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DR. LAURA HARDIN HAS JOINED DR. JOSIAH ONYENEKWE AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS FAMILY PRACTICE. Saline Health System is proud to welcome Dr. Laura Hardin, Family Practice Physician to Central Arkansas Family Practice. Dr. Hardin is board certified with 15 years of clinical experience. She graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at Northwest Arkansas AHEC. She is now accepting new patients!

(501) 574-7237 Building B | Suite 308

EDITOR’S LETTER

Duck hunting, for some, isn’t just a recreational sport—it’s a religion.

With that being said, some would say that going duck hunting in Arkansas borders on going to heaven. The Natural State is arguably one of the country’s top waterfowling destinations. With over 1,000 wildlife management areas, no matter where you go in the state, you aren’t ever far from good duck hunting. Whether you hunt rice fields or flooded timber, we are right in the middle of a duck hunter’s dream. Sounds amazing, right? Well, I never would have known, because over the years I would never go.

At the age of 37, and having lived only 65 miles from the proclaimed “duck capital of the world” for my entire life, I finally experienced duck hunting for the first time. Let me set the story up. It’s the final weekend of duck season when my friend and neighbor Dexter, an avid hunter, invites me to tag along. So I set my alarm for 4:30 AM as we prep to head out to the hallowed ground of flooded rice fields. Dressed from head-to-toe in borrowed waders from my buddy, we had our butts in the blind with 15 minutes to spare before sunrise. The morning came and went. I enjoyed a crash course of Duck Hunting for Dummies, as I held on to high aspirations of bagging my first mallard, wood duck, or pintail.

We saw thousands of ducks, but I guess they were all smarter than our duck calls and decoys, because they stayed a safe distance from any range my bullets could travel. I fired my gun twice, just for the sake of shooting. Sadly the only thing I had to show for it was a bruise the size of a baseball on my bicep. I guess I’ve still got a lot to learn when it comes the art of the hunt. Better yet, maybe I should just stick to one of my favorite childhood Nintendo games, Duck Hunt.

That iconic “zapper” video game was released in 1985 and was the first of its kind. I loved Mario Bros. and Mike Tyson Punch-Out as much as the next guy, but there was always something so alluring about the opportunity to shoot those virtual ducks. This was a monumental game that every kid in the 80’s has almost certainly played.

Whether you find yourself in a duck blind or a Barcalounger, we are all just big kids at heart! We live in a beautiful state and the time for more fun is upon us.

While we start getting into warmer months of spring and summer, the possibility for entertainment increases! That is why in the “Go Play” Edition of Saline County Lifestyles, we want to show our community ways to optimize their opportunities.

Your town. Your life. Your magazine.

2021 Volume 14, Issue 2

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Josh Elrod

jelrod@ignite-mediagroup.com

ART DIRECTOR Krystal Neuhofel krystal@salinecountylifestyles.com

CONTRIBUTORS Contributing Writers

Carrie Amox Dennia Beard Carolyn Buckner Charles Crowson Peter Cunningham Justin Elrod Jillian Jacuzzi Marietta McClure Nate Olson Dr. Michael Pafford Gina Simpson Dr. Sam Taggart IDEAS/COMMENTS If you have a story idea or comment, please email us at: feedback@salinecountylifestyles.com

ADVERTISING If you are interested in advertising in Saline County Lifestyles please email us at: info@ignite-mediagroup.com

JOSH ELROD Publisher & Editor

Saline County Lifestyles is published by:

Ignite Media Group P.O. Box 861 Bryant, AR 72089 www.salinecountylifestyles.com Articles should not be considered specific advice as circumstances vary per individual. Advertised products and/or services are not necessarily endorsed by Ignite Media Group.

2 • Saline County Lifestyles

CONTENTS

A NEW Farmers Bank & Trust Branch

EVERETT GOOD NEWS

NOTES FROM DR SAM

FITNESS TIPS

SERVING BENTON & BRYANT NOW OPEN ON HIGHWAY 5

HEALTH UPDATE

+MyFarmers iTeller ITM with expanded weekday and Saturday hours.

INSURANCE INSIGHT

04 07 08 10 12 14 18 22 24 32 34

ARKANSAS MARINE

BIG ROCK FUN PARK

BROOKHILL RANCH

CARTER OFF-ROAD

MAGIC SPRINGS

RIVER CENTER SPLASH PAD

FAITH FOCUS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

MyFarmers.Bank

BUILDING A LEGACY

38 40 42

Saline County Lifestyles • 3

4 • Saline County Lifestyles

When it comes to significant weather events, years from now Arkansans will be saying, “Remember February of 2021?”

During that month the arctic climate moved south and broke record lows and snowfall totals that had been in place for over a century. Saline County’s low was a brutal minus six degrees, and certain areas received more than 12 inches of fine powdery snow on top of a thin layer of ice.

While the 2021 Snowmageddon was a beautiful sight and provided hours of fun sledding and building snow statues, it also caused major disruptions to electrical and water services here in Saline County.

In addition to this tremendous display of teamwork, Benton Utilities was able to set up two water distribution stations for our citizens with a lot of help from others.

According to David Vondran, General Manager of Benton Utilities, approximately 16,000 households or 40,000 people were without water for roughly eight full days; from noon on Thursday, February 18, until noon on Friday, February 25.

“The initial, damaged fire hydrant leak was repaired by 3 PM on the first day; however, this leak was on a large, 16” water main. There was a lot of water lost in a short amount of time that first morning. Ensuing leaks continued to occur throughout the next 48 hours. These leaks were in various locations throughout the city, which broadened and compounded the effects on our water system and our consecutive water customers.”

The leaks caused a loss of water pressure whose effect was twofold.

First, it prevented public and

private restroom facilities from functioning properly. Second, it resulted in an advisory boil order that interfered with operations of school cafeterias and restricted the use of commercial ice machines and soda fountains in local restaurants.

Mayor Tom Farmer reached out to Dwight Everett and other local businesses for help. “We realized there was a crisis when the mayor of Benton reached out to Dwight and said the city needed water and he was having a hard time finding available water,” recalls Susie Everett. The Everett dealerships immediately responded to the call for help and donated water to the city. It wasn’t long before the schools also contacted Everett to ask for assistance with water needed for every student in order to reopen for classes. “Everett Buick GMC and Everett Chevrolet had already stockpiled water for the schools to be available during the pandemic for students. When the crisis for water became known we already had the resources, and instead of slowly and steadily giving water to the schools, we gave it all at once!”

After the water was donated, it took an amazing team effort to coordinate and distribute water to those in need. “Allison Drennon, our marketing manager at Everett Infiniti, coordinated the event. Our marketing managers, Lacy Brooks from Everett Buick GMC, Keeleigh Pitchford from Everett Chevrolet, and Olivia O’Neil, continued to supervise and make this distribution happen,” adds Susie. The Benton football team and coaches worked with many members of the Everett sales team to load 19,200 bottles of water at the dealership and unload at each school location. “We believe in giving back and try to be proactive as much as possible. If a need arises, we want to step up and help if at all possible. Our community is important and all of us need to work together and do what we can and give where we are able.”

In addition to this tremendous display of teamwork, Benton Utilities was able to set up two water distribution stations for our citizens with a lot of help from

Saline County Lifestyles • 5

FOR 2021

others. “Saline County Judge Jeff Arey and Mr. Brandon Guillot, with the Saline County Office of Emergency Management, assisted with the deployment of the Army National Guard. Water tankers referred to as ‘buffaloes’ were used to make potable water available to those who could make it out to the locations,” says David Vondran.

Mayor Farmer had this to say about the combined efforts of so many to get through the emergency caused by unpredictable Arkansas weather: “Our utilities were completely outstanding in responding to the crisis from all aspects. As soon as they were made aware of the situation they began work and did not stop working until everything was up to par for citizens. The water department, even though the weather temperatures were frigid, stayed after the problem to resolve it for our citizens.”

With the donations from the Everett dealerships and others, cases of bottled water were issued to those who reported to Benton Utilities that they were without water. The Mayor commended the water department on its persistence in fixing ongoing problems. “As things got fixed there seemed to be a little chain reaction and other things broke, but this did not discourage water department workers as they rose to each occasion to resolve the problems as quickly as they could to get water back to the citizens. Just another demonstration that together we can do more in our city.”  Carolyn Buckner

6 • Saline County Lifestyles

ILL F D N PON LAO C U

Last Day to Purchase November 24, 2021 at noon

Coupons Expire November 30, 2021

Good Day,

this ride did much the same.

I hope this note finds you well.

We generally followed the main thoroughfares around the state but seldom ventured onto the busy highways. Part of our time was spent in small towns like South Lead Hill, Hackett, Horatio, and Kirby but most of the time was spent out in the country, deep in the mountains, the Delta, Crowley’s Ridge, river crossings, cotton and rice fields.

Between COVID and the winter weather, we have all had a good deal to contend with this year. I would guess that many of you are beginning to think longingly of a “staycation” that would be fun and wouldn’t overwhelm your pocketbook.

I have a great trip for you.

Last fall, Ms. Annette and I, along with eight of our biking buddies, took a four-week trip riding the Four Corners of Arkansas. We left Hot Springs on our bicycles, headed west toward Y-City, then north to Bentonville. We then turned east to Piggott in the northeast corner of the state, then south to Lake Village, where we aimed west to Texarkana.

At Texarkana we rode north to De Queen and then back to Hot Springs.

It took us twenty-four days and 1200 miles, in what we have called the Four Corners Bicycle Ride of Arkansas.

Back in the 1960s, Charles Kuralt created a series of reports for CBS called “On the Road.” In one of his first shows, he remarked that it was hard to get a real-life view of America from the freeway; he spent his time on small backroads and out-of-theway places. Those of us who rode

We stayed in small motor courts like the Southern Nights Motel in Waldron and the Carlton-Marion Inn in Yellville. These small inns were a favorite among our riders. They were clean, inexpensive and the people were delightful. Another of our favorites was the Piggott Inn, an old bank converted into a B&B on the square in Piggott.

Ms. Annette was successful in acquiring reservations at Village Creek State Park on Crowley’s Ridge and Lake Chicot State Park outside of Lake Village. On the last night of our trip we stayed at Self Creek Resort on Lake Greeson. The cabins there are magnificent. All of these places are worth a visit.

One of the highlights of the trip was each of our midday lunch stops.

The Main Street Café in Hackett, Arkansas fixes a great cheeseburger.

Big Daddy’s Pigalicious BBQ in Corning serves a wonderful pulledpork sandwich. The Nest in Cherry Valley fixes a mean fried bologna sandwich. L.J.s Café and Bait Shop in Lake Village does a great breakfast.

The Wooden Spoon in Foreman serves a delightful noon special.

Whether you go by bicycle, motorcycle, RV or car, I would encourage you to get re-acquainted with small-town Arkansas. Get a copy of the Deloorme Atlas of Arkansas. For those who are interested, I have included my email address. (samtaggart@att.net) If you will email me, I will send you an electronic version of our turn-byturn trip route with tips on places to stay and places to eat. Whatever you do, take your photographic eye and be ready to be amazed.

Have a good journey and stay safe.

Sam Dr. Sam Taggart is a retired doctor/ writer/ marathon runner in practice in Benton for the last 35 years. He recently published The Public’s Health: A narrative history of health and disease in Arkansas, published by the Arkansas Times.

His two other books, With a Heavy Heart and We All Hear Voices are available at your local booksellers or online at Amazon.com.

Saline County Lifestyles • 7

ACTIVE

Lifestyle

FITNESS TIPS Getting Started (again)

By Marietta McClure, Head Trainer, McClure Fitness

Low-impact exercises are great ways to keep your muscles working while you’re pregnant, dealing with an injury, getting over a sickness or surgery or you’re just getting started on your fitness journey. Or maybe your body is starting to age and you need to take your workouts down a notch. Most everyone has fallen into one or more of these categories before, myself included. No matter your current physical state, I want to encourage you to pick one or two low-impact exercises to slowly get your body moving (again).

It’s important to get uncomfortable while working out (your body can’t change unless you get out of your comfort zone). But you can do too much too soon, so let’s cover some great ways to get in a heart-pumping workout without worrying about injury or pain.

Trainers define low-impact as any exercise where one foot stays grounded at all times. Here are my top picks: 1. Strength Training You’ll build muscle with bodyweight and free-weight exercises like pushups, squats, bicep curls, and chest presses. The older you get, the more important it is to work on keeping your muscles strong.

8 • Saline County Lifestyles

2. Cycling Whether you’re on a stationary bike or road bike, cycling takes all the pressure off your knees, hips and back. You’ll get a heart-pumping, calorie-burning workout without stressing your joints. (I switched to cycling while pregnant.)

3. Rowing You’ll work your arms, back, legs, and core while seated, and definitely benefit from breaking your muscles down while getting your heart rate up.

to the low-impact definition where “one foot is grounded” because your body composition is different in the water. Start with swimming laps, and add two laps each time.

7. Walking This stress-free exercise is one you can do anywhere, anytime. It’s a nonintimidating way for beginners to get started. To get out of your comfort zone, add ankle weights, distance, or find hills to walk. You’ll be breathless in no time. Be proud of that progress!

4. Yoga

Why do we NEED to exercise?

It’s been around for hundreds of years for good reasons: the slowmoving practice stretches your muscles while working flexibility and balance. I highly recommend getting in 30-45 minutes of yoga every week; this is something everyone can and should do.

The non-scale benefits of exercise are undeniably important: you will feel better, have more energy, be more productive during the day, increase your metabolism and simply be friendlier.

One of the trainers at McClure Fitness said it best:

5. Barre

“Our bodies were made to move and the more we move, the more we WANT to move.” - Kari Sterling

You’ll use the ballet barre for balance as you work small muscle groups with resistance bands and twopound weights. Expect a full-body resistance-training workout as you strengthen your core, legs, and arms.

6. Swimming If you have access to a pool, use it!

This form of exercise is the exception

There are more unfit people than fit people, which is why this particular article is so important. I want those of you who have been putting off exercising to pick one of these options and start moving your body. Your future self will thank you for taking action! 

READY

to BE A HORNET?

READY

Creating MORE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS Bryant Public Schools has a strong academic focus that challenges and prepares students to achieve success.

We’re all about offering MORE ...

to BE A April 10 and April 11, 9am-2pm HORNET? Kindergarten Registration

MORE opportunities for...

Child must be five (5) years of age on or before August 1 in order to be eligible.

Kindergarten Registration

Parents must provide the following records to complete registration requirements:

ACADEMICS Official Birth Certificate Kindergarten Physical Examination Immunization Record Child must be five (5) years of age on or before August 1 in order to be eligible.

Social Security Card (or nine-digit number will be assigned by school upon parent request) • Proof of Residence ARTS Parents must provide the following records to complete registration requirements: Includes Current Real Estate Assessment (if home owner) OR Personal Property •Assessment renting); AND a current rent receipt, utility bill or Official Birth(if Certificate deposit receipt with name andExamination physical address.

• Kindergarten Physical • • • •

April 10 and April 11, 9am-2pm

• Immunization Record • Social Security Card (or nine-digit number will be assigned by school upon parent Download registration forms at bit.ly/HornetReady2019-20. request) ATHLETICS • Proof of Residence Includes Current Real Estate Assessment (if home owner) OR Personal Property Assessment (if renting); AND a current rent receipt, utility bill or deposit receipt with name and physical address.

Students should register at their zoned elementary school.

ACTIVITIES Download registration forms at bit.ly/HornetReady2019-20.

Visit bryantschools.org/parents/zoning-information With so many opportunities to determine where to register your student for kindergarten. in academics, arts, athletics

Students should register and activities, there is a at their zoned elementaryplace school. for everyone.

Now accepting limited School Choice.

Visit bryantschools.org/parents/zoning-information to determine where to register your student for kindergarten.

Bryant Public Schools

Creating Opportunities for Success

Find your opportunity at

bryantschools.org

Bryant Public Schools Creating Opportunities for Success

bryantschools.org Saline County Lifestyles • 9

HEALTHY

Lifestyle

HEALTH UPDATE

By Dr. Michael Pafford, MD Saline Memorial Hospital

Looking around my office at the pictures I’ve displayed, I have had an epiphany: Essentially all these are pictures of me during play! I failed to post a single picture of myself after a car wreck. Also missing is a picture of me mowing the lawn. How could I have forgotten to display the picture of myself paying bills last week?

Those kinds of pictures don’t get taken, let alone make it to display, because those aren’t the essential activities in our life. Play, defined broadly as engaging in activity purely for enjoyment or recreation, takes center stage in our life even before we master the ability to walk as an infant.

When we examine what it means to be healthy, we find that a central characteristic of healthy adults is play.

So, what are the scientific foundations of play in a healthy lifestyle?

The medical literature regarding play is so broad that finding a starting point is a monumental task. Play is discussed in neurodevelopment as well as in neuropathology of addiction. Play is a focus of research in neuroendocrinology, but also in neuroanatomical remodeling after injury and nearly everywhere in between. But regardless of which branch of literature you examine, two recurring themes become apparent in research about play: neural plasticity and neurotransmitters.

Your nervous system consists of 10 • Saline County Lifestyles

two categories of cells: the supporting cells and the functioning cells. The supporting cells actually make up the bulk of the nervous system. These are fat cells, fiber cells, immune cells, blood vessels, and special cells that nourish and repair the functioning cells. The functioning cells are called neurons. These are the cells that connect with each other in certain areas of your brain to initiate a wide range of phenomena like hand movements and memories.

Neurons also form the chain of connections that carry the initiation signal throughout the body to where that intention is expressed. Therefore, the interconnection of neurons is the essence of brain function. Neural plasticity encompasses the nervous system’s ability to form and reform connections between neurons. It was Aristotle that said, “The energy of the mind is the essence of life,” and without neural plasticity, there can be no energy of the mind. From a baby’s first cry after birth to a dying grandmother’s last breath, the nervous system constantly remakes itself, and play drives that remodeling.

When hamsters are isolated from social play, the structure of their neuron connections in the brain area named the prefrontal cortex is altered in such a way that they exhibit social defeat stress. What this means in plain English is, if you prevent a young hamster from

playing with his hamster friends, he quits and turns into a mentally unhealthy adult hamster. But further, the foundation of the unhealthy change is the anatomical structure of his brain! This is what is meant with phrases like “scarred for life.”

On the positive side, neural plasticity is the foundation of a growing field of addiction treatment called Adventure Therapy. Because play and reward, pain and addiction all share the same brain chemicals, Adventure Therapy uses play and the brain chemicals it generates to restructure the brain toward rewarding bursts of those brain chemicals. Forms of play therapy are also showing promise in recovery from neurologic injury such as traumatic brain injury and stroke.

The other recurring theme mentioned above is neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals neurons use at their connections to carry certain signals from one neuron to the next. It turns out that play stimulates production of many different neurotransmitters, and generation of neurotransmitters helps explain some of the benefits of play.

For instance, a neuroscience group in 2011 found that laughter correlated with increased pain tolerance.

This matters because previous groups had demonstrated that pain tolerance equates to generation of

With spring around the corner, I encourage you to follow the birds’ lead. Get out and play! endorphins within the brain, because endorphins do not cross in or out of the brain. Endorphin generation has long been held to help explain reported reductions in pain (Runners High) from athletes and people who exercise regularly.

Other forms of play generate endorphins as well as other positive neurotransmitters such as met-enkephalin and Insulinlike growth factor 1. Scientists in 2010 demonstrated that rough-and-tumble play generated ILGF-1 and that its production correlated with positive emotional states in rats. They postulated that targeting ILGF-1 might provide a therapeutic intervention for depression and anxiety.

Finally, what about singing? Is singing a form of play? By our definition above, if you engage in singing purely for enjoyment or recreation then yes, singing is a form of play. Have you ever heard a bird singing so vigorously that you thought to yourself: “That little guy must be happy!”? There is evidence to suggest part of birdsong is driven by happiness!

Birdsong comes in different forms; most of it is directed singing (attracting a mate), but undirected singing is also recognized. Song directed at a mate receives clear positive reinforcement from obtaining a mate. But even undirected singing stimulates dopamine release in the reward centers of the birdbrain and is intrinsically reinforced by immediate release of opioids induced by the act of singing itself. This means that for birds, their song is its own reward.

For us humans, play is its own reward. There is no doubt that continued play marks the healthy life. With spring around the corner, I encourage you to follow the birds’ lead. Get out and play!  Saline County Lifestyles • 11

FAMILY

Lifestyle

INSURANCE INSIGHT Safety On The Slopes

By Dennia Beard, State Farm Insurance

It wasn’t a perfect day for skiing.

The temperature hung around freezing and parts of the lower part of the mountain had begun to wear patches of mud and grass, a reminder of the fact that it was warming up in Utah and spring was right around the corner. My 12- and 10-year-old daughters both knew there weren’t many trails open, but you wouldn’t have guessed it from their extreme excitement.

We paused briefly for a photo at the top of the mountain and then we were off, feeling the snow beneath our skis, the fresh air on our faces and loving every minute of being together.

At the end of this all-too-brief run, our lift rides gave us a chance to compare notes and talk about

12 • Saline County Lifestyles

our technique. My husband and daughters couldn’t stop grinning and neither could I. My 10-year-old daughter said, “Mom, put your skis closer together and you’ll go faster. You’re so slow!”

Easy kid. This is my “in control comfort zone.” Without question, the highlights of our week are always our days on the mountains, enjoying the snow, the speed, the scenery and the fun of sharing an activity we all love.

I love to watch the snow-covered pine trees slide right past me. It is then when I realize that it was all worth it. It was completely worth all of the effort of getting all of our ski stuff organized, packing the bags and enduring the strain of travel.

Family ski vacations are like that. It takes a bit of planning, but I always find they pay off in these wonderful moments of sincere family joy.

Bonding with your family through skiing is always a really good plan. Few other sports combine the spectacular scenery with the chance to rocket down a mountain at speeds at more than 40 mph as the wind whistles through your helmet (a key part of your ski equipment) as you go. But – as with all sports – skiing can be RISKY. This is a sport that demands to be

taken seriously if accidents are to be avoided. Ski safety is probably one of the things that kids hear about the least, but need to be reminded of the most. As a ski mom, I used to feel like I spent all my energy on the hill telling kids to “Slow down,” “Watch out” and “Be careful.” After all, I had to keep them safe, right? Wrong. I was going about things completely wrong.

Instead of teaching my kids how to be safe and why they need to ski a certain way, I was just protecting them in the moment. Kids need to understand ski safety before they ever hit the slopes. We want to keep them safe, but we also want to keep other people safe on the hill too. Here are a few tips for kids to know before getting on a ski hill.

1. Always wear a helmet. It might help your kids want to wear their helmets if you let them pick out their favorites.

2. Practice getting up safely after falling. While falling down is a given for kids learning how to ski, it is important they know to point their skis across the hill so that don’t continue sliding.

3. Stay together while skiing.

4. Set a meeting place in case you become separated. It is also very helpful to take a photo of your child in the beginning of the day

FAMILY

Lifestyles

I love to watch the snow-covered pine trees slide right past me. It is then when I realize that it was all worth it. in case you are separated and need the help of others to find them.

5. Follow all posted signs and know who has the right-of-way. Talk to your kids about why those rules exist and the consequences for breaking them.

Unfortunately, ski accidents do happen and they can be costly. Some of the most common ski injuries are knee sprains, fractures, broken legs, and even cranial injuries.

Health insurance will provide financial protection in case you have a serious accident or illness.

A hospital indemnity insurance plan can be particularly helpful because the majority of Americans don’t have enough money to cover unplanned medical bills.

The payments from a hospital indemnity plan may be used for any purpose, including medical copays.

Monthly cost will depend on the plan and your age, gender, and possibly tobacco use. I would advise contacting your insurance agent to find out more about this product before your trip. There is a certain peace that comes with knowing you are properly prepared and financially protected from the unexpected.

Over the years my family has taken numerous vacations to different ski resorts, and every time we have found a similar sense of connection. In just a few short weeks, my kids will be out of school, the temperatures will be rising and my family will be headed back to Park City, Utah where the snow will be soft and creamy.

I have truly enjoyed celebrating the approach of spring with this little heart-to-heart article about my favorite spring break activity.

Whatever it is that you are doing with your family this spring break, I hope safety is a top priority and it is the best trip you have ever had. 

Dennia Beard, Agent 501-778-6066 www.insurebenton.com BENTON LOCATION

1408 Military Road Benton, AR 72015 FORDYCE LOCATION

1112 W. 3rd. St. Fordyce, AR 71742 SERVICES: Auto Insurance Home and Property Insurance Life Insurance Health Insurance

Saline County Lifestyles • 13

Arkansas Marine proudly says they ‘sell fun on the water,’ and Arkansans looking forward to summer and quality time with friends and family in the great outdoors are in luck—the Natural State has a plethora of water play available.

With so many truly awesome lakes in the central Arkansas area, there is a lot of fun to be had in 2021. Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Catherine and Beaver Lake are some of the most well known

in the state for water fun. Tubing, skiing, jetskiing, wakeboarding, cruising and swimming are just a few of the water activities that await.

Fishing in the Natural State is also another great way to have fun.

Norfork Lake, the White River, Buffalo River, Bull Shoals Lake and the Arkansas River are known for their consistent beauty and fishing bounty. Popular game fish in Arkansas include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and trout. But anglers can enjoy the

MERRY & BRIGHT

14 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

challenge of many often-overlooked species as well, such as the bowfin, gar, carp, paddlefish and pickerel.

If you are wondering where to look to get in on all the action, Arkansas Marine is your first stop. Ronnie and Michele Hudson have been residents of Bryant for 26 years and own Arkansas Marine on Interstate 30 in Bryant. The busy dealership has a staff of six, with the Hudsons’ adult children, Robert and Ashley working there as well as two mechanics. To say the dealership is thriving is an understatement. With their vast inventory and promise of outstanding customer service, Saline County shoppers do not need to look far for their next watercraft.

Arkansas Marine offers all varieties of new and used boats—fishing boats, party barges, and wake boats—as well as small personal watercrafts like the Lift electric eFoil surf board and the Radinn electric jet-powered surfboard that are the latest craze to hit the United States. And the always-classic Paddleboards are also now available.

“One thing that sets us apart, at least according to our reviews, is our service after the sale. We are proud of how we take care of our customers. If you buy a new boat from us and need service, you get pushed to the front of the line. We make sure to take care of needs big and small,” said Michele.

“We take care of financing here in-house, making it as seamless as possible for our customers to get the boat of their dreams,” said

IT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT SUMMER TO SHAKE OFF THE CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN BLUES, AND ARKANSAS MARINE HAS A LOT TO SHARE ABOUT WHAT YOU’LL SEE ON THE WATER IN 2021.

Michele. “We take care of our customers from start to finish.”

Michele has been in Arkansas for over 50 years and is a graduate of Mills High School; Ronnie was born in Little Rock and graduated from McClellan High School. “Ronnie started out doing boat propeller repair in North Little Rock, then later made the move to Saline County. From there we had a marina in Hot Springs on Lake Hamilton and added our previous store location off county line.

In 2017 we moved to our current site in the heart of Bryant right off Interstate 30. It’s a lot of fun and we love what we do!” said Michele.

When asked what they love about living and working in Saline County, Michele was quick to state, “We love our location, and our customers come from all over the state, and a lot are from central Arkansas. We love Arkansas—the people, the lakes; we are in a great location for all of it. The fact is, we have just about everything we need around us; the schools and so many great small businesses have started here in Saline County,” said Michele.

“We also support two local nonprofits here in Saline County. Women’s Own Worth is an organization

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 15

focused on empowering women and victims of domestic violence, many of whom are survivors of violent crime. We also really appreciate the work that Harmony In Hooves in Benton does. They are an equinetherapy provider for adults and children with mobility issues.”

It is going to be a great summer to shake off the coronavirus lockdown blues, and Arkansas Marine has a lot to share about what you’ll see on the water in 2021. The team at Arkansas Marine is always looking to find the latest and greatest innovations, which is how they learned about electric surfboards. “We have two electric-powered personal watercraft that are super-hot on the market right now,” said Robert Hudson.

Made by Radinn and Lift E-Foil, these electric surfboards run off of batteries, not requiring gas and oil.

“We are one of the only dealers of the Radinn brand in the United States. These personal watercraft were originally popular with yacht-owners in Europe, and we heard about it and wanted to try it out and offer it to our customers. We ship anywhere in the country. We have watched these take off in popularity in the last year. You can surf and don’t need a wave pushing you.” Robert said.

“The great thing about the water is that if you have a pretty day, you will have fun.” At Arkansas Marine, there is no shortage of opportunities for fun in the sun!  Carrie Amox

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16 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

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My freshman year of college, I wrote an essay for a composition class, titled, “A Watermelon Goat Ride”.

The theme of the paper was based on my early childhood memories of long summer days spent playing at my grandparents’ small farm.

Waking up early to the smell of bacon in the kitchen. Excitedly leaving the house to head down the road to catch crawdads with my cousin. Sitting under a shade tree eating fresh, salted watermelon from my grandfather’s garden. Catching a ride on one of the few goats who called the farm home.

These are some of my earliest memories of enjoying summer outdoors. I have always loved the outdoors. During college and graduate school, I owned a small fishing boat.

I attended dental school in Memphis and lived feet from the Mississippi River. When time allowed, my

buddies and I took full advantage of that boat.

We crappie fished the nearby oxbow lakes. Made a frog-gigging trip to the St. Francis. We ran trot lines on the Wolf River where it flowed into the Mississippi.I also remember a time when my dental school roommate and two other friends launched a new to him, older to the rest of the world, bass boat that his grandfather had gifted him. At night. On the Missisippi River.

Only to discover the outboard engine didn’t run well. In fact, sometimes it didn’t run at all. We realized this as we were drifting under the lights of the I-40 bridge.While this does sound crazy, it’s probably not the craziest thing that happened to me in Memphis.

my own, much of my outdoor play involves and revolves around them.

I love watching them find joy from some of the same things that delighted me as a child.

We love to fish together, explore the woods, and even find an occasional crawdad in the creek that flows into our pond. It’s been a long twelve months, capped off by a late winter freeze. I am ready for a warm summer outside.

Be it with your grandparents, your friends, or your kids, I am hopeful you find those you enjoy and are able to get outside and play in these coming months. Play is best enjoyed with the ones you love!

And don’t forget to floss!

Now that I have three young boys of

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 17

If you’re ready to enjoy warmer weather in a safe outdoor environment, put Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park on your activity list. The venue provides something for everyone on 7.5 acres of pure entertainment, from bumper boats and go-karts to mini-golf and ropes obstacles.

With a master’s degree in recreation, Big Rock owner Marci Hugg Hall reimagined the theme park (formerly Gator Park) and opened it several years ago. She says she always wanted to facilitate a way for others to pursue beneficial leisure activities. In 2012 and 2013, she discovered she finally

had time to devote to this lifelong dream with her three children grown.

Marci set out with hopes of building a miniature golf park, but her dreams turned into much more. “Miniature golf is a pastime that everyone can enjoy,” she says, “and I wanted to give back to my community.”

The land had so much potential that Marci decided to expand her vision.

Big Rock features a 36-hole mini-golf course with water features. 18 of these holes are handicapped-accessible. The original metal building was fine for an arcade, but without any windows, it

MERRY & BRIGHT

18 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

was not very welcoming as an area to host parties. Architect Larry Kirchner and Marci put their heads together and the result is the big and bright new lobby, workspaces, and cheerful large party house surrounded by covered verandas with views of the park!

Since 2013, Marci has added many new attractions and improved all the ones previously on the property. The Amazing Maze was added in 2017 along with the Aerial Adventure high ropes course. Early in 2020, the ultimate pitching machines were added to the batting cages, making it possible for every batter to choose the type of ball, and the speed and height of the pitch at the control box.

Marci says she loves the fact that Big Rock is “homegrown” and 100 percent operated by employees and herself.

“If anyone has a suggestion of changes or purchases that we could add to improve the place, and make the experience even better for our guests, we are able to implement them immediately. We do not have to follow corporate mandates as franchises do. We feel proud that we have a unique, one-of-a-kind place.”

Big Rock is open seven days a week, all year round. During the time schools are in session, hours of operation are shortened. In order to give her managers work, Marci assigns them to improvement projects as funds allow, such as recently retrofitting the high ropes course to a continuous belay system that makes it easier to maneuver from obstacle to obstacle without ever clipping out of the harness!

PEOPLE WANT TO GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING, AND WE’RE GRATEFUL WE CAN PROVIDE AN OUTLET. “At the end of the day, we hope that our customers have an increased connection with whomever they came with, or if they came alone, that they feel good about their choice to take some time to get active and do something that makes them feel better and feel happy. It’s proven that getting outdoors and participating in recreational activities is good for people’s health, body and soul.”

Like most businesses, Big Rock has not been immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 was devastating to Big Rock Fun Park in the spring months last year,” Marci says. “All of our hard work and preparation in hiring, training new staff for spring break felt wasted. We had to refund all the deposits for our parties and group events that were planned then canceled because of the pandemic.”

Thankfully, the businesses received the Payroll Protection Plan and business picked up last summer while following health and safety protocols set forth by the Arkansas Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enhanced cleaning measures are in place and hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout the park for guests.

Big Rock allows Arkansans to remain mindful of COVID-19 while enjoying recreational fun. With more restrictions being lifted this spring, Marci says she

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is hopeful to be able to start hosting groups again, such as corporate outings, family reunions, church youth groups, charity events and birthday parties for all ages. Everyone likes “friendly competition” and many businesses use our attractions as a fun way for team building. We are happy to help them plan their events to take the stress off the designated company events planner.

“People want to get out and do something, and we’re grateful we can provide an outlet,” she says. “It’s all part of the great outdoors and it’s beautiful.

It’s really unlike most recreational facilities in the area. It’s a much-needed place in the central Arkansas region.”

Other attractions to round out the experience include the Amazing Maze, which provides a fun way to get lost and find your way out while finding checkpoints along the way. A bonus is that the maze is wheelchair accessible.

The Aerial Adventure includes rope bridges and swinging planks. Big Rock Family Entertainment Center also features more than 50 arcade games, including classics like Iceball, air hockey and basketball and newer games like Ticket Time, Dance Dance Revolution and Space Invaders. The arcade has a ninja style Lazer Frenzy attraction, and a large prize wall. Rain or shine, you can enjoy a good time at Big Rock Fun Park, where everyone is a winner!

Right now, hours of operation are 1:00 to 7:00 PM Monday-Thursday; noon to 10 PM Friday; 10 AM to 10 PM Saturday; and noon to 8 PM Sunday. Hours will be extended during spring break, holidays, and the summer months. Admission and parking are free and there are attraction discounts for military personnel and first responders.  Jillian Jacuzzi

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Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 21

For many families, summer is a great time to vacation, be outside more often and offer a respite from the hectic pace of the school year.

For kids looking to stay busy and get more playtime under their belts, summer camp may be just what they need. And there is an awesome summer camp option close by!

Brookhill Ranch is a rare local gem. Nestled close to beautiful Hot Springs Village, it is a stone’s throw away for Saline County residents who want to give their kids a meaningful summer camp experience. And if the

location and its natural, scenic beauty are not enough, the Ranch is a true family affair. It is owned and operated by the founder’s third generation family, with the fourth-generation children closely involved as well.

Originally founded by Don and Hettie Brooks in the summer of 1964 with seven campers, the ranch has steadily grown over the years and now accommodates over 2,500 campers each summer. The Ranch’s executive director is Lynlee McMillan, and her husband Mike is the chief

MAKING A STATEMENT

22 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

operations officer. David Pate serves as the CEO, and is married to Lynlee’s sister, Melisa, the executive creative director for the ranch. Both families have a combined four children who are also very active with summer camp and the Ranch’s special events.

Studies show the benefits of attending summer camp include building independence, providing a structured opportunity for growth and socialization, and a chance to learn new skills in an electronics-free zone.

And to top it all off, it is an excellent way to make new and meaningful friendships. “Kids need summer camp and connection now more than ever,” said Lynlee. “They are not meant to be isolated—summer camp is a time to make the best summertime memories!”

There is no time like the present to shake up your child’s summer and sign up for a one-week camp session. The camp is currently registering children for summer 2021 sessions. On the heels of a very successful 2020 camp season (not one case of COVID was present at camp, where they conducted four temperature checks per day on over 2,000 campers!), the Brookhill Ranch staff is looking forward to a very fun 2021. Children leaving 2nd grade through children leaving 9th grade are invited to sign up and experience all the fun that camp has to offer. There is one two-week session available as well.

Brookhill Ranch camp offers a complete list of over 30 outdoor and indoor activities that may seem impossible to get through in a one-

STUDIES SHOW THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING SUMMER CAMP INCLUDE BUILDING INDEPENDENCE, PROVIDING A STRUCTURED OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND SOCIALIZATION. week stay. Horseback riding, archery, art, basketball, beach volleyball, fishing, swimming, go-carts, laser tag, music, nature, riflery, tumbling, wakeboarding, tennis, woodworking, and fun on the big lake are a sample of the camp offerings.

While the activities offered are sure to bring joy to anyone’s day, it is the human connection with other kids and the counselors and instructors that the Brookhill Ranch staff hopes has a lasting impact on the campers.

“Camp counselors, youth pastors and teachers have tremendous influence,” said Lynlee. “When adults are asked who shaped their lives, it all goes back to those three influences.”

“To be in a place where kids are encouraged to be kids and the pressures they feel can be removed and they can be free to play, laugh and be themselves is some of the best medicine that can’t ever be prescribed!” said Lynlee.

Brookhill Ranch is primarily used for summer camp, but it can also be rented for special events, retreats, conferences or single-day use. The space is a popular wedding,

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 23

photo shoots, and family reunion destination. With over 10,000 square feet of event space, including a pavilion, it can accommodate events of all sizes like youth, business, and church conferences. The property boasts the only rentable wakeboard tower in Arkansas, and also offers a laser-tag experience rental option.

The property hosts two annual signature events, the Brookhill Market and a Christmas Light Drive Through.

The Brookhill Market is a familyfriendly event with a playground, live music, picnic tables, shopping and plenty of sweet tea. The 2021 event is slated for October 22-23, and will showcase vendors with home décor, personal care, clothing, toys and specialty food items.

The annual Brookhill Christmas Light Drive-Thru displays over 30,000 bulbs in varying arrangements over a 1.5-mile driving route. A perfect event for the whole family, the light display also includes Santa’s workshop, a winter wonderland and many places to take great pictures with the kids. And to top off the festive evening, there is also a stunning reminder of the real reason for the season guaranteed to bring the Christmas spirit alive in a fresh way.

Whether you are looking to introduce your child to the wonders of summer camp or need to rent an event space, Brookhill Ranch offers something for everyone throughout the year. Register for camp today!

Visit brookhillanch.com or call 501-623-5983.  Carrie Amox

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Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 25

One thousand acres of mud, trails and hilly terrain, perfect for off-road vehicles of all shapes and sizes. That’s what you get when you make your way to Carter Off-Road Park in Alexander.

“As I was looking at the area, I decided this would be a great spot for people to bring their Jeeps, fourwheelers and side-by-sides for mud and fun, and they’ve eaten it up ever since,” said owner Mark Carter.

“This is the single biggest tract of land of its kind, positioned perfectly between Benton and Little Rock.”

And as Carter will tell you, his park has everything enthusiasts could ask for when it comes to outdoor, offroad, mud-slinging fun. “We’ve got plenty of bottomland out here where people can come out, give it a shot and get as muddy as they want,” he said. “There are several hundred acres of hills for those Jeeps and rides that don’t want to get so muddy. This terrain is perfect for whatever you want and has plenty for everyone.”

A longtime lover of the outdoors, Carter shares a personal connection with the land he now owns and offers

26 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

as a year-round destination spot for his fellow high-end hobbyists. But as he recalls, his exploration of the land started when he was younger and when things were much different.

“My dad didn’t live very far from here, so when we were kids, we rode our four wheelers through these same woods and areas we use today,” he said. “Granted, it didn’t look like it does now, but I have a lot of memories of exploring this area and some great times spent at the creek that runs through the property now.”

An entrepreneur with close to a dozen businesses to his credit, Carter, 46, first got the idea for his unique park after conversations with friends turned from ideas to something more serious. “About 15 years ago, I bought 500 acres and made a deal with myself that when this tract grew to 1,000 acres, I’d open the park.”

“Given that it’s in such a perfect spot, just south of the Otter Creek Bass Pro Shop, it means riders don’t have to go out to their deer camps or somewhere else if they want a place to ride and get outdoors,” Carter added.

“Instead, they come right here.”

Carter continued accumulating land during the next several years, and in 2014, the park was born.

“This is a whole lot of work. Don’t get me wrong,” Carter said. “But at the end the day, this is a whole lot of fun, definitely one of the more entertaining businesses I own.”

Carter and his marketing director, Paige Bryant, recalled that some of the

THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED ACRES OF HILLS FOR THOSE JEEPS AND RIDES THAT DON’T WANT TO GET SO MUDDY. THIS TERRAIN IS PERFECT FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT AND HAS PLENTY FOR EVERYONE. early attractions to the center were the 4,000-foot off-road obstacle course and the bounty hole—a massive mud hole set to challenge some of the best customized off-road vehicles around.

Since then, the draw has gotten quite a bit bigger and includes expanded trails, hill climbs, mud boggin’, Tug-Of-War and Carter’s Bounty Course. “We’re always looking for something new, and by the numbers we keep bringing in each year, I’d say our riders are happy with what they see,” said Bryant.

The park also has campsite locations, RV sites with hookups, huts, castle rooms and tree houses for rent to accommodate all types of travelers.

“We try to offer a nice variety,” Carter said. “We have the most primitive for the tent campers to the tree houses with electricity and running water for those who don’t feel like roughing it. Truth is, if you plan right, you don’t really have to leave the grounds if you don’t want to.”

In recent years, Carter Off-Road

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 27

Park is also drawing in thousands each year with its live events and festivals. “We schedule four events a year, and we try to keep them around the same time so people can plan their schedules,” Bryant said.

“Our biggest is coming up in May with our 8th annual Mud Daze.”

Mud Daze is a four-day festival from May 13-16 that includes riding competitions, vendors and live music. This year, country stars Chris Jansen and Niko Moon are scheduled to perform.

“We draw more than 7,000 people for this event,” Bryant said. “It’s huge for us, bringing in riders from Missouri, Texas and as far away as Canada.”

“We’re thrilled with the turnout we get for Mud Daze,” Carter added. “While it’s great for our business, the event has an incredible economic impact on the area. We hear from restaurant, convenience store and hotel owners each year about how excited they are for the event and how, many times, they have to hire additional help to take care of everyone.”

For more information on Mud Daze and Carter Off-Road Park, visit their web site at www. carteroffroadpark.com or on Facebook by searching for Carter Off-Road Park. You can also give them a call at 501.400.3860.  Charles Crowson

28 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

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Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 29

Arkansas has only one amusement park. Luckily for Saline County residents, it’s only minutes away.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park continues to be a popular entertainment destination for local and regional visitors alike.

For more than 40 years, families have been making magic memories at this beloved attraction.

“I think Magic Springs is very popular [in Saline County] because it’s a short drive to enjoy a full day of entertainment for the entire family,” said Michelle Keeney, Magic Springs Director of Sales and Marketing. “The

season pass is a real value when you live so close and can utilize both the theme and water park all summer, along with the special events. It also enables you to drive to just come for a short visit or for an evening concert.”

Magic Springs has seen many changes since it opened on July 22, 1978. There have been many rides added throughout the years, and in 2000, the water park was added.

The Summer Concert Series came to Magic Springs in 2003, and has offered patrons a variety of musical acts from an array of genres. This year is no different, offering wellknown favorites and new talent

30 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

in its list of nearly ten acts.

“We are constantly looking for ways to innovate and better serve our guests, including searching for new attractions that would offer something unique to the region,” Keeney said.

The pandemic has changed how Magic Springs operates, but even last summer, patrons visited with safety protocols in place. The park will continue to adhere to Arkansas Department of Health guidelines this season to ensure the safety of both guests and employees.

“Like every individual and business, we have made many changes due to the pandemic,” Keeney said. “We immediately instituted new safety protocols at the park following all local and federal guidelines, and will continue to do so during this season as the situation evolves.”

“You’ll see our processes adapted at all levels, including opportunities for drive-through Season Pass processing, social distancing throughout the park and especially in lines, hand sanitizer stations available, employee temperature checks, and various other protocols for safe family fun. We are dedicated to keeping our employees and guests safe and ensuring they have the best time in the park.”

Keeney, who is a veteran of the amusement park business and came to Magic Springs last fall, said no new rides have been added at the park, but she’s excited for patrons who haven’t ridden Brain Drain, the park’s most recent ride addition which debuted in 2018, to try it. The ride takes patrons, who are seated, up slowly to a height of 120 feet, and

WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO INNOVATE AND BETTER SERVE OUR GUESTS, INCLUDING SEARCHING FOR NEW ATTRACTIONS THAT WOULD OFFER SOMETHING UNIQUE TO THE REGION. then drops them suddenly, reaching a maximum speed of 47 mph before entering a magnetic braking area.

“Brain Drain remains the hottest new attraction at our park,” she said. “As we monitor the ongoing pandemic, we look forward to offering additional attractions.”

Magic Springs continued its Summer Concert Series in 2020 with social distance guidelines enforced. A slate of nine concerts is again offered this season with an eye on the changing guidelines for 2021. General admission seating on the lawn (blankets and lawn chairs are allowed) and reserved seating upgrades are available. Keeney said the park is waiting on releasing reserved seating options until it becomes clear how many seats can be used and still maintain social distance standards.

Among the notable acts of 2021 are ‘90s hip hop artist Vanilla Ice kicking the season off June 19, country artists John Michael Montgomery and Lone Star June 26, Arkansas native country artist Matt Stell July 17, and alternative rock group Sevendust July 24.

“We are pleased to offer an incredible new lineup of outdoor concerts in our 2021 Summer Concert Series,” Keeney said. “With so many live shows canceled, it means a lot to us to offer safe, outdoor, socially-

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 31

distanced live music for all types of music fans. I wasn’t here for last year’s Concert Series, so I am really excited to take part this year.”

Keeney said special events that have been featured favorites in the past and continued during the pandemic are scheduled for this season.

“In 2020, our dedicated team was able to continue to offer these safe outdoor events during the pandemic and we are looking forward to more this season. Magic Springs will continue to celebrate corporate and small group parties, and offer unique family-friendly events such as DiveIn Movies, Mermaid Mondays, and Cooler Sundays. We work hard to create unique experiences that are high quality and high value for our guests. Our fall-themed program called Halloweekends is the perfect example of this, with special weekends designed with all-day family-friendly activities.”

Halloweekends was introduced last year as an alternative to the Magic Screams Halloween festival that featured haunted houses the pandemic prevented. Instead, the park presented Halloweekends, which was set during the day and great for families, featuring costume contests, face painting and more.

Another family option introduced this year is a Celebration Package, where families can gather for birthdays graduations and other special occasions. There is always something happening at Magic Springs from concerts and thrilling rides and slides. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! For more information on Magic Springs visit magicsprings.com.  Nate Olson 32 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

News & Community for Saline County Since 2007 Email with news or events or ask about advertising: info@mysaline.com

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 33

Take a minute and think of your fondest childhood memories of summer. You probably spent plenty of time outside. You likely had a core group of neighborhood friends, always around and able to get away with just enough to keep from getting into trouble with your parents. Maybe you were a member of a summer baseball, softball or soccer league.

And you had water, lots of it.

Whether in yard activities powered by a water hose or an area creek or pond, or your community pool, water was

as much a part of your summer fun as almost anything else you did.

Today, achieving that same level of enjoyment for people of all ages is one of the goals at the Benton Aquatic Center.

“We are incredibly blessed with what we have to offer the people of Saline County,” says Adam Nelsen, Benton Parks and Rec Aquatics Director. “When people who have never seen the Center or maybe didn’t know it was here see it, their immediate reaction is, ‘Wow.’”

34 • Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles

Nelsen (who began competitive swimming in Little Rock more than 40 years ago) and the Benton Parks and Rec team expect more wows as they prepare for their fifth summer in Saline County.

“I believe we have the best and most perfectly balanced facility in the state of Arkansas,” he said. “We have an eight-lane competition pool, a separate leisure pool with a splash pad, a vortex pool and a two-story slide that moves in and out of the building.

“Throughout the year, we’ll bring in a climbing wall and put inflatables in the pool. The kids absolutely love that,” he added. “And because we have a diverse selection of amenities, we are able to strike a great balance between hosting competitive events like the Arkansas State Championships and summer recreational time like our pool party weekends, where families can come and enjoy the day.”

Opened in April of 2017, the Benton Aquatics Center sits on the site of the former Benton Airport.

Each year, attendance and membership numbers have risen, a result Nelsen credits to both community outreach and the necessity of learning proper swimming technique.

“The heartbeat of any good pool is its swimming program,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter whether a kid is a non-competitive swimmer or wants to be the next Michael Phelps. I think it’s important that every child understand the very basics of being able to swim.”

IF YOU WANT A PLACE TO COME OUT, GET WET, SPLASH AROUND AND HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS, THE TYNDALL PARK SPLASH PAD WILL CERTAINLY BE THE PLACE TO GO, ESPECIALLY ON THOSE HOT SUMMER DAYS To help educate young swimmers on those basic principles, the Aquatics Center offers free introductory lessons.

Nelsen says it’s something a lot of families are taking advantage of. “It’s great for the kids to get the pool time, learn general safety and learn how to swim. Afterward, it’s not unusual for us to see families get a membership or even do group swim lessons.”

Pool safety among swimmers isn’t the only priority when considering the overall health of the Aquatics Center. With so much attention still being paid to COVID-19 and a continued adherence to proper protocols, the facility has in place several practices to keep the water and the facility sanitized.

“Considering that the Center has multiple layers of sanitation and filtration, we have one of the safest pools in the U.S.,” Nelsen said. “In addition to chlorine, which is known to kill coronavirus in less than a minute, we also have UV sanitizing for the water to keep it cycling and extremely clean. We’ve also installed sanitizing dehumidifiers for purifying the air inside the building.

“I think we’re to make a real effort toward getting things back to the way they used to be,” he added.

Go Play • Saline County Lifestyles • 35

“We’ll still do a great job with social distancing, and as the guidelines change, we’ll be able to relax and free up our customers and swimmers a bit more and increase capacity.”

In addition to the growing popularity of the Aquatics Center, Benton Parks and Rec has also improved its splash pad access in South Benton’s Tyndall Park area. The area has expanded parking, is free to the public and is slated to open on May 15.

“It’s a really cool expansion because it incorporates some nice sustainable technology,” Nelsen said. “Now the system allows us to conserve water because much of it will be pushed back through a recirculation pump.

We’ve also upgraded the filtration system to include UV, which makes it safer with even cleaner water.

“If you want a place to come out, get wet, splash around and have fun with your friends, the Tyndall Park splash pad will certainly be the place to go, especially on those hot summer days,” he added.

Nelsen says the splash pad will likely remain open beyond Labor Day this year.

For information on classes, competitions, and event reservations at the Benton Aquatics Center, visit www.bentonar.org/ aquaticscenter or give them a call at 501-776-5994. Charles Crowson

36 • Saline County Lifestyles

Vaccinated The COVID-19 vaccination was recently offered to all staff and residents; we are excited to announce the majority were vaccinated.

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Saline County Lifestyles • 37

FAMILY

Lifestyle

Safety On The Slopes

By Peter Cunningham, Senior Pastor First Souther Baptist Church

Who’s ready to move forward?

Without a doubt, the last 52+ weeks have been some of the most intense, challenging, burdensome, and treacherous many have faced in an entire generation. If the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 have not touched you personally, chances are they have touched someone close to you.

In addition, life has allowed many surprises, some welcomed with joy and expectation, but many others we would rather have not experienced.

All too often, we allow ourselves to get stuck in the circumstances of life.

All too often, we give circumstances more power than we should.

Recently, in preparation for a sermon, I came across a quote from author/actor Michael McMillian: “You cannot start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” This came as quite a reminder of how we allow ourselves to fixate on the issues of the day and become stuck in a mire of isolation. Certainly, life experiences should shape us and influence us. But far too often some of us allow circumstances to mold us like concrete statues anchored deep as a stationary fixture in a constantly blooming garden. But as difficult as it may be, we must break the molds that we have allowed to set our lives.

38 • Saline County Lifestyles

Spring is such a beautiful time of year. It speaks of change and of renewal, and this is only right. Life changes, life moves forward, new problems and new joys will come; of this we can be sure. I am reminded of a verse from the New Testament. In Philippians 3 (you should go read it), the Apostle Paul writes, “but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

If you are familiar with Paul’s life before he became a Christian, you may know he had a vicious past, with which he had to come to terms. And after Paul’s conversion he experienced numerous delights and adversities because he chose to dedicate his life to following Jesus.

Paul could have allowed his history of cruelty to entrap him in a way where he could not have emotionally escaped, molding him into an angry old man.

Or he could have even become stuck in the delights of life, those mountaintop experiences where everything seems perfect and pristine. Either of these extremes could have caused him to maintain an existence disconnected with reality’s joys and hardships.

Be encouraged. Receive the challenge

Spring is such a beautiful time of year. It speaks of change and of renewal, and this is only right. from the Apostle Paul. Forget about the past and look forward to what lies ahead. It’s difficult to forget about those times of life that brought pain and hurt, but we can forget the power we allowed them to hold in our lives.

Even 80’s rocker Pat Benatar speaks about how we react to the past: “You can’t change the past, so don’t let it haunt you. You can change the future, but first you’ve got to want to.”

Figuratively, embrace the beauty of spring and forget the cold dark days of winter. Sunsets will continue to captivate, storms to devastate, rain clouds to brood and cleanse, and the sunrise to remind us of a new day. The Old Testament writer of Lamentations wrote, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (3:22-23).

Calendar pages continue turning, and even now turn to a new season.

Be encouraged: you can leave that old hurt in the past and look forward to what lies ahead. 

Saline County Lifestyles • 39

FAMILY

Lifestyle

Making Memories with Mom

By Gina Simpson, Gina’s Catering/Grab & Go

mother and daughter on her wedding forming great relationships with my When I was a kid, I always enjoyed day, or the joy of a family getcustomers. From weddings to family spending time with my mother in the together occurring for the first time functions to birthday parties, I can kitchen. We would plan our meal for in years. I am able to alleviate some provide the opportunity for customers the evening, and I would sit on the of the stress from these events, so to make their own memories with kitchen floor and listen to her explain these people can focus more on one the ones they love, just as I have. the cooking process. It was during another and the memories they are these moments that I found my love Catering various events has allowed making instead of stressing over what and passion for cooking. However, me to witness the bond between a they’re going to be eating that night. these moments weren’t just about the food preparations, but about creating fond DIRECTIONS: memories with my mother. We Lightly butter an 8.5” x 11” baking dish, set aside. Cut the cream cheese into slices and then into pea-sized bits. (This is considerably recreated family easier if the cream cheese is very cold. We cut the cream cheese into recipes, passed down thin slices and set them in the freezer for about 5 minutes.) through generations, Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream and even created INGREDIENTS cheese bits. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese/ some of our own.

FRENCH TOAST BAKE: bread layer and then top with remaining bread cubes.

• 1/2 loaf Italian Bread, cut or I continue to use torn into 1-inch cubes In a large bowl, mix the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon these recipes, for • 6 oz cream cheese (3/4 of a pkg) and nutmeg using a hand mixer until complet ely mixed and well blended. both the food • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Pour over the bread cubes. itself as well as the • 6 eggs, beaten Cover, and refrigerate overnight. (For best flavor I recommend that • 1/2 cup heavy cream value they hold you also make the blueberry sauce the night before.)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in my heart.

Make-Ahead Blueb erry French Toast Bake

Living in Saline County means living in a closeknit community, and being the owner of a catering company gives me the ability to share my passion for cooking while also

• 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1/8 tsp nutmeg BLUEBER RY SAUCE:

• • • • • •

2/3 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup water 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 tsp cinnamon, dash nutmeg

40 • Saline County Lifestyles

In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and water.

Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until mixture has thickened considerably. Add the blueberries, stirring gently, then reduce heat, and simmer 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the butter, cool, refrigerate until morning.

Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake about 35-40 minutes, until center is firm and surface is lightly browned . While the French toast is baking, reheat the blueberry sauce over low heat (or in the microwave).

Serve in slices with a generous splurge of blueberry sauce!

Along with alleviating stress, the act of cooking (and eating) provides time away from phone screens and other distractions constantly surrounding us. It’s easy to feel disconnected, even in your own home, due to the limited experiences you can have with others.

But within our community, there are numerous small businesses you and your family may support while also gaining new shared experiences. From picnicking with your family outside of Magic Springs, to playing putt-putt golf and eating arcade food, to sampling food trucks in Downtown Benton, to axe-throwing and pizza, the atmosphere of the food industry provides a sense of familiarity and comfort—along with a dash of fun—even when you’re not in your own kitchen.

When unable to venture outside of their homes, whether because of COVID or financial issues, mothers everywhere have come up with ways to continue bonding with their children. As I mentioned before, that experience, for me, was cooking: it allowed my mother and me to keep up our relationship and learn new things together. If you’re unable to make it out of your house for Mother’s Day this year, consider doing a fun, at-home activity, like board games, a movie marathon, DIY projects, or even starting a cooking project you haven’t done before.

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As I recall my own past and observe the relationships of my customers, I have come to realize just how important it is to spend time with family, especially Mom, who always does everything in her power to ensure her children are well taken care of and loved. Whether she’s passing down a family recipe that was once given to her, providing guidance and support, or simply displaying her love, each mother deserves the same care and appreciation she bestows upon her loved ones.

This Mother’s Day, spend some time with your mother and family, and consider trying something new.

Try to entertain those who have always entertained you. Whether you’re going out or staying in, have fun with your mother and thank her for all she has done for you. 

Pamper Mom Today!

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ginacaters.com Saline County Lifestyles • 41

FAMILY

Lifestyle

By: Justin S. Elrod, Certified Elder Law Attorney, The Elrod Firm Richard Nixon lived from January 9, 1913, to April 22, 1994. He represented the State of California in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1947 to 1950 and then as U.S. Senator from 1950 to 1953. He left the Senate to serve as Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. One of the pivotal moments during Nixon’s first term as Vice President occurred in the fall of 1955, when Eisenhower suffered a major heart attack. Most believed his condition to be life-threatening, and he was out of commission for six weeks. During that time, though Nixon did not formally hold the powers of the office of president, he essentially ran the country, earning high praise for how he handled the crisis.

Nixon’s rise to power culminated with his election as the 37th president of the United States in 1968. He served from 1969 until his resignation in 1974, facing almost certain impeachment and removal from office. He was the first, and still only, president to ever resign from office. The month following Nixon’s resignation, his successor, President Gerald Ford, granted him a full 42 • Saline County Lifestyles

pardon for his alleged involvement in the Watergate scandal that led to his decision to step down.

report? Or would you have quickly recognized it as one of the best April Fool’s Day hoaxes of all time?

In the years that followed, Nixon worked to rehabilitate his image.

He published ten books during his retirement, accepted regular speaking engagements, traveled extensively, and continued meeting with foreign leaders.

These days, we all must be diligent to apply an appropriate dose of skepticism to everything we see, hear, and read (whether it’s April Fool’s Day or not). As Abe Lincoln once said, “Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” In no area is this truer than in that of long-term care benefits planning. When it comes to Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits, and other methods of paying for long-term care like nursing homes, assisted living, and home caregivers, there may be more misinformation out there than facts you can actually rely and act on.

In the spring of 1992, on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” news program, it was reported that former-President Richard Nixon was making another run at the presidency on the Republican ticket. The report included audio clips of Nixon’s announcement in which he declared, “I never did anything wrong, and I won’t do it again.” Harvard professor Laurence Tribe joined reporter Howard Fineman on the report to discuss Nixon’s unexpected announcement. The press secretary for the Bush-Quayle campaign also commented on the shocking news.

It was later reported that calls from listeners flooded NPR, with the general response being one of outrage. I wonder, if you had known this report hit the airwaves on April 1, 1992, would you have been among the callers to express shock over the

I cannot tell you how many veterans I have met who elected not to file for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which is designed to offset the high costs of long-term care for qualifying veterans, because they were told they had to be injured in the line of duty to be a candidate for the benefit. That is just flat wrong. Or how many clients I helped obtain Medicaid benefits to cover their nursing home costs after they were told they could not qualify because their monthly income was

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Long-term care is expensive, and long-term care benefits are complicated.

There is too much at stake to try to figure things out on your own. Don’t rely exclusively on what you read on the Internet. Don’t turn to a wellmeaning neighbor who recently dealt with a similar situation with an inlaw. Don’t even look to professionals in other fields who don’t specialize in long-term care benefits. When your family faces the prospect of expensive long-term care, turn to an elder law attorney who specializes in long-term care benefits. Get the right information, explore every option, and make the best decisions. If you don’t, the outcome could be much worse than the embarrassment that comes with falling for an April Fool’s Day hoax.

To learn more about long-term care benefits, and to leave a comment or question for me, visit my website at ElrodFirm.com. We’re here to help. Saline County Lifestyles • 43

TOGETHER FOR Better.

Arkansans appreciate community. We work and raise families. Care for our neighbors.

And come together in good times and bad.

At First Security, that local strength is what we love best about our home state. There is commitment here. And heart. And hope.

Thank you to everyone who is standing together, learning from one another, and making Arkansas a place we all love to call home.

Member FDIC

We’re proud to be your community bank.

YOUR CARE. YOUR SAFETY. OUR PRIORITY.

Vaccinated The COVID-19 vaccination was recently offered to all staff and residents; we are excited to announce the majority were vaccinated.

We are open for visitation.

96% of eligible residents have been vaccinated.

501-315-1700 | 3300 Alcoa Rd. Benton, AR AlcoaPinesHealthAndRehab.com 44 • Saline County Lifestyles

Our team at Alcoa Pines is committed to the continued safety and protection of our residents, family members and team of caregivers. As a safeguard against COVID-19 we will continue to offer the vaccine on a routine basis.

For more information call 501-315-1700 * *

Visitation may be discontinued and visitation guidelines are subject to change.

Spring is in the air...

CALL FOR HVAC & ELECTRICAL SERVICES BENTON: 501-778-4646 | CONWAY: 501-327-6262

@middlebrookselectric | www.middlebrookselectric.com Saline County Lifestyles • 45