WOMEN’S INC. By Women, For Women, About Women of Central Arkansas
A Few Good Men W W W . W O M E N S I N C . N E T
J U N E
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WOMEN’S INC. Editor Lori Quinn Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Rachel Parker Dickerson Angie Howard Dr. Patricia Knott Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Angela Spencer Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Sara Black Laura Derden Courtney Spradlin Gerald Washington Lindsey Faith Watson Retail Advertising Sales Manager Rhonda Overbey Advertising Coordinators Jackie Black Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Tara Mallett Jesica Talbert Betsey Willbanks Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Beverly Freiley Mary Harlan Becky Harris Nancy Jackson Helen Lockhart Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Traci Kennedy Smith 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. / JUNE 2013
A few good men
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ach of the four men we are featuring for this year’s “all about men” issue are making an impact in their workplace, in their families and in our community. Mike Winter, assistant chief for the Conway Fire Department; Tony Ryken, Conway Police Department officer; Dustin Smith, first-grade teacher at Woodrow Cummins Elementary; and Patrick Jamerson, personal trainer and fitness expert are “A Few Good Men” highlighted in our cover story. Read more on each of these great guys on pages 6-13. In downtown, The Toad Fly is making a splash in a big way in their first year of business. Owner Tim Bull has taken his fly fishing shop and guided fishing trips to cable television. The new TV show, “Chasing Waters” on the Pursuit Channel, is scheduled to begin airing in January. Stop by and see the guys at The Toad Fly and they will help you get started with everything you need for the perfect fly fishing outing. They also have great gift ideas for that fisherman in your life. Are you looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? We have some great ideas from local merchants. Check out our gift guide on page 24. In Homes this month, the beautiful and tranquil oasis in Judy and Bernie Porter’s backyard provides the perfect escape for the summer heat. We are also showcasing “what’s new” for your home and garden from ACE Haynes Hardware, Conway Gardens and Pools and Lumber One Home Center. Finally, don’t miss our events section: The Gallery Opening at EM Jeans and the Blackbird Academy Partner Luncheon. Until Next Month,
contents
features
columns
Cover Story ‘A Few Good Men’
16 Spirituality
6
Mike Winter, The Fire Fighter
8
Tony Ryken, The Police Officer
20
A spiritual ‘to-do’ list by Andrea Lennon
10 Dustin Smith, The Teacher 12 Patrick Jamerson, The Trainer
18 Local beauty services 20 Downtown The Toad Fly
17 Health The facts about shingles by Dr. Patricia Knott
24 Shopping Gifts for Dad
26 Music
28 Homes
A passion and dedication to the art of music
Porter Pool
by Preston Palmer
34 Homes Shopping in The Great Outdoors
38 Food
44 Life This and that
Back to the basics by Fran Scroggins
46 Community Senior Center eyes purchase of Agora
events 41 Blackbird Academy partners luncheon 43 Gallery opening at EM Jeans
45 Book Review “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” review by Susan O’Keefe WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5
COVER STORY: A FE W GOOD MEN
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Mike Winter By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain
The Fire Fighter
Mike Winter serves as the Assistant Chief for the Conway Fire Department and has been with the organization for 18 years. He has strong family ties to the profession, as his father was also a firefighter. “As a kid I spent many hours in the firehouse, playing on the engine, and I’m sure pestering the firefighters, but I never thought about being one. I graduated college and began work on my masters while coaching baseball at Hendrix College. I remember standing on the ball field watching the fire engines drive by. I had a persistent urge drawing me to the fire service. I decided to test, I was hired, and I have never looked back,” states Mike. As Assistant Chief, Mike oversees the day-to-day operations of the department. When asked about his biggest challenges, he says, “….Trying to stay ahead of the curve. Looking to the future, seeing the direction of the city, and planning to be ready for it.” Mike’s favorite aspect of his job also lends itself to plan-
ning: “Being able to help shape the department for the future needs of a growing community.” The daily responsibilities of a firefighter are eventful and varied. In 2012 alone, the Conway Fire Department made 9,881 company responses. When asked about the services our fire department provides for the community, Mike responds, “As stated earlier, I grew up around the fire service. Back then the only job of a firefighter was to fight fire; however, today’s fire service has evolved into a full gamut of emergency services. Our job duties include, but are not limited to, citizen assists, public training and education, hazardous materials, medical calls, automobile accidents, industrial accidents, confined space rescue, high angle rescue, swift water rescue, dive rescue, trench and heavy structural collapse rescue, natural gas leaks, carbon monoxide checks, fluid spills, and flooding. In addition, as of 2004 we are an accredited bomb squad. Our bomb squad currently has seven certified bomb technicians who are also deputized U.S. Marshals.” One question Mike frequently receives from citizens is why the fire truck responds with the ambulance. “All of our firefighters are certified EMT’s. We respond out of seven strategically located stations throughout the city. Our average response time is three minutes, which means we can initiate treatment prior to the arrival of the ambulance,” he says. The fire department is also very philanthropically involved in our community, offering and sponsoring several events throughout the year. In addition to work-related community involvement, Mike spent nine years with the Conway Youth Baseball Association coaching a traveling baseball team. Mike looks forward to many more years as a dedicated fire fighter. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7
COVER STORY: A FE W GOOD MEN
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Tony Ryken By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Tony Ryken serves as an officer/patrolman with the Conway Police Department. Married to Rene, the couple has a son, Connor, 11 and a daughter, Korbi, 6. In his role, Tony is responsible for city patrol, enforcing traffic violations, answering calls for service, and providing backup for other officers. When asked about his decision to become a police officer, he says, “I’ve always felt called to serve people, and the excitement involved with the job helped of course.” Tony commends Rene for how well she deals with the stresses of his job; “I am very fortunate to have a very understanding and supportive wife; I couldn’t do it without her.” The circumstances of the job can also be challenging. “….People are usually not happy, or are already not having a good day, when they meet or need the police,” Tony states. Additionally, no two days or nights are alike. “The job is never really typical, but we start each shift with a briefing of any recent crime trends, suspects, or runaways/missing people. We also periodically review any new law updates or policies. Then we hit the streets and patrol our assigned area of the city and respond to calls. Our most typical calls are thefts, domestic disturbances, and accidents,” Tony explains. However, it is the atypical nature of the job Tony enjoys most, saying, “I like the fact that each day could present something new and exciting. I love to prove
The Police Officer
people wrong about their negative preconceived ideas about the police. I love it when we are able to return stolen property to people or locate a missing person. And of course there is also the rush after an exciting call.” The Conway Police Department does substantially more than the important provision of public protection. “We can come to homes or businesses and show ways to make them more secure, though nothing is ever completely secure. We also provide a form on which residents can list their valuables or firearms along with serial numbers; these forms can be put in a safe place in case the property is stolen. We periodically hold prescription drug take back events and provide a drop box at the police station during the week. We supply a free alarm permit that allows us to contact a key holder in the event your home or business alarm is activated. The department is also holding a child safety fair on June 8th at the Conway Expo Center from 10:00 until 3:00,” Tony shares. Tony enjoys the community service aspect of the job and helps organize the department’s participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the “tip a cop” events, which benefit the Special Olympics. In addition to his job as a police officer, he serves in the Arkansas National Guard. Tony plans to continue enjoying the life of a police officer for years to come.
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COVER STORY: A FE W GOOD MEN
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The Teacher
Dustin Smith By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain
“This job is not for the faint of heart. If you don’t love it, you will probably end up hating it….I’m lucky to work with great teachers and administrators and for an amazing school district. We always pull together and push through tough times as a team.” Dustin heavily credits the Woodrow Cummins administrators, teachers, staff, and parents for the school’s successes. “I think my favorite thing about Woodrow Cummins is the people. They’re like a second family to me.” “I’m a big Walt Disney fan, and he once said, ‘The best way to teach people is to not let them know you’re doing
loving it, and the rest, as they say, is history!” When asked about his days with first graders, Dustin responds, “Have you ever tried herding cats? Just kidding, though it can feel like that at times. Teachers make thousands of decisions everyday, and we wear many hats. Yes, we teach, but we also serve as counselors, actors, locksmiths, judges, authors, scientists, music leaders, referees, computer experts, dental assistants, timekeepers, detectives, interpreters, doctors, custodians, librarians, mediators, accountants, cheerleaders, singers, messengers, reporters, game show hosts, storytellers and veterinarians. And that’s just before lunch.” However, it is the various roles he most enjoys. “I love the fact that no two days are alike. Ever. In ten years of teaching, I’ve never gotten bored. Each day is a challenge in its unique way. I also love looking back and showing the kids just how far they’ve come. The kids work so hard everyday they forget to notice how smart they’ve gotten along the way. It’s fun to remind them of that from time to time,” he says. When asked about the biggest challenges, Dustin says,
it.’ That may be the perfect description of my teaching philosophy. I want my students to have fun while they are learning. I want them to scream ‘Noooo!’ when I tell them we have to stop an activity. I want them to be excited that it’s a school day. That’s my job - to instill a love for learning in my students that never goes away.” Dustin, also an avid guitar player, certainly finds creative ways to help the learning community. Three years ago, he launched a website for teachers called TeacherTipster.com. “I’ve always worked closely with the teacher candidates at UCA; the site was designed specifically for them. I wanted to share things that took me years to figure out with the teachers who were just entering our profession. I’ve been posting a tip of the week video to YouTube every Tuesday for the past three years, and it has gone well; we have had almost 1.5 million views to date. Our site has been viewed in 27 countries around the world, and we were honored as one of the ‘Top Social Media Resources’ by Scholastic Magazine.” TeacherTipster.com recently released their second app in the iTunes app store.
SUBMITTED
Dustin Smith is in his fifth year teaching first grade at Woodrow Cummins Elementary in Conway. Prior to that, he taught for five years at Jim Stone Elementary. Dustin’s teaching career is a result of following in the family footsteps. “I come from a family of teachers. Seriously…like all of em’. When I was young, I said I wasn’t sure what I’d be when I grew up; I just knew I wasn’t going to be a teacher,” he laughs. Dustin moved to Dallas after high school in pursuit of a telecommunications degree, and, while there he landed a part-time job as a second grade teacher’s aide. “I ended up
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COVER STORY: A FE W GOOD MEN
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Patrick Jamerson By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Patrick Jamerson began his personal training and fitness career by opening Next Level Fitness Professionals, LLC in August 2010 with three clients: Scott and Lori Taylor and his sister-in-law, Detra Toney-Clark. As it grew, it evolved into Dr. FiT’s Ultimate Training Studio at 1055 Sunflower Drive in August 2012. Married to his college sweetheart, Kristy, an instructor at UCA who is pursuing her doctoral degree, he is also father to daughter Briana Hammond, 23, and son Sean Patrick, 11. Though fitness is his passion, Patrick also has a successful career as a pharmaceutical sales representative which began in 2000. He has served as an oncology representative with Johnson and Johnson for the past six years. “Before starting with Johnson, I served as a cardiovascular representative, which has helped significantly because I’ve been trained by some of the finest pharmaceutical companies on how the body works, several different disease states, and clinical studies. I also have an opportunity to speak to doctors every day; I learn so much from them, and it helps me realize the importance of being proactive with your health. After seeing the impact of cardiovascular disease and cancer on various patients and family members, I am motivated and passionate about helping people reduce their chances of developing a disease, whether acute or chronic,” he says. This passion for wellness drives Patrick in his fitness work. His studio provides private training, group training, sports performance training (with an emphasis on youth) led by Josh Epps, and beginner level bootcamp classes led by Ashley Waldron. “We are an exclusive, high-intensity training studio that….combines the power of encouragement, a euphoric training style centered on High Intensity Interval Style Training, which is my personal tweak to HIIT training that amplifies results, functional strength training, and total body conditioning,” explains Patrick. Dr. FiT’s Ultimate Training Studio also offers a comprehensive approach to fitness and sports nutrition. “All nutritional recommendations are individualized based on the correct macronutrient ratio, sugar consumption, water intake, and caloric intake,” Patrick states. His clients also gain access to him; he welcomes calls and texts anytime, day or night. He also offers FiT’s Approach to Nutrition shopping tours to help clients learn the best way to do their grocery shopping healthfully. Patrick also offers client-specific cardio routines and workouts tailored for workouts away from training. “These workouts are
The Trainer
based on current fitness level and what it will take to get to the next level. Our training slogan was coined by my wife when I started; it is ‘never a training session, always a training experience!’ Gyms are great for individuals who want a good workout; however, if you desire a personalized approach to fitness with other weekend warriors and fitness enthusiasts, Dr. FiT’s Ultimate Training Studio is for you!” Patrick is an ISSA Certified Fitness Professional, TRX Level 1 Group Trainer, an ISSA Fitness Nutrition Certified Professional, and will become TRX Level 2 Group Trainer in August. The clients keep Patrick motivated as an instructor. “All clients have different aspirations and motivations, and it is my job to determine what motivates them to succeed when there are 10 seconds left and their bodies want to quit!” The feeling when clients exceed goals and encourage teammates inspires him to continue, despite an incredibly hectic schedule. Dr. FiT’s Ultimate Training Studio currently runs 124 private and group sessions at various times each month. They begin training at 5:00 a.m. end around 7:30 p.m. Of course, this is in addition to his pharmaceutical career and family life. “I don’t want to become so busy that I don’t have enough time with my family. Life is hectic around my house; we have to run a tight ship to make it work, and we always communicate. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my wife for helping the family keep it all together. Her inner strength and ability to adjust to my schedule at a moments notice is remarkable!” While his home life is all about the family, his fitness life revolves around the client. “I’ve found that clients want quick results, to be challenged beyond the norm, positive reinforcement, an inviting and exclusive environment, and a real training experience. I deliver each of these with precision and the ability to take meet their goals the shortest time frame possible. The average female client will lose four to six inches in her waist within eight weeks, and men can achieve that lean and tapered look in the same amount of time.” “I have the best clients ever, and I enjoy each of them. We train hard, but we are still able to laugh. I sometimes send a text or call when they’ve done well, just to provide positive encouragement. I feel encouragement is oxygen to the soul, and yes, you will need a lot of oxygen when you train with me; however, the friendships and the ability to help people push beyond their normal limits is my euphoria.” WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13
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SPIRITUALITY
A spiritual ‘to-do’ list
By Andrea Lennon
L
et me start by making a confession. I really like to make a list. I love to write things down and check them off. I find that a list helps me to stay focused on a task. It is not uncommon for me to have multiple lists going at the same time. I might have a list for my day, a list for my week. a list for my family, and a list for my ministry. My list making tendency has made its way into my personal time with the Lord. Do not get me wrong. I do not use a list with Jesus in the sense of checking Him off. Rather, I use a list to help me stay connected with Jesus throughout my day. Today I want to share a few of the “to do’s” that regularly make my spiritual list. I added a helpful tip that explains how I implement the “to do” in my personal time with the Lord. I pray that one or more of these “to do’s” will help you stay connected with Jesus throughout your day. Incorporate personal worship into your day: I cannot overstate the benefit of personal worship in a believers life. For me, when I feel anxious, grumpy, sad, or mad, I worship the Lord. This process allows me to take my eyes off of myself and my circumstances and put them on Jesus. Tip: Use your IPod and listen to music during your daily routines--- laundry, cooking, cleaning, exercise, etc. Sing hymns of the faith that are meaningful to you. Praise the Lord as you walk around the block and think about all the things He has done for you. Invite good media into your life : No matter what type of book you like to read, television show that you like to watch, magazine to which you regularly subscribe, or social media in which you participate, find those that provide a good influence in your life. We live in a day and age where we have access to so much media. This media can be a temptation that inhibits our walk with God; or it can be a blessing that enriches our walk with God. Tip: This week evaluate everything that you read, watch, and to which you subscribe. Make sure that everything that you put into your heart and mind honors Jesus. Turn on the filter of Jesus when it comes to media. He says what stays and He says what goes! Intentionally memorize scripture: God’s Word should be hidden in our hearts and minds because it provides a solid roadmap for us to follow. When we memorize scripture we have access to it 24/7. Tip: Pick a verse of scripture, write it on a note card, and carry it with you everywhere you go. Look for the empty two and three minutes in your day and memorize your verse. Implement a balanced prayer life: A balanced prayer life helps us to avoid the pitfall of only talking to Jesus when we need something. I like to use a prayer model during my prayer time. I find a prayer model helps me not only ask God for things; but it also helps me learn how to praise God for the ways He is at work in my life. One prayer model that is helpful to me is the ACTS prayer model. A- Adoration: praise to God C- Confession: confession of sins T- Thanksgiving: thanksgiving for what He is doing S- Supplication: presenting requests to God Tip: Write out a few prayers following this model. Take note of how the model helps you to see the ways that God is at work in your life. Avoid the tendency to become regimented in your prayer time. Remember, a prayer is nothing more than a on-going conversation with God. Keep it real, relational, and balanced! Invest in the lives of others by giving of your resources: When we give of our resources we accomplish two things. First, we demonstrate the truth that every resource in our life belongs to God. Second, we demonstrate faith that God will provide for our daily needs. Tip: Look around your house and find something that you can give away. Or, take a certain amount of money and tuck it in your purse or wallet. Ask God to show you how He wants you to use that money or item for His glory. If your funds are low, use your time as a resource. Set aside one hour a week and ask the Lord to show you how to use it to honor Him. This approach to giving is powerful in our lives. It teaches us to be sensitive to the way God is at work around us. Today I want to challenge you to make a spiritual “to do” list. Be creative and ask the Lord to show you specific ways that you can focus on Him throughout your day. As you do, you can know that your daily walk with Jesus will be stronger for it. 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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H E A LT H
The facts about shingles
By Dr. Patricia Knott
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started medical school when my kids were 2 and 4 years old. I was one of those people that tended to experience some of the symptoms of every disease we studied. I managed to postpone multiple doctors’ visits however, as I came to realize that what I was experiencing was nothing more than a mild case of hypochondria. It comes as no surprise then that I found myself worrying about what would happen when my kids contracted chickenpox since I did not remember having it as a child. I knew that adults generally suffered worse with the disease. Fortunately, I never contracted the illness when both my children developed chickenpox within two weeks of each other. I realized that I must at some time have had chickenpox and now had immunity to it. I then became vigilant about looking out for shingles, a viral infection brought on by the same virus that causes chickenpox. One morning as I was preparing to go in for morning rounds, I noticed a prickly discomfort on the right side of my body near the lower rib cage. My immediate thought was of course, shingles. I had a physician phone me in a prescription for Valtrex. The discomfort lasted for about a week and I never developed a rash. The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. Though it is part of a group of viruses known as the herpes viruses, which includes the ones that cause cold sores and genital herpes, the varicella-zoster virus is not the same virus that causes these two conditions. Once a person has had chicken pox, that virus becomes inactive in their nerve tissue and can remain dormant for years. When it reactivates, it travels along the nerve pathway to the skin and manifests as shingles. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly seen as a string of blisters around the torso. Symptoms of shingles include: Pain and burning to a part of the body (usually a small area). It may manifest as numbness and tingling. A rash that develops shortly after the pain. It initially forms blisters that eventually scab over and finally clear up over several weeks. The rash is most commonly around the torso but can occur to the face, neck, arm, leg, or around the eye. I had one patient who had shingles involving his ear. It is possible to have shingles pain without developing a rash. Flu-like symptoms, chills, and headaches. These usually occur just before or at the same time as the rash. Diarrhea may occur and some people get swelling of lymph nodes. Risk factors for developing shingles may include: Age over 50. If you have ever had chicken pox,
you can experience shingles. We may see fewer cases since the chickenpox vaccine can lower the risk of contracting chicken pox. Shingles affect men and women equally. Weakened immune system brought on by—age, diseases such as AIDS, cancer, chemotherapy treatments, transplant rejection drugs, and the long-term use of steroids. You should see a doctor if you think you may have shingles. Some people with mild cases never see the doctor at all, but you definitely should if you have a severe case or if symptoms occur around the eye. If you are 65 or older, or have decreased immunity, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will usually make the diagnosis from your history and symptoms, but he or she may take scraping samples of the lesions to send to a lab. Your doctor will wish to advise you about your risk of infecting others. You are at risk of causing chickenpox (not shingles) to anyone who has never had this childhood disease. The virus is passed along by direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. You are contagious until the blisters scab over. Pregnant women, newborns, and people with decreased immunity should not come in contact with you while you are contagious. Some people develop chronic pain (postherpetic neuralgia) in the place where the blisters occurred even though the blisters have gone away. Other complications may include vision loss from eye infection. If the nerves that originate in the brain (cranial nerves) are affected, you may experience facial paralysis, hearing loss, and dizziness. Antiviral medicines such as Valtrex and Zovirax may speed healing and reduce complications. Your doctor may prescribe one of these medications. If you are suffering a good deal of pain, your doctor may prescribe numbing medicines or narcotic pain relievers. Medicines such as Neurontin and Elavil have helped many with the burning discomfort associated with shingles and the postherpetic neuralgia that some patients experience. The chickenpox vaccine will help prevent chickenpox, and therefore shingles, in a large portion of the younger generation. Adults who have never had chickenpox can also benefit from the vaccine. A shingles vaccine has been developed for the over 50 age group and will help prevent shingles but is not meant to treat shingles once it has occurred. If you are over 50, discuss with your physician your risk of shingles and whether he or she feels you would benefit from any of the vaccines. There is no cure for shingles and the vaccines are not a 100% preventative measure, but the vaccines as well as prompt treatment should shingles occur can decrease the risk of complications and the severity of the symptoms.
Patricia Knott is a graduate of LSU Medical School in New Orleans and is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She serves as the Medical Director for Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.
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Oasis Massage Therapy owner Leigh Ann Warriner
Oasis offers top-notch massage therapy
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hether relaxation, therapy or simple indulgence is the goal, a massage can be an easy way to treat a loved one — or yourself — with a special gift. Oasis Massage Therapy offers a serine environment that emits a relaxing and comfortable place for anyone who walks through the door — young or old, male or female, regular customer or someone new to massages. Leigh Ann Warriner could have started a traditional day spa or salon when she opened Oasis in March 2012, but she said she wanted to go a different route that provided top-notch massage therapy with reasonable prices. “I was really wanting to specialize in the best body work we could,” she said. Warriner, along with two other massage therapists Anna Nabholz Bowden and Paige Tolin, work in an integrative style of massage therapy where they may work several different massage techniques into a single session depending on the needs of the client. Oasis is not just for the woman looking for a relaxing escape. Warriner said she has an eclectic mix of clients — including men — who may have been skeptical about getting a massage and get hooked by the end of the first session. For instance, one male client is a golfer who was not satisfied with his range of motion. His wife was a regular with Oasis and convinced him to give massage therapy a shot. “He could not get his elbow all the way over to his ear like he wanted,” Warriner said. “After his first session we probably got a 30 percent increase in his range of motion.”
LOCAL BEAUTY SERVICES ACCENTS SALON 690 S. Salem, suite 306 Conway, AR 72034 501-327-8191 Our warm and welcoming atmosphere at 18 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2013
After four more sessions the golfer had the swing he was looking for. Warriner said she cannot guarantee a better golf game for all of her clients, but when someone comes in with a specific need she can often address it through the massages. The professional atmosphere — as opposed to a beauty shop environment — lets customers feel at ease no matter who they are. Then, once customers leave the office and feel the lasting effects of the massage ranging from less stress to better sleep, they may want to make another appointment to continue receiving those benefits. Gift certificates and gift cards are available for Oasis services. The office uses an online scheduling system that allows customers to purchase gift certificates online and either print them out or email to the recipient — ideal for last minute gifts. They also have physical gift cards for sale at the office. Warriner said she is committed to making the therapy affordable. A relaxation massage, which is light to medium pressure and focuses on the skin and soft tissue over the muscles, is $40 per hour. A therapeutic massage, which focuses more on the deep tissue, is $60 per hour, or $1 per minute for shorter times. Oasis is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warriner said she also works with clients to accommodate their schedules and can offer later appointments based on availability. Oasis Massage Therapy is located at 7 Medical Lane, Suite A, in Conway. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit oasismassagetherapy. fullslate.com — Angela Spencer
Accents Salon, will have you feeling satisfied, refreshed, and apart of the family. With 30 years of experience, we specialize in hair care for everyone in your family, and walk-ins are always welcome! Our services include hair care, manicures, pedicures, and massages for an all around relaxing experience, with full satisfaction guaranteed! Call us today, and ask about our special offers!
JOLARU SALON AND RETAIL CENTER 2125 Harkrider Conway, AR 72032 (501) 327-2301 With 12 stylists to fit any and all beauty needs or wants, and the professional haircare for any style, cut or color to be perfect for you, jolaru salon and retail center takes pride in offering a relaxing atmosphere. Feel like the most important person while being pampered. Everything they do is for you. services include hair care, skin care, nail care, some spa treatments, self tanning products and a retail section. services are offered to men, women and children, and walk-ins are welcome. owned by brad heston, special offers include a $5 lip wax with any chemical service for new clients. You can also receive 50% off your first facial with jennasyn beck when you book two facials. late appointments are available.
K2K SALON 740 S. SALEM RD., suite 103 Conway, AR 72034 (501) 764-1097
a reminder the day before. At Oasis our goal is for our clients to leave stress free and with reduced pain. We love what we do. We combine compassion and nurturing touch to help our clients feel lighter in spirit, with increased mobility and an overall sense of wellness.
SALON ELEVEN 1027 Front Street, suite 1 Conway, AR 72032 (501) 205-8624 Be more than a ten! Our stylists are owner Erica Wickliffe, DeShay Poe, Becca Lawson, Kacey Barton 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!
SHEAR ENVY SALON 803 HARKRIDER, SUITE 13 Conway, AR (501) 548-9987
SALON OWNER IS BRANDI BREWER. WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 4 1/2 YEARS. WE ARE LOCATED NEXT DOOR TO BLACKWOOD’S GRILL & GYROS. WE HAVE FIVE STYLISTS WHO ARE EXPERIENCED AND TALENTED WITH WOMEN’S HAIRCUTS, CHILDREN’S HAIRCUTS, PERMS AND WAXING. WE HAVE ALL WORKED TOGETHER FOR 2+ YEARS AND ARE FAMILY ORIENTED. WE ALL LOVE WHAT WE DO AND ARE VERY FRIENDLY. COME GET YOUR SALON EXPERIENCE WITH US!
Solutions Day Spa 1130 Pats Lane Conway, AR 72033 (501) 329-9000 Our goal at Solutions is to pamper and promote wellness through the benefits of true relaxation. Serving Faulkner county for fifteen years in haircare, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, body wraps, waxing, cosmetics, electrolysis and cellulite treatments. Solutions also carries jewelry to complement every individual style. Spa Packages make a great gift for a friend or loved one. Solutions invites you to come relax with us in our recently remodeled Day Spa.
At K2K we consistently strive to make our guests feel pampered, nurtured, and beautiful! We are Conway’s only Oribe and Bumble and Bumble Salon, maintaining the industry’s highest standards. While specializing in Women’s Hair Care and Nail Care, we also accept walk-ins. So come visit Kristy Fruits at K2K Salon, today! Women’s Inc. Readers’ Choice Award Winner for Favorite Hair Salon & Stylist!
OASIS MASSAGE THERAPY 7 Medical Lane, Suite A Conway, AR 72034 501-205-1908 Oasis Massage Therapy is neither a spa nor salon. We focus on one thing; specializing in providing the best bodywork possible. We offer a variety of techniques in a professional, relaxing environment with ample parking and flexible hours. The website allows you access to our schedule 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Simply sign-in, select the service you require, the staff and time. You will receive an immediate confirmation and WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 19
DOWNTOWN
Jordan Case, Tim Bull (owner of The Toad Fly) and Paul Hoelscher
The difference a year makes By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Brandy Strain In less than one year in operation, The Toad Fly in Downtown Conway has gone from a cozy little fly shop to the birthplace of a new cable television show. Owner Tim Bull opened the fly fishing shop last summer on Clifton Street in hopes of bringing his lifelong passion for the sport to others. Now, not only is he introducing others to a new hobby, he will be doing it on television. Asked about his first year in business, Bull said everything went great. He said about 60 people went through casting class and fly school. Then he added casually, “In January we went to shoot a commercial, and it ended up turning into a TV show.” The Pursuit Channel is set to begin airing “Chasing Waters” in January 2014, Bull said. He said he has observed that sometimes fishing shows portray the most expensive trips available, but he is going to demonstrate how to plan a budget-friendly trip in this area of the United States, going to little-known fishing spots. “Anyone interested in fishing in Arkansas would want to watch the show,” he said. “If you live here, you would want to watch. A lot of times the best places to go are right out your front door.” He noted the music for the show will be by Old 20 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2013
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Jordan Case and Paul Hoelscher spend some time tying at The Toad Fly.
Southern Moonshine Revival. “Chasing Waters” is on Facebook, where fans can watch the show’s progress. He said The Toad Fly is also about to start publishing a digital magazine that will keep readers up to date on what is coming up on the television show, photos from the shoots and short stories from real fishermen. The business is also getting involved with Healing Waters, a charitable organization that helps disabled veterans, especially those with PTSD, get back into the outdoors with fly fishing. Bull said the charity has a Northwest Arkansas chapter and is working with The Toad Fly and other volunteers to start at Central Arkansas chapter. “We will work with the VA, help them tie flies and then work up to getting them out on the water,” he said. “They’ve had some great results, especially with PTSD.” To volunteer, call the shop at 501-499-6914, or contact the Veteran’s Administration. Bull said one of the best Father’s Day gifts he could think of would be a fly fishing trip with their child to Dry Run Creek in Norfork. He said children love fishing there because the water is perfectly clear and full of fish. “It’s the best thing Game and Fish has done to get kids involved in fly fishing. The water is so clear and shallow, you can see the fish. It’s nonstop,” he said. The Toad Fly can take fly fishing tours to any of the streams in Arkansas, and is starting to do smallmouth bass fishing trips as well as trout fishing. For more information on The Toad Fly, go to thetoadfly. com, or follow The Toad Fly on Facebook. 22 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2013
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Instant Marinater $48.99. Available at The Kitchen Store.
Full line of Jack Black products $16-60. Available at EM Jeans.
Sterling silver airplanes/jets . cufflinks $250 Available at EM Jeans.
Fishpond chest pack $49.95. Redington hat $19.95. Loop Incite fly rod combo $332. Montana Fly Company boat box $69.95. Redington fly rod combo $179. Available at The Toad Fly.
Beetles cufflinks $85. Available at EM Jeans.
Bar�10�der $49.99. Available at The Kitchen Store.
Roulette Wheel cufflinks $50. Available at EM Jeans.
Tervis Tumblers: Razorback-$23.99, Dad-$18.99, and Gone Fishing-$21.99. Available at The Kitchen Store.
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Razorback Apron $25.99. Available at The Kitchen Store.
Southern Tide bowties $59.50. Available at EM Jeans.
Vic watch torinox Nig equip ped w ht Vision Sw ith a li is ghted s made dial, fl light, ash dist light a ress signal nd sa crysta pphire l $695 .0 Availa 0 ble at Fletch er Smith ’s.
MUSIC
A passion and dedication to the art of music By Preston Palmer
I
f you’re a regular reader of Women’s Inc., you may have heard of Preston Palmer Studios. Maybe one of our ads has caught your eye, or perhaps you’ve taken a couple of minutes to read one of our articles on the importance of music to community and culture, or the benefits that learning to play an instrument can bring to the lives of your kids. If that’s the case, then there are a few things that we hope you’ve noticed about us. The first is that we’re extremely dedicated and passionate about teaching music. We’ve all been musicians for a long time now — decades for some of us — and we know how powerful and valuable that music can be, especially for kids. Music is in our blood, and we can’t help but to pass that on to other
people. That’s where the whole thing started, a desire to share something with our community that has had such a huge role in shaping our growth and development as human beings, and brought so much joy and fulfillment to our lives. We can’t imagine living without music, and we have a feeling that goes for a whole lot of you as well, whether it’s the hymns you grew up singing in church, the folk and country tunes that your parents and grandparents coaxed out of old guitars and banjos on porches and courthouse lawns, the rock ‘n’ roll classics that made you want to dance when you were younger, or even the silly nursery rhymes and soothing lullabies that you whisper to your children. Music helps us to frame and understand the human experience, and we are honored that we get to help people of all ages tell their own stories through music.
The second is that we want to pursue excellence in everything that we do. It isn’t enough for us to give something a go, we want it to be the very best that it can be. We’re always learning, always listening, always looking for ways to improve. We found the best teachers we possibly could, spent time making our facility welcoming, comfortable, and safe, selected top-notch curriculum for our teachers to use, and delved into the secrets of instrument preservation. For us, excellence is not just a bar that we try to reach, but rather an ongoing pursuit of the very best we can do. Third, we like to try new things! We started with a few teachers and some empty rooms, but we’ve been adding new staff, teaching new instruments, expanding our repair and restoration services, and taking on a whole slew of new musical endeavors such as concerts, recitals, acoustic jam sessions, community choir, and theory workshops. Some of the other new stuff coming up includes Rock Camp, an event spanning five days of two-hour sessions in which we will teach students all the basics they need to know about forming a band, learning songs, writing songs, performing live, and much more. We’ll also have Rock School, which will be very similar to Rock Camp but will run for several months and involve our students learning songs during their weekly lesson, rehearsing with “their band” each week, and will culminate in a live gig with an audience. We also are working on scheduling a Songwriter’s Workshop, in which you’ll be able to learn all about arranging, chord structure, lyric writing, and instrumentation from a panel of the best songwriters around. And if you read our last article, then you know that we’re really excited about offering DJ classes. Taught by Jacob Reyes, one of the most prominent DJs in the sate of Arkansas, these are the perfect opportunity for anyone who has listened to Top 40 radio and thought, “Hey, I’d like to learn how to make sounds like that!” And by the time the next article comes out, who knows what exciting new stuff we’ll be able to tell you about? All of these things are what make up Preston Palmer Studios. The passion, the dedication to excellence, the stories we get to tell, and the people with whom we get to share it all. We are so grateful that we get to be part of the community here in Conway, and a part of your life as well. Preston Palmer Studios is a music school and full-service instrument repair shop in Conway, AR. For more information, please visit our website at prestonpalmerstudios.com, give us a call at (501)5139459, or shoot an e-mail to info@prestonpalmerstudios.com. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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PORTER POOL
Fun in the sun PEACE AND TRANQUILITY ABOUND IN PORTERS’ BACK YARD By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Courtney Spradlin Self-professed sun worshipper Judy Porter enjoys her backyard year-round, especially since the swimming pool was installed in October. She and husband, Bernie, moved to Conway from Morrilton in 1996 and have moved houses several times. They occupied their current residence, built by Elms-Clowers Construction Inc., in Centennial Valley last year. Jerrells Pools in Conway built the pool in October 2012, and Lawson Farms landscaped the backyard and installed outdoor lighting. Porter said, “This is our second pool. I leave it open year-round because I just enjoy the water.” The kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by a stamped concrete patio, which is safer for wet feet than regular concrete and never needs to be resealed, she said. Her favorite thing about the pool is the three fountain jets that run continually. “We both just love the sound of running water — the peace and tranquility — it reminds us of the beach, and we just love it,” she said. She noted the neighbors can hear it in their backyard as well, and they enjoy it just as much as she does. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 29
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She said beach vacations at Destin, Watercolor and Seaside, Fla., are a longtime habit for their family. “We’ve always taken our two daughters to the beach growing up. “Our grandson loves the beach. It’s something our whole family enjoys.” The landscaping reflects Porter’s love of the beach, as well as the outdoors in general. A few small palm trees are scattered around the backyard area, along with a mix of flowers, bushes, grasses, shrubs, trees and evergreens. Flower pots bursting with various colors dot the patio around the pool.
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“The things I picked out are the things I love,” she said. “I have a lot of things that smell good in the summer. Like the gardenias. I love the purple petunias because they are the only petunias that have a fragrance to them. I love red geraniums because they’re my mother’s favorite flower. She died in 1995, so I have them every year. “I chose the yellow knockout roses because I had never seen yellow knockout roses before. I’ve collected a bunch of different irises. Every time I see an iris, I stop and ask if I can have one, because they multiply so fast.”
She added, “I do all my own yard work. Every bit of it. Mowing, edging, everything. I love it.” The couple also has a screened-in porch where they enjoy many of their meals and relax on wicker furniture. Porter said several homes in the neighborhood have screened-in porches. “We eat out here. We do everything out here,” she said. “When (our two daughters) come home, this is where we live — the screened-in porch and the pool. I’m just an outdoor person. “My husband comes home for lunch every day and we eat lunch on the porch.”
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HOMES
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
S U M M E R T I M E S H O P P I N G I D E A S F R O M A R E A R E TA I L E R S
Available at A C E H AY N E S H A R D WA R E 1085 Morningside Drive Conway, AR 501-327-2400
Assorted pots with a variety of plants starting at $14.99
Yeti coolers $199.99-$399.99 34 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2013
70-inch Capri High Dining Table $369.99. Matching chairs $79.99 each.
Ceramic bird bath by Talavara Pottery $199
Available at C O N WAY G A R D E N S AND POOLS 2740 Prince Street Conway, AR 501-329-1358
Large ceramic urn $375
Hand-painted outdoor art by local artist $80 each
The Big Green Egg-various sizes $329-$1165.99 WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 35
Available at LUMBER ONE HOME CENTER 682 HWY 365 M a y f l o w e r, A R 501-470-1122
Antique mirror with Aztec silver trim $299.
Tall twisted vase planters in fallen blue-2 sizes-$65.99 and $109.99
Tortoise shell look lamp with taupe and metal shade $209.99
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Round finial fountain $210.99. Fleur De Leis fountain accessory $27.99. Celtic cross-48 inches-$82.99.
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FOOD
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Back to the basics By Chef Jill McCollum, CC Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson Men can Cook…….Of course they can! Some of the most world-renowned chefs are men. A man who desires to learn how to cook just needs a bit of time, patience and a strategy to learn some of the basics of cooking. To start learning how to cook, you will need some basic equipment. You do not need to be fancy or purchase the most expensive equipment. But you will need to own a pot, baking sheet, hot pads, cutting board, sharp knife, spoon, spatula and a whisk. These tools will aid you in your quest to become a master home chef. Learn a few basic cooking techniques. Any professional chef will tell you that paying attention to the simple basics is the key to flavor. Before embarking on any fancy-pants cooking journeys, take a moment to learn basic skills which will help you cook successfully. Learn to cut an onion, par-boil rice or cook pasta, poach an egg, grill and pan-roast meat to order and make a basic chicken or vegetable stock. Once you’ve mastered those basic tasks, you’re ready to take on more challenging cooking adventures. Read the recipe and make a list of items you’ll need to purchase to make the dish. Learning how to cook is as simple as following directions. Some home cooks may be talented enough that they can improvise dishes without measuring or having a recipe to guide them along the way. And, once you get your cooking legs under you, it’s great to try this freestyle method of cooking for yourself. Start basic, and soon you will be able to create your own recipes for others to follow. Find a dish you’re exceptionally passionate about and learn how to cook it. One of the keys to cooking well is enjoying what you’re producing. It is far more likely that you’ll experience success cooking if you’re making something you’re excited about eating or sharing with others. Pick a recipe you love and learn to duplicate it. 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 Pinto Bean and Andouille Sausage Stew, recipe page 40. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 39
Pinto Bean and Andouille Sausage Stew
2 cups diced onions 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1 cup diced green bell pepper 1 teaspoon minced chile pepper, such as Serrano or jalapeno 1 teaspoon paprika 4 large ripe plumb tomatoes, seeded and diced 8 cups water 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 teaspoons freshly grated lime zest Juice of ½ lime
Heat oil in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is almost crisp, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and set aside in the refrigerator. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring over medium heat, until soft and lightly brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add bell peppers and chile pepper to taste; continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture is soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in paprika. Add tomatoes and cook until they release their juice, about 2 minutes. Drain the beans. Stir the beans and 8 cups water into the pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Stir in the reserved sausage and bacon along with salt and pepper. Continue simmering, adding a little water if the beans are dry, until the beans are very soft and beginning to break down, about 30 minutes more. Stir in lime zest and juice.
Pick over beans to remove any pebbles or broken beans and rinse under cold water. Place in an bowl, cover with 3 inches of cold water and soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. (see quick soak method below).
Tip: To soak beans using a “quick soak” method, place beans in a large saucepan with enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.
1 pound dry pinto beans 1 tablespoon peanut oil or canola oil 12 ounces Andouille sausage, diced 3 slices bacon, chopped
Cole Slaw 1 head of cabbage, shredded or diced 1 large tomato, diced 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup mayonnaise Salt/pepper Combine all ingredients and stir well. 40 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2013
Simple Banana Pudding 1 large package cook and serve vanilla pudding 6 bananas 1 package vanilla wafers Optional: Whipped Cream Cook pudding according to package directions, let cool. Layer wafers, bananas and pudding till all ingredients have been used. Top with fresh whipped cream.
BLACKBIRD ACADEMY PARTNERS LUNCHEON
Kristian Andersen, Brandi Andersen, Jennie Strange and Statler Strange
Jean Parrack and John Parrack
Rachel Earls, Jennie Strange and Melissa Johnston
Adam Sweet and Brittany Wheeler
Brain Zimmerman and Jessica Zimmerman
Dione Vetsch and Holly Vetsch WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 41
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GALLERY OPENING AT EM JEANS
Ashley Hettmannsperger, Sena Crafton and Maret Cahill Larry Rogers and Liz Snipan
Vivian Noe and Jen Ryken
Cindy Windle and Sherry Smith
Sam Griffith and Joy Vaillancourt
Drake Rea, Teal Rea, Kyndell Rea and Shawn Rea
Vivian Noe, Allison Vetter-Cone and Will Cone
Vivian Noe and Steve Griffith
Nicholas Rogers, Johnny Adams, Stacia Adams and Onise Selles
Jeff Morrison and Jay Myers
Cindy Ludford, Molly Walchuk and Amy Brazil
Sam Griffith, Steve Griffith and Dan Griffith
Randy Evans and Patty Kohler-Evans WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 43
LIFE
W
‘This and that’
hile I write this article, I am thinking about Memorial Day. Although the holiday will have passed by the time you read this, I wanted to share something I saw in Little Rock earlier today. I had an appointment in Little Rock and a friend suggested I go a back way to avoid road construction. As I drove, I approached a large building completely surrounded by American flags. The flags were placed about every 6 feet on both sides of each sidewalk completely surrounding First Baptist Church. The sight of hundreds of flags standing honoring those who have given their lives for our freedom was certainly an impressive and awesome sight. I know that others were as impressed with this sight as there were people on the sidewalks with cell phones taking pictures. Thanks to all of you who have sacrificed to serve and protect the freedoms we all enjoy. Father’s Day is going to be here before we know it. This day is the one set aside to honor fathers and grandfathers. The contributions of our fathers and grandfathers in our lives are immeasurable. A father or grandfather is truly a special person. There are many stories I could tell about wonderful times with my father and grandfather. The love they showed to us and others cannot be measured and they helped shape the adults by brother, my sister and I have become. I have watched through the years and know the incredible father my husband is to our children and the loving and caring grandfather he is to our grandchildren. Being a good father and grandfather is not based on the success one has in the business world or in a job nor is it about the amount of money one accumulates in his life. It is about the time and love the father spends with his
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children and the character he helps to mold. It is teaching his children love, respect, right and wrong. It is the quality time he spends on the ballfield, teaching, fishing hunting, golf or teaching how to drive. It is also teaching a work ethic so the children become a productive part of society. I salute all the wonderful fathers and grandfathers on this day set to honor them. Lets all tell our fathers and grandfathers how much we appreciate what they have done to shape and mold us. Also, lets to the same for our husbands and sons to encourage them as they continue on this difficult journey. Happy Fathers Day! I have a special favor to ask of each of you. Conway has planned a dog park for citizens to be able to go and take their pets. The land is available but additional money is needed for fencing, water fountains, benches, etc. Pet Safe has agreed to give $100,000.00 to one of the communities which supports this endeavor. Please go to Facebook to the Faulkner County Humane Society page to see where to vote. This will allow the pet lovers in our community to have the park for very little cost from the taxes needed for other things. It costs nothing to vote and this park will help business development in our community. You can also go to www.petsafe.net Lets all support it! Fran Scroggins is a graduate of the Bowen School of Law at UALR. She has been practicing law in Conway since 1996.Voted Best Attorney in Faulkner County by readers of the Log Cabin Democrat, Fran resides in Conway with her husband of nearly 35 years.They have two children and three grandchildren.
BOOK REVIEW
‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’
Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe
L
ife can change in the blink of an eye. Such was the case for the suave Frenchman Jean-Dominique Bauby, who was eagerly anticipating a fun night with his son at the theater for a 1995 holiday show, when suddenly he suffered a rare massive stroke. The link between the brain and the spinal cord was severed, never to function again. For Bauby and those who knew him, life changed in a blink. As a 44-year old father of two children, Bauby was known for his wit and wiliness. He charmed clients from his post as editor-in-chief of French Elle. He touched lives through his magazine. He traveled to photo shoots and interviewed European notables. And yet, when Bauby awoke after being comatose for 20 days, his only means of communication was by blinking his left eye. Bauby’s suffering is aptly named locked-in syndrome. While the unimpaired mind moves a hundred miles an hour, the uncooperative deadweight limbs are a constant source of pain. The connection is no more. And thus, the acceptance of life locked-in. Bauby shares, through his cryptic blinking of the French alphabet to his faithful scribe, “My diving bell becomes less oppressive, and my mind takes flight like a butterfly. You can wander off in space or in time, set out for Tierra del Fuego or for King Midas’s court. You can visit the woman you love, slide down beside her and stroke her still-sleeping face. You can build castles in Spain, steal the Golden Fleece, discover Atlantis, realize your childhood dreams and adult ambitions.” “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” takes readers on a tour of life inside the ever-confining bell as well as gives freedom to thoughts and memories. There are countless places to revisit in Bauby’s mind as readers follow the butterfly’s flight. Sounds and smells, tastes and touches are possible once again, if only in his mind. “What a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit,” offered one reader, who gives the book two thumbs up. “The perseverance he had to dictate a word at a time is unbelievable. How he blinked every letter, and eventually composed such a masterpiece is brilliant,” said another fan. Researchers estimate that Bauby blinked about 200,000 times to express his story. One word could take more than two minutes. His therapist is credited with creating a code of words and phrases. As Bauby paints the picture of his life locked-in, readers are introduced to a before life, and after life. Throughout the story Bauby offers an attractive humor that engages readers, sometimes painfully so. On one particular weekend visit, Bauby’s preteen son challenges his clever dad to a game of hangman. Bauby obliges and
blinks his guesses. As the game nears its end, Bauby can control his tears no longer. “Grief surges over me. His (my son’s) face is not two feet from mine … and I, his father, have lost the simple right to ruffle his bristly hair, clasp his downy neck, hug his small, lithe, warm body tight against me … On a corner of the page he completes his drawing of the gallows, the rope, and the condemned man.” The French edition of Bauby’s story was published in 1997. He died of pneumonia just a few days later. One hundred fifty thousand copies sold during the initial week. Total sales are now in the millions, having been translated into several other languages. There is also an award-winning movie by the same title. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is a stunning reminder of the infinite twists and turns of life. And yet, in our final hour, we, as humans, are finite. One minute we are weighted down by the colossal bell. And the next minute, we are floating with the ease of a butterfly. 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.
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COMMUNITY
Senior Center eyes purchase of Agora
By Rachel Parker Dickerson Submitted photos The Faulkner County Senior Citizens Center is working toward a $2 million goal to purchase the Agora Event Center. Executive Director Debra Robinson said the program needs the building because activities are constantly being added, and more people are being served all the time. “We have been in this building since 1980,” Robinson said. “We thought we were really doing something great. We provided services to 200 different people. Last year, we provided services to right at 2,000. The population of Conway has grown in the last 30-something years, and so has the population of seniors. Seniors are living longer, healthier, active lives.” She said the capital campaign is also aiming for an additional $1 million to create a fund for building repairs. She said the large building has 12 or 13 heat and air units, and replacing those or fixing the roof or repaving the parking lot could add up quickly. “Linda Linn and Lori Case Melton are our co-chairs, two dynamic women who have given their time to help our program be able to accomplish this,” Robinson said. “We have a good steering committee and lots of great people out in the field trying to raise money for us.” She said it is obvious the program has outgrown its facility on Donaghey Avenue because the schedule is packed with activities, and sometimes things have to be cancelled because of a lack of space. “We serve a new generation of seniors. The younger seniors and even our 70- and 80-year-olds are still very active and love participating in these things we do. “We have to think outside the box with all these new and innovative programs, and the Agora will give us space to do arts and crafts, a room for music, singing, guitar classes. We’re going to have a fitness center, a room with pool tables, a room with comput-
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ers set up. We’ll have a big screen TV. Every room will have a purpose, and nobody will have to set up or take down tables constantly to get all these activities in. “Having that building will allow us to reach seniors now and into the future, because there’s going to be such an explosive growth of seniors in the next few years. This past year CNN Money magazine rated Conway in the top 25 best places to retire, so we want to be ready for all those people who are retiring to Conway and be able to offer services that keep people healthy and active and enjoying life.” Robinson said the program has been designated a senior wellness and activity center by the Division of Aging and Adult Services, which is part of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Conway’s center is one of the top 10 in the state, she said. “I want to change people’s attitudes about what the senior citizen program is,” Robinson continued. “I think about my grandmother when I was a little girl – she quilted and sewed and took care of grandkids. Today’s seniors — they go to the gym and walk and listed to their headphones. They’re at their computer. Grandma’s not sitting home in the rocking chair anymore. I don’t want them when they walk in here to think this is a nursing home. I want to change people’s attitudes about this place.” She said not only will the new facility benefit seniors in the community, but also the city as a whole. “Sometimes the older population is overlooked, but this is something the city can be proud of. It helps the city look good when we get a new park because it’s a new attraction. This will be a new attraction to bring more seniors.”