if you have kidney disease.

Cough and cold season is just around the corner and millions of Americans will be heading to the nearest pharmacy, grocery store, or convenience store in search of relief.

There are dozens of products to choose from, so before you self-medicate do yourself a favor and ask your pharmacist these questions: What over-the-counter medicine should I take or do I need to see my doctor? How much should I take at a time? How often should I take it, and for how long? Are there any other medicines, vitamins, foods, or activities I should avoid while taking it? Does it interact with any of my regular medicines? Are there any side effects I should know about?

By the way, credit goes to the American Pharmacists Association for a large portion of the content for this article. They coined the expression “Know your pharmacist, know your medicine” a few years back. If you don’t know your pharmacist, you should get to know ours.

Blake Johnson, Bailey Hayes, or I would love to be your medication expert.

David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been taking care of people in the Conway and surrounding areas for more than 43 years. He loves spending time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

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48 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

art scene

ARTS CALENDAR

Seventh Annual Songwriting Showcase

If you like music of any kind, you won’t want to miss the seventh annual Alchemy Songwriting Showcase coming to Conway on Saturday, October 14th. The event will feature the top ten finalists from the 2017 Alchemy Songwriting Competition, designed to give aspiring songwriters the chance to have their work heard by industry professionals.

The top ten songs were chosen by a panel of guest judges made up of platinum recording artist and songwriter Kris Allen, Grammy nominated producer Jonathan Smith, and chart-topping songwriter Adam Hambrick. Allen, Smith, and Hambrick will be at the showcase and will share feedback with the audience after each songwriter performs.

Tyler Sellers, Youth Division winner for both 2015 and 2016, looks back to his participation with the Alchemy Showcase as a time when his songwriting truly grew. “The judges’ feedback and the other finalists were always so encouraging.”

Sellers, now sixteen years old, has since signed with FRETMONKEY RECORDS, and starting homeschooling so he can fly between Conway

and Los Angeles to work with producers such as Smooth Blaq.

Each year the showcase features artists from a variety of genres, and while Arkansas musicians are always well represented, previous finalists have come from as far as Canada, Malta, and Mexico to take part.

“Over the past six years this competition has been something the community looks forward to.

Hearing talented songwriters from all over the world right here in our backyard is an amazing opportunity,” event co-chair Jennifer Mouser said.

The showcase will be held at the Brick Room in downtown Conway at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for general admission ticket holders; a limited number of VIP tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. All VIP ticket holders will enjoy an early entrance reception with the guest judges, reserved table seating, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Starting at 6:00 food truck fare will be available outside the venue.

For info about the 2017 finalists or to purchase tickets, go to www.alchemycompetition.org.

The event is hosted by Blackbird Academy of Arts, along with presenting sponsor Crain Automotive Team. Additional support is provided by FRETMONKEY RECORDS. All proceeds will go directly to support Blackbird’s non-profit arts programs.

ArtsFest 2017 - Historic Downtown Signs - 3ftx5ft.pdf

ARTS CALENDAR: October 2017 Events

OCTOBER 19: Open Mic Night @ Faulkner County Library; 7:00 p.m. Nancy@fcl.org (G)

OCTOBER 4-5: An Evening of Opera Scenes presented by the UCA Opera Theatre @ Recital Hall in UCA’s Snow Fine Arts Center; 7:30 p.m. roberth@uca.edu (PG)

OCTOBER 20-22: Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Tale presented by Red Curtain Theatre @ Hendrix’s Staples Auditorium; Oct 20-21 @ 7:00 p.m.; Oct 22 @2:00 p.m. www.redcurtaintheatre.com (G)

OCTOBER 5: Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre Season Reveal Party @ the UCA’s President’s Home; 6-9 p.m. www.arkshakes.com OCTOBER 5: Anthropologist and Immigration Expert Jason De León @ Hendrix Mills B; 7:00 p.m. (A) OCTOBER 6: Pizza and Painting @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 6-8 p.m. www.blackbirdacademy.org (Ages5+) OCTOBER 7: ArtsFest @ Downtown Simon Park; 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. www.artsinconway.org (G) OCTOBER 7: Author Fair @ Faulkner County Library; 1-4 p.m. Nancy@fcl.org (PG13) OCTOBER 8: Daniel Boling in Concert @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m.

Nancy@fcl.org (G)

OCTOBER 20-11, 26-29: Electra by Sophocles @ The Lantern Theatre; www.thelanterntheatre.com (A) OCTOBER 27-29: Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Tale presented by Red Curtain Theatre @ The Lawn at Hendrix (by ZAZA); Oct 27-28 @ 7:00 p.m.; Oct 29 @2:00 p.m. www.redcurtaintheatre.com (G) RATING KEY G – Suitable for all ages PG – Suggested for ages 7+ PG13 – Suggested for ages 13+ A – Suggested for Adults 18+

7/25/17

10:19 AM

Conway ArtsFest

OCTOBER 14: The Alchemy Songwriting Showcase @ The Brick Room; 7:30 p.m. www.alchemycompetition.org (PG13)

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

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artsinconway.org

CAFTA

Conway Alliance for the Arts

Jennie Strange is the founder and Executive Director of Blackbird Academy of Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality performing and visual arts education. She lives in Conway with her husband, Statler, and a random assortment of dogs, goats, and chickens. To submit your Arts Calendar events, email Jennie@blackbirdacademy.org WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 49

news & events

Dazzle DazeSM What you need to know The 16th annual Dazzle Daze , one of the largest holiday shopping events in Arkansas, will be held Nov. 16-18 at the Conway Expo Center this year.

SM

Dazzle Daze will include a raffle for a new Ford Mustang convertible, Girls’ Nite Out early bird shopping, a Teddy Bear Clinic, reindeer games, appearances and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, and shopping with more than 80 vendors from throughout the country.

“We are excited that the kitchen area of the Expo Center will be open this year, which will expand our food options,” said Dazzle Daze Co-chair Pam Sims.

Tickets for the raffle, Girls’ Nite Out, and general admission will go on sale soon.

HOURS: Girls Nite Out: 6-9 pm, Thursday, Nov. 16) Teddy Bear Clinic:

Friday, Nov. 17, 10 am-noon, 3-7 pm; Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 am-noon

General Shopping:

Friday, Nov. 17, 10 am-9 pm; Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 am-4 pm Raffle Drawing: Saturday, Nov. 18, 3:45 pm Visit www.dazzledaze.com for more information as it becomes available.

50 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

IN THE NEWS

Salem Place Nursing & Rehabilitation Wins Arkansas Governor’s Quality Challenge Award Salem Place Nursing & Rehabilitation recently won the Arkansas Governor’s Quality Challenge Award.

Twenty-eight organizations from throughout the state were presented Tuesday evening, September 12th at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Little Rock.

The goal of the Governor’s Quality Award Program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement, which leads to performance excellence, and to provide significant recognition to those organizations. Created as a not-for-profit organization, the program is dedicated to assist in building a strong infrastructure for Arkansas businesses. That dedication is reflected in the program’s vision to be a catalyst for excellence in organizational performance. The Governor’s Quality Award program partners with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 51

beauty

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Salon Blowout

by Lauren Cook

With blowouts on the rise in popularity, sometimes people are getting a regular blowout and a keratin treatment or Brazilian Blowout® mixed up. A regular blowout uses product to keep your hairstyle smooth and oil free until you shampoo your hair.

A keratin treatment with a blowout offers results that last long after you’ve shampooed, about 4-6 weeks.

A keratin treatment is hair therapy that is an in-salon service that infuses natural keratin deep into hair’s cuticle.

This revolutionary therapy reduces frizz and curl and instantly adds amazing shine, silkiness and condition to the hair. The results are astounding. Clients rave that “this is a life-changing experience.” Hair is more manageable, smoother and easier to style than ever before. It is perfect on all types of hair – including color treated and chemically processed hair! Damaged and over-processed hair can be dramatically improved with one treatment, and completely healed after 3-4. You get a scalp massage while your hair is shampooed and prepped for the treatment, and then you get your hair blown out smooth after the treatment is applied.

A keratin treatment is not a service that can only be used once in a while; you can actually get one as often as you want, though this could get expensive. Local salons charge on average between $80-$130 per treatment. The price can fluctuate depending on how long and thick the hair is, and also depending on the brand of product the stylist chooses to use. The Beauty Bar exclusively uses Keratin Complex, where some of the stylists have certification to perform the treatment.

This type of treatment now gives the luxury of shiny, silky, healthy hair to clients everywhere. You’ve read about this amazing innovation in fashion and beauty magazines and online.

Now, isn’t it time you experience the results for yourself?

52 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

MEET THE WINC TEAM Job Title:

Advertising Sales Consultant Log Cabin Democrat

LEIGH ANNE GRAY

How long have you been at the Log Cabin Democrat?

I’ve been with the Log Cabin for a little over 7 years.

Description of your job title at the Log Cabin Democrat?

I am an advertising sales consultant, therefore, I am responsible for helping advertisers, whether a private individual or a business, find advertising solutions for their specific needs.

What do you attribute your success to?

First and foremost, I attribute any success I’ve achieved to God and God alone. I’ve also been blessed with amazing parents who sacrificed everything to give my brothers and me a good life. Their work ethic has inspired and challenged me to set and go after my own goals with great determination.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

In recent years, I found a particular niche with the local real estate market; interacting with agents and helping market their properties is the thing I enjoy most about my job.

Is there something in your job history of which you are particularly proud?

In 2013, I was named to the Morris Publishing Group President’s Club. The award recognizes the best and brightest sales executives throughout the company and I was honored to be a recipient of this award.

What do enjoy in your spare time?

Spare time…what’s that? In addition to my full-time job, I’m also a full-time student. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership and Ministry from Central Baptist College. While I look forward graduation in just a few short months, I’m also busy applying to graduate schools. I have a huge heart for helping brokenhearted people and my plan, Lord willing, is to pursue a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Ideally, I’d love to find a way to blend ministry and counseling together, whether in a church, non-profit or private practice setting. I currently facilitate the GriefShare program at my church, and over the years, I’ve watched my love for helping others blossom into a full-blown passion. My son, Matthew, also plays football for Conway Junior High, so our Thursdays are busy cheering for him!

Describe your family:

I met and married the love of my life, Tim Gray, last year. We’re closing in on our one-year anniversary next month. Between the two of us, we have four children.

“My parents’ work ethic has inspired and challenged me to set and go after my own goals with great determination.”

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book review

THE WATER IS WIDE The book jacket says it all.

They didn’t know what an ocean was, didn’t know one continent, didn’t know a planet, didn’t know the Earth is a planet, didn’t know the Sun is a star. One kid thought the world was flat.

All these things tended to make me believe I not only had a difficult task here, but an impossible task.

Authored by Pat Conroy Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe

54 WOMEN’S INC. / OCTOBER 2017

It seems as if they might be from outer space, but in reality, they were poor African-American kids living on a forgotten island off the east coast near South Carolina and Georgia in the 1970s. As a rebellious teen, living in the South where segregation was as American as apple pie, Pat Conroy was on a selfish quest. He would offer penance as a gentlemanly white man striving to help poor black kids.

SUSAN O’KEEFE

In a shroud of arrogance, Conroy possessed enough smarts in his twenty-two year old bones that he would change the world as a high school teacher. As a recent graduate of The Citadel, Conroy spent two years in an integrated school, which fueled his egotistical spirit, and eventually propelled him to accept a unique position as the sole white teacher on the nearby Yamacraw Island.

With no bridge to the mainland, Yamacraw is cloaked in a bit of hallowed mystery. Before the Civil War, the British governed the island as slaves tilled the land. After the war, freed slaves, known as Gullah people, returned to the island, and began to buy land for the first time. Farming the fertile land eventually led to hefty profits in the oyster-rich waters.

With a population of 2,000, it was a prosperous time on Yamacraw, a picture perfect place to raise a family. But then the factories sent their waste downstream. The oysters died. The economies died. And the island people nearly died. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Pat Conroy initially voyaged to the island, there was barely a population of 60 people.

Armed with an unconventional method of teaching, Conroy charged head first into his new assignment. Tattered and torn textbooks were useless as his dozen-plus students couldn’t read anyway. Attempting to shake them from their secluded world of island life, Conroy engaged in stories.

He told stories about a boat called The Mayflower. He talked about Pilgrims and progress. There were wars and bloodshed. The kids related to poverty, punishments and loss of power. The only other teacher in the school used beatings as her sole way of getting the kids to behave.

From the Continental Congress to the space race, Conroy (affectionately or otherwise called Conrack by the students) painstakingly endeavored to bring his students up to speed on the history of not only America, but the world. He was met with equal parts frustration, resistance, and jubilation.

Readers are captured by Conroy’s believable, yet alarmingly unsettling prose. The southern dialect is superb; the slang convincing, and the racial slurs sickening. There is redemption as Conroy’s character evolves from a racist to a

man housing kids who just need a home, no matter the color of their skin.

A field trip worthy of educational merits is just one of Conroy’s seemingly do-good schemes. There are no bake sale fundraisers and few parents to sign permission slips. It’s just Conroy, his wife, and a few unorthodox buddies bound to give the island kids a chance to see life beyond the island.

When Conroy is bombarded with obstacles and hurdles from the holier-than-thou servants of the Board of Education, he delivers a Shakespearean soliloquy. There were facts and figures. Most of the numbers showed a shortage for the island kids; a shortage of resources, a shortage of readers, a shortage of a chance to chase the American dream. Did Conroy fail, or did the system fail?

Dozens of situations in this book prompted questions from our club. What lasting

impression did Conroy, this lone ranger of an educator, make in the lives of the Gullah children? And if he had played by the rules of social agencies and educational policies, would he have been allowed to stay with his students?

Digging deep into history and even deeper into the shortcomings of American education, The Water is Wide deserves a place on high school and/or college reading lists. Consider the past. Consider the future. But, as Conroy did, be careful not to neglect the present.

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

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real estate

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House Releases Flood Insurance Bill As we all watch the devastation in Texas and Florida last month from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, it brings up the question “should you have flood insurance”?

Flood Insurance is a topic you should have with your insurance agent however there are some potential new changes being discussed.

On May 25, 2017, the House Financial Services Committee released portions of draft legislation to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The program is up for reauthorization on September 30, 2017.

The committee has released six sections spanning 161 pages, addressing NFIP affordability, flood mapping, mitigation incentives, taxpayer protections, claims process, and private flood insurance. Here are some excerpts from the proposed Flood Insurance Bill. Many of these proposals could reduce the cost of flood insurance in our area while providing additional protection.

Limit Annual Premium Increases

Decrease from 18 to 15 percent the cap on annual rate increases; limit the chargeable risk premium of any single family residential property to $10,000 per year, adjusted for inflation every five years; and increase the minimum average chargeable risk premium, within a single risk classification, from 5 percent to 8 percent.

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Flood Insurance Affordability Program

Authorize states to voluntarily create a state flood insurance affordability program that identify and validate eligible owner-occupants of single family 1-4 unit residences who are unable to pay their chargeable risk premium due to family income. Eligibility, validated using existing Federal income eligibility programs as a guideline, is limited to policyholders with incomes below the threshold of the greater of 150 percent of the state poverty level or 60 percent of the state area median income.

Opt-Out of Mandatory Coverage Requirement for Commercial Properties

Eliminate the NFIP’s mandatory purchase requirement for all commercial properties, while preserving the eligibility of commercial properties voluntarily to purchase NFIP coverage if they so choose.

Use of Replacement Cost in Determining Premium Rates

Require the FEMA Administrator to incorporate up-to-date replacement cost, by structure, when calculating annual chargeable premium rates, as opposed to the current practice that relied upon a national average, with a phase-in of geographic areas over a 1-3 year period.

Consideration of Coastal and Inland Locations in Premium Rates

Require the FEMA Administrator, when calculating annual chargeable premium rates, to consider the differences in properties located in local coastal and inland areas.

Establish Private Market for Flood Insurance

Define acceptable private flood insurance as a policy providing flood insurance coverage that is issued by an insurance company that is licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the state or jurisdiction in which the insured property is located, or an insurance company that is eligible as a non-admitted insurer to provide insurance in the state or jurisdiction where the property to be insured is located

Allow for the Acceptance of Community Flood Maps

Require the FEMA Administrator and the Technical Mapping Advisory Council to develop minimum standards for flood maps developed by communities for those areas, subject to certification and approval by FEMA. Data Source: The National Association of REALTORS®. The Tobey Team at Crye-Leike Realtors Conway is one of Faulkner County’s leading, knowledgeable and top producers.

We are full time agents with the knowledge, dedication, customer focus, and commitment to all aspects of your Real Estate needs.

pets

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Signs your pet should see a vet

Pets are valued members of the family, and pet owners work hard to provide safe, secure and healthy living situations for their companion animals. A good diet and regular exercise are essential to pet health, and pets also benefit from a strong relationship with their veterinarian.

Routine vet visits are necessary to maintain pet health, but at times pet owners may have to call the vet when something is awry. Animals are very good at hiding symptoms that may indicate they are not feeling well. Pet owners must learn to recognize certain subtleties that may indicate a dog or cat needs to visit the vet.

Here are some symptoms that may indicate it’s time to schedule a vet visit.

Restlessness: Animals that are jumpy or can’t seem to get comfortable may be experiencing pain or anxiety. If your typically docile

kitty is now pacing the floors instead of relaxing, it may mean something is bothering her.

Physical appearance: Changes in posture or other physical changes may indicate something is wrong with your pet. Does he seem to be moving slower than usual or look pale?

Is the pet avoiding eye contact? Gauntness or excessive weight gain may be linked to certain conditions as well.

More or less vocal: Some dogs and cats are the strong, silent types, while others like to vocalize. If you notice changes in your pet’s vocalization, he or she may not be feeling well and trying to tell you.

Cold symptoms: Dogs and cats can suffer the common cold just like humans, but the viruses are different. Symptoms are quite

similar to what people experience, including runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. If symptoms last more than a week, book an appointment with the vet.

Dietary changes: Many pet owners learn something is amiss when their pets exhibit changes in their eating habits. Food may suddenly sit uneaten in bowls. Dogs or cats may begin to drink a lot of water or leave the bowl untouched. If these changes persist, contact your vet.

Digestive issues: Digestive issues also may indicate a problem. Be aware if pets are not eliminating as they normally do. Cats may not be using the litter box, or dogs may be unable to hold their bladder or bowel until they are outdoors. Frequent accidents or bouts of vomiting may not be indicative of a behavior problem, but rather a symptom of an illness.

Fatigue: Dogs and cats certainly do their share of napping during the day and night. But excessive napping may be a sign of something bigger. Illnesses can cause fatigue in animals, and sleeping may be their way to banish pain.

While symptoms such as bleeding, limping or rising temperatures are clear indicators that things are awry, many pets only show subtle symptoms when they begin to feel sick. Pet owners should keep an eye out for such issues to ensure their pet is not suffering in silence.

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spiritual

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ANDREA LENNON

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

An Awesome Creator

By Andrea Lennon As you read Psalm 46:10, I want you to do something different. I want to ask you to be still.

That’s right. No movement, just stillness before the Lord. Take a few minutes and allow your mind to clear away all the distractions of this world. Then think about this. You have a relationship with the Creator of the universe. I don’t know about you, but for me, this truth never gets old! He sees you. He knows you. He loves you.

As you enjoy a moment of stillness before the Lord, focus on one important theological truth.

God is our awesome Creator. He has always been in control, even before time began. Nothing takes the Creator by surprise. Nothing is beyond the Creator’s ability to control.

We are the creation. God made us. He formed and fashioned us. Nothing about our lives is a surprise or an accident. The Creator we serve knows everything about us. He knows everything that has happened to us. No thought can come into our minds and no words can come out of our mouths without Him knowing it. Psalm 139:4 beautifully states this truth: “Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord.”

God is our awesome Creator. Each day we need to take time and meditate on this truth. As we consider it, we recognize the fact that God is God and we are not. Accepting this truth places us in the position to be less worried about the things taking place during our day. As a result, a

new discipline will develop in our daily walk with God. We will recognize that God is in control of every aspect of our life. There is nothing that we face when we wake up in the morning that God cannot handle. There is no worry too big that He cannot bear. When we go to sleep at night, we can rest easy, knowing that He has us in the palm of His hands.

No matter how out of control your life may feel, God is on His throne. I love the fact that Scripture tells us that God will be exalted in the earth. Sometimes life is hard and we can wonder where God is at and if He knows what is going on in our world. Right now, you can take a depth breath and know that He sees everything. He sees the hurt and the confusion. He sees the injustices and the pain. He sees it all! In light of this truth, I want to invite you to rest in Him today. Trust Him to know what is best for you in the middle of your challenging situations. He loves you and He has a plan for you life! Ask Him to show you the next step to take. Then take it. Sometimes small steps turn out to be big steps, especially when they are directed by an awesome Creator.

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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imatter

Abigail Allen: Focused on Trauma Care

By Cindy Beckman

Abigail Allen

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It only takes a few moments with Abigail Allen, 17, to know she has a single focus—preparing herself to help patients in emergency situations. She wants to become a trauma physician, and she is well on her way.

This Conway High senior has taken almost every medical class that is offered at the Conway Career Center: Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Medical Procedures, Pathology, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), First Responder and EMT training.

This past year, she and her classmate, Caroline Jones, came in first place in the state in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) competition at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) in Hot Springs. They went on to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida where they placed 9th in the nation.

The competition included 50 questions that tested their knowledge, a skills challenge that tested their ability to triage an emergency

ABIGAIL ALLEN

situation, and a disaster simulation. The two learned these basic life support skills in their First Responder class taught by Shannon Busby. They were assisted in preparing for the competition by Eric Duvall of the Faulkner County Office of Emergency Management CERT team, and spent many hours training with him after school.

This year, the two plan to compete in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) competition at the state HOSA conference, and hope to go to the HOSA International in Dallas.

They started studying and preparing during the summer. The EMT competition will also have 50 questions on knowledge, but will test their skills in more advanced CPR and professional standards for emergency care.

Abigail plans to take the on-line test for EMT certification after she completes her EMT course this fall. She also plans to take the CNA certification test in the spring.

Although she took the CNA course as a junior, the state waives the test fee if you are working as a CNA. Unfortunately, Abigail cannot work in a health-care facility until she turns 18 so she will have to wait.

In addition to acquiring the medical knowledge and skills she will need, Abigail has also been honing her leadership skills. She

was part of the 30-member inaugural class of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy last year and will be helping lead the next class this year.

The group is involved in various projects and services. Last year’s project raised money for scholarships to Compass Academy.

Abigail will also be developing leadership skills through a Service Learning class and through her involvement in Caring Cats.

Last year she ran for a state HOSA office and plans to run for chapter president this year. She is also in Key Club at CHS. After graduation, Abigail plans to attend UACCM before completing her bachelor’s degree in biology at UCA. She then would like to go to medical school at either UAMS or Oklahoma State University.

This past year, Abigail and her classmate, Caroline Jones, came in first place in the state in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) competition at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) in Hot Springs. They went on to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida where they placed 9th in the nation.

GENERATION

imatter

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

Conway High School senior, Abigail Allen, has a laser focus on her career goal: to become a trauma physician.

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