ICON CONWAY CITY MAGAZINE

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BEST TECH GIFTS! ‘I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU’ AND MORE IN COLE PORTER REVUE

ARTSEVENTSTASTE d e c e m b e r / 2 0 1 1

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BEST TECH GIFTS!

ON THE COVER Santa Claus is almost here.

Find him now at conwaysanta.com.

Brandy Strain photo.

‘I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU’ AND MORE IN COLE PORTER REVIEW

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Conway happenings: iCon has you covered with our events calendar. Check out photos from past area events. PAGES 4-9.

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NDABOUT TOP 10: CHRISTMAS ALBUMS FOR 2011

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MUSIC: GUITARIST LUKE WILLIAMS

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ON STAGE: WHO’S PLAYING WHERE

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ROAST & TOAST: STEVE STRANGE SR.

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FLAVOR: BUFFALO WILD WINGS

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TASTE: SAIGON CUISINE

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ART: ‘HOT ‘N’ COLE’

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DOWNTOWN: DECEMBER EVENTS

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SPORTS: CBC’S TONY PRICE

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GIVING: FILL THE BOOT

roundabout. life art food conway

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DECEMBER 2011 / VOL. I, ISSUE 10

icontechgifts

24-30 The best tech gifts for the holiday season

STAFF CREATIVE DIRECTOR / STEWART COLE PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER / RHONDA OVERBEY GRAPHIC ARTISTS / JAY PRINCE & KELLIE MCANULTY SPECIAL EVENTS / LEAH BROWN FEEDBACK@ICONWAY.NET ADVERTISING SALES JESICA TALBERT • BETSEY WILLBANKS DAWN RIVERS • TARA SANDERS Follow us on Twitter: @iconwaymagazine www.iconway.net Check out our Facebook page for weekly calendar of events.

COMMENTS? We want your feedback!

Write to us at feedback@iconway.net. iCon, Conway City Magazine, is a publication of the Log Cabin Democrat. All rights reserved. iCon is published monthly, 12 times per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to iCon, Conway City Magazine P.O. Box 969 Conway, AR 72033 For subscriber service, please call (501) 327-6621 Unauthorized use of materials contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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EVENTSCALENDAR

Conway Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert 12.03 {Saturday} Conway Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert. Kick off the holiday season with a community tradition the music and festivities of the Conway Symphony and special guests you won’t want to miss at Reynolds Performance Hall, UCA email symphony@conwaycorp.net, call 269-1066 or go to www.conwaysymphony.org.

UCA Basketball 12.05 {Monday} UCA Bears basketball 7:30 p.m., against Southeast Missouri State in Conway.

CBC Basketball 12.06 {Tuesday} CBC Mustangs basketball 7 p.m., against Baptist Bible College at Reddin Fieldhouse in Conway.

Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day 12.07 {Wednesday} Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

in partnership with

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n SUBMIT AN EVENT TO iCON: FEEDBACK@ICONWAY.NET

BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS ‘CINCO DE MAYO’ MEETING

Megan Deamron, chair for Cinco de Mayo, Paula Montgomery-Swindle & Nick Fellone

Tyler & Taylor Kelsay

LAURA DERDEN PHOTOS

Amy Rehm & Mellody Sugg

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MISS UCA 2011 PAGEANT

Winner Morgan Holt

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Playwriting Contest Deadline 12.07 {Wednesday} Hendrix-Murphy Student and Alumni Playwriting Contest deadline. The Student and Alumni Playwriting Contest is designed to cultivate the skills of fledgling playwrights who are current or former Hendrix students. A professional playwright judges competitions, one for students and the other for alumni. Cash prizes are awarded to plays of significant merit, and every entrant receives an evaluation by the judge. Deadline at 4:30 p.m. For information, go to http://www.hendrix. edu/HendrixMurphy.

UCA Basketball 12.07 {Wednesday} UCA Bears basketball 7 p.m. against Henderson State in Conway.

Coffee for H.A.V.E.N. 12.08 {Thursday} Annual Christmas Coffee event for H.A.V.E.N. (Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need).

For information, email haven@caiinc.org.

Christmas Coffee 12.08 {Thursday} Annual Christmas Coffee event for H.A.V.E.N. (Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need).

For info, email haven@caiinc.org.

UCA Percussion Ensemble 12.08 {Thursday} UCA Percussion Ensemble performance, 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

The ensemble, consisting of percussion majors and minors, will perform four pieces for percussion instruments: “Stained Glass,” a work for large percussion ensemble by David Gillingham; “Bonham,” a tribute to Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, written for eight percussionists

by Christopher Rouse; a marimba quartet by Brian Nozny called “Purdy’s Maze,” and an arrangement of “Alma Nao Tem Cor” by the Brazilian band Karnak. Dr. Blake Tyson, associate professor of percussion at UCA, has been working with percussion students all semester, and this concert is the culmination of Tyson’s vision for their education.

Bear Facts Day 12.09 {Friday} Bear Facts Day at UCA. Prospective students and parents visit classrooms, labs, the Student Center, cafeteria and housing and get a chance to talk with current students, faculty and staff. Students and parents can also take advantage of information sessions on academic programs, admissions, housing, financial aid, scholarships and support services. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall, UCA. For information email admissions@uca.edu.

HoHoHo Shopping Rewards Giveaway 12.10 {Saturday} Downtown Conway HoHoHo Shopping Rewards giveaway 1 p.m. at Simon Park.

‘A Down Home Country Christmas’ 12.10 {Saturday} “A Down Home Country Christmas” Annual Conway Christmas Parade in Downtown Conway.

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GERALD WASHINGTON PHOTOS / VIEW MORE AT SPOTTED.THECABIN.NET

MISS UCA 2011 PAGEANT

MISS OMEGA PAGEANT AT UCA

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UCAHOOPS UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS HOME GAMES

Dec. 7, 7 p.m., vs. Henderson State.

Jan. 11, 7 p.m., vs. S. F. Austin Jan. 18, 7 p.m., vs. Nicholls Jan. 21, 4 p.m., vs. Lamar Feb. 1, 7 p.m., vs. N’western State Feb. 4, 4 p.m., vs. UT Arlington Feb. 11, 4 p.m., vs. McNeese State Feb. 25, 4 p.m., vs. SE Louisiana Feb. 29, 7 p.m., vs. UTSA UCA Tuba Ensemble 12.10 {Saturday} UCA Tuba Ensemble performing “Tuba Christmas” Classics 1 p.m., at Simon Park in Downtown Conway.

CBC Basketball 12.16 {Friday} CBC Mustangs basketball 7 p.m., against Blue Mountain College at Reddin Fieldhouse in Conway.

UCA Winter Commencement 12.17 {Saturday} Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl Games 12.20 {Tuesday} Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl games 7 p.m., at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in the Conway Towne Centre. Catch your college favorites on the 30” plus TVs and the 8’x13’ big screen.

Specials, prizes and free giveaways (including half off and free appetizers and much more).

Happy Hanukkah!

12.21 {Wednesday} First day of winter.

Merry Christmas!

12.25 {Sunday} Kwanzaa Begins 12.26 {Monday} CBC Basketball 1.10 {Tuesday} CBC Mustangs basketball 7 p.m., against University of the Ozarks at Reddin Fieldhouse in Conway.

UCA Basketball 1.11 {Wednesday} UCA Bears basketball 7 p.m., against Stephen F. Austin in Conway.

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TOP10CHRISTMAS ALBUMS2011 1. A VERY SHE & HIM CHRISTMAS

BY M. WARD A Very She & Him Christmas is a wonderful collection of holiday tunes from two of music’s most impressive artists Zooey Deschanel (She) & M. Ward (Him). Inspired by seminal holiday albums by the likes of The Carpenters, Vince Guaraldi, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley and more, She & Him have set out to create an intimate holiday recording of Christmas classics that helps bring new emotions out of old songs.

2. THE CHRISTMAS WE HOPED FOR

BY VANESSA PETERS “The Christmas We Hoped For” is an instant holiday classic — an eclectic collection of traditional hymns, contemporary favorites like “White Christmas,” and modern Christmas songs like The Weepies’ “All That I Want.”

Produced by Rip Rowan and featuring Grammy-winning guitarist / producer Joe Reyes, the album offers a fresh take on Christmas classics that remains true to the spirit of the original songs.

3. A HOLIDAY CAROLE

BY CAROLE KING Produced by her daughter Louise Goffin, the album’s 12 songs artfully blend the sacred and the secular with an eclectic mix of well-chosen standards and newly-written material.

Each year, in the giving spirit of the holiday season, the Log Cabin Democrat joins Faulkner County to help our children.

Community

Christma s Card to Faulkner County Students

Dear Santa We all realize the value of a good education to children and to us. Som a lot more to worry abo e children have ut than whether or not they are getting the mos education. If we can help t out of their with eyeglasses, dental work, coats or school supp might just save a child’s lies...we life!

This program is unique in that 100 % of the fun ds rece ived go dire ctly stud ent s who need it to the through their school’s cou nselor. The counselor is equipped to know the the person best unique needs of the stud ents, and the money is to use whenever needed there for them to improve children’s chan ces of getting the educati deserve. on they The Com mun ity Chr istm as Card will publish on Chr istm as Day and Yea rs Day. Anyone who New contributes $1 will have their name printed on the Com mun ity Chr istm as Card. We’ll publish every name we receive.

This is also an inexpensive way to get your whole family involved in helping during the holidays. Busi others nesses and organization s can participate as well The pro cee ds from this . pro ject will be divi ded Fau lkne r Cou nty Sch pro por tion ally amo ng ools .

4. CHRISTMAS

BY MICHAEL BUBLE Christmas includes guest performances by Shania Twain on “White Christmas” and The Puppini Sisters on “Jingle Bells.”

Buble also put his unique take on such classics as “Silent Night,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

5. CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY

Click the Community Christmas Card icon on thecabin.net to donate.

BY MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER 2011 holiday album from Chip Davis and Co. containing all new renditions of yuletide favorites performed with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Symphony features 16 holiday tracks expanded into full symphonic arrangements and performed by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

6. MY CHRISTMAS Donations should be received no later than Wednesday, December 21. Donations will still be accepted after this date, but your name may not appear.

If you have any questions or comments, please call Kim Beard at 501-505-1254 or Jessica Cole at 501-505-1257.

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BY ANDREA BOCELLI “I have long dreamed of recording a holiday album that captures the beautiful traditions of the holiday season.

Every year these songs have brought incredible joy to my family and I, and it is my hope to give back that same joy by making this album.” —Bocelli

7. CHICAGO XXXIII - O CHRISTMAS TREE

BY CHICAGO Chicago XXXIII, “O Christmas Three” was produced by Phil Ramone. Fourteen bona fide smash hit holiday favorites, all “Chicagoized” in classic form. Guest artists include Dolly Parton, Bebe Winans, and more.

8. THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS ALBUM

BY TONY BENNETT 2011 holiday release from the legendary crooner containing 17 tracks chosen from four of his classic Christmas Albums, handpicked by Tony Bennett himself, as well as the previously unreleased “What Child Is This.”.

9. ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

BY DAVE KOZ 2011 holiday album release containing 17 yuletide classics interpreted by the contemporary Pop/Jazz saxophonist. Includes “Winter Wonderland,” “Deck The Halls,” “White Christmas” featuring Kelly Sweet and “Please Come Home For Christmas” featuring Kimberly Locke.

10. NOEL

BY JOSH GROBAN The Grammy-nominated, 20-something, pop-classical phenomenon’s fourth studio album is an expertly accomplished entry to the holiday marketplace. Noel tackles the familiar sounds of holiday music with a charmingly eclectic array of guest vocalists and a wide range of material. The songs range from the sacred to the secular, while Groban — buoyed in spots by none other than the London Symphony Orchestra — soars in his duets with Brian McKnight, Faith Hill, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

—amazon.com

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ICONMUSIC LUKE WILLIAMS

The new Williams in country music Arkansas’ Country Rocker Luke’s father never told him to cut his hair and get a real job. Now the 19-year-old Nashville veteran has just released his third album of Country and Southern rock. He’s been strumming the guitar since he was 10 and playing in a band since he was 13. He left his hometown of Beebe, Arkansas, when he was 13 and moved to Nashville. Since then, he has played on stage with Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Justin Moore and many others. With his father’s genuine handshake, a love for Southern Country music and with the skills to make his own, Luke Williams is on his way to make a name for himself alongside some of today’s best artists.

“I had just got home from school; I think I was in the third or fourth grade, and dad said, ‘Hey we’re going to go watch this band rehearse.

It’s your uncle James and some friends of ours.’ He took me out there

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YOUNG GUN Check out music from Beebe’s Luke Williams at lukewilliams.net. and I sat in the corner on a little stool in their garage watching them play, and I just thought that was the coolest thing.”

Luke told his father right away that he wanted a guitar. Soon he was in his room picking out his first chords on a $50 acoustic from Walmart. In junior-high, Luke joined the choir and was often asked to accompany the vocal harmonies with his guitar.

He was also beginning to play around Arkansas with a band of his own.

“My first show was our little hometown fall festival. I worked up what five or six songs I knew, and we just kind of got up there and did it.” Though most of the songs were covers, the band did play some of Luke’s original work. “What was so cool was to be that age and see people clapping to an original song that you had wrote yourself, just like they did to a song they’ve heard for 30 years.”

Luke’s band played around in Arkansas for a while and started making trips over to Nashville. Right after his freshmen year of high school, Luke was offered a job as house guitar player for Tootsies Orchid Lounge of Broadway, in Nashville. With the support of his family, they moved out to Nashville where he finished high school through homeschooling. It was not a hard decision for Luke to make but it was a big one.

BY Douglas Knight “I was honored,” Luke said. “I think that was the point when I really felt like I was headed in the right direction. I was starting to progress.”

There in Music City, Luke networked and took his time to learn the business from those who knew it most. He also got a feel for exactly where he wanted to be on stage: front and center.

Luke was playing guitar one night in Nashville, when somebody requested a Johnny Cash song. The vocalist did not know the song so they turned to Luke.

“They said, ‘Luke, do you know the number?’ and I said, ‘Yeah I know it enough to get by.’ So I went up there, and I did it. The crowd went nuts, and I really enjoyed the reaction. I enjoyed getting to be the entertainer, the front man. And getting to sing was a blast. I had done it before, but to get in front of a packed house like that, and to see the reaction. It helped me believe I can do this. I thought, ‘If I work hard enough at it, and give it all my determination, I can.’”

That determination has pushed Luke on to beginning a healthy career not only as a lead guitarist and a lead vocalist, but as a songwriter as well. “My biggest influences are guys like Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Glen Campbell, for the fact that

they’re singers, they’re songwriters and guitar players, and they’re that as a whole, as an artist. That’s something I’d like to strive for, hopefully if things flesh themselves out, that’s what I’d like to be.”

Luke is well on his way to becoming just that. Ten of the 12 songs on his new album were either written or co-written by Luke. One of his favorite songs on the album is, “Wanted In Memphis,” which has been getting a lot of play time on local stations.

The song is a heartbreak ballad detailing a drive from Memphis into the lights of Little Rock. It’s not hard to see that though Luke is headed places, he’s got a soft spot in his heart for Arkansas.

“When we went to Nashville, I really missed Arkansas. I missed that down-home, Southern hospitality vibe, because over there it’s city life. Every night’s a Saturday night there. And here I just love the simplicity. This is home. Always will be.”

Nashville is still in the plans for Luke and his father, but for now they are enjoying life back at home in Beebe.

Along with anticipating the release of a single, they are also starting up an entertainment venue called LWB Entertainment Center.

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ONSTAGE Keith Nicholson 12.02 {Friday} Keith Nicholson will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

John & Buddy 12.05 {Monday} John & Buddy will perform at JJ’s Grill from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Brian Ramsay 12.06 {Tuesday} Brian Ramsay will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Ashley McBryde 12.07 {Wednesday} Ashley McBryde will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Mayday By Midnight 12.09 {Friday} Mayday By Midnight will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

The Remedy 12.10 {Saturday} The Remedy will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Pat Boone 12.11 {Sunday} Holiday Celebration with

Pat Boone. Create magical holiday memories with your family as you celebrate the season with legendary artist, Pat Boone and the Central Arkansas Children’s Choir. Boone is the #10 all time top recording Billboard artist. This timeless evening will include classics from Boone’s repertoire as well as holiday favorites that will have you tapping your toes and singing along. For tickets, go to www.uca.edu/Reynolds.

Sam Williams 12.12 {Monday} Sam Williams will perform at JJ’s Grill from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Edward Briggler 12.13 {Tuesday} Edward Briggler will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Larry Lee Cheshier 12.14 {Wednesday} Larry Lee Cheshier will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Jovan Arellano 12.16 {Friday} Jovan Arellano will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

{GUSANO’S} TUNEDIN

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HOT ‘N’ COLE: A COLE PORTER CELEBRATION! The Conway Community Arts Association and The Lantern Theatre in Downtown Conway presents HOT ‘N’ COLE: A Cole Porter Celebration! Porter’s hit melodies and over 30 of his songs are included in this fast-paced revue. Tickets are $15. Call 733-6220 for reservations; seating is limited!

SEE FEATURE, PAGE 22

Barett Baber 12.17 {Saturday} Barett Baber will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Darren Barry 12.27 {Tuesday} Darren Barry will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Happenstance 12.19 {Monday} Happenstance will perform at JJ’s Grill from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Kirk Anderton 12.28 {Wednesday} Kirk Anderton will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Ben Coulter 12.20 {Tuesday} Ben Coulter will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Mr. Lucky 12.29 {Thursday} Mr. Lucky will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Chilly Rose 12.21 {Wednesday} Chilly Rose will perform at JJ’s Grill from 6-8 p.m.

Some Guy Named Robb 12.30 {Friday} Some Guy Named Robb will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Justin Brooks 12.23 {Friday} Justin Brooks will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Ed Bowman & the Rock City Players 12.31 {Saturday} Ed Bowman & the Rock City Players will perform at JJ’s Grill from 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

SILENT PRODUCTIONZ HEADPHONES The headphones available at Gusano’s allow patrons to tune out the noise while watching their team play. The gear allows you to choose and control the crisp, clear sound from anywhere inside the restaurant.

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DAVID McCOLLUM PHOTO

ROAST&TOAST STEVE STRANGE SR.

Steve Strange with Keith Jackson

STRANGE RIDE

Conway insurance executive Steve Strange Sr. celebrated his 69th birthday in a strange way.

Strange was the butt of a variety of “short people” jokes during the “Roast & Toast of Big Steve” that served as a fundraiser for the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. There was laughter, lots of hugs and a few tears as the event at the University of Central Arkansas’ McCastlain Hall ranged from bawdy to inspiring.

The theme for the event was “Tonite We Ride,” based on a popular phrase used by Strange, one that is inscribed on his company’s golf balls.

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Roasters included Razorback football analyst and former pro football star Keith Jackson; David Grimes, chief financial officer at American Management Company (where Strange is CEO); former Razorback, NBA player and current UALR assistant men’s coach Joe Kleine; Dallas Cowboys executive and former ASU coach Larry Lacewell; and country music star Johnny Lee, a longtime friend of Strange.

Both the seriousness and the frivolity began with the invocation when Jackson offered, “Father, forgive us for all the stories we are gonna tell.

“They’ll be slightly true but a little raunchy at times.”

Tim Buhrow PHOTOS

BY DAVID McCOLLUM

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WILL HEHEMANN PHOTO

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ICONFLAVOR BUFFALO WILD WINGS

BY By William Hehemann

WHERE THE WILD WINGS ARE One of America’s favorite wing restaurants has finally come to town — and in a big way. Since its grand opening, Buffalo Wild Wings of Conway, located at 675 Amity Road, has had full parking lots of patrons eager to chow down on chicken wings and enjoy a glass of beer.

“On any given day, ours is the best wing you’ll ever eat,” district manager Jason Holloman said. “We’ve got 16 different sauces and four dry rubs ... there are a lot of options here.”

The restaurant’s traditional Buffalo, NY, style wings are spun in a diverse selection of flavors ranging from sweet barbeque to salt and vinegar or Parmesan garlic. For those who love heat, try the hot or “wild” wings. Serious fire-eaters: Try the “Blazin’” flavor, the shop’s hottest sauce that even comes with a warning label on the menu.

Adventurous eaters will appreciate a basket of “Asian Zing” wings, flavored with chili pepper, ginger and soy sauce; the Thai Curry wing — seasoned with herbs, spices and curry — is another exciting eat. Honey barbeque and mango habenero wings will grant those with a sweet-tooth a meal that’s sweet and hearty.

Honey-flavored wings are almost as sweet as some of Buffalo Wild Wings’ deals. Wing-wise, every Tuesday, traditional bone-in wings are 50 cents a piece; on Thursday, boneless wings are 60 cents a piece. Chicken strips are only $1 on Wednesday.

“Our wings aren’t the only things that are great here,” Holloman said. “I think we have some tasty burgers … and our ribs have been really popular with the customers.”

Buffalo Wild Wings is equal parts restaurant and sports bar.

The massive family-friendly dining room is adorned with sports memorabilia and plenty of high-definition TVs for any guest to enjoy the game. The bar, separated by a glass wall, is also game-ready.

“We’ve got four big-screen TVs in the bar … and 30 beers on draft,” Holloman said. “We pack them in on game days … the atmosphere feels like you’re at the game, especially when people start calling the Hogs.”

Holloman said the opening of the Conway location has been very successful and has seen a good balance in clientele between families and college students.

“It’s been exciting to be a part of this community,” he said.

“We were really well received. It feels like the people wanted it as much as we did. This is all about being a part of Faulkner County and establishing a workable relationship.”

Buffalo Wild Wings is open for lunch, dinner and late-night partying Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. For take-out orders, call (501) 2058157.

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ICONTASTE SAIGON CUISINE

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BY WILL HEHEMANN

SAIGON KICK

With the frosty cold of winter upon Conway, what could be better for dinner than a large, piping hot bowl of soup? Imagine a layer of rice noodles, topped with a distinctive broth with hints of beef, onion and ginger, garnished with fresh bean sprouts and basil.

Saigon Cuisine, located at 305 East Oak Street, specializes in this traditional Vietnamese soup called pho, a dish that is almost certain to take the chill out of winter-weary bones.

“In Vietnam, pho can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner,” owner Kim Trinh said. “A restaurant is not a true Vietnamese restaurant if it doesn’t have pho on the menu.”

Cooking pho is a labor-intensive process. First, the broth is made by simmering beef bone and ox tail over night. In the morning, the broth is seasoned to taste with onion, ginger, coriander and fennel seed. After adding the ingredients, the soup’s aroma is unbelievably appetizing, Trinh said.

Next, Trinh adds boiling water to a bowl of dry rice noodles. After the noodles cook almost instantly, she tops them with slices of rare steak before adding the broth. The steak cooks in the hot broth and the soup is ready to be served.

Saigon offers a plethora of Vietnamese options in addition to pho. Newcomers will enjoy charbroiled pork with rice vermicelli or Vietnamesestyle pepper steak. For an appetizer, fresh-made spring rolls or egg rolls are a must.

If a guest would rather order something other than Vietnamese fare, Saigon has an entire Thai and Chinese menu.

East Asian taste is not limited to the food at Saigon — the restaurant serves Thai, Chinese and Japanese beer, as well as a number of interesting mixed drinks such as iced Vietnamese coffee with Bailey’s liqueur or a Sake-tini. Traditionalists will prefer to have their sake served warm and in a carafe. After 4:30 p.m., domestic beers are $2.

Trinh, originally from Cho Gao, Vietnam, was raised by her grandmother, whom she credits for many of her skills in cooking. “My grandmother’s food was always delicious,” she said. “I remember helping her pick the garden for the vegetables we were about to eat. That’s when I began to learn her country-style cooking.”

When she moved to America in 1979, Trinh was struck by the lack of Vietnamese restaurants, especially in the South. In the late 1990s she realized how much she wanted to introduce her country’s cuisine to her second home in the United States. In 2002, she opened Saigon Cuisine in Little Rock.

“I didn’t think many people would come when we opened the doors,” she said. “We couldn’t believe how many people showed up, Vietnamese and American alike. There was huge positive reaction.”

For anyone unsure of what to order, Trinh delights in helping every customer decide on what they want to eat.

To place a to-go order, call (501) 327-6200. For Little Rock diners, Trinh’s store there will be moving locations in late December to the Pinnacle Station Retail Center at 14525 Cantrell Road.

Saigon Cuisine in Conway is open SundayThursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WILL HEHEMANN PHOTOS

Trinh said one of her restaurant’s most popular dishes is Spicy Basil Chicken, a Thai-style combination of stir-fried bell pepper, onion, bamboo shoots and basil leaves cooked in a spicy sauce.

Her Chinese options, which boast a slight Viet-

namese twist, are also popular. Most dishes cost $6-$11.

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LOCALART Hot ‘n’ Cole

‘ANYTHING GOES’ The Lantern Theatre and Conway Community Arts Association (CCAA) will present “Hot ‘n’ Cole, a Cole Porter Celebration” on Dec. 7-10, 14-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Lantern Theatre, located at 1021 Van Ronkle in downtown Conway.

“Hot ‘n’ Cole” is a fast-paced revue which includes many of his hit melodies, including “Anything Goes,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “In the Still of the Night,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

More than 30 of his songs are woven into contemporary arrangements that are wry, irreverent, romantic, and touching.

The play features Angela Greenland, Cindy Romeo, and Wendy Shirar with piano accompaniment by Lisa Gaddy and Lincoln Gimnich. The production is directed, choreographed and designed by Liz Parker.

Tickets are $15 each. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made by calling (501) 733-6220. The performance is sponsored, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council and the Conway Advertising and Promotion Commission. The production is recommended for ages 16 and older.

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Cindy Romeo Cindy Romeo is a Conway native with a degree in English and French from Texas A&M-Texarkana and an MA in English from UCA. She is married to Randy Romeo who teaches agriculture at Conway High School West. Her son, Jordy Neill, is a theatre major at UCA. “For me, theatre is that one true release from whatever is going on in my REAL life. It takes me away to a place where I can create and recreate and give something special to an audience. It brings joy, not only to me, but hopefully, to those on the stage with me and those in the audience.”

Angela Greenland Angela Greenland was born in Monroe, La., and grew up in a “musical” home, the daughter of two musicians. She graduated from University of Louisiana at Monroe, where she met my husband, Don, also a musician. He has been a drummer for YesterYear for the past 20+ years. The couple has two children, Megan, 21, a senior at UCA; and Carter, 10, a 5th-grader at Ruth Doyle Intermediate School. Greenland earned degrees at UALR and UCA and has taught at UCA in the Early Childhood and Special Education Department for about 13 years.

“I had wonderful role models growing up — namely my parents, Roger and Colleen DiGiulian, who are both gone now, but they raised me and my brother to appreciate all types of music — even though they were classically-trained musicians, two different voice teachers who not only taught me the mechanics of singing, but also an appreciation for “telling a story” through a song.”

The space at 1021 Van Ronkle was recently acquired by Conway Community Arts, transformed into a ‘black box’ performance space and named The Lantern Theatre. It has become the permanent home for the organization with plans to add additional plays and musicals, improv shows, and late night performances. The space also includes an outside garden, a site available for entertaining and receptions.

Wendy Shirar Wendy Shirar’s father moved her family to Conway from Kokomo, Ind., in 1973. She graduated from Conway High in 1975 and moved away for awhile. After traveling the world as the spouse of an active duty military member, Shirar moved back to Conway in 1998. She is currently employed with Acxiom Corporation in human resources as a corporate recruiter and has been employed there for more than 10 years. She has two grown children, Josh Baldridge and Conrad Shirar.

Conway Community Arts is a member of the American Association of Community Theaters and has been a cultural presence in Conway for almost 40 years. Information is also available online at www.conwayarts.org.

“My parents have been huge influences in my life — not to do so much what they thought was best for me but encouraging me to try any and everything.

Being raised in a musical family I’m sure influenced my love for music, and my parents encouraged me in that — even though I always felt they were a bit prejudiced when it came to me!”

BY BECKY HARRIS

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ICONTECH GIFT GUIDE

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HOT APP Find Your Friends. Released with Apples latest IOS upgrade, the Find Your Friend app has proven to come in handy several times over the last month. Whether it’s tracking friends during a half marathon or keeping tabs on your buddies before and after a Razorback game in Little Rock or Fayetteville, the temporary event option of the app is great and cuts down on the ‘creep’ factor of constantly being tracked.

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s the number of shopping days until Christmas rapidly dwindles, here are a few gift ideas from the tech world to help you shop for that hard to buy for friend or loved one.

BY JAMES RYKEN & LUKE IRVIN Luke Irvin // Irvin Media // @thelukeirvin

HOT CHRISTMAS ITEMS KINDLE FIRE Last month Amazon unveiled their much talked about tablet, the Kindle Fire. Priced at just $199, the big selling point of the Fire is its affordability. At $300 less than the most basic model of the iPad 2, the price alone is going to make the Fire a success. The Kindle Fire runs on a custom version of the Android operating system and has access to most of the apps and games available to Android users via the Amazon marketplace. The Fire is 7 inches diagonally, more compact than the 10 inch iPad. This makes the new tablet highly portable, as it almost fits into your pocket.

The Fire boasts a dual processor and is truly a media consumption device that is tightly integrated with the Amazon ecosystem. For readers, you can read all of your Kindle book content on the device. For those folks who are subscribed to Amazon Prime, which for $79 a year provides free shipping to most of Amazon’s products, the Amazon streaming video service is also available on the device.

This includes a wide variety of feature films and television series and is nearly on par with Netflix and Hulu. You can also access the Amazon Cloud seamlessly to play music you’ve stored there. Magazines look great on the device and games like Angry Birds play just like on the iPhone or iPad. The draw here is definitely the price, but if you’re someone who wants a tablet to check email and the Internet, read books, and watch movies, the Fire is a great affordable option.

New Kindle Reader Products

Amazon didn’t rest on its laurels with just throwing the Fire tablet out there this fall. They’ve also upgraded the traditional Kindle e-ink readers.

For those who were holding back on purchasing a Kindle because of the price, Amazon has released a $79 version of the Kindle. This version removed the keyboard and 3G access and adds a WiFi access point. It is ad-supported, but these ads aren’t obtrusive at all, only appearing on the “sleep screen” and as a small banner on the menu screen. Outside of the price point, the other big feature is the size. The new Kindle is ultra-light and small. It can be held in one hand while reading and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

The other version of the Kindle is the new Kindle Touch. Here the keyboard has also been replaced, but the screen is now a touchscreen.

Users no longer need to navigate the cursor to their selection, they can just tap the option on the screen. 3G and WiFi options are available, and the price is still a relative bargain, at $149 for the 3G version, and $99 for the ad-supported WiFi only version.

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HOT SERVICE iTunes Match. Apple’s music cloud service was finally released to the public in the middle of November. Now you can access your entire music library anywhere you have a network connection. One of the biggest hidden features, is the ability to upgrade your lower quality music to 256 kbps versions at no extra cost.

Barnes and Noble Nook TABLET Barnes and Noble responded to the Kindle Fire release by upgrading their popular Nook device into a full-fledged tablet. The Nook is similar in size and features to the Kindle Fire, but is a bit pricier at $249.

One thing to consider when buying a Nook is an interesting feature that might be valuable if you spend a lot of time in a Barnes and Noble brick and mortar location.

When you’re at a Barnes and Noble store, you can log onto their network with the Nook and have access to their full library the entire time you’re at the store, so grab some Starbucks and pull up your favorite book and read a bit.

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HOT SOCIAL SITE Pinterest is hard to describe, but it’s somewhat like a ‘Facebook’ for the arts and crafts set. The unique ‘pinning’concept lets users share creations to an interactive bulletin board for all to see.

Games, Games, and More Games The holiday season is the time of year when the video game developers release their big titles.

2011 may be the best year yet, as within the last month some of the best reviewed games of all time have been shipped.

For fans of first person shooter military style games, both Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3 have been getting rave reviews.

If your loved one is more of an action-adventure player, then Batman: Arkham City, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, or Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. One of the most immersive games ever, the role playing game Elder Scrolls IV: SkyRim will steal hours and hours of time as you explore the fantasy world complete with dragons and elves.

That’s already a long list of great games that have just been released and I haven’t even mentioned the new Legend of Zelda game, Skyward Sword, or the new Mario 3D game available on the DS.

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The internet has been buzzing about this anticipated game. Though Skyrim leaked 10 days early for the Xbox 360, true gamers still awaited for it’s Nov. 11 launch date. From stunning graphics, an open world to do almost anything a gamer would want, to fighting dragons, Skyrim offers everything a video gamer could dream of. Parents be sure to get this game as the perfect stocking stuffer.

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iphone 4s

If you’re still wanting the newest iPhone then why not make it the top item of your Christmas list. With an 8 megapixel camera, the ability to shoot 1080p video, the new digital assistant Siri, and a price of $199 you just can’t say no!

ipad 2

According to an article posted on Mashable, 79% of consumers are craving tablets over Laptops. No tablet has been able to touch the iPad, which claimed 83% of the vote. The iPad is a great gift, especially for a graduating high school student or a current college student. The iPad is lightweight, portable, and with millions of apps, iOS 5, and iCloud it’s simply an irresistible device

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APPLE TV

The AppleTV, at only $99, gives you access to iTunes on your HDTV and allows you to rent thousands of HD movies and TV shows from the service. The coolest part about the AppleTV is using AirPlay. AirPlay allows users to stream media from their iPhone or iPad straight to their HDTV. Users also have access to Netflix, Pandora and YouTube and can watch MLB and NBA games whether they are live or on demand.

URBAN EARS

Urban Ears headphones have Apple-certified microphone, remote and audio control built into the cable. The coolest feature is the Zound Plug, featured on the Plattan and Plattan Plus models, which is another audio port built into the headphone for the perfect audio sharing experience.

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IT’SCOOLDOWNTOWN DECEMBER

IS FUN

n FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT DOWNTOWNCONWAY.ORG

IN DOWNTOWN CONWAY! The 47th Annual Candlelight Carol Service: Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Greene Chapel at Hendrix College.

The Christmas story will be presented through scripture lessons and music. Reservations required and can be made by calling now.

Nutcracker Sweets: Saturday, Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m., at the AETN Classroom, on the UCA Campus. Bring the kids and enjoy hot chocolate, desserts, children’s activities, stories from “The Nutcracker” and a chance to meet the dancers and the maestro before they take the stage at the “A Conway Christmas” concert. Nutcracker Sweets child ticket is only $5.

Nutcracker Sweets adult tickets free when accompanying a child (must call or email to reserve tickets) Conway Symphony Orchestra Presents: “A Conway Christmas”: Saturday, Dec. 3, at Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA Campus.

The Lantern Theatre Presents, “Hot ‘N’ Cole, A Celebration of Cole Porter!” The play begins, Thursday, Dec. 7, and continues through Sat., Dec. 18. Tickets are on sale now.

Visit the Conway Community Arts for more information.

Join Relay For Life of Faulkner County and My Country 107 on Saturday, Dec. 10, to celebrate the holiday season in downtown Conway. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. at Simon Park — or as it will be called for the day “Kringle Bell Square.” There will be free activities for the kids, Santa, concessions, a firetruck for the children to explore from 2-4 p.m., a “Letters from Santa” program and entertainment on the Kris Allen stage from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Downtown Conway HoHoHo Shopping Rewards giveaway: Saturday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. at Simon Park. Plus, see and hear the UCA Tuba Ensemble as they perform “Tuba Christmas” Classics!

Conway Christmas Parade: “A Down Home Country Christmas” will be Saturday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. in Downtown Conway. For questions, contact Deidra at (501) 908-6617, or email: silverlinings_RFL@yahoo.com

In Downtown Conway, you’ll always find something to do and great places to eat. And, you will certainly enjoy all the charm this historic landmark has to offer!

‘C’ Downtown Conway First!

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ONTHEMOVE MORGAN NICHOLSON

A CUT ABOVE In her four years at Sport Clips in Conway Commons, Morgan Nicholson has picked up experience that will serve her well as she continues to grow professionally. A Conway native, Nicholson was in high school when she decided to pursue a career in cosmetology.

“I always enjoyed doing hair. They offered cosmetology classes at the high school. It went from there,” she said.

She attended Arthur’s Beauty College in Conway and began working at Sport Clips while taking classes. It was an easy transition into being a stylist there once she graduated, she said. She has been at the men’s salon since April 2001.

“I enjoy making people feel good about themselves, making them look better and showing them different hairstyles,” she said. “It’s kind of like my own little form of art. We all have to take something and create it from a thought.”

2010 was Nicholson’s first year as manager of the store, and she won manager of the year for the growing franchise, which at the time had 756 locations in the United States.

Not only is Nicholson a capable stylist and successful manager, she has also gotten her athletic shoes wet in the world of marketing with Sport Clips. It all started when the chain decided to film a commercial at its newest store, which just happened to be in Searcy. She volunteered and was chosen for the commercial.

“I did the commercial and a photo shoot for our coupons,” she said. “My face is on our coupons and on billboards. I just love going into businesses and talking to business owners and selling them on our store.”

That first opportunity led to others. Nicholson was on ESPN talk show “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” The host, Colin Cowherd, was sick that day, and Erik Kuselias filled in for him. Nicholson cut his hair while the show was being aired.

“My family called and said, ‘We recorded it!’” she said, shaking her head slightly.

She also met NASCAR driver Joey Logano two years ago and participated in a NASCAR photo shoot in Charlotte, N.C., she said.

Outside of work, Nicholson stays busy with a variety of interests.

“I enjoy being outdoors, camping, enjoying Arkansas because it’s such a beautiful state. A lot of people don’t even realize what we have here. I love floating — anything outdoors. I love shopping. I love shoes. I like trying to put different styles together. I’ve been known to shop at Goodwill or spend $100 on a shirt.

It’s just putting a certain style together. I’ve always liked fashion.”

Nicholson still has plenty of opportunities for promoting Sports Clips by gathering with other managers and team leaders, visiting local businesses and giving out coupons.

“We always try to do neighborhood marketing. The girls will go in the shopping center or to a big company and give out coupons. I didn’t know anything about marketing, but I learned mostly that when you are selling a brand or a company, you’re selling people on your own image, and you have to put a positive face forward. You can’t be shy.

“I think it will help me in the long run, because it gave me a foundation to grow on. I really enjoy marketing. I like going out and meeting new people.”

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STEWART COLE PHOTO

BY RACHEL PARKER DICKERSON

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DAVID McCOLLUM PHOTO

ICONSPORTS TONY PRICE

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BY DAVID McCOLLUM

Price Takes the Court at CBC Tony Price, who has just begun his first season at men’s basketball coach at Central Baptist College, initially experienced the growing pains of a program in the early days of a transition into the NAIA. He recently began his first season with some challenging eligibility issues, then saw two of his top players suffer early injuries and health problems. Thus, the Mustangs won’t be close to full strength until after the first semester.

Price, who played high school basketball at Cabot and in college at Ouachita Baptist University, came to CBC after working as a college scout and recruiting liaison for the South and Midwest. That means he rated players for various recruiting services.

He recently talked with Icon about his short-term challenges and long-term goals at CBC. How has your first college coaching experience gone so far?

It has been hectic. I’ve been trying to manage so much at one time. Just keeping up with all there is to do is the toughest thing I’ve ever gone through. It’s a lot of different things. It goes beyond X’s and O’s. It’s like managing a company. It’s hectic pace.

What have been some of the challenges?

Waiting to find out that some players you thought were eligible with no problems would be eligible. The NAIA has formed a clearinghouse for eligibility but just has 10 people for the whole country. We start basketball as early as anyone and it took a long time to sort through eligibility issues for the entire country. It takes time. Four days before our first game, we found out our 7-footer (Carl Corman), who I thought was eligible with no problems, would not be eligible the first semester. Then, we had an eligibility issue with Blake Hanney, who has a 3.5 average and is one of the best students on our team. Then, we get him back and he separated a shoulder and will be out five weeks. We had another player come down with mononucleosis, just lots of health and eligibility issues.

Anything you have learned in the early?

I’m going to schedule differently with not so many guarantee games early. It’s tough on a team to play guarantee games against higher-level competition (the Mustangs played Arkansas State in an exhibition) and get your brains beat out. But that’s what you have to do on our level. When we’ve played teams that are like us, we’ve done well. We beat Crowley’s Ridge, 126-74, and set a scoring record. Anybody on our level, I have confidence competing with.

What kind of guarantee do you normally get?

It can range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on who you play in Division-II, more if you get a Division-I mid-

major. But I look at it as earning a paycheck. After the game, I take the check and give it to our school for the program. I hate it. I hate losing. It’s tough on morale for the kids. But that’s the reality of life at our level.

You’ve got to schedule those games.

Long-range what are your goals and how has your scouting experience helped?

In two or three years, when I get my kids in here, I think we can grow this and have a lot of success. But it’s all about having the horses. Good players can make you a brilliant coach. It comes down to whether you have players and can you keep them healthy?

What is your basketball philosophy?

I like to run out of pro sets with a pro-style offense, an up-tempo, fun-style of play that creates mismatches. I like to move in transition. I want to press more but we don’t have the depth for that right now.

What coaches have influenced you?

I played for Bill Vining at OBU and he certainly influenced my knowledge of the game. But it hasn’t been one particular person. I’ve gathered info on a lot of systems and fit mine to that. I watch a lot of NBA. I may be one of the few people around here who really likes the NBA. I watch a lot of games on tape. I get a lot from the old systems of the (Indiana) Pacers and the (Golden State) Warriors.

Any favorites?

I like the old Chicago Bulls. I really miss the NBA (because of a lockout and labor situation). I love to watch NBA games.

What is the most fun about coaching?

Dealing with the kids and being involved with their lives. I enjoy seeing the kids grow up to be young men.

What about your son (Bayliss, age 8, who lives with him)?

Even if we lose, it doesn’t faze him. He likes hanging around the locker room, hanging around with our players. We get to spend a lot of time together. It’s a fantasy world for him.

Grooming another coach?

Actually, he’s a MMA (mixed martial arts) guy. If you ask him, he’ll tell you he wants to be a professional MMA fighter. He’s been into MMA since age 4. I boxed when I was young and had some small gloves and when he was little, he wanted to put them on and fight — every night. I got tired of him hitting on me, so I took him to an instructor and told him if he was too young, I understood. But he did OK. He took his lumps as a young kid, but now he’s got more experience, and can hold his own and is really doing pretty well.

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ICONGIVING FILL THE BOOT

STEWART COLE PHOTO

BY CANDIE BECK

Bille Carter, Clay Heslep and Clayton Moore

FIREFIGHTERS STEP UP

With the holiday season right around the corner, some members of the community are preparing to participate in various charitable events that will benefit those in need.

Firefighters from across the county will be taking part in the annual Fill the Boot campaign, which will see volunteers from the departments at various businesses throughout the community accepting donations from shoppers.

The money that is collected during the campaign will be used to provide Christmas gifts and food to families in need throughout the communities that make up Faulkner County.

For some, this will be the only way their children receive Christmas gifts and the only guarantee of a holiday meal.

For Billie Carter, organizer and vice president of the Conway Firefighters Association, being able to help the community in another capacity is something he says is an ex38

tension of what a firefighter does.

“It is a volunteer effort for the firefighters to take part in collecting the money for the campaign, none of us are obligated to do so,” he explained. “However, it is a natural transition for us, we want to help people. This is our opportunity to continue to make a difference in the lives of people in the communities we live and work in and we are grateful for it.”

The local Fill the Boot campaign began in 1998 when the firefighters raised money to prepare food boxes for families in need. Back then, the firefighters raised $1,700. As word of the cause spread and people contributed to its success, the donations grew. Instead of just food boxes, the firefighters raised enough money to get each child in an eligible family an outfit of clothing, a pair of shoes and one toy. In 2010, more than 1,000 children from about 240 needy families received Christmas presents because of the “Fill the Boot” program in Conway.

Carter said not only do the firefighters try to help families with their physical and material needs, they also provide what he calls a “low key ministry” to help provide for their spiritual needs.

“Each child in the family will get a personalized bible with their presents or the family will get an interactive nativity set,” he explained. “I call it a low key ministry but it is our way of reminding families the reason for the season.”

Firefighters will be stationed throughout the city. For those that wish to donate, checks can be mailed to the Conway Firefighter’s Fill the Boot, P.O. Box 2367, Conway, Ark., 72032.

Those wishing to donate new and unwrapped toys, drop off locations in Conway are: Salon Cortilo located at 2455 Washington Ave, next to Audio Express, Edward Jones office at 1050 Bob Courtway Drive, 501 Magazine, located at 701 Chestnut St. and Cut Above Salon, located at 912 Chestnut St.