December 2025

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PUBLISHER/ ART DIRECTOR

Jeremy L. Higginbotham

EDITOR

Stefanie W. Brazile

FOUNDERS

Donna Spears, Sonja Keith and Tracy Ferrell

ADVERTISING SALES

Donna Spears, Donald Brazile, KD Reep and Rita Halter Thomas

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Levi Gilbert

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Makenzie Evans and Najeé Fletcher

COPY EDITOR

Andrea Miller

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Debbie Flowers

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Lisa Hutchison

SOCIAL MEDIA

Morgan Zimmerman

CONTRIBUTORS

Festive 501!

Photo taken at Tipton & Hurst

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top the presses! For the first time, I shopped early for Christmas gifts. You should not be tempted to hate me because I’m not saying that every name is crossed off my list or that the packages are wrapped in coordinating colors and arranged tastefully under the tree. That may be your reality at the start of December, but those are only retirement goals in my world.

I’m putting perfection off because there are so many festive events in Central Arkansas that I hope to attend, and that takes time. This will be my family’s sixth Christmas in the 501, and we still have not attended the State Capitol’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. We haven’t driven through The Living Nativity in Searcy or walked through Bethlehem Revisited in Conway. My schedule hasn’t allowed time to visit the Arkansas Pecan Festival in Keo, to ride a horse-drawn carriage at Christmas in Clinton, or to enjoy the Night of Luminaries on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. But they are on my 2025 wish list!

And just south of the 501, I hope to attend one of the 39th Annual Christmas and Candlelight evenings in Historic [Old] Washington State Park in Hempstead County.

Don and I were married in the quaint community only a week before the Jonquil Festival that is hosted each spring, so it will always be a place that pulls at my heartstrings.

I also hope to watch the Nutcracker Ballet at the beautiful Perot Theatre in Texarkana, or to enjoy one of many events hosted by Main Street Texarkana and, closer to home, events hosted in Historic Downtown Conway.

It’s time to hang the greens and the glittering ornaments! (Did I say glitter? Now that’s a four-letter word.) And if you seek decorating inspiration, you will discover it in these pages. We take you into six homes that have decked the halls with boughs of holly and jolly, striped, shiny, sparkling, fun and festive Christmas décor!

Let’s celebrate the season and give glory to the newborn King!

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Lori Dunn Ginger English Laurie Green David Grimes Vivian L. Hogue Beth Jimmerson Tammy Keith Mark Oliver

Phyllis Ormsby Susan L. Peterson KD Reep Carol Rolf Judy Riley Donna L. Stephens Rita H. Thomas

FAULKNER CO. EDITORIAL BOARD Johnny Adams Jack Bell Jessica Brown RaeLynn Callaway Glenn Crockett Beth Franks Sylvia Gauve Russ Hancock Spencer Hawks Faye Hedera Roe Henderson Summer Hoggard Maria Hoskins Antonio Jamison Mike Kemp Julie LaRue

Karl Lenser Monica Lieblong Lori Melton Deanna Ott Pat Otto Jon Patrom Amy Reed Lori Ross J.R. Runyon Sally Schanandore Margaret Smith Jan Spann Pete Tanguay Kim Tyler Stefanie Vann Jennifer Whitehead

CONWAY CO. EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen

Alisha Koonce Stephanie Lipsmeyer Stewart Nelson Kristi Strain Morgan Zimmerman

WHITE CO. EDITORIAL BOARD Betsy Bailey Amy Burton Tara Cathey Cassandra Feltrop Phil Hays Natalie Horton

Matt LaForce Mike Parsons Judy Riley Carol Spears Kristi Thurmon

501 LIFE is published by Make the Jump Media, LLC (920 Locust Ave. Ste. 104, Conway, AR 72034, 501.327.1501) and is owned by Jeremy Higginbotham and Stefanie Brazile.

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. Advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE.

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DECEMBER 2025 | 5

DECEMBER

2025 Volume 18 Issue 8

On the cover:

Whether she’s wagging her tail beside the century-old fire truck or demonstrating stop, drop, and roll to a group of schoolchildren, Ember embodies the department’s mission: to serve Searcy with excellence, compassion and care

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Photo by Makenzie Evans

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Letter from the Editor Upcoming Events Loving LIFE Photos Five-Oh-Ones IN FOCUS Couple of the Month: Troy and Kitty Braswell Dreaming of a Red Christmas in White County

By Judy Riley Deck the Halls with Dee Dee!

By Phyllis Ormsby Give the Gift of an Arkansas’s Great Southwest Christmas Carrying the Torch Searcy Fire Dept. Celebrates 100 Years

By KD Reep God Bless Us, Every One... and Especially Dolly Parton!

By KD Reep Author of the Month: Poet Sandy Longhorn

By Susan L. Peterson Artist of the Month: Conway’s ‘Home Alone’ Home

By Rita H. Thomas Petit Jean: The Place for Partnerships The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

By Donna Lampkin Stephens Youth of the Month: Canaan Gilbert

By Mark Oliver The Reason: Judy Rogers’ Nativity Collection

By Lori Dunn Keep the Warm in and the Chill Out

By Beth Jimmerson Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea

By Laurie Green Administrative Accolades Unity Health CEO Receives Award 501 Hometown Hall of Famer: Stan Lee

By David Grimes History Comes Home to Heber

By Erin Jimenez A Creative Christmas with Linda Martindale

By Phyllis Ormsby And That’s What Christmas is Really All About

By Vivian L. Hogue Eddie Glover: Active Living Fits Like a Glove

By Donna L. Stephens Oh, How She Shined! 1956 Miss Arkansas

By Ginger English Person of the Month: Keith L. Zackery

501 LIFE would like to thank our advertising partners.

Arcare, 32 Ace Hardware, 9 Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 20 American Made General Store, 9 Arkansas Farm Bureau, 23 ________________________________________________ Barksdale Federal Credit Union, 8 Bar of Western Store, 41 Bledsoe Chiropractic, 74 ________________________________________________ Centennial Bank, 13 Conway Corp, 69 Conway Regional Health System, 91 Conway Regional Rehab, 88 ________________________________________________ Downtown Conway, 38-39 ________________________________________________ First Community Bank, 49 First Security Bank, 92 Freyaldenhoven, 29 ________________________________________________ Greenbrier Community, 60 ________________________________________________ Harding University, 37 Hartman Animal Hospital, 35 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 85 Heritage Living Center, 5 Historic Washington State Park, 31 Julie’s Sweet Shoppe, 63 ________________________________________________ Karen Ferguson, 19 KAT Country 98.9 & 92.5, 77 Kilwins Little Rock, 25 ________________________________________________ LifeQuest at Conway, 21 ________________________________________________ Main Street Texarkana, 31 Methodist Family Health, 15 MSC Eye Associates, 81 ________________________________________________ Ott Insurance, 78 ________________________________________________ PCSSD, 58 ________________________________________________ Restoration Wellness, 71 Ronald McDonald House, 71 ________________________________________________ Salem Place, 43 Shelter Insurance, 77 Sissy’s Log Cabin, 53 South Conway County School District, 51 Spark Community, 59 Stoby’s, 65 Superior Health & Rehab, 2 ________________________________________________ The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, 67 ________________________________________________ UACCM, 57 UCA, 87 UCA Public Appearances, 17 Unity Health, 3 Velda Lueders, 25, 72 ________________________________________________ Vine + Root Counseling, 34

Pawsitively

Good News

Read stories about your favorite neighbors every month!

IN PRINT • ONLINE • DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For only $20 a year, you can enjoy a bounty of good news delivered right to your own table with a subscription to 501 LIFE.

Visit 501LIFEmag.com to subscribe to the magazine and weekly newsletter.

Catch 501 LIFE sharing good news with our media partners each month!

welcome to the Writers’ Room

Vivian Lawson Hogue

is a Conway native and local historian who resides in a 114-year-old historic house in the city. She attended Hendrix College and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired art and history teacher and obsessed genealogist, she worked in the Conway School District for 23 years.

David Grimes

is a native of Conway and a graduate of UCA. He and his wife, Laura, both work in accounting and love to stay active in their community.

They are parents to three children. He also serves on the Conway City Council, is a board member of the of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and is a big Conway Wampus Cat fan.

Laurie Green is a Greenbrier native and a 501 LIFE faith contributor.

Laurie and her husband, Will, share seven children, 12 grandchildren and a golden retriever named Marlo. They own and operate a lawn care business in Greenbrier. You will often find the couple taking cruises around the world together.

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DECEMBER 2025 | 7

BETHLEHEM REVISITED

DOLLY PARTON'S SMOKEY MOUNTAIN

Interactive family-friendly event at Antioch Baptist Church takes visitors back in time to experience the sights and sounds of the very first Christmas.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for outdoor weather.

Set in the 1930s Smokey Mountains, the show casts Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town who is visited by three ghosts.

December 5-7 • Conway

CHRISTMAS CAROL December 10 • Conway

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

21ST EVER NOG-OFF

Holiday event offers shopping with a meaningful impact. More than 100 vendor booths will have holiday gifts. Shoppers are asked to bring three nonperishable food items to benefit families in need.

The eggnog competition invites guests to sample creations from various restaurants and determine winners of people's choice, most unconventional and other categories. Live music and art galleries add to the festivities.

December 6 • Cabot

December 12 • Little Rock

RUN, RUN RUDOLPH 5K

BINGOFLIX: “GREMLINS”

Dash through the snow at the most festive run of the year. Hosted by Parks and Recreation. Entry is free with donation of a new toy for Boys and Girls Club. Lace up, wear your holiday best, and run with Rudolph!

The 1984 movie is a darkly funny holiday classic featuring cute creatures who cannot be fed after midnight. Play movie bingo as Gizmo protects and Stripe wreaks havoc on a small town.

December 6 • Benton

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December 19 • Little Rock

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Have a special trip or gettogether coming up? Pack a copy of 501 LIFE in your suitcase, snap a photo at your destination and send it to us!

Photos can be submitted by email to

info@501lifemag.com

Kim Chandler (from left) of Batesville (Independence County), Tara Ellis of Conway and Laurie Gentry of Many, Louisiana, were “Loving LIFE” when they visited the historic Monroe County Museum in Monroeville, Alabama.

The city was the setting for “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Ed and Beth Zimmerman of Conway were “Loving LIFE” at the Marshall Point Lighthouse, one of many lighthouses they visited in Maine. This one appeared in a scene of the movie “Forrest Gump.”

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Carlos Brown, a Conway native, was “Loving LIFE” in Bourdeaux, France. He is a senior procurement specialist for Dassault Falcon Jet in Little Rock, a French-owned company that builds high-end corporate jets. Brown met with senior leadership at the company headquarters in Merignac, France, as well as at facilities in Paris, Bordeaux and Biarritz.

Barbara and Wayne Thorne from Greenbrier were “Loving LIFE” in the Dutch city of Pella, Iowa.

The wooden shoes, known as klompen, are a cultural symbol for the town.

The Hartman family was "Loving LIFE" at the recent celebration of Conway County's 200th birthday! Patrick Hartman, District 2 Justice of the Peace for Conway County (from left), his wife, Katie, their daughters Caroline, Anamarie, and Jennifer, and Luke Carner.

A celebration and cover reveal party was thrown for Legenia Spiller-Bearden after she appeared on the cover of 501 LIFE Magazine. Her friends and family were“Loving LIFE” at the event: Theresa Timmons (from left), Legenia and fashion designer Korto Momolu.

Tom Martin, the dalmatian, and Karen Martin were “Loving LIFE” at Fountaine Bleau Conway at Central Landing Apartment’s costume contest. They won!

Dallas Peacock (from left), Will and Laurie Green were “Loving LIFE” at Will’s 70th birthday party in Greenbrier.

The Lil’ Pup Cheer Squad was “Loving LIFE” at the Southern Spirit Cheer Competition held in Morrilton. Back row, Aurora Wilson (from left), Lucy Rosas, EmmaClaire Ward, Karleigh Tucker, Bree-Ann Robinson, Kynley Morman, Mattie Stane and Blakely Willams; middle row, Bryleigh Williams, Charity Cunningham, Annabelle Plummer, Rae Powell-Eubanks, Shelbi Bingham and Molly Hill; bottom row, Avalee Hanna, Kimberly Dominguez, Caroline Hartman, Karlie Cotner and Winter Brannon.

501 LIFE is “Loving LIFE” as the media sponsor for the CONWAY MEN’S CHORUS

CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 16 • CONWAY 60+ voices will perform at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus.

Admission and parking are free.

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Evening of Wishes is a Make-A-Wish Mid-South signature event, benefiting children in South and Central Arkansas.

Abigail Wells and her family spoke of her experiences with cancer, losing her leg and traveling to Rome as her wish. “The wish brings hope for what’s coming tomorrow instead of what is going on in the moment,” she said.

TOP LEFT: Tammy, Abigail and Isaiah Wells. TOP RIGHT: Josh Powell (from left) and Andrew and Katherine Palmer. Andrew and his family went to the Vegas Speedway for his wish. BOTTOM LEFT: Artist Sergio Valdivia donated his painting to the auction.

He received the Wishmaker Award for being the Wishmaker to raise the most money.

BOTTOM CENTER: Artist James Hayes with the glass pumpkin he donated to the auction.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Heath Moran (from left), Gina Moran, Tonya Moix, Hannah Moix, Leslie Humphrey, Gracie Harris, Stephen Carlisle, Kylie Crane and Cody Harris.

Shoppers were “Loving LIFE” on Nov. 14 at Renewal Ranch’s Manger Market. The event is a Christ-centered Christmas vendor market dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus, supporting local artisans, and raising vital funds for Renewal Ranch, a 12-month program aimed at helping men overcome addiction through counseling, Bible study and volunteer service.

LEFT: Renewal Ranch Phase One residents. CENTER: Leslie Humphrey (from left), Tonya Moix and Hannah Moix with Moix Apiaries & More.

RIGHT: Carole and Jay Ewing, who is holding one of his paintings of the Old Mill in North Little Rock.

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The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Barbershop Talk program presented its inaugural Barber Connect Showcase Day on Oct. 27 at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. Barbershop Talk is a study that instructs men in Arkansas about the dangers of heavy alcohol consumption.

Milestones Early Learning Center hosted a Monster Bash on Oct. 24 for their students and the community. Milestones provides services to young children in Faulkner County with developmental disabilities or delays.

TOP: Milestones staff members. LEFT CENTER: Tommy Pedersen was one happy little owl. RIGHT CENTER: D.J. (from left), Loni, Lonny and Lyanna Patterson. BOTTOM: Bryan Rogers and Valire Jackson.

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CENTER: Darren McFadden, pictured with moderator Dr. Tiffany Haynes, spoke to attendees about his struggle with alcohol, which began at age 15. McFadden was a running back in the National Football League for 10 seasons. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round, as the fourth overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft. McFadden also played three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.

He decided to get help in 2019 after being arrested for passing out behind the wheel of a vehicle. “Quitting alcohol is something I’m prouder of than anything I accomplished playing football,” he said.

BOTTOM: Stephon (from left) and his father Leonard Hall with Fresh & Tight Barber Shop. The event is a partnership between UAMS and barbershop owners to address men’s health concerns.

The Sugar Plum Boutique Show was hosted by Kindred Mercantile on Nov. 7-8 at Conway Country Club. The two-day event included shopping, door prizes, a raffle and photos with Santa and The Grinch. A portion of the proceeds were donated to Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Melissa Longing (from left), Mirinda Davis, Mallory Reed, Jennifer Hudspeth and Ginny Hogue.

The Toad Suck Car Club is a nonprofit organization and all proceeds from their car show events support local charities and individuals. The group recently presented a check for $1,000 to Haven House and $1,000 to a University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton student.

LEFT: Lucile Torkornoo, Darwin Boy, UACCM student Nathan Torkornoo, Bill Helton and Craig Morris.

RIGHT: Rebecca Johnson with Haven House, Darwin Boy, Craig Morris and Bill Helton.

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A Shepherds of the City event was held Oct. 26 at Union A.M.E. Church in Little Rock to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its food pantry. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance presented a $1,000 check. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott and Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester, along with other elected leaders, attended.

Charles B. W. Prince, Ed. D. (from left), chief development officer of Shorter College, and Dr. Jeffery Norfleet, president.

Rev. J. Wayne Clark, with Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, Shavae Norfleet, wife of the Shorter College president, and Melanie Elliott Hillard, a member of Union African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Beverly Jones (from left), Ardren Jones and Gwendolyn Glasgo.

2025 STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS

Terrence Cox and Natalie Horton.

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Shorter College is celebrating its 140th year. It was founded by a faith-based institution and is a historically Black college. Shorter is launching a capital campaign next year called Building Bridges, and President Dr. Jeffrey Norfleet recently presented his State of the College Address to staff and supporters who were "Loving LIFE" at the event.

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TROY AND KITTY BRASWELL CO N WAY

“Their” story by Rita Halter Thomas • Photos by Najeé Fletcher

HIS STORY: HER STORY:

I’m faithful, grateful and blessed. I’ll be 100 years old on Jan. 31, 2026. I don’t worry.

I’m gregarious and love helping people, which is probably why I enjoyed being a schoolteacher. I’m happy, and I refuse to grow up. I am a collector of memories. I have something tangible to remind me of something meaningful or places we’ve traveled. I am also a namesake. My momma was a “Kitty.” It’s a family thing. Everyone in our family had to have a Kitty in the family.

NATIVE OF: I grew up in Shreveport, La., then joined the Navy when I was 17 years old during World War II. I served two and a half years before receiving a medical discharge. I then enrolled in college in Shreveport. About that time, my dad bought a skating rink in Little Rock and moved there. It was just a tent with a wooden floor. To entice me to move to Arkansas, he told me he’d give me half interest in the skating rink if I’d move here. So, I did and finished my Bachelor of Industrial Arts at the University of Central Arkansas, which was known then as the Arkansas State Teachers College.

NATIVE OF: Little Rock CHILDREN: Combined, we have 10 grown children (four girls and six boys), and we’ve been blessed with a plethora of grandchildren.

EDUCATION: I received my Bachelor of Education from the University of Arkansas Little Rock (UALR), and a master’s in special education from Henderson State University.

CAREER: I was a special education schoolteacher for the Little Rock, Jacksonville and Bryant school districts.

I retired from Bryant. I also worked alongside Troy in the skating rink business before they were sold.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: We love spending time with our grandchildren. We used to travel, and we loved it. I’d say we are well-traveled, nationally and internationally! I also used to love to skate. Now, I love to read, be active, and be involved in helping and doing things for others. I always need to be doing something.

CHILDREN: I’m proud to have 10 children who call me dad.

CAREER: I once owned eight skating rinks: two in Little Rock, two in North Little Rock, and one each in Cabot, Morrilton and Pine Bluff, and San Angelo, Texas. I was also in real estate and once had 14 rental properties. When Jimmy Carter became president and interest rates soared to 21 percent, I was forced to sell the skating rinks. I sold them one at a time and opened the pawn shop (Braswell & Son) on Baseline Road in Little Rock. I eventually owned three, then sold them to one of our sons, Douglas, and I retired. He’s opened several more since then.

HONORS: About 10 years ago, I was recognized by the Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics during a basketball game for 60 years of continuous support for both Razorback football and basketball.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: We used to travel and always loved doing that.

I used to love to roller skate, but I had to give that up at 90. I just enjoy going and doing, spending time with the grandchildren and being absorbed in their activities.

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CHURCH ACTIVITIES: We are members of Woodland Heights Baptist Church. We both serve as volunteers on the Meet and Greet team and with Gideons International. We love people and really enjoy living near our son (20th Judicial Second Division Judge Troy B. Braswell Jr.) and his family.

HOW WILL YOU SPEND CHRISTMAS?

Our son, Troy, lives within walking distance of our home, so we will spend the day with him, his family and their guests.

Troy "Trey" Braswell, III (from left), Troy Braswell, Kitty Braswell and Mia Braswell.

THEIR STORY:

T

roy and Kitty met at the Rollerdome in Little Rock. Troy was the owner/operator, and Kitty was still a young girl. Kitty’s father and Troy knew each other well. Troy, usually in the booth selecting music, was loved by everyone, including Kitty. A 21-year age difference and circumstances sent them in different romantic directions and marriages. Years later and single again, 45-year-old Troy and 24-year-old Kitty were reunited when she brought her daughter to the roller rink so she could learn to skate. One thing led to another, and they married a month later on Feb. 1, 1970.

Kitty initially denied Troy’s request for a date. Later, she asked him to escort her to a dance, and he agreed. Barely making ends meet at the time, Kitty spent $150 on a dress, which is like spending $1,000 on one today. As the week went by, she didn’t hear from Troy and almost decided to return it. Finally, he called the day of the dance, wondering why Kitty hadn’t called him about when to pick her up. Her direct response was that ladies didn’t call gentlemen, and that got Troy’s attention.

Without pomp and circumstance, he asked Kitty if she wanted to get married. She said yes, and within a month, they were married in a private ceremony at his pastor’s home, accompanied by a few friends.

Kitty loves to tell their story, with all the fun details, and laughs about their friends hitching a fishing boat to the back of their car after their wedding ceremony.

The couple has traveled nationally and internationally, and Kitty has an item from every trip they’ve taken. One such memento is from Israel that she managed to buy even though it was not for sale. After many denials, the vendor finally relented.

A gorgeous swatch of fabric sample was framed and hangs on a wall in their home, beneath a striking one-and-only, original painting by Troy. He only painted the one, and since it took so long, he decided painting was not for him.

Today, this vibrant, much-younger-looking couple keeps a full calendar. After 55 years of marriage, and Troy closing in on 100, they no longer travel as they once did but are still very much on the move.

They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, serving their church and community, and exercising regularly. Whatever they do, they do it together, beaming with love and spreading an infectious joy.

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”

– American author Peg Bracken

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Drs. David and Pebble Sutherland, Co-Chairs of the LifeQuest at Conway Steering Committee; Leah Greenfield, Executive Director and Gina Bridges, Program Director

Enhance Your 501 LIFE

The executive director of LifeQuest had no idea how popular the first class offerings in Conway would turn out to be.

She quickly learned when attendees clamored for more.

LifeQuest offers courses geared toward older adults to promote lifelong learning — ­ without tests and stress.

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eah Greenfield of Little Rock said she thought she’d have to “twist some arms” when the fall classes started in September. “We had 130 people enroll in the very first charter class; 60 of those were brand new to LifeQuest,” she said. “People have called and emailed and said, ‘We just love these classes. Could you have Spanish and pickleball?’”

Molly Jones of Conway is a long-time LifeQuest student, too.

“We’ve been praying constantly” for classes to come to Conway, she said. Jones took Numbers in American Politics taught by David Sutherland, who co-chairs LifeQuest at Conway with his wife, Pebble.

Jones also enrolled in History of Jazz, which was taught by retired Hendrix faculty member John Krebs.

The answer is yes, and Beginning Pickleball and No Fear Conversations in Spanish are two of the 18 classes offered for the winter semester, which is double the inaugural offering of nine classes. Forever Fit is also new, as well as Arkansas Hodgepodge, which will be taught by retired University of Central Arkansas President Tom Courtway.

“I’ve always loved jazz and wished that I understood a little bit more; I could only tap my feet and enjoy,” Jones said. “He [Krebs] was a wonderful teacher, and he made us understand the sequentiality of it, how one thing led to another and another. It was just very interesting to a nonmusician.”

“We have some really exciting art and musical classes,” Greenfield said. “We have The Story of the American Musical, and we have an art appreciation class.”

Jones laughed and said that when she told Sutherland that she couldn’t remember everything from his class, he made a good point: “He said, ‘Just enjoy the bliss of the moment.’”

“The thing that is cool about LifeQuest is it's one fee,” Greenfield said.

“For a one-term fee … you can take all the classes you want.” The fee for the winter semester is $70, and participants may take as many classes as they choose in Conway, Little Rock or online for that price.

“It’s a real bargain,” Greenfield said.

Greenfield said she was surprised at how quickly LifeQuest Conway classes caught on. “We thought we’d have to sell them on the concept,” she said. “We didn’t have to do that at all. It told us this is a good fit, and this is the right thing to do, because it’s seamless. We’re excited to see where this goes.”

LifeQuest, the state’s largest educational nonprofit for older adults, started in Little Rock 44 years ago. In Conway, it has partnered with First United Methodist Church, where most of the classes are held, and Hendrix College. Classes typically are held on Mondays and are taught by volunteers. Some courses offer an online option.

Doug Clark had taken Little Rock courses previously, but when classes came to Conway, literally at the church across from his home, he said it was a “no brainer” to join. He took a fly-fishing class and loved it. He called his instructor, fishing enthusiast Rick Rasnick, “a guru.”

“We didn’t fish. Rick [said at the start], ‘This isn’t about me taking you fishing.’ We did practice casting and all that. He’s a wealth of knowledge,” Clark said.

Registration for the six-week winter semester opens Dec. 9. Classes start Jan. 26 and end March 5. More information is available at lifequestofarkansas.org.

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DREAMING OF A

IN WHITE COUNTY The holidays with the Oxner family are filled with farming and family traditions

By Judy Riley • Photos by Emma Mae’s Photography

W

hen Michael and Sarah Oxner and their children, Mary Frances, Laura Grace and Paten, celebrate the holidays, they do it in a big way. The Oxners have managed to meld traditions from all four sets of their children’s great-grandparents, as well as create some traditions of their own. They are a 21st-century version of the family holiday meal in the famous Normal Rockwell painting. Seeing their home and hearing about their traditions makes one wish to be included in this whirlwind of festivities full of family, good food and lots of love.

Both immediately got involved in church and community activities. Michael takes leadership roles with White County’s Farm Bureau Board, promoting agriculture through advocacy, education and community programs. Sarah is a life member of Searcy Junior Auxiliary, a past president of PEO Chapter CT. She also serves on the Unity Health Foundation and the Unity Patient and Family Advisory Council. Because of the success of their farming operation, Red River Farms, and their community involvement, they were named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year in 2010.

Michael is a fourth-generation rice, soybean and corn farmer in White and Woodruff counties with family roots in Brinkley.

His degrees are in agricultural business from the University of Arkansas (U of A). Sarah is a former elementary teacher from Marshall with degrees in elementary education from University of Central Arkansas and U of A-Little Rock. Her immediate family background includes livestock farming, but her parents owned and ran a family hardware store. When they married in 2001, Michael was farming in Newport while Sarah was teaching in Little Rock. Moving to Searcy seemed a good fit.

The farm provides opportunities for the kids to be involved during summers. Son Paten plans to major in agriculture at the U of A, ultimately becoming the fifth-generation Oxner farmer.

Both daughters are former Searcy High Homecoming Queens and are now students at the U of A as members of Chi Omega Sorority. Mary Frances is pursuing a degree in communication sciences and disorders and plans to be a speech language pathologist. Laura Grace is majoring in political science and ag leadership, with plans to go to law school.

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Red (HOT) G elatin Salad OXNER FAMILY TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DISH

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TOP: Paten (from left), Michael, Sarah, Mary Frances and Laura Grace Oxner are from Searcy. Michael is a fourth-generation rice, soybean and corn farmer in White and Woodruff counties with family roots in Brinkley.

BOTTOM: Sarah includes favorite dishes from her family and from Michael's for Christmas dinner each year.

Michael and Sarah said their families were big on celebrating the holidays and have continued family traditions. “We include certain foods and gift-giving practices from each family. We manage to see most of our extended families during the holidays.

Our kids love seeing all their cousins on both sides. We somehow make it work,” Sarah said. “We still cook the same menu for our Christmas dinner that was always cooked by Michael’s Grandma Hazel. It includes ham, turkey, dressing (Michael’s job), homemade cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, Michael’s fried corn and rolls, as well as every meringue pie imaginable!

Then, there is Uncle Phillip’s chocolate candy and my mother’s sweet potato casserole.

“After Michael’s grandmother passed away, we began our own family traditions. We go to our church’s Christmas Eve service at Searcy First Methodist Church, then out to eat at wherever

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we find a restaurant open, ultimately coming home to watch ‘Christmas Vacation.’ We always stress the reason for the celebration, honoring Jesus’ birth and gift to the world.

“Michael and I came from families that had big breakfasts on Christmas morning. That tradition lives on with biscuits, both white and chocolate gravy, sausage, bacon and eggs. Then we open presents, one at a time, making everyone wait their turn.

That’s hard for Michael because he grew up with everyone opening at once. Sometimes, he tears into a package before his turn! The kids anticipate when that will happen.”

This all-American farm family is future-focused yet wellgrounded in the heritage of their families. They pay homage to their family traditions, including service to others. Each day is a celebration, but the holidays call for extra festivities.

Oxner Family

RED (HOT) GELATIN SALAD

Michael Oxner’s maternal grandmother, Alma Williams, made this dish a Christmas tradition for the Williams family. Michael’s Aunt Diane continues the tradition each holiday.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

A holiday favorite from Sarah’s family’s cookbook. d

3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashe 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/3 cup milk 1/2 cup melted margarine

1 — 6 oz. package of cherry Jell-O 1 — .9 oz. package of Red Hots 2 apples, chopped 1 cup of pecans, chopped 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

milk and Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla, until 1/2 cup of margarine. Mix with an electric mixer casserole smooth. Spoon into a greased 2-quart shallow dish.

still hot Melt the Red Hots into prepared Jell-O whileuntil set, (follow the directions on the box). Chill Jell-O chopped the Add s. portion then divide into 2 equal pour into a apples to one portion of the Jell-O and tablespoons shallow casserole dish. Gradually mix a few cheese cream d softene the with of the remaining Jell-O d mixture to and stir until creamy. Then add the softene the over Pour . the remaining Jell-O, and add pecans reset in the apple mixture in the casserole dish and let it refrigerator until firm. serving *Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream when for an added touch.

TOPPING

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup melted margarine 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Combine Stir brown sugar and flour together in a bowl. . with 1/3 cup of melted butter and chopped pecans le, then Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cassero s. bake at 350 degrees for 30 minute

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Conway home becomes a showcase for Christmas Collectibles

By Phyllis Ormsby • Photos by Makenzie Evans

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LEFT: This lighted snowman was Dee Dee's Christmas gift last year to replace a similar one that was stolen in 1995. TOP RIGHT: Dee Dee's daughter, Rebecca, made the intricate needlepoint 25 years ago. BOTTOM RIGHT: The angel was cut from a Christmas card by Dee Dee's mom.

For years, the family had a tradition of someone attaching it to a package. Finally, she framed it.

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hristmas is everywhere in Dee Dee and Mac McCullough’s house. Each year it takes the couple about a week to transform their Conway home into a showcase of Christmas collectibles of all kinds, complete with trees galore and huge displays of Christmas villages, mugs and Santas.

“I’ve just always been a Christmas person,” said Dee Dee. “I counted this year while we were putting everything out, and I have 50 of the figurine-type Santas and over 90 mugs. Everyone is different. I had no idea when I started collecting them (that) they made so many different types of mugs.”

On the large tree in the living room is a mix of old and new ornaments, some dating from her childhood, and one, a spray of ribbons and hearts made of sugar, that came from the couple’s wedding cake in 1979. “I sprayed that with shellac, but I figured it would never last. But it still looks good!” Dee Dee said.

Her husband has his own tree, covered with Snoopy and Coke ornaments, and in their sunroom stands their travel tree, covered with ornaments from the different countries they have visited.

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When they decorate for Christmas, every photo and piece of art on the walls is replaced by holiday-themed art, and every shelf is covered with figurines of all kinds. Every single piece represents a memory.

An intricate needlepoint of an Old World Santa is displayed over the fireplace. “My oldest daughter, Rebecca, did that for me and gave it to me about 25 years ago,” Dee Dee said. A stuffed Rudolph and Santa under the travel tree was a present from Mac at their first Christmas together. A large ceramic lighted Christmas tree in the den was a present from Dee Dee’s grandmother. Her younger daughter, Beth, helped put together a Santa and train puzzle last year that they had framed and hung in their den.

A vintage lighted snowman, the kind you would display in your yard, holds a place of honor in the living room. “For Rebecca’s first Christmas, we bought this lighted snowman and we put him outside, and we did that every year. But he was stolen in 1995.

My other daughter, Beth, started looking for a replacement for him. She found this one at a flea market and that was my Christmas present last year,” Dee Dee said. “He looks a lot like our original one.”

Their dining room table is flanked on three sides by Department 56 Village pieces. “This is my favorite story to tell,” she said. “Each one of these pieces relates to my family. This hospital represents my daughter Rebecca, who is a nurse. The Starbucks? My daughter Beth worked at one when she was in college.

The Hartford House? My husband is from Hartford, Conn.” On the table is a set of Spode Christmas china that Mac gave her one Christmas.

Lined up along the stairs are festive tins that once held popcorn. “My hubby loves popcorn and every year, somebody gives him a tin,” Dee Dee said. Even their kitchen canisters are Christmas-themed. She also collects and displays decorative plates; each one is taken down and replaced by a Christmas-themed plate.

One of their framed Christmas pieces started as a family tradition years ago. “My mother got this Christmas card with an angel on it. She cut the angel out and put it on a gift package that year, and then the tradition was, every year somebody had to give a gift to another family member with that angel on it.

I finally had it framed and now we hang it up every year,” Dee Dee said.

Mac retired from the Air Force and she is an educator who retired 17 years ago. When they aren’t decorating for Christmas or scouring flea markets for Christmas finds, the McCulloughs love to travel and particularly enjoy cruises. “We really love Viking cruises. You see a lot but you only have to unpack once,” Mac said.

It's Mylo's first year to experience the decorations. Mac and Dee Dee rescued him earlier this year. He is a 5-year-old mix of a Black Mouth Cur and a Mountain Cur.

Dee Dee admits that decorating their entire house is a lot of work, but they enjoy it. “We used to put it up in the attic, but it got too big, and we got too old to put it up there. So now we store it in tubs in our garage,” she said, laughing. “I’ve had to slow down a little bit, though. I’m running out of room!”

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OF AN

T

A R K A N S A S ' S G R E AT SOUTHWEST CHRISTMAS

here’s a certain magic that settles over Southwest Arkansas each winter - a blend of small-town tradition, historic charm and festive gatherings that invite families to slow down, bundle up and celebrate the season. This December, communities across the region are lighting the way with holiday events that capture the warmth, nostalgia and neighborly spirit of Christmas in The Natural State.

One of the season’s most beloved traditions returns December 12–13 as Historic Washington State Park hosts its 39th Annual Christmas & Candlelight celebration. Each year, thousands of luminaries line the walkways of the 19th-century village, transforming the historic grounds into a glowing Christmas tableau. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can tour beautifully decorated homes, each adorned with natural greenery and handcrafted period-style décor that reflect the simplicity of early Arkansas Christmases. As dusk falls, the soft glow of candlelight, the sounds of live holiday music and the clip-clop of a horse-drawn surrey create an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will also serve its holiday buffet from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering comfort food to round out the experience.

Just down the road, Texarkana comes to life with more than a dozen festive happenings through the Main Street Texarkana “Downtown in December” calendar. The city’s 41st Annual Christmas Parade steps off Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., filling downtown with marching bands, floats, dancers and seasonal cheer. Holiday shoppers can explore several open-house events, including Hart’s on Broad Christmas Open House on Dec. 5, or browse handcrafted gifts at the Holiday Arts Market at TRAHC Dec. 5–6. Families can enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Southern Grace Boutique Christmas Open House on Dec. 6.

Whether you’re exploring candlelit pathways, listening to carolers, or taking in a parade wrapped in twinkling lights, Southwest Arkansas is full of ways to experience the joy of the season.

SEVEN COUNTIES OF GREAT HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

LEARN MORE AT AGSW.ORG

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The Searcy Fire Department celebrates a century of service along with a glowing new partner named Ember.

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By KD Reep • Photos by Makenzie Evans

n a city that treasures its traditions and heroes, the Searcy Fire Department has found the perfect symbol for both — and she is wrapped in fur, full of spots and fueled by boundless puppy energy. Her name is Ember, and she is a six-month-old Dalmatian puppy who has quickly become the heart and spirit of Searcy’s firefighting family.

Born on July 5, Ember joined the department this fall after being donated by Jennifer Flint, who works for a local ambulance service. What began as a casual conversation about “maybe getting a firehouse dog someday” turned into an instant “yes” once the firefighters saw Ember’s picture.

“We just fell in love with her,” said the department’s administrative assistant, Michelle Allred. “All the firefighters were on board — everyone wanted to be part of it.”

From the moment she trotted through the doors of Central Station, Ember has been surrounded by affection, structure and purpose. With three shifts of firefighters working 48 hours on and 96 hours off, the fire station truly feels like home, complete with the pitter-patter of puppy paws.

“There are some firefighters who take a little extra initiative, but everyone takes care of her,” Allred said. “When she needs to go out, she goes out. It’s just like having your dog at home.”

Ember quickly adapted to her new surroundings, thanks in part to a professional trainer from the community who donated her services. She’s kennel-trained and already knows several commands like sit, shake, low crawl and even “stop, drop and roll.” That last one has become a crowd favorite during public education events, where Ember helps teach children fire safety basics in a way they’ll never forget.

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“She’s still a puppy and can get a little overwhelmed, but we’ve taken her to a few schools,” Allred said. “She does great for short visits, and she absolutely loves the attention. The kids adore her.”

Ember’s arrival has sparked a wave of community affection.

Businesses and residents alike have dropped by the station with gift baskets, toys and treats. Local pet store Petsense of Searcy has even stepped forward to sponsor Ember’s food, supplies and toys, while a local veterinary clinic has volunteered to cover her medical care and vaccinations.

“She really is the community’s dog,” Allred said. “Everywhere we go, people recognize her and want to take pictures. It’s like she’s famous.”

Harding University even hosted a “National Fire Pup Day” event in her honor this October, drawing news coverage and plenty of new fans. It’s easy to see why: Ember’s black-and-white coat and bright eyes seem made for the spotlight. But for the men and women of the Searcy Fire Department, she’s more than a mascot; she’s a morale booster, a teacher and a daily reminder of why they serve.

While Ember represents the department’s vibrant present, an equally beloved fixture at Central Station honors its storied past: a beautifully restored 1926 Ford Model T fire truck.

The gleaming red relic, built on the iconic “T” chassis that helped America fall in love with the automobile, is a piece of living history. Its brass headlamps, open cab and simple elegance recall an era when firefighting was done by hand and heart.

Although the truck itself isn’t original to Searcy, it was donated

to the department and restored to match photographs of the city’s original fire vehicle from the 1920s.

“It’s a 1926 model, the same year the Searcy Fire Department was founded,” Allred said. “We thought it was amazing to have a replica of the kind of truck they would have used.”

For years, the truck was used in parades, weddings and funerals before being retired to a place of honor inside the department’s offices. Its centennial, which coincides with the fire department’s own 100th anniversary in 2026, is a powerful reminder of how far Searcy has come since its early days of 10 volunteer firefighters. Today, the department has grown to more than 50 full-time firefighters operating from three stations, where they maintain an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible for fire protection excellence.

Together, Ember and the Model T form a heartwarming contrast, representing the department’s bright future and its proud past, respectively. But both stand as testaments to its service, which is steadfast, compassionate and deeply rooted in community.

This month, residents may see Ember riding along in parades or appearing at local holiday events. “We’ll take her out when it’s not too overwhelming,” Allred said. “She’s learning more every day.”

As the holidays arrive and the firehouse lights glow a little brighter, Ember reminds the community of the simplest and greatest gift of all — the gift of service. In every wag of her tail, every smile she brings and every spark of joy she ignites, Ember carries forward a century of dedication that defines the Searcy Fire Department.

TAKE A STEP THROUGH TIME WITH THE SEARCY FIRE DEPARTMENT ON PAGES 36 & 37

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“Ember has strengthened the bond between our station and the community.

From welcoming guests to offering comfort after difficult calls, she embodies the spirit of support and togetherness that defines our mission.”

— Captain Jo-Pat Black

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A C E N T U RY O F S E RV I C E

1.

3.

4.

2.

PHOTOS ONE & TWO: Images provided courtesy of the White County Historical Society and from collection donated by Tim and Claire Rowland, taken by William Walker Studios.

THREE: Three firefighters who served Searcy in the 1950s were featured in the newspaper.

FOUR: In 2005, a blaze destroyed the main fire station. downtown.

Searcy’s 1926

Ford Model T Fire Truck

The Ford Model T (“Tin Lizzie”) was built in the United States from 1908 until 1927. To the right is an image of the very first Ford Model T used by the Searcy Fire Department 100 years ago. It was frequently converted into fire trucks by companies like Howe and American LaFrance. It represents the transition from horse-drawn firefighting to motorized response. Featuring an open cab and brass-mounted headlamps, a vacuum pump was mounted on the front end, which identified it as a fire apparatus.

Below is a restored replica just like the one from a century ago. Both the fire truck and department will celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2026. The replica was donated to the department and restored to match the historic photograph from the early years. The fully restored truck was used for years in local parades, weddings and funerals but has been retired to an indoor display at Central Station. It now serves as a beloved historical centerpiece for visitors.

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CITY OF SEARCY

• THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS FOUNDED IN 1926 • FIRE CHIEF BRIAN DUNAVAN JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1997 • THERE ARE CURRENTLY 50+ FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTERS • INSURANCE SERVICES OFFICE (ISO) CLASS 1 RATING • THREE STATION LOCATIONS INCLUDE - CENTRAL FIRE STATION AT BEEBE-CAPPS AND ELM, 501 W. BEEBE-CAPPS - BEHIND UNITY HOSPITAL AT 800 GOLF COURSE DR. - IN THE AREA OF BEEBE-CAPPS AND COUNTRY CLUB AT 2612 W. BEEBE-CAPPS • SERVICES INCLUDE: FIRE SUPPRESSION, RESCUE, EMS RESPONSE, COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION

Inspector Guy Grady (from left), Captain Corbry Swain, Captain JoPat Black, Firefighter Efrain Carrion and Firefighter Jameson Perry with Ember, the dalmation who is growing up at Central Fire Station.

• IN 2024, THE CITY WAS AWARDED A FEDERAL GRANT OF $141,818 FROM FEMA UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. THE GRANT FUNDED THE INSTALLATION OF A SOURCE CAPTURE EXHAUST SYSTEM IN EACH FIRE STATION TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF FIREFIGHTERS.

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A message from Kim Williams

Executive Director, Conway Downtown Partnership December is a magical time in downtown Conway, where the spirit of the season shines bright! The Big Tree sparkles in the heart of downtown, and the 100-foot Ferris Wheel brings joy to all who take a ride. Our local shops and restaurants are decked out in their holiday best, ready to welcome you with festive cheer, unique gifts and warm hospitality.

Make your memories merry and bright — shop, dine and celebrate the holidays in downtown Conway!

Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13, for Mistletoe Madness from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and enjoy the Conway Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Front Street.

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AND ESPECIALLY DOLLY PARTON!

501 LIFE is proud to sponsor country legend's Broadway show for its Arkansas debut on Dec. 10

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When actor Ken Orman takes the stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol,” he’s not just portraying one of literature’s most famous misers — he’s stepping into a role that beautifully blends

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redemption, music and mountain spirit.

he national tour of the show, featuring original songs by Dolly Parton and a book by David H. Bell, stops in Conway on Dec. 10 at Reynolds Performance Hall, bringing with it all the heart, humor and harmony of the Smoky Mountains.

Set in the 1930s in East Tennessee, this reimagining of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” casts Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town.

His power and greed have left him cold and alone — until a Christmas Eve snowstorm and three ghostly visitors invite him to see life, and love, anew.

So, I know this guy. I’ve met him. I might’ve been a little like him.” Orman’s journey to the stage wasn’t fast or easy. “It took a long time,” he admitted. “I had to be patient and real with myself. Imposter syndrome is real, and it can last for decades.”

But once he found his creative calling, there was no turning back.

The New York-based actor has since built an impressive résumé that includes roles in “Vindication” (Angel/Prime Video), “Love & Death” (HBO Max) and stage productions such as “Our Town/ Nuestro Pueblo” and “Travisville.” He also produced “All About Bette: An Interlude with Bette Davis,” starring his wife, actor Morgana Shaw, with narration by Robert Wagner.

“Maybe performing was always what I wanted,” Orman reflected.

“As a kid, you’re told who you’re supposed to be — a football player, a businessman. But this? This feels like who I really am.”

“It’s quite an ordeal,” Orman said. “Scrooge dominates the entire culture of this town. He owns it, he runs it, and he’s not afraid to crush anyone who gets in his way.”

It’s no surprise this musical feels like home for Orman. “It’s such a very American story now,” he said. “The music Dolly wrote — the folk, bluegrass, gospel — it’s just beautiful.”

That intensity isn’t far from Orman’s earlier career where he spent 30 years in finance before pursuing acting full-time. “The sense of domination still exists in that world,” he said. “Even with all the technology and regulations, the attitude is the same.

Directed and choreographed by Antoinette DiPietropolo, the production features a 16-member cast and six live musicians.

“They’re youthful, energetic and so talented,” Orman said.

“There’s a lot of joy in this group, and you can feel it on stage.”

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“I hope people remember that unconditional love is real.

It may mean something different for everyone, but it’s what endures.

AND DOLLY WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY.” — Ken Orman

Parton has said she wrote the songs to capture “the warmth, love and good memories” of her own Smoky Mountain Christmases, and Orman believes audiences will feel every bit of that love.

This year, he will spend Christmas far from home. His wife is filming in Texas, and their daughter, a law student at the University of Maryland, hopes to catch a nearby performance. Still, Orman says the family’s hearts are full.

“This will be our first Christmas in New York, and we’re a little bummed to miss it with each other,” he said. “But we both understand what it means to do work that feeds your soul.”

The couple’s anniversary also falls during the tour, but fate has its own sweet twist: Shaw will join him for the Lafayette, La., show before meeting friends in New Orleans.

“It’s not the usual candlelit dinner,” he said. “But we’ll be together — and that’s what matters.”

And in truth, Orman celebrates Christmas every night on stage. “When we perform this show, we’re surrounded by love, joy and forgiveness,” he said. “It’s Christmas every time the curtain rises.”

At the heart of this production and of Orman’s performance lies a message as old as Christmas itself.

“There’s something about unconditional love and kindness that always wins,” he said. “It perseveres over negativity, greed and fear. This story brings that home in such a beautiful way.”

He credits much of that emotional power to the show’s youngest performers. “The boys who play Tiny Tim — they’re just the sweetest kids,” he said. “When they look up and say, ‘Mr. Scrooge,’ it melts you. You see how love changes people.”

As audiences fill theaters across the country this holiday season, Orman hopes they leave inspired to share that same spirit of compassion.

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AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

POET SANDY LONGHORN _____________________

By Susan L. Peterson • Photo by Makenzie Evans

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“It seems that without my even being terribly conscious of the transformation, I’ve become an Arkansan.

Finally, I feel like I might have something to say about this place and the authority to say it, as well as to ask the questions that need asking.”

— Sandy Longhorn

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oet Sandy Longhorn has plenty to celebrate this season. The first draft of her latest project, "52 Parks: 52 Poems," is complete, and work from the collection has already appeared in several notable literary journals.

The idea for the book was sparked in 2023 when Longhorn learned that Arkansas State Parks would be honoring its 100th anniversary. Inspired by the milestone, she set out to create a unique tribute: a poem for each of the state’s 52 parks.

For the past two years, she has immersed herself in the project — visiting every park, hiking the trails, researching histories, talking with fellow visitors, and photographing and chronicling her discoveries in notes and blogs. The result is a collection that captures her personal reactions and emotions to each park while acknowledging its spirit, relevance and legacy.

Longhorn’s love of writing goes back to her grade school days in Waterloo, Iowa, when she first knew she wanted to become a writer. After earning her degree in English with a concentration in creative writing from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., she spent six years living and working in small bookstores and independent publishing companies in Colorado Springs, Boston and other points in between. Those years were devoted to observing, listening and learning — the kind of life experience she felt she needed before turning seriously to poetry.

By 1999, she was ready to take the next step and applied to graduate programs across the country. She decided on the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she began a new life as both a student and a teacher. As a graduate assistant, she discovered an affinity for working with students while searching for her own voice as a poet. “I had to find out what I was passionate about and then develop a style unique to me rather than trying to emulate others.” Today, her work focuses on place-based poetry, persona poetry and hybrid writing-art projects.

After completing her Master of Fine Arts, Longhorn decided to remain in Arkansas, first teaching at the University of Arkansas Monticello, then Pulaski Technical College.

During that time, she published three award-winning collections: “Blood Almanac,” “The Girlhood Book of Prairie Myths,” and “The Alchemy of My Mortal Form.” In 2016, she was honored with the prestigious Porter Fund Literary Prize, one of Arkansas’s top literary awards that recognizes substantial contributions to the state’s literary landscape.

Today, Longhorn is an associate professor of creative writing at the University of Central Arkansas, where she also serves as associate chair of the Department of Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing and Undergraduate Creative Writing Program coordinator. She continues to inspire students while balancing her teaching, administrative work and writing. She especially enjoys talking to prospective students and encourages them to consider the program at UCA, which is solely focused on creative writing and offers courses in the largest number of genres in the state.

With this new collection, Longhorn continues to enrich Arkansas’s literary landscape.

In addition to her books, she has published numerous individual poems in journals and anthologies across the country. Visit 501lifemag.com to read some of her poetry.

Longhorn lives in Conway, and in her spare time she enjoys creating cut paper collages, some of which may be seen on her website. To learn more about her work — including her blog, publications and upcoming events — visit sandylonghorn.com.

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By Rita Halter Thomas • Photos by Makenzie Evans

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Tim and Angie Howard purchased a Georgian colonial-style house in 2021 that bears more than a little resemblance to the house featured in the beloved 1990s Christmas movie “Home Alone." They understand the unending activity and holiday chaos that is the centerpiece of the famous movie because they have eight children of their own.

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ake a trip down Bay Hill Drive in Conway this holiday season and you might just do a double-take as you pass a stately Georgian colonial-style house that bears more than a little resemblance to the McCallister home featured in the beloved 1990s Christmas movie, “Home Alone.” From the twinkling lights to wreaths in the windows, from hand-crafted characters and yard art to film projections and online trivia, homeowners Tim and Angela “Angie” Howard have created a work of art in an interactive over-the-top holiday wonderland that pays homage to the movie. And this season, they hope to spark a spirit of giving in their efforts to spread Christmas joy.

“We’ve always loved it. It’s such a fun family movie,” Angie said of their inspiration. And living in a home with such a striking resemblance to the one in the film, why not? Even before the Howards bought the house, they referred to it as the “Home Alone” house. Once they purchased it in 2021, choosing a theme for Christmas was a no-brainer. However, it wasn’t until the following year that their vision came to life both inside and outside the home.

Angie has always enjoyed painting and creating. She used to build custom-ordered miniature replicas of homes before life demanded more of her time. So, when finding “Home Alone” decorations to purchase proved to be a challenge for her, she improvised. “My degree is in mass communications, but I’ve always had an artistic side. That’s how I decompress. I had the idea of using foam insulation to make cutouts,” Angie said.

The first year, she crafted Harry and Marv’s van, full of details,

including crowbar marks on Marv’s forehead, Harry’s fire-singed crown, and the movie quote, “Crowbars up!”

Initially, she wondered if others might think their “Home Alone” Christmas décor was super silly but went for it anyway. They did not expect it to become a local holiday phenomenon but were so encouraged by the number of visitors who stopped and took pictures that they added several new props the following year.

Angie spends about fifteen hours on each cutout and Tim spends three to five hours securing them with lumber. Setup takes an entire day.

They add more fun each year, including an interactive trivia game, accessible via a QR code posted on site, and projections of movie scenes created and deployed by Tim, who is an IT professional. Visitors may easily spot obvious things, like Kevin on the balcony, Fuller in his suspenders with a Pepsi, or the Little Nero’s Pizza delivery car. However, visitors are encouraged to look for more obscure “Easter eggs” throughout the display for a free, fun family outing.

Last year, unbeknownst to Tim and Angie, a neighbor posted a video of their house on TikTok, and it went viral. Before long, the Howards’ home was the focus of three local television stations and the 2024 winner of the Light Up Conway contest sponsored by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We never expected any of this, but we love to see families enjoying it,” Angie said. “And we always try to get out there and hand out candy canes. The kids love doing that,” she said. “It’s so humbling to see so many enjoying it.”

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Pepsi had product placement in the first movie. It was featured when the family ate pizza, and was a favorite drink of the youngest cousin, Fuller, who was a notorious bed wetter. Angie has decorated with other food products from "Home Alone" to bring it to life.

“Crowbars up!” is the movie detail that Angie Howard incorporated into her “Home Alone” art, like this original prop of Harry and Marv’s van.

It conjures nostalgia and brings the joy and laughter of the movie to the Howards’ front lawn each Christmas.

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The “Angels with Filthy Souls” movie was created by the producers of "Home Alone" as a show with a tough guy and machine gun fire that inspired Kevin when he defended his home.

Angie Howard purchased the fake VHS movie sleeve from Etsy. It is played on a projector outside their home.

Tim looped the clip. They muted a word to be sure that their display is completely family-friendly.

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It is clear that the Howards love the nostalgia of the movie.

Even their apartment's bathroom is decked out with a familiar-looking wallpaper, green towels, a green bottle of Brute aftershave, and a mirror with Kevin’s iconic face screaming, “Ahhhh.” Surprisingly, that was not planned!

The young actor held his hands in place during his scream, which made a boy's first experience with aftershave all the more hilarious!

The Howards understand the unending activity and holiday chaos inside the McCallister’s home, as they have eight children of their own: Barrett, 22; Anderson, 18; Lydia, 16; Grant, 13; Giuliana, 11; Clara 7; AnaLia, 5; and Merebella, almost 3. “I am an only child,” Angie said, “and Tim has one brother. We have a big family, but neither of us came from big families.” The Howards, who have been married 25 years, feel the blessings of a full house. “We can certainly relate to the movie, but we’ve never left one,” Angie said, then paused and added, “at least, not yet!”

The exterior of the Howards’ home isn’t the only thing like the movie. While not available to the public, part of the family’s living space feels like walking onto the movie set year-round.

Just like the McCallister’s house, the staircase is just beyond the foyer, with a dining room on one side and a living space on the other. Upstairs and down a short hallway is an apartment decked in more than boughs of holly. From red and green wall paint to paisley wallpaper; from the dining table and chairs to the lace tablecloth; from the television and round-backed chair to a replica of the sundae and a bag of Crunch Tators; from the laundry chute, BB gun and Army figures to paint cans hanging from the ceiling; a Michael Jordan cutout, Little Nero’s Pizza boxes, and yes, a live tarantula (Barry), it’s clear the Howards love the nostalgia of the movie. Even the apartment’s bathroom is decked with a familiar-looking wallpaper, green towels, a green bottle of Brute aftershave, and a mirror with Kevin’s iconic face screaming, “Ahhhh.”

Remaining tasteful and as true as possible, the quest for “Home Alone” décor is ongoing for the Howards. They keep an eye out

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for new props to purchase or things to make. Once, they found the perfect red and green 1980s-1990s-era picture at a rummage sale, which benefited Compass Academy of Conway, a school serving special needs children and young adults.

Multiple inquiries last year regarding donations sparked an idea. Partnering with Community Connections, which also serves special needs children, the Howards offered for auction one Good Night “Home Alone” experience for six. The winning bid? $600. And for visitors who enjoy their decorations, a QR code will be posted on site so visitors can donate directly to Compass Academy.

What’s new? No spoilers, but this year look for a new cutout for photo ops, and a video of window dancers who might look familiar, if you know the Howards.

Decor goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving and everything comes down the day after Christmas. Weather affects the display, so Angie encourages visitors to follow their Facebook page (Home Alone House on Bay Hill) to check the hours the lights will be on. To reduce traffic congestion, the family encourages evening visitors to stay in their cars and drive, but photos can be taken during the day. “We have fantastic neighbors, and we are so grateful to them. So, we want to be understanding and mindful of them,” she said.

So, if you are looking for an inexpensive, fun evening out, load the family, grab a pizza, pack the cooler with Pepsi, and take a drive to 4835 Bay Hill Drive, Conway.

And “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!”

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“I hope that I will never reach a time when I will not be able to work with people whom I disagree with if we can reach a common goal by doing so.”

— Winthrop Rockefeller

PETIT JEAN

THE PLACE FOR PARTNERSHIPS

Winthrop Rockefeller advanced Arkansas by hosting conferences at his mountain retreat.

By Donna Lampkin Stephens

M

ore than 70 years after Winthrop Rockefeller came to Petit Jean Mountain, his legacy continues serving the adopted state he loved through the institute that bears his name.

According to rockefellerinstitute.org, Rockefeller, whose 1966 election as the first Republican governor of Arkansas since Reconstruction marked one of the state’s turning points politically, hosted scores of conferences and meetings at his mountaintop in the spirit of solving problems. The Rockefeller Institute continues that tradition today, using the “Rockefeller Ethic” — collaborative problem solving, respectful dialogue and diversity of opinion.

Julia Dossett Morgan, chief advancement officer, said that sort of problem solving was natural for Rockefeller.

“He got that from his parents, but he was also a man who liked to be with other people,” she said. “He was not comfortable staying up above folks. He liked to work and learn with his hands. He’d served in World War II; he’d worked in the oil fields. It was a continuation of the way he’d been living his life.”

She said when Rockefeller, a grandson of Standard Oil cofounder John D. Rockefeller, moved to Arkansas in 1953, he was looking for a place to begin a new chapter.

“He bought land and started Winrock Farms,” she said. “He found a lot of success, and he enjoyed the cattle work, but as

he was building Winrock Farms, with the vet offices and cattle pens, he was also building a conference center with meeting rooms. He was already realizing we had a lot of potential in the state that had been stymied. We had been losing population; we hadn’t transitioned out of the agrarian economy.

“But he saw the natural resources and the wonderful people who lived here, and he said, ‘I can make this better, but I’m not going to do it alone.’”

According to the website, the Institute continues Rockefeller’s belief that new solutions are needed to tackle old problems.

Austin DuVall, marketing and communications manager, said it had hosted 117 facilitations, totaling more than 4,000 hours/168 days of planning, in-room work and post-work since 2016, when “we really began to focus on building our own facilitative method.”

Program topics have included rural health care, rural workforce development, civic engagement, agricultural water usage and preservation, rural community development, recidivism, Arkansas education policy, food deserts and food insecurity, and health equity in Arkansas, as well as others encouraging Arkansas medical students to practice in rural areas, an annual 40 under 40 forum, university research collaborative with UAMS and UA-Fayetteville, and a public dialogue series with the Clinton School of Public Service covering a wide range of topics.

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Among a long list of organizations that have been part of the facilitations are the Dicamba Task Force, AmeriCorps, Simmons Bank, Arkansas Research Alliance, UAMS Department of Pediatrics and Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Food Bank, Conway Corp, Conway Public Schools, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s Food Desert Working Group.

Carder Hawkins joined the Institute in 2022 as chief strategy officer. A political science graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, he spent 20 years in state government and saw first-hand Arkansas’s transformation from a primarily blue to primarily red state.

“When I had the opportunity to come here, what really struck me about this place was how Winthrop wanted to help people,” Hawkins said. “He had a legacy as a convener to help others. He was a man of great wealth, but what drew a lot of people to him was he had a huge heart to help people, whether on Petit Jean Mountain or the broader state. People still talk about that.”

Morgan said the Rockefeller Ethic ensures that “everyone can be heard, and there is diversity of opinion with different lived experiences.”

From days past when Winthrop Rockefeller facilitated a Rural Planning committee meeting at Winrock Farms to current groups who convene to solve today's challenges, the Rockefeller name including the Institute are symbols of people working together .

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The Arkansas Collegiate Civic Leadership Academy kickoff was held at the Institute on Sept 12-13 this year.

“We don’t want academics telling the farmer how to do everything,” she said, as an example. “We mix all those together in a place where people can be themselves and disagree without being disagreeable, and we have seen over and over again how we can create transformational change.”

Hawkins said that was part of what drew him to the mountain.

“A real opportunity to get people from all sides to come together to solve problems,” he said. “It seems like every day there’s an article in the newspaper about things that are happening to address problems that contain nuggets of output and data that were part of our programs. We can’t point to them directly, but we know it’s there, conversations we had here with program participants that were feeders to what’s going on now, and that’s rewarding.”

As examples, he pointed to the governor releasing money to help food pantries or encouraging coordination of local produce between farmers and schools.

“There are all kinds of opportunities to convene with folks to identify what they can work on together,” he said. “That’s the power. We identify what they’re never going to agree on, get that out of the way, then hone in on what they do have in common, what they can work on together, and it goes from there.

“It seems like common sense, but we need to be very intentional and let them have that conversation to be able to have others that will move the needle.”

For more information, visit rockefellerinstitute.org.

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Your Choice YOUR FAMILY. YOUR SCHOOL.

A

rkansas Public School Choice enables students to attend a public school in a nonresident district. This means that families who do not live within the Pulaski County Special School District school zone, but wish to attend one of the 25 schools in the district may do so through the Arkansas Public School Choice Act. “The Arkansas Public School Choice Act is a great option for parents and families who are interested in their children attending a PCSSD school, but they live outside of our district,” said Dr. Janice Warren, assistant superintendent for Student Services. “PCSSD is committed to preparing students for college, career, and world readiness, and we welcome applications from those interested in our district.”

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The Arkansas Public School Choice Act allows students from kindergarten to grade 12 the opportunity to register and attend public schools outside of their assigned school district.

Applications are open from January 1 through June 1, for the following fall semester. Applications for pre-K students new to the district begins on January 12.

PCSSD encompasses 25 schools in Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Sherwood, including 16 elementary schools, four middle schools, one junior high school, and four high schools.

For specific questions about PCSSD or School Choice, parents may contact the PCSSD Department of Student Services at 501.234.2021.

2026 Registration Timeline PRE-K ENROLLMENT

JANUARY 12, 2026

Begin accepting Pre K Applications for students NEW to the District

STUDENT REGISTRATION JANUARY 1 - JUNE 1, 2026

Arkansas School Choice Applications accepted

MARCH 9-20, 2026

Elementary Intent Form

MARCH 9, 2026

Online registration opens for students NEW to the District (Grades K-12)

APRIL 1 - MAY 29, 2026

Student Services will begin accepting permits

About PCSSD Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in Central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 25 schools.

Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education.

PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.

PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

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Glisten in Greenbrier” is sure to create a magical winter experience in Matthews Park.

The tree has been lit and is the centerpiece of cocoa and caroling events, school and church-sponsored evenings that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Skating and concessions are open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays through Dec. 30 and every special event night.

All festivities are closed on Dec. 24 and 25, and again on New Year's Eve. The annual parade “30 Years of Cheer NO GRINCH Can Steal” will roll out at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11. Santa Night is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18. A DriveThrough Live Nativity with LifeSong will be offered Dec. 19 and 20.

The Piccolo-Zoppe’ Winter Circus will offer performances from Dec. 19 - Jan. 4.

Follow the Greenbrier Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for updates on events and for inclement weather changes.

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YOUTH OF THE MONTH

CANAAN GILBERT GREENBRIER

By Mark Oliver • Photo by Makenzie Evans

A

t just 14 years old, Greenbrier’s Canaan Gilbert has already accomplished what many adults dream of: He’s published two books, earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and helped launch a YouTube channel.

And he’s just getting started.

With a third book already written and more in the works, Canaan’s creative energy is matched only by his deep faith and the support of his family.

“I was 11 when I wrote my first book, ‘The Dino Life,’” he said. “As a kid, I always enjoyed telling stories and drawing comics.

With a little help from my parents, they encouraged me to bring my creativity to life.”

Inspired by dinosaur adventures like “Jurassic Park,” Canaan crafted a compelling action-adventure story with heart and consequence that is impressively deep for a first-time author. “‘The Dino Life’ serves as a reminder of how the decisions you make affect everyone around you,” he said. “Pride and arrogance, when kept unchecked, can hurt others you care about. I’m really proud of this story and the message within it.”

Released in October 2023 through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, “The Dino Life” quickly found success across the 501 and became the springboard for Canaan’s creative journey.

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TOP LEFT: Canaan Gilbert began playing the piano when he was 7. TOP CENTER: He helped lead a lesson at church to the middle school class.

TOP RIGHT: The Gilbert family includes Brittany (from left), Everly, Canaan, Declan and Levi.

BOTTOM LEFT: Levi and his kids create content for a YouTube channel named Super Gilbert Bros.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Canaan had a booth at Bean’s Books Author Fest 2 in October and promoted the two books he has published.

“I really enjoyed the experience of publishing my first book,” he said. “As soon as I finished ‘The Dino Life,’ I immediately began working on my next book. Whenever it did well, especially locally, I thought, ‘Why not keep going?’”

For eight years, he has also trained in martial arts and recently earned his second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. His siblings are following in his footsteps, too. Declan holds a first-degree black belt, while Everly recently began her training.

Released in November 2024, Canaan’s second feature, “Daniel and the Dream,” marks an emotional and powerful shift in tone and highlights the youngster’s creative range. Drawing inspiration from one of his favorite Bible verses, the book explores themes of loss and spiritual growth through fantasy and allegory.

“I’ve been interested in writing a book based on my experience in Taekwondo,” Canaan said. “Sparring and learning new things is exciting. There is a lot of patience involved. While it’s tough in the moment, it’s worth it later on.”

“I wanted to write a story about overcoming life’s most difficult moments,” Canaan said. “When really sad and hard things happen, they test your courage, your friendship and your faith. John 16:33 says, ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ Through adversity, Daniel learns to become strong and fearless and reconnect with his faith.”

With each book he writes, Canaan deepens his understanding as an author while sharpening his skills as a creative young voice.

“From my first book to my second book, my writing style changed to be a little more serious, but I still like to include humor,” he said. “I’m learning to provide more complete and interesting worlds that can span across multiple books.”

Canaan’s creative pursuits don’t stop at writing. He’s one of the minds behind the family’s Super Gilbert Bros. YouTube channel, where he, his dad, Levi, and his siblings, Declan and Everly, livestream video games, share movie reviews and celebrate family milestones.

“The YouTube channel began as my idea originally but has grown into a group effort for our family,” Canaan said. “My dad and brother help with editing, and we all have a hand in creating content and trying new things.”

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Balancing writing, YouTube and Taekwondo might seem daunting for any teenager, but homeschooling gives him the flexibility to pursue his passions.

“Part of the freedom of homeschooling means that I have more time to focus on the things I’m passionate about,” Canaan said.

“It’s all about juggling priorities, which I’m learning to get better at every day.”

In the future, he plans not only to release sequels to his current books but also to co-write a new series with his brother, Declan.

“I love writing and I am excited that my siblings are beginning to write, too,” Canaan said. “We are currently working out the details of the story we want to tell, and I can’t wait to see what it becomes.”

Looking ahead, he envisions expanding his storytelling to the silver screen.

“I’ve always loved movies,” he said. “It would be cool to take my ideas and turn them into something that people can see.”

Canaan’s books are available for purchase online on Amazon or locally at Bean’s Books in Pickles Gap. For behind-thescenes updates and news on upcoming releases, follow @ CanaanGilbertAuthor on Instagram. For more creative content, check out the Super Gilbert Bros. on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

‘I’ve been interested in writing a book based on my experience in Taekwondo. Sparring and learning new things is exciting. While it’s tough in the moment, it’s worth it later on.’

— Canaan Gilbert

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Conway woman has made room for more than 600 nativities

By Lori Dunn • Photos by Makenzie Evans

T

he birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem manger, also known as the Nativity, is an enduring image of Christmas and the Christian savior’s humble beginning.

Many homes have at least one Nativity set on display during the holiday season. A vintage set from Judy Rogers’ childhood sparked her interest in collecting all types of Nativity scenes.

During the Christmas season, multiple Nativities can be found in every room of her Conway home. “I love Christmas and I love Jesus,” Rogers said. “As far back as I can remember, my family always had a Nativity scene as part of our Christmas decorations.

After she graduated college and moved into her first apartment, she purchased her first set. “The first Christmas decoration I purchased for my apartment was a Nativity. The first one I bought was the same style as the one I grew up with,” she said.

Rogers is a retired music teacher who has taught in Conway, Little Rock, Dallas and San Antonio. She now has more than 600 Nativity scenes and nearly 500 ornaments with Nativity scenes displayed on several trees in her Conway home. “They mean a lot to me. I like the ones that are more unusual. Each one is distinct, and they come in all shapes and sizes,” she said.

The sets are stored in about 18 totes and kept in the garage until after Thanksgiving. The collection grew a lot after Rogers

and her husband, Bill, retired and began traveling. She enjoys seeking Nativity sets as souvenirs when she visits other states or countries. Bill is a “good sport” about her collection. “My family has the same love for them I do,” she said.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with staging the first Nativity scene in 1223. Their popularity spread to Germany in the 1600s and were typically displayed in front of medieval churches and temples.

Rogers has found unique sets in China, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Vatican City, Wales and numerous other countries. “It’s fun tracking them down,” she said. She has also visited places where she was unable to find a set in person but has been able to find one online after she returned home.

Many have been purchased through Fair Trade organizations such as Woman’s Missionary Union’s World Craft, Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV International, along with other sites, including eBay and Etsy.

Nativities are depicted in various ways around the world.

Sometimes only Jesus and Mary are included, especially in Orthodox and Catholic denominations, Rogers said.

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“YOU CAN’T SEE THIS COLLECTION AND DOUBT WHICH PART OF CHRISTMAS IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO ME.” — Judy Rogers

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F

or more than 60 years, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) has provided investment options to benefit congregations here in the Natural State, helping people of faith be the best stewards possible of the funds entrusted to them.

While MFA’s mission is to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas, we know this effort often benefits more than just Methodists — and we work to maximize that impact.

Managing more than $240 million in assets helps us support an array of vital needs here at home: Last year’s grant disbursements totaled $1.8 million.

As a 2025 recipient of the Acting Out Against Hunger Award from the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, MFA has a demonstrated commitment to helping Arkansas become a better place for everyone to live, learn, and grow. In the last 10 years, MFA has given nearly $2.7 million toward alleviating hunger in communities statewide.

MFA encourages Arkansans to consider and plan for their legacies. Our resources for charitable giving now and longterm don’t just create tax benefits; they connect generosity with living a life of meaning.

The sets are made from a variety of materials. She has one made of driftwood and another constructed out of grapevines and metals. In some countries, Nativity sets are woven together with sticks and corn husks. “They use the materials they have on hand to make them,” she said.

While at an airport in Jordan, she found a Nativity scene painted on an ostrich egg. In Portugal, many are made from cork due to the number of cork trees there. In many countries, the sets include animals native to that country. One from Australia depicts kangaroos and types of birds. One from Africa includes chickens and an anteater.

Any collector has favorite items and Rogers is no different. Her favorite is a set of nesting dolls painted by an artist named Yuri from Minsk, Belarus. Friends living in Minsk requested the set for her. The pieces are truly one-of-a-kind, she said.

And by offering immersive continuing education for both clergy and laypersons, MFA’s study-travel opportunities broaden perspectives and encourage understanding — two elements that help foster spiritual growth and deepen the human desire to care for each other.

At the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, gratefulness leads the way to faithful living and faithful giving. Thank you for taking time to learn about MFA, and please contact us if you’d like to know more.

Wishing you this holiday season and throughout the new year!

Many other sets in her collection are found closer to home.

Rogers enjoys looking for Nativity sets at antique shops and flea markets. “I like the hunt and going around looking for them. You can find some real treasures,” she said. Her largest set is about 3 feet tall with the smallest being only about half an inch high.

She has shared her sets with others by displaying several at Grace Presbyterian Church’s Festival of the Nativities. This year’s festival is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.

While Rogers enjoys all aspects of Christmas and has also had a Santa Claus collection, it’s the story behind the Nativity that means the most to her.

601 Wellington Village Road | Little Rock, AR 72211 501.664.8632 | methodistfoundationAR.org

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THIS WINTER, KEEP THE WARMTH IN AND THE

By Beth Jimmerson

T

he holidays have snuck up on us again and so has the colder weather. As temperatures drop, Conway Corp wants to help you keep your home cozy without cranking up the heat – or your energy bill.

Even though the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects heating costs to rise only slightly this year, a sudden cold snap can make bills climb even higher if your home isn’t ready.

A little prep now can make a big difference later — saving you money and keeping your home comfortable all season long.

Conway Corp wants to ensure your home is prepared for the unexpected, helping you save a nice chunk of change while protecting your property for years to come. With these winterization tips, you'll save energy while saving money at the same time.

STOP DRAFTS IN THEIR TRACKS

Drafts can waste up to 30 percent of your energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Sealing them is one of the easiest

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ways to save. Pick up window insulation kits from the hardware store, add weather-stripping or caulking where needed, and for a quick DIY fix, fill an old sock with sand or kitty litter to make a “draft snake” for your door.

CHECK YOUR FURNACE FILTER

Replace your furnace filter once a month during heating season — it helps your system run efficiently and keeps your air cleaner.

Permanent electrostatic filters cost more up front but trap up to 88 percent of debris, compared to just 40 percent with standard fiberglass filters. That’s less waste, fewer clogs and better air quality. If your furnace is older, upgrading to a modern unit could save you money every month.

FLIP YOUR CEILING FANS

Many ceiling fans come with a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer. Air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space cutting your heating costs as much as 10 percent.

WINTERIZE YOUR AC AND WATER LINES

Before the first freeze, drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes making sure you don’t have excess water pooled in equipment.

This will prevent damage. If your air conditioner has a water shutoff valve, go ahead and turn it off. Remove any window air conditioner units and store them so you don’t invite cold drafts all winter. Also, turn off exterior water spigots.

TURN DOWN YOUR WATER HEATER

Lowering your water heater temperature from 140°F to 120°F can save 10 percent on water heating costs — and you’ll still have plenty of hot water for showers. If you’re ready to invest, a tankless water heater can save even more energy long-term.

ADD STORM DOORS AND WINDOWS

Installing storm doors and windows can boost energy efficiency by up to 45 percent by reducing drafts and sealing in warmth. They also let you enjoy natural light without the chill.

SCHEDULE A HEATING TUNE-UP

A little maintenance goes a long way. Keeping your furnace clean and well-tuned can trim up to 5 percent off your heating costs while helping your system last longer.

BE THERMOSTAT SMART

Heating and cooling make up about 50 to 70 percent of your energy costs. For every degree you turn down the thermostat in winter, you can save three percent on your bill. A programmable thermostat makes it easy — most families save around $180 a year just by using one.

BOOST YOUR INSULATION

Proper insulation keeps heat where it belongs — inside your home. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can reduce your energy bills by up to 10 percent each year. You can even insulate hot water pipes with inexpensive foam sleeves to save more and prevent freezing.

MAKE IT EASY WITH CONWAY CORP Looking for more ways to save this winter? Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program offers free residential energy audits to help customers identify how much energy their homes consume and what measures may be taken to make their homes more energy-efficient. The analysis will show a homeowner any problems that may, when corrected, save significant amounts of money over time. A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes while evaluating what measures you can take to make your home more energy-efficient.

During the audit process, a Conway Corp certified energy professional will perform a walk-through inspection of your home using a variety of techniques and equipment to determine its energy-efficiency level. The inspection will help you understand the efficiency level of your home’s heating and cooling systems, look at how your windows and doors seal, inspect insulation levels, show you ways to conserve electricity and help identify leaks in your home.

Annually, homes that have received a free audit from Energy Smart save more than $2 million combined in utility costs. Over the lifetime of the program, these homes have saved more than $12 million.

Visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart to learn more or call 501.450.6000 to schedule a free energy audit from a Conway Corp certified energy professional.

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By Laurie Green

I

recently experienced a huge milestone in my therapy sessions: I realized I’m not everyone’s cup of tea — and I’m finally OK with it.

Truth is, my whole life there have been people who just haven’t liked me for one reason or another. But for the first time ever, I’ve stopped obsessing and ruminating over why — or how to fix myself so they would. I was raised to not care what other people think, while at the same time being taught that if someone didn’t like me, it was a “me” problem and not a “them” problem. That constant pressure to change who I was just to fit in left me absolutely exhausted.

There came a point where I truly felt worn thin — physically, emotionally and spiritually. I kept trying to reinvent myself, to prove I was worthy, lovable, or enough. But the more I tried, the more I broke. That’s when I finally realized I didn’t need a new version of me — I needed to remember Who created me.

It was hard to reach out for help in the darkness. Shame has a way of keeping you isolated and whispering that no one would understand.

This is a place where a lot of us get stuck, and it's where I stayed for a really long time. But God, in His kindness, placed people in my life who loved me enough to not only check in, but to follow up. They were His reminders that I wasn’t alone, and that healing doesn’t

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happen in hiding. Looking back, I can see how there is no shame in taking care of your mental health — only strength in doing so.

In those quiet, broken moments, I leaned hard on the promises of God — especially the one that says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) And He was. Even when I didn’t feel it, even when I was angry or confused, He stayed close. He reminded me that being broken isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of being rebuilt by His hands.

Now, when I think about not being everyone’s cup of tea, I smile because I’m I smile because I’m not supposed to be! God didn’t design me for everyone’s approval; He designed me for His purpose.

And the peace that comes with that realization is better than anything I could’ve found by trying to please people.

I actually love this version of me — the one God’s been shaping through every hard season, every tear, every prayer whispered in the dark. And I’ve found I’m better at building relationships with the ones who like me just the way He made me (chin hairs and all).

Am I done with this journey of becoming thin, healthy, happy and in shape? Nope, not yet. But I can tell you this, hindsight is always 20/20, and I'm learning that often you have to get through the rainstorms to enjoy the rainbow.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACCOLADES Unity Health CEO receives AHAA Administrator of the Year Award

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resident and CEO of Unity Health, LaDonna Johnston, recently received the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association Administrator of the Year Award for Hospitals with more than 100 beds.

“This award is a recognition of her decades of dedication, authentic leadership, and her passion to serve alongside associates and volunteers,” said Cassandra Feltrop, community education coordinator. “She exemplifies servant leadership, professional excellence and unwavering dedication to healthcare.”

Johnston was nominated by the Unity Health Auxiliary, who said: LaDonna Johnston is not only an administrator, but she is also a mentor, a cheerleader and a servant leader. Her authenticity is her strength.

She doesn’t lead from a distance; she leads from among her people. Her dedication to Unity Health is evident in everything she does, from strategic planning to a simple conversation in a hallway.

“Unity Health is honored to have LaDonna Johnston as our President and CEO, as she is a wonderful demonstration of Unity Health's values and has shown that in her more than 35 years of service to our community,” Feltrop said.

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From U.S. Senior Amateur article

by Tom Mackin.

(USGA/Chris Keane)

By David Grimes

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Stan Lee began winning golf tournaments as a teenager in Heber Springs and kept on winning, culminating with a victory at the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

ee was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) in 2015 as part of the 57th class, along with Dwight Adams, Pat Bradley, Ron Calcagni, Leon Clements, Jack Fleck, Eldon Hawley, Carl Jackson, Stephen Jones, Mike Malham Jr., Christy Smith and Bowden Wyatt.

Lee was an outstanding all-around athlete at Heber Springs High School, excelling in football and basketball. He also played baseball before giving that up to spend more time on golf, which turned out to be a great decision.

As a sophomore, Lee won the 1968 individual state championship in Class A-B, carding a score of 146 over two rounds. However, he could not lead Heber Springs to the team title, as two golfers were required per school for the team competition, and Lee was the only participant for the Panthers. In 1969, he repeated as the individual medalist, shooting 148, but that year he had a partner.

He teamed up with Dwight Olmstead, who shot 150, and the pair easily won the Class A-B team title for Heber Springs.

As a senior in 1970, Lee took home his third straight individual title, finishing 4-under 138. He had a new partner in Hank Kelley but ended up with the same result, taking home the team title

again for Heber Springs. That summer, Lee paired up with his father, Richie Lee, to win the Red Apple County Club’s FatherSon Four Ball at Eden Isle. The runners-up were his high school partner Hank Kelley and his father, Hank Kelley Sr. Lee also won the Arkansas State Junior Boys medal play championship in Hot Springs.

His play earned him a scholarship to the University of Houston, which was one of the top collegiate golf programs in the country.

However, Lee left after a semester and enrolled at State College of Arkansas, now the University of Central Arkansas. As a Bear, he won the 1972 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) title and the NAIA District 17 Championship, advancing to compete in the NAIA Championship. He was named All-AIC and an NAIA second-team All-American.

He was also dominating Arkansas State Golf Association (ASGA) events, winning regularly, including the ASGA match play tournament in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1974. A 1973 article in the Arkansas Gazette proclaimed the then 20-year-old Lee as “simply, the best amateur golfer in Arkansas.” That year, he won his third consecutive Fourth of July Tournament at War Memorial Park in Little Rock.

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After one season at UCA, Lee transferred to LSU, where he won two tournaments in 1974 and one in 1975. He was twice named All-SEC and NCAA second-team AllAmerica. In 1975, he was joined on the Tiger golf team by his younger brother, Louis Lee. He turned pro in 1975 and played on the PGA Tour from 1976 to 1980. Lee’s best career finish was runner-up at the 1977 New Orleans Open, finishing three strokes off the lead at 12 under par. He retired from the grind of the PGA Tour in 1980 but later regained his amateur status and began playing ASGA events again.

Lee was inducted into the ASGA’s Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1999, but he was far from done on the state level and nationally. He won the ASGA Stroke Play Championship in 2000 at Pleasant Valley County Club. He repeated in 2001 and was named the ASGA’s Player of the Year.

In 2007 at the age of 55, Lee recorded his most impressive victory, winning the USGA Senior Amateur Open at Flint Hills National Golf Club in Andover, Kan. After advancing through the stroke play phase, Lee worked his way through the match play bracket, winning the 53rd annual event 4-and-3 over Sam Farlow.

Back home, now playing senior ASGA events, he continued his run of success, winning multiple titles from 2010 to 2014. Lee also had a few more runs at the USGA Senior Amateur, advancing to the final 16 at the in 2009 and 2010.

In 2011, he lost in the quarterfinals to his brother Louis.

Lee was inducted into the ASGA’s Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1999, but he was far from done on the state level or nationally.

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Lee resides back home in Heber Springs. The last competitive event that he played was the ASGA Senior State Amateur in 2019, which he won. He still plays golf, but now it’s just for fun.

Kennedy delivers dedication speech in Heber Spring He was assassinated Nov. 21, 1963. Springs on Oct. 3, 1963

President John F. Kennedy ascends the platform steps before his Greers Ferry Dam dedication speech.

LEFT: Kennedy shakes hands with attendees of the event. CENTER: President Bill Clinton delivers Greers Ferry 50th Anniversary speech in Heber Springs on Oct. 3, 2013. Clinton used the same podium President John F. Kennedy used in 1963 at the dedication of the dam.

RIGHT: Greers Ferry Chief Ranger of Recreation Aaron Winchester and Natural Resource Specialists Jason Presley and Mary Nash pose with the podium in November. It was restored to mint condition by the trio.

HISTORY COMES

HOME TO HEBER JFK’S PODIUM DONATED TO GREERS FERRY LAKE’S VISITOR CENTER

By Erin Jimenez, Public Affairs Specialist at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

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Photos courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock Distric

piece of history that once held the weight of a nation’s hopes will soon find a new home at the William Carl Garner Visitor Center at Greers Ferry Lake in Cleburne County.

The podium used by President John F. Kennedy during the dedication of the Greers Ferry Dam on Oct. 3, 1963, has been generously donated to the Greers Ferry Project Office by Jean Garner, the wife of the late William Carl Garner.

This podium, a symbol from one of Kennedy’s final public appearances before his tragic assassination just weeks later, now stands as a testament to both a momentous chapter in American history and the enduring legacy of the man who helped bring that vision to life.

Garner is also credited with launching the Greers Ferry shoreline cleanup, a program that became the model for the national Federal Lands Cleanup Day. To honor his legacy, the Greers Ferry Visitor Center was named after him, and his significant contributions continue to resonate in the region.

As Kennedy dedicated the Greers Ferry Dam, he emphasized its importance. “It will provide flood control protection to thousands of downstream acres,” he said. “It will provide hydroelectric power to the consumers of 96,000 kilowatts; it will provide recreation to hundreds of thousands of visitors to this beautiful lake and shoreline.”

While the podium represents a poignant moment in American history, it also honors the legacy of Garner, the distinguished engineer who played a pivotal role in the dam’s operations and the planning of Kennedy’s visit.

Greers Ferry Dam has far surpassed Kennedy’s vision, becoming a vital resource to the nation. It now serves more than 2 million visitors annually. The dam provides more than 200 million kilowatt hours of hydroelectric power per year to consumers and has prevented more than $560 million in flood damages since its construction.

As the resident engineer in charge of the dam’s operations and maintenance, Garner meticulously coordinated the logistics for the event, ensuring the speaker platform and surrounding area were prepared for the high-profile ceremony. His career spanned 58 years, during which he contributed to several major infrastructure projects and became a champion for environmental stewardship.

Notably, this podium was also used by President Bill Clinton during the 50th anniversary of the dam's dedication. Now over 60 years old, the podium has withstood the test of time, having supported speeches from not one, but two U.S. presidents. It will soon be displayed at the Carl Garner Visitor Center in Heber Springs, where it will continue to inspire all who visit.

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With six decades of collecting and a little bit of Christmas magic, Linda Martindale has created a holiday home like no other

By Phyllis Ormsby • Photos by Makenzie Evans

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inda Martindale will humbly declare she is “not really creative” but a tour of her beautifully appointed west Conway home tells the true story. Every wall, mantel and shelf displays a wide range of her work, from painted canvases to imaginative 3-D creations using found objects, miniatures and repurposed materials, many used in totally unexpected ways. And since the holidays are not far away, Linda’s home is filled with Christmas, done in her own unique style.

"I just love Christmas and always have. As an artist, I'm really crafty,” she said. “I have a lot of Santas. They are so cute!”

Santas are everywhere, from those she captured on canvas to free-standing figures she created. One favorite piece was made from a recycled doll. “I chopped her head off and replaced it with a Santa head,” Linda said with a laugh. “Then I sewed a Santa bag for him for the gifts.”

Although she’s done many works on canvas, including portraits of family, her creativity branched out from the twodimensional to just about anything she can make with her hands.

You’d never guess, for example, how she made her expensivelooking Wise Men trio. Each started as a styrofoam cone usually used for floral arrangements. Linda repurposed the fur collar off a coat, some antique jewelry and recycled fabrics to make the figures’ richly layered costumes. In her entryway stands an elaborate Old World Santa figure she made. Hidden under his costume? A base made from a plastic bottle filled with clay litter.

Her inspiration comes from many places, from pictures on Instagram to displays in stores. “I’m a big shopper,” she said.

“I’ll see something in a store and then think, ‘Hey, I can do that!’ I’m a big garage saler, too.”

On one of her shopping trips, she saw a large mirror with a jewel-encrusted frame. “It had a big price tag on it, too, so I thought I’d make one myself,” she said. She ended up making two of them, one for herself and one for her mom, whom Linda cared for in her home during her final years. “Each

mirror had sentimental things for the most part, pieces of Desert Rose dishes that everybody’s mama had, some blue and white pieces of mine, my husband and mine’s watches, all kinds of little sentimental things like that.”

During the holidays, she also displays a large collection of Nativity sets from around the world, some of which she purchased when traveling and some that were gifted to her.

“I’ve been collecting for 60 years now and have been lucky enough to go to market and I frequent after Christmas sales.

A lot of this is done on a dime,” Linda said. “For example, this is the first year I haven’t done my own table decorations. I got those at Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe this year because of time constraints, and I’m real happy with them.”

Linda’s favorite part of her Christmas decorations are the trees. “I just love them,” she said. “They have so many memory ornaments and I love making them pretty.” This year, she said she was thankful to have decorating help from her grandson Jake Hill, her daughter Kay Lynn and her daughter-in-law Stefanie Martindale. “It’s gotten to be a lot for me to do on my own,” she said.

Linda, who grew up in Magnolia (Columbia County), was in high school when she took her first art lessons. She minored in art at what is now Southern Arkansas University, where she met her husband, Jim. His job with Entergy took them to 11 different towns, where they lived in 19 different homes during his career, and in each new town, Linda sought out someone to give her more art lessons. She also taught elementary school in six of those towns. “I taught kindergarten to third grade, so I always incorporated art into it,” she said.

Linda has also poured her love of decorating and art into vendor booths filled with antiques and home decor. Previously, she had a booth at Fabulous Finds when she lived in Little Rock; today she has a booth at the Painted Pig in Conway.

She’s even held classes in her home, teaching friends and neighbors how to recreate her decoupaged pumpkins. “Most of them had never done any crafts at all,” Linda said. “They all seemed to just love it. Sometimes all you need is a little push and it makes you want to do other things.”

ENJOY A TOUR OF LINDA'S CREATIONS ON PAGES 77 - 79.

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Dept 56 Snow Babies are just one part of Linda Martindale's delightful Christmas collections, which fill her home each December.

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AND THAT’S WHAT

IS REALLYALL ABOUT.

By Vivian Lawson Hogue

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any people become full of pep as Christmas nears. They just had turkey sandwiches a week ago and may be having another soon. There are also Scrooges aplenty because they didn’t get a Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun when they were 10. No one had told them the story of the original Magi gifts for Jesus, what they were and who they were for. Gold was for a king, frankincense for wafting prayers upward and myrrh for an embalming process. Truth be known, Jesus was likely 2 years old when the wise men finally arrived, and that container of embalming fragrance remained stored for 31 years. Ultimately, He didn’t even need it after all!

In the Great Depression and World War II years, children didn’t ask for or get much, but that was a normal state for nearly everyone.

When you have to fit cardboard into your worn-out shoes trying to extend their use, or make soup from tomato ketchup, water, salt and butter, that was comfort enough. My oldest brother got a Boy Scout hat one year. The rest got a large peppermint candy stick to divide between them. Or so they said. Exaggeration ran rampant among the brothers and they never grew out of it.

I always had to go with mother to shop, and Christmas was no different. When I was 8, I was sidewalk-focused, looking for dropped pennies, and saw little else except people’s waists. I never whined, had a tantrum or ran inside a store, or there would be you-know-what to pay. Right there in front of everyone. I would also not be allowed to come next time. Speaking of pennies, my favorite stores were Frauenthal and Schwartz’s Mercantile and J.C. Penney’s.

After mother discussed, for what seemed hours, the choice of serge or broadcloth, I rested my chin on the cutting table and watched the clerk cut the fabric just as Moses parted the Red Sea. When it was time to pay at F&S, the clerk put mother’s check into a dual tube system and sent it to the inner office by way of air pressure.

The tube miraculously reappeared containing change or receipts.

J.C. Penney, from whence came the best Christmas catalogue, utilized a similar system, but returned the tube by gravitation.

The festive, joyful, and, yes, merry feeling was enhanced by decorations in town. There was the annual courthouse tree and the nativity scene. Strings of colored lights zig-zagged above Front and Oak streets. Such lights would be expensive for homeowners,

but I do recall city lights large enough to possibly strain Conway Corporation’s abilities. The Christmas parade was populated with the college and high school marching bands, horses and floats.

All of this, along with Old St. Nick waving and throwing candy, provided the excitement we wouldn’t have had otherwise. During one parade that took place in the late 1950s, I recall a store’s display window featuring a working black-and-white TV. An entranced crowd gathered to watch, and I’m not sure they even noticed the parade.

According to the thick, 60¢-per-month Log Cabin Democrat subscription, a holiday purchase could include Acme Cowboy Boots for $20. At Biggs Tire Store, you could put a dollar down to purchase tires and pay them off at 1.25 per week. One furniture store had a dresser, bed, bureau and night stand for $129. Kroger had canned vegetables, 6 cans for $1; Jumbo lemons, 39¢ a dozen; 1 lb. bacon, 69¢; and T-bone baby beef steaks, 99¢ a pound. By 1958, you could at least dream of buying a “Rock and cedar home, large kitchen, 3 BR, 2 bath, intercom, custom drapes, and an assumable loan for $59,500.”

Before Christmas, my parents would load up our ’39 Buick for the long ride up to Imboden, Arkansas, where my grandparents Lawson lived. In their late-1800s log cabin perched on stacks of flat rocks, we roughed it for two or three frigid days of winter.

Their 3-foot cedar tree was sparsely adorned with handmade ornaments. Lights were not necessary. If God had wanted lights on trees, he would have created them on the fourth day. They had the same attitude toward daylight-saving time, so we grew accustomed to subtracting from or adding to the mantle clock’s hands and chimes.

When you watch Christmas movies on TV, there is always someone who extols the value of holiday gatherings by saying, “And that’s what Christmas is all about!” That’s the secular side of it. The spiritual side says Jesus is King, but he doesn’t need gold to save souls. Instead of smokey incense, He personally handles prayers. After He died, a friend donated his own burial crypt where Jesus’s body was taken. He didn’t need the myrrh because He simply arose, opened the tomb and “went about doing His Father’s business.”

And THAT, dear friend, is what Christmas is all about!

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Fits like a

For an 88 year-old Senior Softball Hall of Famer, an active lifestyle still

Glove

By Donna Lampkin Stephens • Photos by Mike Kemp

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ddie Glover of Conway has some advice for anyone wanting to live a long, healthy life: Stay off the couch and get active.

Glover, 88, practices what he preaches. In 2023, he was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame, following his induction into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in 2002. His team, Billy’s Trophies & Awards, won the 2025 Conway Fall Senior Softball League in October. In that league, he competes with and against players more than 40 years his junior.

He remembered a back surgeon telling him once, “Look, you’re like a car that gets 200,000 miles, and you’ve got 195,000 on you now.”

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“I have no back problems at all,” Glover said. “I go to the chiropractor every other week, and otherwise I just exercise.”

He plays golf several times a week and works out at the fitness center at Nutters Chapel Golf Club, does home exercises and rides his bicycle around his neighborhood.

But more than anything, there is softball. Besides local city and church leagues, he has played on teams that have won 11 national championships. He was named either MVP or to the All-Tournament Team in more than half of those.

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Eddie Glover (from left) shakes hands with fellow softball player Chris Smith. Smith was honored as MVP for the University of Central Arkansas’s NAIA National Championship win in 1991.

“God has been nothing but good to me,” he said. “He’s blessed me so much.”

Debi Nabholz of Conway knows Glover from the golf course.

“Eddie Glover may be one of the most active 88-year-olds in town,” she said. “He is an absolute delight. I’ve gotten to know him out on the golf course but had no idea of the scope of his accomplishments.”

Glover grew up in the remote Prairie County community of Cross Road, four miles south of Hickory Plains, between Des Arc and Beebe.

“About all there was to do was play baseball,” he said. “I wanted to be a shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals.”

The ball field was across the road from the country store named Sport Glovers Grocery, where his family lived. As a boy, he went to school there with the other 11 students, plus the teacher.

He graduated from Mabelvale High School in Little Rock in 1954 and then took a detour into bull riding for a few years.

He graduated from Little Rock Junior College with a business administration degree and joined the Army National Guard fulltime in 1955.

In 1957, he was part of the troops called up by Gov. Orval Faubus to block the Little Rock Nine from desegregating Little Rock Central High School.

“President Eisenhower put us all on active duty, and we got those kids in,” he said. “That was quite an experience.”

He served a total of 43 years, 8 months and 18 days, with his final five years spent on active duty. On May 31, 1999, he was discharged as a Chief Warrant Officer Five.

But softball was never far from his heart.

“My choir director at Central Assembly of God in Little Rock said to me one day, ‘I’m thinking about getting a slow-pitch softball

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team together; would you like to play?’ Well, he did, and I did,” Glover said. “I was 32, and little did I realize that 55 years later, I’d be standing before all these people getting this award (the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame).”

When he started, he could play any position.

“However, my main forte is pitching,” he said. “Being a pitcher, the main thing is to be able to spot the ball where you want it.

At my age, I couldn’t play shortstop or anything like that now.”

He moved to Conway in 1992. His family — wife Debbie, a retired teacher and counselor; daughter Hannah; son Micah; and three grandchildren — have supported his softball career, attending induction banquets and embracing the family game.

“But they’ve got their own sports now,” he said. “Hannah went to (Arkansas) Tech and played some softball there. Micah played baseball until they started throwing curves and he got hit.”

Glover started playing senior travel softball at age 52 and competed year-round through this year. He continues to play league ball locally. His highlights are too many to list but include various World Series championships, MVP and all-tournament honors.

In 2021, Glover secured Jim Fulks of Maumelle to manage the LOTA (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas) softball team, and they went on to win the Men’s 80 Major Division at the Senior Softball (SS) World Championship in Las Vegas, where he won all three games he pitched, including the championship game.

Last year, Glover played with the Kansas City Midwest Driving School, which won the SS USA World Master 85 AAA Division in Las Vegas. The pitcher was awarded MVP.“Competition in sports was a big part of my life,” he said during his induction ceremony for the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame.

That spirit continues to be an example for all of us.

In June, Eddie Glover was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame at the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame Banquet. He chose for his award to be presented in his home state. His family celebrated with him. Back row: Johnny Sanders (from left), Debbie Glover, Micah Glover. Front row: Hannah Glover Sanders, Eddie Glover, Rain, Michaela and Shiloh Glover in front.

On Oct. 7, Billie’s Trophies & Awards team won the Conway Senior Softball League. They are the 2025 Season Champions — Glover pitches for them and was awarded MVP by his manager, Gary McVay. 501LIFEMAG.COM

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As the only Miss Conway to become Miss Arkansas, Barbara Banks wowed the nation in a one-of-kind Arkansas gown

By Ginger English • Dress photo by John Burton

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As Miss Arkansas, Selvy was privileged to make many public appearances throughout the state. One of her most memorable appearances was at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Dec. 22, 1956, at the first and only Aluminum Bowl, a football championship game of the NAIA.

Born in Little Rock, the beauty moved to Conway with her parents, James and Irene Banks, and attended St. Joseph School from 1950-1955. She was associated with dancing for most of her life and began teaching dance at age 14. After high school in 1955, Banks enrolled in Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway as a drama major and music minor. She continued teaching dance at the university, as well as in many schools and dance seminars throughout the country.

Nationally televised halftime festivities at the Aluminum Bowl were to feature Miss Arkansas, as well as several Arkansas high school bands and many dignitaries. As Miss Arkansas, Banks was adorned with a beautiful aluminum-threaded ball gown created by Paris designer Jean Desses. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa), with Arkansas headquarters in Bauxite (Saline County), had commissioned Desses to design the ball gown for their “unique design” project called FORECAST.

Returning to Conway in 1959, she married Frank Selvy, Kentucky’s Furman University basketball All-American and a star for the Los Angeles Lakers for nine seasons in the NBA. They have five grown children, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The Selvy family settled in Simpsonville, S.C. Frank passed away on Aug. 13, 2024. “We had a wonderful marriage,” she said.

Due to an unexpected downpour of rain during the halftime festivities, Banks was covered from head to toe with protective garments. This nullified any efforts to showcase the beautiful garment to the country as Miss Arkansas was introduced

by Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus on national television. The aluminum-threaded gown is now on permanent display in the Bauxite Historical Museum.

In 1956, Barbara Banks was crowned Miss Conway, qualifying her to enter the Miss Arkansas competition. She won all preliminaries in the pageant and was crowned Miss Arkansas. Later that year, she represented Arkansas in Atlantic City, N.J., where she won the talent division of the Miss America Pageant.

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ANA BRANDON CROWNED MISS UCA 2026

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na Brandon of Conway, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism, has been crowned Miss University of Central Arkansas 2026, receiving a $6,000 scholarship and over $ 4,000 of in-kind gifts.

Brandon received the Overall Vocal/Instrument Performance Award and the On Stage Interview Award. She will represent the university at the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Competition in June 2026. Since the university’s first representative competed in 1965 as Miss Arkansas State Teachers College, Miss UCA has been part of a six-decade tradition of scholarship, leadership and service. With the help of generous donors and local businesses, Miss UCA awards scholarships and in-kind gifts in excess of $ 14,000 each year.

The Miss UCA Pageant is an official local preliminary for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Competition, part of the Miss America Organization – the nation’s leading provider of scholarships for young women. The Miss Arkansas Organization has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships over the past five years.

YOUR BRIGHT

FUTURE STARTS HERE UCA is a community rooted in connection, where first-generation trailblazers, honors scholars, artists, athletes and innovators all belong. Here, support is personal – and success is shared. Pursue it with us.

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After her reign as Miss Arkansas, Banks studied dance art in New York City, where she also toured and appeared in many Broadway shows. She made several national TV commercials and appeared daily on the game show “Play Your Hunch” with Merv Griffin. She also made guest appearances on “The Perry Como Show,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Steve Allen Show,” and was the lead actress in TV episodes of the “Naked City” series.

In 1972, Barbara Selvy founded the Carolina Ballet Theatre in Greenville, S.C. Considered the country’s top ballet theater under the leadership of Selvy, it has attracted many worldfamous ballet artists as guest instructors and performers since its inception.

Honors and awards achieved by Selvy are numerous. She danced and toured with the “Hit Parade” TV show in the Far East, choreographed for The Little Theatre productions, Furman University operas, Miss Carolina pageants, lectured in public schools, and received Best Actress awards for appearing in productions of “Mary, Mary” as Mary and as Daisy in “Driving Miss Daisy.”

She is a past regional director and ballet adviser of the Southern Association of Dance Masters and a member of Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, and was once featured on the cover of “Dance Magazine.”

In 1979, Selvy was named Mrs. South Carolina. Later, she also directed, emceed and choreographed Mrs. South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia pageants. She has also served as a judge for the Miss America preliminaries and dance competitions.

Selvy was selected for Southern Who’s Who, International Who’s Who, Foremost Women of the Twentieth Century, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in American Entertainment and International World Who’s Who of Women. Her accomplishments have been many.

At age 87, Selvy’s most treasured achievements in her professional life remain with the Carolina Ballet Theatre. “The theater is the oldest existing company in South Carolina,” she said with pride. She retired and stepped away from day-today activities at the theater, but continues to stay in touch with the management team when needed, while maintaining an active personal lifestyle.

After 70 years, Barbara Banks Selvy remains Conway’s only Miss Conway to become Miss Arkansas.

The Aluminum-threaded ball gown worn by Miss Arkansas 1956 is typically on display at the Bauxite Historical Museum. Next year, it will be on display at the Old State House Museum as part of Arkansas's celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

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PERSON OF THE MONTH

KEITH L. ZACKERY MORRILTON HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACH Photos by Makenzie Evans

When Coach Zackery was honored with the 14th annual Steve Willbanks Award in October, he was awarded paintings by Emily Moll. Zackery is holding a painting she created of his granddaughters, Xyon and Zoe’.

The canvas which sits on the basketball court is of Zackery on his first day of professional development earlier this year.

Coach is talking free throws with Corey Clemons in the painting to his left. Clemmons was a Morrilton junior tragically killed in a car accident last January, along with his mother and sister. The painting hangs in Zackery’s dining room.

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HOMETOWN: I grew up in southern Arkansas, in a small, tight-knit community outside Rosston (Nevada County). I went to school at Oak Grove High School until my senior year. I was part of the first graduating class from Nevada High School after several schools consolidated.

FAMILY: I am married to Mechele Zackery of Foreman (Little River County). We have a blended family of six children: Deveon Zackery (wife Krysti; daughters Xyon and Zoe’); Cymone Zackery; Shamia Wright, (son Kelan); Jaden Jackson; Chave Zackery; and Johnna Brockman.

EDUCATION: I have a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Education, both from Southern Arkansas University.

WORK: Morrilton Junior High School Dean of Students and Morrilton High School Boys Basketball Coach.

AWARDS: Seven conference championships; two conference runner-

ups; one district tournament championship; four district tournament runnerups; one regional championship; and two regional runner-ups. Other honors include: The Arkansas Activities Association West All-Star Coach, 2018; Morrilton Junior High School Teacher of the Year 2018; five-time Conference Coach of the Year; Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association (ArBCA) 4A-Boys Coach of the Year; ArBCA Overall Coach of the Year; Arkansas High School Sports/National Federation of State High School Associations Coach of the Year.

Most recently, I was honored with the 14th Annual Steve Willbanks Award. It is presented annually by Community Service, Inc. (CSI) to honor Arkansans who make a lasting impact on the lives of youth.

WHAT DID THAT HONOR MEAN TO YOU: First and foremost, I’m just grateful God saw me worthy to even be in that situation. I can only hope, with my flawed self, to impact the lives of the youth I encounter in a way that would honor Him. The recognition signifies validation of the hard work and effort I’ve invested into our youth. Being one of the recipients of this distinguished honor also inspires me to continue my work. Someone has clearly recognized my efforts, reminding me of the importance of community engagement and serving as a role model for our youth. I am definitely thankful, blessed, honored and grateful to be thought of in such a way.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Our basketball team

tries to be active with various community services events. We try to visit the local nursing home, work with the Rise Above Alcohol and Drugs (RAAD) program and also with the younger kids in the schools. I was recently selected to serve as a board member for Literacy Action of Central Arkansas. I attend Oak Hill Bible Church in Conway.

HOBBIES: I’m simple and routine. I spend time with my family and

kids (especially the grandkids), watch college basketball, go to my favorite department stores and the local gym. I read about faith, grit, growth and leadership.

IT’S ALMOST THAT TIME! DO YOU HAVE ANY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS OR FOODS YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE MOST? I don’t know that we have one set tradition. I’m usually preparing for a Christmas tournament nowadays, but there is great anticipation each year in gathering together to exchange gifts, to see the smiles on everyone’s faces and to partake in an amazing meal. This blend of great food and family time brings us together and makes each Christmas special. I mostly look forward to watching the kids build their holiday traditions with my grandkids.

When it comes to a favorite food, that’s a tricky question. All sides of the family can really cook. You just eat a little at each house and make sure you have room for the next one. Some of my favorites are candied yams, dressing, lemon cake with lemon icing, banana pudding and any smoked meat.

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