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OCTOBER 2026

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OCTOBER 2026

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PUBLISHER Jeremy L. Higginbotham EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stefanie W. Brazile ADVERTISING SALES PHOTOGRAPHER Makenzie Evans Donna Spears, Donald Brazile and Kelli Reep FINANCE DIRECTOR Debbie Flowers FOUNDERS Donna Spears, Sonja COPY EDITOR Keith and Tracy Ferrell Andrea Miller DIGITAL DIRECTOR BRAND AMBASSADOR Levi Gilbert Lisa Hutchison

CONTRIBUTORS

Health isWealth “I remember it as October days are always remembered, cloudless, maple-flavored, the air gold and so clean it quivers.” — Author Leif Enger

fter the hot, dry, dusty summer we’ve endured, October is bewitching me. I find myself looking for reasons to linger outside and enjoy the cooler temps. I’ve always loved evening walks with my husband; we talk through our days, breathe fresh air and burn some calories. However, those walks were interrupted over the past year by more than extreme heat. I have suffered from plantar fasciitis in my feet, and Don had major shoulder surgery this summer. Living with daily pain from injuries or illness is hard and can lead to isolation and even depression. Our experiences reminded us that good health is a currency we usually take for granted. October’s theme is “Health is Wealth” and we know that being in good health requires cooperation from the body, mind and spirit. In this magazine, we share inspiring stories that will feed your soul and body. There is some magic in learning new skills while making new friends. Writer Mark Oliver shares that it’s never too late to play, or even go for the gold, through the Arkansas Senior Olympics. Columnist Mike Kemp believes that riding a motorcycle is good for your health. Why? His wife told him so! He also cites a UCLA study that found 20 minutes of riding raises adrenaline levels like a light workout, sharpens sensory focus and drops stress by 28%. We also explore how music is drawing senior adults with memory problems back into the present. KD Reep profiles The Kavanaugh Band. These talented retirees enchant audiences with tunes from the 1960s, bringing beautiful souls out of a mental fog—if only during the concert. The final feature is about Coach Alex VanHouten, an exercise scientist who has helped thousands of clients make the most of the body God has given them. His philosophy summarizes our theme. So, grab your walking buddy and say yes to cooler temps: Hike a favorite trail, watch a sunset, visit a county fair, a pumpkin patch or a corn maze and spend the currency we shouldn’t save up—good health is wealth!

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Patsy Brewer David Grimes Vivian L. Hogue Colleen Holt Beth Jimmerson Tammy Keith Mike Kemp Karl Lenser

Mark Oliver Phyllis Ormsby Susan Peterson KD Reep 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

501 LIFE is published by Make the Jump Media, LLC. 920 Locust Ave. Ste. 104 • P.O. Box 334 Conway, AR 72033, 501.327.1501 Owners 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.

OCTOBER 2026

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OCTOBER

2026 Volume 19 Issue 6

On the cover:

Olivia Goodson is using her voice to help other children who have experienced abuse know they are not alone. The Riverview High School junior will receive the Blue Ribbon Award from Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas at its Oct. 15 Inspiration Gala.

4 8 10

Letter from the Editor Upcoming Events Loving LIFE Photos

Wise and shine

History, set in stone

Driven to play

For the Love of Dolly

Moving Conway for 30 years

20 23

Couple of the Month John and Mary Loe Loeving LIFE

Entertaining

Senior expo brings community connections and resources S. Side Bee Branch students preserve story of missile disaster Classic cars at Compass Academy’s fundraiser Memories of a music legend and a love of reading at The Max

Jazzercise Conway celebrates with free anniversary class

Wherever the Loes go, Central Arkansas goes with them Small Bites Big Welcome

By KD Reep

Photo by Makenzie Evans

Ageless ambition

Purpose and Friendship at the 2026 Arkansas Senior Olympics

By Mark Oliver

Right up their alley

Norman and Alicia Gillaspie have a standing date for bowling

By KD Reep

Work in a workout

Bringing more movement to your workday

By Karl Lenser

38 42

Youth of the Month Olivia Goodson By Phyllis Ormsby Miles of perspective

The mental benefits of a road trip on two wheels

By Mike Kemp

Care runs in the family

One family’s history from horseback doctors to modern cancer care

By Phyllis Ormsby and Patsy Brewer

A decade of care close to home

The music remembers when…

Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway marks 10 years Kavanaugh Band brings joy and connection to older adults

By KD Reep

52 32

Horse power

Healing Hooves connects horses and human healing

By Rita H. Thomas

A calling to care

Executive Home Care owners turn experience into service.

By Rita H. Thomas

Get a ticket to “Clue”

Broadway murder mystery comes to UCA

By Phyllis Ormsby 20

Medicare - an essential piece

Built by neighbors, remembered with love

Get help solving the retirement puzzle Recalling the generosity that made Faulkner County Hospital

By Vivian L. Hogue

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68 80

Pet of the Month Sven the Shih Tzu By Colleen Holt Author of the Month Buckley T. Foster, Ph.D. By Susan L. Peterson Turning tables Tornado debris becomes a gathering place for Station 9.

By Tammy Keith

Local roots. Lasting power.

For Conway Corp, public power means dependable service

By Beth Jimmerson

Homegrown ambition

The Vinson farm, five acres and a shared dream

By Judy Riley

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Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Madre Hill By David Grimes

Person of the Month Alex VanHouten

501 LIFE would like to thank our advertising partners. Arkansas Farm Bureau 74 Arvest 45 Arkansas Foodbank 75 ___________________________________________________ Baptist Health Medical Center 49 Barksdale Federal Credit Union 8 Bates Furniture 64 Bledsoe Chiropractic 35 ___________________________________________________ CARTI 47 Centennial Bank 55 ___________________________________________________ Conway Corp 73 Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center 37 Conway Regional Health System 83 Conway Regional Rehabilitation 15 Conway Symphony Orchestra 65 Crossman Printing 64 ___________________________________________________ Dermatology Group of Arkansas 57 ___________________________________________________ East End School District 43 Executive Homecare of Conway 13 Farris Agency Inc. 65 First Security Bank 84 ___________________________________________________ Hartman Animal Hospital 63 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA 77 Haynes Ace Hardware 65 Heritage Living Center 5 High Point Park Apartments 65 Homeward Realty Chili Cook-Off 9 ___________________________________________________ Jazzercise Conway 19 Julie’s Sweet Shoppe 75 ___________________________________________________ Karen Ferguson, LPT Realty 21 Kilwins Little Rock 59 ___________________________________________________ Love Salon 64 MSC Eye Associates 31 ___________________________________________________ Ott Insurance 23 Overton Insurance Solutions 60 ___________________________________________________ Salem Place 27 Shelter Insurance 65 Spark Community School 41 Superior Health & Rehab 2 ___________________________________________________ TriArk Radio 33 ___________________________________________________ Unity Health 3 UACCM 71 UCA 82 UCA Public Appearances 17 ___________________________________________________ Velda Lueders 79 Love that social LIFE?

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Visit 501LIFEmag.com to subscribe.

Catch 501 LIFE sharing your stories with our local media partners each month!

welcome to the Writers’ Room

Kelli Reep

Kelli Reep is the owner of Flywrite Communications, the premier marketing communications agency of Mabelvale. Her feline security detail keeps her in line, and in addition to writing and public relations, she helps raise funds for Project Transformation Arkansas, a nonprofit helping increase literacy levels for elementaryaged children.

Susan L. Peterson

holds a Ph.D. in secondary education and taught at UCA and Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. This former reading and language arts teacher loves sharing information about local authors, hoping their stories will inspire others. Now retired, she spends her time painting, making pottery and playing pickleball.

Tammy Keith

worked in newspapers, including the Log Cabin Democrat and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, for 38 years. The ASU graduate is a 12-time Arkansas Press Women Professional Communications winner and three-time national winner. Her biggest honor is being Mimi to her granddaughter, Kennedy.

OCTOBER 2026

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RETROFEST ARKANSAS

CLIFF & SUSAN’S RANCH GALA

Rediscover the games, toys and pop-culture favorites that made growing up unforgettable. RetroFest Arkansas fills the Conway Expo Center with classic arcades, vintage clothing, collectibles, celebrity guests and iconic movie and television cars. Bring your favorite gaming rival—or introduce a new generation to the classics.

Put on your best boots for country music, dancing and a good cause. Cliff & Susan celebrate their sophomore album with a full-band concert and barn dance at The Pine Hill Ranch. Food trucks, raffles and an auction add to the fun while supporting Healing Hooves. General doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets at theranchgala.com.

OCT. 17–18 • CONWAY

THE TUNNEL OF TERROR OCT. 23–24 • BENTON

Buckle up for a car wash with a creepy twist. Tommy’s Express brings costumed characters, spooky music and surprise scares to its Tunnel of Terror, experienced from inside your vehicle. Brave the wash from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2000 Arkansas 5. For those who enjoy a fright, learn more at tommys-express.com.

OCT. 24 • LITTLE ROCK

BEETLEJUICE

OCT. 30–NOV. 1 • LITTLE ROCK

Spend Halloween weekend with Broadway’s most mischievous houseguest. “Beetlejuice” brings the offbeat world of Tim Burton to Robinson Center with lively music, supernatural shenanigans and a surprisingly heartfelt story about family. Learn more about Lydia Deetz’s adventure where the afterlife is anything but quiet at celebrityattractions.com.

PETIT JEAN APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL

CREEP ’N CRAWL RACE

Watch apple butter made the old-fashioned way and bring home a jar of fall flavor. Petit Jean Farmers’ Market hosts this free, all-ages festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vendors and an all-day shuttle for easy access. Apple butter lovers can reserve jars ahead of time. Find details on the Petit Jean Farmers’ Market Facebook page.

Trade your candy bucket for running shoes—at least for the morning. Combine Halloween costumes and outdoor fun at Two Rivers Park, with a half marathon, 10K, 5K and Lil’ Monsters Dash. Get creative with your costume and bring the family for an energetic start to Halloween. Find event details at creepncrawl.com.

OCT. 24 • MORRILTON

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OCT. 31 • LITTLE ROCK

OCTOBER 2026

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This October, Central Arkansas is

Have a special trip, EVENT OR get-together 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.

TOP LEFT: Consider this case closed: Retired Police Officer J.D. Eckert (from left) and April Frost were “Loving LIFE” at ASU-Beebe’s True Crime Week Sept. 21–24. Eckert shared “My Life and Time on the Police Force,” now streaming on YouTube. Frost, a library technician at ASU-Beebe, was the organizing force behind the 2026 event. TOP RIGHT: Protect, serve—and take your order! Faulkner County law enforcement members were “Loving LIFE” as celebrity waiters and waitresses at Colton’s in Conway. They served up support for local Special Olympics Arkansas athletes, raising awareness and funds to keep sports, health and leadership opportunities free for participants. BOTTOM LEFT: Three cheers for good news! Greenbrier Youth Cheer was “Loving LIFE” while bringing spirit to a peewee football game in Cabot. BOTTOM RIGHT: A little Central Arkansas good news traveled a long way! Renae Gray and Bob Gordon of Plumerville took 501 LIFE along for the adventure and were “Loving LIFE” in British Columbia.

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TOP LEFT: Good news struck a chord! Meg and Dr. WeiShu Tsai were “Loving LIFE” at the Conway Symphony Orchestra’s annual Concert in the Park. At the start of the concert, he sang the national anthem with Donald Brazile. Hundreds of people spread blankets on the lawn and enjoyed the concert. TOP RIGHT: Big goals. Fresh cuts. Good causes. Stylists at Sport Clips Haircuts on Elsinger in Conway were “Loving LIFE” as they prepared to set a world record of 1,800 haircuts in one week during their Oct. 4–10 event. Sponsored haircuts treated veterans and first responders to a fresh look, while $5 from every MVP Experience supported UCA veteran initiatives. BOTTOM LEFT: Making a splash—and making plans for nationals! Jetta Roberg was “Loving LIFE” after winning a swimming competition at the Arkansas Senior Olympic Games Sept. 12 at the new Conway Community Center. Her performance qualified her for the National Senior Games in Tulsa next summer. BOTTOM RIGHT: The buzz around Conway? Cody Fulmer (from left), Sandra Nelson and Joe Ellis were “Loving LIFE” at A Bees Closet. Owner Ellis supplies beekeepers throughout Faulkner and surrounding counties. Even the mannequins were dressed for the occasion, modeling the newly designed HexForge jackets.

Good news never goes out of style—even when the dress code goes disco! KD Reep (from left) and Lisa Hutchison were “Loving LIFE” at the Women’s Leadership Network Disco Gala Oct. 1 at Legacy Acres in Conway. The Women’s Leadership Network hosted the event to celebrate women’s leadership and support programs like the Women’s Leadership Academy and Women’s Business Showcase.

OCTOBER 2026

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WISE AND SHINE

Senior expo brings community connections, support and resources to Conway crowd

rowing older comes with questions. At the Aging Wiser Senior Expo, Central Arkansas seniors found people ready to help answer them. More than 300 attended the Sept. 17 event at the new Conway Community Center, where 60 vendors connected seniors, caregivers and families with information and support, according to Aging Wiser co-founder Karen Walker. The third annual Senior & Caregiver Expo moved to a larger setting this year and shifted from Saturday to a weekday, a change organizers hoped would create more opportunities for seniors, caregivers and professionals to participate. “The Aging Wiser Senior Expo is about so much more than gathering vendors in one place,” Walker said. “It’s about creating a bridge between seniors and the resources, information and people who can help them navigate this season of life.” Walker, who co-founded Aging Wiser with Stacey Alston and Lindsay Davis, said aging touches every family, yet knowing where to turn for help can be difficult. Businesses, nonprofits, health and wellness professionals and community partners offered information about health, finances, caregiving and other resources that can make everyday life easier. For Walker, Conway’s response reflected a community willing to invest its time and expertise in helping older adults live well. Some of the most rewarding moments came as visitors asked questions, discovered unfamiliar resources and made connections that could benefit themselves or someone they love.

Stacey Alston (from left), Karen Walker and Lindsay Davis, co-founders of Arkansas Aging Wiser, coordinated the Senior & Caregiver Expo of 60 vendors, showing how the 501 community shows up for its seniors.

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501 LIFE was among the participating vendors, with Lisa Hutchison welcoming visitors to the magazine’s booth. “So many people stopped by to tell us how much they love 501 LIFE and look forward to it every month,” she said. “It was such a fun afternoon, and those conversations made it especially meaningful for us.” Beyond the afternoon’s introductions, Walker hopes the expo encouraged families to approach aging with knowledge, planning and joy, and to seek support before a crisis arises. “We want seniors to leave feeling informed and connected,” she said. “We want them to know that they are seen, valued and supported by their community.”

OCTOBER 2026

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HISTORY, SET IN STONE South Side Bee Branch students complete a years-long mission to preserve the story, service and sacrifice connected to the Damascus missile disaster.

Men who worked at Titan II Missile Complex 374-7 at the time of the 1980 explosion gathered for the historical marker dedication.

ABOVE: Many of the organizers and community supporters who helped make the historical marker a reality gathered to celebrate its dedication. RIGHT: The program commemorates the Sept. 18 dedication of the Titan II Missile Complex 374-7 historical marker near Damascus.

orty-six years after an explosion destroyed a nuclear missile complex near Damascus, the people who served there— and the airman who lost his life—are being permanently remembered. On Sept. 18, South Side Bee Branch EAST students, veterans, family members, community leaders and other guests gathered along U.S. Highway 65 for the dedication of an Arkansas historical marker commemorating the Titan II Missile Complex 374-7 explosion. Several of the men attending had worked at the complex, including some who were there during the disaster. The ceremony completed a student-led project that 501 LIFE first shared with readers in June 2025, when Benjamin “Ben” Hutto was recognized as Youth of the Month. Working with EAST facilitator Julie Nelson, Hutto chose the missile complex as his senior EAST project after realizing how little most people of his

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generation knew about the nationally significant event that had occurred in their own community. Their goals were twofold: honor Senior Airman David Livingston, who died following the explosion, and secure a historical marker that would preserve the story of Complex 374-7 and the people who served there. Nelson said the students’ curiosity about a largely forgotten local event grew into a years-long effort to preserve the story of the missile complex, the men who served there and Livingston’s sacrifice. The accident began during routine maintenance on the evening of Sept. 18, 1980, when an airman dropped a socket that fell approximately 80 feet and punctured the missile’s first-stage fuel tank. Highly combustible fuel began leaking into the silo, forcing personnel and nearby residents to evacuate.

‘The most important lesson I can teach cannot be found in a textbook.’ — Julie Nelson Early the following morning, Livingston and Sgt. Jeff Kennedy entered the complex to measure the concentration of fuel vapor. When an exhaust fan was activated, an electric spark ignited the fuel and triggered an explosion. The blast hurled the silo’s 740-ton closure door 200 feet into the air and ejected the W-53 nuclear warhead. Its safety systems worked as designed, and the warhead did not detonate. Livingston was recovered from the rubble but died from his injuries later that day. Kennedy survived, and 20 other people were injured in the explosion or rescue efforts. The incident contributed to the decision to retire the aging Titan II missile program, which was removed from service between 1982 and 1987. Livingston’s sister Marcia Livingston Kuyper and other family members attended the September dedication. Their presence connected the history recorded on the marker to the young airman whose sacrifice remains at the heart of the story. The historical marker was the project’s final milestone, but the students’ first effort focused personally on Livingston. During a 2024 visit to the former missile site, cleanup crew member Chris French expressed a desire to see the fallen airman recognized. Hutto, Nelson and EAST students Abbi and Brooke Cullum worked with landowners and Van Buren County Judge Dale James to rename the complex’s access road Livingston Lane. Former Air Force missileers selected the name, and approximately 100 guests, including Livingston’s sisters and explosion survivors, attended the April 2025 dedication. Meanwhile, students pursued a historical marker through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Nelson said the project received approval before the usual 50-year threshold because of

the disaster’s national significance and the site’s 2000 listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The preservation program and former missileers collaborated on the wording, fitting a complex story into the marker’s limited space. Casting was expected to take up to two years, but an earlier completion allowed organizers to plan the dedication for the 46th anniversary of the day the accident began. Safe parking shaped the search for a location. John Stacks initially offered space at Stacks Law Firm, then proposed property he had purchased across U.S. Highway 65, closer to the former complex. With preservation program approval, James helped have the marker installed on Sept. 17. Despite the late location change—and what Nelson described as “inferno weather”—the dedication proceeded the following day. Guests could also tour the former silo site, where crew members shared memories of their work, their experiences and the night of the explosion. A reception for Air Force veterans and their families followed. For Nelson, the project taught lessons extending far beyond technology or the classroom. “The most important lesson I can teach cannot be found in a textbook,” she said. “Teaching patriotism, love of country, and respect for those who have served is, to me, more important than any class I could teach. If my students leave my classroom understanding the meaning of sacrifice, service, and gratitude, then I have taught them something that will last far beyond their school years.” For the students, the marker represents more than the conclusion of a long project. It is proof that young people can recover a piece of their community’s history, bring generations together and ensure that sacrifice is not forgotten.

OCTOBER 2026

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DRIVEN TO PLAY

The classic cars at Compass Academy’s Oct. 3 fundraiser offered a look back. The purpose behind the gathering pointed toward the future: a playground designed to welcome children of all abilities.

The Compass Academy’s planned inclusive playground

LEFT: Becca Bolin (from left), Zachariah Draper, Lilly Gideon, MJ Nedbalek, Jaelyn Bolin, Will Boucher, Mason Wheat, Corbin Brock and Marc Hollander gathered around “The Green Machine,” a 2000 Volkswagen Passat that Nedbalek is restoring. CENTER: Gary Reed showed off his 1940 Ford pickup in support of Compass Academy’s playground fundraiser. RIGHT: James Coffman (from left) and Landon Fuqua, EMTs with Pafford EMS, joined Officer H. Harmann of the Conway Police Department’s Crisis Response team at the fundraiser.

fully inclusive special needs playground,” Williams said. “This car show is one of our many-to-come fundraisers.”

“What makes this event truly meaningful is giving those children an opportunity to have the playground that they deserve,” Hollander said.

That focus on individual possibilities is familiar to Becca Bolin, Compass Academy’s adult program lead, who has been with the school since 2017. She describes the rewards of meeting students where they are and watching them overcome obstacles they once believed were beyond their reach. Along the way, the students become an inspiration to those teaching them.

he Compass Academy in Conway partnered with The Auto Academy for a community car show fundraising event, bringing attention to a project that would extend its commitment to individualized learning into the world of play. For Marc Hollander, owner of The Auto Academy LLC, the connection began before the car show. Through his business, he has been working with Compass staff and students to teach automotive skills. Helping organize the fundraiser offered another way to support the students he has come to know.

Compass Academy is a private, nonprofit Christian school serving children with developmental disabilities and other learning needs. Its programs include kindergarten through 12th grade and support for students transitioning into adult life. Before the event, Compass Academy had raised $41,000 toward its $250,000 playground goal, according to school director Courtney Williams. The car show added approximately $1,200, with support including a generous $500 donation from Nabholz. “Compass Academy is working hard to raise monies to build out a

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Inclusive playgrounds create opportunities for children with different physical, sensory and developmental needs to participate together. Thoughtful design can support movement, exploration and social interaction, giving children more ways to build skills and friendships through play.

“My heart is in special education,” Bolin said. Hollander hopes the partnership also helps more neighbors discover Compass and the people behind its mission. For the school, the playground campaign gives the community a tangible way to help that mission grow—one opportunity to play at a time. To learn about Compass Academy or ways to support its playground project, visit compassacademyconway.org.

OCTOBER 2026

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FOR THE LOVE OF

Music, memories and a love of reading brought Central Arkansas together to celebrate a legend at The Max.

rocking chair, a guitar and children’s books transformed the stage at The Max Event Venue into a little piece of Dolly Parton’s front porch. But for founder Pete Tanguay, the children who settled in to read made the tribute complete. “My favorite part of the event was seeing the children on the stage reading books,” he said.

That commitment reaches thousands of local mailboxes. According to the University of Central Arkansas, 4,100 Faulkner County children are enrolled to receive a book by mail each month. UCA’s Division of Outreach & Community Engagement administers the local program, supported by state funding, business sponsorships and individual donors.

The downtown Conway venue welcomed the community Sept. 25 for “Remembering Dolly!”—a free evening celebrating the beloved entertainer’s music, generosity and enduring influence. Following Parton’s death Aug. 25 at age 80, the gathering offered fans a place to share memories and celebrate a woman whose impact extended far beyond the stage.

The evening also reflected the generosity of downtown businesses and event partners. Contributors included Honey Do Rentals + Events, D&C Event Services, The Thirsty Horse Mobile Bar, America Jane Vintage, Malys Family Entertainment Center, Jill McCollum Catering, A&M Cake Designs, LLC, Cross Creek Sandwich Shop and Crossman Printing and Copying.

Conway proclaimed Sept. 25 Dolly Parton Day, with the date offering a fitting nod to her iconic “9 to 5.” The celebration also connected with the Dollywood Foundation’s nationwide Give Like Dolly Day, honoring her philanthropic work through the Imagination Library.

“This shows the true spirit of our Downtown Conway businesses coming together for our community,” Tanguay said.

At The Max, recorded concert performances played across four large screens as guests connected over their affection for Dolly. Tanguay, Max founder and chief dreamer, partnered with the Faulkner County Imagination Library to spotlight her commitment to helping children discover the joy of reading.

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The Max hosts several free community gatherings each year, and Tanguay is considering making this celebration an annual tradition. For now, the image of children reading on Dolly’s “front porch” offers a reminder that her story continues with every book opened. To learn about enrolling a child or supporting the Faulkner County Imagination Library, visit uca.edu/outreach/dolly.

Conway moving

FOR 30 YEARS

By KD Reep

or 30 years, Jazzercise Conway has helped people move, grow stronger and discover a welcoming community where fitness feels like fun. Best of all, everyone is welcome.

accomplish bigger things for members and throughout the community, including participating in events beyond the studio. “She brings something extra special to Jazzercise Conway, and I’m so thankful for her,” Paige said.

The studio began in 1996 with one instructor, Paige Revis, and five weekly classes. What started as Paige’s desire to bring her favorite workout to Conway became a mission to create a judgment-free place where women could improve their health, build confidence and enjoy moving together.

“Our studio has always been about more than exercise,” Alicia said. “It’s about relationships, encouragement and giving back.”

Today, Jazzercise Conway offers 28 weekly classes led by 12 instructors. Members range from young adults to active seniors, with options that allow everyone to work at a comfortable level. In 2018, Alicia Gough joined Paige as co-owner. Paige credits Alicia’s passion and heart with helping the team

Jazzercise Conway will celebrate with a free anniversary class from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and current and former members, instructors, friends and newcomers are invited. Come move, laugh, sweat and celebrate the community that has kept Conway moving and finding joy through fitness for 30 years. Email conwayjazzercise@gmail.com or call 501.329.0102 for details.

OCTOBER 2026

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COUPLE OF THE MONTH

JOHN and

MARY LOE C O N WAY Photo by Makenzie Evans

HER STORY: I am organized, adventurous, helpful and active, and my grandchildren, James and Lily, proclaimed me the Queen of Fun. NATIVE OF: Newport Beach, California. When we retired, we moved to Bend, Oregon, but in 2023 we moved to Vilonia to be a loving support system for our daughter and her young children. EDUCATION: I have a Bachelor of Arts in physical education (PE) from Long Beach State University and a Master of Education from Azusa Pacific University, both in California. CAREER: I worked as a letter carrier in Fullerton, California, for seven years. I am a retired educator. I taught PE at Cypress Community College for two years and coached and taught PE, science, student government and the Junior Master Gardener program at La Quinta and Palm Desert middle schools in California for 22 years. HONORS: I was named Teacher of the Year at both middle schools. I served as the California representative for the U.S.-Japan Fulbright Teacher Commission Trip. I was an Airbnb Superhost for 10 consecutive years. SPECIAL INTERESTS: Gardening, daily walks with the dogs, making sourdough bread creations, water skiing, photography and playing with our grandkids! COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I volunteer at two thrift stores and I’m a food bank supporter. I am also a flea market booth vendor at Small Town Shoppes on Oak Street.

HIS STORY: I am outgoing, helpful, active, compassionate and artistic. NATIVE OF: Northridge, California. EDUCATION: I earned both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in education from Chapman University.

CAREER: I was the service director at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, for 10 years. I was also a history teacher at Cahuilla Desert Academy Middle School for 19 years until I retired. HONORS: I was named Teacher of the Year in 2016. SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy international travel, food and wine, golf, hiking, camping, cycling, skiing, spending time with my grandchildren and dog walking. I speak Spanish and Italian.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am a member of Conway Country Club. Their story continues on page 22

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THEIR STORY A girls-only vacation might seem an unlikely beginning for a love story, but Mary and John Loe have never lacked a sense of adventure. They met while Mary was visiting Palm Springs, California. By their first date, they recognized something familiar in each other: a kindred spirit. They began spending every possible free moment together, although John needed three marriage proposals before Mary finally said yes. On July 4, 1992, they married outdoors in the forest in Idyllwild, California, with John’s dog serving as ring bearer. Their choice of wedding date came with a lasting bonus: fireworks for every anniversary. Their first daughter arrived nine months later, followed by their second in 1996. Today, their children are Danni Loe of Allen, Texas, and Emily Fry of Vilonia. Their family also includes rescue dogs Loki and Guapo, along with Charlie, their beloved 26-year-old cockatiel. More than three decades into marriage, the Loes describe a partnership built on mutual respect, support and a commitment to each other’s happiness. Their advice to newlyweds begins with the Golden Rule, especially in how they treat their spouse. And their approach to teamwork calls for more than meeting halfway: Each partner brings 100%. They believe a lasting marriage allows two people to live as best friends while remaining true to themselves. Their shared curiosity keeps them exploring, with travel offering opportunities to learn about other cultures and enjoy new experiences together. But some of their favorite moments require no itinerary. Their song is “Unforgettable,” sung by Natalie Cole. Whenever they hear it, they stop what they are doing and dance. For a couple always ready for another adventure, it is a lovely habit: knowing when to pause and enjoy the person beside you.

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Mary and John Loe found a new pastime after moving to Arkansas: cheering for the Razorbacks and Kansas City Chiefs. Netflix’s “Quarterback” series sparked admiration for Patrick Mahomes’ grit and team spirit, while their family ties—each has a parent raised in Missouri—gave them another reason to root for Kansas City. A couple of “Super” seasons added to the fun. Two summers ago, they visited the Chiefs’ training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, then toured Arrowhead Stadium the next day, even trying on Super Bowl rings for a little championship sparkle.

WHEREVER MARY AND JOHN LOE GO, A LITTLE CENTRAL ARKANSAS GOES WITH THEM.

efore Mary Loe began packing 501 LIFE for trips around the world, she discovered it while making trips to Arkansas.

Visiting their daughter, Mary sought out local reading material—a habit she follows wherever she travels. She found 501 LIFE and read it cover to cover. After the Loes moved to Arkansas, picking up the magazine became part of feeling at home, and the “Loving LIFE” pages offered a glimpse of where their neighbors were venturing. Soon, Mary decided to join them. Her first attempt came in Victoria, British Columbia. A little hesitant, she asked someone to photograph them with the magazine. The picture didn’t turn out as she hoped, and she never submitted it. On their next vacation, she tried again. “We had fun seeing ourselves in the next issue and as part of the community,” Mary said. “Now the magazine is always in our luggage!” Since then, their photographs have brought readers along on multiple adventures. For the Loes, travel is an extension of their love of learning.

“As lifelong learners, we love to experience new cultures and appreciate how different yet similar we all are,” Mary said. “We leave with a flexible attitude and return with treasured experiences, tastes, new friendships and photographs.” John counts many summers in Hawaii among their favorite travels. Ahead are plans to explore Croatia by sailboat and e-bike, visit Italy’s Cinque Terre and travel to St. John’s Island. For 501 LIFE Publisher Jeremy Higginbotham, their contributions have become something more personal than photographs arriving in an inbox. “Mary and John capture the spirit of our ‘Loving LIFE’ pages: staying curious, making memories and sharing that joy with others,” Higginbotham said. “They’ve become true friends to the magazine and to me. I’ve even asked whether they’d consider adopting a 50-year-old who would be happy to tag along on their travels. I can carry luggage—and I’ll always remember to pack the magazine.” These pages celebrate a few of their adventures, with more destinations—and more memories—still to come.

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Protein Breakfast Muffins

White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Protein Balls 24 | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6

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small bites

BIG WELCOME Kristi Strain serves up bite-size favorites and a lifetime of lessons in making people feel at home. By KD Reep • Photos by Makenzie Evans

or Kristi Strain, food has never been only about what is served. It is a way to welcome people, care for them and create memories.

That understanding began in childhood. Born in Morrilton, Strain now lives in Hattieville on property that belonged to her grandmother. Away from work, she enjoys traveling, camping, reading, volunteering, spending time with family and learning about her craft. Her mother kept a large garden, cooked most family meals and showed her daughter that food could be a love language. Holiday gatherings, treat-filled canisters and family deer camps helped deepen that connection. At deer camp, women often outnumbered men, and mealtime became a friendly competition as everyone improvised with limited cooking equipment in the woods. Her mother remains her greatest influence, while friend Teresa Paladino has encouraged Strain to keep growing. Both helped teach her patience, creativity and an optimistic approach to challenges.

Green Chile Egg Bites

Those early lessons became the foundation for a career in food and hospitality. Strain served as director of food service at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, where she learned to manage food service for large, diverse groups. At Morrilton Packing Co., maker of Petit Jean Meats, she promoted products she believed in, partnered with local rice farmers and appeared in television cooking segments. Most recently, she served as director of hospitality at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, creating welcoming experiences for conferences, retreats and educational programs. Continued on page 26

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Along the way, she learned to scale meals for groups ranging from two people to 1,200 and to work within different budgets and settings. She also continued catering, something she has done for about 25 years. Encouragement from her husband, sister and friends helped convince her the time was right to focus on Creations by Kristi. The business grew naturally from cooking for family and friends to providing meals, décor and catering for events. Holiday requests for Thanksgiving dinners, chicken and dressing and homemade rolls helped lead to meal-prep services. Strain is especially known for grazing and charcuterie-style foods. Her grazing cart lets guests build their own plates, and she has created thousands of feet of grazing tables. She continues to learn about meats, cheeses and new flavor combinations. “Food is what connects people,” she said. “It can hit all the senses.” Now customers are increasingly interested in protein-rich foods that support nutritional goals without sacrificing flavor. Strain adds protein to eggs, sauces and dips with quality protein powders or blended cottage cheese. She also makes natural protein snack bites and experiments with different flavors. She recently prepared three versatile recipes to showcase: egg bites, protein muffins and protein bites. All can be made ahead, stored for up to three to four days and used for breakfast, snacks or even breakfast for dinner. The egg bites can be customized with different additions and reheated during the week. The sweet and savory mini protein muffins feature bacon and sausage and contain 6 grams of protein each. Her protein bites combine honey, cashew butter, macadamia nuts, dried cherries and white chocolate chips with protein powder and oat flour. They are Strain’s favorite because they satisfy her sweet tooth while adding protein. The recipes fit her approach to both healthy eating and hospitality: keep food approachable, satisfying and easy to share. “To me, entertaining is simply hospitality,” Strain said. “It’s about helping people feel welcome and comfortable.” That might mean a playful one-bite spaghetti and meatball appetizer, an Arkansas-style sausage bite or the grazing platter she can assemble when friends arrive unexpectedly. Whatever she serves, her hope remains the same: that the food feels warm, comforting, nourishing and memorable.

Protein Breakfast Muffins Green Chile Egg Bites 10 eggs •1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 tsp. salt • 1 cup cottage cheese 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese 1 four-ounce can of diced green chilies 4 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled (measured after cooking) 2 standard-size muffin pans • 1 or 2 cookie sheets

Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble or chop and set aside. In a blender, combine the eggs, cornstarch, salt, cottage cheese and Gruyère. Blend for about one minute—just until smooth. Take care not to over blend; keeping a bit of structure helps the bites bake up tender instead of spongy. Stir in the green chilies and cooked bacon, then divide the mixture evenly into two 12-count muffin pans. For the creamiest texture, place the filled, standard muffin pan(s) inside a larger sheet pan and add hot water until it comes about halfway up the sides of the muffin pan. This water bath creates gentle steam while baking, allowing the egg bites to cook evenly and develop a rich, creamy, custard-like texture until they set. Bake at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes, until set, then cool slightly before removing from the pan. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for three to four days. Approximate nutrition per bite: protein-11 g, calories-134, carbohydrates-2.7 g, fat-9 g

See Kristi Strain’s recipe for White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Protein Balls at 501lifemag.com/smallbites 26 | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6

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These hearty, lightly sweet muffins are packed with protein and perfect for grab and go mornings, meal prep or feeding a crowd. They bake up tender, savory and satisfying—with just enough sweetness from honey or maple syrup to balance the bacon, sausage and cheddar. 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour 1 cup oat flour • 1 scoop protein powder 1 Tbsp. baking powder • ½ tsp. salt ⅓ cup honey or 100% maple syrup 1 egg • 2 ounces cooked bacon or turkey bacon 3 ounces crumbled breakfast sausage ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ¾ cup milk 2 Tbsp. scoop 2 mini-muffin pans

Fully cook the bacon and sausage, then crumble or chop into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose (or whole wheat flour), oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt, bacon, sausage and cheddar. Toss to distribute the ingredients evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), egg and milk. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Portion the batter into 2 mini-muffin pans using a 2 Tbsp. scoop for each. Bake at 350°F for 16-18 minutes or until the muffins are lightly golden and set. Serve warm on their own or with an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Note: Strain prefers Clean Simple Eats Vanilla Protein Powder. Approximate nutrition per muffin: When made with all purpose flour, Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage and honey protein-6.4 g, calories-120, carbs-13.7 g, fat-4.5 g

When made with whole wheat flour protein-6.7 g, calories-119, carbs-13.4 g, fat-4.5 g When made with whole wheat flour, Butterball turkey sausage and turkey bacon Protein-6.9 g, calories-106, carbs-13.7 g, fat-3 g

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Michele Brown brings her competitive spirit to the track and the diamond. An Arkansas Senior Olympics board member, she competes in several track and field events and captains the Arkansas Bad Girls women’s slow-pitch softball team in the 60-plus age division.

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At the Arkansas Senior Olympics, athletes find purpose, friendship and plenty to gain beyond the medals. By Mark Oliver • Photos by Makenzie Evans

he woman swimming in lane four wasn’t the fastest swimmer at the Arkansas Senior Olympics. Not even close. Halfway through her race, her arms slowed and you could see the doubt creeping in. As her kicks faded, something else happened. Volunteers and other swimmers stepped closer to the edge of the pool to cheer her on. By the time she reached the final stretch, the entire building was on its feet, cheering her home.

active. While you must be 50 or older to compete at the National Senior Games, Eberdt allows Arkansans who are 40 and up to compete at the state level.

When she climbed out of the water, exhausted and emotional, Executive Director Greg Eberdt placed a medal around her neck. She cried. He nearly did, too.

That philosophy has helped the organization reach more than 1,400 individual participants so far this year, putting it on pace for its largest year since Eberdt took over.

“Moments like that are what Arkansas Senior Olympics is all about,” he said. “The fact that she found an organization that made her feel worthwhile and encouraged her to stay active and healthy was all the reason she needed to keep coming back for more.”

“People are still signing up on our website every day,” he said. “That number continues to grow and we still have nearly half our sports left this year.”

It’s just one of hundreds of inspirational stories that Eberdt has seen during nearly 10 years of service at ASO. The organization has been around since 1983, offering more than 20 sports and activities across the state. From track and field, swimming and bowling to golf, shuffleboard and table tennis, if you can move, there’s something for you. “Our events are open to anyone over the age of 40,” Eberdt said. “We’ve had people from 30 different states participate in our events this year.” This year’s pickleball tournament drew more than 700 competitors, the largest turnout in ASO history. More than an event with record-setting participation, it’s proof that adults over 40 are hungry for community, competition and a reason to stay

“It gives people another level of purpose,” he said. “They plan their workouts and their daily activities around becoming a better, healthier version of themselves.”

Participants compete to qualify for the National Senior Games, which usually means finishing among the top three or four participants in their age group. Hosted in Tulsa next summer, it will be the closest to Arkansas that the games have ever been, and many athletes already have the date circled. “I’ve never had so many people tell me how excited they were to turn 50,” Eberdt said. “They look forward to turning 50 so they can go to nationals. It keeps them moving.” Though the Games are competitive, he will be the first to tell you that winning isn’t the point. Staying healthy, connected and joyful is. “I don’t want anyone to be intimidated by the words ‘senior’ or ‘Olympics,’” he said. “The goal is to have fun being active, no matter what skill level you’re at.” Continued on page 31 OCTOBER 2026

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Keeping the spirit of competition burning bright are Michele Brown (from left), ASO board member and two-sport athlete; Magan Hart, a UAMS physical therapy employee who volunteers with event registration and check-in; Greg Eberdt, ASO executive director; and Jim Allen, ASO board member and road cycling race director. With a torch and an assortment of sports equipment, the group represents the people and possibilities that keep Arkansas Senior Olympics moving.

“Arkansas Senior Olympics motivates me to maintain my training. I chose swimming as a joint-friendly form of cardio, and my joint health has improved. What I remember most is the camaraderie. At the meet, the entire pool was cheering for a swimmer who was struggling to finish. When she finally touched the wall, everyone celebrated.

That’s what these events are about.” — Swimmer Jetta Roberg of Cabot

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One man, a track and field runner in his early 70s, told Eberdt that he’d survived six heart attacks. When he discovered Arkansas Senior Olympics, he bought starter blocks and began training for sprint races. “He told me he finally had something to look forward to,” Eberdt said. “Now he fills his day by planning activities to stay healthy.” Another athlete from Batesville participates in multiple sports each year. “He’ll be the first to tell you that he’s not great at anything, but he loves the camaraderie,” Eberdt said. “He knows he may not always win, but he wins for himself.” Beyond the competition, he said the Arkansas Senior Olympics has become a place where people build meaningful connections. Photos on the ASO website show athletes hugging, laughing and celebrating together. “After the event is over, people often exchange phone numbers,” Eberdt said. “They look forward to spending time together and seeing familiar faces again. Some athletes even call me before events to ask if someone they met last time will be there again. People are coming to these events for more than just competition. The relationships they’re forming really are the key to life.” Participation costs $55 for most sports, allowing competitors to enter up to five events. Additional events are just $5 each. Volunteers keep the organization running, and they vary from fellow competitors to high school and college students. “Volunteers will often sign up for a two-hour shift and end up staying four because they’re having too much fun,” Eberdt said. “Once they get started, they don’t want to leave.” Just like the Summer and Winter Olympics, there are medals, podiums, qualifying spots and fierce age-group rivalries. But beneath the competition is perhaps the most valuable reminder of all: you’re never too old to play.

Serving up more than friendly competition, pickleball offers a fun way to stay active, improve balance and build connections. This year’s Arkansas Senior Olympics pickleball tournament drew more than 700 competitors—the largest turnout in the organization’s history.

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right up

THEIR ALLEY

For Norman and Alicia Gillaspie, the Arkansas Senior Olympics offer friendly competition, renewed connections and a standing date to keep moving together. By KD Reep • Photos by Makenzie Evans

t 74, Norman and Alicia Gillaspie are proving that growing older does not mean sitting still. The Sherwood couple are participants in the Arkansas Senior Olympics, where competition offers far more than medals or winning scores. For the Gillaspies, it is an opportunity to remain active, renew old interests, strengthen their relationship and build friendships with people who understand the joy of continuing to challenge themselves. Their shared event is mixed-doubles bowling. Each bowls three games, and their scores are combined for the final result. They also compete individually, and Alicia is adding walking to her first official year as an Arkansas Senior Olympics athlete.

out whether Arkansas offered similar opportunities. He attended as a spectator at 49 and began competing at 50. Work, travel and scheduling led to a lengthy break, but he returned in 2015. Over the years, he has participated in track and field, road races, bowling, swimming and basketball. His favorite events remain the 5K and 10K road races, along with track and field. “I enjoy the physical activity and the competition,” Norman said. “But you get to meet people, too.”

“I used to just go and support Norman in what he was doing,” she said. “But this year, I decided to participate.”

Those connections have become an important part of the experience. Because Arkansas is an open state, its events welcome athletes from across the country. Norman has developed friendships with fellow competitors from South Arkansas, Fort Smith and Texas. They stay in touch and reconnect at events, sometimes after months apart.

Norman’s history with the organization began nearly 25 years ago, after a cousin who competed in Florida encouraged him to find

“You have the camaraderie,” he said. “You meet people and make friends.” Continued on page 34

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‘It’s a cheap date, too!’ — Norman Gillaspie, on bowling together

That social connection can be as important as the exercise, particularly for older adults who have become isolated or sedentary. The Arkansas Senior Olympics give participants a reason to get out, meet people and share an activity—all while working toward better health. Norman emphasizes that the word “Olympics” should not intimidate anyone. “A lot of people get scared off by the name,” he said. “They think we’re all former Olympic champions, and that is not even close to the case.” Participants do not have to be elite athletes or lifelong competitors. Arkansas allows adults beginning at age 40 to take part, although national qualification begins at 50. With more than 20 sports and activities offered at locations around the state, people can choose something suited to their interests and abilities. Alicia has always enjoyed walking and gardening, and she and Norman participated in race-walking events during their 30s and 40s. They also bowled together before family responsibilities and busy schedules pulled them in other directions. “Life happened,” she said. “Our granddaughter came along, and she was active in a lot of different things. We wanted to support her, so we got out of what we were doing to follow her.” Now bowling is bringing them back to something they once enjoyed. Alicia likes working to improve her health and feeling

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her muscle memory return. It is also an affordable outing: In Cabot, where they practice, seniors can bowl on Mondays for $ 1.75 per game. “It’s a cheap date, too!” Norman said with a laugh. The couple may eventually try pickleball, although Alicia admits their competitive personalities could make it hard to follow one important safety rule. A woman who once taught them the game offered simple advice: If they could not safely reach the ball, they should let it go. “We’re both kind of competitive,” Alicia said. “So that’s kind of hard to do.” Norman’s commitment now extends beyond competing. After volunteering extensively, he was invited to join the Arkansas Senior Olympics board. He wants more older adults to know the opportunity exists and that they can participate for competition, friendship, fun or simply motivation to keep moving throughout the year. Arkansas Senior Olympics continues to grow, with record participation and new sports giving more adults a place to belong. The message on this year’s shirts captures its appeal perfectly. “You’re never too old, and you’re never done,” Alicia said. “You just need to keep moving, because if you don’t move, you’re going to lose it.”

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work in

A WORKOUT

From taking the stairs to a lunchtime stroll, small changes can bring more movement to your workday. By Karl Lenser

The 24 hours we are given each day shrink to a good deal less when we lack the endurance and stamina to actually use them. — Dr. George Sheehan

eing active at work can be hard for many people, but there are some simple ways to increase energy and improve health. It takes creativity and outside-the-box thinking, but it can be done. Some people have jobs that require them to be active, while others have sedentary jobs that make it a challenge to accumulate steps within the workday. A research study in England compared the activity levels and cardiovascular health of transit bus employees. It found that double-decker bus ticket collectors, who walked through the bus and climbed stairs to assist passengers, had better heart health than bus drivers. Accumulating a certain number of steps throughout the day has become a fairly common fitness goal that many people embrace; accumulating steps and overall movement at work presents both a challenge and an opportunity. For those who are interested in staying active and boosting their overall health, one simple tactic is to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Think of the staircase as an exercise tool and a great way to work your glutes and leg muscles as well as your heart and lungs. Do you really need an hour to eat lunch? Use a portion of your lunch break to go for a walk. A 20-minute walk can help you

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recharge your internal battery and refresh your mind. Invite a coworker to take a brisk walk and visit. When the weather permits, try to get out of your building and walk in the great outdoors. Sunshine can boost your Vitamin D levels, which supports a stronger immune system, and fresh air is energizing and helps you refocus before heading back to your workstation. Another effective tactic for enhancing your overall wellness is staying hydrated. Proper hydration is critical for muscle conduction and efficiency, and it reduces the risk of muscle cramping. Another hidden benefit of adequate hydration is that you will need to use the restroom more, which means taking more steps. If you work on the first floor, walk to the second or third floor (if available) to use the restroom. Those extra trips can help add to your step count. In some situations, walk to a co-worker’s office and talk to them in person instead of emailing or calling. If your job requires you to be at a desk most of the day, take 5-minute breaks to stretch and move around. Spending excessive hours in a chair can take a toll on your health, including possible low back and neck strains that can harm overall health and well-being. Your body has more than 600 muscles, and they are designed to be used to help you get stronger and increase your functionality. When you are moving, you are improving! Invest in yourself by moving at work or at other times throughout the day.

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HONORING THE 501 YOUTH OF THE MONTH

her voice

THEIR HOPE

Olivia Goodson shares her story to help other children feel less alone —and find the support they deserve. By Phyllis Ormsby • Photos by Makenzie Evans

he pinwheel is nearly as large as Olivia Goodson’s smile. Its blades are bright, playful and impossible to overlook—a symbol of the joyful, healthy childhood every child deserves. For Olivia, it is more than a colorful reminder. It represents the network of child advocacy centers that helped make room for healing in her own life. It also represents children whose stories may still be hidden and the people working to ensure they do not have to face what happened alone. “The reason why I’m so willing to speak publicly about my painful past is because I want other children or adults to know they aren’t alone,” Olivia said. “I will be somebody’s voice when they feel like they don’t have one.” Soon to turn 17, Olivia loves makeup, video games, hanging out with friends and listening to a wide variety of music. A junior at Riverview

High School, she is also a survivor of abuse who has chosen to share her experience to help others. Her mom, Lauren Goodson, describes her daughter as the epitome of resilience. “I would want anybody to know that despite all of the things she has been through, she’s come out on top,” Lauren said. “Her courage and bravery are like nothing I have ever seen. She just shines so brightly and we are so proud of her.” This October, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CACar) is honoring Olivia with its Blue Ribbon Award at the Inspiration Gala. The award recognizes someone personally affected by abuse who shares their experience to raise awareness and help others understand its impact. CACar supports a statewide network of child advocacy centers with 29 local locations where children who have experienced abuse can receive free, coordinated services. Continued on page 41

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I will be somebody’s voice

This page captures Olivia’s joy, strength and the support that has helped her move forward—from the softball field and homecoming celebrations to a victory worth remembering. The photo of her wearing her “I’m a Warrior” vest was taken the day her abuser was sentenced to 60 years in prison in 2022. The Warriors motorcycle group helped her family feel safe throughout the trial and celebrated afterward with a victory ride. Olivia chose “Midnite” as her biker name because it represents a new day and a new life. Another source of comfort appears in both a familiar face and a plush keepsake: Jake, the Child Safety Center’s now-retired facility dog. During 10 years of service, he supported more than 1,800 children through forensic interviews, medical exams, therapy sessions and court appearances. The smaller photograph shows Olivia with Jake at the center’s donor dinner—a moment with a companion whose reassuring presence meant so much to so many.

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“Olivia embodies the hope and resilience we strive to provide every child who walks through the doors of a Children’s Advocacy Center,” said Elizabeth Pulley, CACar executive director. “Her bravery, willingness to share her story and commitment to being a voice for child abuse victims at such a young age are truly inspiring. We are honored to recognize her as this year’s Blue Ribbon honoree and grateful for the powerful message of hope and healing she shares with others.” For Olivia, that message is grounded in the support she received at the Child Safety Center in White County. “To me, the safety center is a place of hope and healing,” she said. “They were so helpful and I genuinely found myself healing more with every session.” With the center’s help, she began to understand the next steps and find a sense of safety. “I found hope in their arms and care,” she said. Now she wants other children experiencing abuse to know they deserve help and do not have to face their fear alone. Speaking publicly is one way she offers that reassurance. Lauren discovered her daughter’s confidence as a speaker when the Child Safety Center in White County invited Olivia to address a donor dinner. Olivia readily agreed, then earned a standing ovation. “She just blew us all away,” Lauren said. “I told her, ‘I didn’t even know you could do that.’” That determination carries into school, where Olivia participates in softball, FCCLA and quiz bowl. “I like to stay on top of my work and do the best I can,” she said. She has invited her English and history teachers, Rob and Jessica Clausen, to the Inspiration Gala because, she said, “They have really changed my life.” At home, Olivia shares life with her parents, Lauren and Jacob; younger brothers Chase, 15, and Barrett, 4; and

Meeko the cat. She is protective of her brothers, although Lauren remembers a practical reason her daughter once gave for wanting a boy. “She would pray every night that the baby would be a boy so she wouldn’t have to share her stuff,” Lauren said, laughing. Writing gives Olivia another way to reflect and look ahead. “I love to journal and write about how my day was and how I could improve on it,” she said. “I set goals for myself every night before I go to bed.” After high school, she plans to pursue a nursing degree, following her mother into the profession. “I decided I wanted to be a nurse while my mom was in college getting her RN,” Olivia said. “I thought it was so cool, learning about human anatomy.” She is considering Arkansas State University-Beebe, Harding University and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, with a goal of working in neonatal intensive care. As she makes plans for her future, Olivia also has a message for the adults helping a child recover from abuse: Give them time, and stay beside them. “If your child has been abused, let them heal on their own time. Please don’t rush them. Be there for them,” she said. “If it takes them longer to heal than others that’s okay. Just be there for every step of the way.” She recognizes that healing may not mean leaving every hurt behind. What matters, she said, is helping children feel more comfortable and hopeful with people by their side. In Olivia’s hands, the pinwheel represents the childhood every child deserves. Her own story is still unfolding—in the future she is planning, the people beside her and the voice she has chosen to share. She knows what it means to need an advocate. Now she wants other children to know they deserve one, too.

For information about the Child Safety Center, visit childsafetycenter.org. To report suspected child abuse, call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1.844.SAVE.A.CHILD or 1.800.482.5964.

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MILES of perspective

For Mike Kemp, time on two wheels offers a chance to clear his head, reconnect with his surroundings and come home feeling better. By Mike Kemp

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y wife has told me I’m a better person when I go for a ride. Mostly because of my demeanor when I return. Something happens when you’re out for a ride. All of the worries that you carried onto the bike seem to be carried off by the wind by the time you get back. Or, at the very least, they seem to weigh a lot less. And now, thanks to a study supported by Harley-Davidson, there is data to back up what riders have suspected all along. In a 2021 study conducted by UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, scientists used mobile EEG technology to study the mental and physical effects of riding. The research found that within the first 20 minutes of riding, positive effects on a person’s well-being start kicking in. Within that 20 minutes, a rider’s heart rate increases by 11%, researchers also found a decrease in a hormone ratio associated with stress. This is equivalent to a light exercise. The study also found that sensory focus was sharpened compared to driving a car, while the changes in a rider’s brain patterns suggested that the heightened alertness was similar to what one achieves by drinking a cup of coffee. Additionally, the study noted that the hormonal biomarkers for stress (most notably cortisol) dropped 28%. So, an afternoon riding results in being more aware, less stressed and physically connected. For regular riders, it’s really no surprise. The coordination required to keep a motorcycle upright while leaned over in a curve, in addition to coordinating braking, shifting and turning, leaves little room for idle thoughts. The result is getting into what some describe as a “flow state,” where the rider feels completely connected to the machine as well as the larger environment. My time on Arkansas Highway 27 has resulted in that. This particular stretch of road is twisting, with numerous curves and elevation changes thrown at you in rapid succession. When everything is done correctly, it all seems to effortlessly flow together, as if nothing else exists outside of that moment.

This is the cornerstone of this research. The mental demands of riding a motorcycle leave little room for outside thoughts. Riding becomes a form of meditation; worries that you carried onto the motorcycle can’t be dwelt on mid-corner. Your focus is that moment and the one immediately following. I can remember particular rides where I was stressed or anxious, to the point that my wife suggested that I go for a ride. I come back better, after all. Within a few miles, I could feel the weight leave my shoulders and my breathing become more relaxed. It really does work. Riding not only has mental benefits, but also requires physical work to correctly control the motorcycle. Core muscles are engaged to keep you in place under braking; leaning into a corner requires engaging leg muscles to properly position the bike. This results in an active, full-body experience that you can’t get from piloting your SUV. Not being enclosed in a vehicle also leads to a connectedness with your surroundings. I have felt the temperature cool dramatically while dipping below the levee on Arkansas Highway 300 alongside Harris Brake Lake or instantly warm up after popping out of a grove of trees onto an unshaded stretch of road. I’ve enjoyed the changing smells of my surroundings from freshly plowed earth to a pizza parlor on my way home. Well, except for that time I was stuck behind a truck hauling manure. Even then, the smells and temperature swings result in a connectedness you could never get in a car. A rider feels the temperature change as they ride up a mountain. The smells from the surrounding countryside add a layer to the experience. It’s my favorite form of meditation. Of course, I really didn’t need a scientific study to draw this conclusion. I always feel better once I’ve ridden, and if my wife notices it, it must be working. As Neil Peart, the late drummer for the rock band Rush and an avid motorcyclist, said in an interview with Cycle World magazine: “When I’m riding my motorcycle, I’m glad to be alive. When I stop riding my motorcycle, I’m glad to be alive.”

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Back row: Ben Cheek (from left), Linda Cheek, Terry and Reta Brewer and James and Amanda Brewer Murphy. Front row: Audrey Murphy (from left), Patsy and Daymon Brewer and Dean Murphy.

CARE RUNS in the family From Mount Vernon’s horseback doctors to modern cancer care, one family’s commitment to helping others spans generations.

By Phyllis Ormsby and Patsy Brewer • Photos by Makenzie Evans

entral Arkansas patients needing medical care today have many options, including same-day doctor appointments, local hospitals or walk-in medical clinics. But what did our ancestors in rural areas do when they were sick?

The family has carefully preserved the large collection of artifacts, including saddlebags with original glass medicine bottles, a variety of medical instruments like bone saws used for amputations, a pistol and even a mad stone.

Today, you can drive from Mount Vernon to Conway in about 30 minutes, but in the late 1800s that same 25-mile trip took an entire day in a bouncy, dusty wagon, open to the heat, cold or rain. For people who lived in the Mount Vernon region, the answer was house calls on horseback. One family has preserved the history and legacy of two of their ancestors who made house visits.

“Horseback doctors were the backbone of rural healthcare in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” Patsy wrote in “Horseback Doctors of Mount Vernon, Arkansas.” “Traveling miles a day in all weather conditions, these physicians carried their entire practice in saddlebags—acting as general practitioners, surgeons and dentists while often compounding their own medicines. They operated out of saddlebags rather than modern hospitals, carrying supplies to splint bones, pull teeth and deliver babies.”

The research started when an issue of 501 LIFE published a story recognizing doctors in Faulkner County and mentioned Dr. Justice Franklin Powers and his son, Dr. Justice Tavner Powers, both of Mount Vernon. Patsy Powers Brewer, the great-greatgranddaughter of the elder Dr. Powers, read the story and knew it was time to put her family’s history in writing. Her research started in earnest about six months ago. “This is a piece of Faulkner County history that I want to share,” Patsy said. Many of the original items used by these doctors have been passed down through the generations and are in the care of Patsy and her husband, Daymon, who live in Mount Vernon.

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Her research has been extensive, and getting the correct details about each life has been very important to her. “I started by digging through everything I had been given in the past, and I uncovered things that we had been told down through the years that probably turned out not to be true,” Patsy said. “For example, we had always been told that Franklin Powers was a prisoner of war during the Civil War, but I found out, through his original obituary that he was a surgeon during the war. I think the obituary is correct.”

While searching through items passed down by her parents, she found a real treasure: original ledgers kept by the wife of the younger Dr. Powers, Sarah, who was Patsy’s great-grandmother. “Sarah often served as her husband’s medical assistant. She was also a businesswoman, operating a local country store where she crafted hats, burial garments and items the community might need. She had two ledgers, one with items bought and charged and the other if the customer was paying cash,” she wrote. Patsy, now 82, remembers staying with Sarah in her Mount Vernon home. “She was a hat maker, and I remember I was always asking for a hat,” she said, laughing. She was finally given a woven straw hat that she treasured through the years, replacing the decorative hatband when needed. These doctors’ lives were not easy despite their status in the community. They often traveled for miles in all kinds of weather conditions to reach their patients. “Because cash was scarce, bartering was standard,” Patsy wrote. “Doctors frequently accepted payment for medical visits in the form of livestock, fruits, vegetables or home-baked goods.” The elder Dr. Powers was born in Ohio on Sept. 22, 1821, and graduated from Missouri Medical College. He appears to have served in the Confederate Army until 1863. Before he traveled further south, he instructed his wife, Susan, and his two children to stay in Ohio with his mother until he sent for them. After the war, Susan and the children traveled by boat to Little Rock and then moved to Quitman (on the Faulkner and Cleburne County line) to stay with friends. “I can’t even imagine how long a trip like that would have taken,” Patsy said. The Powers family settled in Mount Vernon in 1874, and the elder Dr. Powers died Jan. 10, 1894, at 73. His son, Justice Tavner Powers, graduated from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1878 and returned home to practice alongside his father. He died from pneumonia at only 48 years old in 1902. “Following his death, community members frequently turned to Sarah for medical advice,” Patsy wrote. “She later remarried C.W. Brown and was known affectionately to the family as Grandma Brown or ‘Baw.’ She lived to the age of 98 before passing away in 1953.” Continued on page 46

TOP LEFT: Preserved among the Powers family’s medical artifacts, this madstone recalls a time when people believed such objects could draw poison from snakebites or the bites of rabid animals. TOP RIGHT: Dr. Justice Tavner Powers followed his father into medicine, returning to Mount Vernon to practice alongside him. CENTER: An original ledger provides the backdrop for this photograph of Sarah Powers (center), greatgrandmother of Patsy Brewer (bottom photo). Sarah assisted her husband, Dr. Justice Tavner Powers, in his medical practice until his death at 48. She also operated a country store in Mount Vernon, selling everyday necessities and making hats and burial garments. BOTTOM: Patsy Brewer holds a portrait of her great-great-grandfather, Dr. Justice Franklin Powers, who settled in Mount Vernon in 1874. For the next two decades, he traveled by horseback to care for patients in the surrounding community.

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This Mount Vernon home holds childhood memories for Patsy Brewer, who visited her great-grandmother, Sarah Powers, here. Sarah’s husband, Dr. Justice Tavner Powers, died before Brewer was born, but the family’s stories and keepsakes helped preserve his legacy.

Artist Gene Hatfield’s painting imagines Mount Vernon around the turn of the 20th century, offering a glimpse of the community the Powers family called home.

Amanda Brewer Murphy, manager of radiation oncology at CARTI is the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of the elder Dr. Powers.

Patsy was unable to uncover some details, including what brought the Powers family down to Arkansas or the size of the area the doctors typically traveled. One of the biggest mysteries, however, involves a family who traveled to Mount Vernon and never left. “Dr. Justice Tavner Powers and Sarah were known for their immense generosity,” she wrote. “When the Warden family was traveling through Mount Vernon by wagon, they contracted malaria and passed away, leaving no money or burial arrangements. Dr. Powers and Sarah donated a plot in the Mount Vernon Community Cemetery and erected a monument that still stands today.” The large cast-iron monument stands next to the stone markers of both the doctors and their wives, but Patsy said she could never find any clues as to why her great-grandparents memorialized the family.

CARTI’s treatment facility in Searcy. She is an active radiation therapist herself, seeing patients daily. “This is our 50th year of caring for cancer patients,” she said. “CARTI started as a radiation therapy institute. Today, we are a multidisciplinary provider, with service lines that allow us to care for patients across their cancer journeys, from pre-diagnosis through survivorship.”

Finding information was not easy and she often leaned on the support of her son, Terry Brewer, who works in the information technology division at the University of Central Arkansas. “My mom was very excited to work on this, and she would call and ask questions,” he said. “I did things like helping her find things on the internet, scan documents, attaching things to emails and general tech support stuff like that. It makes you proud to be part of a family like this, people who like to help others.”

Amanda said each radiation machine treats about 50 patients a day and CARTI has eight machines. The care team becomes very invested in each patient’s life. “A typical cancer treatment is 30 to 45 treatments. When you see a patient for 30 to 45 days straight, they become your friend. That’s why I do it. I’m that listening ear, that person they can talk to. You are an unbiased person they can vent to. When they ring that bell on their last day, we all cheer and cry. Then, they come back year after year on those anniversaries of their last treatment, and then we know we are doing a good job.”

The spirit of helping those who need medical care is carried on today by Terry’s daughter and Patsy’s granddaughter, Amanda Brewer Murphy, manager of radiation oncology at CARTI. “Growing up with parents who were raised by people like my grandparents, who are constantly giving to other people, that’s why I chose to do what I do today,” she said. “I meet people in some of the worst times of their lives and try to make it the best experience it can be.” Amanda leads a team of 50 at CARTI Cancer Center Conway, El Dorado, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pine Bluff, as well as

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Amanda said she wanted to go into the medical field after seeing CARTI care in action. “When I was in middle school my greatgrandmother, Lois Powers, Patsy’s mother, was treated at CARTI Conway,” she said. “On Wednesdays, my day to get out of school early, I would go with them. The memories are just ingrained in my brain. My great-grandmother had very high standards and was not easy to please, but she never once had a bad thing to say about CARTI. She loved her care team.”

Amanda said she is proud to continue her family’s tradition of caring for others. “It’s been a very giving career to me,” she said “It’s very humbling because you get up and realize your bad day is not a bad day. I go to work every day where people are fighting for their lives.” This family has proudly preserved that tradition of caring for others, passing it down through generations beginning more than 150 years ago.

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a decade of care

CLOSE TO HOME

Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway marks 10 years of serving patients, supporting families and growing with its community.

or 10 years, Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway has helped bring specialized care closer to home. But for hospital President April Bennett, the anniversary is about more than the services added or the building that opened on Sept. 16, 2016. “Our story isn’t written in the facilities we have opened,” Bennett said. “It is written in the lives we have had the honor to heal.” The hospital marked its first decade in September, celebrating a commitment to Christian compassion and a guiding belief: “There is nothing more important than our people and our patients.” That commitment has shaped its growth alongside the community. Services in pulmonology, endocrinology, obstetrical care and rehabilitation have expanded local options, helping residents receive more of the care they need without traveling far from home. When patients need services beyond those available in Conway, the hospital’s connection to the broader Baptist Health system helps its team coordinate that next step. “As part of the system, our physicians and team members can collaborate directly with individuals at other Baptist Health facilities to ensure patients receive the care they need,” Bennett said. Today, the hospital is a Level III Trauma Center, a DNV-certified Primary Stroke Center and Faulkner County’s only facility with the “Baby-Friendly” designation.

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Behind those distinctions are people who have helped build the hospital from its earliest days. Nearly 20% of its workforce has been there since the opening. “This longevity speaks to a culture where employees don’t just work here–they belong here,” Bennett said. “Our hope is that every employee feels valued and respected and truly understands what our Mission is and how their role supports it.” Patients and families also help shape the hospital’s work. Through conversations with hospital leaders and a Patient and Family Advisory Council, they can share experiences and suggest improvements to care. To mark the anniversary, the hospital launched its “10 for 10 Initiative,” committing to 10 acts of service that support community well-being beyond its walls. Efforts included raising more than $2,100 for THV11’s Annual Summer Cereal Drive, stocking care closets for the Conway Public School District, providing free “Stop the Bleed” training and offering education about obstructive sleep apnea through Dinner with a Doctor. As its second decade begins, Baptist Health Medical CenterConway is focused on developing the workforce that will carry its mission forward. The next chapter will depend on the same foundation as the first: people caring for their neighbors, both inside the hospital and throughout the community it serves. For more information, visit BaptistHealthConway.com or call 1.888.BAPTIST.

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remembers when... With familiar songs and lasting friendships, the Kavanaugh Band brings moments of joy and connection to older adults and those who care for them. By KD Reep • Photos by Makenzie Evans

he first notes are enough. A foot begins tapping. Someone sways in a chair. Lips start moving as a familiar lyric finds its way back. Then smiles appear, voices join in and, occasionally, an impromptu dance party breaks out. For the four longtime friends who make up the Kavanaugh Band, those moments are why the music matters. The group performs familiar hits from the 1950s and 1960s for senior adults, including people living with varying levels of dementia. The musicians favor popular, upbeat and positive songs that invite listeners to participate. A performance might build toward a rousing rendition of “The Letter” before closing with “My Girl,” a song that consistently connects with audiences. Wythe Walker said one of the most memorable moments is watching a couple married for more than 60 years get up and dance. For the band, seeing listeners recognize a song and begin singing produces the same thrill musicians feel before any responsive live audience. Here, however, the experience carries another dimension. The music can reach people when other forms of connection may not. “Music moves us and emotionally recharges us even when our memories are mostly gone,” Walker said. “It reaches us.” The Kavanaugh Band brings together four men whose friendships and music stretch back decades. Each built a career away from the stage. Walker is a journalist who plays guitar. Tommy Roberts is a dentist who plays guitar and harmonica. Jimmy Pearsall is an architect who plays bass, and Jim Orahood is a dentist who plays drums. All four perform lead and backup vocals. Their professional backgrounds may differ, but onstage those distinctions disappear. What remains is the chemistry of old friends listening to one another and sharing the spotlight. Making music together at this stage of their lives feels like “a gift,” Walker said, as well as a joy, a thrill and a second chance to play. “Musicians love to play together and perform, especially when the audiences are so attentive and you can tell how much pleasure the music brings them,” he said. The songs also take band members and listeners back to their younger days. The connection between music and memory is especially visible during the band’s monthly visits to Helping Hands Respite Care at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Bev Villines first learned about the group after two band members began attending the church’s Caregivers’ Support Group in 2025. During a conversation, they mentioned an upcoming performance at Fox Ridge Chenal. Villines had already been invited by a friend who lived there, so she had an opportunity to see the group in action.

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In the months that followed, Helping Hands invited the band to perform. The musicians now return once a month. Helping Hands serves people experiencing varying levels of dementia. Villines said participants and volunteers responded to the music from the beginning, singing along, tapping their toes and swaying in their seats. Sometimes the music inspires dancing. “When the lips begin moving to the words of the old songs and the smiles come out, this is the real connection,” she said. The relationship extends beyond the songs. Villines said the musicians have learned some participants’ and volunteers’ names. They talk with audience members and greet them as friends, creating an atmosphere that feels personal, comfortable and welcoming. Family caregivers are told when the band will perform, and many attend with their loved ones. The concerts offer something valuable during a difficult season. “It brings some joy in a particularly hard time in their family’s life, even if for just an hour,” Villines said. Without programs like the Kavanaugh Band’s visits, she believes participants, volunteers and caregivers would miss “the pure joy of music and laughter and connection.” Walker sees performing as a form of sharing. Although the band sometimes receives modest compensation, he said the payment is primarily a symbol that the performance has worth and value. The real reward comes through the exchange between musicians and listeners. “Music is a social art,” he said. “It is meant to be shared. A good live musical experience is transcendent, beyond words.” At the end of each performance, the band members step into the audience and thank those who helped them share the music. The genuine smiles and comments tell the musicians what the hour has meant.

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It’s never hard for Delta Speights’ parents to persuade her to go to equine-assisted therapy with Healing Hooves. She is in love with this pony named Wild Man, and he is fond of her as well.

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horse

POWER

At Healing Hooves in Little Rock, connections between horses and humans open new paths to confidence, calm and well-being. By Rita Halter Thomas • Photos by Makenzie Evans

hether from the gentle nuzzle of a soft muzzle, a warm, welcoming nicker, or a hay-scented breath blowing and sniffing a sweet introduction, something magical happens when horses meet humans in need of healing. Partnered with The Pine Hill Ranch Equestrian Center in Little Rock, Healing Hooves is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving children and adults through a variety of equine-assisted programs for the body, mind and soul in ways traditional therapy can’t. Those familiar with the field often think of hippotherapy, but Healing Hooves offers that and more. “Hippotherapy is performed and executed through a doctor’s prescription with a licensed therapist, and it’s more of a clinical type of treatment,” said Executive Director Stacey Garrett. “When we talk about equine-assisted therapy, the word ‘allowance’ comes into a big part of the play.”

In simple terms, equine-assisted therapy lets the horse lead the direction of the therapy with intent. Hippotherapy is 70% to 80% riding, using the mechanics of the horses’ movements for mostly physical benefits. Equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding offer multiple benefits, and some activities may not include riding at all, incorporating various pathways to success. Riding lessons are part of the equation, but Healing Hooves also offers horse-powered reading for children, team building for businesses, schools and other groups, and coaching that helps individuals and organizations recognize behaviors that may stall success or disrupt life and work balance. Its Mindfulness with Horses workshop uses sensory-rich connections, guided meditation and the natural rhythm of horses to encourage relaxation, self-reflection and greater awareness of body language, breath, energy and intention. Continued on page 54 OCTOBER 2026

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Why horses? As prey animals, they have a heightened awareness of their surroundings. They pick up subtle cues from their herd. Their social bonds and instincts for safety make them inclined toward attunement rather than aggression. When one bolts in fear, the others often follow. Horses’ sensory awareness, strong memories and the ability to sync emotionally make them effective therapy partners. They notice muscle tension, breathing changes, shifts in emotional energy, tone of voice and even the slightest of movements. Horses remember a person’s scent and whether that person scared or soothed them. They remember who they can trust and who they can’t. An anxious rider can make a horse anxious while calmness helps settle it. Horses cannot be fooled by a calm façade. They read the body and sense internal anxiety. Their response can reveal more to an observing therapist than what couch or talk therapy may. Understanding horses through personal experience helped shape Healing Hooves. Garrett, also the director of The Pine Hill Ranch, has been with the for-profit equestrian center since owner Bob Mullenax built it in 2017 and launched its first riding academy in early 2018. “His purpose for building the equestrian center was to introduce horses to people, but more in the competitive lifestyle. Horses had been instrumental in his success as a businessman, so he wanted to have an academybased education center with horses. That’s where I came into the picture. I have a similar background, as far as training, competing and teaching,” she said. “So that was established first. We’ve always known the therapeutic benefits of horses; it just wasn’t part of the initial plan. But it became clear to us very early on that this needed to be a part of our story.” In early 2024, Mullenax took the initiative to launch the nonprofit, and Healing Hooves became a reality. While skill-building is still important for safety and learning, Garrett finds focusing on wellness and healing most rewarding. As a professional horse trainer and licensed equine instructor, she brings extensive expertise to the field. Launching the nonprofit has given her a voice and provided the ranch with a platform to promote equineassisted therapy and connect more people with the horses and the unique setting at The Pine Hill Ranch. As with most nonprofits, securing funding is an ongoing effort. This year, Healing Hooves (healinghooveslr.org) will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Cliff & Susan’s Ranch Gala, held from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at The Pine Hill Ranch. Award-winning Arkansas country music duo Cliff and Susan Erwin Prowse are celebrating the launch of their sophomore album with live music, dancing and an elevated Western-style event. They generously chose Healing Hooves as a beneficiary, giving guests an opportunity to support the nonprofit while experiencing the ranch for themselves. Learn more and purchase tickets at theranchgala.com. C’mon. Breathe in the scent of hay and dance the night away. There might even be a soft muzzle and a gentle nicker waiting just for you. Stacey Garrett is the executive director of Healing Hooves, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving children and adults through a partnership with The Pine Hill Ranch Equestrian Center in Little Rock. Garrett is sharing a moment with One Hot Mama a.k.a. Girlfriend.

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Delta Speights and her mother, Devon Speights, are thrilled with the equestrian-assisted therapy she receives from Healing Hooves.

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a calling

TO CARE Shaped by caregiving, loss and faith, the family behind Conway’s Executive Home Care offers others the support they once needed themselves. By Rita Halter Thomas • Photos by Makenzie Evans

When Nancy Wimberly needed extra support at home, she turned to Executive Home Care. The service offers dependable, compassionate support to help clients remain safely and comfortably at home, supplementing the help family caregivers provide.

ome of life’s hardest seasons drive us to our knees in search of answers and direction. For one Conway family, the challenges of becoming their parents’ caregivers and coping with loss ultimately gave them a new purpose and a greater mission. Chase and Bailey Smith of Conway experienced firsthand the challenges families face while caring for parents. During that same season, Chase’s sister, Jessica Lawson, endured the unexpected loss of her husband. As the three balanced these deeply personal hardships with jobs and responsibilities to their own families, they could not have known their experiences would one day unite them in opening Executive Home Care. When Bailey’s father was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2019 after already living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 15 years, she, her mom and her brother became his “allhands-on-deck” care team until his passing in 2021. “We saw what that was like. Then after he passed, my mom moved in with us and rapidly [declined],” Bailey said. A few years later, her mom was diagnosed with MS in the spring of 2025 and died from a stroke a few months later. Bailey recalls that while family members cared for her mom and dad, they never thought about services that offered in-home care. “I don’t think we were really exposed to it, and nobody really advocated for that or suggested it as an option,” she said. Daily care, doctor appointments, pharmacy stops and the demands of their own families and jobs consumed their focus. Through it

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all, one thing was clear. Their loved ones needed the peace and comfort of being at home, with family, where they were most comfortable. Opening an in-home care service was the last thing on their radar. Bailey owned the salon her parents once had, Chase worked as a network engineer in banking and finance, and Jessica worked in medical cybersecurity. “After my sister-in-law lost her husband, God kept putting this franchise on her heart, but she kept shutting it out,” Bailey said. Eventually, Jessica presented the idea of Executive Home Care to her brother, Chase. After many prayers and meetings, the three saw the opportunity as a purpose emerging from their own experience. They joined the Executive Home Care family and opened the Conway franchise in July 2025. “I think the hardest part of it all was trying to keep my family afloat and give all the care and help we could to our parents,” Bailey said. Family members often put themselves on the back burner to care for loved ones, and that can lead to a decline in the caregiver’s health. She saw the effects firsthand on her mom. Those experiences now shape every part of Executive Home Care’s mission. The team understands families are not simply looking for help with daily tasks, but they are entrusting someone else with a person they love. Their goal is to provide the kind of dependable, compassionate care they once needed and to help clients remain safely and comfortably at home without leaving family caregivers to carry the responsibility alone.

Executive Home Care begins with a free in-home assessment, allowing the team to learn about the client’s health, routines, preferences and family circumstances. From there, every care plan is customized to the individual, with support ranging from companionship and help with everyday needs to around-the-clock care. Their mission is to treat each client like part of their own family and build those relationships to feel more like extended family than a service. That family standard also guides the way the company selects caregivers. Chase, Bailey and Jessica hire only people they would trust to care for their own loved ones. They look for individuals with both skill and genuine compassion. Executive Home Care is continually seeking caring people to join its caregiver team, whether for fulltime work or part-time supplemental income. When we think of long-term care, we often think of aging parents, but Bailey’s parents were only in their 50s. Chase and Jessica’s mother, even younger, passed from cancer in 2014. And the need for support isn’t defined by age. Care may be needed for a child, a spouse or oneself. For Chase, Bailey and Jessica, Executive Home Care is more than a business. It is a calling shaped by loss, caregiving and faith through some of the hardest seasons of their lives. By offering families the support they once needed themselves, they hope to ease the weight of caregiving and help loved ones remain at home, where they feel safest and most at peace. Their own difficult seasons and faith ultimately led them to the purpose and mission of caring for other families with the same compassion they would want for their own.

Bailey Smith’s experience caring for her parents helped inspire a new calling. Alongside her husband, Chase, and sister-in-law, Jessica Lawson, she opened Executive Home Care in Conway to offer families the compassionate support she once needed herself.

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The suspects are familiar, the laughs are plentiful and everyone has something to hide on a killer night out in Conway. By Phyllis Ormsby • Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

mansion. A murder. A roomful of people you probably shouldn’t trust. “Clue,” the murder mystery comedy based on the Hasbro game and adapted from the 1985 film, comes to Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway for one night only, Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. And 501 LIFE is in on it. As the show’s official media sponsor, we have a clear motive: helping our readers discover a night of laughter, suspicious characters and theatrical surprises. Consider this your invitation to follow the evidence—and see who gets away with murder. The audience can expect “a wonderful evening of relentless fun and laughter. It’s great for families, great for people who love the movie and the game, or people who have never seen the movie or the game. Either way, you will be following along with the mystery as we fumble along and try to solve the mystery up on the stage,” said cast member Sarah Mackenzie Baron, who plays the pivotal role of Mrs. White in the production. A live performance offers the opportunity for those unexpected fun moments when something may not go exactly right, Baron said, laughing. “You know how you love to watch ‘Saturday Night

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Live’ to see the actors break? Well, we have had some funny things happen,” she said. “You love when you see something go wrong and we love it too, and it kind of creates a domino effect. Things like sound effects going off at the wrong time or a set piece moving too fast. It’s the kind of stuff that keeps you on your toes and loving your job.” The company will soon take to the stage for a milestone 300th time, but they can’t slack on preparations, Baron said. “We have been doing this show for almost a year. Every day you have to take some time to get ready for this show. It’s a marathon. We like to say we jump on the train and we get going. I have to conserve my energy through the day because at the end of the day, that’s when my job really begins.” She said the small cast and crew of about 30 people enjoy working with each other to bring a fun evening to their audiences. “It’s such an honor to be part of a show that is so desired by audiences,” she said. “I think there’s a great need right now for people to laugh and have fun and be a part of something that feels familiar. It is such a fun night out for everyone. It is something that lets you really forget about the world. You have to be paying attention to what’s going on up there because we are moving fast.”

“CLUE,” the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game and adapted from the fan-favorite film, comes to Reynolds Performance Hall Oct. 23. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! The talented cast is led by Broadway Director Casey Hushion (Associate Director of “Mean Girls” and “The Prom,” Associate Resident Director of “Aladdin,” choreography for the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”).

Baron said she and the other actors often hear audiences gasp, “Oh, wow!” when the sets change. “The set is like a whole other character in the show,” she said. “Each piece is being moved by a real live person. It’s all old-school theater magic, so simple but so special.” Before portraying Mrs. White, Baron portrayed Alice in the national tour of “The Addams Family.” She joked that she just can’t seem to stay away from those spooky mansions. “It was such a fun and rewarding role to play, and it was also about a year,” she said. “She is very different from Mrs. White. I like to say that Mrs. White is like a black widow spider meets a black cat. She’s in her web up in the corner and you’re kind of afraid of her so you want to leave her alone. And she’s a cat because she’ll let you know when you can get close to her, just like the incredible character that Madeline Kahn created in the movie. She has to keep herself calm, cool and collected and not show her cards.” Along with Baron, the cast includes Adam Brett as Wadsworth, Camille Capers as Miss Scarlet, Nate Curlott as Colonel Mustard, Joseph Dalfonso as Mr. Boddy and others, TJ Lamando as Mr. Green, Madeline Raube as Mrs. Peacock, AT Sanders as The Cook and others, Zoie Tannous as Yvette, Kyle Yampiro as Professor Plum, and Kebron Woodfin as the cop and others. The understudies are Thomas Netter, Allison Masulis, Taylor Tveten and Layne Roate. They are led by Broadway director Casey Hushion.

Ticket prices range from $34.50 to $57.50 for adults and can be purchased exclusively through Reynolds Performance Hall, online at uca.edu/pa or by contacting the Reynolds Box Office at 501.450.3265. 501 LIFE is the official media sponsor of “Clue.” Additional sponsors are Eric Rob & Isaac and Chicken Salad Chick. OCTOBER 2026

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MEDICARE

an essential piece Make sure you understand its vital role in completing your retirement puzzle.

etirement planning has many moving parts. For people approaching Medicare eligibility or reviewing existing coverage, Tommy Overton believes understanding the choices is the first step toward fitting that piece into a retirement plan. Overton, owner of Overton Insurance Solutions, is a lifelong Arkansan who moved to Conway in 1991 to attend the University of Central Arkansas. He and his wife, Jennifer, raised their daughters here. That local connection shapes the way he works with clients: as neighbors whose health needs, goals and budgets deserve attention. At the agency’s Conway office, Tommy uses software he developed to display coverage options side by side on large monitors. Clients can see how plans differ, ask questions and discuss potential gaps in coverage. Depending on individual needs, that conversation may include hospital indemnity, cancer, heart or stroke coverage, as well as Medicare options. His guiding principle is to inform first, giving clients room to consider what works for them. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, when eligible people can review and change Medicare health or drug plans for the coming year. Overton Insurance Solutions also helps people under 65 explore Health Insurance Marketplace coverage. Marketplace Open Enrollment runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 15; enrolling by Dec. 15 generally allows coverage to begin Jan. 1. The agency’s services include life insurance, long-term care, income planning, Social Security and retirement strategies. For Overton, the aim is to help each client understand how coverage fits the life they are planning. Learn more about your best options at overtonagency.com or call 501.881.2050.

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built by neighbors

REMEMBERED WITH LOVE Recalling the generosity and everyday memories that made Faulkner County Hospital part of Conway’s heart. By Vivian Lawson Hogue

he once-very-quiet streets of Conway are but a memory, but the images of some people and entities will always remain. As I roller-skated and hopscotched on our generous 57-by-6-foot front walk, I saw the man who rode his bicycle every day from Markham Street to work at Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas). Everyone could hear Fred Fields whistling as he drove his clackity truck. He and another man, who used a horse and wagon fitted with iron-clad wooden wheels, both collected trash. The city bus passed many times a day at a dime per ride. There was also the “ambulance,” which was actually McNutt Funeral Home’s black hearse. It was seldom called out, however, whereas today there are five or more runs per day, leaving dozens of outdoor dogs caterwauling. It was somberly quiet with windows curtained if transporting a casket, but for a hospital emergency, it displayed a red cross. A low, droning “siren” sounded like a bellowing cow. I waved at all such passersby and they waved back. Obviously, the Faulkner County Hospital was the most important entity on the street. It received that name because it was a need of both Conway and Faulkner County people and beyond. It was located on the corner of College and Western Avenues, the latter so named as it was the western edge of town. Beyond that was mainly pastureland. Its existence actually began in 1921 with discussions among county and Conway businessmen about the need for a hospital for the growing area. In 1923, talk led to action, and a plan was devised to build a $50,000, 20-bed hospital financed by both city and county residents through donations and the sale of bonds. It would also cover an operating room, equipment and offices. That operating room was partially lighted by a massive front window, but mostly from a large ceiling light fixture.

Col. J.E. Little donated $1,000 and a building site facing College Avenue. The renowned Little Rock firm of Wittenberg and Deloney provided architectural services, and construction began in May 1924. Donations continued from individuals, churches and clubs. Other gifts were tons of coal mined near Vilonia; a front walk installed by local men in the building trades; and bedsheets, pillowcases and towels donated from rural and city residents and women’s clubs. The Log Cabin Democrat made a statement that a “carload of furniture had been delivered and installed.” For those who never knew the magic of

passenger and freight depots, this did not mean tables and chairs were piled on and into a 1923 Studebaker, but did refer to train sections known as “cars.” In June of 1925, the hospital announced it was fully equipped, even to the provision of 23 oscillating fans. Three surgeries for Wooster and Plumerville patients were performed the first morning of opening, and several were scheduled for patients from Stuttgart and Morrilton, as well as 18 from Conway and surrounding communities. Little Rock surgeons offered their services when needed. About those room rates–a bed in a ward was $3 per day; a private room without a bath, $ 4; and a private room with a bath, $5. The cost included meals! Minor surgeries required a $5 operating room fee, while major procedures cost $10. The building was remodeled in 1937, and the Conway City Council assumed control and renamed it Conway Memorial Hospital. It was managed as a nonprofit private organization, but was plagued with financial troubles for 10 years. After 10 more years and a new administration, the hospital was able to purchase land across the street for a new, larger hospital. From 1980 onward, the hospital had operated under three names until acquiring a fourth in 1993 as Conway Regional Medical Center. The old hospital that began as a countywide venture stood several more years, housing various unrelated entities until it was razed in 2000. The youngest of my four brothers was born there on a July day of “112 degrees in the shade” in 1939. Mothers and babies were in the basement obstetrics area for the recommended “bedrest recovery” period of five days, the length of which was actually a potential setup for blood clots for mothers. The kitchen heat was there too, so Mother had the use of one of those 23 oscillating fans! Watching the former county hospital being razed was added to the images in my memory’s “ghost house” collection. There are still many of us who pass a location where there is now an empty lot, a multifamily structure or a steamy asphalt parking lot, and our first reaction is remembering what was there before. Now, we envision the county hospital and picture the nurses in crisp, white uniforms, caps and white shoes. Imagine–a vital institution, equipped by donations and bonds purchased by generous, grateful and forward-thinking citizens, and likely an idea first spoken out loud by … only one person.

Hospital image: Photo illustration based on a historical photograph.

PET OF THE MONTH

SVEN THE SHIH TZU

little dog

BIG

REIGN

Sven rules his downtown Conway household with a crooked smile, a loyal heart and a family determined to make every day his best. By Colleen Holt • Photos by Makenzie Evans

e may be small, but Sven the Shih Tzu is mighty in his love for living life to the fullest! Weighing in at a whopping 10 pounds, he rules the roost at the downtown Conway home of Jeremy, Emily and Victoria Walter. In fact, it’s rumored that the Walters are strictly guests who live in Sven’s house and pay the mortgage. The story goes that he came to Conway by accident, but perhaps it was more like divine providence. “We were actually looking for a Yorkie and came across his picture online,” said Emily. “At the time, he was 5 months old from a breeder, and no one wanted him because his teeth were crooked and his tongue stuck out, so he wouldn’t be considered a show dog. He was not well groomed at the time we picked him up, and we were surprising our 9-year-old daughter with him.” This surprise meeting was nothing less than love at first sight for Sven and Victoria. “When she saw him for the first time, I asked her, ‘Do you know what it is?’ and she said, ‘A rabbit?’ because his hair was so fluffy.” Since that first day, Sven and Victoria have been absolute best friends and virtually inseparable. “As soon as he laid eyes on her, he started ‘swimming’ with his paws to get to her and pushing away from the person holding him. When they got back in the car, Victoria looked at him, saw his brown and white hair and his tongue sticking out and wanted to name him Sven after the reindeer from Frozen,” said Emily. His active social life started quickly in Conway. “The first weekend that we got him, First United Methodist Church, where we attend, had their very first Blessing of the Animals service. Sven has been to every Blessing of the Animals since, and we consider that service an important part of his ‘gotcha day’ celebration.” Now that his favorite girl has grown up and gone off to college, he has had to somewhat settle for the company of Jeremy and Emily. “It took Victoria studying abroad in England for Sven to even consider us a potential favorite of his. When we picked her up

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from the airport after her five months of study abroad, we brought him with us. The minute he saw her walking up the arrivals ramp, he did the same thing as day one! He started pushing against us to get out of our arms and started ‘swimming’ in the air to get to her.” When he’s not out socializing, Sven relaxes at the house. “Every morning, we wake up, and he gets a massage and scratches to ease him out of bed. When I say ease, it’s like a whole thing with him,” Emily said, laughing. “He loves to sleep; he takes multiple naps in a day, and each morning he and I will have breakfast together in my home office to plan out the day.” Like so many dogs his age, Sven has a list of likes and dislikes. He particularly enjoys meeting people, having a bedtime snack (popcorn and tortilla chips are favorites), hiking, jumping in leaves, spending time with his stuffed animals, people-watching from the couch, and sitting at the table to eat during mealtime. On the flip side, he dislikes any form of water (baths and rain included), getting out of bed in the morning, certain iPhone message sounds and thunder. At age 12, Sven is now considered a senior dog. The family recently learned that he has a heart murmur and is nearing the end of his life. “When we got the news, we decided to make every day the best day of his life. He can’t go on walks anymore because of his heart, so we have a stroller for him so he won’t miss out,” said Emily. “He has a car seat in my car, so he goes to a lot of appointments with me and loves to run errands. His favorite errand is going to the bank drive-throughs. He WILL make sure the employees know he is in the car to get those treats. And he also loves going to my office to visit all the Realtors. “He’s probably the most entitled dog you’ll ever meet.” However, that doesn’t preclude him from loving and being loved. “If you know Sven, you love Sven. He doesn’t have an enemy (except for our neighborhood cat Alfred). There has never been a person he’s met who doesn’t fall in love with him.”

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There’s something about fall that makes making your way downtown feel like the right idea. A little window-shopping turns into finding the perfect gift. Dinner becomes an excuse to linger over dessert. And a stroll past Conway’s historic storefronts offers a chance to enjoy familiar places and discover something new. As October brings the promise of cooler evenings, make a little room on your calendar for the shops, restaurants and local businesses that give downtown its personality. With Halloween around the corner, there’s also room for a little mischief. Hunt for a frighteningly good outfit, treat yourself to something sweet or gather your favorite boos for an evening out. No elaborate plans required—just good company and a willingness to wander. Whether you come for the shopping, the food or a little hometown atmosphere, downtown Conway has plenty of ways to lift your spirits.

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AU T H O R O F T H E M O N T H

a fight

FOR THE WILD In “So Great Was the Slaughter,” Buckley T. Foster chronicles the battles and unlikely alliances behind Arkansas’ wildlife conservation movement. By Susan L. Peterson • Photos by Makenzie Evans

unting and fishing are among Arkansas’ most cherished outdoor traditions. Together, the state issues more than 1 million hunting and fishing licenses each year. Chances are you, or someone you know, participates in one or both activities. How did Arkansas become one of the nation’s premier destinations for hunters and anglers? The answer is explored in “So Great Was the Slaughter: Market Hunters, Sportsmen, and Wildlife Conservation in Arkansas” (2025). Written by Buckley T. Foster, Ph.D., assistant professor of 19thcentury Southern and Arkansas history at the University of Central Arkansas, the book chronicles how an unlikely coalition of sportsmen, hunters, conservationists and public officials shaped the state’s modern approach to wildlife management. Their efforts led to conservation legislation, game laws, fish hatcheries and wildlife refuges that continue to protect Arkansas’s natural resources today. Covering the years 1800 through 1925, Foster begins by describing a vastly different Arkansas—one where bison, beaver, wild turkey, prairie chickens, quail and black bears thrived across the landscape. As settlement expanded, however, market hunters emerged, harvesting wildlife on a massive scale to supply growing commercial markets. The book traces the resulting conflicts and the rise of the conservation movement. Foster examines the development of game-protection laws, the challenges faced by Ernest V. Visart, Arkansas’ first state game warden, and the political battles surrounding the enforcement of early conservation measures. Along the way, he reveals how powerful hunting clubs, economic interests and shifting public attitudes influenced the future of the state’s wildlife. Although the title may sound academic, Foster tells an engaging and highly readable story. Readers gain insight into how early Arkansans lived off the land and how fierce debates emerged between those who hunted and fished for recreation and those who relied on wildlife for income. Remarkable alliances—and equally determined opposition—developed amid a complex web of politics, economics and personal interests. The inspiration for the book came nearly 15 years ago, when Foster read an article about the Big Lake Wars, a conflict in western Mississippi County with lasting implications for wildlife conservation in Arkansas and beyond.

His research efforts were extensive. Because little or nothing had previously been written on the subject, he spent approximately seven years gathering information. He examined countless courthouse records in nearly every county and researched state and national archives, including collections in Maryland and Texas. Today, most hunters and anglers accept that wildlife resources must be managed and protected. Foster demonstrates that this understanding did not emerge naturally but developed through decades of political struggles, economic pressures, and changing public values. The natural areas, wildlife refuges and conservation programs that Arkansans enjoy today exist because of individuals and organizations that fought to preserve them. His book provides readers with a deeper appreciation for those efforts and the legacy they created. “Despite all the heartbreak and pain this book caused me, I still loved it, as it brought difficult topics to light and didn’t sugarcoat things,” one reviewer observed. “So Great Was the Slaughter” is not Foster’s first book publication. In 2008, he published “Sherman’s Mississippi Campaign.” The book was adapted from his dissertation, and he jokingly refers to it as “a sleeper” because of its academic nature. In contrast, “Slaughter” has received five-star Amazon reviews and was chosen as a 2025-2026 Arkansas Gem by the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library. It also received the J.G. Ragsdale Book Award, an annual honor presented by the Arkansas Historical Association that recognizes the best Arkansas history book. Foster’s next publication is coming out at the end of October, “Fighting with Stonewall in the Valley: The Diary of John Henry Stover Funk.” It is the edited diary of one of Stonewall Jackson’s colonels and was believed lost for more than 50 years. A native of Booneville, Foster grew up hunting and fishing with his family. He and his wife, Holly, have two grown daughters and a black Labrador named Sooie. An avid outdoorsman, he particularly enjoys hunting waterfowl in Arkansas’s wetlands. He has participated in several Meet the Author events and may be contacted through his Facebook page. Learn more about the author at arkansaswildlifehistory.com. “So Great Was the Slaughter” is available from Amazon and other online bookstores. OCTOBER 2026

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A 40-foot-long wood-laminate beam from a former church impaled Station 9 in Little Rock during the March 31, 2023, tornado. The firefighters used the beam to make a unique kitchen table for their new station, which was unveiled in September.

turning

TABLES

A massive beam nearly took their lives in the 2023 tornado. Now, Little Rock’s Station 9 firefighters gather around it to share meals, memories and a new beginning. By Tammy Keith • Photos by Makenzie Evans

he wood-laminate beam that pierced a Little Rock fire station during the March 31, 2023, tornado and could have taken the firefighters’ lives has been transformed into something to bring them together.

Capt. Matthew Guenther said he saw the sky turn an eerie green, and he told the other firefighters to come look. “And we were all actually standing outside when we started seeing the debris in the sky, and then we decided we better get inside,” he said.

Firefighters built a one-of-a-kind kitchen table out of the church beam and debuted it at the Sept. 10 ribbon cutting at Station 9, rebuilt at the same North Shackleford Road location.

They ran into a small chief’s office to take cover as the twister rumbled like a freight train, tearing apart their station, businesses and homes. No one was seriously injured or killed, miraculously, Hammond said.

“We lost Station 9 that day. Three years later, a piece of what nearly destroyed it is going to be the place where its firefighters gather every day,” Capt. Ben Hammond said. He said the 12-by-4-foot table is perfect for up to nine firefighters each shift at Station 9. It replaces a table that was destroyed in the EF-3 tornado, but this one comes with a history.

As the firefighters emerged from their safe place and surveyed the damage to their building, they saw things “that were hard to wrap your mind around,” Hammond said. A 20-foot-tall glass fire station bay door was blown 80 yards south into a building, and the other door was too damaged to open.

March 31 started out as a beautiful day, but then warnings came of an impending storm. Hammond said firefighters were getting equipment ready so they could help the community if disaster struck, not realizing they would be victims, too.

“The most impressive thing we witnessed was this beam, 40 feet long,” coming through the wall where they had been standing just seconds before, Hammond said. The beam came from the damaged former church next door, Shepherdsfold, which was being used for other purposes.

“We saw the storm develop, and all of a sudden we were part of it,” he said.

It wasn’t long after the storm that firefighters had a conversation about turning the beam into a kitchen table. Continued on page 71

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Captain Ben Hammond (from left), Battalion Chief Kim Turner and firefighter Taylor Dunn.

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‘We want it to be a symbol that it’s not going anywhere; we’re not going anywhere.’ — Capt. Ben Hammond

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“The beam was exactly where we’d been throwing darts and watching the news,” Guenther said. “One of the traditions at fire stations is making tables. We had to figure out how to get the beam out and what we were going to do with it.” The firefighters cut the beam into four sections, had the sections planed and then joined to create one 12-by-4-foot piece. Hammond stored the piece in his home shop, suspended from the ceiling, for 2 ½ years. Guenther started looking for designs online and took an idea from a Tulsa Fire Department table, which used fire hydrants for the base. Central Arkansas Water donated nonworking 1960s cast-iron fire hydrants for the project. He then contacted his friend Anthony Billingsley, who has a metal fabrication business, Iron Paws. He said Billingsley took their vision and created the metal frame and attached the fire hydrants. Matthew Toland, a young firefighter who was hired by the Little Rock Fire Department just 10 days after the tornado, joined Station 9 five months later. He offered to finish the tabletop because he has expertise with woodworking and painting. “I really didn’t trust anybody else to do it,” he said. He burned the top to give it a stained look, then put on the vinyl sticker created by RiverCity Print & Imaging with the station’s Popeye logo, and sealed it with a tabletop epoxy. “I did epoxy over the top because this table is going to get used very hard every single day for 365 days a year, and, like our crew especially, we have lunch and dinner around the table. I’ve been here for three and a half years. I can count on one hand how many times we have gone out to eat,” he said. “It’s interesting; there’s never a moment where it’s not being used.” Toland said he always works crossword puzzles at the table, others put together jigsaw puzzles, and on this day, a firefighter was studying there. The heavy table was taken to the station just a couple of days before the grand opening of the modern building, complete with a storm shelter. Hammond said he wouldn’t change a thing about the table. “It has imperfections, which is OK with us, because we knew it had been through something. It’s absolutely amazing. It’s truly representative of the fire station life,” he said. “The significance of a kitchen table inside a firehouse can be difficult to explain to someone who has never lived a third of his or her life around one,” Hammond said. “It is where firefighters eat, but rarely only that. It’s where the next shift gets caught up on what happened during the last one. Where rookies listen to stories from firefighters who have been around longer than they have. Where problems are solved, arguments are settled, and merciless jokes are delivered. It’s

Donated by Central Arkansas Water, retired cast-iron fire hydrants from the 1960s form the base of Station 9’s new kitchen table.

where birthdays are celebrated, and bad calls are quietly unpacked. There is no rank at the kitchen table, only ‘family’ gathering together.” “It’s kind of a healing thing for me personally,” Guenther said. “It’s over with; it’s done. The wood came from the community; it came from the church down the road.” Toland said he felt the pressure to make the table look good because he knows how much it means to his fellow firefighters. “I wasn’t there to live through that story, but that’s one of the neat things that, even though these guys will come and go and retire, this table’s going to last. That story will continue to be told,” he said. The table first came through the station in the form of a beam “at nearly 100 miles an hour during one of the most destructive storms Little Rock has ever seen,” Hammond said. “On Sept. 10, it reentered our station, but this time firefighters carried it through the front door. It has now become a 12-foot-long and 4-foot-wide kitchen table that firefighters will sit around for decades to come,” he said. “We want it to be a symbol that it’s not going anywhere; we’re not going anywhere.”

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local roots.

LASTING POWER. For Conway Corp, public power means dependable service, local decisions and an investment in the community’s future. By Beth Jimmerson

very day, Conway residents depend on electricity to power their homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and the places that bring our community together. And it’s easy to take dependable electric service for granted–until the lights go out. Behind every switch, outlet and streetlight is a local team focused on keeping Conway powered today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.

Built for Conway

This October, Conway Corp joins public power utilities across the country in celebrating National Public Powe. It is an opportunity to recognize the value of being served by a community-owned, not-for-profit electric utility.

Our electric crews, engineers, system operators and support teams work year-round to maintain the infrastructure that delivers power safely and reliably. From substations and power lines to transformers and neighborhood equipment, every part of the system requires attention and investment. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to keeping the lights on for the community.

For Conway, public power means local power in every sense of the phrase. Conway Corp has served this community since 1929, and the decisions we make about our electric system begin and end with what is best for Conway. We do not answer distant shareholders or operate to generate profits for investors. Instead, our focus is serving the people, businesses and institutions that call Conway home.

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Conway is a community that continues to grow, innovate and create opportunity. As new homes, businesses and community spaces take shape, the electric system must be ready to support them. That requires careful planning, ongoing maintenance, system upgrades and a skilled workforce prepared to respond when customers need us most.

As a public power provider, Conway Corp can make decisions locally and invest with Conway’s long-term needs in mind. We can prioritize projects that strengthen the system, support new development and help ensure our community is prepared for the future.

Local Decisions, Local Benefits One of the greatest advantages of public power is that the people who receive the service are also the people the utility exists to serve. Conway Corp’s priorities are shaped by the needs of our customers and our community. That local accountability matters when decisions are made about electric rates, system improvements, reliability initiatives and customer programs. Revenue from electric service is reinvested into maintaining and improving Conway’s utility infrastructure, supporting the employees who serve customers and helping provide the reliable service our community expects. Public power is designed to create lasting value close to home. When Conway invests in its electric system, it helps support the homes, businesses, schools and organizations that make our city a great place to live and work.

Reliability Starts Before an Outage Reliable service is more than restoring power after a storm. It begins long before an outage occurs through preventive maintenance, employee training, system monitoring and thoughtful planning. For Conway Corp customers, dependable electricity is the norm, and service is available 99.9% of the time. That consistency comes from the day-to-day work of Conway Corp employees who inspect equipment, maintain critical infrastructure, prepare for severe weather and make improvements throughout the year.

When outages do occur, our employees are close by and ready to respond. They understand that restoring service quickly and safely is important not only because it is their job, but because they are restoring power for their neighbors, friends and families. As a community-owned utility, Conway Corp also benefits from relationships with other public power providers through mutual-aid agreements. When major storms or emergencies affect a community, public power utilities can send crews and equipment to help one another restore service. It is a network built on the same principle that guides public power: communities are stronger when they work together.

More than Electricity Public power’s impact reaches beyond the electric system. Conway Corp is part of the fabric of this community, employing local people who serve on boards, volunteer with local organizations, coach youth teams, support area schools and invest their time in the place they call home. Conway Corp was founded to support education in Conway, and that commitment remains an important part of who we are. Through technology, scholarships, educational partnerships and other community programs, we work to help create opportunities for students and strengthen the future of our city. This is what makes public power different. It is not simply about delivering electricity. It is about providing dependable service, keeping decisions local, investing responsibly and helping the community thrive.

This October, we are proud to celebrate the value of public power and the people who make it possible. Conway has trusted Conway Corp to serve this community for nearly a century, and we remain committed to powering the city’s next chapter. To learn more, visit ConwayCorp.com.

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homegrown

AMBITION

From five acres and a shared dream, Ben and Andrea Vinson built a thriving family farm —and a growing community eager to learn alongside them. By Judy Riley • Photos by Makenzie Evans Lane Vinson (from left), Katie Vinson, Ben Vinson, Andrea Vinson, Emily Davis and Eric Davis.

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en and Andrea Vinson started with few assets, but a big vision: a farm and farm life for their family. Ben grew up on a cattle farm near Rosebud, helping his grandpa, Junior White. Andrea grew up on a golf course. They married at 21 and 19 with a dream of a family farm that would sustain them and their family. Two children came along and they began learning all they could about farm life. They visited another couple who were homesteading, a term for an old process of families living off of what they raise and grow. In the early 20th century, this was the lifestyle for much of the country’s rural population. It was exactly what the Vinsons wanted for their family in the 21st century. Over the next 16 years, that vision played out in a profitable farm enterprise, including an on-farm produce stand offering beef, pork, chicken, emu, lamb, goat, eggs and fresh milk as well as honey and seasonal garden produce. Their family grew along with their success. For some, homesteading is considered a throwback to the past. The Vinsons use the latest technology to market their products. “We originally used YouTube, mostly to document our family’s farming journey. Today, our channel reaches more than 60,000 subscribers with over 11 million views and a million watch hours. Our farm has a Facebook presence with more than 8,000 followers and 2,000 Instagram followers,” the Vinsons said. They were recently named not only White County’s Farm Family of the Year, but winners of the district contest as well. They are now in the running for the honor of being the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, to be announced in December. Continued on page 77

FALL IN LOVE

WITH THE FLAVORS OF AUTUMN AT

juliessweetshoppe.com 201 Skyline Drive in Conway Towne Centre 501.205.4301

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‘We try to put back into the land everything we make from it.’ — Andrea Vinson

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Their story is one of starting small and growing as they could afford it. “We try to put back into the land everything we make from it. We have been able to pay as we grew,” Andrea said. Their original family homestead was on 5 acres, eventually growing to 700 acres. “Along with Ben’s brother and his family, we now manage and farm the whole 700.” Even though Andrea knew very little about farming, she was desperate to learn. They began growing garden produce, with the excess sold at various farmers’ markets. The next step was a cow, just one cow, to supply the family’s milk needs. That grew to a herd of 12 registered Jersey cows, allowing them to sell fresh milk year-round. Every venture in the enterprise began with the whole family’s involvement. “Our children, now 23 and 21, started the chicken and egg venture as their 4-H Club’s Poultry Chain project,” Andrea said. “We thought that would be a good way to teach them responsibility and get them involved in the farm.” That program is available in every county through the Cooperative Extension Service. Each participating 4-H’er is given 25 baby chicks, is expected to raise them and then return three of the best ones to be auctioned at the county fair. The proceeds above the cost of purchasing chicks for the next year are given to each 4-H’er. The Vinson children, Lane and Emily, used their profits not only to pay for feed, but to buy other livestock to show at the fair in the following years. Now married, each of them has a small herd of their own. The Vinson vision now includes growing a registered South Poll cattle herd, a commercial Angus herd, feeder calves, 2,000 pastured broilers, 300 laying hens, 60 feeder pigs, five breeder emus, 33 sheep, 11 goats, 30 beehives and 100 turkeys in addition to vegetables often grown in their greenhouses. They sell it all several days a week at their farmstand located in Rosebud. Follow them on Facebook or YouTube at VW Family Farm. “Not only do the Vinsons produce a bumper crop of each of their products, but they are also interested in the latest technology,” said Cooperative Extension Service Staff Chair Brian Haller. “They utilize the knowledge and resources not only from the Cooperative Extension Service, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service.” They have learned to improve production, conserve water and put nutrients back into the land, making it better for future generations. This vision does not stop with what they can produce on their land. They are eager to inspire others and aren’t at all selfish with their talents. They’ve been guest speakers at conferences in other states, sharing what worked and what did not. For the Vinsons, it’s always been about community and getting local food to people. They often sell products others produce, like homemade breads and jams and jellies. The Vinson share their dream for homesteading with others, teaching them to provide for themselves.

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madre

HILL By David Grimes

Madre Hill with his wife Jennifer, on the evening of his induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

adre Hill had one of the great careers in Arkansas Razorback history, despite missing two full seasons due to injury. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) in 2019 as part of the 61st class, along with his high school coach David Alpe, Dave Van Horn, Jerry Jones Jr., Richard Akel, Gary Adams, Jim King, Denny Flynn, Houston Nutt Jr. and Sherry Raney White. Growing up in Malvern, Hill’s talent was evident at an early age. While playing youth football, he was so dominant that the local league had to implement a special rule limiting how many touchdowns he could score if his team was ahead. That success continued at Malvern High School, where, as a sophomore, he rushed for 1,157 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Hill and the Leopards would continue to get better each year. As a junior, he ran for 1,990 yards with 25 touchdowns. In 1993, Hill put together one of the greatest seasons in Arkansas high school history. Now a senior, he led Malvern to the Class 3A state championship, defeating Lake Hamilton 20-9, running for 243 yards and two scores. A standard benchmark for running backs is to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season. That fall, Hill ran for more than 1,000 in the playoffs alone. He finished the season with 2,863 yards on 350 carries, scoring 32 touchdowns. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette named Hill as its Offensive Player of the Year. He also garnered several national All-American honors. For his three-year high school career, Hill ran 696 times for 6,010 yards, good for 8.63 yards per carry. He also tallied 68 touchdowns. Those accomplishments, of course, attracted college recruiters from across the country. He decided to stay home and become a Razorback under head coach Danny Ford. Playing in 10 games as a true freshman, he gained 351 yards on just 74 carries while also returning seven kickoffs for a 31.9-yard average, returning 100 yards for a touchdown against LSU.

Hill became the featured back as a sophomore and put up one of the greatest seasons in Razorback history. He earned first-team All-SEC honors, rushing for 1,387 yards, which was the most in school history at the time. He ran for 15 touchdowns, while also catching 23 passes for 196 yards and another score. Against South Carolina, he ran for 178 yards and six touchdowns, a school record that still stands. A few weeks later, he rushed for a career-high 200 yards against Vanderbilt. Most importantly, he led the Razorbacks to the SEC West title, securing them a spot in their first SEC Championship game. The Razorbacks were matched up against SEC East champion Florida. The Gators defeated Arkansas to win the title, but the Hogs lost more than the game that day when Hill left early with a knee injury. He later hurt his other knee and missed the entire 1996 and 1997 seasons, and the Razorbacks struggled, leading to Coach Ford’s departure. ASHOF inductee Houston Nutt took over as head coach in 1998, and Hill made a triumphant return. The Razorbacks jumped out to an 8-0 start, ultimately finishing 9-3 and winning another SEC West crown. In his third game back, Hill ran 20 times for 120 yards as Arkansas crushed the Alabama Crimson Tide 42-6. He would finish the year with 704 yards on 173 carries. Despite having only played three seasons, with only one as a healthy starter, Hill will always be in the upper tier of Razorback running backs. He finished his Arkansas career with 2,407 yards and 25 touchdowns, both of which are still in the top 10 in school history. He was named to the Razorbacks’ All-Decade team of the 1990s. The knee injuries caused concern among NFL teams, but Cleveland selected him in the seventh round of the 1999 draft. As a rookie, Hill played five games for the Browns as a kick returner. He later caught on with the Oakland Raiders for a couple of games. In 2015, the conference honored Hill as an SEC Football Legend. In 2017, he was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor.

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PERSON OF THE MONTH

ALEX VANHOUTEN Exercise Scientist, Faith-Based Health Coach, Speaker, Author and Founder of Faithful Fitness Photo by Makenzie Evans

HOMETOWN: I moved a lot growing up—Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee—so I get to claim my favorite as my hometown: Blountville, Tennessee. After I met and married an Arkansas gal in Dallas, Texas, we eventually settled down in Greenbrier to raise our family and have really grown to love being part of this community. FAMILY: My wife, Christin, and I have two sons, Gabriel and

Bennett. Family is at the center of what I do. Whether we’re working out, fishing, riding dirt bikes, exploring outside, serving at church, or just spending time together, I’m incredibly grateful to be raising my family in a community where faith, marriage, family, and raising children well are still deeply valued.

EDUCATION: Though I consider the clients I’ve worked with over the past 20 years some of my greatest teachers, my formal education began with undergraduate study at Vanderbilt University, where I focused on chemistry and psychology. I later earned certifications in personal training, corrective exercise, behavior change and performance enhancement through the International Sports Sciences Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine, as well as health coaching and nutrition training through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I’ve spent more than 20 years working in exercise science, health coaching and fitness, helping thousands of clients make the most of the body God has given them. I’m the founder of Faithful Fitness, host of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, and author of “Faithful Fitness: A 40-Day Devotional for Health, Strength, and Stewardship.” I’ve had the opportunity to speak to all sorts of audiences—both secular and Christian, in person and through YouTube and podcasts—on topics including faith, fatherhood, marriage, exercise, nutrition and more. But the accomplishment I’m most proud of recently was launching the inaugural Faithful 5K here in Greenbrier. It brought together individuals, families, churches, businesses and volunteers around the simple idea that taking care of our bodies can be an act of stewardship and service.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: My family is deeply involved in our Greenbrier community, and much of our service happens through New Life Church in Greenbrier. I serve in men’s discipleship, children’s ministry, teaching and speaking. Christin serves in

children’s ministry as a part-time staff member with a full-time mission. Together, we lead Wednesday night and Sunday services for the children in our community, as well as coordinate annual events like Vacation Bible School, Daddy-Daughter Ball, and Kid Life Camp. We also help coordinate Kingdom Club at Westside Elementary School—a student-led club that brings prayer and Bible teaching to a packed-out classroom. Outside the church walls, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for Christians to live out their faith together in the community. That can look as simple as coaching my son’s secondgrade soccer team or as ambitious as organizing the Faithful 5K and a Faithful Fitness Bible study at Matthews Park that combines Scripture, fellowship, walking, running and physical activity. I’m also a member of the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce, collaborating with other business owners in our community to serve customers well and invest in our local economy.

THE FAITHFUL FITNESS MISSION: Faithful Fitness’s mission is to help people make the most of the body God has given them by connecting their faith with the stewardship of their physical bodies. For years, the fitness industry has largely told us to exercise so we can look better, impress people or feel more confident. I believe Christians have a much bigger reason. Our bodies are gifts from God to be stewarded so we can live out His love in our families and communities, pursue our calling and glorify Him. Faithful Fitness exists to remove the vanity and confusion from health and fitness and replace it with stewardship, discipline, community and purpose.

A QUOTE THAT INSPIRES YOU: One phrase that came to me during a particularly difficult athletic endeavor—the Death by 5K—and has become central to my work is: “Train Hard. Pray Harder.” To me, that captures the heart of Faithful Fitness. The body isn’t the point—God is. What we do with our bodies should ultimately point back to Him, His love and His purpose. From outside of me, though, my devotional ends its 40 days with the most challenging and inspiring words I’ve come across: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Jesus, Matthew 16:24.

learn more about the inaugural faithful 5k on page 82. OCTOBER 2026

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The inaugural Faithful 5K was held Aug. 15 at Matthews Park in Greenbrier and exceeded every expectation. We had 165 registered

participants, including virtual runners representing seven states. What made it special wasn’t really the number of runners. It was seeing churches, local businesses, volunteers, families and people of different ages and fitness levels come together around one simple message: “Glorify God with your body.” We partnered with THREE18, an organization that uses sports camps and ministry to reach young people in Belize, so the event also had a service component that extended far beyond our own community. One of my biggest takeaways was that people are hungry for opportunities to do things like this together. Fitness can become incredibly individualistic, and unfortunately churches can sometimes become isolated from one another too. For one Saturday morning, those walls didn’t matter very much. We were simply the Body of Christ moving together, encouraging one another, serving together and celebrating what our bodies are capable of. The Faithful 5K will be back in 2027!

— Alex VanHouten

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