Greenwood Life JUNE 2019. VOLUME 1. ISSUE 3
C O M M U N I T Y | S C H O O L | FA M I LY | FA I T H
Outgraduations &About galore bulldog breakout art guild open art show
Roo Doo’s Wildlife Park
husband moves forward with park project in honor of wife
DR. BRYAN BISHOP shares importance of faith, family and compassion
Bank Makeover
First National Bank undergoes extensive renovation
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Greenwood Life
| WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | JUNE 2019
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Greenwood Life
co ntents
22 Comes 06 Here the Bride
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Introducing the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Adam Lucas
Dr. Bryan Bishop shares the importance of these in his life.
City News Round-up
Find out the latest happenings with our city departments.
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Check out the improvements inside the Greenwood First National Bank branch.
Family 08 Faith, 18 & Compassion
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First National Bank
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Art 33 26 Greenwood Guild
Let’s Get Wild at the Zoo Check out the latest with the Roo Doo’s Wildlife Park.
See who was Out & About at the Open Art Show at Rags n’ Roses.
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Hometown Hero
Meet this months Hometown Hero, Andrew Maxwell.
& About at 35 Out Graduation See all the proud families at this years Greenwood graduation.
The Church Guide
Makes 36 Chess Kids Smarter
Introducing the future class of 2032
42 Bulldog Breakout
A directory of places of worship in the area.
Look inside at the Preschool Extraordinaire graduation.
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Dive into the Chess Club in Greenwood.
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Check out the after graduation party full of games and fun!
Life
OUR CREW THIS ISSUE Meet our talented batch of contributors for June 2019
Greenwood Life PUBLISHER/EDITOR
SUMMER AINA
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
KRISTYN SIMS
PRODUCTION
CHRISTY MORRISON RACHEL POWELL
DISTRIBUTION
BILL NEEDHAM
NEWSROOM COORDINATOR
RACHEL HENLEY
ADVERTISING
BRIAN SANDERFORD
THOMAS SACCENTE
Photographer
Writer
JULIE NEWMAN TARA LYNCH MONICA CARTER KATHIE SMITH ASHLEY YEARY MIKE OPOLKA MATTHEW MOCK BETHANIE STARR ANNA HERNANDEZ
All opinions, beliefs and views presented in editorials and letters are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Greenwood Life.
MORGAN SKAGGS
JADYN WATSON-FISHER
Photographer
SCOTT CUTLIP
Writer
Writer
POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Greenwood Life, 5111 Rogers Ave., Suite 471, Fort Smith, AR 72903 or P.O. Box 398, Greenwood, AR 72939 (USPS 229-440) Greenwood Life is a publication of
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MARC HAYOT Writer
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Chandler & Adam
LUCAS
Married June 23, 2018 Ceremony held at First Baptist Church of Greenwood Reception at The Loft at Stone Oak in Greenwood Chandler and Adam Lucas are both from Greenwood. Chandler’s parents are Steve and Melissa Harvey of Greenwood. Adam’s parents are Roger and Lorri Lucas of Greenwood.
How did you meet? Adam and I had gone to school together at Greenwood our entire lives and had always known each other. We became very good friends in high school, and finally started dating our Senior Year.
How did he propose? Adam and I had been together for six years when we were getting ready to graduate from UAFS in May 2017. We knew we wanted to be engaged soon after graduation, but Adam surprised me and did it a few weeks early. We already knew we wanted to have our reception at the Loft at Stone Oak in Greenwood, a venue we both loved. Adam told me we were having pictures made with his family on Saturday afternoon, April 29. I wanted to get there early so that we could look around, but when we went to check out the back porch, he had set up candles, flowers and pictures, and had music playing over the speakers. Needless to say, I realized we weren’t actually there for pictures.
What was your wedding day like? Our wedding ceremony took place June 23, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Greenwood at 4:00pm. Pastor Ronnie Deal officiated the ceremony, and Allison Kyrouac performed live music for the processional. The Reception was held at the Loft at Stone Oak following the ceremony. Local caterer Tina Skaggs provided our favorite foods, and MaryAnn Sandifer and her “I Do” Wedding Consulting crew handled every detail and made the day very relaxed and enjoyable for everyone
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involved. It was a wonderful day shared with friends and family that we will never forget.
Where was your Honeymoon? We went to Captiva Island, Florida.
Wedding Vendors We want to say thank you to following people for the part they played in making our day perfect. A special thank you to MaryAnn Sandifer and the entire “I Do� Wedding Consulting crew for making our special day run so smoothly and seamlessly. An extra special thank you to our parents for helping to make our wedding day everything we wanted and more. Venue: The Loft at Stone Oak, Terri Smith Flowers: Booneville Flower Shop Photography: Jade Graves Photography Catering: Tina Skaggs
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DR. BRYAN BISHOP Shares the Importance of
FAITH, FAMILY & COMPASSION STORY BY
Scott Cutlip
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
When Dr. Bryan Bishop purchased the dental clinic located at 1742 West Center Street from Sean McDougal in 2010, Greenwood residents had no reason to think they would be getting anything more than one dentist replacing another. Little did they know how enmeshed Bishop would become in the local area and how much he would give to the community and beyond. BECOMING PART OF GREENWOOD Bishop came to Greenwood through a somewhat circuitous route. He grew up in Mulberry, graduating in a class of only 24 students. He attended the University of the Ozarks, where he double majored in Chemistry and Biology. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas, where he received his Master’s in Chemistry and met his future wife, Christy Scott. The couple moved to Dallas. He worked for a toxicology firm, specializing in monitoring air toxicology after train derailments and plane explosions. The work often took him away for two to three weeks at a time. The Bishops knew
Jamie Mitchell
they wanted to have children, so Bishop made the decision to change professions that would allow him more time at home. “I always loved the medical field,” Bishop said. “I didn’t quite want to be a physician though. With dentistry, I could pick and choose my own hours and be in the medical field. I knew I could have the evenings to spend time with my family.” He graduated University of Tennessee with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2008, the same year the Bishops’ eldest child, Brayden, was born. He knew he wanted to be closer to his hometown, so Bishop worked in Fort Smith under Stan Udouj. On weekends, Bishop gave screenings to soldiers at Fort Chaffee. That’s where he met Dr. Sean McDougal, a dentist in Greenwood. McDougal was selling his practice in preparation to rejoin the military full-time. In July 2010, just two years after he graduated dental school, Dr. Bishop bought McDougal’s practice. HELPING OTHERS IN NEED A few years later, his former employer and
(Top) Bryan Bishop DDS, left, and dental assistant Tara Summitt, work with a patient. (Middle) Registered dental hygienist Shaina Meeker cleans the teeth of a patient. (Bottom) Ginnalea Overton, Bishop Family Dentistry Clinical Coordinatior, left, and Dr. Bryan Bishop, get into the summer spirit as they draw the winner’s name for one of the monthly give-a-ways.
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&
Find out more about Greenwood dentist
BRYAN BISHOP
WHAT SIX PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY?
Jesus, Andy Griffith, my wife, and 3 kids. Jesus, my Savior, comes first in my life. On the weekends I enjoy drinking my coffee and watching Andy Griffith before the kids wake up.
WHAT’S YOUR RETREAT AWAY FROM IT ALL?
People who have been in my office understand my passion outside of dentistry. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. I am an avid archery hunter and look forward to opening season, whether it be deer, elk, or duck. In the spring I enjoy hunting turkey in multiple states.
WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU AT WORK? My wife is going to kill me for telling this, but one day I was talking to my hygienist in the office when I felt someone slap my bottom. I turned every shade of red. I didn’t want to turn around to see who had done it, but of course I had to look. When I did, I saw my wife laughing. She had snuck in without me knowing as she dropped off my lunch.
WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT DENTISTRY?
I hear many times a week from patients that they are scared or ask if it is going to hurt. The misconception that all dental procedures will hurt has caused many to have dental anxiety. I hope to change this mindset with the advances of technology and anesthetics. Often now we no longer have to take the gooey impressions. Instead, we can use a digital scanner that is more accurate and more comfortable for the patient.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT GREENWOOD?
I would love to see some type of splash pad or indoor/outdoor aquatic center. It would give the children something fun to enjoy in the summer as well as give the city another attraction to keep tax dollars in town.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD NEVER CHANGE ABOUT GREENWOOD?
There is a lot that I would never change, but If I could choose one it would be the school system. It is one of the main reasons we moved to this town. It starts with the superintendent, John Ciesla, followed by the principals, teachers, and staff. Each one of them makes the school system one of a kind. It is with great pride knowing that my kids will be raised here in the Greenwood Schools.
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mentor, Stan Udouj, asked Bishop to join him on a medical mission to Guatemala. Bishop ended up going on missions in 2013, 2014, and 2017, bringing members of his dental practice with him. The missions were located roughly a three to four-hour drive from the capital, Guatemala City, in much smaller towns. “We take these cardboard dental chairs and set them up,” Bishop said. It’s very costly for them to get dental work: they have to go to the pharmacist to get anesthetic and take anesthetic to their dentist. There’s no AC or anything in those places. You’ll have lines out the door of people waiting on you.” Bishop’s assistant, Tara Summitt, has been on each mission with him. Bishop calls Summitt indispensable and largely responsible for organizing the mission trip before they leave. “He pulls between 500 and 700 teeth in four days,” she said. “Every day is a full day, probably about eight hours each day.” Bishop has taken the last two years off from missions after the births of his daughter Brynlee, 4, and son Brooks, 21 months. He is pondering a mission to Mexico next year. That is not the end of Bishop’s charitable work. Eight years ago, he got a phone call from Donna Robinson, of the Magazine, Arkansas school district, about a wellness center located within the Magazine Elementary School, with access to a nurse practitioner, an optometrist, and mental health providers. She also needed volunteer dentists. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Bishop said. “The very first time I saw this one patient; he threw up on me. This was the very first day we started seeing patients. And now he’s taller than me. I’ve seen this kid grow up eight years; he’s almost a senior now. A lot of people don’t realize when you start getting real rural, the access to care goes down. Just going to the dentist, going to the doctor, parents have to go to Booneville or Paris, and now we have access to a clinic inside a school.” Bishop credits his giving nature and hard work to his parents, Mike and Donna Bishop. Mike Bishop worked
80 to 100 hours a week, according to his son, but always had time for Bryan and his brother Tim, whether it was being a Boy Scout master, helping a 14-year-old Bryan pick a few buckets of blueberries for $2.25 a bucket before going to his own job, or taking him hiking. Both his parents pushed him toward college, and Bryan talked about bringing a 98 on a test home, with his mother asking him where the other two points went. GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Family is important to Bishop, but so is community. Over the years, he has been a member of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, as well as the chair for the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Center, which works to improve the lives of low-income individuals and families. He’s also been a member of Focus on Greenwood, which gives annual scholarships and provides Christmas gifts for those who don’t have access. Bishop participates in the annual Trail of Lights and dresses as the Grinch for “Shop with the Chamber” at Christmas. What is most striking perhaps is his humility. There were several other things he did over the years (Smile for a Lifetime, presidencies of the Fort Smith Dental Association and Northwest District Dental Society) he did not mention until prompted by Christy, who he says is the reason he has been able to balance work, family, and charity. LEADING WITH COMPASSION—CREDITING GOD What Bishop credits more than anything is his acceptance of Jesus as his savior. “My savior puts me in certain spots,” he said,” and I just trust in him.” “He is a man following God’s plan for his life,” Theresa Climer, dental hygienist, said. “He is probably one of the best dentists I have worked for, and I have been in the dental field for about 28 years. He is by far one of the best employers that I’ve worked for.” Summitt agreed. “I’ve worked for him for nine years, and in those nine years, I’ve never missed one of my kids’ ball games. He’s perfect to work for.”
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City News ROUND-UP By Thomas Saccente CONTRIBUTING WRITER
GREENWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVES VARIANCES The Greenwood Planning Commission approved two items during its May 20 meeting. Sonny Bell, director of the Greenwood Planning and Community Development Department, said the commission approved a requested variance for the architectural design of a 30-by-40 allmetal accessory building at 4214 Fawn Trail, and a metal/brick accessory building at 1221 Locust Street. The commission rejected a requested variance for the location of a 20-by-12 car port at 1137 Meadow Bridge Drive. Bell said the commission also discussed the impact of Arkansas Act 446 of 2019, which concerns county and municipal regulation of residential building design elements. The act was previously discussed during the commission’s meeting April 15 during a review of areas of the act commission members felt would impact Greenwood’s accessory building ordinance.
Bell said after communication with the Arkansas Municipal League, the commission determined Act 446 did not affect the ordinance. The Greenwood Planning Commission will next meet June 17, according to the city of Greenwood website.
GREENWOOD CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SANITATION CONTRACT The Greenwood City Council moved forward in its search for a sanitation service. The City Council approved a solid waste materials management contract during its regular meeting May 6. The council, during its March 4 meeting, approved a motion to terminate its contract with Altes Sanitation and rebid it, with an effective date for the new contract of June 1. The city sanitation contract was discussed further both during the council’s April 1 meeting and an April 16 study session. Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow said on Tuesday the contract will be in the bid packet the city will put out within “the next couple of days.”
Greenwood Parks Commission Chairman Joel Goldstein introduced Tammy Briley as the new city parks director during Monday’s meeting as well. The parks commission voted to accept the resignation of the previous city parks director, Nathan Neighbors, as well as assign for 30 days the position of interim parks director to Briley, who was at that point executive assistant to the mayor/ human resources, during a special called meeting March 25, according to minutes from that meeting. Briley said her official start date as parks director was May 1. The parks commission made the decision to hire her April 26. “Out of the 16 applicants, they chose three to interview, and I was one of the interviewees, and they told me that afternoon that I was hired,” Briley said. Briley said the resumes for the parks director position, including hers, were reviewed by the parks commission during a special called meeting April 24. Her annual salary in her new position is $47,500. The council also approved a resolution condemning the structure at 1100 S. Coker St. The next regular Greenwood City Council meeting is scheduled to take place June 3.
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FIRST NATIONAL BANK
A new look inside and out By Scott Cutlip
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Since the beginning of February, the First National Bank in Greenwood has been under renovation. The renovations, which have been done by Beshears Constructions, are expected to last through the middle of June. Kathi Berry, the branch manager at the bank, is thrilled at the new changes, including a fresh paint job and concrete work, as well as a complete renovation of the inside. “As for the inside, there were drastic changes,” she said. “We’ve taken out an office and added a break room, totally moved the lobby teller line, pulled it back and all the way against the wall, so that we are more efficient with the drive-thru teller line, so we can help each other back and forth.” In addition, a half wall was taken out of the lobby, which gives it a more open and inviting appearance. The break room is one of the things Berry is appreciative of. Previously there wasn’t really a break room at all, just a table in a little cubby that they could eat at. But even more she likes bringing the lobby and the drive-thru teller line together. “It makes it more efficient by making us able to help the drive-thru and the lobby at the same
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The renovation included, complete reconfiguration of the layout included, new walls, paint, cabinets and flooring. All new windows were installed as well as lighting in the teller area. New teller counters with granite counter tops are some of the last touches. - Photos courtesy of First National Bank
time,” she said. “You can essentially work with less people if you have someone that can’t show up one day, because we’re not separated by two walls. It makes it hard to hear; it makes it hard to help. For security reasons, it’s safer for us all to be together, if there was a bank robbery. It would be easier to keep everyone safe in one spot, rather than have some people over here in drive-thru, maybe not even knowing what’s going on.”
Berry believes the renovations will not only freshen up the bank, but help the community also. “Any time you put money into your business, it’s going to help the community,” she said. “It’s going to look nice. It’s going to increase the value. If you have something that just continues to deteriorate, it’s just an eyesore. So of course we wanted to beautify our establishment. We want to be a
“I REALLY LIKE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO SERVICE OUR CUSTOMERS MORE EFFICIENTLY” Kathi Berry GREENWOOD BRANCH MANAGER
prestige bank, so we want to put the money back into it. I think any time you upgrade, you’re helping everyone out.” Although the renovation is not complete, Berry already feels positive. “I like the look a lot, because we were really ugly,” she said. “But I really like that we are able to
service our customers more efficiently, and they don’t have to wait for someone to come help them out if they only have one person working the drive-thru, and we’ve got four lanes. That can take a few extra minutes. That’s what it’s all about: servicing the customers, whether we have gray walls or pink walls.”
The view of the lobby from behind the teller line, while the floor was being finished.
- Photos courtesy of First National Bank
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© 2019 BancorpSouth. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC.
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uafs.edu/jointhepride I’m the first in my family to go to college. I was worried about getting lost in the crowd, but UAFS offered me a community that felt like home, andsmall classes where my professors all knew my name. I’m proud to be forging a path for my family. I’m proud I chose UAFS.
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AREA WORSHIP GUIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD Hwy. 10 Spur and Park, 996-6030, John D. Miller, Min.; SS 9:45 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m & 6 p.m..; Wed. 6:30 p.m.
HOWARD HILL ASSEMBLY OF GOD Pastor Quinton Rowan, 3515 Gate 9 Rd., 996-2496 www. howardhillag.com
BAPTIST
ECHO ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1202 Echo Rd., Barber Community; Steve Quick, Pastor 928-4424
ARKOAL COMMUNITY BAPTIST Pastor Gene Gullick 8937 Old Arko Rd., Huntington, AR., SS: 10 a.m.; WS 11 a.m., 7 p.m., Wednesday Service, 7 p.m.
MIDLAND ASSEMBLY OF GOD 6th & Adams, Midland, AR., SS: 10 a.m.; WS 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.; Pastor, Andy Jones; 639-2096
BURNVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 5 mi. East on Hwy. 10, Tyler Thompson Pastor, SS 10am; Worship 11am & 6pm
CALVARY CHAPEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD 201 Greenwood St., Hackett; 638-8801, Pastors Tim & Gaylene Smith, SS 9:30 am, WS: 10:30 am & 6pm, Wed: 7pm Bible Study calvarychapelhackett@yahoo.com
CENTRAL FREE WILL BAPTIST 17 E. Central Ave, Central City. Steve Mclain Pastor, 4522308; SS 9:45 am, WS 10:45 am, 6:00 pm; Wed. 7 pm
LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER Hwy. 71 S., Witcherville, 479-928-5654, Pastor Tommie Rhamy, SS 9:45 am; Worship 10:45 am; Prayer 5:30 p.m.; Sun Eve 6 pm; Wed., Bible Study & Youth 7 pm BONANZA ASSEMBLY OF GOD 701 McConnell Ave., Bonanza, AR. 72916, Rev. Ricky Yarberro
DAYTON BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Robert Presson, 2305 Apple Blossom Rd., Mansfield, 479-996-5495, 912-294-2281 DENVER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH 1413 W. Denver St., Greenwood; Alan Davis, Pastor, 479996-7544, SS 9:45 am; WS 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wed. 6 pm EXCELSIOR BAPTIST CHURCH 3421 Smokey Rd, Greenwood; Pastor Mark Griffith; Sunday School and Worship 10 am
GREENWOOD TIRE & ALLIGNMENT 803 West Denver 996-7510 Don Lamberson, Owner
Pink Bud Nursing Home Golden Years Retirement Village Residental Care & Independent Living 1570 West Center, Greenwood • 996-9945
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FS-SPAD1105185825
400 S. Coker, Greenwood • 996-4125
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 14511 Old Jenny Lind Loop; 996-6456, James M. Jones, min.; SS 9 a.m.; WS 10 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Atlanta & Adair Streets, 996-2166; Pastor Ronnie Deal, Worship, 8 am SS & Worship 9:15, 10:45 am & 6 pm FIRST FREE WILL BAPTIST 504 S. Fowler St, 996-4374, Jim Walker, SS, Worship 10:50am, 6pm; Wed 7pm HACKETT FIRST BAPTIST 401 E. Greenwood St. 638-7363; Pastor, Joe Silva 5976644. Sun 8:30am coffee/donuts, 9:01am SS, 10:10 WS, 5pm Discipleship Training, 6pm EW. Wed. 5:30pm Adult Prayer Meeting, 6pm Youth Services, 5:45pm AWANA Registration, 6pm-7:30pm AWANA. JENNY LIND FIRST BAPTIST 1910 Gate Nine Road, 996-2513; Clay Kibler, min.; SS 9:30 a.m., WS 10:45 a.m.; SEW 6:30 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. LIBERTY MISSIONARY BAPTIST 705 E. Gary St. • P.O. Box 3225, Pastor, Cavan Gappmayer SS 9:45 am; WS 10:45am; SEW 5 pm, WEW 6 pm WESTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH Hwy. 10 Spur - 996-6220, Dewey Hickey, pastor, SS 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 am, 6 pm; Mon. 7:10 pm, Wed. 7 pm PALESTINE BAPTIST CHURCH 1207 Young Ridge Road, Pastor Jordan Martin, SS 10:00 am, Worship 11am & 6pm. and Wed night for Children & Youth 6-7:15 pm SHADY GROVE FREE WILL BAPTIST 6425 New Hope Road; SS-9 am, Worship 10:30 am; & 6 pm; Wed. nights 7 pm. Danny Owenby Pastor.
CATHOLIC SSTS SABINA & MARY CATHOLIC
Jenny Lind; Saturday Mass at 4pm. Father Matt Garrison. OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC 616 Cherry St., Booneville, Pastor-Fr. Alejandro Puello; Regular Liturgy Schedule, Sat. Vigil Mass: 6pm; Sun. Mass 8:30am; Wed: Mass: 6:00 meal & youth activities, Thurs. Mass in Chapel 8:15 am, First Fri. of Every Month Mass at
McConnell FUNERAL HOME 137 N Main St, Greenwood, AR 72936
(479) 996-2131
M. Jones, 0 p.m.
nie Deal, 6 pm
orship
ilva 59710:10 WS, pm Adult WANA
AREA WORSHIP GUIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST
GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST Hwy. 10 & Bell Rd, 996-6635 WS 10 am, 6 pm; Wed. 7 pm. JENNY LIND CHURCH OF CHRIST Old Hwy. 71, Sunday WS 9 a.m.
VALLEY VIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST Hwy. 10 West, 996-6040; WS 10:50 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 pm
or, SS 9:45 d. 7 pm
SS 10:00 Children &
0 am; & 6
t Garrison.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OTHER
WASHBURN UNITED METHODIST Paster, Geral L. Holloway, Sunday: 9 a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 10 W. Denver, 996-6397, Wed.: Meal 5:30 p.m., Youth Wed. & Sun. nights, Traditional Sun.: 8:15 & 11 a.m. in Sanctuary, Contemporary 9 a.m. in Family Life Ctr. SS:10 a.m., Rev. John Embrey, Senior Pastor. Rev. Lyn Poplin, Associate Pastor
NORTHSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1240 W. Center, 996-2626; WS 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 7:30 p.m.
WASHBURN CHURCH OF CHRIST min.; SS 9:30 9911 Old Hwy 10, 252-1213. Sun Bible Study 9:30 am, Morning worship 10:15 am, Evening 6pm, Wed Bible study 0 p.m. 6pm
Gappmayer pm
METHODIST
5:30 pm adoration followins. Confessions; 30 min. before Wed/Sat/Sun Masses or by appt.
NAZARENE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Hwy. 10 West, 996-4688; SS 9:45 a.m. WS 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m.; Jon Newlin, min.
RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Phillip McClure and Pastor Adam Kareus. 7030 Taylor Ave, FS in Chaffee Crossing. Sevice Sunday 10am Modern Worship, Classic Christianity
PENTECOSTAL CALVARY TEMPLE UNITED PENTECOSTAL 47 Ware Rd (Off of Hwy. 96), 996-HOPE; SS & WS 10 a.m.; Sun. eve. WS 6pm, Wed 7 pm Family Connect; James Myers, Pastor CITY HARVEST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD Hwy. 10 East & Dawson. Sun. 10-12pm, Wed. 6:30 pm. Billy L. Goines, Pastor, 996-1663
FORT SMITH WARD: CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 8712 Horan Drive, Fort Smith. 479-484-9907, English and Spanish. Sun 10:00 am. http://Churchofjesuschrist.org
FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP 12311 Hwy. 96, 479-221-8740; CV Lewis, Pastor; Sunday. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S 2701 Old Greenwood, Ft. Smith 783-2101, SS 9:15, WS 8 & 10:30 Sun., WS 5:30 Sat.
LUTHERAN
Puello; ; Sun. Mass GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH es, Thurs. 18218 Hwy. 71 South, 996-7747; Jason Zirbel, Pastor; WS nth Mass at 10 a.m. SS 9 a.m.
LIVING WORD TABERNACLE 1848 Hwy 10 • Booneville, 675-4820; Pastors Robert & Melissa Jones; Sunday Worship 10:30 am, Wed. WS 7:00 pm HUNTINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH 216 East Vine St., Huntington Sun. Worship Service 11 a.m.
GREENWOOD WARD: CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 915 West Center St, Greenwood. Sun 10:00 am. English. http://Churchofjesuschrist.org
EPISCOPAL
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH-GW 601 Ulmer St., Greenwood communitychurch.com Service time is Sunday at 10 am
ROSE GARDEN FULL GOSPEL Jenny Lind, 928-5745; SS 9:45 am, WS 11 am, 6 pm; Wed. 7pm; Weldon Bratton, min. TYRO COMMUNITY CHURCH 8401 W Hwy 252. Hackett. Pastor: Chris Scott, Sun. 10am & 5 pm, Wednesday 7pm
This local church directory is made possible by these supporting businesses that are positioned around the Worship feature and this directory. The basic church listings
CROSS ROAD CHURCH 15024 Hwy. 71 S. Jenny Lind Community; 252-6700. Pastors: Michael & Keshia Tom; Sunday WS 11 a.m., Sun. eve. WS 5:30 p.m., Wed. services, and Youth Night 7 p.m.
are provided at no charge to all our area churches in Sebastian County. If your church is not listed or an information change is
PRESBYTERIAN GOOD SHEPHERD PRESBYTERIAN Bass & Denver St., 996-0750. SS 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Orin Frank, min.
needed, please contact us at greenwoodlife@ gatehousemedia.com or call at 479-996-4494.
Tricia Miller
314 W. Center St., Suite B, Greenwood • 996-9311 TMiller@ShelterInsurance.com
301 West Center, Greenwood • 996-4440 Greenwood Life
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Callie Colson with her teachers Brittany Slate, Yvette Franklin, and Elizabeth Griffin
Harbor with her mother Jennifer Staton
Zoe with her parents Steve and Summer Aina and sister Ava
Preschool Extraordinaire
GRADUATION
OUT&ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS
Greenwood Performing Arts Center Tuesday, May 21, 2019
AC with his parents Elliott and Kristen Brown
Brendan with his parents Jerry, and Alanna Elmore
L to R: Fisher Roberts, Elijah Walton and Colton Grandstaff dancing to “Tooty-Ta” Tate Miller receiving his graduation certificate from preschool director, Mrs. Tina Skaggs
Kixter with his family Adam, Elizabeth, and Granger Lott
Kynlee Alderson and Kenzie Murphy best friends hugging
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ZOO LIVES ON
After the loss of his wife, J.R. Wheeler vows to continue wildlife park and book program STORY BY
Jadyn Watson-Fisher
In the arms of a burly, bearded River Valley resident is a white wallaby named Walter. He’s the “animal ambassador” and guest of honor for students learning about marsupials and receiving free books. J.R. Wheeler of Greenwood is proud to host the “Wild About Reading” program at local elementary schools, particularly those in smaller districts who may have more students living in poverty.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Brian Sanderford
“You touch more kids that way,” Wheeler said. It’s just one of the ways the father of two and animal lover continues to honor his late wife, Kristen, who died of breast cancer in February. ALL MINE Like a lot of things, the Wild About Reading program was inspired by something small; by trying to make
Greenwood Life
one child feel seen and give him something completely his own. Wheeler said Kristen was a teacher who tended to get what most would consider problem students. One in particular was about to be sent to Belle Point Alternative Center due to grades and behavior. His wife, however, saw past the issues. She asked the student how she could help him be suc-
“(SHE) HAD A PASSION FOR KIDS, SO WE WANTED TO HELP KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES GET INVOLVED OUTSIDE,” J.R. Wheeler ROO DOO’S WILDLIFE PARK
cessful. “Ms. Wheeler, I want something that’s mine,” Wheeler recalled his wife telling him. The two cut a deal. If he behaved well and worked hard every week, Kristen would buy him a book. Wheeler said his wife’s simple act of kindness made a difference. Her student went from failing and being someone most would look down upon to being successful in the classroom and making As. Kristen’s one question made all the difference, and spurred an idea for something even bigger.
Kristen was a huge supporter of the project and her husband, helping every step of the way. Then she got sick. Wheeler said the cancer was all over Kristen’s body when it was discovered two years ago, so all their plans for a Greenwood zoo were put on hold to focus on her health. The community rallied behind the Wheeler family as Kristen received chemotherapy and underwent several surgeries, hoping her health would improve and she could continue with the zoo and book program she was passionate about.
Kristen died Feb. 4, leaving behind Wheeler and their two children. Even in her sickness and eventual passing, Wheeler said his wife continued to think about others. She even requested people to donate money toward the book program and park. About $500,000 worth of work and supplies has been invested into the park thus far, and there’s a long way to go, but Wheeler isn’t complaining. “It was a blessing from God that everything worked out
TULSA ZOO IN GREENWOOD Wheeler has been a part of the zoo life for as long as his own, traveling around the country with his dad who helped design the facilities all around the United States. While it wasn’t always a glamorous life, Wheeler’s love for animals came naturally and eventually why he decided to create a zoo. Wheeler likened his idea to the Tulsa Zoo — “a legit facility that this area can be proud of ” — not just some small livestock farm or petting zoo.
(LEFT) J.R. Wheeler visits with a tayra at the Roo Doo’s breeding farm in Greenwood. (RIGHT) J.R. Wheeler holds Walter, the “animal ambassador” for the Roo Doo’s Wildlife Park project.
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the way it did,” Wheeler said, noting how the land, its price and help from companies have helped with the construction. Even with the “huge support” from the community, Wheeler said it’s hard to compete for limited funds when there are also local schools, other animal facilities and even the U.S. Marshals Museum. “We’re not a multimillion-dollar family, so every extra dime we get, it goes to the park,” Wheeler said. Wheeler hopes to have the facility open within two years. Not every kid who receives a book will appreciate it, and Wheeler knows it. Helping out those 10 kids who might not have anything of their own, however, makes all the effort, time and money spent more than worth it.
Wheeler said most schools receive 200 to 400 books each visit, though Waldron recently received 800. “Thank you for coming to Waldron Elementary today,” wrote Waldron resident Alyssa Dye on the Roo Doo’s Facebook page. “I was in the school for a meeting and stopped in to watch a tiny bit of your show. The (were) wowed, just like us adults. Thank you.” Charleston Elementary also recently received a visit from Wheeler. Elementary Media Specialist Amy Womack said she saw the Facebook page and contacted Wheeler, and his friend at the school helped organize the visit. “Our kids were really excited to hear that he was going to be coming. They anxiously looked forward to him,” said Amy Womack, Charleston Elementary School media specialist. “They were
(LEFT) A peacock shows off it’s train of eye-spotted plumage at Roo Doo’s Wildlife (RIGHT) A ring-tailed lemur keeps watch at Roo Doo’s Wildlife Park.
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Roo Doo’s
SUMMER CAMPS
Roo Doo’s is known for its educational summer camps. J.R. Wheeler said he hopes to host camp again but isn’t completely sure if it will be possible this year after his wife’s death. Wheeler said his wife, Kristen, was a teacher and designed the camp curriculum. Each day of the camp focuses on a different ecosystem, such as the prairies and wetlands. Students do various educational activities and see different animals related to the ecosystem being studied.
happy to get their free books. They enjoyed seeing Walter the wallaby and learning about wallabies and marsupials.”
single father and his kids lost their mother. He’s carrying on a vision that once belonged to two people.
Wheeler wishes he could visit some of the larger districts, but it’s not financially feasible.
Most people probably wouldn’t blame him for ending the book program and not finishing the park. The Wheelers have been through more than their fair share of pain.
If Roo Doo’s hosts the half-day camp, Wheeler anticipates the cost to be $150. A scholarship program has been available in the past.
“It comes out of our pocket,” Wheeler said. “We do everything on our own.”
“We try to be inclusive of everyone,” Wheeler said.
It’s a numbers game, but he’s committed to helping as many students as possible. It’s what Kristen would’ve wanted. CARRYING ON A popular saying goes, “the same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not the circumstances.”
His heart is still soft, though. Wheeler is doing everything for Kristen, though. all the people they wanted to impact together. Her camp curriculum, educational programming to go into the park and her dream won’t be lost. “(She) had a passion for kids, so we wanted to help kids and their families get involved outside,” Wheeler said.
J.R. Wheeler had every reason to let life harden him. He lost his wife to cancer that spread aggressively through her whole body. He watched the woman he considered his best friend fight through severe pain. He’s now a
(TOP) Black buck deer run through a field. (RIGHT) An emu keeps close watch on those entering it’s pen at Roo Doo’s Wildlife Park. The breeding farm has a wide variety of animals including tayras, capybaras, Mouflon rams, lemurs, kangaroos and many others.
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READING, SPECIAL LUNCH AND EASTER SERVICE ON THE RIVER By Drucilla Hughart I have just finished the book, “Life’s Too Short to Fold Your Underwear” by Patricia Lorenz published by Guideposts. It’s real life wit and wisdom to help you sort out what matters most. I have read it several times. In fact I read it when I come to a block in the middle of the road especially since I have reached the age where I can’t turn out the work I used to do. When I get discouraged that my house is not as straightened as it used to be I tell myself there is more to life than worrying about a little dust. I think of the late Erma Bombeck saying, “If she had her life to live over she would keep the car windows down and let the wind blow through her hair.” Patricia says “Life is too short to stay home when you have an opportunity to go somewhere.” Speaking of going somewhere my brother Jim invited sister Jane and I to his house for lunch on Good Friday. I can’t tell you when I have enjoyed a meal as much as I did the one he fixed. He loves to cook and does most of it at his house. When he was little he used to be under foot when Mama was trying to cook. She would try to run him out of the kitchen. He would tell her he needed to learn how to cook because he might need to cook some day. And cook he has. Knowing that his sister’s favorite food was plain country food he had, fried squash, purple hull peas, fried okra, corn, turnips, potatoes, cabbage, good old salt pork fried good and crisp, corn bread, sliced tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers and ice tea. As the late Kermit McNabb would say, “We were right down on Main and murphy.” Meaning it was the best you could have. Knowing that I don’t eat shrimp he had told sister
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Jane to tell me he was fixing shrimp. Nothing had been tasting good since I had the shingles. In fact I hadn’t had very much of an appetite. I will tell you I made up for it at Brother Jim’s. He had a dessert which I did not try as I had given up sweets for Lent. I started to tell him I would take a doggy bag but I knew that he knew I didn’t have a doggy. It is hard to believe Easter has come and gone. Connie and I attended the Sunrise Service at the River Front Park. It started at six-thirty, the moon was full and bright...BEAUTIFUL! I don’t know why but my daughter did not dress for early morning on the river. She nearly froze. I think it took her all day to get warm. I know she got cold as I was cold and I had on a sweat shirt and coat and socks and slacks. She had on slacks, a light weight nylon jacket and NO socks. We had taken chairs and at least we didn’t have to sit on the cold rocks. I love a sunrise service with the moon shining and the birds singing. I felt the Lord really had risen. Although I miss getting the Democrat on Wednesday I really like the New Greenwood Life. It was a big surprise as I had no idea about what it was going to be like. The story about Tina and Beth was outstanding. Greenwood has so many people who deserve to be honored. I hope there will be more everyday citizens honored in such a way. I will have to remember life is too short to worry about little things. Forget the old-enjoy the New Greenwood Life.
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Waitin’ for the Train By Mary Ann Gamble Living so close to the tracks and the water tank, we found it to be an ideal place to play and perform when we were kids, and we knew the words to most all the old railroad songs and we thought we sang just as good as Arlo Gthrie when we sang them. All around the water tank Waiting for the train A thousand miles away from home Sleeping in the rain. I walked up to a brakeman To give him a line of talk, He said if you’ve got money I’ll see that you don’t walk. Well I haven’t got a nickel Not a penny can I sho Get off, get off, you railroad bum He slammed that box car door. Well he put me off in Texas The state I dearly love The wide open spaces all around me With the moon and stars up above. Nobody seems to want me Or lend me a helping hand I’m on my way from Frisco Going back to Dixieland. My pocket book is empty My heart is full of pain I’m a thousand miles away from home Waitin for the train.
Helen Kliener with her paintings “Boat” and “Zoom, Zoom”
Darice Augustson playing entertaining attendees with her harp music.
Dale Augustson Showing off his work
Sandra Dixon painting
Lisa Jan-BohnéClay with her painting “Flow vs. Structure”
OUT&ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS
Greenwood Art Guild Open Art Show Hosted by Rags n’ Roses Thursday, May 23, 2019
Lorrie Bridges with her Glow-in-the-Dark paintings (She is also Artist of the month for June.)
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Recommended Reading SCOTT-SEBASTIAN REGIONAL LIBRARY 18 NORTH ADAIR, GREENWOOD, AR • 479-996-2856 Open Mon. 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.,Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to noon.
HOLY SQUAWKAMOLE!
(2019) Retold by Susan Wood Illustrated by Laura Gonzalez
In a lovely illustrated and retelling of the classic Little Red Hen, Little Red Hen is craving guacamole and sets out to gather the ingredients to make it. As she attempts to gather each ingredient, she asks for help from animals who refuse to help but would love to eat the guacamole when she has it ready. Little Red Hen makes too much guacamole, but she invites the animals who refused to help to enjoy the dip anyway. She put a special ingredient in it just for them!
BEST FAMILY EVER (2019)
THE PERSIAN GAMBLE
(2019) by Joel C. Rosenberg
With a cast of characters involving Americans, Russians, Iranians, and North Koreans, The Persian Gamble is an international thriller. Rosenberg brings back former U.S. Secret Service agent Marcus Ryker to once again extinguish a terrorism plot. Each having their own hands in the plot, the Russian, Iranian, and North Korean governments all have something to gain. Ryker not only has the responsibility to stop world destruction, but he also is forced to work with the Russian double agent and assassin who orchestrated the international chaos.
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by Karen Kingsbury Adult readers have enjoyed reading stories of Dr. and Mrs. Baxter and their 5 adult children for years. Karen Kingsbury’s most beloved characters, the Baxter Family, are introduced to youth in this first Baxter Family Children Story series. This series follows the Baxter children in their childhoods. In Best Family Ever, the Baxter children are faced with the challenges of moving, not just to a new house, but to a different state. It realistically portrays how a child confronts and navigates life changes and how his or her faith in God aids in that process.
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ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Birthday EMYTT HOUSTON Age 3 • July 8
Parents are Nicholas Houston and Rachel Henley of Greenwood, Arkansas. Grandparents are Dustin and Christy Graham of Greenwood and Laura Houston also of Greenwood. Great Grandparents are Troy and Mildred Henley of Alma and Virginia Oberste of Fort Smith.
Greenwood Area Births Michaiah Tompkins and Drake Spencer of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on May 1, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Christine Olivas and Robert Robinson of Greenwood announce the birth of a daughter born on May 11, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Courtney and Robbie Clardy of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on May 7, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Jackie Buckman of Greenwood announce the birth of a son born on May 13, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR
JSarah and Joshua Stevens of Greenwood announce the birth of a daughter born on May 7, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Haylie and Jeffrey Seaton of Greenwood announce the birth of a daughter born on May 16, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, AR.
Send us your milestones! Email a photo and the details of your wedding, engagement, anniversary or birth to greenwoodlife@gatehousemedia.com.
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HOME TOWN JUNE - OCTOBER: FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY
GREENWOOD FARMERS MARKET
8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Town Square Street, Greenwood. Local farmers join with local craftsmen and women to bring you friendly faces and the quality products.
Happenings MAY 28-AUGUST 3
JULY 4
CSA PRIVATE ACTING LESSONS
2019 GREENWOOD FREEDOM FEST
5 or 10 week sessions at 2701 Old Greenwood Road for Ages 3-Adult. Register Now! 479.434.2020
JUNE 17-20
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Are you ready for a WiLD summer?!?! You’ll want to plan your summer schedule around this one for sure. We will be hosting the wildest VBS ever each evening, Monday through Thursday from 6pm 8:30pm at Greenwood United Methodist Church.
JUNE - JULY
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Planning for the future is hard when you’re still paying for the past! Listen—there’s a better way! Join our Financial Peace University group and we’ll learn how to beat debt and make a plan for the future . . . together! Interested? Join us at Valley View Church of Christ, 1911 Excelsior Rd, Greenwood, Arkansas 72936 starting June 5, 2019. Sign up at https://fpu.com/1089981
JUNE - SEPTEMBER
JUNE 20
BINGO FOR BOOKS!
Adults - Join Us Thursday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. to Play Bingo – Win Books! This is a free event at the Sebastian County Library, Greenwood, AR.
OLD JAIL MUSEUM
Tour hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturdays. Call the curator for off-hour tours at 479-252-6071. A wealth of information much to see and learn about the area’s history.
JULY 11
THERE’S A UNIVERSE OF STORIES AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!
Adults Come Join Us Making Celestial Bangle Bracelets at 10:00 a.m. located at Sebastian County Library, Greenwood. Activity is free, but due to limited space please register at the front desk or by phone at 479-996-2856.
JULY 11
JUNE 24-28
KID’S MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP (Broadway Babies)
All day fun for all ages!! Live Music! Arts & Crafts, Great Food! Outstanding FIREWORKS show! Sponsored by the Greenwood A&P Commission! 9 AM – 11 PM in Town Square, Greenwood, AR
There will be a musical theater camp for grads K-12 with instructor is Shannon Stoddard from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily June 24-28 at the Community School of the Arts. Tuition is $150. To register call 479-434-2020.
THERE’S A UNIVERSE OF STORIES AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!
Adults Come Join Us Making Star Earrings at 10:00 a.m. located at Sebastian County Library, Greenwood. Activity is free, but due to limited space please register at the front desk or by phone at 479996-2856.
GREENWOOD LIFE COMMUNITY EVENTS are Sponsored By:
415 E Main St, Charleston, AR 72933 • (479) 965-2369 FS-SPAD0403150002
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Alpha Dogs League of Legend Team wins first Esports State Championship Greenwood has always been victorious in sports like football, basketball and baseball. However, they also proved victorious in Esports when they won the state championship during the team’s inaugural season on May 11, 2019. During the championship, Greenwood played two of three games of sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association (Triple AAA): League of Legends and Rocket League. Each game allows players to utilize different skills to compete and win. “League of Legends is a five versus five MOBA…it’s a multiplayer online battle arena…the five players have to work together as a team to try to take the other five-man team base. They’re taking each other out back and forth and have to work through a series of objectives to make their way to the other side of the map…with Rocket League it’s just to score more shots than the other guy” said Andrew Maxwell, the Esports coach for Greenwood. Three games are offered for play in Arkansas: League of Legends, Rocket League, and SMITE. Greenwood won the championship for League of Legends and came in second to Bryant in Rocket League. SMITE has not gained much of a following in the Natural State and therefore did not have a championship. Presently there are 80 schools in Arkansas that have Esports teams.
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According to Maxwell, it was Dr. Cody Chapman, the principal for Greenwood High School that was instrumental in bringing Esports to Greenwood. “Dr. Chapman took a big initiative and went to some meetings to get informed about what we were looking at and he learned of colleges that were getting interested in having Esports and scholarships possibly attached to those. So, he took a lot of initiative to put out the request for someone to coach and sponsor it.” Maxwell also said that there was not a lot of pushback from school officials when it came to introducing Esports because Dr. Chapman was able to show the value that Esports would bring to Greenwood. Esports is open to any student in Grades 9-12. Playing games like League of Legends and Rocket League have different metrics than other sports. For one thing there is no command structure in League of Legends. “There is no special team captain. The support is probably the closest thing because they must keep their eye on the enemy.” Maxwell stated. With Rocket League, the captain would most likely be the shooter. “On Rocket League the typical setup is you have someone that is the shooter, a passer, someone who is a blocker, a defender type.” Another difference is that most sports have an MVP. For League of Legends there was not an individual who could have carried the game, but rather it was a team effort that led to victory.
So, what did the championship involve? For the League of Legends team, it was playing the best two out of three games. Play involved the five team members crossing the map to capture the enemy’s base. “Once you get to their base there is a crystal that you have to take down and then you win the game.” Winning the championship was humbling according to Maxwell. “It feels humbling because the kids put in so much effort. It was a blessing to see them go that far. The final game was amazing. It was neat to be a part of it all. I think it’s exciting to see what comes [next].” The students themselves were quite happy with the win. “Winning the state championship was very satisfying” said Mark Johnson, who played Support in League of Legends. Jack Gaston, who played the Jungler position in League of Legends stated that many of the students have been playing for a long time already. “I have been playing League of Legends since 8th Grade…It was an unbelievable experience to play for our school” Gaston said. When asked if they will continue in Esports, both are uncertain at this time but are open to the possibility. Esports is a new activity in Greenwood, but it is one that students are already excelling at. So, what does the future look like for the city’s newest team? With one state championship under its belt, Esports is now a part of Greenwood’s athletic legacy.
HOMETOWN HERO: Andrew Maxwell
By Marc Hayot
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“Greenwood needs to continue to move forward and keep the bar high” said Andrew Maxwell. Maxwell teaches accelerated Algebra 1 class and General Math at Greenwood Junior High School. Maxwell also coaches the new Esports team at Greenwood High School. His team won the state championship during the team’s inaugural season last month. Maxwell is a native of Booneville. “I remember growing up with a healthy respect of Greenwood though because they were known for their mission statement ‘Excellence in Education’” Maxwell said. Aside from teaching and coaching Maxwell volunteered at Regeneration Church in Fort Smith and enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda of nine years (who also teaches English at the junior high school) and his two-year-old son Easton. Maxwell said his hobbies were too numerous to name “I have this problem that if I look into something for too long, I just get interested in it naturally.” Maxwell does enjoy fishing, hunting, and kayaking on a regular basis along with playing his current favorite video game League of Legends. Like all heroes, Maxwell had a mentor who inspired him to become a teacher. He cites the influence of Mr. Webster Watts, a math teacher at Booneville High School as the reason why he became a teacher. “He was kind and gentle, not afraid to correct when he needed to. A guy that you wanted to respect and that was the kind of person that I wanted to be.” When it came time to start his career, Maxwell knew that he wanted it to be in Greenwood, and at the end of this school year, he will celebrate eleven years teaching here.
Andrew Maxwell
McCONNELL FUNERAL HOME IS PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR HOMETOWN HERO’S.
Hometown Heroes!
FS-0001217684-01
THANK YOU
Supporting All Of Our Heroes eroes Everyday!
FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY! McConnell Funeral Home • 479-996-2131 Manager: Jackie Davis
FS-0001222877-01
718 Rockside Drive • Greenwood, AR 72956 479-996-9288 • “24 Hour Emergency Service”
Greenwood Life FS-0001068763-01
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Amber Alzusai with her family Al, Rana, Mariam Alzusai
Katelyn Sosebee with her Mom Darlene, Dad Harold and her brothers Kameron and Kaden Sosebee
Korie Edelen with parents Tom and Cindy Edelen and Jada Jenkins with parents Summer and Steve Aina.
2019 Greenwood
GRADUATION Mark Johnson with his parents Brad and Sandy Johnson
Ainlsey Turner with her Mom Elysa and her grandfather Robert Delong
OUT&ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS
Smith Robinson Stadium at Greenwood High Friday, May 17, 2019
Noah Walker with his mom Shannon, dad Scott and his brother Evan
Luke Leonard with his family Steven, Brook, Martin and Eli Leonard
Delaney Janz with her boyfriend Landon Henning
Bradley Brotherton and Jaelee Mohetare with their nieces
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CHESS
Makes Kids
For twenty years, I have taught chess to students who participate in Gifted & Talented Education in Greenwood School District. Five years ago, I decided what better way to teach thinking skills than chess so I began teaching the entire second grade at Westwood Elementary. The second graders learned the rules fairly quickly and beg to play every week. They never grasp the concept that this is a quiet thinking game. They play with gusto, laughing, talking, cheering, and at times arguing over which piece can move in what direction. We end the year with classroom tournaments and medals for the top three students in each classroom. This excitement continues from year to year as we have between 60-80 students in our Westwood Chess Club. Students practice during inside recess and in my classroom many Fridays during recess. The top thirty third and fourth graders
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By Carrah Efurd GIFTED AND TALENTED TEACHER
SMARTER
compete in the Westwood Chess Tournament in May with medals for the top players. East Pointe students that participate in Gifted & Talented Education also learn chess and by the time everyone merges at East Hills Middle School there is a huge group of students who have enjoy the game of chess. The Greenwood Chess Club operates under a very simple premise chess makes kids smarter and ALL students should have an opportunity to learn to play. Greenwood Chess Club encompasses students from second grade to high school. Currently, there are over 400 students in Greenwood School District participating in Greenwood Chess Club. Every second grader learns to play
chess during their whole group Gifted & Talented Education enrichment class at Westwood Elementary. Students in third grade - high school continue practicing and playing chess during recess, study hall, and Gifted & Talented Education classes. Members come to play, learn, teach and get together with friends. The rivalries are friendly; the friendships are competitive. We play chess because it teaches: Memory Skills, Pattern Recognition, Decision Making, Logic Development, Observation, Planning, Analysis Skills, Sportsmanship, Critical Thinking, and it is FUN! Carrah Efurd, Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Education is coach of the Westwood Elementary, East Hills Middle School, Greenwood Junior High and Greenwood High School teams. She is assisted by Rick Clow, Coordina-
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tor of Gifted & Talented Education who coaches at East Pointe Elementary and East Hills Middle School. Math teachers Alvin Elliott, Mindy Wright, and Candice Creason work with students at Greenwood Junior High. Greenwood hosts the Greenwood Chess Invitation each fall at the Sebastian County Fair Barn. This year over two hundred third grade - junior high students from Ozark, Mansfield, Booneville, Mountainburg, Van Buren, and Greenwood participated in three days of chess tournaments. Chess Team Awards the Last Two Years:
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Greenwood Chess Teams compete in the GFESC Chess Tournament each year. All three elementary schools Westwood, East Pointe, and East Hills earned first and/or second place team awards the past three years at the Guy Fenter Education Service Coop Chess Tournament. Greenwood Junior and Senior High competed and earned first place honors in the GFESC as well. They also compete in CAAS tournaments (Chess Association of Arkansas Schools). Greenwood Junior High has earned first
place in 2017-2018 and second in 20182019 at the CAAS 4A-7A Regional Tournaments. Greenwood High School entered their first CAAS 4A-7A Regional Tournament last school year (in 2017-2018) placing 12th in the team competition. This qualified them to participate in the CAAS 4A7A State Tournament where they placed fifth. Excited about their placement the high school team began preparing for this school year tournament by practicing on their own as well as Mondays after school and with the Westark Chess Club. Greenwood High School team earned Fifth place at the 4A-7A CAAS Regional Tournament at Lake Hamilton which qualified them for CAAS 4A-7A State at Bald Knob, Arkansas. Greenwood High School won Second Place being defeated by .5 (a half point) in a close contest with North Little Rock. Team Members include Trey Smith, Jonathan Ivey, Braden Lewis, Dalton Oxford, Michael Lytle, and Christian Schaefer. Trey Smith, earned CAAS All State Honors. He was undefeated at the State competition and earned fourth in the overall standings.
PICTURED LEFT: 1 GFESC Chess Tournament 3rd - 4th grade. 2 Greenwood Invitational at the Sebastian County Fair Barn - 3rd and 4th graders. 3 Final Game for EHMS students at the GFESC Tournament. 4 Trey Smith and Braden Lewis CAAS Regionals.
Greenwood Life
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5 PICTURED ABOVE: 1 EHMS placing first at the 2018-2019 GFESC Chess Tournament. Top team members include Caleb Cox, Aspen Payton, Satvik Vuluvala, Eason Lin, Wesley Raggio, Wesley Jarrell, Gavin Gibbs, Jameson Stewart, and Michael Turner. 2 Westwood Elementary (20 points) place second behind East Pointe Elementary (21 points) at the GFESC Chess Tournament. Westwood top team includes Caleb Schaefer, Emily Creason, Ethan Shumate, Cooper Webb, and Reid Pittman. 3 Greenwood Junior High at CAAS 4A - 7A Regional Tournament - second place. Photo names are: Noah Embry, Steven Duran, Hayden Webb, Thomas Sparks CAAS Representative, David Ambriz, and Trey Merreighn. 4 GHS at CAAS 4A-7A STATE Chess Tournament - Second place shown is Dalton Oxford, Jonathan Ivey, Trey Smith, and Braden Lewis. 5 Greenwood Junior High Chess Club at GFESC TournamentRaggio, Wesley Jarrell, Gavin Gibbs, Jameson Stewart, and Michael Turner.
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WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | JUNE 2019 |
Greenwood Life
Preschool Extraordinaire!
Anna Grace Dedmon, age 11, a student at East Hills Middle School, qualified for the Region 3 Level 7 Junior B Regional Championships at the Arkansas State Meet on March 17, 2019. She competed in the Regional Championships on April 4, 2019 in Tulsa Oklahoma against other regional qualifiers from New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Anna Grace finished with a 9.6 on beam taking first place and the gold medal becoming the Level 7 JrB Regional Beam Champion. She also placed 10th on vault with a 9.025, 11th on floor with a 9.5, and came in 13th in the All
Around with a total of 36.95. Anna Grace has trained at Flame Gymnastics in Fort Smith for the past year. She spends 14 hours per week practicing. Her coaches are Ava Lovell and Michael Sapp. According to her mom, Amber Dedmon, “Anna Grace is dedicated to gymnastics and her education. She goes straight to the gym after school four days a week practicing until 8pm. Around 8:30pm she walks in the door and eats dinner while doing homework without a complaint. Her dream is to compete at the collegiate level while studying to become a marine biologist.”
Greenwood AR 72936 479-996-4YOU(4968)
Family Vacations A vacation is time away from your normal daily routines. So don’t fret and don’t break the bank over vacations young parents. The truth is kiddos are happy with your time and any body of water they can splash around in! It’s the time you spend with your kiddos that matter—not the location—and definitely not the travel. Whatever the budget fill it with time doing things you normally don’t get to do. Add a few no-no’s like ice cream for breakfast or a trip to the candy store and a forever memory you will create. Search out crazy meal options like ordering the 5 lb burger with 20 slices of cheese for everyone to share! (Favorite memory!) One year we planned a vacation around a theme park. On the trip home we talked about favorite parts of the trip and it was the quirky things we did like trying to recount the number of times we refilled the all-day-free-refill-icee-cup, and the silliness at the hotel swimming pool they loved the most—not the standing in line for hours for a few rides. A successful family vacation isn’t about the destination... but the realization that the best memories come simply from hanging out and being crazy. That’s what kiddos take away from them... and parents should too. Another tip for a great trip... involve your kiddos in the planning! Let them map it out and help understand the budget. You will be amazed at how they appreciate the trip when they understand they don’t just magically happen. Kids surprise you and a great trip is an opportunity to help them incorporate math, geography and a bit of history as well! Love, Mrs. Tina
Greenwood Life
| WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | JUNE 2019
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Level 7 JrB Region 3 Regional Bar Champion
508 South Coker
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2019
BULLDOG BREAKOUT
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S P O N S O R S
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alpha Packaging, Inc. A Moment Captured ArcBest Corporation Arvest Bank Arkansas Valley Electric Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Bancorp South Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Bishop Family Dentistry Brenda’s Drafting Service Carrington Creek Homes Chuck Fawcett Realty Chick Fil A Clothologie Coke Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic Cobblestone Homes Davis Fitness Gym Didier Properties, LLC Dr. Drew and Crew DR Home Design Dr. Nicole Taylor Eastside Convenience El Palenque Elite Exterminating Excelsior Extension Club Farmers Bank First National Bank Flying R Express Gellco Outdoors Geno’s Pizza GHS Beta Club Gold and Gems Greenwood Athletic Club Greenwood Security Storage
WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | JUNE 2019 |
Greenwood Life
• Health Depot • Heavenly Therapy • Honda Power Sports • Johnson Dermatology • Ken’s Fence • L and S Trucking • Landmark CPAs • Land Title and Closing • La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant • Live out Loud • MAHG Architecture • McConnell Funeral Home • McDonalds • Morrell Targets • Nestle • Phil Hicks Shelter Insurance • Razorback Self Storage • Roy & Karen Slagle • Senior Parents • Shop Persnickety • Splash N Dash Carwash • Stein Ancillary Services • The Dari • Taco Bell • The Popcorn Spot LLC • The Popped Popcorn Company • The Woodsman • Todd Basham Construction • Top Notch by Donna Gill • Walmart • Weimer Law • Windsor Insurance • Yeager Hardware
Please accept our apologies if we missed you. We appreciate you!
THANK YOU ALL 40
• Greenwood Movie & Tanning
For supporting a drug & alcohol-free night of fun for the 2019 GHS Seniors
G OUT
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Kayley Lawson, Ashlyn Barton, Tyler Merreighn, and Hannah McAdams having fun at the Photo Booth
Sarah White, Delaney Janz, Meredith Ellenwood, Faith Young, Sara M’Olvin, Emma Booker, Isaiah Belue, Masheayah Moore, Emerson Lejong, and Abby Cagle hanging out
Bulldog Breakout
OUT&ABOUT
WITH MORGAN SKAGGS Dance Party!
H.B. Stewart Arena at Greenwood High Friday, May 17, 2019 Sklyer Gatlin got a hole in one at Mini golf.
h
mpany
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! Seth Hill, Cade Lynch, Colton Simpson, Chris Pritchett and Luke Leonard having fun beating each other up
Maycee Atkins, Katelyn Sosebee, Blake Dehart and Shalea O’Riley playing Connect 4
Greenwood Life
| WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | JUNE 2019
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Like What We Do? Support Us.
If you live, work or play in Greenwood, Arkansas, you’ve likely come to realize the city is a special place. This vibrant and growing community takes pride in its children, schools, faith and overall feel of small-town U.S.A. Each month, it’s our goal with Greenwood Life to showcase the people, events and stories that make Greenwood so special, in a format that makes everyone just a bit more proud. In bringing the community a publication that tells the good news, sometimes we’ll be there with you - taking creative photos and talking with you one-on-one. Other times, we’ll rely on our community to share with us the stories and pictures that you know capture the essence of Greenwood. We’ll be a team. In the end, we hope you’ll be proud to keep each and every issue of Greenwood Life. We hope you’ll keep it on your coffee table, show it to family and friends, and beam with pride as you share the events and people who are making a difference in this great community. These small actions help! But, very simply, we also need your financial support. Whether you have a business that could benefit from increased exposure through advertising, you’re a person who could benefit from services or products offered by businesses who advertise, or you can subscribe to have Greenwood Life delivered to your home each month — each of these actions help to support the magazine.
A yearly subscription for local delivery is just $30.
(That’s just $2.50 a month, less than most cups of coffee these days. And we promise, it’ll have a lot more impact than that caffeine jolt.)
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Or email: greenwoodlife@gatehousemedia.com with your name, address and phone number and we’ll invoice you. We truly appreciate whatever support you are able to provide. We also welcome your story ideas, submissions, as well as thoughts and suggestions on our efforts with Greenwood Life.
Greenwood Life COMMUNITY | SCHOOL | FAMILY | FAITH
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WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | JUNE 2019 |
Greenwood Life
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