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There are many brands of beef, but only one Angus brand exceeds expectations. The Certified Angus Beef brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Tend quality standards set the brand apart. It’s abundantly flavoreful, incredibly tender and naturally juicy.
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Joe David Rice, born in Paragould and reared in Jonesboro, probably knows Arkansas as well as anyone alive. The former owner of an outfitting business on the Buffalo National River and the state’s former tourism director, his Arkansas Backstories is published by the Butler Center.
Steve Lewis is a proud graduate of Little Rock Central High who moved away a long time ago. His accomplishments include jumping freight trains through the Canadian Rockies in the summer of ’97, finally getting a bachelor’s degree and surviving more than 10 years as a photojournalist before returning home to contribute to AY Media.
Margie Raimondo blends culinary skills with storytelling. She specializes in Mediterranean cooking classes that emphasize healthy eating and has authored two cookbooks: Mangiamo and Finding Your Path Additionally, she is a filmmaker. She produced the awardwinning documentary The Soul of Sicily
Lori Sparkman, owner of Lori Sparkman Photography, has traveled the globe to work extensively with beautiful brides and grooms, fierce fitness clients, and growing families, as well as high-profile and corporate clients. She prides herself in capturing their personalities with a sophisticated and lighthearted style.
Terrance Armstard is a photojournalist who has worked at institutions such as the University of Louisiana Monroe, the News Star in Louisiana and El Dorado News-Times. In addition to his freelance work, Armstard teaches courses in photojournalism, sports journalism, multimedia journalism, advertising and public relations.
Jamie Lee is a freelance photographer originally from southwest Louisiana who now resides in Little Rock. With a strong focus on portrait, branding and food photography, she loves capturing people’s stories and cultures through the lens, helping businesses build their brands visually, and showcasing the local food scene and small businesses.
Justina Parker has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and is the creator of We Belong, a blog that features women in leadership across Arkansas. She loves people’s stories of selfdiscovery and spending time with her two boys, and she has never met a dog or potato she did not like.
Jane Colclasure is a Little Rock native with more than 25 years of experience in product, architectural, and home and garden photography. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado and an associate’s degree from the Colorado Institute of Art.
Please submit press releases & news to press@aymag.com AY About You Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8 AY Magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) by AY Media Group, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AY Magazine, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AY are copyrighted ©2025, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY
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Merry Christmas!
Having finally reached this most magical time of year and my personal favorite holiday, it is with great joy that we present the latest issue of AY About You, highlighting things to make your Christmas celebration the best ever.
Within these pages, find tips about food, decorating, lights, performances and many other things to get your heart and spirit into the season. We see what several Arkansas helper Santas are up to in the countdown to the Big Day and visit some Arkansans who pull out all the stops in decorations and holiday cheer.
Need a little pick-me-up? We bring you inspiring words from several area pastors who we have asked to share some seasonal insights, or read the heartwarming stories of people who are sharing their gifts of the spirit this season. We also asked kids what they love most about Christmas, and their responses are darling!
Also in this issue, we salute female medical professionals with our annual “Best Women in Health Care” awards. I can think of no other profession that plays a bigger role in the lives of Arkansas families, and this year’s honorees are standouts in their respective fields.
Finally, our national-award-winning writer Sarah DeClerk brings us the amazing story of ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe, a recently featured guest of the Little Rock Touchdown Club. Her journey of determination and joy is sure to impress you as much as it impressed me.
As you enjoy the hoopla that always comes about this busy time of year, be sure to make some quiet time to reflect on the real meaning of the season:
Fear not! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
From all of us to all of you, may you enjoy a blessed, joyful Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year!
Jesus is the reason for the season,
Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com
/ heatherbaker_ar
Founded in 1921, Fuller and Son Hardware has been earning the trust of central Arkansans for more than a century. The familyowned and -operated business was recognized for its excellence this year not only in AY About You’s 2025 “Innovative Home Awards,” but also among AY ’s “Best of 2025” rankings.
“We take pride in providing top notch service to each of our customers through our Triple Guarantee,” said fourth generation co-owner Jeff Fuller. “We owe it all to the ones who came before us. We just try to do business as they did — take care of the customer and treat people right. It means so much to us when people say things like that their grandfather used to take them to one of our stores. Having generational customers is something we are very proud of.”
fullerandson.com
Dear Heather,
I have to tell you how much positive impact you have had with your cover story on Eureka Springs. This is a town that depends on tourism to survive,and having this kind of positive, in-depth publicity about Eureka Springs is a gift.
One thing I liked is how you spread the attention around with the 52 things to do in Eureka Springs.
Personally, I have an Airbnb rental, and now when people ask me for suggestions on things to do, I just tell them to look at the AY magazine on the table! I have a list of suggested activities in my guest book, but I think your articles with the photos are a lot more interesting. I am planning to make a copy of it and laminate it to put in the guest book.
I can tell you that many of my visitors come from Arkansas. Some even come from Bentonville. So you definitely hit a big portion of our target audience. Thank you!
Becky Gillette
FRUITS OF THE VINE: RUSTY TRACTOR VINEYARDS A LABOR OF LOVE FOR ARKANSAS COUPLE
Sarah! Excellent article you wrote! We are so proud! Thank you so very much. Sheree Meyer, Rusty Tractor Vineyards
FOOD BITES: FAYMOSA, JACKSON’S MEAT MARKET & MORE
Thank you for always supporting small businesses!
The Twisted Spud
AY’S 2025 FACES OF AR: NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.
Huge congratulations. You two are truly talented, and it’s amazing to see your hard work pay off!
Alfreda Rice
RECIPE: BULGUR AND LENTIL SALAD A TASTY AND WHOLESOME MEAL
Great recipe! I love lentils, and paired with quick cooking bulgar wheat, this becomes a complete and inexpensive protein source. I’ve had both bulgar and lentils at various restaurants in Arkansas and look forward to trying them together in this dish.
Margaret Pauly
NLR holiday festivities to
Top Weekend Events
Film Alley Breckenridge brings movies, bowling and dining to Little Rock Food Bites
Lucky Number 13: New organization launches with big dreams for the performing arts
you just can't miss!
Dec. 3-7; 10-14,17-23; 26-31
Little Rock Zoo — Little Rock
The annual GloWILD! at the Little Rock Zoo is the ideal way to light up the holiday season. The event features more than 500,000 LED lights and silk lanterns, making it one of the largest immersive light festivals in the nation. AY Media Group is a proud sponsor of this event.
Dec. 4
Simmons Bank Arena — North Little Rock
Get tickets now for the world–renowned Trans-Siberian Orchestra as it revisits some of its most famous holiday albums and works, including The Ghosts of Christmas Eve and Beethoven’s Last Night . The orchestra will contribute at least $1 from every ticket sold to local charities.
Dec. 6
Downtown — Little Rock
Join Santa and his helpers for a festive evening celebrating the season with a downtown parade and Christmas tree lighting at the Arkansas State Capitol. Also, be sure to capture the magic by having a photo taken with Santa at the Statehouse Convention Center.
Dec. 12
Oaklawn — Hot Springs
The live horseracing season is back at Oaklawn Hot Springs. Nine race days throughout December give visitors opportunities to enjoy a bit of Christmastime competition before the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes in January.
Dec. 12-14
Robinson Center — Little Rock
Every year, Arkansans are welcomed into the magical world of The Nutcracker with the talented Ballet Arkansas. The performance is accompanied by music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, creating a cannot-miss tradition.
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By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by JAMIE LEE
“A lot of people decorate for Christmas very minimally, and I like that too. I think it’s beautiful, but with mine, it’s got to be over the top. I guess you could say I’m addicted to it.
— Paula Jones-McFadden
Of all the grand manors and quaint cottages throughout Arkansas dolled up for the holidays, it is hard to imagine anyplace that comes close to the level of holiday spirit displayed by the McFadden home, designed and decorated to the rafters by Paula Jones-McFadden and her obliging husband, Mark.
Everywhere one looks in the casually elegant home, the senses are filled by the trappings of the season. Christmas decor, grouped and arranged by Jones-McFadden herself, comes at the visitor from every angle, each piece hand-placed and adjusted by a discerning eye. Designing, she said, is a knack she has indulged since childhood.
“It’s just a gift God gave me,” she said. “I have always enjoyed decorating, and it’s just become bigger and better the older I got. I just love it. It’s almost like any little spot that’s still left open, I have to decorate it.
“A lot of people decorate for Christmas very minimally, and I like that too. I think it’s beautiful, but with mine, it’s got to be over the top. I guess you could say I’m addicted to it.”
At that, Jones-McFadden let out a squeal of laughter, her mirth bursting forth like the snowmen, Santas and nutcrackers that stand their post in every room of the house. She has always been this enamored with Christmas, even if she did not have the funds to match her grandiose vision starting out.
“I shared a room with my sister growing up, and I would always decorate my little side of the room,” she said. “At Christmastime, my
mama just let me do whatever I wanted to do. My older sisters weren’t really big into [decorating], so I would decorate the Christmas tree and decorate the house and just do it all.
“I loved it. It was the most beautiful time of year. My favorite season is probably fall. I love everything about the fall, too, but Christmas was always just a magical time for me.”
Even if the household did not have a lot of money to throw around, she reveled in the familiar traditions of the season, focused on what mattered most.
“It was just such excitement,” she said. “My uncle and his kids would come and visit us most holidays. They lived up in northwest Arkansas, and there would just be tons of kids. It was always a lot of fun and a lot of cooking. My mama always made her cherry cream cheese pie.
“We would also listen to the old Christmas records, you know, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. I still love those to this day because it reminds me of my childhood.”
Over time, Jones-McFadden would amass considerably more pieces to her Christmas decor collection, today enough to fill multiple storage crates and occupy two attics and a storage unit during the off-season. Even the decorator herself admitted the collection is a handful.
“I don’t really collect a whole lot of anything. I just gather stuff,” she said. “If I had to guess, probably, I have the most snowflakes and Christmas trees. I put snowflakes up on the windows, and little Christmas trees are
just, like, everywhere. We try to count them every year, but I really don’t know how many I’ve actually got. It’s a big number, maybe a hundred of each of those things.”
Santas are another contender for most numerous decor items in the collection. JonesMcFadden said she is pretty sure she is compensating for something in her childhood.
“We were taught that there was no Santa Claus growing up,” she said with another sprinkling of jingle-bell laughter. “That didn’t make sense to me as a kid. There were always presents under the tree, and I knew we didn’t have a lot of money to get presents, so I would be thinking, ‘There’s no way they bought all this stuff. It had to be Santa Claus.’”
Jones-McFadden pointed out that the collection gets culled from time to time, a function inspired less by austerity than space. Even though her unlimited imagination is always at odds with a finite amount of square footage, she cannot help herself when the new decorations come out every year.
“I have no room for anything else, and that’s the honest to God truth, but Walmart’s got some of the best decorations this year. Oh my gosh,” she said. “The last time I was at Christmas at the Warehouse in Des Arc, I was picking ornaments off the Christmas trees because the ones that you’re supposed to purchase were gone.
“I asked one of the people that was working there, I said, ‘I know it says not to take them off the tree, but what am I going to do?’ She said, ‘Well, I’m just going to turn my head
“
When I buy something for my decorations, I have to buy in fours. That’s just how it works. My brain works that way. I think two’s got to go here, and two’s got to go over there. Balance.
— Paula Jones-McFadden
and walk away. You just go ahead and pick what you want,” so I was undecorator of those Christmas trees to get my stuff.”
That said, Jones-McFadden’s decorating — which starts right after Thanksgiving every year and can take up to two weeks to complete — is not just a holiday free-for-all but is ruled by a clear vision of what she likes and how the finished project, which changes from year to year, will come together. She described her preferred look as traditional, steering clear of recent trends which have introduced cottoncandy pink and electric turquoise elements into the holiday backdrop. She also stressed balance in all of her groupings in her home.
“When I buy something for my decorations, I have to buy in fours,” she said. “That’s just how it works. My brain works that way. I think two’s got to go here, and two’s got to go over there. Balance.”
Jones-McFadden’s other advice for new decorators is to take some time to decide what one really likes and start there. Practicing deco-
rating in one small area before buying enough to run throughout the home is a good way for beginners to learn, she said. Decorating comes more easily for some people than others, so just keep at it.
“Buy what you like, and do what you want. It’s more about how you place what you have than the decorations themselves,” she said. “You can have great stuff, but if it’s just scattered all over the place, it’s not going to show very well.
“If you see a space, you have to get a good idea of what that’s going to look like before you do anything. I know the stuff that I have, and I usually see the finished arrangement in my head, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have to experiment a little sometimes. If I have to go buy more stuff to put in that space, I go buy more stuff to put in that space. I’m going to keep going until I am absolutely satisfied.”
The single most important thing for beginners to keep in mind, she said, is to decorate for themselves and their families and not
necessarily by what social media, the neighbors or anyone else thinks. For example, Jones-McFadden said she is going to incorporate more gingerbread-themed items this year, but it is not because Pinterest or some expert on television told her to.
That helps explain why, despite being regularly encouraged to do so, she has never considered putting her design chops to work for others as a business. Seeing her family’s faces light up at the sight of her work is reward and validation enough.
“My little grandbaby, Corbin, she’s 5 now, and she loves to help me decorate. She’ll even take things and do them herself and redecorate,” she said. “The other little one, she just turned 3, and she likes to do a little bit, and I’m sure she’ll want to do more in the future. Even my youngest son, who’s 21, will ask, ‘Mom, when are you going to start decorating?’ They enjoy it, you know? The guys have even told me it would not be home if there were no decorations.”
Christmas decorating provides a festive way to embrace the spirit of the season
By CHRIS NORWOOD, AIFD, PFCI, AAF // Photos courtesy of NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.
Perhaps there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by decorating for the holiday. I have found that decking the halls puts people in a happy, nostalgic mood, whether they are remembering Christmases past or making new traditions that will last for many Christmases to come.
When it comes to the holidays, celebrants can decorate as much or as little as they like. Some prefer a single Christmas tree, a decorated mantel or a simple table centerpiece, while others accept no less than a fully decorated exterior, an overthe-top door, opulent interiors and upward of 10 Christmas trees.
I have never seen a house that looks quite like a Hallmark movie, but some are close.
At Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock, we start decorating as early as October. Our consultations start with a walkthrough of the home to determine the client’s preferences. I typically try to incorporate seasonal decorations into the overall decor scheme, rather than overhauling entire rooms.
Christmas decorators have their choice of traditional and contemporary designs. Classic looks utilize a palette of reds, greens and golds. These days, traditionalists are using deeper tones of maroon and hunter green, often with hints of lime green or chartreuse. Antique golds have come into vogue, while fewer people seem to be using bright gold.
Traditional decor is often nostalgic, incorporating items hosts grew up with, knicknacks collected on their travels, and even arts and crafts from when the children were young. It is not uncommon to have a more curated tree in the living room for entertaining and a family tree with heirlooms, mementos and tchotchkes in a more private space, such as the den.
There is no shortage of color options for those craving a more contemporary look.
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Metallic themes abound, highlighted by platinums, silvers, golds and whites. Frost silver with accents of black is an of-the-moment combination for modern Christmas designs. Sometimes contemporary Christmas palettes incorporate bright, punchy colors such as orange, citrus and hot pink. I like to call it the Liz Claiborne look.
Lately, designers have been seeing blues and greens as a transitional style between classic and contemporary. Decorators with an all-white tree will include blue accents ranging from powder blue to sky blue and even teal and aqua.
I prefer a monochromatic appearance for contemporary Christmas designs. More modern looks also incorporate oversized objects that create a focal point. Items may be fewer, but they are larger and bolder.
It seems glitter will be forever tied to the holiday season. We at Norwood-Day tend to embrace more muted, natural looks. After all, who wants to spend the new year vacuuming glitter out of the rug? That said, glitter can be a wonderful addition to children’s decorations,
and many adults enjoy the touch of whimsy glitter provides.
Tree toppers are a personal choice, and many families have star and angel toppers that have been passed down for generations. When I design a tree with lots of ribbon, I like to top the tree with a big bow and let the ends cascade down for an elegant, dramatic look.
Whether to purchase a natural or artificial tree is also a topic of debate. I personally prefer artificial trees. Decorators can put up an artificial tree as early as they like without worrying about the tree drying out before the big day.
Look for high-quality versions with branches of varying depths to provide a more natural appearance, and opt for models that include lights to save time. Fragrance the home with fresh pine, noble fir or fraser fir scents, and it is just like the real thing.
Wreaths can be simple — solid greens or boxwood with a single bow or a few multicolored ribbons and bows — or they can be loaded with balls, flowers and fruit. This season, we are seeing fewer asymmetrical designs and lots of compact looks with decorations all the way around. Wreaths featuring sparkly foliage remain popular, as well.
As for florals, arrangements tend to feature a mix of reds and maroons, along with accents of fresh Christmas greenery. Amaryllis, ranunculus and red anemone are popular this time of year. I also incorporate lots of garden roses and tulips into holiday arrangements.
Look for mixtures of red and white, as well as tartan-themed combinations of maroons and deep reds with hunter and sage green. More contemporary arrangements might have a white base with hints of blues and silver. Metallic accents can include airbrushed florals or even painted pinecones.
Anyone looking for Christmas inspiration is welcome to visit the Norwood-Day storefront at the Tanglewood Shopping Center, where we will have five Christmas trees on display, each with a different theme. While there, be sure to check out our Arkansas-made products, or ask about our gift baskets.
To quote an old movie, “Christmas comes but once a year,” so enjoy every minute of sprucing up your home for the holidays. From hanging stockings to decorating the tree, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. May the blessings of the season be upon you! Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.
What would Christmas be without traditional holiday fare? As friends and families gather to celebrate the magic of the season, food is sure to be a central component of many gatherings. While some recipes are passed down from generation to generation, Christmastime also provides a chance to experiment with new dishes as one dashes between potlucks, family dinners and friendly lunches.
We at AY About You are proud of our relationship with the local culinary community. Each year, we reach out to a few local chefs and ask them to share their favorite holiday recipes. These kitchen artists never fail to amaze, delivering exceptional dishes that look superb and taste even better.
May these recipes bring joy to you and your family as you celebrate traditions old and new this year!
BY JOSEPH TODD, INDEPENDENT PASTRY CHEF WHO BAKES
FOR ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS SŌ RESTAURANT IN LITTLE
ROCK
This traditional Yule log brings together a soft chocolate sponge infused with brown butter eggnog syrup, filled with spiced eggnog buttercream and finished in rich dark chocolate ganache. The woodland decor — meringue mushrooms, sugared cranberries, rosemary and pinecone truffles — transforms the dessert into a timeless holiday centerpiece.
COMPONENT 1: Eggnog Chocolate Swiss Sponge
This light, flexible chocolate sponge infused with rich eggnog flavor is ideal for rolling into a festive Yule log. This cake bakes evenly and stays moist, creating the consummate base for buttercream or ganache fillings.
Ingredients:
• 6 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cake flour (or all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons flour replaced by 2 tablespoons cornstarch; sift well)
• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil
• 3 tablespoons eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 10-by-15inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. Make the yolk base: In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until thick, pale and ribbony. Whisk in the oil, eggnog and vanilla until smooth and fully emulsified.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and espresso powder. Gently fold the dry mixture into the yolk base until just combined — do not overmix.
4. Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, increasing to medium-high speed, and beat to soft–medium peaks.
5. Combine: Fold one-third of the meringue into the chocolate base to lighten it. Then gently fold in the rest in two additions until no white streaks remain. Spread evenly into the prepared pan with an offset spatula.
6. Bake: Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until the top springs back lightly when touched and the edges just start to pull away. Do not overbake — a soft, pliable texture keeps the roll flexible.
7. Roll the sponge: While still warm, run a knife around the edges. Invert the cake onto a parchment sheet dusted with cocoa or powdered sugar. Peel off the baking parchment and roll the cake from the short end, keeping parchment inside. Cool completely seam-side down.
8. Unroll and fill: Unroll carefully, brush with brown-butter eggnog syrup if desired, and spread with eggnog buttercream or favorite filling. Reroll, chill briefly, and coat with ganache before decorating.
• Mixing liquids before adding flour keeps the batter smooth and tender.
• Baking at 350 F yields an elastic sponge that rolls without cracking.
• This cake can be wrapped and refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen up to 1 month.
COMPONENT 2: Brown Butter Eggnog Syrup
This luscious, nutty syrup is enriched with brown butter, eggnog and vanilla. The brown sugar adds caramel depth, while an optional splash of brandy, bourbon or rum lends a festive warmth.
Ingredients:
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar (light for mellow sweetness, dark for deeper caramel flavor)
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons brandy, bourbon or rum (optional, added after cooking)
Instructions:
1. Brown the butter: In a small, light-colored saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. It will foam and then begin to
brown as the milk solids sink and toast. Swirl occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes until you see golden-brown flecks and smell a toasty, nutty aroma. The moment it turns amber, remove from heat immediately — it can burn quickly.
2. Make the syrup: Add brown sugar, salt and eggnog to the hot brown butter. (It will bubble). Return to low heat, whisking constantly until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup slightly thickens — about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and nutmeg (if using).
3. Finish with spirits (optional): Once the syrup has cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), stir in brandy, bourbon or rum for added warmth and depth.
4. Cool to use: Let the syrup cool to room temperature before brushing it onto the sponge. The texture should be smooth, pourable and glossy, not thick like caramel.
• Light brown sugar gives a buttery sweetness, while dark brown sugar adds rich molasses tones.
• If adding alcohol, wait until the syrup has cooled to preserve its aroma.
• If the syrup thickens too much as it cools, whisk in a splash of extra eggnog to thin it to a pourable consistency.
• This syrup enhances flavor and adds a subtle sheen without making the sponge soggy.
COMPONENT 3: Eggnog American Buttercream
This rich and creamy buttercream infused with classic eggnog flavor is great for filling or coating a festive Yule log. Smooth, stable and easy to whip up, this frosting brings warmth and holiday nostalgia to every slice.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cream the butter: Beat softened butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer) on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until very pale and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl halfway through to ensure an even texture.
2. Add the sugar gradually: Reduce speed to low and add sifted powdered sugar about 1 cup at a time. Beat after each addition until incorporated, scraping down as needed.
3. Add the flavorings: Pour in eggnog, vanilla, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Increase speed to medium-high and whip for another 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, creamy and slightly lighter in color.
4. Adjust consistency: For filling (softer): Add 1 to 2 extra teaspoons of eggnog. For piping or coating (stiffer): Add 2 to 3 tablespoons more powdered sugar.
• For a deeper holiday flavor, brown 2 tablespoons of the butter first, cool slightly, and beat it back into the rest.
• Always use room-temperature eggnog to prevent curdling.
• Holds well at room temperature for up to 8 hours, or refrigerate up to 5 days (bring to room temp and rewhip before using).
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month.
This rich, glossy ganache with a touch of corn syrup for smoothness and shine is ideal for glazing or sculpting a realistic bark texture on the Yule log, but it can also be used for filling.
Ingredients:
• 10 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent), finely chopped
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (optional, for added gloss)
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions:
1. Heat the cream: Bring heavy cream to just below a simmer — small bubbles around the edge but not boiling.
2. Combine with chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let stand 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
3. Stir to emulsify: Begin stirring from the center outward in slow, small circles until the ganache becomes smooth, glossy and fully emulsified.
4. Add butter, corn syrup and salt: Stir in butter, corn syrup and salt until completely melted and incorporated. The corn syrup adds silkiness and a beautiful reflective finish.
5. Cool to use: Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature for 4 hours or overnight for best texture. When ready to use, it should be thick, glossy and spreadable — similar to a smooth frosting. If it firms too much, warm gently over a hot water bath or microwave in short bursts (5 to 10 seconds) to loosen.
• For glazing, use a slightly warmer ganache (still pourable).
• For texturing bark, use cooled ganache — it holds shape beautifully when streaked with a spatula or fork.
COMPONENT 5: Meringue Mushrooms
Delicate, crisp meringue mushrooms that bring your Yule log to life. Lightly sweetened and dusted with cocoa for a realistic woodland finish.
Ingredients (Meringue):
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (for stability)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, almond extract can be used for a subtle twist)
Ingredients (Assembly):
• 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped and melted
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whip the meringue: In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until foamy. Gradually add sugar, a spoonful at a time, allowing 20 to 30 seconds between each addition. Continue whipping on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5 to 7 minutes). Beat in vanilla extract if using.
3. Pipe the shapes: Transfer meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (Wilton 1A or similar). Pipe small domes for mushroom caps and short cylinders for stems, lifting the bag slightly as you release. Use a damp fingertip to smooth any peaks on the caps. Dust lightly with cocoa powder for a natural look.
4. Bake: Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until dry, crisp and firm to the touch. Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool completely inside with the door slightly open.
5. Assemble the mushrooms: Gently hollow a small indentation in the underside of each cap using a paring knife. Dab a small amount of melted dark chocolate onto the top of each stem and attach to the cap. Let set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm.
• Use a fine mesh sieve to dust cocoa — it mimics the speckled look of real mushrooms.
• For added realism, brush or flick a few cocoa specks on the finished mushrooms.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they soften, recrisp in a 200 F oven for 10 minutes.
COMPONENT 6: Sugared Cranberries, Rosemary and Pinecone Truffles
The trio of edible decor elements that complete the Yule log includes sparkling sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a frosted forest effect, along with cocoa-dusted pinecone truffles made from leftover ganache for a natural, textural finish.
Ingredients (Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary):
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 6 to 8 small sprigs of fresh rosemary
Ingredients (Pinecone Truffles):
• Leftover dark chocolate ganache (about 3/4 cup)
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• Cocoa Pebbles (or similar crisp chocolate cereal), for decoration
Instructions (Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary):
1. Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. (It should be warm, not hot).
2. Coat the cranberries and rosemary: Add cranberries and rosemary sprigs to the warm syrup. Stir gently to coat, then let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Set and sugar: Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries and rosemary to a wire rack set over parchment. Let dry for about 30 to 45 minutes until tacky. Roll in granulated sugar until evenly coated and sparkling. Let dry completely before using to garnish.
Instructions (Pinecone Truffles):
1. Form the truffles: Using chilled dark chocolate ganache, scoop and roll into small balls (about 1 inch). Roll each ball in cocoa powder to coat.
2. Add texture: Press Cocoa Pebbles cereal gently into each truffle, working from bottom to top in overlapping layers to resemble pinecone scales. Chill briefly to firm up before placing on Yule log board.
• For a frosted look, lightly dust the finished truffles and sugared garnishes with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Slightly chilled ganache is easiest to shape — leftover ganache from the Yule log filling works well.
• The garnishes add balance — the crisp sparkle of sugared fruit, the herbal note of rosemary and the bittersweet depth of cocoa.
ASSEMBLING THE YULE LOG:
1. Prepare the cake: Gently unroll the cooled chocolate sponge on parchment paper. If cracks appear, they will be hidden by filling and ganache later.
2. Brush with syrup: Lightly brush the entire surface of the sponge with brown butter eggnog syrup. Avoid soaking; the goal is gentle moisture and flavor infusion.
3. Add the filling: Spread an even layer of eggnog American buttercream over the syrup-brushed sponge, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides to prevent overflow when rolling.
4. Roll the cake: Roll tightly but gently, using the parchment to guide. For a shorter, rounder log, roll from the short end. For a longer, thinner log, roll from the long end. Wrap the roll in parchment or plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to firm up before cutting or assembling. Once firm, make a diagonal cut from one end of the log to create a branch piece, which can be positioned along the side of the main log for a natural presentation.
5. Crumb coat (optional): Apply a thin layer of ganache or buttercream over the log to seal in crumbs. Chill briefly (10 to 15 minutes) before the final coating.
6. Final coating: Spread the dark chocolate ganache evenly over the surface using a small offset spatula. For a bark-like texture, drag a fork gently through the ganache in long strokes.
1. Arrange the garnishes: Place meringue mushrooms in naturallooking clusters the way they would grow in the wild, around the base and top of the log. Scatter sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for pops of color and a frosted forest effect. Nestle a few pinecone truffles near the ends or along the board for texture and height.
2. Finishing touches: Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For added depth, sprinkle a hint of cocoa powder in areas for shadow contrast. For a natural moss effect, dust lightly with matcha tea powder for a soft, earthy green tone. Serve on a wooden board or rustic platter for a classic woodland presentation.
• The syrup-brushed sponge keeps the roll soft and flavorful without sogginess.
• Use room-temperature buttercream and ganache for smooth spreading and seamless texture.
• Chilling the rolled cake before assembling makes it easier to trim and shape without cracking.
• If rolling the long way, make diagonal cuts from either side of the log to create one branch along the side and one on top for a dynamic, natural presentation.
• For a clean slice, use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.
(ITALIAN HONEY BALLS)
BY MARGIE RAIMONDO, AY ABOUT YOU RECIPE WRITER AND OWNER, URBANA FARMSTEAD, LITTLE ROCK
In my family, struffoli was always more than a holiday sweet — it was a ritual that brought us together. I remember rolling strands of dough alongside my grandmother, cutting them into tiny pieces while the kitchen filled with the scent of warm oil and honey. Piled high and glistening, those little golden balls were not just dessert; they were a centerpiece of celebration, crowned with citrus zest, sprinkles and candied fruit.
Now, as a chef, I still make struffoli every holiday season — not only for my customers, who love its festive sparkle, but also for my children and grandchildren. For me, each batch keeps alive the memory of family hands working side by side and reminds me that food is more than nourishment — it is heritage, love and the joy of gathering around the table.
Ingredients
For the dough:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading and dusting)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder (or extract)
• 5 eggs
• 5 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the honey syrup:
• 2 1/2 cups honey
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons or 1 orange
• Candied fruit (optional; if used, fry lightly with the dough)
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Cherries (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the dough:
• In a food processor fitted with a blade, add the flour, sugar, vanilla powder and eggs.
• Pulse until the dough comes together.
• Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Shape the struffoli:
• Cut the dough into pieces. Then roll each piece into long strands, about 1/3 inch thick. Lightly flour the strands and cut into 1/2inch pieces. Do not worry about the shape being perfectly round; they will rise in the oil and form a shape. It is also possible to use a mold, as pictured.
3. Fry the dough:
• Line a large colander with paper towels.
• Heat oil in a large 12-inch pan over medium-high heat. Test readiness by dipping a toothpick into the oil. If bubbles form, it is ready.
• Fry dough pieces in batches until they rise to the top and turn golden brown.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain in the paper-towel-lined colander.
• (Optional) Lightly fry candied fruit, as well, if using it.
4. Coat in honey syrup:
• In a large pan, warm the honey and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat until simmering.
• Add the fried struffoli and toss until coated.
5. Assemble:
• Place a greased bowl in the center of a round 14-inch platter.
• Arrange the struffoli around the bowl in a ring or in a tree shape, as pictured.
• Top with candied fruit and cherries that look like ornaments on a holiday tree, or just decorate with seasonal sprinkles.
6. Serve:
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Struffoli is best enjoyed at room temperature. Tip While frying the struffoli, sprinkle a little sugar on a few to sample — yummy!
BY CHRISTI PAYNE, BAKER, MUELLER’S BISTRO & BAKERY, HOT SPRINGS
There is nothing like a warm blueberry muffin on Christmas morning, and this recipe is extra special because it is gluten free. Christi Payne is a baker who specializes in gluten-free and other products for those with dietary restrictions. Try her recipe below.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
• 600 grams gluten-free caputo flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients:
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups blueberries
Topping:
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
Instructions
1. Line 18 large muffin tins with large cupcake/muffin liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl.
3. Mix vegetable oil and sugar, then add lemon zest, eggs, milk and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Stir until combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients into bowl of wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Toss blueberries in a dusting of gluten-free flour before adding and folding in gently. (Be careful not to overstir.)
6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let sit for 1 hour.
7. In a small bowl, mix the zest of 2 more lemons with 1/2 cup sugar and set aside.
8. After mix has rested for 1 hour, use a 4-ounce cookie scoop to fill muffin liners.
9. Top each muffin with the lemon sugar mix before baking at 350 F for 5 minutes. Then turn oven down to 300 F and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let sit 5 minutes before removing from muffin pans and finish cooling.
BY MICHAEL QANDAH, EXECUTIVE CHEF, RED OAK STEAKHOUSE AT SARACEN CASINO RESORT, PINE BLUFF
Ingredients
For Kanafeh:
• 12 ounces ghee or clarified butter (melted)
• 14 ounces low-moisture mozzarella (shredded)
• 9 ounces ricotta
• 1 pound shredded phyllo
For Syrup/Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 1 cup of pistachios
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Mix mozzarella and ricotta together in a bowl and set aside.
3. Cut phyllo into 1/2-inch sections. Place in bowl and pour melted ghee or clarified butter over top. Mix by hand until phyllo is evenly coated.
4. In a 10-inch cast iron pan, place half of the phyllo in the pan and spread evenly. Place cheese mixture on top and spread evenly. Add the rest of the phyllo and spread evenly. Pack firmly down. Bake 40 minutes or until cheese is melted.
5. While kanafeh is baking, combine sugar, water and lemon juice in a pot. Bring to boil, then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add orange blossom and rose water, and allow to cool while kanafeh is cooking.
6. Allow kanafeh to cool 5 to 10 minutes, then flip out onto serving platter. Drizzle with syrup and top with pistachios.
BY PAYNE HARDING, EXECUTIVE CHEF/OWNER, CACHE RESTAURANT, LITTLE ROCK
Ingredients
• 3 medium acorn squash (about 1 pound each), halved and seeded
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Invert squash in a greased 15-inch-by-10-inch-by-1-inch baking pan.
2. Bake, uncovered, at 350 F for 35 to 45 minutes or until almost tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic until meat is browned and onion is tender; drain.
4. Dissolve bouillon in water; add to skillet. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well.
By MARGIE RAIMONDO
Photos by MARGIE RAIMONDO
This flourless chocolate peppermint cake blends dark chocolate, almonds and a hint of liqueur for depth. Finished with a snowy dusting of cocoa, a dollop of cream and a strawberry, this dish is simple, festive and fit for sharing.
(Flourless Chocolate Peppermint Cake)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 to 55 minutes
Serves: 6 to 8
Ingredients
• 7 ounces almond meal (or finely ground almonds)
• 7 ounces dark bittersweet chocolate
• 5 ounces butter
• 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder or 1 shot espresso (optional, for richness)
• 2 tablespoons Frangelico or rum
• 1/4 cup peppermint extract
• 4 eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup caster or superfine sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Whipped cream, for serving
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish
1. Prep the almonds and tin: Toast the almond meal in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and aromatic. (Do this in two batches to avoid crowding.) Set aside to cool. Line the base and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 320 F fan forced.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter: Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. (Alternatively, microwave the chocolate at 70 percent power in 60-second intervals, then stir in the butter until melted.) Mix in the coffee (if using), Frangelico and peppermint extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, then continue whisking until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4 Make the yolk mixture: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Fold in the melted chocolate-butter mixture. Add the toasted almond meal and mix gently.
5. Combine mixtures: Fold in one-third of the egg white meringue to lighten the batter. Then fold in the remaining whites in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Ensure no streaks remain (check the bottom of the bowl).
6. Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool completely in the tin before removing, since the cake is delicate when warm.
7. Serve: Unclip the pan and transfer the cake to a serving plate, then dust it generously with cocoa powder. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry before serving.
By DOUG CRISE
For kids, there is nothing quite so magically moving as the month of December.
Excitement for Christmas plays a role, of course, but the path to the big day itself is one worth savoring. There are family moments, a break from school, hope against hope for snow and a month’s worth of sweet treats made with cool temps and holiday fun in mind.
That particular brand of magic was always on the minds of the little girls who would wander out of a Conway dance studio and walk next door to Maggie’s Original Cookie Co., sometimes just to window shop the store’s vast offerings of cookies and brownies, but other times ducking in for some postlesson sweet goodness.
“All the little girls would come over and always get a treat,” said Anna McNulty, manager, "and so now, those little girls are grown, and they have kids.Those are our huge repeat customers, the ones where they’re like, ‘I remember coming to you after school and getting the smileyface cookie.’”
Located in a Conway shopping center just a short walk from Conway High School — another constant source of future clients — Maggie’s has been doing everything one can think of with cookies since 1987. The bright yellow smiley face cookies are still there
and function as a sort of trademark for the venerable bakery and neighborhood favorite passed down through generations.
“We have a lot of older customers,” McNulty said. “This one comes in twice a week, and we know her order, we know her by name, and we don’t even let her get out of her car because she’s going to be 88. We know exactly what she wants and we love her.”
That love gets spread around even more once the temps plunge and the leaves change. Everyone has their favorite autumn/winter flavors, and while cakes and pies tend to rule the holidays, there is plenty of room for cookies and additional goodies. Not only do Maggie’s offerings make for a splendid premeal treat to nibble on, but they make for a great Christmas dessert as well. Plus, bringing a box of scratch-baked cookies is a surefire way to be greeted warmly upon arriving at the homes of family and friends. If kids are involved, the promise of a cookie reward is a great way to ensure help with the postgathering cleanup.
“We do brownies year-around,” McNulty said. “In the month of November, we do a pumpkin bar, and that is huge. People are asking about them in August. Then, of course, during Christmas, we have different cookies. We have raspberry jam thumbprint cookies. We have ginger. We still squeeze out butter and almond spritz cookies, and we do Christmas tree cookies.”
Then there is the other arm of Maggie’s holiday success: custom designs. Name it, and chances are pretty good that Maggie’s can put it on a cookie. The high level of design makes one assume Maggie’s staff is made up of longtime bakers who are wizards with an icing bag, but McNulty typically finds eager students from Conway’s three colleges to help bring customers’ cookie ideas to life.
“They tell me when their final exams are, and after that it’s just, ‘Please come when you can,’ and they do,” McNulty said. “They just put in effort and work long and hard hours. We’re on our feet the whole entire time.”
Blue Cake Co. in Little Rock offers the same sort of attention to detail for cakes and pies. Customers can get custom-made cakes both regular-sized and tiered or pick from a menu that includes cold-weather favorites such as apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pumpkin butter cookies, pumpkin butterscotch pie and a red velvet signature cake.
“We do a lot of parties,” said Steve Lewandowski, owner. “Buttercream cookies are probably the quickest and the biggest draw we’ve got going on right now. That’s something that we started. We don’t do any of the iced cookies, but I think the traditional buttercream cookies go over pretty well with a lot of the parties.”
Pies become a big seller over the holidays, including a double-crust apple pie and an apple crumble pie that keeps the staff up to their necks in fresh Granny Smiths throughout the holidays.
Lewandowski said that pies become a big seller over the holidays, including a doublecrust apple pie and an apple crumble pie that keeps the staff up to their necks in fresh Granny Smiths throughout the holidays.
“I start buying apples at the end of October,” Lewandowski said. “Then we start peeling. I think we’ve got 16 cases of apples that we peel for apple pie, and if we don’t start early cutting those apples and pressing the pie shells, we’ll get behind.”
Regardless of the flavors involved, Blue Cake has developed a reputation for outstanding pie crusts. The recipe and steps involved are not complicated, but as anyone who has ever tried to crimp and bake a flawless crust can attest, it can be a treat better left to the professionals.
“It’s an all-butter crust, no shortening, and it’s great,” Lewandowski said. “I’m a crust guy. It’s close to homemade. In fact, it is homemade, we just use a press so we can accommodate all the requests.”
Along with fans of their flavors, Blue Cake has also adopted a loyal following of customers who want a beautiful cake or pie for their holiday parties and Christmas dinners but want to skip the hours of kitchen time and strict baking precision needed to create a crowd-pleasing dessert.
“There’s a couple of times where I’ve had a lady tell me she was going to tell her guests that she made it herself,” Lewandowski said. “She was supposed to do it herself but ran out of time, and she told us ‘You’re the next best thing,’ because we make it from scratch.”
With locations in Rogers and Fayetteville, Rick’s Bakery has been satisfying Yuletide sweet tooths since 1980.
“We always do our cookie shapes that are so fun and very popular,” said Jennifer Krodell, manager. “You know, like a snowman or a
Christmas tree or an elf, just different cookie shapes that we have in our case.”
Just because you’re buying cookies instead of baking them does not mean home chefs — and their kids — have to miss out on the more fun aspects of being in the kitchen.
“At Christmas, we do a DIY cookie kit,” Krodell said. “It comes with icing bags and shaped sugar cookies and sprinkles, and that’s really super fun.”
Rick’s also does plenty of December work when it comes to customizing both cookies and cakes ideal for capturing the spirit of a
holiday gathering. Plus, with a variety of gift baskets and cookie trays, Rick’s has just the thing to please just about everybody, whether for an office party or spending Christmas Eve at home with family.
“One’s, like, a five dozen cookie tray that just has little cookies in it,” Krodell said, “and one’s a two dozen cookie tray, so you can just come in and grab and go really quick. We sell several thousand of them, they’re so popular. Companies come by and pick them up a dozen at a time and deliver them to their customers, and they’re perfect for a Christmas party.”
Ingredients
❉ 4 ounces cream soda
❉ 1 ounce half-and-half
❉ 1/2 ounce peppermint syrup
❉ 1/4 ounce simple syrup (for rimming)
❉ Crushed candy canes (for rimming)
Instructions
❉ Pour the simple syrup into a shallow dish. Dip the rim of a martini glass into the syrup, ensuring it coats evenly.
❉ Press the coated rim into a dish of crushed candy canes, gently rotating to create a festive candy crust. Set the glass aside.
❉ In a mixing glass, combine the half-and-half, cream soda and peppermint syrup. Stir gently to blend.
❉ Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
❉ Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
❉ Use freshly crushed candy canes for the rim to ensure a vibrant color and a crisp texture.
❉ Chill the glass in the freezer before rimming to enhance the drink’s cool and refreshing experience.
❉ Experiment with flavored cream ssoda, such as vanilla or caramel, for a unique twist.
Recipes courtesy of mybartender.com
There is a revolution afoot in the world of libations as record numbers of people are turning to nonalcohol options for their beverages. The spirits industry is suffering a severe hangover of nondrinkers, especially among Gen Z consumers driven by a desire for better health. Gallup found the percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol fell to a record low of 54 percent in 2025, down from 62 percent in 2023.
Such numbers have been enough to get beverage manufacturers on the stick in rolling out new products to the tune of an estimated $1 billion in sales this year, as reported by Forbes. NielsenIQ broke down the NA
market at beer accounting for 83 percent of sales, NA wine for 11.2 percent and spirits, including ready-to-drink mocktails, at 5.7 percent.
Experts also note that the latter category, while currently the smallest percentage of sales, is also the fastest growing, having enjoyed 70 percent growth between 2024 and 2025.
Providing party guests with nonalcoholic options has always been a wise idea to allow designated drivers to stick to their sober duties. However, given current trends, such beverages are not only appreciated but expected of gracious hosts. AY About You rounded up some NA recipes to try at your next holiday gathering.
CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE HOLIDAY MOCKTAIL
Ingredients
❉ 8 ounces sparkling water
❉ 1 ounce cranberry juice
❉ 2 ounces pomegranate juice
❉ 1/2 ounce orange juice
❉ Orange wedge (for garnish)
❉ Handful fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
❉ Add ice to two highball glasses, filling each about 1/3 full.
❉ Pour equal parts sparkling water, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice and orange juice into each glass. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
❉ Add a few fresh cranberries and orange wedges to each glass.
❉ Serve immediately for the best taste and effervescence.
Pro Tips
❉ For an extra festive look, freeze fresh cranberries into ice cubes before adding them to the drink.
❉ Swap sparkling water with a lemon-lime soda for a sweeter twist.
❉ Garnish with a sprig of rosemary to enhance the holiday vibe and add a subtle herbal note.
CRAN APPLE MOCKTAIL
Ingredients
❉ 2 ounces apple cider
❉ 1 ounce cranberry juice
❉ 1 ounces pear simple syrup
❉ 1/2ounce orange juice
❉ Ginger ale (to top)
❉ Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
❉ Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
❉ In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, pear simple syrup and orange juice.
❉ Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
❉ Strain the punch into a glass filled with fresh ice.
❉ Top with ginger ale and gently stir to combine the flavors.
❉ Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
❉ To make your own pear simple syrup, simmer equal parts sugar and water with chopped fresh pear until the sugar dissolves, and then cool and strain.
❉ For a spicier twist, replace the ginger ale with ginger beer.
❉ Chill all ingredients beforehand to keep the punch extra refreshing without diluting the flavors.
ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL
Ingredients
❉ 2 ounces pear juice
❉ 1/2 ounce Rosemary simple syrup
❉ 1/2 ounce Lemon juice
❉ 3 ounces sparkling water
❉ Fresh pear slices or sprigs of thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
❉ Fill a highball or rocks glass halfway with ice.
❉ Pour the pear juice, rosemary simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the ice.
❉ Add the sparkling water to the glass, giving the drink a refreshing fizz.
❉ Garnish with fresh pear slices or a sprig of thyme for a beautiful presentation.
❉ Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, herbal flavors of this elegant mocktail.
Pro Tips
❉ Use freshly pressed pear juice for the best flavor.
❉ Make rosemary simple syrup at home for a fresher, more aromatic result.
❉ Adjust sweetness by increasing or reducing the amount of syrup.
❉ Serve in a chilled glass for a crisper presentation.
❉ Add sparkling pear water instead of plain for extra fruit character.
❉ Thinly slice pears for a refined garnish that doubles as a snack.
❉ Swap thyme for rosemary in the syrup for a different herbal profile.
❉ Prepare extra syrup ahead of time for multiple servings.
SPARKLING CRANBERRY MOCKTAIL
Ingredients
❉ 2 ounces cranberry juice
❉ 1/2 ounce lime juice
❉ Sparkling water (to top)
❉ 1 rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
❉ Fill a rocks glass with ice.
❉ Pour the cranberry juice and lime juice over the ice.
❉ Top the glass with sparkling water.
❉ Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
❉ Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for a festive presentation.
❉ Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
❉ Chill all the ingredients before preparation to keep the drink cool without diluting it with too much ice.
❉ For added flair, rim the glass with sugar or crushed candy canes.
❉ Experiment with flavored sparkling water, such as lime or cranberry, to enhance the flavor profile.
Not into mixology? Visit some of AY’s favorite retailers and browse their selection of readymade NA products.
Colonial Wine & Spirits
11200 W. Markham St., Little Rock
O’Loony’s Wine & Liquor
3 Rahling Circle, Little Rock
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In a troubled world, a little tinsel is all you need
By DWAIN HEBDA
You can feel it practically from the time the Thanksgiving dishes are put away, when people rouse from their annual turkey-induced naps to discover magic in the air. Christmastime in Arkansas is back again.
From Pocahontas to Manila and Fayetteville to Lake Village, across the broad backs of the Boston Mountains down through to the yawning oxbow lakes, a light comes on — millions of them actually, clipped to eaves, draped on shrubbery and layered over downtowns large and small.
Throughout the Natural State, people pull out their trees and heirloom ornaments, hang a holly wreath and flip the switch, the truly fanatical having already done so back in October.
Downtown, stores gleam with merchandise, friends gather for a long-overdue holiday lunch, nervous young men peek into glass cases
for the bauble to gleam like the Christmas star, thrilling his beloved into saying, “Yes.”
Temperatures drop, days remain short, and at night, the lights come on, turning Arkansas to twinkling stained glass. Families gather for Christmas programs, children hear the stories of the season and legends of their kin as their parents and grandparents did before them.
Churches hum, choirs warm up, pastors of every persuasion break out the good stuff. A child is born. The story begins anew. The human family welcomes the newborn king. Christmastime is here at last.
Other than our DNA certifying us as human, there are very few things that bind the people of the world universally. A lot of them are tragic: Everyone knows death. Every country on earth has experienced war. Darn near all else, from technology and wealth to sufficient food and clean drinking water to literacy, relief from pestilence and life expectancy
itself, comes to a person as a cosmic wild card.
Nothing — not geography, climate, language, food, philosophy, politics, customs, commerce and everything else that goes into the mosaic life of this planet — can claim universality. Ever wonder why you cannot buy U.S.-grown coffee? Simple — the coffee plant will only survive in a certain latitude of the earth, and we ain’t it.
Want to launch Arkansas’ first champagne brand? Expect a lawsuit from any number of directions, especially abroad, since only a sparkling wine produced in France or California under strict conditions can legally be labeled champagne. Got a hankering for a Runza sandwich in Montreal? Great, grab the next flight to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they know what the heck that is.
The point is very little — nay, almost nothing — created by the human race has set down roots in all seven continents. Then came Christmas, the most widely celebrated holiday in the world. No, it is not observed in every individual household nor celebrated in the same manner worldwide, but statistically speaking, it is recognized in every country on earth. From Johannesburg to Jonesboro and Moscow to Monkey Run, it is one of the few times the world wakes up to the same joyful promise.
Not that Christmas does not have its detractors. Sociologists point to the so-called “War on Christmas,” in which the holiday is derided for its commercialism, lack of religious focus or just as a general rejection as much ado about nothing. Last year, about one quarter of Americans surveyed by YouGuv agreed that such a war exists.
In 2018, China rolled back but stopped short of outlawing Christmas celebrations. That made for good headline fodder but it is hardly original thinking — communism the world over is atheist by doctrine and always has been. Not to make light of the move, which cracked down on church activity, but compared to previous regimes around the world, China’s “curtailing” of Christmas iconography and other cultural affronts is pretty tame stuff.
Commies worldwide are not even that original — the Christian world has been giving Christmas a hard time dating back thousands of years to its pagan roots. In 1647, religious reformation and political upheaval in Britain resulted in the outlawing of Christmas, right down to holly sprigs and roast beast.
Even more shocking, perhaps, is that by the time the Brits came to their senses in 1660, another Yuletide ban was in place that would stand, on the books anyway, for more than 20 years. Where, you ask? Boston.
In modern times, people who take a pass on Christmas on other than religious grounds have as their poster boy Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ Victorian novella A Christmas Carol. Dickens wrote the piece during an era when old traditions were being reevaluated in society — and not for the better, he thought, as celebrants eschewed carols and candles for the day’s trendy new Christmas cards and Christmas trees. He also wanted to show the social dichotomy of being a wealthy miser at the most charitable time of year and how the weight of one’s wallet often shrouded a bankruptcy of spirit.
People who look to Scrooge as an enduring symbol of Christmas rotting from the head down are not wrong, necessarily — economy
watchers Numerator and PwC estimate that Americans will spend an average of almost $1,700 per household this year on decorations, gifts, food and assorted hoopla. If that sounds like a lot, it is: $1,700 in ol’ Ebenezer’s time would be $75,000 in 2025. Not to shake my fist at the neighborhood youngsters, but people today probably do not need to erect a forest of 30-foot inflatables in their front yard just to best the guy across the street’s grove of 20-footers.
Others point to another Christmas antihero, the Grinch, as an apt metaphor for how the holiday has gone off the rails. For anyone living in a cave on Mount Crumpit for the past 68 years, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss tells of a bitter loner who is fed up with the celebrating town of Whoville below. He sneaks in to steal all the season’s material trappings, of which the Whos have many, in the hopes it will end the holiday.
Once again, point taken, but as with Scrooge, those who point to the Grinch as their bah-humbug poster boy conveniently overlook some key parts of the very narrative upon which their argument stands. Sorry to spoil it — but hey, these things have been out there for decades, and you should have read it by now — Scrooge is, in the end, saved by the very spirit he once detested, and the Grinch’s epiphany reinforces the rejuvenative power of the holiday when taken at its true meaning.
A deeper question and a conversation worth having is why so many people feel isolated and alone during a time marked by celebration and joy. The question and answer are the same — being surrounded by images of unbridled merriment for a month can work a number on anyone, especially those struggling with the realities of day-to-day life. Depression does not go on Christmas break, and challenging family or job situations do not suddenly get jolly overnight. Add to that the picture-perfect images of social media Christmas, as incessant as Mariah Carey’s warbling over the muzak, and the effect of the season can work in reverse. Instead of joy, people just feel
pressure; instead of merriment, shame at not measuring up. These folks are all around us, whether we explicitly realize it or not, and it is in these moments that we can truly show what the holiday means to us by helping improve what it means to them. Participating in gift drives, cooking or serving a meal at a homeless shelter, inviting a new co-worker to church services, or visiting a shut-in neighbor are nice any time of year but necessary in December for those who profess to know and love the true meaning of Christmas. Will it fix everything in a person’s life? Maybe not. Can it hurt? Absolutely not.
A young couple I know will celebrate their first Christmas this year as parents. In fact, their daughter’s birthday lands three days before the holiday. They worry about the mixed signals some traditions of the season may send even as they prepare to celebrate with gusto, delighting in the anticipation of the little one’s excitement yet not wanting the true meaning of Christmas to get lost like batteries in the torn wrappings on the floor.
I imagine they are not the only ones who feel this tug and pull, and so I have news for them and other couples like them, a lesson every graybeard such as myself has learned up close — the Parable of the Box. It holds that no matter how much one spends, how elaborate one decorates, or how late one stays up to construct a Barbie Dream House or BMX bicycle, at some point in their lives, every parent will witness a child playing in the box the toy came in while the gift itself stands in the background. In other words, relax. A measure of spending restraint will not ruin a child’s holiday, but it is fun to open something too.
Another argument one hears this time of year is that with everything that is going on in the world — all the problems and controversies, the derision and division — how can one think about celebrating anything? What place does Christmas have among thinking adults and grown-up problems? Haven’t we become smarter than that?
I don’t know about that, Scooter. We have certainly become more educated, but the jury’s still out on whether humanity is smarter or more advanced or more autonomous than the generations before us. Last I checked, people throughout history wanted love and happiness and longed for meaning in their lives as they worked to create the subsistence that ensured their survival, and most of them did it all without DoorDash, ChatGPT or TikTok.
In other words, they did it the hard way in between suffering illnesses that had no medication and armed conflicts that interrupted and often erased any semblance of normal life. I understand how frazzled one might be about our tariff situation with Luxembourg, but I hardly think that compares to the Blitzkrieg driving people into the underground like rats or children dying from lack of chicken pox medication on the existential food chain.
Yet somehow, the human race pulled itself through, a whole lot of it only because of what people affixed their eyes to: hope, the promise of better days, and the things in life that endure, such as family, love and possibilities — everything that Christmas should and, for billions, still does fundamentally represent. When bombs fell, they celebrated Christmas. When crops failed, they celebrated Christmas. When diseases raged and markets crashed and other prayers went unanswered, they celebrated Christmas. You want to know why the Grinch-like attempts to ban Christmas failed throughout history? The people simply ignored it for the ludicrous idea it was, something akin to arresting the sun for rising that morning.
The older I get, the more I seek simplicity and quiet. The heat of youthful ambition has cooled. The young man standing against the tide has found a current. The world has become smaller and life’s goals more refined. I have far fewer letters behind my name than some, but I know a few things. I have been where some people are on this subject, frustrated with the work and expense of the holiday, resentful of the attention it demanded of me at year-end — “and for what?” I asked. Time has a way of sanding down those edges.
I am still not the tree-up-by-Halloween type, and Christmas music and movies are still strictly forbidden until after Thanksgiving dinner, but I have made my peace with Christmas by seeing it for what it is and should be. That view is different for me than it will be for anyone else, and that is kind of the beauty of it. Whatever one needs of Christmas, one can find it, and while it is not a magic bullet to the ills of the world or the human condition, it has always held the power to change things, however slightly or profoundly.
The magic of Christmas lies in its ability to make all things new again, like the 30-year-old ornament that still sparkles on the tree, as easily as it enhances new lives and loves that enter our orbit. Be it familiar or fresh, Christmas deserves our attention for its staying power, a vessel of all the fundamental things in life we may think we do not need but strangely never seem to grow out of that appear, like clockwork, every late December. Where science failed, governments failed, wealth failed and educated minds failed, Christmas still came. It came just the same.
Every December, magic takes place in towns around the state. Rooftops sparkle, and streets buzz with holiday cheer. Some of the biggest displays can be found in neighborhoods. Festive families brave tall ladders and slippery roofs to decorate their homes with thousands of twinkling lights, and their work does not stop there. The decorations also take over their yards and beg people passing by to stop and take a gander.
It usually starts small — a few strings of lights and maybe an inflatable snowman — but over the years, it turns into a tradition the whole community looks forward to. Cities also get in on the fun, decorating their downtowns with displays that rival the North Pole and setting up Christmas trees that make even the one at Rockefeller Center look small.
Whether a city’s display or a family home, the decorations remind everyone who sees them that one of the best parts of the holidays is sharing joy with others.
By MAK MILLARD
in the middle of, “If you want something done right, do it yourself,” and “If you build it, they will come,” lies Finney’s Christmas Wonderland in Crossett, a passion project celebrating 40 years in 2025. Since 1985, Sam Finney has been fashioning new pieces to add to the display, starting as early as August to complete what has become nearly a half-mile’s worth of lights and moving pieces.
“I like to be unique and produce stuff that other people don’t have, where you [can’t] just go down the street and say, ‘Yeah, I’ve seen that,’” Finney said. “I like each piece to be a little bit unique. I like to get stuff that’s got movement to it.”
While Finney added that the homemade setups do not seem like much in the daylight, at night, he said he would put it up against any other display. In fact, he had that very chance a decade ago. Finney’s Christmas Wonderland was featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2015, taking home first-place honors and putting Crossett on the map for viewers across the nation.
“I was getting a lot of out-of-town people, but after I went on the show, I got people from all over,” Finney said. “They come from Little Rock, Shreveport, [Louisiana], Jackson, Mississippi, the Gulf Coast. Believe it or not, I have people come up from that far. It’s quite a draw to the little town of Crossett here.”
In-state guests have included Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who stopped by in 2023 during Crossett’s “Capital for a Day” festivities. Finney’s Christmas Wonderland even sees a few wedding proposals on-site every year, he said, and has hosted a wedding in the driveway.
A “fun facts” page on the official wonderland website lays out some impressive data
points about what goes into creating that yearly magic, such as 500-plus feet of cables, more than 10,000 zip ties of assorted lengths, two bubble machines, 1 million lights and 150 cut-outs. Passers-by might understandably imagine a small army of volunteers tackling several weeks’ worth of work — understandably, that is, but incorrectly.
“This is where it gets crazy,” Finney said. “I pretty much do it by myself.”
Finney’s vision is one that is better shown than explained. Save for a neighbor up the road who Finney occasionally calls upon for assistance with bigger lifts, the 77-year-old personally takes care of virtually every detail, including driving around 400 metal T-posts into the ground and placing “oodles” of rebar
Finney's Christmas Wonderland in Crossett is a holiday tradition 40 years in the making.
to hold everything up. One thing he does allow some additional help on, however, is the cost of upkeep.
“I could not even possibly do all this if I didn’t have a donation box,” Finney said. “I hate to put it out there. People say that you got to do it to keep it going, and so I did. They do good with me.”
Finney also sells hoodies and T-shirts to help cover expenses, but the display has always been free admission. The community responds in kind by supporting the wonderland year in and year out, and with longtime visitors now old enough to bring their own grandchildren, Finney has become a well-known figure in his own right. Trips into town are often occasions for local children — and a number of adults — to ask how the display is coming along. Finney will even serve as the grand marshal in the Crossett Christmas Parade this year.
“I’m not out to make money,” he said. “I’m doing it for the community, the kids and to make memories. I succeeded in that, I’ll put it that way.
Finney’s Christmas Wonderland 123 Goshen Road, Crossett Sunset to 10 p.m.
Starts Thanksgiving night; runs through the first of the year.
By MARY LESIEUR
Angie and Tim Howard are no strangers to plentiful crowds and joyful voices. While the pair has eight children, they face a different type of foot traffic starting promptly after the Thanksgiving holiday: a three-hour car line waiting to get a glimpse of their festive home decorations.
The Howard family started decorating their Conway home with Home Alone-themed decorations three years ago, which Angie said provided a shocking realization. With each added homemade decoration, whether it be the Wet Bandits’ van or Old Man Marley holding a shovel, the holiday hotspot sees the mass of passers-by grow.
“The funny thing about Home Alone decorations is that it’s very hard to find any outdoor decorations, especially Home Alone-themed decorations,” Angie said. “We searched and couldn’t find anything and decided if we were going to do it, we’d have to come up with it on our own.
“The first prop we did was the Marv and Harry ‘Oh-Kay Plumbing & Heating’ van, and people loved that. Then we made a recliner and a TV set. My husband, he’s an IT guy, so he set it up to project the clip Kevin watches, that old black-and-white gangster movie, right onto the TV. Everyone thought that was so fun.”
Angie, a natural artist herself, said the couple creates each piece by hand, noting the decorations can take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours to complete. The act of carefully placing each prop has become a family affair.
“My son, who’s at [Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia], comes home to put Kevin on the balcony because he’s the only one brave enough to go out there,” Angie said. “The kids love helping decorate. We go thrifting for props together. It’s nostalgic for us and fun for them.”
The house welcomes Arkansas natives to a close-up look at a cult classic Christmas movie and gets visitors from across state lines, Angie said. A viral TikTok video, which has millions of views, has done nothing to slow down the flood of people.
“We started getting comments about it that second year,” Angie said. “Then last year, it just went crazy. One of our neighbors posted a video on TikTok, and it went viral. We had people coming from Mississippi and Tennessee. It blew our minds when they’d tell us where they came from. They were die-hard Home Alone fans. Some would even plan their family trips to drive through Conway just to see the house.”
While Angie has carefully crafted a multitude of homemade props and decorations, the newest addition to the collection is a fully decorated apartment that connects to the home. The Howards’ project took a year for its full fruition and is decorated like the interior of the McCallisters’ home. The setup includes everything from the live tarantula to ‘90s-inspired wallpaper.
“We had an upstairs area we weren’t using much,
A Conway home that resembles the house from Home Alone has become a showpiece during the Christmas season.
and we decided to really go all-in and make it the Home Alone room,” Angie said. “We did it all ourselves: new flooring, wallpaper, furniture from Facebook Marketplace, a grandfather clock like in the movie. We even have a live tarantula in a terrarium like the one in the movie. There’s a BB gun by the laundry chute. The table’s set with mac and cheese and Pepsi. [There’s] even a Santa with Tic Tacs, like in the first movie.”
This year, the Howards are partnering with local nonprofits. Angie said their top priority this year was to give back.
“This is our primary residence, so we can’t open it to the public, but we are having three different charity events this year,” Angie said. “We’re partnering with Compass Academy, which serves kids
on the autism spectrum or with cerebral palsy. We’ll have a QR code in the yard for anyone who wants to donate. We’re also giving away a Home Alone night — a home experience for up to six people — to benefit Community Connections, which helps special needs kids participate in dance classes and sports.
“We’ll cater cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, and Pepsi, and they can watch Home Alone or Home Alone 2 on the big screen. The third event is the Christmas Home Tour to benefit the Faulkner County Animal Shelter.”
Angie said the impact of the house on visitors and the Conway nonprofits is almost unexplainable and that it brings so much joy to her and her family to make a Christmas favorite come to life. The home will be on display until Dec. 26.
“It’s a joy,” Angie said. “It’s fun to sit in the dining room and see families smiling and kids waving at us through the window. If we can give families a tradition they come back to every year, that’s a blessing for us.”
By DOUG CRISE
Youhave to book reindeer ahead of time.
That led to the reindeer presence in 2024, a big enough hit with kids and adults both to ensure another Searcy stop on the reindeer tour.
“That was a phenomenal hit,” Hale said. “It went over so well, we want to make sure we get on his calendar and we’re able to get him back here because the kids just love that.”
Just about every city big and small can be
This may or may not be news, depending on just how deep your love of Christmas runs and your approximate distance to a Nordic country. For the Searcy city government, which continues to produce some of the state’s best Christmas celebrations, staff quickly learned bringing in reindeer is more or less akin to hosting a well-known musical act.
“We start meeting right after Christmas to start kicking around ideas,” said Tonia Hale, a Searcy city council member and co-chair of the city’s Holiday of Lights festival. “What can we do new so that it’s something different each year? It’s not the same thing every year.”
counted on to do some form of Christmas decorating and celebrating, but Searcy has gone for the brass ring and — through the literal yearround work of the city, volunteers and event sponsors — successfully grabbed hold. Ideas such as a living nativity, the largest Santa collection in the state and, yes, reindeer were born of long, all-hands-on-deck planning sessions that took place well before the holiday dream became reality.
It has been enough for Southern Living to put Searcy on its “Cutest Christmas Towns in the South” list, though whether event organizers had time to actually read it remains to be seen.
“We have a very dedicated Holiday of Lights crew that puts in countless hours,” said Mike Parsons, director of the Searcy Parks and Recreation Commission. “If it wasn’t for the Holiday of Lights committee, nothing would happen.”
Making a memorable city Christmas celebration starts with attitude. Not everyone will eagerly sign up for more work, more meetings and more planning hours. The task, enormous as it is, requires people who see challenge and opportunity mixed with a good measure of, “Let’s see if we can pull this off.”
In Parsons, whose department puts in a tremendous amount of prefestival work, Searcy has its man.
“People expect more every year,” Parsons said, “so we try to add new things every single year. That’s what I would call the hard part, saying, ‘What’s new and different we can do this year?’”
From the courthouse and city parks to the Harding University campus, Searcy elevates holiday decorating into an art form.
Make no mistake, the city cannot handle such an undertaking on its own. Volunteers have to be called in to help with setup, event management and assistance in planning, and local businesses are counted on to provide sponsorship that makes every new undertaking possible.
“It’s 100 percent an important factor,” Hale said. “If we didn’t have the sponsors to help us, then it would be a struggle. It would be more on the city to have to make sure that we had it in the budget to do, but these people are phenomenal. If you look at our sponsor-
Learn more about the Searcy Holiday of Lights at experiencesearcy.com/holiday-of-lights.
ship list, you’ll see that there’s a lot of sponsors who do it every year because it means so much to their heart to see the joy it brings the city and the people who come into our city.”
This year’s Holiday of Lights was kicked off by Heather Baker, president of event media sponsor AY Media Group, who threw the switch on the event’s dazzling light display on Nov. 18. Among the new attractions this year are a Candy Land-style display, and festivalgoers will get the chance to meet Santa Claus, Disney princesses and — should the joviality get to be too much — the Grinch.
“Every year, we try to make it bigger and better and better for the kids,” Hale said.
Parsons said he has been in meetings since February to discuss bolstering the festival’s Christmas lighting alone. Every event, even the ones that now happen annually, is analyzed immediately after the festival, and brainstorming happens formally and informally throughout the year.
“We would meet once or twice a month for an hour or hour and a half,” Parsons said, “but that’s kind of to finalize plans. Most of it goes on behind the scenes through text messages, emails and phone calls. I would say, on an average, after October, we’re putting in 20 hours a week of volunteer time just on the logistics side, and that’s not including actually putting on the event.”
Whether for lighting, live displays or reindeer, every bit of sweat equity put in by city officials and volunteers is evident in a dazzling holiday celebration that ranks among the state’s best.
“It’s a collaborative effort,” Hale said. “It’s wonderful not to have to worry about whether we are going to be able to do this and pull this off. It’s just as joyful as it was last year, and every year is better.”
By MARK CARTER
For Tim Bir, all the work involved in put ting up his Santa on Sayles Christmas dis play at his home on Sayles Road in north Pulaski County is but a means to a glorious end.
Once the roughly 165 Christmas-themed inflatables, more than 700 plastic blow molds and 200-plus strings of lights are set up and ready to go, and Bir dons his Santa suit for another season of handing out candy canes, all it takes is a smile from one child to remind him that all the hard work he and his family put into the display is more than worth it.
“I wouldn’t trade doing this and all the people I’ve met over the years for anything,” he said.
Bir, who does appear as Santa by special request occasionally outside of his display, takes donations from visitors, all of which — 100 percent — are donated to the MakeA-Wish Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Sylvan Hills Athletic Booster Club.
There is no charge to drive by the display — a circle driveway enables up-close viewing from inside the car — or to get out and walk among the decorations or take a look at the miniature Christmas village featuring hundreds of pieces inside the garage.
Bir, who also serves as the stadium announcer for Sylvan Hills High School football, has other plans for the already-impressive holiday display. There is a stand where free hot chocolate and popcorn are handed out and, of course, free candy canes are handed out
by Santa Bir himself. This season, Bir will be granting a wish for a 13-year-old child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation who wants to visit Disney World.
All the donations from Santa on Sayles in northern Pulaski County support local charitable organizations.
He said once he cleans up some of the 20 acres upon which his house sits, he wants to add a hayride to the festivities.
Although he insists he is no Jennings Osborne — the late Little Rock entrepreneur whose Christmas lights display on Cantrell Road drew thousands of visitors in the 1990s and 2000s — Bir’s “go big or go home” ambition is such that he would love for the attraction to one day reach those proportions.
The display is already known for going big. There’s a 33-foot inflatable Santa that used to
call Gwatney Chevrolet in Jacksonville home each Christmas; another 26-foot-tall Santa; and a 30-foot inflatable Yukon Cornelius, the character from the classic Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer TV special.
Bir communicates all pertinent information about the display through the Santa on Sayles Facebook page, which has grown to roughly 12,000 members. Weather permitting, the display is open every night of the Christmas season from dusk until the traffic dies down, he said, typically around 9 p.m. on weeknights and 10 p.m. on weekends.
Bir and his wife, Rebecca, began going big for Christmas when they lived in the Windsor Valley neighborhood of North Little Rock. The move to Sayles Road enabled them to go really big. Bir would not change a thing.
“I had one mom tell me about her son, ‘You’re the only Santa Claus he has ever talked to,” Bir said. “The looks on these little kids’ faces when they get to visit with Santa … that makes it all worthwhile.”
Santa on Sayles 10301 Sayles Road, Jacksonville Sunset to 9 p.m. weeknights and 10 p.m. weekends
Nov. 24 to Dec. 27 or 28
He may have been predestined for the role, since he was born only six days before Chrirstmas. Also, while he was growing up, his dad would create a massive Christmas decoration display in their front yard.
He still remembers the feeling of meeting Santa when he was a child.
“It was just the coolest thing in the world,” Imboden said. “Christmas
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
One year, Imboden’s uncle told him he would make a good Santa. Imboden decided to try it out and fell in love with it.
“When you get to see the kids and their excitement, and the twinkle in their eyes, it’s very addictive” he said.
Another Santa who grew up surrounded by Christmas is Chris Kennedy, also known as Black Santa. His father used to decorate a lot for the holiday, so Kennedy started to decorate his own home when got older and had his own family. One year, he found a Black Santa inflatable and put it out in his yard but later received a racist letter about it.
While it was a really bad moment, good came out of it because it inspired Kennedy to start dressing up as Santa, and now he has been doing it for five years.
“I decided to go ahead and do it,” he said. “I bought a suit on Amazon, and it went from there. The more I do it, the better it is. It’s no longer about the slight bit of retribution.”
He has even been to an official Santa school, which he was invited to by the New England Santa Society after his story garnered national attention. There, he learned the intricacies of being a good Santa and connected with a larger Santa community.
There are numerous Facebook groups and societies for Santas to connect, help one another and even share clients if there is an event they cannot make themselves. Another Arkansas Santa, Blake Woodson, is a Real Bearded Santa listed at International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas and a member of the Diamond State Santas.
Woodson started being Santa while he worked in radio. He is a Santa of all trades, often judging food competitions around the South, going on paranormal investigations and even impersonating another well-known cultural icon, Alan Garner from The Hangover franchise. Woodson has been working as a Santa for about 10 years.
“Santa is real in the spirit of giving,” Woodson said.
St. Nicholas, who the modern-day Santa is based on, was known for his generosity and giving gifts to people in need. All these men take that responsibility into their Santa work. Kennedy does public appearances around the state, as well as photo shoots and charity work.
This September, he even released a Christmas book, Santa Chris and the Magic Inside. The book features real places around Little Rock and North Little Rock and stars kids who he has met in real life while being Santa.
“It’s funny because I’m dyslexic, so this played a huge role in overcoming that,” Kennedy said. “To end up writing a book is kind of crazy.”
The book is available online and at Paper Hearts Bookstore in Little Rock. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to support Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock.
“Food insecurity is a huge thing in Arkansas, so anything that I can do with sales from the book to help that, I’ll do it,” he said.
Woodson said he does a lot of Santa visits for terminally ill children.
“It’s one of the hardest things but also the most rewarding,” he said.
Stacy “Santa Pete” Peters is another Santa who really focuses on giving back to the community through his work, and it is how he first became Santa. He served as Santa at an event at his church so that people living nearby could get free Santa photos. After that, he started getting offered more gigs, and his work took off from there. This year marks his 13th year.
He has been retired from his career for a while, giving him more time to play Santa than some other Santas who are balancing their work with a day job.
Peters even does Santa work in the offseason. One service he
Craig Imboden, aka Conway Santa, top, and Chris Kennedy, aka Black Santa, are two helper Santas who spread joy each year. (Imboden photo courtesy of Conway Santa; Kennedy photo by Liz by Design Photography)
offers is filming videos as Santa throughout the year for schools and parents. The videos are free, but he asks people to donate to local charities. One he often works with is Community Connections in Conway, which provides children with special needs with opportunities to play sports and participate in the arts.
Along with photo sessions, Peters does a lot of visits to schools for children with special needs, he said. Having a grandson with autism, he said he has learned a lot about how to make meeting Santa a good experience for children with various conditions.
Santas have to always be ready for the children who meet them to tell them what they want for Christmas, but they also have to be ready for questions from curious kids.
Being a Santa with a real beard, he sometimes gets looks from children even when he is not in a Santa costume. For those moments, he carries around little bracelets as gifts for the kids to spread some magic all the time.
Santas have to always be ready for the children who meet them to tell them what they want for Christmas, but they also have to be ready for questions from curious kids. Woodson said when
Dear Young Readers:
You might be surprised to see this article include so many Santas in Arkansas. It might be confusing to understand how that can be when everyone knows Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, and it might make you wonder about what is “real” and what is not.
Well, let us tell you something: Santa has a really big job getting ready for Christmas. Imagine having to make such a big list, check it (twice!), feed the reindeer, polish the
sleigh and keep an eye on the elves to make sure everything gets done on time. That’s a lot of work!
Because of that, Santa did something pretty smart a long time ago: He made sure there were plenty of good and jolly people to help him cover all the bases. The Santas in this story are so full of Christmas spirit they make sure that Arkansas kids are covered. They even do some things before and after the holidays to make sure that Christmas joy and kindness stick around all year.
he is asked, “Are you the real Santa?” he always replies, “What do you think?” If a child asks where his sleigh or reindeer are, he says they are at the North Pole.
“You have to think on your feet,” Imboden said.
To keep the Santa magic alive, he created a Santa Ambassador Program document that any Santa can order, which tells children why someone they know in their life dresses up as Santa Claus. He came up with the idea after a friend’s child found Dad’s Santa suit and began to not think Santa Claus was real anymore.
Imboden said he loves the Santa work but that it seems to be getting harder in recent years.
“What makes Christmas special is the shortness of the season,” he said. “I think every year that goes by, the magic decreases just a little bit. It’s hard to capture the moment.”
Here is something else to remember: Santa Claus is as much of a feeling as he is a real person. He is that warm tingle you get when you look at Christmas lights, the happiness of having fun with your family and the joy of being kind to others. Just like the image of the baby Jesus, Santa is that little piece of Christmas that we all carry with us wherever we go, reminding us there is love, peace and happiness around us if we just look for it.
Woodsen, clockwise from top left, Peters, Imboden and Kennedy said their work is demanding but worthwhile. (Woodsen photo by Melody Allensworth; Peters photo by David Cranford Photography; Imboden photo courtesy of Conway Santa; Kennedy photo by Liz by Design Photography)
The job can mean hard work, long hours and time away from family during the holidays, but the Arkansas Santas feel it is worth it.
“I work extremely long hours during Christmas,” Imboden said. “It went from being a really fun job to being a job, but it’s a rewarding job.”
Kennedy said he is going to take a break after this year because his daughter is getting older and wants to travel for Christmas. He said he will not hang up the suit forever though.
“Some people would say it’s political because I’m a Black dude being Santa,” he said, “but it’s about everyone just having a good time and kids having a good time and seeing themselves represented.”
While the Santas started in different ways and do many parts of the role differently from one another, they all agreed that Christmas is less about the man who delivers the presents and more about the feelings the season brings.
“It’s love and support for each other,” Kennedy said. “Being in a community together, learning together, making sure everyone is taken care of — that’s what the spirit of Christmas is about. It’s togetherness.”
We hope that clears up any confusion. There are a lot of “surprise Santas” out there keeping an eye on things, so be sure to stay good and be on the lookout for them. You never know where one might pop up.
— Your friends at
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is singing around the Christmas tree with my family.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is when we wear Christmas pajamas. Me and my family wore Grinch Christmas pajamas last year, and we took a picture in our Grinch Christmas pajamas.
Fourth Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
What I really want for Christmas is a camera so I can take pictures of my family, friends and my dog.
Third Grade
What is the best thing about Christmas for you?
The best thing about Christmas is that Jesus was born.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is drawing names. We draw our names to show how much we care for each other. After we do that, we go and open presents. Then once we’re done doing that, we get a phone and record Santa coming down the chimney. Then we go to bed.
Fourth Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
This year, what I want for Christmas most is a small handheld fan because I always have to go to my brother’s baseball and soccer games, and it’s always very hot outside.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is going sledding down a giant hill with my friends. I love snow. It is so much fun.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is when my papa got coal and I gave him my Christmas present instead.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is when my dog opened my present and it was my brother’s present, and he was surprised.
Fourth Grade
What is the best thing about Christmas for you?
My favorite thing to do on Christmas is to celebrate my mom’s birthday and Jesus’ birthday because they’re on the same day.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is sitting at the table and being thankful that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
Third Grade
What is your favorite thing about Christmas?
My favorite thing about Christmas is the food. My favorite food is the turkey, the mashed potatoes, the Brussels sprouts and the chocolate cake.
Third Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
My Christmas wish this year is to get $1 million and buy a lot of Savannah Banana stuff with it.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas family tradition is when my nana comes over. We all eat a family breakfast, we open presents, and we go to my mimi and pawpaw’s house.
Fourth Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
This year, what I really want for Christmas is a puppy so my 14-year-old Weimaraner, Chelsea, can have a friend.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas family tradition is going to my aunt’s house because it’s lots of fun, and it’s nice and decorative, and there’s lots of food, and I can see all my family and friends.
Fourth Grade
What birthday gift would you give Jesus?
The birthday gift I would give to Jesus is to be kind and not rude because he was always nice to us.
Fourth Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
The thing I really want for Christmas is a dog. I want a Boston terrier so my dog, Nellie, can have a friend.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is making cookies with my family. We do different shapes of cookies, different icing, and they’re really good.
Third Grade
What is the best thing about Christmas for you?
The best thing about Christmas is the birth of Jesus.
Third Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
This year, my Christmas wish is to get a set of drums because I like playing the drums and making music with them — and also to get a new video game for my Nintendo Switch system.
Third Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
My Christmas wish is for Santa to drop off my presents and watch me open them.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is making pierogies with my family and I help them fold them.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite holiday tradition is making Italian sausage. The reason why I love this tradition is because I get to spend more time with my family and friends.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is when my parents surprised me with a new dog. Her name is Lucy. She’s brown and white, and she’s a cocker spaniel. My favorite Christmas tradition is when my whole family comes in one room to celebrate Christmas.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory was when it was the last day for my elf to be at my house, and he brought us a little gift. It was, like, little cocoa balls, and it was so fun to make. I enjoyed it so much.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? What birthday gift would you give Jesus for Christmas?
My favorite Christmas tradition is going to Mass on Christmas, and if I were to give Jesus a birthday gift, I would say I would try to be a better person by doing more chores for my parents.
Fourth Grade
What is the best thing about Christmas?
My favorite thing about Christmas is the excitement the night before, and I can’t sleep. Also, the breakfast in the morning — usually, I wake up at around 8 a.m., and my mom is making biscuits and gravy and eggs.
Fourth Grade
What birthday gift would you give Jesus for Christmas?
What I would like to give Jesus for his birthday is a big, long speech about how good he is. He is the creator of the Earth, so I would thank him for that, and he is the creator of all humans, so I would also thank him for that too.
Fourth Grade
What birthday gift would you give Jesus for Christmas?
What I would give Jesus for Christmas is joy and get to know him and ask him a few questions.
Fourth Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
My Christmas wish this year is to help people to get what they need, like, for example, giving food to the hungry, donating money to give blankets and a house to a certain amount of people, and giving water to the thirsty. I am so grateful for people who step out of their way in this community to help.
Fourth Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is seeing an ornament that I made when I was around 2 years old. It’s a red-and-white candy cane that I made at church.
Fourth Grade
What is your Christmas wish this year?
My Christmas wish this year is to have world peace and for everybody to know God’s Ten Commandments because it’s important to be by God’s side and to be with his faith.
Third Grade
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Last year, we went to a Christmas tree farm. It was really fun. We get to pet goats, and there were so many Christmas trees. There was a giant slide, and we got fudge squares. There was this gift shop. I went inside, and there was a stuffed animal bunny. I really liked it, so I got it, and they also had hot chocolate for free.
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is going on a Christmas scavenger hunt with my family. My mom makes hot chocolate from scratch. If I could get Jesus any gift, I would give him peace, love and lots of prayers.
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
Some of my favorite Christmas traditions to do is secret Santa and building gingerbread houses, so for secret Santa, I usually cut up the names, put them in a hat and draw them. Whenever we draw our names, after that, maybe a week later, we will go and buy the Christmas presents, and whenever we open our presents, I’m so excited to see who my secret Santa was and to see what present I got. For gingerbread houses, we usually cut up the gingerbread pieces, put them in the oven and build it. After that, we have so many different colors of icing, and it looks so colorful, and we always have leftover candy that me and my sister eat.
What is your Christmas wish this year?
My Christmas wish this year is to see my grandma. She just moved here from Mexico, and I really want to spend more time with her. On the Day of the Dead, we got to eat candy from her altar, and it was delicious, and I love having dinner with her after school. It’s the best!
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is when my brothers got pink hoverboards from my grandpa.
What is your favorite Christmas family tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is whenever I go to my grandma’s house. I have dinner there. I open presents and have lots of fun.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
One of my favorite traditions at my house is to put the star on the Christmas tree. We always vote every year, and I was the one that got the vote this year, and I’m super excited to do it because I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time, and this is finally the year for me to do it.
For many families throughout the Natural State, religious services are a cornerstone of Christmas traditions.
Knowing the inspiration and joy that comes with the Good News, AY About You has once again reached out to local pastors and thought leaders on the real reason for the season. Each of these is an open invitation to think on the true meaning of Christmas and worship at the church of your choice this season. (Oh, and this year, we also slipped in a therapist just to remind you to pay attention to your physical and mental side, as well we your spiritual self.)
Don’t have a faith community? The clergy featured here have included service times for Christmas at their houses of worship and welcome all to join in the celebration of the season.
Oby the Rev. Daniel Velasco, pastor
Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church Little Rock
ne of the most extraordinary gifts God has given humanity is the gift of memory — the ability to look back, to remember and discern the meaning of our experiences. Through memory, we are able to savor the blessings and graces that have shaped our lives and recognize the tender ways in which God has been present in our lives.
The season of Advent, which begins four weeks before Christmas, is a time of remembrance and anticipation. It is a time to reflect on hope, peace, joy and love as we recall God’s ancient promise to send a Savior to redeem the world. As Christmas approaches, we remember how that promise was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ, the true Light, who entered our world to bring us hope and peace.
At the same time, the Christmas season invites us to be aware of how God continues to be present in our lives today — in moments of joy and challenge, in the warmth of family and friendship and in the quiet stirrings of our hearts. The familiar sounds of Christmas carols, the comforting scents from the kitchen and the gatherings that fill our homes can all become reminders of the faith that sustains us and the love that unites us.
May this Christmas season be a time for all to take a moment to remember and to open our hearts more fully to the presence of God, who dwells among us.
From the parishioners and staff of Our Lady of the Holy Souls, we wish you a blessed Advent and a joyful Christmas.
Please join us at any of our Christmas Services:
Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 10 p.m. — Christmas Eve Mass Wednesday, Dec. 24; 4:15 p.m. (at Allen Center) — Christmas Eve Mass
Thursday, Dec. 25; 10 a.m. — Christmas Mass
Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church 1003 N. Tyler Street,Little Rock, AR 72205 501-663-8632 // holysouls.org
By Parker Loy, Co-Pastor First NLR
Every December, the focus is on one thing: Christmas. As the holiday approaches, houses are decorated, stores fill with shoppers, and children can hardly wait for Christmas morning. All of those things are wonderful — but if you’re not careful, you can lose sight of what this season is truly about: Jesus.
Jesus is the reason for the season, but how do you keep him your focus when your inbox is full of sales, your feed overflows with ads, and your mailbox is stuffed with catalogs?
Be intentional. When the world tries to choose your priorities this Christmas, choose to slow down and focus on Jesus. Read the story of his birth before opening gifts. Schedule when and where you will attend a Christmas service. Volunteer as a family to give back to those in need.
Jesus, the greatest gift, left Heaven and came to earth as a baby — Emannuel, God with us. When you pause and focus on him in the midst of holiday chaos, joy replaces stress, peace silences fear, and gratitude overflows.
Merry Christmas from First NLR!
Christmas Services:
Saturday, Dec. 20: 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21: 6 p.m. (Spanish service)
First NLR
4501 Burrow Drive, North Little Rock firstnlr.com
By Dale Wicker, pastor First Baptist Church Conway
The distance as the crow or airplane flies from Conway, Arkansas, to Bethlehem in the Middle East is about 6,655 miles. That’s a long way.
I have been fortunate enough to visit the birthplace of Jesus in person. I’ve been there multiple times and always come away with a sense of great awe and gratitude. I certainly feel a closeness to the Savior in that sacred place. Most of the world, however, will never visit Bethlehem in person.
But the point of Bethlehem, even after all these years, is the closeness of God, not the distance. God sent Jesus in a humble birth so that people could know him. We call that the incarnation, a theological word that means “in flesh”. Christmas is the celebration of God’s eternal desire to be close to us. Jesus is the way the closeness happens. The marvel of Bethlehem is that God wants us even more than we might want him.
It turns out that Bethlehem is not that far away.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, Dec. 24: 5 p.m.
Christmas Eve candlelight service
First Baptist Church 1719 Robinson Ave. Conway conwayfbc.com
By Pastor Mark Evans
Some of God’s greatest gifts don’t arrive wrapped the way we imagined. They show up in unexpected places at unexpected times, and if you’re like me, many times, it’s when you’re convinced nothing good can come from what you’re dealing with. The Christmas story reminds us of this truth. The Savior of the world didn’t enter history in a palace or through a powerful family. He came in a small town, to ordinary parents, placed in a manger. It was unexpected — but it was exactly what we needed.
Life still works like that today. We plan, we prepare, and yet surprises come: a job changes, a relationship shifts, a door closes or a challenge arrives without warning. In those moments, it’s easy to wonder if God sees us or if he still has a plan. But often, the very interruptions we resist become the invitations God uses to guide us into something new.
The unexpected is not the end of God’s work — it’s often the beginning. When life feels off-script, remember Bethlehem. God does his best work in places we never thought to look, and His greatest gifts — purpose, peace, and hope — still find us in the most unexpected way.
I invite you to come celebrate “The Unexpected Gift of Christmas” at the Church at Rock Creek:
Monday, Dec. 22: 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23: 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24: 4 p.m.
And just like that, the most wonderful time of the year has rolled back around. We’re being bombarded with commercials, pestered for charitable donations and pressured to attend another holly, jolly get-together with family and friends. All the while, everywhere you go, Mariah continues to belt out “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
The truth is that it feels less like everyone wants you and more like everyone wants a piece of you, doesn’t it? The space between Thanksgiving and Christmas seems to shrink a little every year, no matter what the calendar says. If we’re not careful, the new year will dawn and leave you asking, “What just happened?!”
Here are a few tips for keeping your sanity this holiday season:
1. Say “yes” to the best and “no” to the rest. It’s perfectly acceptable to set boundaries around your time, prioritizing those people and activities that energize you and add sparkle to your life.
2. Remember that simple is good. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. Whether it’s decorating, cooking or gift-giving, remind yourself that it’s not a competition. By this time next year, no one will remember anyway.
3. Focus on faith and family. After all, isn’t that what the season is all about? Celebrate old traditions — or start a new one. Bonus points if you take the time to see the magic through the eyes of a child.
4. Take good care of yourself. Sometimes we just let December run over us like a snowplow. We eat and drink too much. We stop exercising. We tell ourselves we’ll rest in January, but how we treat ourselves at the end of the year sets the stage for the year to come, so make wise choices and reap the benefits.
With a little intentionality and advance planning, you can make this your best Christmas yet.
By Garrick D. Conner, licensed professional counselor Bryant
Thinking about holiday performances often conjures up visions of ballerinas performing “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” While Arkansas has its fair share of places to catch the classic show The Nutcracker this season, there are many more holiday-themed shows on the docket around the state that are sure to wow the whole family. Beyond performances, many cities are hosting festive parades and events that will get even the Grinchiest of people into the Christmas mood.
A Christmas Story Through Dec. 21
Argenta Contemporary Theatre North Little Rock
Frozen: The Broadway Musical Through Dec. 31
Murry’s Dinner Playhouse Little Rock
Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus
Through Dec. 6: Hot Springs
Dec. 10-14: Harrison
Dec. 19-Jan. 4: Greenbrier
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
Dec. 2
Robinson Center Little Rock
It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec. 2-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23, 24
TheatreSquared Fayetteville
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Dec. 2,3,5,6,7
South Arkansas Arts Center
El Dorado
Ice on Ice
Dec. 4
Hamp Williams Building Hot Springs
Little Rock Winds Happy Holidays
Dec. 4
UA-Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater
North Little Rock
Trans-Siberian Orchestra:
The Ghost of Christmas Eve
Dec. 4
Simmons Bank Arena
North Little Rock
Champagne & Mistletoe with the Christmas Belles
Dec. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19
Vapors Live Hot Springs
Blue Christmas with Zaden J. Dec. 6
Vapors Live Hot Springs
A Very SoNA Christmas Dec. 6
Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Dec. 6,7,13,14,20,21
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Little Rock
The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade and Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 6
Downtown Little Rock
The Snowman: A Family Concert Dec. 7
Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
Hot Springs Flute Ensemble Concert
Dec. 7
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs
Christmas Music at Smyrna Church
Dec. 7
Smyrna Church Searcy
Ringers of Hope Bell Choir Concert Dec. 9
Garvan Woodlands Gardens Hot Springs
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol Dec. 10
Reynolds Performance Hall Conway
A Hometown Christmas Concert Dec. 11
Garvan Woodland Gardens Hot Springs
Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Spectacular with Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Dec. 12-14
Robinson Center Little Rock
Home for the Holidays Concert Dec. 12
The Auditorium Eureka Springs
Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas Dec. 12
UA-Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater North Little Rock
Ozark Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker Dec. 12
Fayetteville Public Library Fayetteville
Stage 13 Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 12-21
Wildwood Park for the Arts Little Rock
The Nutcracker Presented by Western Arkansas Ballet
Dec. 13, 14
ArcBest Performing Arts Center
Fort Smith
The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars
Dec. 15
Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center
Fayetteville
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: A Holiday Equinox
Dec. 17
Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
Saline County Christmas Parade: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Dec. 1
Downtown Benton
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 2
Capital Hotel
Little Rock
The Holiday Bar at One Eleven Dec. 2, 4-6, 11-13, 18-20
One Eleven at the Capital Little Rock
The Russellville Christmas Parade Dec. 4
Downtown Russellville
Lights of the Ozarks Parade Dec. 4
Downtown Fayetteville
Holiday Radio: A Sleighride Through the Season’s Airwaves
Dec. 17-21
Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Little Rock
Every Christmas Story Ever Told December 19-21
TheatreSquared
Fayetteville
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents: Home for the Holidays Dec. 19-21
Robinson Center
Little Rock
El Dorado Christmas Parade
Dec. 4
North West Avenue
El Dorado
Christmas Parade of Lights Dec. 5
Downtown Eureka Springs
Dardanelle Christmas Parade
Dec. 5
Merritt Park to Front Street Dardenelle
Mena Christmas Parade of Lights Dec. 5
Downtown Mena
47th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild
Christmas Showcase Dec. 5-7
Arkansas State Fairgrounds Little Rock
Candlelight: Christmas Classics
Dec. 20
Albert Pike Masonic Center
Little Rock
David Adam Byrnes: Home at Christmas
Dec. 20
Stickyz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack
Little Rock
Cliff and Susan Holiday Show
Dec. 21
Vapors Live
Hot Springs
A Very Jerry Christmas Featuring Freeverse Dec. 27
Revolution Music Room
Little Rock
Living Nativity
December 5-7, 10, 12-14
Searcy First Assembly Searcy
Teddy Bear Tea Dec. 6,13,20
One Eleven at the Capital Little Rock
Freedom Frosty 5K
Dec. 6
Lawrence Plaza Bentonville
Jacksonville Christmas Parade Dec. 6
Main Street
Jacksonville
The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade and Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony Dec. 6
Downtown Little Rock
Dec. 13
Downtown Bentonville
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Dec. 27
TheatreSquared Fayetteville
The Foul Play Cabaret
New Years Eve
Celebration
Dec. 31
Vapors Live
Hot Springs
‘90s Country New Year — Vol. 4
Dec. 31
The Hall Little Rock
Dec. 17
Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
The Polar Express PJ Party
Dec. 6
Rialto Theater
Searcy
Searcy Christmas Parade
Dec. 6
Starts on Spring Street Searcy
Hot Springs Christmas Parade
Dec. 8
Downtown Hot Springs
Christmas on the Courthouse Square
Dec.11
Courthouse Square Malvern
21st Ever Nog-Off:
A Friendly Eggnog Competition
Dec. 12
Historic Arkansas Museum Little Rock
Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl
Dec. 12
Downtown Eureka Springs
Train Rides at Yancey Park
Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20
Yancey Park
Searcy
Peppermint Land Holiday Expo
Dec. 13
Arkansas State Fairgrounds Little Rock
White Elephant 5K & 1 Mile
Dec. 13
Fayetteville Town Center Fayetteville
Characters, Cocoa & Cookies
Dec. 13
Searcy Lion Arena Searcy
Bentonville Christmas Parade
Dec. 13
Downtown Bentonville
Van Buren Christmas Parade
Dec. 13
Downtown Van Buren
Kiwanis Christmas Parade Dec. 13
Downtown Batesville
North Little Rock Christmas Parade
Dec. 14
Main Street North Little Rock
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Dec. 14
Marlsgate Plantation
Scott
A Beary Christmas Workshop
Dec. 14, 15
Capital Hotel Little Rock
Ugly Sweater Race 5K
Dec. 20
Two Rivers Park
Little Rock
Christmas Candlelight Dinner
Dec. 20
Marlsgate Plantation
Scott
Jinglin’ Jeep Parade and Ugly Sweater Contest Dec. 20
Pine Mountain Village
Eureka Springs
Traditional Christmas Brunch
Dec. 21
Marlsgate Plantation
Scott
Holiday Films: The Muppet Christmas Carol and Home Alone Dec. 23
Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
GloWILD: New Year’s Eve Party
Dec. 31
Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
There is no need to travel to the North Pole for Christmas magic this year. Arkansas is chock-full of places featuring beautiful light displays all month, as well as plenty of places to meet Santa and secure a spot on the nice list.
All
Bathhouse
Bentonville
Berryhill
Centennial neighborhood
Christmas at the Park
Christmas on the Square
Creekmore
GloWILD! at the
Harding University
Edgewater neighborhood
Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends
Finney’s Christmas Wonderland
Sherwood’s Enchanted
Stewart
The Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods
The Lights Show NWA
Time Loop by Klip Collective: A Forest Light Experience
Whimsical Christmas Light Show
White County Courthouse
White River Wonderland
Woodland Springs neighborhood
Yancey Park
Santa’s Wonderland
Through Dec. 24
Bass Pro Shop
Little Rock
Photos with Santa Through Dec. 24
Park Plaza Mall
Little Rock
Santa Photo Experience Through Dec. 24
McCain Mall
North Little Rock
Pet Photos with Santa Dec. 1,8,15,22
Park Plaza Mall
Little Rock
Santa at Chef Candance Dec. 2
Chef Candance
Cabot
Santa Visits GlowWILD!
Dec. 5-7
Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock
Santa in the Park/Sugarplum Festival
Dec. 5
Leslie City Park
Leslie
Photos with Santa Dec. 6
Statehouse Convention Center
Little Rock
Santa Drop 2025
Dec. 6
Arkansas Air & Military
Museum
Fayetteville
Cookies with Santa Dec. 6
McCain Mall
North Little Rock
Teddy Bear Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 6, 13, 20
One Eleven Bar & Grill
Little Rock
Special Visit with Caring Santa (sensory-friendly)
Dec. 7
McCain Mall
North Little Rock
Sensory Santa (sensory-friendly)
Dec. 7-9
Park Plaza Mall
Little Rock
Christmas at Ace Dec. 12
Haynes Ace Hardware Morrilton
Sweets & Santa Dec. 12-21
Stage 13 at Wildwood Park for the Arts
Christmas at Ace Dec. 13
Haynes Ace Hardware
Conway
Santa on the Square Dec. 13
Main Street
El Dorado
Pancakes with Santa Dec. 13
First Baptist Church Searcy
Black Santa at GloWILD! Dec. 14
Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock
A Sunday with Santa Dec. 14
The Capital Hotel Little Rock
Storytime with Santa Dec. 16-18, 21-22
The Capital Hotel
LIttle Rock
Lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 17-19
The Capital Hotel
Little Rock
Santa’s Last Stop Dec. 20
Newton House
El Dorado
What fun it is to celebrate the holidays, and AY About You hopes to make spirits even brighter for a few lucky readers. During our 25-day countdown to Christmas, we will give away a prize per day from one of the Natural State’s many wonderful local businesses. From treats and toys to artwork and experiences, these delightful gifts are a boon to anyone this season.
Each day of December leading up to Christmas, visit AY’s social media platforms for the code word of the day. Enter the codeword at aymag.com/ contests for a chance to win. Items must be picked up in person.
Murphy Arts District
Value: $225
101 E. Locust St., El Dorado 870-444-3007 | eldomad.com
Get into the Christmas spirit with a holiday performance by Lonestar and Collin Raye at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Murphy Arts District’s First Financial Music Hall in El Dorado. These Golden Circle tickets get fans close to the action as the artists offer up a Christmas performance like no other. One of country music’s most enduring and influential bands, Lonestar first rocketed to success with the 1999 ballad “Amazed” and has since gone on to win countless industry honors. A native of De Queen, Raye was one of the true hit makers of the ‘90s and continues to crank out soulful, heartfelt tunes.
4
Value: $260
Value: $230
3959 N. Steele Blvd., Suite 101, Fayetteville 479-356-9377 edensflowertruck.com day2
7509 Cantrell Road, Suite 4, Little Rock
501-255-8883 | norwood-day.com
Value: $200
825 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-547-9411 | hammerandstainhotsprings.com
Enjoy Christmas fun at Hammer & Stain Hot Springs. Grab a friend, and choose a project on the company website. From ceramics and stained glass to vintage Christmas trees and more, there is no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the holidays at Hammer & Stain. Offer valid until May 31.
Celebrate the reason for the season with this handsome nativity set by Lauren Dunn. The unique acrylic nativity set provides a creative representation of the birth of Jesus. The set includes seven figures: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the three wise men and the angel. The tallest figure is about 8 inches tall, and all figures are made out of 3/4-inch thick freestanding acrylic painted beautifully in vibrant colors.
Eden’s Flower Truck + Eden’s Botanicals
Plan an out-of-the-box outing with four free tickets to a private flower arranging workshop with a complimentary charcuterie board and champagne. Create a beautiful custom floral arrangement that is fragrant and long lasting at this workshop, taught by award-winning florist Eden Garrett, and watch the creativity blossom.
Pasta Grill
Value: $300
Locations in Conway, Russellville and Van Buren pastagrillrestaurant.com
Sit back, relax, unwind and dine at Pasta Grill. Indulge in the “Pasta Grill experience” with this very special dinner for four. Enjoy intimate, unhurried dining while sampling the restaurant’s pastas, seafood and prime hand-cut steaks — served just the way guests like them.
Copper Well Retreat
Value: $400
12418 Cantrell Road, Little Rock
501-904-1978
copperwellretreat.com
A restorative half-day escape designed to melt away the holiday stress, calm the mind and leave the recipient feeling deeply renewed for the new year, the Holiday Hustle Recovery Retreat includes a 60-minute foot ritual worth $65, a 60-minute stillness massage worth $110 and a 90-minute headspa and facial worth $225 for 4 1/2 hours of pampering.
Value: $325
Locations in Little Rock and Lonsdale
501-476-7171 | beyondwellnessar.com
Value: $150 (gift card)
10700 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock
501-227-8442 | thecrownshop.com
Family owned since 1971, The Crown Shop in Little Rock has what is arguably the best gift selection in town. Shoppers can rest assured there is something special for everyone on the Christmas list because The Crown Shop offers one-stop shopping for popular lines such as Lauren Dunn, enewton, NEST fragrances, YETI, Mud Pie, HOBO bags, Coton Colors and more.
9 10 day day day
Value: $240
Start the new year with fresh skin by indulging in a HydraFacial with a dermaplane add-on at Beyond Wellness. The combined treatments produce glowing results sure to make anyone feel purely radiant. With locations in Little Rock and Lonsdale plus a new location soon to open in Rogers, Beyond Wellness is committed to providing holistic care geared toward well-being from the inside out.
4106 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson 417-332-2231 | thebutterflypalace.com
1945 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson 417-335-2484 | grandcountrylivemusic.com
Christmas at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure is a magical, unique experience. More than 1,000 butterflies flutter around the rainforest area like colorful snowflakes. The area is filled with towering palms, a waterfall, orchids and other exotic tropical plants. Twinkling lights and live hammered dulcimer music make for a beautiful setting. For the full experience, do not forget the 3D Monarch Movie; the Critter Center, which has more than three dozen rainforest animals; the Mirror Maze; and the Banyan Tree Adventure. This real butterfly acrylic display captures the magic of the attraction.
Audiences fall in love with the tight harmonies and dynamic performance of what many consider to be Branson’s best quartet, New South. The incredible group entertains with spectacular music, great harmonies, family comedy and Ozarks hospitality. Mark, Luke, Barry and Eric sing favorite Christmas songs in one of Branson’s most entertaining shows. These two Grand Country 2026 season passes are good for all shows during the 2026 season.
day
Jones & Son
Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry
Value: $300
11121 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock
855-901-7464 | jonesandson.com
Murry’s Dinner Playhouse
Value: $188 (gift card)
6323 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock
Any man can feel more sophisticated with this elegant watch by Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry in Little Rock. Featuring a large face and black leather band, the sleek design transitions seamlessly from day to night, making this a winning gift for any man on the go. Ring in the new year in style with this classic timepiece.
501-562-3131 | murrysdp.com
Experience the magic of Frozen with dinner and a show for four at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. Since 1967, Murry’s has been a destination for exceptional dining and entertainment. The award-winning Broadway musical Frozen brings the Disney film to the stage with a jaw-dropping production featuring extravagant beauty, iconic music and hilarious fun. Through Dec. 31.
11 day day day day
Sage Boutique
Value: $150 (gift card)
Locations in Sherwood, Little Rock and Conway facebook/shopsagenlr | instagram.com/shopsage
On the 12th Day of Christmas, Sage Boutique gifted to me-a $150 Shopping Spree! Redeem this gift card at any of our three locations — Sherwood, Little Rock in the Heights, or Downtown Conway. Thank you for shopping with us in 2025! Our team can’t wait to see new and returning customers in 2026. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year — may your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and style.
14 13
Value: $300
11121 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock
855-901-7464 | jonesandson.com
Show that special lady how much she means with these remarkable pearl earrings. Whether for a wife, mother, daughter or oneself, these lovely earrings are an excellent addition to any jewelry collection and pair nicely with everything from a little black dress to a power suit. Tasteful yet elegant, these earrings are just as beautiful as the woman wearing them.
15
Value: $275
11220 Executive Center Drive, Suite 201, Little Rock
501-492-8970 | theskinretreat.com
Holiday hosts can put their best faces forward with a HydraFacial, a rejuvenating treatment that revitalizes skin’s natural radiance. HydraFacial combines advanced technology with nourishing serums to cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate skin during a single session.
TheLuxuryLady.com
Value: $800
Authentic Pre-Loved Luxury Handbags
TheLuxuryLady.com invites readers to experience true luxury with a guaranteed authentic designer handbag selected from their exclusive collection of pre-owned luxury pieces. Known for bringing high-end style and trustworthy authenticity to shoppers nationwide, TheLuxuryLady.com offers timeless handbags that make every day feel elevated.
Value: $200
Townsend Spice & Supply
725 E. Main St., Melbourne 870-368-3688 | townsendspice.com
Food deserves to be pampered. No dish is complete without the right blend of spices, and the seasoning aficionados at Townsend Spice & Supply in Melbourne have home cooks covered with a present that is present every time they step into the kitchen — this selection of 24 spice containers.
Stilo Holistic Hair + Head Spa
Swing Social
Value: $150 (gift card)
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite 1B, Little Rock
501-480-5544 | swingsocialar.com
Value: $300
8028 Cantrell Road, Suite 200, Little Rock
501-227-8813 | stilosalonlittlerock.com
Give the gift of deep relaxation and restoration. This luxurious basket includes a Cleanse & Let Go Head Spa Experience with a hydration boost to deeply moisturize the hair, followed by a blowout style. The basket also features organic, in-house Stilo creations, including a meditation roller oil used in Stilo’s signature rituals, a rich, handmade body butter and an organic sateen scrunchie, as well as a custom Stilo scalp brush designed to elevate one’s athome care routine.
Dr. Suzanne Yee Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center
Value: $540
12600 Cantrell Road, Suite 100, Little Rock 501-224-1044 | drsuzanneyee.com
Experience the greatest way to play with Swing Social, Little Rock’s newest indoor golf venue. Swing Social offers four main simulator bays, along with a VIP party room, each equipped with swing analytics, high-speed simulators and visuals of real golf courses for a game like no other. The establishment also offers a full bar and an elevated food menu courtesy of the adjacent Homer’s Kitchen Table.
Give radiant skin this holiday season with a DiamondGlow treatment and SkinMedica gift set. This dermabrasion facial exfoliates, extracts and infuses medical-grade serums for instantly glowing skin. Paired with SkinMedica’s exfoliating cleanser and HA5 hydrator — which delivers 48-hour moisture with 2 times more hyaluronic acid — the treatment is everything needed for smoother, brighter, healthierlooking skin. An ideal gift to help someone look and feel their best.
Fort Thompson Sporting Goods
Value: $200 (gift card)
5802 Warden Road, Sherwood 501-835-3006 | ftthompson.com
Not sure what to get the hunter, woodsman or adventure-seeker in your life? Send ’em on a shopping spree at Fort Thompson, and let this gift card do the heavy lifting. From Sitka, Drake, Natural Gear and Banded to Benelli, Beretta, Echo Duck Calls, Lacrosse and Xtratuf boots, there is something here for every outdoorsman, outdoorswoman and Natural State
North Little Rock Tourism
Value: $150
600 Main St., Suite 100, North Little Rock
501-758-1424 | northlittlerock.org
Celebrate the holidays the Dogtown way with this gift basket from North Little Rock Tourism. Included are two festive T-shirts, a holiday mug, milk chocolate caramels, hot cocoa bombs, Aromatique Smell of Christmas potpourri and an adorable plush puppy that can be microwaved for added warmth. What better way to relax after soaking in the festive light displays at the Argenta Arts District?
Value: $800
Value: $250
1811 Rahling Road, Suite 100, Little Rock 501-575-0088 | drwrightplasticsurgery.com
25 day day day
Shine bright this season with a DiamondGlow Facial. DiamondGlow is a dermabrasion treatment that uses patented 3X1 technology to simultaneously exfoliate, extract and infuse the skin with nourishing SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serums. DiamondGlow is highly customizable. Unlike traditional facials and peels, Diamond Glow delivers varying degrees of hydration, brightening and clarifying benefits depending on each person’s unique needs.
2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs
501-623-4411 | oaklawn.com
Experience the ultimate in luxury at Oaklawn Hot Springs. This gift package includes deluxe room accommodations at Forbes-recommended hotel for one night, two 60-minute massages at the Forbes four-star-rated Astral Spa, and dinner for two at the Forbes-recommended OAK room & bar, which received an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award last year. Blackout dates apply. Offer expires May 3.
Sissy’s Log Cabin
Value: $400
Locations in Conway, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Memphis and Pine Bluff sissyslogcabin.com
Give the gift of elegance this Christmas. Crafted in sterling silver, this signature LAGOS bracelet features seven smooth stations accented by iconic Caviar beading. Perfect for everyday wear and ideal for pairing with other designs from the Signature Caviar collection, this look is sure to make her holiday merry and bright.
By AY About You Staff
1 Corinthians, the Bible outlines the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, unique skills and abilities by which believers are empowered to live out what God has called them to do. Biblical scholars are divided on the exact origin and number of these gifts, also referenced in Ephesians, Isaiah and Romans, but generally accepted are the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith and healing, among others.
Time, talent and treasure are all valuable commodities made more so when spent benefiting other people. Such investment is welcomed and needed all year across Arkansas but are often more front of mind during the holidays, when thoughts turn to one’s abundant blessings and the plight of others less fortunate.
This year, AY About You compiled its own list, “Gifts of the Spirit,” and sought out members of the community to describe ways to put these gifts into meaningful action. May they inspire you and your family to invest in others this Christmas and hopefully start a habit to last all through the new year.
Josh Neal’s life changed forever on Feb. 18, 2008, just not in the way he originally understood.
Neal was just leaving a party at a private home when he was jumped by five men. The attackers beat him severely, leaving him with a broken nose, fractured orbital bone, detached retina and ear avulsion.
Following the attack, Neal was able to identify two of his assailants, both of whom had criminal records with serious offenses. The men were convicted and sentenced to 15 and 20 years respectively for the crime. During the years of incarceration, Neal stayed informed of their status, if they were moved and when they were approaching release.
“I would get notices if they were having parole hearings,” he said. “I was called and encouraged to come speak at those hearings in the hopes of keeping them in prison.”
attacker as part of faith journey
Almost eight years exactly after the attack, Neal attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Little Rock. The speaker was Scott McLean, founder of Pathway to Freedom, a Christ-centered program for the incarcerated helping prepare them for reentry. One of Neal’s attackers was pictured on the cover of the brochures, and inside, the man talked about how the 18-month program had saved his life.
“I was shocked,” Neal said. “I texted my wife and told her how weird it was to see the person I sent to prison on the front cover, but I wasn’t shocked by what Jesus could do. I remember telling her, ‘I hope it’s real.’”
A year later, Neal and his wife were on a dinner date, at the conclusion of which they were surprised to learn their tab had been paid. It had dawned on him that the man eating with his family at an adjoining table looked somewhat familiar, but he dismissed it just as quickly. In
fact, it was one of his attackers, the same man pictured on the pamphlet.
Fast-forward to 2023. Neal attended his men’s group meeting at Fellowship Bible Church, where again he heard McLean talk about his program. Afterward, he approached the speaker, told him his story and inquired about his attacker. McLean said the man was doing really well with his second chance at life. He also suggested Neal meet with him to see for himself.
A week later, Neal and his assailant, who declined to be interviewed for this piece, met face to face for the first time since the attack.
Neal said the man told him that the night of the attack was a turning point in his life and that he was sure he would be dead by now had it not happened. It was not his first time in prison, but this time was different because it exposed him to Pathway to Freedom, which had finally given him the tools to turn his life around. Since being released, he had launched a business and become a dependable family man. He had also given his life to Christ, which he credited for everything. Finally, he apologized for the pain and suffering he had caused Neal that night.
“I shared with him that I was very happy to see what God had done with his life,” Neal said. “I was thankful for that and completely forgave him. I also told him the story of myself, where I went from being a straightlaced kid to running from God, and how, in five years, I became the worst version of myself, someone I didn’t even recognize.”
At the end of the meeting, the man encouraged Neal to take his story to those in prison, noting that he had a unique firsthand understanding of what many of the inmates had experienced in their own lives. Neal did so, and today, he volunteers regularly in prison, telling a story of hope and redemption in real-world terms for the men trying to
“We are all broken people carrying shame, regret, past failures, hurts — you name it.”
— Josh Neal
learn how to make the most of their second chapter.
“We are all broken people carrying shame, regret, past failures, hurts — you name it. We all need to be reminded of what Jesus says about us, that we are all children of God,” he said. “It’s with the backdrop of how much Christ has forgiven me that I am able to forgive the guys that attacked me. It is also this same backdrop that lets me move past my own failures and shortcomings and forgive myself.
“Volunteering at the prison has made me hyperaware of the fact that the five years of my life that I have been most ashamed of are the five years of life that prepared me for the role God had for me. It’s his love, his grace, his mercy that which we all so desperately need.”
shares food, spreads hope and serves with love
The mission of the food ministry at the Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock is not complicated. The church runs the Rock Creek Food Bank and Feed Arkansas Kids ministries through the work of more than 125 volunteers.
The mission statement of the food bank is simple: Sharing Food. Spreading Hope. Serving with Love.
“Our volunteers truly embody this spirit,” said Director Stephanie Fink. “They go above and beyond every day to help those in our community who are struggling with hunger, showing up with joyful and compassionate hearts.”
She cited as inspiration a passage in the Gospel of Matthew, which reads: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)
“When you bless a family with food, you’re blessed in return — knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life,” Fink said. “Our volunteers often say that serving others through this ministry has strengthened their own faith and deepened their sense of community.”
Shortly after the church was founded in 1995, it launched a food pantry out of a closet with donated food. Fink said the need continued to grow, and ultimately, the church built a food bank facility. The church’s food bank now serves more than 500 families in Pulaski and Saline counties each month.
Each November, the food bank hosts a community Thanksgiving event at which more than 400 families are blessed with a box of food and a roasting hen, “so they can prepare and share a Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones,” Fink said.
Food ministries provide families in need with not only meals but smiles. (Photo courtesy of the Church at Rock Creek)
Feed Arkansas Kids was started in 2007 to combat child hunger in Arkansas, which has one of the highest rates in the country. Its mission is simple, as well: to end child hunger by partnering with local schools to discreetly distribute food each week to students in need.
“We began by providing weekend meal packs for just 50 children, but the need quickly outgrew our resources,” Fink said. “We soon applied for
501(c)(3) nonprofit status and have grown to feed approximately 1,800 children each week. Today, we deliver meal packs to more than 30 schools in [the] Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pulaski County, Sheridan, Bryant and Bauxite [school districts].
The food bank and food ministry for kids receive donations of food and funds from multiple sources, including donations from church members and local retail stores. The church also partners with the Arkansas Foodbank, from which it purchases bulk food at discounted prices.
As the church’s capacity to help has grown, so has the need.
“Over the years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of families struggling to provide for themselves, especially during times when government employees are furloughed or when SNAP funding is delayed,” Fink said.
SNAP refers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“Pulaski and Saline counties together have more than 5,400 govern-
thankfulment employees and over 38,000 SNAP recipients,” she said. “It’s vital that churches and private organizations step up to support local food banks during these challenging and uncertain times.”
Fink added that the church is never able to fully meet the need for food.
“Once we exhaust our supply of food for a day, there are always more people that we are not able to serve,” she said. “The need for food is great, and we would love to expand our efforts if the supply of food increased.”
To support the Rock Creek food ministries, Fink said nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the Rock Creek Food Bank at 11500 W. 36th St. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Monetary donations also can be made to the food bank or Feed Arkansas Kids to help supplement the efforts. Those interested can visit churchatrockcreek.com/give to make a gift to the food bank or feedarkansaskids.com to support Feed Arkansas Kids.
Moment of inspiration leads to ‘moments of generosity’
Little Rock nonprofit Live Thankfully traces its origins to Kenya. On a mission trip to the east African nation, founder Kimberly Cook experienced firsthand the impact of serving vulnerable communities.
Back home in Little Rock, Cook felt the whisper of inspiration after learning about homeless youth in the city. She organized a garage sale that raised more than $3,000 to support the cause. Building on that success, she launched Live Thankfully in 2017.
Today, Live Thankfully is considered one of the top resale shops in the city, having now served more than 30,000 customers and donated more than $325,000 to support women and children in crisis. More than 150 teens and women have received vouchers for clothing and furniture at the store, and 156 truckloads of clothing and furniture have been delivered to nonprofits serving the needy.
More than 12,000 transactions — Cook calls them moments of generosity — have been recorded at Live Thankfully, which has hosted 10 free shopping events for the youth at its main benefactor, Immense Arkansas.
Immerse was founded in 2008 to address the needs of youth aging out of foster care and the juvenile justice system and youth who are runaways or homeless, as well as youth victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“Live Thankfully is more than an upscale resale boutique,” Cook said. “It’s a space where generosity takes on new life right here in Little Rock. Every donation, purchase and act of service becomes part of something bigger — renewing resources, transforming lives and strengthening our community in meaningful ways.”
A donation-based boutique, Live Thankfully offers a wide range of upscale, new and “gently used” items, including women’s clothing, shoes, accessories such as jewelry and purses, furniture and decorative home goods. Brands to be found include Ann Taylor, lululemon, Nike, Athleta, J.Crew, Talbots, Chico’s and more. Every purchase benefits women and children in crisis, Cook said.
“Whether you’re on a budget, hunting for bargains or simply enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden gems, Live Thankfully has something special in store for you,” she said. “It’s a beautiful exchange
— individuals sharing what they have, shoppers finding significance in their choices and the community coming together to restore hope where it’s needed most.”
Cook sees Live Thankfully as a space where generosity takes on new life.
“Every donation, purchase and act of service becomes part of something bigger, renewing resources, transforming lives and strengthening our community in meaningful ways,” she said. “Each day, we witness the journey of generosity in action.”
The venture is guided by a board of directors filled with what Cook called “dedicated women committed to making a positive impact in the community,” including Joanna Douglass, Kristin Frankowski, Leigh Ann Raper and Britney Spees.
“Their collective guidance ensures Live Thankfully continues to thrive and serve Little Rock with excellence,” Cook said.
The store welcomes the help of volunteers, whose work ensures Live Thankfully can keep prices low.
“Our operations thrive on the continuous support of volunteers who generously contribute their time and effort.”
— Kimberly Cook, Live Thankfully
“Our operations thrive on the continuous support of volunteers who generously contribute their time and effort,” Cook said. “Whether it’s aiding in receiving and organizing donations, arranging store displays, assisting customers, handling cashier duties, or tackling various other tasks, volunteers play a crucial role in our daily operations. Whether you can spare an hour or commit to a regular shift, your involvement significantly impacts the lives of those in need within our city.”
Live Thankfully, at 10020 N. Rodney Parham Road in west Little Rock, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Monetary
donations are accepted online at livethankfullylittlerock.com, and clothing or furniture donations are accepted in-store during business hours. Also, those wanting to donate furniture can call 501-650-2596 to schedule a pickup.
“Through God’s grace, what may seem small — a closet clean-out, a shopping trip, a few hours of volunteering — becomes part of something far greater, woven together in ways only he can orchestrate,” Cook said. “Our impact is a testament to that truth — when generosity flows, lives are renewed.”
Alexandra Mounger has had a soft spot for four-legged friends all her life.
“What personally motivated me was that I had adopted a dog from a shelter in Louisiana that had really bad reactivity issues around other dogs,” said Mounger, who has served for the past 3 1/2 years as executive director at CARE for Animals in Little Rock. “I was really connected to him, and I wanted to do what was best for him. Part of the big motivation behind me moving to CARE was wanting to understand what he needed more.”
Years later, Mounger’s motivation has only grown. Today, she works tirelessly as an advocate for pet fostering, adoption, spay and neuter programs, and responsible pet ownership. At CARE, she oversees an operation that not only provides adoption opportunities for pet owners but also sets animals up with foster caregivers who care for them until a permanent owner is found. That means pets looking for a permanent home can be looked after without having to be confined to a shelter.
“CARE started as essentially just a rescue organization,” Mounger said. “We had a group of people who would take animals from the kill shelter that were on the euthanasia list and find homes for them. That was its main mission for a very long time. Then, I want to say it was 2010 or 2011, we started seeing a need for more spay and neuter resources for our community.”
That dovetails into another full-time job for Mounger and her staff: advocacy and education. Finding homes for pets is doubtless a feel-good pursuit, but the issues facing the companion animal population are no laughing matter. An unwillingness for some to properly spay or neuter their pets coupled with a statewide veterinarian shortage easily leads to more animals than shelters and foster programs can hold.
“At the end of the day, we can keep pulling puppies off the proverbial sinking ship,” Mounger said, “but if we don’t stop the problem where it’s
“Volunteers are really important. We have a small group of very amazing and dedicated individuals who coordinate all the meet-and-greets in the adoptions of our animals.”
— Alexandra Mounger
starting, then it’s just going to keep happening. I would argue that we’re probably at that point — or have surpassed it for some time — where we are going to run out of homes for all the animals.”
That concerns Mounger, since CARE’s core mission is to keep animals out of shelters by finding foster homes and adoptive homes. What she sees now is a system that is right at capacity, if not overflowing. To help combat this, CARE offers vouchers that allow pet owners access to discounted spay and neuter services across the state.
“We are going to run out of homes for all the animals that there are, whereas if you spay or neuter an animal, you can literally prevent the birth” Mounger said. “I mean, an adult dog can have up to 10 puppies, and they can have several litters over the course of their lifetimes.”
Mounger said another leading cause of abandoned and sheltered pets is sudden economic hardships that may make owning a pet cost prohibitive. That is why CARE operates a donation-based food pantry to help owners who may be struggling to afford pet food.
None of that would be possible without a hefty dose of volunteerism. CARE started in 1998 solely buoyed by volunteers, and even while Mounger now has two full-time staffers under her, help from others is absolutely vital. Those looking to help have plenty of options ranging from fostering adoptable animals to helping out
at CARE headquarters or assisting with putting on special events and fundraisers.
“Volunteers are really important,” Mounger said. “We have a small group of very amazing and dedicated individuals who coordinate all the meet-and-greets in the adoptions of our animals, and they’re just really amazing because every single day, they are doing something. They’re taking some energy from their life and helping push to get an animal into a forever home. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to pull off anything.”
Hamilton could have closed the door on the world around him a long time ago.
Hamilton co-founded Denman, Hamilton & Associates in 2013. Since then, Hamilton has established himself as one of the top accounting professionals in the Little Rock area. Carrying a distinct love for analytics and money management, Hamilton has achieved the dream of finding financial security through fulfilling work.
For some, that level of success represents a finish line, a checkered flag for a life well lived, but Hamilton cannot and will not turn his back on those starting their own journeys. For years, he has worked closely with the Little Rock Kappa League, an organization founded by the Little Rock Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. The Kappa League works with young men from sixth to 12th grade, helping them develop their leadership and communications skills.
Countless boys have used the Kappa League as a springboard to college and beyond, spreading their wings and writing success stories that mirror Hamilton’s own.
Deron Hamilton
“The first thing we do is we try to teach them the importance of community,” Hamilton said. “Probably half of their entire experience is designed for them to serve someone else, and I think that allows them to do two things: It allows them to see how blessed they are, and I think it allows them to stay humble and want to continue to serve others.”
Once those skills are locked in, there is no telling how far a student can go. Hamilton likes to talk about a Kappa League alum named James Couch, now a junior in college with medical school aspirations. Couch applied for the selective Gates Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding high school seniors from low-income households.
“They are doing a tremendous amount of good,” Hamilton said, “and when you see these young men go from zero to 10, it just blesses you. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
Hamilton said he became a believer in the Kappa League when he saw his own son, Kenneth, go through the program.
“He went through the program when he was in high school,” Hamilton said. “When I saw that, it was impressive how his leadership developed and the opportunities and exposure he got. I always told myself that once he graduated from high school and went to college, I was going to try to give back to the young men who sold it to my son.”
Hamilton’s work with Kappa League goes well beyond teaching subject matter or lining young men up for professional opportunities. It is a full-on program that equips students with skill sets that go far beyond classroom aptitude.
“What we’re trying to teach is how to be effective in both a team and group setting,” Hamilton said. “You can effectively communicate ideas but also actively engage in those projects to bring about change.”
A large part of the Kappa League program, and one that Hamilton stresses, is a sense of commitment toward others.
“He wanted to win the Bill Gates scholarship,” Hamilton said. “He had never applied, but there was a young man in our Kappa program that actually had won the Bill Gates scholarship, so they collaborated, and he shared what he did to be successful.
“This young man not only took what he learned from him; he put it on steroids, and not only did he get the Bill Gates scholarship, he got the Coca-Cola Scholarship and the Horatio Alger Scholarship.”
Part of Kappa League’s efforts includes job shadowing, allowing students to not just see various forms of leadership in action but also to create connections and mentorships. One of the biggest benefits, Hamilton said, is exposing students with high academic aptitude to situations that involve communication and teamwork, subjects that are not always taught in schools.
“When I see somebody that when I meet them, they won’t look you in the eye, they won’t communicate effectively, they sit in the back of the room — that’s why I do it,” Hamilton said. “What we’re trying to teach these young men to understand is it’s OK to not be the smartest person in the room, but it’s not OK to not reach from within to find your greatness.”
For some, home is a refuge, a place of warmth, safety and love. For others, home is the most dangerous place to be.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men are physically harmed by an intimate partner during their lifetimes, and more than 10 million people experience intimate partner violence each year.
Organizations such as Women & Children First in Little Rock can provide a safe haven for men and women escaping domestic violence. Not only does the nonprofit address the necessities of food, clothing and shelter, but it also facilitates independence, ensuring lasting stability for survivors and their children.
Volunteers are crucial to the success of that mission. At Women & Children First, the longest-serving volunteer is board member Sandra Storment, who has been involved in the organization nearly 40 years.
“I’ve just always loved what we do,” she said. “I’ve seen so many changes and so much growth in our organization. We have a very active board, and I’ve seen people come and go, but somehow, I’ve just always stayed involved, giving back to our community and women and children.”
Now retired, Storment was working as regional human resources director at Regions when the bank asked officers to get involved in at least two community service organizations. Among other causes, Storment joined up with Advocates for Battered Women, which later became Women & Children First.
At the time, the organization was housed on Battery Street with a shelter that, according to the Women & Children First website, was filled to capacity nearly every night between 1999 and 2001. The organization moved to its current location between 2002 and 2003, doubling its size and allowing for more services.
Now the time is ripe for yet another expansion.
“Today, our location is confidential, but it’s an old, run-down building that is ill designed for what we do and we’ve outgrown it,” Storment said. “It’s 116 years old.”
Women & Children First plans to move into its new home, the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center, by next summer. Using a model pioneered in San Diego, the center will allow survivors to access services ranging from shelter and legal aid to counseling and much more, all under one roof, Storment said.
“This will allow us to partner with agencies in the community so that the women will have a one-stop place,” Storment said. “Now you have to go to the courthouse, the police station, the health department, etc., to get all the things you need because a lot of times, the women leave with their children and have nothing that they can bring with them.”
The move will also increase capacity from 54 to 132 beds and provide increased security, allowing Women & Children First to make known its new address — 9009 Dailey Drive.
With the numbers of people experiencing domestic violence so high, it is important to bring the shelter out of the shadows to ensure better access and awareness for both survivors and the broader community, Storment said.
“The more we know, the more we can educate people, the better off
The Forest of Hope Family Peace Center in Little Rock will allow Women & Children First to provide more services under one roof. (Photo courtesy of WCF)
we are,” she added. “We really do want to focus on that so that we’re a place where they know where we’re located, they know where they can come for help. No one should be ashamed to come or embarrassed to talk about it.”
The organization hopes to move into its new facility without any debt, she said, and has already raised $18.5 million of its $24 million goal through federal grants, foundation grants and private donations. Cathy Browne is chair of the organization’s capital campaign, the Campaign of Courage.
“We’ve been doing this since 2015, and Cathy has worked tirelessly to make this happen,” Storment said.
Volunteers are welcome, Storment said, adding that a volunteer group called the Peacekeepers helps put on holiday events for children at the shelter and assists with fundraising activities.
“They are a vital part of the WCF organization,” she said.
The organization’s biggest fundraiser, the Women of the Year Gala, will celebrate its 20th anniversary Jan. 31 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. This year’s honoree is Tiffany Robinson, daughter of gala founder Cindy Murphy.
Storment said she never anticipated being a part of Women & Children First for as long as she has, but she has no plans to leave anytime soon.
“I think when you get connected to something that is meaningful, it’s hard to let go of it,” she added. “We do like to recruit new members and new faces, and I think I’m probably more of an anomaly. We do have some board members that have been on for a long time, but we do like new talented members, as well.”
To donate, call Browne at 501-258-4868 or visit wcfarkansas.org.
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, call the Women & Children First hotline at 501-376-3219.
There are many approaches to celebrating Christmas, and none of them are wrong. However, as one Little Rock pastor suggests, sharing joy and time with others who need help or who would otherwise be alone this time of year is one of the more rewarding ways to mark the season.
“When I think about the heart of Christmas, it’s about God sending the greatest gift for the greatest need,” said Brandon Barnard, teaching pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. “Christmas is about God gifting us his son, sharing him with the world to meet what was really our greatest needs, which are peace and forgiveness and salvation. We’re in need of those things and in coming down from heaven to come to earth, it really modeled that core foundation for a life in Christ.”
Barnard said it is a natural human desire to be served and waited on, especially when such behavior is modeled by those in positions of power or popularity. Christ’s preachings turned that social more on its head, he said, challenging followers to live lives of humble servanthood.
and baby boomers lead informal efforts, millennials posted the biggest relative gains in formal volunteering. Now ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 40s, this increase is a positive sign of how much the age group values volunteering and an indication of how likely they are to continue to do so for years to come.
“One of the things that Jesus said early on was, ‘I didn’t come to be served. I came to serve,’” he said. “That’s such an upside-down concept, especially compared to the posture that many leaders take, which is, ‘I want to be served.’
“The reality is we’re actually more like Jesus when we’re serving others. Once we understand how much God loves us and that Christ came to serve, I think it gives us a model of how to love and serve others.”
AmeriCorps, a federal agency for national service and volunteerism, reported last December via its Volunteering and Civic Life in America Research Summary that volunteering increased by more than 5 percent between 2022 and 2023. In all, 75.7 million people, or 28.3 percent of Americans, formally volunteered through an organization in 2023, giving just under 5 billion hours of service valued at $167.2 billion.
That is good news to the nonprofit community, which had watched volunteerism slide since the early 2000s and drop precipitously during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of volunteers in America dropped about 7 percent between September 2020 and 2021 to the lowest percentage of volunteering since tracking began more than two decades ago.
Another key metric shows recent volunteer numbers might be less a correction and more a new standard for altruism in America. The same AmeriCorps report showed that, in addition to the formal volunteering going on, a growing number of Americans reported being engaged in informal helpful behaviors. In all, 54.2 percent of survey respondents reported assisting neighbors with tasks such as running errands, lending tools or providing caregiving, an increase of nearly 3 percent over prepandemic levels.
Perhaps most encouraging of all is where the additional service hours are coming from. While Gen X leads all demographics in formal volunteering,
“Christmas is about God gifting us his son, sharing him with the world to meet what was really our greatest needs, which are peace and forgiveness and salvation.”
— Brandon Barnard, Fellowship Bible Church
Barnard said volunteering is not a question of opportunity for those seeking to walk in the footsteps of Christ, since the chance to serve others is practically around every corner and almost anywhere one looks. He said a far bigger hurdle is the mental block many people have about being too busy to take on additional responsibilities.
“The core of loving others is sacrifice, right? You’ve got to embrace that,” he said. “You’ve got to lean into the fact that it’s going to take time and that makes it hard because all of us are busy. One thing I love about Jesus is when you look at his life, he was extremely busy when you consider all that he was doing, but he was never too busy for people.”
Barnard said there are some practical strategies people can utilize when looking to model that behavior and put it into action for others. He suggested making volunteerism a family affair — not only does that bring more hands to the task, but it also provides valuable teaching moments between parents and their children.
Secondly, he said, do not overthink things. People are often put off by volunteering because they believe the only way to make a difference is through a formal organization and a long-term, time-intensive commitment. In fact, the opportunities are nearly endless and can start with as little as a couple of hours here and there.
“There certainly are some things that are bigger and more strategic and take some bigger planning outside of just you,” he said, “but a lot of times, it only takes small things done consistently over time to make a difference. It may be one hour or two hours a month or part of one Saturday every other month.
“It can even be someone in your immediate circle who is lonely or without family nearby or those kinds of things who you can have over for dinner. Just put an extra plate on the table. I think that’s a really simple way to serve yet can be very, very helpful.”
New Life Church’s marriage and recovery pastor, Jerry Biuso, has spent the last 5 1/2 years counseling and coaching couples across Arkansas about everything from giving up their addictions to reviving their marriages. Biuso not only professes these fundamental truths — he has lived them.
The reformed businessman found his calling through a similar situation that he now counsels on: a marriage that desperately needed to be saved and questions that needed to be answered.
“My wife and I almost got divorced in 2005,” Biuso said. “We had young kids, and I had a stressful job in banking. Through the grace of God, we were able to work through that and now have a great marriage.
“Since God helped us in our marriage, we’ve been passionate about helping other couples in theirs.”
Now Biuso and his wife, Sarah, actively preach the word of the gospel to couples fighting the same struggles as they did, and without proper guidance, those couples might pivot to extreme options. Biuso said he identified that his marriage counseling sometimes included addiction, and he felt called to offer both services through a support group.
“We’ve created a safe, judgment-free environment where people can be authentic and transparent in their faith and recovery.”
The Biusos lead a ministry called Life Recovery, a community-oriented group assisting those recovering from chemical and behavioral addictions that has a persistent commitment to not only spreading and teaching the gospel but also keeping their members substance free. Biuso's word is being heard across the state, and some of his group members drive more than an hour to come.
“We were finding that in many of the couples we counseled one of the two was struggling with addiction: drugs, alcohol, pornography or gambling,” Biuso said. “Unless that was addressed, the marriage couldn’t heal. Roughly about 25 percent of all divorces stem from an addiction in the relationship that can’t be overcome.”
With the holidays around the corner, Biuso said this season can be a difficult time for members of his support group, and falling into bad habits around those who may support it is an unfortunate truth.
“Around the holidays, people are often around family members who might be bad influences,” Biuso said. “Everyone’s drinking, and someone says, ‘Come on, just one,’ but for someone in recovery, one leads to two, to three and beyond.
“Abstinence is the only safe option, and as hard as it is, sometimes that means avoiding certain people, even family members. We tend to see numbers go up after the holidays. January is when people realize they need to get back on track.”
With both personal and professional experience in marriage counseling, Biuso said God's word is an integral source that should not go unnoticed and that couples are called to practice a biblical marriage through scripture.
“God doesn’t like divorce,” Biuso said. “It’s the absolute last option. Christian counselors will do everything they can to help you reconcile, whereas a non-Christian counselor might see divorce as an option from the start.
“If they’re too busy to work on their marriage, that’s probably the biggest issue. They have to decide if it’s important or not. People need to be intentional. A good marriage does not just happen. Our natural inclination is, ‘What can you do for me?’ but marriage is about, ‘How
can I serve you?’
“There’s so much in God’s word about relationships. Why wouldn’t we want to learn from him?”
Biuso also offers premarital counseling and coaching, a musthave in his book.
“Divorce rates go down by about 30 percent for couples who have had premarital counseling not just because of what they learn but because they know who to turn to when things get hard,” he said. “The best thing you can do is get premarital counseling. Talk about your past, your upbringing, what marriage looked like in your family and your expectations.”
Alongside many other practices, Biuso noted that the issue he sees across the board is the lack of communication between couples. He emphasized that not only scheduling time to fix the marriage but also scheduling time to communicate is crucial.
“Communication is the biggest challenge,” Biuso said. “Men and women are wired differently, and we try to share best practices on how to have a Godly marriage. If you’ve got a serious topic to discuss, schedule the time to talk about it. Don’t just dump it on your spouse when they’re not prepared. One thing we recommend is a weekly meeting — my wife and I call it our Monday-morning meeting. We talk about the week ahead, where each of us will be and we get on the same page.
Outside of his counseling obligations, Biuso and his wife are very active in New Life’s bible study programs, and he also leads a weekly men's Bible study group.
“I’m one of the leaders in our men’s Bible study on Tuesday nights,” Biuso said. “I’ve been in church ministry for about 30 years, and it’s one of the best men’s groups I’ve seen.
“Men aren’t naturally good at being vulnerable with other men. Women are better at that, so for guys to come together, learn from each other and apply God’s Word — it’s really powerful.”
Through his own trials, he discovered a calling that now impacts countless lives across Arkansas. His ministry at New Life Church not only helps couples restore broken relationships but also offers hope to those battling addiction.
By merging biblical truth with practical guidance, Biuso reminds his congregants that healing and strong relationships require intention, humility and faith. As the holidays approach, a season that can challenge both marriages and recovery, his message stands clear: With God’s grace, community support and commitment, lasting change and renewed love are always possible.
The end of the year is a time for reflection, gratitude and looking forward with anticipation at what is to come. At AY About You, one of our favorite ways to wrap up each year is by looking back at a few of the people and places our readers deemed the best in their respective categories.
“Getting to Know You” highlights a selection of AY’s “Best of 2025” winners and finalists. If you missed them earlier this year, now is a chance to get acquainted with your new favorite med spa, theater, tire shop, restaurant or other service provider. AY’s “Best Of” come from a variety of industries and specialties, but each shares one key trait — they have made an indelible impact on their loyal followers and AY readers.
One more thing: The nomination and voting rounds for AY’s “Best of 2026” is just around the corner, so keep this impressive group in mind as you get ready to usher in next year’s honorees representing the best of what Arkansas has to offer.
Sonia Lucas-Meyer is owner, administrator and minister at Arkansas Medical Staffing, a faith-based business in Little Rock that is available 24/7 to staff and clients. The company provides award-winning registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants to health care providers all over the state.
“We are in the healing business, and we have the greatest opportunity to help heal the multitudes with nurses and certified nursing assistants,” Lucas-Meyer said. “I am so grateful for our nursing team. They are all in, and that matters.”
Lucas-Meyer was motivated to enter the industry by her aunt, Martha Bryan, a long-time surgical nurse in West Memphis. Before she launched Arkansas Medical Staffing, she worked in management in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years and, later, in business development for Exchange Capital Corp.
“My aunt served and cared for hundreds of patients along with her colleagues during her tenure, and the stories she would tell as I visited during the holidays intrigued me to hang on to every word,” she said. “At the age of 42, I had the glorious opportunity to change my career path once and for all back to my first career love — nursing.”
Lucas-Meyer and her team understand that relationships build better outcomes for clients, staff and patients. True to its name, Arkansas Medical Staffing is committed to taking great care of Arkansans with “caring professionals by your side.”
“We have vowed to never send our nurses out of state because we need them right here to take care of our families and friends,” she said. “We will always be here when you need us.”
Getting to the top of one’s industry takes time. With 75 years in business — and all but three of those spent at the corner of Eighth and South Broadway streets in downtown Little Rock — it is little surprise that Capitol Glass Co. has earned its place as AY About You voters’ favorite auto glass repair shop. The oldest locally-owned and -operated glass company in the Little Rock metropolitan area has been led by three generations of the Grimes family, including co-founder Jack Grimes and his son, Glenn, and grandson, Aaron. According to Aaron, the secret to success is the same as it was in 1950.
“Quality work and exceptional service,” he said. “When you call our shop, you are going to talk to an actual person who is experienced and extremely knowledgeable about auto glass. We do all the auto glass work for most of the luxury car dealerships in Little Rock, and there is a reason for that.”
The company has contended with many changes over the decades, with advances in technology making a simple windshield replacement much more complicated than meets the eye. The Capitol Glass team works tirelessly to adapt while never compromising its high standards.
“From the past to the present to the future, thank you central Arkansas for 75 years of business and counting,” Aaron said. “We look forward to serving you for many more years to come.”
Holistic is an adjective that can mean many things to many people, but for Dawn Eick, it represents more than a wellness trend or the latest health fad — it is the future of health care. Eick sees personalized, holistic wellness and lifestyle medicine as a movement that begins with personal transformation and ripples out to strengthen entire communities.
She founded Copper Well Retreat in Little Rock in order to offer something new and unique to the world of wellness spas and clinics. The response from AY About You voters has been overwhelmingly positive, naming Copper Well one of the best places in Arkansas to receive comprehensive, truly holistic health care.
“People assume the word holistic means organic or just healthy,” Eick said. “This word has a much deeper and significant meaning. It is a concept that means, ‘pertaining to the whole or entire organism, person or situation.’ When I use this word, I am conveying that all aspects are being considered: mindset, diet, environment, life stage, home, work, play, community, faith, history, medicines, vitality — all of the things that make people ‘themselves.’”
Every detail at Copper Well Retreat, from organic materials and carefully curated aromas and sounds to the semisecluded location
itself, was designed with intention. The wooded property took more than a year of thoughtful searching and planning to ensure it would cultivate the natural, peaceful atmosphere necessary to help guests escape into their wellness journeys.
“We chose our name, Copper Well Retreat, quite specifically to convey a promise of expectation to our guests and remind ourselves of the roots our services have in ancient wellness care,” Eick said. “We are most completely offering our guests a retreat in the very definition of the word.”
Eick and her team pioneer experiences that blend lifestyle medicine, holistic therapies and mindful living to elevate well-being on every level. The spa embraces the idea of “spirit before body” by offering customized sessions and ancient sacred rituals blended with modern appreciation and techniques. In addition to massage and specialty bodywork, Copper Well offers holistic skin care with facials, detox foot rituals, full-spectrum infrared sauna sessions, private and group classes for mental health, yoga and wellness, and targeted workshops.
“My hope is to inspire others to slow down, reconnect and embrace their health with intention because when we thrive individually, we thrive collectively,” Eick said.
It has been a year of renewal and forward momentum at Argenta Contemporary Theatre in North Little Rock. One thing that has not changed, however, is AY About You readers’ opinion that ACT offers up the best live theater in the Natural State. Now under the leadership of Artistic Director Coburn Goss and Executive Director Jeremy Williams, ACT is building upon an already strong foundation while ushering in a new era of collaboration, creativity and community connection.
“This year reaffirmed what makes ACT special. It’s our ability to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in serving artists, audiences and the community we are a part of,” Goss said. “Our goals for 2026 center on growth, inclusion and accessibility.”
The upcoming 2026 season, themed “Community,” reflects the theater’s renewed commitment to collaboration and inclusion. The season will feature an inspiring lineup of plays and musicals, expanded educational offerings, and new opportunities for local artists and audiences to connect. ACT is also cultivating new partnerships with schools, community organizations and local businesses to strengthen its role as a creative and cultural hub for central Arkansas. A new partnership with Alzheimer’s Arkansas will provide respite events and classes for
caregivers, recognizing that the arts can play a powerful role in renewal, connection and care for those who give so much of themselves.
“Recognition from AY readers is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the community that we are a part of,” Goss said.
“It’s a reflection of everyone who contributes to ACT’s success — the artists on stage, the volunteers behind the scenes and the audiences who make our work possible.
Finalist, Best Financial Advisor — Pat Moon, CFA
The team at Meridian Investment Advisors understands the importance of investing in more than just the financial sense. With an emphasis on relationship building and trust between client and advisor, Meridian utilizes its suite of wealth management, financial planning and retirement plan services to help individuals and families accomplish their life goals, not simply investment milestones. That focus on the “why” behind one’s investing is reflected in the company’s mantra, “investing for a rich life, realizing what you value.”
“We don’t have a product to sell,” said Pat Moon, managing principal and Chartered Financial Analyst. “We’re just a trusted advisor, and our value is in giving advice. That’s what customer service, to us, is all about.”
Having served the central Arkansas community for more than 40 years, Meridian continues to evolve while serving clients with professionalism and expertise. The firm provides clients with invaluable knowledge due to the experience of its long-tenured staff, four of whom have been with the firm more than 25 years. At the same time, the business continues to grow, adding new team members, new assets and new clients.
“The culture that we have is when somebody walks through the door, everybody’s on alert about what would make that client’s experience good for that particular visit,” Moon said. “The client-experience aspect of our business is something we are focusing a lot on as we continue to grow our team and move toward the future.”
Winner, Best Aesthetic Nurse — Paige Kelly, RN | Winner, Best Nurse Injector — Paige Kelly, RN Winner, Best Plastic Surgeon — Eric Wright, M.D. | Finalist, Best Esthetician — Maegan Whitehead Finalist, Best Medical Spa/Nonsurgical Cosmetic Clinic
Since 2018, the motto of Wright Plastic Surgery in Little Rock has been “your beauty, our expertise.” That expertise is just one reason among many that Dr. Eric Wright was voted yet again as Best Plastic Surgeon by AY About You readers in 2025.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Wright’s goal is to listen to all patients in order to develop a plan that meets their individual goals.
“I love that plastic surgery is the combination of aesthetically restoring and improving the function of the human body,” Wright said. “At our practice, it is rewarding to see the longevity of care provided, whether it is a surgical or nonsurgical procedure.”
Those winning ways go beyond the surgeon himself, as his handpicked team has also been recognized for its commitment to exceptional care and personalized attention to each patient. The clinic has been named among AY’s “Best Of” in several categories for multiple years. Registered nurse Paige Kelly and esthetician Maegan Whitehead are likewise trusted by AY readers when it comes to achieving their aesthetic goals.
The practice’s collaborative team approach allows for deeper, more trusting relationships between patients and providers. The practice is
also growing in ways that enhance patient comfort and access to care. With the opening of The Plastic Surgery Suites of Arkansas, Wright Plastic Surgery has expanded its ability to provide state-of-the-art surgical experiences at a private, accredited facility. Whether they are seeking a surgical treatment or any of the medical spa’s full spectrum of nonsurgical services, patients feel comfortable from the very first phone call or consultation.
“Looking ahead, our focus is on integrating the latest technologies, expanding our body contouring and nonsurgical treatment options, and continuing to educate patients about safe, effective aesthetic surgery choices right here in Arkansas,” Wright said.
From aesthetic and reconstructive surgery to injectables and advanced skin rejuvenation, Wright Plastic Surgery’s measured, customized care is delivered with kindness, compassion and unmatched support from beginning to end.
“I am very thankful that I can continue to provide the care and attention our patients need, and receiving this honor affirms the direction our practice is headed,” Wright said. “Thank you to the AY readers. Our practice’s growth is due to your continued support.”
Winner, Best APRN — Danielle Lynch, APRN | Winner, Best Mental Health Facility Winner, Best Nurse Practitioner — Danielle Lynch, APRN | Winner, Best Boss — Danielle Lynch, APRN Winner, Best Overall Company | Winner, Best Place to Work Finalist, Best CEO — Danielle Lynch, APRN | Finalist, Best CFO — Liz Murphy
Jonesboro-based Renew Mental Health and Wellness achieved a sweep of AY’s “Best of 2025” award placements that lands it in exclusive company among AY readers’ most beloved and trusted businesses. Opened in 2019 with the motto, “break the stigma,” Renew Mental Health and Wellness has a talented team of nurse practitioners and other specialists trained to create individualized treatment plans for every client.
“I think that if people saw the office we started in — which wasn’t much bigger than a closet — compared to where we are now, they would be shocked,” said founder Danielle Lynch. “I love seeing our growing positive impact on patients and how their lives change because of the work of our team.”
In addition to its diversified approach to mental health, the clinic also strongly promotes inclusivity and accessibility. Lynch launched a nonprofit, Magnolia Mental Health, alongside the clinic to help make mental health care more affordable for patients and expand Renew’s reach in the community.
“No one is left out or cast away for beliefs, views or needs,” she said. “We welcome everyone with open arms, and we are excited to see how we can continue to help.”
Honored to be among AY’s “Best of 2025,” Lynch said that the recognition only further validates the good work her team is doing.
“We are beyond thankful, and we hope you will trust us in the future to help you or your family,” she said.
Winner, Best Insurance Firm
With offices in Fayetteville and Little Rock, G&G Independent Insurance is one of Arkansas’s top-rated agencies. The firm is recognized by clients — not to mention scores of AY About You voters — for exceptional service and expert guidance. G&G saves people money by doing the shopping and heavy lifting for them, simplifying the insurance process and delivering a personalized experience that keeps clients coming back and feeling truly protected.
“At G&G, insurance isn’t just about policies,” said Maggie Hill, marketing and technology manager. “It’s about peace of mind. We’re here to guide, protect, and make sure our clients and team feel supported, valued and ready for whatever comes next.”
2025 has been a year of growth for the firm, and Hill said the company is proud of being able to navigate that growth while continuing to keep G&G’s team and clients at the center of everything it does. Team culture informs customer experience, and in working to make insurance even easier and more valuable for Arkansas families, G&G is focused on giving local teams more tools, training and opportunities to excel in 2026.
“Thank you for considering us,” Hill said. “It’s amazing to see our hard work recognized, and it reminds us why we love what we do — helping clients and supporting our team every step of the way.”
Winner, Best Auto Dealership Service Department Winner, Best New Car Dealership | Winner, Best Preowned Car Dealership
Whether one is looking for the latest Corvette or a dependable Honda Civic, top-notch service awaits customers at Russell Chevrolet & Honda in North Little Rock. The dealership has prioritized a welcoming atmosphere and service after the sale since founder John Russell opened up shop in 1963. The business passed to sons Bob and Rick after John’s retirement, and grandson Brett is now joined as the third generation at the business by Rick’s sons, Jarrod and Rory.
“My grandfather and father always believed in making sure the customer was satisfied through their whole journey of automobile ownership, and that continues today,” Brett said.
Russell Chevrolet has long upheld an exceptional reputation among customers, employees and even the manufacturer, earning a slate of awards for consecutive years and counting. In addition to being named AY About You’s “Best Of” for the fourth year, the dealership has received Chevrolet’s “Mark of Excellence” award multiple times. Brett Russell was also named Arkansas Dealer of the Year in 2016.
“In my opinion, it’s pretty easy to get into the car business, but
whether or not it’s in your wheelhouse, it takes a little bit of time and effort of working with people that know how to sell a car to pick up the good habits, forget the bad habits and make a living of it,” he said. “It’s not for everybody, but those that it’s a good fit for, they do a remarkable job of selling and making a living at it.”
Russell Chevrolet offers an experience that can be hard to find elsewhere thanks to the longevity and experience of its team. The dealership has four managers with more than 100 years of combined experience in the industry. Paired with the largest General Motors Co. parts department in Arkansas, it is no surprise that discerning drivers have made Russell Chevrolet their top spot not only for buying new and preowned vehicles but for the trustworthy service needed to keep them on the road.
“They are truly the life of everything we do,” Brett said of his staff. To the “Best Of” voters, he added, “Thanks for thinking of us these past four years. We look forward to working with returning and new customers, and we hope we can reward them with enough great service that they remember us for another year.”
It is no secret that Arkansans have more than a few options when it comes to where to keep their money. That is why First Arkansas Bank & Trust claiming the “Best of 2025” spot not only in AY About You but in sister publication Arkansas Money & Politics, as well, speaks to the high level of quality and service the bank has become known for among its customers. With more than seven decades spent serving Arkansans from rural towns to the capital city, FAB&T’s focus has stayed true to the traditional, community-first values established in 1949 by founder Kenneth Pat Wilson.
“We want to be the premier community bank in central and north central Arkansas,” said Mark Wilson, president and chief operating officer. “That means we are the depository institution of choice and we are the lender who is first on everyone’s mind because we build relationships for the long term.”
First Arkansas Bank & Trust team members are neighbors, advocates and partners dedicated to exceptional service and meaningful community involvement. Banking is an industry built on trust, and the team at FAB&T understands integrity is central to everything they do. As the needs of its customer base changes, FAB&T strives to offer choices that only enhance the bank’s signature personalized service, whether visiting a branch in person to speak with a banker or accessing the bank’s convenient and comprehensive suite of online services.
“It’s in our DNA: service to our communities,” Wilson said. “We just want to leave people and organizations better than where we found them.”
As smart home technology continues to evolve, it becomes all the more important to rely on companies with demonstrated expertise in creating seamless, elevated living experiences. That is why AY About You readers voted in droves to name Professional Computer Services Inc. in Conway as the best choice in home automation services.
Co-founder and CEO Beau Odom discovered an interest in information technology in high school and teamed up with his older brother to establish PCSI in 2006. Odom became sole owner in 2021 and was joined in running the business by his wife, Hollie, who now serves as chief operating officer. The couple’s combination of skills has given the company a leg up when it comes to serving a wide variety of clients, and PCSI team members are adept across a range of industries and applications.
“We have worked really hard to create balance to allow each other to shine in our respective strengths,” Odom said. “It has led to a powerful partnership.”
PCSI was honored to be recognized by AY readers as one of the “Best of 2025,” and that vote of confidence has only further inspired the company to keep innovating and delivering the best products and services for its clients. At its core, the support PCSI provides is not just about technology but about people — the families, neighbors and community members who trust the company to show up and exceed expectations no matter what.
“Achieving success, expanding my business, and ensuring support not just for my family but for the families of my staff members — these motivations not only inspire me to strive harder every day but also give me purpose,” Odom said.
Winner, Best Florist | Winner, Best Special Events Planner | Winner, Best Seasonal Designer
It is no surprise to the social media followers of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock that the company was named AY About You’s best florist, special events planner and seasonal designer of 2025. Fans of the floral industry experts eagerly await the shop’s thrice-weekly “Little Bit of Happy” segments on Facebook. With owner Christina Day-Essary recording the action, fellow owner Chris Norwood puts on a show as they educate, entertain and enrich followers with homespun humor and consistently stunning floral designs. Viewers get a glimpse into the banter and dynamic of the two owners — in-person guests, however, find that the pair are the same happy, helpful professionals both off-camera and on.
On Feb. 7, 2026, Norwood-Day will mark one year at its Cantrell Road location next to Edwards Food Giant. The team of floral aficionados at the shop can help guests find that just-right arrangement for every occasion. Whether it is a friend who recently had a baby, a thank-you sent to the neighbor who helped chase down a lost
dog or simply because it is a day that ends in “Y,” Norwood-Day’s assortment of fresh flowers, gifts and other must-haves is great for treating both oneself and others.
Norwood-Day’s buy-one-get-one Fridays are also all the rage. Customers load up with the “cash and carry” option, for which freshcut florals, including lilies, a variety of hydrangeas, anemones and other unique flowers, are available at impressive savings in the Europeanstyle market. High-quality flowers and great prices are yet more elements of the stellar customer service the shop has become known for since it first opened. The goal of Day-Essary, Norwood and every team member is for visitors to come excited and leave satisfied.
“2025 was a banner year for Norwood-Day Floral Co.,” DayEssary said. “We know if that’s any indication of the future, 2026 is going to ‘slap’ — at least, that’s what the cool kids say. People of all ages love a trip to Norwood-Day Floral Co. because it is a ‘Little Bit of Happy’ in every visit.”
AY About You voters consider Bell & Co. the best accounting firm in the state, but the company is much more than that. The Bell & Co. team is made up of neighbors, mentors and partners all focused on helping businesses and families in Arkansas thrive. Large enough to meet complex needs yet small enough to maintain close personal relationships, clients appreciate that they can always reach the company directly and trust Bell & Co. to look out for them year-round, not only at tax time.
“As we approach our 45th year, our focus is on investing in our people and growing thoughtfully,” said Lani Jennings-Hall, marketing manager at Bell & Co. “We’ll continue to strengthen recruiting and mentorship efforts while deepening our expertise in the industries we serve.”
Bell & Co. has continued to deliver exceptional service in a year of change for both the industry and the company’s clients. Despite the pressures and challenges of evolving regulations, advancing technology and workforce demands, the team at Bell & Co. has remained unwavering in its commitment to doing what it does best — helping every client succeed with unmatched integrity and care.
Winner,
Finalist,
Menco Construction has been the go-to builder for scores of homeowners in central Arkansas since 2007, placing among AY About You readers’ favorites in multiple categories for multiple years. Owners Daniel and Jennifer Menden worked together in construction management before marrying in 2005, and the two decades since have seen them grow both their own expertise and their experienced team of professionals.
Menco’s signature hands-on approach ensures a smooth process for clients from start to finish. As a one-stop shop, the company’s efficiency is further reflected in the quality of its work, the accuracy of its budgets and the speed of the projects themselves. Whether building a new home, remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, adding a screened-in porch or a full addition, Menco has the knowledge and experience to ensure the project is done right the first time.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized for work that matters so much to us and our clients,” Jennings-Hall said. “We’ve gotten to where we are because of great mentors and advisors, and our goal is to continue that forward within our firm and throughout our communities.”
Created in 1976 by Frank Moix, Moix RV started out as a one-person operation working out of the back of a steakhouse in downtown Conway. Several moves and a few decades later, Moix RV now occupies a much roomier spot with 9 acres of land and 30,000 square feet of building space.
Moix RV Supercenter is proud to carry a large selection of new and preowned recreational vehicles, ensuring customers can find the ideal vehicles for their journeys. Every department, from sales and financing to service and parts, is knowledgeable and ready to offer the highest quality of customer service.
Moix RV also fosters long-term relationships in order to help owners at every stage of their RV adventure. Whether one is buying for the first time, coming in for maintenance or customizing their ride, Moix RV is there to exceed expectations.
Superior Senior Care celebrated 40 years in business in 2025, having built a reputation of exceptional service that continues to guide the company as it looks to 2026 and beyond. Founded in 1985 on high standards of ethics and compassion, those same values drive every decision the Superior Senior Care team makes today. The locally owned company understands the unique needs of Arkansan families and responds to its neighbors statewide with warmth, professionalism and a commitment to deepening community connections.
“This year, we served more seniors and individuals with disabilities than ever before, expanded our services into new communities and strengthened our local office support programs,” said Quincy Hurst, chief operating officer. “We also identified additional funding sources to help make long-term care more accessible. We’re seeing the difference we make in people’s daily lives, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
As the demand for in-home care rises, so does the need for compassionate, dedicated caregivers families can trust to support their loved ones. Superior Senior Care is working to stay ahead of workforce demand with enhanced recruiting efforts and new initiatives aimed at
bringing more individuals into a challenging but rewarding industry.
“Our goal is to ensure that every person who needs care has access to it, supported by a strong and passionate team committed to making a difference,” Hurst said.
Being recognized by AY About You voters as the best in-home care provider is a reflection of the meaningful work Superior Senior Care does and the confidence families place in their caregivers. Caring is not simply the company’s business, Hurst said, but the purpose of its people. Whether they are making sure someone has a warm meal, providing companionship or simply offering seniors the dignity of staying in their own home, caregivers strive to live up to the Superior name every day.
“Every day, we meet individuals who might not have anyone else looking out for them, and we take that responsibility to heart,” Hurst said. “Thank you for recognizing the importance of in-home care and for continuing to support local businesses that make a difference in people’s lives. Every vote is a reminder that what we do matters, and we’ll keep working hard to earn that trust year after year.”
Winner, Best Orthodontist — John Daniel, DDS Finalist, Best Orthodontic Clinic
When it comes to creating healthy, beautiful smiles, the ringing endorsement of AY About You readers provides a crystal clear answer as to where to go, whether for children, teens or adult orthodontic care — Daniel & Jones Orthodontics.
With locations in Little Rock, Benton and Bryant, the Daniel & Jones Orthodontics team is committed to providing the highest quality care and personalized service in a welcoming, compassionate atmosphere. The practice was founded in 1990 by Dr. John Daniel, who retired in 2024 but whose character and leadership continue to guide the Daniel & Jones team every day. Currently at the helm are doctors Alex Jones and Addison Walker, whose extensive training and friendly personalities have made the practice central Arkansas’ trusted resource for quality braces, aligners and other orthodontic services.
The practice also prides itself on using the latest in treatment options and technologies to help patients achieve their dream smiles more comfortably and in less time. Thanks to innovations such as 3D imaging and planning technology, treatments are faster, more efficient and more enjoyable than ever before.
Daniel & Jones Orthodontics not only gives patients the smiles of their dreams but puts smiles on their faces with excellent customer service throughout every stage of treatment. From the first phone call until the day one’s braces come off, whether one is interacting with the front office or orthodontic assistants, scheduling coordinators or lab technicians, every member of the Daniel & Jones team works to treat patients like they would their own families.
Finalist, Best Hormone Therapy — Pamela Volner, APRN, FNP-C Finalist, Best Wellness Clinic
Nurse practitioner Pamela Volner knows a thing or two about dedication. Inspired by the strong female figures in her life to go back to school as a mother of three and obtain a graduate degree, Volner set her sights on opening a clinic of her own. After nearly a decade of striving, she opened the doors to Painted Rock Health and Wellness in August 2020.
“I am most proud of building the incredible team of talented, hardworking and passionate professionals that we now have at Painted Rock,” she said.
The Painted Rock ethos is all about supporting clients’ health, wellness and aesthetic goals while keeping services as accessible and comfortable as possible. Patient experience is a priority, and everything the practice does is guided by a shared passion, purpose and commitment to quality.
“Our company is female owned and female led, and our core value is centered on providing cutting-edge treatments that are affordable,” Volner said. “We take the time to understand our client’s needs and deliver personalized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all answers.”
In 2026, Volner said the goal is to expand the reach of her clinic’s hormone replacement therapy services, launch exciting new offerings and strengthen its client base. The Painted Rock team also plans to find new and unique ways to support the local community. The recognition from AY About You readers only bolsters their drive to help make people happier and healthier through their work.
“A beautiful exterior starts with a healthy interior,” Volner said. “Our goal is to help everyone feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Providing “fashion that actually fits” since 1960, Mr. Wicks in Little Rock offers a wide variety of clothing, from formal to informal. Located in Little Rock’s elegant Heights neighborhood, the shop is keeping the tradition of haberdashery alive with a curated collection of threads from some of the most sought-after men’s brands. Knowledgeable staff and a low-stress environment have made it easy for generations of gentlemen, from old pros to newcomers, to build a timeless wardrobe of fine clothing for work, leisure and places in between.
The shop’s namesake dates back to a 1959 issue of Gentleman’s Quarterly. The eponymous Mr. Wicks was a dapper valet who dressed his clients with a refined taste. That vision — combining unequivocal style selections with equally uncompromising customer service and satisfaction — has guided the store ever since. Inspired by his own lifelong love of men’s fashion, current owner Mark Evans purchased Mr. Wicks in 2017 and relaunched the business, keeping alive its status as a premier destination for the latest looks and trends.
“Men’s clothing has allowed me to help pastors in other countries,” said Evans, who is also the founder and senior pastor of The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock. “I get to fulfill the mission of sending suits and sport coats and other attire to pastors in Peru and South Africa. It is a really big part of our mission’s effort.”
As AY About You voters have made clear, Mr. Wicks is central Arkansas’ go-to spot for men’s clothing and a trusted advisor in keeping up with styles for every season, setting and occasion. Whether one is in search of the right pair of jeans or khakis to complete a casual wardrobe, the ideal suit for the workweek repertoire, or even a sharp tuxedo for those once-in-a-lifetime moments, Mr. Wicks promises to provide both an unmatched experience and an impeccable look.
“There has to be a level of professionalism in every style of dress,” Evans said. “There needs to be a level of professionalism in guys wearing traditional suits, but there also needs to be that same level of professionalism in that man who wears casual clothing to work every day. They need to look professional.”
Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Maybe not when it comes to Italian food — and definitely not when those plates are coming from Pasta Grill. Since owners Wes and Suzanne Hall first opened the doors in Russellville in 1994, the restaurant has become synonymous with Italian, steak and seafood dining, adding a Conway location in 2012 and franchising another in Van Buren.
Pasta Grill has swept this year’s food polling from AY voters, claiming spots in both the “Best Of” list and the “Reader’s Restaurant Poll.” The restaurants serve lunch and dinner, in addition to offering takeout and delivery. Pasta Grill also provides large, family-style dinners to go and caters weddings and events across the state.
“Mornings start very early, but we love making everything from scratch,” Suzanne said. “Our incredible staff preps most of the day every day except Sunday, when we are closed.”
At a small business, everyone feels like family, and at the heart of the restaurant’s success, she added, is the talent and hard work of team members such as General Manager Cody Paladino, Executive Chef Lorena Garcia and Executive Sous Chef Gilberto Molina.
“I love it when God opens doors to sit down and sow good things into someone else’s day,” she said. “We want every guest that enters Pasta Grill to settle in at their table and feel cozy and comfortable and appreciated — because they are.”
There are plenty of places to buy a quality truck, but when it comes to the finishing details, upgrades and personal touches, AY About You readers have spoken: it has to be Goodsell Truck Accessories in Jacksonville. Goodsell customers receive VIP-level service as they shop among the highest quality products with great warranties and a track record for durability. Anything less, said owner Mark Goodsell, is not worth selling.
“Here at Goodsell Truck Accessories, we try really hard to make each customer’s experience a special one,” he said. “2025 has been a great year for us, and we’re preparing our company for continued growth into 2026 by investing in more equipment and employees.”
Goodsell Truck Accessories has been among AY About You voters’ favorites for multiple years, and Goodsell said he and his team hope to continue earning the business and confidence of customers in the years ahead. With more than four decades under his belt in the auto accessories industry, Goodsell is also looking forward to retirement. He can rest easy knowing that the next generation of Goodsells, Grant and Ali, plan to carry on the Goodsell Truck Accessories legacy.
“Grant and Ali know how to take care of customers,” he said. “I will still be involved in the business but on a limited basis. My beautiful wife, Leah, and I have some traveling we want to do. We have been married for over 36 years, so it’s time to play.”
A marketing services provider since 1974, Arkansas Graphics in Little Rock provides a vast range of offerings, from graphic design to printed forms, marketing materials and annual reports. The company was founded by Dale Wilcox, father of current president and CEO Kevin Wilcox, who started off as a janitor at the company in high school and worked in different departments throughout college before starting full time in 1990. He took full ownership of Arkansas Graphics in 2013.
The company set itself apart early on for its superior printing capabilities, leading to impressive growth and deepening relationships with clients across Arkansas. The company broke ground in other ways as well, opening the state’s first prepress department and continually staying ahead of the curve with investments in advanced technology and printing techniques.
As one of the top offset and digital commercial printers in the region — and the undisputed favorite of AY About You voters — Arkansas Graphics’ offerings today include digital storefronts, variable data printing, UV coating, promotional products, and large-format graphics and signage. Earlier this year, the company completed a historic merger with TCPrint Solutions in North Little Rock. The move brought together two organizations with a combined 130 years of experience in print and marketing services.
“This merger is about creating something greater than the sum of our parts,” Kevin Wilcox said. “Together, we’re enhancing our capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the personal service and quality our customers have trusted for decades. It’s a rare opportunity to combine legacies, talent and technology in a way that moves us all forward.”
TCPrint President Leigh Ann Newton, daughter of owner Mike Simpson, remained with the company in a leadership role to help guide the transition. Her brother, Drew Simpson, also remained with the company as a senior account executive.
“Arkansas Graphics shares our values, our work ethic and our belief in putting the customer first. This merger secures our future and opens new doors for our team and clients,” Mike Simpson said.
The success of Arkansas Graphics is the result of hard work, perseverance and commitment to excellence. Whether it is traditional litho printing, new digital variable printing, web-based communication, large display graphics or branded promotional items, Arkansas Graphics is proud to serve the Natural State.
“Every customer at Arkansas Graphics, no matter how big or how small, can be sure they’ll get an exceptional level of care when they walk in the door,” Wilcox said.
Since 1978, Gary Houston Electric Co. in Little Rock has built its name on reliability — reliable employees, reliable service and reliably good work. As AY About You voters’ electrical company of choice, Gary Houston also appears regularly in AY’s “Home Innovation Awards,” which recognize those businesses offering customers the latest and greatest in home technology. The company offers a variety of services, from wholehome generator installs and preventative maintenance to landscape lighting, USB-C outlet installation and more.
“Our biggest accomplishment is our team as a whole here at Gary Houston Electric,” said Keith Weeks, president. “Their growth and accomplishments have been nothing short of amazing to watch over the years, and I can say without hesitation that they are what I’m most proud of.”
Since taking the reins from founder Gary Houston, Weeks has built upon the company’s legacy of quality and trust. The team has strong ties with the local community and has served new and returning clients for a number of years. Whether building a new home, remodeling a current one or just maintaining an existing system, Gary Houston is the name central Arkansas clients trust for all of their electrical needs.
“The majority of our work comes from repeat customers, whose relationships we strive daily to build and maintain,” Weeks said. “We’ve never lost sight of the fact that our customers are the ones that have made all of our accomplishments possible, and we want to serve them in a way that reflects that.”
Being able to pursue her passion through her profession is rewarding as it is, but being recognized by AY About You voters as the best in the business when it comes to Arkansas photography is all the more sweet for Lizzy Yates. Being voted among the “Best Of” for 2025 was a huge highlight for the year, Yates said, and she credited both a desire to continue to learn and a willingness to teach as keys to her success.
“I am proud of the fact that over the past 15-plus years, I have built my business based on cultivating relationships and providing a great experience,” she said. “This has led to not only a sustained business but a thriving one grown primarily by word of mouth and referrals.”
Connection is at the heart of creativity for Yates, who carefully tailors each session to the client’s needs and guides both photoshoot pros and oncamera newcomers to capture beautiful, authentic photos. Yates is also the central Arkansas coordinator for the nonprofit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The organization relies on volunteer photographers to conduct intimate portrait sessions for families experiencing the loss of a baby.
“We are always in need of additional photographers on our team who are willing to give of their time and talent to serve families during their time of loss,” Yates said. “I encourage photographers of all levels to learn how they might be a part of this amazing organization.”
For more than two decades, Dr. Suzanne Yee has been restoring confidence in Little Rock. Since opening her practice in 2003 — making it one of the city’s longest-established cosmetic surgery centers — Yee has built something extraordinary: a place where patients not only feel renewed but truly heard.
“When people feel confident about their appearance, everything in their life improves. Their relationships deepen. Their careers flourish. They show up differently in the world,” Yee said. “Cosmetic surgery and treatments aren’t about vanity. They’re about feeling like yourself again or perhaps for the first time. As a mother of two, I understand the physical and emotional changes that come with different life stages. Life changes us: pregnancy, stress, time and all the seasons in between. I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and not recognize the person staring back.”
That genuine empathy combined with exceptional credentials has earned Yee recognition from AY About You and Arkansas Money & Politics readers year after year. As a triple-board-certified surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology, and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yee brings a level of expertise that not all cosmetic surgeons can claim.
“Each specialty taught me to see the human face and body
from different perspectives, understanding how to achieve truly exceptional, natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique beauty,” said Yee, who graduated first in her class from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
That philosophy of genuine care permeates every aspect of the practice, from initial consultations through postoperative care. Whether patients seek facial plastic surgery, body contouring, physician-guided weight loss, injectables or the latest laser treatments, they find a team committed to their complete well-being, not simply their aesthetic results.
“My goal is for you to look like yourself, only more confident, more rested, more you,” Yee said. “Every patient has a unique story, and my team and I take the time to understand not just what you want to change but why it matters to you.”
Yee’s practice continues to evolve. While she cannot reveal all the details yet, exciting announcements about the practice’s growth are on the horizon. Those expansions will allow her team to bring their signature combination of artistry, innovation and heartfelt care to even more patients.
“The true measure of success isn’t in what you achieve but in how you serve others,” Yee said. “That’s what drives us every day.”
The choice of where to worship is not one to be made lightly, and that First NLR has earned the top spot from AY About You voters is a testament to the church’s impact on its members, families and the communities it serves. Motivated by the belief that every soul matters to God, regardless of background, age, race or class, First NLR enjoys a diverse congregation — and one that “reflects the diverse heaven we will one day be in,” said co-pastor Parker Loy.
“What makes First NLR special is our people,” he said. “In 2025, we’ve seen incredible stories of life change — people coming to faith, finding healing and discovering purpose through Jesus. We are especially proud of how our church family continues to serve our city with compassion and love.”
The First NLR team was honored and grateful to be named among AY’s “Best of 2025,” Loy said. While the church does not exist for recognition or to gather accolades, the award is a wonderful reminder that God is working in and through the people of First NLR. Looking forward to 2026, Loy added that the church’s goal is to continue pointing people to Jesus and equipping them to be biblical Christians.
“At First NLR, our mission is to reach people with the love of Jesus and help them become fully devoted followers of him,” Loy said. “Whether you join us at a physical campus or online, we’d love for you to be part of our church family.”
Winner, Best Orthopedic Group | Winner, Best Sports Medicine Clinic Finalist, Best Doctor-Owned Hospital/Facility Finalist, Best Hand Surgeon — Brian Norton, M.D. | Finalist, Best Pain Center
A regular on AY About You lists, OrthoArkansas is among the state’s most trusted providers of specialized and primary orthopedic care. 2025 has been a year of remarkable growth for the practice, and the team looks forward to even more progress in 2026. With innovative technologies, expanded communication tools and the addition of more fellowshiptrained physicians, OrthoArkansas is finding new ways to help patients move better, recover faster and return to the moments that matter most.
OrthoArkansas offers expert treatment for all orthopedic injuries, aches and pains. Talented providers are in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Arkadelphia, Bryant, Conway, Clinton, Heber Springs, Hot Springs, Monticello and Stuttgart. The practice also offers urgent care services in Little Rock, North
Little Rock and Conway. OrthoArkansas has exceptional physicians across every specialty, from sports medicine, joint replacement and spine to hand and wrist, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, and more.
OrthoArkansas is proud to be a physician-owned practice, and its dedicated staff is committed to giving back through partnerships, sports sponsorships and community outreach that supports the health and well-being of local communities. Offering comprehensive specialty care close to home is a key part of the practice’s mission to help more Arkansans live free of pain.
From advanced surgical techniques to convenient orthopedic urgent care, everything OrthoArkansas does is built on trust, innovation and exceptional care for every patient.
Winner, Best Cabinetry | Winner, Best Repair/Remodeling | Finalist, Best Countertops
Finalist, Best Fabrics, Draperies & Window Treatments | Finalist, Best Kitchen Store/Supply
Having started in the construction supply industry at age 16, Brian Hagewood, founder of Southern Interiors in Sherwood, has spent a career in the business of helping customers beautify and improve their homes. Hagewood launched his business at just 27 years old after noticing how much customer service was lacking in the local marketplace. By that time, he had garnered such a reputation for fair dealing and expertise that many clients followed him to his new venture, getting Southern Interiors off to a fast start. Over the years since, Southern Interiors has made a name for itself by offering exceptional quality, customer service and design expertise.
“You know, we just keep it pretty simple,” Hagewood said. “People buy from who they trust and who they like. I’ve always told my employees that we’re not selling anything. We’re honestly here to work with people, keep them within their budget and offer them sound advice.”
The company expanded both headcount and square footage through the years, today employing 22 and occupying about 30,000 square feet of showroom and fabrication space. The store includes an 8,000-squarefoot computer numerical control, or CNC, stone fabrication shop for countertops, a custom cabinetry shop, and a glass and mirror depart-
ment, along with the core business of flooring and blinds. Personalization is the name of the game for Hagewood’s one-stop-shopping operation, and the business even fabricates its own custom quartz shower pans for its all-custom showers.
“There’s no other company in Arkansas that I know of that does everything that we do,” he said. “We do all the parts of someone’s remodel in-house, from building the cabinets, fabricating the countertops and installing the flooring to building that custom shower. We truly are a one-stop shop for homeowners.”
The company’s experienced and conscientious staff also walks clients through the design process for kitchens and bathrooms, helping homeowners envision the finished product before the first component goes in. Having control of every step of a job is a key element that sets the company apart in the construction and remodeling marketplace, allowing for tighter quality control and better management of timelines and budgets.
“We are truly honored to be considered one of the best by AY readers,” Hagewood said. “It shows for the past 27 years we have made an impact on the community.”
With ‘American’ in the company name, one expects a certain quality, workmanship and pride to follow — and that is exactly what one finds at All American Heat & Air in Sherwood. Central Arkansas’ leading heating, ventilating and air conditioning company for both residential and commercial clients, All American Heat & Air prides itself on personable, professional HVAC services.
All American’s licensed, bonded and insured HVAC technicians provide residential and commercial customers with a wide range of services to cover their individual needs. The family-owned and -managed company specializes in HVAC sales, maintenance, repairs, service, installation, upgrades and new construction, spray foam insulation, mini split systems, indoor air purification, and indoor air quality.
“Our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction ensures that you receive the best solutions tailored to your requirements,” said owner Justin Fox. “Whether you are building a new home, needing to replace your HVAC unit, renovating, remodeling or upgrading, All American Heat & Air is happy to provide you with an estimate for replacement or installation of your HVAC Equipment.”
Matching All American Heat & Air’s commitment to quality work is its dedication to true year-round availability. Customers can call upon
Winner, Best Philanthropy Company
Finalist, Best Boss — Butch Rice
Finalist, Best CFO — Jeff Holt
Having passed more than three decades in business as both an asset trucking company and third-party logistics division, Stallion Transportation Group in Beebe has made a reputation for itself as a bar-setting contributor to the transportation industry. Alongside founder Butch Rice, the Stallion Transportation team has fostered close-knit relationships between employees and customers, as well as setting up the next generation of executive leadership to do the same.
Those relationships have allowed the company to stay in front of industry hardships and enjoy a commendably low driver turnover rate. By investing in advanced technology, a vibrant employee culture and leading customer experience, the people of Stallion are ensuring a bright and successful future for the company.
Rice and his team are also well known for their contributions outside of the office. Built on a foundation of generosity, the company recently exceeded $2 million in charitable contributions and has supported a number of organizations vital to the Natural State, including the Arkansas Foodbank and Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Special
the company 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it the standout first choice among AY About You voters. Take it from AY readers — one would be hard-pressed to find a more dependable partner for any HVAC installation and replacement projects.
“We appreciate all who nominated and voted for All American Heat & Air,” Fox said. “Thank you for trusting All American Heat & Air with all of your HVAC needs.”
Olympics Arkansas, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and local school and community organizations.
Giving back is one of Stallion’s strongest values, and the company’s embodiment of that principle has kept it at the top of AY About You readers’ minds when voting for the best philanthropic company of 2024 and 2025.
When it comes to his motivations for continuing on, Rice was candid: “my love for God, family, employees and others that Stallion has had the fortune to bless.”
There are a few areas of home repair where any owner worth their house keys knows not to skimp on hiring quality help — plumbing is one of them. A trustworthy plumber is a valuable asset indeed, and none are trusted more than Victory Plumbing in North Little Rock. The company has impressed readers of AY About You and Arkansas Money & Politics alike, landing on the “Best of 2025” lists for both publications.
“I was honored and excited to be recognized as one of the top plumbers in central Arkansas,” owner Travis Victory said. “It shows me that all the hard work I have put into my company is paying off.”
Victory is carrying forward the legacy of his grandfather, Charles “Papa” Victory, who started the company with termite and pest control in 1956. Starting his plumbing journey under his father and grandfather — literally crawling under homes since childhood — Travis turned his passion into his profession, combining timeless values of customer service with modern expertise for deservedly award-winning work.
What is more, Victory still works in the field with his technicians. He understands what his team goes through on a daily basis and is able to prioritize customer relationships thanks to that hands-on approach. While the company has faced challenges this year, Victory said he is proud of the company for being able to quickly rebuild, reinvent and continue to provide world-class service.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for us in 2025,” he said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the customers. In 2026, as we continue to grow the team we will be able to bring more customers world-class service and affordable pricing.”
Scale, growth and expansion are the name of the game for Victory Plumbing in the year ahead. With new services and increased accessibility, the Victory team aims to become central Arkansas’ complete, affordable, one-stop shop for clients’ plumbing needs.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity. I have been in the plumbing industry for 24 years, and we are just getting started,” Victory said. “Here at Victory Plumbing, we put our customers’ needs first, and we will not let you down.”
For 26 years, Elder Independence Home Care in Bryant has found strength and success in its intimate, personalized approach to in-home care. Elder Independence is not a franchise company, and that allows its caregivers to focus on what really matters: high quality, client-centered and affordable home care services that assist clients with leading dignified, independent lives in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
For owner Kim Clatworthy, it is the collaboration between Elder Independence and families that sets the business apart.
“We’re able to offer solutions to families in need of help,” she said. “If they do not need home care yet or they need more than home care, we can reach solutions that make sense for each unique situation.”
One of the latest solutions the company is proud to offer is its residential care home in west Little Rock. The care home offers round-the-clock care in a warm, home-like environment designed to support independent living. Elder Independence also offers respite services at the home, depending on room availability, giving families a chance to rest while still being assured their loved one is well taken care of. With only three residents, the company’s expert caretakers
are able to provide individualized attention and care tailored to each resident regardless of the length of stay.
Elder Independence understands the importance of meeting clients and loving them where they are — literally. Being locally based in the community allows Elder Independence to assist clients more efficiently in all facets of nonmedical home health care, such as transportation to doctor’s visits or community programs. The responsibility of taking good care of aging Arkansans is not something Elder Independence takes lightly, and its promise is to show a family’s loved ones the same level of quality care and compassion staff members would provide for their own. Members of the Elder Independence team are selected for their quality, honesty and compassion.
Elder Independence has become a trusted name in in-home care for communities all across central Arkansas, and that trust has been well earned. Clients continue to rank Elder Independence among the best in-home care providers in the state, including in AY About You’s “Best Of.”
“Caring is our calling at Elder Independence Home Care, and I am grateful to be recognized for my passion for helping others,” Clatworthy said. “Providing peace of mind is so rewarding.”
Since opening its doors in 2019, Salon J’adore has become Little Rock’s go-to destination for luxury hair care. After quickly outgrowing its original location, the salon expanded into a beautifully renovated space designed to elevate every aspect of the client experience. Today, the award-winning salon continues to flourish through the talent, dedication and artistry of its exceptional team of stylists.
From the beginning, the mission at Salon J’adore has been simple — create a premium guest experience rooted in high-end design, skilled professionals and consistently beautiful results. With more than 125 years of combined industry experience, the team delivers the highest standard of excellence, ensuring clients feel confident, cared for and looking their very best.
Salon J’adore features a curated mix of fashion-forward styles, friendly service and an atmosphere that blends comfort with luxury.
Whether clients visit their favorite stylist or are paired with someone new, they can trust they are in capable, talented hands.
The “luxurious hair care for a beautiful you” philosophy begins the moment a guest steps inside. The salon’s inviting environment, personable staff and upscale aesthetic offer a one-of-a-kind experience that keeps guests returning time and again.
Beyond the salon, the brand has expanded into two additional ventures. TheLuxuryLady.com offers authenticated, pre-owned designer handbags and accessories. Empire Initiatives offers beauty suites and commercial spaces for lease. These complementary businesses reflect a passion for beauty, entrepreneurship and creating platforms that elevate others.
“Success is meant to be shared,” said owner Katie Beth Evans. “My goal is always to keep building, keep serving and keep pointing everything I do back to God.”
A pillar of the community, Vaughan Tire Co. has been serving the automotive repair, tire and wheel needs of customers in Jacksonville, Cabot, Sherwood and the surrounding areas since 1970. The Jacksonville-based shop has garnered a reputation for its competitive prices, fast service and friendly staff, earning it the title of best tire center from discerning drivers and AY About You readers.
Over the years, Vaughan Tire Co. has expanded its offerings while never wavering from the foundation of personal, friendly service on which founder Bob Vaughan started his company. The shop’s well-trained staff specialize in the sale and installation of passenger car, performance, light truck and SUV tires, and a wide selection of quality brands such as Michelin, Uniroyal and Hankook give customers a wealth of options to meet their needs.
Tire services such as computer spin balancing, tire rotations and flat repairs are all performed by expert mechanics trained to accurately diagnose automotive issues. With a number of other quality repair services, including brake repairs, wheel alignments, differential system repairs, and steering and suspension system repairs plus preventative maintenance, lube and oil changes, Vaughan Tire Co. aims to be the first stop on drivers’ lists when it comes to servicing their vehicles.
If one’s choice of tires can make a world of difference, that goes doubly for one’s choice of tire shop — and Vaughan Tire Co. has spent the last 55 years proving to loyal central Arkansas customers why it deserves to be at the top of the list.
As a woman-led organization since day one, AY About You knows firsthand the importance and expertise of women in the workplace. That is why we take every opportunity possible to highlight female accomplishment, and we are proud to have found another way to do so — AY’s “Best Women in Health Care.”
We hope you enjoy this annual listing featuring some of Arkansas’ best women in the industry as voted on by our readers.
List published in alphabetical order by facility.
ADana Abraham, M.D. Abraham Breast Clinic
Annie Cavenar, PT, DPT Advanced Physical Therapy
Montana Chapman, PT, DPT Advanced Physical Therapy
Kelsey Crane, COTA/L, CLT Advanced Physical Therapy
Ashtin Hoskins, PT, DPT, PRPC Advanced Physical Therapy
Abigail Land, PT, DPT, OCS Advanced Physical Therapy
Sandy McDonald, PT, PRPC Advanced Physical Therapy
Olivia M. McKee, OTR/L, CLT-LANA Advanced Physical Therapy
Kelsey Moix, PT, DPT, PRPC Advanced Physical Therapy
Jovie Murtha, PT, CAPP-PF Advanced Physical Therapy
Murphy Perkins, PT, DPT Advanced Physical Therapy
Ashley Posey, PT, DPT, PRPC Advanced Physical Therapy
Sarah Walker, Ph.D., PT, DPT, PRPC, CAPP-OB Advanced Physical Therapy
Daisy Webster, PTA Advanced Physical Therapy
Brande Daniels, BSN, RN
Ageless Aesthetics of Arkansas
Danielle Griffin, MSNc, APRN, PMHNP-BC Alleviant Integrated Mental Health
Stacey Hughes, APRN, PMHNP Argenta Counseling + Wellness
Katherine Thomas, RN Arkansas Aesthetics
Jasmin Lease, PA-C Arkansas Bone & Joint
Lindsay Arthur, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Meenakshi Atteri, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Amanda Bailey, M.D.
Arkansas Children’s
Eva Barlogie, PA
Arkansas Children’s
Emily Barnes, M.D.
Arkansas Children’s
Lauren Bolin, PA
Arkansas Children’s
Carla Brown, M.D.
Arkansas Children’s
Megan Butler, M.D.
Arkansas Children’s
Rebecca Cantu, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
April Clawson, M.D.
Arkansas Children’s
Kaitlin Cockerell, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Jill Fussell, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Shonda Grappe, MSN, RN, CCRN-p Arkansas Children’s
Laura Hollenbach, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Stacie Jones, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Rebecca Latch, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Laura Meyer, RN Arkansas Children’s
Tamara Perry, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Arundathi Reddy, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Amy Scurlock, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Kathryn Stambough, M.D. Arkansas Children’s
Jennifer York, CNP Arkansas Children’s
Nakita Riley, DDS Arkansas Dental Centers
Dr. Dana Abraham’s path always seemed destined for medicine. A breast cancer surgeon who launched Abraham Breast Clinic in Little Rock in 2007, Abraham was heavily influenced by her own influential doctor-dad, James Abraham, who co-founded Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic, the state’s first specialist clinic, in 1961.
“From him, I learned about caring for the patient as a whole, since the physical and mental aspects of a disease can be equally important,” she said.
Born and raised in Little Rock, Abraham graduated from what is now Hall-West High School of Innovation with an eye on medical school. At Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, she studied biology and psychology before her acceptance back home to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she “fell in love with surgery.”
Abraham did her general surgery residency and breast fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Dallas, establishing herself as a talented surgeon and researcher before returning home to Little Rock in 1995 to launch her own breast surgical-oncology private practice.
“Breast surgical oncology was the perfect fit, since I really enjoy helping patients through the first part of their journey following a diagnosis of breast cancer,” she said. “My training was with some of the pioneers in lumpectomy techniques. I helped with the studies that developed the sentinel lymph node biopsy, enabling us to decrease the risk of lymphedema. I’m also very comfortable dealing with the challenges of advanced or neglected disease.”
Abraham performs her procedures at Arkansas Surgical Hospital. Throughout her more than three decades in the field, Abraham has seen many advancements as the industry learns more about cancer and adapts.
“The progress I have seen in my 30 years of private practice include the development of medications that are much more effective at treating some of the subtypes of breast cancer that used to be uniformly fatal,” she said. “We have learned that subsets of patients can safely omit some of the treatment modalities. We have made advances in reconstruction techniques and are now able to do skin-sparing and nipple-sparing procedures. Our diagnostic tools now enable us to find cancers at smaller sizes, when there are more options for treatment.”
Breast cancer remains prevalent, however. According to data from the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the No. 2 most common cancer for U.S. women behind skin cancer and is the No. 2 cause of cancer death behind lung cancer.
Roughly 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes, according to ACS, which recommends the following for women at average risk for breast cancer:
• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start yearly breast cancer screening with a mammogram if they wish to do so.
• Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year.
(Photo
Roughly 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes.
• Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every two years or can continue yearly screening; screening should continue if a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
“Unfortunately, breast cancer is one of the more common cancers a woman can develop,” Abraham said. “While there is no one thing that can prevent the development of this disease, early detection and risk reduction can be important. It’s important for a woman to know her risk factors and manage the ones over which she has control. These include exercise, weight control, watching alcohol intake and hormone-replacement therapy.”
Getting regular screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is small, has not spread and might be easier to treat, she added.
“Fortunately, breast cancer can be one of the most curable cancers a woman can develop,” Abraham said. “Even in the setting of metastatic disease, new therapies are constantly being developed that can extend survival.”
Holly Balogh built her health care career on the simple principle of treating others like she would prefer to be treated.
Balogh, a nurse practitioner who co-founded Benton’s Recover Restore Revive with her husband, Dr. Julius Balogh, said the motivation behind the clinic was a desire to break away from the traditional cookie-cutter approach.
“As a nurse practitioner and as a small-business owner, I have the unique privilege of shaping care in a way that truly aligns with my values,” she said. “We’re not bound by rigid corporate policies or one-size-fitsall approaches. Instead, we’ve built a clinic that prioritizes individualized care, genuine connection and real outcomes.”
Balogh has no formal business degree. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and her Master of Science in Nursing, as well as her Doctor of Nursing Practice, from the University of South Alabama. She is double board certified as an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Business degrees, though? Not so much. Turns out, she didn’t need one.
“Most of what I’ve learned about running a practice has come from experience, persistence and a deep commitment to doing right by our patients,” Balogh said. “That freedom to combine clinical expertise with compassion — and to see the difference it makes in people’s lives — is absolutely the best part of what I do.”
Coupling compassion with the latest tech, along with services people seek out, proved to be a good business model. Recover Restore Revive offers a wide range of services related to recovery and wellness — among them cryotherapy, light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared sauna and platelet-rich plasma joint injections. The business also offers concierge medicine, peptide therapy, hormone-replacement therapy, weight-loss management, longevity treatments, IV therapy and supplements.
“We’ve built our clinic around one simple principle: treat people the way we’d want to be treated,” Balogh. “That means no rushed appointments, no cookie-cutter protocols and no upselling — just honest, in-
dividualized care backed by the best technology and science available. Every service we offer is something I’ve personally researched, used or would confidently recommend to someone I love.”
Because the practice is small and locally owned, Balogh said her team has the flexibility to make decisions based on what’s truly best for patients — not what is dictated by corporate policy.
“That independence lets us stay innovative, transparent and deeply connected to our community,” she said. Balogh knew from an early age that her path in life would run through medicine. For her kindergarten graduation, for which students were asked to dress for the job they wanted as a grown-up. Balogh showed up dressed as a doctor, complete with a stethoscope borrowed from a family friend.
“I always envisioned myself in a medical career, either as a doctor or a nurse,” she said. “As I got older, life and circumstance shifted my path from medical school to nursing, and it turned out to be the decision that has put me in the position I am in today. During nursing school, my grandmother became ill with cancer, and I cared for her while continuing my studies.
“That experience taught me what it truly means to serve others through medicine — not just treating illness, but providing comfort, dignity and compassion. It cemented my purpose and ultimately led me to pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice so I could practice at the highest level and make a lasting difference in my patients’ lives.”
Technology has transformed the way care is delivered, she noted.
“When we first opened, even the most advanced treatments were often limited to big cities or specialized centers,” she said. “Today, regenerative therapies, bioidentical hormone optimization and noninvasive energy-based devices allow patients to recover faster, look and feel younger, and achieve overall wellness all under one roof.”
The next big thing, she said, is vitality — what she called a holistic approach that combines peptides, synergistic modalities such as light therapy, cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. All delivered in a concierge model with “providers you can truly trust,” she added.
“It’s not just about treating symptoms,” Balogh said. “It’s about optimizing energy, resilience and long-term health, and that’s exactly the kind of care we strive to provide every day.”
Allison Adams, Psy.D.
Arkansas Families First
Mary M. Ekdahl, Ph.D.
Arkansas Families First
Khiela Holmes, Ph.D.
Arkansas Families First
Sarah Lindeman Root, Ph.D.
Arkansas Families First
Carmella Card, DDS Arkansas Family Dental
Sarah King, DDS
Arkansas Family Dental
Angela Lehman, RDH
Arkansas Family Dental
CaSondra Long, RDH
Arkansas Family Dental
Samaria Mascagni, DDS Arkansas Family Dental
Christina McCormic, RDH
Arkansas Family Dental
Kimberly Pollard, DDS
Arkansas Family Dental
Kay Dukes, APRN
Arkansas Gastroenterology Associates & Endoscopy Center
Angela Simmons, APRN
Arkansas Heart Hospital
Kate Baker PT, DPT, PRPC, WCS Arkansas Pelvic Health
Brier Skogsberg, PT, DPT Arkansas Pelvic Health
Maria Bowden Arkansas Plastic Surgery
Amber Ward, RN, BSN Arkansas Plastic Surgery
Diana Braziel, PA-C Arkansas Urology
Natalie Byars, APRN Arkansas Urology
Gail Reede Jones, M.D. Arkansas Urology
Iris Kennedy, APRN Arkansas Urology
Mollie Meek, M.D.
Arkansas Urology
Allison Morrow, APRN
Arkansas Urology
Leslie Ann Wilcox, RNP
Arkansas Urology
Wischelle Williams, APRN
Arkansas Urology
Tara Pappas Scallion, DDS
Austin Family Dentistry
BJalesia Austin, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Baptist Health
Allison Barnes
Baptist Health
April Bennett, MSN, CHFP, RN
Baptist Health
Mandy Burton, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Baptist Health
Jodie Clementson, D.O.
Baptist Health
Denise Coffman
Baptist Health
Debbie Davis
Baptist Health
Kelley Hamby, RN, BSN
Baptist Health
Gillian Hutchison, RN, MAT
Baptist Health
Courtney Jasna, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Baptist Health
Kalena Jones, DHSc, MHA
Baptist Health
Dani LaRoe, RN
Baptist Health
Jessica Mathisen, MSN, RN, CNE
Baptist Health
Lauren McDaniel, RN
Baptist Health
Julie Nix, MSHA
Baptist Health
Amanda Novack, M.D.
Baptist Health
KaitLyn Ontiveros
Baptist Health
Kathy Sue Parnell, M.D.
Baptist Health
Stephanie Parson, MSN, MHA, RN
Baptist Health
Tracy Sisco
Baptist Health
Sharika Smith, RN
Baptist Health
Alicia Agent Speegle
Baptist Health
Jessica Udeogu, M.D.
Baptist Health
Shenna VanVeelen
Baptist Health
Cara Wade
Baptist Health
Susan Williams, MSN, RN
Baptist Health
Shannon Zehtaban, M.D.
Baptist Health
Emma Cascio, CMA
Beauty Boss Co.
Sydney Mayo, RN, LE
Beauty Boss Co.
Kayla Sanders, APRN
Beauty Boss Co.
Taylor Steele, DNP, RN
Beauty Boss Co.
Sidney Bennett, RN Beyond Wellness
Hallie Braley, LPN Beyond Wellness
Reagan Cody, RN Beyond Wellness
Jordan Davidson, APRN Beyond Wellness
Kelly Goodson Beyond Wellness
Ashley Huneycutt Beyond Wellness
Christa Jackson, APRN Beyond Wellness
Rebekah Scott, RMA Beyond Wellness
Lacy Short, LPN Beyond Wellness
Lacy Short, LPN Beyond Wellness
Rachel Thompson Blackmon Chiropractic Clinic
CCari Cordell
CHI St. Vincent Orthopedic Clinic-Hot Springs
Michelle Gilbert CareLink
Jerri HuggsCareLink
Randi Metcalf CareLink
Jamie Burton, M.D. CARTI
Jennifer Campbell, MS, LCGC CARTI
Lindsey Smith has cared for the needs of others since well before she entered the medical field, whether through listening, offering advice or providing comfort in times of need. As a nurse practitioner in family medicine, Smith has had the chance to care for people in all stages of life and guide them toward better health. She entered the world of aesthetics more than 14 years ago.
“I saw firsthand how much health, selfesteem and appearance are intertwined,” she said. “I noticed that many of my patients would come to me not just with physical health concerns but with a desire to feel more confident and at peace with themselves.”
In response to that need, Smith opened Flawless Med Spa in Bryant, which prioritizes well-being in a holistic way, giving clients medical-grade, evidencebased treatments.
“Opening Flawless Med Spa allowed me to bring together my two passions: my clinical expertise as a nurse practitioner and my love for helping people feel better about themselves on the outside,” she said. “It’s truly been a fulfilling journey.”
Smith’s work fills the gap between traditional health care and aesthetic services. She said aesthetics is not just about improving one’s appearance but about empowering people to feel
comfortable in their own skin. Smith also enjoys the constant learning the field brings. New techniques, technologies and treatments come up in the market regularly to keep her engaged and excited.
“What excites me most is that every client is different and every treatment is personalized to their needs and goals,” Smith said. “Whether I’m performing
botox, dermal fillers or other advanced procedures, I love the challenge of tailoring each treatment plan to help clients achieve their desired results while ensuring safety and natural-looking outcomes.”
Smith continues to keep empathy at the core of her work. She does not simply want to offer services but to listen to clients and understand their unique goals and journeys. Her advice for patients new to the aesthetics field is to take one’s time, do research and start with a treatment that feels low risk.
“Aesthetic treatments can sometimes feel intimidating, so I make sure to explain the process, potential outcomes and aftercare to ensure clients are informed and comfortable throughout their journey,” she said. “The important thing is to start small and know that you are in control of the process.”
Smith also suggested starting with botox or filler because they have minimal recovery time and can provide subtle results. Even less invasive options would be a hydrafacial or mild skin resurfacing treatment.
“In the end, my goal is to help my clients feel empowered, confident and beautiful both inside and out,” Smith said. “It’s about creating a positive, transformative experience that leaves them feeling their absolute best.”
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Iof more at the bedside and can take care of the patients more intimately, so that’s the part of the job I really enjoy.”
Growing up in a family of health care workers, a career in medicine fit right in with Barlogie’s innate sense of caring for others. She started out as a personal trainer before deciding to lean further into her lifelong interest in science, the pursuit of which led her to UAMS. She got her bearings initially in hospital medicine in Fort Smith.
“I moved back to Little Rock because I had a baby and wanted to be close to the family, and [I] went to more specialty surgery services,” she said. “Then I went into plastics at UAMS and really loved being in the [operating room]. I was there for about two years, and then I transitioned over to burn surgery, which I’ve been in for the last seven years. I absolutely love it.”
Barlogie’s work in the burn unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is her “main gig,” as she described it, but it is not the only thing on her schedule. While in plastics at UAMS, Barlogie became acquainted with Little Rock plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Wright. When Wright went into private practice, he and Barlogie maintained their relationship, and she continues to do insurance-based surgery consultations at Wright Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Little Rock about once a month.
n 2015, Eva Barlogie helped the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock break new ground as a member of its then-recently added physician assistant program. There was much to learn — both within the classroom and outside of it — for professors and that inaugural group of students.
“The PA school and the training is based on the medical school model, and so we were in there with the medical students,” Barlogie said. “A lot of the doctors and medical professionals didn’t know what to do with us because they were like, ‘We’ve never had a PA student before.’”
If it was an interesting transition in school, it was equally so after graduation, when central Arkansas suddenly found itself flush with available PA talent. In the decade since, Barlogie said, PAs have come to be utilized in a variety of ways by physicians and are afforded a level of independent practice, as well.
“We’re really kind of the chain between the M.D. and the nurses, and we have a little bit more time to spend with patients because the doctors are pretty busy trying to take care of not only the patients but administrative stuff,” she said. “We’re kind
“Both are pretty wound-care involved and skincare involved,” she said. “The burn service allows me to pick my brain about internal medicine and then get hands-on, and then [with] the plastics, you’re helping improve the patient’s overall confidence and underlying issues, as well with reconstruction. I’ve enjoyed both thoroughly, and I don’t see myself ever leaving the field.”
Burn treatment is a highly specialized area, and larger injuries, might see a patient in the unit for several months. There is also a need to recover from the trauma not only physically but psychologically. It can be an emotional roller coaster, Barlogie said, and watching a patient’s transformation from acute injury to walking out of the hospital is “truly the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever experienced.”
“This is a whole different process because there’s not really a standard way to treat a burn,” Barlogie said. “That’s the part I enjoy the most is, A, getting those relationships with the patients, but also, we are constantly thinking of innovative ways to help these people. Not every burn is treated the same.”
Ten years since that first class graduated from the UAMS program, an increased population of PAs has helped raise awareness of the role they play in health care teams. PAs are called upon heavily in surgical fields and inpatient medicine, Barlogie said, and they provide a vital sense of continuity in academic settings. Residents come and go, but knowledgeable PAs can be relied upon to know how things work and ensure procedures and processes run smoothly.
“It’s challenging to [be] kind of in that middle ground between a nurse and a doctor because you’re like, ‘Well, where do I stand?’” she said. “I think now that we’ve become more independent as far as our practice goes, the community is starting to realize that we are a huge part, an integral part of the health care system. Moving forward, I think it’s just, stay strong, stay persistent and keep going. It’s a great, fulfilling field.”
By MAK MILLARD
rom the time she was in high school, there was never any doubt in April Bennett’s mind that her career lay in health care, specifically nursing. Getting there, however, defied some long odds.
“I had kind of a difficult family circumstance growing up and had a fairly broken home. I actually moved out when I was 15 years old,” she said. “I was blessed and very fortunate to have some great people in my life throughout high school who encouraged me and helped me really stay focused.”
The first in her immediate family to attend college, Bennett had no health care role models close at hand until she met her then-boyfriend, now husband, whose mother was a nurse. The small-town Missouri native first found her way into the health care field as a teenager, seeing health care as much ministry as profession.
(Photo courtesy of Baptist Health)
“My very first job, I worked as a dietary aide in a nursing home and had interactions with those who were being cared for there,” she said. “Then I became a nurse technician when I was 16 years old and actually worked at the local community hospital with who is now my mother-in-law. As I finished high school and went to college, I continued working in the hospital setting as I went through my nursing program.
“I think having that exposure from the time that I was 16 years old through my college experience and getting to care for those in need at their most vulnerable time is really what inspired me to pursue nursing. I’ve had some really great mentors — people who have focused on patients, who are very relationship based and visible and present. Those are the ones that have really inspired me.”
As she reached the end of high school, Bennett landed scholarships that allowed her to enter nursing school. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Southern State University and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Life in the ward has been anything but routine. She earned her stripes working in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, when an EF5 tornado reduced a swath of the city to rubble, and then again in
2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the same year she landed at Baptist Health Medical CenterConway. Along the way, she also ascended through the ranks of management, the one part of her career journey that was most unexpected.
“I often tell students, especially those eager to obtain a health care administration degree, that I was not one of those people looking to get into management,” she said. “I truly went through my program to be a nurse and had never thought of a leadership role. I didn’t see that in myself early in my career. Again, I had some great mentors that saw things in me and encouraged me.
“I always say God opened my eyes to the opportunity of taking care of the people who were taking care of the patients. I really saw the opportunity to care for my teammates and coworkers.”
By late 2022, Bennett reached a major milestone in her remarkable career rise by being named president of Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. Today, she balances the myriad demands of staff and medical personnel with the realities of keeping the lights on in a difficult marketplace. She said each step of the way has been an education unto itself, but she has embraced the challenge.
“As I’ve transitioned to different roles, especially when I went from chief nursing officer to this role as president of our facility, there were areas that I had not functioned in previously, such as looking at what the needs of our facility are and the different service lines that we need to expand or grow,” she said. “Thankfully, I have always been an inquisitive person by nature and not afraid to ask questions.”
The most pressing issues she has dealt with include recruiting and retaining quality employees, keeping up with medical technology and automation, and marketing to attract the volume of patients needed to generate sufficient revenue. She said meeting those challenges effectively takes a lot of input, not least of which comes from the people the hospital is there to serve.
“Being a newer facility built from the ground up, our goal has been to provide for the needs of the community while continuing to increase our volume and our capacity across different service lines. It’s given us a really great opportunity to continue to listen to what those needs are,” she said. “Our focus, our strategic plan, has been primarily on growth and how to identify what those needs are, how to recruit the right people in terms of providers and nurses and technicians, and how to sustain that.
“My role is really to be effective in communicating what our vision is, what our goals are and how we’re performing. Sometimes that’s easy to communicate, but even on the tough days, we have to communicate effectively with all of our team members to encourage them and ensure that they’re engaged. None of the things we want to achieve would be possible without our team and our people.”
Dr. Tracy Van Es has been meeting the hearing needs of Arkansans since 2001. She’s a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and earned her doctorate from the Pennsylvania School of Audiology.
Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Tracy Van Es.... Because life is worth hearing!
Lindsay Arthur, M.D.
Meenakshi Atteri, M.D.
Amanda Bailey, M.D.
Eva Barlogie, P.A.
Emily Barnes, M.D.
Lauren Bolin, P.A.
Carla Brown, M.D.
Megan Butler, M.D.
Rebecca Cantu, M.D.
April Clawson, M.D.
Kaitlin Cockerell, M.D.
Stacie Jones, M.D.
Rebecca Latch, M.D.
Tamara Perry, M.D.
Arundathi Reddy, M.D.
Amy Scurlock, M.D.
Kathryn Stambough, M.D.
Jill Fussell, M.D.
Shonda Grappe, R.N.
Laura Hollenbach, M.D.
Laura Meyer, R.N.
Jennifer York, C.N.P.
Destiny Cato, MS, LCGC CARTI
Megan Crain, RDN, LD CARTI
Meagan Cupan, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AOCNP CARTI
Christie Dumboski, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC CARTI
Jaclynn Elias, M.D. CARTI
Jerri S. Fant, M.D., FACS CARTI
Chelna Galada, MS, LCGC CARTI
Morgan Gary, PA-C CARTI
Rhonda Gentry, M.D. CARTI
Julie Glover, DNP-FNP, BC,TTS CARTI
Mariann Harrington, M.D. CARTI
Kewen Jauss, M.D. CARTI
Jessica McElreath, M.D. CARTI
Cheryl Payne, M.D. CARTI
Grace Raja, M.D. CARTI
Shyann Renfroe, M.D. CARTI
Alexandra Roberts, RDN, LD CARTI
Yara Robertson, M.D., FACS CARTI
Toronsa M. Simpson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C CARTI
Stacy Smith-Foley, M.D. CARTI
Dianna Sutliff, MSN, APRN, FNP-C CARTI
Diane Wilder, M.D. CARTI
Amy Galdamez, M.D. Central Clinic for Women
Monica Sumner, APRN Central Clinic for Women
Amy Wiedower, M.D. Central Clinic for Women
Beverly Foster, D.C.
Chiropractic Health & Rehabilitation
Theresa J. “TJ” Moix, APRN
Conway Med Spa
Ashleigh Tanner, BSN, RN
Conway Med Spa
Keitha Holland, M.D.
Conway OB-GYN
Lauren Nolen, M.D.
Conway OB-GYN
Heather Steely, APRN
Conway Regional Advanced Pain
Management Center
Krista Bailey
Conway Regional Health System
Amanda Brown
Conway Regional Health System
Haylie Day, APRN
Conway Regional Health System
Rhonda Dixon, APRN
Conway Regional Health System
Elle Dyson, PA
Conway Regional Health System
Amelia Fleisher
Conway Regional Health System
Emily Garza, PA
Conway Regional Health System
Amanda Irby
Conway Regional Health System
Maria Javaid, M.D.
Conway Regional Health System
Lillian Jones, Au.D.
Conway Regional Health System
Brooke Keith, APRN
Conway Regional Health System
Macy Massey, APRN
Conway Regional Health System
Gina McNew, M.D.
Conway Regional Health System
Kathy Parker, M.D.
Conway Regional Health System
Stephanie Rittman, APRN
Conway Regional Health System
Sarah Robertson, M.D.
Conway Regional Health System
Christi Roderique
Conway Regional Health System
Elana Russell, APRN
Conway Regional Health System
Courtney Sick, M.D.
Conway Regional Health System
Amy Johnson, M.D.
Conway Women’s Health Center
Debra Lawrence, M.D.
Conway Women’s Health Center
Brandie Martin, M.D.
Conway Women’s Health Center
Kristen Bracy, M.D.
Cornerstone Clinic for Women
DSuzanne Yee, M.D.
Dr. Suzanne Yee Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center
Nina Harris Long
Crown Yours Rx
Chelsea Seelinger, DDS
Dean Dental Solutions
Tanya Welsh, RDH Dean Dental Solutions
Tristin Hughey, RN Devlin Cosmetic Surgery
Ashley Powell, CST Devlin Cosmetic Surgery
Leslie Dickinson, DDS
Dickinson Dental
Mandy Rice, MS, D.O.
Direct Surgical Care of Hot Springs
Carmella Montez Knoernschild, DDS, PA Dr. K
EKim Clatworthy Elder Independence Home Care
Ashley Broadway, RN English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center
Diane Orrell, RN English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center
Darlene Parsons, RN English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center
FRachal Pendergrass, RN Flawless Med Spa
Bonnie Rowland, RN Flawless Med Spa
Lindsey Smith, APRN Flawless Med Spa
Bailey W. Pollock, PA-C Franks Dermatology
Elizabeth T. Turbeville, PA-C Franks Dermatology
Beth Craft, LCSW, LMFT, LAC, CAS Freshly Renewed Transitional Treatment
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Sandy Rasmussen has been around animals for most of her life, having worked as an exercise rider at racetracks around the country and owned a dog grooming business. She’s also suffered from depression for most of her life. Her symptoms were so severe she tried to take her own life when she was 12 and was hospitalized several times. When traditional treatments failed, she turned to the Psychiatric Research Institute at UAMS for help. The Interventional Psychiatry team recommended the revolutionary SAINT® system, a breakthrough therapy specifically designed for treatment-resistant depression. Thanks to SAINT, Sandy is now enjoying life with her husband, their dog, three cats, and her horse.
“Depression is a horrible disease. I encourage everyone to give SAINT a try. I wish it had been available when I was younger because I would’ve had my life back a lot sooner.”
– Sandy Rasmussen, Hot Springs
Tiara Miller Freshly Renewed Transitional Treatment
GKelly Gibbs, M.D.GastroArkansas
Debra F. Morrison, M.D. GastroArkansas
Angela K. Nutt, M.D. GastroArkansas
Lingyi Chen, M.D. Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
A. Lynn Cleveland, M.D. Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Jennifer Hocutt, APRN Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Sheryl Knott, APRN Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Virginia Laliberte, APRN, FNP-C, AOCNP Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Tiffany McConathy, APRN Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Kristen Sager, M.D. Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Samantha Wideman, APRN, FNP-C Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Rochelle Johnson Grand Village at Clear Creek
HK’Anne Cash Arthur, M.D. Highlands Oncology
Brooke E. Brander, D.O. Highlands Oncology
Lynsay Brautnick, M.D. Highlands Oncology
Mikaila Calcagni, M.D. Highlands Oncology
Megan Davis, M.D. Highlands Oncology
Jennifer M. Porta, D.O. Highlands Oncology
Irlna Tantchou, M.D. Highlands Oncology
Min C. Yoo, M.D., FACS Highlands Oncology
Constance R. Jarrett, RN Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas
Terri Wells
Infinity Signature Aesthetics
Amanda Ray, CNA
Jamestown Nursing & Rehab
Jessica Steward
Jamestown Nursing & Rehab
Brittany Barnett, APRN
Journey Health and Wellness
KKathy James, LCSW, LISW-CP
Kathy James Psychotherapy and Wellness
Hannah Davenport, MSN, FNP-C
LC Aesthetics & Wellness
LJaqueline Eldridge
Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists
Allie Mills
Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists
Kelli Schlesinger, M.D.
Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists
Brittany Allen, APRN LifeTouch Health
Tasha McAdams, APRN-PRN LifeTouch Health
Nikki Taylor, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, HEC-C, CADDCT LifeTouch Health
Tracy Van Es, Au.D.
Little Rock Audiology Clinic
Hailey Arens, PA-C
Little Rock Dermatology Clinic
Madison Moody, LA
Little Rock Dermatology Clinic
Alexandra Sanroma, PA-C
Little Rock Dermatology Clinic
Karen Spruell, RN
Little Rock Dermatology Clinic
Melinda Patterson, M.D
Little Rock Family Practice
Elizabeth Sullivan, M.D.
Little Rock Family Practice
Cheryl Ahart, M.D.
Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
Natalie Burr, M.D.
Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
Kelsey Floyd, D.O.
Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
Catherine Robben, M.D.
Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
MMarina Ivanovsky, MSN, APRN, FNP- C
Marina Lifestyle Medicine
Brita Rook, M.D.
McFarland Eye Care
Missy Clifton, M.D., FAAD
MD Hair Labs & Vitality
Amy Tubre, APRN, FNP-C
MD Hair Labs & Vitality
Meg Green, RD
Meg Green, RD
Jasmine Estell
Mimi Lee, M.D., P.A. Vein & Aesthetic Care
Kaylan Griffin
Mimi Lee, M.D., P.A. Vein & Aesthetic Care
Mimi Lee, M.D.
Mimi Lee, M.D., P.A. Vein & Aesthetic Care
NErin Holleman, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, APHN-BC
Natural State Behavioral Health
Julie Logan, D.C. Natural State Behavioral Health
Renee Carter
New Hope Prosthetics & Orthotics
Julie Taylor
New Hope Prosthetics & Orthotics
Tina Nichols, DDS
Nichols Family Dental
Shelby Brogdon, O.D. Noh Eyes
Rebecca Trieu, DDS
Northwest Orthodontics
OJeanine Andersson, M.D. OrthoArkansas
Morgan Bittengle, APRN OrthoArkansas
Debra Brent, APRN OrthoArkansas
Morgan Hayes, APRN OrthoArkansas
Katie Stallings, PA-C OrthoArkansas
Rachel Vaske, APRN, FNP-BC OrthoArkansas
Rebekah Young, MNSc, APRN, FNP-C OrthoArkansas
Sharon Apperson, APRN
Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center
Jeannette Carter, APRN
Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center
Kathryn Cullum, PA-C
Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center
Dana Browning, D.C.
Pain Care Associates
Gena Woodward, MS, PT
Pain Care Associates
Chandler Fisher, RN
Painted Rock Health and Wellness
Lauren Gill
Painted Rock Health and Wellness
Caitlin Saia, LES
Painted Rock Health and Wellness
LifeTouch Health celebrates Brittany Allen, APRN, Tasha McAdams, APRN, and Nikki Taylor, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, HEC-C, for being honored as Best Women in Healthcare by the readers of AY Magazine. Their dedication to improving lives of Arkansans facing serious illness through our palliative care program reflects the impact we make across our continuum of care.
We thank them and congratulate them on this honor.
For Sidney Bennett, registered nurse and aesthetic injector at Beyond Wellness, earning her RN credential was just the beginning of an ongoing journey to master the latest products and techniques, allowing her to provide exceptional care to her patients.
“I love being able to know everything that’s going on and seeing if there’s anything new out there that I want to try or new techniques — anything to make me a better provider for my patients to get the best care possible,” she said.
Having worked as a registered nurse and aesthetic injector since graduating from Baptist Health College Little Rock eight years ago, Bennett said it is a career that makes her excited to come to work each day.
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people feel confident in their own skin,” she said. “Early in my career, I saw how aesthetics could really merge art and science together, so getting to use my medical background but also using my creativity to help patients look refreshed while still looking like themselves is what drew me in.”
Her favorite part of the work, she added, is building relationships with her patients.
While some providers merely dabble in aesthetics, Bennett said it is important to be well versed in all aspects of aesthetic care to avoid, identify and treat complications while achieving natural-looking results.
“Education is what really sets providers apart,” she said. “I feel like this is an industry that you really have to put your whole heart and soul into to give your patients the best care possible.”
The industry is ever evolving, she said, adding that there has been an emphasis lately on biostimulators such as EZGEL, Sculptra, Radiesse and platelet-rich fibrin, as well as combination treatments such as MOXI with BroadBand Light or SkinPen.
“We’ve got so many different options to treat together for the best kind of results, but I would say the industry’s definitely moving more toward long-term rejuvenation and prejuvenation, [which is] what I like to call it,” she said. “Really, creating healthy skin is what’s most important now.”
She added that she and the other providers at Beyond Wellness are committed to developing long-term plans tailored to each clients’ specific needs.
“We build plans that are more than just a sprinkle of Botox every once in a while,” she said.
Bennett said she appreciates the holistic model at Beyond Wellness, where patients often see her in conjunction with nurse practitioners Christa Jackson and Jordan Davidson for treatments that transcend beauty to address hormone levels, thyroid health and general well-being.
“Most of the patients that we see see multiple providers within the office, and
a lot of my patients, whether they’re new patients or existing patients, come in, and sometimes I hear, ‘I’m tired. I just don’t feel like myself. I don’t look like myself,’” she said. “That’s when I definitely refer people to one of our nurse practitioners.”
As the company grows, including a new location soon to open in Rogers, Bennett said she is excited to serve as a leader for the team while helping the company expand its footprint.
“I think we have so much to offer,” she added. “We really have a total-wellness approach, so for anyone, especially older women and men having hormonal changes, I think it’s huge knowing that you don’t have to just settle for the normal aging process. We don’t like to use the word ‘normal.’ We want optimal in our office.”
Bennett said she enjoys teaching others to provide safe, effective treatment. Outside of Beyond Wellness, she trains up-and-coming aesthetic injectors through her company, SB Aesthetic Academy.
“Learning is so important in this industry,” she said. “Don’t ever get too comfortable or complacent where you are. Always strive to be better, and don’t ever be scared to collaborate with other providers.”
It is not easy to establish a glowing reputation and a growing client base in the world of aesthetics, Bennett said, but that hard work pays off when clients see the results of their treatment plans.
“I love a good before-and-after picture,” Bennett said. “Whether that’s seeing a three-month difference or a year’s difference or even a several-year difference, getting to really see how far they’ve come and really let them shine from the inside out, that’s why I do what I do.”
By SARAH
Tto help patients in a hands-on way while still connecting on an emotional level is a draw for many physical therapists, Chapman said.
“Whether you see them once a week, three times a week, postsurgically or proactively, you’re going to get the good, the bad and the ugly sometimes,” she said. “I saw that too — being a 14- to16-year-old female having to wear a sling in high school is not fun, and not getting to play sports for an extended amount of time is not fun. There would be days I would go in really bummed, didn’t want to be in PT, didn’t want to be in that life situation, and my physical therapists were able to meet me where I was.”
Chapman first arrived at Advanced Physical Therapy during her clinical rotations at Harding. She joined the team full time in 2018 and became a co-owner in 2021. As a leader at the practice, Chapman has made a concerted effort to spread public awareness about the range of treatment options available. She obtained a certification in pelvic health, for example, not only to better support her own work and that of her colleagues but to help people learn about the lesser-known benefits of that specialty. The practice has also recently partnered with CARTI as part of the cancer center’s holistic support program, The Bridge.
here are few better ways to get acquainted with medical professions than from the receiving end. For Montana Chapman, licensed physical therapist, doctor of physical therapy, and coowner and chief operating officer at Advanced Physical Therapy, back-to-back shoulder operations as a teenager provided ample exposure to a few possible career paths as she dealt with orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists and physical therapists. After exploring her options and accepting a basketball scholarship to Harding University in Searcy, Chapman came to realize that, as she often jokes, “I decided I wanted to socialize with my patients instead of knock them out.”
“In all seriousness, I had some really great PTs that helped me with my shoulders, and I would still consider them big mentors for me today. That’s really what helped shape my path into the field of physical therapy,” she said.
Physical therapists have a unique place as far as health care providers are concerned. Their interactions take place somewhere in between the casual conversations one might have with a primary care physician and the necessarily one-sided relationship of a surgeon and an anesthetized patient. The ability
“Whether it’s chemo-induced fatigue or neuropathy or the deconditioning that comes with [the fact that] you don’t feel very good, you’re in and out of infusions and radiation, and you find yourself on the couch more,” she said. “We can walk alongside that patient population and give them hope that they can still use their bodies and find a level that’s comfortable for them to do so.”
Chapman is adamant about making people aware of physical therapy’s growing accessibility, as well. With direct access, patients no longer need a referral to get started. She said she would ultimately love to see physical therapy treated more akin to the way people see their dentists — not only showing up after the cavity develops, so to speak, but getting in on a regular basis to prevent problems in the first place.
“I’m very excited for the holistic movement, and that’s what drove a lot of us to PT,” Chapman said. “We didn’t want to have to go the medication route; we wanted to help teach people that your bodies are powerful, and how you treat your bodies and what you put into it makes a difference.”
Still, for the time being, many people arrive at physical therapy as a last-ditch effort. Being able to meet patients on their healing journey and make them feel seen — even connecting them to other resources, related or not to physical therapy — is, at its core, what Chapman’s work is all about. It is also an example she hopes to set for the rest of her team, who she encourages to keep advocating for their profession and patients.
“Whoever you ask in health care right now, it’s not exactly fun dealing with insurance and reimbursement cuts, and we’re one of the only industries where you can’t inflate your prices with inflation, so a lot of our reimbursements are going backwards, while the cost of living is going up,” Chapman said. “To be able to step out of that and just be with a person who needs someone to listen to them is what keeps me going.”
By MAK MILLARD
Congratulations to Dr. Mary Chatelain, Audiologist and Founder of Pinnacle Hearing, on being nominated for Best Women in Healthcare. She’s dedicated her career to making hearing care accessible across Arkansas. Through her giveback initiatives and partnership with rural hospitals, her team is helping Arkansas hear, one ear at a time.
Pamela Volner, APRN, FNP-C Painted Rock Health and Wellness
Britney Corker, DPT Physical Therapy Institute
Katie Dailey, PTA Physical Therapy Institute
Katy Frizzell, MA, SLP Physical Therapy Institute
Leslyn Graves, DPT Physical Therapy Institute
Jo Lagemann, MS, OTR/L Physical Therapy Institute
Alissa Huberty, PA-C Pinnacle Dermatology
Andrea Mabry, M.D. Pinnacle Dermatology
Kayla Mohr, M.D. Pinnacle Dermatology
Chelsea Newey, PA-C Pinnacle Dermatology
Marla Wirges, M.D. Pinnacle Dermatology
Mary Chatelain, Au.D. Pinnacle Hearing
Kay Lynn Brunt, PA-C Pinnacle Spine & Orthopedic
Devin Sessions, M.D., CWSP, PCHM Pinnacle Wound Care
Jennifer Dostert, MSN, RN Practical Wellness Clinic
Stephanie Young, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC Practical Wellness Clinic
Courtney Bethea, PA-C Premier Gastroenterology Associates
Dawn Yakoubian Presbyterian Village
RSabrina Shipp, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC Radiant Wellness
Holly Balogh, DNP, APRN Recover Restore Revive
Alicia Kunert, BS, MS, RN Red Zone Health & Wellness
Jaycee Combs, PTA Rehab Specialists Therapy and Fitness Center
Andi Reeves Green, DPT Rehab Specialists Therapy and Fitness Center
Danielle Lynch
Renew Mental Health & Wellness
Liz Murphy
Renew Mental Health & Wellness
Nicole Eckard, MS, LPC-S, TF-CBT Resilience Therapy
Lindsey Ponwith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, ABAAHP Revive Lifestyle Medicine
Jourdan Quinn, APRN, FNP-C Revive Lifestyle Medicine
Amber Moody, APRN Revolution Med Spa
Valerie Arnold, O.D.
River Mountain Eye Care
Desiree Dyer, LPN
River Valley Medical Wellness
Sandy King, DNP, FNP-BC River Valley Medical Wellness
Kristin Martin, D.O., FAAFP, FASAM, FACOFP
River Valley Medical Wellness
Marcia McGlone, MNSC, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC River Valley Medical Wellness
Miki Reynolds, APN, AANP
River Valley Medical Wellness
Tonya Sauers, APRN, FNP-BC River Valley Medical Wellness
Lindsey Sharp, APN, ANCC-FP
River Valley Medical Wellness
Sakinah Shaw, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C River Valley Medical Wellness
Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris, M.D.
River Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rachel Sims, RN
RSM Aesthetics
SChar Boulch, MSN, RN
Saline Health System
Jackie Wilkerson BSN, RN
Saline Health System
Monica Cooper, LE
Sei Bella Med Spa
Anne Trussell, M.D.
Sei Bella Med Spa
Alicia Andrews, MA
Shewmake Plastic Surgery
Jennifer Gabbard, RN
Shewmake Plastic Surgery
Jennifer Zierlein, O.D.
Simmons Eye Care
Becca Dycus, RDH
Smile Arkansas
Erin Williams, RDH
Smile Arkansas
Delaney Fogle, RDH
Smile Dailey Dental
Kirstan Hyser, DDS
Smile Dailey Dental
Kristen Jones
Smile Dailey Dental
Cara Bray Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics
Debbie Francis Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics
Angela Huckaby Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics
Tristine Lam Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics
Miranda Kuykendall, RN Solux Aesthetics
Kristyn Wethington, Au.D. Southern Arkansas Audiology
Kristi Jones, APRN Synolo Wellness
TShelly Gibbs, M.D. The Woman’s Clinic
Jill Jennings, M.D. The Woman’s Clinic
Elizabeth Paladino, WHCNP The Woman’s Clinic
Amanda Payne, APRN The Woman’s Clinic
Tiffany Corjay, LCSW TLC Stable Connections
UMarielie Heidi Agesilas, M.D. UAMS
Alice P. Alexander, M.D. UAMS
Audra Arant, APRN UAMS
Ashley Bean, RN UAMS
Debbie Brady, LCSW, ACSW UAMS
Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith, M.D. UAMS
Jamie Cannon, M.D. UAMS
Jennifer Dukes Casey, M.D. UAMS
Jessica L. Coker, M.D. UAMS
Kelly Conroy UAMS
Kasa B. Cooper, M.D. UAMS
The era of plastic surgery as a taboo subject is gone. More and more people are coming to realize the truly life-changing effects aesthetic procedures can have on one’s self-esteem and wellbeing. As the stigma wanes, one of the most important questions prospective patients face is the choice of surgeon. A well-established clinic that has garnered a positive reputation over decades; transparent, helpful and friendly staff; and surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are all key elements to look for — and all of them can be found at Arkansas Plastic Surgery in Little Rock.
At Arkansas Plastic Surgery, aesthetic procedures are about more than exterior looks. They enhance natural beauty, boost self-esteem and help patients step into the world with confidence. 9500 Kanis Road, Suite 502, Little Rock arkansasplasticsurgery.com
Call Arkansas Plastic Surgery at 501-219-8388.
Arkansas Plastic Surgery
“Plastic surgeons can operate from the crown of the head to the tips of the toes,” said Dr. Zachary T. Young, a double-board certified plastic surgeon at the practice. “That is why selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is so important, because you are getting a surgeon with rigorous, extensive and accredited training to ensure that each patient gets the best outcome possible.”
Young’s extensive training includes a distinguished seven-year general surgery residency training program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a comprehensive plastic, reconstructive and hand surgery fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has further honed his skills in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts and body contouring. Over the course of his career, Young has seen firsthand the tangible impact plastic surgery can have on patients’ lives.
“You see in the body language of patients postrecovery a sense of confidence and pride. It’s almost an aura that is difficult to describe but definitely present,” he said. “A lot of patients will say that they finally feel like they are who they always knew they were, but they could not achieve the desired result on their own.”
While Young’s reliable expertise and warm personality make for a positive experience during and after procedures, much of the foundational work occurs well before a patient makes it to the operating table. The Arkansas Plastic Surgery team strives to ensure patients feel the difference in their approach from the very first visit. Staff walk alongside patients through all phases of the surgical journey, helping alleviate stress and anxiety. Once the procedure is underway, patients find themselves in the capable hands of Young, whose work is guided by a careful balance of artistry and precision.
“Every single patient is different, and their needs are different, as well. That is where the artistry aspect comes into play, where the surgeon’s relationship with the patient guides the operative process to ensure their desires are met,” he said. “The precision aspect is about the little details. Millimeters make a difference in our specialty, and that attention to detail makes for positive surgical outcomes.”
When looking to one’s childhood for early hints of a dream career, an ultrasound machine in the living room is about as on the nose as the signs can get. The daughter of a high-risk obstetrician, Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris remembers her mother keeping the equipment in the house while conducting research. While she was not allowed to touch it, the young Chatterjee-Morris was fascinated from the first time she laid eyes on the device. Outside of home, her future medical path only grew clearer.
“I used to stay in the call rooms with her sometimes after school until my father could pick me up, and I was just so in awe of her work and the hospitals,” Chatterjee-Morris said. “I guess you could say the hospitals she worked at helped raise me.”
Chatterjee-Morris was not keen to follow in her mother’s footsteps exactly and pursued pediatrics at first. Not finding the level of challenge she wanted in that specialty, she selected a neonatology rotation in medical school and found herself gravitating toward her mother’s pregnancy and delivery course. Watching her first cesarean section sealed the deal. The OB-GYN field, with all its highs and lows, is truly her calling, she said.
“While OB-GYN can be so happy and you get to be a part of some of the happiest times in a person’s life when they have a baby, there truly is tragedy and heartbreak that happens,” Chatterjee-Morris said. “I can hold a woman’s hand while she cries because her baby has passed and then have to turn around and smile while I see a woman for their annual exam or prenatal visits.”
Now double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as obesity medicine, Chatterjee-Morris has cared for thousands of women through pregnancies, births and other health needs. She moved to Arkansas from Nashville in 2015 and opened her own practice, River Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology, in Russellville in 2021. Chatterjee-Morris is also the owner and medical director of Vitality Medical Spa in Russellville.
Chatterjee-Morris faced an early career challenge when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Rather than slowing her down, the experience has added a different dimension to her practice. With perspectives from both sides of the patient-provider dynamic, Chatterjee-Morris said she has learned to meet patients where they are in their understanding and emotional and mental states.
“I try to keep it from impacting my work,” she said. “Other than immediately after my diagnosis, I have not had to miss being on call or working due to my MS. I get twice-yearly chemo infusions that I book out six months in advance, so I am fortunate enough to be able to plan ahead so it doesn’t interrupt caring for my own patients.”
Further attesting to the fact that women’s health is a calling rather than simply a career is the way Chatterjee-Morris personal talents intersect with her professional ones. Interested in crafting from a young age thanks to the example of her older sister, she started making “diaper
(Photo by Monica McGhee)
cakes” for baby showers as a resident physician. In addition to allowing her to express her passion for decorating, the cakes are as functional as they are fashionable for the parents-to-be.
“I always find out the anticipated name of the child, gender and nursery theme or colors. I build off of that,” Chatterjee-Morris said. “I typically use greenery or some flowers to make it more elaborate and then attach actual gifts to it, like shampoo, lotion, rattles, pacifiers, pacifier holders, shoes and clothing. I use baby bottles as my center support, as well, and place it all on a cake platter or canvas. My intention is for everything on the diaper cake to be usable either by the baby or in the nursery as decor.”
Motivated by her patients and engaged by a specialty where no two days are ever the same, Chatterjee-Morris said she hopes to set an example of selflessness and service without expecting anything in return. She knows from experience that “the sky is the limit” for those working hard toward their goals. She also had a word of advice for those following a similar trajectory — “Never say never.”
“I was always going to be an employed physician that just came to work and saw patients, and now I have a medical spa and an OB-GYN practice that just opened a satellite office in Dardanelle,” she said. “I hope to one day expand our medical spa, as well.”
❀
❀ MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
❀ ADVANCED INJECTIONS
NEW LOCATION
2500 W Main Street Suite B
Russellville (479) 890-6773
vitalitymedspaar.com
Routine/Annual exams
Sexually transmitted infections
Pelvic pain and sexual health
Gynecologic surgery
Management of abnormal pap smears
On-site comprehensive ultrasound
HOURS OF OPERATION Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. SOME
2500 W Main Street, Suite A Russellville (479) 219-9913 rivervalleyobgyn.com
Birth control
Pregnancy
Hormone optimization
Weight loss
Vaginitis
In-house surgical procedures
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Closed A Board Certified provider is on callforemergencies24/7
Audiologist Lillian Jones is one of the newest providers within the Conway Regional Health System, but her enthusiasm and expertise have already caused her to stand out in Arkansas’ health care field. The Little Rock Central High School graduate recently completed her medical training and has been serving patients in Conway since last summer. Her commitment to serving others, however, goes back to her childhood growing up in Little Rock.
“I always wanted to do something with helping people. Even in, like, second grade, I knew I was really drawn to science and found that really interesting,” she said. “Growing up through school, I realized working in health care would be one of the best ways to work with people using science.”
Exactly what that service would look like professionally took a little time to develop. Jones said she did not immediately focus on audiology; initially, she considered physical therapy. However, after working in a clinic showed her that was not her gift, she discovered her current field on the suggestion of friends and acquaintances.
“In college, the mother of one of my friends was an audiologist, and she loved her job. One of my mom’s best friends is also an audiologist, and she also loved her job,” she said. “Hearing through them about how rewarding they thought their field was inspired me.
“I also had the opportunity when I was an undergrad to shadow at the hearing clinic on campus. Being around patients was really inspiring to me, especially seeing how grateful they can be for the work that you do that allows them to experience what everyone else kind of takes for granted.”
After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Jones completed medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. She followed that up with a residency at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis before returning to central Arkansas and joining Conway Regional. There, she sees patients with a range of hearing conditions. She said people are in general more aware of environmental hazards that negatively impact their hearing.
“Noise-induced hearing loss is the only preventable form of hearing loss, and I think people are getting smarter about it,” she said. “What really sucks is damage could have happened 40 years
ago, but there’s nothing that you can do about it after it happens. That’s a big thing with school-based audiologists; they stress to teenagers and young adults to be careful with their AirPods and listening to really loud noises because that damage is permanent.
“In Arkansas, we have so many people who hunt recreationally and people who work in agriculture who are around loud noises all the time. Wearing hearing protection is something everyone should take seriously.”
Jones said while awareness does seem to have improved, there is still an appreciable gap between knowing the risks and doing something about it.
“Researchers pointed out that it takes people seven years after they’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss to actually move forward with hearing aids,” she said. “Most people think of hearing aids and they think of old people, but really, there are a lot of people in their 50s who have problems with their hearing, more than you would think. A lot of times, it takes someone’s spouse or their kids to be like, ‘You need to do something about this.’”
While the use of hearing aids to combat hearing loss is a medical strategy that goes back multiple decades, the technology with the devices is advancing by leaps and bounds.
“A lot of hearing aids use [artificial intelligence] in a way that senses the environments that people are in,” she said. “[The devices] sense different conversations that are going on, different background noise, and they can adjust automatically. It’s really cool technology that’s really helped outcomes. I think hearing aid technology is just going to continue to get smarter and smarter.”
Jones said there is still plenty of work to do to educate the public on hearing issues and treatment, but she is encouraged by what is to come. She said the combination of technological advancement and improvements in design that make hearing aids much less noticeable is helping to move patients to action sooner when it comes to audio health.
“Over-the-counter hearing aids are becoming a thing, and that’s kind of getting people’s foot in the door where [the devices] are becoming more normalized,” she said. “Apple AirPods are [Food and Drug Administration]-approved to act as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing losses, which is another way hearing aids and hearing health is more approachable and more acceptable.
“Combine that with Conway Regional and how it not only serves so many people locally, but there are a lot of patients who are driving from out of town to be treated here, and I see a lot of opportunity in this field in the future.”
I meet women every week who’ve been handed shots and pills without anyone taking the time—or doing the advanced testing—needed to understand what’s really happening in their bodies. They deserve better.
I’m an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who spent years in family practice, but I wanted to do more for my patients. I wanted deeper answers, better tools, and real solutions. That led me to pursue advanced training through the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, one of the nation’s top programs in personalized medicine. I also earned certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
I’ve devoted my career to helping people uncover the root causes of hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, and gut issues—so they can finally feel like themselves again and truly live well.
I spend time with my patients. I listen. I use advanced, in-depth testing to get real answers that are often missed in traditional settings. From there, we build a personalized plan that fits your life, your symptoms, and your goals. Wellness should be personal, thoughtful, and rooted in true understanding—not guesswork.
I love what I do. And I love seeing people finally live well.
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Heater Owens, M.D. Women First Gynecology & Wellness Clinic
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For more than a century, our team has brought together key service lines, providers, and technologies to create patient experiences that are highly intentional and refreshingly personal. As the only hospital in Conway o ering Mako robotic arm-assisted surgeries, we are rede ning joint replacements, combining innovation with compassion to help our patients move forward with con dence. See what curated care looks like for you.
ESPN’s Holly Rowe draws inspiration from cancer journey as she seeks to bring joy
By SARAH DECLERK
The Little Rock Touchdown Club welcomed ESPN sportscaster Holly Rowe Oct. 27. During an interview that touched on everything from her upbringing and career to a health scare and motherhood, Rowe discussed how an intentional search for joy helped her through a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.
“What my joy journal will be for today is when I walked in that door … and you all stood up for me,” she told LRTDC “That was beautiful, so that’s going to be in my joy journal today.”
She later presented a scholarship to a college softball player in Mena recovering from Hodgkin lymphoma as part of the Joy+US Foundation, Rowe’s campaign to bring joy to others while maintaining the mindset she cultivated while living each day as though it were her last.
Rowe opened up to AY About You about her journey in sports, cancer and the foundation, as well as her experience at LRTDC.
“It was so warm and loving,” Rowe said. “People were so kind, and we just had a blast.”
Few children have as strong a concept of what they want to be when they grow up as Rowe did. She said she knew she wanted to be a journalist by the time she took a career test in fifth grade.
“I remember raising my hand and saying, ‘My job’s not on here. I’m going to be a reporter,’” she said. “I just had good role models in Salt Lake City, Utah, where I grew up, and I just had a really clear vision of what I wanted to be.”
She played a little bit of everything in school, participating in softball, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. However, with Title IX in its infancy, she never had the opportunity to play at the college level.
“I think probably part of my life is I’m a frustrated athlete that didn’t get to go on to college,” she said.
Nonetheless, Rowe has made a name for herself in the sports world over a more than 30-year career at ESPN that has included serving as the first female color commentator for the Utah Jazz and earning a place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Having risen to the upper echelons of sportscasting, Rowe remains dedicated to promoting women’s sports, which she said have garnered incredible ratings since being broadcast on network television.
“Just think of how great the women’s sports could have been and the ratings would have been all these years if we had just had more opportunity,” she said. “I think the No. 1 thing is just those opportunities to continue to be showcased on the highest platform, and I’m really proud of my company because we’ve done that, and the women are getting more of a showcase.”
She added that she hears from female fans all the time who say they wish they had gotten into sports journalism but never saw it as an option.
“I want people to go for it,” she said. “I don’t want people to get older, be my age and say you wish you would have done something. I want young women and young girls to realize there’s no box. You are not in any box. You get to decide where you go and what you try to achieve.”
Rowe is no stranger to hardship, from surviving her college years on a diet of instant mashed potatoes and ketchup to raising her son, McKylin, while making a name for herself as a sideline reporter.
When life threw Rowe her biggest curveball yet — a Stage 4 metastatic melanoma diagnosis — she decided to play through. She described to the touchdown club sitting awake through biopsies of what turned out to be inoperable tumors in her lungs and working a college football game 11 days later.
She credited new advancements in cancer treatment with her eventual recovery.
“Immunotherapy saved my life,” she said.
Before there were clear scans and survivorship programs, however, the outlook was grim. At one point, a doctor told Rowe, “You need to start thinking about how you’re spending your time.” Rowe realized that meant she might not have a lot of time left.
“I was really down, and it’s tough, and you get depressed,” she said. “I thought, ‘Well, I can’t control what’s happening inside of my body right now, but I can control the way I’m living and being joyful every day.’”
Rowe started seeking out those flickers of joy and recording them in a joy journal.
“We want to be the little pebble in the pond where you throw a pebble in the pond, and all the ripples go out. We want to be that pebble of we’re helping people find joy and seek joy in their life a little more intentionally.”
— Holly Rowe
“I would write down all my little moments of joy,” she said. “Later, when things were hard or I was going through a tough chemo session, I would go and read my journal and remind myself of all these joyful moments that I was cataloguing every day.”
She said her career was and continues to be a wellspring.
“What I do for my living and being at games and going to games, it really does give
me a lot of joy,” she said. “I had a moment [recently] where there was 100,000 people and the band is playing, you know, and I’m just looking around like, ‘I am so lucky to be in these moments, and I am so happy right now.’”
Rowe worked while undergoing chemo treatment for four years. While her competitive spirit kept her running from game to game, she said there are times now when she wishes she had taken a knee.
“As moms, I think we want to be superwomen and show that nothing’s wrong and we’re normal and nothing has to change, but I think as humans, we need to be vulnerable and ask for help,” she said. “I want people to know that that is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength to ask for help when you need it.”
Superwoman or not, Rowe is a hero to many. Not only has she provided a role model
As part of the Joy+US Foundation, Rowe created the $10,000 Alex Wilcox Memorial Scholarship. Wilcox was a softball player at Mississippi State who died of ovarian cancer in 2018 at age 18.
“She would go to chemo and then go to practice at Mississippi State and try to play in games,” Rowe said. “Her journey and story really inspired me, and I just wanted to make sure that there is always a softball player playing
Rowe awarded the first Alex Wilcox Memorial Scholarship to Grace Westmoreland at Yale University in Connecticut last year. (Photo courtesy of the Joy+US Foundation)
for women around the world through her work at ESPN, but she now helps others find joy through the Joy+US Foundation, which she cofounded with her son a year and a half ago.
“We want to be the little pebble in the pond where you throw a pebble in the pond, and all the ripples go out,” she said. “We want to be that pebble of we’re helping people find joy and seek joy in their life a little more intentionally.”
in Alex Wilcox’s name.”
Last year, the Joy+US Foundation awarded the inaugural Alex Wilcox Memorial Scholarship to Grace Westmoreland at Yale University in Connecticut, whose mother had been diagnosed with cancer while the player was in high school.
This year, the scholarship went to Kensley Allen, a freshman at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain who spent her senior year of
high school battling Hodgkin lymphoma. Holly presented the scholarship during a surprise ceremony at UA Rich Mountain in November.
“It was amazing,” Allen said. “It was very unexpected. I did not think I would get it at all.”
She added that the scholarship money will help pay for her education, which will eventually include medical school as she works her way toward becoming an oncologist or surgeon.
In addition to the Alex Wilcox Memorial Scholarship, the foundation hosts what Rowe calls “Joy Journeys.”
This spring, the foundation took 7-yearold leukemia survivor Blakeleigh Thompson to the women’s Final Four to watch Dawn Staley coach the South Carolina women’s basketball team. Staley is known for wearing a necklace made by the girl.
The foundation also took a young football fan with autism to the Heisman Trophy celebration and brought an Oregon community college softball team to the Women’s College World Series after their bus was hit by a drunk driver, resulting in the deaths of the coach and one of the players.
“When we see a need and we see a way that we can bring a little joy and help people, we are trying to fulfill that in different ways,” Rowe said.
The next step, she added, is to develop programming for people currently receiving treatment for cancer. The foundation is also working to provide softball and football programs for underprivileged children in Florida, she added.
McKylin, an up-and-coming actor who said he has had to work “survival jobs” while getting his foot in the door through roles in films such as American Underdog and the upcoming Dual Plans, takes an active role in the foundation alongside his mother.
“There’s nothing like it,” he said. “I’ve never felt more purpose from just bringing people joy. It’s such an overwhelming responsibility, but it just drives you every day, and I get to be inspired by my mother every day now.”
As she grows the foundation, Rowe continues to advocate for women’s sports and bring highquality sportscasting to fans. Through it all, she maintains a relentless pursuit of joy, something she might never have discovered without battling a life-threatening illness.
“I hit a time when I wasn’t sure if I would still be here, if I would still be living at this point,” she said. “I’ve been blessed with extra time in my life, and I have promised that I will not waste it, and I will spend whatever time I have left doing good for others. That is my mission in life right now.”
To donate to the Joy+US Foundation, visit joyus.foundation.
“When we see a need and we see a way that we can bring a little joy and help people, we are trying to fulfill that in different ways.”
— Holly Rowe
By SARAH DECLERK // Photos courtesy of JOY+US FOUNDATION
Kensley Allen, a freshman softball player at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, received the $10,000 Alex Wilcox Memorial Scholarship this year. Wilcox was a Mississippi State softball player who died of ovarian cancer at age 19. ESPN sportscaster Holly Rowe and her son, McKylin, established the scholarship as part of the Joy+US Foundation.
“The fact that she is helping girls based on her own battle and even doing it for Alex Wilcox is the biggest,” Allen said. “I have so much respect for her for that because being able to push through her battle and then helping girls with their battle, that’s just amazing to me.”
An Oklahoma native, Allen was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma when she was a high school senior. She was sick for two years with what she thought was a blood sugar problem before an oncologist she was interning with examined a lump on her neck an ultrasound had determined to be an enlarged lymph node.
“The oncologist was like, ‘Oh my goodness,’ and it turns out I had Hodgkins,” she said.
She added that she wanted to be an oncologist because her grandmother had been diagnosed with cancer.
Allen scheduled a biopsy, which was later postponed. That turned out to be a “God thing,” she said, because she later went to the emergency room after she choked during a meal with friends and ended up struggling to breathe.
“I did a CT, and it came back, and my oncologist I was studying under came in to check on me,” she said. “He told me it was all in my lungs. I had multiple spots, so if they would have done the biopsy, when they [planned to] do it, it could have spread a lot more than it already was, and I already had Stage 2.”
What followed was an intensive regimen of ABVD chemotherapy, which Kensley said left her unable to walk and in almost unbearable pain. She was also scared of losing her hair but preserved much of it with a cold cap. She opted for radiation instead of chemo during the last leg of the treatments. The radiation burned her throat.
“It was emotional,” said Keri Allen, Kensley’s mother. “You sit there, and you see your kid go through something that you can’t take away and you can’t fix. There’s nothing that you can do to take the pain away or the sickness away.”
It was hard to have good days, but when she did, Kensley was hitting balls. She had committed to UA Rich Mountain back when she thought she had a problem with her blood sugar, and there was no way Hodgkin lymphoma was going to stop her from playing college softball.
“I remember being told by multiple people, ‘You’re never going to play softball again,’” she said. “I’m the type of person that I am going to get stuff done, so I was praying to God, like, ‘Just help me,’ and then the days I felt a little OK, I would either go to the gym or hit just because I knew that I’m not going to let my career end, and I’m not going to let this get me down.”
Keri said that dedication has defined Kensley since childhood.
“I think she was either 8 or 10 and under, and she broke her arm,” Keri said. “Even though she couldn’t play because she had a broken arm, she still went to every single practice.”
Kensley finished her treatments and racked up some impressive stats this fall. Even though she is in remission, every scan brings with it a shadow of worry that she is not out of the woods yet. Undaunted, Kensley is focused on the eventual home run — medical school and hopefully some Division 1 ball along the way.
Her father, Ronald, said he is grateful to the Joy+US Foundation for the financial boost.
“Doing that right at her senior year and then having to come back and pay for college, it’s a huge financial burden, but with the foundation, the $10,000 we were given for her education, it’s going to go a long way,” he said. “We’re extremely appreciative.”
From meeting Rowe to having her family make the trip from Muskogee, Oklahoma, to be at the ceremony, there were many emotional moments at the scholarship presentation, but Kensley said one of the most impactful was seeing the other student-athletes cheering her on.
“It just made me feel loved because, especially going through cancer, that’s something you struggle with the most in that situation is, ‘My life’s ruined. Nobody’s at my back. I need more friends. Why would anybody want to be with me or hang out with me?’” she said. “Everybody just being there, clapping and supporting me, it’s very emotional.”
By MARY LESIEUR
Shaneil Ealy, executive director of the Women’s Leadership Network, is what every woman would call a “girl’s girl.” She not only uplifts, encourages and empowers women around the state of Arkansas, but she has created a brand with the same purpose.
Ealy’s vision for the WLN is simple: elevate, empower and embrace the female professionals of Arkansas. Created by women for women, Ealy says that the vision of the brand was inspired by her role at the Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute.
“We wanted to create something where women in our community could gather, share resources, mentor one another,” Ealy said. “There just wasn’t something like this that wasn’t just for businesswomen or real estate or academics. We wanted something for the whole community.”
The nonprofit started in Conway at the University of Central Arkansas Division of Outreach and Community Engagement with the ideal purpose to strengthen the future women heading into the workforce while simultaneously introducing them to prominent figures in the community.
Soon, Ealy said, the program outgrew its academic beginning, and the community welcomed the organization with open arms.
“Our goal when we started was Conway, but as we became bigger, we really wanted to take it statewide,” Ealy said. “Women from all over started applying — Cabot, Greenbrier, Vilonia, even someone from north Arkansas. It’s been amazing. … Our community has absolutely bought in.”
Ealy added that that the influx has been astonishing and that the events are widely known across the state.
“People in other communities are asking for us,” Ealy said. “They want what we have, and I can’t wait to see where we go next. … That tells me people believe in our mission and what we’re doing.”
Based in Conway, the multifaceted brand offers memberships, courses and regular events to the professionals of the state. Since its opening in 2017, the brand has grown exponentially, now boasting more than 1,800 active members and governed by a board of 12 distinguished leaders in Arkansas communities.
“Membership isn’t just about benefits,” Ealy said. “It’s about creating a community where women can be a resource for one another.”
“It’s searchable, so if you’re a freelancer, caterer or chiropractor, people can find you. We want it to be a community hub for women to support other women.”
New to the nonprofit, are the levels in
which one can become a member, spanning from individual to small business to corporate.
“For as little as $10 a month, one coffee, you can become an individual member,” Ealy said.
“For as little as nothing, you can stay connected through our newsletter once a month.”
Ealy said the organization would not be possible without its members but also the students who have joined and supported it along the way. She said the students not only inspire her but push her to continue her commendable work.
“Students encourage me and challenge me,” Ealy said. “We always try to give students an opportunity to engage with our network. We intentionally include students in our academy. I love putting students in a room full of successful women.”
Due to the nonprofit’s growth, Ealy said, organizers have been able to apply for grants and receive an exceptional amount of funding from private donors.
“When we became our own nonprofit, it made us eligible for larger grants and sponsorships and gave us the freedom to
“We wanted to create something where women in our community could gather, share resources, mentor one another. There just wasn’t something like this that wasn’t just for businesswomen or real estate or academics. We wanted something for the whole community.”
— Shaneil Ealy, Women’s Leadership Network
expand,” Ealy said. “We have a $50,000 grant from the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative, and that will help us expand. We got a small grant from the Walton Family Foundation, and in April, we had an event in northwest Arkansas.”
The unique twist to WLN is its academy classes and courses, through which women embark on a several-week journey and form sister bonds. These classes then pay it forward, Ealy said, and through their community work, the women have participated in service projects organizing baby showers for community members in need. Ealy said a recent baby
shower event provided aid to 25 mothers.
Ealy said that the nonprofit can only see growth in its future and that her team at WLN has ideas for expanding into rural communities that need empowerment.
“I’d love to see us do something in the rural parts of the state,” Ealy said. “Some rural areas don’t have the resources of northwest Arkansas
“I’d
love to see us do something in the rural parts of the state. Some rural areas don’t have the resources of northwest Arkansas or Little Rock. One of the dreams of my heart is to have a miniacademy in a rural area — or go in and show them how to build one.”
— Ealy
“Our mission is to empower women to live authentically and become agents of influence. Whatever authentic looks like for you, we want you to become that person and then influence others to do the same.”
— Ealy
or Little Rock. One of the dreams of my heart is to have a miniacademy in a rural area — or go in and show them how to build one.”
The mission of WLN is simple: empower the women of the Natural State, encourage growth, and embrace future female leaders and entrepreneurs. That authentic approach to community inclusion and development is remarkable, and it is evident that the Arkansas women’s community is in complete agreement.
“Our mission is to empower women to live authentically and become agents of influence,” Ealy said. “Whatever authentic looks like for you, we want you to become that person and then influence others to do the same.”
Briar wood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630.
We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities.
Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community.
At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind. Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!
By SARAH DECLERK // Photos courtesy of HORSEPLAY HIPPOTHERAPY & THERAPEUTIC RIDING
The horse carves a plodding circle around the Conway arena, carrying 2-yearold Mallory Schneckloth. Midway through the ride, the horse pauses as a therapist guides Mallory through an exercise of putting a ring on a pole before resuming its trek around the arena and out onto the grounds.
Mallory is receiving hippotherapy to help with her balance — and it is working.
“We just started this year. It has been absolutely amazing,” said mother Angel Cadiente. “All the volunteers and the people that work with her are just absolutely amazing. They always tell me about how good she does or what we need to work on, and she loves it. She absolutely loves it. It’s very good for her.”
Mallory has received therapy at Therapy Monkey for most of her life, starting at about 6 months old. As she continued to struggle with balance, staff told Cadiente about the affiliate nonprofit HorsePlay Hippotherapy & Therapeutic Riding. Cadiente said she noticed improvements in her daughter’s balance within two weeks.
“She has the most fun,” Cadiente said. “Every morning, she’s just like, ‘Horsey! Horsey!’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to go ride,’ and she just thinks it’s fun, while she’s actually getting the support she needs.”
Pediatric occupational therapist Erica Kennemer, who owns Therapy Monkey with her husband, Justin, started HorsePlay in 2018 to provide hippotherapy in the Conway area. The organization now has additional locations in Morrilton and Greenbrier.
speaks to their nervous system and how the brain processes information,” Kennemer said. “With all that coupled together, it basically just supercharges the brain and makes them more
efficient in how they process information.”
Many children who come to the program have been in therapy a long time, she added, so hippotherapy provides them with something new and exciting that can help them make progress even if they have plateaued in traditional programs.
While children may perceive the rides as simply a fun activity, they are actually receiving a host of therapeutic benefits, Kennemer said. In addition to boosting confidence and providing children with social disabilities with a companion who is nonjudgemental and easy to interact with, horseback riding can have significant physical and neurological effects, helping improve conditions such as cerebral palsy, fine motor delays and more.
Kennemer said she has been especially impressed by hippotherapy’s ability to treat dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. By riding the horse backward with their hands on the hindquarters, children strengthen the neck and jaw due to the concussive force of the horse’s steps, which Kennemer said has allowed some patients to come off thickeners entirely.
While hippotherapy can help with a vast array of occupational, physical and speech needs, there are some conditions for which it is not a good fit. Hippotherapy can be harmful for children with hardware such as rods in their back from spinal surgery, she said.
Children receive one-hour therapy sessions once a week. The first 15 minutes looks like traditional therapy as students walk on balance beams, complete obstacle courses, practice handwriting, give speech samples and perform other tasks. Then they saddle up.
“While they’re riding, they get all the sensory input, so what they’re seeing, what they’re hearing, smelling, touching, and it all
After 30 minutes — and 3,000 repetitions of the rhythmic input of the horse’s steps — the children repeat the activities they were doing earlier so staff can measure real-time improvements in speech, writing, balance and coordination.
“That’s just a good way for us to gauge if we’re doing what we need to do with the horses,” Kennemer said. “If we’re not seeing improvement, then we know as therapists that we’ve got to change something.”
Other cases in which hippotherapy might not be appropriate include for children who are allergic to the animals or on medicines that cause throat sensitivity; children with uncontrolled seizures; and children who exhibit self-harm, hand flapping or extreme behaviors.
Although HorsePlay works mostly with children, Kennemer said the organization is working to expand its programs for adults with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease, as well as those recovering from strokes.
“We have just crazy improvements with their balance and their muscle tone,” she said. “With Parkinson’s, that shuffling step, they’re able to get the feel of the horse and the gait of the horse and use that for themselves, and effects last for one or two days, depending on the client.”
The therapy horses are 11 to 15 hands tall and vary in body type. Short, stocky horses have heavier footsteps, which can be beneficial for children with low muscle tone or difficulty focusing. Horses with longer, smoother gaits are better for soothing muscle tension and anxiety, she said.
HorsePlay has a consistent need for volunteers to assist with the sessions, from people to groom, tack up and lead the horses to people who can walk alongside the horses to ensure safety while the children are riding.
The temperament of the horses is important, as well. Kennemer said the horses must be responsive to their handlers, but they also have to be able to tune out distractions and stay calm if a child starts throwing a tantrum.
“It takes a very special horse to do what we do,” she said.
The horses also receive visits from animal chiropractor Lauren Alexander, owner of Champion Chiropractic in Conway. Since the horses are led from one side and carry riders who are unbalanced, they are prone to needing chiropractic care, Kennemer said.
Developed in Europe during the 1960s, hippotherapy did not reach the U.S. until the 1980s, and Kennemer said she still meets people who have never heard of hippotherapy.
“It’s just so beneficial,” she added. “I wish every city could have a facility because there is such a big need for it, but there is a lot of coordinating, a lot of work, a lot of expense that comes with the horses, a big volunteer need.”
She said HorsePlay has a consistent need for volunteers to assist with the sessions, from people to groom, tack up and lead the horses to people who can walk alongside the horses to ensure safety while the children are riding.
“We invest in our volunteers,” she added. “We host trainings throughout the year, and as much as they’re wanting to develop out their horse knowledge and therapy knowledge, then we’re here for it.”
The nonprofit also relies on volunteers during fundraising events, she added. HorsePlay hosts a fundraising event in June highlighted by a performance by musician Brendan James, she said, and HorsePlay hosts its annual Charlie Horse event in fall.
Charlie Horse is a children’s book written by local author Kendra James about her daughter’s experience at HorsePlay.
“It celebrates individuality and your own personal strengths you can offer, and then, at the end, [the horse] meets a little girl, and they ride off together,” Kennemer said. “It’s based off her daughter, Ally’s, experience here, but she pledged all the proceeds forever go back to
HorsePlay, so it’s a forever fundraiser for us.”
This year’s event offered food, bounce houses, face painting, children’s activities, a petting zoo, meet-and-greets with the therapy horses, and a reading of Charlie Horse by Miss Arkansas. Donations can be made anytime at gethorseplay.com.
HorsePlay currently partners with local facilities to provide hippotherapy, but Kennemer said her goal is for HorsePlay to have a place of its own, somewhere climate controlled with enough acreage to have a sensory trail. She also hopes to hire a paid staff and have an area for traditional therapy within the HorsePlay facility.
When it comes to therapy, early intervention is key, she said, so she encouraged parents of children who have trouble with tone or gait or those who may be frustrated with traditional therapy to reach out.
“This is such a good way to introduce something new and to also work on just a lot of those systems that maybe they haven’t been having success with in a traditional clinic because of the lack of sensory input and movement,” she said. “That’s how the brain learns. Those are the two biggies, so the more novel experiences, the more sensory you can couple and the more movement, studies show that’s just how kids’ brains work.”
Since she started HorsePlay, Kennemer said she has been astonished by the changes she has seen in her patients. She recounted a story about a 5-year-old boy with autism who had echolalia, in which a person repeats words rather than generating independent speech.
“His dad called us, pretty emotional, one evening, and he said, ‘I just wanted to share with you that when I went to tuck him in tonight, he looked right at me’ — which eye contact’s big with kids on the spectrum — ‘He looked right at me, and he said, “I love you, Daddy,”’” she said. “He said that’s the very first time in his whole life that he’s initiated that and not just repeated, ‘I love you.’ … He said, ‘If we don’t get any other progress in hippotherapy, I’m good. That’s all I wanted. That made it worth it.’”
When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.
When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.
We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.
We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.
Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by certified activity directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.
Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by Certified Activity Directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.
To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.
To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.
We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient but the entire family.
We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient, but the entire family.
By SARAH RUSSELL
There is no telling what Jeffrey Lynn Smith would have accomplished in her life, what adventures she would have and the stories she would tell a family of her own one day. It no doubt would have included her family’s brush with Arkansas royalty, as her mother, Clarice Smith, once managed the household of Virginia Dwire, the mother of Bill Clinton, the future president.
No, there is no accounting for what might have been for Lynn — she did not like her first name, so she went by her middle one — a quiet Hot Springs 16-year-old who vanished without a trace Dec. 4, 1985. Now one of Arkansas’ most haunting open murder cases, at the time it was dismissed as teenage angst, just another runaway.
It would take the determination of her family, particularly the stubborn persistence of her sister, to keep the story alive all these years. Yet still they wait for answers and closure.
After school that Thursday 40 years ago, Lynn began walking towards her grandmother’s place with two other individuals. One of them, a girl, was the first to turn off for home, followed shortly by a boy named Frank
Hannah, leaving Lynn to continue on alone. At least that was Hannah’s unsubstantiated version of the day’s events.
Lynn did indeed plan to split from Hannah that day, as in breaking off their problematic relationship — again. The relationship had been stormy for both the young couple and Lynn’s family. It was they who saw the first red flag, that Hannah was not the young student they thought he was but a 19-year-old adult instead. Then there was Lynn’s sister, Lisa Allen, who angrily confronted Hannah after word got around he was seen physically abusing Lynn.
Unfazed by her family’s warnings, Hannah made clear his intent to continue the relationship, so in an attempt to get Lynn away from him, the Smiths sent her to live with Allen, then a student at University of Arkansas in Fayetteville — but when Lynn came back, so did an undeterred Hannah.
That December day had seemed ordinary, but as darkness edged in, the Smiths became concerned. Lynn was still not home, and there was absolutely nothing normal about that. Hours went by, and still her chair at the dinner
table remained empty.
The family reported her missing, but it quickly became clear that the Hot Springs Police Department had their own take on the matter — that the girl was just another runaway. No, the Smiths tried to explain, their quiet, obedient child was not just another rebellious teenager out larking around.
Still, HSPD’s inertia persisted, sending the painfully obvious message that the Smiths were on their own. With no one in authority willing to help, the family searched and held out hope for a Christmas miracle.
A call from a local pawn shop finally got the attention of the lackadaisical HSPD. Shortly after Lynn vanished, a man had pawned an opal ring identical to the one the missing teen wore, and sure, the owner could give the customer’s name: Frank Hannah.
To the Smiths, the implication was devastatingly clear. Lynn would not have been without that ring unless it had been taken from her. However, despite getting a tap on his front door from police — who briefly questioned him
from his doorstep as the Smiths watched from their car — Hannah was never brought in for questioning, nor was anyone else at that time.
Christmas passed, then more. Hannah moved on — out to California, some people said — but his absence did not lessen the Smiths’ pain. At some point, Hannah returned to Arkansas, perhaps counting on the hubbub being over. He was wrong.
In 2007, Allen was back in Hot Springs, and she was packing a whole lot of fire in the belly.
Methodically, she began the investigation into her sister’s disappearance that the police never conducted. Working her phone and computer, as well as questioning people on the street, she made several connections with Hannah’s ex-girlfriends. They told her he was dangerous: physically, including assaults that left them unconscious, and verbally, allegedly threatening that if they said anything, they would disappear for good.
Meanwhile, there was new blood at the HSPD, and the team was very receptive to the report compiled by Allen. A review of the original case file revealed something startling:
Years before, the case had been closed, something that had also taken place after a woman claiming to be named Clarice made a call to HSPD, saying Lynn had come home safe. Now HSPD reopened the matter with a new classification: homicide.
Since his return to Arkansas, Hannah had quickly become well known not just to pawn shop owners but to multiple law enforcement agencies. Notably, that included his incarceration for shooting a girlfriend in the face. HSPD also learned from fellow inmates that Hannah had talked about another ex-girlfriend, Jeffrey Lynn Smith. Based on that information, a massive shakedown of Hot Springs’ Chattanooga Park was conducted in 2010. The park, situated less than a mile from Hot Springs’ main street, Central Avenue, was within walking distance of Lynn’s last verified sighting.
With the case reopened, Allen was connected by the HSPD to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an organization established by Revé and John Walsh. The couple’s son, Adam, was abducted and murdered in 1981, which inspired John’s lifelong crusade to hunt down killers in other
crimes, most visibly through his TV series America’s Most Wanted.
Members of the NCMEC joined the search at Chattanooga Park, as did a team from the Morgan Nick Foundation, the Arkansas organization created by Colleen Nick after her own daughter’s abduction. As is protocol in active cases, whatever was found that day has not been made public by any of the participating organizations and agencies.
At the center of all the activity remains Allen, who has tirelessly and effectively used social media to spread awareness about Lynn’s case. Most recently, Crawlspace Media’s Missing podcast put out a multipart series about the disappearance, joining the likes of podcasts Cold and Missing, Over the Horizon and Far Away, Crime and Prayers, and Black Girl Gone: A True Crime Podcast.
Lynn never had the chance to name her own babies or to tell them how she came to be the girl named Jeffrey. This year, December marks 40 years since the Smith family’s coldest Christmas, but there is still hope for a holiday miracle. Maybe, just maybe, somebody will have the heart to come forward with the gift of the truth.
We are devoted to providing high quality care which celebrates the dignity and grace of every person who enters our facility.
At Sherwood Nursing and Rehab we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.
We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. 245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR
Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644
Rehabilitative
By Joe David Rice
The year 1964 was a pivotal one for The Beatles. On Feb. 7, the four-man band arrived in the United States for the first time. Two days later, they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and attracted 73 million viewers, which, according to Nielsen, was the largest audience ever recorded for an American television broadcast.
The group played Carnegie Hall twice, and by early April, their songs occupied the top five spots in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. They returned in August for a 30-concert North American tour. They sold millions of records, contributed to the demise of the crewcut, and caused sleepless nights for thousands of teenage girls and many of their parents.
Unknown to most of their fans, The Beatles made two brief — very brief indeed — appearances in northeast Arkansas in September 1964. Unfortunately, neither was a musical gig.
In the midst of their brutal late summer concert schedule, the world’s most popular musical group decided to take a break. The pilot of their chartered jet owned a ranch in southern Missouri about 15 miles north of the Arkansas state line and had arranged for the Fab Four to enjoy a mini-vacation on his secluded property. The nearest airport which could accommodate the large plane was the Walnut Ridge municipal field in northeast Arkansas, a former military complex used for World War II training flights.
he said; The Beatles would soon return to the Walnut Ridge airport to continue their tour. When the group arrived late Sunday morning to catch their chartered flight, 200 to 300 fans eagerly waited on the tarmac.
Although most were giddy teenagers whose parents had allowed them to skip church services, the throng did feature some local dignitaries. The mayor of Walnut Ridge was among the attendees and managed to get all four Beatles to autograph their latest album, Something New , for his 12-year-old daughter, Kathy Hall, who keeps the signed record in a vault and said “If someone offered me a million dollars, I don’t think I would sell it.”
Within minutes, the plane shot down the long runway en route to New York. The Beatles’ experiences in Arkansas were over, but the memories are far from gone. Those two fleeting visits are commemorated in downtown Walnut Ridge with a 10-foot by 20-foot metal sculpture based on the band’s Abbey Road album cover. Located in a small park on the aptly renamed Abbey Road, it provides a great photo op for Beatles fans of all ages. Enterprising shop owners are capitalizing on the attention and promoters have organized several reasonably successful Beatles at the Ridge festivals to include Beatles tribute bands.
Immediately after their Friday, Sept. 18, concert in Dallas, the Beatles hopped aboard their private jet at Love Field and headed 407 miles northeast to Walnut Ridge. As the aircraft circled the deserted runway shortly after midnight, three hometown teenage boys noticed the strange activity and hustled to the usually quiet airport. The Beatles stepped from the big plane, exchanged pleasantries with the stunned local chaps and climbed into a smaller craft, which soon disappeared into the darkness.
If the stories spread by the three young men had skeptics, a copilot who had flown the British quartet into town and rented a room at a motel in the community confirmed their accounts. Not only that,
The folks in Walnut Ridge must be doing something right. On Sept. 19, 2011, The Wall Street Journal ran a front-page 1,000-word piece titled, “Beatles Said a Fast Hello, Goodbye but a Tiny Town Won’t Let It Be.”
A couple of years later, Beatles expert Larry Kane, author of When They Were Boys: The True Story of The Beatles’ Rise to the Top , identified the 10 best places across the globe for Beatles history in an interview with USA Today . He mentioned the obvious destinations such as the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, the Hollywood Bowl and London’s Abbey Road Studios but also included on his list of must-see locations the Beatles Park in Walnut Ridge.
Joe David Rice, former tourism director at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, wrote Arkansas Backstories, a delightful book of short stories from A through Z that introduces readers to the state’s lesser-known aspects. Rice’s goal is to help readers acknowledge that Arkansas is a unique and fascinating combination of land and people — a story to be proud of and one certainly worth sharing.
Each month, AY About You will share one of the 165 distinctive essays. We hope these stories will give readers a new appreciation for this geographically compact but delightfully complex place we call home. These Arkansas Backstories columns appear courtesy of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. The essays have been collected and published by Butler Center Books in a two-volume set, both of which are now available to purchase on Amazon and at the University of Arkansas Press.
