December 2018

Unity Health and Mayo Clinic - collaborating for your care

Unity Health & Mayo Clinic are

Working Together YOU for

Achieving our vision of world-class healthcare is even closer due to our membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, an innovative collaboration bringing the expertise of Mayo Clinic to our patients.

As the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in Arkansas, our depth of specialty care has been enhanced with new resources and tools while keeping patient care right here at home.

Innovation. World-class care. Unity Health.

For more information, please visit Unity-Health.org/mayo.

HOSPITALS • CLINICS • SPECIALISTS Searcy | Newport | Beebe | Bradford | Cabot | Clinton | Heber Springs

Unity-Health.org

501 LIFE

EDITOR'S NOTE

OWNERS Donna Spears, Sonja J. Keith EDITOR Sonja J. Keith

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna Spears

ART DIRECTORS Jennifer Godwin and Nick Walker ASSOCIATE EDITOR Levi Gilbert PHOTO DIRECTOR Mike Kemp

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tom Keith CONTRIBUTORS Donna Benton Don Bingham Tanner Cangelosi Brittany Gilbert Laurie Green Linda Henderson Vivian Hogue Megan Ledbetter Karl Lenser Mark McDonald Mark Oliver

Todd Owens Bill Patterson John Patton Susan Peterson Dr. Robert Reising Robin Richards Jan Spann Donna Lampkin Stephens Callie Sterling Jaison Sterling Katelin Whiddon

FAULKNER COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD

501 LIFE was among the corporate table sponsors for the recent Conway Regional Women’s Council Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivor Celebration Luncheon. Sitting at the 501 table were 501 LIFE publisher Donna Spears (seated, left), Teresa Miller; Shellie Crowell (back), Crystal Kemp, Jeannie Brown, Amanda Horton, Amanda Bledsoe and 501 LIFE publisher Sonja Keith.

Celebrating the wonder of Christmas It’s that wonderful time of the year when we deck the halls, indulge in delicious food and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends.

This issue features some great articles related to the holiday season – from Charlotte and Mark Strickland’s wonderful nativity displays in Conway (Page 28) and Wanda Emde’s precious Santa collection in Searcy (Page 32) to 501 LIFE contributor Linda Henderson’s story and great photos of the Pioneer Village in Searcy. We are so excited to share these beautiful collections and this special place with readers!

Also, this month, 501 LIFE contributor Donna Benton takes us on a tour of the Mann Family home (Page 50) decked out in its Christmas splendor. She also shares the family’s new perspective on life and the holidays following a tornado that destroyed their house but not their spirit.

Food takes center stage during the holidays and 501 LIFE contributor Don Bingham has some tasty holiday recipes (Page 48) in store for readers this month.

In addition, check out the calendar (Pages 8-9) to discover some of the MANY wonderful ways to enjoy this holiday season in the 501.

4 | 501 LIFE December 2018

While there is much to enjoy this time of year, sometimes the holidays bring stress and a feeling of inadequacy as we try to do too much or measure up to others. We have some helpful information (Pages 42-43) to help address that, too.

Our hope is that in the weeks ahead that we all feel less like Santa and his reindeer are dancing on our head and more like this season is intended – in celebration of the joy created that first Christmas so long ago. As I gather around the Thanksgiving table, I want to be mindful of the many blessings that those around me enjoy – a loving family, faithful friends and good health.

Throughout the holidays and the year, we are mindful at 501 LIFE of the many blessings that we have enjoyed since we embarked on this incredible venture. There are great communities in Central Arkansas that we are proud to serve.

We have supportive advertisers and editorial boards as well as a talented team of writers, photographers and designers. We are truly thankful!

As we wish you and yours the best of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, here’s to “Loving LIFE!”

Johnny Adams Jack Bell Don Bingham RaeLynn Callaway Glenn Crockett Kay Dalton Beth Franks Russ Hancock Spencer Hawks Mathilda Hatfield Roe Henderson Jerry Hiegel Mike Kemp Julie LaRue

Karl Lenser Monica Lieblong Lori Melton Kiera Oluokun Deanna Ott Pat Otto Jon Patrom Amy Reed Lori Ross Margaret Smith Jan Spann Kim Tyler Jennifer Whitehead

CONWAY COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen Alisha Koonce

Stephanie Lipsmeyer Stewart Nelson Kristi Strain Jim Taylor Morgan Zimmerman

WHITE COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Betsy Bailey Tara Cathey Cassandra Feltrop Phil Hays Natalie Horton Matt LaForce

Hannah Owens Mike Parsons Brooke Pryor Carol Spears Kristi Thurmon

To subscribe or order back issues, visit www.501lifemag.com. The subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues).

501 Advertising and Publishing 701 Chestnut St. Conway, Ark. 72032 501.327.1501 info@501lifemag.com

501 LIFE is published monthly by 501 Advertising and Publishing (701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032, 501.327.1501). The contents of 501 LIFE are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE. 501 LIFE is produced on recycled paper.

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CONTENTS

December 2018 Volume 11 Issue 8

features&departments 48 Entertaining

m

Christmas at Nancy and Don Bingham’s home was always the essence of “all things decorated, cooked and sung!”

On the cover

In this month’s edition, 501 LIFE is all about “Celebrating Christmas” with a special cake that represents the launch of the 501 Make Me Over Contest (see Page 9 for more information). 501 LIFE would like to thank Julie Goodnight and Julie’s Sweet Shoppe for the cake featured on this month’s cover. (Mike Kemp photo)

50 Home

The Mann Home is beautifully decked out for the holidays, but nowadays the family has a new perspective on life and Christmas.

64 Sports

501 LIFE is proud to present this year’s edition of the 501 Basketball Team.

72 Travel

The Pioneer Village at Searcy has a special way of celebrating the Christmas season.

37

neighbors

50

24 Couples

Ingram and Mary Philips of Fairfield Bay remain involved in the Care Cap Connections project, which they started.

26 Youth

The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce selected seven students as its 2018 Youth Citizens of the Year.

72

28 Conway

Charlotte and Mark Strickland have a nativity scene collection that takes center stage in their home.

regulars 4 8-9 10-17 50-54 78

32 Searcy

Wanda Emde “still believes” and is happy to share her extensive Santa Claus collection with others in White County.

78 Person of the month

Brandi Cooper was named the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce.

'501 KIDS'

LIFE pics 18-22

501 LIFE contributors Kellie Bishop, Brittany Gilbert and Jim Skelton present some great tips in the 501 Kids section (Pages 56-59).

Have a story idea or a young person you would like to see featured? Send suggestions to info@501lifemag. com.

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Editor’s Note Calendar Loving LIFE Home Person of the month

501 LIFE would like to thank its advertising partners for their continued support and encourage our readers to support these businesses:

501 LIFE is you!

twitter.com /501lifemag

B Bell & Company, 35 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 19

C

facebook.com /501lifemag

Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 57 Conway Corporation, 41 Conway Downtown, 23 Conway Institute of Music, 31 Conway Regional Health System, 79 Conway Regional Rehab, 43 Crain Automotive, 67

D DJM Orthodontics, 59 Daisy-A-Day Florist and Gifts, 63 Dixon Dental, 39

E Edward Jones, 51 EL Clinical Esthetics, 62

F First Security Bank, 80 First Service Bank, 13 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Inc., 29

H Hartman Animal Hospital, 77 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 25 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 30

Get “LIFE” at home!

For a limited time, 501 LIFE is offering a special subscription rate for new subscribers - have the magazine delivered to your home for only $20 for one year, $40 for two years.

While the magazine is distributed through more than 700 locations in Central Arkansas, copies go fast. Home delivery ensures readers they won’t miss a single issue.

Readers can visit 501lifemag.com or call 501.327.1501 to subscribe.

Tune in at 12:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month to KARK Channel 4 for a segment on the current issue of 501 LIFE.

Writers’ Room

L Legacy Acres, 61 Luxury Pool & Spa, 55

M Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic, 47 Middleton Heat and Air, 38

O Ott Insurance, 42

P Patterson Eye Care, 30

R Renewal Ranch, 49

S Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 2 Shelter Insurance, 45 St. Joseph Schools, 60

T The Bridgeway, 69

U Unity Health, 3, 33 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 27 University of Central Arkansas, 45 UCA Reynolds Performance Hall, 53

W Wilkinson’s Mall, 41

5 501 LIFE, 75

Brittany Gilbert moved to Conway in 2005 when she started school at the University of Central Arkansas. She has a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences education.

She and her husband, Levi, have three children.

Brittany loves most the opportunities that are available in the 501 for her entire family. The community feels small but has so much to offer.

Describing herself as a balanced minimalist, Brittany doesn’t like clutter and doesn’t collect things. “I like for everything in my house to be intentional.”

A regular contributor in the 501 Kids section of 501 LIFE, Brittany can be reached at b.gilbert37@ gmail.com.

Equal parts dreamer and doer, Jennifer Godwin has been with 501 LIFE since the beginning, helping with the visual look of the magazine, down to the logo.

A former editor, digital strategist and communications manager, she now does public relations in Memphis. She can be reached at jennifercg@gmail.com.

Nick Walker has been designing 501 LIFE since the first issue.

Longtime residents of the 501, Nick and his wife, Jennifer, moved to Memphis in 2017 where he works for the City of Memphis.

A regular contributor to 501 LIFE, Susan Peterson writes the “Authors in the 501” feature.

Susan has lived in Conway nearly 35 years and enjoys most the abundant Crepe Myrtles in the 501.

She has a PhD in education from the University of Akron in Ohio and is retired from the University of Central Arkansas.

She has two children, Ashley and Dan, and their families live in the 501.

Susan enjoys traveling, reading and making art, especially painting and pottery. To see her work, visit susanleepeterson. wixsite.com/suzart.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 7

NEWS/NOTES

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16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A variety of events and activities are planned in November and December during the Searcy Holiday of Lights, including a downtown lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, and Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information, visit searcy.com/holidayoflights.

Woolly Hollow State Park will observe “Green Friday” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23. What better way to spend “Black Friday” than outside with your family, avoiding all of those suffocating crowds? Go on a hike, have a picnic in the park or simply enjoy the scenery. Nature programming will be available throughout the day. Contact the park for a detailed schedule or visit arkansasstateparks.com/ woollyhollow/.

Harding University will host a Christmas lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Free hot chocolate will be provided. The lights stay on until the new year. For more information on the lighting or other holiday events, visit harding.edu/events.

Conway Regional Health System will host its Annual Tribute Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29.

The Tribute Tree will be located near the east entrance to the medical center. Supporters can purchase lights and ornaments for the tree in honor or memory of friends and family, and the event is open to the public.

Tribute Tree contributes to the community by helping fund scholarships for area students who dream of working in the health care field. The tree lighting includes refreshments and an opportunity to visit with Santa. For details, contact the Conway Regional Health Foundation at 501.513.5771.

Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas will present Rat Pack Christmas at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the UCA box office at 501.450.3265 or visit uca.edu/reynolds.

The Ola and John Hawks Senior Wellness Center in Conway will host its 38th Annual Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction and Bake Sale from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 1. The center is located at 705 Siebenmorgen Road. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. For more information, call 8 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas will present a public performance of “Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, followed by a special party after the show. Show tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. After the performance, there will be a Christmas party – called “Cupcakes & Christmas Chaos” – with Junie B. at 7 p.m. Those attending will enjoy cupcakes, activities and have an opportunity to have their photo taken with Junie B. Party tickets are $25 and do not include a ticket to the show. A limited number of tickets are available. The party is a fundraiser for the Reynolds Main Stage Education Series which provides educational programming to area schoolchildren. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the UCA box office at 501.450.3265 or visit uca.edu/reynolds.

501.327.2895.

Pioneer Village in Searcy will host its annual Christmas in the Village 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The Village will be decorated as if it was the late 1800s.

There will be live greenery, building tours with living history docents in period costumes, knitted stockings hanging from the mantel, farm animals, live music and carolers, pioneer crafters, Santa and his sleigh and reindeer, hot cider with sugar cookies and more. The event is free and donations are accepted. For more information, call 501.580.6633.

Woodland Heights Baptist Church will present “A Keyboard Christmas” at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The concert will include holiday music featuring five grand pianos. The church is located at 4215 Prince St. in Conway. Free admission.

The 36th Annual Women for Harding Searcy Tour of Homes will be held 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.

Tickets are $20 in advance at Hardingtickets.com and $25 the day of the tour. Tickets are also available at Artistic Flowers and Gifts, The Bees Knees, The Boutique, Carren’s Flowers and Gifts, First Security Bank in Searcy, Siloe and the alumni office at Harding University. For more information, call 501.279.4276.

The Annual Fairfield Bay Festival of Trees will be held Tuesday, Dec. 4, through Friday, Dec. 14.

The Fairfield Bay Conference and Visitor Center is transformed into a wonderland of holiday elegancy and whimsy to suit any age, family or individual.

The trees can be viewed 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The “Light UP the Bay” season kickoff will be held at 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. It features three trip giveaways, live music, food, a silent auction and the lighting of the Christmas trees. For more information, go to visitfairfieldbay.com/events or call 501.884.4202.

The Conway Men’s Chorus will conclude its 20th anniversary year by presenting its 21st Christmas Holiday Concert – WinterSong 2018 – at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with free admission and parking. To help celebrate the holiday season, musical selections by the 50-plus voice volunteer group will include new and familiar favorites of the season and the group’s traditional audience sing-along. Under the musical direction of Jordan Bennett with Paul Bradley on the piano, this concert is presented as a gift of music to the Conway area community.

The 23rd Annual Greenbrier Christmas Parade – with the theme “Christmas on the Silver Screen” – will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. For more information, contact the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce at 501.679.4009.

The Renewal Ranch in Perry County will present its annual Christmas Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the ministry’s Restoration Center at 75 Lake Dr., Houston. Tickets are $75 each, with tables

501 LIFE plans makeover giveaway The new year will bring fun and excitement for two individuals selected for a special makeover.

501 LIFE, along with a number of local sponsors, is rolling out a makeover giveaway.

“Your winning partner can be your best friend, spouse, family member or anyone you love who lives in the 501 area code,” said Donna Spears, co-publisher of 501 LIFE. To enter, write a short essay (no more than 800

words) and explain why organizers should choose you and your friend. DVDs and photographs may also be submitted with the entry.

It is simple and free to register at 501lifemag. com/501-make-me-over or pick up a form at the 501 LIFE office, 701 Chestnut St., Downtown Conway.

The entry deadline is Monday, Dec. 31. Winners will be announced after the first of the year and will be featured during and after the makeover process.

JA plans tour of homes Junior Auxiliary of Conway will host its inaugural Holiday Tour of Homes from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. It will feature five homes throughout Conway.

Tickets are $20. Proceeds will coincide with the efforts of Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA) and benefit children in need throughout Faulkner County.

The Holiday Tour of Homes is a unique opportunity to see trendy decorating styles and get holiday decor ideas. Refreshments will be included in the ticket price.

“I love the idea of the Holiday Tour of Homes because it gives individuals in the community the opportunity to come together to celebrate the holiday season, while working to make a positive impact on children in our area,” said JA Member Lacy Maggio.

Junior Auxiliary of Conway provides an outlet for its members to become community leaders through volunteer opportunities. Junior Auxiliary was founded on the principles of helping children.

To purchase tour tickets, visit Junior Auxiliary of Conway, AR on Facebook.

For more information about joining Junior Auxiliary, contact Rikki Wyzgoski at 501.514.2235 or rikki.wyzgiski@gmail.com.

The President’s Home at the University of Central Arkansas is among the houses that will be featured during the Holiday Tour of Homes presented by Junior Auxiliary of Conway. (Sterling Imageworks Photography)

Annual baby calendar benefits The CALL

by Brittany Gilbert Glover Fitness and Jordan Easley Photography are teaming up again for the Third Annual Baby Calendar fundraiser for The CALL. This unique collaboration started when the two business owners realized the opportunity they had to make a difference.

“After meeting Jordan and learning about her photography talents, I knew we could combine forces and do some good,” said Maggie Glover, owner of Glover Fitness. “The CALL’s mission is something we both feel strongly about, so it was a perfect fit. The mission of the CALL is ‘to educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care in Arkansas.’”

The process is simple. Maggie advertises to the ladies who come through her gym, and anyone interested in having their baby on the calendar signs up. A drawing is done, and those who are chosen create the setting for their month and bring the decorations for the photoshoot. Jordan, a professional photographer, of eight for $1,000. The fun-filled event will include testimonies, live music, games and door prizes. For more information, visit therenewalranch.org or call 501.733.4263.

Antioch Baptist Church in Conway will take visitors back in time to experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the town where Jesus was born during this year’s Bethlehem Revisited scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 5, through Friday, Dec. 7. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. The event will be complete with Roman guards, animals, shops, toys, storytelling and a live nativity. Free admission and cookies, hot chocolate and coffee are provided. For information, contact Brian Gunnels at brian@antiochconway.com.

also donates her skills and time to the project. She captures stunning shots of the babies and ensures the quality is top notch. Featured on each month’s picture is a fact about The CALL or about fostering and adopting in general.

These ladies are the heart and soul behind the project, however, it also wouldn’t be possible without local sponsors. The UPS Store was the first to jump on board, donating all 150 calendars that were sold the first year. Since then, The UPS Store continues to print 150 calendars for free, and local sponsors donate to cover the cost of printing more.

The calendars go on sale mid-November and cost $15. All proceeds go to The CALL. Calendars can be purchased at Glover Fitness, 1127 Front St. in Downtown Conway. Sponsors include Bledsoe Chiropractic, Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, Daisy-A-Day Florist and Gifts, EL Clinical Esthetics, First Service Bank, Harrington and Company, Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Rachel Deal General Dentist.

Cabot’s Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Country Christmas!” Entry forms, parade rules and route maps are available at the Veterans Park Community Center, the Cabot Chamber of Commerce and cabotparks.com.

For information, call 501.920.2122 or email cabotbeautiful@yahoo.com.

The Conway Symphony Orchestra will present “A Classic Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. The performance will feature holiday favorites and new highlights from “The Nutcracker” with the Arkansas Festival Ballet. The

concert is underwritten by Conway Corp. Children can enjoy treats at the Nutcracker Sweets, prior to the performance. For information and to purchase tickets, call 501.450.3265 or visit conwaysymphony.org.

Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas will present “Celtic Angels Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. Proceeds from the performance will go to Main Stage. Produced in Ireland, ‘Celtic Angels Christmas’ will entertain audiences with the magic of vocal and instrumental seasonal favorites alongside Irish, contemporary and original Christmas themes. For more information or to purchase tickets, calling the UCA box office at 501.450.3265 or visit uca.edu/reynolds.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 9

LOVING LIFE

Sharing the 501 LIFE spirit

501 readers are enjoying LIFE and sharing their trips and special occasions with others.

An overwhelming number of readers are submitting “Loving LIFE” photos for inclusion in the magazine, and every effort is being made to publish them as soon as possible.

Headed out on a special trip? Pack a copy of 501 LIFE in your suitcase, snap a photo at your destination and send it to us for publication in a future issue.

Have a special occasion or get-together coming up? Take 501 LIFE along, take a photo and send it to us.

Photos can be submitted by email to info@501lifemag.com or by mail to Reader Photos, c/o 501 LIFE, 701 Chestnut St., Conway, Ark. 72032. Please include the names of those in the photograph and their hometowns along with contact information.

(Sorry, photos will not be returned by mail but can be picked up at the 501 office.)

Here’s to “Loving LIFE.” – Sonja Keith

The Carter-Roberts Family took 501 LIFE along as they celebrated (right photo) Charlene Carter-Shamburger, 96, and her brother, Cecil Carter, 95. Family members in attendance included Martha Roberts Wilcox (from left), Meredith Roberts Thrash, Danny Roberts, Sandra Roberts Bradberry, Leta Roberts Kirkland and Randy Roberts.

“Loving LIFE” at the McDaniel Family Reunion at the Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center in Branson, Mo. The matriarch and patriarchs (left photo) representing the family of the late James Emery and Mary McDaniel: Modiller (McDaniel) Canady of Morrilton with her brothers, Levi and Luther McDaniel of Kansas City, Mo.

10 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Hope Gordon and Kevin Carlon from Morrilton were “Loving LIFE” at Mather Lodge, Petit Jean State Park.

Greenbrier boys were “Loving LIFE” at the Kendall farm in Magnolia: Tyner Redden (from left), Hayes Grooms, Mason White and Thomas Kendall.

Deacons Danny Charton and Bob Hogan of Lonoke Baptist Church at Morrilton took 501 LIFE along with their group to do volunteer work at the Abundant Life Center: Darlene McCoy (seated, from left), Cindy Kelly, Carol Hogan, Gary Jackson, Betty Stracner; Iva Nell Poteete (back), Ellen Hill, Mike Little, Sharon Loyd, Bobbye Little, Danny Charton, Dianne Charton, Pat Hale, Bob Hogan, Joyce Green, Virginia Polk, Gayle Carlon, Lewis Oliger and Geneva Oliger.

Tori Burch (from left), Amiya Ealy, Jaedyn Schneckloth and Auctavia Schneckloth were “Loving LIFE” at JoLaRu Salon in Conway.

Statewide winners of the 2018 Poets’ Roundtable of Arkansas (PRA) Sybil Nash Abrams Memorial Student Poetry Contest were “Loving LIFE”: PRA President Dennis Patton (from left), Arkansas Poet Laureate Jo McDougall, third honorable mention Millie Allgood of Little Rock, first honorable mention McKenzie Young of Sherwood, first place winner Evie Kinsey of Benton and PRA Student Contest Co-Chair Laura Loughridge.

Student winners read their poems at the event and received a prize check. Poets’ Roundtable of Arkansas is the oldest, nonprofit poetry organization in the state, established in 1931 to encourage the art of poetry. Members are from all around the state, including past and present Arkansas Poet Laureates. For more information, email patton_dr@hotmail.com or llough3@ gmail.com.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE

“Loving LIFE” at the Little Rock airport, ready to leave for Cuernavaca: Emily Willhite (from left), Gracen Willhite, Rose McKay, Dilynn Boyd, Nathaniel Price, Senora Gates, Grace Vanlandingham, Megan Atkins, Aidan Ratliff, Harlee Branson, Leighton Taylor, Madison Brown, Sydney Weaver and Stacia Heer.

Vilonia High students ‘Loving LIFE’ in Mexico

Harlee Branson (from left), Dilynn Boyd, Megan Atkins, Rose McKay and Grace Vanlandingham explored Teotihuacan, an ancient Meosamerican city located in the Valley of Mexico.

Spanish students from Vilonia High School headed to Cuernavaca, Mexico to study abroad with their Spanish teacher Taylor Gates.

Students had a chance to stay for two or four weeks while studying at Universidad Internacional (International University). During the day, they attended Spanish speaking classes. After school, they enjoyed visiting ancient ruins, cultural fairs, plays, dance lessons and other activities

Stacia Heer (from left), Rose McKay, Madison Brown, Leighton Taylor, Megan Atkins, Dilynn Boyd, Grace Vanlandingham and Harlee Branson in Puebla, where they climbed the biggest pyramid (by volume) in the world, tried grasshoppers and explored all day long.

Students attended classes each week day at the Universidad Internacional.

12 | 501 LIFE December 2018

After hiking up the summit of Puebla Magico, the students enjoyed a sorbet-type ice cream at Tepoztnieves.

FirstServiceBank.com CONWAY | 2475 Washington Avenue | 501.932.5050 | CONWAY | 540 United Drive | 501-932-9700 CLINTON | 486 Highway 65 North | 501.745.7200 | GREENBRIER | 134 Broadview | 501.679.7300 LITTLE ROCK | 12921 Cantrell Road | 501.801.7402

LOVING LIFE

"Loving LIFE" at the Christmas for Kids Barbecue held recently at Oppelo City Park: Jaimin Vashi (from left), Phillip White, Cinthia Burnett, Tanja Lawson, Jim Lawson and John Ekdahl. The group helps working families in need, when things get tough.

“Loving LIFE” in Macau, China, at the Saint Paul Ruins: Jing Xu (from left), Vivian Spann, H.D. Ray, Flora Lou and Chenghui Li.

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The Centennial Bank Diamond Club was “Loving LIFE” during a 12-day trip to the National Parks of America: Jamie Bird (kneeling, from left), JoAnn Steele, Tori Marsh, Kaylee Marsh, Tiffany Marshall, Evelyn Bradley, Sharon Hawkins, Joe Hawkins; Jennie Webb (middle), Joyce Howerton, Connie Simpson, Carol Brown, Jane Lagasse, Sue Lea, Carol Montgomery, Carolyn Baker, Josh Marshall, Sandi Marshall, Mallory Belew, Doreen McMahan; Lloyd Howerton (back), Eric King, Mary Joe Seiter, Margaret Davis, Buddy Brown, Patricia Roland, Charles Roland, Charles Montgomery, Kay Talley and Ferrell Marshall.

Karen Brewer Anderson was “Loving LIFE” after receiving the Professional of the Year Award from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. NBCF provides hope to women affected by breast cancer and their families. Since 1991, NBCF has been committed to helping women now by providing early detection services, breast education and resources across the country.

Irene Gray of Searcy and Linda Lee, formerly of Bald Knob, were “Loving LIFE” at Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana in Havana, Cuba.

Darla and Jeff Embry were “Loving LIFE” as they celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Cuba. “It was wonderful!” wrote Darla.

“The people are very friendly, and there is virtually no crime. So, we were safe with no worries.”

Sharon and Gerald Freeman of Cleveland (Conway County) took 501 LIFE along to Kauai, Hawaii, to celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary on July 22.

Jackie Wright was “Loving LIFE” at the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. “I love living and working in the 501. It has a special place in my heart. I carry it with me always, even when I went to Paris in the spring.”

Jerry and Debbie Merritt of Conway took 501 LIFE along on “an amazing vacation (we called it our delayed honeymoon after 18 months) at the Dreams Sands Resort and Spa in Cancun. We enjoy your magazine and look forward to seeing it each month. Keep up the good work!”

Jean Hervey took 501 LIFE along as she attended an IndustriALL meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

High School religion teacher Theresa Lutes (left) and her daughter, substitute teacher Kat Mosby, both from Conway’s St. Joseph Schools, were “Loving LIFE” during their pilgrimage to Hanceville, Ala., visiting The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 15

LOVING LIFE

Members of the 2018 Conway High School Homecoming Court were “Loving LIFE.” Kate Pillow was crowned queen and Taylor Conway was maid of honor. (John Tate photo)

Morrilton High School Homecoming Queen Anna Giovannini and her court with senior Devil Dog football players were “Loving LIFE” as they celebrated “Devil Dogopoly” Game Time.

Morrilton High School clubs were “Loving LIFE” as they participated in homecoming as they presented skits during the homecoming assembly using game themes.

16 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Junior Maid Savannah Williams was “Loving LIFE” at the Bigelow High School Homecoming Game on Oct. 5. Savannah is a daughter of Mike and Toni Williams and is a Bigelow High cheerleader.

The Conway High School Lady Cat Volleyball Team was “Loving LIFE” after defeating Fort Smith Southside to win the 6A state championship: Bailey Burk (front, from left), Blaklee Scott, Matti Fairchild, Satera Scott, Maggie Mathis, Jastyn Vickers; Coach Chelsey Fason (middle), Mackenzie McMahan, Karli Ferguson, Emma Begley, Coach Laura Crow; Coryn Chaffin (back), Anna Haley, Madison Bates, Jessica Gunnels, Madison Lovell and Anna Collums.

Conway volleyball wins state championship

by Levi Gilbert

The Conway Lady Cats volleyball team beat Fort Smith Southside in four sets (25-13, 24-26, 25-15, 25-22) in October to win the 6A state championship at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. It was Conway’s first volleyball title in 20 years, and it came against a team that had bested the Lady Cats twice already in the regular season.

“In the final match-up, I felt like we studied Southside a lot and made some defensive adjustments that helped us out,” said Conway Coach Laura Crow. “Our passing was also a lot better, so we were able to run our offense and make things work for us. Our blockers knew what players to key in on

and their tendencies, which helped. I also felt like our defensive specialists knew where to be in relation to where our block was set.”

The Lady Cats lost only one set during the state tournament as they ran through Cabot and Har-Ber in straight sets on their way to the final showdown with Southside.

“The girls were extremely focused,” Crow said.

“They spent a lot of time watching film on our opponents. I think they were ready to play and excited for the outcome. I feel like we peaked at just the right time, and everyone seemed to be clicking and on for the matches.”

Karli Ferguson was named state tournament MVP with 43 kills, three aces, 13 blocks and 16

digs. Emma Begley and Madison Bates were also both named to the all-tournament team. Ferguson and Matti Fairchild earned all-state honors this season (in addition to all-conference), and Begley, Bates and Jessica Gunnels were named to the allconference team.

This marked Crow’s first state championship.

She’s coached at Conway for eight years. The Lady Cats graduate 10 talented seniors from this championship squad, but a group of talented underclassmen wait in the wings to take the lead.

“Every year, the girls always surprise me,” Crow said. “They usually just step right in and do a great job, so I am expecting that from this bunch of underclassmen we have now.”

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 17

LIFE PICS

Searcy chamber presents awards Megan Stroud photos

The Searcy Chamber of Commerce hosted its 72nd Annual Chamber Awards Banquet on Oct. 11 at Harding University.

The event featured a casual, “Gilligan’s Island” tropical theme which included an Island inspired buffet and congratulatory pineapples given to award recipients. A video featured Searcy characters being rescued from the island and returning to “Live the Dream” in Searcy. Incoming board chairman Patrick Stegall asked the audience to put on their sunglasses and “Live the Dream” for Searcy.

Awards were presented to: • • • • • •

Volunteer of the Year: Tina Novak (First Community Bank).

Leadership Searcy Award: Brandon Williams.

Large Non-profit of the Year - ARcare.

Small Non-profit of the Year - Main Street Searcy.

Emerging Business of the Year: Survival Flight.

Business of the Year: Mize Heating & Air.

Banquet committee and chamber staff: Tina Novak (from left), Tara Cathey, Jennifer Skinner, Carissa Gilliam, Morgan George, Anna Brumfield, Flave Carpenter, Patrick Stegall and Buck Layne.

Phillip Mize (from left), Tammy Mize, Kim Robinson and Chris Robinson with Mize Heating and Air.

Brandon Williams (from left), James Steak, Reynie Rutledge, Anna Rutledge and Alex Behel.

Bo Hill (from left), Shelley Faulkner and Mat Faulkner.

Trisha Lawrence (from left), Gregg Ratliff, Tanny Hughes, Misty O’Neal and Clint Shakelford with ARcare.

Chambliss Lines (from left), Lisa Tipton and John McKnight.

Randy McLeod (from left), Bill Patton and Marta Patton.

Rachelle Mize (from left), Brian Mize, Erin Mize and Josh Mize with Mize Heating and Air.

Flave Carpenter (from left), Patrick Stegall and David Burks.

Glen Novak and Tina Novak.

18 | 501 LIFE December 2018

LIFE PICS

Abundant Life opens location in Bigelow

by Mary May Larmoyeux

Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center recently opened a second location in Bigelow.

Melinda Chisum, executive director, and Marilyn Crawford, client services manager, began the first center in Morrilton in October 2007.

Abundant Life is a non-profit organization that provides free and confidential services, including limited obstetrical ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, pregnancy options, pregnancy and parenting education and more.

Both Morrilton and Bigelow locations offer a program called Earn While You Learn. It’s “changing generational cycles of abuse and neglect,” Chisum said. Through it, clients learn parenting skills while earning “parenting bucks” to purchase items in the Abundant Life store.

In addition to providing free services to pregnant clients, Abundant Life offers a program to help women who had an abortion find emotional healing. Chisum, who had an abortion when she

was 16, said the center wants to “link arms with those ladies and the father of the babies and try to help them to be successful at parenting.”

Richard Deluca and Rich Moellers of the Morrilton Council 5209 of the Knights of Columbus presented a check at the ribbon-cutting. “Their work speaks for itself,” Deluca said. “They are tireless in their efforts. They have done an amazing job in Morrilton and I am very excited that they are coming over here to Bigelow and doing the same thing.”

The use of the building was donated by Don Shamsie. Builders for Christ, under the leadership of Vernon Crow, and numerous volunteers renovated it. Crow recruited builders, painters, electricians, HVAC technicians, etc.

“The Conway-Perry Baptist Association, the Knights of Columbus and a whole lot of other churches and individuals worked to get this building where we could use it,” Chisum said. Morrilton Council 5209 of the Knights of Columbus put the floors in the new center. Lonoke Baptist Church and Perryville Second Baptist painted the outside of the building.

The new center is open 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays and later by appointment (501.759.2906). For immediate assistance, interested clients can call the Morrilton office at 501.354.4141 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

(See more photos on 501lifemag.com.)

Volunteers were “Loving LIFE: Jim Larmoyeux (front, from left), Melinda Chisum (holding 501); Don Shamsie (middle), Cristy Jones, Ricky Jones; Steve Taylor (back), Vernon Crow, Marilyn Crawford and Genia Hamilton.

A ribbon-cutting, held Oct. 18, included elected officials, Abundant Life board members, area pastors, friends and Bigelow neighbors.

Bob Destefano (left) and Ron Bissett.

Kim Mitchell (from left), Ashley Mawhorr and Ella Wallace.

Hailey McCullough (from left), Kellie Dieutto, Beverley Haines and Brian Weaver.

Kelly Tedder (from left), Missy Brown and Mandy Knaack.

Erin Musgrave (left) and Leslie Haley.

40th Annual CabotFest held Megan Stroud photos

Jenny Staton (left) and Courtney Roth.

20 | 501 LIFE December 2018

The 40th Annual Cabot Chamber of Commerce CabotFest was recently held in Downtown Cabot.

The free festival featured activities for all ages, including food vendors, live music on two stages, performances by local dance and gymnastics groups, a magician, dunking booth, police and fire exhibits, bookmobile and health screenings.

For more information on the festival, call 501.843.2136 or visit cabotcc.org.

LIFE PICS

UCA hosts annual scholarship event Becki Lusk (from left), Precious Dorman and John Lusk.

Christoni Key (from left), Bailey McElyea, Jennifer Ward and Betty Ward.

Dianne Metheny (front); Melissa Metheny (back, from left), Gary Metheny and Erica Patterson.

Granger Davis (from left), Claudia Davis and Isabella Barnello.

Kale Gober (left) and Rick Massey.

Dr. Jeff Standridge (left) and Ronnie Williams.

Todd Owens photos

The University of Central Arkansas Foundation recently hosted its scholarship reception for donors and recipients.

The annual event allows scholarship recipients the opportunity to thank donors and share stories of how their generosity has affected their lives.

This year’s theme was “Thanks A Million,” which reflected the Foundation’s 2018 accomplishments - $11 million was surpassed in cumulative scholarships awarded since it was founded in 1981.

The Foundation also raised more than $10 million in private support for the best fundraising year to date. Private scholarships totaled $1,224,322, surpassing the million dollar mark to become the largest amount ever awarded in a single year.

For more information on the Foundation and how to make a gift, call 501.450.5288 or 800.981.4426.

Jessica Chevaz (from left), Amanda Okolo, Paul Bailey, Chris Bennett (behind), Rebekah Bennett and Jesse Bennett.

James Whisenhunt (from left), Maegan Dyson, Dr. Patrica Poulter and Lori Ross.

Peggy Schneider (from left), Kelley Broadbent, Jim Schneider and Hayley Trejo.

Dr Houston Davis (from left), Joe Whisenhunt and Bret Carroll.

Meredith Whitmore (from left), Keeley Jones and Wayne Perkins.

Nathan Van Aalsburg (from left), Shelley Mehl, Lillian Petrucelli and Willow Poynter.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 21

LIFE PICS

Conway Regional council hosts special luncheon Sonja J. Keith photos

The Conway Regional Women’s Council recently hosted a special luncheon to raise awareness about breast cancer while celebrating those battling the disease.

Women’s council president Aimee Prince welcomed those in attendance at the event, held at New Life Church. “We want to raise awareness about the disease, the importance of early detection, signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of healthy habits,” she said. “We also want to celebrate our sisters who are breast cancer survivors.”

At the luncheon, breast cancer survivors received a corsage and a special gift from Kendra Scott, a fashion and accessory store in Little Rock.

Major sponsors were Michelle M. Phillips, Certified Public Accountant, and Kendra Scott. Other sponsors were Conway OB/GYN, the Conway Regional Women’s Center, Horton’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Pop Pop Shoppe.

Corporate table sponsors were 501 LIFE, Arvest Bank, Centennial Bank, County Judge Jim Baker, First Security Bank, First Service Bank, the University of Central Arkansas Foundation, Donna Hambuchen, American Cancer Society and Nabholz Construction.

Dr. Lauren Nolen, a physician at Conway OB/ GYN, was a speaker and led attendees through an interactive presentation where they could share responses to questions which were presented on big screens. Conway Regional employee Elizabeth Schafer shared her breast cancer story.

Matt Troup, president and chief executive officer at Conway Regional, also spoke and shared that his sister died from breast cancer shortly after his first son was born. He also offered a prayer for breast cancer survivors in attendance, who were called by name and asked to stand.

For more information on the women’s council, visit conwayregional.org/women’s council or call the Conway Regional Foundation at 501.513.5191.

Shelby Roofener, Mona Unwer, Michelle Phillips, Mollie Long, Brittani Garrett, Anita Mize, Lauren Erion and Lisa Lankford.

22 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Elizabeth Schafer (from left), Dallas Gosa and Becky Benedetti.

Luncheon co-chairs Jennifer Hill (left) and Stefanie Vann.

Amy Reed (from left), Valari Bristol and Aimee Prince.

Dot Welch (from left), Dr. Lauren Nolen and Lori Ross.

Glynda Allen (from left), Lauren Allen and Mitzi Reynolds.

Horton’s representatives Elsa Lawrence (left) and Rebekka Nickols.

Janet Broadaway (from left), Lisa Wilcox, Tonya Plymale, Carol Harrison and Shawna Heaslet.

Janet McPhate (from left), Linda White and Carolyn Garrett.

Kendra Scott representatives Sydney Winston (left) and Stephanie Goldner-Carver.

Jeannie Brown (left) and Crystal Kemp.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 23

NEIGHBORS couples

HIM

Ingram Philips

NATIVE OF: Miami.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Black Mountain, N.C. EDUCATION: Doctor of ministry; master of divinity; and bachelor’ degrees in journalism and sociology.

JOB: Chaplain (colonel), U.S. Army (retired).

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: Patriotic service. My ancestors were American revolutionaries in the southern states and my dad and uncles were World War II combat veterans.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Arkansas veterans commissioner (governor’s appointment); chaplain to Arkansas veterans home (North Little Rock) and Fairfield Bay police; Indian Rock constable (Fairfield Bay, fifth term); Fairfield bay police reserve; president of Volunteer America – 1776, nonprofit, public cancer charity

Ingram and Mary Philips remain involved in the Care Cap Connections project, which they started in 2006 in Fairfield Bay. (Mike Kemp photo)

HER

Mary (Powell) Philips

NATIVE OF: Lymington, Hampshire, England.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: England and Venezuela (when very

young) and Texarkana, Texas.

EDUCATION: BSED (Texas Tech) and master’s degree (Texas A&M).

JOB: District 4 Justice of the Peace in Van Buren County; founder/

director, Volunteer America-1776 (known as “Care Cap Connections”) cancer charity; retired educator (K-12) after 30 years.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: I always wanted to teach. I got my start teaching in high school with Sunday school kindergartners.

PARENTS: Mary Cole McCracken of Greenbrier and the late John “Buck” Powell.

Fairfield Bay.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Saturday cashier at Wear & Share local thrift shop; conduct “sew-ins” for care caps in Fairfield Bay, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Jacksonville, Vilonia, Clinton, Greers Ferry, Hot Springs Village and Diamondhead.

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Read, travel, nature gaze from my deck.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Choir; annual bazaar crafter at Presbyterian Kirk

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Men’s club and choir, Presbyterian Kirk of the Hills in

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Sincere.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: Shy and prefers to avoid recognition.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Sunday afternoon nap.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: Be honest and work hard.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Great people and great place.

24 | 501 LIFE December 2018

of the Hills (Fairfield Bay).

HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: Read, sew, craft, quilt.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Busy.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m shy.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Time with my husband.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: “Carpe diem!”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: The

slower pace, friendly people and living in a real community.

Ingram and Mary Philips married July 2, 1988, at her parents’ home.

THEM

CITY: Fairfield Bay.

HOW WE MET: In Army chapel while Ingram was stationed in Germany and Mary was teaching on the post.

WEDDING BELLS: July 2, 1988, in Mary’s parents’ Texas backyard in 95 degree weather after both had flown from Germany. Ingram met the Powells two hours before the ceremony. Mary met his mother in Florida while they honeymooned.

CHILDREN: Leigh, Susan, Eric and granddaughter, Cate.

PETS: Sophie, queen of the Maltese and the household.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Read, travel, talk and talk and talk. (Best friends.)

CARE CAP CONNECTIONS: The Care Cap Connections project started in 2006 in Fairfield bay.

Mary’s sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer and given a few months to live. Mary made bright, soft head scarves as Linda lost her hair.

Linda gave many away during chemo sessions.

Giveaways outpaced one seamstress but quilting group friends and others joined the effort.

Mary formed teams and a factory-line work called “sew-ins.” It is all volunteers (including the Philips) who rely to this day on donations.

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More than 85,000 care caps have been produced using 42 1/2 miles of fabrics. They have been shipped (by Ingram and his buddies) to 23 cancer centers around the state and nation.

The online presence has multiplied the reach globally. Every cap is freely given and each includes a special card to the receiver from those who worked on its production.

Connie Cody Fisher, CPA

The project has bloomed much, much further than could be imagined by either of the Philips and seems to have its own energy. The charity has been recognized with an Arkansas Community Service Award and by proclamations from both the state senate and house.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 25

The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Youth Citizens of the Year: Bailey Wright (seated, front); Sophia Isely (bench, from left), Bailey Roscoe; Juleigh Wilson (back), Faith Byers, Jacque Wilson and Carolyn Hopkins. (Mike Kemp photo)

26 | 501 LIFE December 2018

NEIGHBORS conway county

Standout students

Chamber names Youth Citizens of the Year

The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce selected seven students as its 2018 Youth Citizens of the Year.

The students – all seniors and representatives of all the high schools in Conway County – were recognized recently at the chamber’s annual recognition banquet held at Sacred Heart School.

Students selected for the honor were Faith Byers (Wonderview), Carolyn Hopkins (Morrilton), Sophia Isely (Nemo Vista), Bailey Roscoe (Sacred Heart), Jacque Wilson (Morrilton), Juleigh Wilson (Morrilton) and Bailey Wright (Wonderview).

Faith Byers – A regular on the school honor roll, Faith has taken advancement placement classes since a sophomore. Faith led the school’s basketball team to the championship game in the ninth through 11th grades.

She gives back to the community by volunteering at Brookridge Nursing Home during the summer. She is active in her church, First Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock where her father is the pastor. Her aspiration is to attend college to become a physical therapist. Her parents are the Rev. and Mrs. Tony Byers.

Carolyn Hopkins – Ranked fifth in her class of 174 students, Carolyn is on track to be co-valedictorian at Morrilton High School graduation. She has earned nine honors/AP credits and 12 hours of college credit through UALR. She is currently enrolled in six hours through UACCM. At school, she is involved in student council, library club, Beta Club, Robotics team, Thespian Troupe 3131 and the Interact Club. She has held multiple offices and served numerous hours of community service. Carolyn has also participated in the school band and theater program.

Her career focus is political science and law. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayette-

ville in the fall. She is a daughter of John and Patricia Hopkins.

Sophia Isely – A recipient of numerous academic achievement awards for the highest grade point average, Sophia has been recognized in a variety of subjects, including biology, physical science, literature, chemistry and history. She has been involved and served in a leadership role in school clubs and organizations, including Beta Club, Quiz Bowl, library club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America and student council. She is active in her church, St. Joseph Catholic Church. During the summer, she has volunteered weekly at Ozark Health Medical Center. She also has tutored other students during lunch and after school.

After graduation, Sophia plans to attend Hendrix College to pursue her career goal of becoming a neurologist.

She is a daughter of Andy and Debbie Isely.

Bailey Roscoe – A recipient of many academic awards. Bailey strives for excellence in everything she pursues and works diligently to attain her goals. She is very active in her school community. She serves as student council president, secretary of the Beta Club and is a member of Key Club. She is also president of her class. Bailey participated in swimming (earning numerous All District and All State awards), softball and Quiz Bowl during high school. She has accumulated more than 250 hours of community service. She also participates in the Lions Club and VFW flag project.

Bailey is active in her church, serving as a Eucharistic minister and altar server. She is a daughter of Johnny and Jennifer Roscoe.

Jacque Wilson – Active in school volleyball, cheer and softball, Jacque is the reporter of the Morrilton High School Beta Club and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Puppies to Dogs. Jacque is a recipient of School Counts and is taking courses

at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. She worships at Plumerville First Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir and helps with the nursery and children’s church. She regularly volunteers at Morrilton Primary School events.

Jacque plans on pursuing a degree in education. She is a daughter of James and Sharon Wilson. She has a brother, Geoff, and a twin sister, Juleigh, also named a Conway County Youth Citizen of the Year.

Juleigh Wilson – Active in school volleyball, cheer and softball, Juleigh is a member of the MHS Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Puppies to Dogs. She is a recipient of School Counts and is taking courses at UACCM. Juleigh worships at Plumerville First Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir and helps with the nursery and children’s church. She regularly volunteers at Morrilton Primary School events. Juleigh plans on pursuing a degree in nursing or education. She has a brother, Geoff, and a twin sister, Jacque, also named a Conway County Youth Citizen of the Year.

Bailey Wright – A member of the Wonderview High School Senior Girls State Championship Basketball Team, Bailey is involved in a variety of school organizations, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCCLA, FBLA, Beta Club and student council. She has been a participant of the Little Wonders mentoring program and has helped with the Little Dribblers for elementary kids and the Wonderview Pee Wee Basketball Program. Bailey has volunteered the last two years with the Fill the Boot campaign conducted by the Conway Fire Department. Bailey will attend Louisiana Tech University and be a member of the LA Tech Softball program. She is considering a major in biology. Bailey is a daughter of Michael and Shannon Wright of Morrilton.

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December 2018 501lifemag.com | 27

Christmas Nativity NEIGHBORS conway

More than just a holiday decoration

During the holidays, the Charlotte and Mark Strickland home in Conway is decorated with the couple’s collection of Nativity displays.

by Donna Benton Mike Kemp photos

The Christmas holiday is rich with tradition.

One of my favorites has been around for centuries and is recognized all over the world. The nativity scene artfully symbolizes the very first Christmas. A simple scene of farm animals, angels, wise men bearing gifts and a doting mother and father, their gazes all fixed in reverence on a newborn baby Jesus. It is a great reminder through a flurry of jingle bells, satin ribbons, colorful lights and shopping mall Santas that Christmas is a time to celebrate the ultimate gift — the birth of Jesus Christ.

Many of us have always had a nativity scene as part of our Christmas decorations. In my house, it is the

Nativity continued on Page 30 28 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Charlotte’s interest in nativities began with an inherited display, and she began collecting them from home and abroad.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 29

get f ra m e d at

Pa t t e r s o n E y e C a re

On the family’s decorations (left) shows Santa kneeling at Baby Jesus. Charlotte keeps an eye out for new nativities on her travels. She has a small handmade clay set (right) that she collected while on a mission trip to Nicaragua.

Nativity continued from Page 28 2505 Donaghey, Ste 102 • Conway, AR

501.450.9900

pattersoneyecare.com

30 | 501 LIFE December 2018

first decoration to go up and the last to come down, a reverential nod to the real reason for the celebration.

Charlotte and Mark Strickland also have a nativity scene that takes center stage in their Conway home. Each piece of this large heirloom set was hand-painted by Mark’s grandmother, Evah, nearly 50 years ago. It not only has spiritual significance for the Stricklands, but it is also an important piece of their family history.

This inherited holiday symbol of faith and family sparked Charlotte’s interest in nativities, and she began collecting them from home and abroad. “Many of my nativities I have acquired at flea markets or Goodwill,” said Charlotte. “I do not spend a lot of money on them. If I did, I would feel guilty. I think spending a lot of money on nativities and then not having the funds for those in need would be very hypocritical of me.” Charlotte keeps an eye out for new nativities on her travels as she points out a small handmade clay set that she collected while on a mission trip to Nicaragua.

While Charlotte enjoys the hunt for new nativities, her most precious sets are those that have been given to her by friends and family. She points out a set made from banana leaves from her niece who lived for a time in Rwanda, one that her daughter Alissa brought back from Prague, then a small set from Argentina given to her by one of her students at the University of Central Arkansas. Friends have given her sets from all across the globe, including Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Jerusalem, Costa Rica and Norway.

Charlotte recalls a time when she was unpacking one of her most prized sets and she discovered that the Baby Jesus was missing. As she frantically searched for the missing figurine, she found herself saying over and over, “Where is Jesus?” Charlotte had just been through some difficult times, and she realized that the missing Jesus also summed up her feelings about her recent challenges. “Where are you,

Jesus?” said Charlotte. This revelation inspired her to sit down and pen her thoughts in a poem. She shares her poem in hopes that others who may be going through difficult times will remember that even in the silence, God is present.

Present at the nativity… I’m the one in the back…

It’s been a long year. A hard year.

And to be honest Lord, I have been indifferent and angry about “us.”

I was going to say, I have been absent from your presence.

But I can never be absent from your presence. You are always there; it’s just me that shifts back and forth.

I thought by this season in my life that I would be more mature about hardship and loss.

But it seems like the older I get, the more layers of hardship and loss I wear.

I don’t want to be a bitter person.

I want to be a person who wears their faith in you like a perfume – one that attracts not repels others.

So, this Christmas God, forgive my anger, my disappointment, and sense of hopelessness.

Remind me of your love, your faithfulness, and the hope you provide thru your son Jesus.

Change my fists to outstretched hands of praise.

Help me to love as you love.

Help me to encourage others during their pain and loss.

Don’t allow any of what you’re teaching me to go to waste.

Thank you, God, for your consistency.

For your ongoing grace. For “us.”

I’m here. I’m present at the nativity. I’m the one in the back.

Charlotte Strickland 2017

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NEIGHBORS searcy

‘I still believe in him’

White County’s Wanda Emde has an extensive collection of Santa Claus figures that she is happy to share with others.

Story and photos

by Megan Ledbetter

During the holidays, the walk down one of the long Harding Place hallways passes doors decorated for Christmas in every way imaginable. From traditional Christmas décor to a snowman in a beach chair, this hallway had it all. There was no shortage of Christmas spirit. But, when you reached the last room at the end of the hall, a glass case filled and topped with Santa figurines and crafts welcomed you to Wanda Emde’s apartment, where she lives with her sister.

Walking into Emde’s apartment was like entering a holiday store’s Santa Claus section. There were throw pillows on the couch, large glass cases of Santas with mirrors in the back flanking the living room window and ornaments on each door knob in the kitchen and living room. Emde, who has lost nearly all her eyesight, had on her Santa Clause socks and brooch and was sitting in an arm chair in the living room right in front of the biggest glass case of some 32 | 501 LIFE December 2018

of her prized possessions.

“I don’t know when I quit thinking there was a Santa, but I guess never,” Emde said.

“You haven’t quit,” her sister shouted from the next room.

“I still believe in him,” Emde agreed, laughing.

When Emde’s eldest daughter was in the first grade, she made a Santa Clause figurine out of construction paper and cotton balls. When she brought it home to her mother, Emde could not part with it

and still has it in perfect condition to this day. This is where her Santa Claus collection began.

“Back when I started I didn’t have any money to go to the store and buy them, so after Christmas, the dollar store would have some left that they would put on real cheap,” Emde said. “I started buying them a little at a time. Then, later on, I had a little bit of money, and I bought them before Christmas and you could pick out some real pretty ones.”

She started buying them at dollar stores in Bald Knob and later began buying them at places like Hobby Lobby. As she accumulated more and more Santa Clauses for her home, people began to take notice. It would take her a couple weeks every October to unpack them all, and when it was time to put them away again, she would sit down, meticulously wrap each one back up and tell them goodbye. She had children over during the holidays just to see her collection, and that is when she began numbering each one.

“I would invite the kids to come to the house to see the Santas, and they had to guess how many

I had, so I thought if they had to guess I was going to have to keep a better count,” Emde said. “So, I started numbering them and writing the number on the bottom of them. I was not particularly interested in getting a certain number. It was just that I needed to know when the kids guessed who was closest; then I would give a prize to the one that got closest.”

When she stopped actively collecting, she had 1,658 Santas, but she still, out of all the choices, could not pick a favorite.

“I love them all. I would have a favorite, then I would get another favorite, then I would get another favorite,” Emde said.

To those that know her though, Emde is much more than a collector of everything Santa Claus. She is a Sunday school teacher, a Girl Scout troop leader and even a host for an international student and an international teacher. Her love for children was exemplified in everything she did, but, after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa about 20 years ago, her eyesight has gradually gotten worse, especially over the past six to eight years. After living in the same home in Bald Knob for 60 years, Emde recently moved to Harding Place where her eyesight has become limited to shadows.

Even after moving to Harding Place, she still spends her time influencing the lives of others. She sews the arm holes of pillow case dresses and rolls the strips of plastic for the mats the women in Harding Place make and send to Haiti.

“We knew two years ago that we were on the list for Harding Place. We knew then that we had to do something. We just had to split them up and do something with them,” Emde said. “It was kind of sad giving them up. Some of them I have had for 50

Wanda Emde and her daughters have given Santa Claus collections to Main Street Searcy, the Searcy Public Library, different rest homes and the Sunshine School, and more than 650 went to the Carmichael Center, the largest display outside her own home. years, so they are like your children, but I knew I had to find a place for them.”

Emde and her daughters gave Santa Claus collections to Main Street Searcy, the Searcy Public Library, different rest homes and the Sunshine School, and over 650 went to the Carmichael Center, the largest display outside her own home. “(But) I just couldn’t get rid of everything when I

moved over here,” Emde said.

Despite giving so many away, her Harding Place apartment is still full of Santas of all shapes, sizes and forms. The ones she kept for her Harding Place apartment are ones that her friends and family have given her, and their names are on the bottom of them so that they can get them back when she is done with them.

THE TRADITION OF

Caring Continues

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December 2018 501lifemag.com | 33

FEATURE

BACA advocating for local children

Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Erinn Stone stands in front of BACA family and shares a BACA fist-bump. Some BACA members hold cards of encouragement signed by all the deputies.

Story and photo

by Robin Richards

There are fictional super heroes and real heroes who protect our country and communities. Then there are real, unseen heroes, men and women, who live among us. They wear leather uniforms with special headgear and ride chrome steeds, and some men’s faces are disguised under heavy facial hair. They unite to empower abused children.

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Deputies met this fall to become familiar with each other and share how BACA works with law enforcement on child abuse cases.

“The purpose of this meeting was to get the deputies in here to learn what they [BACA] can do,” said Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Erinn Stone. “When they [deputies] come upon a child, they can give out the hotline number, and then they [child advocacy officials and law enforcement] can reach out.”

Stone indicated a relationship between BACA and deputies adds another tool.

In White County, BACA, local law enforcement, the prosecutor, the safety center, child advocates and therapists work together on a child abuse case to meet the child’s needs. The goal is to implement the very same system in Faulkner County.

BACA members use a biker moniker (or “road name”) to hide their true identity for their own safety.

BACA members, who call themselves a family of brothers and sisters, may be involved in a case that could potentially be a threat. “We are not that well liked in certain aspects of the community because there are a lot of people out there that just don’t like what we do,” said one BACA member. “Family members are affected by our children speaking up, so we protect ourselves.” (For security purposes, BACA road names 34 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Shrink and Deputy Shane Lee. are used throughout the story.)

“BACA exists to empower children to not live in fear of the world in which they live. That is our mission statement,” said Rags, a seven-year BACA member.

There are seven Arkansas BACA chapters. Each uses standardized practices and shares best practices.

When a chapter wants to try a different practice, it has to pass the child empowerment test. If it doesn’t, it’s not implemented.

BACA members go through 12 to 18 months of

training before becoming official participants. Most BACA members are not therapists. College professors and mental health professionals assist in the training.

Shrink, a professional child psychologist, rides with the Searcy chapter.

“Not everyone is a fit for what we do. The training will tell us who are a fit to ride with us,” said Rags. “The Searcy BACA chapter is the busiest because of new cases and court cases. There’s no more abuse there than anywhere else. It’s because of our agency relationships and strategy. Our Arkansas strategy is better because we

focus on our relationships with local agencies.”

The BACA process is meticulously slow as it guides the abused child’s mental state toward feeling empowered and safe. Along the way, the child learns truth, honesty, family inclusion and eventually trusts again. A level one treatment process begins during the initial introduction.

As Rags explains it, “The child’s state of mind at that moment is in fight, flight or freeze mode. A child’s brain is chaotic, hypersensitive or hypervigilant. When they are in that state, then the empowerment starts when the child watches a video. I might talk to these guys and a little bit of empowerment starts there, too.”

The intake process involves many queries that need answers, but Rags addresses what will not be asked during the intake. “We don’t ask the details of the abuse. We don’t ask what happened. As far as we might ever get is the nature of the abuse. We want to try to understand the nature of the threat.” The threat assessment taken during the intake not only serves the child, but also identifies any possible threats to BACA members.

As the intake process progresses, a relationship between BACA members and the child becomes inclusive by asking the child to pick a road name, getting the child’s leather jacket size and asking if the child wants to become part of the BACA family. The child is given a leather jacket or a vest called “cuts” with the chosen road name printed on the front and back, plus a set of dog tags with the name. The child learns empowerment through the choices.

The next phase re-evaluates the child’s needs when revisited by two to four BACA brothers and sisters.

This visit assesses the case’s validity and if the child

T-Shirt and Captain Chris Riedmueller hug a teddy bear. should be brought into the BACA family. If the case is valid, then the child is asked again if they want to be a BACA family member. The child has to give a verbal answer before being added.

“When we say family, we’re not talking about replacing mom and dad,” Rags said. “We focus on empowering that child, and we focus on fear. We’re not there to give Christmas presents, birthday presents, attend birthday parties or any of that. When we ride in, just like we did in the initial visit, everything is choreographed, everything we do is for a reason and everything is detailed. We do things in the same order every time. Typically, before we’re done, we just play.”

They use experiential therapy to guide the child from trauma to the other side of a good life while supporting the child along the way.

The BACA family impresses certain values and expectations upon the child after joining their family.

An impactful conversation takes place about telling the truth. BACA members stress they will never lie to the child, and the child must agree to never lie to them.

“We do that to set it up so that at the end and during the entire process they learn that we are not lying to them, and we prove it,” Rags said. “They learn we set expectations. If we make 10,000 promises to a child, and we keep 9,999 of them, we failed. If we set an expectation, we have to meet it. We do that every step of the way. That I don’t lie to you and you don’t lie to me part comes into play very, very prominently down the road.”

A child’s fear is often alleviated, and they feel comforted when accompanied by BACA into and out of the courtroom if there is a court case. BACA’s presence receives the judge’s permission, and court staff is informed also. A coin, dog tags or a teddy bear is given to the child, or cuts can be worn, to calm the child. If there is a final disposition that day, the child is recognized as being a hero because they spoke out against the abuser, and celebrates a victory ride with BACA brothers and sisters.

The relationship between BACA and the children may continue after being deemed safe by exchanging cell phone numbers. The group intentionally fades out of children’s lives to allow them to live their best lives on their terms.

If anyone suspects a child is being abused, call the child maltreatment hotline at 1.800.482.5964.

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2490 Washington Avenue Conway, AR 72032 501-329-7021 bellandcompany.net December 2018 501lifemag.com | 35

COLUMNIST

More than just the 25th day of December Christmas wasn’t intended just for making memories, but they are, for certain, a part of it. Maybe it is because of families anticipating a gathering to “see how much you’ve grown.” Sometimes the “grown” part is outward instead of upward, but it is still again.

Vivian Lawson goodIn tothevisit 1960s, we Hogue were in a time of life when our parents A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated were 60-ish, and we from the University of Central five siblings were still Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired teacher, she marrying and having worked in the Conway School children. We were District for 23 years. She can be reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. grateful for our “old net. home place” that was adequate for a large crowd and for property that accommodated the vehicles. The children played outside, the men talked football and the women exchanged stories and helped in the kitchen. If anyone stayed overnight, it was time to get out the Army cots and extra blankets. Back then, Conway still had cold winters! Time has a process of changing things, though. We have several fewer of those we loved and enjoyed then, but we still hold them close in our holiday reflections.

One aunt, who was always a story in herself, never missed a Christmas at our house. She was an elementary school teacher and traveled from her tiny hometown in Northeast Arkansas to spend almost her entire holiday with us.

Upon her arrival she would bring all the little gifts her school children had given her and put them under the tree. “Evening in Paris” perfume, bath talc, handkerchiefs, ceramic figures or stationery were typical fare. They didn’t quite measure up to the good-humored gifts that my brothers would give her such as the black “widow’s weeds” because she attended every local funeral whether or not she knew the deceased.

Christmas is a cheerful time in terms of Joseph and Mary’s new baby prince in the royal line of King David, but there are times of melancholy remembrances that cannot and should not go away.

One sibling, who remembered a little more than I, recalled, “One World War II Christmas was particularly bad for Conway families. The Arkansas National Guard had a contingent of men that was over-run at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Our local residents lost many close family members on the open-

36 | 501 LIFE December 2018

This appropriately named café celebrated WWII's end.

The Lawson/Hogue’s last 12-foot, hand cut real cedar tree after 50 years. ing day of that battle. Another sibling of high school age worked for the telegram company, sometimes delivering dreaded news to families.

“We kept in touch with an uncle who was in the Pacific on a Coast Guard cutter. He sent us presents that we couldn’t find in our stores.

I recall one delightful gift of a big package of Wrigley spearmint gum. Candy corn was particularly delicious in those days as there were no artificial flavors. The simplest candies, such as peppermint, were special treats for us as Mother didn’t buy candy during the year. I don’t think we suffered from that lack.

“We were on rations for cooking ingredients, tires, gasoline and metal products. Most of our toys were made of wood. Plastic was unavailable. Gasoline was saved so we could do such things as make the family trip to the country to cut a cedar Christmas tree.”

It was not easy to nail a wooden frame on the bottom of that 12-foot tree, but it was

always done. Like anything else in harder or simpler times, one did what needed to be done.

It seems appropriate here to include a recipe for a war-time cake made with no eggs, milk or white sugar. With a ration of 8 ounces of sugar per week by 1945, one found other sweetening sources such as brown sugar, raisins or carrots. There was no cooking oil, so Mother melted lard.

This recipe of many variations was simple, but the spice aromas always invited visitors to the kitchen to hunt for a plate and fork. So, what did they call it when the war was over?

“Victory Cake!” God bless America and its warriors, past and present!

WAR OR DEPRESSION CAKE 1 pound raisins 2 cups light brown sugar, packed 2 cups water 4 tablespoons lard (or shortening) 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (or allspice) 3 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda Combine first seven ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube pan or bread pan with lard.

Mix well the flour and soda, then fold mixture into the cooled batter. Spoon into greased pan and bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven and insert a broom straw or toothpick into the cake.

If no batter is stuck to it when removed, it is done. If it is, bake another 10 minutes. Cool upside down on a wire rack or plate.

The changing of seasons Oh, what a beautiful day! Growing up in Northeastern Ohio, I enjoyed many fall days like today. My favorite season is autumn. The cool temperatures, beautiful autumn leaves and the scent of pumpkin, spice and everything nice. (Bonus, I am including my absolute favorite fall recipe — you definitely want to try this!)

Adam I look forward to these Bledsoe seasonal changes.

November is my Originally from Northeast Ohio, Adam Bledsoe moved to Arkansas favorite month. One big in 2000 to attend Harding reason is deer season!

University after active duty service in the U.S. Air Force. He is Deer hunting in Arkanmarried to Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, sas means early mornand they have two children, Audrey (10) and Hunter (6), who ings, spending time with attend Wooster Elementary. hunting buddies and the Adam is newly employed by THV11 as a feature reporter, rewards of the harvest. focusing on a variety of feel-good However, there can be community related stories. stressful times during this season as well.

Christmas is right around the corner. Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? Many of us struggle with the balance of providing a wonderful Christmas for our families while not putting ourselves in a financial bind. Remember the true meaning of Christmas.

We all deal with seasonal changes in our lives.

School-age, college/young professional, late 20s/early 30s, young parents, parents of teens (Lord help us), empty nesters, upper middle-aged, senior citizens, etc.

I have found myself going through changes lately. At 39.5 years of age, I finally graduated from Harding University. It was one of the proudest days of my life! After graduation, I asked the Lord to help me grow and find a way to be uncomfortable.

After working for the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office for more than five years, the Lord provided an opportunity to work at First Service Bank as a business development officer. Let me tell you something, I gained some amazing friends from my short stint there. I am thankful for that opportunity.

Some think I’m crazy for leaving a job after a short amount of time, but Amanda and I listened to our calling to provide a wonderful life for our kids.

We were having to pay people to take our kids to ball practices, events, etc. We have been so incredibly blessed with wonderful patrons at our clinic, which allowed me to “retire.”

As some of you know, I have worked with THV11 in one capacity or another for four years. The Lord opened another door, and now I find myself working at the Little Rock TV station as a feature reporter. You have seen me on Friday mornings at various schools participating in “Home Field Advantage” as well as my segments traveling around the state, checking out the beautiful scenery and interacting with the local Arkan-

sans that make this the greatest state in which to live. I feel like this is another season in my life and I’ve enjoyed these seasonal changes.

Get out of your comfort zone! I never aspired to be a television personality growing up (and the jury is still out). In fact, I would have laughed in your face if you would have told me this was something I would end up doing. However, I have the wonderful opportunity to interact and engage with so many from Central Arkansas. I meet people who may suffer from a low selfesteem or have dealt with many trials and tribulations.

I sincerely want people to know they can do anything they set their minds to. I am living proof.

Enjoy the seasonal changes of life.

Here’s the most amazing pumpkin recipe. Take photos of your finished product with your copy of 501 LIFE, and who knows, you may see yourself in a future issue.

HARVEST PUMPKIN SAUSAGE SOUP

(as borrowed from the Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School) 1 pound sausage

COLUMNIST

1 cup finely chopped sweet onion 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 2 cups canned pumpkin 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 cups cream, warmed 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup packed brown sugar Cheese and/or chopped nuts for topping (Manchego or Jarlsberg cheeses are great options) Brown and finely crumble sausage in skillet. Drain. Sauté onion in sausage drippings. Mix all ingredients until well blended and heat in a saucepan or crock pot until thoroughly warm. Sprinkle cheese or chopped nuts on top when serving.

Option: For added flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon maple flavoring or 1 tablespoon praline syrup.

Like many soups, this recipe tastes better the second day when the sausage has flavored the pumpkin and vice versa. This soup is best served as a pre-meal soup, and not as a main course (note from Adam, I can eat the entire pot — it’s AMAZING). Makes 6-8 one-cup servings.

Live the dream you never knew you had and have the best day of your life! I love you!

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 37

NEWS/NOTES

Photographer earns certification Mike Kemp, CPP of Mike Kemp Photography in Conway, has earned the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Kemp earned this designation after completing an intensive program that measures his artistic and technical competence. Professional Photographers of America currently recognizes fewer than 2,500 CPPs. “I know the value that photos hold in the lives of my clients. My goal is to continually improve my craft while creating imagery that families treasure for generations,” Kemp said.

“Becoming a Certified Professional Photographer demonstrates my desire to be the best I can be. It assures clients of my knowledge and experience. When you hire a Certified Professional Photographer, you know you are getting someone who is willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best possible images,” Mike Kemp of Mike Kemp added.

Professional Photog- Kemp Photography joins raphers of America is the a prestigious group as leading body for certifya Certified Professional ing imaging professionals. Photographer (CPP) CPPs must complete a written examination, finish an image evaluation and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Certification must be renewed on a periodic basis, ensuring continued confidence in the professionalism of Certified Professional Photographers.

For more information on certification, visit PPA. com/CPP. Go to MikeKempPhoto.com or call 501.472.0678 for booking information for Mike Kemp, CPP.

38 | 501 LIFE December 2018

First Service Bank recently added Justin Zimmerman, Janet McPhate and Corey Throneberry to its staff in Conway.

First Service Bank expands team First Service Bank recently announced that Corey Throneberry and Justin Zimmerman have been hired as loan officers and business development and Janet McPhate as senior operation officer serving in Conway.

With more than 20 years of banking experience, Justin is a native of St. Vincent (Conway County) and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, with a degree in banking and finance as well as many accreditations through the Arkansas Bankers Association. He currently serves on the UACCM Accounting Advisory Committee.

Justin and his wife, Sara Ammann Zimmerman, have three daughters who keep them very busy with basketball, archery, beauty pageants and clogging competitions. They are members of First Baptist Church of Clinton.

Corey is a lifelong resident of Conway and graduated from Conway High School and the University of Central Arkansas with a BBA in insurance and risk management. Corey lives in Wooster with his wife, Lauren, son Caden and daughter Kinley.

He is a member of Summit Church of Conway and enjoys time with his family, being in the outdoors hunting and fishing and playing golf.

Janet brings 28 years of banking experience to First Service Bank. She is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with an administrative services/ office management degree. She is also certified by the Arkansas Institute of Banking. Janet and her husband have been married for 34 years and have two children. She loves camping, anything sports related and the Conway Wampus Cats. She and her husband are active members of First Baptist Church, Conway.

“Our Conway team is proud to have Justin, Corey and Janet join us, and we feel strongly that their banking background will be an asset to our Conway team, and most importantly our customers,” said Tom Grumbles, CEO and president of First Service Bank.

First Service Bank has locations in Greenbrier, Conway, Marshall, Mountain View, Dermott, Shirley, Yellville, Flippin, Clinton and Little Rock with its headquarters in Faulkner County. A majority family-owned and operated bank for 56 years, First Service employs 110 people at 10 locations around the state. “Like” First Service Bank on Facebook or follow the bank on Twitter at @1stServiceBank and @FirstServiceBnk.

Ott Insurance recently presented Renewal Ranch with a $2,500 contribution in memory of Larry Kincaid. Participating in the presentation were Larry’s wife Sharon Kincaid (from left), Ott Insurance co-owner Lonnie Cagle, Renewal Ranch Executive Director James Loy and Ott office manager Michelle Mallett. Sharon was a sales agent at Ott for 26 years. Renewal Ranch was a ministry near and dear to Larry’s heart.

FAITH

Hope against hope

Tim Yant captured this photo of his wife, Kaitlyn, who inspired many with her incredible faith as she battled cancer.

Laurie Green A Greenbrier native, Laurie is the wife of Will Green. The two share seven children, five grandchildren and a golden retriever named Marlo. They own and operate a lawn care business and are members of New Life Church in Greenbrier. Laurie can be reached at thegreens@ymail.com.

Writing for 501 LIFE has given me so many opportunities to share my stories of faith. I’ve mentioned before that I will typically spend some time in prayer determining what to write about, so it is with a bittersweet heart that I share this article.

I recently had the honor of attending a funeral for a beautiful, young woman named Kaitlyn Yant. While it may seem unusual to write about this experience, it is absolutely

40 | 501 LIFE December 2018

necessary to share the goodness of God in action during difficult times.

My family has had the honor of knowing Kaitlyn’s family (the Yants and Martins) for quite some time. Many of you may have had the same honor whether in person or through

Kaitlyn’s Facebook page, “Kaitlyn: Hope Against Hope.” She fought a long and courageous battle with cancer that in the end took her life, but only strengthened her faith.

In my 46 years, I’ve been to a lot of funerals, but never have I attended one where the

individual planned every detail in advance. It was surreal and yet one of the most beautiful, life-giving moments I’ve ever experienced.

I’ve read this verse in my Bible before in Philippians 4:6-7 that says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” However, on this day, I watched as this verse was brought to life and played out right before my eyes at Kaitlyn’s precious celebration of life!

There is no doubt that Kaitlyn’s story didn’t end the way we all anticipated, yet she was unshakable and unmovable in her faith.

At the young age of 28, she faced the unthinkable, but she kept her eyes on Jesus and the race ahead. She refused to “worry about anything and instead pray about everything.”

This resulted in seeing God’s unexplainable peace take over what could have been a very somber moment.

From my seat, I had a full view of her family and friends, and what I witnessed that day can only be explained by Philippians 4:7.

I watched her dad be the first one to reach his hands up to heaven during a worship song that had been hand-picked by his beautiful, firstborn child. I witnessed her family and friends be able to step up in front of us all and share Kaitlyn’s stories of faith, love and hope. They

talked about how she encouraged and inspired them, even while walking through her own valley. I watched Tim, her young husband, share a love story created in heaven and a life that was lived to the absolute fullness of Jesus.

I witnessed the unexplainable, unsurpassed peace of Jesus!

I left that celebration of Kaitlyn’s life with a determination I had forgotten I had — a desire to live a life in such a way as she did, with Jesus directly in the center of everything.

A faith that isn’t built on all the circumstances around me, but that’s built on the promises of Jesus. I am so grateful that Kaitlyn, even in death, taught me how powerful and precious a relationship with Jesus is. She refused to grieve the time she didn’t have left and made the most of the time she had. This is a lesson we all need to learn.

Personally, I feel Kaitlyn’s story is just only beginning. I pray people will knowingly and unknowingly find her story and read about her life and faith and be inspired. I believe through Kaitlyn’s legacy that families will be restored, marriages will be strengthened and the goodness of God will be displayed in our everyday walks and struggles.

I believe we all can learn a valuable lesson through the life of Kaitlyn Yant. None of us are promised tomorrow, but we have today, and we have these moments to inspire and to speak life to everyone around us. It’s never too late to re-position your focus off your worries and onto Jesus and his unexplainable peace.

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December 2018 501lifemag.com | 41

1 HEALTH

Have a happy and healthful holiday

by Taryn Brown

Soon it will be time to break out the Christmas sweaters, listen to Christmas music on repeat and spend time with loved ones by the fireplace. The holidays are near, and they bring cooler weather, Christmas lights and plenty of treats to be consumed. The season can also bring on some extra, unwanted holiday stress.

Those stressors can take the fun out of the holiday season and can cause you to lose your cool.

Instead of focusing on the negative, remember what the holidays are about and surround yourself with those who lift your spirits.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your holiday season healthful, cheery and bright.

Spend time with loved ones No time brings people together quite like the holidays. Coming together for Christmas Eve dinner, decorating cookies with cousins or watching Christmas movies near the fire are great ways to continue traditions and even start new ones. Everyone’s family looks different, but staying focused on positive memories while also creating new ones will help ease possible family tensions.

Let others help There is no need to prepare for the holidays alone. Communicate ahead of time what the holiday plans are, and delegate tasks to other family members and friends. Be realistic in what you can take on and what you are willing to pass off. Prepping for Christmas also brings friends and family together.

Keep up healthy habits The holidays are a natural time to slip up on healthy habits. The hot chocolate and iced sugar cookies are just begging to be enjoyed. Feel free to satisfy your sweet tooth, but you can also prepare a

42 | 501 LIFE December 2018

healthy version of your favorite Christmas dessert.

Remember moderation is key.

Reconnect with others The holiday season often means traveling back home. This is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with and reach out to family members, as well as old friends. Say yes to outings and invites during the holiday season, rather than spending them alone.

You will be glad you did.

Give of your time and money It is important to remember, not everyone is

fortunate during the holidays. Giving up your time and money to volunteer at your local soup kitchen, or donating presents and food are just a couple of ways to give back this holiday season.

The holidays do not have to be a time you dread and hope to get through. Savor the moments you are given, and keep in mind what the holidays are all about: coming together with the ones you love.

Make this holiday season one you will not want to forget.

Here’s to wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season.

HEALTH

1

Managing depression during the holidays The most wonderful time of the year can be the most challenging. A barrage of cheerful advertisements, jingles and carols constantly urging you to be of good cheer when you’re grieving, broke, dealing with family, managing a workload or any combination of these cannot only put you on edge but push you over it.

Battling depression during the holidays can be daunting, but there are ways to make it manageable. If you or someone you care about has felt sad or apathetic (no pleasure in things you used to find enjoyable) to the point that it is interfering in your life, and this feeling has lasted for two weeks or longer, you may have depression. It’s important to understand that depression is nothing to be ashamed of having or talking about, and there are ways to make this mental illness more manageable.

First, understand it is acceptable not to feel like celebrating during the holidays. It’s a positive first step to recognize one or more of the reasons as the basis of your depression. Maybe it’s being around people that is difficult for you or you are grieving a loved one, relationship or other loss.

Perhaps you’ve had an upheaval in your life – lost a job or taken a new one, relocated to a new home, had children move out, have unresolved issues with family or friends. Or maybe the holidays make you feel less than you are. Regardless of the reason, knowing the cause will help you determine a solution.

Next, reach out to others. When you are depressed, it’s vital you don’t isolate yourself. Tell people you trust you are struggling. Having someone show you they care, listen to your worries and reassure you that you are valued will help you not feel alone.

If time and money at the holidays are a concern, make a plan and stick to it regarding decorations, parties, gifts and meals. It’s OK to limit the amount of celebrations you attend, and you don’t have to purchase any gifts if it will cause you financial worry.

You can share kindness lavishly without purchasing anything. Invite a friend over for a holiday movie, walk or drive through a neighborhood with lots of holiday lights, or volunteer at your church or community organization. You can even choose to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve alone, sleeping in, staying in your comfy clothes all day and reading a book.

Lastly, if you find you’ve done these things and you still feel depressed, it’s important to talk with a doctor or mental health professional (a therapist, counselor or social worker). Sometimes when you are depressed, you feel like you’re in a fog and cannot figure out your next step. A professional will listen to your concerns and help you find your way. Depend-

ing on the type and severity of your depression, you may need medication, therapy or both. These treatments will provide you with tools to use when your depression becomes more severe.

The most important thing you must remember when you are struggling with depression – during the holidays or anytime – is that you are valuable.

You are worthy, needed and wanted. There are people in your life who need you in their lives. If you are struggling and don’t know where to turn, call 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741 any time. If your child is battling anxiety or has another psychiatric, behavioral or emotional issue, call Methodist Family Health at 866.813.3388 or email info@methodistfamily.org.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 43

NEWS/NOTES

Conway Regional names CFO Troy B. Brooks has joined Conway Regional Health System as its chief financial officer (CFO).

As CFO, Brooks will be responsible for the financial operations of the health system which includes Conway Regional Medical Center, Conway Regional Rehabilitation Conway Regional Health System Hospital, recently selected Troy B. Brooks as its Conway chief financial officer.

Regional Surgery Center, an outpatient imaging center and 10 primary care clinics located throughout north central Arkansas. He will lead Conway Regional’s Accounting, Business Office/Admissions and Medical Information teams.

Conway Regional is an independent health system governed by a local volunteer board and managed by CHI St. Vincent. Under the terms of Conway Regional’s five-year management agreement, Brooks is an employee of CHI St. Vincent.

Brooks comes to Arkansas with more than 37 years of experience in advanced healthcare financial management and leadership. He served Piedmont Newton Hospital in Georgia as its CFO for the majority of his career and was responsible for the financial operations of their hospital as part of an integrated system. His responsibilities at Piedmont Newton included the development of new service lines, including imaging and women’s services, lab expansion, contracting and leading the organization through five major revenue bond issues for campus expansion.

Brooks holds an MBA from Mercer University and a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives as well as an advanced member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, where he was awarded the Bronze Merit Award for his chapter. While in Georgia, he was active in the community, serving on the board of the chamber of commerce along with multiple non-profit organizations boards and committees.

Troy and his wife of 33 years, Wendy, have moved to Conway. They have two adult children.

Their son, Andrew, is in his first year of a pediatrics residency at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, and their daughter, Delanie, has relocated to Austin to work with behavioral students at the KIPP Austin High School.

44 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Searcy’s Dr. Fincher given award Dr. Clark Fincher was recently awarded the Mastership of the American College of Physicians, Arkansas Chapter.

Fincher practices at Unity Health – Searcy Medical Center, located at 2900 Hawkins Dr. in Searcy, as an internal medicine physician. He has been practicing for 38 years, and is the first internal medicine physician from Searcy to receive the title of Master.

Mastership is the highest honor awarded by the ACP. Masters are highly accomplished by the excellence and significance of their contributions to the field of medicine. Fincher is a former ACP Governor, received the Chapter Laureate Award in 2010 and serves on the Governor’s Council.

“This award means a great deal to me,” Fincher said. “This award is the highest professional honor I have ever, or will ever receive, and I am very humbled and grateful to have been selected.”

The ACP is a national organization consisting of internal medicine specialists who contribute to the science and practice of medicine, and are united by a commitment to excellence. The ACP is the largest medical specialty society in the world with 154,000 members across the globe.

Dr. Clark Fincher, M.D., FACP

Conway Regional welcomes Hospitalists Whitney Philamlee, MD, and Ben Burkett, MD, have joined the medical staff of Conway Regional Health System. They began practicing in early September.

Philamlee completed a residency in Medicine/ Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and also holds a medical degree from UAMS. A native of Jonesboro, she achieved her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

“I enjoyed Conway during my time at UCA and I am happy to get to return to Conway to begin my hospitalist practice,” said Philamlee. “I chose hospitalist practice because it allows me to work with the entire patient care team to assess the patient as a whole and get them back to their families.”

Burkett completed a Medicine/Pediatrics residency at the University of Mississippi. He holds a medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Prior to relocating to Arkansas, Burkett practiced medicine at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, Miss.

“I have had the pleasure of working in inpatient medicine for the past six years and I look forward to continuing my practice with Conway Regional,” said Burkett. “Hospitalist medicine is fulfilling as we help patients throughout each step of care during their stay. There is great gratification in sending a patient home in better health than when they arrived.”

The Conway Regional Hospitalist program is comprised of 14 healthcare providers who provide in-hospital care at Conway Regional and Ozark Health Medical Center in Clinton.

“I am excited to welcome both Drs. Philamlee and Burkett to the growing Conway Regional Hospitalist program,” said Dr. Greg Kendrick, MD, the medical director of the Conway Regional Hospitalist program. “They both provide a unique perspective,

Whitney Philamlee, MD, has joined Conway Regional Health System as a Hospitalist.

Ben Burkett, MD, has joined Conway Regional Health System as a Hospitalist. given their Med/Peds background, and will make excellent additions to our team.”

Unity Health recently hosted a reception to recognize and welcome new providers at Robbins Sanford Grand Hall in Downtown Searcy. The new providers practice at various Unity Health locations, and in a variety of fields including Family Practice, Critical Care, Neurology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Podiatry, Pulmonology, OB/GYN, and Hospitalists. They include (front, from left) Ginger Price, APRN, Cathy Staton, PhD, Courtney Hicks, M.D.; (middle) Matt Williams, APN, Cheryl Clevenger, M.D., Brenda Ashley, M.D., Melissa Creameans, APRN, J.R. Davidson, M.D.; (back) Brandon Dodds, PA-C, Bo Shurley, M.D., Andrew Clothier, DPM, Michael Clevenger, M.D., Ziad Ghneim, D.O., Ahmad Tarawneh, M.D. Not Pictured: Omar Aziz, M.D., Wes Cunningham, D.O., Greg Neaville, M.D., Ian Parker, D.O., Stan Kellar, M.D., Daniel Ring, PA-C, Amy Smith, PA-C, Mary Hobbs, PA-C, Brittany Allen, APRN.

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December 2018 501lifemag.com | 45

1 HEALTH

Vinson has passion for pediatric care Dr. Janell Vinson enjoys helping children and is eager to work with patients in the Conway area.

“I absolutely love caring for the pediatric population and am looking forward to serving the Conway and surrounding communities,” she said.

“My desire is to provide quality pediatric care in a very friendly and caring environment.”

Originally from Jackson, Miss., Vinson initially wanted to be a neurosurgeon. “Then I did my surgery rotation during my third year of medical school and quickly decided that I did not want to be any type of surgeon. Then I was thinking that I wanted a career in radiology, which is a super cool area and very interesting but the sacrifice is that you don’t get to do a whole lot of patient care and interacting with families.

“It was not until I did my pediatric rotation that the light bulb just went off! I loved everything about pediatrics, from the décor of the hospital to the color of the nurse’s scrubs. Pediatric patients are so resilient also, but just as they are resilient, they can decompensate very quickly. So it’s an area of medicine that offers challenges for sure, but is loaded with amazing rewards!”

A general pediatrician at Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic-Conway, Vinson studied medicine at Brown Medical School in Providence, R.I., and obtained her residency at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Department of Pediatrics. She is board certified in pediatrics, and previously practiced at Merit Health River Region Hospital in Vicksburg, Miss., in general pediatrics. She also worked in pediatrics at Neshoba County General Hospital and Nursing Home in Philadelphia, Miss.

“We provide well child care from birth to 18 years of age,” Vinson said. “In addition to well child care, we provide acute care or sick visits. Some of the common pediatric aliments include various infections which can include but are not limited to ear infections, pneumonia, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and gastroenteritis (stomach bug). We also treat chronic pediatric conditions including asthma, ADHD/ ADD, seasonal allergies and eczema.”

Vinson said she enjoys her work and recognizes that pediatrics is a very unique area of medicine. “I absolutely love what I do and my prayer is that it shows in my interactions with patients and families,” she said. “My desire is that my patients will become very comfortable with me and in time actually enjoy coming to their office visits.

With parents, I want them to be comfortable with me as well. I want them to ask questions and tell me as much information as possible in order for me to best take care of their child.”

When not at work, Vinson enjoys cooking, reading and entertaining friends and family. “I have an amazing family which includes a very supportive husband and four sweet girls.” She and her family attend New Life Church-Greater Little Rock, where they are involved in various activities 46 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Dr. Janell Vinson is a general pediatrician at Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic-Conway. sponsored by the church.

“I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity by Baptist Health to be able to provide pediatric care to families in Conway and surrounding areas,” said Vinson. “Conway already has been receiving excellent pediatric care from other pediatricians in the area, but as Conway grows, I am absolutely elated to come alongside the existing pediatricians to provide care to this

growing community.”

Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic-Conway is located at 625 United Dr. Suite 120. For more information, call 501.358.6892.

“I love pediatric care and I have a heart for people! I am entering my ninth year of practice after residency and it has been an amazing journey so far. I am looking forward to many more years!”

Phillips seeks best solution for patients Neurosurgeon Dr. Blake Phillips has an interesting way to explain his career path – his area of specialty chose him.

“I’d like to think that neurosurgery chose me,” he said. “While at Rhodes College in Memphis, I met many of the PhDs that worked in the developmental neurobiology lab at St. Jude Cancer Research Center in my senior year. They introduced me to the science and I ended up working at St. Jude in the year following my graduation. This peaked my interest and I never turned back.”

Although he was born in Ozark, Ala., just outside of Fort Rucker where his dad was stationed, Phillips claims Jonesboro as his home. After earning a biochemistry degree at Rhodes, he received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed an internship in general surgery.

His interest encompasses all types of brain and spine pathology.

“I treat all sorts of neurosurgical diseases ranging from malignant brain tumors to degenerative spine disease. Much of my current time is spent treating degenerative spine deformities that cause pain and disability. It’s my hope that through spine reconstruction, in even the most severe of cases, can lead to less discomfort and more enjoyment in life.”

Phillips recognizes it can be intimidating when a patient seeks care from a neurosurgeon. “I hope that when patients leave my office they leave with a feeling that I am on this journey with them and that they leave with a better understanding of their pathology and our approach to helping them overcome it.”

Phillips said he enjoys most seeing patients leave the hospital post-operatively with an improved outlook on life. “Making that impact is the reason that me and my team do what we do,” he said.

“I strive to find the absolute best solution for each of my patients. I am lucky to work at Baptist Health who, similarly minded, has the patient’s best treatment in mind. Our goal is to first implement nonsurgical techniques.

“If surgical intervention is necessary, however, we have some of the most updated technology to help treat cranial and spine pathology including 3-dimensional technology, intra-operative navigation, utilizing minimally invasive techniques.”

Phillips continues to be active in medical education with a number of recent peer reviewed publications, posters and conference speaking engagements. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the American Medical Association and the Arkansas Medical Association and has recently been

Dr. Blake Phillips treats patients at Neurosurgery Arkansas. recognized in Who’s Who for professionals.

Phillips sees patients at the Neurosurgery Arkansas clinic at 625 United Drive Suite 370B in Conway. It is located in the medical office

building behind the new Baptist Hospital.

For more information, call the clinic between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 501.224.0200.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 47

�

ENTERTAINING

Holiday traditions Christmas at our home was always the essence of “all things decorated, cooked and sung!”

Until recent years, the decorating always began before Thanksgiving because once December hit, we had no time to decorate anything. In recent years, we have, at Don Bingham least, tried to simplify and have not begun Recognized throughout the Christmas decorating state as an accomplished chef, until after Thanksgiving.

Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television When the time programs and planned elaborate comes, all of the myriads events. of boxes of timeless treasures come out of the attic above the garage and the process begins with the bulldog tenacity to decorate every piece of furniture in the entire house. This was our first tradition of the holidays and has been for many years. Thankfully, after we turned 55, we have geared back. The bedrooms and toilet back tops are no longer an absolute necessity to have decorated.

Then comes the enormous task of baking.

Sprinkled throughout the season would be the various church Christmas services, the Candlelight Service at Hendrix College, a flash trip to Branson and at least one concert in Little Rock. And the list goes on and on.

We do take time to “stop and smell the holly” along the way, but the season is packed with traditions and family!

My wife, Nancy, always cooks breakfast and dinner on Christmas Day. The kids grew up with at least three family Christmas celebrations all over the southern United States (which meant much midnight travel) and a taco supper on Christmas Eve. On many years past, we tried to take a few days to travel to see other sights and sounds of the holiday, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas in Opryland. It’s great to enjoy other locals and their traditions.

This year, we will welcome Anna Claire Rose Faulkner to the party – our newest granddaughter (parents are Daniel and Jessica Faulkner). How blessed we are! Nancy has all the pajamas ready for Christmas photos of all the grandchildren.

Without a doubt, one of the highlights would be the amazing foods enjoyed during the holidays.

Some come in the mail, some come as gifts from cherished friends and most are prepared in our own kitchen.

Cakes, pies, cookies, candy, roasted nuts, spiced teas and more are almost a daily fare. There are so many offerings in the Christmas music realm and how delightful it is to turn on that favorite Pandora 48 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Coconut Cream Tarts a family favorite at Christmas. (Mike Kemp photo)

offering of gentle holiday music and just observe all the Christmas decorations while grazing through our favorite confections. (I must interject a disclaimer at this juncture – as the years have progressed, the enjoyment calorie/carb wise has minimized. The reality of the need to “graze” with reasonable objectivity has come home to stay.)

Included in this article are some of our favorites.

Whether you stay with your “tried and true” or branch out to new culinary delights, my hope is that we take the time to gratefully appreciate the traditions of the holidays – especially the gift of the Incarnation, family and friends. Merry Christmas, everyone!

CHRISTMAS PECAN CAKE 3 cups sugar 2 cups butter, softened 10 eggs, separated 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 cup bourbon whiskey 2 pounds white raisins 2 pounds pecan pieces 1 tablespoon nutmeg Cream sugar with butter and beat in egg yolks one at a time.

Alternately add, in small portions, 3 cups flour and bourbon.

Combine remaining flour with raisins, pecans and nutmeg. Add to butter. Pour into large tube pan or three small loaf pans wellgreased and lined on bottom with two layers of wax paper. Fill twothirds full and bake 4 hours at 250 degrees in tube pan or 3 hours at 250 degrees in loaf pans. Cool completely before removing from pan. Wrap in cloth soaked in bourbon, and then wrap in foil. After one week, re-soak cloth. Soak again two weeks later.

COCONUT CREAM TARTS 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 4 large eggs 2 cups milk 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Sweetened whipped cream Whisk together sugar, flour, eggs and milk in a heavy saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 10 minutes or until a chilled pudding-like thickness. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut and vanilla extract. Cover and chill 6 to 24 hours. Bake your favorite tart shells or purchase frozen tart shells and bake according to package directions. Cool completely. Spoon custard into tart shells. Top with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle with additional coconut. Makes 8 tartlets.

FUDGE ECSTASY COOKIES 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs 4 tablespoons cocoa mixed with 1/2 cup sugar 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 12 ounces chocolate chips Cream butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in cocoa/sugar mixture. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in

chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoons full on to ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overcook.

Remove from cookie sheet and cool slightly. Makes about 6 dozen.

A fudgy center makes for one more terrific cookie.

CARAMEL-CREAM CHEESE FLAN 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 7 egg yolks 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk 1/3 cup milk 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 egg whites 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened Cook 1 cup sugar in a 9-inch round cake pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally 5 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.

(Sugar will harden.)

Meanwhile, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, milk, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.

Process egg whites, cream cheese and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a blender until smooth. Add 2 cups of egg yolk mixture and process until smooth. Stir egg white mixture into remaining egg yolk mixture until blended. Pour custard over caramelized sugar in pan.

Place cake pan in large shallow pan. Add hot water to large pan to depth of one-third up sides of cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted into flan comes out clean.

Remove pan from water, cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours, cover and chill for 4 hours to 2 days.

Run a knife around the edge of the flan to loosen; invert on to a serving plate. (Once inverted, it will take about 30 minutes to slip from the pan.) Be sure to use a serving plate with a lip to catch the extra caramel sauce.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 49

The Mann Christmas tree and mantle are sparkling with jewel tones like a general store candy jar filled with lovely candies in colorful ribbons and swirls. (Mike Kemp photos)

50 | 501 LIFE December 2018

HOME

Holiday décor and more Celebrating the real gift of the season

Have you ever wondered how a holiday gets its colors? Easter baskets are bountiful with pastel blues, pinks and greens.

Valentine’s Day red strikes amorous hearts and Halloween’s orange and black might send a little spooky tingle up your spine. But how did Christmas become green Donna Benton and red?

I heard an interesting Donna Benton is a maker of piece on National Public custom home furnishings and specializes in classic painted Radio not long ago, and finishes for antique and vintage the premise was this. furniture. You can see her work Victorian-era Christmas at WaterHouseMarket.com. was all over the board when it came to a signature color. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola unveiled its first print advertisement featuring that jolly, red-cheeked version of Santa Claus that we recognize today. The classic Christmas ads

The bedroom has its own Christmas tree in blues and golds, just like the furnishings.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 51

At the Mann home (left photo), you know you are in for a colorful Christmas surprise before you walk in the door. A baseball themed Christmas village gives a nod to the family’s favorite team. were red and green, complementing the Coca-Cola logo, of course. The iconic ads ran for generations and became a pop culture phenomenon that helped define the colors of Christmas.

I am all about tradition, but frankly, I was a little sad to learn that the look of Christmas, as we know it, could be the work of a corporate marketing department. I’m always excited when someone puts their own creative twist on a steadfast tradition, and when I got my first look at Anne Mann’s interpretation of Christmas, I giggled with delight, like cracking open a pirate’s chest filled with sparkling turquoise, amethyst and aqua marine. “I wanted to do something bright, fun and whimsical,” said Anne.

“I love Christmas and everything about it!”

Anne has a unique perspective on the holidays. In 2014, the home that she shared with her husband, Bob, and their twins, Connor and Chloe Porter, was destroyed in the tornado that hit Vilonia. “It was the most traumatic experience that I have ever been through. It is devastating to lose everything that you own,” Ann said. “But when you saw the destruction all around you, not just to you, but to your town, and the lives that were lost, it puts your loss in perspective pretty quickly.”

The Manns lost all their family keepsakes, including their Christmas decorations. “We lost things that had sentimental meaning, but things can be replaced. We had sentimental attachment to those things but we realized that those are just material things, and we will always have the memories.”

While the Manns suffered a great loss, they also received a gift that they will always cherish. “When a tragedy strikes, it always makes you reflect and realize how short life can be and how precious the time we get to spend on this earth can be. You also reflect on what is most important about the Christmas holiday which is first, the birth of Jesus who is the reason for the season, and then the togetherness of spending time making memories with family and friends.

“Christmas is just a magical time which brings me happiness and joy seeing all of the pretty colors, lights and decorations. I enjoy all of the traditions we have created such as baking, watching our favorite movie ‘Christmas Vacation,’ driving around and looking at lights, helping a charity or person, and spreading Christmas magic and joy to others as I help them decorate for the holiday.”

Christmas at the Mann home glows with joyous jewel tones, like a general store candy jar filled with lovely candies in colorful ribbons and swirls, but the Manns know that Christmas is more than just lights and pretty colors.

They celebrate every holiday with a gift of perspective that helps them realize the true joy and purpose of the season.

52 | 501 LIFE December 2018

There can’t be too many Christmas trees. This one is decked in red and white.

ENERGY SMART

Holiday energy saving tips The winter holidays are a time for delicious food and festive fun shared with cherished company, but your energy use can rise considerably with all the extra decorating and entertaining shared with family and friends.

While today’s new household appliances Beth use nearly 50 percent less Jimmerson energy than those built A long-time Conway resident, just a decade ago, they’re Beth McCullough Jimmerson worked overtime during is the marketing coordinator for Conway Corp. She has the holidays, which can a bachelor’s degree from the add to your utility bill.

University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree from the Americans spend more University of Arkansas. She can than $65 billion a year on be reached at beth.jimmerson@ conwaycorp.com. holiday gifts, but thankfully it’s easier to keep your added holiday energy costs to a minimum with just a few simple tips.

Cooking tips The turkey is traditionally stuffed early in the morning and roasted for hours. Since it’s a long, slow cook, there’s no need to preheat your oven – even when the recipe suggests it. This also holds true for a holiday ham. In fact, unless you’re baking breads or pastries, you may not need to preheat the oven at all.

Don’t open the oven door to take a peek at what’s cooking inside. Instead, turn on the oven light and check the cooking status through the oven window.

Opening the door for even a few seconds lowers the temperature inside by as much as 25 degrees, which increases cooking time and wastes energy.

If you use glass or ceramic pans, try turning your oven down by 25 degrees. Your dish will cook just as quickly.

When cooking on top of your range, match the size of the pan to the heating element. More heat will get to the pan and less will be lost to the surrounding air. Believe it or not, a six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner will waste more than 40 percent of the energy.

Clean burners and reflectors provide better heating, while saving energy. If you need new reflectors, buy quality ones. The best on the market can save as much as one-third of the energy used when cooking on top of the stove.

Don’t overlook the other cooking appliances during the holidays. Fast and efficient microwave ovens use around 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens, and they don’t heat up your kitchen. Consider using them to bake yams, steam your favorite fresh vegetables or heat up leftover turkey and gravy for a midnight snack.

Use your slow cooker. For about 17 cents worth of electricity, you can prepare an entire meal.

54 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Cleaning and household tips A load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing dishes by hand.

However, if you fill the wash and rinse basins instead of letting the water run, you’ll use half as much water as a dishwasher after your holiday party.

If you opt to use the dishwasher, wash full loads only. If you must rinse your dishes before loading them, use only cold water so you’re not running up your energy bill by heating water unnecessarily.

Use the energy-saving cycles whenever possible.

Dishwashers that feature air power or overnight dry settings can save up to 10 percent of your dishwashing energy costs.

Store extra beverages outside or in a cold garage during the winter to save on the energy required to power a second refrigerator.

Consider unplugging your Christmas lights or other electronic decorations and devices during the daytime or if you’re traveling for the holidays. In the average home, nearly 75 percent of the energy used to power electronics is consumed while they are turned off but still plugged in.

When it comes time to buy gifts for your friends and family, opt for Energy Star certified electronics, which use up to 60 percent less electricity than their non-certified counterparts. In addition, laptop computers require 50 to 80 percent less power than a desktop computer.

Decorating tips Consider buying miniature lights, which use

about 70 percent less energy and last much longer than the larger bulbs. If you prefer larger lights, switch to 5-watt bulbs, which use about 30 percent less energy than 7-10 watt bulbs. A 100-bulb strand of miniature lights will cost the typical residential customer $13.50 a month versus the $33.75 it costs to operate traditional bulbs.

Want something new or different? Look for LED holiday bulbs – they’re shatterproof, shock resistant, safe to touch and won’t burn your hands. Plus, they save up to 80 to 90 percent of your energy costs and can last up to 20 years. Ten sets of 100 LED bulbs cost the typical residential customer only $1.35 per month to operate.

Plug your indoor and outdoor lighting displays into a timer set to run during the earlier evening hours. This will also remove the burden of turning lights on and off or accidentally leaving them on and running up your electric bill unnecessarily.

Rather than adding more lights to your tree, try enhancing the existing lighting with tinsel, mirrored ornaments and other reflective ornaments. Also, consider decorating your home with fewer lights and using more decorations that don’t use energy like wreaths or poinsettias.

Saving energy is a habit you should practice all year long, and the holidays are a great time to start.

Just simply being aware of your energy usage can help you save energy and money. You can even make a New Year’s resolution that’s good for your pocketbook and the environment by scheduling a free residential energy audit through the Conway Corp Energy Smart program.

For additional information on energy efficiency or to schedule your audit, contact Conway Corp at 501.450.6000 or visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart.

Restoring hope

Foundation teams up with First Security Bank

by Monique J. Cooper

’Tis the season for twinkle lights, baked goods, loved ones, gratitude and generosity.

Communities bustle with shoppers, and carols buzz through seemingly every building in the 501 area code. Kids count down the days until the grandeur of Christmas morning finally arrives, as we anticipate sweet memories to be made.

We call it the most wonderful time of the year for a reason — it can feel warm with hope and light. Yet for some, the season serves as a reminder of lack. Foster children, the families who take them in and the parents who miss them all are reminded during the holidays, maybe more than any other time of the year, of what is missing.

Sure, many face the reality of the cost of the holiday season with its feasts and festivities, not to mention gifts, but the heavier weight felt by too many in Arkansas is the lack of a unity in their families. Foster children, unfortunately, cannot be sure whose home they’ll awake in on Christmas morning, and gifts and stockings are often difficult to come by.

Thousands of parents and children in the state of Arkansas will experience this holiday season apart because there is an alarming number of children in foster care. This means children bounce from home to home as parents seek readiness to take them back in a healthier, more sustainable environment. What if those parents had help cultivating a healthier lifestyle and

For more information on the Restore Hope Initiative, visit reddoortables.com or call 501.279.5823. (Photo courtesy of Ashel Parsons/ashelparsons.com) home so they could one day share the holiday season with their children again?

The goal of the Restore Hope Initiative, created in 2015 by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, is to do

just that — to help reunite families by reducing the number of children in foster care as well as the state’s recidivism rate. In Arkansas, one in two people who leave prison will return. This means helping parents become healthy.

Dr. Andrew Baker, whose family was named Foster Family of the Year in 2017, founded Red Door Tables Foundation to bolster this initiative.

In Colonial America, a red door signified a place of safety and belonging. Red Door Tables invites businesses, churches, families and individuals around the state to partner in the effort to support those in the foster care system, whether children, parents seeking reunification or those opening their homes to the most vulnerable.

This season, Arkansans across the state can participate in supporting this effort at many of the First Security Bank locations, which will host red doors and Restore Hope Christmas Trees in the lobbies in honor of 2018 foster families. Customers can donate to help foster families provide gifts to the children to whom they have opened their doors of safety and belonging.

The trees themselves are a symbol of hope.

Winding steps comprise wooden trees, each representing what a child feels as they overcome life’s hurdles. A red star on top reminds everyone of the beauty that can be found in the most broken situations.

We are all worthy of mercy, peace and love, despite our flaws. Working together, we can help even the most vulnerable children and families know they are loved, safe and belong this holiday season.

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501 kids

Remembering holiday fire safety The holiday season is one of the most anticipated times of the year.

We have the memories and traditions from our childhoods that we cannot wait to pass on to our own children. There are the celebrations and gatherings with family and friends, shopping for the perfect gifts, watching the season’s most Kellie cherished movies and Bishop singing along with all the Kellie Bishop is a pediatric nurse classic holiday songs. practitioner at Central Arkansas The season would Pediatrics in Conway. She lives in Plumerville with her husband, not be complete, howevGreg, and two dogs. She obtained er, without the festive dÊher bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Central cor that ignites the warm Arkansas and her master’s and and cozy feelings of the doctorate degrees in pediatric primary care at UAMS. holidays within us. We enjoy the family trips to pick out the perfect tree, decorating the house with lights and decorations, baking our family’s favorite holiday foods and enjoying movies by a warm fire with the beautifully decorated Christmas tree aglow.

Unfortunately, these traditions can also bring tragedy when proper safety measures are not utilized. In fact, the Top 3 days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. However, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your family safe this holiday season!

Tips for trees Christmas trees are a holiday staple and most of us cannot wait to get our trees up and decorated each year. If your family tradition involves picking out the perfect real tree and taking it home to decorate and enjoy, there are some crucial safety measures you should take to ensure your beautiful tree does not turn into the cause of a holiday disaster.

Make sure you choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Prior to placing the tree in the stand at home, cut 2 inches off the end of the trunk.

It is important to water the tree daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming more flammable.

The tree should be placed at least 3 feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents.

Finally, ensure that your tree is not blocking any doors or windows that could be used as emergency exits.

Although they are beautiful to admire, it is im56 | 501 LIFE December 2018

portant to dispose of your tree right after Christmas, or when the tree becomes dry.

Light safety Candles and lights are also widely used in decorating for the holidays, The most common place stranded lights are utilized is on Christmas trees and one-third of all Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Therefore, it is crucial to follow a few important safety steps when using lights both inside and outside your home.

Make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions for how many light strands are safe to connect to one another.

Inspect all of your light strands for missing bulbs or frayed wires prior to connecting them to electricity. It is also important to ensure they have a label of a recognized testing laboratory. Ensure you are using indoor lights inside your home and approved exterior lights for your outdoor decorations.

It is recommended to use clips, not nails, when hanging lights to avoid damaging the cords.

While stranded lights are a common holiday hazard, more than one-third of all home decoration fires are started by candles. If you are using candles this holiday season, ensure they are at least 12 inches from items that burn easily and try to decorate with flame resistant or flame retardant dĂŠcor as much as possible.

Use flameless candles whenever possible and make sure real candles are kept in stable candle holders.

As we approach the holiday season, it is a good idea to test all the smoke detectors in your home.

This is a practice that we often overlook but it is an important step prior to beginning your holiday decorating.

It is also important to make sure you have a fire escape plan for your home, that your entire family knows the plan and that you practice fire drills as a family, so everyone is safe should a tragedy occur.

Make sure matches and lighters are stored in a high, locked cabinet where children cannot access them.

While smoking is never recommended, especially around children, it is particularly important to make sure your family and guests smoke outdoors during the holidays when there are flammable decorations in your home.

Additionally, ensure all candles are blown out and lights are turned off when you leave your home or go to bed.

Finally, ensure children and pets are kept away from open flames. Candles and fireplaces create a warm environment and are enjoyable during the holidays, but children and pets do not understand the danger of fire so it is crucial to ensure they are protected from open flames.

The holiday season should be joyful without fear of a fire destroying your home and family. Therefore, following these simple safety measures will help ensure your family is safe and can enjoy this holiday season!

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Hayden Gunther AGE: 4 years old.

SCHOOL: PreK at St Joseph School in Conway.

Hayden (right) enjoys playing with his brother, Grayson.

Hayden Gunther and his dog Dixie that he loves.

FAMILY: Scott and Cissy Gunther (parents) and big brother Grayson.

FAVORITE FOOD/ SNACK: Green beans and snack is chocolate.

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501 kids

Giving the gift of music

by Jim Skelton

Looking for a special and unique gift for a child they will forever remember? Are you looking for something meaningful that they will love and will last a lifetime? If this sounds like a great gift idea, then consider music lessons this holiday season.

Whether the gift is for your own child, a family member or a friend, here are a few benefits of giving music lessons as a gift this holiday season.

Lifetime experience If you want to give something different this year, gift an experience. Music lessons are unlike the usual holiday gift items that are in wrapping paper and bows. Shortly after the holidays are over, the gifts are forgotten and somewhere collecting dust.

Music lessons give the experience of a gift that lasts beyond the holiday season and provides longlasting happiness.

Development The invaluable skills that music lessons provide can help a student’s personal, social and academic development. A student of music can foster and develop an appreciation for being creative, confident and persistent in their efforts to improve upon a new ambition.

Music lessons, exposure to recitals and positive, constructive feedback from teachers will leave a child with a newfound sense of confidence.

Achievement Music lessons provide a platform for children, teens and adults to set goals and watch them unfurl in front of their eyes. The skills learned in a music lesson or during a recital are applicable outside the realm of just music.

For example, if a student takes voice lessons, they’re working to improve their tone of voice. This will, in turn, make them more confident and direct speakers in the classroom or at work.

A young guitar student who sits in a mentoring session for 30 minutes will not only progress in their musical abilities, but will also develop other essential skills, such as their attention span and practice habits.

Music lessons teach students the value of completing a task once it is started. The process of following through on an entire process is a valuable skill that helps mold a student into a successful and motivated person later in life.

Fun, fun, fun!

Playing music is a blast! It’s fun and exciting 58 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Students at the Conway Institute of Music with Jim Skelton, executive director /owner. to play music, and can be enjoyed if you are alone or in a group. There is nothing better than getting totally engrossed in the music blasting through your headphones, raucously rocking out with friends or band mates or playing your favorite piece over and over again for yourself. Even when you’re just getting started, playing some basic songs is super fun! No matter how simple, there’s nothing better than being able to say, “I just made music!�

For more information about music lessons, check out my No. 1 Amazon bestseller “The Ultimate Guide to Music Lessons,� an easy-to-read resource, written for anyone interested in learning to play an instrument or sing. This book covers the basics from A-Z and answers the most commonly asked questions people have. Pick up a copy on Amazon.com or stop by the school and get a free copy when you stop in for a tour.

Time is wasting and childhood is finite! We only have so many days on Earth to try new things, learn new skills and practice commitment to a task we enjoy. The journey is fun and exciting, and it will allow your child to grow in ways you may not currently

Music lessons give the experience of a gift that lasts beyond the holiday season and provides longlasting happiness. know are possible.

Give the gift of music to you child, grandchild or friend this holiday season!

Jim Skelton is the executive director and owner of the Conway Institute of Music and the best-selling author of “The Ultimate Guide to Music Lessons.�

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More Christmas memories, fewer gifts Celebrating Christmas with kids is really fun. It can also be stressful. We put so much pressure on ourselves to create a certain environment and specific memories, and often at a large financial cost and a little or a lot of our sanity.

When I asked them, my kids couldn’t tell me Brittany what toys they received Gilbert last year for Christmas.

I can tell you what they Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High got and also that they School. She and her husband, stopped playing with it Levi, have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be shortly after receiving. reached at However, almost a year b.gilbert37@gmail.com. later, they are still talking about the places we went and the memories we made that didn’t involve any toy present.

Get back to the basics with some simple Christmas crafts, games and activities that will not only be fun and involve the whole family, but also not cost an arm and a leg.

Kid-made dish towels I’m all about crafts and sentimental items that I can actually use. This craft is definitely one of them, and it also makes a great gift.

Here’s what you need: • Dish towels (flour sack dish towels work great) • Fabric paint • Christmas cookie cutter of your choice (or handprint) • Contact paper • Pen • New pencils • Scissors Trace your cookie cutter on the back of the contact paper. Cut it out and peel off the backing. Place the shape on the dish towel. Spread the towel out and put paper under the towel to prevent the paint from bleeding through. Use the unused eraser end of a pencil and dip it in a paint color to apply on the towel. This looks really nice if you use a few colors.

The typical red and green for Christmas looks really nice, but you can use whatever you’d like. Once the edges are covered, peel off the contact paper and let it dry. Make sure to include the children’s names and dates for a keepsake.

Advent calendar Create an Advent calendar and fill it with memory-making ideas. Bonus points if the activities are cheap or free. Ideas include watching Christmas movies (there are so many good ones, so this can definitely take up multiple spots), make Christmas treats (reindeer chow, sugar cookies, peppermint bark, Grinch cookies) and make Christmas crafts like the idea above or another. There are hundreds of ideas on the internet.

An Advent calendar is a great idea because it can help you stay on track and not lose track of time.

Sometimes, before we know it, it’s the week before Christmas and we are struggling to figure out where the time went. Advent calendars can be a great way to keep the focus of the season where it needs to be.

Another type of countdown to Christmas craft is the Christmas paper chain.

Things you need: • A few pages of cardstock or construction paper (you can create a pattern or use white paper) • markers • scissors • tape Cut your paper into strips and on each link write something small your child can do to prepare their heart for Christmas. Some ideas include praying for your school, praying for your neighbors, telling someone about Jesus, thanking God for your family, making something, giving away a toy you don’t play with anymore, etc.

Put the strips in the order that you’d like to do them, fold the first strip over to create a circle and then pass the next strip through to create a link.

Hang it up where you will enjoy, and each day, remove a strip and complete the activity.

These are just a few ideas to create long-lasting memories as you celebrate Christmas with your family. Remember, our kids won’t necessarily remember what we gave them, but they will remember how they felt. They will remember spending time with their family during the holidays.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 59

AUTHORS IN THE 501

Southerland’s books ‘silly’ or ‘serious’ Ozark Christmas Book

60 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Ozark Christmas Book

Caryn Southerland, this month’s author in the 501, classifies her books as either “silly” or “serious.”

Caryn’s first book, a serious one, was published in 2014. “Praying It Forward: Loving Your Grandchildren Through Prayer” was a book specifically designed for grandmothers. She Susan enlisted the help of her Peterson friends to contribute in a fill-in-the blank, journal Susan Peterson holds a PhD in education and taught style book she describes at the University of Central as grandmother-friendArkansas and Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She ly. This unique gift proretired in 2004 and now spends vides grandchildren with her time doing artwork (painting and pottery). She is the executive something individual secretary of the Arkansas Reading and meaningful for them Association, a professional organization for educators to cherish, ponder and that has about 800 members live out. statewide.

“Praying It Forward” was self-published and is available from Amazon for $9.99.

Her next book was of the “silly” variety. “‘Twas the Night Before Ozark Christmas” is a picture book that came out in 2015. At the time, her grown children resided in Northwest Arkansas, so she substituted Razorbacks for reindeer and named them appropriately — Ham Bone, Pork Chop and Boar-us, for example. They are led by a Santa-hog named Rayz (short for Razorback). Hidden within the Ozark scenes is a little mouse named Peaty (who repeats what others say), which adds to the playfulness of the book.

Illustrations play an important part in “Ozark Christmas,” and Caryn found a talented young man,

ht Before e N ig s th a Tw

a Tw

CHRISTMAS Jacob Beagley, to do the job. Jacob was a local high school student at the time, and he was thrilled to undertake the work. Together they worked up a business model with Jacob setting his own fees. In recalling the experience, Caryn said she and Jacob both learned a lot. One of Caryn’s personal rewards was to see Jacob’s confidence grow throughout the process. Jacob is now attending college and serving in the U.S. Army.

Caryn’s second silly book is “‘Twas the Night Before Cowboy Christmas,” published in 2016. This is a take-off of “The Night Before Christmas” with a weathered Santa who eats biscuits and whose sled is pulled by steers. This cowboy Santa reminds the young wrangler that he is a messenger of generosity, and the “Reason for the Season” is the true Gift.

Emery Parker, a high school junior at the time, was recommended to Caryn by her art teacher as a possible

illustrator for this book. Again, their collaboration was a positive experience because expectations were set in advance. Emery credits “Miss Caryn” and the work she did on the book with being hired for later projects. She attends Brigham Young University.

“Cowboy Christmas” has been adopted as a fundraiser by the National High School Rodeo Association. It is a popular seller at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma; the ProRodeo Hall of Fame gift store in Colorado; and Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and several areas around Branson.

On her web page, Caryn states, “I do not really consider myself an author, but rather a networker and encourager for people to step out and do. The reason that I found students to do the illustrations for the Christmas books was to encourage these young people by recognizing their work and talent. The prayer book is

Caryn Southerland, who was born and raised as a true rural Arkansan, has written several Christmas books. a compilation of prayers from some of my grandmother friends who I have prayed with for 20 years, and we continue to meet to encourage each other.” Caryn’s books are all self-published and self-promoted in hopes that they can be an encouragement to anyone who may consider “authoring.”

Caryn has more in store in the future. She is working on a sequence of “Praying It Forward” books that will target millennial moms. And she is working on a Dr. Seuss style rhyming book featuring farm animals who deal with current issues.

Whether looking for something Christmas or Christian around this time of year, Caryn has a book for you! “Ozark Christmas” and “Cowboy Christmas” retail for $19.99. “Praying It Forward” is $9.99. They are all available from her web page at cowboychristmasbook.com or from The Kitchen Store, Pickles Gap and Conway Classic Touch in Conway.

a premier event venue

@legacyacresar | info@legacyacresar.com | www.legacyacresar.com December 2018 501lifemag.com | 61

BEAUTY

In the blink of an eye

Susan Isom Susan is well known for her personal attention to each and every client and for developing a treatment program or skin care regime just right for that individual. Since beginning her career in 1990, Susan Isom has received ongoing education and training in the latest developments for skin care products and treatments. She has received advanced training as a cosmetic injector with certifications from Allergan, the creators of Botox and Juvederm injectable gel fillers.

Susan has received numerous awards and special recognition during her career.

You’ve probably researched “how to get rid of wrinkles and dark circles under eyes” on more than one occasion, and you’d do almost anything to get rid of them.

These wrinkles around the eyes are referred to as “crow’s feet” when the skin in this area becomes drier, thinner and less elastic. These early signs of aging appear around the eyes for most in their mid-30s. The result, we lose our skin’s suppleness and firmness and the skin will look shapeless and timeworn.

Cause of wrinkles

It may be hereditary or due to the continuous movements of the eyes in the form of blinking, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and sagging of the skin. However, appearance of these wrinkles is a cause of worry for many, especially women.

Surprisingly the skin on our face is durable, tough and even resilient for the most part, but the area around the eyes is extremely delicate and not near as resilient as the rest of our face. The skin around our eyes is fragile because of the minimal cushion or subcutaneous fat beneath our skin that would normally provide that added support the eyes need. Taking preventative

62 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Preventive measures

eye health. Again, the skin around our eyes does not hydrate itself. It badly needs our help to keep it looking young and healthy.

Increase water intake: As dehydration is one of the reasons behind the formation of wrinkles, drinking enough water can moisturize your skin and reduce the wrinkles.

Avoid squinting: Repetitive movements of the facial muscles can lead to wrinkles. Over time, these wrinkles deepen more and more as the muscles that control our expressions thicken from use.

Get beauty sleep: Being overtired can increase

You can’t prevent your eyes from aging, but you can slow age-related damage by taking care of your

Eyes continued on Page 71

measures and using at home products can greatly help and reduce the signs of aging round the eyes.

Dark circles Truth is, your eye puffiness and darkness could be inherited. “There is a strong genetic component to dark circles which is a mix of tear through hollowing and periorbital hyperpigmentation. Aside from the normal wear-and-tear, age, fatigue and allergies, in most cases, these are no cause for concern and do not require medical attention.

SPORTS

Conway Corp hits milestone Conway Corp has been broadcasting Wampus Cat football for 18 seasons and on Oct. 12 broadcast number 200 when Conway hosted Fort Smith Northside.

The company began broadcasting Wampus Cat football games in 2001 with announcers Jeff Matthews and Jim Files, producer Steve Stone and executive producer Linda Johnson. Games were broadcast on Conway Corp Channel 81 and were only available on a tape delayed basis the week following and each game was on the air twice.

In the early days of the broadcast, only Stone and his production crew were at games on Friday nights.

The game would be filmed and then edited into its final version before Matthews and Files would provide commentary.

“Jim and I would go to Steve’s studio and put on headsets and call the game from a TV screen,” Matthews said. “We didn’t have the luxury of the scoreboard, so we never were really sure how much time was remaining or the down and distance – which we were reminded pretty early is critical information for the fans and the announcers also.”

Eventually, the announcing crew would join the production crew on Friday nights and games would be recorded live for playback on tape delay.

At the end of the 2014 season, for the first time, Conway Corp would broadcast Wampus Cat games live. The following year, the company would broadcast road games live and it was met with great response.

Beginning this season, both home and road football games are being broadcast live to not only Conway Corp cable customers – but to any internet connected device in the world through YouTube on the company’s website conwaycorp.com/wc2go.

Johnson and Matthews remain from the first season. Producers are now Wayne Bailey and Ryan

Members of Conway Corp’s 5 Sports Crew were “Loving LIFE” as they celebrated a broadcast milestone.

Tucker. The pair took over more than 10 years ago. In 2016, Levi Gilbert replaced Files in the booth after spending time in various roles with the crew in previous seasons. The 2018 production team includes Director Ashtyn Brown, Stream Consultant Austin Ferguson, Social Media Content Justin King, Graphics Kara Kirby, Camera Operators Greg Marcum and Waid Rainey, Sideline Camera Operator Robin Sparks and Statistician Scott Taylor.

The football broadcast has been recognized four times by the Mid-America Cable Association with awards for excellence for local programming.

“We are proud to partner with Conway Athletics and local sponsors to continue providing coverage of the Wampus Cats,” said Bret Carroll Conway Corp CEO. “Our team puts together a great product and having 200 broadcasts is a huge accomplishment.”

For more information about Channel 5 Sports visit conwaycorp.com/Channel5.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 63

Members of the 501 Basketball Team: (from left) Trey Kelley (Vilonia), Caleb London (Conway), Peyton Caldwell (Searcy), Isaac Clemmons (Quitman), Jacob Wood (Conway Christian), Brady Jerry (Greenbrier), Jacob Moix (Mt. Vernon-Enola), McClendon Andrews (Nemo Vista), Braydon Wilson (Wonderview), Jay Nance (Mayflower), Hunter Williams (Guy-Perkins), Jack Briggler (St. Joseph), Ben Drilling (Sacred Heart), Terry Franklin (Morrilton), Quinton Brown (Riverview) and Davis Morgan (Harding Academy).

Members of the 501 Basketball Team: (from left) Tamia Templeton (Morrilton), Paige Kelley (Vilonia), Abbie Jiles (Riverview), Alaina Ellis (Mount Vernon-Enola), Asiyha Smith (Conway), Morgan Smith (Nemo Vista), Dejah Jimerson (Cabot), Alden Graves (Harding Academy), Jenna Chadek (Sacred Heart), Bailey Francis (Mayflower), Marianna Richey (Beebe), Blysse Harmon (Greenbrier), McKenna Vaught (Conway Christian), Nicki Hooten (Quitman), Alundra McMiller (Maumelle), Rachel Dumont (Guy-Perkins) and Piper Mullaney (St. Joseph). Not pictured: Abbie Corder (Faulkner Co. Falcons). (Mike Kemp photos) 64 | 501 LIFE December 2018

SPORTS



501 Basketball Team named When fall’s crisp chill is in the air, it can only mean one thing for hardcourt fans — basketball is here!

With the basketball season upon us, 501 LIFE presents the 2018-19 edition of its 501 Basketball Team. The team boasts 34 honorees, representing some of the best student-athletes the 501 has to offer — both on and off the court.

The 501 Basketball Team is sponsored by Conway Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Center, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank.

“This year’s team will be especially fun to watch,” said Levi Gilbert, associate editor. “Several of the players nominated this year were in championship games back in March. Only one of them walked away with a ring. You just know that we’re going to see several of the players back in the state tournament again this spring, fighting for a championship for their communities.”

Players are nominated by their coaches and selected by the 501 staff, and the nominations are weighted equally between on-the-court and off-thecourt attributes.

2018-19 team members include: McClendon Andrews (Nemo Vista), Jack Briggler (St. Joseph), Quinton Brown (Riverview), Peyton Caldwell (Searcy), Jenna Chadek (Sacred Heart), Isaac Clemmons (Quitman), Abbie Corder (Faulkner County Falcons), Ben Drilling (Sacred Heart), Rachel Dumont (Guy-Perkins), Alaina Ellis (Mount Vernon-Enola), Bailey Francis (Mayflower), Terry Franklin (Morrilton), Alden Graves (Harding Academy), Blysse Harmon (Greenbrier), Nicki Hooten (Quitman), Brady Jerry (Greenbrier), Abbie Jiles (Riverview), Dejah Jimerson (Cabot), Trey Kelley (Vilonia), Paige Kelley (Vilonia), Caleb London (Conway), Alundra McMiller (Maumelle), Jacob Moix (Mount Vernon-Enola), Davis Morgan (Harding Academy), Piper Mullaney (St.

Joseph), Jay Nance (Mayflower), Marianna Richey (Beebe), Morgan Smith (Nemo Vista), Asiyha Smith (Conway), Tamia Templeton (Morrilton), McKenna Vaught (Conway Christian), Hunter Williams (GuyPerkins), Braydon Wilson (Wonderview) and Jacob Wood (Conway Christian).

“These student-athletes care about their communities, schools, classmates and teammates,” Gilbert said. “Their impact goes beyond just what happens on the court. It’s such an honor for us every year to be able to tell their stories and highlight the difference they are making throughout the 501.”

The team recently met at Central Baptist College’s gym for a photo shoot. In addition to being featured in 501 LIFE’s December issue, each player will be featured individually throughout the basketball season online at 501lifemag.com and in 501 Sports Extra, 501’s weekly sports e-newsletter.

(To subscribe, email info@501lifemag.com or visit 501lifemag.com.)

Nemo Vista

Jack Briggler St. Joseph

Quinton Brown Riverview

Peyton Caldwell Searcy

Jenna Chadek Sacred Heart

Isaac Clemmons Quitman

Abbie Corder

Ben Drilling Sacred Heart

McClendon Andrews

Faulkner Falcons

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 65

Rachel Dumont Guy-Perkins

Blysse Harmon Greenbrier

Paige Kelley Vilonia

Piper Mullaney St. Joseph

Tamia Templeton Morrilton

66 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Alaina Ellis Mt. Vernon-Enola

Nicki Hooten Quitman

Trey Kelley Vilonia

Jay Nance Mayflower

McKenna Vaught Conway Christian

Bailey Francis Mayflower

Terry Franklin Morrilton

Alden Graves Harding Acad.

Brady Jerry Greenbrier

Abbie Jiles Riverview

Dejah Jimerson Cabot

Caleb London Conway

Alundra McMiller Maumelle

Marianna Richey Beebe

Hunter Williams Guy-Perkins

Jacob Moix

Davis Morgan

Mt. Vernon-Enola

Harding Academy

Asiyha Smith Conway

Braydon Wilson Wonderview

Morgan Smith Nemo Vista

Jacob Wood Conway Christian

2018-19 501 Basketball Team McClendon Andrews Nemo Vista

Jack Briggler St. Joseph

Quinton Brown Riverview

Peyton Caldwell Searcy

Jenna Chadek Sacred Heart

Isaac Clemmons Quitman

Abbie Corder

Faulkner County Falcons

Ben Drilling Sacred Heart

Rachel Dumont Guy-Perkins

Alaina Ellis

Mount Vernon-Enola

Bailey Francis Mayflower

Terry Franklin Morrilton

Alden Graves

Harding Academy

Blysse Harmon Greenbrier

Nicki Hooten Quitman

Brady Jerry Greenbrier

Abbie Jiles Riverview

Dejah Jimerson Cabot

Trey Kelley Vilonia

Paige Kelley Vilonia

Caleb London Conway

Alundra McMiller Maumelle

Jacob Moix

Mount Vernon-Enola

Davis Morgan

Harding Academy

Piper Mullaney St. Joseph

Jay Nance Mayflower

Marianna Richey Beebe

Morgan Smith Nemo Vista

Asiyha Smith Conway

Tamia Templeton Morrilton

McKenna Vaught Conway Christian

Hunter Williams Guy-Perkins

Braydon Wilson Wonderview

Jacob Wood

Conway Christian

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 67

SPORTS

Lonoke County: ‘Footsie’ Britt

“Footsie” Britt claimed All-American Honorable Mention gridiron honors in both of his last two seasons at the University of Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas Libraries, Fayetteville)

Dr. Robert Reising Dr. Robert Reising retired from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 after holding a variety of teaching, coaching and administrative posts during more than a half-century in education.

His doctoral dissertation at Duke treated literature and sports.

“If Arkansas ever had an honest-to-God hero, ‘Footsie’ Britt was that person,” proclaimed Lt. Gov. Mike Huckabee soon after learning of the Carlisle native’s passing on Nov. 26, 1995. It would be an unusual Arkansan who found reason to disagree. “The Natural State” has produced dozens of noteworthy citizens, but none more gallant, accomplished and admirable than the man who came to be known by his size 13.5 shoe size.

68 | 501 LIFE December 2018

His imprint was first discernible at Lonoke High School, where his excellence as a three-sport athlete and an essayist passionate about patriotism earned him statewide respect. Graduating in June 1937 while serving as both class president and class valedictorian, he accepted a football scholarship at the University of Arkansas, simultaneously qualifying for a four-year appointment in the school’s ROTC program. In Fayetteville, he again lettered in three sports — football, basketball and track — claiming All-American Honorable Mention gridiron honors in both of his last two seasons.

Dec. 7, 1941, and the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor brought an abrupt and premature close to what promised to be a multi-year career as an end with the National Football League’s Detroit Lions. Within weeks of the “date that shall live in infamy,” “Footsie” entered the United States Infantry as a Second Lieutenant, and before wounds at the Battle of Anzio, Italy, on Jan. 23, 1944, hos-

pitalized him, he compiled one of World War II’s most meritorious military records. The young man with oratorical eloquence when treating patriotism proved that, for him, the topic merited much more than inspiring words; losing his right arm and a portion of his right leg to enemy fire, he demonstrated that it deserved the most courageous, the most selfless actions he could summon.

Three nations, Britain and Italy in addition to the United States, provided “Footsie” with their highest honors. From his grateful nation came the Purple Heart, with three clusters, and a battlefield promotion to Captain, as well as its four bestrespected, most-prized medals: the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Star. He emerged a national hero, the first American soldier of World War II to win all of the Army’s top medals for valor.

Throughout the remainder of his 76 years,

“Footsie” undoubtedly suffered pain from his war wounds, yet never did he allow that pain to keep him from a cheerful disposition and an active, productive life, particularly in the service of the state that he loved above all others. After devoting 1945-46 to the study of law at Fayetteville, he moved, first, into furniture manufacturing in Little Rock and later into aluminum building products in Fort Smith. In 1976, with Winthrop Rockefeller heading the Republican Party ticket as its gubernatorial candidate, “Footsie” won the lieutenant governorship, and two years later earned a second term. The reform-minded pair generated new energy and confidence into the tiny, longineffectual Republican Party and not only ended the era dominated by ultra-conservative Orval Faubus but also, in the words of one political analyst, “made it respectable to vote Republican.”

“Footsie” did not seek a third term. Soon thereafter, President Richard Nixon named him district director of the federal Small Business Administration, a post from which he retired in 1985. A year later, he made his final foray into politics, failing in his bid to gain the Republican nomination for governor.

A decade of comfortable retirement followed, frequently punctuated by fishing trips to his beloved Lonoke County. He remained a revered figure throughout the state, distinctive because of his 6-foot-4 height and unmistakable because of the empty, motionless right sleeve neatly tucked into his lower-right jacket pocket. With the passing of the Colors, his left-hand and -arm salutes to “Old Glory” would snap into place, silent signals of his undiminished love for America.

For six hours on Nov. 30, 1995, a scene impossible to replicate honored “Footsie” in death.

Hundreds of admirers, many of them not alive when he amazed and inspired the nation with his heroics, filed by his open casket in the Capitol Rotunda. His military jacket hung from the back of his favorite rocking chair, which was placed next to his body. His medals and cap lay on a nearby table, and an Army Sergeant stood at the head of the casket throughout the six hours.

Lonoke County and 501 will always have special reason to be proud of Arkansas’s “honestto-God hero.”

501 LIFE is once again profiling noteworthy athletes from Central Arkansas, one from each of the 11 counties in the 501, in a special series titled “Celebrating athletic excellence.”

The 11 are representatives of the quality of athletes found throughout Central Arkansas and are not meant to be the best or the most noteworthy.

This is the sixth installment in the second series.

Above: Four of the state’s lieutenant governors: “J.L. “Bex” Shaver, Nathan Gordon, Footsie Britt and Bob Riley. (Photo courtesy of the Secretary of State’s Office) Right: “Footsie” Britt in his Arkansas uniform. (Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas Libraries, Fayetteville)

. . l E L a e SSIB R s i e O l P g s i g Y u R r E t The Snd RECOV a

In Arkansas, mental health issues are affecting people of all ages and the suicide rate across all ages is at an all-time high. But there is hope.

The BridgeWay provides a continuum of care that is safe, secure and serene. Just as each patient is different, so too are our programs. The BridgeWay is the only psychiatric hospital in Arkansas with distinct programs for seniors 55 and older, adults 18 and older, adolescents, ages 13-17, and children, ages 4-12. Whether it is for mood, thought or substance abuse disorders, we provide separate units for each population.

21 BridgeWay Road, North Little Rock, AR 72113 1-800-BRIDGEWAY | thebridgeway.com

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 69

SPORTS

Soaring Wings Weather ideal for annual races

One hundred students from the Catholic High School National Honor Society served as volunteers. (Submitted photo) Sonja J. Keith photos

The weather was perfect for the 11th Annual Soaring Wings Half Marathon and 10K held Oct. 20 in Conway.

The event benefits Soaring Wings Ranch, a Christian organization that has two homes for girls and one for boys and one home for infants and toddlers.

Marla Watson and Amanda Castillo serve as co-race directors.

“It was a great day,” said Amanda. “We had optimal running weather – cool and crisp at the start.

This was the coolest year we’ve had since 2013 and it was evident in the finish times. There were so many PRs (personal records) and goals met.”

This year’s event was dedicated in memory and in celebration of Steve Zimmer – someone who always went the extra mile for others. This year’s theme, #GoTheExtraMile, was a tribute to Steve.

The overall winner of the half marathon and the first female was Tia Stone with a time of 1:25:42, a personal course record. Karl Lenser was the first male at 1:27:57.

The overall winner of the 10K and the first male was Trey Turner with a time of 38:20. Linnae Magyar was the first female at 44:52.

“We want to say a big thank you to our title sponsors: TLC Pediatrics, PLLC, half marathon sponsor as well as the sponsor for Kids Run for Kids; and Incite Rehab and Reliance, 10K sponsor and the sponsor for the Family Fun Zone after the race.”

The Official Race Nutrition and Pacer Sponsor was The Sporty Runner. Other sponsors were The PI Company, Conway Women’s Health Center, BancorpSouth, First Security Bank and Centennial 70 | 501 LIFE December 2018

The start of the Soaring Wings Half Marathon.

Bank. 501 LIFE was the official media sponsor.

Between race participants, volunteers and spectators, an estimated 2,500 converged on the McGee Center, where the races started and ended. The event drew participants from throughout Arkansas as well as other states – Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arizona, Wisconsin, Colorado and Nebraska. Amanda noted there was even a participant from Saudi Arabia.

No major problems were reported along the race course. “We have received such great feedback from

participants regarding the volunteers, course, pacers, organization, medals and race gear,” said Amanda.

Renee Rader was the top fundraiser in the Winged Warrior program, collecting more than $1,500. In all, Winged Warriors raised nearly $15,000 for the children of Soaring Wings Ranch.

Official results can be found at stearnsracetiming. com/soaring-wings-18.html. Race photos are available at runbikeswimphotos.com and a portion of every purchase is donated to Soaring Wings.

Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19.

Eyes continued from Page 62 eyestrain. If you get enough sleep, your eyes will be refreshed along with the rest of your body. At least eight hours of sleep is needed, for the body to undertake repair of damaged skin cells. It has also been suggested that facial wrinkles may get reduced by sleeping on the back, rather than on the sides.

Non-surgical treatments Jackie Williams (from left), Cheryl Winberry, Meredith McGinty and Joyce Lee Bryant.

Roxy Stillman (from left), Tom Cheffins, Anne Bridges, Karen Dang and Bobi Karnes.

Paul Head (from left), Will Berry and Bentley Hollingsworth.

Marla (from left) and Andrew Watson with Amanda Castillo.

Dr. Houston and Jenny Davis.

Stervin and Shaunda Smith.

The most popular non-surgical treatment is Botox injections. Correction with Botox is very natural and most patients feel that they have a more wide-eyed, rested and less angry appearance after the procedure. These treatments last an average of three to four months on crow’s feet. After repeated injections, the results may be even longer lasting. Effects of Botox become apparent in the first seven to nine days after treatment.

Hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Vollure — which are FDA-approved — will help to add volume and fullness to the midface, and respectively could help fix the hollows of the under eye area, at least for one to two years after the treatment.

Surgical treatment A blepharoplasty (or eyelid lift) is an operation on either the upper or the lower eyelids designed to remove excess skin and fat. It is one of the most common operations performed by cosmetic surgeons. In the upper eyelid, a blepharoplasty is designed primarily to improve the aged, tired appearance caused by the redundant fold of skin that descends over the eyelid with age. In the lower eyelid, a blepharoplasty tightens the skin and muscle and removes the excess fat or “bag.”

It takes about a week to recover and is the most affordable cosmetic procedure.

At-home product

Dr. Terence and Sharon Champlin and their daughter, Hannah Price.

Richard Counts (from left), Sherry Hall, Jackie Stone, John Allison, Ryan Westin and Trish Hogan.

Amanda expressed her appreciation to sponsors, participants and the volunteers involved in this year’s race. “The Soaring Wings Half Marathon and 10K is a huge event with so many moving parts – it is amazing to watch it all come together on race day! It wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers, sponsors and participants,” she said. “Also, we can’t thank the Conway Police Department enough for keeping our participants safe at headquarters and throughout the course.”

(See more photos on the 501 LIFE Facebook page and 501lifemag.com.)

Tony and DeAnna Anderson with Kim Head (right).

Under eye skin is among the thinnest on the body and is easily neglected in basic skin care, so any trauma or irritation can cause skin inflammation. It is also difficult to keep the eye area supple because the skin around our eyes does not produce oil. This fact results in dehydration and it is easier for this area to get wrinkles.

Retinoid or Retinol are clinically proven to fight the signs of aging skin and help restructure the delicate eye area. They also help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles.

Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream is a rich, nourishing formulation that helps combat multiple signs of aging around the eyes — like crow’s feet, dark circles and under eye puffiness. Additional ingredients include caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, soothing botanical extracts, brightening agents, sodium hyaluronate and retinol.

There are no overnight solutions to the problem of under eye wrinkles. Most treatments and products involve varying degrees of commitment and discomfort. Before you commit to a procedure or treatment, make sure you understand the differences and what options are available for your skin type, lifestyle and necessity.

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 71

TRAVELING THE 501

Celebrating the season in the 501

The Pioneer Village, located at 1200 Higginson St. in Searcy, will be decorated in the natural style of the late 1800s for its annual Christmas celebration planned 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1.

Story and photos

by Linda Henderson

Linda Henderson Jim and Linda Henderson are lifelong residents of the 501. During the week, Jim has a construction business and Linda is a registered nurse at the Conway Human Development Center. On the weekends, they travel the 501 and other areas of Arkansas. Jim drives and hauls equipment. Linda takes photographs of Arkansas. During their travels, they have gained appreciation and love for The Natural State. They have found the 501 has so much to offer for weekend fun and beauty to photograph.

Christmas. That simple word can bring delight or dread to our souls.

Christmas time can cause us to yearn for a simpler celebration that will cause less dread and more delight.

Last year, my husband, Jim, and I crossed this one off my ever-growing bucket list — an old-fashioned Christmas celebration at the Pioneer Village in Searcy.

The Pioneer Village is a collection of 19th century buildings that were in danger of being lost from deterioration until the White County Historical Society, Searcy County Fair Board and the City of Searcy took on the monumental process of restoring and recreating a village the way it would have looked in the 1800s. The Village was first opened in September 1967 and was displayed at the White County Fair. The collection of historical buildings started with the donation of the 1870s Gordon log house. Other buildings were acquired for the Village – the Little Red School,

Traveling continued on Page 74 72 | 501 LIFE December 2018

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 73

Traveling continued from Page 72 an old post office, a smoke house, a barn, a blacksmith shop, jail and an outdoor toilet.

Eventually, the entire Village was moved to its present site on land donated by the City of Searcy.

Other buildings have been moved into the location, and others have been built to represent historical buildings of the time. Farming implements have been added as well as household historical items and home furnishings. The grounds of the Village are beautifully planted with old-fashioned flowers and plants used on homesteads from the 1800s.

Every year, a Christmas open house is held at the Village to start the Christmas season out with a stroll back to the late 1800s. The open house includes all of the buildings decorated with live greenery, oldfashioned handmade Christmas decorations, volunteers dressed in period costumes, period live music and carolers roaming the grounds singing old Christmas tunes. Hot cider and a sugar cookie will be available to the guests. Santa will make a special trip down from the North Pole to visit with kids of all ages.

So, gather up the family and enjoy a treat, spend a Saturday wandering a village right out of the Arkansas pioneer days. Christmas time in this quaint little spot of our 501 is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of the holiday season.

This year’s open house will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1. It is located at 1200 Higginson Street in Searcy. Bring your camera and record an old-fashioned Christmas with your kiddos and family. There is no cost, but the Pioneer Village appreciates any and all donations.

74 | 501 LIFE December 2018

Sponsors

Bledsoe Chiropractic Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center Daisy-A-Day Florist and Gifts EL Clinical Esthetics First Service Bank Harrington and Company Julie’s Sweet Shoppe Rachel Deal General Dentist And, more to come!

Enter to win a makeover for you and a friend!

It’s FREE and simple to register.

Pick up a registration form at 501 LIFE, in Conway or at participating sponsors. Mail or drop off your entry by Monday, Dec. 31.

Or you can go online to register at: 501LIFEmag.com/501-make-meover/

Your winning partner can be your best friend, spouse, family member or anyone you love who lives in the 501. Just write no more than 800 words about “why I need a 501 LIFE makeover” for you and your friend. DVDs and photographs may also be submitted with entry.

Winners will be announced the first quarter of 2019.

Sign up today! sponsored by:

Register at: 501LIFEmag.com/501-make-me-over/ or mail entries to 501 LIFE Make Me Over Giveaway, 501 LIFE, 701 Chestnut St., Conway, AR 72032 For More Information Call: 501.327.1501 By submitting an entry, contestants are bound by official entry terms and conditions of the contest. Official terms and conditions are available at 501lifemag.com

Vicki Lind with Cali (left) and Skye.

76 | 501 LIFE December 2018

NEIGHBORS special friends

On stage or in crisis, Little Rock collies are always dynamic duo Story and photos

by Dwain Hebda

When music professor Dr. Vicki Lind adopted her two collies, Caledonia “Cali” and Skye, turning them into multi-talented canines was the furthest thing from her mind. At first, it was a matter of whether or not she could keep them at all.

“As puppies, they were crazy,” she remembers.

“I got both of them at the same time and Cali was 5 months old and Skye was 10 months old. I stayed at a hotel the first night and I thought about taking (Skye) back because I thought I just can’t handle this.

They were big puppies and they would never stop playing with each other. And, they didn’t grow up together. They hadn’t been together as pups. It took a few months to get them where they were really good.”

It’s hard to imagine the scene now, as the two 4-year-olds follow every command that Lind, chair of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Music Department, hands out. And it’s even harder to imagine when one considers the many adventures the duo has enjoyed, each requiring discipline and focus, not to mention considerable training.

“I do a lot with both of them,” Lind said.

“They’re really fun to be around.”

Cali, with his laid-back personality and smooth demeanor, has proven a natural for helping people in crisis. He’s a certified therapy dog and just recently completed additional training with a therapy organization called Hope Crisis Response, for which he and Vicki completed four intensive days of training in Houston. The training is designed to acclimate dog and owner

alike to the loud noises and human hysteria that frequently accompany a crisis.

“We were in classes eight hours a day with 15 other dogs,” she said. “We learned dog body language, signs of stress, how to deal with people in stressful situations. And the last day, we took all 15 dogs to a restaurant and sat there. It was amazing.

The whole training was just phenomenal.”

Therapy dogs differ from service dogs in that therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort to humans in stressful situations, be it a hospital or a natural disaster. Service dogs, such as those that assist the blind, are meant to focus on performing functions for their human and thus petting and loving on these dogs by others is discouraged. For therapy dogs, the function is just the opposite.

“A therapy dog’s job is to make people happy, to make them feel comfortable,” said Lind, who noted Cali regularly works at Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral Hospital in Little Rock.

“At Pinnacle hospital, I love all the kids there, but the teenage boys in particular just melt my heart because they love Cali. They’ll get on the floor and hug him and play. Sometimes they want to do tricks.

Most often they just want to hug him.”

Skye, on the other hand, has a little too much personality for therapy work in the strictest sense, but she can still invoke goodwill. Lind takes her to nursing homes to be a show-stopping Santa delivering cards and presents or where her vocal stylings are a crowd-pleaser. “(Skye’s) noisy. She talks; she talks all the time. If she gets excited, she sounds like a pig, she grunts,” Lind said. “For therapy, that’s not great. So, she’ll be a performer, she won’t do the therapy stuff. But at

home, I love it.”

Skye’s effervescence has come in handy in other pursuits. Lind has both dogs in training to become dancers and both appeared as “Sandy” in a stage version of “Annie” at the Wildwood Center for the Arts in Little Rock. A natural ham, Skye did some dancing in the production as well as some tricks.

“Collies are very smart dogs,” Lind said. “They will learn a trick in five minutes.”

Perhaps the greatest trick of all comes from the pups just being themselves, especially in Cali’s case, dealing as he does with people under duress, from serious illnesses to a program at the Little Rock airport that helps frazzled travelers.

Recently, Lind and Cali traveled to Marshall County, Ky., in the aftermath of a school shooting.

The duo was among those stationed in the commons area where the violence had occurred.

“They stationed the Hope dogs on these big mushroom concrete benches and the kids would come by and just love on him,” Lind said. “There was a young man standing in the hallway just scowling. I thought, ‘Not a dog person. That’s OK.’” “All of a sudden, he said, ‘I’ve not been able to touch these dogs, but I’m going to meet yours.’

He was one of the kids who had been shot, so he couldn’t make himself come back into the room. I said, ‘Since Cali’s your first one, he has a present for you.’ Cali has his own business cards and he takes it in his mouth and takes it to the boy, and the guy just lit up! Then he stayed and petted and played and stuff.”

“It was a moment that made a difference. That’s what the crisis response teams are all about.”

Animaal l Hospit Dr. Greg Hartman

Dr. Greg Hartman

| 385 Hogan Lane | Conway, AR 72034 | (501) 450-6444

HARTMANANIMALHOSPITAL.COM

Dr. JoAnna Roath

General Veterinary Medicine • Complete Diagnostic Services Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery • Full Service Boarding

December 2018 501lifemag.com | 77

NEIGHBORS person of the month

Brandi Cooper

CITY: Community of Kenwood outside of Morrilton.

WORK: Owner of Merle Norman & More in Downtown Morrilton.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Board member, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce; event committee chairman and sustaining member of Century League.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart School Development Board and booster club.

FAMILY: Husband, Kylan, and daughters Karlee, 15, and Kambree, 10.

EDUCATION: Graduate, Sacred Heart High School; bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Central Arkansas.

LAST BOOK YOU READ: “The Shack” by William P. Young.

FAVORITE MEAL: Enchilada casserole.

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: A picture of my parents and siblings taken Easter 1992 and a tiny jar of soybeans from my dad’s final harvest.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Just getting to stay home with my family.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

NO. 1 VACATION SPOT: Anywhere at the beach.

FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS: Kenwood, because it is home.

Brandi Cooper was named the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce. She has been a small business owner in Morrilton for more than a decade. Her boutique, Merle Norman & More, serves as one of historic Downtown Morrilton’s anchor businesses. (Mike Kemp photo)

78 | 501 LIFE December 2018

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I love the beauty of this area from farmland to mountains. You won’t find any better people but what I love most is my family is all around me.

Honor someone you love with a light on the Conway Regional Tribute Tree!

A Tribute Tree gift is a great way to show your appreciation to those who give you joy, comfort, support and love all year long.

For just $25, you can give a white light “in memory” or a red light “in honor” of your special someone.

Join us at a special lighting ceremony of the Tribute Tree on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 5:30 pm in front of the Conway Regional Women’s Center. The tree and your tribute will remain lit throughout the holiday season.

Proceeds from the Conway Regional Tribute Tree will go toward scholarships for local students pursuing a degree in a health related field.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, November 29 · 5:30pm Refreshments · Entertainment · Visit from Santa For more information or to purchase a tribute, visit www.ConwayRegional.org/TributeTree or call 501.513.5191

W E ’ V E A LW A Y S got you covered.

Good things – and good people – are worth celebrating.

We should know! First Security is proud to serve Arkansas families, businesses and communities every day. And our hearts couldn’t be warmer. What’s your better? Get there with us.

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