Women's Inc. - 2/2016

WINC. FEBRUARY 2016

WOMENSINC.NET

Matters of the heart

LOVE IS IN THE AIR Inside: Valentine’s sweet treats

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WINC.

CONTENTS

F E B R U A R Y 2 016 / / WOM EN ’ S IN C .

Publisher Jeff Hartley Editor Lori Quinn

Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Detra Clark Marisa Hicks Colleen Holt Nancy Jackson Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Jennifer Stanley Kelly Sublett Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham

a new adventure

6

Central Station up and running

beauty business

10

Red Carpet look from The Beauty Bar

14 20

Q&A

tax guide

Jeff and Wendy Williams

Tips for the upcoming filing season

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

Questions or Comments?

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

32

valentine boxes

Area elementary students get crafty

34

homes

Nicholsons’ renovation

columns 40. spiritual

42. book review

44. art scene

46. food

A Heart for God

by Andrea Lennon

Conway Arts Awards Call for Nominations

by Jennie Strange

18. shopping

Local holiday gifts for her and for him

30. events

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre’s Bard Ball

‘Contrition’ keeps readers engaged

by Susan O’Keefe

Valentine recipes to set the mood

by Chef Jill McCollum, cc

50. iMatter

Two local musicians get the job done WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

cover stor y

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CENTRAL STATION

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain “Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions.” ~ Mark Twain Central Station in Conway has its own version of the old “chicken or the egg” debate.

“It has become the question of whether we are a gas station that sells food or a restaurant that sells gas,” laughed the owners, Phil and Diana Kirkland.

As the area’s only full-service gas station, the Kirklands have tapped into a niche market.

Both Phil and Diana have called Conway home most of their lives, saying they enjoy its small, hometown atmosphere and its people. Married for seven years, the couple has four children: Sarai Beth Fureigh, married to Ben; Skylar Kirkland, married to Katie; Matthew Grissom, engaged to Haley; and Bailey Grissom. They also enjoy three grandkids, Zane, 11; Calli, 6; and Jett, 4. Diana has been a member of Junior Auxiliary and worked on several Conway Area Chamber of Commerce committees, including Toad Suck Daze.

Life as Business Owners

Phil and Diana opened Central Station in October 2014. A unique business venture, the store is a full-service gas station that sells ethanol-free unleaded and premium gas along with regular e-10.

“We are also are a great place to eat breakfast and lunch with a hometown atmosphere,” added Diana.

“Sheila Hicks, who is over the restaurant, has fed so many in Faulkner County and has over 54 years of experience in the business.”

The couple sold their former convenience store, which was located on the southeast side of Conway.

“We always said we would love to have this location across from the fire department, and we knew we wanted the firefighter theme,” said Diana.

Phil worked at the Conway Fire Department for almost 25 years prior to his retirement in 2014 and spent years collecting firefighter memorabilia. After three years waiting on the specific location, Phil was notified that the owners were ready to sell.

“We began renovation on the building, which was built in the 1940s; we kept it as original as possible, making only the necessary updates. We wanted to keep the full-service gas station, which

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“We love being downtown where it is convenient for our customers. We are able to see longtime friends and enjoy meeting new people every day.” is very rare in this area. You can pull up, and we will pump your gas and/or check your air, and you never have to get out of your car,” added Diana.

In addition to its customized service, Central Station is an ode to firefighters.

“Our mission is to serve incredibly good food with a hometown atmosphere and allow our customers to enjoy the décor that represents our firefighters, past and present, who risk their lives to serve and protect our community.”

Of their centralized, downtown location, Diana said, “We love being downtown where it is convenient for our customers. We are able to see longtime friends and enjoy meeting new people every day.”

The store/restaurant is logically across from Conway’s main fire station.

As for its menu, Central Station offers 8 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

daily lunch specials along with regular menu items.

“Catfish Friday is still our busiest day, but our customers also love hamburger steak day on Thursday. We have a variety of menu items, including our award-winning burgers that are a must try,” said Diana.

The restaurant also offers homemade soups and desserts, prepared daily. In addition, patrons can purchase typical convenience store wares, such as chips, candy bars, energy bars, cooler drinks and the popular F’Real milkshakes. Central Station posts its daily specials via their Facebook page.

Phil and Diana credit their staff for taking excellent care of the customers.

“Gary Duncan takes care of the fuel and store area, and Sheila and Cassie Callahan take care of the food area; our food is truly wonderful.”

Of Central Station’s reception by the community, they said, “The community has been very supportive. We have our regulars who we see several times per week, some even daily. Our goal was for the store to be like the small neighborhood stores/cafés we had growing up, like G&J Grocery, Gresham’s, Duncan Street, Stephens Grocery and Ma Tuckers. These are places where we went with our parents and grandparents,” added Diana.

When asked how they make working together, well, work, the couple said, “Our sense of humor and making it fun is a top priority. Our first goal is to make it a pleasant environment and offer a great meal for our customers. We both enjoy visiting with everyone who comes in the store. In the day-to-day management, we each have our own responsibilities. We also try to not

bring our work home!”

Life with a Blended Family

Phil and Diana have known one another since the 1980s through church and work.

On blending their two families, the couple stated, “Our kids made it so easy! They have always gotten along so well. It has been such a blessing. Other than getting together as often as we can, we go on a family vacation

with everyone during the summer for an entire week. We have also started new traditions for the holidays. We try to spend as many weekends with everyone at our family cabin as we possibly can.”

On making time for relationships, Diana said, “You have to take time for yourself. We love our downtime at the cabin. Our kids are older, so we don’t have all the school activities to deal with now, but we do enjoy watching our grandchildren in their sports

activities.”

The Kirklands specifically enjoy spending time at their cabin, going to auctions and flea markets and traveling.

As far as future plans for Central Station, they said, “We want to keep growing our business and maintain our excellent customer service, fun environment and great place to eat. We appreciate all the support from our community!”

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conway business

E H T Y T U BEA BAR

By Leah Ashby Photos by Brandy Strain If you want the Red Carpet look this year for Valentine’s Day, then look no further than The Beauty Bar. The Beauty Bar, located at 2455 Washington St., Suite 103 in Conway, is owned

by Lauren Cook. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Lauren married her high school sweetheart. They have two sons, ages five and one. Lauren, no stranger to small business, began working for her aunt and uncle at OK Corral Western Store when she was just a teen.

“I loved the responsibility and took pride in having a job at a young age. I owe my work ethic to growing up in that store and getting to watch it grow, learning the way a small business runs,” Lauren said.

The Beauty Bar, open since August 2015, is a full-service salon, offering most hair and nail services. The staff is made up of five cosmetologists, including color specialists, makeup artists and nail technicians. Lauren hopes to add more stylists in the future.

Each stylist uses unique product and color lines, and some apply only organic products.

The Beauty Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday, but schedules appointments for Sundays and Mondays. In an effort to accommodate all their clientele, the stylists also take late appointments.

Lauren set out to create a salon that is set apart from the rest. She wanted to create a place that not only offers exceptional services in traditional areas, but also a place where people can come often to get services to make them feel great without having to spend a lot of money.

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re d car p et loo k

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BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

“At The Beauty Bar, our goal is to offer a fun, relaxing and affordable experience that makes the customer walk out of the salon feeling like a million bucks. We offer many different services that help us achieve this goal, from blowouts to makeup applications to manicures and pedicures, and nearly every other service in between,” she said.

Blowout bars are a popular trend around the nation, offering an affordable luxury to women. In addition to offering cuts and color, Lauren and her staff also focus on styling to get you looking your best.

“We often hear our clients say after a cut or color service, ‘can you just do my hair every day?’ They’re not talking about having it colored every day. The Beauty Bar is bringing blowouts to Conway! A blowout service is available so the client doesn’t have to wait six weeks for their hair to feel the way it does right after their color appointment. A blowout makes it available for them to feel fabulous as often as they’d like. We want Conway and the surrounding areas to know that we offer quick, affordable doses of fabulousness and me-time.”

Lauren is enthusiastic about The Beauty Bar and strives to provide quality service to each and every customer that walks through the door.

“I love that we have the opportunity to give someone that little something they need to feel better, whether it be relaxation, time to vent or escape or just to feel great about their looks. We get the chance several times a day to make someone’s day, and that is so rewarding,” Lauren said.

The Beauty Bar is offering “sweet” deals for your Valentine’s Day night on the town that includes $40 for blowout and makeup (select stylists only). Contact the salon at (501) 428-4960 for more details or to schedule an appointment.

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Q&A

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WtoConway elcome

j e f f an d w en d y w illia m s

By Andrea Lennon Photos by Brandy Strain

Jeff and Wendy Williams are excited to call Conway home. Jeff is the new senior pastor at Second Baptist Church in Conway.

Second Baptist Church is located at 2600 Dave Ward Drive. Jeff and Wendy are easy to be around. They love Jesus, each other, and their family. Here is a quick peek into their life.

Where did you grow up? Do you have a favorite childhood memory?

“Never stop communicating regardless of your emotions. Take a vacation without your kids every year. You must stay connected to each other and it’s healthy for your children to see you prioritizing your relationship with each other.”

We both grew up in Mobile, Alabama. We did not meet until college although we’ve talked about how we were probably at some of the same places growing up like the skating rink on Friday nights. Wendy’s favorite childhood memory is going to Ft.Walton beach each year for vacation. She anticipated the pools, the beach, and having a great time with her family.

Jeff ’s favorite childhood memory is riding his bike each day to the public tennis facility. He took lessons, played in tournaments, and hung out and played ping pong when it was raining outside.

How did you meet?

Wendy’s friend from college brought her to an Alabama- Auburn football party when we were both freshmen in college. One of us was interested instantly, the other was not so impressed.

There’s a whole lot more to that story. It was crazy and somewhat humorous. Thankfully, everything turned out great!

Tell us about your family.

We have 6 children, all very different and awesome in their own way. Joe is twenty-two and works for Windstream in West Little Rock. He graduated last May from Ouachita Baptist University.

Justin is eighteen and a senior at Bryant High School. He plans to attend college with a desire to eventually become a police officer.

Taylor is fifteen and a freshman at Conway Junior High School.

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She loves music and is progressing in piano, guitar, and vocal training. Hanna is fourteen and in the eighth grade at Conway Junior High School. She has been a cheerleader and she plays volleyball for Conway Juniors.

Mason is six and is in kindergarten at Julia Lee Moore Elementary School. He loves legos, mine craft, and talking. He is never at a loss for words. Harper is eight months old and is learning to sit up and crawl. She is spoiled rotten by everyone.

Share three words that describe one another.

Jeff says that Wendy is organized, a servant, and easy-going. Wendy says that Jeff is outgoing, passionate, and competitive.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

We both love playing tennis and sitting on the beach — if sitting on the beach is a hobby!

What piece of marital advice do you like to share with other couples?

Never stop communicating regardless of your emotions. Take a vacation without your kids every year. You must stay connected to each other and it’s healthy for your children to see you prioritizing your relationship with each other.

Adoption is near to your heart. Tell us why.

Our oldest two children are actually Wendy’s nephews. We’ve had the privilege of raising them for most of their teenage years. We realized that there are lots of great kids out there that may not have a family to take them in. God used this realization to develop a desire in us to be the answer for other kids. Our youngest two children are the result of Gods work in our lives. We decided God had blessed us and given us a passion for adoption. So we said, “let’s just go for it...even though we are old!”

Adoption has changed our lives and our family. We absolutely love our family and the unique way God has put it together.

What excites you about living in Conway?

We love that Conway has a small town, 16 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

well connected community feel; but it is still a progressive city with lots of innovative ideas. We love the college town atmosphere, as well. There is incredible life in young people that are preparing to make their mark on the world. We also love the downtown area with the shopping and the restaurants.

of the church should be to love and serve the community in such a powerful way that if the church disappeared there would be a huge void in the community’s life. For people to really understand the heart of Jesus they need to see the church living out the principles and values that He modeled for us.

You have been at Second Baptist for four months, what vision do you have for the church? How do you hope to reach people with the message of God’s love?

At the end of your time on this earth, what do you hope people will say about you?

Second Baptist has been placed in the middle of the community. I believe the goal

Jeff says, “I hope that I didn’t live my life for things that will fade away or that don’t matter eternally.”

Wendy says, “I hope that people will say that I loved Jesus and that it was obvious in every area of my life.”

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shopping

For her

Jude Frances 18Kt gold and diamond Provence ring $1,750.

Available at Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers.

Jude Frances sterling silver open Moroccan cuff bracelet $1,200.

Available at Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers.

14Kt white gold blue and white diamond engagement ring 1.00ct cushion cut blue diamond center stone and 0.45cts in the mounting (1.45ctw) $4,400. Available at Brooks Fine Jewelry.

Chatham emerald and diamond pendant necklace $1,585.

Available at Dayer Jewelers.

Chatham emerald and diamond earrings $1,800. Available at Dayer Jewelers.

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For him Men’s Citizen watch $695.

Available at Dayer Jewelers.

g i f ts o f lo v e

Men’s Reactor watch $900.

Available at Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers.

Men’s 14Kt white gold blue and white diamond wedding band 0.87ctw $2,500. Available at Brooks Fine Jewelry.

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tax season ecutive director of the TaxInstitute at H&R Block.

The arrival of the new year means it’s time to start thinking about gathering the documents needed to file taxes. They include W-2 forms reporting wages or salaries, which employers will send out this month. You’ll also need Form 1099 reporting interest and dividend income, Form 1098 showing interest paid on a home mortgage, and Form 1095-A if you bought coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

MORE TIME TO FILE

Tax tips for the upcoming year WASHINGTON (AP) — What’s new when you file your taxes this year? Taxpayers without health insurance will face larger penalties, and those insured by their employers will get a new tax form. There

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also have been adjustments for inflation, and Congress extended expiring tax breaks, some permanently.

“The good news is that we finally have some certainty,” said Kathy Pickering, ex-

Tax season opens Jan. 19, when the Internal Revenue Service begins accepting returns.

If you like to procrastinate, you’ll have four extra days — counting Feb. 29 because this is a leap year — to filewithout needing an extension. The deadline is April 18 because of the celebration of Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. If you live in Massachusetts or Maine, Patriots Day means you’ll have still another day to file.

Taxpayers will not see many significant changes when they start filling out their forms, said Greg Rosica, taxpartner at Ernst & Young LLP. But do take into account any changes in your personal life, he urged. Did you get married, have a child or begin caring for an elderly relative, for example?

“As things change in your personal life, so do taxes change,” he said.

Tax brackets, the value of each exemption and the standard deduction have been adjusted for inflation. So have the levels at which certain tax credits and deductions begin to phase out.

Fewer people are itemizing because the standard deduction continues to creep upward, said Barbara Weltman, a consultant and author of books on taxes, law and finance.

For 2015, the standard deduction is $6,300 for single filers, $12,600 for married couples filing jointly and $9,250 for heads of household.

Each personal exemption is worth $4,000, up from $3,950 in 2014, according to the IRS.

FILING ELECTRONICALLY

Taxpayers increasingly are choosing to file electronically.

Electronic filing was up 2.4 percent in 2015 from 2014. Similarly, the use of direct deposit for refund checks also is gaining in popularity. Last year, more than 86 million tax refunds were paid through direct deposit, up 2.7 percent over 2014.

Overall, the average refund in 2015 was $2,797, a slight increase over the previous year.

“Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund,” the IRS said on its website.

The agency expects to pay more than 90 percent of refunds in less than 21 days.

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft continues to be a problem.

Sometimes the first indication is a notice from the IRS that a tax return already has been filed with a taxpayer’s Social Security number.

To combat the problem, the IRS launched a public awareness campaign in November and began issuing a series of tips on how to protect data online.

“The IRS and the states have been working to get better at detecting these false returns, but as the criminals steal more and more personal data, they can do an even better job of making a tax return look legitimate,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a statement.

“In short, the criminals are evolving, and so must we,” he said.

At an IRS security summit, tax preparers, software companies and the agency came together “to establish standards for authenticating tax filers online, and sharing information with the IRS and state departments of revenue on patterns of fraudulent behavior,” Pickering said.

Taxpayers filing electronically might see requests for stronger passwords, and secu-

rity questions to help validate that they are who they say they are.

The extra security “shouldn’t be burdensome,” Pickering said, and could help taxpayers feel “a little more protected.”

States also are taking steps, she said; more than a dozen now require employers to send copies of the W-2 directly to them

by Jan. 31. The IRS also plans to require that in the future.

Taxpayers should know that the IRS “does not initiate contact by email to request personal or financial information,” the agency emphasizes on its website. “This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.”

If your identity is stolen, resolving the issue can take months, even longer. “It’s very

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difficult for taxpayers as well as practitioners to effectively resolve issues,” says Joseph Perry, the partner in charge of the tax and business services at Marcum LLP.

HEALTH INSURANCE AND TAXES

“The Affordable Care Act has now made health care a tax issue,” Pickering said.

In a report to Congress earlier this month, National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson said the IRS faced “a few unanticipated challenges” last year regarding the tax-related provisions of the health care law. “In general,” she said, “the IRS has sufficiently addressed the issues as they arise in order to avoid similar issues in future filingseason.”

Taxpayers will see some new forms, 1095B and 1095C, if

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they have employer-provided health insurance or got it outside the marketplace. Lisa Greene-Lewis, CPA and editor of the TurboTax blog, called the forms a “non-issue.” She said they are informational only.

“The IRS computers are going to be able to verify your information that you and your dependents had the coverage,” she said.

Taxpayers who didn’t have coverage in 2015 or didn’t qualify for an exemption from coverage will face significantly higher penalties than last year, meaning a bigger tax bill come April or a smaller refund.

“The fee is calculated two different ways — as a percentage of your household income and per person,” according to the federal website healthcare. gov. “You’ll pay whichever is higher.”

For those who don’t qualify for an exemption, the penalty for not having insurance in 2015 is generally the greater of $325 per person or 2 percent of taxable income over the filing threshold up to certain limits.

Last year was the first time penalties were collected.

Recently released IRS numbers indicate that 7.9 million households paid fines averaging $210 apiece on their tax returns for 2014.

The penalties then were lower — $95 for the flat fee, or 1 percent of taxable income.

Many lower-income people are exempt from the penalty, so taxpayers should check if they qualify for an exemption (use Form 8965 to do so).

About 3.5 million returns were filed that included the health insurance premium tax credit — a key part of the health care law.

Taxpayers can either get the credit in advance when buying insurance through the exchanges or receive it as a refund on their taxes.

Either way, they need to fill out Form 8962 and attach it to their return.

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health

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Pucker up: Kissing has its benefits

By David Smith Ah, February, the month noted for so many things. Do a Google search and you’ll soon discover a range of topics from “Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month” to “Spunky Old Broads Month.” Really — look it up! Around here, of course, in February we all think of Valentine’s Day and those we love. I discovered some fun facts about kissing on CNN.com and thought you might find them interesting. Here is a light-hearted look at the Top 8 Health Benefits of Kissing.

• Reduce your blood pressure: Kissing helps to dilate your blood vessels, which may help lower your blood pressure.

• Relieve cramps and headaches: The bloodvessel-dilation effect described above also helps to relieve pain, particularly from headache or menstrual cramps.

• Fight cavities: As MSN reported, when you kiss, saliva production increases in your mouth, and this helps to wash away plaque on your teeth that may lead to cavities. But be sure to maintain good oral hygiene and be sure your kissing partner does as well.

• Release your happy hormones: Kissing prompts your brain to release your “feel good” chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This isn’t only important for your happiness, it may also help to strengthen your relationship. Also, your lips are densely packed with sensory neurons, which are stimulated by the touch of another’s lips. This prompts the

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release of sebum, which is thought to play a role in bonding.

• Burn calories: Okay, I know this isn’t going to replace your workout session, but a vigorous kiss may burn 8 to 16 calories, which isn’t too shabby for a lil’ ole kiss.

• Boost your self-esteem: One study found that men who received a passionate kiss before they left for work earned more money! This suggests they went to work happier and, perhaps they were more productive at work. Just imagine what effect it might have for “twoincome” families.

• Tone your facial muscles: A vigorous kiss helps you shape up your neck and jaw line by working out a number of facial muscles.

• Check out your partner’s compatibility: A kiss can be a powerful measure of your initial attraction to a person. Reportedly, women place more importance on kissing as a “mate assessment device” than men and as a measure of the status of their relationship with a long-term partner. Okay guys, we obviously need to make this a priority.

Here are a few more interesting facts mentioned in the CNN.com article. The average person spends more than 20,000 minutes of their life kissing, and for a very good reason.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, kissing has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce allergic responses in people with skin or nasal allergies.

Separate research also revealed that people who spent six weeks making kissing a priority

with their partners reported significant decreases in their levels of stress. The kissing participants also reported greater relationship satisfaction and improvements in total cholesterol.

By the way, we all may have the moms of the world to thank for kissing. Because some cultures don’t include kissing in their mating rituals, it’s possible that the first kiss was given by a mother to her child rather than being shared by a couple. Thanks, Mom. While we make no claims about being experts in the area of kissing, we are actually pretty helpful about all things pharmacy-related. Give David or Blake a call at 501-336-8188 or email us at info@smithfamilypharmacy.com.

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 a pharmacist in Conway for over 41 years. He loves spending time with family and is NO1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

real estate

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Faulkner real estate 2015 review/2016 projections

Year End Highlights Faulkner County: It was another great year for Faulkner County homes sales overall. In 2015 home sales were up 4% in volume as compared to 2014 which was a very good year compared to the recent past. Pricing was up 6% on average in 2015 and we saw the average list to sale price drop from 97% to 97.5% or 2.5% negotiation.

Financing type in 2015 was:

• Cash 18% • Conventional 41% • FHA 22% • VA 8% • RD 7% • Other 4% We did see a 26% increase in the sales of higher priced home (over $350K) which jumped from 42 in 2014 home sales in 2014 to 59 home sales in 2015. New construction home sales only accounted for approximate 5%. Foreclosure home sales remained flat at approximately 12% of total sales volume.

As we start 2016 inventory levels are significantly lower than last year and even lower than the typical seasonal declines, so this coupled with the current low interest rates make it a great time to buy and sell.

Even though the Federal Reserve did raise their interest rate we have not seen any

major impact to mortgage rates in Faulkner County.

The Top Five Subdivisions by Sales Volume 2015:

• Spring Valley • North Hills • Victoria Park • Westin Park • Shiloh Creek Year End Highlights National Level: In 2015 sales for first time buyers was down significantly over the past few years.

Multi-generational housing grew again for the third straight year due to home savings for children returning back to their mom and dads’ home or caretaking of aging parents.

New home purchasers said they wanted a new home to avoid renovations or problems with key items such as plumbing, roof, HVAC items this was very much the same input as last year. Resale purchasers said they wanted better overall value and/or the charm or character that an older home typically provides. Seniors over 50 years old purchased a home is a senior-related housing subdivision/complex approximately 13% of the time.

On average buyers expect to live in their home for 12 years after purchasing, and 92%

of these buyers used the internet in some way during their search for their home and of these buyers half used some type of mobile application.

Sellers had slightly different reason to sell and repurchase a home, 40% traded up to a large sized home, 47% purchased a more expensive home, and 53% purchased a newer home. The typical seller had lived in their home for 10 years which is 40% longer than back in 2007. Although the survey did not state the reason for the longer stay in a home, I suspect it was because the value of their home was less during the housing market decline 2008 to 2011. Over a third of the seller had offered an incentive to attract buyers, with seller paid closing costs or home warranty being the most popular.

If you would like any specific information about the Faulkner County housing market, your specific home, or subdivision contact Bill Tobias of the Tobey Team at CryeLeike Realtors Conway. Bill can be reached at 501-358-0023 / 501-932-0499. The Tobey Team is here to assist you in all your Real Estate needs (MBA, GRI, CRS, CRA, SRES, ABR, Green).

Sources include: National Association of Realtors (NAR), Realtor.org, Cooperative Arkansas Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service (CARMLS), Inman News, and personal opinion.

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beauty

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STUDIO SKIN

Forever young: Invest in your skin

By Angela Jackson

Skin Peel Benefits

A safe, non-toxic chemical solution is applied to your skin that gently polishes or resurfaces, removing the damaged top layers. A skin peel stimulates new cell growth and collagen production to effectively reveal younger-looking skin.

Your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher looking; a chemical peel reduces signs of sun damage, dull and uneven skin tone, scars, pigmentation, acne and enlarged pores. It improves skin texture and condition by removing dead and damaged skin cells, — your skin will be brighter and clearer.

There are a range of skin peels available designed to treat specific skin conditions and types.

All peels at Studio SKIN are non-toxic and safe and tailored to suit individual skin types and conditions to achieve the best possible results.

Benefits of microdermabrasion

A microdermabrasion facial has many benefits, and you will be able to take advantage of all of these when you visit Studio SKIN. No preparation is needed, because it can be used directly on skin without any preparation. It is a convenient treatment enjoyed whenever it suits your schedule.

As soon as you walk out of the clinic you will be able to notice the difference in your skin. It is fast acting, and you will not have to wait days before you see the difference.

While some skin treatments may lead to mild discomfort, a microdermabrasion facial is

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completely painless.

If you use high-tech products to make your skin look and feel better, a microdermabrasion facial allows these to be absorbed into the skin better so that you get more out of them.

Even though a single treatment will leave you noticing an immediate difference, for best results consider multiple treatments.

Benefits of ongoing treatment include: clean pores, new skin cells, smoother skin and reduced scarring – if you suffer from acne scarring then a regular microdermabrasion facial treatment can significantly help to reduce the appearance of scarring.

Benefits of microneedling

Microneedling is a type of treatment that uses small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin. These small contact points encourage the body to create a wound-healing response and renew the skin cells. As your skin repairs, the production of collagen and elastin is triggered to give an almost immediate plumping effect. It can also help tackle other skin damage such as scarring, dark marks, sun damage and aging.

What is microcurrent, and what are the benefits?

Microcurrent is a low level of electrical current that mirrors the body’s own natural current.

Its proven and accepted properties of wound healing, muscle rehabilitation, macular degeneration and lymphodema continue to assist medical practitioners with amazing results.

The intended use for the Bio-Ultimate Plati-

num device is to aid in the battle of anti-aging by diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving the texture and appearance of the skin, re-educating and toning facial muscles and reducing the overall visual appearance of aging.

At a cellular level, microcurrent stimulates activity in the cell to create massive amounts (a 500% increase) of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), known as the “energy of life.”

ATP drives a number of biological processes, including muscle contraction/re-education and protein synthesis. Facial toning is achieved through muscle re-education, working a muscle from its origin and insertion inward to shorten slackened muscles (such as in the cheeks or forehead), and working from the belly outward to lengthen contracted muscles (such as the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward).

Microcurrent also offers specific iontophoresis which allows superior penetration of serums into the skin.

Angela Jackson, owner of studio SKIN has been a licensed aesthetician for 16 years. She currently sits as an appointed member on the Arkansas Dept. Of Health advisory committee.

Angela is a member of Associated Skincare Professionals, an organization dedicated to the promotion of safe, quality skin care. Angela practices in the Fayetteville area, has for over 14 years, under the direct supervision of a board certified plastic surgeon. Angela has been offering skincare in the downtown Conway area for the last 6 years. She offers expertise and certifications in corrective skincare, facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, airbrush tanning, full body waxing and make-up.

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in the news

Alpha sigma tau, sigma tau gamma celebrate life of madelyn grace Family, friends, and members of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity gathered to celebrate the life of Madelyn Grace Johnston at the Alpha Sigma Tau house on the campus of UCA. The patio of the recently built home was given in Madelyn’s memory by longtime family friend, Brad Lacy. TJ, Rachel, Sawyer, and Hank Johnston were present and led the celebration of Madelyn’s life.

At the dedication, Rachel expressed her family’s gratitude to Uncle Brad as well as the UCA community. Rachel stated, “It is fitting that Madelyn is remembered here at UCA. This is where TJ and I met. TJ brought Madelyn to this campus for their special dates. We love that future Alpha Sigma Tau members will get to know our girl.” Yellow and white roses (the sorority and fraternity flower respectively) were placed in a vase by attendees to close the ceremony.

28 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

Valentine Gala to benefit Bethlehem House The eleventh annual Bethlehem House Valentine Gala and Auction will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5 at oneChurch in Conway.

“Last year’s event was a complete sell-out and this year will be better in every way with more live and silent auction items,” said Executive Director Judi Lively. “We are currently gathering live and silent aucA crowd gathers to bid on a great variety of tion items. Donatitems during the Valentine Gala and Auction for ing auction items Bethlehem House. is a great way for local businesses to show off the goods and services they offer, while supporting the ministry to the hungry and homeless.”

“We are excited this year to again have the Gala catered by David and Patti Stobaugh and Pasta Grill and to have entertainment by Preston Palmer,” said Lively. The Stobaughs own Stoby’s and PattiCakes.

“The Gala is extremely important because it is our major fundraiser to supply operation funds at the shelter,” added Lively.

Tickets are $30 each or table sponsorships are available for $350 and come with eight tickets. Tickets can be purchased at Bethlehem House, 1115 Parkway St., or online at bethlehemhouse.net.

For additional information or to donate a silent auction item, call 501-205-0905.

chase race and paws is march 12 The 11th Annual Chase Race and Paws scheduled for Saturday, March 12, celebrates the life of Conway teen and his love of animals.

The race benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Friends of the Conway Animal Shelter.

Taking place at Simon Park in Downtown Conway the two-mile RRCA state championship race awards $100 cash prize to any male or female who breaks the present course records. You can also join your pet in a one-mile race and enter the pet costume contest to parade your pets favorite outfit.

This event continues to commemorate the short life of Chase Potter, who died at age 13. A tragedy that has been turned into a commemorative fun event for runners, walkers, children families and pets. You can register at www.chaserace.info or pick up an entry form at The Sporty Runner, Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, or Rock City Running.

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events

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ar k ansas s h a k es p eare t h eatre b ar d b all

PHOTOS BY ERIC WHITE

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holiday crafts

Valentine

BOXES from Faulkner County elementary students

Created by Emma Claire

Created by Sawyer

Created by Rayleigh

Created by Maklya

Created by Oliver

32 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

Created by Hunter

Created by Salter

Created by Hayden

Created by Emma

Created by Lily Beth

Created by Chloe

Created by Kolden

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homes

After

Before

&

34 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

rust y an d m in d y nic h olson h o m e

By Colleen Holt Photos by Brandy Strain Rusty and Mindy Nicholson of Conway have worked as a team throughout their life together, and their lovely home in the Cresthaven neighborhood high atop Round Mountain is the perfect testament to their teamwork.

Since the summer of 2012, this young professional couple has made changes from top to bottom in the 3,700-square-foot home at 2950 Collins Drive.

The changes were designed largely to improve the usability of the home and to give it some personal, homey touches. The finished product is beautiful,

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comfortable and perfect for their growing family.

Having moved five times in four years, the Nicholsons were living in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Conway when it came time to look for a larger house. Rusty, a native of Vilonia, and Mindy, a native of Bigelow, have been together since 1997, marrying at age 20.

Mindy said they talked about whether they wanted to build or find an existing home they could work with. Two things happened to help them make that decision — their Spring Valley home sold in one week, and they found out they were pregnant.

With a new baby coming along, they knew Rusty’s mom would be staying with them a lot to babysit, and that she might 36 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

eventually move in.

“Since we already had one challenge with a pregnancy, we decided we didn’t want another challenge of building a house,” Rusty said.

“Everything we’ve ever done has been a project,” Mindy added, explaining that when they bought the Spring Valley home it was the basic outline that they finished with their own touches.

When they began the new home search, they knew the size of house they wanted, and that there must be some outside privacy.

When they first walked into the Collins Drive home, they literally walked into a wall — a wall that stretched the length of the foyer.

“I told my agent right away that I wanted that wall down,” Mindy said. The Collins Drive home afforded them a total of three acres, which includes an adjacent lot on which they have been able to build a guest house/man cave.

Contractors have done much of the work on the home, but the couple has definitely put in sweat equity to keep down costs and to make sure their personal touches are

included.

“I have painted just about every wall in this house,” Rusty laughed.

“The process has taken a little longer than we anticipated. Originally, we were going to just do out there in the guest house at first, then we decided to do work in here,” Mindy said, motioning to the kitchen and foyer. Since then, changes have been made in the kitchen, master bath, half bath, laundry room, foyer, living room, the kids’ bathroom and the man cave.

In order to create an open floor plan, the contractors took down that front foyer wall, put in a new set of headers for both sides of the foyer (at the kitchen and at the front door) and added side posts for support.

Before the work, there were separate doors leading from the family room into the dining room and into the kitchen. In fact, there was no way to get from the dining room to the family room without going through the kitchen.

Mindy said the old kitchen was not well organized — it was too closed off, thanks largely to an oversized center work island.

“We now have a better flow as far as

things are concerned. We flipped around the design and use the entire kitchen space now.”

The new kitchen was designed around Mindy’s choice of floor tile. The inspiration came following a trip to Russo’s restaurant in Conway, where she saw brown tile floors.

“I got the silver version of that tile,” she said.

Other features in the kitchen include beautiful glass backsplash that reaches from counter to ceiling, and stainless appliances.

Mindy found a unique granite design for the countertops that includes some purple and blue highlights that sparkle in the light.

“It’s just a little bit unique,” she said.

The original owner of the home never used the fireplace — in fact, the gas lines had been cut and capped. The Nicholsons

reattached the gas lines for the fireplace, and added gas access for the kitchen stove. The contractors also refaced the fireplace with natural stone in dark tones, reaching from floor to ceiling.

Mindy’s big objective in the total project was to include a lot of storage. In the kitchen, they took the cabinets all the way from floor to ceiling on one wall and added slow-close doors. Mindy said the contractors advised her that the higher shelves would be

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useful only for storage.

“I told them that I’m 5 feet tall — anything above the first level is just storage for me,” she laughed.

Being averse to cluttered countertops, a myriad of built-ins in the cabinets have been included. Examples are doors that slide back for the microwave, appliance plug-ins inside the cabinets, a pull-out pantry, a stand that pops out under the cabinet for the mixer and upright slots to store cookie sheets.

“I don’t like clutter. I like things to be convenient, but put away,” Mindy said.

Because Rusty’s expertise is in electronics and computers, he has installed a computer in the kitchen with a network that includes being able to look up recipes, scan paperwork and watch television. It is also used in conjunction with a network of cameras in the bedrooms and playroom of their two daughters — Lexi is 3, and Olivia is 4 months.

As for building the guest house/man cave, it was very cost efficient, as they repurposed items from the old kitchen and bath. The man cave is wheelchair-accessible and will be a perfect in-laws’ quarters when that time comes.

“We took the kitchen that was in here in the main house and put it out there,” Rusty said. “I cut the glue on the granite and took all the cabinets out. We reused the fans, faucets and toilet paper holders and installed them out there. It cost about $70 per square foot, and we have a lot of sweat equity in it.”

This space has become the perfect place for entertaining, as it is close to the inground pool and patio.

Even the laundry room has been updated.

This space had plumbing included, but there was no sink. Mindy and Rusty added a deep

38 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

farm sink that is perfect for bathing their cats. And, the cats also have their own private space — an enclosed area under a staircase that has a cat door and their litter box.

The general theme of the home is modern, with a soft touch.

“Everything I’ve ever had was brown, so I went a different direction,” Mindy said.

“More modern, which is just my taste. I like to mix my textures. I’m not for just straight modern lines. I like to play around with it ... putting metals along with soft things, for instance.”

Family is apparent in the Nicholson home through some of the décor. On their dining table sits a mirror that came from Rusty’s great-great-grandmother’s home. It has been repurposed into a table centerpiece, beautifully displaying its age through the silver on the back that is partially worn away.

There are other small touches of “family”

apparent around the house. Rusty drew and painted a pretty tree mural with pink leaves in Olivia’s room, and Mindy found an old birdcage, painted it pink and turned it into a light fixture.

Rusty said of his wife, “She loves decorating. She’s the clearance-sale queen and goes to garage sales. It’s always a work in progress. She has a lot of good ideas that continuously keep me busy.”

Some of Mindy’s ideas come from things she sees on Pinterest.

Next on the “to-do” list includes installing handscraped wood floors in the main house, and concentrating on the outside landscaping. They have an arborist friend who will be contacted for expert help, they said.

“Last year I yanked out all the plants in the flower beds,” Rusty said.

“It looks a little sad,” Mindy added, laughing.

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spiritual

A Heart for God

40 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

an d rea lennon

By Andrea Lennon There are verses in the Bible that are visual to me.

When I read them, I envision them taking place in my life. Psalm 5:11-12 provides a perfect example.

“Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous, you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (New International Version) As I read Psalm 5:11-12, I see a common theme in regard to the attitudes of our hearts. We are called to live the right way. This call is much more than simply doing the right things. This call challenges us to have a heart that longs to be right before God. Think about this. God longs for us to have a heart that pleases Him. Our actions simply reflect what is or is not taking place inside of our hearts.

The call to live the right way challenges us to examine our focus. Let me ask you this important question. Is your focus on God like a glance or is it like a gaze? When we glance at God we simply take a quick look at Him. Maybe we wake up in the morning, say a quick prayer, and then live the rest of our day according to our plans and desires. We are all guilty of glancing at God! The problem with glancing at God is that we treat Him like a “to do” on our daily list.

Let me tell you something! God desires a different type of relationship with you and me. He desires to be intimately involved in all aspects of our day. God invites us to move past a glance so that we can embrace a gaze. When we gaze at God, we fix our eyes on Him with a determined focus. We not only look to God, we are eager to listen to Him and obey. This

level of focus changes our hearts.

If you have ever gazed at God, you have lived out Psalm 5:11-12. You have found your refuge in God. You have sung for joy in your heart to God. You have enjoyed the protection of God. You have rejoiced in who God is in your life. You have lived the kind of life that pleases God. You have experienced the favor of God. As a result, you have a heart that longs for God. Maybe you are reading this column and feel discouraged because you have messed up. You might be wondering, “Will God give me another chance?” Let me be the first to encourage you. God will give you another chance! God loves you and He has a plan for your life.

This week take time to gaze at God. One easy way to gaze at God involves reading the Bible each day.

Here is a simple plan. Pick one book of the Bible, read one chapter a day, and ask God to show you one verse. I suggest that you start with the gospel of John. During your day, look for ways to implement your special verse into your daily life. Talk to God and know that He will lead you. When you do, you will not only be able to envision God’s work in your life, you will experience it! God will work in you and through you. You will have a heart that longs for God. 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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book review

‘Contrition’ keeps readers engaged Authored by Maura Weiler Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe It seems to be a calculated case of twins separated at birth. Yet “Contrition” is anything but calculated.

It’s true that both women experience a strange yearning for the other. It’s even true that they are as different as night and day. One works as a tabloid journalist. The other is a cloistered nun.

But their secrets and silences eventually bring the two sisters together in a most surprising and sensational way.

Published in 2015 by Connecticut author Maura Weiler, “Contrition” provided abundant material for our gathering group of readers. As we celebrate love this February, it seems appropriate to share various love themes throughout this novel. There is the love both women share for their Lord, and how their closeness to Him ebbs and flows.

There is a deep love for family, both biological and adopted. There is sisterly love that has been lost, found and then lost again. And there is a keen sense of love exhibited for fellow human beings. Great love is shown between characters who

42 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

susan o’keefe encourage and gently guide one another, as well as those friends who struggle to understand others’ choices and decisions. If one overall theme was chosen, love would fit the bill.

As the book opens, both 26-year old sisters, Dorie and Catherine, find themselves at pivotal points in their lives, places that neither ever expected. Isn’t that the way life often happens? Dorie writes articles for a tabloid newspaper and is on the hunt for a two-headed goat. The goat’s mountain home takes Dorie directly past a deteriorating convent. It’s the same convent where her twin sister Candace, now called Sister Catherine, resides as a cloistered nun.

“I was engaged in the story immediately,” offered one reader. “A cloistered nun, a twin sister snooping for scandal and hype, then a mudslide which forces Dorie to ask for help at the convent … it was a stimulating opener!”

Once the story unfolds, readers are privy to a past that is sprinkled with heartache.

There is the talented and widely recognized but insecure painter, the girls’ father. Nei-

ther girl ever knew their biological mother.

Dorie’s adoptive parents have recently died and now she’s hungry to meet the blood relative that has been discovered through legal documents upon her father’s death.

Yet there is so much silence surrounding the situation.

A cloistered nun spends her time in silence which naturally led to a discussion of silence. Is our society even aware of the advantages of silence? How much communication can occur when no one speaks? Will silence envelop and embrace or suffocate and stifle? For some, silence reveals terrifying truths. For others, it is a place where the mind, body, and soul find solitude and serenity. For Sister Catherine, silence offered an escape plan. The author calls it a convenient way to “hide behind her habit.”

Once Dorie and Catherine are face-toface, there are unforeseen fits of anger and frustration. There is cajoling and pestering for Catherine to share her talents of artistic genius with the world. Dorie longs to introduce Catherine to the lucrative liveli-

hood of art, and in doing so, redeem her writing with the chance to pen a story with substance. But redemption will not come in the assumed manner.

Weiler is to be commended for writing in such a fluid way that keeps the story moving rapidly without feeling rushed, and keeps readers engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Several surprises are in store for readers as that underlying theme of love is tested and tried in more ways than one.

Synonymous with contrition are repentance, penitence, remorse, regret, and sorrow. This novel titled “Contrition” embodies all of those synonyms, and includes love as a stable superior surrounding.

Susan recently moved to 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 Communications 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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the arts

Arts Scene

The 2015 Conway Arts Awards recipients

Conway Arts Awards Call for Nominations

By Jennie Strange Submitted photos

The Conway Alliance for the Arts (CAFTA) has announced they will be accepting nominations February 1-29, 2016 for the annual Conway Arts Awards. The awardsnow in their third year- serve to recognize contributions of all types to the arts community in Conway and will be given in the following categories: • Outstanding Arts Educator: An individual or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to arts education in Conway.

• Outstanding Student Achievement: This award will recognize students who have demonstrated significant ability and progress in their pursuit of art. Two awards will be given; one for an individual up to the age of 18 and one for an enrolled college student.

• Outstanding Individual Arts Achieve44 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

ment: An artist active in the field of architecture, contemporary crafts, design, film, literature, performing arts or visual arts who has made significant contributions to his/ her art form.

• The Rollin R. Potter Outstanding Arts Patron Award: An individual, family, or business who has made noteworthy philanthropic contributions to the development of the arts in Conway.

• The Mayor’s Award for Community Advocate for the Arts: A civic leader who has taken a leadership role in creating an environment for artists and arts to flourish in Conway.

• The Faulkner County Library Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award: An artist or group whose contributions to the arts over a lifetime has fostered significant recognition, or an art patron whose lifetime of dedication to the development and support of the arts will sustain the arts beyond his/her lifetime.

According to CAFTA Board Chair, Gayle

Seymour “Nominees need not live in Conway, but their contributions must be, or have been, impactful to the Conway arts community.” She added that “the Conway Alliance for the Arts is very pleased to take the lead in recognizing some very talented individuals who have helped enrich all our lives.”

The Conway Arts Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Trieschmann Fine Arts Building on the Hendrix College campus; the public is invited to attend free of charge. The event will include the presentation of the 2016 awards as well as performances by local musical, dance, and theatre artists. A reception will follow with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided by Hendrix College’s Culinary Club.

For more information, contact the Arts Awards Chair, Amanda Horton, at ahorton@uca.edu . To submit your nominations for the 2016 awards, visit www.artsinconway.org/awards.

J A N U A R Y e v ents

FEBRUARY Arts Events February Arts Events – Please check out the event website for more information and pricing.

February 1-26: Arkansas Small Works on Paper Exhibit @ Hendrix College Art building A Lobby; 3:30-5:30 p.m. www.lopas@hendrix. edu (PG13) February 1: Tim Jacobs Art @ Art on the Green; 10:00 a.m. Call 501-205-1922 (G) February 2: 10 Week Creative Writing Workshop for Ages 12+ Begins @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 4:00-5:00 p.m. www. blackbirdacademy.org (Ages 12+) February 2: Trombone Recital by Ben Mcellwain @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) February 4: Arkansas Small Works on Paper Reception @ Hendrix College Art building A Lobby; 5:00 p.m. www.lopas@hendrix.edu (PG13) February 5: Painting and Pizza @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 6:008:00 p.m. www.blackbirdacademy.org (Ages 5+) February 10: UCA Symphonic Band @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) February 11: Public Lecture by Ceramicist Mike Jabbur @ UCA McCastlain hall Room 143; 5:00 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (PG) February 11, 12, 18, 19: Dead Man’s Cell Phone presented by UCA Theatre @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Black Box Theatre; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (A) February 12, 13, 18, 19, 20: Almost, Maine @ the Lantern Theatre; 7:30 p.m. www.conwayarts.org (PG13) February 13: Dead Man’s Cell Phone presented by UCA Theatre @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Black Box Theatre; 2:00 p.m. www.uca. edu/cfac (A) February 14 & 21: Almost, Maine @ the Lantern Theatre; 2:30 p.m. www.conwayarts.org (PG13) February 15: Hendrix College Chamber Orchestra Waltz Night @ Hendrix College Trieschmann Building; 7:30 p.m. griebling@ hendrix.edu (PG13) February 17: Public Concert by UCA Jazz Ensembles @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) February 20: Sewing Workshop for Adults “Kitchen Trio” @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. www. blackbirdacademy.org (Ages 16+) February 22: Public Lecture with Photographer Maggie Steber @ UCA McCastlain Hall Room 143; 6:00 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (PG13) February 23: Public Concert by UCA Percussion Ensemble @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) February 23: Public Reading and Book Signing with Writer John D’Agata @ UCA College of Business Auditorium Room 107; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (PG13) February 24: Public Talk with Photographer Maggie Steber @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) February 27: Student Performance Showcase @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 7:00 p.m. www.blackbirdacademy.org (G) Rating key: G – Suitable for all ages PG-Suggested for ages 7+ PG13- Suggested for ages 13+ A- Suggested for Adults 18+

Artist Highlight Dr. Andrew Morgan, DMA

Conductor, Hendrix Choir/ Assistant Professor of Music, Hendrix College

Originally from: Madison, Wisconsin Music Education Background: Bachelor of Music from University of WisconsinMadison; Master of Music, Temple University; Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Minnesota. Before graduate school I taught elementary kids music and choir in the Chicago Public Schools.

How did you f irst get involved in choral music? I auditioned for the Madison Boychoir on a whim in 2nd grade and never looked back!

What is your teaching philosophy when working with college students? I find great joy and energy in teaching and conducting choirs and find that my own enthusiasm for the music helps motivate my students. Together, we strive to achieve the best performances possible.

What is your favorite part about working with college students? I really appreciate their eagerness to learn. Their curiosity and appreciation for new knowledge is great!

Current projects you are working on? We are starting rehearsals at Hendrix this week for a performance of Carl Orff ’s Carmina Burana on April 28.

What advice would you give to students wishing to pursue vocal music professionally? Practice, study, and work. Find as many opportunities to sing as you can. The music life is a tough one – I’m very fortunate to have a teaching position I enjoy so much. If you want to make your living performing, you will need to be creative, a good problem solver and collaborator, with some entrepreneurial tenacity so that you can find and create ways to make music that are both successful and fulfilling.

Any favorite quotes? There was a quote by Leonard Bernstein that someone posted on Facebook last year in response to the Paris terrorist attacks which I find particularly moving and appropriate for these days: “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly that ever before.”

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food

Something

SWEET Oh, love is in the air...

... well — love, with four toddlers, laundry to do, beds to make, dinner to prepare, trash to take out, a shower that is past the point of being cleaned!

OK, so we are busy and life gets in the way sometimes, but occasionally we need to take a little time for love and romance.

What a better time than Valentine’s Day? Hubby, either make a dinner reservation several days in advance, or wait till the last minute to find no reservation available! So now it’s time to get creative, surprise your wife, push those toys in the corner of the play room and set up a table for two!

Call a friend who has kids, come up with an agreement to baby-sit for each other, so 46 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

you can have some alone time with your wife.

Pick up a few roses from the store, and dig out a vase from the pantry for a centerpiece. There will be a tablecloth or grandmother’s handmade quilt somewhere to use to cover a table with. Find two chairs, and you have a great start to a romantic setting.

Turn the television to romantic songs, order take out and just have a nice relaxing dinner that you both will enjoy.

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

valentine’s treats

Chocolate Orange Truffles Âź cup unsalted butter 3 tablespoons heavy cream 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet Chocolate, chopped 2 tablespoons orange flavoring 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 4 (1 ounce) square semisweet Chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon vegetable oil In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine butter and cream. Bring to a boil, and remove from heat. Stir in 4 ounces chopped chocolate, orange flavoring, and orange zest; continue stirring until smooth. Pour truffle mixture into a shallow bowl or a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Chill until firm, about 2 hours.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Shape chilled truffle mixture by rounded teaspoons into small balls. Place on prepared baking sheet. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes in freezer.

In the top of a double boiler, over lightly simmering water, melt remaining 4 ounces chocolate with the oil, stirring until smooth. Cool to lukewarm.

Drop truffles, one at a time, into melted chocolate mixture. Using 2 forks, lift truffles out of the chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the pan before transferring back onto baking sheet. Chill until set.

Strawberry Trifle 2 angel food cakes 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen or fresh strawberries 3 cups vanilla pudding 3 cups heavy cream, whipped In a glass trifle dish, or individual tall glasses, break or tear cake in small pieces, use 1/3cake for layers. Pour 1/3 strawberries over cake, next 1/3 pudding, then 1/3 cream. Repeat layers to desired quantity.

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Chocolate Chip Pie 2 eggs 1 stick butter, melted ½ cup all purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 6 ounces chocolate chips 1 cup walnuts Mix all ingredients, place in unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Do not over cook.

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imatter

Getting the job done

“Sometimes I’m just more in the mood for folk music over classical and vice versa, I really don’t have a favorite,” she said.

— Rachel Lance

“I get to practice during my study hall, which is nice, especially when I have a lot of homework. I try to hangout with friends on Friday and Saturdays.”

— Allison Dombek 50 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2016

By Jeanette Anderton Submitted Photos Rachel Lance and Allison Dombek, two seniors at Conway High School, are both musicians for the Conway High School Full Orchestra.

GENERATION Lance, daughter of Dee and Steven Lance of Conway, has been playing violin since the sixth grade. She also plays hammer dulcimer, lap dulcimer, piano and fiddle.

“I also do a little bit of mandolin and guitar,” Lance said.

Lance finds appreciation in the violin because of the way it easily translates to fiddle.

Lance said she is in a folk band with her parents and little brother, something they like to do as a family.

“It just gives us another opportunity to spend time as a family,” she said.

Lance said she finds folk music extremely easy to relate to and said she likes how universal music really is.

She said when it comes to classical music versus folk, she really has no heavy preference over the other, but which one she gravitates more to is based on her mood at the time.

“Sometimes I’m just more in the mood for folk music over classical and vice versa, I really don’t have a favorite,” she said.

She said the folk side is just “overall more relaxed,” giving her the freedom to mess around more with it than you can with classical.

She said there’s a type of energy associated with folk music that allows her to be more relaxed and calm.

Lance is a an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Conway, a National Merit School Semi-Finalist, a member of the National Honor Society and a part of the Rackensack Folklore Society of Little Rock. She enjoys photography, antiquing with her dad and traveling to Mt. View to visit with family.

Despite all of her involvement outside school activities, she said school and academics take a front seat priority.

“There’s a lot of triage involved,” she said. “School definitely comes first and then I spend a lot of time with classical violin.”

She said there’s really not a set balance between all her activities.

“I prioritize based on my schedule and my personal needs,” she said.

Lance said she hasn’t determined where she’s going to college, but wants to study sciences. She said the lean toward that area of study has coincided a little with music in the sense that the more she studies and gets into science, the more she finds.

“You never really hit the bottom of science,” she said. “There’s always more to know.”

Lance said she’s had a lot of support from her music teachers, allowing her to pursue her classical and folk interests.

She said her parents have also played a large part in all of this whether it was signing her up for lessons, shuttling her to practices and concerts or financially providing for her musical goals.

Dombek, daughter of Eric and Susan Dombek of Conway, has been playing cello since the 6th grade as well.

She knew she wanted to play a string instrument because she loved the orchestra sound. Her older sister played the cello for Conway High School, so Dombek had already been introduced to

imatter

R A C H E L L A N C E & A L L I S O N D O MB E K Young people are often the pulse of a community, as sporting events, school events and activities bring them into the spotlight. Women’s Inc. wants to showcase these young people in a special feature each month. iMatter will seek to tell the stories of a new generation of community, skill, success and achievement. Do you know a student in Faulkner county, ages 10-23, who is truly one of a kind? Send youth’s name, school, parents contact information (if under 18) and a brief explanation of why you think your youth or you would make a iMatter candidate to womensinc@thecabin.net.

the instrument and wanted to try it for herself.

Dombek is also a National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist. She is a member of the national Honors Society and a part of the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra.

When it comes to academics and music, she said she tries to make sure there is a sort of structure for her time.

“When I get home from school I try to get all my homework out of the way and I try to do work at school when I have time,” she said.

“I get to practice during my study hall, which is nice, especially when I have a lot of homework. I try to hangout with friends on Friday and Saturdays.”

In any other free time she finds, Dombek likes to do a lot of art, something she does for fun and school. She said she also learned how to knit this past summer, so that’s something fun she’s discovering.

“I try to relax,” she said. “I try to get some time to do nothing every once in a while. I feel like I’m doing so much during the day that I get mentally exhausted so it’s nice to not have to think for a little while.”

The student said she has plans to attend either the University of Texas at Dallas or the University of Arkansas, where she wants to explore architecture or animation and game design.

“It’s a bunch of stuff that is very new and different to me, but I think it would be cool to look into it more,” she said.

Karla Fornier, director of the Conway High School Full Orchestra, said Dombek has painted two beat up unusable cellos for a fundraiser and they made quite a bit of money of them.

“Her artwork is phenomenal,” she said.

Fornier describes Lance and Dombek as full of poise and grace. She said they have an intense determination, but remain incredibly humble with great talent.

“You just don’t see all of that in one package with a young student,” Fornier said.

She said both of the girls have been great leaders for her and have stepped up and led sectionals, showing grace in everything they’ve done for the orchestra program. She said on top of that, they’re both great scholars as well.

She said Lance and Dombek are good friends, and even though they may play different instruments they share a lot of the same qualities and characteristics that have led them to be great leaders in the orchestra.

“I can always depend on those two girls to get the job done,” she said.

Fornier said the program is going and doing great and it’s because of “families like this.”

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