Winc17 11209 sept 2017 final high res

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WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. SEPTEMBER 2017

BACK TO SCHOOL

Courtney

POPE Principal, St. Joseph Elementary School

COMPASS ACADEMY Game Day Sandwiches

From Castle to Classroom



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CONTENTS 6 COURTNEY POPE

Returning to St. Joeseph Elementary School as the new principal

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S E P T E M B E R 2 017 WOM EN ’ S IN C .

Editor Lori Quinn

COMPASS ACADEMY

Serving the needs of children in our community with disabilities

16 22 GAME DAY FOODS TALK ABOUT BULLYING

Fan favorites for fun gatherings

HOMES

The Carpenter family’s Castle & Homeschooling Classroom

Recognize and discuss bullying and relational aggression

26 NEWS & EVENTS 36

41 HEALTH

Hearing loss can cause changes in brain structure and brain function

Teacher’s Fair gives educators an opportunity to explore booths

iMATTER

Kennedy Lee, performing arts prodigy

columns 38. book review The Snow Child Susan O’Keefe review

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44. spiritual

An Enduring Hope by Andrea Lennon

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

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


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cover stor y

Courtney

POPE

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COURTNEY POPE

Courtney

POPE

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain

While back to school season is a whirlwind for all families with children, it can prove especially eventful for teachers and administrators. However, Courtney Pope is excited to return to Conway’s St. Joseph Elementary School, this year in the role of principal. Courtney is married to Brad Pope, who works at Southwestern Energy. Their children include Spencer, a senior; Luke, an eighth grader; and Bailey, a fifth grader – all at St. Joseph Schools, of course. The family also includes beloved cat, Sam. Courtney grew up in Bigelow and graduated from Bigelow High School. She and Brad moved to Conway around 2002. “We always loved Conway and growing up next to it. We love the sense of community, and it offers everything,” she says. She attended the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Masters in Reading, and, in summer 2017, completed Educational Specialist- Leadership Building Level Administration. Courtney has also served on the Graduate School Advisory Board and the Online Learning Advisory Committee for UCA and volunteers at St. Joseph’s annual Bazaar. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7


Courtney and her husband, Brad Pope.

Of earning her leadership degree, Courtney says, “I had an amazing support system while finishing. My family jumped in; my husband Brad cooked, cleaned, picked up kids, and generally picked up slack any way he could over the past two years. My kids were so understanding if I had to miss ballgames or couldn’t make something. The administrators and faculty at St. Joseph supported my journey; they were my biggest cheerleaders, editors, and anything else I needed.” She also credits the support, prayers, and encouragement of her parents, John and Joann Jordan, for her ability to complete her latest higher education chapter. Prior to becoming principal at St. Joseph, Courtney taught first grade at Mayflower Elementary School, first grade for four years at Ida Burns Elementary School, and first grade for nine years at St. Joseph. This fall marks the start of her tenth year with the school. Courtney always wanted to work in education. “My dad was a public school administrator, and I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I loved every aspect of education: the kids, the parents, teachers, staff, and the community,” she says. When asked what she enjoys in her spare time, she says, “Spare time? Ha! I knew this job would be working day and night, but I love every minute. I realize the importance of balance and taking care of yourself. You can’t be the best mom, wife, teacher, nurse, etc. if you don’t take care of yourself first. Whether that’s coffee with friends or a date night with your husband, you gotta do it.” In addition, she adds, “The boys both play basketball and have just picked up cross country this year, which we are excited to watch. Spencer also plays soccer. Luke plays baseball. Bailey dances at Irby Dance Studio and has danced in Blackbird Academy’s ballet. We love to travel; we went to Mexico in May and had the best time - lots of laughs and priceless memories were made.” She also appreciates when her family has the opportunity to sit down for dinner together. 8 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017


Bailey, Spencer and Luke

When asked about the biggest challenges for today’s students, Courtney says, “Technology and social media. Information, both good and bad, is literally a few clicks away. It is part of their culture and what they know; it’s here to stay. As families and educators we must embrace it but do so with caution and in protective mode for our children. I think social media can be positive and is a great way for adults to stay connected, but we must model this responsibly and educate our children about its dangers. Social media platforms can be hurtful and harmful, and sometimes we don’t prepare our kids emotionally for it.” “Another challenge I think kids face is being over-scheduled. We are a busy, busy culture and it’s important for kids to have down time and play. Just plain old playing and visiting with friends, but again we’ve got to make that part of their routine.” Among her goals as principal is her desire to lead with an open heart and mind. “I love the thought of helping my teachers and staff be the best they can be. I want to be a servant and leader and would never ask my faculty to do something I wouldn’t do myself.” Of embarking on the path of school principal, Courtney most looks forward to the people. “The kids, my teachers and their families, and all the richness they will bless me with in the years to come. It’s important to understand people and gain trust instead of trying to check things off my checklist. I seek to understand, then be understood. I know building relationships is one of the most important things I can do. If parents, community stakeholders, and teachers trust me, they know I will make decisions in the best interests of the children and their safety. I will always look for ways to better our school and community.” Courtney adds, “Kids are just amazing! Their love for knowledge and their search for friendship is precious. I have loved witnessing this throughout my career. St. Joseph has been such a wonderful place to WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 9


work. We have the opportunity to educate and nurture children in a Christ-focused environment, as He is the reason for this school. It is our goal to lead our students to Christ, college, and careers as productive, faith-filled citizens. When parents choose St. Joseph for their kids, the benefits are truly eternal.” Courtney adds, “I have been blessed to acquire some of the most committed, Christian staff ever. It’s going to be a great year. People who know me know my passion and how ‘real’ I am. I’m the first to laugh at myself or say ‘I don’t know for sure.’ That same passion and realness is what they can expect from me as a leader. I’d also like to invite any family that has ever considered St. Joseph School to come check us out and see what we have to offer.”

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feature story

COMPASS ACADEMY

“Having our daughter attend Compass Academy gives us incredible peace of mind because we know she is learning at a pace that is challenging, yet attainable, in the best possible environment for her needs.” —Allison Owen, parent of a student at the school 12 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017


COMPASS ACADEMY

“Having this school as an option for families like ours is a huge win for Conway and the surrounding area.” —Allison Owen, parent of a student at the school

Courtney Williams Director, Compass Academy

by Leah Ashby

Compass Academy, located at 1215 Sturgis Road in Conway, is dedicated to serving the needs of children in our community with disabilities. What began as a dream of local moms who envisioned a school that would meet the needs of their disabled children is now a reality. Originally located at Conway Christian School in 2015, Compass Academy quickly outgrew its original space and moved to its current location on Sturgis Road in 2016. The 4000-square foot building includes five classrooms designed to create a relaxed learning environment, a full kitchen where students make their own lunches, and other amenities. Courtney Williams, director of Compass Academy, loves the space. “As you make your way through our building, you see our largest classroom designed for grades 9-12. In the middle of our building,

we have a fun and purposeful sensory gym. A favorite area is our Quiet Zone/Book Nook. This room houses our library, as well as provides a low-lighted comfy place to retreat to calm. Lastly, we have Compass Café and a fenced playground space to accommodate our students’ outdoor needs, including a garden maintained by our students,” she said. Enrollment is currently 25 students but can accommodate up to 50 students. Compass currently employs four certified Special Education teachers, one Special Olympic coordinator, and six Occupational/Physical/Speech therapists. Compass contracts with KickStart Pediatric Therapy of Conway for all their therapy services. Compass enrolls student all year long, not just in August. “The reason I determined for our school to be year-round is that many of the students function on schedules and need the continuation of therapy services. Through my experience, the disruption of summer break makes the transition back to school in August pretty challenging,” Courtney said. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13


feature story

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COMPASS ACADEMY

Courtney moved to Conway in 1995 to attend the University of Central Arkansas, where she obtained both a Bachelors degree and a Masters of Special Education degree. She also achieved her National Board Certification in the area of Exceptional Children in 2010. “I am proud to serve as the President of Arkansas Council for Exceptional Children organization (AR-CEC). This organization plays a vital role in ensuring Arkansas is doing all they can to help those with disabilities on the state and national level,” she said. “I also currently serve as a Conway Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. In addition, I have the honor to serve on the 2017 Conway Area Leadership Institute team, and have enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of Conway.” Compass Academy is a 501c3-NonProfit, and tuition is $9200 yearly. “The school is funded by student tuition, a lot of fundraising, a handful of private donors and the grace of God,” Courtney said. “The tuition covers any and everything needed for each student except for daily lunches. If you do the math, this amount may seem like a lot, but it really isn’t.” In a recent amendment of the AR Succeed Scholarship, Governor Hutchinson added Compass to the approved list of schools whose students are eligible to apply for scholarships, which helps offset the overall tuition requirement. In addition, Compass recently launched a 50/50 campaign. This campaign seeks 50 individuals or businesses to make a $1000 donation to reach the desired goal of $50,000. All donations are tax deductible. Courtney is eager to raise awareness in the community so that Compass can fill the current building to capacity and continue to grow. “I would also like to see Compass Academy expand to other cities in our state. There are families looking for options everywhere, not just in central Arkansas,” Courtney said. Allison Owen, parent of a student at the school, summed up perfectly how Compass Academy impacts families and the community. “Having our daughter attend Compass Academy gives us incredible peace of mind because we know she is learning at a pace that is challenging, yet attainable, in the best possible environment for her needs. Having this school as an option for families like ours is a huge win for Conway and the surrounding area.”

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food

Game Day Sandwiches

Make your house the game-day headquarters with these mouthwatering party sandwiches. Add classic appetizers and take advantage of the offerings at your local bakery for sweet treats to create a fun gathering for friends and family. These delectable sandwiches are sure to become fan-favorites! By Leah Ashby and Linda Mars Photos by Brandy Strain

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GAME DAY SANDWICHES

Add classic side dishes, finger foods and munchies to graze on during the game.

Razorback cookies may be purchased at Julie’s Sweet Shoppe, and are available in small, medium or large. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 17


Grilled Lemon Chicken Pitas Ingredients

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts), cubed into bite-size pieces Olive oil 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt Pinch or two black pepper ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon coriander ¼ teaspoon paprika Pita bread or flatbread Baby spinach leaves Sliced tomatoes Spicy Garlic Sauce (recipe below)

Spicy Garlic Sauce Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream or full-fat, plain Greek yogurt 3 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press 1 tablespoon tahini 2-3 teaspoons sriracha 1 teaspoon salt Pinch black pepper Pinch cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon lemon juice

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Preparation

Place the cubed chicken into a medium-size bowl, and drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic, plus remainder of the ingredients up to and including the paprika. Toss all of the seasonings/spices very well to coat the chicken. Using 4 bamboo skewers, skewer the chicken so that there are equal portions of meat on each skewer, and allow the chicken to marinate for about 20 minutes, or even overnight, if making ahead. When ready to grill, place a grill pan over medium-high heat (or your outdoor grill), and drizzle in a little oil. Once the oil gets hot, place the chicken skewers into the pan, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally so that they get a bit charred on all sides, and cooked through. Allow them to rest lightly covered with foil for about 5-10 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the skewers and set aside. To assemble, add a drizzle of the Spicy Garlic Sauce onto the pita, followed by the greens. Then, add a couple of slices of tomato, and about one skewer-worth of the lemon chicken; drizzle with a generous amount of the Spicy Garlic Sauce.

Easy Meatball Subs Ingredients

Sub rolls Frozen, cooked bite-size meatballs (or your favorite recipe) Spicy pasta sauce (homemade or two 14.5 ounce jars) Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the cooked meatballs in a large pot. Cover with your pasta sauce, and gently fold the meatballs with the sauce. Heat the meatballs and sauce on low-medium, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated thoroughly. Fill a roll with as many meatballs as you can fit (usually 4–5 meatballs) Top with more pasta sauce from the pot. Place filled sandwiches on baking sheet. Top each sandwich with shredded Mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, hot and bubbly.

Preparation

Add all ingredients to a medium-size bowl, and whisk together until completely smooth and creamy. Use immediately or store in the fridge, covered.

Conway residents Leah and Linda are longtime friends who love entertaining family and friends. Leah is a business analyst at Acxiom Corporation, and Linda is a Registered Nurse at Circle of Friends Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.


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French Dip Sandwiches Ingredients

1 small onion, sliced and separated into rings 1 tablespoon butter 1 clove garlic, minced 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef Âź pound sliced provolone cheese 4 French rolls, split

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat butter in small saucepan over mediumhigh heat until melted. Add onion and garlic, and saute until softened. Add in beef broth,rosemary, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add the sliced beef to the broth and let simmer for 3 minutes. Arrange the meat on the rolls and top each roll with 2 slices of provolone. Toast the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese just begins to melt. Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the warm broth for dipping.

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health

ADVERTISEMENT

Must My Child Always Get Sick When School Starts? Wow. It’s that time of year again — back to school time. Let’s see… new clothes, shoes, backpacks, supplies… there went the budget for this month! The kids are already complaining about the amount of homework they have to do, and Friday nights are all planned around football. Things are going pretty much in a normal pattern until you get a call from the school nurse telling you that your child is sick. This is the same child who was as healthy as a horse all summer long. And, of course, you can’t afford to miss work any more than your child can afford to miss school. Sound familiar? How can you prevent this? And exactly when is your child too sick to go to school? Let’s look at the most common ailments seen among school children and adults alike, because these same ailments find their way into the workplace as well. Get ready, because Fall is a prime time for ragweed, mold and other allergens. We begin to see a significant increase in allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny noses, and sneezing fits shortly after school starts. Generally speaking, allergies don’t keep kids out of school, but they can sure make them miserable. Thankfully, we now have some excellent overthe-counter non-sedating antihistamines and nasal steroids available to control the symptoms. To minimize allergy issues, wash bed linens weekly and vacuum rugs and carpets regularly — or eliminate them altogether if possible.

But what about when the clear, colorless fluid coming out of your child’s nose turns thicker or yellow? Is it a cold or is it a sinus infection? Good question. Colds are caused by viruses and simply have to run their course because antibiotics have no effect on viral illnesses. Granted, we have plenty of medications to help with cold symptoms, but that’s about it. Since sinus infections look like a cold, to treat or not to treat — that is the question. It’s a conundrum for pediatricians and primary care physicians who try not to prescribe antibiotics when they simply aren’t needed and keep parents happy who want their children well yesterday. Generally speaking, cold symptoms that have not improved or are getting worse after 10 to 14 days likely need the attention of a doctor. To reduce the spread of colds, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, use tissues instead of the old fashioned handkerchief, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer routinely. Confession time: I love my old fashioned handkerchiefs! In my opinion, a far less pleasant issue is an outbreak of gastroenteritis — the dreaded stomach virus. Don’t you just love it when your child comes down with diarrhea and vomiting? Yuk! A nasty virus in the GI tract causes this and seemingly spreads from one person to another at the speed of light. According to WebMD, this is when hand washing becomes a survival skill. Sadly, there isn’t much you can do about the stomach flu but keep your child hydrated and comfortable. However, if they complain of abdominal pain or have a fever,

make sure to seek medical attention just to rule out something more serious. One last one — head lice problems always increase right after school starts. Just so you know, the presence of head lice does not indicate poor hygiene, and the lice don’t jump from one person to another. They mainly crawl from one head to another, feed on blood, and lay eggs (called nits) that hatch within one to two weeks. Head lice thrive when back to school time arrives because kids are in such close contact with one another, especially in preschool or kindergarten. According to Dr. Michael Posner with the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Head lice are pretty creepy, but they’re not dangerous.” There are some very effective treatments available at the pharmacy without a prescription, but the instructions have to be followed carefully, especially the removal of nits with a very fine-tooth comb. Make sure to check all family members, and don’t share pillows or combs. For advice about any of these or other common back-to-school ailments like sore throats or conjunctivitis, give Blake, Bailey or me a call at 501-336-8188. We are always eager to help. 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 and has been taking care of people in the Conway area since 1974. He loves spending time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

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wellness A Few Signs to Look For (keep in mind signs of relational aggression may vary from the ones listed below):

Increased insecurity or lack of self-confidence (“No one likes me,” “I don’t have any friends”) Poor grades Complaints about stomachaches or not feeling well Requests to stay home from school more often or avoid after school activities Good friends no longer call or come over to hang out (Alcamo, 2017)

How Can Parents Help?

Dealing with Relational Aggression by Detra S. Clark, LCSW

What is “relational aggression,” also known as bullying? Professionally, I

prefer to use the term relational aggression, because if we are being honest, terms like bullying and cyberbullying, although still very prevalent, are often disregarded or viewed as overused or a parent or child’s exaggeration. Relational aggression by definition is harming others through purposeful manipulation and damage of their peer relationships (Ophelia, 2010). The impact of relational aggression can be critical, in that establishing and maintaining healthy relationships is such an important developmental task for children and teens. Relational aggression works against the development of these relationships. It is hurtful, damages self-confidence, and interferes with academic and physical development. It can have lasting effects into adulthood. The pain triggered by social abuse “lights up” the same pain centers of the brain that physical damage “lights up.” Social pain is real. It hurts. And it needs the opportunity to heal. 22 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017

What Do You Need To Know? The Top 6 Locations for Relational Aggression:

55% see relational aggression during recess or break time 52% in the cafeteria 42% in the hallways 37% on the way home 36% in the restrooms 36% in the classroom (Ophelia Project, 2010)

What Does Relational Aggression Look Like?

Bumping into someone on purpose Whispering Eye rolling Ignoring Taunting Mean instant and text messages Forming exclusive cliques Name calling Sabotage Spreading rumors and gossip Building alliances Cyberbullying (Taylor & Trice-Black, 2007; Alcamo, 2017)

Understand that “telling someone” is not as easy as it sounds and can often escalate the problem. Discuss perspective and help your child understand how hurtful their behavior is. (Alcamo, 2017) Model healthy ways of dealing with conflict. As grown-ups, we can be unconscious of the ways we ourselves bully, like the way we gossip behind people’s backs; however, our children pick up on these behaviors. (Alcamo, 2017) Make sure their basic needs are being met. These include acceptance and a sense of belonging (Alcamo, 2017) Empathize with your child, and help them develop a plan that both empowers them to use their voice and keeps them safe. Monitor social media accounts very closely and use your judgement to determine if your child is responsible enough to handle these appropriately.

For Girls The following skills may be helpful for girls attempting to survive the adolescent social world and thrive in environments where relational aggression flourishes: Be assertive: Learning how to stand up for yourself while being conscious of how your behavior can impact others can help you develop healthy relationships. Know your values: Explore what qualities are important to you in a friend relationship. The knowledge of what is important can help you determine which friendships are healthy and which are toxic. You do not have to stay in an unhealthy friendship. Find ways to limit contact with toxic friends, and seek out relationships that make you feel safe and like your best self.


BULLYING

Relational Aggression is hurtful, damages self-confidence, and interferes with academic and physical development. It can have lasting effects into adulthood. Strengthen your self-esteem: Work on ways to feel confident about who you are, no matter what others say about you. Develop coping skills: Explore healthy coping skills that can help you deal with difficult social situations. Participate in activities outside of school, or find recreational activities you enjoy. Talk to someone: The adolescent social world can be difficult and pose any number of challenges. Find an adult you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Whether you would simply like a space to vent or you want advice on how to deal with difficult situations, getting that support can be extremely beneficial. A therapist is a great resource for this, but your school counselor might also be a helpful adult to seek out. (Ophelia Project, 2010; Alcamo, 2017)

For Boys Although boys too are involved in relational aggression, their experiences are often overshadowed by the focus on relational aggression among girls. Therefore, causing the physical aggression that occurs among males to be the primary focus for school staff, parents, and boys themselves. Challenge them to examine their beliefs about how to treat others because research tells us that beliefs predict behaviors. Encourage more inclusion in their friendship circles. Increase awareness of the contributions of each of their peers to the group. (Ophelia Project, 2010) NOTE: The aforementioned information provided, while based predominately on the columnist’s professional knowledge and practices, is also reflective of a collective body of research on the topic of relational aggression.

References: The Ophelia Project (2010). It has a name: Relational Aggression: Shaping healthy peer relationships for today’s girls and young women. Erie, PA. Girls in Real Life Situations (2007). Group Counseling Activities for Enhancing Social and Emotional Development. Julie V. Taylor & Shannon Trice-Black. Alcamo, K. (2017, March 15). Surviving Relational Aggression. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy. org/blog/surviving-relational-aggression-tips-foradults-and-girls-0315174

Detra S. Clark is a licensed clinical social worker with almost 10 years of clinical experience. She lives in Conway along with her husband Bryan and 4 children. Detra is currently in private practice at Detra Clark LCSW, LLC located inside of Conway Women’s Health Center. To learn more about her practice, access Detra’s website at detraclarkcounseling.com

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pet care

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Foods that Cats & Dogs Should Never Eat Pet owners should be aware that the foods they eat regularly may not be safe for their pets. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving pets foods commonly eaten by humans. Nutritious diets are essential to long-term pet health. Many well-intentioned pet owners feed their pets foods they believe are nutritious, only to learn that certain foods, even those deemed healthy for humans, can be quite dangerous to dogs and cats. Cats and dogs metabolize foods and other substances differently from humans. WebMD reports that each year, there are more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning in the United States. Many of these instances were caused by household substances that may seem perfectly harmless. Medications, cleaning products and certain foods can poison pets. Dogs tend to be at higher risk for food poisoning, particularly because they are less discriminatory with regard to food. Before caving into the temptation to share snacks with their pets, pet owners should recognize the common foods the ASPCA and other pet welfare organizations list as the most likely to contribute to pet poisonings worldwide. CHOCOLATE: Chocolate is accountable for roughly onequarter of all toxic exposures. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can

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cause excessive thirst and urination, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures. Serious cases can be fatal. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous for pets. GRAPES, RAISINS & CURRANTS: Grapes, raisins, sultanas (type of grape/raisin), and currants, whether raw or cooked, can cause kidney failure in dogs. Not all dogs are affected. However, these fruits should be avoided. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting within 24 hours of consumption. HOPS: Commonly used for brewing beer, hops have become a greater risk for pets now that home brewing as a hobby or side business has become popular. When ingested, hops can cause a

rapid heart rate, anxiety, vomiting, and other abdominal symptoms. Essential oils and tannins in hops also can cause high fever when pets ingest them. MACADAMIA NUTS: These nuts can cause depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. MILK & DAIRY: Do not give dogs and cats milk to lap up, and avoid giving them high amounts of cheese and other dairy foods. Pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Therefore, diarrhea and digestive upset is likely to occur when pets consume dairy. ONIONS & GARLIC: These aromatic ingredients are not a good idea for pets, particularly cats. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions and onion-related foods can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia. This is damage to red blood cells that causes the cells circulating throughout the pet’s body to burst. XYLITOL: Keep pets away from sugarless gums and candies that contain Xylitol, which also may be used in toothpaste. The substance causes insulin to release in most species, which can lead to liver failure.


education

. r e h t e g o t is h t We are all in

by Lindsay Jones We are all in this together What if all parent and teacher relationships were as wonderful and open as we all wanted? Some may say this is not reality, but after seven years as a teacher, I have learned it very much can be reality, and should be so. I will never forget my very first parent teacher conference. 4:00 p.m., Wednesday afternoon. What was I going to say? Would I be able to find my words? The child was struggling. What was I going to do if the parent began questioning things that I could not answer? I do not know all the answers NOW, and I SURE did not know the answers then! That conference ended up being the beginning of a relationship with a family that I still have today. I keep up with all of them, talk to them regularly, and it makes me laugh out loud thinking about how scared I was. However, can we be real and honest? Parent and teacher relationships go way beyond a parent teacher conference once in the fall and then once to conclude the school year in the spring. Daily communication between the school and the home is necessary for a suc-

cessful relationship to work. In fact, research has proven that students with involved parents have much more success than those students whose parents are not involved. Parents: Know what your children are doing in school. Go through their backpack, ask them questions, and don’t let “I don’t know what I did today” be an acceptable answer. Invest just three minutes every single day, technology and TV free, just you and them — and learn about their day. They want to tell you, believe me, but more so, they want to know that you want to listen and that you care. You will be in tune with their daily routines and learn a lot about their teachers and peers from this simple conversation every day. Teachers: Let’s remember that the parents know our students better than we do. Let’s be open from the beginning — the good and the not so good, so that when there is an issue that needs tended to, we are all in it together as a team, not two opposing parties. Both sides are guilty in making false assumptions about the other. Parents, you tend to think that your child’s teacher is “out to get” your child. It is easy for you to assume that the teacher is judging your child and not under-

standing him at all. However, in truth, teachers have to have great love and compassion for children and families and want to help them in order to be in this career. And teachers, let’s quit with the mindset that parents don’t care about their kids and their academics. Can we just trust that all of our families do have school as a top priority in their child’s life, and remember the hard truth is that some parents have to choose work for their family to survive. When the family is not surviving, education cannot be a priority. We’re in this together, so why don’t we both meet in the middle. Let’s be open and honest from the beginning, stay in constant communication throughout the entire school year, talk about the good and the bad, and do whatever it takes to work together every step of the way.

Lindsey Jones knew as an early elementary school student that teaching was her calling. She is currently a fourth grade-writing teacher for the Conway Public School District at Theodore Jones Elementary. She is married to her husband, Clint, and they have a four-year-old daughter, Luci. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 25


homes

From Castle to C Because we homeschool, we are often home to enjoy our space more than many families with kids that are similar ages.

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CARPENTER’S HOME

o Classroom

Homeowners

Matt and Kiki Carpenter, Cort, 14; Lane, 11; Cason, 8; Quade, 5; Ransom, 2

Neighborhood, year home was built, name of builder

Mallard Crossing. 2004. Rick Edwards

Boys’ rooms

Photos by Brandy Strain

Matt let the boys choose what kind of room theme they wanted. Talk went back and forth between airplanes and castles for quite awhile, and finally, Carpenter Castle won! We happened upon a few knight-style pillows and sword sets while shopping to accessorize, but the main part of the dreaming up came from Daddy. Originally, the Castle bunk room just had the two loft beds up high, but as we added to our brood, Matt built a crib, or “baby jail,” as it is lovingly called, and a toddler bed by the window. I was thrilled to find sweet, not scary, dragon-themed bedding for the younger boys’ new sleeping spots. “For several crazy and fun years, that one bedroom housed four Carpenter boys!” When we found out we were being blessed with a 5th (and final) boy joy, the two big boys got to start dreaming up their new room, and #3 and #4 boys moved on up to the bunk beds from the toddler and crib, making room for the new babe in baby jail. From the beginning the big boys knew they wanted an outdoor-themed big boy bedroom. So, over spring break a few years ago, they loaded up in our backyard flat bottomed boat, grabbed a chainsaw and headed out to the creek for logs. No one is quite sure how Matt constructed the high bunks to be held up solely by the logs and walls, but so far, his engineering hasn’t failed! Animal skins from our trips to Africa are scattered around, as well as a shark jaw and python skin from Mozambique, and a crocodile head from Louisiana we bought after a swamp excursion. Our boys live for the outdoors, so their room is filled with knives and treasures, remote controls and drones, seashells and sand from various beaches, and the best part — a hammock or two can easily be hung up between the trees for friend or little brother sleepovers! WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 27


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Classroom

We have homeschooled our brood for 10 years, and with that lifestyle comes many books and keepsakes that eventually beg for a space of their own. When we were ready to start schooling our third boy full time, we hit up the IKEA in Dallas on a summer trip, and brought home a trailer full of furniture and storage to brightly and easily convert our once home office into a schoolroom extraordinaire. It is a happy space now crammed with everything we need on a weekly basis to learn and grow throughout our school year! Because we homeschool, we find that we are often home to enjoy our space more than many families with kids that are similar ages. Matt building during his free time to create our dream spaces makes for a fulfilling family home!

Tips for making a space multifunctional

Even though our home is not terribly large for a family of seven, I continue to find spaces that we can better utilize. For instance, we screened in our back deck, creating a porch space we now use year round for meals and exercise, morning coffee and even school on rainy days. Matt’s next project is to turn the boys’ bathroom into a glorified gym shower space complete with dual shower heads, where sweaty soccer boys can get cleaned up and avoid this momma of boys only safe haven — the newly renovated master bath!

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shopping

Jack khaki lace up sweater $80.90 availabe at E. Leigh’s

Fall fashion BB Dakota romper $90.90 available at E. Leigh’s

Bed Stu handbag available at Vesta’s Maven West cold shoulder top available at Vesta’s

Jack hooded utility jacket $99.99 available at HipSway Mink Pink rust lace-up sweater $69.99 available at HipSway 32 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017


FASHION Dylan flannel shirt available at Lefler’s

Johnny Was long tunic available at Vesta’s Hobo handbag available at Lefler’s

Jack feaux fur vest $65.90 available at E. Leigh’s Qupid peep toe bootie $39.99 available at HipSway

Unpublished high rise flare jean available at Lefler’s WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 33


news & events BO Y S & GIRLS CLUB

A Black & White Affair JULY 27, 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK WAGNER, ALYSSA BURKS, AND SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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IN THE NEWS

9TH ANNUAL CONWAY HIGH VOLLEYBALL PINK NIGHT What: 9th Annual Conway High Volleyball Pink Night When: Sept 28th @ 6:00

Where: Buzz Bolding Arena @ Conway High School Why: We are raising funds to help 13 year old Savannah Westover. Savannah was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) last May. She is currently receiving 15 rounds of chemo a week. How to help: We will be selling raffle tickets, t-shirts and beads.

If you would like to make a donation, please email Andrea Bailey-Fournier at Baileya@conwaypublicschools.net

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news & events Teacher’s Fair

Teachers across Conway roamed the many booths set up in the high school cafeteria for the annual teacher’s fair event on August 19th.

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IN THE NEWS

Help Haven Build Their Forever Home Haven recently received a Mabee Challenge Grant of $380,000 from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This grant will help Haven meet its goal in the Every Child Deserves a Home campaign. To receive the Mabee Challenge Grant, Haven must reach their goal of $2.4 million. Thirtyone named rooms of the original 56 have been sponsored. This leaves 25 naming opportunities. The living room, kitchen and dining room are among these remaining rooms. These will be permanent namings. Recognition of room purchases will be in the reception/waiting area entrance on a donor wall, and on a plaque outside of their specific room. The Mabee Challenge Grant is a tremendous achievement for Haven. The resulting $380,000 challenge grant demonstrates the credibility of the Every Child Deserves a Home campaign and the Haven mission. Haven is asking businesses, families, and individuals in our community to make a financial commitment to help them meet this goal and start construction of their forever home. For more details on sponsoring a specific room in the Haven “Forever Home” or to make a donation, contact Marti Jones, Haven Director at (501) 327-1701 or by e-mail at mjones@caiinc.org

These Rooms are Sold Jim and Joanna Rankin Property at Country Club/Tyler Gene and Susan Salter Reception/Waiting Area Chris and Minette Throneberry Conference Room Chris and Jennifer Crain Professional Counseling Office Hawks Family Foundation Store Michael Tullis Basketball Court Lori Quinn and Velda Lueders Visitor’s Entrance Laureate NU Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Quiet Space #1 Dale and Cheryl Bruns & Ray and Ginger Johnson Game Room Kenne, Cathy and Sam Ketcheside & Kirk and Cate McConnell Covered Portico Candace, Bethany and Meagan Stiles & First Service Bank Bedroom #2 Friends of Stobys Bathroom #1 Malvern National Bank Staff Entrance Bill and Susan Farris Front Patio Todd and Kristie Ross Main Staff Office Centennial Bank Director’s Office Arkansas Gives Day Bedroom #1 First Security Bank Visitor Parking Lot Bell and Company, PA Back Yard

Nabholz Foundation Assistant Director’s Office Rogers Group, Inc. Central Hallway Steve and Sandra Schrekenhofer Phone Booth #1 Dr. Don and Molly Steely Back Porch #2 David and Shirley Smith Pharmacy Adcock Family Foundation Computer/Study Room Nancy Crisp-Williams and Traci Williams-Smith Phone Booth #2 Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Therapist Office Larry and Becky Ezell – in memory of Martha McConnell Personal Care Room Conway Regional Medical Center Exercise Room Jackie Bracey, Jimmie Burnette, Alicia Kunert & Beth Milligan Mud Room Brent and Ashley Salter, Dr. Jason and Jessica Havard, Blake and Jennifer Day and Dr. Lensey and Felissa Scott Quiet Space #2 Haven Board of Directors: Alica Brown, Danielle Burnell, Robin Cunningham, Holly DeBoard, Tanya Ford, Brad French, Linda Glover, Linda Hargis, Andy Harris, Taylor May, Sarah Parsley, Alison Wish Back Porch

Rooms Left to be Sponsored Naming of the House Kitchen Living Room Dining Room 8 Private Girl Bedrooms 2 Bedrooms for girls aging out of foster care 3 Bathrooms Counseling Office (upstairs) Break Room (upstairs) Staff Parking Lot Laundry/Safe Room

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Rooms Left to be Purchased


book review

SUSAN O’KEEFE

THE SNOW CHILD Authored by Eowyn Ivey Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe While it may be a stretch to imagine a blissfully white snowfall in the middle of the hot, humid southern summer, at least try. For those who pick up The Snow Child, prepare to be subtly carried away to the Alaskan frontier in the 1920s. Isolated in the Alaskan wilderness with winter’s hold tightening around them, homesteaders Mabel and Jack remind themselves that they chose this life. What else could they chose? Back east, Jack’s family members had snickered behind Mabel’s back. She was never good enough; couldn’t bake bread, had never farmed, and certainly didn’t know how to hitch a horse to a plow. Perhaps that is why the baby she carried in her womb didn’t survive. Perhaps Mabel wasn’t strong enough to be a mother, or even a wife. Thoughts of inferiority led Mabel to the banks of the wild Wolverine River. It was frozen in a few parts. Soon enough though, it would be frozen through and through. But Mabel was impatient. She didn’t want to wait. She was careful not to slip but at the very same time, prayed she would fall and be swallowed by the ravaging waters. Author Eowyn Ivey has readers spellbound in the first few chapters. There are hints of miscarriages, potential suicides, family discord, marital strife, starting over, persevering, friendships, and helpers. “Surely, everyone can identify with something in this story,” offered one reader who highly recommends the 2012 book. In an uncharacteristic way, Mabel and Jack delight at the first significant snowfall of the season and bound outside their moderate cabin to experience Mother Nature’s delivery. They are immediately entranced. Exquisite, unique snowflakes stick to their eyelashes and tickle their noses. Under the light of the full moon, the two begin to build, not a snowman, but a snow child. Mabel donated her red gloves and scarf to adorn the icy beauty. They were a gift from her sister back east. 38 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017

Jack retrieved a bundle of yellow grass from near the barn. He shaped the snow child’s face and added the straw in a wild array to serve as hair. Mabel wished the night didn’t have to end but the sub-zero temperatures highly influenced their choice to return to their cabin warmed by the woodstove. The next morning, the snow child is no longer adorned with the scarf and mittens. Eventually, the items are spotted in the dense woods being worn by a frail, stringy haired blonde girl who resembles a snow fairy. Mabel and Jack are too old for games and make-believe. But their hearts still long for the child lost. Could there ever be an opportunity for a child’s voice to fill the deafening silence of the cabin? Mabel and Jack moved to Alaska for a fresh start, to escape and explore. Yet the grief of a baby lost cannot be absorbed. It must be endured. And so the story unfolds with Faina, the snow child, paying unexpected visits to Mabel and Jack. She appears and disappears in seemingly rhythm with the snow fall. She moves higher up the mountains when the weather warms in the spring. She cannot be confined. As Jack frets and worries about his wife’s mental stability, physical stature, and how they will make ends meet, tragedy strikes. Mabel is forced to rise to the occasion. Unrefined yet lovable neighbor (in the Alaskan frontier, a neighbor is someone who lives within 10-20 miles.) Ethel, her husband, and three boys barge into the cabin, assume the roles of farming the disagreeable land, and nurse Jack back to health. It’s during this time that fate finds Ethel’s nearly grown son in the woods running his traps. What the young man spies is the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen. It’s the mysterious snow child, the one in whom he did not

The Snow Child touches on the ebb and flow of life, and reminds us of the certainty of change. believe. But she is real, and his encounter with her changes everything. Written in a way that explores life, death, tragedy, and love in such inextricable ways is a gift of sheer talent. This novel is an exploration of the seasons of human life as well as human nature. There is death and grieving, just as there is life and celebrating. There is mourning for a mother’s milk that is spilled to the ground, and there is celebrating relationships with friends gathered around a bountiful meal. The Snow Child touches on the ebb and flow of life, and reminds us of the certainty of change. Susan lives in Augusta, Georgia, where her husband, Jack, is the Augusta University Men’s Golf Coach. Susan originally hails from Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville with a major study in Communication and a minor study in Health and Wellness. Susan enjoys the adventures of motherhood as she parents Lucy, John-Freeman, Henry, and Hogan (plus Oxford, the family’s black Labrador).


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real estate

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National Home Buyers & Sellers Generational Trends This report provides insights into differences the age of 18 in their home. Their housing and similarities across generations of home preferences are driven by these demographbuyers and home sellers. The home buyer and ics. Buyers 37 to 51 have the highest median seller data is taken from the annual Profile priced homes of all other buyers and buy the of Home Buyers and Sellers. One consistent largest homes in median square footage and finding for the last four years of reports bedrooms. Their neighborhood choices are has been that buyers 36 years and younger driven by their convenience to job, but also the (Millennials/Gen Yers) is the largest share quality and convenience of school districts. of home buyers at 34 percent (down from For the report, buyers 52 to 61 (Younger 35 percent last year). Baby Boomers) One consistent finding for the last four years and buyers 62 Sixty-six percent of these buyers were also of reports has been that buyers 36 years and to 70 (Older first-time home buyers. younger (Millennials/Gen Yers) is the largest Baby Boomers) The largest cohort in were broken into share of home buyers at 34 percent. America is growing up two separate and becoming more traditional in their buying categories as they have differing demographics habits. This year’s report saw an increased share and buying behaviors. Buyers 52 to 61 consist who purchased in suburban locations and of 16 percent of recent buyers, and buyers 62 who purchased detached single-family homes. to 70 consist of 14 percent of recent buyers. Forty-nine percent of buyers 36 years and Buyers 52 to 61 have higher median household younger now have children under the age of 18 incomes and are more likely to have children in their home, 66 percent are married couples, under the age of 18 in their home. Buyers 52 and 13 percent are unmarried couples (the to 61 are also more likely to buy a multi-genlargest share of all generations). erational home. As the sandwich generation, Buyers 37 to 51 (Gen Xers) makes up they are nearly equally likely to buy this type 28 percent of recent home buyers. They are of home for both children over 18 living at consistent with their buying trends and home and caretaking for aging parents. Buyers demographics. Notably, they are also the most 52 to 61 buy for an array of reasons such as a racially and ethnically diverse population of job-relocation, desire for a smaller home, and home buyers, with 21 percent identifying they the desire to be closer to friends and family. are a race other than White/Caucasian. Buyers Buyers 52 to 61 also project the length 37 to 51 are in their peak earning years and of time they will live in their thus their incomes are the highest among all home is the longest at 20 generations of buyer types at $106,600. They years. Buyers 62 to 70 are often are both the generation most likely to be moving due to retirement, desire married and most likely to have children under to be closer to friends and family,

40 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017

and desire for a smaller home. Buyers 62 to 70 typically move the longest distance at a median of 25 miles and are least likely to make compromises on their home purchase. Buyers 71 to 91 (The Silent Generation) represents the smallest share of buyers at eight percent. As most of these buyers are likely to have retired or scaled back their work demands, they have the lowest median household incomes. The primary reasons to purchase are the desire to be closer to friends and family, the desire for a smaller home, and for retirement. Buyers 71 to 91 are least likely to purchase a detached single-family home. Twenty-four percent purchased in seniorrelated housing and they tend to purchase the newest homes. Data Source: The National Association of REALTORS®. The Tobey Team at Crye-Leike Realtors Conway is one of Faulkner County’s leading, knowledgeable and top producers. We are full time agents with the knowledge, dedication, customer focus, and commitment to all aspects of your Real Estate needs.


health

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Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Brain Structure and Function

By Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D.

Sooner is always better than later when considering treatment.

Recent studies shed light on the importance of timely treatment of hearing loss. Most people believe that hearing loss is a condition that only affects their ears. In reality, untreated hearing loss can affect so much more, including brain structure and function. According to a 2013 John Hopkins University study, hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and dementia. A 2011 dementia study monitored the cognitive health of 639 people who were mentally sharp when the study began. The researchers tested the volunteers’ mental abilities regularly, following most for about 12 years, and some for as long as 18 years.

The results were striking: The worse the initial hearing loss, the more likely the person was to develop dementia. Researchers say that there are plausible reasons for why hearing loss might lead to dementia — the brain’s hearing center, called the auditory cortex, is very close to the regions where Alzheimer’s first starts. Hearing loss also has a noted link to brain shrinkage. Although the brain naturally becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage seems to be fast-tracked in older adults with hearing loss, according to the results of a study by Frank Lin, M.D Ph.D. through Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging. The report revealed that those with impaired hearing lost more than an additional cubic centimeter of brain tissue each year compared to those with normal hearing. Those with impaired hearing also had significantly more shrinkage in particular regions, including the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri, brain structures also responsible for processing sound and speech. When a person is affected by untreated hearing loss, their auditory cortex becomes “impoverished” due to the lack of sound stimulation. Treating hearing loss in a timely matter, however, can help offset this. These studies indicate the urgency in which hearing loss should be treated. “If you want to address hearing loss well,” Lin says, “you want to do it sooner rather than later.”

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art scene

IMAGINE

IF BUILDINGS COULD TALK

The nine-minute 3D mapping video will be projected onto the façade of Central High School, and will be screened every 15 minutes. It is set to an original score by UCA Percussion Professor, Blake Tyson. This month marks the 60th anniversary of a historic event that seems so far away, and yet still very much relevant in our current politics — the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. Among the vast group of people who have been working to commemorate this anniversary is Dr. Gayle Seymour, Associate Dean of the University of Central Arkansas’s (UCA) College of Fine Arts and Communication. What began as a conversation back in 2011 between Dr. Seymour and Dr. Rollin Potter — then the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication — morphed into six years of brainstorming, grant-writing, planning, and execution. 42 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2017

“The idea was that we needed some artistic form to memorialize the courage of the Little Rock Nine and the historical significance of the event that happened in 1957. We felt like opera was the right artistic medium, because our story is about heroes and villains, and it’s about people who suffered, and attempts at resolution,” Dr. Seymour explained. She and Jennifer Deering, grant writer in UCA Sponsored Programs, began the grant-writing process to commission an original opera in 2013, and started the search for the right composer. They eventually chose New York based composer, Tania Leon, who flew to Little Rock to visit Central High and surrounding sites, and to meet with several of the Little

Rock Nine and journalists who were present at the desegregation. One scene of the opera will be presented on the evening of September 25 at “An Evening with Hendry Louis Gates, Jr. and Tania Leon: Turning History Into Art.” The scene will be curated by Dr. Arlene Biebesheimer of Opera In The Rock, and performed by local vocalists, all UCA graduates. These four singers will have the opportunity to be coached by the composer, Ms. Leon, which is a rare thing in the world of opera. The full opera is slated to be finished in July 2018, at which time the composer will begin the process of bringing it the stage. This performance will be the final event in a series that will begin September 4, all focused on the concept of the arts facilitating a conversation about equity and social justice surrounding Central High and the Little Rock Nine. Wanting to go beyond a single opera, Dr. Seymour asked how else the arts could be used as entry points into this historical moment. “We are talking about art that reaches down to the soul of the listener or viewer and has the power to change people, to move them to action,” she said. “The arts can be so critical in leading people to conversations and understanding.” Dr. Seymour and her team have partnered with a long list of grantors, arts organizations, government agencies and individuals to facilitate “Imagine If Buildings Could Talk”, a succession of events including music, dance, visual art, spoken word, architecture and more, all connecting to the history of Central High School in 1957. When asked where the title concept came from, Dr. Seymour explained, “Buildings are containers of people’s stories. Architecture itself contains some of the story- look at the size and splendor of Central High compared to that of Dunbar (which in 1957 was a Little Rock high school for African Americans). It tells you something about the separate and unequal system that was in place at the time.” Perhaps the project that highlights this concept the best is a commissioned work of 3D video mapping that will be projected onto the façade of Central High School. UCA film professor Scott Meador took a sabbatical for a semester to work on this project, which incorporates images of Central High students past and present with photographs and footage of the desegregation. This nine-minute video will be screened every 15 minutes September 23 and 24 from 7:30-9:30 p.m., and is set to


ARTS CALENDAR

an original score by UCA Percussion Professor, Blake Tyson. Tyson has also worked with percussion ensembles from 33 different universities who purchased the music and will be playing it all over the country for the 60th anniversary commemoration. Proceeds from the sale of the music will benefit the Little Rock Nine Foundation. Other events will include the CORE Performance Dance Company working alongside local spoken word artists, a display of visual art by junior high and high school students from all over the state, and free bus tours of significant architectural buildings relating to the Little Rock Nine. To find the full schedule of events (most of which are free), visit www. uca.edu/cfac/central60 . Dr. Seymour — who just completed a 3-month sabbatical to complete this momentous project- commented that it has been inspiring to do this kind of work. “I am interested in projects that deal with civil rights, but I’m more interested in local projects that do that. As an educator, its more impactful for students to understand history that happened in their own backyard. It’s important to try to understand how systems of power have kept certain individuals out of the conversation, and these historic moments where people stood up to make a difference.”

ARTS CALENDAR:

September 2017 Events Please check out the event website for more information and pricing.

SEPTEMBER 1- OCT 19: Vertebrates: An Installation by Ben Butler @ UCA McCastlain Hall, Baum Gallery, 10-5 M-F. uca.edu/cfac/ (G) SEPTEMBER 1- OCT 19: Equivocal Exposures: Alternative Photographic Processes @UCA McCastlain Hall, Baum Gallery; 10-5 M-F uca.edu/cfac/ (PG13) SEPTEMBER 5-9: Dutchman by LeRoi Jones @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Bridges/Larson Theatre September 5, 6, 7, & 8: 7:30 pm; September 9: 2:00 pm. uca.edu/cfac/ (A) SEPTEMBER 7: Ryan Robinson – Tuba/Guest Artist Recital @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 pm. uca.edu/cfac/ (G) SEPTEMBER 8-10: Deathtrap presented by Red Curtain Theatre @ Hendrix, Trieschmann Fine Arts Building; info@redcurtaintheatre.com (PG13) SEPTEMBER 8: Pizza and Painting @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 6-8 p.m. www.blackbirdacademy.org (Ages5+)

SEPTEMBER 9: Willie Carlisle in Concert @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m nancy@fcl.org (G) SEPTEMBER 14: UCA Faculty Chamber Music Recital @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 pm., uca.edu/cfac/ (G) SEPTEMBER 15-17, 21-24: Craigslisted @ the Lantern Theatre; Sept 15, 16, 21-23 @ 7:30 p.m.; Sept 17, 24 @ 2:30 p.m. www.thelanterntheatre.com (PG13) SEPTEMBER 17: Bill Thurman in Concert @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m nancy@fcl.org (G) SEPTEMBER 21: Open Mic Night @ Faulkner County Library; 7:00 p.m nancy@fcl.org (G) SEPTEMBER 22: Conway Symphony Orchestra Community Concert @ Simon Park; 7:30 p.m. symphony@conwaycorp.net (G) SEPTEMBER 25: “An Evening with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Tania Leon: Turning History into Art” Lecture, Q&A, Opera Performance @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 pm. uca.edu/tickets (G) SEPTEMBER 27: Scott Lewis Poetry Reading @ Faulkner County Library; 7:00 p.m nancy@fcl.org (A) SEPTEMBER 28: Banned Books Week Read Out @ Zaza’s; 7:00 p.m nancy@fcl.org (A) SEPTEMBER 28: The Charlie Daniels Band @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/reynolds (G) SEPTEMBER 29: Confucius Institute presents: ECNU visiting faculty featuring UCA Chamber Orchestra Concert @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 pm. uca.edu/cfac/ (G) RATING KEY G – Suitable for all ages PG – Suggested for ages 7+ PG13 – Suggested for ages 13+ A – Suggested for Adults 18+

Student artwork photo: Erbie Jennings III, Laying the Foundation, 12th grade

Jennie Strange is the founder and Executive Director of Blackbird Academy of Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality performing and visual arts education. She lives in Conway with her husband, Statler, and a random assortment of dogs, goats, and chickens. To submit your Arts Calendar events, email Jennie@blackbirdacademy.org WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 43


spiritual

An Enduring Hope “God in His infinite wisdom knew that we would need clear instruction as well as a God-size picture of His work on this earth so that we can have an enduring source of hope.” -Andrea Lennon

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e

ANDREA LENNON

By Andrea Lennon

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 God’s Word provides hope because it tells us the story of God. From Genesis to Revelation, we read the epic story of God, unfolding one page at a time.

Here is a brief overview of God’s story:

• Creation of man (Genesis 1) • Fall of man (Genesis 3) • Noah and the flood (Genesis 5) • Call of Abram (Genesis 12) • Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15) • Joseph sold into slavery and later promoted to leadership in Egypt (Genesis 37–50) • Deliverance of God’s people from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1–12) • Giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) • Rebellion of God’s people (the Israelites) in the desert (Exodus 32 and Numbers 13–14) • Entrance of the new generation of Israelites into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy and Joshua) • Struggle of God’s people to follow God’s instructions once in the Promised Land. ( Judges to 2 Chronicles)

• Rebellion of God’s people and subsequent punishment from God in the form of exile to Babylonian captivity. (2 Kings) • Rebuilding Jerusalem following Babylonian captivity (Ezra and Nehemiah) • Ministry of the prophets foretelling the coming of the Messiah. (Isaiah to Malachi) • Birth of Jesus (the Gospels) • Life and ministry of Jesus (the Gospels) • Death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus (the Gospels) • Development of the early Church, including the Gentiles being grafted in to God’s family (Acts and the New Testament letters) • Life and ministry of Paul and the other apostles as the name of Jesus spread to the then-known world. (Acts and the New Testament letters) • Writing of Revelation describing the future moment when Jesus will return and every tongue, tribe, and Nation will gather around the throne and worship God together. This will be a beautiful moment when there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death. (Revelation) While this summary is concise, it portrays the over-arching story of God—a story that began before Creation and has no end. Through the reading of God’s story, one thing is clear. God has a plan! This truth provides hope in our daily lives because it teaches us how to live with God’s perspective. God’s

perspective reminds us that His Word was written thousands of years ago in order to capture His story. God graciously preserved His story through oral tradition and later written word so that we can know how to live our lives based on truth. Isn’t that an amazing thought? God in His infinite wisdom knew that we would need clear instruction as well as a God-size picture of His work on this earth so that we can have an enduring source of hope. As a result, God preserved His Word for you and me! It is easy to fall into the trap of allowing things like our career, husband, children, paycheck, health status, or social standing to provide a sense of hope. However, the truth is these areas can change in an instant. Hope comes as we know the Word and allow the Word to teach us how to live. King David said, “In his word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5) I am making the choice to put my hope in God and His Word. I am going to claim every promise and do my best to follow every instruction. I challenge you to do the same thing. God’s Word provides an enduring hope! Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew. Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.

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imatter

Kennedy Lee: Dance, Dance, Dance By Cindy Beckman

Kennedy Lee

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Someday Kennedy Lee wants to move to New York and dance at the American Ballet Theatre. And if the past is any indication, she is well on her way to achieving her dreams. This past summer, she received a scholarship for dance to go to a talent expo in Dallas where she danced in front of many talent agents. The Brothers of Phi Mu Mu #948 of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. provided the $2,000 scholarship. At 14, Kennedy has been dancing since she was seven. After two years of ballet lessons


KENNEDY LEE

Kennedy is pictured with Debbie Allen. Debbie was the dance instructor on the movie, Fame, (1980) and later opened her own dance academy in Los Angeles.

at Miss Toby Dance Ranch, Kennedy began dancing at Irby’s Dance Studio in downtown Conway. Two years later, she joined Sonshine Academy. She has also danced at the Center of the Dance Arts in Little Rock under Michael Tidwell, and is starting her third year at Rock City Dance Center in Little Rock. In 2014, Kennedy received the Sonshine Academy Light Award which is awarded

to students based on their work ethic. The award’s name is based on Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Kennedy also did a solo performance that year at the Daisy Bates 101 Birthday Celebration and Fundraiser, hosted by the Daisy Bates Foundation. It was at this event that she met Mary Louise Williams, distinguished 89-yearold member of the Arkansas Democratic Caucus and the NAACP. Williams recently nominated Kennedy for induction into the Little Rock Chapter of Top Teen of America, which is sponsored by the Top Ladies of Distinction. She was inducted this past June. Most recently, Kennedy did a solo ballet performance to Disney’s “Colors of the Wind” at Miss Arkansas USA Ambassador’s Princess Ball at The Castle on Highway 25 in Greenbrier. The event was a fundraiser for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, as well as to assist current Miss Arkansas USA Ambassador Saba Harris in raising the funds she needed to attend the National Pageant in Florida. Kennedy also has a passion for acting and has already had a role in a movie. When she was four, she played a lead role in “100 Lives,” (2009) a film based on real-life events and the high homicide rates in Memphis. She played the school teacher’s daughter that was killed in a drive-by shooting. She was the 100th victim in the senseless shootings that were taking place there. She auditioned for the part at Colors, a model and talent agency. Most recently, she has pursued her passion for acting by participating in the Arkansas

Repertory Theatre’s Summer Theatre Intensive, a week-long session in which students in grades six through eight work with a team of industry experts to develop their acting techniques. The week ends with a performance at the Rep’s Annex Black Box Theatre. A member of the Conway Junior High Band, Kennedy plays flute. This summer, she also attended the Lorenzo Smith Band Camp at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. The day camp, directed by Terrance Langford, culminated with a concert. In her spare time, Kennedy is a community volunteer at Salem Nursing and Rehabilitation in Conway. She is active in her church, Restoration House of Praise Ministries, and is part of the praise dance team there. Kennedy just started the 9th grade at Conway Junior High where she is taking pre-AP math and science courses. She was on the dance team last year and will be assisting with the varsity and 8th grade dance teams this year. GENERATION

imatter

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

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 47



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