WINC. April 2014

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. APRIL 2014

Celebrating 10 years

Art, Beauty & Fashion

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WINC. Celebrating 10 years

Publisher Zach Ahrens Editor Lori Quinn

Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Michelle Corbet Dr. Patricia Knott Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Angela Spencer Courtney Spradlin Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Courtney Spradlin Lindsey Faith Watson Videographer Eric White Retail Advertising Sales Manager Rhonda Overbey Advertising Coordinators Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Betsey Barham Tara Mallett Jesica Talbert Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Donna Benton Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Becky Harris Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann Jessica Zimmerman Women’s Inc. is published by the Log Cabin Democrat.

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: womensinc@womensinc.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 www.womensinc.net 4 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

FROM THE EDITOR Lori Quinn

Art, beauty and fashion ART Art on the Green is Conway’s newest art gallery. WINC recently visited the gallery and observed Conway artist Bonnie McKay teaching an oil painting class. Bonnie has been painting most of her life. As an art major in college, and having attended several art schools and classes, Bonnie is more than prepared to teach her students everything from the basics to the more complicated techniques.

She paints mostly with oil and enjoys painting landscape en plein air (open air). It was such a pleasure to meet Bonnie, and her love of all things artistic is more than apparent upon meeting her. And her passion for what she does was demonstrated in her teaching style.

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your class and your story with our readers.

BEAUTY One of our other features this month, “About Face,” gives a step-by-step demonstration (and a link to a video) of the art of highlighting and face contouring with make-up.

Two of our WINC editorial board members volunteered to take make-up free before pictures and allow Robin Moore of Harrington & Co. to highlight and contour their faces. Detra Clark and Candace Meeks were our volunteers.

Robin is definitely a talented artist, using the faces of clients as her palate. Check out the before and after pics on page 12, and click on the link to view the video so you can get this look at home.

FASHION Caroline LeVan-Rodgers, owner of Monrow Boutique in the Village at Hendrix, gives us her “Top Ten: Spring Must-haves.” She includes everything from basics to some fashion pieces that every woman can work into her wardrobe.

We also have a great shopping section with spring accessory items from Grand on Oak, Yours Truly Consignment Shoppe, Branch Out, Lefler’s, Monrow Boutique and Statements. Several of the stores also provided models for a spring fashion photo shoot at The Brick Room in Downtown Conway. These great looks for spring are just one shopping trip away from being at home in your spring wardrobe.

Until Next Month,

contents

feature story

Art on the Green quickly becoming go-to venue for local artists

easy makeover

6 10 featured artist

Conway’s Bonnie McKay has much to offer to new and seasoned students

12 18 top ten

two women learn the art of highlighting and contouring

top picks for spring fashion from local retailers

22 shopping

24 local fashion

28 food

32 homes

45 in the news

46 community

styles for spring

ladies’ lunch ideas

Heroes for Hope races coming up

Yours Truly, Branch Out, Monrow and Grand on Oak

Hudson home: A liveable art portfolio

An old dog gets new digs

columns 16 spirituality picture perfect

31 what’s your style? fashion ideas from The Kitchen Store & More

by Andrea Lennon

36 accents

must-haves for the perfect Easter tablescape

44 book review

‘The Story of Beautiful Girl’ review by Susan O’Keefe

EVENTS: Children’s Tumor Foundation Event featuring artist Steve Griffith, 38; United Way Jeans and Bling, 40; Conway Regional Women’s Council Membership Madness Event, 42.

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

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Bonnie McKay teaches an oil painting class at Art On The Green. Art classes are available to the public at the gallery.

Study. Showcase.

Sell. And more.

ART ON THE GREEN QUICKLY BECOMING GO-TO VENUE FOR ARTISTS

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Sculpt out an hour to visit Conway’s amazing, new gallery Art On The Green! The business, which opened in September 2013, is located on Bob Courtway Drive and is much more than a showcase for art.

Local resident Nina Ruth Baker is the gallery visionary. “Nina has recorded visual memories her entire life using oil painting and beautiful watercolors. Many in Conway and beyond have her work in their homes,” shared Brenda McClain, gallery director for Art On The Green. The business has proven successful.

“Art On The Green is the vortex for all things art. It is for and about the city of Conway and Faulkner and its surrounding counties, so it is important that we are easily accessible,” Brenda said.

She feels their location allows for a wide reach throughout the region. “Art On The Green has

something for everyone, and our sales tell us it’s a destination for designers and collectors. In addition to representing our own artists, we have helped locate a hand-carved fountain pen for an Oklahoma resident, and most recently we assisted a client in locating Peruvian gourd art. If we don’t have it, we will lead you to the gallery that does.”

Art On The Green strives to support local talent, offering a beautiful space to showcase and sell work. Additionally, they offer international art. “Art On The Green is building economic and educational opportunities for those interested in visual art, so it’s important we have a varied group and style,” Brenda shared. The gallery rotates art quarterly, adding artists as space allows. “We’ve had designers come from Dallas after seeing Linda Flake’s work on our site. Steve Griffith and Sheila Parsons have followers across the country, and Kelly Shipp’s photography is, of course, a much-loved attraction.”

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Art On The Green Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. 5 p.m. w w w.ar tonthegreen.net

Art On The Green represents approximately 30 artists, each adding that little extra to attract patrons of varying tastes.

Additionally, they show work in various mediums, including watercolor, oil, mixed media, photography and sculpture. They also offer a selection of wooden bowls they are unable to keep in stock. “There is something for everyone. We have cards made from original works and hand-painted pillows that often leave the gallery faster than the wooden bowls,” Brenda said.

Baker’s vision extended beyond providing a showcase for art. Art On The Green offers classes for all ages by well-known artists, including Bonnie McKay,

Jacquelyn Kaucher, Lois Giorgis, Sheila Parsons and Steve Griffith. “Parilee Croft is our artist-in-residence and can be found in-house several days each week, working on her next piece,” added Brenda.

Art On The Green also offers an ideal space for meetings, club gatherings and small luncheons, and they regularly welcome school tours. The gallery has also hosted successful book signings.

“The Art On The Green gallery will be a beautiful setting for an intimate wedding; we just haven’t booked one yet!” Brenda said. However, they do have couples create wedding registries.

The business has welcomed visitors of all ages, from Faulkner County and beyond. In fact, they have

been a conduit for local artists’ work being sold from Texas to Tennessee and beyond. Much of their outof-state success can be attributed to the traffic their website has generated, www.artonthegreen.net.

“Some of our most joyous times are when we see a family come in with young children who look at the work with such reverence. Students come in to study the art and to take advantage of our many books available for visitors to enjoy,” Brenda said.

“Our art is hung, and the coffee machine is ready, so stop by Art On The Green and take a peek for yourself. Did I tell you we also have free shipping and lay-a-way? ... It is never too early to Christmas shop!”

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F E AT U R E D LO C A L A R T I S T

CONWAY’S BONNIE MCKAY

Arkansas Arts Center entitled “The Crossroads of Memory: Carroll Cloar and the American South” that will run through June 1.

I have received other ribbons and awards, including Best of Show. My paintings have been exhibited at the Arkansas Arts Center, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum and the Ralph Lauren Spring Home Collection in Dallas. I have also been published in Southern Accents and Veranda magazines.

Conway resident Bonnie McKay teaches classes at Art On The Green, and her own work has been available at Pictures Etc. in Conway for 25 years. She is married to Jim McKay, her self-described encourager.

Women’s, Inc. had a chance to learn about her experiences as a local artist.

Q: How did you get started in art?

I remember the thrill I had when I would draw, color or paint as a small child. I always cherished the thought that I was an artist at an early age.

My teachers always encouraged me.

I remember one time in particular in fourth grade, a dear teacher, Mrs. Thelma Boals, asked me to draw Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox on the blackboard. We had read the famous story, and I was so thrilled that she asked me to draw it. Best of all, this would be drawn in colored chalk, which was usually saved for special occasions. I drew it and colored it in with blue chalk. I remember I was worried because I used almost all the blue chalk. That ox was as big as a section of the blackboard — much bigger than Paul Bunyan! I remember the composition well, and I believe I could draw it from memory today. I am so thankful for all my teachers who have encouraged me through the years.

Q: What medium do you prefer? Do you work in others?

Since I love painting the landscape en plein air (open air), I prefer oil. The landscape is so glorious and strikes a deep chord within me. The landscape of Arkansas is especially beautiful, with the rivers, streams, mountains, prairie and the Delta. Growing up in the Delta, I developed a love for the scenery of the outdoors: the rivers, the shape of the cypress trees, the 100-yearold oaks, the white cotton fields and the brilliant colored flowers that grew there in that dark, rich soil. I also prefer painting in oil because I can set up for painting quickly. My equipment for painting outside is light-weight and compact. I have a small pochade box, which is a box that can be attached to a tri-pod, becoming an easel. My oil paint, brushes, palette, small canvases and wet canvases fit nicely into this special box, and it is ready to go at any time.

I also paint in watercolor, but taking watercolor to the field sometimes is a little more questionable. The weather outside is so important when painting with water. I have worked in sepia 10 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

crayons, ink, acrylic and mixed media, but I still prefer painting in oil.

Q: Who is your personal favorite artist?

Joaquin Sorolla. The paintings of this great Spanish artist speak to me with their vibrating sunlight, emotion, color and honesty. Some of his paintings are of people doing ordinary chores, and I like that. I believe the ordinary, the things that sometime people forget or miss, has great power in a painting. Sorolla was the master of painted sunshine, and he remains the master. He was a genius painter, and almost all of his paintings were painted en plein air.

Q: Describe your personal aesthetic.

Painting gives me the opportunity and inspiration to look deeply into or beyond the surface, and share the deeper or more important value of something. In a landscape, it may be the bark of a tree, the reflection in the water or the color in the shadow.

The landscape teaches me always and never fails to bless me with deeper choices that I can paint, selecting one thing that may touch the viewer’s soul. In painting the figure, it’s the

same. It may be the look of the eyes, the placement of the hands, a gesture or the countenance. Whether it’s a landscape or figure, my highest hope is that my finished paintings will make a profound connection with the viewer by touching the soul. I call this soul painting.

Q: What is it like to be part of the Conway art scene?

Being a part of the art scene is both encouraging and inspirational, because there are so many opportunities ranging from institutions of higher learning to murals and sculptures and local galleries. It is especially gratifying that young people have an opportunity to be introduced and influenced by good art in Conway.

Q: Have you earned any awards through the years?

Years ago, my watercolor painting, “Reluctant Debutante” was in a show and received a blue ribbon from Arkansas native Carroll Cloar, who was the juror. I also have his book, “Hostile Butterflies,” with a handwritten note from him. I cherish the painting, the book, and especially the note. I am excited there is an exhibit at the

Q: How did you get involved with Art On the Green? What do you teach there?

I was asked if I would be interested in teaching oil painting classes. I accepted the invitation with gratitude and felt honored to be a part of Nina Baker’s vision and dream. Art on the Green is such a beautiful, outstanding gallery, a perfect place that is equipped with easels and tables for teaching art.

At the present time, I offer private lessons and class instruction in oil. It has been more than wonderful to have the opportunity to teach there and share the principles of fine art painting with others.

Artists need encouragement, and that is my hope — that I can be always be an encourager for my students. My husband, Jim, has always encouraged me in teaching and painting. He has been there to help me with packing, loading and moving my easel, in the mountains, on the plains, in the rain, snow, the wilds, the rocky terrain and by rivers and streams. He has always been my helpmate. He is the great encourager.

Q: What else should readers know about Bonnie McKay? I was an art major in college. For years I taught private art lessons for children. I loved teaching those little artists, and I can honestly remember many of their paintings. Recently, I saw the mother of one of the boys I taught, and I commented about one of his drawings I remembered. She told me she still had that very drawing. He now teaches art in an Arkansas school.

Through the years I have been blessed with the opportunity to study through the Scottsdale Artists’ School, the Fredericksburg Art School, Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, Bennington Center for the Arts and with many well-known artists, including Kevin Macpherson, Timothy Tyler, Peggi Kroll Roberts and Matt Smith.

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Two WINC editorial board members were asked to be “before” and “after” models for a make-up highlighting and contouring lesson by Robin Moore of Harrington & Co.

Detra Clark

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Candace Meeks

About face

Robin Moore of downtown’s Harrington & Co. gives our readers a brief tutorial on the art of highlighting and contouring.

Two women learn the art of highlighting, contouring

By Angela Spencer Photos by Brandy Strain

VIEW THE MAKEOVER VIDEO

Bcove.me/k72it8wh

Makeup can do a lot for a woman’s face: Define cheekbones, brighten eyes and fill out thin lips, for example. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to know what to buy and how to use it when there are so many options at the drug store or make up counter. Why do I need bronzer? What do I do with a highlighting powder?

The art of highlighting and contouring — using makeup lighter and darker than your normal shade to emphasize certain parts of your face — may seem difficult and time consuming, but Robin Moore with Harrington & Co. demonstrated for WINC Magazine how simple it can be.

“On a daily basis, it takes me 10 to 15 minutes to put my makeup on,” Moore said. “This is possible for any woman on a daily basis.”

Moore worked with two women with different skin tones to show off the possibilities: Candace Meeks who is Caucasian and Detra Clark who is African-American.

Going into the demonstration, both women said makeup was not something they spent a lot of time on in the mornings.

Clark said she is usually a pretty simple woman when it comes to makeup.

“I wear a little gloss, a little eye shadow, and a little mascara. I don’t do foundation. I don’t know anything about highlighting,” she said.

Meeks is similar, describing herself as a “‘put my makeup on in the car’ kind of girl with some bronzer, eye liner and mascara. Those are the essentials.”

Moore said she focused on each of the women’s individual needs as far as facial structure and skin tone.

“I wanted to show the girls how to highlight and contour a face. You want to bring out cheekbones, you want to bring out different parts of your eyelid, learn how to frame the face with eyebrows, learn how to make the lips look fuller without outlining the lips too far,” she said. “So we were going to show a lot of little tricks today that a lot of the women don’t know how to do that WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13

you can do on a daily basis.”

She started with bare faces and contoured the faces with lowlights, drawing cheekbones, thinning the noses and making the foreheads smaller if needed.

Moore then went on to highlight certain areas of the faces, including under the eyes, along the top of the nose through the lip and chin and under the eyebrows.

She followed up with a dusting of loose powder.

Next, Moore put bronzer on Meeks so she could have a little color “like we were in the mid-summer.” This step was not necessary for Clark, who has naturally bronze skin.

Moore went on to contour with a darker blush and used a baby pink blush on the apples of the cheeks.

“If you blush naturally or if you warm up when it’s hot, that’s where you would blush naturally,” she said. “I actually tried to choose a color that they might actually turn if they were blushing.”

For the eyes, Moore started by filling in the eyebrows in order to frame the eyelid.

“Most people don’t think to fill in their eyebrows,” she said. “Now, we’re not necessarily drawing them on but we’re filling them in just to create a frame for the face.”

Moore then used three shades of eye shadow to frame out the eyes, smoothedout eyeliner and false eyelashes.

To finish out the look, the women got lip liner and gloss.

Clark said the activity was fun and she thought it might be something she could do on a day-to-day basis.

“It was neat. My face feels light and pretty,” she said. “If I go find the colors I could probably do it on my own.”

Meeks also said she had fun, but she said it might take time to get used to putting on makeup in that way.

“I think it would be trial and error for me,” she said.

Moore said that is normal for women just starting to highlight and contour their face, but practice makes perfect.

“If you practice it, you’ll get it down to an art form so it’s 10 or 15 minutes for a daily application,” she said. “It’s just going to take practice.

And it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Moore said she has certain makeup items she pays a little more for, but most of it can be found at a drugstore.

“Lots and lots and lots of products I use come from Walgreens,” she said.

Moore offers makeup lessons daily at Harrington & Co., at 819 Parkway St., in Conway. She said she likes to use the client’s own makeup so they can know how to use it, what to toss and what to buy.

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SPIRITUALITY

Picture perfect

By Andrea Lennon

W

hat type of picture does your life paint? Is it a picture of peace or strife, patience or frustration, calm or chaos? Whether we realize it or not, our lives paint a picture for all to see. To me, one of the most amazing parts of my relationship with Jesus is that my life can paint a picture that is more about Him and less about me. This type of picture does not happen naturally. In fact, this type of picture goes against the norm of our culture as well as the natural tendencies of our heart.

When our lives paint a picture that is more about Jesus and less about us, we are following an important instruction found in the Bible. Our lives become an avenue by which God makes His appeal of love, grace, transformation and reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 we read about this appeal.“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (New International Version) The all important question is this: What does a day-in-and-day-out life look like that is pleasing to Christ and appealing to others? Here are a few possibilities to consider.

• Love will be the basis of all that we do. Jesus taught His disciples that love is the character quality that sets His followers apart. Sometimes love is easier said than done. Love is more than an emotional feeling. Often it is a daily choice. According to scripture, love always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. Loving someone is a gift. This gift often formalizes itself in tangible ways — a meal during a difficult time, a text on a hard day or a prayer when life appears to be falling apart. Since love is a gift that God has given to us, we now have the opportunity to extend God’s gift of love to the people around us.

• Self-sacrifice will be a step that we are willing to make. Putting the needs of others before our own needs requires determination. When we go into a situation with a heart that is willing to serve others, we let the people around us know that they matter to us and more importantly they matter to God. Jesus came

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to serve not to be served. Daily we have the chance to embrace the same call in our lives. Serving others can get messy. Life is not always easy. Sometimes serving others requires a significant sacrifice of time, energy and resources. As we make this sacrifice, we communicate to others that depth of our desire for them to know Jesus and experience His life-changing grace.

• Kind words will flow from our lips. Our desire will be to encourage others with words that are helpful not hurtful. As a result, we will use words that express love, patience, healing and hope.

• Cheering others on will become a normal habit during our day. Seeing others succeed by experiencing the good things of God will bring joy to our hearts.

Daily thanking God for the life that He allows us to live will position us to cheer for others in a way that is free of jealousy or comparisons.

• Trusting God’s ability to care for our needs will bring a sense of peace, patience and calm into our lives. This peace, patience and calm will be the reality of our lives, not because the circumstances of life are always perfect, but because we know God is in control and that He takes care of us. This response to life will be so unusual to anyone who has never experienced a daily walk with Jesus that they will look at the way we live and ask, “How do you do that?” In that moment, we will have the incredible opportunity and responsibility to point others to Jesus by telling them how they can have the same hope in their life, too.

What a joy to know that God can and will use our lives to reach others! For me, I am going to ask God to help me love, sacrifice, speak kind words, cheer others on and trust Him at a deep level. My prayer is that my life will paint a picture of God’s love, grace, transformation and reconciliation. How about you?

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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Spring TOP TEN

Must-haves

1

A “go-to” white shirt - Pick something you’re comfortable wearing! Linen, cotton, silk or whatever feels best to you is perfect. There is no better basic in my opinion, so easy and chic.

From T-shirts to bottom down, these are closet essentials!

By Caroline LeVan-Rodgers Photos by Brandy Strain

2 3

Denim shorts - There is a perfect pair of denim shorts for every age and body type. Don’t let them scare you! If shorts aren’t your thing, opt for some lightweight denim!

Everyday Sunglasses - Everyone needs that one go-to pair of sunnies you can throw on or even stick on top of your head.

Aviators are always a great classic option, but don’t be afraid of the more trendy cateyed shapes or colored lenses.

Caroline LeVan-Rodgers lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Cheney. She is a Conway native who graduated from Baylor University. She owns Monrow Boutique, located in The Village at Hendrix.

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7 4

Booties - Booties are a great alternative to sandals for the summer. They can give cutoffs and a T-shirt a more polished look. Lots of spring/summer booties have cutouts, so don’t worry about getting too hot.

There is an option out there for everyone.

Maxi - Maxi dresses are perfect for the season! The comfort is unbeatable, and this staple can be taken from day to night easily with a heel or a light jacket. My advice for wearing maxis is keep it simple — too much of a print can get overwhelming.

8

Anything Black and White Black and white has to be the biggest trend at the moment.

This is so classic and easy for anybody to pull off. When in doubt, always wear black and white — nothing beats the elegance of the combination.

9

Floral Blazer - Florals are another huge trend for the spring and summer. Don’t let the trend scare you, there are tons of ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe. My personal favorite is a floral blazer, because it’s so easy to throw on with other basics. If a blazer isn’t your thing, look for dresses, T-shirts, or tanks.

5 6 10 Tote - Spring and summer are all about comfort. Everyone needs that catch-all bag they can fit everything in. Oversized totes and backpacks are very on trend, and spring is the perfect time to embrace it!

Spring/Summer Cardi - A cardi is an easy fix for a cool night or simply when you just need another layer. Duster length cardis are so on trend and look amazing paired with cut offs, jeans or a summer dress.

Graphic T-shirts - Some might call me the queen of graphic tees, and my store is full of them at all times ... it’s kind of what we’re known for. There is a graphic tee for everybody and any age. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a T-shirt.

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LOCAL BEAUT Y SERVICES

SALON ELEVEN

1027 Front Street, Suite 1 (501) 205-8624

CUT ABOVE SALON 912 Chestnut Street (501) 327-1720

The four stylists at Cut Above Salon: Shawna Evans ( Owner & Stylist, Tonya Moix, Evon Collins and Peggy Bonds, want clients to come in and feel at home! ! Cut Above Salon is a family salon with a family atmosphere. Some clients have been using their services since childhood and now bring their own children in the salon.

Cut Above Salon stylists, with over 100 years of combined experience, work together to do what’s best for their clients because customer satisfaction and enjoyable experience is Cut Above Salon’s top priority. Women, men, children and walk-ins are welcome. The salon is open at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday fro salon services from hair care to waxing and a full staff of color specialists.

Be more than a ten! Our stylists are owner Erica Wickliffe, DeShay Poe, Becca Lawson, Kacey Barton, Vicki Haile and Corey Short. We are always up to date on the latest hairstyles for men and women. All stylists are color specialists and do highlights and extensions too. We also offer facial waxing and shellac and manicures. Call today for an appointment!

HEAD TO TOES SALON 813 Oak St., Suite 3 (501) 336-8001

Looking for a salon where clients have a luxurious experience without the high-end cost?

You’ll find that and more at Anne Clarizio’s Head to Toes Salon. It’s a modern, relaxed, upscale salon that appeals to all ages. The stylists have more than 60 years’ experience in the industry while staying on trend with changing fashions.

Head to Toes has a full menu of top quality hair and nail services including color correction and hair extensions; manicures, pedicures, shellac, gel and acrylic nails. You can mention this review and get a free eyebrow wax with your service valued over $25. Men, women and children will enjoy the upscale experience at Head to Toes salon where with or without an appointment, you’ll come in as a client but you’ll be treated as a friend!

STUDIO SKIN 1016 Oak Street (501) 358-4653

Located in Conway’s Historic Downtown. Studio Skin offers corrective skin care treatments, provided by our Aesthetician with 11+ years experience in the medical field supervised by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Studio Skin also offers all injectables: Botox, Restyline, Juvederm, Radiesse and Boletoro. All injectables are provided by a Registered Nurse who has been doing these treatments for 8 years. Our studio also offers hair services with a staff of 5 hair stylists always up to date on the latest styles, color, highlights, and extensions. Other popular services offered at Studio Skin: Full body waxing, shellac manicures and pedicures, personalized airbrush tanning, eyelash tinting/perming, and a boutique full of unique jewelry, handbags, and gift ideas as well as top of the line professional skin and hair care products such as Moroccan Oil, Kevin Murphy, Keratin Complex, Glo Minerals, Skinceuticals, and Theraderm.

ADRIENNE’S ULTIMATE U SALON THE SHOP

1050 BOB COURTWAY DRIVE, SUITE 101 (501) 327-7712

From the moment you interact with the staff, you’ll feel the love at The Shop. Equipped with six professional stylists: Yolanda Hickman, Latrice Flakes, Amber Henderson, Ramissa Delph, Anisha Dell, and Chandra Tidwell, are always prepared to meet hair care needs of women, men and children, including eyelashes. The Shop provides an atmosphere that encourages positivity amongst not only the stylists but also the clients. Staff at The Shop desires its clients to feel blessed to be involved in the business, know their importance, feel love, and know that their very existence matters. Mention this ad for 10% off services. Walk-ins are welcome or call for an appointment.

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SHERI’S SALON

Chrissa Smith 1100 Main Street, Suite 8 (501) 472-4553

Sheri’s Salon, owned by Sheri Lowry, is a quaint little shop located in Downtown Conway near the post office and Regions Bank. The salon is perfect for women, men and children. It’s a great place for haircuts for the family, as well as perms, color, highlights and specialty styles and updos.

We strive to make our clients feel comfortable, relaxed and beautiful. Chrissa Smith is formerly from Jo-La-Ru and went to work in Greenbrier.

Now Chrissa is back in Conway. Sheri and Chrissa have worked together for more than 13 years.

Chrissa brings 24 years’ experience to the salon.

Call Chrissa for an appointment today.

809 Court St., Conway, 501-450-9100 1002 West 37th, North Little Rock, (501) 812-4822

Customer satisfaction is the number one priority at Adrienne’s Ultimate U Salon! Clients look better and feel better after a professional salon experience where stylists are personable and have more than 20 years’ experiencing servicing clients. Adrienne’s Ultimate U Salon staff in Conway: Polletta Johnson, Carol Black, Antonia Byrd and Shaun Ruth, plus Gina Porter and Ariel Pitts in NLR strive to give their clients the ultimate salon experience they deserve. The Ultimate U Salon opens early to accommodate clients’ schedules because meeting clients’ needs is Adrienne Tolbert and her staff’s top priority. Women and children are welcome to experience the best in hair care and other special services like eyelashes and eyebrow arches. College and senior discounts are available.

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styles for

SHOPPING

31 Bits Necklace, “Capri Skies,”$46. Available at Branch Out.

G. Spinelli Ethiopian cross necklace, $200, and Vintage Eisenburg brooch necklace, $198. Available at Grand on Oak.

Peach handbag, $75, and Michael Stars scarf, $58.

Available at Grand on Oak. Bright coral handbag with tassel, $73. Available at Yours Truly Consignment Shoppe.

Wildfox aviator sunglasses. Available at Monrow Boutique.

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Electric blue leather tote. Available at Monrow Boutique.

“Peace” Artisian straw bag, $38. Available at Branch Out.

spring!

David Jones turquoise handbag, $58. Diana Warner turquoise/gold earrings, $88.

Available at Lefler’s.

Pink jute tote bag, $29.99 and Ikat scarf, $15.99.

Available at Statements.

Hobo wallets-Alice in Peacock, $98, and Nancy in Harvest, $108. Available at Lefler’s.

5 layer beaded turquoise necklace, $15.99.

Available at Statements.

Tan suede fringe handbag, $128. Available at Yours Truly Consignment Shoppe.

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LO C A L FA S H I O N

YOURS TRULY CONSIGNMENT SHOPPE

BP Collection peach shirt with clear crystals, $11. Monami silver/white bag, $80 (new). Bracelet with green rhinestones, $9.

Rachel Roy shirt, $15. Kate Spade purse, $178 (new). Cuff bracelet, $8. Earrings, $10.

Photography by: Brandy Strain Photo shoot location: The Brick Room in Downtown Conway

BRANCH OUT PAINT BAR & BOUTIQUE

Bali Queen beach pants, $46. Elan off-the-shoulder blouse, $34. Rush necklace handmade (bone and Swarovski), $108. Magid straw fringe bag, $38. Magid metallic floppy hat, $26.

Elan mint tie-dyed maxi dress, $92. 31 Bits necklace, $36, and bracelet, $10.

Magid gold metallic round purse, $26. Pink Pewter gold headband, $48.

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MONROW BOUTIQUE

Wildfox “Born on the Beach” T-shirt. Wildfox denim cutoffs. Wildfox aviator sunglasses. Cut-out booties. Vanessa Mooney necklace. Blue leather tote.

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BB Dakota black cutout jumper. Vanessa Mooney necklace. Chanel-inspired bag.

GRAND ON OAK

Tart Collections maxi dress, $180. G. Spinelli turquoise necklace with amulet, $300. G. Spinelli earrings, $45, and bracelet, $50.

Tart Collections dress, $140. G. Spinelli earrings, $65.

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FOOD

28 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

Ladies’ lunch ideas Ham Quiche with Cream Cheese Crust Spinach Salad with Creamy Dressing Baked Cinnamon Roll Cake

By Chef Jill McCollum Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson

I

nstead of calling up your best girlfriends, create invitations designed to grab their attention. Use recipe cards for your invites, writing the recipe for one of the dishes your friends always rave about on the front and the invitation information on the reverse, along with a note promising to prepare the dish featured on the front of the card.

Show your guests where to sit by creating engaging placecard alternatives. Instead of a standard paper placecard, have each guest’s name embroidered onto a napkin and place it where you hope the guest sits.

For a floral option, purchase plain bud vases and paint your guests’ names on them, setting them at each place setting, complete with a floral bloom.

Give your luncheon guests much to choose from at your meal. If your guests are fans of fresh salad, create a buffet of different salads for them to select. If you think they would prefer Italian, create a make-your-own pasta bar for your guests, setting out bowls of cooked pastas, sauces and vegetables.

For dessert, make mini individual cakes for each guest. Personalize each one buy using some of their favorite colors to decorate with.

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

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Ham Quiche with Cream Cheese Crust Crust 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 stick butter 1 cup all-purpose flour Mix well, pat in pie plate.

Ham Quiche 6 ounces sliced ham 1 small chopped onion ½ bell pepper, chopped 1 cup Swiss cheese

Spinach Salad with Creamy Dressing Dressing ½ cup mayonnaise 6 tablespoons buttermilk 1 teaspoon bacon drippings 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 small clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour.

Custard ½ cup buttermilk 1 cup heavy cream 5 whole eggs Fill pie shell, pour custard over, bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

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Salad 6 cups spinach leaves ½ red onion, thinly sliced ½ pound mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 medium tomatoes ¼ pound bacon, crisply fried and crumbled Combine spinach, onion, mushrooms and tomato in a large bowl. Toss with dressing. Sprinkle with bacon and serve immediately. Serves 6-8.

Cinnamon Roll Cake 3 cups all purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ cups milk 2 eggs 2 teaspoons. vanilla 1 stick butter melted Mix all ingredients together.

Topping 1 cup butter 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 cup brown sugar Mix together and drop by spoonfuls into cake and swirl through.

Glaze Powdered sugar, milk and vanilla

What’s Your style?

FASHION FROM

THE KITCHEN

STORE & MORE

“Fashion trends today reflect the casual lifestyle.

Women want to look stylish and be comfortable.”

—Jeanne Smyers, owner at The Kitchen Store & More.

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Art is the theme in the newly decorated west Conway home of Cindy Hudson.

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HUDSON HOME

A liveable art portfolio PAINTINGS, MUSIC INSPIRE DECOR

By Michelle Corbet Photos by Brandy Strain Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers’ Gemologist Cindy Hudson says her home is a hobby that she happens to live in.

Not the glue gun and tape kind of hobby, but a new kind of DIY with a personal touch of sophistication.

Each room in the three bedroom, two and a half bath home on Turnberry Drive has been uniquely decorated to elicit an atmosphere, mood or feeling, much like the way Cindy feels about art.

One of Cindy’s strong beliefs and mottos is that art is just as important as physical health.

“A person can be as strong and healthy as they can physically be,” she says, “but if they don’t have an outlet — weather it be painting, music, fashion or art — that’s what gives you quality of life as opposed to just being alive.”

She’s not a musician, she said, but there’s always music playing in her home. And she’s not a fashion designer, but she certainly appreciates great clothes.

“Art is really what makes us happy,” she said. “That’s what we enjoy about life.”

With the help of interior decorator and life-long friend Bobbi Jo Feltmon, one piece of art in Cindy’s home is her wood dining room table and chair set that she refurbished into an antiqued cream finish with cow skin covered seats.

Cindy began refinishing furniture out of necessity in college.

“When you have nothing, and you have no money, you can take something and give it new life,” she said.

Although she could have gone out and bought a new dining room table, it wouldn’t have been as much fun and it wouldn’t have been as unique, she said.

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The painting above the mantle was painted live by Amy Ness at last year’s Conway Symphony Orchestra’s All That Jazz event.

34 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

A mirrored wall stands behind her refurbished set, making what otherwise would have been a dead end wall more bright and open.

The floor to ceiling mirrors reflect the true focal point of Cindy’s home — a gallery wall filled with dynamic works of art from local central Arkansas artists and a few from across the United States.

“I’ve always wanted a gallery wall, and that wall was perfect,” Cindy said.

Each painting has its own unique look and feel, in a frame that accents the artwork inside.

When renowned central Arkansas artist Steve Griffith and his wife Vivian Noe came to see Cindy’s new home, she asked Griffith if he would paint her something for the main living room wall.

She wanted something fun and girly, she said.

With roses being her favorite, Steve painted an impressionist-style painting of a photograph he took of a neighbor’s fence line covered in pink rose blossoms.

“He brought it over and hung it for me,” she said. “It’s very special.”

Griffith once told Cindy that artwork hung in a dining room should be eye-level with the people who are eating, so even Cindy’s cats Jonesy and The General view an impressioniststyle painting of a fish skeleton when eating at their kitty dining area.

“The first thing I did was start putting up paintings,” Cindy said. “That’s what really makes a house feel like a home.”

Cindy also owns several pieces by Conway painter Maura Weir, and she has a personal collection of her mother and father’s paintings from childhood.

One such painting is of a tiger. Cindy said the painting hung in her father’s office for as long as she could remember.

Her father’s tiger became the design inspiration for her new home’s guest bathroom. The painting hangs surrounded by tiger print walls and metallic gold painted ceilings.

Across the hall, a fictitious infatuation became the theme for her guest room. It started with the refinishing of her grandmother’s cherry vanity with black and silver paint, and quickly became the “James Bond Room,” complete with framed autographed photos of Bond Girls and a life-size cardboard cut-out of Sean Connery himself.

Cindy describes her home as the ultimate bachelorette pad. It’s not that a man wouldn’t live there, she says, but without one, she felt she had complete creative control to turn the home into the ultimate place for girls.

A live painting created by Amy Ness during this year’s All That Jazz benefit for the Conway Symphony Orchestra hangs over the mantle in Cindy’s living room. Cindy and her mother pulled their money together to outbid everyone for the priceless piece.

“I truly believe in supporting the arts — from fashion design to music to paintings — I think it is so important to have that,” she said. “If we didn’t have that, I wonder where we’d be today.”

“A creative outlet can truly save your life,” Cindy says.

The gallery wall in this home, a favorite of the homeowner, is filled mostly with local artists work and a few pieces from other parts of the country.

Cindy commissioned a piece of art for her new home by local artist Steve Griffith. The painting is in Cindy’s words “fun and girly” with the pink roses being her favorite. “It’s very special.”

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ACCENTS

Must-haves for Easter tablescapes

By Jessica Zimmerman

E

aster is the perfect excuse to host a bright and fun brunch for family and friends! Here are my must-haves for the perfect Easter tablescape: • A colorful tablecloth with a springlike pattern. I particularly love the color palette and the floral print on this linen.

• A fresh floral centerpiece. Nothing says spring more than fresh flowers!

• A bit of whimsy. The bunnies and eggs add the perfect touch to this table. Notice how everything on the table is full of color, but the bunnies and the eggs are in contrasting brown hues, allowing them to make their subtle statement.

• An attractive menu. My guests always appreciate this little detail!

• Casual dinnerware. Wicker chargers, cream dinner plates, bunny salad plates and pink beverage glasses give the table setting a fun, playful, easygoing vibe that compliments the Easter holiday beautifully.

Jessica Zimmerman is the owner of A Southern Tradition in downtown Conway. Her work has been featured in regional and national magazines. As a graduate of the University of Arkansas’ Art program, she’s an avid blogger, a lover of travel, and has a passion for all things creative! She resides in Conway with her husband Brian and daughter Stella. For more, follow her blog at asoutherntradition.com/blog.

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• Table linen available for rent at A Southern Tradition • Chairs available for rent at A Southern Tradition • Fresh floral centerpiece available for purchase at A Southern Tradition • Letterpress menu cards available for purchase at A Southern Tradition • Bunny statues available at Park Hill • Brown eggs available at Park Hill • Ceramic egg holders available at Park Hill • Wire basket available at Park Hill • All dinnerware and glassware is from Jessica’s personal collection and was originally purchased at The Kitchen Store

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Children’s Tumor Foundation Event featuring artist Steve Griffith

Steve Griffith, Lesley Oslica, Vivian Noe Griffith and Anne Trussell

Thersa Brown and Amy Brazil

Ed and Donna Clawson

Will Cone and Allison Vetter

James and Robin Dayer

Randy and Metrecce Kordsmeier

38 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

Nathan Salter, Brent Salter, Neal Reed, Beth Reed, Megan James and Adam James

Hannah Turnbough, Fr. Joseph Archibong, Christina Turnbough, Christopher Davis and Angela Davis

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United Way Jeans and Bling

Donna Townsell and Misty Anderson

Paul Kostecky, Leslie Kostecky and Ashley Salter

United Way Board and staff

Wes Craiglow and Emily English Craiglow

40 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

LaTresha Woodruff and Candace Meeks

Taylor Graham and Alana Graham

Rebecca Cleary, David Cleary, Debbie Townsend, Jackie Bennett and Ben Tiner

Donny Quick, Jenny Quick, Lindsey French and Brad French

Chad Fulmer, Mattie Fulmer, Natalie Rose and Reggie Rose

Lisa Crowson, Christy Dietz, Bo Rowe, Marla Fisher and Brooke Melton

Joni Clark and David Clark

Joely Costello, Stacy Prout, Mitch Collins and Cindy Hudson

Joni Clark, Jody Mannis and Susan DeVorak

Karla Braswell and Troy Braswell

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Conway Regional Women’s Council Membership Madness Event

Jacqueline Kordsmeier and Sue Dablock

Jennifer Hill and Sommer Holden

Amber Hester and Michelle Phillips

Jessica Dewberry, Taylor May and Jackie Bracey

Lori Ross, Amy Reed and Sheila Whitmore

Ashley Phillips, Pansy Westrich and Rachel Steele

Kate Vincent and Renee Tyler

Maria Jarrow, Shay Carolina and Lisa Watkins

Mitzi Reynolds and Lisa Douglas

Sheryl Sample, Dot Welch, Lanette Rogers and Carol Patty

42 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

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BOOK REVIEW

‘The Story of Beautiful Girl’ by Rachel Simon

Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe

I

n the mid-1960s, hundreds of thousands of people with intellectual disabilities lived in institutions. Lynnie was one of those people.

Born into an affluent Pennsylvania family, Lynnie’s parents decided that she would receive better care in a sterilized home rather than in the one they maintained.

There were outside social pressures. There were stares and snickers when Lynnie still used a diaper at the age of 5. There were questions with no answers, and simple-mindedness was considered a punishment for an unmentionable sin.

“The Story of Beautiful Girl” made me weep. I wept for the people who are products of a system designed to help and protect, yet fail.

Lynnie, the young white woman, fell in love with Homan, a strapping African American deaf man. Homan met Lynnie behind the suffocating walls of the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. Homan does not have a mental disability, but he is classified with a group that does. He is a classic example of one who falls through the cracks. Yet there is a silver lining as a friendship between him and Lynnie blossoms into a beautiful relationship in the most unlikely of places.

Because her words were often answered with taunts, Lynnie decided to answer the world in silence. As a girl, Lynnie vowed to control a tiny sliver of her life, and for years, refused to use her voice. One night, however, she beckoned and begged her mouth to work. She said her mouth barely felt as if it belonged to her anymore. But she mustered the strength to whisper two words that would change lives forever.

“Hide her.”

The hoarse voice, not accustomed to being used, uttered these words to a widowed farm woman, Martha. From there, a 40-year chronicle begins as Martha leaves the lonely comforts of her predictable retired life and calls upon the former students she has nurtured through the years.

“The Story of Beautiful Girl” made me laugh. Because he only picked up bits and pieces of slang sign language, Homan never had a fighting chance to communicate with the deaf world. Since he never learned to read or write, he had no chance to communicate with the hearing world either. People shouted at him, as if speaking louder would suddenly make a deaf person hear. Perhaps Lynnie fell somewhere in between worlds, as if living in Homan’s world was sufficient.

A great deal of the book focuses on Homan’s travels and attempts to return to the beautiful girl he loves.

The last time they saw each other, they were racing through farmland and delicately handing over Lynnie’s newborn daughter to Martha.

“The Story of Beautiful Girl” made me ache for those making decisions in place of those who mentally cannot. Our group discussed that burden and the multitude of feelings and emotions that accompany it.

In the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, scores of people were left to languish and were simply forgotten. They were dead to their families. Even for the families who visited, the awkwardness and ignorance overshadowed the joy. Visits that started 44 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

as once-a-week engagements soon dwindled until they ceased. “The Story of Beautiful Girl” made me question.

One of the strongest supporting characters in the book was Kate. She was Lynnie’s only confidante at the institution. Kate was the advocate. Kate was the kind of woman who stayed late, brought a cake on Lynnie’s birthday and really sought to know, teach and train. She encouraged Lynnie’s artistic talent.

She bought the girl art supplies, which would play a major role in how the story comes full circle.

As the novel spans four decades, Lynnie, Homan, Martha and baby Julia find their lives completely separated and completely intertwined at the same time.

There are astoundingly insurmountable obstacles for

each of them, but in the end it is the common thread of extraordinary love that brings them back together.

Early in the novel, one of the characters comments, “Sometimes you think you know what you want until you see how much more you can have.”

There’s a lesson for all of us, both the strong and the simple minded.

Susan O’Keefe is a wife to Jack, mother to four children, and eager to face the crazy, awesome, fun things God delivers daily. She and her family recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi, where Susan will continue to read and review, instruct fitness classes, and embark on this next adventure in life.

IN THE NEWS Heroes for Hope races planned for April 19 On Saturday, April 19, the Children’s Advocacy Alliance will host their annual race as a part of child abuse prevention and awareness month.

Heroes for Hope is a 5K & 10K timed race open to runners, walkers, families and corporate teams. Starting and ending at Simon Park in Downtown Conway, the races are certified by the USATF. There

is also a 1K superhero race for kids ages 10 and under (parent can run too). Capes and tights are optional but they sure make it more fun.

Race registration ranges from $10-25 during early registration and there are team options as well as a family deal. Early registration ends March 31.

After the race there will be an awards ceremony and costume parade on stage with prizes awarded for best costumes, including best family.

After the costume contest, the

Children’s Music Festival gets going featuring choirs, dance teams, baton twirlers, gymnasts and cheer leaders from across Faulkner County.

Simon Park will be filled with activities for kids of all ages, including a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, games, food, beverages and more. The theme of the event is “All kids need a hero. Abused kids need a superhero.”

To learn more or to register to run, visit www.hopeandjustice.org or call 501.328.3347.

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COMMUNITY

An old dog gets new digs

By Courtney Spradlin Photo by Brandy Strain An elderly woman who could no longer care for her elderly dog will rest easy now knowing “Tic” is well fed, loved, and will live out the remainder of her days in warmth and happiness.

Tic, who was given the name by her former owner due to the amount of fleas and ticks that covered her when she was found, is a 12-year-old hound mix with a heart condition.

These attributes didn’t make Tic a very adoptable dog, but ArkanPaws Animal Rescue in Conway posted her and her story on the group’s Facebook page hoping someone would have a heart for the situation the old dog had found herself in, a situation which far too often involves euthanasia.

“We saw that [ArkanPaws] had a senior dog whose owner was going into assisted living and needed someone. She is 12 and had a heart condition and would need to take a diuretic daily,” said adoptive mom Jen Ryken. “It was the same condition and same medicine as our dog we had lost last year, a 14-year-old yellow lab named Jesse. We had her all 14 years.”

Robin Stauffer, ArkanPaws board member who helped in the adoption, said James and Jen Ryken came forward and said they were sure they wanted to adopt Tic. “I called and checked references, and everyone we talked to said yes, they’d make a fantastic home for this dog,” Stauffer said.

After losing a 14-year-old dog just recently, why would the Rykens take in a 12-year-old dog with the same heart condition knowing they’d have to go through it all again?

“I tried to put the needs of the dog ahead of my own emotional weakness,” Jen Ryken said. “So I just wanted to put aside the pain of losing another dog and really focus on what this dog needed for her final time on earth.

“Because I knew, having gone through a senior dog with a heart condition, they’re very easy dogs.

They’re already calm, sweet. She hardly makes a sound. It’s not like getting a puppy. They’re easy dogs to take care of.”

Ryken said it was just a few hours and Tic was at home with her sisters, a five-year-old Bassett hound named Addison and a five-year-old Cockapoo named Pepper.

“She has been home with us three weeks now,” Ryken said, adding that Tic is eating well and getting along with her sisters.

On Facebook, Ryken posted a photo of Addison giving Tic a kiss on the face, “her daily facial.”

Stauffer said Tic’s first mom was worried her dog wouldn’t be adopted by anyone and was afraid she’d be put to sleep.

“She can rest a lot easier now knowing the dog is in a home where she is loved and cared for,” said Stauffer.

The adoption is just one that has been recently 46 WOMEN’S INC. / APRIL 2014

coordinated by ArkanPaws, a nonprofit that sprung in September of 2012.

The group has about 60 dogs in homes in the area that serve as fosters.

Between six members, the group coordinates foster homes, volunteers, collects adoption fees and donations, and coordinates adoptions.

ArkanPaws has no actual shelter or building front, but they operate off of adoption fees and donations.

Stauffer mentioned that in the holiday season, a

tattoo parlor spearheaded a food drive that has kept the organization in dog food for some time.

Psycho Ink Tattoo offered its customers $1 off of a tattoo for each pound of food donated. The result was more than 1,500 pounds.

Find more information about ArkanPaws at www. arkanpaws.org or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/arkanpawsanimalrescue.

The group’s director is Danielle Maddox.

Board members are Robin Stauffer, Lynette Long, Dani Butler, Kim Brandt and Karla Carmody.

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