August 2018

2 | 501 LIFE August 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 which brings 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 August 2018 501lifemag.com | 3

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 Georgie McCarthy Mark McDonald Mark Oliver

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

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

Mary and Stan Clinesmith (in black) with their daughters, Stacey Witherell (from left), Tricia Fine and Sonja Keith on the street where the family lived in Navy housing at Oak Harbor (Whidbey Island), Wash. Two years ago, the family visited Oak Harbor and checked out the area where they had lived.

Home is where the heart is This month, 501 LIFE is exploring “why we live where we live” while celebrating all the wonderful qualities that make Central Arkansas an incredible place to live, work, worship, play and raise a family.

Growing up as a “Navy brat,” there were many places that I affectionately called home. Mom and Dad met, fell in love and married in New Iberia, La. That’s where my sister, Tricia, and I were born before the Navy sent us on your way to new homes on Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean, California, Texas (where sisters Stacey and Lori were born) and finally Washington (on another island).

At the time, we lived where we lived because it’s where the Navy felt Dad was most needed. Moving and changing schools was challenging for me, and childhood friends came and went, but wherever we lived was home because our family was together.

When Dad retired in 1975, we moved to Arkansas and lived with my grandparents, Eva and Millard Harvison, atop Batson Mountain (Johnson County).

For most of my life, our home had been away from family, but upon retirement, my parents decided it was time for that to change.

Grandpa ran a little country store, farmed and raised chickens, cows and pigs. I have precious memories of our time spent with them, helping 4 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Grandpa with the farm chores and Grandma in the kitchen. Grandma was an incredible cook and her blackberry cobbler is the measure by which all blackberry cobblers are judged. Grandpa attempted to teach me how to drive, using his old pickup truck in the hay field one day. I tore out the clutch but he didn’t seem to be too upset.

On Sundays, we would all go to church on the mountain. Typically, the women sat on one side of the sanctuary and the men on the other.

My grandparents created quite a stir when they sat together. I love that story and the home we shared.

While Grandma and Grandpa are gone now, I can still remember sitting on an old church pew on their front porch, watching an occasional truck stir up dust on their dirt road. What I wouldn’t give to share that spot with them again, if just for a few minutes.

I miss them so.

We remained in Johnson County but moved off the mountain. In the years that followed, home became where I went to college and where I went to work. In 1986, I moved to Central Arkansas and it is where my husband, Tom, and I raised our children.

It is home and it is where our heart is, with family.

Until next month, here’s to “Loving LIFE” and home in the 501.

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.

CONTENTS

August 2018

Volume 11 Issue 4

27 Faith Efforts are under way in the 501 to support a seminary halfway around the world.

m

34 Health What’s better than waking up to a sunny Saturday morning and strolling through the city square in Downtown Searcy, finding fresh foods and fun for the entire family?

38 Cooks in the 501 More than 15 years ago, Conway sisters Karen Edwards and Kay Fowlkes remarked about the need for a collection of their family favorite recipes.

Today, “The Loveless Sisters Cook Southern, Y’all” is a reality.

On the cover

In this month’s edition, 501 LIFE is all about celebrating “Why we live where we live” (Pages 32-35) and all that makes Central Arkansas a great place to call home. (Jeremy Higginbotham design)

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38

60 Sports Greenbrier native Autumn Buczek learned many lessons during her tenure with the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks Softball Team.

62 Sports Passion and potential — Morrilton native Shekinna Stricklen has always possessed both.

60

neighbors 18 Couples

regulars

Alan and Cathy White are gearing up for the St. Joseph School Bazaar.

4 8-9 10-13 38-47 70

22 Youth All you need to know about the communitymindedness of rising Vilonia High senior Drake Toll is sitting right out in front of his school.

70 Person of the month There’s a familiar face as the new police chief at the University of Central Arkansas — John Merguie.

LIFE pics 14-16

'501 KIDS' 501 LIFE contributors Katelin Whiddon and Brittany Gilbert present some great tips in the 501 Kids section (Pages 52-54). Have a story idea or a young person you would like to see featured? Send suggestions to info@501lifemag.com.

6 | 501 LIFE August 2018

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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

A Arkansas Travelers, 67 Art on the Green, 15

B

facebook.com /501lifemag

Baptist Health, 45 Baker Eye Institute, 15 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 49

C CARTI, 20 Central Arkansas Pediatrics, 53 Conway Corporation, 25 Conway Institute of Music, 17 Conway Pain Clinic, 51 Conway Regional Health System, 71 Conway Regional Rehab, 39 Conway Wealth Management, 43

D DJM Orthodontics, 23

E

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.

Edward Jones, 33

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.

F First Security Bank, 72 First Service Bank, 11 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling Inc., 47

Writers’ Room

H Hartman Animal Hospital, 69 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 63 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 61

L Ladd Ellis, DDS Family Dentistry, 44 Luxury Pool & Spa, 41

M Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic, 26 Magna IV Communications, 55

O Ott Insurance, 37

P Patterson Eye Care, 66

S Salem Place Nursing and Rehab, 2 Shelter Insurance, 66 St. Joseph School, 19

T The Bridgeway, 61

U UCA Public Appearances, 21 Unity Health, 3, 35 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 59 University of Central Arkansas, 29

W Wilkinson’s Mall, 29

Donna Benton has lived in Greenbrier for nearly 25 years. She enjoys most the small town culture and community in the 501. “But most of all, my friends and family are here and that is what makes it home!”

Donna attended Louisiana State University in her home state and said most people probably don’t know that she was a rock climber, whitewater kayaker and a backpacking guide. “My husband, Joey Benton, is a lifetime Greenbrier guy, and our boys, Joseph and Ben, graduated from or currently attend Hendrix College.”

Donna, who writes Home features for 501 LIFE, describes herself as a “maker.”

“In my business, I design with vintage furniture, but I guess that is my hobby too! I love the whole process from discovering one-of-a kind pieces on adventurous buying trips to creating fabulous rooms where every element has a story.”

To contact Donna, email donna@ waterhousemarket.com. Check out her blog on waterhousemarket. com and follow her on Instagram @ waterhousemarket and Facebook at WaterHouse Market.

A resident of Wooster for the past eight years, Laurie Green enjoys most the hometown feel of living in the 501. She graduated in 1990 from Greenbrier High School. “I attempted college at UofA Fayetteville, but found I was a much better mom than student.” She and her husband, Will, have seven children, five grandchildren and a golden retriever named Marla.

A regular contributor for 501 LIFE, Laurie writes a faith column. “I love writing. I spend 24/7 with my husband doing lawn care, which we love. Sunday evenings are dedicated to spending time in fellowship with our NLC Lifegroup, which is the glue that keeps me together.”

Laurie said that most people probably don’t know that she and her husband have two sets of twins 18 months apart.

“I also think it’s funny that we have two daughters named Brittney/Brittainy (one of the perks of a blended family).

Will likes to tell people I’ve only been pregnant twice, but we share seven kids and two named Brittney/Brittainy. It gets some funny looks.”

To contact Laurie, email thegreens@ ymail.com.

A North Little Rock resident since 2014, Callie Blair Sterling graduated in 2009 from North Little Rock High School and the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 with a degree in journalism.

“Central Arkansas has so much to offer!”

Callie loves to take road trips with her husband, Jaison, playing with their dogs (Marley, Myla and Happy), scrapbooking and CrossFit. Most people probably don’t know that Callie lived in Germany and also had a serious ATV accident in 2005. “It is a miracle that I am alive today. God truly saved my life and today I hope to be an advocate for others who are traumatic brain injury survivors and help raise awareness about the cause.”

To contact Callie, email jc@ sterlingimageworks. Follow her on Instagram @sterlingimageworks and on Facebook at Sterling Imageworks.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 7

NEWS/NOTES

501 LIFE and Fairfield Bay are teaming up again to give away a weekend getaway for four to enjoy the natural beauty of Greers Ferry Lake and all the fun that Fairfield Bay has to offer. Contest entrants must be 21 or older, with a limit of one entry per person. For contest rules and to enter through midnight Monday, July 30, go to visitfairfieldbay.com/contact-us/win-a-lake-vacation/. A winner, selected at random, will receive weekend accommodations valued at $650 and will be announced in the September issue of 501 LIFE. Fairfield Bay is one of the region’s premier family recreation destinations offering swimming, sailing, fishing, camping and hiking.

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12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 The 106th Annual St. Joseph School Bazaar will be held Friday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 4, in Conway. The event includes a spaghetti dinner, box lunches, a midway, a raffle, an online auction, games and carnival food. A 2018 Ford Edge SUV from Smith Ford will be given away as the grand prize in the raffle. For more information, visit sjsbazaar.weebly.com. Proceeds support St. Joseph School. (See Page 20 for more information.)

In celebrating five years of ministry and in anticipation of their upcoming CD project, “REJOICE,” Grace Justified will have a live release at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the PEC Building at Hendrix College in Conway, AR. The group will sponsor 50 students with a free backpack and supplies for the school year because of the community support shown for the group.

8 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Wild Women Wednesday will be held at Pinnacle Mountain State Park 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through the end of September. Join a park interpreter for a ladies’ hike on one of the park’s trails. Please call 501.868.5806 for the location. This free hike is part of the Women’s Summer Hiking Series.

From Friday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Aug. 12, Paws at the Net returns to Rebsamen Tennis Center. The event benefits Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals, Inc. (CARE). It is a USTA sanctioned tournament where guests will enjoy competitive matches, food, beverages, a dog wash, microchip clinic, silent auction and more.

For more information and to register visit careforanimals.org.

The Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas will host its annual Great Escape fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The event features merchant booths for shopping, a fashion show, silent auction, discounted pampering services, and a variety of other things. Tickets in advance are $5, with $10 at the door.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ wscagreatescape.

Art on the Green will host Artists-in-the-Round as the next installment of CityTalks at 5:30

p.m. Friday, Aug. 24. Artists Nina Baker, Linda Flake and Sheila Parsons will be featured. To RSVP, call 501.205.1922 or email kelly@ artonthegreen.net.

COHO and the Faulkner County Library are partnering to bring the Human Library to the library from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. The Human Library is a concept created in 2000 by the Danish youth organization Stop the Violence, and is now operational on five continents. It is a library of individuals, each representing a group in the community that are somehow exposed to stigma, prejudice and/or discrimination.

The Human Library aims to establish a safe conversation space, where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and hopefully answered by the Human Book on loan. An organizational meeting for “Books” will be held at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 18, at the library. Please contact Nancy at the library at 501.327.7482 or nancy@fcl.org. All library events are free and open to the public.

To submit a calendar item, please send information to info@501lifemag.com.

To see a complete list of items, please go to 501lifemag.com.

Reynolds Performance Hall single tickets on sale Aug. 6 Single tickets will go on sale to the general public Monday, Aug. 6, for the 2018-19 season at Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas.

The season will kick off Thursday, Sept. 20, with a performance by blues legend Buddy Guy. The season features 22 events and includes a Broadway, Pops and Night Out series, two Distinguished Lectures and one Add-On Special, as well as six Main Stage EdUCAtion shows and a benefit performance for Main Stage.

“We are honored to host some iconic entertainers next season, including blues phenomenon Buddy

Guy, Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony award-winner Rita Moreno and legendary football coach Lou Holtz,” said Amanda Horton, director of Reynolds.

“Another thrilling aspect is our Broadway line-up that includes ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘CHICAGO,’ both which won multiple Tony awards. We are proud to provide performing arts that entertain, inspire and provide cultural enrichment to the Central Arkansas community.”

New subscriptions and renewals for current season ticket holders are available now. Subscriber Courtesy Week, when those who bought packages for the season may purchase individual tickets to

any show before they open to the general public, is Monday, July 30, through Friday, Aug. 3.

Single tickets will go on sale to the general public Monday, Aug. 6.

To purchase a subscription package call 501.450.3265 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individual tickets may be purchased in person at the box office, at uca.edu/reynolds or by calling 501.450.3265 beginning Aug. 6.

For more information, contact Horton at 501.450.3682 or ahorton@uca.edu or visit uca.edu/ reynolds.

Bear Partners: UCA and UACCM sign agreement University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis and University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Chancellor Larry Davis recently signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the Bear Partners program.

The partnership gives UACCM students pursuing an associate degree the opportunity to participate in campus activities and access to academic resources at UCA. “Both campuses are very strongly student-centered and focused on creating an environment emphasizing student success,” said Davis. “The UCA-UACCM Bear Partners program was formed to essentially treat those identified students as UCA and UACCM students concurrently with both schools working with and tracking students to graduation here and there.”

Highlights of the Bear Partners program include: • UCA ID card • Admission to regular season UCA athletic events • Admission to select Reynolds Performance Hall events • Access to Torreyson Library resources (in-person or online) • Opportunity to apply for the Bear Partner scholarship • Application fee waiver when student transfers to UCA UCA and UACCM currently have 35 existing “2+2” transfer agreements, providing a clear pathway to both an associate degree at UACCM and a baccalaureate at UCA. These agreements allow students to seamlessly transfer to UCA with no loss of credits.

“We have our transfer agreements that provide a clear path to a bachelor’s education, and the Bear Partners program builds upon those existing relation-

University of Central Arkansas President Dr. Houston Davis (seated, left) and University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis shake hands after signing an agreement creating the Bear Partners program, surrounded by staff and board members. ships,” said Davis. “This is adding the student experiential element for students and helps to complete their full collegiate experience.”

UACCM students can enroll in the Bear Partners program by visiting uca. edu/bearpartners/.

Conway Kids Triathlon, presented by First Security, planned Aug. 11 The Conway Kids Triathlon, presented by First Security Bank, is a Conway tradition in its 21th year and will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at Hendrix College.

Registration is open and is $30 until Wednesday, Aug. 1, when it will go up to $35.

Completing a triathlon takes commitment, training and support from your family. Every year, hundreds of kids cross the finish line, achieving a personal goal and helping the Conway Kids Tri board achieve its goal to provide an event that helps build healthy kids and healthy families.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Soul Food Café Mission, a critical mission to the Conway community. The goal is to donate $12,000 again this year. Every year, the mission provides services for close to 50,000 individuals with over 30 percent under age 18.

Community Connections, a non-profit organiza-

tion in Central Arkansas providing extra-curricular activities for children with special needs and support for their families, will organize a “special needs division” for the Conway Kids Tri again this year.

Last year, 22 kids competed in this new division and the results were tremendous and heartwarming. For more information on this division,

visit communityconnectionsar.org.

A fundraiser breakfast will be held at Stoby’s Restaurant on Sunday, July 22, to promote the Conway Kids Tri and raise money for scholarships for the special needs division.

Course distances are doable for kids of all ages.

Kids between 6 and 10 complete a 50-yard swim (two laps in the pool), 2-mile bike course and half-mile run. Kids between 11 and 15 complete a 100-yard swim (four laps in the pool), a 4-mile bike course and a mile run.

The event is perfect for a “first time” triathlete as well as those who enjoy the sport and are competitive. The course is very safe and fun for kids of all ages and abilities.

For more information about participating in the event or becoming a sponsor, go to ConwayKidsTri. com or contact Tanguay at 501.908.3876 or pete@ rock-pond.com.

August 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@501adsandmags.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.)

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

Conway High School students Mary Dean Johnson (left) and Eliza Kordsmeier were “Loving LIFE” during this year’s senior walk, which featured an opportunity to return in their cap and gown to the elementary and middle schools where they attended.

Conway High School students Mathew Marzette (from left), Will Vanderslice and Tanner Ruth were “Loving LIFE” during this year’s senior walk, which featured an opportunity to return in their cap and gown to the elementary and middle schools where they attended.

Paula and John Trafford were “Loving LIFE” with their grandson, Jordan Roberts, as they attended Grandparents’ Breakfast at Frank Mitchell Intermediate School in Vilonia.

10 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Arkansas Federal Credit Union in Conway celebrated the 100th birthday (03/29/2018) of member Otis Cowan and his wife, Norma Cowan: Rochelle Allen (from left), Desiree Briscoe, Chrissa Burton, Courtney Price, Norma and Otis Cowan, branch manager Dustin Jones and Zach Watkins. Cupcakes were provided by Julie’s Sweet Shoppe.

Lori Case Melton Conway Market President

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 August 2018 501lifemag.com | 11

LOVING LIFE

100th birthday

Family, friends gather to celebrate Dr. Jewel Moore

by Sonja J. Keith

Family and friends were on hand June 5 to celebrate the 100th birthday of retired college professor Dr. Jewel Moore at a party in her honor at the Ola and John Hawks Senior Wellness Center.

Family came from out of state, including Illinois, Texas and Tennessee, to attend.

Moore, a longtime supporter of the senior center, was one of four individuals who signed the articles of incorporation in 1974 to create the program.

“She played a big part in getting the program off the ground,” said Debra Robinson, executive director of the program.

Born June 5, 1918, in Hot Springs, Moore was a middle child of Craven Harris and Selma Alabama Smith Moore. She graduated from Henderson State University and received her doctorate in botany from the University of Tennessee. She moved to Conway to teach at Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas). The wilderness area on the southwest side of campus is named for Moore.

According to her niece, Carole Ann Burns, Moore was recognized for her educational achievements. She said Moore, who never married, considered her students as her children and was devoted to them and her family.

Burns recalled that Moore’s students thought so much of their teacher that they presented her with a large brown grocery bag full of wildflower seeds, which Moore spread along the roadways as she traveled. “What a beautiful gift for her.”

Moore has a green thumb and also enjoyed gardening and helped start the Audubon Society in Arkansas. “She enjoyed nature tremendously,” Burns said.

Moore liked to travel, especially opportunities for hands-on learning during trips. She has been very active in the United Methodist Church and has participated in Bible studies.

Moore shared a pearl of wisdom with family not to second-guess or judge others, something she learned from an incident during childhood. “She was quick to listen and slow to talk,” Burns said.

“She has a great philosophy for life…The thread of who she was was sewn into everything she did. She is committed to God and doing her best, honestly and ethically.”

12 | 501 LIFE August 2018

“Loving LIFE” with Dr. Jewel Moore: Carla Hilliard (front, from left), Carole Ann Burns, Sue Hilliard, Glenna Lee Haynes, Annette Haynes, D.Ann Jones Thompson; Don Higgins (back), Janie Higgins, Paul Hilliard, Mike Hilliard, Michael Hilliard, Jenna Haynes Warren and Steve Haynes. (Donna Spears photos)

Dr. Jewel Moore was “Loving LIFE” at her 100th birthday.

A Bible Journaling Group from all over the world was “Loving LIFE” when they met in Bell Buckle, Tenn., for their first retreat and to meet face-to-face for the first time. Those attending were Lena Himmelstein, Monica Griffore Malbouef, Jenny Miller, Laura Jo Petty Dethloff, Sussy Rodriguez from Guatemala, Donna Newton of Texas, Mary Jane Myers, Linda Crummer, Myra Pigg Martin, Mary Weaver Meyer, Tracy Stembridge, Linda Young and Pam Robertson.

Josh and Lauren Zylks of Conway took 501 LIFE along on a trip to Walt Disney World.

WINGS (Widowed In God’s Service) members from Robinson and Center Church of Christ in Conway were “Loving LIFE” at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

H.D. and Floyd Ray were “Loving LIFE” at the western wall at Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 13

LIFE PICS

Sacred Heart School hosts annual bazaar Robin Richards photos

The Sacred Heart School Bazaar was held June 1-2 in Downtown Morrilton.

The event included raffles, a silent auction, a traditional spaghetti/sausage and turkey/dressing dinner, an escape room and video game trailer.

This year’s raffle grand prize, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport, was won by John and Belinda Monroe.

Other raffles winners were: $1,000 gift certificate from Rackley Furniture – David McGee. $1,000 gift certificate from Sue Smith Vacations – Gene Ruffiner. $750 cash – Paula Riddle $500 cash – Lauren Cochran Various other activities were available for all ages on both nights, including a midway featuring kiddie land games, Bingo, a ham and bacon stand and other attractions.

For more information, contact Sacred Heart School at 501.354.8113 or sacredheartmorrilton.org.

Father Jack Harris (from left), Patrick and Katie Hartman and Principal Buddy Greeson.

Katie and Clint Epperson with their children, Caleb (from left), Knowlton and Jack.

Sarah Duvall (front, from left), Aaron Campbell, Aden Swindoll; Addi Briggler (back), Pete Zambrzycki and Madison Harper.

Terry Alvey (from left), Rick Beck, Jeremy Kissire and Josh Cannon.

Pete Zambrzycki (from left), Thomas Buser, Samuel Crowell and William Gilbreath.

Landon Owens (left) and Matthew Buser.

Sacred Heart Bazaar Committee: Dustin (from left) and Megan Voss, Patrick and Katie Hartman and Haylee and Ryan Beck.

14 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Cake Angels: Stephanie Lipsmeyer (from left), Amy Elkins, Becky Lewandowski, Roxy Hardan, Janis Horn and Teresa Stell.

CityTalks 2018

Artists-in-the-Round Art on the Green Artists featuring; Nina Baker, Linda Flake, Sheila Parsons and more.

August 24th 5:30PM-6:30PM

Nina Baker

Linda Flake

Nina Ruth Baker, the owner of Art on

Linda Flake’s John P. Lasater IV paintings are

the Green, is the

light-hearted and

masters in art from

heart and soul of

imaginative. Linda’s

the prestigious Pratt

the gallery. She and

formal training

Institute in New York

her husband David

began in Switzerland

and mentored by

are the examples

where she attended

Milford Zornes (1908-

to which the rest of

school after

New Works by John P. Lasater IV and Jason Sacran

Sheila Parsons Sheila received her

2008), NA, AWS,

our staff look. Many of the artists have been

graduating from high school in Casablanca,

NWS. A signature member of Mid-Southern

asked, “Why did you choose Art on the

Morocco. Upon returning to the United States

Watercolorists, her work has been included

Green to display your work?” and many just Please join us for the

she continued to study, attending workshops

in Watercolor USA, Mid-Southern WC,

throughout the USA, China, Central America,

Texas and Oklahoma shows. Her paintings

Morocco, and Indonesia. She attended

are in collections of the White House and

the University of Nevada and the Valdes

throughout the United States, Mexico and

Art school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Linda

Europe. Sheila’s awards include the Arkansas

occasionally accepts commissions.

Governor’s Award for Outstanding Individual

smile and Reception say, “Oh, it’s Nina.”

Opening at Art on the Green Thursday, November 4pm-6pm Faith has always been a part 9, of the couple’s lives, and they are a living testament to

Show runs through December 9

its importance in life and art. Nina’s life experiences challenged Nina and her

Go to www.artonthegreen.net/events/ husband, David to “seize every day and

Artist of Arkansas.

for information about this upcoming build on rock,” living without regrets. show.

Jason Sacran

To RSVP for this event, call AOTG at 501-205-1922 or email Kelly@artonthegreen.net

Visit Us Today.

Learn. Teach. Read. See. Understand. All in one place.

Monday- Friday 10:00am-5:00pm or by appointment Littleton Park | 1100 Bob Courtway, Suite One | Conway, AR 72032

501.205.1922 | www.artonthegreen.net Art Gallery and Advisory Service Featuring Original Works by More than 30 Artists

O F F ER I N G CATA R AC T S U R GERY CA L L 1 - 8 00 - 30 5 - E Y E S (3 93 7 )

Call 501.329.EYES (3937)

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 15

LIFE PICS

Family and friends attend celebration for Hattie Hankins Donna Spears photos

About 200 family and friends recently gathered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in the Shady Grove community (Faulkner County) to celebrate the 100th birthday of Hattie McKaskle Hankins.

Born May 25, 1918, in Springfield (Conway County), she was the youngest of five children born to Marion and Kelly Amanda McKaskle.

Hattie and Harrell P. “HP” Hankins were married for more than 50 years until his death. They had three children – Barbara (and the late Winfred) Glover of Shady Grove, Jo (and E.C.) Hall of Guy and the late Ruth Lee Hankins. She has three grandchildren and six grandchildren, including three five-generations.

The couple farmed in Faulkner and Conway counties early in their marriage. Later, she worked at the International Shoe Company in Conway.

They bought and ran the Shady Grove Grocery for a number of years. She also worked at West Department Store in Conway.

According to Jo, her parents traveled and saw a lot of the country. After HP’s death, Hattie traveled the Northeast and took her daughters to Hawaii.

“She was always a people person and never met a stranger,” Jo said of her mother. “She’s also known as one of the best cooks. There was always room at the table for anyone who stopped by.”

Hattie has enjoyed hunting and still goes to deer camp with her family every year. She regularly cooked at camp until a couple of years ago. According to Jo, her mother is an avid card player and her grandsons fight to see who will be her partner.

According to Jo, her mother has been in excellent health throughout her life and has never had a surgery. She attributed her well-being to regularly eating onions.

Hattie attends Bethlehem Baptist, where she arrives early to ensure no one gets her spot on the fifth pew.

After the birthday celebration, a special dinner was held for immediate family and a few friends. At Hattie’s request, the 10 tables for the party were each decorated with a vase containing a dozen roses. After the dinner, she presented the flowers to those who had lost loved ones to place on their graves in the church cemetery. “That meant a lot,” Jo said.

Amber (front, from left) and baby Evie Glover, Hattie Hankins, Laura Burris, baby Isabella Glover; Kelly (second row) and Nona Glover, Amanda Mayo, Jo H. Hall, Brandi Glover, Barbara Glover, Michelle Glover; Carter May (back), E.C. Hall, Tammy and Preston Glover and Leo Glover.

Childhood friend Miljean Cantrell of North Little Rock.

The Stell Family.

Hattie Hankins, Jo H. and E.C. Hall and Barbara Glover.

16 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Nelda Bloom (front, from left) and Hattie Hankins; Sam McKaskle (back), Don and Jackie Clark, Carl Garrison and Gale Garrison, Jim and Janice Davidson, Terry Mac Howard, Lalia Leslie, Fern and Donald Leslie.

Hattie Hankins with Greenbrier and Arizona relatives.

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ConwayInstituteofMusic.com August 2018 501lifemag.com | 17

NEIGHBORS couples

HIM

Alan White

Alan and Cathy White enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere that the St. Joseph School Bazaar offers. They volunteer their time as part of the St. Joseph School Bazaar Car Committee. (Mike Kemp photo)

HER

Cathy White

RESIDENT OF: Conway.

NATIVE OF: Conway

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: I was born in Little Rock and moved to Con-

EDUCATION: Graduated from St. Joseph High School in

way in 1989.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Conway High School in 1995; degrees in both

1994 and the University of Central Arkansas in 1998 with a degree in accounting.

accounting and finance from the University of Central Arkansas in 2002.

JOB: School business manager at St. Joseph School.

JOB: Co-owner of Farris Agency, Inc.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: Ever since I

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR VOCATION: Around the time I was graduat-

ing from UCA, one of my good friends (Trey Farris) mentioned his dad had a job opportunity in his independent insurance agency, and that his dad was looking to retire soon. I interviewed with Bill Farris and having the opportunity to own my own business one day was very appealing. The rest is history – I’ve been in the insurance business for 16 years and also a co-owner of the agency.

PARENTS: Don and Nancy White of Conway.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Currently serving on the board of Independent

took my first accounting class in high school with Mrs. Green, I knew I wanted to work in the accounting field or something similar.

PARENTS: Tommy (deceased) and Margaret Davis of Conway.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: St. Joseph School Bazaar Car Committee and St. Joseph School Auction Committee.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED TO HELP WITH THE ST. JOSEPH BAZAAR: I started volunteering in high school,

Living Services, board member of the PHO Foundation of Hope, and serving as treasurer and board member of the St Joseph School Endowment. I am also serving on the St. Joseph School Bazaar Car Committee.

stopped after graduation and then started back up again once my kids were in school.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED TO HELP WITH THE ST. JOSEPH BAZAAR: This is my second year to volunteer for the Bazaar.

just a good time. It has a family-friendly environment with old-fashioned games that have been at the Bazaar since I was a kid. It is a tradition for our church, school and community for more than 100 years.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE BAZAAR: The family atmo-

sphere, getting to spend time with friends in a community/church environment, raising money for the school and getting to meet other parents with kids at St Joseph School.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE BAZAAR: It’s

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Movie nights at

home.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Spending time with my family - getting out on Greers Ferry Lake with Cathy and the kids.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: No one ever looks back on their

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Conway is a great place to live and raise a family; it has many amenities you would see in a larger city, but it still has a small community atmosphere.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501:

18 | 501 LIFE August 2018

life and wishes they would have worked more.

This is such a great community for so many different reasons: great parks, wonderful people, fun events, perfect place to raise a family. There is always something to do.

THEM

RESIDENTS OF: Conway.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: St. Joseph Church.

HOW WE MET: I saw Cathy one day

when I went in to Hambuchen Furniture with one of my friends. She was working at the reception desk. I was very shy and it took me a while to finally get a formal introduction through one of her friends.

THE PROPOSAL: Oct. 19, 2002 –

proposed in front of the fountain at the Bellagio on a trip to Las Vegas.

WEDDING BELLS: Sept. 20, 2003, St Joseph Catholic Church, Conway.

CHILDREN: Avery (12) and Aidan (9).

PETS: Guinea pigs – Piggly and Pump-

kin.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Traveling, family game nights,

watching movies, going to the lake.

AUGUST

3&4

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 19

St. Joseph School Bazaar Aug. 3-4 The 106th Annual St. Joseph School Bazaar will be held Friday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 4, in Conway.

The event includes a spaghetti dinner, box lunches, a midway, a raffle, an online auction, games and carnival food.

A 2018 Ford Edge SUV from Smith Ford will be given away as the grand prize in the raffle. Accessories provided by Conway Glass Tinting Plus. Other prizes: Yamaha generator from Duncan Outdoors ($1,100) and a McKinney Tire gift certificate ($800).

The drawing will be held at 11 p.m. Saturday at the Bazaar midway. (The winners need not be present to win.) Tickets are $2 each, six for $10, 18 for $20 and 100 for $100.

The Bazaar schedule: Friday, Aug. 3 – Box lunches, midway and a home-style dinner.

Saturday, Aug. 4 – Midway and raffle drawing.

The midway opens at 5:30 p.m. both days on the middle school playground.

Other raffle items include St. Joseph tuition credit, book bill credit, a Chromebook, a Steve Griffith oil painting, Francis Fine jewelry, $500 in cash, a $500 Strain photography gift card, an ice chest with $500 worth of liquor, After School Care credit, Urban Air tickets and more. Items will be in the cafeteria during the Bazaar.

The Raffle Row grand prize is a E-Z-GO Custom Golf Cart sponsored by Coney Garage Doors,

Cathy and Alan White, members of the St. Joseph School Bazaar Car Committee, with the 2018 Ford Edge SUV that will be given away in this year’s raffle. (Mike Kemp photo) RL Jackson with Jackson Investments and Conway Glass Tinting Plus. Tickets are 1 for $40 or three for $100. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Tickets can be purchased at St. Joseph School and Church offices

and St. Joseph School Endowment office. Drawing will be Aug. 4.

For more information, visit sjsbazaar.weebly.com.

Proceeds support St. Joseph School.

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CARTI.com 20 | 501 LIFE August 2018

LIFE PICS

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 21

YOUTH

Leadership Service comes naturally to Vilonia’s Toll

Drake Toll at Vilonia High School, where last year he was president of his class and vice president of the student council. (Dwain Hebda photo)

by Dwain Hebda

All you need to know about the communitymindedness of rising Vilonia High senior Drake Toll is sitting right out in front of his school.

A few years back, a rival high school stole an eagle statue signifying the school’s mascot, leaving a vacancy the then-eighth-grader could not tolerate.

He appeared before the school board with a plan for a replacement, which they liked but didn’t have the money for. Fortunately, he impressed local business people in the process, and they helped provide the funds for the replacement statue which now proudly stands on campus.

“One of the things that was really big for me growing up was just being around a community that was really involved in having their youth participate in leadership roles and opportunities,” he said. “One 22 | 501 LIFE August 2018

of the major things that people around here do is, they don’t say, ‘You’re too young, you can’t do that.’

They say, ‘What can we do to develop you into different roles as a leader, even though you’re young.’”

The statue project merely primed the pump for what Toll would do in high school. Last year, he was president of his class and vice president of the student council. He also coaches both peewee and Special Olympics basketball. But he’s most passionate about Beta Club, an activity that stresses leadership through serving others.

“What started me on Beta was how efficient the club was and how big the club was and the fact that it’s not for everyone,” Toll said. “They tell you that; when you look at the Beta national website, the first thing you see is Beta is not for everyone. I love being a part of that.”

Toll thrived in the club’s service- and leadership-

intensive environment. He quickly made a name for himself with hard work, ambition and enthusiasm for the club’s mission, personal traits that stood out to peers and adults alike.

“I was voted club vice president in my sophomore year,” he said. “As soon as they voted me club vice president, they said we want you at this upcoming state convention to run for state office.”

Toll not only ran, he won. Under the banner “Stop, Drop and Toll,” the young man was voted state Beta president to go with the vice presidency of his 120-member home club, roughly two-thirds of whom attended state convention and mobilized his candidacy.

“We brought 84 kids with the goal of running a state president and we have to win,” he said.

“We built this whole campaign; we had campaign T-shirts, we had a Snapchat, we had Instagram social

media. It was huge for us.

“You’re trying to promote yourself less politically and in more of a fun way, in a way that grabs their attention. ‘Stop, Drop and Toll’ ended up being really popular. We made a shirt that had my face on it and it was featured in scavenger hunts at the convention. It was a hot commodity.”

The campaign may have had a playful air to it, but Toll is steely-eyed serious about what he wants to accomplish in his leadership roles. He’s taken aim at helping the state’s existing chapters grow and to inspire new Beta clubs throughout Arkansas.

“From day one, that was the first thing,” he said.

“As soon as I joined Beta, it was all about how can we make this into something big.”

No sooner had he landed the state group’s highest office, Toll set his eye on the next level of the organization. At Beta Club’s national convention in Savannah, Ga., he relayed his vision before the assembly in a campaign speech to an estimated 12,000 delegates. His message was simple: Together, we all accomplish more.

“I was the very last person to speak before they voted,” he said. “I was listening to the other speeches backstage and realized my speech was not quite good enough. I call it a God thing; I had a deeply spiritual moment of prayer right before I went on and the second half of my speech was improvised on the spot.”

The performance brought down the house and resulted in Toll being elected the organization’s president, the first national officer from Arkansas in 30 years. He now heads the largest nonprofit educational group in the country with 600,000 U.S. members and 9,000 clubs in 45 states plus several international franchises. While the enormity of the accomplishment has yet to fully sink in, his passion for making the most of his time at the helm is fervent.

“I’ll be honest with you, when I set myself to something I want to give it my all,” he said. “I want to make sure it’s done right and correctly. I want to make sure the more things I have my hand in, the more things I can do at an efficient rate.

“I’ve always enjoyed being in leadership roles throughout the community and I want to take it bigger, especially with the help of my friends and people around me. And people like to help; it’s not

In Washington, D.C., as a member of the Beta Club’s leadership team, Drake had an opportunity to participate in a ceremony to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. necessarily a single person that led me to this, it’s that once people started saying, ‘Hey, you can plug into

this. Hey, you can get started with this,’ it blossomed into real leadership.”

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 23

COLUMNIST

Some of Vivian Hogue’s Tartans, reflecting her Scot-Irish heritage.

‘Filling in the gaps’

Vivian Lawson Hogue A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired teacher, she worked in the Conway School District for 23 years. She can be reached at vhogue@conwaycorp. net.

“You aren’t from around here, are you?” When one hears that question, it usually means he or she has said, done or even had an opinion about something that is not customary in a particular locality. The truth is none of us are from around here unless we’re Native American, and even they originated elsewhere.

In 2017, I wrote a 501 LIFE piece about my new interest in genealogy. Sources on one family side were the valuable records of a third cousin,

24 | 501 LIFE August 2018

and others were from a Kentucky gentleman from the other side named Maurice Kirby Gordon. Born in 1878, he was a well-known attorney, genealogist and, most importantly, my third cousin. Meanwhile, a woman in another state was typing Gordon’s name into her search engine, as his research and records helped with her husband’s family tree as they had with me.

Soon I received an email from her introducing herself as “Julia,” saying my column had popped up on her screen with Mr. Gordon’s name in it. She stated that her husband, aptly named “Gordon,” is my fourth cousin, with our great-grandfathers being brothers. This initiated communications almost daily since that time while sharing information.

Julia’s heritage is definitely not from around here, as she is of Scandinavian descent. Her Swedish grandparents arrived in America in 1903, with earlier ancestors from Norway in 1872, some from Ireland in 1842, and some from England on the ship “Ann” in 1623. Their

names and arrival dates are on ship logs and in registration and citizenship records, and she benefits from their ventures. Our backgrounds are vastly different, but we work on the same research that was once a time-eating task. My, how the Internet makes past times fly.

There are things everyone notices about those who were raised differently and in different states or countries. There are the matters of food, seasonings, clothing, animals, insects, sports. From where did all these differences come? I doubt any of us can say our heritage is from one country or region. When I tested for my ancestral DNA, I found I was British, Scandinavian, Irish/Scot/Welsh with the rest a predominately European mixture. I am assured that both sides provided Native American heritage.

I found that my primarily Scot, Irish and English ancestors joined the Virginia migration in the mid-1600s. They continued to disperse to Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, then

There are things everyone notices about those who were raised differently and in different states or countries. There are the matters of food, seasonings, clothing, animals, insects, sports. From where did all these differences come? I doubt any of us can say our heritage is from one country or region. When I tested for my ancestral DNA, I found I was British, Scandinavian, Irish/Scot/ Welsh with the rest a predominately European mixture. I am assured that both sides provided Native American heritage.

Arkansas. Like the candy, they came “Now and Later.” And through a lot of immigration, assimilation and marriages, . . . well, here I am, “born and raised” (or “reared,” as some elders say) in Conway, Ark.! And if it weren’t for Conway’s Lake Bennett and my father’s government job moves, I could have hailed from the hills of Northeast Arkansas, where all my maternal and paternal relatives live and lived.

“Outlanders,” an old hill term from the Scots meaning people “not from around here,” might mention what they call my southern accent, but it is actually just Arkansan. Got a little “twang” to it. But apparently it is my use of words and phrases transferred from the UK to the Arkansas territory that I’ve absorbed through my parents and grandparents (and who knows how far back!). Words do have histories of which entire books have been written!

Several words had to do with religion because churches were worship and gathering centers. If we had high winds, my dad would say it was “blowin’ hell off the cross.” (Regarding another “G” word, my mother told me very early to never use “gosh,” “golly,” “gee whiz,” “gee” or “Jeez” as they were substitutes for God’s and Jesus’s names.)

My friend originally from Pennsylvania says her state’s residents called rubber bands “gum bands.” My uncle viewed bad decision-making on “using your head for a hat rack.” My mother would say she would start supper “directly,” meaning later. My dad would talk about seeing a hawk “down in the holler (hollow)” which is a low spot or valley in the terrain.

So I’m from here, but it is thought-provoking to think I am “from” so many other countries, states and people. But even more so, is someone in Europe looking for me?

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FAITH

An attitude of gratitude

There are so many reasons that I love living A in Greenbrier/Wooster.

Greenbrier native, There is something Laurie is wonderful about livthe wife of Will ing in a town where Green. everyone pretty much The two share knows everyone. Seriseven ously, if you don’t know children, me or my husband and five grandchildren and a golden retriever named Marlo. They kids, then you probably own and operate a lawn care know my wonderful business and are members of New Life Church in mom, Martha Roberts, Greenbrier. or my step-dad, Ed, or Laurie can be reached at thegreens@ymail.com. at least one of my six siblings who reside in Greenbrier. At 46, I’m much more thankful for this place I call home than I was at 18.

I graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1990. I remember I couldn’t wait to get away from this town. It was small, and “everyone knew everyone” and all their business. I wanted something more. I wanted bigger and brighter and a little less familiar.

Ah, but then I had my first set of twins, and it all changed. Suddenly, all I wanted was something small and familiar. A place I felt safe and knew my kids would be safe. A place where “everyone knows everyone.” So back home to Greenbrier I ran.

It’s funny how you can’t always appreciate that small town feel until you don’t have that small town feel. Just like the 80s rock star hair band Cinderella serenaded us with back in the day, “You don’t know what you got till it’s gone.” Which leads me to another thought.

One of my dearest friends, Tina Goins, shared a statement with me many years ago that I still find myself saying and sharing with others: “If you woke up today with ONLY the things you thanked God for yesterday, what would you have?”

I mean stop right where you are and ask yourself that honest question and think about the answer.

What would you have?

It’s so easy to let life get busy and just go through the daily grind without ever stopping and being thankful for what we have. I am just as guilty of not spending nearly as much time as I need to in prayer just being thankful. Often, I allow myself to get so busy storing up earthly treasures that I forget about the ones that matter.

Obviously, Jesus knew we would all struggle with this, so he reminds us in Matthew 6:19-20: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”

I’m serious when I tell you how an attitude of gratitude will change your time with Jesus. I encourage you to grab a journal or just a notebook and start writing down a list to Jesus of the things you are

by Laurie Green

26 | 501 LIFE August 2018

The Greenbrier city sign along Highway 65. (Photo by @jake_churchwell) grateful for today — the very things you would want to wake up and have tomorrow. I often find my list is much longer than I imagined, and I am much more blessed than I realize — and I get the added benefit of spending some much needed quality time in prayer all the while storing up some heavenly

treasures.

So, I challenge you to start ending your day with a list of what you’re thankful for. Write it down, keep it beside your bed and add to it as often as needed.

Life is hard, but God is good, and I guarantee you there is always something to be grateful for.

FAITH

Forgotten Efforts under way in the 501 to support seminary

The faculty housing in need of repairs at the seminary located in Davao City.

by Arv Cogdill

My family are members of Central Baptist Church, which has a heart for missions and a sincere desire to win souls for Jesus Christ.

My wife, Myla, is from Mindanao, in the southern Philippines. We were visiting my wife’s family there about three years ago and stopped by a small Southern Baptist Church close to her sister’s home in Rosario, in Agusan del Sur Province, about three hours north of the City of Davao. We spoke with Pastor Dino Fajardo, the interim church leader, and for a short time after returning to Conway, we kept in contact with him and his family.

After our initial visit in 2015, our Bible study class at Central Church raised funds to get internet for the Rosario church. We considered some type of deeper partnership so we could begin mission trips and provide for other needs but because they had a change in pastors, it caused a delay. Today, the church has a new and vibrant pastor who recently

graduated from the Davao Seminary. As only God could make happen, the new pastor and my wife are cousins.

MARCH TRIP We planned a trip as a family and were joined by Mark Bailey, a member of our Sunday school class at Central Church. On Sunday, March 18, we visited the Rosario Southern Baptist Church for the second time.

The church has 200 active members and has planted five new churches within the past five years.

There are two young men in the seminary in Davao who are members of this church. Some 20 new members have been saved and baptized since Jan. 1. The congregation conducts a minimum of two medical missions a year to rural parts of Mindanao and surrounding islands where the population is predominately Muslim.

We witnessed a heart sobering moment of truth while attending the men’s Bible study at the Sunday morning worship service. When the collection

plate was passed in the men’s class, we saw an older Filipino gentleman put two pesos in the plate (the equivalent of about 4 pennies in the U.S.). That was all he could give, but he gave it willingly from his heart. It reminded us of the story in the New Testament about the widow who had very little but gave what she had when she could.

Prior to leaving for the Philippines on this trip, especially after discovering that the new Senior Pastor in the Rosario SBC church had graduated from an SBC seminary in Davao City, I decided to do a little research on the seminary (facebook.com/spbts puan).

We discovered a connection to the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma. Dr. C. Wayne Childers from that organization, along with Dr. Steve Kern from Oklahoma City’s Olivet Southern Baptist Church, were conducting seminars there for upcoming pastors and recent graduates. They were working alongside seminary faculty and some SBC pastors from local churches. We took this information to Dr. Ben South, our associate pastor for education and August 2018 501lifemag.com | 27

missions at Central Church, who encouraged us to pay a courtesy visit while in country.

SEMINARY CONDITIONS After arriving in Davao on March 16 and prior to going on north to the church in Rosario, we visited the seminary and spent time with the seminary president, Dr. Edgar Aungon. During our conversation, we discovered that he was asked to come out of retirement to lead an effort to restore the seminary.

Facilities, curriculum, technology; all are outdated or non-existent.

We immediately realized that this would require much more time than just a cursory visit.

The discussion went from a half-hour meeting to almost seven hours of fact-finding, discussion and documenting. Once we were aware of the tremendous need, we soon realized that we needed help raising both awareness and resources as a means of restoring the seminary. That became the basis for this article.

Dr. Aungon informed us that they receive no financial support from the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Missions Board (IMB).

The board withdrew efforts in the Philippines several years ago because it is considered to be an “evangelized nation.” There are only two Southern Baptist seminaries in the Philippines. One is in Davao City and another is located in Baguio City, about 1,100 miles due north (about 100 miles north of Manila, the capital city).

It appears that the Baguio seminary is doing well financially because of its proximity to Manila, but the same could not be said about this one.

The facilities are degraded to the point that they would be condemned in Conway or any other U.S. city. Dormitories and faculty housing are infested with rats and snakes. There are holes in walls, leaking ceilings, lack of sanitary restrooms and kitchen areas, and generally unlivable conditions throughout the almost 10 acres that the seminary occupies. The library is outdated with some curriculum materials and textbooks that are more than 30 years old. Technology is almost non-existent.

Mark and I took still photos and videos and conducted taped interviews beginning on our initial visit and again on March 21, after returning from the Rosario portion of our trip. We presented our findings to Senior Pastor Don Chandler, to the Central Church men’s prayer breakfast group, to our Bible Study group and to several other groups. We are willing to share it with anyone who might have an interest and a heart to help.

SERVING GOD On a positive side, everyone we met at either the Rosario Church or the seminary is actively serving God in some way. There is a strong discipleship model in place that seems to grow despite a lack of resources. Although resources are scarce, determination makes up the difference, but like anyone else, the gross lack of support is discouraging. Our visit brought back a spark of hope, but for them to be able to continue to train new pastors and spread God’s Word, the seminary needs help desperately.

This seminary is the heart and soul of God’s work in the Southern Philippines but it is disintegrating due to lack of resources. It will not sustain itself under current conditions. If it folds, the 28 | 501 LIFE August 2018

“Loving LIFE” at the Marco Polo Hotel in the City of Davao, on the island of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines: Arv and Myla Cogdill with their two daughters, Shania and Desiree, and Mark Bailey (right).

Mark Bailey of Conway (left) and Seminary President Dr. Ed Aungon were “Loving LIFE.” evangelical Southern Baptist mission in this part of the Philippines will fold with it. It is badly in need of resources just to keep it functioning and make the facilities, including classrooms, habitable. If this does not occur soon, the seminary is in danger of suspending operations which will affect the outlying churches and the Southern Baptist Convention’s mission of evangelism in the Philippines.

Between the time of our visit in the early spring and now, we have continued our attempt to raise awareness. Central Church was very kind to donate several older computers to the seminary.

We have also gotten a commitment from

TECH-SERVE International, a Christian construction company that works hand-in-hand with Wycliff Bible Translators, to provide a construction project manager for up to a six-month period to oversee restoration once funds are raised. They are located in Greenbrier and this is done by them on a volunteer basis. It will provide necessary oversight and technical expertise for the facility upgrade projects, but it is dependent upon donors who feel led to support the ongoing effort. We need $35,000 to $40,000 to complete the facility upgrades.

There is much “spiritual competition,” primarily from Islam and several quasi-religious cults that have

Opportunities to help There is a mechanism in place through which anyone can help.

You may contribute directly to help this seminary financially through a “Go Fund Me” page (gofundme.com/save-philippinebaptist-seminary).

Contributions made through this link go through The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma. It is not a source of church revenue but rather a means of allocating donations to those institutions who maintain an account with them.

Because the foundation is a 501 (3) (c) recognized institution by the U. S. Internal Revenue Service, all contributions are considered charitable donations and are tax deductible. Funds donated in support of this seminary through

the foundation will go directly to them, and the website will generate a receipt for the contribution.

For those who would rather contribute by other means, donations can be mailed to Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, 3800 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Or, donations can be sent to Central Baptist Church, 3333 Dave Ward Drive, Conway, AR 72034. If you contribute directly to either the foundation or Central Church, please be certain to designate the donation specifically for the Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary (or SPBTS).

Either organization will generate a tax receipt for your records.

sprung up throughout this part of that nation. This institution is the only place that educates Southern Baptist pastors that are badly needed to keep God’s Word alive in this part of the Philippines.

LOVE FOR THE LORD The matter of giving to support God’s work across the world is between each of us and God. He always considers our circumstances and knows when they

Checking out the condition of a bathroom building at the seminary. are beyond our power to direct and control. The important thing is that we see giving to support missions across the world as a privilege and not a burden. It should not be out of a sense of duty, but rather out of love for the Lord and a desire to see His kingdom advanced.

Second Corinthians 9:6-7 says: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

If this seminary is resourced properly, it has the potential to become a “Center of Excellence” that can be a shining light in a dark corner of the world. As Christians in Arkansas, we can help make that happen. If we do, God’s blessings will certainly come to those of us who chose to make it so.

CLASSES BEGINNING. ARE JUST THE

G

oing here means living your best life. People. Events.

Experiences. Opportunities. Ready to learn more about Bear Country? Visit gouca.com today.

CLUBS – UCA has 200+ student organizations, clubs and activities. When we say there’s something for everyone, we mean it.

THE BEAR DEN – Fan central!

Students organize pep rallies, tailgates, homecoming activities and much more.

GREEK LIFE – Why go Greek?

Scholarship, leadership, community service and social activities. (Plus loads of fun!)

STUDENT GOVERNMENT– United + engaged. SGA members act and advocate on behalf of UCA students to ensure their success.

UCA 0710-001 Print Ad- Arkansas Bound FA(501-Magazine).indd 1

7/10/18 2:13 PM

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 29

COVER STORY

Why we live where we live

by Sonja J. Keith

Whether you were born in the 501, came to school here or located in the area for work, most would agree that the quality of life that is enjoyed in Central Arkansas is near the top of why we live where we live.

Responding to an informal survey, the 501 Team shared their personal experiences on why Central Arkansas is home and what they enjoy the most about it. Some come from a family that has called the area home for years. Some were born in the 501, but school or job took them elsewhere, but given an opportunity to return, they came home.

We know that some of our neighbors sought an education at one of the fine institutions of higher learning that the 501 is known for and decided to make the move permanent.

No matter when or how they arrived, the 501 is home.

30 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Deep roots in the 501 Lori Ross – “I grew up in Center Ridge in Conway County, which was Dad’s childhood home, where his parents and grandparents had immigrated to from Italy. I went to the University of Central Arkansas and fell in love with Conway. Growing up in a tiny community, I used to think Conway was too large of a city to live, but I quickly found that it was the perfect size and location for me and my family. I love the progressive leadership here and the way so many come together to create positive change and support for those around us.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy most the community spirit and the focus on education and healthy living. I love seeing people of all ages and skin colors enjoying the walking trails throughout the city. Now that I’ve moved downtown, I feel even more a part of the historic fabric that makes Conway so special and unique.”

Jim Taylor – “I live in the 501 area because of the peace and quiet. I live on land that has been in the family for many, many years.”

Lori Melton – “I have never lived outside of Faulkner County. Why should I leave, I have a cousin for everything! I live in Faulkner County because my roots run deep, and I love to continue the stories of my ancestry.

“Both sides of my family are true locals. My father, Carroll Hawkins, was the fourth generation to own part of the farm that was homesteaded by my great-great-grandfather, William Brehnon Hawkins, in the 1850s. He migrated here from North Carolina. I currently own this property, making me the fifth generation here.

“My great-grandfather, Madison Coleman “Crow” Hawkins, was born on this property in 1868 and died here in 1956. My mom, the former Berniece Leach, was raised nearby, and her grandfather, Ross Beckett, is the gentleman the community of ‘Beckett Mountain’ was named for in northeastern Faulkner County. My brother, Eddie Hawkins, owns the birthplace of my maternal grandmother, Jewell Beckett Leach, on Beckett Mountain.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I’ve traveled across the U.S. and have found nowhere else that feels like home. Everything just works in Conway. It’s the perfect balance of a bigger town that still feels small. I love the fact that I know so many folks both personally and in business.”

Lori Melton – “Pictured here are Grandpa Crow and his descendants at a birthday party for him mid-1950 at the church nearby where the family all attended, Mount Nebo Baptist Church. I was not yet born.”

Family Stephanie Lipsmeyer – “I was born and raised in Morrilton, and my parents still live here, as well as one of my brothers. I have lived in Conway and Russellville and always seem to find my way back home. My new job has brought me home to stay. I am the director of events and memberships at the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce.”

What I enjoy most – “I love everything about this community and the people here. Great things are happening in Morrilton, and I’m so blessed to live here and be a part of it.”

Megan Ledbetter Stroud – “I was born in the 501. I was born in Greenbrier and moved to Conway at a very young age. I have stayed

The Patrom Family: Jon and Katie with their son, Duncan. (Kevin Thomas photo) in the 501 to attend school at Harding.”

What I enjoy most – “I love the 501 because of the community. Living here my whole life has impacted that a lot because most of the people I have grown up knowing are all here, but that is what I love. I can go anywhere and know somebody most of the time. Conway is also just one of my favorite

towns. It has just about everything without having the hectic interstate driving mazes that Little Rock has.”

Jon Patrom – “I was born here. My mother was from Greenbrier and my father was from El Paso (White County). I graduated from Greenbrier High School and UCA.” August 2018 501lifemag.com | 31

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy most that it is home. We enjoy traveling, but 501 is home, and we love the small town feel.”

Katelin Whiddon – “I’m here because I was born here and family is here. I can’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else.”

Kiera Oluokun – “I live in the Maumelle area of the 501. I was born and raised in Conway.

Mom is originally from Conway, and Dad is from Menifee. My husband and I moved to Maumelle when we were both working in Little Rock. We decided that Maumelle was the most convenient for travel between work and family. Currently, I work in Conway, and my husband still works in Little Rock, so Maumelle is absolutely perfect! We also attend church in Conway.”

What I enjoy most – “What I enjoy most about living in Maumelle is the convenience of travel to Conway and Little Rock. It is the perfect middle point for my job as well as my husband’s. I also enjoy the peacefulness that Maumelle offers. We live in an older neighborhood, and it is very quiet and peaceful. We live in close proximity to grocery stores and restaurants — which I love. I spent most of my life in Conway, and I absolutely love working in this city and being able to spend time with my family here. Conway is growing rapidly yet still possesses its quaintness. There are plenty of things to do for all age groups. I think that I have the best of both worlds!”

Jack Bell – “I was born here.”

What I enjoy most – “The people here are the best. Conway still has a small town feel but has pretty much anything you need.”

Mathilda Hatfield – “I was born here.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy most the accessibility to things I enjoy most: outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants, live theatre and performances and the airport to go on new adventures!”

Job Dr. Larry Davis – “A job brought me to the city where I live (Morrilton). I became chancellor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton in 2010. I got to know Judge Roger Hooper of Van Buren County and his wife, and they introduced me to my wife, Carlene, three years ago this August. We just celebrated our second wedding anniversary this past June.”

What I enjoy most – “The people and the renewed spirit of cooperation in Morrilton and Conway County. When you have your city and county officials and all the schools (public and private) plus the college (UACCM) all working together, plus the expansion of local business and industry, coupled with the building growth (county businesses, local schools and the college all building new facilities or revamping existing ones), it creates an incredibly positive environment in which to live, work and play. It is a great time to live in the 501 area.”

Alicia Hugen – “My job as county extension agent – staff chair brought me to the 501 area in 2009. My husband and I married in 2011, and he then took a job in the 501 area as well.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live 32 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Carlene and Dr. Larry Davis on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. (Mike Kemp photo) because I enjoy the people. Our parents do not live in the 501, but the community and church here have taken us in as family. We are also an outdoor family who loves camping, hiking, kayaking, etc., and the 501 has countless opportunities to enjoy our hobbies in beautiful settings. The 501 is our home, our children were born in the 501 and will be raised in the 501. The 501 is truly a great place to live, work, raise a family and play!”

Margaret Smith – “Although I was not born in Conway, I am an Arkansan. I came to Conway over 40 years ago after living out of state for a while. Once we were relocated to Conway, I knew I was not leaving. Conway and Faulkner County look a lot different today than when I first moved here. I love that Conway is in the center of Arkansas, and you can be at any corner of the state within a short time. We live just outside the city limits, so I get the feel of being close to town, but we also have the feel of country.”

What I enjoy most – “I love the opportunities we have in Conway: education, recreation, arts, shopping, dining, and the people have such servant hearts.”

Karl Lenser – “We moved to Conway in 1994 from Wisconsin because I accepted a position at Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center as a fitness manager.”

What I enjoy most – “Life is good in the 501 because (or we don’t want to leave the 501 because) employment, friends, social factor through church friends, Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center members, great neighbors, recreational opportunities and the school system is good, as is the crime rate (fairly low).”

Stewart Nelson – “I was moved here

by Levi Strauss to be an assistant manager in 1972. My wife, who was born in Nashville, Tenn., announced that I had three years to get out of this town. She went to work as an RN at our hospital and then went for her master’s at UCA. I quit Levi’s and went and got my MBA at UCA and then went to work back in Memphis, where I

was raised, but didn’t really like my boss. I called home from Memphis to Morrilton one Sunday, and Martha said I had until Friday to come home or not to come back. I came back to Morrilton and never ever expected to end up enjoying some place as small town Arkansas.

“There are other people in Morrilton who have the same story of saying they weren’t going to stay here and could have moved but didn’t. Morrilton is big enough to say you live in a city, but you don’t have to wait around in traffic to get somewhere.

“As mayor, I told a doctor considering moving here one time that we have everything that a big town has except traffic problems, but if he would call me I would see if I could set up a traffic jam for him.

“My father who was raised on a farm but lived in the city always dreamed of living in a place like Morrilton, but my mother would never move. I tell people I am lucky enough to live my father’s dream.

I LOVE ARKANSAS.” Deanna Ott – “A job opportunity for my husband, Tray, brought us to Conway. We have enjoyed the many opportunities Conway has provided for our kids to participate in all kinds of activities.”

What I enjoy most – “From the churches, the schools, the restaurants and more, Conway has been a great place to raise our kids.”

Dr. Robert Reising – “I was born in New Haven, Conn. I retired in 2005 from the University of North Carolina System after 34 years in a variety of teaching and administrative posts. I came to UCA from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., where for five years, I directed the (largely) online graduate program in literacy and literature education. I live at my present address in Conway because of the UCA job I held from August 2010 until my retirement in December 2013.”

What I enjoy most – “I enjoy my present Conway residence because of its proximity to UCA and Downtown Conway.”

Back in the 501 Kristi Strain – “After college, I was required to live in several different places because of my job. When my husband and I got the opportunity to move back to this area, we did! I was born in Morrilton, and I love Morrilton and Conway County, mostly for the people that live here. We live in a very loving, generous community. We have so many people that work tirelessly to improve our community. Not to mention we are minutes away from the best lakes, hunting, fishing, camping and shopping. This is why I live where I live!”

What I enjoy most – “We don’t have annoying heavy traffic, and we live in a beautiful area. In our area, you can get on a high spot and see the beauty for miles. Finally, I am near my family, and I love getting to hang with them, especially under the Friday Night Lights! GO DOGS! #73.”

Monica Lieblong – “I was born and raised in the 501 and left for college and life adventures and then came back to raise my own family in the 501.”

Laurie Green – “I live in Greenbrier because it’s where my family raised me. I really remember thinking I couldn’t wait to move away when I graduated high school, but as soon as I had kids it was exactly where I wanted to go back to.”

What I enjoy most – “There is something wonderful about everyone knowing everyone. Even as the town has grown bigger, it still has that small town feel. You can go in the Wagon Wheel and they

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because most of our family lives in the 501, giving us the opportunity to hang with our nine grandchildren, ages 4 to 20. Conway’s two private colleges and one university provide the community with wonderful opportunities like the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, farmers markets, independent restaurants and shops, city parks and continuing education classes. We enjoy visiting big cities and foreign countries, but it’s back home in Conway where we rest the best.”

501 is home

Roe and Missy Henderson. (Donna Evans photo) greet you by your name, and nine out of 10 times, they even know what you want to drink! It’s honestly one of the best places to live!”

Jan Spann – “I was born and raised in Conway and left for college in 1965 when the city’s population was around 10,000. My husband, Randy, and I moved to Conway in 1992 for his job and have watched the city grow to nearly 60,000.”

Robin Richards – “We bought our Greenbrier home in 2006. We love the Greenbrier community because one can feel the beauty of having good Christian neighbors who live ‘love thy neighbor.’ When we need anything that the Greenbrier area cannot provide, we are approximately 10 miles away from Conway.”

What I enjoy most – “The peace and quiet, plus the privacy. We live on a large acreage, and a good portion of it is still in timber. We keep it that way as part of an Arkansas wildlife refuge for all the local deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Also, we have a pond approximately 300 feet away from the house, which I believe houses two very large snapping turtles. The local wildlife always keeps us entertained.

We never know what kind of wild animal will cross our paths on any particular day.”

Roe Henderson – “I was born here and most of my family is here.”

What I enjoy most – “It is a great place to live, things to do, easy to get to other places, great people. We are blessed to be here!”

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 33

1 HEALTH

Summer shopping Searcy certified farmers’ market offers variety

Searcy residents Keith and Terri Riley talk with local farmer David McCann.

by Hannah Robison

What’s better than waking up to a sunny Saturday morning and strolling through the city square, finding fresh foods and fun for the entire family? At the Main Street Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market, supported by Unity Health, each Tuesday and Saturday is an open opportunity to discover local produce, handmade products and new friendships for parents, kids and even Fido.

From 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 3 to 6 34 | 501 LIFE August 2018

p.m. Tuesdays, the farmers’ market is open to all at the White County Courthouse Square near the corner of South Oak Street and East Park Avenue. Throughout the seasons and based on availability, you can find an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, baked goods, bath and beauty items, herbs, handmade crafts, honey, jams and goat milk products. Through the collaboration with Unity Health, the farmers’ market also sells merchandise, including annual shirts and specialty items in which all proceeds directly benefit the market.

Unity Health is proud to support the efforts

of educating on the importance of wellness and mindful eating. By choosing to purchase locally sourced products, farmers and families of the area are honored for their efforts to grow and produce quality goods. Families can spend time together by allowing children to choose new foods to try or engaging with animals at the market brought by local farmers.

Fresh foods are able to retain nutrients and include antioxidants and phytonutrients. Seasonal items are also harvested at their peak in flavor, making any combination delicious, be it fruits, vegetables, meat or eggs. Cut-

The Searcy certified farmers’ market at the White County Courthouse Square.

ting cost by not having to worry about making a trip out of town, allowing foods to go from the farm to your table and learning facts about each local farmers’ produce are a few benefits of being a Searcy certified farmers’ market patron.

Unity Health strives to help and heal the community, and enjoying a morning or afternoon learning about local products and their greater variety, taste and food safety aligns with the mission and vision of the healthcare system — to live health-centered.

To learn more about the Searcy certified farmers’ market, please call Main Street Searcy at 501.279.9007, email mainstreetsearcy@ sbcglobal.net or visit facebook.com/searcyfarmersmarket. Make your trip to the market soon to experience summer favorites and fun.

Collaborating FOR YOUR CARE We are proud to announce our collaboration with Arkansas Urology and introduce ROBBIE HURTT, M.D. Dr. Hurtt will practice at Searcy Medical Center alongside Dr. William Robertson and Dr. Tommy Thompson, serving patients with the most advanced urological treatments and surgical procedures.

Robbie Hurtt, M.D. | Tommy Thompson, M.D. | William Robertson, M.D.

A COLLABORATION WITH

Mon - Fri • 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 2900 Hawkins Dr. • Searcy, AR 72143 | (501) 278-2800 | Unity-Health.org

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 35

�

ENTERTAINING

In-laws are a gift!

by Don Bingham Mike Kemp photos

Looking back over the years, I find myriads of people who have been a source of encouragement to us to persevere and stand strong, and are the greatest of cheerleaders to live life to its fullest. Among these encouragers were our “in-laws.”

Now, as our children are all grown and all have in-laws of their own, it has been such a joy to watch their in-laws in action. While sometimes challenging, and everyone has their favorite in-law joke, it has been our privilege to observe an example of in-laws in action during the past few months.

My son, Joseph, is married to the former Carrie Boyce. His in-laws are John and Tammy Driggers and Wesley and Lisa Boyce. Both sets of in-laws are amazing in their support! For this article, I want to tell you about my recent observation of John and Tammy.

Joe and Carrie bought an older home in February. The house is spacious and lovely with good bones and wonderful potential. The renovation process will take months to remove walls, add new flooring, address the kitchen, entrance, etc. The house still is not quite ready for occupancy and the in-laws decided the following.

John tells the story: “The idea for a garden in Joe and Carrie’s backyard began while our oldest daughter and Carrie sat around the living room on a cold winter’s night, discussing the recent purchase of the home in West Conway.

The thought of a house-warming gift of an urban garden that was completely organic was born.

“The new house has one acre of land and the previous owners had a 25-foot by 40-foot area established as their garden – with fertile dirt – and all it needed was some sweat equity and TLC. “We wanted to give the kids a house-warming gift that would keep giving all summer long – one that our families could enjoy, and Lane and Ellie (grandchildren) could watch in their own backyard. God has blessed this garden with lots of rain and a perfect climate for growing all of our favorite vegetables (corn, okra, string beans, pumpkins, watermelons, butter beans, black-eyed peas, cantaloupes, zucchini squash, yellow squash, broccoli, several varieties of tomatoes and several different peppers).”

The photos with this article show “the rest of the story.” Joe and Carrie are getting close to moving in to the new home and the gift from the in-laws of a producing garden is ready for their arrival. What a gift this garden will be – and what a reminder of how much our in-laws have done for us through the decades. “Thank 36 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Siblings Ellie (front, from left) and Lane Bingham with their grandparents, Tammy and John Driggers. you!”

Recipes included are favorites enjoyed around our family table during this season.

SUMMER SQUASH AND CHEESE 2 eggs 2-3 cups cooked squash

2 cups cracker crumbs 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cups chopped onions 1 cup milk 1 cup cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 stick melted margarine Mix together and place in casserole dish. Cook 40 minutes at

375 degrees. Serves 6-8.

GRATED ZUCCHINI 2 to 2 1/2 pounds zucchini, grated Salt 6 tablespoons minced shallots, scallions or onions Pepper Salt the zucchini to de-gorge it. Rinse, squeeze and dry it. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter, add the shallots and zucchini. Toss for 4 to 5 minutes. Zucchini is ready to serve as soon as it is tender. Taste for salt and pepper. May be prepared to this point several hours ahead, cooled and reheated, if desired. Garlic, sour cream, tomato sauce or fresh basil may be added.

FRESH CORN-STUFFED TOMATOES 6 ears of corn 2 tablespoons onion, grated 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons water 12 tomatoes Cut off corn from the ears, scraping back up the ears to get juices. Place corn in skillet; add enough water to halfway cover the corn. Add salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Add onion and cook in skillet about 10-12 minutes. Mix flour with cold water until smooth. Add to corn and stir until thickens.

In the meantime, core the tomatoes. Salt and invert to drain.

Fill with corn and bake 10-12 minutes. Serves 12.

FRIED CORNBREAD 2/3 cup cornmeal 1/3 cup self-rising flour 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk 1 egg Oil for frying Mix all ingredients; heat oil in skillet. Drop batter by spoonful and fry until golden on each side.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES 1 egg, well beaten 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup cornmeal

Ellie and Tammy check out the produce from the garden at the family’s new home.

1/4 cup flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 4 to 5 green tomatoes, sliced 1/3-inch thick 1/2 cup cooking oil 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Combine egg and buttermilk until well blended. Set aside.

Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Dip sliced tomatoes in the egg mixture, then in the dry mixture.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place tomatoes in hot oil in single layers. Cook on each side until golden brown.

Repeat procedure. Add more oil if necessary. Drain well and place on paper towels.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 37

COOKS in the 501

To get a copy of the cookbook, email kareds2002@yahoo.com or kayefowl@gmail.com. The cookbook is also available at Jenifer’s Antiques in Downtown Conway.

38 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Sisters Kaye Fowlkes (left) and Karen Edwards recently published a special cookbook containing recipes that have been family favorites.

(Mike Kemp photo)

Cooking up family traditions More than 15 years ago, Conway sisters Karen Edwards and Kaye Fowlkes remarked about the need for a collection of their family favorite recipes – handed down to their mom, Ruby Loveless, and loved through the years.

As their adult children began to ask for the Don Bingham recipes, “The Loveless Sisters Cook Southern, Recognized throughout the Y’all” became a reality. state as an accomplished chef, There are 804 recipes Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television in the cookbook, with programs and planned elaborate an index given for evevents. erything from appetizers and salads to main courses. There is also a “This and That” section. “The ‘This and That’ section explains to the novice cook how to make gravy,” said Karen.

Not only are there tried and true traditional family recipes, there are many selections from some of the great cooks in the 501 area, including Marilyn Muyern, Lynnda Noble, Sue Gates, Lynette Sams, Doris George, Francis Reynolds, Anna Baxley, Leigh Masterton, KK Bradshaw, Paula Dean, Wanda Logan, Sarah Guinn, Madge Floyd and others.

The project took six months of hard work of compiling the recipes Karen and Kaye had been enjoying all their lives. They were totally “hands on” with typing recipes, doing page layouts and research.

The Morris Press Cookbooks of Nebraska printed the publication, arriving from the press this month.

Both sisters encourage other families to consider the same project – the preservation of recipes for future generations is priceless! Their new cookbook is dedicated to their mom – a great cook and lifelong Conway resident. “While the original goal was the recipe collection, the project brought with it a grand

time of bonding, a time of great fun and all family focused,” said Karen.

Karen’s and Kaye’s daughters were also most helpful in the process, as were friends and great cooks through the years. Scattered throughout the book are a few choice recipes of well-known chefs, restaurants and recipes from great family friends.

Kaye and Karen had a difficult time narrowing down their favorites to include in this article, but among their choice recipes would have to be Karen’s Cheesecake, Ozark Honey Oatmeal Cookies and Barbecued Chicken. (See 501lifemag.com for more of Kaye and Karen’s favorite recipes from their cookbook.)

Here’s to cooking up family favorites in the 501.

KAREN’S CHEESECAKE Crust: 20 graham crackers 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup sugar Filling: 2 8-ounce pkgs. of cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 3 eggs, beaten Topping: 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Cinnamon Roll graham crackers into fine crumbs and work in butter and sugar until well distributed. With the back of a spoon, press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or greased 9-inch cake pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes.

Set aside.

Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.

Beat in sugar and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture into the graham cracker crust. Return to oven for 20-22 minutes or until almost firm in center. Cool 10 minutes on cake rack, away from draft.

For topping, combine sour cream with last cup of sugar and vanilla. Spoon (do not pour) gently over the cheesecake.

Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Return again to oven for 10

additional minutes. Cool to room temperature on rack. Chill in refrigerator 12 to 24 hours before serving for best results.

OZARK HONEY OATMEAL COOKIES 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup honey 1 3/4 cup self-rising flour 2 cups quick cook oats 1 cup white raisins 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup coconut 1 cup nuts Mix shortening, sugar, eggs and honey. Stir in flour, oats, raisins, vanilla, coconut and nuts. Shape dough by rounded teaspoon into balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Makes 5 dozen. An excellent chewy cookie!

BARBECUED CHICKEN 2-3 pounds chicken pieces of your choice 1 1/4 cup ketchup 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup prepared mustard 2 tablespoons minced dried onion flakes 3/4 cup water (or less) 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Mix ketchup, lemonade, oil, mustard, onion flakes, water, brown sugar and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes. Pour over chicken in a baking pan and cook uncovered for 40 minutes. Turn chicken pieces over and cook for another 40 minutes. Baste chicken with sauce in pan.

Turn again and cook about 10 minutes.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 39

HOME

A hanging chair is the perfect place to read and relax.

40 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Back to the country ‘You can take the girl out of the country, but can’t take the country out of the girl’ Mike Kemp photos

“You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl,” or so they say. Lance Oden had heard it before, but on the day he met Khristy at a college church group, he had no idea that the old adage Donna Benton would shape his future.

Lance had a classic Donna Benton is a maker of suburban upbringing, custom home furnishings and specializes in classic painted riding bikes with the kids finishes for antique and vintage next door and spendfurniture. You can see her work at WaterHouseMarket.com. ing summer days at the neighborhood pool.

Khristy was a farm girl. I’m talking about a hardworking, rural Stone County, “farm family of the year” kind of farm girl.

Lance began to develop a plan to woo that beautiful farm girl from the small town of Timbo. When the time was just right, he decided, he would charm her with his mad banjo skills. Surely a gal raised just down the road a piece from Mountain View would be enamored with that hypnotic banjo twang. But as Lance discovered, many Stone County girls have had their fill of banjo pickin’, and his clandestine serenade just didn’t strike the right chord with Khristy.

Lucky for Lance, he was not just a one-hit wonder. Even though their musical taste didn’t exactly align, Khristy and Lance begin to discover that they shared a love of arts and crafts. If Khristy could dream up an idea, Lance could build it. Date nights usually evolved into some kind of creative project, building, painting and creating together.

French doors let in morning light at this new country home.

Lance and Khristy eventually found themselves in a neighborhood home raising four kids - Luke, Jacob, Ella and Sophie. “Our family had settled in nicely to the comforts of suburban living,” said Khristy, “But the call to get back to the country just never went away.”

Khristy and Lance wanted their kids to get their toes in the dirt and to see stars and hear crickets, so they began the quest to find the right land to build their family a home in the country. “After much

prayer and searching, we discovered the perfect spot down a picturesque winding highway on the outskirts of Greenbrier,” Khristy said. “It had this little old farmhouse that was one of the oldest homes in the area. We could fix it up and live in it while we worked on the land and built our house.”

As it turns out, the little fixer-upper farmhouse was just too rundown to recover so the Odens moved on to Plan B. They would live in a camper trailer while they built their house. It was an experi-

OVER

YEARS IN BUSINESS

1

2665 Donaghey Ave, Ste 103 Conway AR • (501) 327-1772 www.luxurypoolarkansas.com August 2018 501lifemag.com | 41

The Odens built much of their new home themselves, including the well-crafted kitchen cabinets and island. ence that Khristy describes with a smile as “a time of growth.”

The first snow of winter was peppering down on the day the Oden Family left their “neatly manicured subdivision” and arrived at their new country home place, RV in tow, like homesteaders of old. “We couldn’t get the camper up the hill,” Khristy reminisced. “I remember that feeling, wondering what we had gotten ourselves into.”

The Odens spent 13 months in that 300-square-foot camper. (I did the math. That’s 50 square feet each!) “Camper living helped us to simplify our lives. We figured out how to survive and even thrive with less stuff, and to concentrate on what was important. We had the most memorable Christmas in that trailer with a little Charlie Brown tree on a TV tray, as we realized it’s all about coming together as a family and celebrating our Savior’s birth.”

The Odens endured camper life while they prepared the land and built their dream farmhouse; clad in crisp white with porches that beckon you to sit a spell, just like the dreamy old farmhouses that Khristy had discovered on trips through Kansas farm country.

Living onsite gave the Odens an opportunity to be hands-on in the construction. The home and its furnishings are a display of its creator’s style and craftsmanship, from Lance’s kitchen cabinets to the weathered wood and doors that were reclaimed from 42 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Checked slipcovered chairs frame a view of the rolling countryside.

the old ramshackle home place. Lance designed and built a farm table that looks like it could have come from the old home place too.

Farmhouse style beds, benches and shelves and other reclaimed and repurposed furnishings, all built or restored by hand, not only reflect the farmhouse style, but also the self-sufficient mindset and artistry of the first homesteaders. The result is a unique, beautiful and wonderfully comfortable country home that makes you want to stay a while.

On a recent visit, we sat on the porch in a row of wooden, red Adirondack chairs (built by Lance of course), visiting and watching the summer breeze waving the grass in the valley below. I could have stayed all day, but the rules of social order prompted me to declare that I should really be going. “Before you go, wait just one second,” Lance said excitedly. We convened inside as Lance pulled a banjo down from the wall and started pickin’ a rollicking bluegrass-y tune. The living room detonated into a hoedown jubilee. I think I felt a jig, or maybe it was a “clog” starting to well up around my midsection and working its way down toward my feet. I did my best to subdue it and thankfully it only presented itself as a toe tap. Khristy and the kids sat there with a patient grin and a little eye roll.

These modern-day homesteaders have created a wonderful place for their family to experience the simpler, slower pace of country living.

Country life is not always the easiest way, but the Odens will tell you that the rewards are great.

They have never second-guessed their decision to move their family to the country, and Lance will attest that, thankfully, you can’t take the country out of the girl.

When you design a home from a 300-square-foot camper, you make sure it has plenty of laundry capacity.

Pine plank floors, a vintage iron bed and green fields.

C A L L O U R T E A M T O D AY

S O YO U C A N E N J OY A B E T T E R T OM O R R OW

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August 2018 501lifemag.com | 43

ENERGY SMART

Online tools help homeowners Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program is one of the many ways we’re balancing increasing demands for electricity with our commitment to providing affordable rates while enhancing the quality of life for our friends and neighbors.

In addition to zero Beth percent interest loans and energy audits by Jimmerson our professionals, we A long-time Conway resident, Beth McCullough Jimmerson also offer online energy is the marketing coordinator audits and energy calcufor Conway Corp. She has lators to help customers a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas estimate energy use and a master’s degree from the costs and find opporUniversity of Arkansas. She can be reached at beth.jimmerson@ tunities for savings. conwaycorp.com.

Based on personalized information, customers can view a comprehensive report of their residential energy usage and discover cost-saving recommendations.

Home energy calculator This calculator will provide you with your home’s personalized energy costs based on information you provide while allowing you to perform various energy-saving scenarios to pinpoint opportunities for savings. Simply answer a few, simple questions about your home and learn where your energy dollars are going, what long-term investments you can make to lower energy costs and the environmental impact of your energy use.

Appliance calculator How much does it really cost to use the appliances in your home? This calculator gives you a quick way to get a feel for what your home’s appliances cost to operate on an annual and monthly basis.

Lighting calculator Compare the purchase price and cost to operate compact fluorescent lamps versus incandescent lights. This calculator takes into account the cost of each light bulb and the number of lamps in your home while calculating the savings over a monthly, yearly and 10-year period.

Home energy library Want to know more about energy efficiency?

Browse through hundreds of pages of topics, including meters, energy fundamentals, energy audits, energy improvements, insulation, ventilation and more. You can also learn how to read your electric meter and electric bill.

44 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Interactive energy home This graphically rich and interactive house is a virtual library to learn how your home’s systems use energy and identify the best opportunities for savings and home improvements.

Fundamentals of electricity Learn how the electric utility industry generates and delivers power to customers covering basics, delivery, safety and generation.

Kids Korner Kids Korner creates a rich, kid-friendly environment to facilitate energy education with everything from energy-themed games to teacher lesson plans.

To learn more about energy efficiency or explore these free applications, visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart and click on the Energy Calculators tab.

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August 2018 501lifemag.com | 45 BaptistHealthConwaycom

GET CREATIVE

Funky Frugal: A window upgrade Leslie Cuffe has become a dear friend to me.

When we first moved to Hot Springs, I was lonely, as anyone is when they first move somewhere.

Then, to my surprise, I found out I would be adding three infants to my herd of toddlers… and being overwhelmed is an understatement.

When I could no lonTanner ger do strenuous exercise, Cangelosi I started a yoga class at my gym, and there I met LesAn alum of the University of Central Arkansas, Tanner lie, the yoga instructor. She owns her own business – www. is full of compassion and neonsouthernlady.blogspot.com – and has done a variety of projects, always checking on those from individual home décor items in her classes. When she to painting murals in private residences. For more information, heard my news, she was so Tanner can be reached at kind and said I could even tcangelosi@newlifechurch.tv come to her class to sleep, which was thoughtful because I was SO TIRED. So, for the next few years, I slept and did yoga…and slept some more. Any mother knows that SLEEP is the best gift anyone can give, so I LOVE THIS LADY. It turns out she is also very crafty and frugal.

When I saw pictures of her windows she had redone, I asked her to share her thoughts with 501 LIFE. Here she is, my sleep giver, Leslie: OK readers, let me tell you about my sweet little family. I’m a yoga teacher with a mechanic husband.

We will call him the HH (handsome husband) from now on because, let’s face it, he’s adorable.

Together, we created two incredible little people that run the house. We have lived in our 23-year-old home for more than 10 years. The previous owners were not kind to it. We bought it from the bank and let me tell you, it was in BAD shape. Holes in walls I could climb through and destruction you would not believe. The HH was not interested in this place at all, but I could smell the potential in this little gem.

For six incredibly long months, the HH learned to be a carpenter, tile layer, dry waller, electrician, painter and plumber. All the while, he was working 40-plus hours a week and helping the diaper-bound minions keep me on my toes. Finally, the house was decent enough to allow us to move in.

Over the past few years, we continued to improve the home and the property. More on all the upgrades and craziness later. Today, I want to tell you about our window upgrade on an extreme budget.

Let me take you back five years. I wanted to plank a wall with rustic charm, but I couldn’t find the style of wood that I wanted. It had to be rough cut with knots and loads of southern charm. So, with my family in tow as usual, we made our way into Lowe’s.

As I was perusing the wood selection, I saw the wood I wanted. The overly skeptical HH shook his head then wandered away to get the trolley so I could bring 46 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Leslie Cuffe stands in front of the windows that she and her husband, Michael, replaced in their home.

Michael works on replacing the windows in the family’s home.

home my prize - 6-foot, dog-eared cedar picket fence posts. Once we got it home, we chopped the edges off with the chop saw and with a nail gun, attached them to the wall. BAM! A beautiful, rough cut wood planked wall. After three weeks on the wall, we had to take the wood down and reposition them due to shrinkage. A helpful disaster which was useful for us later. Back to perfection.

Now that we are up to date, I have a cabinet that I wanted to attach to my planked wall. I had to remove half the planks to get it in. So now I have several weathered planks sitting on the floor under a window with no clue what to do with them and no desire to throw them away like a crazy person. Then suddenly PING, light bulb. I want to re-case and frame the window. The previous owners, being the royal gems that they are, left every single window open so the sills would ruin. I informed the HH of my intention and, as is his custom, he shook his head then let me have my way.

That afternoon, as he came in from a long exhausting day, he saw that I had already begun the deconstruction part. (My favorite part) I tore out the trim and began removing the casing around the window. I’ve watched enough “This Old House” episodes that I felt like a pro. (HA.) I employed both minions in the process of pulling the long tacks and nails. Cleanup included vacuuming and a sword fight with the trim, most of which we saved for other projects.

First thing the next morning, we headed back to Lowe’s to purchase more 6-foot fence posts. These puppies went up a full dollar in a year. I needed three more, so I bought seven (just in case disaster struck). We also bought golden oak stain to match trim and the crown molding in the room.

Once home, the HH measured, cut, sanded and stained the already dried wood. I helped too. Then we got out the trusty, handy dandy nail gun. I highly recommend using this for windows. The HH set the depth of the nails. After a few minutes of dry setting the planks, we nailed them in place. Beautiful! A few minutes later the framing was completed and we have a perfect window. I mean it’s swoon worthy. We went from cheap looking, thin pressboard trim to wide heavy planks of real wood. It looks like a southern farmhouse now.

Since I loved it so much, the HH counted up how many boards we need to replace every window. Then he spent an hour at Lowe’s finding the straightest boards with the most character. Those beauties are currently curing on my kitchen floor underneath a gorgeously remodeled window. We did have to go to

the lumber department for one window because it was 10 feet wide. That window cost about $100, and was by far the most expensive upgraded window.

The pickets cost $3.22 each now. It takes eight to complete the windows at a whopping $25.76. The stain was about $6 and I can get two windows completed with one small can of stain. With all supplies added in, I’d say about $30 and an afternoon are invested into my windows. My first set of windows cost us a can of stain and a sheet of sandpaper because we used planks we already used for another project.

The hardest part is the measuring. We took each step slowly and dry fit everything along the way. No window is perfectly square so the dry fit is crucial.

Measure twice, cut once and shim later.

I’m on to my next project of filling in a skylight that I had removed. I’m recycling the old trim from the windows. It’ll be painted so I won’t mind the cheapness of it. Plus, I’m using leftover bead board from a cabinet remodel. Free upgrade. SCORE!

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 47

FASHION

Makeover fun

‘I really had the time of my life’

Susan Jobe (left) applies Emily’s makeup (Limelight

by Alcone) while Chrissy Parris, co-owner of Hybrid Hair Studio, dries her hair to begin styling it. (Sonja Keith photo) Emily Walter recently enjoyed a makeover experience while also helping the Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild.

The makeover – which included hair, makeup, clothes and jewelry – was a prize that she won at the Guild’s Jazz It Up fundraising event. It also included teeth whitening from a local dentist.

An executive broker and realtor for Coldwell Banker, Emily attends First United Methodist Church. She serves as historian and vice president of the church council. Emily is the president-elect for the Faulkner County Board of Realtors and serves on the Conway Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. She and her husband, Jeremy, of 15 years have a 13-year-old daughter.

“The experience was unique,” Emily said of the makeover. “It was very strange to be pampered by so many people and it took me a little while to get used to it. But when it was all over with, I really had the time of my life.”

Businesses donating to the makeover were: Higgs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Conway – Teeth whitening.

Michelle Allen (Plunder Designs) – jewelry/accessories.

Tickled Pink - clothes.

Chrissy Parris (Hybrid Hair Studio) – shampoo and style.

Susan Jobe (Limelight by Alcone) – makeup application and products.

As part of the prize package, 501 LIFE is featuring the makeover in the magazine.

“What intrigued me about the makeover was that I never have time to do anything that the makeover entailed. It was nice to be 48 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Emily Walter shows off the results of a makeover that she won at a fundraising event hosted by the Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild. The makeover included clothing, jewelry, a hair style and makeup. (Mike Kemp photo)

The makeover included jewelry from Michelle Allen (Plunder Designs) and clothing from Tickled Pink.

(Mike Kemp photo)

The Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild is a diverse group of volunteers with one common goal – to ”keep the music playing.”

The Guild is a volunteer organization that supports the musical and educational activities and programs of the Conway Symphony Orchestra. Members enjoy being involved in children’s activities or planning one of the group’s major fundraisers.

For more information, visit conwaysymphony.org/cso-guild.

able to have someone explain and show me different ways to do my hair and makeup and different ways to look at how to wear jewelry,” Emily said. “I am so busy with work, family and life, that it’s so easy to fall into the same routine every day. Since I’ve gone through this makeover, I’ve definitely paid more attention to new trends and made myself take more time to shop for new clothes.”

Emily expressed her appreciation for those who donated to the makeover. “Every single person involved in this makeover made me feel like a million dollars when they finished helping me. Their customer service was incredible,” she said. “Although I was very intimidated to start the whole process, I’m so thankful for the opportunity it gave me and I truly made new friends along the way!”

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 49

THE ARTS

Breathe by Breezy

A self-portrait that Breezy created, depicting her fierce fiery red hair.

Story and photos

by Callie Sterling

Breezy Hughes of Conway began truly exploring painting a little over a year ago; but her art tells another story. The level of talent that Hughes demonstrates in her paintings is something that is difficult to teach, and stems from a true God-given talent.

“I truly believe that this creative outlet was a gift from God,” Hughes said.

Her art seemingly happened by chance; something she simply felt led to do. Although Hughes is a 2001 graduate of Hendrix College, she did not pursue a degree in art.

“I am a self-taught artist,” Hughes said. “I’ve only had a couple of beginning drawing classes in high school and one at Hendrix. Toward the end of 2016, I started painting murals on the walls inside my house. I enjoyed it so much that in early 2017, I decided to try painting on canvases.”

In the beginning of her art experimentation, Hughes attempted painting the way many people would attempt to paint, with a paintbrush. Later, she developed a unique style.

“I ordered my supplies and attempted to paint with absolutely no knowledge of how to use a paintbrush,” Hughes said. “It did not turn out so well, so I decided to start experimenting with the paint.”

Her method is a simplistic, yet strategic technique; she uses only a straw and a paperclip to manipulate where she wants the paint to go on the canvas.

50 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Breezy surrounded by her works of art in her home.

“I began by pouring the paint and tilting the canvas which created really beautiful swirls of paint,” Hughes said. “I realized that if I could control the paint more effectively, it could really make something visually intriguing; so I pulled out a straw from

the kitchen cabinet and used it to blow and direct the pain where I wanted it to go. I call this method ‘BREATHE.’” In addition to using a straw, Hughes has found that integrating the use of a paperclip into her work helps her create the small, intricate details.

“I now also paint with the tip of a paperclip, which I use for any required fine detail work, especially the fine details needed to create portraits,” Hughes said.

Hughes paints original works and she also has begun painting portraits. When painting portraits, she creates an original painting on canvas, using the original photograph as her inspiration.

“I have recently found a new passion for painting portraits,” Hughes said. “It is a fulfilling experience to recreate a special moment in someone’s life by turning their photo into a timeless work of art. I love, love, and painting portraits feels like painting love.”

Hughes views her art as a gift, not only to those who have her paintings hung in their homes, but a gift to herself.

“For the last 13-plus years, I have dedicated my life to working from home and raising my three beautiful boys,” Hughes said. “As any parent knows, life as a working parent is busy and demanding, and there isn’t always time to dedicate to taking the best care of ourselves and making time for the things that feed our soul.”

Hughes found exactly what her heart desired – art.

Breezy paints in her home using the technique that she calls, “BREATHE.” “This new-found love of painting was an avenue that allowed me to pursue some time dedicated to me,” Hughes said. “From the beginning, I felt like this gift was to be used to bring beauty into the lives of others.”

Hughes feels fulfilled by putting her art out into the world. She simultaneously has been able to connect her art with her sons, and use it as a parenting technique. Hughes views her art as a way to inspire her children; encouraging them to chase dreams.

“My favorite thing about painting is that it allows me to use a gift that God has blessed me with to add beauty to the world around me,” Hughes said. “It allows me to dedicate time to doing something I truly enjoy, and it also serves as a way to inspire my boys to pursue their dreams and their passions. I believe everyone is gifted and that life is more fulfilling when we are able to seek out and identify those gifts.”

Above all, Hughes hopes to impact recipients of her work in an amazing way. She hopes to ignite something in the hearts of those who become the new owners of her artwork.

“My favorite pieces are those that stir emotion and touch the heart,” Hughes said. “I recently did a commissioned painting called ‘When We Play Together Again,’ which by far is my favorite piece.

The story behind the painting is heartfelt and very emotional. It is the vision of one mother’s dream, who had lost her oldest son at a young age.”

When creating this piece, Hughes felt God working through her to convey His message of love.

“The piece, ‘When We Play Together Again,’ depicts her prayer for the day that all five of her sons will play together again,” Hughes said. “Creating this vision connected me to God, as it allowed me to use the gift He has given me in the way I feel it is truly intended.”

Hughes enjoys giving her clients the opportunity to see the process in which she creates her paintings; she accomplishes this by making videos. The videos can be emotional to watch, depicting all of the time and love she devotes to each piece.

The video Hughes created for the making of “When We Play Together Again” can be viewed at BreathebyBreezy.com. To contact Hughes for more information about commissioning a painting, or to purchase one of her current works, contact her at breathebybreezy@gmail.com or visit breathebybreezy.com.

“As a surprise, I made a time-lapse video of the painting set to a song that the mother had told me made her think of her son,” Hughes said. “She chose, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ by Mercy Me. Sharing the video and presenting this piece to this mother, and all four of her boys, was an incredibly emotional experience that I will treasure forever.”

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 51

$

501 kids

Enjoying gardening and the outdoors

As parents, we want our children continually learning. We look for ways to incorporate teaching into our daily lives. Living in Arkansas, we are surrounded by agricultural education.

Fruits and vegetables should be a main component of our family’s diet.

Unfortunately, shopping for healthy choices is Katelin much more costly than Whiddon the less healthy options.

Over the past few years, A native of Conway, Katelin Whiddon is a family nurse our family has dabbled in practitioner at Central Arkansas gardening. No, we don’t Pediatrics. She and her husband, have a huge garden or Daniel, have two daughters. A graduate of the University of anything even remotely Central Arkansas, she has her elaborate, but a couple bachelor’s and master’s degrees. of raised bed gardens so our family can enjoy fresh, home-grown vegetables.

Along with the deliciousness and financial savings from groceries, we are looking forward to doing this with our children and teaching them as we go.

There are numerous options for help gardening in central Arkansas. The Plant Outlet and Freyaldenhoven’s Greenhouse are locally-owned options in Conway that have amazing employees to help you choose the crops that are best for your needs (and skill). Your local co-op is typically another great 52 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Helping outdoors

Some of the ways young children can help: • Picking weeds • Planting flowers • Raking leaves • Picking up sweet gumballs • Sweeping a porch/patio • Cleaning outdoor tables • Cleaning outside of windows • Cleaning outside toys resource for helping to prepare your garden.

Let your children get involved in the shopping, planting, watering, harvesting and more. Having them help along the way may make them more likely to eat the foods you grow and develop a love for vegetables.

Another great learning opportunity for children in Arkansas is to visit local farms. Our state grows numerous crops and many farmers would be glad to give a tour of their business and how it works.

Letting children see where their food is coming from will help build their knowledge and get them excited about healthy choices and supporting local farmers.

In addition to growing fruits and vegetables, let your children help with some of the outdoor chores.

Be sure that you are constantly supervising children outdoors and never allow them to partake in dangerous activities or anything not developmentally appropriate. Young children can help outdoors in a variety of ways: picking weeds, planting flowers after you’ve dug a hole, raking leaves, picking up sweet gumballs (we have a ton in our yard), sweeping off the porch/patio, cleaning outdoor tables, cleaning the outside of windows and cleaning outside toys.

Children love to help and be a part of what their parents are doing. Remember to remain positive with them. Even if it takes five times longer for them to wipe a table, allow them to help and tell them what a great job they are doing.

Even if there are no chores to be done, if children wish to help, you can “make up� chores. Let them wipe down chairs or cabinets with a rag or something else that is safe for them to do. Children love learning and are like sponges. If learning remains a positive experience for them, they will continue to crave it and we can help to shape them into the best they can be.

$

Twins Elizabeth and Hudson Felts AGE: 5.

CITY: Searcy.

SCHOOL: Kindergarten (last year).

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Outside recess (Hudson). Centers in morning and afternoon (Elizabeth).

FAMILY: Little brother, Henry.

FAVORITE SNACK: Yogurt (Hudson).

Candy (Elizabeth).

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: Trucks or remote control cars (Hudson). Dolls (Elizabeth).

MORE INFORMATION: Hudson has a booming personality. He never meets a stranger and isn’t afraid to ask a million questions to anyone.

His curiosity about new things is awesome to watch because you can see the wheels turning in his head.

Elizabeth loves playing with her dolls, drawing and pretending to play school. She has a quiet and shy personality until she gets to know you then you see her joyful personality.

She is great at keeping her baby brother entertained.

Twins Elizabeth and Hudson Felts are students in the Searcy School District.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 53

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501 kids

The importance of routine

I have to preface this by saying, I am not a Type A personality. Some people think that you’re either relaxed or you’re stressed, either overly scheduled or fly by the seat of your pants. That doesn’t have to be the case, and in fact, if you want a better flow to your day, better attitudes from your kids and Brittany more joy in your home, Gilbert a simple routine may be Brittany Gilbert is a former the thing you’re missing.

FACS teacher at Maumelle High Being a workSchool. She and her husband, from-home mom who Levi, have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be homeschools, you would reached at think we wouldn’t need b.gilbert37@gmail.com. much routine at all in our home, but that’s so far from the truth. Lately, we’ve realized just how important it is to making our lives better. Turns out, kids thrive on routine, and really, so do parents.

54 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Morning is the most important in regards to routine. What is going to set you up for a successful morning? Is there anything you can do at night that you don’t have to do in the morning that will make your day go better? There have been so many times when I’m getting everyone ready in the morning and looking for shoes takes too much time. If you already know those things are done and ready to go, it is easier to get up in the morning and know you won’t have to make any major decisions.

Simple and practical tips to make your morning and day go better: Set the backpack by the door, ready to grab.

How many times do you wake up late and not prepared? The last thing you want to do is run around the house looking for notebooks and homework. If you set time aside the night before to make sure all homework is completed, everything is in the backpack and it’s by the door ready to grab in case you’re running out the door, you will be very thankful.

Make lunch the night before. This is something I think everyone thinks of right away when preparing for the next day. Meal prep is becoming so popular, and it’s really so simple. We see the benefits it provides in saving time and energy so we don’t have to

do it at the last minute.

Set out clothes the night before or even the week before. Again, this is something we know is helpful.

Studies have shown that by setting out clothes the night before, it reduces anxiety and stress that comes by standing in your closet for ridiculous amounts of time stressing over what you’re going to wear.

Problem solved! Also, for kids, another tip is to create outfits ahead of time. Put them in Ziploc bags and store in their dresser. Then, in the morning, they can grab a bag and get ready.

Make your routine work for you and for your life. Your schedule is different than mine. It may be that you’re in a different season of life than I am and you have different things on your plate than I do.

Create an evening routine that makes you want to get up in the morning. Consider waking up before your kids do so that you can have some time to yourself to meditate, exercise, drink coffee in silence, read a book — you name it. The possibilities are almost endless.

Just a little bit of time alone can really set your family up for success and make you ready for when the kids wake up and the list of demands begin. May the day have the best you.

AUTHORS IN THE 501

Writer donates books to share memory Jesica Talbert of Conway became an author in part due to of the loss of her brother.

“I am not a writer,” Jesica said.

“I am not an illustrator. I am a sister who misses her brother dearly. I am trying to honor my brother and find a purpose in his Susan passing. I want to give Peterson his sons a way to reSusan Peterson holds a PhD in member him. I believe education and taught that if I can share his at the University of Central Arkansas and Slippery Rock memory with others University in Pennsylvania. She while encouraging retired in 2004 and now spends her time doing artwork (painting imagination, family and pottery). She is the executive communication and secretary of the Arkansas Reading trust, then perhaps Association, a professional organization for educators something positive that has about 800 members came from a tragedy.” statewide.

Initially, Jesica was going to base the ideas in her stories off her sons. But a friend suggested that she instead write about one character – and the idea came to mind to write a story to honor her brother, Travis Cox, who died in 2012 in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind a wife and two young boys. She knew that writing about Travis would also pay homage to her mother, Tracie Dennis, who inspired her children to dream of what is possible.

By writing a book, Jesica would keep her brother’s memory alive and it would also honor her mother by showing the positive

Vehicle Wraps

Author Jesica Talbert. impact she made on their lives.

A synopsis of the book reads: Every night, with encouragement from his mother, the Traveler would fall asleep and allow his dreams to help him sort through the challenges he faced. He journeyed near and far only to realize that all he ever needed was confidence in himself.

Jesica now has the goal of encouraging other children to read and pursue their own dreams. She has donated copies of “The Little Traveler” to various libraries and schools that directly impacted her and Travis. She researched different libraries and inquired about membership statistics and enrollment numbers

Event Signage

Floor Graphics

to find the greatest potential reach with each book donation.

Her proudest moment was Christmas 2017 when she presented the draft of the book to her family as a Christmas present. “My mother cried, my father was in awe, but best of all everyone was proud. I think Travis would feel honored, and that is what it is all about.”

The Little Traveler is for sale online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon for $16.99.

In February, Jesica began working on her second book in the series. She has a Facebook page – The Little Traveler Stories – that is dedicated to showing its progress.

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Want to get noticed?

Go BIG with Magna IV’s Wide Format Printing Steven Schilling | steven@magna4.net | 1-800-946-2462 | www.magna4.com

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 55

BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Unity Health Foundation names recipients of auxiliary scholarship Unity Health Foundation recently announced the 2018 Foundation Auxiliary Scholarship recipients at the annual Auxiliary Awards Luncheon held at the Robbins Sanford Grand Hall. Unity Health Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Executive presented scholarships of $1,000 each to students during the ceremony.

In awarding the scholarships, the Auxiliary Scholarship Selection Team sought students who plan to enter one of the many healthcare-related fields of study. The Foundation Auxiliary Scholarships were established as a memorial for a loved one, or in memory or in honor of individuals who made great contributions to medicine in White County. Funding for the scholarships is provided each year by the Unity Health Auxiliary.

Students and their families were able to attend the luncheon to receive their scholarships and were given a warm welcome by the Unity Health Auxiliary. Students were chosen based on criteria that included financial need, academic achievements, community involvement and the desire to enter a healthcare related career.

“We are so honored to work with our Auxiliary each year on the scholarships for students entering healthcare related fields,” said Feltrop. “They are committed to providing the funds for the scholarships and have a committee who evaluates the applications and selects the winners. Our hopes are that the scholarship recipients will return to work at Unity Health upon completion of their degrees.”

Recipients included: Susan Harris, Associate - Kandace Muncy Memorial Scholarship Kaira Yates, Bradford High School - Roger Mills Memorial Scholarship Allison Strayhorn, Beebe High School - Houston Butler Memorial Scholarship Erin McGuirt, Searcy High School - Albert Pilkington, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Vanessa Rios-Resendiz, Riverview High School -

Recipients of Unity Health Foundation Scholarships: Madison Moffitt (seated, from left), Abigail Hamby, Claire Farley, Vanessa Rios-Resendiz, Susan Harris; Jacob Ripley (standing), Sara Feather, Erin McGuirt, Kaira Yates and Allison Strayhorn.

Juanita Morgan Memorial Scholarship Claire Farley, Bald Knob High School - Thelma Quattlebaum Memorial Scholarship Celeste Pinkerten, Beebe High School - Michael Lynn Memorial Scholarship Madison Moffitt, Searcy High School - Dr. Martin Hawkins Memorial Scholarship Abigail Hamby, Searcy High School - Charles Yingling Memorial Scholarship Patricia Waller, Associate - Dr. Thomas Formby Memorial Scholarship Lani Wolfe, Beebe High School - Debbie Cantrell Memorial Scholarship

The Conway Regional Women’s Council was recognized by the Greenbrier Middle School for its partnership in promoting physical fitness and nutrition. “The Turning Point” School Partner and Volunteer Award was presented by Assistant Principal Lindsay Griffin (from left) to council president Aimee Prince and president-elect Mathilda Hatfield. The school has applied for and received teacher’s grants provided by the council to support different initiatives on campus, including a new walking track and physical education equipment for special needs students.

56 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Elizabeth Rios, Riverview High School - Barbara Brown Memorial Scholarship Sara Feather, Searcy High School - Dr. Porter Rodgers Jr. Scholarship Jacob Ripley, Searcy High School - Floyd Holifield Memorial Scholarship Kristen Holeyfield, Searcy High School - Dr. A.R. Brown Memorial Scholarship Chariti Miller, Associate - Mary Formby Memorial Scholarship The Unity Health Foundation Scholarship program is open to area high school seniors, as well as Unity Health associates and children of associates, each spring.

CARTI renovation combines two clinics Renovation is under way on the existing CARTI Radiation Oncology facility at 2605 College Ave. When complete, all CARTI Conway services will be offered from this facility, maximizing efficiency and patient access.

The newly renovated 13,400-square-foot center will fully integrate clinical services for medical and radiation oncology, as well as diagnostic radiation.

Radiation therapy and medical oncology were previously provided at two separate locations. The current medical oncology facility has 12 chairs for infusion therapy, through which chemotherapy is delivered.

The renovated facility will provide a new chemotherapy infusion center with 15 heated chairs, with extra room for family members and the space to grow at a later date. Public areas in the renovated clinic will include a lobby with areas to sit, converse or rest; an atrium; coffee/refreshment bar; Wi-Fi; digital patient education; and a resource library.

Drs. Jamie Burton, Ryan Hall and Lawrence Mendelsohn will provide medical oncology while

A rendering of the new reception area.

Dr. Christopher Pope will continue providing radiation oncology services.

CARTI offers the most technologically advanced, comprehensive diagnostic radiology available and is accredited by the American College of Radiology. All areas of diagnostic radiology services may be obtained by outside referrals for non-malignant diagnostic exams at CARTI Conway, including lung screenings, diagnostic CT, nuclear medicine, PET-

CT scans, ultrasound and interventional radiology.

“We are excited to expand our cancer care services to the Conway community at one convenient location,” said Adam Head, president and chief executive officer of the statewide network of cancer care providers. “From minimizing the steps a patient has to take between registration and end-of-treatment, to state-of-the-art equipment for optimal patient comfort, the delivery of care will make a huge difference to patients who receive their treatment in Conway.”

Existing radiation oncology services will not be disrupted, as the footprint of the building is not expanding, only the services.

When CARTI opened its radiation oncology clinic in Conway in 1996, it was the network’s fourth. Medical oncology services in Conway have been provided since 2015. The general contractor for the $1 million renovation is Nabholz Construction.

The project is expected to be complete in midSeptember.

For more information, visit CARTI.com.

Centennial Bank recently donated $20,000 in support of three Conway Regional Health Foundation fundraisers, including the annual Golf Classic, Dazzle Daze® 2018 and the new Arkansas Duck Derby, a duck hunting tournament planned for January.

Those involved in the presentation were Greg Sanson (from left), division president of Centennial Bank locations in Conway, north central Arkansas and Alabama; Bob Leffert, business development officer; Conway Regional Health System President and CEO Matt Troup; Lori Ross, chief development officer for Conway Regional; and Marla Hambuchen, special events coordinator for the Conway Regional Health Foundation.

UCA names Ealy to post The University of Central Arkansas recently announced the naming of Dr. Shaneil Ealy as the associate vice president for the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement.

Ealy, a Conway native and graduate of UCA, has worked for the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement for the past 15 years. For the last two years, she has served as assistant vice president for the division. With the news of her appointment, Ealy said, “I am honored to continue to advance the mission of the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement in this new role.”

Ealy will report to UCA Chief of Staff Kelley Erstine.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ealy as associate vice president of Outreach and Community Engagement. She has a long history with the division and has spearheaded many initiatives over the years. Her experience,

education and vision for the division made her the right choice for the job,” said Erstine.

Ealy holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Arkansas, a master of business administration from UCA and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Her dedication and service to UCA has been recognized as Ealy was named the UCA non-classified Employee of the Year in 2017. She is also a past president of the UCA Staff Senate, Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education and currently is the secretary for the Conway Public Schools Foundation Board.

Ealy is one of the founding members of the Women’s Leadership Network at UCA and the director of the Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute (formerly Faulkner County Youth Leadership Institute).

Dr. Shaneil Ealy.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 57

SPORTS ROUNDUP

UCA presents Moonlight Graham award

The 2018 recipients of the UCA Moonlight Graham Sports Medicine Award are Hailey McNee (left) and Alicia Atchley.

The 2017 recipients, surrounded by staff, were Mike Taylor and Karina Angeles.

The University of Central Arkansas recently recognized two outstanding athletic training students with its Moonlight Graham Sports Medicine Award.

The 2018 recipients of the award are Alicia Atchley and Hailey McNee. The inaugural Moonlight award winners, recognized in 2017, were Karina Angeles and Mike Taylor. Both presentations were made during a UCA baseball game.

The purpose of the award is to recognize an athletic training student that exhibits leadership to

the profession, an exemplary academic record and dependability in the clinical setting while in the UCA Athletic Training Program.

The criteria for this award are as follows: Accepted into the UCA Athletic Training Program Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Active membership in an athletic training student organization at the college, state, district or national level

The award is named for Archibald Wright “Moonlight” Graham (1879-1965), who practiced and researched medicine for 60 years. A successful professional baseball player for eight years, he possessed a special commitment to the health and well-being of student athletes. Commonly viewed as the first healthcare professional to practice sports medicine, he was catapulted to international fame and respect in the movie “Field of Dreams.”

Guy-Perkins athlete signs with college Michaela Malone will be headed to Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge (Lawrence County) this fall to run track and cross country.

A 2018 graduate of Guy-Perkins High School, she signed with Williams Baptist in December.

A daughter of Jamie and Tina Malone, Michaela was All State in track in 2017. She was the 5 North Track and Field female high point winner in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Michaela plans to study business finance at Williams Baptist.

58 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Michaela Malone was surrounded by family and other well-wishers as she signed to run track and cross country at Williams Baptist: Michaela’s father (seated, from left), Jamie Malone, and her mother, Tina Malone; Guy-Perkins cross country coach Waco Hale (standing), Michaela’s sister Artavia Malone, her brother Colby Malone, Williams Baptist assistant coach Ryan Bontz and GuyPerkins track coach Damon Teas.

Michaela Malone was “Loving LIFE” as she signed to run track and cross country at Williams Baptist University.

Soccer groups join forces in Conway Conway United Soccer Association (known as Arkansas Rush) and Arkansas United Soccer Club recently announced the two organizations will be joining together to become the sole provider of soccer programming in Conway.

The joining of clubs provides a renewed promise and vigor to serve the soccer community of Conway. Together, the clubs launched the partnership by holding competitive team tryouts at Centennial Park in June. The training and competition will also take place at Centennial Park in Conway.

“Our goal is to serve the soccer community of Conway in the best way possible,” said Clint Tyler, president of Conway United Soccer Club. “By joining with Arkansas United, we feel confident in being able to meet the needs of all players.”

“We are excited about the unlimited potential for the soccer players of Conway,” said Walter Anger, president of Arkansas United Soccer Club.

“We will unify under Arkansas United Soccer Club to continue our shared mission of promoting youth soccer. We strive to instill a love for the game in each of our players and to provide an atmosphere where each player may participate and progress according to his or her interest and ability.”

For more information, visit arkansasunited. demosphere-secure.com.

The Greenbrier Juniors Volleyball Team was “Loving LIFE” as champions of the Rumble on the White River Volley tournament: Coach Amanda Dimon (from left), Grace Oaks, Brae Denton, Presley Cullum, Haleigh Moss, Kyndal Johnston, Cassidy Lear and Grace House.

The Perryville First Baptist Beast Feast Server Team was “Loving LIFE.”

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August 2018 501lifemag.com | 59

SPORTS

Relentless

Buczek reflects on historic Razorback run

by Mark Oliver

Greenbrier native Autumn Buczek learned many lessons during her tenure with the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks Softball Team. Not only did these virtues help her become a better competitor, they have also helped pave the way for her future.

“I’ve always been really competitive my whole life in everything that I do,” Buczek said. “From a young age, my dad always pushed me to be the best that I could be and he never let me do anything halfway. My parents helped instill in me the work ethic that helped carry me to the University of Arkansas.”

Following an impressive career at Greenbrier High School, Buczek (formerly Autumn Russell) says that her transition to playing college softball in Fayetteville was not an easy one.

“My freshman year was intimidating, to say the least,” Buczek said. “My statistics showed that. I struggled, both from a personal standpoint and a team standpoint. Midway through the year, I was taken out of the lineup and didn’t play much after that.”

Faced with adversity, Buczek learned a valuable lesson about overcoming the odds and what it took to be a winner in the legendary Southeastern Conference.

“I really had to learn and accept that it was OK for me to fail,” Buczek said. “During my freshman year, when I failed, it took a big toll on me and I carried it with me to each at bat.”

A personnel change sparked regrowth for Buczek during her sophomore campaign at Arkansas, where the infielder increased her statistics — and her confidence — dramatically.

“Confidence is everything in the game of softball,” Buczek said. “My new coaches helped me understand that it was OK for me to fail as long as I learned to let go and move on quickly. I took that lesson to heart and began growing and settling in at the beginning of my sophomore year.”

As a sophomore, Buczek started all 56 games at third base for the Razorbacks and led the team in runs scored and stolen bases. With her head held high, the rejuvenated athlete returned to lead the Razorbacks with 58 hits and a career-high .349 batting average in her junior year.

“My junior season was a great year for our group,” Buczek said. “It was a big confidence booster for the team and it taught us that we were good enough to play with the best.”

60 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Aut Raz

Autumn Buczek and the Lady Razorbacks Softball Team had an impressive 2018 season. The team posted a 42-17 record which led to an NCAA Super Regional appearance against No. 4 Oklahoma — one of the best seasons in program history. (Kevin Snyder photos) In 2018, the Arkansas Razorbacks amassed an impressive 42-17 record which led to an NCAA Super Regional appearance against No. 4 Oklahoma — one of the best seasons in program history.

“This season was historical in many ways,” Buczek said. “After my first two seasons with

the team, sometimes the work felt pointless.

Being there helped us realize that all of our hard work had finally paid off and it was nice to be able to end my career at that stage.”

For Buczek, the team’s defining moment came from a series win over a formidable foe.

“There were tons of big moments for us

Autumn Buczek (top, from left), Autumn Storms, Carley Haizlip and Lauren Archuleta with a group celebrating the Lady Razorbacks Softball Team.

throughout the year,” Buczek said. “One of the biggest was our series win over Alabama.

Given their incredible history, finding a way to beat them gave us the confidence that carried us through the rest of the year.”

With her collegiate softball career officially at its end, Buczek says she’ll miss the time spent with her teammates the most.

“There were a lot of good laughs and memories with our team,” Buczek said. “Off the field, we were pretty carefree and goofy. That’s what made playing fun. I will also miss the level of competition. I loved getting to compete with those girls. They were relentless and taught me so much from a competitive standpoint.”

This spring, Buczek graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. She recently relocated to Donalsonville, Ga., with her husband, Sam, to begin the next chapter of her athletic career.

“I took an assistant softball and basketball coaching position for Seminole County High School in Georgia,” Buczek said. “I will also be teaching physical education and health, too.”

As she prepares to enter the world of coaching, Buczek will never forget her days in the 501 as a young girl with big dreams.

“Dream big,” Buczek said. “It’s a cliché, but it’s one that I support 100 percent. I would also say to young girls that playing softball at the collegiate level is a big deal no matter which school you play for. It’s an awesome achievement and something to be proud of.”

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August 2018 501lifemag.com | 61

SPORTS

Conway County: Shekinna Stricklen

by Dr. Robert Reising

Passion and potential — she has always possessed both. Even as a third-grader, she loved basketball and could outplay her school mates, boys as well as girls, in school-yard and Pee-Wee encounters. Her earliest years, it was obvious, harbingered a spectacular future for Shekinna Stricklen in her favorite sport.

As she graduated to middle school play in Morrilton, her intensity and talent attracted increasing attention. Among those impressed was Shelley Davis, now the head basketball coach at Sylvan Hills High, previously in the same post at Morrilton High. As Shekinna exited the eighth-grade and a 26-0 basketball season, Coach Davis reserved a spot for her on the high school varsity team. Flattered and grateful, Shekinna proceeded to launch a four-year assault on school, conference and state records.

Between 2005 and 2008, she earned four varsity letters and selection to four All-Conference and All-State teams while starting in all 120 games played. She tallied 2,690 points.

During the same seasons, she added 1,400 rebounds, 726 assists, 474 steals and 605 blocked shots in leading her team to the 2006 state championship and scoring 45 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the state finals two seasons later.

The nation’s most prestigious honors were abundant, too. Twice she was named Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, in 2007 and 2008. In the former year, she gained AllAmerican honors from Parade magazine, the lone Arkansan to win that designation. In the latter, she tallied 15 points and collected 6 rebounds in her team’s win in the Women’s Basketball Association/Nike All-American game played in Tampa, Fla. In 2008, Slam Magazine proclaimed her an All-American, as did Street & Smith. EA Sports added its 2008 All-American designation, as well.

International experience and recognition did not escape her, either, during summers of her pre-baccalaureate years. Designated the Most Outstanding Player in the 2006 Basketball Congress International Nationals 15U, a year later she was a member of the Red Team earning a bronze medal at the USA Basketball Youth Development Festival. In 2008, she was a member of the USA Women’s U18 National Team.

But the much-anticipated battle for the 6-foot-2 Shekinna’s court skills at the intercollegiate level never materialized. By state tournament time in her senior year, she had already committed to play for the Lady Vols of the University of Tennessee (UT) and the legendary Pat Summitt, winner of eight NCAA national titles and 1,098 career games, more than any other male or female basketball coach 62 | 501 LIFE August 2018

In her four years at the University of Tennessee, Shekinna received numerous awards and recognition, including being named Freshman of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press. (Photo courtesy of the University of Tennessee) in Division I basketball history.

In the four years that followed, Shekinna was again to star. Her first year saw her named Freshman of the Year by the U.S. Basketball

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 second installment in the second series.

Shekinna when she played in the eighth grade at Morrilton. (Robert Garrett photo) Writers Association (USBWA); her second, Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press; and her third, Southeastern Conference Player of the Year as well as both a State Farm and a USBWA All-American.

In her final campaign, proclaimed the most versatile player in the nation, she nonetheless was at her scoring best, pouring 539 points through the nets and enjoying her highest pergame scoring average: 15.4.

For Shekinna and her teammates, however, the 2011-2012 season was more painful than pleasant. Their beloved Coach Summitt was diagnosed the previous July with the earlyonset Alzheimer disease that was to take her life less than five years later.

Strengthening Shekinna’s skills and earning her additional international experience before departing UT was yet another off-season stint outside her native country. In 2011, she excelled in leading Team USA to the gold medal at the World University Games in China.

Upon 2012 graduation from UT, Shekinna welcomed the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) annual draft. The No. 2 pick nationally, she launched a successful three-season stay with the Seattle Storm the next spring, followed by another trio of years with the Connecticut Sun, ending with a spectacular 2017 campaign. On the eve of signing her second three-year contract with the Nutmeg State’s franchise in February, she registered career highs of 71 three-pointers and 41 percent from behind the arc, and a Connecticut-Sun record 7 three-pointers in a single contest.

Now, as her seventh professional season unfolds, driven and selfless Shekinna continues to display the athletic excellence cultivated on her native soil. Conway County and the 501 are proud that she does.

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August 2018 501lifemag.com | 63

TRAVEL

Exploring the Tollantusky Trail

by Fred Petrucelli

It is a gorgeous and captivating piece of wilderness that is largely forgotten by most people.

Only five miles west of Conway, the Tollantusky Trail offers vistas of commanding beauty along the Arkansas River. It is named for Tollantusky, a distinguished chief of the Arkansas Cherokees who arrived here from Tennessee in 1809.

It is believed that the chief lived in the area where Cadron Settlement Park is located until 1817. From there, he traveled extensively, at times going to Washington, D.C., to affix his signature to treaties with the U.S. government.

Tollantusky died in 1818, 15 years before the infamous Trail of Tears in which his people were forcibly moved across Arkansas and relocated in Oklahoma Indian Territory.

The Faulkner County Historical Society writes that the meandering Tollantusky Trail was established by the U.S. Corps of Engineers as a memorial to the noted Indian chief. It measures 7,500 feet in walking time. In effect, it is a leisurely 45 minutes with rest stops.

The trail’s beauty is enhanced by pastoral scenes and a panorama of natural, breathtaking views that give notice of its wonder.

As the trail begins, the visitor finds himself on an eroded road bed that carried coaches of the old Butterfield Stage Line, which listed Cadron as a regular station on the mail route from Memphis to San Francisco.

Historical findings from the Faulkner Historical Society note that at the crest of the first hill of the Tollantusky Trail, the Harris Family is buried in six or seven unidentified graves, including the Army lieutenant who traveled with the Native Americans on the Trail of Tears.

From the cemetery, the trail continues to the bluff of the north ridge and affords an excellent view of the Arkansas River. Huge red cedars — some old enough to date back to the time of the Cadron Settlement — and a variety of vegetation (moss, ferns honeysuckle, dogwood) can be seen while walking the trail.

The next stop is Vista Point, another scenic spot above the river bluff. A short climb along the trail to the crest of the ridge leads to an outcropping of moss and lichen rocks. The trail extends along the ridge again to the river bluff where the elevation is some 375 feet above sea level. This is almost 100 feet higher than the trail’s beginning, although the change is gradual.

The stage road is again briefly encountered as the trail leads past the north ridge parking lot along the north slope. A short side spur on the eastern end of the slope provides a path to one of the original U.S. government survey points established in the area.

64 | 501 LIFE August 2018

The trail provides a scenic overlook of the Arkansas River. (Doug Coppock photos) The trail continues across the crest of the North Ridge Road near the well pump, picnic tables and restrooms. It makes a long, winding descent and curves along a deep gully to a low water, native stone bridge, which spans the ravine at the Old Grist Mill site, and ends the trail at the entrance parking lot.

Information about historical points of interest along the trail was provided by the Faulkner County Historical Society and the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Tollantusky Trail is located at Cadron Settlement Park near Conway.

FEATURE

Why we live in the 501

by Linda Henderson

There is only one answer to why we live in the 501 – family!

Jim’s family came to the 501 in 1962. His parents are Jack and Joanne Henderson. His family moved here from Southeast Arkansas when he was just a toddler.

Linda Jack brought his family to Conway to work for Henderson State Farm Insurance Jim and Linda Henderson as an agent. Jack’s first are lifelong residents of the office was on Davis Street 501. During the week, Jim has a construction business and in their home; he later Linda is a registered nurse at the moved to the Con-Ark Conway Human Development Center. On the weekends, they Shopping Center and travel the 501 and other areas then built an office on of Arkansas. Jim drives and hauls equipment. Linda takes Factory Street in Conphotographs of Arkansas. During way. Jack retired from their travels, they have gained appreciation and love for The State Farm in 1999.

Natural State. They have found Soon after their the 501 has so much to offer for weekend fun and beauty to move to Conway, Jim’s photograph. brother Roe was born. A few years later, Amanda, Jim’s younger sister was born. All the Henderson siblings attended Conway Public Schools and are graduated from the University of Central Arkansas.

Roe married a Conway girl, Missy Parker. He has a Shelter Insurance Agency in Conway. Amanda married Richard Henley, who sells real estate for ERA in Conway.

My roots run a little deeper in the 501 soil. From my family ancestry research, the earliest reliable documentation places my mother’s Henry family in the Faulkner/White County area around 1841.

Census records have my fourth great-grandfather and grandmother, Francis Patrick Henry and Mary Isabel Morrison, coming to Arkansas from South Caroline to the Batesville area around 1831 and then settling in Mount Vernon in 1841. They are buried in the Old Henry Graveyard southwest of Mount Vernon. His son was James Augustus Henry and his son was Francis Edward Henry. He is buried in Hawthicket Cemetery in Faulkner County. Their son, Joshua Jock Henry, was the father of Marion Otis Henry who married Stella Lou Harlan. They were my grandparents. Both died long before I was born. They are buried in Oliver Cemetery in White County.

My Hoggard Family arrived in Faulkner County in 1858. Clemons O. Hoggard and his wife, Martha Jane Dilday, traveled to Arkansas with seven or their 10 children from North Carolina. They settled in the Enola area and are listed as pioneer settlers in “People Around Enola 1830 to 1885” by Dibrell Ingram. The family is also listed as early arrivers

Linda (from left) and Jim Henderson, Peggy and Tommy Hoggard, and Mark and Tracy Hoggard near Alread (Van Buren County).

Jesse Aaron and Anna Elizabeth Hoggard in 1917 at Enola.

Ernest Joe Hoggard around 1912 at Enola. by the Faulkner County Historical Society. Land records indicate that Clemons Hoggard owned land in what is known as the Union Valley community

now. In 1860, he purchased 300 acres that is now known as Marcus Hill. He and his wife lived out their years farming the fertile bottom lands of the Cadron Creek. They are listed as being buried in Siloam Cemetery, east of Enola. Their sixth child, Jesse Aaron Hoggard, was my great-grandfather. Jesse August 2018 501lifemag.com | 65

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Joann (seated, left) and Jack (middle) Henderson with their children Amanda Henley, Jim (back, left) and Roe near Alread.

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Peggy and Tommy Hoggard at Mayflower.

Joann and Jack Henderson in 2017.

married Anna Elizabeth Gist in 1874 in Faulkner County. My grandpa was Ernest Joe, their youngest child. Grandpa married Estell Sanders from Enola.

She was a daughter of Leroy Sanders and Marinda Ingram.

Grandma and Grandpa Hoggard were married in Holland (Faulkner County), after a church revival in 1917. They had five children, Selma Wooley, Jessie Lee Glover, Joann Whitaker, Billy Hoggard and my dad Tommy. They raised their family and farmed land next to the Cadron Creek, also known as the Bowie Bottoms in North Faulkner County. Cotton was the primary cash crop during their time as farmers.

The family still owns the original farm land, although they no longer own the land the home place is on. The house on Marcus Hill road where

my great-grandparents and my grandparents raised their family still stands. It stands abandoned and will likely fall from decay soon.

All of Grandma and Grandpa’s kids graduated from Enola High School. After their youngest (my dad) graduated, they moved to Conway. They lived for many years on Washington Avenue, then later on Sixth Street in Conway. All of my dad’s siblings and families remained in the 501 area. Two lived in the Little Rock/North Little Rock area, one in the Needs Creek community and in Conway.

Grandma and Grandpa lived long and happy lives.

Grandpa and Grandma were married for more than 71 years. Grandpa was 92 when he died and Grandma was the oldest woman in Faulkner County when she died at 104. In 1999, the Faulkner County Fair Parade theme

Grandma Estell Hoggard in the Faulkner County Fair Parade in 1999 celebrating 101.

Grandma Estell Hoggard and her kids, Selma Wooley, Jessie Lee Glover, Joann Whitaker, Billy Hoggard and Tommy Hoggard at Marcus Hill in Faulkner County. was “101.” She was honored and rode in the parade because she was 101 years old.

Now my immediate family roots. Tommy Hoggard met Velma Lou Peggy Helen Henry (the long name is another story for later) from Mount Vernon in 1954 during their freshmen English class at Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in Conway. They married two years later. Dad finished up his military service and coached basketball in South Arkansas for a short time. They returned to Conway when he was offered a job at the Arkansas Children’s Colony (now the Conway Human Development Center) in 1959.

Dad was among some of the very first employed at the Children’s Colony and continued to work there until he retired. Mom was a schoolteacher for the Vilonia Public Schools for many years.

I have one younger brother, Mark Hoggard.

My brother and I attended school in Conway and graduated from UCA. Mark married Tracy Harrell from Mayflower and is employed by Acxiom.

The next generation, well our borders have be-

Estell and her twin sister, Ardell Sanders, taken around 1914 at Enola. come wider. We now have Henderson/Hoggard kids from California to Florida and places in between. A few remain in the 501 areas, but all still refer to the 501 as home base.

As you can see, my family lineage and the history of the 501 are very much entwined. My forebears came to Arkansas while it was still a territory and later settled in what would be the 501 area shortly after Arkansas became a state. Both the Henderson and Hoggard families remain close-knit and spend much time together. Many members of my extended family are in the 501 area and holidays and special occasions are still celebrated together. Both of our families have left us a legacy of faith, family importance, education, health, long life and a strong work ethic. I am blessed to live where I live.

The 501 area is beautiful and full of Arkansas history, but most of all, I am blessed to live close to family and ones I love. So that is why I live in the 501!

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 67

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Treated like family

Hartman Animal dedicated to quality care

The staff at Hartman Animal Hospital was “Loving LIFE”: Cayla Baker (front, from left), Dr. JoAnna Roath, Dr. Greg Hartman, Rebecca Phillips, Tori Thielemier; Dawn Fryar (back), Meagan Hartman, David Sartain, Kyra Jackson and Sarah Downey. Not pictured: Julie Bain, Haleigh Brown, Nikki Daniel and Susan Roper.

Story and photos

by Sonja J. Keith

Dr. Greg Hartman and the staff at Hartman Animal Hospital in West Conway are dedicated to providing quality care, treating all as if they were a member of the family.

“Our clinic welcomes an opportunity for a personal relationship with people and their pets and to offer high quality health care for all of our patients,” Hartman said. “Our mission is to provide the best overall health and quality of life care that we can for pets and to treat each pet as our own and as a member of the family.”

Hartman Animal Hospital opened in 2004 and offers services in companion animal medicine, surgery and boarding. There are 15 employees of the clinic, which primarily cares for cats and dogs. It is located at 385 Hogan Lane.

Hartman, who was born and raised in Morrilton, moved to Conway to attend the University of Central Arkansas. He is a graduate of the Tuskegee 68 | 501 LIFE August 2018

Receptionist Dawn Fryar with Stella and Jax.

“

I enjoy living in this part of the state where there is a great balance of multiple outdoor opportunities for enjoyment as well as several high quality educational opportunities for our children.

”

— Dr. Greg Hartman School of Veterinary Medicine in Tuskegee, Ala. “I have stayed in Conway, except for the small time that I attended veterinary school. I enjoy living in this part of the state where there is a great balance of multiple outdoor opportunities for enjoyment as well as several high quality educational opportunities for our children.”

Hartman and his wife, Amy, have three children – Isabella, Mary and Kyle. The family has four dogs – Willow, Winston, Stella and Bo – as well as a cat, Benny.

For more information, call 501.450.6444, email hartmananimal@tcworks.net or visit hartmananimalhospital.weebly.com.

“Working here, in a growing town like Conway, offers an opportunity for continued business growth with my practice and allows me to visit and associate with people who not only share the importance of having pets in our lives but also share common interests such as the outdoors and sports. We also enjoy raising our children in this area.”

The Hartman Family with their pets: Mary (front, from left) with Stella, Isabella with Willow and Winston; Kyle with Benny, Dr. Greg Hartman and Amy with Bo.

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

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 69

NEIGHBORS person of the month

John Merguie

CITY: Conway WORK: Police chief, University of Central Arkansas. Twenty-seven years with the department.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Special Olympics.

FAMILY: Wife, Lisa, of 25 years; two children, Alex and Julianne “Jules.” Both attend UCA, where I can keep an eye on them.

EDUCATION: In August 2017, I obtained my associate’s degree. I plan to finish my bachelor’s in the near future.

LAST BOOK YOU READ: “Be Freaking Awesome.”

FAVORITE BOOK: “With the Old Breed.”

FAVORITE MEAL: Catfish and hushpuppies, but only if made by my dad.

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: My grandfather’s badge.

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY:

Hunting during the fall season and enjoying a sandy beach in the summer.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.” Theodore Roosevelt NO. 1 VACATION SPOT: Anywhere there is a white sandy beach and saltwater.

FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS: Green timber “Duck Hole” my dad and I have hunted since I was old enough to go.

“Location not disclosed.”

John Merguie, the new police chief at the University of Central Arkansas, was born and raised in Jonesboro, where he lived until after high school. “I am a transplant like a lot of people now living in Conway,” he said. “I met my wife, Lisa, when I was working in Newport. Lisa was already enrolled at UCA, so that is what brought me to Conway. After Lisa graduated from UCA, we moved back to Jonesboro, but shortly thereafter realized Conway was our home. We both agreed Conway was the place to work and raise our family.” (Mike Kemp photo)

70 | 501 LIFE August 2018

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: Conway is a great community to raise

a family. Friendly people with a small town feel, but I love seeing the growth of the city as well.

More Than 50 Reasons to Celebrate.

This year, CareChex® named Conway Regional: #1 Hospital in the Central Arkansas Market for Medical Excellence in Overall Hospital Care (2018)* #1 Hospital in the State for Patient Safety in Orthopedic Care (2018)* #1 Hospital in the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health (2018)* Plus, 49 other prestigious awards*

One Team. One Promise.

In addition to our full and dedicated team, we would like to thank you, our patients, for continuing to trust Conway Regional for your healthcare needs. *CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc.

August 2018 501lifemag.com | 71

OPENING DOORS FOR Arkansas B U S I N E S S .

First Security offers solutions and local expertise to turn your passion into profit.

What’s your better? Get there with us.

72 | 501 LIFE August Member FDIC 2018