WOMENSINC.NET
WINC. JUNE 2014
Celebrating 10 years
FATHER’S DAY ISSUE
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WINC. Celebrating 10 years
Publisher Zach Ahrens Editor Lori Quinn
Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Michelle Corbet Dr. Patricia Knott Joe Lamb Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Rachel Parker Dickerson Sheldon Slinkard Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Lindsey Faith Watson Videographer Eric White Advertising Coordinator Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Betsey Barham Tara Mallett Jesica Talbert Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Donna Benton Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Becky Harris Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann Jessica Zimmerman Women’s Inc. is published by the Log Cabin Democrat. Questions or Comments? Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: womensinc@womensinc.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 www.womensinc.net 4 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2014
FROM THE EDITOR Lori Quinn
All about men
W
e are very fortunate to profile two awesome men and their families for this Father’s Day issue: Jeremy Byles and Dr. Quentin Washispack. Both are husbands and fathers of four children. Byles is an Olympic hopeful boxer and Washispack is a pastor and community leader. Jeremy Byles, Conway High School graduate, has spent the past 10 years working and training for his shot on the Olympic team. Jeremy is very much the family man. Working closely with his wife, Amber, who helps coordinate his schedule and events for him, they both always make time for their four children. The children are very excited about their dad’s Olympic dreams and love “sparring around” with him. Jeremy Byles just might be representing the USA and Conway, Arkansas in the next Olympics. Good luck, Jeremy! We can’t wait to cheer you on. When someone meets pastor, community volunteer and world mission leader Quentin Washispack, “Dr. Q” as most people call him, he is sure to make an impression on you. He will probably also ask you to sign up to be a volunteer somewhere ... tornado relief, a mission trip to China, working at the Dream Center, planting flowers at the public schools or one of the many other areas he is involved in throughout our community. Dr. Q, along with his wife Lisette, have tried to instill the importance of serving others to their four children. This man has made a huge impact on our city. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce recently presented the Good Neighbor Award to him for all of his support to those in our city. Thanks, Dr. Q, for all you do! Our Retail Therapy feature this month highlights Conway’s newest men’s store Bell & Sward. This recently opened store in Downtown Conway is owned by son-in-law and mother-inlaw duo Erik Sward and Zanette Bell. This store has a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking for the perfect tie to complete that dressy look, or a pair of leather flip flops from Tommy Bahama and swim trunks for your beach trip, this store has it all. A full-scale men’s clothier. Bell & Sward is striving to bring new brands to Conway and they look forward to what their first year of business holds. Erik says, “We focus on the customer’s needs. Every man has a style and we aim to bring that style to him.” Check out Bell & Sward for that perfect Father’s Day gift. Happy Father’s Day to all those great dads out there! Until Next Month, Lori Quinn
contents
6 12 FEATURE STORY
FEATURE STORY Conway’s Jeremy Byles
RETAIL THERAPY Shopping for Dad in Downtown Conway
‘Dr. Q’ is making a difference
16 22 FOOD
BBQ shrimp and ice cream dessert
10 MEN’S FASHION
15 TIME TO COOK
20 GIFT GUIDE
26 LOCAL BEAUTY
28 HOMES
33 COMMUNITY
Apparel from Bell & Sward in Downtown Conway
Local retailers have great ideas
New home with a place to escape
Gift ideas for Dad from The Kitchen Store & More
Salon Eleven’s clients can ‘be more than a 10’
The men of Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre
columns SPIRITUALITY
How to live a fruitful life in Christ Page 9
FITNESS Drop and give me 10! Page, 11
EVENTS: HAVEN Kentucky Derby party, 31. Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre welcome party, 32.
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COVER STORY
On the edge of
GREATNESS
Conway’s Jeremy Byles has the vision to succeed
The Byles family: Amber, Jeremy, Deja, Daianna, Aaliyah and Nathaniel.
By Joe Lamb Photos by Brandy Strain One of Jeremy Byles’ goals for the next few years is to bring an Olympic medal home to Conway, and unlike most of us he’s got a good chance to do it. Byles, 27, is close to being a professional boxer. For now he has a day job, but he’s also had a lot of success in boxing and for about 10 years it’s all he’s thought of. Byles played basketball and football in high school and was on the track team. He played football with Peyton Hillis. Then his attention turned almost solely to boxing. He has a cousin who was a World Boxing Association pro boxer in the 1980s, he said, so “maybe it’s in my blood.” At any rate, he said, “it’s all I think about, I’m focused on keeping up with [rival boxers].”
Depending on how this year’s tournaments go, Byles has a shot at the Olympic boxing team. Professional boxers aren’t allowed on the Olympic team, Byles said, but the ones that come back with medals don’t stay amateur long. “That’s what all the Greats‚ have done,” he said. Byles was one of five worldwide winners an Everlast-sponsored boxing essay contest in 2010 and counts Jermain Taylor among his mentors. “I’ve got a lot of respect for [Taylor],” he said. “He was a bronze medal in the Olympics… I’ve got a lot of different boxers I look up to.” One of them is his trainer, Chonney Abernathy. Byles said that Abernathy has made a good living in boxing, “but he trains like he’s never made a dollar in his life.” Eventually, he said, “boxing will be my 100-percent income.” He said he “poured his heart out” in the essay, writWWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7
ten for the Muhammad Ali Greatness Inspires Greatness contest, and got a letter from Ali as part of his prize. He’s training under Abernathy and UCA strength coach Henry Briscoe for a tournament in July and another one this fall in Wichita. His sponsors include local businessmen Ron Renfrow and Keller Johnson. On top of everything else, Byles has four kids: Deja’ Bland, 12; Aaliyah Bland, 10; Daianna Byles, 7; and Nathaniel Byles, 6. His son is starting to show an interest in boxing and plays flag football, he said, and his daughters are all honor-roll students with busy extracurricular schedules. Deja‚ sings, dances and writes music and is hoping to get into that business; Aaliyah plays softball; and Daianna is modeling and hoping to get into acting. Byles is married to Amber Byles, who helps him keep a busy schedule straight. We asked Byles what his kids think about their dad “fighting for a living.” “They love it,” he said. “They spar around with me… My son Nathanial is showing great talent. Amber and Jeremy Byles work together as a team raising their four children and managing Jeremey’s career. He’s already busted my lip.”
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SPIRITUALITY
How to live a fruitful life in Christ By Andrea Lennon
G
alatians 5:22-23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (New International Version) I wonder if these words are so familiar to you that you find it easy to read through the list giving little thought to the power that it holds? If so, take just a moment to stop and think. Can you imagine walking through your day with a heart saturated with Jesus to the point that it impacts the way you live and relate to the people around you? For example, each day you wake up and have an unexplainable amount of love for your husband, patience with your kids, peace about your job, and selfcontrol with your tongue. Can you image what it would be like to experience a joy-filled day even during a difficult season of life? What if you were able to demonstrate faithfulness and kindness towards a person who has been less than faithful or kind to you? Believe it or not, you can possess a countenance that immediately put others at ease because of your gentle and good way of interacting with them. Through Christ and the Spirit of God all of the scenarios listed above are more than possible! We can demonstrate spiritual qualities that are beyond our ability to produce. In fact, we should. Just prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, He made a bold statement about spiritual fruit. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) With this statement, Jesus made it clear that the only way to bear spiritual fruit occurs when we remain in Him. How do we remain in Jesus? We remain by spending time with Him each day. There are so many ways to spend time with Jesus. We can connect with Him in Bible Study, prayer, worship, and service, just to name a few. As we connect with Jesus, we have the opportunity to invite Him to direct our lives.
Amazingly, His thoughts can become our thoughts and His actions can become our actions. The outcome of a life that is directed by Jesus is very exciting. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:9) The outcome of a life that focuses on Jesus is simple yet profound. This type of life brings glory to God and demonstrates to others the difference that Jesus makes in us. As women, we are influencers. We influence our husband, children, friends, extended family members, fellow church members, and co-workers, as well as others. When we spend meaningful time with Jesus, these key relationships can’t help but be affected. Daily the opportunity exists for spiritual fruit to be produced in our lives. Make no mistake about it. The amount of time that we spend with Jesus directly impacts the amount of spiritual fruit produced in and through our lives. We cannot produce something that is not cultivated in a meaningful way. Without a doubt, spiritual fruit is the by-product of a spiritually focused walk with God. Each day we have the opportunity to become more like Jesus in the way that we think, act, and react. As we do, spiritual fruit like love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control become evident in the way we live. Isn’t it good to know that spiritual fruit can be produced in our lives? For just a moment think about one or two challenging situations that you face. Ask the Lord to show you how you can remain connected to Him even in the midst of these challenging situations. As you do, spiritual fruit will become evident in you. Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew. Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.
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M E N ’ S FA S H I O N
Tommy Bahama linen shirt, $118. Southern Proper pants, $99.50.
Hardwick suit, $400. Forsyth tie, $55. Pocket squares, $35-$55.
Johnnie-O shirt, $95. Johnnie-O zip pullover, $98. Johnnie-O poplin shorts, $70.
FASHION FORWARD
APPAREL FROM BELL & SWARD IN DOWNTOWN CONWAY
Peter Milar gingham shirt, $125. DL 1961 jeans, $168. Martin Dingman belt, $75. 10 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2014
Stately Cotton shirt, $75. Pennington & Bales pants, $99.50. Tailorbyrd shirt, $99.50. Bill’s Khaki’s pants, $98.50. Johnston Martin Dingman belt, $49.50. & Murphy belt, $49.50.
FITNESS
Drop and give me 10!
By Patrick “Dr. FiT” Jamerson
T
hese words in fitness can seem like a daunting task! However, when you have a group with you or someone motivating you, the impossibility of forcing out those last ten reps begins to seem easier. The closer you get to that number, excitement and adrenaline flood your body with a rush; and your trainer and/or group rallies behind you! Sound exciting doesn’t it? It should be and that’s how fitness should feel anytime you participate in it! Even though it will not generate the same passion, as a dad may feel when his son(s) or daughter(s) hit the winning homerun, graduates with honors, receives that big promotion or tells you that I couldn’t have asked for a better dad; however, there are some similarities. Today, I’ll take one of my favorite phrases as a trainer, and share with you ten exercises that you can do with your child or children which will evoke excitement instead of not another ten. Why? Because you will have an opportunity to share the “training experience” with your child or children! These small moments in time will help shape and mold your child or children into the leaders of tomorrow you are helping raise them to become. So when you hear the phrase, Drop and Give Me Ten, you will light up with excitement and remember this is the moment when fitness and fatherhood merged into one amazing possibility. The following exercises are movements that will allow you to work the body as a whole which in return will increase your heart rate, increase your metabolic rate, help strengthen your core and allow you an opportunity to have fun and teach your young child or children the importance of correct form. You can also do these exercises without any training equipment other than your bodyweight. If you’re asking how many reps should we complete, “My words to you are Drop and Give Me Ten!” So make them count my Alpha Males! Exercises as follows: (1) Air Squats – Begin with your feet shoulder width apart, and your feet pointed out between 20-
30 degrees. Start with your knees slightly bent and slowly lower your body; as low as, you can go while keeping a natural arch in your back. Then return to the starting position maintaining a neutral spine at the top of the movement. (2) Bodyweight Lunges – Stand straight with your spine in a neutral position with your arms extended out in front of you. This will allow you to engage the core muscles to a greater degree, and increase the time under tension of your shoulder region. This equals greater muscular development! Take a step forward keeping your head straight, your foot pointing forward and your rear foot in a fixed position. Hold this for two seconds and then return to starting position. Next, repeat with opposite leg. (3) Jump Squats – Begin as you did with Air Squats; however, when you have bent as low as you can while keeping natural arch in your back, explode as high as you can jump. Great movement to help improvement reaction time and explosion! (4) Push-ups – This is a favorite movement of SWEAT’s Alpha Males! You want to start at the top of a plank position. From there, lower your body until your elbows is at a 90 degree bend. Hold for 2 seconds and then raise and lock out, so you can engage the top of the back muscles with this movement. Then return back to the top of plank position. (5) Planks – Lie flat on the floor with your forearms supporting your bodyweight, shoulders aligned over elbows, with your feet extended behind you. Your ankles, knees and thighs should be in a straight line. Hold this position for 10 seconds and gradually work your way up to 3 minutes by increasing this position 10 seconds every third to fourth day. (6) Pike push-ups – Instead of starting in top of plank position, start with your hips elevated in the air, similar to an inverted “V” shape. Lower your head slowly toward the ground until it is 2-4 inches from touching the ground, briefly pause, and then return to starting position. (7) Gymnastic Strong – You may never have heard of this movement but after you complete once, you’ll never forget it! Simply raise your heels 2-4 inches off
the ground, find a focal point with your eyes straight above you, and raise your upper back 2-4 inches off the ground. Hold for 10 seconds and don’t forget to breathe! You’ll forever respect the core strength of gymnasts. (8) Mountain Climbers – Extend your arms, so you are in top of a plank position. Extend legs stretched behind in you with ankles, knees and thighs in a straight line. From there run in place for 10 seconds (legs alternating and moving back and forth). (9) Burpee with Push-ups – Oh how I love these!!! Do you believe that? Not! Begin by standing tall, squat down and place hands on the floor. Extend feet back, so you are in a push-up position. Complete one push-up. Return feet toward hands and jump as high as you can! (10) Sprints – Like them, love them, or hate them; sprints WORK! Ask Team Alpha Male! Warm-up with a 5-7 minute jog and run you 8 – 10 second sprints (all-out), then in 8 weeks look in the mirror, and your abs will pop! To all my Alpha Males out there, let’s teach our little ones and lead our families in the arena of physical fitness. There are many variations to the above exercises, but this will give you a solid foundation to start. So when you are sharing this experience with you child or children, know that time is constant and in a blink of an eye they will be grown, but the memories and love they will remember when you did the small things with them will last a lifetime. Make fitness a priority but most importantly, make spending time with them a necessity. Remember Alpha Males, 10 seconds left, your body wants to stop, SWEAT runs down your face, don’t quit; just remember my saying, “Drop and Give Me 10” and finish whatever it is you started! Patrick “Dr. FiT” Jamerson is the Owner of Next Level Fitness Professionals, LLC and owner of SWEAT by Dr. FiT formerly known as Dr. FiT’s Ultimate Training Studio.
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y
Dr. Quentin Washispack (Dr. Q). 12 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2014
Making a difference ‘Dr. Q’ is always on the right track to create a positive outcome By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Brandy Strain Dr. Quentin Washispack, or “Dr. Q” as he is often known, is difficult to summarize because he is so many things. A husband and father, minister, community leader, volunteer, world traveler and, of course, an avid LSU fan, Washispack is always busy but somehow also always has time for people. His wife, Lisette Washispack, said, “He’s a fun guy. He’s a hard worker. He loves family and tries to balance work and family. I know he loves my children and me, without question. He’s committed to God and he’s the spiritual leader in our family. He serves our family well.” She continued, “He’s very productive. He knows a lot of people and he’s really sincere in those relationships. He’s so gifted at being able to gather resources — people resources — so they can be utilized in a very good way. People call him when they have needs ... he kind of orchestrates people to meet needs. He’s able to network and connect people. To me, he does it effortlessly. It’s very innate for him.” Washispack is the father of four children: Abby, 24, of South Carolina, Hope, 22, who attends the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Seth, 20, who also attends UofA, and Ethan, who is a junior at Conway High School. He has a doctorate of ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been on staff at New Life church since 2008. Before that, he pastored two churches and then served as associate pastor at Fellowship Bible Church after moving to Conway in 2001. At New Life Church he oversees outreach and missions, and he also works with
Quentin and Lisette Washispack. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13
The Washispack family: Seth, Hope, Abby, Quentin, Lisette and Ethan.
an organization called Reach Global, which involves missions to China. “I’ve been to China like 44 times over the last 12 years,” he said. “I usually go three or four times a year. We bring mission teams to teach English as a second language, leadership principles or character.” He continued, “We send out about 500 people from New Life Church overseas (each year) to six different countries — China, Russia, Rwanda, Haiti, Guatemala and India. I oversee all of that,” he said. Washispack works with community volunteers through the Arkansas Dream Center, a nonprofit
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organization that does everything from tornado relief to planting flowers at public schools. He is involved in the Conway Ministerial Alliance and the Human Services Coalition and has served five years on the Conway Public School Board, and he was recently presented with the Good Neighbor Award by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute and served on the FCLI Curriculum Committee for six years. He noted it was important to him and his wife for their children to learn to serve others as well.
“Our kids have all been to China at least six times. In the summer we go on a mission trip. We want to be involved in serving as a family so they could grow up knowing what it was like to serve,” he said. Lisette Washispack said her husband calls their three older children daily, talks to them about what they having going on in their lives and prays with them. He also studies the Bible and prays regularly with their youngest child still living at home, she said. “He’s a great dad. He’ll be a great grandpa, too,” she said.
What’s His style?
Gift Ideas for DAD from The Kitchen Store and More
“Who doesn’t love a man who can cook? My husband Mike loved to make breakfast for our family on weekends and omelets were his specialty. I will always treasure those good times, great memories.” —Jeanne Smyers, owner at The Kitchen Store and More.
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R E TA I L T H E R A P Y
Son-in-law and mother-in-law duo, Erik Sward and Zanette Bell, are the owner of downtown’s newest addition: Bell & Sward Gentlemen’s Clothier. 16 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2014
Bell & Sward debuts downtown By Sheldon Slinkard Photos by Brandy Strain Downtown Conway has become home to many specialty boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. Walking down the current streets, it feels like a mini Milan where fashion reigns and bold styles are present on every corner. Bell & Sward Gentlemen’s Clothier, co-owned by Zanette Bell and Erik Sward aspires to bring fashion to the men of Conway. Walking into Bell & Sward enriches the senses. Colorful shirts and boxes of “Happy Socks,” are contrasted with wood floors and sophisticated leather chairs. Modern styles find home next to mounted antlers and hound paintings. The storefront and interior invites a host of individuals from the fashion guru, to the country boy looking to impress his gal. Sward had always wanted to run his own business. His keen sense of fashion and drive to bring trending clothes and accessories to the Conway area developed the idea for Bell & Sward. Along with Bell, the two approached Brad Lacy of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss the store and business plan. Lacy agreed that there was a need for a men’s clothier in the area and so the project continued. Other sup-
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Erik assists customer David Grimes with his purchases.
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The store has a great selection of shoes and belts from Martin Dingman and Johnston & Murphy.
porters of the two included men’s clothing guru, Lori Quinn, and Executive Director of Conway Downtown Partnership, Kim Williams. Co-owners Bell and Sward strive to bring customers the best quality and variety available. “My husband and I toured the South looking for high-end men’s clothing stores and the brands they had. We learned a lot about quality, brands, and what men really want,” said Bell. Sward explained that the Conway man drives the selection within the store. Their store, located at 1020 Oak St. offers men a new outlook on “the look.” Shirts range from bright and vibrant to more conservative color pallets and blazers are just as varied. “We have brands that fit all price points and age groups. Depending on who walks in and what they are looking for we can help them find the perfect selection,” said Sward. Brands range from Sward’s favorite, Peter Millar, to
brands for the younger crowd such as Johnnie-O and Southern Proper. Although the prices range from economy to highend each and every piece is of quality and in-style. No piece goes without an inspection from the Bell & Sward team. As the only men-specific clothing store in downtown, the duo are in the market to offer the best available and Bell & Sward is on the forefront of men’s fashion, bringing brands yet to be seen in Arkansas to the Conway public. “We have been blessed and well accepted by the community,” said Bell. The community has responded well to the customer service, quality of products, and warm environment of Bell & Sward. “We focus on the customer’s needs. Every man has a style and we aim to bring that style to him. Customers will request new items and we get it,” said Sward. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 19
SHOPPING
GIFTS FOR HIM
Assorted Tervis Tumblers, $15.99-$23.99. Available at The Kitchen Store.
Aunt Sadie’s Candles-assorted men’s themed candles, $18.99. Available at Statements.
Ultimate Grilling Basket $24.99. Stuffed Burger basket and press, $29.99. Kitchen towel, $6.99. Woo Pig Sooie Platter, $12.99. Three-piece BBQ tool set, $19.99. Available at The Kitchen Store.
Universal Battery/power banks, $49.99-$59.99. Available at Statements. 20 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2014
Weber gas grill. Available at Ace Hardware.
Wooden blue tooth speakers, $ 69.99. Available at Statements.
Apron, $12.50. 32-qt. Thermalloy aluminum stock pot, $109.54. Stock pot lid, $16.58. Steamer basket, $40.80. Thermometer, $18.66. Spoons, $3.10 each. Available at Tipton Equipment.
Assorted Harley-Davidson wallets and belt buckle, $30-$70. Available at Landers Toad Suck Harley-Davidson.
Assorted sizes of Yeti coolers. Available at Ace Hardware.
Harley-Davidson mesh jacket, $130. Summer gloves, $29-$35. Caps, $35. Available at Landers Toad Suck Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson cups and mugs, $15-$20. Available at Landers Toad Suck Harley-Davidson. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 21
FOOD
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A day -and foodfor Dad
When dads were asked, “what would you like to do for Father’s Day?” Here are the responses I received: • Play two rounds of golf with buddies • Watching and or coaching little league baseball • Have a few friends over and grill out burgers • Watch golf on television • One day barbeque road trip with the guys • Go to Baum Stadium to see the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team play • Hit the lake for some water skiing • Quiet day at the river fishing These are just some of many great ways for dads to enjoy their day. Most importantly, be sure you let your Dad know he is loved, and that you appreciate all that he does for you. A simple toast and orange juice in bed, to baking his favorite cookies for dessert; any small gesture will sure to please your one and only daddy! Dad’s enjoy your day, you deserve it!
New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp 1 pound large shrimp, raw, unpeeled 4 ounces bottled Italian dressing 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons black pepper 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 stick butter or ½ stick butter and 14 cup olive oil Wash shrimp and drain well. Melt butter. In 1 quart casserole dish, add all ingredients except shrimp and stir. Add shrimp, stirring gently. Cover and bake in preheated 350 degree oven, stirring occasionally for 25 to 30 minutes or until shrimp are bright pink. Serve shrimp and sauce in large soup bowls and French bread for dunking. Serves 2
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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Ice Cream Dessert 1 (20 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies ½ cup margarine, melted 1 ½ cups chopped peanuts ½ gallon vanilla ice cream, softened 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk 2/3 cup margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Crush all but 10 of the cookies. Combine crushed
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cookies in large bowl with melted margarine and peanuts. Press mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and freeze until cold. Spread softened ice cream over cold crust and freeze until set. Combine confectioners’ sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, ½ cup margarine and vanilla in large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 7 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely; pour mixture over ice cream and freeze until set.
HONORING MOM Saturday, May 11, My Country Y107 teamed up with Women’s Inc. to honor three very special Central Arkansas Mother’s while also supporting the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas. Za-Za’s catered the morning brunch at the Worsham Performance Hall on the Hendrix College Campus. Entertainment was provided courtesy of Preston Palmer Studios as the mothers were awarded some great tokens of appreciation from Tipton Equipment and Commercial Kitchen Store, Daisy A Day Florists, Statements, along with Dairy Queen, Kobe, Sears Hometown Store of Conway and All Brand Appliance. Decorations were provided by Events Rental and Floral and the atmosphere was festive and honorable for the 3 Amazing stories of the mothers of Deb Pate, Kristen Wroten and Priscilla Martin.
I’d like to nominate my Mom. “She’s the One” She’s the one that’ll be at every game, every play, and at every band concert. She’s the one that’ll tell me everything I may or may not want to know. She’s the one that’ll be my seatbelt when the person in front of me stops too suddenly or the foot brakes when she thinks I’m going too fast. She’s the one that has a clue when I need to get one and my hand when I’ve fallen and I can’t get up. She’s my eyes when I can’t see, my ears when I can’t hear, and my nose when I need to stop and smell the roses. She’s the one that’ll do anything and everything for me. She’s the one that has my back. She’s my best friend, the one I tell everything to, and the one I go everywhere with…. my Mother, Leetta Brewer.
Hi! I would like to nominate my mom, Sidney Matthews, to be honored this year for mothers day. First off, she is a mom of twins, giving birth to me and my sister almost 34 year ago. It takes a special mom to be a mother of multiples, constant bottle feeding, all the diaper changes, chicken pox at the same time, double the fun :)
WOMEN’S INC.
7 years later, she gave birth to our younger sister. She grew up very poor in the Cotton Plant/Des Arc area and I truly believe that she would do anything for myself and my sisters to have a better life that what she was given. She was in a tragic car accident about 10 years ago. She spent several days in the hospital on the ventilator and then weeks of physical therapy recovering from a broken arm, both broken legs and pelvic fractures.. Approx 1 1/2 years after the accident, she was faced with the decision to have to have her leg amputed. The bones would just not heal and she was in constant pain and never would be released to walk. She made this decision, so that she could walk again. She has had several setbacks including a fall that broke her hip, so although she is in a prosthesis, she still requires the use of crutches. She was working full time as a mail carrier at the time and her life changed in a matter of seconds and she had to retire because of her injuries. Although her life wasn’t as she may have planned, she has adapted with each setback and continues to make the best of what she is given. She is also the best Mimi to her three grandkids. She will drop whatever she is doing to spend time with them. She is also a true believer in “sending cards”. With all the changes of technology, email, social media, etc, she still takes the time out to send cards for your birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s day. You can count on getting a card from her to let you know that she cares about your special day. I would love to see my mom honored this Mother’s Day. She deserves to be pampered and honored for all of her love that she gives to us girls!!! Thank you!!! Priscilla Bockelman
My inspiration, role model, and best friend are all one person-my mother. A year ago, my mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease, a deadly combination. Matter of fact, most people diagnosed with this disease combination pass away within three years. For the longest time, I didn’t know that anything was even wrong. I knew she had arthritis, but at 17, my mom didn’t want to worry me with this information. When I finally found out, I felt my body deflate like a balloon and I couldn’t move. I was mad. Mad for her keeping it from me. Mad for it happening. Mad that I couldn’t fix it. I was heartbroken. Heartbroken that my best friend had just been given an expiration date. Heartbroken when I saw the heartbreak in my father’s eyes. Heartbroken that I had waisted valuable time I could have spent with her. But I was hopeful. Hopeful they were wrong. Hopeful she would be okay. Hopeful God would heal her. Astonishingly, he slowed the progress. Her lungs are holding steady, and while she’s not getting better, she’s not getting worse. Even more amazing than her steady health is her attitude. I have never seen her make excuses for herself. She is the most selfless person I’ve ever met or ever will meet. She is always searching for what she can do for me, my family, our friends, our neighbors, our church, and complete strangers. She’s always trying to honor others and give them credit and shine a little light on them. This is why I believe you should pick my mother to honor this May. I think it’s past time someone had the opportunity to shine a little light on her. -Kristen Wroten WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 25
LOCAL BEAUT Y SERVICES
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SALON ELEVEN: ‘BE MORE THAN A 10’ Salon Eleven is a place where clients can “be more than a 10.” Founded two and a half years ago by owner and stylist Erica Wickliffe, the salon has grown to include stylists Becca Lawson, Corey Short, DeShay Poe, Vicki Haile and Elizabeth Scherer. The stylists of Salon Eleven want each customer to look and feel incredible by providing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for every haircare experience. The stylists are professionals, who are always up-to-date on the latest styles and trends. They pride themselves in providing customers with the perfect haircuts and styles, extensions, coloring, highlights and texturizing. The salon provides haircuts to men, women and children. Stylists are also trained in the latest smoothing treatment technology and can style up-dos for proms, weddings and special occasions. The salon specializes in color and extensions of all types including Microchet, tape-in and Fusion. Salon Eleven is located at 1027 Front St., Suite 1. For appointments call (501) 205-8624.
THE SHOP
1050 BOB COURTWAY DRIVE, SUITE 101 (501) 327-7712
From the moment you interact with the staff, you’ll feel the love at The Shop. Equipped with six professional stylists: Yolanda Hickman, Latrice Flakes, Amber Henderson, Ramissa Delph, Anisha Adell, and Chandra Tidwell, are always prepared to meet hair care needs of women, men and children, including eyelashes. The Shop provides an atmosphere that encourages positivity amongst not only the stylists but also the clients. Staff at The Shop desires its clients to feel blessed to be involved in the business, know their importance, feel love, and know that their very existence matters. Mention this ad for 10% off services. Walk-ins are welcome or call for an appointment.
CUT ABOVE SALON
SALON ELEVEN
912 Chestnut Street (501) 327-1720
1027 Front Street, Suite 1 (501) 205-8624
The four stylists at Cut Above Salon: Shawna Evans, Owner & Stylist, Tonya Moix, Evon Collins and Peggy Bonds, want clients to come in and feel at home! ! Cut Above Salon is a family salon with a family atmosphere. Some clients have been using their services since childhood and now bring their own children in the salon. Cut Above Salon stylists, with over 100 years of combined experience, work together to do what’s best for their clients because customer satisfaction and enjoyable experience is Cut Above Salon’s top priority. Women, men, children and walk-ins are welcome. The salon is open at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday fro salon services from hair care to waxing and a full staff of color specialists.
Be more than a ten! Our stylists are owner Erica Wickliffe, DeShay Poe, Becca Lawson, Kacey Barton, Vicki Haile and Corey Short. We are always up to date on the latest hairstyles for men and women. All stylists are color specialists and do highlights and extensions too. We also offer facial waxing and shellac and manicures. Call today for an appointment!
HEAD TO TOES SALON 813 Oak St., Suite 3 (501) 336-8001
Looking for a salon where clients have a luxurious experience without the high-end cost? You’ll find that and more at Anne Clarizio’s Head to Toes Salon. It’s a modern, relaxed, upscale salon that appeals to all ages. The stylists have more than 60 years’ experience in the industry while staying on trend with changing fashions. Head to Toes has a full menu of top quality hair and nail services including color correction and hair extensions; manicures, pedicures, shellac, gel and acrylic nails. You can mention this review and get a free eyebrow wax with your service valued over $25. Men, women and children will enjoy the upscale experience at Head to Toes salon where with or without an appointment, you’ll come in as a client but you’ll be treated as a friend!
SHERI’S SALON
Chrissa Smith 1100 Main Street, Suite 8 (501) 472-4553
Sheri’s Salon, owned by Sheri Lowry, is a quaint little shop located in Downtown Conway near the post office and Regions Bank. The salon is perfect for women, men and children. It’s a great place for haircuts for the family, as well as perms, color, highlights and specialty styles and updos. We strive to make our clients feel comfortable, relaxed and beautiful. Chrissa Smith is formerly from Jo-La-Ru and went to work in Greenbrier. Now Chrissa is back in Conway. Sheri and Chrissa have worked together for more than 13 years. Chrissa brings 24 years’ experience to the salon. Call Chrissa for an appointment today.
STUDIO SKIN 1016 Oak Street (501) 358-4653
Located in Conway’s Historic Downtown. Studio Skin offers corrective skin care treatments, provided by our Aesthetician with 11+ years experience in the medical field supervised by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Studio Skin also offers all injectables: Botox, Restyline, Juvederm, Radiesse and Boletoro. All injectables are provided by a Registered Nurse who has been doing these treatments for 8 years. Our studio also offers hair services with a staff of 5 hair stylists always up to date on the latest styles, color, highlights, and extensions. Other popular services offered at Studio Skin: Full body waxing, shellac manicures and pedicures, personalized airbrush tanning, eyelash tinting/perming, and a boutique full of unique jewelry, handbags, and gift ideas as well as top of the line professional skin and hair care products such as Moroccan Oil, Kevin Murphy, Keratin Complex, Glo Minerals, Skinceuticals, and Theraderm.
ADRIENNE’S ULTIMATE U SALON 809 Court St., Conway, 501-450-9100 1002 West 37th, North Little Rock, (501) 812-4822
Customer satisfaction is the number one priority at Adrienne’s Ultimate U Salon! Clients look better and feel better after a professional salon experience where stylists are personable and have more than 20 years’ experiencing servicing clients. Adrienne’s Ultimate U Salon staff in Conway: Polletta Johnson, Carol Black, Antonia Byrd and Shaun Ruth, plus Gina Porter and Ariel Pitts in NLR strive to give their clients the ultimate salon experience they deserve. The Ultimate U Salon opens early to accommodate clients’ schedules because meeting clients’ needs is Adrienne Tolbert and her staff’s top priority. Women and children are welcome to experience the best in hair care and other special services like eyelashes and eyebrow arches. College and senior discounts are available. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 27
H O M E S : M A N C AV E
A PLACE TO GET AWAY RYAN ALLEN’S NEW HOME HAS A SPACE TO CALL HIS OWN By Michelle Corbet Photos by Brandy Strain Brittney Williamson created the ultimate space for her husband Ryan Allen to come home, kick back and be a dude at their new home in Greenbrier. Allen’s man cave comes complete with a big screen TV, spacious leather couch and hunting mementos. The bottom half of the walls have been repurposed with old rustic barn metal to give it that back woods country feel. Allen’s HDTV sits on an old chicken incubator, and his coffee table, perfect for snacks or tired feet, is fashioned from an old metal and wood tool box. A cow hide rug is laid across the floor underneath a redneck chandelier of deer antlers topped with miniature lampshades. “I wanted to make him his own place he could come home and relax and feel comfortable in since the entire house is girly,” Williamson said. “He is a redneck and hunting is his serenity.”
Old tin is used as a wainescotting around the room. 28 WOMEN’S INC. / JUNE 2014
A deer antler chandiler is a focal point in this man cave. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 29
Reclaimed barn wood was used on the ceiling in the stairwell leading to the man cave room.
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HAVEN KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 31
ARKANSAS SHAKESPEARE THEATRE WELCOME PARTY
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COMMUNITY
The men of Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre By Michelle Corbet
Jordan Coughtry A couple years ago when Jordan Coughtry talked about joining Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre for the summer, a lot of his theatre friends from New York City questioned the quality of Shakespeare in Arkansas. “When we met everybody and we had our first read through, it was Richard III, and my wife and I looked at each other and our jaws dropped,” he said. “The best Shakespeare we’ve ever done in our careers has been here. It totally shocked and surprised us.” Coughtry said ARS is Shakespeare as it should be, “which is the most exciting and the most fun way possible,” he said. “All the plays are about who we are and why we do these deep, astonishing things we do,” Coughtry said. Coughtry originally wanted to go into politics, but quickly realized the disconnect between politicians’ causes and the policies they implement. In college, Coughtry was performing in a play and he remembers saying a particular line and seeing the entire audience click and connect with one idea. “That’s when I started thinking with theatre I could be in the same room with people and everyone could connect with one idea — not a policy or a law, but a thought,” he said. Coughtry had found a way to be a vehicle for change in a more personal, individualized way. Coughtry will be playing the title role of Hamlet and Proteus in Two Gentlemen of Verona. When Coughtry played Feste in Twelfth Night a couple of years ago, he had the opportunity to write original music for the production. This year, Coughtry is turning some of Shakespeare’s original sonnets into songs for Two Gentlemen of Verona. Coughtry’s wife, Nisi Sturgis, says if Shakespeare wrote it, it’s happening today.
Coughtry says his wife is right, “it’s happening right now because [Shakespeare] wrote about what makes us human,” he says. In a cross-country drive from his honeymoon in Victoria Canada to Conway, Coughtry memorized his lines for Hamlet. “My wife would hold the script in the passenger seat and have me read the lines back to her,” he said. Coughtry describes his role of Hamlet as “a great big part in a great big play.” Having just lost his mother in December, Coughtry said exploring the role of Hamlet has taken him on a personal journey exploring the human experience of loss, and the questions that come with it. “Shakespeare really captures grief in a unique and beautiful way,” he said. Each job is incredibly different, Coughtry says, actors get to be different people and live in different times all while exploring new ideas and examining the human experience. “Ultimately we get to think about and explore different ideas and examine humanity in different ways,” he said. “We get to explore and study different aspects of our history and our present in deep and meaningful ways for us. In each play we do it shapes our life and understanding.”
In addition to the title role of Pippin this summer Whitehead will also play Bernardo in Hamlet and the role of one of the Players in the murder scene. “I just graduated and I’m still trying to find myself and figure out where I’m going like Pippin’s internal struggle of figuring out what he wants to do and getting the most fulfillment out of whatever he wants to do — that’s what I’m going through right now,” Whitehead says. At a transitional point in his life, having just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre, Whitehead says he’s not sure what aspect of theatre he wants to do whether it be acting, directing, etc. Right now, Whitehead is embracing the idea of traveling from town to town and meeting new people along the way, but he says he could see himself settling down as he approaches his mid-30s by going back to grad school or becoming a teacher. “I definitely believe that family is one of the most important things in the world,” he says. Whitehead says while reading through the script for Pippin, he’s had a lot of the character’s same thoughts go through his own mind. “I’m going out into a world where there’s no protection,” he said, “but at the same time it’s exciting and new, so I’m going through a lot of the same things as Pippin.” As a kid, Whitehead tried sports and academic ventures, but never found his passion until he auditioned for a show at a local community theatre. “People get really excited about musicals, and it’s an amazing feeling to know you just brought that much excitement and joy to a community,” he says. Whitehead says the highlights and pitfalls of the career are one in the same. “The difficulties of not having stability and not knowing where you’re going to be or what [job] you’re going to get next — it’s all open, but there’s a certain thrill about that,” he says. One of the most difficult aspects of his career, he says, are the times he has to say goodbye to the friends he’s made a long the way, and the effort it takes to sustain those friendships and relationships. While there’s no telling where he’ll work or whom he’ll meet next, Whitehead says, the life of an actor is a thrilling and exciting experience.
Garrett Whitehead
Dan Matisa
Whitehead was first introduced to AST as an intern last summer. He had such a great time, he said, he had to audition again this year. “I feel like there’s a lot of weight on my shoulders because I went from interning to a title role, but I’m really exciting,” he said. [Whitehead performed in last year’s hit, Oliver!, as a member of the ensemble, said Mary Ruth Marotte, AST executive director. “His gorgeous vocals in that show stood out so distinctly that he was cast as Pippin this year. We are thrilled to have this talented young man lend his talent to this important role,” she said.
Dan Matisa has been involved with Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre since Matt Chiorini founded the company in 2006. Chiorini hired Matisa to be in the first productions of Midsummer Nights Dream and Man of La Mancha and he has been back nearly every season since. “[Matisa] is a veteran of AST, having performed in seven of our eight seasons, most recently as Richard in Richard III in our 2012 season,” said Mary Ruth Marotte, AST executive director. “Everyone loves Dan’s performances, and year after year audiences ask for — demand — his return.” WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 33
Matisa says there’s not only great work in Conway, but great people too. “I really love coming back here year after year — the people, not only the people I work with, but the people who support the shows and come to see the shows . . . everyone is so supportive of this festival,” he said. The way Conway supports ARS is unlike other places, Matisa says. In this region ARS is one of the few Shakespeare festivals that has experienced growth, he says, it’s rare. Matisa has been a professional actor based in New York City for the past 15 years working primarily in regional theatre. Shakespeare Master John Basil trained him in a theatre repertory known as the Asolo Conservatory at Florida State University. In September, Matisa began teaching Shakespeare as a full-time assistant professor at Elon University. “I always knew at some point I wanted to give back and teach to give the next generation an appreciation for Shakespeare and acting,” he said. He’s worked with Shakespeare festivals across the country, but has never been able to truly “sink his teeth” into the art of Shakespeare like he has with AST, he says. Each season carries special memories for Matisa, but he says the spring 2012 performance of Richard III was the role of a lifetime. “The only negative thing I can say about that experience is that it didn’t go on longer,” he said. “Every show has to close at some point.” This year, Matisa is playing the Ghost of Hamlet’s late father and King Claudius in Hamlet and King Charles in Pippin. Matisa says he’s particularly looking forward to this year’s production of Hamlet because the audience will be on stage with the actors. “The audience is right up close, so we can have initiate moments with them — break what’s called the fourth wall by speaking directly to them and look into their eyes to see what their reactions are, and I love that — that’s my favorite thing,” Matisa says.
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