Women's Inc. - January 2015

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC.

JANUARY 2015

Enjoying the business of life

Conway chamber’s diamond achievement winner

Lori case melton

out of the office into the outdoors

Inside: faulkner county medical guide

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WINC. Celebrating 10 years

Publisher Zach Ahrens

Chief Photographer Brandy Strain

Advertising Coordinator Molly May

Editor Lori Quinn

Contributing Photographers Lindsey Faith Watson Eric White

Advertising Sales Executives Sarah Allen Tara Mallett Lisa Licht

Creative Director Sara Rachel Contributing Writers Detra Clark Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Rachel Parker Dickerson Jennifer Stanley Kelly Sublett

Videographer Eric White Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham

Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Bob Dusek 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

Editorial Advisory Board Donna Benton Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann Jessica Zimmerman

WELCOME LETTER F RO M T H E E DITO R Lori Quinn

Happy 2015 to all our WINC read-

ers! We have updated the look of WINC magazine and look forward to showing

this to our readers in the new year. Some changes will be subtle improvements

to what we bring to you every month, while other changes will be completely

new. Not only is there an overall design update, but there are also some new

special sections featured throughout the upcoming year. We hope you enjoy the fresh new look for WINC in 2015.

Until Next Month, Lori Quinn

W

Fina

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J A N U A R Y 2 015 / / W O M E N ’ S I N C .

CONTENTS

6 on the cover

Lori Case Melton (center) with Arvest Bank – Chamber Women in Business Diamond Achievement Winner with the outstanding Women in Business nominees.

9

WOMEN IN BUSINESS Finalists Q&A

22 IN THE NEWS

Alchemy Songwriting Showcase & Taming of the Brew

columns

FEATURE STORY

14

Smith Family Pharmacy

26 EVENTS

Conway Chamber Women in Business Luncheon, Faulkner Co. Board of Realtors Luncheon, HAVEN Christmas Coffee

FEATURE STORY Deal Family Dental

32 HOMES

Keeping up with the Joneses – Jones Home

24. spirituality

38. art scene

42 FOOD

43. cooking tips

40. book reviews

46 IMATTER

The benefit of working hard

by Andrea Lennon

New year, new you

by Chef Jill McCollum

Finding inspiration...

by Jennie Strange

Secret Daughter

by Susan O’Keefe

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Chef salad, thousand island dressing, cheese & potato soup

Casey Sims is making a difference in her town WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

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cover story

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Lori Melton is the Chamber’s 2014 Diamond Achievement Award winner.

l o r i c a s e m e lt o n w i t h a r v e s t b a n k – chamber women in business diamond achievement winner

women in business: diamond winner By: Jennifer Stanley Photos by: Brandy Strain The 2014 Women in Business Diamond Achievement Award winner is Conway’s Lori Melton. Lori serves as Vice President of Business Development for Arvest in Conway and has been an integral part of the local banking community for almost 29 years. Lori is honored to have earned the award and also to be in such esteemed company. The Diamond Achievement Award is presented to a woman who has been in business for greater than 25 years.

Lori, married to Gerald, has a son, Jordan; a daughter-in-law, Savannah; and her first grandchild is due next March. She also has three stepchildren, Eric, Kaili, and Alayna. She has never lived outside Faulkner County, having grown up in Mount Vernon, where she still has land, and having attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned a degree in Marketing.

Lori loves Conway. “I like the small town feel. I’ve been in business for over 29 years here, so I have gotten to know so many in the business community. I love that it is growing and not stagnant. It is very vivacious. We have great demographics. Students come in, stay, and bring their families here,” she says. “I also love that I don’t have to go to Little Rock for anything anymore. Conway has everything!”

Lori has been at Arvest Bank for two-and-a-half years. “I started at the old First National Bank in 1985, working with Bunny Adcock, and he really taught me the ropes of the business world. I was green as a goose coming from Mount Vernon,” she laughs. “He was a great volunteer who believed in community service, as were my parents, and I always had a heart for those things too,” she shares.

Lori has been involved in a long list of philanthropic projects over the years. “Most recently, Linda Linn and I were co-chairs of the capital campaign that raised funds for the new senior center. The center is up and running, adding new people, and thriving. To see the rewards of our hard work is extremely gratifying. That has affected a large group of people, and I was proud to be part of it. I teased that I was raising money to have a party place for myself in a little more than a few years.

I told my friends to give money, so we would have a place to go on Friday nights!” she says.

Lori has essentially worked as a marketing director for most of her career. However, her role at Arvest allows her to explore the sales side of banking. Prior to Arvest, Lori was employed at Centennial Bank for 13 years. “I am one of the people behind Stuck on a Truck. I had the

“For most of my career I was not treated as a

‘woman’ in business , I was treated as a business person ... it is refreshing to see how things are changing now.”

privilege to work for Centennial for many years, and that was a great part of my career. They let me do a lot of fun, quirky things to help brand the bank. I wanted to step out of marketing full-time. Now I get to take advantage of the relationships I’ve built over more than 20 years on the sales side,” she shares.

Lori feels that Arvest has a unique culture. “We are owned by the Walton family, and they just look at things a little differently. Our [nonsufficient funds] fees are only 17 dollars; the company believes in not hitting someone while they are down. They are very fair and honest.

Because we serve Walmart and their employees, we have an extended product line you won’t see at every bank. We own our own credit card company and our own investment company, for example.”

In addition, Arvest is committed to excellence in customer service.

“We are trained and trained on good service; they do not skimp on that.

They also ensure every branch is staffed to meet our customers’ needs.

We also have the best employees. I accused [Arvest] of being Stepford bankers, but I realized there is a thought process and a culture that has been developed to make sure each employee is happy,” laughs Lori.

“Happy employees make happy customers. We have also won the JD Power award for customer service each year since I’ve been here.”

She has learned that she enjoys working in sales. “There is a lot of flexibility. I love visiting with people. I think it is a good fit for my personality because I can talk to a stump, and I need to do something different every day. I enjoy meeting different people, looking at their situations, and trying to find solutions for them. I have enjoyed it, and I hope to be here until I retire. This is a great group of people,” says Lori.

“I have been very fortunate my whole career. I have friends at WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

every bank in town, and I like to think we have a very friendly competition going on,” she states. Lori remembers when there were only two banks in Conway. “Those of us who have been here over 25 years, odds are we worked together at some point,” she laughs. She counts her customers among her favorite aspects of banking, saying “I’ve made lots of good friends. I even met my husband through the bank! We went on a date and were married eight months later.”

Lori had been single for 17 years before meeting Gerald and was a single mother for most of her career. In her current role, she serves all five Conway branches and is housed with the commercial lenders on Donaghey Avenue. “I like what I do. I’d like to hang around and keep doing what I am doing until retirement.”

Lori has the perfect getaway spot for her future retirement: her land in Mount Vernon. There, she enjoys the polar opposite of city life in driving tractors and generally spending time in the great outdoors. She has a tree farm on the land, and she plans to add a barn with living quarters in the near future, providing even more of a retreat.

Of receiving the Diamond Achievement Award, Lori says, “I was especially honored that people outside our town looked at the applications and chose a winner. I am very pleased it was an impartial group. I am also extremely grateful, and what a great couple of ladies to follow with Linda Linn and Michelle Parsley. I am honored to be in their company.” She was also excited to share the award with her family, saying they were all very proud of her accomplishment. “I couldn’t wait to share it with my son. I was a single mom for all those years, and he was part of my career. He worked grand openings and ribbon cuttings. He did his homework in back offices as we put furniture together. He handed out treats. I couldn’t wait to call and tell him.”

Lori says, “For most of my career I was not treated as a ‘woman’ in

business, I was treated as a business person. I know not everybody is treated that way, and it is refreshing to see how things are changing now. I was always considered part of the team; I came with the expectation that I wouldn’t be treated any differently. I think my small town values made me the person I am, but part of my fearlessness was stupidity. I didn’t know there were things women weren’t ‘supposed’ to do!” she says. As the recipient of the award, which was presented on December 9, Lori received a custom piece of jewelry from Fletcher Smith Jewelers of Conway. “I am just so humbled, honored, and grateful.”

Savannah Case, Jordan Case, Lori Melton and Gerald Melton at their family farm in Mount Vernon.

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women in business

finalists Q&A

conway area chamber of commerce

women in business

Finalists

Questions & answers Each year the Conway Chamber of Commerce nominates five women as Outstanding Women in Business. The annual Women in Business Awards Luncheon honors individuals in the Conway area who have excelled in leadership and community service and who have inspired others on both a personal and professional level. Those selected will embody high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment to their respective organizations, industries and to the business community.

The Diamond Achievement Award is presented to one of the nominees with at least 25 years of professional experience. This award recognizes a woman who has inspired and empowered many generations of women and who has had a positive impact on those in her profession and in the community. The Diamond Achievement Award winner is selected from the five nominees, and is chosen by an independent panel of chamber and association executives across the country. This year’s panel consisted of individuals from Texas, Georgia, and Iowa.

How long have you been with your current employer: April 2014 Family information: Ben Gilley is my business partner and FiancĂŠ Community involvement: We donate our services to Carti patients in the community. Also, I am part of a Senor networking group that helps seniors get the services they need.

CHASITY CAMPBELL BODYWORKS SPA AND ABUNDANT WELLNESS // HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH

What does it mean to you to receive the Women in Business Award: I am honored and grateful to be receiving the Women in Business Award.

I have only been in business for less than a year, so it is very humbling to be recognized. It really makes me feel like I am part of the Community. I am grateful that people have faith in my business enough to nominate me for this award. It has given me confidence in my mission as a Health Coach and business owner.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned during your professional career: I have learned to always trust my intuition.

How do you maintain your work/ life balance: I make sure that I take time for me every day through meditation or doing something nice for myself. It is important to me that I am doing well so that I can help others.

What advice would you give to other women leaders: My advice to other women leaders is to always trust themselves.

Additional Comments: I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be part of such an amazing group of women in our community. Thank you for the opportunity to share my message through my business. I am grateful that our community recognizes our accomplishments and provides us with encouragement to make our dreams come true.

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women in business How long have you been with your current employer: 19.5 years Family information: Husband, Bobby, 5 children, Slayde (21), Austin (20), Cheyenne (19), Spencer (17) and Wesley (13) Community involvement: Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce; Past member for 4 years of the Conway Jaycees What does it mean to you to receive the Women in Business Award: This award means everything to me! I have worked extremely hard all my life and to be honored in this way is truly amazing. To have your boss and a co-worker think this highly of you and the job that you do every day makes each day so rewarding. This is something I will never take for granted!

What is the greatest lesson you have learned during your professional career: The greatest lesson I have learned is that no goal is too high and women can accomplish anything with hard word and determination. Many years may possibly go by without someone seeing your full potential but one day, the right person steps in and everything changes. They can see you for who you are, what you are and give you the chance to show everyone just what you are made of.

How do you maintain your work/life balance: In the beginning and at various times, it can be hard to put a good balance in your business and professional life. The key to this success is two things: having a supportive family and working for a company that understands that family is important. Juggling the two can sometimes cause a hardship since you are literally on call 24/7/365 and problems arise continuously, especially when you manage multiple properties. You must take them all in stride, empower your employees and train them to think outside the box and work like you do. These key things will help you have a personal life and a professional life.

What advice would you give to other women leaders: NEVER give up on your dreams. Even if you do not know what they are quite yet. I had no idea when I started my very first job that I would be here today, celebrating 20 years and winning an award for doing what I love!! You can never have too much ambition…. I promise!

Additional Comments: When I look at women who are striving to do something with their life or be someone, I always tell them my story. I started in this business on May 26, 1993 as a very scared, 18 year old girl that had just moved to Arkansas from North Carolina with a new born child that was 2 weeks old. I was hired to be a housekeeper at one of Mr. Ken Patel’s hotels. My child was too young to go to day care so for the first month, I had a maids cart in one hand and 10 WOMEN’S INC. / JANUARY 2015

MELISSA BRITTON

Conway Management, Inc. // managing Comfort Suites and Comfort Inn & Suites a stroller in the other. My son went room to room with me while I cleaned rooms. When he was old enough to finally go to day care, everything I made went to pay for that. Back then, we were not paid by the hour but rather by the room. I was determined to do something with my life for my son because he was all I had. I ran away from home when I was 16 and had to learn very quickly what life was all about. A front desk position came open and I needed to go back and finish my senior year of high school because I had to quit due to the pregnancy and moving to Arkansas. The front desk position would help me work and go to school. I was able to juggle working 40 hours a week on the Front Desk while going to high school full time (graduating with all A’s and B’s) and having a small child. After a year of being a desk clerk, I was promoted Assistant Manager of the hotel. In February of 1996, I became General Manager. I was the youngest employee at the hotel and learned many hard lessons as my ego got the best of me. Throughout the years, I have managed multiple properties and have always stayed with Ken and Umang Patel as my owners. I owe my career to Ken Patel for giving a scared 18 year old girl a chance and giving me a chance to make a job into a career. Without him giving me that chance, I do not know where I would be today. I want to be that for every employee that works for me. I see beyond what they do and take notice to what they are capable of and help them reach or exceed their potentials.

My secret thrill is knowing that people can overcome hardships and prove that they can do anything!

finalists Q&A many role models that I’ve watched and learned from over the years.

I am truly grateful.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned during your professional career: When motives are pure, things tend to work out for the best.

LORI ROSS SCROGGIN Conway regional health system // chief development officer

How long have you been with your current employer: 16 years Family information: Married, 3 daughters and 1 step daughter Husband: Preston Scroggin, daughters: Taylor Ross – age 21; Rachel Ross – age 19; and Natalie Ross – age 13, step-daughter: Morgan Scroggin – age 20 Community involvement: Present: - St. Joseph Catholic Church Pastoral Council, 2012-Present - University of Central Arkansas, MBA Advisory Board, 2010 - Present - Editorial Board Member for “501 Life” Magazine and “Women’s, Inc.” Magazine - Conway Publications Board – 2009-Present Past: - Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2005-2011, Board Chair 2010 - Conway Corporation Board of Directors 2007-2014, Immediate Past Board Chair (only the second female board member in their 85 year history) -Arkansas Society for Health Care Marketing and Public Relations Board of Directors 1998-2008, Board Chair 2003-2005 - St. Joseph School Board 2007-2014, Past Chair; Annual Bazaar Committee Leader for 10 years - Past service on several other community boards including: Big Brothers/Big Sisters; EXCEL; Faulkner County Community Foundation: Faulkner County Leadership Institute Curriculum Committee What does it mean to you to receive the Women in Business Award: I am deeply honored and humbled to have been nominated. There are so many fantastic Women in Business in our community – so

How do you maintain your work/life balance: Truthfully, I don’t know if there is ever true balance. I think women struggle with finding that balance significantly more than men. What I’ve noticed during my career is that there are times when one or the other, work or home, may demand more of your time and attention for a certain period - and I’ve just tried to learn to recognize that when it’s occurring and be realistic about what needs to happen to get through that particular period. There have been times when I didn’t get home until late because I was working; and there have been times when I got to work late because I was running errands for my kids. There are two approaches that I’ve found helpful as I tried figure out where to spend my limited time: one is applying the 10/10/10 principal as described by writer Suzy Welch where you think about a decision on three different time frames: How will you feel about it 10 minutes from now? How about 10 months from now?

How about 10 years from now?

That helps me pull back and think in a broader perspective.

The other is pretty simplistic, but there have been times when I’ve sat around a table during a meeting that was taking time away from my family and thought to myself, “who at this table would attend my funeral if I died today - how about if I died 10 or 20 years from now...” I know my children and family will be there. I have stepped off of boards in the past when I looked around and realized that my contribution was going to be significant enough, and the connection wasn’t worth the cost to borrow that time away from my family.

But, I also have to say, there have been times when I felt so strongly that my contribution would make a difference for the future and that would in turn impact my children someday. So - bottom line - I cannot say that I’m successful in the whole work/life balance, but I am deeply grateful and acutely aware of my many blessings and I hope God finds favor in the way I’ve spent my time.

What advice would you give to other women leaders: • Try not to take things personally • Never burn bridges • Tell the truth • Trust your gut • Learn from those younger than you • Stay positive • Stay away from gossip • If your nails don’t look perfect and you must point out items on a document to others use your ink pen • It’s always better to be overdressed, than underdressed – and if its respect you’re working for then it’s generally best to be dressed too conservatively rather than too trendy or too sexy. In business, respect wins in the long run. A good business suit says “you know your stuff” whether you really do or you don’t.

Additional Comments: Thank you for this honor!

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LORI CASE MELTON arvest bank // vice president of business development How long have you been with your current employer: 2.5 years, but 29 years in banking Family information: Husband Gerald Melton, son Jordan Case, daughter-in-law Savannah Case, step children Eric, Kaili and Alayna Melton. First granddaughter on the way.

Community involvement: Use what you want to of this…I’m old and been around the block. I’ve highlighted the ones I’m most proud of.

• UCA Foundation - Current Board Member and member of the fund raising and audit committees.

• Recent Co-Chair of the Make it Happen Campaign, a $2 million capital campaign for Faulkner Co. Senior Citizen’s Center • Arkansas Preschool Plus – Current Board Member of non-profit trying to ultimately increase graduation rates with early learning • Deliver Hope - Founding Board Member of a non-profit organization striving to help underprivileged teens.

• Faulkner Co. Long Term Recovery Board – current secretary • Conway Area Chamber of Commerce—2012 Chairman of the Board, Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

• 501 Life – editorial board for central Arkansas magazine • Conway Women’s Health Council – current member • American Bankers Association – past Marketing Advisory Board Member • Faulkner Co. Executives Association – past secretary • 2010 Conway Public Schools Millage Campaign – publicity chair • City of Conway CDBG Advisory Board – former board member • United Way of Central Arkansas – Former board chairman and fund raising chair.

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• Kris Allen Task Force – worked with other city leaders with taking advantage of the opportunity our city had through the American Idol mania.

• Women’s Inc. – former editorial board for women’s publication • Bank Marketing Association, Arkansas Chapter – former president and board member • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas – past board member • Conway Jaycees – former management vice president • Junior Achievement – former volunteer instructor for Faulkner Co. • Toad Suck Daze Committee • Faulkner Co. Leadership Institute – alumni committee and past board member • American Cancer Society – past president and board member for Faulkner Co. • Main Street Conway – past president and board member What does it mean to you to receive the Women in Business Award: I’m really overwhelmed and honored to receive this award. It is significant to me a panel of judges who didn’t know me could look at my accomplishments on paper and honor me in this manner. It wasn’t a popularity contest. I came from a small town and high school with only 19 graduates in my class. I want to use this award to inspire all the young women who come from small towns they can do whatever they want to do.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned during your professional career: It’s all about what work ethic you have. Work hard and you will be recognized—if you are not recognized then move on. It’s OK to make a career change when most didn’t see it coming. You never know what joys God has for you on the other side of an open door.

How do you maintain your work/life balance: I like to blend my professional life with my personal life, as banking is a people business that makes the bonding experience inevitable.

My co-workers and customers have become a part of my familyand-friend network. I feel it is impossible to split the two. I am wife, mother, and businesswoman – all three are very important to me.

What advice would you give to other women leaders: Believe in yourself. Understand what you are good at and use them to your advantages. Know what you are not good at and work on these skills. Confidence is important and goes along way. Use it in a way as to not be intimidating, but sincere.

Additional Comments: In the mid 1990’s I was resigning a job to the company president shortly after my immediate boss had retired. He thought I was leaving because I didn’t get my boss’s position (I didn’t apply for it). He said “you know I would have given that to you if you hadn’t been a lady.” I answered with a smile “had I wanted that position you would have known it and you would have given it to me”. I now do that “man’s job” for another company and no one thinks anything of it. Times really have changed for women in the workplace…thank goodness.

finalists Q&A

TESS FLETCHER CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY ALLIANCE // EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR How long have you been with your current employer: Almost 11 years Family information: Married to Eric. Have two kids, Keegan and Abbey. Keegan is in college and Abbey is a senior this year.

Community involvement: Member of Conway Morning Rotary where I serve as chair of the membership committee. Serve on the conference planning committee for the Arkansas State CASA Association. I’m currently the Vice President of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas board.

What does it mean to you to receive the Women in Business Award: It’s truly an honor. To have someone believe in you enough to submit a nomination is pretty inspiring and honestly makes me want to work harder toward achieving our mission.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned during your professional career: I think the greatest thing I’ve learned is that the one constant in life is change. That can be a pretty

hard concept for someone who likes consistency, but you can’t move forward if you aren’t willing to take risks and make changes.

How do you maintain your work/life balance: Maintaining the work/life balance in this field isn’t easy and I think at times I don’t do a very good job.

My family is very important to me.

We enjoy hiking, playing games, watching movies and taking vacations together. I make it a priority to attend events my children are involved in because I want them to know they have my support, no matter what.

What advice would you give to other women leaders: Choose a job you love and it doesn’t feel like work. Don’t be afraid to take risks and stand up for what you believe in, even if you feel you are standing alone. Just strive to leave the world better than you found it and help teach our younger generation to grow up to be leaders.

Additional Comments: I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given in life and hope that I am able to make a difference, even if only to one child.

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feature story

“I think my forte is taking care of people. I love the fact that they come in and want to talk to me. They value what I have to say and know that I have their best interest at heart. They can get their prescriptions a lot of places, so the fact that they come here is humbling.”

The friendly staff at Smith Family Pharmacy loves helping the people that come into their business.

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- David smith

s m i t h fa m i ly p h a r m a c y

Smith family pharmacy By: Rachel Dickerson Photos by: Brandy Strain After 40 years in the pharmacy business, David Smith is still doing what he has done from the beginning — taking care of people.

He and his wife Shirley opened Smith Family Pharmacy on Dave Ward Drive last year after a new opportunity allowed him to own his own business again. He explained when he graduated from pharmacy school in 1974, he went to work for Central Pharmacy, which at that time shared a building with BanisterLieblong Clinic on Parkway.

In 1983 he bought the pharmacy from the owner who had hired him. Later, in 2000, Banister-Lieblong moved to Dave Ward Drive and Nutter Chapel Road, and David moved the pharmacy to a building nearby. For several years, Shirley came to work with him. He needed her because the new building was twice the size of the old one. In 2006, Cardinal Health made an offer on Central Pharmacy, and David took the opportunity to reduce his hours a bit.

“We were having grandbabies. We wanted to have a little more

David Smith explained that he was photographed almost 15 years ago for the cover of The Arkansas Pharmacist magazine by our own Brandy Strain’s father, Gary Strain.

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time to spend with grandbabies,” he said.

He went on working for Cardinal Health for six years because he truly enjoys his work, he said.

Shirley said, “He can’t seem to stay away from it, because he loves it.”

A couple of years ago the location that now houses Smith Family Pharmacy became available.

“I really felt a strong tug for ownership, so we started again,” David said. “We thought long and hard about it. She said, ‘Are you sure?’ I needed to be able to do things my way.”

He said he has learned people want to walk into their pharmacy and be called by

name and to be able to look the pharmacist in the eye and talk to them about their questions.

“I think my forte is taking care of people.

I love the fact that they come in and want to talk to me. They value what I have to say and know that I have their best interest at heart. They can get their prescriptions a lot of places, so the fact that they come here is humbling.”

He said at the new location they have been “very blessed to have a loyal following.

Far beyond my expectations.” He added he has been taking care of some of his older customers his entire career.

“I think it’s his ministry,” Shirley said.

“He just loves taking care of people.”

In addition to giving his customers the best medical advice he can, David said he and Shirley pray for their patients daily, especially for a short list who are very ill.

They said they believe it is the right thing to do.

For now, David hopes to keep working as long as he is physically and mentally able. A healthy, vibrant 60-something, he expects to work for a long time. However, his dream is to find a young pharmacist who might take over the business when he is no longer able.

“I would like to stick around as long as I can and give some other pharmacist the chance I was given,” he said.

Pharmacist David Smith loves to sit down with people that come into the pharmacy and answer their individual questions. He says, “my forte is taking care of people.”

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feature story

When referring to her patients:

“My goal is for them to have the most fun they can at their dental appointment.”

- dr. rachel deal

deal family dental Dr. Rachel Deal, co-owner of Deal Family Dental in Greenbrier.

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d e a l fa m i ly d e n ta l

child-friendly dentistry By: Rachel Dickerson Photos by: Brandy Strain Dr. Rachel Deal’s practice at Deal Family Dental might be best described as child-friendly.

She and her husband, Stephen, have been in business together in Greenbrier on Wilson Farm Road since 2004.

They started with one office and then expanded to a second, which they recently doubled in size. At this office, Dr. Rachel Deal has her specially designed, child-friendly area for checkups.

The children’s area is open and informal. On one side is a table with a few toys where skeptical or nervous children can observe an older sibling during a teeth cleaning. On the other side of the room are a few dental chairs, in full view of one another. Seeing other children may put patients at ease, Deal said.

“My goal is for them to have the most fun they can at

The staff at Deal Family Dental help make dental visits for children as pleasant as possible with their office’s child friendly environment.

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their dental appointment,” she said. The staff spends a lot of time thinking of ways to provide the same treatment while making it enjoyable for children, she said. A child’s first visit involves using lots of silly words, making children as comfortable as possible and giving them positive memories, she said. A new toothbrush, a sticker and a toy don’t hurt, either, she said.

“Anything we can do to make it as pleasant as possible,” she said. “And my staff is just wonderful. It makes me smile when the kids don’t want to leave when it’s time to go home.

The Deals have two sons, Thompson, 9, and Gavin, 7. They met and became engaged while in dental school in Memphis at the University of Tennessee. They liked the idea of living in a small town and settled on Greenbrier, in part because it has been growing so quickly and needed another dentist, she said. They opened their office in Greenbrier soon after graduating from dental school.

Dr. Rachel Deal said her decision to become a dentist started with having a lot of dental work and several oral surgeries while she was growing up. She knew she was interested in a health care field. She volunteered at a dentist’s office while in college and enjoyed it very much. She also spent time volunteering at a hospital and decided that was not for her. Another factor was that she wanted a family, and dentistry can lend itself to that, as dentists tend to be their own bosses, she said.

“When I decided, I didn’t know my business partner would also be my husband,” she noted.

Asked about the best part of her job, she said, “Getting people out of pain and keeping their smile healthy. Helping them prevent any kind of problems. Changing their smile cosmetically is certainly very rewarding.”

In their 10 years in Greenbrier, the couple is already starting to watch families grow up. As they move toward the future, they plan to remain current on their continuing education and stay aware of improving technology while chasing the latest improvements, Deal said.

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Tray Love!

Breakfast in bed or cozy up on the couch. Enjoy your meal on a beautiful tray with gorgeous new dishes.

Pamper yourself by the fire during the cold winter months.

Jeanne Smyers at The Kitchen Store & More

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in the news

Alchemy Songwriting Showcase

If you love music of any kind, you won’t want to miss the fourth annual Alchemy Songwriting Showcase, coming to Conway on January 10.

The event is the culmination of the 2014 Alchemy Songwriting Competition, which gave aspiring songwriters the chance to submit their own original works to be heard by music industry professionals.

During the month of November, musicians from all over the United States submitted their songs, which were then narrowed down to the top ten by guest judges Kris Allen (platinum selling recording artist), Adam Hambrick (Sony/ ATV singer and songwriter), and Jonathan Smith (Nashville producer).

Each finalist will perform their chosen song and receive live feedback from the judges. At the end of the evening, the judges will pick the grand prize winner, who will be awarded a trip to Los Angeles for two and a day to record in the studio of Hollywood producer Warren Huart.

The showcase begins at 7:30 p.m. on January 10 at the Centennial Valley Events Center.

General Admission tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door; $10 student ticket pricing available at the door. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $50 and includes entrance to a preshowcase reception with the judges and finalists, food, drinks, and reserved table seating.

To find out more about the event and see the full list of finalists, visit www.alchemycompetition.org.

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in the news Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre

Taming of the brew

AST will transform The Venue on Markham Street in Downtown Conway into an elegant beer garden to share an evening of beer tasting, hearty appetizers, and revelry. You’ll also get a sneak peek at our upcoming season featuring some favorite past AST company members. The evening will feature fantastic prizes on the silent and live auction locks, and tastings from our state’s best local breweries, featuring Diamond Bear,

Marshall Brewing Co, Vino’s, and many more! Don’t miss this chance to toast the Bard and support Arkansas’ only live professional Shakespeare Theatre. $40 per person/$50 at the door $500 per table February 28th, 2015, 7 pm For more information: Mary Ruth Marotte, mrmarotte@arkshakes.com (501) 428-4165

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spiritual

The benefit of working hard It is a new year! Are you excited about the opportunity to experience a fresh start?

Maybe you need a fresh start in your work place, home, church, family, or friendships.

I always welcome the opportunity to hit the “reset” button in my life.

This year I want to encourage you to hit the “reset” button by embracing a work ethic that is honoring to the Lord. As you do, you have the chance to demonstrate a willingness to work hard at the task God puts in front of you. Whether it is a task that is done in your home or outside of your home, the way that you work demonstrates what you believe about God. Hard work is just that — hard work.

It requires that we make a commitment not only to the task but also to the details required to complete the task. This means that we must be willing to do the fun work as well as the not so fun work. It is

important to avoid making an emotional commitment to a task. This occurs when we make a quick commitment and then allow our enthusiasm to dwindle over a period of time. To counter this tendency, remember that the way we work either honors the Lord or it does not.

The Apostle Paul recognized the value of hard work. Paul often included personal greetings in his letters to the early churches, and time and time again he affirmed the people who demonstrated hard work. At the conclusion of the book of Romans, Paul pointed out four women who worked hard.

This greeting blesses my heart because Paul can have a bad reputation when it comes to his view on women. I think verses like these help to set the record straight. Paul valued anyone who worked hard at Kingdom work.

Paul stated, “Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.” (Romans 16:6) “Greet

Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.” (Romans 16:12) I do not know what these women did, but I do know that they honored Jesus with their efforts. As a result, their hard work made an impact on the people around them, including the Apostle Paul.

There is nothing fancy about hard work.

Either we commit to the task and follow through to completion, or we do not. For just a moment, think about how someone would describe your work ethic. Are you a hard worker? Once you start a task do you complete it? Or do you emotionally commit to something, only to allow your commitment to dwindle over time?

It is easy to fall into the trap of making an emotional commitment to a task.

We start out strong; there are lots of

“Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.”

- Romans 16:6 “Greet tryphena and tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the lord.”

- Romans 16:12

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ideas and lots of momentum initially. The task brings a sense of purpose and excitement to our lives. Somewhere along the way, however, the ideas do not work out and the momentum dwindles. It is at this point when we can assess our work ethic.

If a pattern exists in our lives where projects get pushed to the side time and time again, a problem may exist. We may need to look at our work ethic and ask the question, “Am I a hard worker?” If the work pattern in our lives is different, however, and we typically complete a task (especially when we have to rely on God’s strength to do so), then we demonstrate hard work.

This year a fresh start is available to you! Simply ask Jesus to provide focus, energy, and strength. As Jesus provides all that you need, be sure and respond with a willingness to work hard at the task in your life. You will never regret demonstrating a work ethic that is honoring to Jesus!

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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events

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c o n way AREA c h a m b e r o f c o m m e r c e w o m e n i n b u s i n e s s l u n c h e o n

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events

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fa u l k n e r c o u n t y b o a r d o f r e a lt o r s l u n c h e o n

TICKLED PINK 000000

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events

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h av e n c h r i s t m a s c o f f e e

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homes

“I’m all about open spaces, light colors, and clean lines.”

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- Nikki Jones

jones home

Keeping up with the joneses By: Jennifer Stanley Photos by: Brandy Strain

G

reenbrier native Nikki Jones loves to move. No, seriously. Her family includes husband, Adam and children Makenna, 10; Maddox, 7; and Marlee, 1, and they have moved ten times in their 12 years of marriage, saying, “We love it!”

They began building their current residence last October and occupied it in May. Her father, Jim Hawks of TriCon Builders, served as contractor for the 3300 square foot, four bedroom, 3.5 bath home. “My father has been building houses for over 20 years, so growing up a builder’s daughter I truly have a love for every aspect of the process. This was my fourth personal house to design and build. I have actually joined my dad in his business and am helping him design his new homes.

I love houses, and strangely enough, I love to move.

That is the realtor in me,” laughs Nikki, who works for Grissom and Company, along with many of her family members.

This home was built to suit the family. “We wanted it to be centered around our family and our lifestyle.

From the kids’ cubbies, to the calendar wall, to their chalkboard homework desk, we really built this house with our daily routine in mind,” explains Nikki. The couple chose an open floor plan to fit their love for cooking and entertaining. Another goal was maximizing every space possible for storage and organization.

Nikki also ensured her aesthetic was represented in the design, which she defines as, “Transitional... clean lines, greys and neutrals, lots of stone, more modern, but still homey and inviting.” She received assistance from Cheryl Linn, who worked with pieces of plans, Nikki’s drawings, and her Pinterest boards. “She really made all my dreams a reality. I think working with a female plan designer is great, because she has an eye for detail and how to utilize every space for family,” adds Nikki.

She also had definite ideas about the interior design of her space. “I do not like clutter! I’m all about open spaces, light colors, and clean lines,” she says. Nikki WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 33

enlisted Larry West, Jr. of Larry West Interiors to assist. “He knew my taste and really pulled it all together for me. He added some fun colors to bring life to the space. I really wanted to personalize each area and even let my big kids design their bedrooms to their personalities.”

Nikki cites the large, built-in breakfast bench among her favorite aspects of their new home. “When we laid out the floor plan, we included this feature, but I never realized how big it would actually be. It ended up being 16 feet wide and can seat

12 to 15 people. Finding a table was a challenge, so my carpenter hubby built a custom table. It’s the same shape as the bench and so perfect for the huge family meals we host,” Nikki says. The benches were also built as storage; this is where the family houses their puzzles and board games. “The table comes in extra handy on game night!”

All plumbing fixtures, knobs, and lights are shiny chrome. “I didn’t realize how hard that would be! I saw these dining and breakfast Kichler brand lights on an episode of ‘Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles’

and was obsessed with them,” she laughs.

“I finally found them online, and they are even more amazing in person.” Nikki also utilized uniform paint colors throughout the home. Sherwin Williams Mega Greige is the wall color with Sherwin Williams Dover White as the trim color. “Using the same color throughout the whole house really made the rooms flow, since the floor plan is so open.”

Adam and Nikki also took the uniform approach to their unique flooring. “With three kids, wood floors would not work, and

Nikki first saw the light fixture in the dining room on an episode of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.

She then found it online, ordered it, and it is now the focal point of this beautiful dining space.

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The master bath in the Jones home is a peaceful retreat for Nikki and Adam. With it’s stunning arched entries into the walk-thru shower and the beautiful floors, tub and countertops, this master bath truly is an oasis.

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“Transitional... clean lines, greys and neutrals, lots of stone, more modern, but still homey and inviting.”

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- Nikki Jones

I wanted one type of flooring through the whole house. I saw the wood-look tiles on Pinterest, and a friend who works at Emser Tile in Maumelle messaged me and said ‘Hey we have that tile you keep pinning,’ so I went to Emser, met with her, and fell in love with this grey, wood-look tile. It’s perfect for our family: no fading, no scratching, and low maintenance. You just mop it like regular tile. Everyone who comes over can’t believe it’s not wood.”

The kitchen features granite countertops

from Conway Marble and Granite in Vintage Brown. In keeping with the theme, the couple used granite throughout their home as well, including the wonderful kitchen island. “My husband and I both love to cook.

My kids enjoy it too, so the island was key.

We do all our prep work, we bake cookies, we serve buffet style on it; it is so great. I also added cookbook shelving on each side. I have tons of cookbooks and have flagged my favorite recipes. We also have veggie baskets on one side and a mini fridge for the kids’

snacks and drinks on the other side. Like I said, we squeezed storage into everything!”

There are also plenty of things for mom and dad. The stone work on the fireplace and in the entry was actually an afterthought. “I knew I wanted that stone in my house somewhere so the fireplace wall just seemed like the right spot, even though it wasn’t on the original plan. I saw the stone at Ridout and had to put it somewhere.” The Jones family could not be more pleased with the end result, saying, “We love it!”

The wonderful kitchen allows this family, who loves to cook, ample space to prep food and entertain guests.

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the arts

Arts Scene Finding inspiration...

Having been involved in the arts all my life, I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have heard someone say “I’m just not feeling inspired” or “I don’t know what to write (or paint or draw…)” or any number of other phrases that translate into the dreaded artist’s block.

The thing about inspiration is that it often seems to be abundant when not needed, and somehow illusive when called upon. For me there are times when everywhere I go I hear music that inspires me to choreograph – I can see the movement in my head and it all just clicks. And then there are the “other” times- when I’m working on a piece and I just stand there in front of the mirror waiting for some mysterious dance nymph to suddenly appear in the reflection and show me what to do. But for some untold reason they never show up…

Each artist is different and of course finds inspiration in their own ways. But if you’re in one of those “other” times where you’re feeling devoid of any creative thought, here are just a few tricks to try: • Make time to BE an artist: The artist that actually gets to do their art full-time and still pay their bills is a rare and lucky creature. But for the rest of us that live in the land of meetings and deadlines and emails, it’s often hard to find time to do the very things that make us artists. Try setting aside a specific time each day (or even each week) that is for you and only you. Whether its fifteen minutes or two hours, make this time a priority and no matter how inspired you feel or don’t feel, do something creative.

• Think outside the box: I think one of the biggest mistakes artists make is looking only within their own art form for inspiration. While I am not a filmmaker or actor, I often get inspired to write after watching a really great movie. My occasional attempts at painting don’t make me a visual artist, but they do often lead to an idea for a dance. Poems can come from a walk through a gallery, songs can be birthed through movement, paintings can grow from an afternoon of photographing.

• Grab a copy of The Artist’s Way: Written by Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way is a guide for artists of all kinds to help foster creative recovery and growth. Designed to be used over the course of 12 weeks within a small group context, it can also be very helpful to an individual artist. A group of my staff at Blackbird walked through this text together in the spring, and each of us found it to be an amazing growth experience.

38 WOMEN’S INC. / JANUARY DECEMBER2015 2014

(I promise I’m not getting paid to promote the book… it’s really worth it!)

• Make a vision board: Whether it’s on a poster or in a notebook, gather up images that inspire you, images that represent your goals as an artist, pictures of other artists that you admire. Sometimes all you need is just a physical representation of what you’re working toward to get a step closer to inspiration.

• Collect ideas: As a writing major in college, I often found a story concept or a new line of poetry floating through my head, but no time to explore it right then. So I started to collect them – I’d write my absolutely genius thought down on a slip of paper and put it in my Idea Box. When I came across a day when I wasn’t feeling inspired, I would pull something out of the box and go with it. Some days it led to nothing, but other days I would get an entire story out of a single phrase I had written down months before.

Whether you try one or all of these, I hope you find a new source of inspiration for 2015!

Jennie Strange is the founder and Executive Director of Blackbird Academy of Arts, a nonprofit 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

Artist Highlight Amy Ness Visual Artist

January Arts Events

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

January 6 • Bonnie McKay, oil panting class begins @ Art on the Green; www.artonthegreen.net (G) January 8-10,15-17 • Dog Sees God @ The Lantern Theatre; 8:00 p.m. (R)

Describe yourself as an artist:

I am a multi-media artist and my primary forms of expression are through watercolors and colored pencils. Making art, or “responding to a surface”, is a very meditative and expressive process for me. I have learned to approach my canvas or whatever surfaces I use with an attitude of communication both from me and from the subjects I explore. I try to be fully engaged in the creative process once I begin. I find a great delight in what may be waiting to become my final product.

What are your favorite subjects to paint/draw: Most of my subjects

are from life, my time spent in the garden and my exposure to nature, including human nature. I love to study and observe life around me and I have been privileged to travel to many places around the world that has exposed me to other cultures, the regions flora and fauna, and their art. You will find elements of all that in my work.

Other artists you find inspirational: I have seen great master-

pieces throughout the world, but I still have an emotional reaction to

looking at children’s art just off their easel. I am inspired by the freshness of children’s work and approach to the artistic language.

What are your current projects?

Currently I am working on a book illustration project for a Texas author, and have a series of paintings and drawings that I am developing on “Women’s Voices”, which is my exploration and response to women’s evolution and wisdom.

Contact Amy: I can be contacted by email at eabness@conwaycorp. net., or on Facebook, Amy LynnLockard Ness.

January 10 • Alchemy Songwriting VIP Party with guest judges Kris Allen, Adam Hambrick, & Jonathan Smith @ Centennial Valley Events Center; 5:30 p.m. www. alchemycompetition.org (PG13) • Alchemy Songwriting Showcase @ Centennial Valley Events Center; 7:30 p.m. www.alchemycompetition.org (PG13) January 12 • AUDITIONS for These Shining Lives @ The Lantern Theatre; 6:30 p.m. conwaylanterntheatre@gmail. com (A) January 13 • Carl Anthony & Kazuo Murakami Faculty Piano Recital @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/ cfac (G) January 14 • Obras Na Transversal Flute Quintet @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca. edu/cfac (G) January 15 • Practice What You Preach: 20th Anniversary of Art Faculty Work Reception @ UCA Baum Gallery; 4:00-6:00 p.m. www.uca. edu/cfac (PG)

January 15 • Neil Rutman, Faculty Piano Recital @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) January 16 • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/Reynolds (PG) January 20 • Randy Newman w/ Conway Symphony Orchestra @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/Reynolds (PG13) January 22 • Faculty Chamber Recital @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/ cfac (G) January 24 • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/Reynolds (PG13) January 28 8 Faculty Trio Chamber Concert @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac (G) January 30 • Theatrical Experience: Charming Princes @ Reynolds Performance hall; 7:30 p.m. www.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+ WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 39

b o o k rev i ew

Secret Daughter

A

By: Shilpi Somaya Gowda Reviewed by: Susan O’Keefe

doption is defined as the process of choosing or taking as one’s own; to take and rear as one’s own child. The latest statistics show about 250,000 children from around the world are adopted each year. About 85 percent of those adoptions are domestic, or take place within the same country. Reports say there are still another 16 million children orphaned. The reasons vary.

In India, for example, a child may be left on the steps of an orphanage due to poverty, disease, family or personal issues. In a country of 1.2 billion people, there is often more room for boys than girls. And India is where Secret Daughter is birthed. In a nation described as beautifully chaotic, the birth of a boy is celebrated in a way that is akin to stardom, while the birth of a girl is harbored, causing the mother to be scorned, as if she were cursed for failing to produce a son. As author Shipli Somaya Gowda so eloquently pens, “India does not love all of her children equally.”

There are contrasts and contradictions in Gowda’s first novel as she allows the story to go back and forth from modern day India to California’s west coast. In India, a young bride is giving birth for the first time. Her newborn daughter’s life is cut tragically short as her husband will only claim a son. The daughter is tossed aside. The mother’s grieving pains rival those of labor.

Her next pregnancy, she vows, will be different. And it is.

She tells only the midwife when her body enters the wrenching stage of delivery. Exasperated, she holds her second daughter close to her breast, weeping silently for another life lost. But this time, the loss will be different. Before her husband arrives at the birthing hut and scolds his wife for another disappointing daughter, the mother, Kavita, sets out to find salvation. Kavita and her sister walk several miles from their rural village to the Mumbai orphanage. Only a few hours after the cord is cut, there is another permanent separation.

“I remember the orphanage as musty and eerily quiet. It was void of laughter and smiles,” shares one mother who adopted her child from overseas. “My husband’s protector instinct set in once we saw the picture of this baby who desperately needed love and care.”

Meanwhile, near San Francisco, a young, professional couple deals with the searing news that they will never conceive a child.

There have been miscarriages, tests and more tests. So what now? Somer and Krishnan decide to explore adoption. Krishnan’s roots in India make his home country an ideal place to start. His wealthy family has connections and the orphanage in Mumbai is consulted.

There are mounds of paperwork and discussions with social workers. Cultural customs must be adhered to. And authorities in high places stroked. As a doctor in the United States, Somer has a hard time dealing with the dismissiveness she encounters in India. She is accustomed to being treated with respect. In India, she is treated lower than a second class citizen, as an 40 WOMEN’S INC. / JANUARY 2015

American and a woman. Her husband, a native to this alarmingly contradictory country, pacifies his wife by encouraging her to play along for the sake of the child.

As one might imagine, the orphaned girl in Mumbai is adopted by the California couple. Her name is Asha. Although Kavita named her Usha, the print was smudged on one of the adoption forms, and the girl is called Asha. As a baby, Asha settles with Somer and Krishnan. Problems the couple had before their daughter arrived, however, only seem to escalate now that a little one has been added to the mix.

“A baby doesn’t usually draw a couple closer. If there were problems before, there will be problems after,” commented one reader.

As the story unfolds, readers are treated to Kavita’s innermost thoughts. At her third pregnancy, her in-laws demand an ultrasound. Drowning in worry, Kavita is relieved to know her womb is this time home for a boy. She is suddenly a hero.

There are hugs and kisses, dancing and drinking. She is lost in the revelry. Her festive feelings, however, are laced with sorrow from the past.

Growing up in California, Asha struggles to discover her own cultural identity. She marvels at her dark skin and unruly hair. There are a few other Indian girls in her school but none that are adopted. They don’t share Asha’s longing to know more about a past that is riddled with holes. As a young adult, Asha heads to the home of her father’s parents, and begins to find a place on a family tree that had once been foreign.

There is comfort. There is security. There is a sense of home.

Armed with a desire to tell the stories of India’s enthralling culture, Asha secures a scholarship to work as a journalist in Mumbai. While telling the incredible stories that make India such an intoxicating place, she begins to find her voice. Her jaws drop at the intermingling of lifestyles. There is filth and poverty on one side of the street, and wealth and riches on the other. If her life began somewhere near this place, then what remains for her to learn?

Mother-daughter relationships and all its emotional terrain are examined and appreciated as Asha and Somer arrive at their own personal realizations. Family is much more than a bloodline. Cultures can be crossed, blended, and recreated. And the power of one mother can give power to another mother, to fulfill her life’s calling. Secret Daughter is a secret worth telling.

Susan O’Keefe recently moved to Augusta, Georgia, with her husband, Jack, four children, and enthusiastic black Labrador puppy, Oxford.

Susan plans to continue reading and reviewing as books create a window and relationship to thousands of lives and adventures. Drop Susan a line or suggest a book by emailing her at womensinc@womensinc.net.

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food

comfort food made healthy

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c h e f s a l a d , t h o u s a n d i s l a n d d r e s s i n g , p o tat o a n d c h e e s e s o u p

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Photos by: Lindsey Faith Watson

How many of you have a New Year’s resolution to lose weight! I know I do!

No time like the present, let’s set those scales back out where we can see them. Go purchase a great journal and let’s make this a New Year, New You! Write down everything, this will help to make you accountable for what you eat and how much you exercise. It’s also a great tool to refer back to. For example, you had a great weight loss week the previous month, repeat the same weekly schedule to help ensure another great weight loss week.

• 10% to 35% of daily calories should come from protein!

Healthy protein sources are beans, skinless chicken, fish, seeds and low fat dairy products • 45% to 65% of daily calories should come f rom carbohydrates Healthy carb sources are whole grain, bens, pasta— Limit Sugars!

• You need to consume 21 to 25 grams of fiber each day Healthy fibers are fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains Always check your nutrition labels 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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Potato and Cheese Soup 2 cups potatoes 3 cups water 1 stick margarine ½ cups all purpose flour 2 cups chicken broth Shredded Cheddar cheese 2 stalks celery, diced 2 stalks carrots, chopped 1 onion, diced Parsley, salt, pepper to taste Cook potatoes in boiling water; add sliced carrots, onions, celery, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Boil until all is tenders. In a separate bowl, melt margarine, add flour and chicken broth and cook until thick and smooth. Combine broth mixture with potato mixture; add cheese to desired flavor and color.

Chef Salad Cut a mixture of lettuce of choice, for example, Iceberg, Romaine, Spinach Cut a variety of meats, for example, ham, turkey, chicken Cut a mixture of vegetable of choice, for example, onions, peppers, carrots, olives, eggs Garnish with bacon, croutons and cheese Arrange meat and vegetables on top of lettuce and serve with your favorite dressing.

Thousand Island Dressing 2 cups mayonnaise ¼ cup ketchup 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon paprika Mix all ingredients together. Makes 2 ½ cups.

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A Look into sinuses Conway Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic offers the Balloon SinoplastyTM, the break through procedure that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis. Dr. Stroud has performed 250 procedures in 2014 which include 1250 dilations.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining often caused by infections and/or blockage of the sinus openings, altering normal mucus drainage. symptoms: • Facial pain, pressure • Nasal congestion or fullness • Difficulty breathing through the nose • Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose • Teeth pain • Loss of the sense of smell or taste • Headache • Fatigue • Sore throat • Bad breath

Conway ENT Clinic Mission Trip to Guatemala Dr Stroud, Karon Leach (In Office Surgical Assistant) and Jamie Burbridge (In Hospital Surgical Assistant) will join St. Mark’s & St. Peter’s Episcopal Churches on a

mission trip to Guatemala in April. They will be the first mission team to complete the balloon sinus procedure on the Mayan residents in Guatemala.

patient testimonies: “Dr. Stroud was my second opinion for chronic sinus infections. He went right to work on a CT Scan and had surgery within a week. I finally had relief after 6 months of other doctors telling me I was fine.” Female age 55 “Dr. Stroud recently performed the balloon sinuplasty procedure in his office. The result was excellent, I was able to breathe easily for the first time in 14 years.” Male age 58 “I had sinus surgery at Conway ENT Clinic. The procedure was quick and painless.” Female age 80 “I immediately had relief and was able to breathe through my nose. Had I known how much relief this surgery gave me, I would have had it done much sooner. I have recommended this surgery to my family.” Male age 68 “My health has improved dramatically!! I can breathe freely again and am sleeping much better at night. I would highly recommend this surgery to anyone who is having serious sinus problems.” Female age 68

Dr. Stroud grew up in central Arkansas; he graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock. He interned at Emory University and has been a licensed medical doctor for over 30 years.

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im a t t e r

imatter Making a Difference By: Kelly Sublett

Casey Williams doesn’t want this story to be about her. In fact, she would rather you not remember her name at all. …

Well-spoken, dynamic and percolating with a specific energy that only comes from experience, Casey Williams recounts a week last April that defined and solidified her resolve. She speaks with purpose and scope. Her message is clear: Anyone, no matter what lot in life, can make a difference.

“I want my story to be, not about me, or that I met the president, or that I stepped up when no one else would or could,” she says with certainty, “but about a 16-year-old girl from a small town, whose parents are middle class. I’m just me. I am able to make a difference.

Anyone can.”

On April 27, 2014, disaster barreled through Vilonia, Ark., with a tumultuous vengeance, wiping out an entire neighborhood, businesses and landmarks through downtown. As Casey began to realize this EF4 tornado wasn’t like the one three years prior, but much more damaging, something gripped her and propelled her into service.

“The night of the tornado, I downplayed everything at first,” she says, her voice softening a bit. “I didn’t want to stress out about it. … I don’t like admitting I’m wrong, but I was very, very wrong.”

It was about an hour after the storm when her dad, a Vilonia firefighter, was able to reach her on the phone.

“I was asking him, ‘Is everyone alright,?’” she remembers. “He said ‘no.’ My heart sank, 46 WOMEN’S INC. / JANUARY 2015

my stomach dropped. Let me say that seeing it on the news was one thing, but seeing it in person was a whole other thing.”

Casey and her parents knew fellow friends and neighbors would need help, and need it fast.

“We just drove in silence through town to City Hall,” she says in almost a whisper recounting that scene. “People ask me why I

decided to volunteer, and I think that is a funny question. In anyone’s town, a town they have lived all their lives, knowing a tornado has just wiped out a neighborhood where a lot of your friends live …

I can’t understand how anyone wouldn’t volunteer.”

Casey first found herself stationed and of service making identification badges for volunteers and first responders at the center of the volunteer effort at Beryl Baptist Church. That location would be the hub of all efforts through the course of the following week.

When a computer error required the woman working with her leave the site to have it repaired, Casey found herself alone with a lot of people wanting to help but needing an organized guidance. So, in the spirit of almost everything she does, Casey took charge.

“After a couple of people started coming to me asking where to go, and after day two or three and search and rescue was over, I was still by myself,” she says. “So I zoned off a map and started sending people where they needed to go.

People knew to start asking for me.

“By the end of the third day, a firefighter came down and gave me a big radio and I was then communication point for Beryl. It was crazy. I mean crazy!”

Soon outfitted with radios, from the Red Cross, Arkansas State Police, and fire and first responders, her personal cell phone that “didn’t stop ringing the whole week,” Casey laughs at the visual image. “I looked like a robot walking around.”

But she made a difference. A small town, teenage girl with the willingness to jump in,

v i l o n i a’ s c a s e y w i l l i a m s made a difference that spurred a relief effort recognized by even the President of the United States.

“I look back and never realized how many people I was talking to,” she says. “It was a lot. But if I inspired one person, well, that just means the world to me. I am so tired of people looking down on teens, race and social classes. … It doesn’t take a certain type of person to volunteer and to make a difference.”

By the end of the first week after the tornado, national news teams had reported the damage, the survivor stories and the losses. Team Rubicon came in organized long term volunteers, only after realizing Casey’s mapping of need areas early on were key in moving forward.

All Hands Volunteers and Rubicon took over fieldwork and the ID system for which Casey had been responsible. Her system to organize supply routes was maintained and followed.

It was time to get back to the business of being a sophomore in high school.

“First off, I couldn’t focus on school that first day back,” Casey says. “I kept wondering if everything was getting done, if I should be there. … I kept thinking, ‘What if someone is not getting help if [the organizers] don’t know?’”

In true Casey fashion, she went back to Beryl Baptist every day after school.

But that leadership during the relief effort, media attention and even a selfie with the president cannot keep her from her immediate focus – to graduate from high school.

Many months after the storm and her junior year well under way, Casey is focusing on academics, tennis and swimming and multiple clubs at Vilonia High.

She is setting her sights on her dream school, Harding University. She is debating which avenue of public service will suit her as a college major, everything from emergency management to politics.

“This effort hits home for me,” Casey explains. “There were so many unprepared this time. A tornado happened to Vilonia twice.

Anything can happen.”

She travels and speaks to elementary school children in third though fifth grade about different natural disasters and plans for what they can do at home to educate family members and be prepared.

“We target that group because they will absorb it,” she says. “In addition to that, I am trying to develop a certificate program for older teens, to include FEMA classes and training. Youth can take classes and get a Certificate of Youth Preparedness, signed by our sponsors and me.

“There are a lot of things teenagers are capable of, and they want to improve themselves and help others and they don’t know how. That is what this certification will be for.”

Now, although a focused and recognized emergency preparedness advocate and community leader, Casey humbly and instinctively refuses the spotlight.

“I never planned on media attention,” she says. “During all the media attention and TV cameras, I was the first one to walk away. I really just want anyone who has heard me or about me gets not my name, but my message.

“Anyone can make a difference, regardless of age, race, background or school ranking. Anyone can change the world. I love volunteering, and I want to share that with other people. A lot of people don’t understand that it does take time, and that’s the most valuable thing in the world. I am not getting paid. It’s about helping those in need because I’m able to. There are so many different opportunities to be had, friendships made and connections that make a difference. It is so rewarding seeing one person smile, to know I helped cause that. It is the reason I volunteer.”

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For the last three summers, Casey has volunteered 455 hours at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.

Above all, though, she is centered in Vilonia and on the people who live and work there.

“I want to see the town brought up to its full potential,” she says. “I am on the Rebuild Vilonia Committee. I want to be a part of that [in years to come].

Casey now is the Arkansas representative for the FEMA’s Region 6 Youth Preparedness Council, which brings together youth leaders from across the country who are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities. Region 6 was the first to establish this council.

Council members were selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities, and their potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness.

Young people are often the pulse of a community, as sporting events, school events and activities bring them into the spotlight. Women’s Inc. wants to showcase these young people in a special feature each month. iMatter will seek to tell the stories of a new generation of community, skill, success and achievement.

Do you know a student in Faulkner county, ages 10-23, who is truly one of a kind? Send youth’s name, school, parents contact information (if under 18) and a brief explanation of why you think your youth or you would make a iMatter candidate to womensinc@womensinc.com.

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