AY About You July 2025

FORE THE FUTURE GOLFING FOR A GREATER CAUSE

September 15 & 16

Chenal Country Club

Join us for our Bolo Bash Golf Tournament, one of Arkansas’ largest charity golf tournaments, in support of Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR).

For over 100 years, BHCLR has prepared Arkansas’s next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. All proceeds will support facility expansion and improvements to increase student enrollment and enrich learning in all programs. Together, we can educate committed caregivers for our state.

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july Performer Schedule

Drumming with Stephin Booth Enjoy the Afro-Caribbean style drumming of local percussionist Stephin Booth!

Thompson | July 1, 4PM

Rooker | July 2, 1PM

Millie Brooks | July 3, 1:30PM

Sanders | July 10, 10:30AM

Terry | July 10, 2:30PM

Nixon | July 16, 4PM

Tommy Terrific Get ready for an artistic, magical journey this summer, as Tommy Terrific goes canvassing through a magical art gallery in his new show, “The Magic of Art.”

Maumelle | July 1, 10:30AM

Milam | July 1, 2:30PM

Dee Brown | July 8, 3PM

Nixon | July 9, 4PM

Children’s | July 10, 4PM

Millie Brooks | July 22, 1:30PM

Terry | July 24, 2:30PM

Scott Davis Ooh, aah, and laugh at Scott Davis’ delightful magic show.

Milam | July 1, 10:30AM

Fletcher | July 2, 3PM

mömandpöp Join mömandpöp for an interactive, kid-friendly concert featuring all the themes of summer.

Rooker | July 1, 10:30AM

Maumelle | July 2, 10:30AM

Sanders | July 3, 10:30AM

Terry | July 3, 2:30PM

Thompson | July 16, 10AM

Williams | July 17, 10AM

Nixon | July 18, 10:30AM

Big Poppa Bubble Join us for a delightful bubble show by soap bubble and foam artist Big Poppa Bubble!

Millie Brooks | July 10, 10AM Register and find all the details at cals.org/summer and make this your most colorful summer yet! And Don’t Miss Library Night at the Travs on July 23!

Drumming with Stephin Booth

Tommy Terrific mömandpöp

Scott Davis

Big Poppa Bubble

Join us for the 2nd Annual Founders’ Day Celebration

Saturday, September 20, 2025, 5:30 - 8:30PM

U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Where legacy meets purpose

The Family of Winthrop P. Rockefeller proudly presents the 2nd Annual Founders’ Day Celebration — a cocktail reception honoring the 236th anniversary of the United States Marshals Service.

Enjoy a memorable evening filled with delicious handheld cuisine and the smooth jazz stylings of Pat Becker and the Rex Bell Trio. All proceeds benefit the U.S. Marshals Museum, supporting its mission to inspire, educate and honor the history and accomplishments of the nation’s first federal law enforcement agency.

Save the date — be part of an unforgettable evening.

Tickets available on www.MarshalsMuseum.org

Photo by Tim Hursley

Visit Gilbert, Arkansas, the middle of the Buffalo National River. Learn why Gilbert is the “Coolest Town” in Arkansas and let Buffalo Camping and Canoeing help plan your family adventure.

• Day floats to Gilbert are floatable all year long.

• All of our cabins are walking distance from the river and multiple hiking trails.

• Gilbert is a designated “Dark Sky” town.

• Ben’s Place offers food, games and live entertainment.

• Step back in time at the Gilbert General Store, established 1901.

we stroke fighters

Without any warning signs, 34-year-old Jessica Nattin found herself on the floor of her home in Redfield in February 2024, unable to move or speak but aware of what was going on. Her husband called 9-1-1, and she was transported by ambulance to the Emergency Room at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock. When she arrived at UAMS, she was still unable to speak, follow commands or move her right side. Team members at the UAMS Health Comprehensive Stroke Center quickly evaluated her and administered intravenous tPA and performed a mechanical thrombectomy to remove a clot from her artery. She was in the hospital for three days and spent time with her parents in Texas before returning to work about six weeks later. Since then she has enjoyed getting back to spending time with her horses, fishing and gardening.

“I had FABULOUS care at UAMS. They were very friendly, attentive, caring and compassionate — truly amazing people. Thanks to their skill and care, I am back to normal. Giving up any part of my life was not an option in my mind!” – Jessica Nattin of Redfield

Desperado, Hero, and Jessica

BCW (Photo by Jamie Lee)

The Pulaski County Special School District boasts many dedicated educators and administrators from 25 schools across central Arkansas. Even with summer in full swing, PCSSD educators are invested in young people.

To help avoid the learning loss that can occur when school is out, also known as the “summer slide,” we asked the 2024-2025 PCSSD Teacher of the Year, Catherine Ziller of Robinson Middle, Dr. E. Lisa Watson of Mills Middle, Martha Reynolds of Maumelle High and Chris Sierra of Sylvan Hills High for their top tips to encourage year-round learning.

Tip #1: Learn On-the-Go | Catherine Ziller, Robinson Middle

As an 8th grade English Language Arts teacher, Ms. Ziller is a big advocate for independent reading to boost students’ vocabulary and comprehension, even while on-the-go. “Books are perfect to take on long car trips, airplanes, to the beach, and pretty much everywhere! Getting students off of devices in the summer and engaged in reading will make the adjustment back into school in August all the more easier.

Tip #2: Stay Focused on Literacy | Dr. E. Lisa Watson, Mills Middle

Dr. Watson, principal of Mills Middle, offers some practical tips to keep students engaged during the summer. “Have the scholar select 2–3 books they are excited about and then set a reading goal like a weekly page or chapter goal. Use a reading log or checklist to track progress.” If you need inspiration to find titles that match their interests, you can visit the local library, bookstore, or an online reading list.

Tip #3: Have an Arkansas Adventure | Martha Reynolds, Maumelle High

“There’s so much to do in our beautiful natural state,” says Maumelle High assistant principal Martha Reynolds. To get started, she recommends picking up a free state park passport at an Arkansas State Park visitor center. “Check off as many as you can. While you’re traveling to that particular place, read a good book or listen to an audiobook.”

About PCSSD

Tip #4:Stay Social | Chris Sierra, Sylvan Hills High

Mr. Sierra, Sylvan Hills High assistant principal, suggests a smart way for older students to stay social this summer. “If you’re stuck on social media, join some groups related to ideas/concepts you are interested in, then read to learn more about them.” He takes it a step further with an engaging writing assignment, “If you’re feeling adventurous, write your own blog about your favorite topics and share thoughts and ideas in a positive way.”

Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927. PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

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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.

Genevieve Townley is the owner of Wonderlily Photography and resident of Hot Springs. She loves photography, her two kids, ages 18 and 20, her dog, Maggie, and her husband of 23 years. She also loves anything that involves going to the beach. Townley has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

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.

Todd Traub is a freelance writer with close to 35 years of experience in Arkansas journalism and publishing. An Air Force veteran and father of three grown children, he lives with his cat, Scout, in Cabot, where he is a world-class dabbler in cooking and exercise, a so-so trivia player, and a wildly successful gatherer of books.

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 holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado and an associate’s degree from the Colorado Institute of Art.

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Please recycle this magazine.

Research tells us the most effective learning happens through play and positive interactions with family and educators.

Positive interactions and learning through play

Your family creates positive interactions when you hold your child and talk to them, play and read to them. When you focus your attention on your child, you help them learn and show them how important they are to you.

Your quality early care and education program

Children should enjoy warm, positive interactions with other children and staff. Quality early care teachers respond to your child’s needs. They play with, talk to and read to the children in their care much like you do at home.

The facility provides active play areas indoors and outdoors, and areas for quiet play and rest.

Better Beginnings is administered by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Quality early care and

education is vital to your child’s future.

Discover what quality looks like.

Written by Kelli Hilburn, Better Beginnings Program Administrator

Interactions and discoveries go together. Quality early care and education provides opportunities for both.

Early science learning may include hands-on sensory play with child safe playdough. When the teacher says, “You can squeeze it through your fingers or make it look like a worm, or a pie,” your child discovers the power to use their own imagination to create something new and understand another part of their world.

Scan the code to find your early care and education partner at Better Beginnings.

Your older toddler may discover science by making playdough. Talk about a discovery – a toy made from salt, flour, and a little oil and water.

Interactions between your child and their teachers lead to a desire to explore and learn. Be part of the experience. Ask your child’s teacher what they learned today. They’re happy to share the recipe for fun learning!

Find your quality early care and education partner

Click the orange banner at ARBetterBeginnings.com to find star-rated quality early care and education providers who can help your child start school with confidence.

The first five years build the foundation for your child’s future. Give your child the best start with Better Beginnings quality early care and education providers.

July AY is Hot, Hot, Hot!

Can you believe it is already July? It seems like just yesterday we were singing songs around the Christmas tree, and now here we are, half-crazy from the heat! Summer in Arkansas is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but with all the crystal-clear lakes and fun community events to be had in the Natural State, it makes the soaring temps easier to bear.

This month, we bring you a magazine chockful of things to help while away the lazy days of summer. July is for picnics, and we show you how to do it right. If keeping it indoors is more the goal — and really, who can blame us? — we introduce you to the crew of sommeliers at Oaklawn Hot Springs, who are ready and waiting to introduce you to your new favorite vino.

We also take a look at retiring in Arkansas by showcasing senior living and financial planning, as well as the travel and toys that make the golden years great. We also visit with folks who are beating Father Time at his own game and get their advice about enjoying life at any age.

Our health section looks at the precious gift of eyesight and talks to experts about how to preserve vision. We also look at the latest in eye care and treatments to keep the important things in focus.

Finally, it would not be July without some pyrotechnics. As a former world-champion fireworks salesgirl, I love the things that go boom and sparkle on a summer night, so we have put together a guide to the best community fireworks displays in Arkansas. Enjoy them with your family, and make a lifetime of memories.

From the whole AY About You crew, we wish you all a safe and restful Fourth of July. Let us know how you are spending it, and, as always, thanks for being a loyal reader.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher

hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar

Photo by Jeff Fuller-Freeman

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READER FEEDBACK INSTAGRAM

LOCAL LIME RELOCATES TO OPEN NEW FLAGSHIP IN LITTLE ROCK

That’s cool but I’m more excited that we will have ZaZas in their old space. It’s a win-win!!

Judie Rahman

MORE MEMBERS, MORE MAGIC: MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY’S GLOW-UP PAYS OFF

Thank you to former CEO Kelley Bass for his leadership, the fruits of which outlast his tenure.

Katie Eisenhower

ELI’S COMING

Thanks so much for taking the time to come visit the office and chat. Joe David Rice did such a great job here.

Eli Cranor

AY LAWYERS: JUDGE HUGH FINKELSTEIN

Thank you for including me in your magazine!

Hugh Finkelstein

BAJA GRILL IN LITTLE ROCK TO CLOSE AFTER 11 YEARS

Hate to hear this. Such wonderful food. We wish them the best.

Kim Kitchens

AY’S BEST OF 2025 WINNER PARTY

Thank you, Heather, and all of AY magazine for making this celebration so incredible! Thank you to all that voted me number 1!!!! Two years in a row.

Sandy Sutton’s Design Center

KENNEDY HOLLAND CROWNED MISS ARKANSAS

Sweet girl with a precious family. I have watched her pageant journey since she was little. She was destined for this title and will represent Arkansas well.

Cynthia Hall

Local Lime relocates to open new flagship in Little Rock

Miss Arkansas & Teen contestants shine in final preliminaries

Amelia Lisowe of Benton wins title of Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2025

AY’s Best of 2025 Winners

Baja Grill in Little Rock to close after 11 years

CORRECTION

Cafe Plain Jane’s is set to open at the former Cañon Grill location in Little Rock’s Hillcrest neighborhood.

14 years.

Local Lime recently revealed it will be moving to a new location after

Country artist Riley Green is bringing Duckman Jam, “a duck season kick-off concert,” to Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock Nov. 22

Photos of The Rail Yard in our May outdoor dining story were by sincerely, Ro.

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you just can't miss!

UNITED WE STAND: FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

July 4

Searcy Event Center — Searcy

Join in the fun of one of the Arkansas’ largest Independence Day celebrations at the United We Stand: Fourth of July Celebration in Searcy. Highlights of the event include live performances, food trucks, a family fun zone and, of course, a fireworks display to cap off the night.

FRONTIER FOURTH OF JULY

July 4

Historic Arkansas Museum — Little Rock

Commemorate 249 years of American independence and 189 years of Arkansas statehood. Make a cockade, which is a festive patriotic pin, play historic games, and toast to independence with cold lemonade and watermelon.

23RD ANNUAL ART OF WINE

July 11

Walton Arts Center — Bentonville

Sip the night away at the 23rd annual Art of Wine. Guests will indulge in more than 100 vendors throughout this one-day food and wine festival. It is sure to be a great time for any wine enthusiast or expert. The event benefits the Walton Art’s Center’s art education program.

LITTLE BIG TOWN

July 24

Walmart AMP — Rogers

Traversing country and pop, Little Big Town will grace the Walmart AMP stage in July. The duo has won many awards and topped the charts with songs such as “Girl Crush,” “Little White Church,” and “Pontoon.”

THE BUZZ COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF

July 24

The Hall — Little Rock

Party it up at the Countdown to Kickoff, hosted by 103.7 The Buzz. The day will feature a preview of the upcoming season with Casey Dick, Knile Davis, Taylen Green, Bobby Petrino and Buzz radio personalities.

“Not Your Ordinary Place”

The Oaklawn experience makes for unmatched events

From lodging logistics and lunch menus to venue setup and VIP management, event planners have their work cut out for them. With a bevy of details to account for — and each as important as the last — the choice of location can make or break a convention, conference or meeting. When everything has to go according to plan, there is no substitute for experience and reputation. That is why professional associations and companies from all over the state return to Oaklawn Hot Springs year after year.

“Our goal as meeting professionals is to make that planner look good for choosing us,” said Anna Oberste, director of sales at Oaklawn. “We have everything right here, and we want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to enjoy that Oaklawn experience, which isn’t available anywhere else in the state of Arkansas. Once a meeting planner comes here, they’re hooked.”

Hosting an event at Oaklawn is about more than booking a room with tables and chairs. As the state’s only racing casino resort and home to a Forbes-recommended hotel, restaurants and spa, attendees have the opportunity to unwind and explore all that Oaklawn has to offer. The Forbes recognition is a point of pride, Oberste said, and it represents a standard of service that no other hotel, resort or restaurant in the state can match.

“You can go almost anywhere and find a meeting planner that can get you in a meeting space and get you some pastries, some iced tea and a box lunch, but that’s not what we do,” Oberste said. “We are the absolute most dedicated event planning team there is.”

From a two-day meeting for 12 to a four-day conference of 500, the Oaklawn team makes for a seamless process from start to finish. Senior Event Planner Beth Taggard and Event Planner Stephanie Shea work side by side with event planners to understand each group’s needs and turn a client’s vision into an unforgettable reality. With more than 75 years of combined event planning experience, Oberste said, Oaklawn’s event professionals are adept at asking “the question behind the question” to ensure no detail goes unaccounted for.

“Do you have a VIP that needs a special amenity, or do you have a speaker or CEO who might want to enjoy the spa?” Oberste said. “Do you have a board of directors that needs a private dining room for dinner? Those are some questions that they’re not used to being asked because it’s not offered anywhere else. There is so much to offer that we spend more time with the client than the average event planner does.”

Another advantage unique to Oaklawn events is the level of coordination between various departments. The group housing coordinator makes sure every reservation is taken care of. The front desk team stays in constant communication with the housekeeping staff so that rooms are spotless in time for guest check-in. Valet staff make guests feel welcome from the moment they step out of the car. That is not even to mention the Oaklawn banquet team — from management down to the servers, each individual is an employee of Oaklawn, Oberste said, a feature that is harder and harder to find at other hotels.

Hosting an event at Oaklawn is about more than booking a room

with tables and chairs.

• 18,000 square feet of flexible event space accommodates up to 1,500 guests

• 24/7, smoke-free casino

• Thoroughbred racing from December to May

• Dining options ranging from the casual Mainline Sports Bar to upscale dining options at The Bugler and OAK room & bar

• 200-room luxury Forbes-recommended hotel

• Arkansas’ only Forbes four-star-rated spa, The Astral Spa

“Many of them have been here for a number of years and come from the racing side, so they understand the level of service that Oaklawn is working toward,” she said. “That’s not even including if they’re renting out Mainline [Sports Bar] for a 250-person party. We’ve got an entire separate team over there. At The Bugler, our fine dining restaurant, we’ve got four sommeliers. They are dedicated to knowing our wine and what it can be paired with so they can share it with the client.”

Oaklawn is already home to some of the largest events in Arkansas; upward of 50 state associations choose to host events there year in and year out. Many groups are so impressed with the experience that they book multiple years at a time, and many also look to rebook for the next year before they have even checked out. From meetings to weddings to concerts, Oberste said, Oaklawn sells almost every inch of space — and every inch comes with the same unparalleled quality that has made Oaklawn a destination for over a century.

“It’s not just that they were a great racetrack back in the early 1900s,” Oberste said. “They provided top-notch guest service. It was an experience to come to Oaklawn, enjoy the food, sit in the jockey club and watch the horse races. As each part of Oaklawn has evolved, the level of service has not wavered. If anything, it’s impressively grown.

“There’s just so much that we can do — it’s not your ordinary place.”

Only at Oaklawn:

“The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.”

—John Adams

While the Founding Father may have been off on the exact date, his prediction that a holiday marking the country’s independence would be celebrated “with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other” was dead-on.

There are Independence Day festivities planned for every corner of the Natural State, each capped with its fair share of patriotic pyrotechnics lighting up the night sky. Whether catching the show from a lawn chair, blanket, camper or boat, AY About You has gathered a list of a few places to enjoy food, fun and fireworks with family and friends this Fourth of July weekend.

Red, White & Boom

July 3

Benton

Benton’s annual Fourth of July bash takes place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the River Center on Citizens Drive. The celebration checks all the boxes — food, fireworks, fun and freedom — and will culminate with a dazzling display after dark.

Hang around in Saline County for more Independence Day fun on July 5 as Lake Norrell hosts its annual fireworks show from the Lake Norrell Dam.

Cabot’s 4th of July Celebration

July 3

Cabot

Cabot is putting on its Independence Day gathering a day early this year, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Cabot Sportsplex. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. and are preceded by an evening of inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, a foam party and a live DJ.

Lights Over the Lake

July 3

Conway

The get-together formerly known as Freedom Fest is now Lights Over the Lake and will feature live music, food trucks, activities and, of course, an awesome fireworks show at Beaverfork Lake Park. Hosted by Conway Parks and Recreation, the fun runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sparks in the Park

July 3

Magnolia

The city’s 11th annual Sparks in the Park starts at 7 p.m. at East Side Park. Food trucks, freebies and live music will abound, and the splash pad will be open until 8 p.m. to help festival goers cool off before settling in for the fireworks show after dark.

Lake Norfork’s 40th Annual Independence Eve Fireworks Show

July 3

Mountain Home

Enjoyable from car, campsite or boat, this display just outside of Mountain Home is in its 40th year and will kick off at dark the night before Independence Day. Fireworks will be shot from the “Twin Bridges” area of the lake and will be accompanied by music on 99.7 FM The Boot. Stick around in north Arkansas the next day for the John G. Eastwold Memorial 4th of July Fireworks Show at nearby Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

Fireworks & Food Trucks

July 3

Sherwood

Sherwood’s favorite Fourth of July celebration is back and bigger than ever at The Greens at North Hills. Starting at 6 p.m., the evening will be filled with food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, a live DJ and plenty more plus a spectacular fireworks show after dark.

Thunder on Thunderbird

July 4

Cherokee Village

Come early and stay late for Cherokee Village’s annual Thunder on Thunderbird. The day starts with the Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to noon. The Patriotic Boat Parade takes place at 7:30 p.m., and a fireworks display kicks off at 9 p.m. at Lake Thunderbird Dam.

It’s Showtime in the Sky: Bringing Back the BOOM!

July 4

El Dorado

Parking opens at 7:30 p.m. at the Union County Fairgrounds as the Queen City of South Arkansas hosts a tailgate-style evening of Independence Day partying. There will be a patriotic car-decorating contest, a community flag wave and music from DJbmoe to keep the good vibes going.

Jamboreeka Fireworks

The Ozarks’ favorite eclectic enclave celebrates two birthdays on July 4 — the nation’s and its own — making the annual Jamboreeka festivities even sweeter. Held at the Lake Leatherwood Municipal Ballfields, the event will have live music, local food, beer and merchandise vendors, water games, and a showstopping fireworks display.

Do not head out of town too soon though. Eureka Springs Adventure Park is also hosting an Independence Day celebration on July 5 at 3B Off-Road & RV Park. Live music starts at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m.

Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration

Fort Smith’s Independence Day party at Harry E. Kelley River Park starts at 5 p.m. with performances from DJ Swilsonn and the River Valley Community Band. The mayor’s welcome is at 6 p.m., followed by more live music from beem!, Trevor Phelps and Shaylen. The countdown to

Independence Day on Lake Hamilton

Spa City celebrates the holiday in style with its annual Independence Day display. Fireworks will be shot from barges in the middle of Lake Hamilton and synced with music on KQUS 97.5 FM aka US97. In case of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled for July 5.

Promising a “banging, booming, rockets-red-flaring” kind of night, Jacksonville’s annual Big BANG on Main fireworks show takes place this year at the Five Points parking lot on Main Street. Activities start at 5 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy

United We Stand: Fourth of July Celebration

July 4

Searcy Searcy Beats & Eats hosts the United We Stand Festi

At 9:30 p.m., viewers can relax on land or drift in the bay to enjoy a dazzling fireworks scene set to patriotic music.

Walmart AMP presents: Fireworks Spectacular with Symphony of Northwest Arkansas

July 4

Rogers

Under the musical direction of Paul Haas, SoNA will put on a performance that promises to “celebrate the beauty and grandeur of America and honor our nation’s veterans and those who bravely serve in our nation’s armed forces.” Gates open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m.

ily to Mena’s Aubrey D. Tapley Park for bouncy houses, concessions, youth firefighter games and more starting at 5 p.m. Live music will begin at 8 p.m., and fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m.

Ohana Celebration Park Independence Day Celebration

July 5

Vilonia

Ohana Celebration Park is putting on a family-style party for its fourth annual Independence Day gathering. Offering food, ice cream, games, fishing, swimming, kayaking and more, the park promises good, clean family fun to celebrate the USA from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

Legendary parodist returns to Arkansas on latest tour

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of "WEIRD AL" YANKOVIC

The late actress Marilyn Monroe once said, “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” A more fitting description of another entertainment icon, “Weird Al” Yankovic, would be hard to pen.

Approaching the 50th anniversary of his entrance into show business — in 1976, when one of the then-16-yearold’s homemade comedy songs aired on Dr. Demento radio show — Yankovic has defied the odds in spectacular fashion. Bursting onto the video music scene in the 1980s with his witty song parodies, Yankovic has followed that formula into rarified territory. He has sold 12 million albums, landed 17 Grammy nominations — winning five — and played more than 1,000 shows over his career.

During that time, he has achieved several firsts, among them debuting his 2014 album, Mandatory Fun, at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart as the first comedy album ever to do so; setting the record on Spotify for having the most tracks in the viral top 10 simultaneously at four; and being one of only five artists to have a Top 40 single during each of the past four decades, the others being Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2 and Kenny G.

The list of hits is familiar to anyone with a funny bone going back to the 1980s: “Fat” and “Eat It,” send-ups of Michael Jackson’s “Bad" and "Beat It”; “Like a Surgeon,” a parody of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”; “Amish Paradise,” which lampoons Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”; “White & Nerdy,” recasting Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’”; and the grammatically correct “Word Crimes," set to “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke.

Yankovic reportedly had little trouble getting artists’ permission to use their work, in part because his goofy and witty comedy never strayed into meanness. With a few notable exceptions, most artists were said to love Yankovic’s treatment of their work. Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl went so far as to say he only felt the band had arrived once Yankovic released “Smells Like Nirvana,” set to “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

That comedic approach has shown real staying power, as a scan of social media platforms today readily attests. Yankovic’s art form has kept up with the times while remaining stubbornly true to some career-long tenets. During an era in which music and media have become increasingly coarse and vulgar, Yankovic has never worked blue in language or theme, and his parodies have remained solidly approachable — silly enough for kids yet comically nuanced enough to win over adults.

As if that was not enough to cement Yankovic’s status as a comedy icon, the years have also seen him branch into books, directing, TV and movie roles, voice work, and his own full-length feature film, 1989’s criminally underappreciated UHF, which has since climbed back into cult-favorite status.

Not everyone has been amused by Yankovic’s body of work, of course. Despite repeated grassroots campaigns by fans, he has reportedly never come close to induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, although fans were successful in lobbying for his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. However, with a career that continues to produce new music in full swing and packed houses on tours such as the Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour that winds to the Walmart AMP in Rogers on Aug. 3, he is living proof that success is its own reward.

AY About You reached the comic legend at his California home to discuss humor, the hits and what keeps him at the top of his game.

AY About You: Do you think comics today get the credit that other artists do for the difficulty of their art form?

“Weird Al” Yankovic: You know, comedy in general has always been treated like a secondclass citizen, whether it’s in music or TV or the movies. I’ve never quite understood that bias because just because something’s funny doesn’t mean it requires any less craft or talent than something that’s not funny. Comedy movies generally get overlooked at awards time unless it’s specifically an award for comedy movies. The backhanded compliment I get all the time is, ‘Oh, you’re such a talented artist. You could do real music.’

It’s more offensive to me when they relegate my band to quote-unquote joke band category. They assume that just because the material they’re playing is funny, it doesn’t require as much skill as a nonfunny band. My band is comprised of some of the best musicians in the world. They do dozens and dozens and dozens of different genres, and they do everything seamlessly, perfect, which requires an incredible amount of talent, so it always kind of irks me a bit when people don’t give them their proper due.

AY: Do you consider yourself a musician who operates in the comedic space, or do you think of yourselves as a comic first and music as your medium?

Yankovic: That’s a good question, and there’s no real answer to that because I kind of fall between the cracks. I’m really both. I don’t know that I’m entirely accepted in the comedy world because of my medium, and the same goes for the music world. Even back when record stores were more popular in our world, it was difficult to find me in record stores because nobody knew where to rack me. Is it a comedy album? Is it a rock album? How do you categorize this? I guess I’m both, but that’s difficult for some people to wrap their heads around.

AY: Your own bio, in the first sentence, describes you as starting out as a shy, accordionplaying teenager. In reading other accounts of your early life, “nerd” comes up a lot, being kind of the unpopular kid. Did that actually help you to be comfortable in your own skin and just do what you do as an artist??

Yankovic: Yeah, I think part of that was because I had nothing to lose, socially at least, because people already thought I was this nerd. I ate by myself at lunchtime, usually, and I wasn’t popular with the popular people, so I felt like, you know, I could sort of get away with anything because it wasn’t like I was going to lose stature or lose face or embarrass myself. They couldn’t really think much less of me anyway, so I was free to do whatever I felt like doing — which, for an artist, I guess, is a big plus.

AY: I read that among your early musical influences were Elton John and The Beatles. Did you discover those just like we all did, something on the radio? Were your parents into popular music? Was there music in the house? Tell me a little bit about your musical orientation.

Yankovic: I would say it was mostly the radio. I mean, my parents weren’t terribly into pop culture, so I mostly got interested in rock and pop music on my own. I listened to the local LA radio stations, and I suppose my friends also had some influence. Mostly, I just discovered it on my own based on what was being played on the radio at the time.

AY: Speaking of your parents, were they naturally funny?

Yankovic: I don’t know that I’d consider them funny people. It’s not like they were humorless. I think my dad, maybe, had more of a sense of humor, or, at least, he was more outgoing and gregarious. I guess they were funny in their own way, but when I think back on them, I don’t think of them as terribly funny people, but they certainly were loving and supportive and everything you could ever want from a parent.

AY: In addition to musical influences and parental support, you had a number of comedic heroes, one of which was Mad magazine. How much do you miss the glory days of that magazine?

Yankovic: I mean, Mad magazine, in a major way, made me everything that I am because that really opened up my mind to this whole different kind of humor, this kind of ironic and satirical and anti-authority kind of humor. Through Mad magazine, I was able to learn the plots of movies that I was too young to see. It introduced me to politics. It really opened my eyes on a number of levels.

It was incredible when I got to actually edit an issue of Mad magazine and have my face on the cover. That was certainly one of the high points of my life.

Is it a comedy album? Is it a rock album? How do you categorize this?

I guess I’m both, but that’s difficult for some people to wrap their heads around.

AY: Over a career as long as yours, tastes change, both in music and comedy. How have you stayed relevant in changing society and changing culture?

Yankovic: Well, just the simple fact that I’m making fun of these songs that span several decades means that the parodies are relevant in whatever decade they came out in. Comedy changes over the years, but I think that my basic sense of what’s funny has pretty much stayed the same, even if, you know, societal tastes have changed. I always just write what I think is funny.

Maybe my tastes have changed a bit over the years, as well, but I don’t try to consciously do something to stay relevant or do what I think other people will think is funny. It’s always been just, you know, what I think is funny, what I think my friends will think is funny, and I just kind of go with my gut. If I’m lucky, that means I stay relevant, but that’s kind of an empty thing to aspire to. I just try to make the art that I think, No. 1, pleases myself and, No. 2, would please everybody else.

AY: What is the chicken and what is the egg in your comedy? When you hear a song, does it just immediately go off in your head, and you say, “Oh, ‘Like a Virgin’ should be ‘Like a Surgeon,’” and then it rolls from there, or do you write down different ideas, saying, “You know what, when the right song comes along, I’m going to do something like ‘Word Crimes’”?

Yankovic: The process works every which way. You know, I’ve kind of taken my brain offline in the last 10 years, and I haven’t really written any new parody songs per se. Back when I was actively trying to put out albums and had to do all these parodies, some ideas would come very easily. Sometimes the idea would just present itself out of nowhere.

Sometimes, like you said, I would hear a song and know that it’s extremely popular, and it’s got a very identifiable hook to it. I’d think, “Oh, I’ve got to do something with this song,” and then I’d sit down and write a hundred variations on a theme, a hundred different concepts, 99 percent of which are going to be terrible. If I can find that one idea that will sustain comedy for three or four minutes, though, then I know I’ve got something.

AY: I want to ask you about one of my favorites, “One More Minute,” which is rare in your catalog because it is an original. How did something like that come along, and have originals always been part of the mix?

Yankovic: Ever since I was in my early teens, I would write original songs, and I would also write parody songs, and by the time I did my first album, I had the mix figured out where I did about half and half. Then, by my second album, I threw in a polka medley, but originals is something that I’ve always done. It’s just that, over the years, I’ve had most of my success through the parody songs, and every now and then, somebody will come along and say something like, “Oh he’s the guy that only makes fun of other people’s songs. He doesn’t write his own music. He just changes the words around,” which is only true about 50 percent of the time.

AY: From time to time, musicians will say about their greatest songs, you know, “We had that so solidly in our head, we sat down, wrote it and recorded in an hour.” Were there any of yours that just immediately hit you like a rock between the eyes and you’re like, “That’s it, I got it”?

Yankovic: Well when I was first starting out, I would write things very quickly because I just figured, “Oh, maybe this will be a fun thing to play on the Dr. Demento show tonight.” I didn’t think about maybe I’ll be playing this on stage 40 years from now so I would write things very quickly. I think I probably wrote “Another One Rides the Bus” in 20 minutes. I just had an idea, and I just dashed it out, and I thought, “Oh, good enough.” A lot of the early songs were that way. It wasn’t like I didn’t care about them, but I certainly didn’t agonize over them. I just kind of whipped them out.

Nowadays, when I write a song, I’ll spend possibly weeks or months finetuning everything and coming up with 12 different variations on a joke and really crafting it. It’s as good as it could possibly be, even though it’s ostensibly this ridiculous song. You know, I put a lot of care and attention to it. That’s just a by-product of me now realizing that people actually care about what I do and that I shouldn’t just be satisfied with the first idea that pops into my head.

"Weird Al" Yankovic is one of only five artists to have a Top 40 single during each of the past four decades.

AY: By the way, I would be remiss not to extend my condolences. I know you recently lost someone who played a big part in your early career, Rick Derringer. What would you want people to know about him?

Yankovic: Thank you. Well, you know, I grew up being a fan of Rick’s, from The McCoys’ “Hang on Sloopy” to “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” which was one of my favorite songs when I was a teenager. When I got word that Rick Derringer was interested in producing my first album, that kind of blew my mind because he was such a guitar legend.

I got to meet him, and he just had a great sense of humor and was really easy to get along with, a super nice guy and an incredible producer. He produced some of the greatest albums in rock, and he produced my first six albums, basically every album I released in the ’80s. He was so great to work with and so patient and just had such a great sense of what was going to work in the studio that after those first six albums, I had learned so much just following him

I just try to make the art that I think, No. 1, pleases myself and, No. 2, would please everybody else.

and studying him that I felt like I could hold the reins by myself. So after that, I produced all my own albums, but I always was greatly appreciative and thankful that Rick was with me for all those years and helping me out and helping to establish my sound. He just meant the world to me.

I saw your appearance on Hot Ones, and you talked about the rise of platforms such as TikTok and how people are now making these funny little videos, filming them on their phones. Do you ever stop and think, “I wish I’d had this back in ’79”? When I look at TikTok now, I mean, your ethos is all over it.

Yankovic: Oh, thank you. You know, there was a guy that wrote a big piece in a magazine several years ago who called me the Godfather of YouTube. I’m not sure that I agree with that sentiment, but he was trying to make the case that what I did on MTV in the ’80s kind of encouraged people to do the kind of social media posts that are prevalent today. Again, I’m not sure that I can or even want to take credit for that, but that’s sort of out there.

To speak to your point, you know, it would’ve been certainly easier for me to get my foot in the door had that kind of social media been around at the time, but I will say that I had a kind of an unfair advantage because when I did get my record deal, I was the only guy that was making funny videos on MTV. I was the only guy with a major record deal getting songs played on the radio doing

comedy music. I kind of had the field to myself for a good amount of time.

AY: Lately, it seems like we are more afraid to laugh, and I really feel sorry for comics of all stripes in recent years just because it seems like we went through a period where you could not tell a joke about anything without stepping on someone’s toes, even though that’s exactly what comedy’s supposed to do. Do you think you could have made “Fat” in 2015 or 2020, given where society had come?

Yankovic: It’s hard to say. I like to think that I’m grandfathered in because we’re going to be playing the hits onstage in 2025, so hopefully nobody’s going to walk out in a huff. It’s something to think about, and I want to be careful because I’m not one of these comedians that rails against political correctness or is afraid of cancel culture. I think a lot of what people call political correctness is just being mindful of people’s feelings, and I like to think that I’ve always done that. I’ve never set out to offend anybody. I don’t have any ill will toward people.

My personal brand and my personal choice is to do comedy that’s not hurting other people’s feelings, so it’s important to me to try to be funny without doing it at the expense of others. You know, what I do, my parodies, I’m not really trying to tear down the artist or make them look bad. It’s all done in good fun, and that’s one of the reasons why, over the last 40 years, I’ve gotten permission from virtually everybody in the music industry because they realize that a Weird Al parody is meant to be an homage, not a kick in the face.

Mandatory Fun was the first comedy album to debut No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Yankovic with musician Rick Derringer

This show has been advertised as being the best of both worlds, meaning that it’s all the greatest hits that you would riot if you didn’t hear but also several things we’ve literally never played live before.

AY: Where your genius lies is kind of at that crossroads of being kind of silly and kind of goofy and endearing and smart all at the same time. That is a very difficult balancing act to achieve, and yet you come up with stuff that is very, very funny, very well put together and, at the same time, something listeners can play for their granddaughters. At what point did you make the conscious decision that, “You know what? I’m going to perform in a certain way. I’m going to keep it clean with, maybe, you know, a little bit of a wink here and there”?

Yankovic: I don’t think it was ever a conscious decision. I think my music and my comedy is really just an extension of my personality. I don’t use swear words in real life. I wouldn’t use them in my music. I will say that not all of my songs are really appropriate for young children. I mean, I don’t go into sexual topics per se, but some of my stuff does get extremely dark. There’s some violence and some situations that, probably, you wouldn’t want your preschooler to be exposed to, so always use caution, but I really think my work falls under the general umbrella of family friendly, the kind of thing that I think a lot of families feel comfortable listening to on road trips or just having around the house.

AY: When you look out at the audience now, what demographics do you see?

Yankovic: It’s amazing. I mean, it’s really every demographic imaginable, which is very heartening because it’s nice to know that I’ve touched all these people of all different ages. The people that were into me in

the ’80s are still coming to the shows, but now they’re bringing their kids or possibly even their grandkids, and everybody’s appreciating the show and appreciating the music. For some, it’s nostalgic. For some, they’re hearing it for the first time, but everybody seems to be enjoying it, which is extremely gratifying.

AY: How many shows will you play this year?

Yankovic: I think they counted 75 shows, I believe.

AY: Care to give us a preview or a sneak peek of what your Arkansas audience can expect out of your show next month?

Yankovic: Well, without giving away any surprises, this show has been advertised as being the best of both worlds, meaning that it’s all the greatest hits that you would riot if you didn’t hear but also several things we’ve literally never played live before. Part of the reason for that is some songs needed more people in the band, and that’s what we’re doing this time around. We’re doubling the size of the band to nine, counting me, my original band I’ve had since the very beginning, and we are adding four more people. It’s a much bigger sound and a much bigger production. It’s the costumes and the props and the big LED video wall. It’s a real show, so it’s the hits, and it’s some cool stuff that you’ve never heard us play live before — like I said, the best of both worlds.

"Weird Al" Yankovic

Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour

Aug. 3

Walmart AMP • Rogers

Mission-Driven

By

Homes

passionate about the things in life that matter

AY STAFF // Photos courtesy of CHRIS WHITE AT 3WIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Quality of Life

For Mike Bryson, entrepreneur, founder and visionary behind QOL Homes, everything he’s done in his career has aspired to a higher purpose. A recent Arkansas transplant, Bryson came to Arkansas to build a home for a friend on Lake Hamilton in 2011 and fell in love with the Hot Springs area.

A native of Memphis, he was raised by a single mother of three kids and felt the financial struggles of life at an early age. At age 10, he moved to Texas, where he soon showed a flair for entrepreneurship. While still in middle school, he started a lawn and landscape business, through which he began employing friends in the neighborhood.

After high school, Bryson continued to grow the landscaping business into a very successful operation, but that came at a huge price. The responsibilities of having employees and ongoing overhead and the grind of working 60 to 80 hours a week to keep the monster fed took a toll on his mindset.

“It took a great deal of time, and I had to sacrifice a lot of things, such as quality time with the people and things that mattered most to me, just to maintain the company,” he said. “One day, I finally said, ‘There has got to be a better way to make a life and not spending it all making a living.’”

Changing directions in his entrepreneur journey, Bryson dove headfirst into the mortgage industry, learning the ends and out of financing. There, he saw firsthand how

people struggled to qualify for mortgages in the communities where they desired to live. After the financial collapse of the 2008 recession, he found an opportunity in real estate investing.

“As the economy recovered, we all watched the housing market skyrocket to make homeownership become out of reach for a lot of hard-working people,” he said. “That was where the idea to launch QOL Homes, which stands for ‘quality of life’, began.”

QOL Homes was created to build custom, affordable microhomes, structures that are ideal for in-law quarters in backyards, as

Airbnbs or for people looking to reduce their square footage. Bryson’s company lent a unique twist, building homes using container fabrication that resulted in oneof-a-kind, beautiful homes regular people could actually afford.

“The need for homes people can afford is one of the biggest issues in America today. Recent studies have shown that Americans are spending roughly 50 percent of their income on housing,” Bryson said. “If that was the case when I was growing up in Tennessee, my family and I would have been homeless.”

In addition to QOL Homes, Bryson has

Bryson’s company lent a unique twist, building homes using container fabrication that resulted in one-of-a-kind, beautiful homes regular people could actually afford.

also recently launched the Alinea Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to help carry out the mission of providing homes people can afford in America.

“People want to live in nice communities, but the issue is most of the homes in America that have a low price point tend to be in areas that are not the most desirable,” he said. “That was how Royal Berry Estates was created.”

A unique community, Royal Berry Estates sits at the foot of the Ouachita National Forest in Royal, just 20 miles from downtown Hot Springs, 5 miles from beautiful Lake Ouachita and 6 miles from Lake Hamilton. Bryson said when he first laid eyes on the 32-acre plot, which had been operating as a u-pick blueberry farm, he knew he had found the ideal location to bring to life his vision for a sustainable community in an area that people would love to call home.

The unique vision consists of 21 high-end recreational vehicle spaces, each with its own private, spacious fenced lot.

“This will give people enough room to bring out their outdoor items, instead of sitting on top of each other like most RV spots we see,” he said. “The lots are oversized, with plenty of space to call home.”

In addition, Royal Berry Estates will offer 57 lots for container homes, starting with the 160-square-foot Casitas, ideal for nightly stays. Average home size will be 640 square feet, and some lots will be reserved for larger homes. Price points will run from about $65,000 to $300,000. Homes will be available for sale, and the neighborhood will allow short- and long-term rentals that abide by the bylaws of the development.

Amenities

This visionary community will also feature the following amenities:

A dog park to give four-legged family members their own community area to run free and get exercise while owners mingle and create bonds over their pets.

A community center where people can create long-term friendships. Offering plenty of outdoor space for people to socialize, the community center will also feature firepit areas, an outdoor kitchen and seating, as well as a custom-fabricated shipping container pool.

Co-op community gardens for residents, allowing a one-of-akind homesteading experience.

In addition to the produce raised in the gardens, Bryson plans to bring in local farmers and their organic, farm-raised beef, chicken, cheese and eggs. The blueberry bushes are being retained, and self-tapping bee hives are being installed both to help the population of honeybees and to provide fresh organic honey to people seeking a true farm-to-table organic lifestyle.

Several freshwater wells will reside on the property, giving residents fresh water free of the usual harsh processing and chemicals.

Royal Berry Estates site plan

— Mike Bryson, QOL Homes

Providing such amenities in this community comes at a cost, as Bryson is sacrificing land that could otherwise be used for denser build out of homes. It is a tradeoff he is more than willing to make.

“Most developers would want to build on as much of the space as possible, which would only create another impersonal neighborhood of garage doors and strangers living as neighbors,” Bryson said. “We don’t need more of those concrete jungles.”

Initial response has been encouraging. After posting his idea and concept on Facebook, Bryson received a huge positive response. Comments included “I would love to live there”, “This would make a great weekend home,” and “It’s the perfect spot for my existing tiny home.” Many people liked and shared the post and the comments were all positive, proof that Royal Berry Estates is a concept whose time has come.

Not to put the container before the horse, but Bryson already has plans to take the concept to other communities.

“The [COVID-19] pandemic taught everybody that you no longer have to live in the area where you work,” he said. “I believe this country’s about to see the biggest migration we have seen since the gold rush. People are going to start looking at little gems like Branson, Hot Springs and other little towns to raise their families because of the quality of life. They don’t have to do it in Little Rock anymore. They don’t have to do it in Dallas anymore. They have the freedom and flexibility of working remotely.

“I would like to do this across the country. I’d like to see this duplicate and replicate, and five or 10 years from now, I’d like to look at what we’ve built and see all these happy communities.”

airbnb.com/l/5OiiPkpw qolhomes.com

Recently completed Royal Berry Estates RV pads

from the garden

By CHRIS NORWOOD, AIFD, PFCI, AAF

Cut flowers can be a wonderful addition to open-air gatherings

The season of outdoor get-togethers is here, bringing warm weather and warmer welcomes for friends and family. Floral arrangements can bring beauty to the table during outdoor summer gatherings, and even those who are not professional florists can create something wonderful using backyard blooms.

Flowers that are locally grown or harvested straight from the garden hold up fairly well in the heat, especially compared to those that have been refrigerated. Some of the best options for summer include zinnias, sunflowers and marigolds. Hydrangeas of all kinds are in bloom this season, as well.

To gather flowers from a home garden, cut the blooms early in the morning, just before sunrise. Avoid cutting during the hottest part of the day. Have a bucket of water handy to put the flowers in. Be sure to cut stems all the way down to the main stem so that the plant will reflower instead of using its resources on the stub. Choose a selection

of buds and blooms that are closed, fully open and partly open to give arrangements a gardenesque look.

After gathering the flowers, bring them inside to strip the foliage and recut the stems. Before arranging, dip the flowers in Quick Dip to help them hydrate.

Water is a must when displaying flowers outside. Not only does water weigh down containers to keep flowers from blowing over in the wind, but water is essential to keeping florals hydrated. Avoid using floral foam, since the flowers will wilt without an ample reservoir of water. Minimize the time the blooms spend in direct sunlight.

One of the best ways to put together an outdoor arrangement is to use a low bowl that will not tip over in the wind. The containers also allow for shorter, more manageable stems. Fold a piece of chicken wire into a pillow shape, and then fill the bowl with water. Insert the stems into the chicken wire to build the decoration.

// Photos courtesy of NORWOOD-DAY FLORAL CO.

Choose a selection of buds and blooms that are closed, fully open and partly open to give arrangements a gardenesque look.

Another option is to place bud vases into a condiment container and display one or two different flowers in each vase. Some condiment containers even come wrapped in fabric or wicker for a pretty look. Place a few of the centerpieces down the center of a table at large gatherings. The shape of the containers helps the arrangements hold up against the wind. If they blow over, it is probably not a good idea to be outside at all!

The Fourth of July is one of the most important holidays this season, so why not celebrate with a red, white and blue focal point? Blue hydrangea, delphinium, thistle and veronica capture the patriotic blue. Anemone, gladiolas, ranunculus, Gerber daisies and roses can be used for red. There are too many flowers to list that are available in white, but I recommend experimenting with Queen Anne’s lace.

There are plenty of other reasons to celebrate outside, of course. Baby showers can provide an excellent occasion to have a garden party — complete with flowers from the garden. For boys, try blue hydrangea with Queen Anne’s lace and gypsophila, or baby’s breath. For girls, use pink hydrangeas or an array of zinnias in pinks, lavenders and darker purples.

To host with bright colors, choose sunflowers, marigolds and a rainbow of zinnias, along with beautiful, fresh, green oak foliage. For a sophisticated, all-white look, decorate with white hydrangeas enhanced with fresh herbs such as rosemary and mint. Other accents include geranium foliage, pear branches or blueberry twigs with tiny green berries. You can even work in some kale, horseradish or allium.

Sometimes I incorporate fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe into a summer arrangement. Watermelons can be carved into baskets to hold flowers, or fresh flowers can be inserted into large watermelon slices or the flesh of the watermelon itself. Make angled cuts into the outside of the watermelon to drive the stems in. The high water content in the melons acts as a natural oasis.

A word of caution about using melons: The freshly cut fruit attracts insects such as flies and ants as the juices become syrupy in the heat. Wait to display the arrangements until the very last minute before the festivities, and be sure to bring them inside soon after.

By the way, certain flowers can help repel insects during outdoor celebrations. Try incorporating citronella foliage or marigolds into arrangements to help deter mosquitoes and other pests. Enjoy summer in the garden!

Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.

As weather warms, picnics provide lovely way to enjoy life outside

By SARAH DECLERK

Is there anything more nostalgic than spreading a gingham blanket under a tree and opening up a basket full of goodies to enjoy during a picnic? For lake lovers and backyard explorers alike, picnics can be a great way to enjoy a meal between summer activities.

According to the National Day Archives’ entry about National Picnic Day, which occurs April 23, the Fourth of July is the most popular day for picnics. The entry states that picnicking as it is known today began after the French Revolution, when the working class gained access to royal parks, and the earliest descriptions of picnicking can be found in the Tales of Robin Hood. The late 1800s saw the sale of the first picnic tables.

The plentiful array of lakes, state parks and neighborhood hideaways makes the Natural State a great place to enjoy a picnic. From family outings and group excursions to romantic getaways and first dates, picnics are a fun and versatile pastime.

Consider sampling a selection of local fare from a charcuterie board while listening to the rush of the Buffalo River, or stock up on some sandwiches to refuel after a morning of hiking or mountain biking at one of the many trail systems across the state. Picnics can also be a practical dining option for a float trip or a day of swimming.

Some folks are minimalists who require little more than a meal, a blanket and a bottle of water when it is time to picnic. Others like to go all out with the latest gear and finest gourmet products. Whatever one’s picnic style happens to be, the amusement provides an ideal way to enjoy fellowship amid the majesty of nature.

Here are a few local experts who shared their tips about how to plan the ultimate picnic this summer.

BCW

Bread, cheese and wine are quintessential picnic items, so it is no surprise that Nathan Miller, owner and operator at BCW in Little Rock, has some ideas about how to enjoy a good picnic. The SoMa eatery bases

its business on the simple yet endlessly complex staples of bread, cheese and wine.

“There’s nothing better than a good, sharp cheese, a nice, kind of bright and acidic white wine and just a really good sourdough bread. It makes for the perfect bite inside or outside, and honestly, it’s just perfect outside,” Miller said. “It makes being outside feel better. It makes summertime taste better.”

For warm-weather picnics, Miller recommended marrying the salty notes of a Spanish Albariño wine with the nutty flavors of Spanish manchego cheese and complementing the pairing with sourdough bread from nearby Boulevard Bread Co. He also suggested almonds, green grapes and soppressata, a sausage with slightly sweet flavors.

Charcuterie boards at BCW (Photo courtesy of Jaimie Lee)

Those looking for charcuterie boards to go can find them at BCW, and the restaurant is known for its pickled grapes and other pickled products.

“I’d definitely bring along some of our pickled grapes, too, and with that, some pickled carrots,” he said. “Picked vegetables, in general, are really great with all that stuff, so a little bit of a giardiniera medley of pickled vegetables is kind of ideal on a hot summer day when you’re outside, for sure.”

Insulated picnic baskets can help keep foodstuffs in good shape during the summer weather, he said, but picnickers can also put a couple ice packs in a backpack with the goods to keep foods cool. He recommended packing a server tool for opening wine bottles.

He added that his favorite spots to picnic include Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas and Maumelle Park in Little Rock, as well as Little Rock gems Knoop Park and Allsopp Park. The sunset at the Knoop Park overlook is particularly grand, he said.

“We really have something special in Arkansas with how beautiful our parks are and just how beautiful our landscapes are,” he said. “Picnics are absolutely the best way to get out for a couple of hours and just go enjoy the green spaces that are literally in our backyards.”

BCW

1424 Main St., Unit 101 Little Rock 501-379-4290 bcwlittlerock.com

Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

HILLCREST AREA MARKET

Sandwiches represent another picnic staple, and when it comes to sandwich fixings, Tim Bryant, owner and operator at Hillcrest Area Market in Little Rock, is a local authority. Situated in affiliate restaurant Hill Station, the establishment offers a selection of meats, cheeses and other delicacies.

When it comes to making a world-class picnic sandwich, Bryant said it all comes down to this: “fresh-sliced meats and cheeses, a homemade sauce, and the biggest thing of all is really good bread.”

The deli provides smoked ham and turkey, Parisian ham, a unique duck ham made in-house, as well as mortadella, Italian prosciutto di parma, salami and various other cured meats. Those who do not mind grilling their

own fare can also purchase sausages, hamburger patties and steaks.

Sliced cheeses run the gamut from manchagos to smoked cheddar and smoked pepperjack, and HAM also offers crackers, jams and jellies, sauces, seasonings, as well as baguettes and other bread baked by Boulevard Bread Co. in Little Rock.

Cured meats such as smoked ham and turkey are ideal for picnics because they are best served at room temperature, since the thin slices tend to stick together when they are cold, he added.

“I’ll be honest — any of them are great for picnics,” he said. “One would be if you were just going to take some mustard and slice some prosciutto and put it on that baguette or some butter and ham, but if you were making a sandwich, I would suggest the ham and turkey.”

Those who do not buy their meat presliced should be sure to bring a sharp knife, a cutting board and a towel to wipe up with, he said, and do not forget ice tea, beer or wine to wash everything down. Other must-haves include “bug repellent, plenty of ice and good people.”

“Take advantage of living in the Natural State,” he added. “We have more outdoor areas and things like that for people to enjoy.”

Those who would prefer to have their sandwiches made by an expert can also order catering to-go from Hill Station and enjoy an effortless picnic menu.

Hillcrest Area Market (at Hill Station)

2712 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock 501-671-6328

Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ST. JOSEPH FARMSTEAD

The central Arkansas community was devastated when a fire damaged the historic St. Joseph Center of Arkansas in North Little Rock. Designed by famed architect Charles Thompson and built in 1910, the structure

Picnic Destinations

There is no shortage of places to picnic in Arkansas. Check out this list to find a new favorite spot.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Norrell, Alexander

Missouri Pacific Depot, Arkadelphia

Lyle Park, Benton

Sunset Lake, Benton

Mills Park, Bryant

Cabot Community Pond, Cabot

Beaverfork Lake Park, Conway

Cadron Settlement Park, Conway

Toad Suck Park, Conway

Entergy Park, Hot Springs

Gulpha Gorge Picnic Area, Hot Springs

Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs

Dupree Park, Jacksonville

Paradise Park, Jacksonville

Allsopp Park, Little Rock

Baker Park, Little Rock

Knoop Park, Little Rock

Maumelle Park, Little Rock

Riverfront Park, Little Rock

Two Rivers Park, Little Rock

Wildwood Park for the Arts, Little Rock

Burns Park, North Little Rock

Emerald Park, North Little Rock

The Old Mill, North Little Rock

Lake Valencia, Maumelle

Willastein Lake, Maumelle

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, Perryville

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Roland Pioneer Village, Searcy

Spring Park, Searcy

NORTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Archery Fork Park, Clinton

South Fork Nature Center, Clinton

Picnic Perch, Fairfield Bay

Blanchard Springs Caverns, Fifty-Six

Minnie Harris Park, Harrison

Dam Site Recreation Area, Heber Springs

Cedar Glade Picnic Area, Jasper

South Mountain Scenic Overlook, Marshall

Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton

Buffalo Point, Yellville

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS

Riverside Park, Batesville

Walker Park, Blytheville

Papoose Park, Cherokee Village

Delta Heritage Trail State Park, Helena-West Helena

Craighead Forest Park, Jonesboro

Lake Frierson State Park, Jonesboro

Jacksonport State Park, Newport

Crowley’s Ridge State Park, Paragould

Reynold’s Park, Paragould

has served various purposes over the years and is a designated Arkansas Department of Agriculture Century Farm.

Fortunately, the St. Joseph Farmstead remains in production, offering an assortment of Certified Naturally Grown products at both its farm stand, which allows patrons to order online for Saturday pickup, and its farmers market, which occurs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays.

“At the farm stand, we have lots of beverages, so beer, kombucha, sodas you can drink,” said Elysia Crawford, guest and hospitality coordinator. “We have snacks, too, things that you can make a salad with. You can pick your own blackberries.”

She recommended those planning a picnic stop by a local farmers market to see what produce is in season and plan their meals based on that. The farmers market at St. Joseph Farmstead offers a variety of breads, pastries, vegetables and meats, she said.

“You’re boosting your local community economy by shopping local,” she said. “That’s our whole goal is to just give back and support our community here. It’s better for you too.”

Picnickers can limit their environmental impact by bringing their own tupperware, lunch boxes, water bottles and utensils from home instead of buying single-use plastic items, she said, adding that families can also buy or make reusable food wraps coated in beeswax.

A small cooler full of ice is also a good idea, she said. To protect against bugs and the sun, bring bugspray and citronella, and wear closed-toe shoes, sun hats and lightweight fabric that blocks the sun.

“It’s always great to bring a blanket to lay out,” she said. “That’s a good way to not accidentally sit on an anthill.”

Members of the St. Joseph Center can picnic at the property, in addition to walking the grounds and hiking the two on-site trails, but there are plenty of other local places to take one’s

Tomato sandwich at St. Joseph Farmstead (Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Farmstead)

farmstand haul, including the Old Mill in North Little Rock, Beaverfork Lake Park in Conway and the Clinton Presidential Center lawn in Little Rock.

Crawford added that picnics provide a great way to socialize and reconnect with nature.

“In this day and age, with how much technology there is and how accessible it is for kiddos, you know, it’s just so important to have them escape into the real world and know where your food’s coming from and all of that,” she said.

St. Joseph Farmstead

6800 Camp Robinson Road

North Little Rock

501-482-1908

stjosephcenter.org

Farm stand: Order online, pick up 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

Farmers market: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Picnic Destinations

Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center, Piggott

Davidsonville Historic State Park, Pocahontas

Riverfront Park, Pocahontas

Walnut Ridge City Park, Walnut Ridge

Worthington Park, West Memphis

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Bella Vista Lake Park, Bella Vista

Blowing Springs Park, Bella Vista

Bentonville Square, Bentonville

Orchards Park, Bentonville

Osage Park, Bentonville

Basin Spring Park, Eureka Springs

Crescent Spring, Eureka Springs

Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs

Bayyari Park, Fayetteville

Gulley Park, Fayetteville

Lake Sequoyah Park, Fayetteville

North Shore Park, Fayetteville

Wilson Park, Fayetteville

Withrow Springs State Park, Huntsville

City Park, Mountain View

Court House Square, Mountain View

Beaver Lake, Rogers

Lake Atlanta, Rogers

War Eagle Mill, Rogers

Shaw Family Park, Springdale

Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork

RIVER VALLEY

Lake Dardanelle State Park, Dardanelle

Mount Nebo State Park, Dardanelle

Long Pool Recreation Area, Dover

Carol Ann Cross Park, Fort Smith

Harry E. Kelley River Park, Fort Smith

Woodlawn Park, Fort Smith

Eiffel Tower Park, Paris

Pleasant View Park, Russellville

Washburn Park, Russellville

SOUTH ARKANSAS

Delta Heritage Trail State Park, Arkansas City

Millwood State Park, Ashdown

Camden River Walk, Camden

South Arkansas Arboretum, El Dorado

Fair Park, Hope

Moro Bay State Park, Jersey

Lake Chicot State Park, Lake Village

Duck Pond, Magnolia

Lake Saracen Landing, Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff Regional Park, Pine Bluff

Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, Smackover

Bobby Ferguson Park, Texarkana

Jefferson Park, Texarkana

Vera Bradfield Park, Texarkana

Lake Columbia, Waldo

Sandwich fixings at Hillcrest Area Market (Photo courtesy of HAM)

OUTDOORS and in Style

Local options abound for high-end picnicking

By DOUG CRISE

The summer heat has never stopped Arkansans from going where they are bound and determined to go.

All the complaints about sometimes triple-digit temperatures are, pun intended, just a bunch of hot air. Being outdoors in the summer is Arkansas’ unofficial pastime. Folks will slather on sunblock and go out to ballgames, float down rivers, camp in state parks and basically thumb their nose at the sun in the name of a good time. The unofficial currency of Arkansas might as well be sweat equity.

Getting out and about does not mean leaving the comforts of home, however. These days, summer excursions mean taking the comforts of home along for the ride, and a cottage industry of in-state businesses has sprung up in the name of adding

Leigh Graham is in her fifth year as owner of Diane’s Gourmet in Little Rock. She took over the business from founder Diane Knight and, by her own admission, was not sure she knew what she was doing, but on a sunny and hot Wednesday, it was clear her fears were unfounded. Her store is bustling. A visitor tries — and raves about — a sample of just-made homemade tabbouleh. A tray of meticulously prepared finger sandwiches sits on display next to a box of locally grown purple heirloom tomatoes. On another shelf, bottles of premium bloody mary mix compete for attention with cocktail mixers that include real fruit juice.

With all due respect for the outdoor summer staples of burgers and hot dogs, it is clear that Arkansans are looking for something more.

“If you get something a little bit different, it’ll definitely sell,” Graham said. “We try to keep a bigger variety. We have the stuff that people can make their own charcuterie boards with. There’s meats and cheeses that we have, and we can make the charcuterie boards for you.”

These days, summer excursions mean taking the comforts of home along for the ride.

Across town at Legacy Wine and Spirits, there is a similar embrace of new thinking for outdoor drinking. While coolers full of beer will always be an Arkansas camping staple, owner Michele Brewer is seeing a surge in ready-to-drink cocktails. Whereas making top-shelf mixed drinks used to be cumbersome and, frankly, not worth the trouble for a picnic setting, customers can now buy bottles of premixed old-fashioneds made with premium ingredients.

“Each season has its thing,” Brewer said. “There’s seltzers, beers — anything in a can. We buy more canned wine. We have champagne in a can. It’s all surprisingly really tasty. Every kind of cocktail you want is in a can now.”

Leigh Graham, owner of Diane’s Gourmet in Little Rock, second from right, and staff members Jaynie Cannon, from left, Susan Ellsworth and Kristi Davis. (Photo by Doug Crise)

Michele Brewer, Legacy Wine and Spirits

Both Brewer and Robert Giles, a marketing assistant at Colonial Wines & Spirits in Little Rock, talked up Cutwater, a leader in canned cocktails.

“These go beyond the usual beers you would find in a cooler and give you something new,” Giles said. “Cutwater has many of the classic cocktails, like mojitos, margaritas, pina coladas. Seltzers have been a strong category for years and continue to grow with something for everyone, and mini box wines or small bottles can be a great addition, as well.”

Of course, mention wine, and even some of the most open-minded drinkers can run for the hills. The sheer volume of available wines is intimidating enough, never mind the task of picking one that fits with whatever food is on hand. Add to that the task of selecting a wine that goes along with a hot summer day, and anyone could be forgiven for just opting for the classic 12-pack in a cooler instead.

Some basic rules go without saying. Pop open a dark cabernet on a 90degree day, and drinkers will soon have buyer’s remorse, but there are plenty of lighter options that go well with a day on the lake, for example. The key is finding a store with a staff that can help find the ideal wine for an outdoor excursion.

“Listening to our customers and building our inventory to match our clientele has allowed us to strategically bring in wines that are unique and noteworthy,” Giles said. “Whether it is a more everyday selection or something rare, we try to cater to as many people as possible with our selection and knowledge. We also try to capture the growing trends and areas, which has led to our larger South African wine selection and extensive Italian wines beyond Chiantis and pinot grigios. You can never carry everything, but your customers will let you know what they want more of.”

Of course, lugging all that food and drink around on a warm day can get very cumbersome very fast. That is why the demand for high-end picnic accessories and supplies has exploded. Tricia O’Connor, owner of The Kitchen Store & More in Conway, is riding that wave.

“The first thing you need is a good bag to carry your food in,” O’Connor said. “We have insulated bags from Swig [Life] that are backpacks. That makes it really nice because you can fill it up and put it on your back. It’s not too heavy to carry, and Swig makes bags that are really fun patterns, so if you want an aesthetic to your picnicking, you can do that. It’d be very cute.”

“The first thing you need is a good bag to carry your food.”

Brunch photo courtesy of Legacy Wine and Spirits. Other drink photos courtesy of Colonial Wine & Spirits. Swig Life photo courtesy of The Kitchen Store & More.)

— Tricia O’Connor, The Kitchen Store & More

(Picnic

Another must-have is plates. No body wants to eat off a flimsy paper plate balanced on their lap. One of The Kitchen Store’s best sellers is enamelware plates from Crow Canyon.

“They’re not breakable,” O’Connor said. “When they’re dirty, you can just toss them in the car and wash them when you get home.”

O’Connor is also doing brisk business with BrüMate, which specializes in insulated drinkware and coolers to keep everything refrigerated for a weekend getaway.

“It’s like refrigeration when you put an ice pack in it,” O’Connor said. “It will keep your food cold for more than 24 hours. The ice is not going to melt.”

Nobody wants to eat off a flimsy paper plate balanced on their lap.

All the demand for better camping and picnicking options has led to a boom that shows off what the state has to offer. Not only are the businesses locally owned; their inventories carry a strong Arkansas flavor, as well. Much of the food at Diane’s Gourmet, for example, is made with in-state produce grown nearby.

“I got some things from Ferndale Farmers Market [in Little Rock] the other day,” Graham said. “I’ve got things from The Cabot Patch. They had the best strawberries this year. They were fantastic, and then we’ve got organic blackberries. We’ve got yellow squash. We’ve got Arkansas onions and Arkansas heirloom tomatoes.”

Similarly, Brewer’s eyes lit up when she talked about local offerings. She excitedly mentioned Hot Springs’ Origami Sake branching off into making a sake-seltzer beverage. Little Rock’s Lost Forty Brewing has come out with a canned margarita customers have been raving about, and a section of her store is dedicated to cheeses, meats and other nibbles that are all locally sourced.

(Houseware photos courtesy of The Kitchen Store & More. Arkansas Marg photo courtesy of Lost Forty Brewing.

Snow Monkey Saké Remix: file photo.)

SWEET, SOUR and DELICIOUS!

By MARGIE RAIMONDO

Photos by MARGIE RAIMONDO

The muffuletta hot dog, inspired by the famous New Orleans sandwich of the same name, combines the sweet, sour and olive-oil-rich flavors anyone who has visited Sicily would recognize. This olive salad can also be used as a topping on pizza or bruschetta.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped

• 1 cup pitted green olives, coarsely chopped

• 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper, coarsely chopped

• 1 tablespoon capers, coarsely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 celery ribs, chopped

• 1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced small

• 1/4 cup pickled pearl onions

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1/4 cup red onions, coarsely chopped

• 1/4 cup carrots, chopped

• 1 teaspoon cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/8 cup white vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients until evenly combined.

2. Serve immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Use as a sandwich or hotdog condiment, or serve over cooked chicken, in salads or with whipped feta on toast.

MUFFULETTA ITALIAN OLIVE SALAD

Expectations Grape

By DWAIN HEBDA

Photos by GENEVIEVE TOWNLEY

Oaklawn’s sommeliers obsessed with the art of vino

Ken Bredeson at Oaklawn Hot Springs does not experience wine the same way most people do, any more than his status as executive chef at award-winning The Bugler allows him to regard food as many mortals do either. For Bredeson, every bottle of wine is a story to be learned, understood and, ultimately, shared with others.

“In my culinary career, I started off in bakeries because one of the areas that I really loved was bread baking,” he said. “It was one of the few things that we make as a human being that is actually still alive all the way up to when it’s baked, so there’s a lot of things that happen in that process. The environment affects it, temperature. All that really makes a difference.

“Wine is exactly the same thing. Napa Valley is this beautiful space, and I’ve been there multiple times, but the more unique wines come from the places where the wine grapes struggle, where you see them in deserts, where they’re going deeper in the ground, they’re pulling more and different nutrients in the ground because they have to, to stay alive. Wine tells you a story of what happened at the time when that grape was grown and when the wine was made. It’s like a step back in history.”

Bredeson gained his unique perspective from an early age as the child of a sommelier, the same title he himself proudly carries now. The experience was hardly what one might call typical but embedded in him an appreciation for wine that has only ripened with time.

“It really humbles me, how amazing the fact that something as simple as a juice that comes from a grape can be transformed into something that is so amazing and can give so many different flavor profiles,” he said.

Bredeson is one of four sommeliers on staff at Oaklawn. That title is not arbitrarily granted but earned through study and demonstrated expertise in wine.

Given the beverage’s centuries-old history and widespread appeal, that covers a mind-boggling amount of information on every element of the winemaker’s art, from the grapes that are grown to the soil conditions in which they are grown and the environmental nuances that separates one

vintage from all others. Blind tastings, live wine service and written exams all come into play as candidates work their way through the four levels of sommelier certification: introductory, certified, advanced and master.

Such recognition of a person’s expertise in wine celebrates a nearly unbroken set of responsibilities dating back to 14th century France, where sommeliers were charged with tending nobility baggage, choosing table wine and testing the drinks for poison. During that time, in England, a guild of winemakers and merchants formed the Worshipful Company of Vintners, an organization that ran the wine trade until government deregulation robbed the group of much of its power from a regulatory and economic posture, VinePair states.

The Worshipful Company of Vintners found renewed purpose when, in 1953 and nearly 600 years after the company was founded, it partnered with the Wine and Spirit Trade Association to administer an exam about the wine industry to 21 people, six of whom passed and were named Masters of Wine. Over time, the exam evolved in various ways but not one: The test was excruciatingly difficult.

That led to the introduction of different certification levels underneath Master Sommelier, which is still considered one of if not the hardest professional certification in the world, having about a 92 percent fail rate among aspirants. Today, there are only 279 Master Sommeliers worldwide and 171 in the Americas, comprising 146 men and 25 women, states the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, the body governing a certification process which can take decades to complete.

Having accumulated four sommeliers in various stages of their education, Oaklawn has demonstrated a commitment to the customer experience that moves the legendary racing and gaming resort into an elite industry sector generally only found in metropolitan areas and havens of society’s 1 percenters. The following profiles tell the story of these ambitious individuals, the passion with which they perform their duties, and their goals to continue to advance their knowledge and expertise dealing with one of the world’s most intriguing beverages.

Rebekah Fleming

Wine Steward, The Bugler; Manager, The OAK room & bar Sommelier Education: Introductory

Rebekah Fleming started her career with Oaklawn in 2021 and then left for eight months to take a position with the Capital Hotel in Little Rock. When the chance to return to Hot Springs presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity, in part to develop her wine knowledge.

“When the position opened up at Oaklawn for the OAK room as manager, they called and asked if I’d be interested,” she said. “Part of the negotiation end of it was to get my sommelier and serve as wine steward for The Bugler.”

Fleming was no stranger to vino due to time spent living abroad, but she was not what one would have called a raving fan, let alone a connoisseur. Her introductory sommelier course changed all that.

“I’m going to be honest — I wasn’t really that interested [in wine],” she said. “I lived in France for about four years, so I had sort of like a layman’s knowledge of wines and developed an appreciation for why other people really had a love of them when I lived over there. When I came back to Oaklawn and was going to get my introductory sommelier, it was while I was in those classes that I realized that it was more farming than it was just wine. I became interested in the different soils and the regions and the taste that it gives.

“What really drew me was the business aspect of it and the fact that I could take being a sommelier and I could actually create a comprehensive, well-rounded program of matching it with food and then training servers on how to give guests an experience that was the highest it could be.”

To do that, Fleming takes great pride in being able to relate to guests regardless of their wine experience, matching selections both to the meal and the occasion.

“We do a menu matrix where I take the menu, and I give servers a matrix so that they have glass pairings, they have bottle pairings and they have the descriptions of why does this work?” she said. “At tableside, I’ll go up to the table and make suggestions based on their food choices and explain to them why I am suggesting one wine over another.

“We had the winner of the Rebel Stakes come into the OAK room, and he bought two $3,000 bottles, and Oaklawn gets its share of those, but, mostly, we serve average people, especially during off racing season, who are looking for an approachable wine that’s, like, $50 a bottle. We are not trying to just make

the most money possible; we’re trying to elevate the experience for every guest, and the wine program is a big part of that.”

As for her own personal development, Fleming is pursuing her certified sommelier credential in the hopes of expanding her knowledge even further.

“The introductory is mainly theory,” she said. “When you go for the certified, it has

“We’re trying to elevate the experience for every guest, and the wine program is a big part of that.”

the blind tasting and the theory, as well as a lot of it is identifying regions. It’s just knowing about the regions, the history, the wines, the grapes.

“Wine has always kind of been looked at as merely complementary to food, and, moving forward, I would really like to develop a program here where those two things are considered at the same time.”

“I find wine fascinating because there’s so much story behind it.”

While she may be new to Oaklawn, having only been on board for about 18 months, Amy Smith is an old hand when it comes to the hospitality industry. She has almost four decades of experience in the front of the house, the back of the house and management operations.

“My aunt owned a restaurant and needed a dishwasher so I was kind of roped into that at a very young age,” she said. “When I moved out on my own, I really started to enjoy food service. I liked that ability to make a really great experience for someone and just make their night or, if someone’s had a really bad day, to be the thing that turns their day around.”

During the course of her career, she has had the opportunity to work in fine dining establishments in Branson and San Diego, which gave her her first experience in recommending wines to complete a consummate meal.

“If you’ve got someone who’s on the newer side to wine, they want to hear about why the wine tastes the way it does or where it comes from,” she said. “For a more experienced

patron, we might have conversations about how they actually visited the winery that they’re drinking from.

“I had some guests a couple weeks ago who were celebrating their anniversary. They actually brought wine with them because we do allow people to bring their own bottles for a fee, as long as it’s something that I don’t already have on hand. I decanted the wines for them, which were ones they had picked up when they had taken a trip to a vineyard 20 years ago. It was sentimental to them. You just tailor your service to the experience that your guest is needing or wanting to have.”

Now, as part of one of the most acclaimed dining destinations in the region, she said sommelier-level expertise is essentially expected.

“I find wine fascinating because there’s so much story behind it. If you practice enough, you can tell just by taste and smell where the wine is from, what kind of wine it is,” she said. “You can never truly learn everything there is to know about wine. There’s always going to be

another wine that you aren’t as familiar with.”

That particular point is soon to be driven home in no uncertain terms as Smith pursues her certified sommelier credential. She said the step-up into the new level is considerable but that she is up for the challenge.

“For the first test, I studied from October of last year until April of this year, and it was still a very difficult test, even though I’ve been dealing with wine for so long,” she said. “The next level is more on the practicum side, where you have to take a written portion, but there’s also tasting and wine service that you have to pass, as well, so it’s even more difficult. The organization that does the certifications recommends you study for a year before you take the next level, no matter what your previous wine experience and knowledge is.

“I’m hoping to form a study group with the other soms here at Oaklawn considering this level and to meet once a week to help brush up and to keep each other motivated. It’s always helpful to have someone quiz you about what you’re trying to study.”

Amy Smith

Shift Manager, The Bugler

Sommelier Education: Introductory

April Drummond

Director, Food & Beverage Sommelier Education: Introductory

April Drummond remembers clearly the sense of elation she felt about passing her introductory sommelier exam, the culmination of more than six months of study and a stress-fueled testing process.

“It was a two-day process with one full day of coursework with a master som, and then we took the test the next day,” she said. “I’ll tell you, it’s one of the hardest tests I’ve ever taken. It was more than what I ever thought it would be, but it’s so exciting when you do pass because you realize, OK, now I want to do more.”

Like her fellow introductory soms, Drummond intends to pursue certified sommelier status, an even more intense course that washes out about 40 percent of hopefuls. In the meantime, she is applying her recently gained credential to help build an unequaled reserve of libations for Oaklawn’s various dining establishments.

“All the beverage aspects, anything that a guest is drinking in the restaurants or on the gaming floor, any of the servers, any of the bartenders, that’s my area,” she said. “My team ensures that we maintain the service standards that the guest experiences.”

Drummond came to her role at Oaklawn after years working in other casinos. While she was not compelled by management to pursue her sommelier certification, she recognized the value of the coursework in maintaining the Hot Springs resort’s high service standards from her very first visit to the property.

“I got invited down here, and I thought, ‘Let me come see this place.’ I walked into the hotel, and I was just blown away,” she said. “I think for all hospitality people, one of the things you really have on your wish list is to work for a luxury property where people really understand what they want the property to be and who are willing to put up the resources toward getting there.

“Other companies I worked for, every property was cookie cutter, and it’s all about the bottom line and profitability, and it was very difficult to get the capital to elevate your area. Here it’s such a different atmosphere, and I absolutely love it.”

Drummond sees sommelier training as a great equalizer, something that has allowed more women to take roles in the wine industry, which has been traditionally dominated by

“My team ensures that we maintain the service standards that the guest experiences.”

men. She points to Oaklawn itself as a prime example of this changing guard.

“Culturally, women are increasing their numbers in everything right now. When I went to the [sommelier] class, it was about 50/50. In Napa Valley, only about 12 percent of the heads of wineries are women, but that’s up from, maybe, 6 percent just 15, 20 years ago,” she said. “Here, it just so happens that a lot of the leaders on the hospitality team are women, so it just goes along with it that we are dipping our toes into predominantly male-oriented careers.

“We push each other. We quiz each other. We learn from each other. Amy is incredibly good; when she is tasting wine, I’m listening to her tasting notes and what she’s coming up with. Rebecca is incredibly knowledgeable about what pairs well with what, so I love listening to her describe to her team a new wine and what dish that it would pair with. We motivate each other to get to where we want to be in our own journey.”

The list of Chef Ken Bredeson’s accomplishments in food and wine is a long one, honed by classical training in Lyon, France, and rooted in childhood travels to Europe and daily discussions about wine around the dinner table.

“My mother was a sommelier for 25 years, and we had a very bohemian-style upbringing,” he said. “As kids, we had wine on the table for every meal. There was a glass of red wine for each of us on the table each time, which is definitely more of that European, French style of upbringing, so, for me, wine was considered just a regular thing, and my palate was kind of attuned at a very young age.”

Bredeson’s mother accentuated every meal with knowledge about the wines, from agricultural aspects to recognizing flavor notes. Of everything she imparted by way of wisdom, one practical piece of advice spoke clearly of her passion about the drink and has remained something of a credo for her accomplished son.

“She really educated us about what great wines were and that you didn’t have to spend a lot of money to find a great bottle of wine,” he said. “She really instilled in us the importance of, ‘Drink what you like.’ A good som should be helping people do just that; their job should really be informing them about what the wine is and what the maker and the grower are really trying to accomplish and then letting them make an educated decision.”

Bredeson said for all of his early education, he started to view wine in a different way over the last decade or so.

“I had been more of a connoisseur of wines versus being actually a professional at it,” he said. “I really got into it, probably, about 11 years ago, when we were going after our four-star Forbes rating at a restaurant in Toledo. Part of that accomplishment was making sure we had several certified soms on the property. I enrolled myself into studying, and the manager of the restaurant did the same thing. We were kind of study buddies for that whole process, so that got me into it and kind of reinvigorated a passion, I guess, that I never really knew I had.”

Achieving the certified level, said Bredeson, who completed law school prior to diving into a food career, is akin to studying for the bar exam and is so all-consuming it requires the learner to build study into a daily routine.

“You have to create a regimen for yourself,” he said. “What I would do in the morning, I would have someone pour three bottles, three different mystery bottles for me. I would get up and do a blind tasting. Then I would go through what they call the grid, which basically has everything from visual, tasting and olfactory notes, to get down to the conclusion of what the bottle of the wine is, from the vintage to the maker to the varietal. I did that consistently, almost every day, for an entire year and a half.

“I came to understand that it wasn’t just about wines; it was actually about training your mind and your nose and your taste buds to recognize certain notes in the wine. Everybody thought it

was a magic trick, but it’s really a series of deductions. You go by the base of what you think it is, from visual all the way to tasting notes to the visual again and then the nose, and then you come to a conclusion.”

Ken Bredeson

Executive Chef, The Bugler Sommelier Education: Certified

As he prepares for an even bigger challenge, attaining his Advanced Sommelier pin, Bredeson delights in the fact that despite everything he has learned, there is still some magic in the bottle awaiting discovery when he least expects it.

“Of the wines that have really changed my life, there’s some rieslings out of Germany,” he said. “The rieslings that we tasted in the ’70s, early ’80s were always very overly sweet, but when I tasted these, I was literally in the corner, just befuddled at that point. I thought they were trying to trick me, like, this can’t be a German ries here.

“It was really a humbling experience, literally a life experience for me. It changed my view on what wine could be.”

“As kids, we had wine on the table for every meal.”

Arkansas’ Only Forbes Rated Restaurants

Arkansas only boasts two Forbes Recommended restaurants, and both are located at Oaklawn in Hot Springs: The Bugler and OAK room & bar. These premier dining establishments redefine luxury, offering world-class cuisine, impeccable service and an atmosphere of refined elegance that sets them apart.

Dr. Jim English spends a lifetime helping patients find balance and peace BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

By AY STAFF

masterwork of engineering, balance, structure, function and aesthetic beauty, the human body is one of the most perfectly conceived and constructed inventions of the natural world. Understanding the human form takes decades of experience and learning, especially by those who seek to repair, reimagine or reconstruct it.

Such is precisely the mission of Dr. Jim English, one of the elder statesman of the cosmetic surgical field and founder of English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center and Surgi-Spa of Little Rock. English, a triple-board-certified surgeon with nearly 45 years of practice to his credit, is one of the most decorated practitioners anywhere, yet he treats tomorrow’s patient with the same care and compassion as the thousands who came before.

What he does is neither simple nor easy, but the manner in which he and his conscientious staff do it is, by now, as natural as breathing.

“We love seeing our patients,” he said to describe his underlying ethos. “Not only do we try to do what needs to be done in the operating room at the time of surgery, but we follow that up over time, for at least a year or so, just to make sure that everything is copacetic.”

That fundamental service element is arguably the simplest to employ, English said, yet is something that remains hard to find, even in medicine.

“There was a study done that basically found in two years’ time, a patient who’s had plastic surgery won’t remember their surgeon’s name,” he said. “I can’t fathom that. I mean, I still make house calls.”

Upon hearing that fact, the needle skips in the listener’s mind. Once common, house calls have become exceptionally rare in modern medicine, especially for someone as established and in-demand as English. To that, he just shrugs.

“If I’m doing a facelift, I have to see them within 18 hours to take the wraps off,” he said. “If they’ve come from out of state or somewhere in the state and they’re here in a hotel or they live here within a certain radius, I’ll come by and see them first thing in the morning.

“As a result, we have lots of people who come in 20, 30 or 40 years after their procedure who remember my name and want something else done because of our brand of exceptional customer service.”

by the intense mental and emotional impact it has on patients. Those factors must be taken into consideration and accommodated, which is a specialty unto itself. Time and experience have developed English’s repertoire when it comes to recognizing the cues and addressing any issues in the interest of serving all aspects of a patient.

“It is one thing, in this field, to know the surgical aspects. It is another to understand the human aspects,” he said. “You never know who is sitting across the consultation table from you. They could be having a bad day. They could be having a bad life. They could be having any number of things. Sometimes they come in thinking we’re going to be able to fix that, whatever it is, and we can’t.

“National numbers show that about 7 percent of patients who come in to have work done don’t need to be here. As surgeons, it is imperative that we pinpoint things early on because if we operate on someone who’s not emotionally compliant with what they’re going to go through and what they’re going to get out of it, that’s a scenario for disaster.”

Expertise is not something English has hid under a bushel basket. An author of a long list of medical articles and a sought-after lecturer, he has worked to give back to his profession the value of his experience on a number of topics. More than that, he has had a hand in the development of approximately two dozen aspiring surgeons through his Little Rock practice.

Of course, surgical excellence that leads to a flawless finished product has also played a role in building English’s reputation. Unlike other medical specialties, a cosmetic surgeon’s work enjoys a curious duality: on ready display for the world to see yet judged by how undetectable it is. Blurring the line between science and art, English’s masterpieces hide in plain sight demonstrating natural-looking results on living canvas, balancing shape, symmetry and size into one cohesive finished result that stands the test of time.

“The internet has been a two-edged sword — good for good information and bad for ‘bad’ information,” he said. “There are a lot of things out there that require demystifying for the patient. A lot of times, they’ll come in having seen a social trend or surgical trend that hasn’t been thought through. I tend to shy away from those.

“Things come and go, whether it’s a new laser device or a nonsurgical technique or a different type of filler. I stay more in the mainstream and generally don’t look at something until it has been in the market for three to five years. That may seem like an older approach, but time has taught me that older things sometimes work much better than new things.”

Cosmetic surgery also differentiates itself from other fields of medicine

“I was trained by a surgeon, Dr. Gaylon McCollough [of Gulf Shores, Alabama], who was trained by three of the top surgeons in the world back in the 1970s,” English said. “He spent time with each one of them over the course of a year and poured that surgical knowledge into me. On my way out of his surgical practice in 1983, I asked him what I could do to pay him back for what he’d done for me, and he said to give back what I had been given.

“Consequently, I started a program here where surgeons come and spend a year with me, and I train them, and then they go out into their own surgical endeavors. They’ve done quite well, and it is one of the things I’m proud to have accomplished in my career.”

It has been a long road from Sardis to the top echelon of his profession, but English can still feel the roots of his success embedded in the earliest lessons of his youth — hard work, caring for others and reverence to God above all else primary among them. He said he draws inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “May the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.”.

“Faith is something that’s quietly unspoken here at the practice. We don’t wear it on our sleeves. We don’t want to make people uncomfortable with it, but on the other hand, we don’t deny it either,” he said. “I have someone on my staff who’s such a comfort to patients. Not everybody comes in needing surgery. Some need other things, like someone to talk to, someone to listen. In that way, we are honored to not only be running a business but, for those who seek it, a kind of quietly spoken ministry.

“That’s just one of the things that makes me so proud of my staff, some of whom have been here on and off for 20 or 30 years. You know, we’re all human, and sometimes we fall short, which is why we strive for excellence and not perfection. Perfection is one of those things you just can’t ever hit, and that’s why I value the work family we’ve created. They take care of me, I take care of them, and together, we all try to do our best. You ask me what I am most proud of, that’s it.”

Dr. Jim English

2025 Men

Most every generation is defined by strong, capable and just men, which inspired the creation of AY About You’s annual Men of Distinction, a roster of remarkable individuals who have built businesses, served their state and provided for their families.

Their contributions — representing the American ideals of justice, respect, hard work and faith — are more vital than ever, and Arkansas is singularly privileged to have these men in our midst.

With Beyond Wellness as our presenting sponsor, AY About You salutes their individual accomplishments and the collective ethos that defines them as Men of Distinction. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.

Comprehensive care for men and women, offering services in hormone therapy, joint injections, weight loss, longevity, functional wellness, skin health, aesthetic treatments, memberships and more for total health and well-being.

Photos by Jamie Lee, Lisa Sparkman and Jane Cloclasure

BRIAN MARSH

President, CEO, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas

S

ince joining as chief operating officer in 2013 and becoming CEO in 2017, Brian Marsh has been hard at work shedding light on the life-changing work behind Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. More than just a thrift store, Goodwill uses the revenue from donated items to fund education, training and job opportunities for thousands of Arkansans every year — and that support stays in the state, Marsh said, helping people in Arkansas communities build brighter futures. Particularly close to Marsh’s heart is the Goodwill Excel Center. “With more than 300,000 adults without a high school diploma, I’m passionate about opening doors to education,” Marsh said. “Earning that diploma can change the trajectory of an entire family.”

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED?

I learned to truly appreciate the value of your team thanks to a mentor and friend from my time at Black & Decker, John Petza. He taught me that building relationships beyond the workplace is essential because when challenges arise, trust in your team makes all the difference.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Selecting petroleum engineering as my college major during my junior year of high school was a life-changing decision. That led to me selecting Mississippi State, which led to me meeting my future wife in calculus class.

HEARING WHAT SONG MAKES YOU FEEL 21 AGAIN?

Nothing makes me feel 21 again, but most any classic rock can take me back to that age.

IN WHAT WAY COULD YOUNG MEN OF TODAY TAKE A LESSON FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS?

Young men today can take a valuable lesson from previous generations: It’s OK to embrace healthy masculinity. Being masculine doesn’t mean being aggressive. Confidence, strength and leadership can be expressed through empathy, responsibility and quiet resilience. Assertiveness doesn’t require volume; it requires clarity, respect and purpose.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Golf. You travel to the best locations in the world, enjoy the outdoors and get paid to play a sport many pay to play.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

I don’t have a single bucket list item, but I believe in being intentional about chasing meaningful experiences. My wife, Dani, and I checked off all 50 states together, and now we’re working our way through all the national parks.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT, TEAM OR STADIUM VENUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

The Open Championship at The Old Course at St. Andrews.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF? Patience.

Alexander Capital Grill

1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible

SHANNON SCROGGINS

Owner, Scroggins Ranch & Cattle Co.

Morrilton

Yesterday’s Bar + Grill

Yellowstone

Getting to come home and take over his family’s cattle operation was the best opportunity Shannon Scroggins ever received, making it no surprise that the Scroggins Ranch is now his most prized possession. Scroggins started out in the world of banking and finance before making his way back, bringing a valuable eye for numbers with him. Never a stranger to hard work, Scroggins takes inspiration from his father, who came from nothing to become a successful politician, businessman and cattle rancher and is “fair, honest and the hardest-working man I know,” Scroggins said. His mother’s role in his success cannot be overstated either. “Without her praying for me on her hands and knees while growing up, I probably would not be here,” he said.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Jesus. We’d have a glass of wine and break bread.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Doctor.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

Driving an 18-wheeler, hauling cattle.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

The scenery and getting four full seasons.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

Rent. It’s better to own.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY? Flying private.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

I won over $40,000 one night at the craps table in Tunica, Mississippi.

HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

There wasn’t internet or phones growing up, so I went fishing.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Both marriage and divorce.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO ENTER YOUR PROFESSION?

Have another job or income when you start.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER?

Finish reading the entire Bible.

TIMOTHY ADAMS, CMP

Director of Events, Saracen Casino Resort

Ocean City, New Jersey; recently moved from Michigan to Little Rock

Mercedes-Benz convertible

Timothy Adams is a family man through and through. The sixth child out of seven, Adams is now the proud father of five and has three grandchildren to boot, alongside his wife of 36 years, Kim. The demands of the hospitality industry are never easy, least of all while raising children, but Adams found the hectic experience as rewarding as it was humbling. His latest post with Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff will be his third opportunity to be a part of a casino expansion project. While he relishes the challenges his career brings, his priorities are clear. “Family is most important,” Adams said. “I am blessed to have a large and closely connected family unit.”

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID? Radio DJ.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED?

Lead by example, and be a good listener. From early on in my career, I learned not to expect anyone to do a task that you wouldn’t do. That’s the type of leadership I respect the most.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Relocating across the country to San Diego with my fiancee.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

My all-time favorite event is when I organized a carnival-themed event for Frito-Lay, complete with a giant slide and Ferris wheel in the hotel parking lot. WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC?

Rat Pack-era music.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER?

A successful grand opening of the hotel and event center at Saracen Casino Resort.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Visit relatives in Ireland.

SHANNON ANASTOSOPOLOS

Founder, CEO, Granted, Viriya Consulting

Shannon Anastosopolos has honed his work ethic through years of what he called “trial by fire.” Building an entrepreneur’s self-discipline is not easy, and few can stomach the sacrifices the pursuit of success might require. Anastosopolos sold his personal belongings to make ends meet during his first year of business, putting up with long weeks, facing failures head-on and taking advantage of every opportunity he could. As his impact grows, his rewards speak for themselves. “To know my hard work has resulted in my ability to provide a comfortable life for my family is something that I occasionally take a moment to appreciate,” Anastosopolos said. “It also serves as motivation to not lift my foot from the accelerator.”

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

A mentor of mine once told me, “Success is the intersection of hard work and opportunity.” That has been the case for me. I’ve always put in the hard work, as many do, but I would not have experienced the same success if I hadn’t had the opportunity accompanying it.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Contrary to popular belief, I was not a man by the time I was 18. I still had a lot of growing up to do in my 20s. Having a kid in college certainly forced me to mature quicker. While, at the time, I certainly didn’t perceive it as an opportunity, that’s exactly what it was.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Setting aside the obvious, obligatory responses, I would say the 2011 Joplin tornado, which was the catalyst for the shift in my career trajectory.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

As someone who made a positive impact on those around me. Most importantly, I hope for my kids to be a better version of me and to continue that on to their own kids one day and down the line.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE?

Almond Joys.

Moved to Centerton in 2021

Callisto

TIMO ANDERSON

Brave New Restaurant

Pardon the Interruption

Timo Anderson is the president of the Arkansas State Golf Association. His father introduced him to golf at 9 years old, sparking what would become a lifelong love affair with the sport. Given the opportunity in another life, he might have been found working as a caddie on the Tralee Golf Links in Ireland. Topping Timo’s bucket list are visits to picturesque courses in Washington and Oregon. Continued travel to Scotland and Ireland to play his most favorite courses will remain a way of life for as long as possible. The great experiences, cherished memories and lasting friendships over decades spent on the links have also made him a strong supporter of junior golf and the impact it can have on the kids. “I want kids to have accessibility to the game so they, too, can have the opportunity,” he said.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

Voice of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball club on KMOX radio.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

I love the Arkansas outdoors, whether hunting, fishing or hiking in our beautiful state parks or wildlife management areas. Nothing is better than hugging a tree in flooded timbers as the mallards land in the decoys.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

Getting a tan.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Let me say this: If it is something that you want, then money is no concern.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Asking my lovely girlfriend, Penny, to marry me. WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Going to work for Joe Ford at Alltel.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My children.

“Nice ‘n’ Easy” by Frank Sinatra

WILLIAM J. “BILL” BARNES

Owner, Operator, Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa

President, CEO, Tri-Pennant Resorts

Born in Casper, Wyoming; moved to Arkansas as a child

The Longest Day

Backwhen Lake Ouachita was newly formed, William J. “Bill” Barnes’ father saw opportunity where others saw a rugged, undeveloped shoreline and dirt roads. Growing up in the wake of that vision, Barnes knows Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita inside and out. A recognized leader in the hospitality world, he has relished the opportunity to work side by side with his industry peers and hopes to see the Arkansas tourism industry hit $11 billion this year. Barnes’ success has been built over years of early mornings and late nights spent in the service of others, all to fulfill his purpose — “to care for my home, my family, my customers, my companies and their people, my state, and my nation,” he said.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE?

Every day, I look out onto the lake from my deck and see the Ouachita National Forest sweeping down to the shoreline, and I know that I am blessed. When I walk or drive around the resort, deer slip along the edges of the road, fawns learning their first fragile steps. Eagles soar overhead. We watch the tiny fox kits grow into adults, and the trails are lined in the first green of spring or the first reds of autumn. It’s a place where children are free to roam, barbecues create family bonds and people come for a refuge — a safe harbor from their everyday lives. WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

My father called late one night while I was at college. I was 21, and he had to tell me the IRS was foreclosing on us. I left college and began my career as a resort owner. My first meeting was with the IRS. They were supportive of my “dig out” plan.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?

You are not 10 feet tall and bulletproof. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE? Fruitcake.

JOHN PATTON BATSON, DDS

Dr. John Patton Batson credits his success to hard work, luck and “a ton of support.” He holds that his discipline and love of learning have helped distinguish him from others, and he takes the lessons instilled in him by sports, his family and his time as a major in the U.S. Army into every pursuit, whether professional or personal. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Batson is known for his attention to detail and compassionate patient care. No career accomplishment compares, however, to the pride Batson has in his wife and their three children — Maggie, John and Bobby. “They are why I work hard, and they are the people I want to make proud,” he said.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A professor.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

Do what you love, and it’s never a job.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

The natural beauty of the state.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

Fancy shoes.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

A good book and a good meal.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ‘UNPOPULAR OPINION’?

A good conspiracy theory.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Old medical text books.

HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

My favorite hobbies are working out and reading. I’ve done it all my life.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Marrying my wife.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Baseball.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Capitol Oral Surgery & Implant Center

Little Rock

University of Arkansas at Little Rock; University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; Womack Army Medical Center

KEVIN BRATCHER

Producing Branch Manager, Valor Home Loans

Moved to Little Rock from Katy, Texas, in 1988

University of Arkansas

Realtors might be on the front lines when it comes to picking out the space, but it is the tireless work of home loan officers like Kevin Bratcher that helps ensure a family’s dream house becomes their new home. Bratcher understands that when it comes to such an important life milestone, making the mortgage process as smooth as possible is an invaluable service. Part education, part skilled navigation and always personalized to the client’s unique goals, Bratcher’s approach reflects his deep respect for the responsibility with which he is entrusted by each prospective homeowner. To others on track for a similar career, Bratcher’s advice is simple. “It’s not just the money,” he said. “It’s about taking care of families.”

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Philanthropist – I’ve always been passionate about giving back to organizations that are close to my heart, with not only my resources but with my time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

The seasons, the natural beauty and the friendly people.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED?

Listening is more important than talking, which I learned from my parents. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

My family. I would literally do anything for them.

WHAT CAUSES DO YOU STRONGLY SUPPORT, AND WHY?

Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, which both my son and I attended. I truly believe it turns boys into men.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My children. My daughter, Lille Grace and my son, Carson.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

As a kind soul who adored his family and always put others first.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED “SECRET INGREDIENT” TO SUCCESS? No matter how many times you fail, never give up.

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Being the best husband, father, son, brother, friend and mortgage professional I can be.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Personally, my parents. They taught me to respect everyone, to always be kind and to never burn a bridge. Professionally, my brother-in-law, Baker Cunningham, who got me in the business and my first boss, Scott McElmurry. They helped build the foundation for the mortgage professional I am today.

The Pantry Crest

The Way I Heard It

JEREMY CARTER

Acareer in interior design has been Jeremy Carter’s dream since he was 15 years old. Discovering a love for design from his grandmother and great-grandmother, Carter went to work at a local store in his hometown of Des Arc, where he cut his teeth creatively by designing window displays. Natural talent combined with a strong work ethic later took Carter to Branson, where he became director of design at HCW Development and worked on such marquee projects as Branson Landing. Carter made his return to the Natural State in 2017 with the purchase of lighting store The Shade Above and JC Designs in Little Rock. “I came back to Arkansas because it’s home,” Carter said.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

You have to work hard to get to where you want to be. Oh, and don’t play in the streets. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

My team at The Shade Above and JC Designs. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Opaline and cloisonne.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? Leaving home at an early age. IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE?

Joan Crawford and a dirty martini.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

I have two: my grandmother’s crystal cake plate and my father’s Army jacket.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HATE THAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE? Coffee.

Designer

Des Arc

Des Arc High School

1933 Pierce Arrow 1240

RON CARTER

Ron Carter credits his success to meeting the right people at the right time. Teaming up with current business partner, Mike Kirby, at Made in the Shade in Little Rock has proven to be a winning combination. Carter brings nearly three decades of interior design experience to complement Kirby’s practical installation knowledge, making for window treatments high in both function and fashion. The goal for 2025 is to continue to grow the franchise and exceed $4 million in sales. Understanding his market, his competition and the priorities of his customers is key, but Carter also highlighted an underrated ingredient to success. “In life and career, being open to new methods, ideas and changes can lead to innovative solutions and opportunities that others might miss,” he said.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE?

I love my home in west Little Rock with a view of Pinnacle Mountain.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Live every day to the fullest like it is your last day. WHAT MAKES A “GOOD MAN,” IN YOUR OPINION?

Courage and the ability to sacrifice for others. I believe a good man should have the courage to do what is right, even if it involves personal sacrifice.

IN WHAT WAYS COULD YOUNG MEN OF TODAY TAKE A LESSON FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS?

Older generations had to persevere through tough times such as economic hardships or wars, which instilled a strong work ethic. Emphasizing perseverance and resilience can help young men tackle challenges with determination.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Graduation from college.

Owner, Made in the Shade

Star City

Louisiana State University at Shreveport

2024 Bentley Bentayga

FRANK M. CUERVO

Director of Athletics, Little Rock Trojans

Gainesville, Florida; moved to Little Rock in 2024

University of Florida, Ohio State University

Frank M. Cuervo always knew he wanted a career that would allow him to make a difference. While he initially considered politics, the lifelong athlete found himself drawn to the business side of sports while playing baseball for the University of Florida. Opting for college athletics over the campaign trail, Cuervo’s work in college sports has given him the opportunity to serve student athletes and have a meaningful impact on countless lives for more than 28 years and counting. His post with the Little Rock Trojans is the latest chapter in a journey spent effecting positive change both on and off the field.

“In many ways, I feel fortunate to have found the best of both worlds,” Cuervo said.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

I enjoy watching sports and movies, and I’ve created a home-viewing experience that reflects that passion. We’ve invested in multiple large-screen televisions — two 80-inch and two 70-inch displays in our living spaces — along with a 60-inch monitor for the computer in my home office. I probably did not have clearance from my wife, Michelle, to order some of those screens, but it’s one of my few guilty pleasures.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

The opportunity to become the director of athletics for the Trojans was a milestone I had pursued for over 25 years. It also came to fruition in an incredible community like Little Rock, a combination that doesn’t always happen.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Without a doubt, my family — especially my son, Nathan. I’m immensely proud of the person he is becoming. He has already demonstrated strong leadership qualities, and I am confident these traits will serve him well, no matter which path he chooses in life.

“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash

DENNIS “DJ” CURTIS JR.

Senior Vice President, Investments; Branch Manager, Stifel

Cabot; now in Roland

University of Arkansas

“Run It” by Jelly Roll

Fatherhood is a gift as rewarding to give as it is to receive, and Dennis “DJ” Curtis Jr. knows it well. He was fortunate to have in his own father, Dennis Curtis, a mentor both at home and in the office as the pair worked together for nearly two decades. Learning from his father’s example, Curtis aims to be a great father and husband to his three children and his wife of 11 years, Rachael. At the top of his bucket list is watching his children experience “the best blessing” with kids of their own. Of the high bar set by his father, Curtis said, “I’m still trying my best to reach it and carry on his legacy each and every day.”

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Accepting Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

A picture of me, my dad and my oldest son, Dennis III. My son, Dennis, was only 4 months old before my dad passed away. It’s the only picture of all three of us together.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

Co-founding The Curtis Team with my dad and sister. Now my sister, Kelley Dunlap, and I are both honored to carry on the team legacy in serving our dear clients, friends and family.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Meeting my beautiful wife, Rachael.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Slow down and spend more time with your elder loved ones. While their legacy lives on, their time on earth doesn’t, so savor it. Also, go on that big hunt with Dad.

ANDREW DAVIS, DPT

Physical Therapist; Co-owner, Advanced Physical Therapy

Arkansas

Theopportunity to co-own Advanced Physical Therapy is one Dr. Andrew Davis will always be thankful for not only because of the relationships he has built with his partners but because he has a front-row seat to the accomplishments of his team. Physical therapy is a demanding field, Davis said, and it takes real mental and physical strength to give patients the quality of care they deserve. While he is quick to credit the business’ success to APT’s unmatched clinicians and staff, his own role is no walk in the park either. Davis’ advice to anyone walking in his shoes for a day is to “be ready to walk a lot of steps and to wear a lot of hats.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ‘UNPOPULAR OPINION’?

Brett Favre is the greatest quarterback of all time. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Bourbon. My wife doesn’t know my bottle count, and I know she will read this, so let’s just say I have five bottles and move on.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Marrying my wife, Kirstin. Honestly, I think about how important and impactful the decision to marry Kirstin was on my life at some point every week.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED MORE ABOUT? Being timely.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE? My singing.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

I had the privilege of being an honorary commander for the 19th AMXS at the Little Rock Air Force Base under Lt. Col. Fernando Rolon. As a token of appreciation for my efforts, the 19th gifted me a piece of an actual C-130 with some extremely kind words written on it. The gift is a reminder of how special my time as an honorary commander was and of all the great memories that I had with that squadron.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID YOU MAKE IT THROUGH?

High school was a tough time. My family experienced severe financial hardships, numerous evictions and daily uncertainties. We made it through because nothing worthwhile is easy, and we knew better things were to come. I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone, but I am much more empathetic to those in financial need than I would have been otherwise. I am also able to use my story to connect with others who have had similar hardships.

Little Rock

Ouachita Baptist University, University of Central

The Pantry

Smartless

BRETT D e COURSEY, DDS

Little Rock

University of Arkansas; Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

After completing undergraduate studies in Fayetteville, obtaining his doctorate of dental surgery in New Orleans and rounding things out with a residency in Maui, Hawaii, Little Rock native Dr. Brett DeCoursey is glad to be back home. DeCoursey opened North Shore Family Dental Care in North Little Rock in 2016, and, in 2021, he merged his office with Maumelle’s Austin Family Dentistry. In addition to the friendship and mentorship of his partner, Dr. Bryan Austin, DeCoursey is grateful for what he is able to achieve at the practice. “I get to help people achieve dental goals they never thought possible,” he said. “I really try to remember that we do lifechanging work here. I love seeing people smile with confidence.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU OR YOUR WORK?

That we, as dentists, want people to have cavities to make money off of them. I am your biggest cheerleader when it comes to prevention.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

When I was finishing up my residency in Maui, my wife, Cass, was expecting to deliver our first child at the end of June and had moved back to Little Rock early to prepare. Nature had other plans. I received a call that I needed to be at the hospital in Little Rock ASAP on June 1. Within 24 hours, I requested a release from my residency, sublet my apartment, sold my car and most of my possessions, and boarded a red-eye flight home. I walked into the hospital just in time for my wife to be discharged — without having the baby! Our daughter, Alexandra, was born shortly after, and all was well with the world.

WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC?

The yearly alumni dinner at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock always brings back great memories. It is also a great chance to catch up with old friends.

WHAT CAUSES DO YOU STRONGLY SUPPORT?

Early access to dental care for children in Arkansas. As a state, there are some shockingly bad statistics regarding the oral health of our population. I would like to see dental screenings become a mandatory part of the early-education screening process for rising pre-K and kindergarteners.

WHAT MAKES A “GOOD MAN,” IN YOUR OPINION?

One of my favorite quotes comes from Father [George] Tribou during my time at Catholic High. He said, “The measure of a man is his ability to control the animal within.” Every time I get upset about something, I stop to think, ‘Is this really going to matter a week or month from now?’ If the answer is no, I dismiss it and move on with my life.

Dentist, Owner, Austin Family Dentistry

Deluca’s Pizza

“Right Place, Wrong Time” by Dr. John

CHRISTOPHER DICKIE

Founder & CEO, Peak State Recovery

Christpher

Dickie’s purpose in life is to help people rewrite the story they thought was already over. He is well equipped to do so, given the chapters of his own. In the throes of a struggle with substance use, Dickie overdosed at the hospital where his mother worked. His recovery came against all odds, and, as he described it, “I’ve been to hell and mapped the way back.” That map is the foundation of Peak State Recovery in Paron, where Dickie and his wife are dedicated to helping others find their way back to a life of freedom. “If you’re barely holding on, just hold on a little longer,” Dickie said. “This world needs what you’ve still got left.”

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

A second chance — and the courage to take it.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

You can lie to everyone else. You’ll still be stuck with yourself.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?

You’re not broken. You’re just not done yet.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS EASY FOR YOU BUT DIFFICULT FOR MOST OTHER PEOPLE?

Sitting with people in hard moments without needing to fix it.

WHAT IS THE MOST ‘USELESS’ TALENT OR SKILL YOU POSSESS?

I can parallel park like I’m being timed.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Real therapy and a good mattress. HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

As a builder of places, of people and possibility.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

It’s not trying to be anything but what it is. I respect that.

Originally from Texas and Oregon, but Arkansas raised me Black coffee

MATTHEW DOUGLAS

Entrepreneur

Little Rock

University of Central Arkansas; University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Ofall the invaluable lessons Matthew Douglas learned from his father and grandfather, one in particular has catalyzed and defined his career success. “You get out of a situation what you put in,” Douglas said. “The harder you work at something, the greater the reward.” In a world full of entrepreneurial talent, it is Douglas’ willingness to adapt and make decisions combined with his relentless drive to succeed that sets him apart. His education is one example of that dedication, and Douglas’ proudest accomplishment was completing his Master of Business Administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock while working full time. For those looking to carve a similar path, Douglas shared this advice: “Don’t second guess yourself.”

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID? Navy pilot.

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU? My age.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

Laid-back culture and abundant nature.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED, AND HOW DID YOU LEARN IT?

Problem-solving by being put in situations where I had to be the decision-maker and accept the outcome regardless of the result.

HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

I played golf a lot growing up and quickly enjoyed being outside and competing against myself.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Becoming the president of Shadow Enterprises, in which I assumed responsibility for 90 employees overnight. Additionally, bringing Hear Again America to our state so Arkansans can “Experience the Joy of Hearing!”

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would like to time travel so I could see the past and the future and live in any timeline.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

The invention of electricity.

WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC? Christmastime.

Top Gun McLaren W1

MATT DUFFIELD

Vice President, Duffield Gravel Co.; State Representative

Perhaps too humbly, Rep. Matt Duffield summed up his prior career as one of a “former pro wrestler, reality star and awful actor.” The vice president of Duffield Gravel Co. and a Republican state representative for District 53, Duffield spent 20 years as a sports-entertainment promoter and wrestler under the name Matt Riviera — a stint that took him as far away as California and Tokyo — in addition to making his acting debut and catching the eye of producers at VH1. His knack for crowd work comes in handy on the campaign trail, where Duffield impresses with his fundraising skills. While he has taken a less-than-conventional path to the state Capitol, Duffield said his proudest accomplishment is being elected to represent his community.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Lots of hard work, support from others, and listening to the people.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Competitive eater.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE?

Mondays.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

Patience.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

VH1’s Megan Wants a Millionaire. WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

WrestleMania III.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

The opportunity to represent the people in my district.

Russellville

Harding University

Brewster’s 2 Cafe

MILES ERWIN

University of Central Arkansas

1967 Ford F-250 Highboy

Remember the Titans

Thereare many ways to end up in the family business — a wedding is one of them. Marrying his fifth grade sweetheart was a dream come true for Miles Erwin, and “I would not be where I am today without the motivation my wife gives me,” he said. That “where” is Brave New Restaurant, the Little Rock staple founded by his in-laws. Taking quickly to the restaurant industry, Erwin’s success at every chapter in his career has been defined by long hours, hard work and a relentlessly goal-oriented approach. Just as instrumental as the wins, however, are the mistakes. “While others may recall my achievements, I’m the one who learns from my missteps, and it’s that resilience that defines me,” Erwin said.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

A good pair of shoes.

HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

The golf course was my babysitter as a kid. My dad would drop me off at the golf course with lunch money in the morning on his way to work and pick me up on his way home every day.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral in 1938.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED MORE ABOUT? I wish people took more pride in their work. It has the power to inspire positive change.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HATE THAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE? Soup. All soup.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT, TEAM OR STADIUM VENUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

The Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS EASY FOR YOU BUT DIFFICULT FOR MOST OTHER PEOPLE?

Being decisive.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE?

Soda water and yard work.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Play golf at Pebble Beach.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My longstanding superpower desire has been to have superhuman strength, with Superman serving as a revered role model whose persona I strive to embody in a way that earns respect from others.

Manager, Brave New Restaurant Paraloma

AUSTIN EVANS

Austin Evans started his career in fitness before becoming a financial advisor in 2016. In 2020, he decided to try his hand at real estate, and he said getting his license that summer was one of the best decisions he has ever made.

Evans’ skill sets may span very different industries, but the lessons he has taken from each apply just as well to the gym as they do to an office or open house. His advice to those eyeing a career in real estate is to seek a quality mentor, focus on building long-term relationships, and never stop asking questions. “Help as many people achieve their success as you can, and your success will follow,” Evans said.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

Baseball player.

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU OR YOUR WORK?

That we just unlock doors, magically make tens of thousands of dollars and can work whenever we want.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Making memories with my wife, Jenny, and two sons, Brayden and Brodie. HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

I started lifting weights when I was 17 to get into better shape, and that turned into a passion for seeing what my body is capable of.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF? Be patient, start sooner, and never stop thinking big and pursuing your passions.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Baseball, CrossFit or strongman.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

Jesus’ resurrection.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER? Double my business and create opportunities for those in my life that can help them grow.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED LESS ABOUT? What others think of you or your dreams.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE DISTINGUISHES YOU FROM OTHERS?

My focus on educating others about the home buying or selling process and being there as a guide on that journey, no matter how big or small they think it is. I am always willing to help.

Realtor

Little Rock

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Knowledge Brokers Podcast

Ford F-150 Raptor

JEFF FULLER

Co-owner, Fuller and Son Hardware & Lumber

Little Rock; currently lives in Maumelle

University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Founded in 1921, Fuller and Son Hardware & Lumber in Little Rock has been passed down through the family for decades and is now helmed by Jeff Fuller and his father and brother. The hardware business is rewarding for Fuller, who relishes the opportunity to help people solve problems every day. The current set of owners owe everything to the ones who came before, he said, so they aim to keep business running as usual. Taking care of customers and treating people right is about as timeless as a management plan can get, after all. “It means so much to me when people say that their grandfather used to take them to one of our stores,” he said. “Having generational customers is something we are very proud of.”

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Jedi.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

I was a kid at one of our stores with my dad when this old man got really mad about something small. Other customers were even in shock, and my dad just said, “Have a nice day, sir,” when he left. My dad said, “We had to deal with that guy for about 20 seconds. He has to live his whole life with himself.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

A good paintbrush, garden hose or most tools. I know this is coming from a guy that sells them, but the cheapest version of something is usually just there to show we sell the cheap one too. Buy at least the second-cheapest option, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headache.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Meeting my wife.

WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC? Christmas.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT, TEAM OR STADIUM VENUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

To see the Cardinals play in the World Series.

OWEN GAZETTE

Producing Executive Broker, The Janet Jones Company

Pickleball

“Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

Asked for the secret ingredient to success, Owen Gazette pointed to an indispensable habit — “consistently showing up, putting in the work and following through.” That reliability has allowed him to excel for over a quarter-century in the real estate industry. With a depth of experience and knowledge that is invaluable to buyers and sellers alike, Gazette demonstrates just how much more there is to real estate than unlocking doors. “Yes, we unlock doors, and then we unlock the mysteries of septic systems, lead paint disclosures and why the seller’s Aunt Mildred insists on being present for every showing,” he said. “We’re not tour guides. We’re therapists, market analysts and occasional amateur plumbers.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

The deluxe wash at a car wash.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Bespoke clothing.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED?

Perspective is a lens through which you view the entire world. It allows for adaptability, understanding, and a more fulfilling and less stressful life.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

The birth of my daughter, Georgia.

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

To move through each day with intention and presence.

WHAT MAKES A “GOOD MAN,” IN YOUR OPINION? Sacrifice.

Little Rock

WADE GREGORY, M.D.

Emergency Medicine Specialist, Chief of Medical Staff, Conway Regional Medical Center Augusta

University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Withmore than a decade practicing emergency medicine at Conway Regional Medical Center, it comes as little surprise that Dr. Wade Gregory has a keenly developed sense of calm during stressful situations. His cool-underpressure approach can be attributed partially to his upbringing in Augusta. While he ended up on the path to medical school rather than continuing his family’s profession, Gregory’s days on the farm prepared him, in their own way, for a career in health care. “A farm family is very self-reliant, and they taught me that you are responsible for yourself,” Gregory said. “That carries over to medicine. When a patient is in distress in the emergency room, it’s up to me to figure out what is going on and how to stabilize them.”

WHAT SINGLE EVENT MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

One of the reasons I have always been interested in medicine is my dad lost his left arm in a cotton gin accident when I was young. I never thought of it as a disability. It didn’t seem to affect him or the way he lived. He ran a farm without issues.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

In graduate training, we worked on a project to help patients with spinal injuries reconnect and regrow spinal nerves.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Going scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia before it disappears.

HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

I remember reading my grandfather’s set of The Arabian Nights and the Odyssey when I was 8 or 10 years old and being fascinated with the stories in them. From that point forward, I never went anywhere without a book.

Jason Bourne series by Robert Ludlum

AARON GRIMES

Co-owner, General Manager, Capitol Glass Co.; Pharmacist, CHI St. Vincent

Central Arkansas; now lives in Greenbrier

University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy

Being born into the family business is only part of how Aaron Grimes found his particular career path. Some of it came down to the fact that “I can’t sit still and I’m never fully content with where I am,” he said. There is also much to be said for his habit of embracing new opportunities with open arms. One such opportunity was attending pharmacy school in his 30s. While going into a completely new and highly competitive field was a challenge, Grimes proved to himself that he was capable of overcoming obstacles. That success is a prime example of what distinguishes Grimes from others — “My inability to quit, stop, slow down or give up on anything.”

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

As a kid, I collected baseball cards and sports memorabilia, but as an adult, I’ve mostly collected injuries, memories and good stories.

HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

I was born into that, as well. I grew up on the lake and learned to water ski at 3. I don’t remember learning and don’t remember a time when I didn’t know how to ski and ride boards on the water. I always loved being on the water, and my father still water skis with me at 71 years old.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Deciding to stay home after college and not running off to the mountains of Colorado.

WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE?

Sylvester Stallone. I’ve been told that I look like Rocky my entire life.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

My kids. They are the extension and reflection of me and the reason why I get up every day and keep moving forward, trying to be a better person every step of the way.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

We founded S&G Extreme Marine in 2004. It was the first endeavor that I worked on after graduating college, and it has since grown, combined and morphed into what is now Lacey’s Boating Center and Shiloh Marina, [both in Higden], that we are only a part of. Boating and water sports will always be my passion and the biggest connection that I share with my father, and helping our family break into that industry is something that I will always be proud of.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE?

Ice baths and cold plunging.

Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill

The Joe Rogan Experience

BOB HARRISON

Bob Harrison and his wife, Betty, discovered an interest in wine 26 years ago and took their first trip to California’s wine country soon after. The couple’s passion has only grown from there, and they pride themselves on being able to pair a bottle from their cellar with most any meal or occasion. Harrison described himself as friendly and easygoing, but when it comes to his work and his wine, one is hard-pressed to find a more serious and dedicated colleague. Whether in the vineyard or at the office, Harrison holds himself and others to a high standard, since there is simply no substitute for work well done.

“Excellence is reserved for those who pursue it,” he said.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

My college advisor suggested I get as much experience in various industries during my first 20 years so I was always employable. The industries I worked in were chemical, manufacturing, oil refining and exploration, pulp and paper, and hazardous waste management. In 1993, I started my own consulting firm, and, a year later, I merged with two friends doing the same thing. This was the start of Engineering, Compliance and Construction, which is now more than 31 years old and going strong.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

My wine cellar. It took almost three years for me to build it with the help of my wife and family. It is a source of pride and accomplishment for us all. WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC?

Walking around the U of A campus and remembering my experiences there. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER?

Get my leg strong enough to dance with my wife again. I had a stroke in January 2022 and have been in therapy ever since.

Engineering Consultant; Wine Consultant

Helena

University of Arkansas: Mechanical Engineering; Sommelier / Wine & Spirit Education Trust

“Layla” by Eric Clapton

MATT HUNEYCUTT

Chiropractor, Co-owner, Beyond Wellness

Knowing how to persevere is an invaluable ability, and it is one Matt Huneycutt has practiced through his own fair share of trial and error. Hand in hand with those lessons, however, is the power of networking. Pointing to the amazing people and partners who surrounded him, Huneycutt said building meaningful relationships is essential to any growth. Those skills have aided him most recently in the creation of Beyond Wellness, which Huneycutt owns with his wife, Ashley. Watching the evolution from an idea and a simple floor plan to a spectacular space that is the finished product and then expanding into multiple locations is an accomplishment in itself. The most rewarding feeling, though, is witnessing the impact on people when they walk through the doors and the positive transformations they experience.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

University,

That extended warranty I keep getting calls about.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Not much of a collector, though my wife might have something to say about that. I’ve collected a lot of gray hair lately. Does that count?

HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

My favorite hobby would probably be drawing or painting, but I hardly have time to do it anymore. I was always blessed with that talent from a young age. Golf would be a close second, but I certainly wasn’t blessed with that ability.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

The decision to ask her out.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

Those crazy people who only need four or five hours of sleep a night have always amazed me. I have known a few people like that, and they are all brilliant in their respective fields.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

I’m sure I’m not the first to say this, but I would have to say the moon landing in 1969. What an incredible achievement for the time.

Hot Springs Village

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Houston

Arkansas State

Texas Chiropractic College

QUINCY HURST

Chief Operating Officer, Superior Senior Care

It is not always easy to distinguish oneself as the youngest of five children, and with four older siblings in the legal profession, it can help to strike out in a new direction. Quincy Hurst saw potential in the business his mother founded in 1985, joining the Superior Senior Care team right out of college. He has worked in every position at the company, in addition to opening and managing the Fayetteville office that would become Superior’s largest location. Back home in Hot Springs as the chief operating officer, Hurst is focused on what he sees as his purpose — “to create a foundation that allows for and encourages success, financial stability and happiness for my family and work family,” he said.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

I always wanted to be a wildlife biologist. WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU?

I share the same name as my dad and grandfather, who are/were both attorneys. My four siblings are also attorneys. Consequently, everyone in Hot Springs thinks I’m a lawyer.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

Just last week, I walked outside at 7 a.m. and found two random people in my hot tub. I guess they snuck in there during the night and meant to leave before the sun came up. Quite the surprise! WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Marrying my wife. I’ve been blessed with opportunities that have allowed me to earn a certain level of success and comfort, but these achievements don’t hold the same joy without the people who make life truly worthwhile. My wife gave me a family, and my family gives purpose to everything I’ve worked for.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HATE THAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE?

Marshmallows.

Hot Springs

501 Wine

“I Can’t Stop” by Flux Pavilion

GREG KENDRICK, M.D.

Although he wears many hats between his career and personal life, Dr. Greg Kendrick has a crystal-clear sense of purpose for each. At home, he is concerned with taking care of and protecting his family a responsibility, he said, that requires him to understand “when they need me and when they don’t.” For his role as internal medicine program director at Conway Regional, he cares for patients in the midst of hurt and frustration, in addition to guiding a new generation of physicians as they gain a sense of what truly matters in their profession. In all of those areas, Kendrick said, “my most important purpose is to try, although I often fall short, to live out my faith and relationship with God.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

My favorite thing about Arkansas is the sense of community that we share. We all know this place is a well-kept secret.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My proudest life accomplishment is my family. My wife, Jenifer, and my three children, Baker, Audrey and Ellen, are the most important things in the world to me. My proudest career accomplishment is establishing the hospitalist program at Conway Regional. I helped start the group 17 years ago. We’ve grown from one doctor to 14. I get a lot of satisfaction from working with a great group of exceptional doctors.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If I could have any superpower, it would be to shrink down to the size of a cell in the body and patrol around, fixing things and learning about how molecules and cells do their job.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE?

I would meet with Albert Einstein so that I could pick his brain about how he sees things.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED? I would want to be remembered as someone who gave as much as he received in this world. I’m falling short so far, but I hope to do better. I hope I am remembered as a man who tried to live out his faith.

Internal Medicine Program Director, Conway Regional Health System

Mike’s Place

“The Scientist” by Coldplay Interstellar

KIRK LANE

Director, Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership

Moved to Lonoke in 1981

University of Virginia, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, FBI National Academy Session 197 Landman

More than three decades of law enforcement experience plus a stint as the Arkansas state drug director from 2017 to 2022 has given Kirk Lane a firsthand look at the impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals, families and communities. The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership oversees the disbursement of funds to cities and counties around the state to support local substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. Having seen the situation on the ground, Lane is able to lead the ARORP team in building long-term solutions and bringing real hope back to Arkansas families. To those looking to lead a similar life of service, Lane’s advice is to “roll up your sleeves, and lead with your heart.”

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Working from the bottom up.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Park naturalist.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

Community spirit.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Cast-iron cookware.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Fishing.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE?

President George Washington.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My father’s fly rod. WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE?

Dwayne”The Rock” Johnson.

JEREMY LAWSON

There was never a doubt that Jeremy Lawson would enter the family trade at Luxury Pool & Spa after graduating from college. A third-generation pool builder, Lawson has long been instilled with lessons from his father and grandfather about the value of hard work and persistence in the face of adversity. He said he is proud to see the tenacity and positive attitudes his own sons bring to difficult situations. “Doing the right thing even when it is not the easy choice can be extremely difficult in business,” he said. “It is definitely not the most profitable way, but it is the right way and the way my grandfather and father both ran our business.”

WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB AS A KID? I wanted to become a professional baseball player.

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOUR WORK?

That all swimming pool companies are building the same quality pool with the same standards and guidelines.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Flying.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAD TO “WALK IN YOUR SHOES” FOR A DAY?

Time management and prioritization are key to being successful each day.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

Patience.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

Outdoor activities such as hunting, side-by-side riding, golfing or just hanging by the pool. WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Proposing to my wife, Andrea, our general manager. She is the rock of our family for me and our boys, Parker, 15, and Peyton, 10, and even our dog, Duke.

WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC?

Old country music. I remember singing along to the radio as a kid in the car with my parents.

Co-owner, Luxury Pool & Spa Dover, now in Greenbrier

Dr. Pepper Arkansas Tech University

BRIAN L. M c GEE, M.D.

Gastroenterologist

Marion

Xavier University of Louisiana; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Old-fashioned

Achievement is more than a goal for Dr. Brian McGee. It is a lifestyle. Playing multiple sports growing up taught McGee the value of working harder and pushing himself further than he thought he could go, and learning to apply that mindset to other areas of his life has more than paid off. Double-board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, McGee is as dedicated to making an impact outside of his practice as in it. A member of the Colorectal Health Advocates & Doctors organization, McGee was recognized by the American College of Gastroenterology for his work in colorectal cancer outreach and prevention. “Historically, it’s been wrong to underestimate my ability to overcome anything,” he said. “I simply will not quit until my work is complete.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE?

I really enjoy the growth and future potential of Little Rock and central Arkansas. More destinations are being offered at the Little Rock airport in direct correlation to our growth. There’s also an opportunity to drastically improve the public schools here in Little Rock, and our communities would be so much better going forward.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

The opportunity to swim with sharks. I just don’t get it.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

A pair of Bose over-the-ear headphones. They help you hear music in layers you may not have realized were there previously.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT, TEAM OR STADIUM VENUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

The Baltimore Ravens at the Super Bowl. Any venue will do.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

I came one number short of winning a $200 million Powerball right before I got married. I bought the ticket here in Arkansas, and I’m not giving away my secret location, so don’t ask.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID YOU MAKE IT THROUGH?

Seeing my parents get disenfranchised at an early age was very difficult. Years of feeling powerless can do damage to a family. I credit my mom with keeping us all together and teaching me the true meaning of faith.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF? I’d simply introduce myself as a distant relative and wish him well on his future endeavors with the biggest grin on my face, hoping I don’t weird my younger self out.

RJ M c GREGOR

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Beingteachable is the kind of skill that can take a man anywhere, and it has served RJ McGregor well. There is a lot to learn in the jewelry business, to say nothing of training at one of the most prominent names in the industry. McGregor is eager to learn and has always been driven by a strong determination to succeed in everything he pursues. He is also motivated by his family — his wife and three children are what kept him pushing through the challenge of juggling full-time work, college and family life. “I genuinely love what I do, especially when it involves looking sharp, having fun and selling jewelry,” McGregor said. “Hustle is what keeps me going every day.”

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I love cars, so that would probably be another profession for me — selling exotic cars.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

My dream job as a kid was to be a pro baseball player.

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU?

You would be surprised at how often my name is mispronounced, despite it being only two letters. LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

My father always told me I was going to be a winner. Even as a kid, I was determined to win at everything I played or did.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I think it would be cool to fly.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL TO YOU?

My most prized possession is my Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a red grape dial. I received it when I graduated from college. I was so proud of myself, I engraved the back of it: “Congratulations, I made it.”

Sales Manager in Training, Sissy’s Log Cabin

Pine Bluff

Lamborghini Gallardo

PATRICK MELIKIAN

Attorney, Real Estate Investor and Developer, Entrepreneur

Jacksonville

University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Both in business and in personal life, Patrick Melikian’s foundational principle is to prioritize doing the right thing over doing things right. More than just empowering Melikian to be guided by his moral compass, that mantra provides a reassurance to those around him that is key for building lasting connections. Melikian aims to be a positive example of the traits he believes make a good man, having borne witness to individuals sacrificing relationships and stepping over others for personal gain. “There is no place for this in life, whether personal or business,” he said. “A man should always be respected more for how he accomplished a goal, not simply that a goal was achieved.”

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I watched Top Gun and Iron Eagle more times than I could count. I would sit and imagine how incredible and exciting it would be to be in the cockpit of a F-16, flying all over the world defending our country.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

The first decision would certainly be accepting Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. Second, and my wife would say the smartest decision I have ever made, would be convincing my wife to marry me.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Being able to read someone’s mind. I could see how this could be very effective in both law and business. I would also be able to read my wife’s mind the way she thinks I should be able to now.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE?

Uncertainty. I love not knowing what is next. When I look back over my last 30 years, I can see how my direction has changed many times. I never imagined a fraction of the experiences I have had and the goals I have accomplished. This is what makes life fun and intriguing.

CHRIS MEYER

President, James A. Rogers Excavating, McHenry & Meyer Companies

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Old-fashioned

Chris Meyer is good under pressure, and he has the history to prove it. By the time he was ready to buy the family business from his grandfather James A. Rogers, Meyer was well versed in field work but not in running a company. He soon recognized the decades-old operation was close to disaster.

“I have never felt the fear of failure I did at that moment,” he said. Failure, however, has never been an option for Meyer. He buckled down and picked up small jobs — about a million dollars’ worth — to buy himself time, right the ship and ensure it would never happen again. “A lot of praying went on during this time of my life,” Meyer said.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I’d be a weatherman because they still get paid for being wrong.

WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB AS A KID?

I wanted to be a NASA engineer growing up. I have always been fascinated with outer space.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

It’s still a hidden gem. The natural beauty of this state is at every corner. Hills, farm fields, lakes, streams — what more do you need?

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

A haircut. The good lord provided a good discount on this one.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED?

Running heavy equipment. The way I learned it was just getting in the seat and watching other experienced operators.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE?

John F. Kennedy.

Sherwood

PAT MOON

Investment Advisor, Meridian Investment Advisors

Moved to Conway at age 7

Leadership comes in many forms, and Pat Moon has an approach all his own. The ability to work a room may not come naturally but as a result of his quieter style, Moon has developed keen listening skills. In an industry where it is vital not only to hear people but to understand them on a deeper level, that trait has suited Moon well by allowing him to build more meaningful relationships. As managing principal at Meridian Investment Advisors in Little Rock, Moon sets the example for his team’s client-focused approach. His communication chops manifest in other ways, as well. “I can speak in front of any-sized group of people,” Moon said.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

In my younger years, I couldn’t decide whether to be a pro in baseball or football. Later, I wanted to be an accountant. My dreams improved as I got older.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

While working for a big bank in my 30’s, it sold and got out of the pension investment business. While it was a worrisome time, the opportunity at Meridian was better than I ever imagined.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Traveling is one of the things I enjoy the most. New and interesting experiences never leave me with regret. To add another layer, we enjoy family time at the beach with kids and grandkids.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I enjoy most sports, but if I could play, it would be baseball. I was average as a kid but coached a lot of it with my two boys. I appreciate the skill it takes and the strategy of the game.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

More travel experiences. Israel and Greece are at the top of that list.

University of Central Arkansas; Texas Christian University

“Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

ADAM NORWOOD, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgeon, Baptist Health

Port Orchard, Washington; moved to Arkansas in 2023

University of North Texas Health Science Center

Pike Place Chowder in Seattle

Breaking Bad

Dr. Adam Norwood is a builder at his core. He learned his way around a hammer and saw from his father and grandfather, and Norwood was even able to help build his childhood home alongside his family. Although his grandfather encouraged him to become a lawyer or doctor, Norwood did not come to a decision on his career until a little later, let alone the specialty he would pursue once he settled on medicine. Those details came together his third year of medical school, when Norwood witnessed his first knee replacement surgery, and everything clicked. “I realized the tools I grew up with, such as big hammers and big power tools, could also be used by a physician,” he said.

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

To show God’s love to every person I encounter. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Fishing and hunting guide in Montana.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

On my first date with my wife, I ripped the bike rack off my SUV going through the automatic car wash and was 45 minutes late.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

In a quiet cabin at night at camp in August 1997, I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON IN HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We’d drink an Arnold Palmer to talk about what his time in Germany was like during World War II, his courage to be a Christian at that time and his plans to remove Hitler.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

Entrepreneurship and the creativity for invention.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My family because I have a wife I don’t deserve. She’s extremely understanding of my job and its demands and loves our kids. I’m blessed to have had two biological children before we knew that having more kids wouldn’t be possible. I’m blessed to have two adoptive children that have added so much joy and love and fit into our family so perfectly.

BEAU ODOM

There is, as they say, a kernel of truth in every joke. Though said in jest, Beau Odom has described himself as “coin operated” for years, and there is something to the statement. He understands the responsibility he has to be successful and grow his business — not only is his family depending on it but the families of his team members at Professional Computer Services Inc. in Conway. Odom’s drive and dedication to the company, its people and the community has also been recognized by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, which named him business executive of the year for 2025. “These motivations not only inspire me to strive harder every day but also give me purpose,” Odom said.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? Microgoals and slow growth.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT AFTER ALL?

My father was right about everything.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON? Haircuts.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY? Experiences.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED? One of the most useful skills I’ve ever learned is the ability to admit when I’m wrong. I learned it through a combination of trial and error, along with self-reflection.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

When I won 2001 Arkansas High School Rodeo Association Champion. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? Watches.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE?

Elmer T. Lee — bourbon with a splash of sprite.

WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE?

Tom Segura.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Marrying my wife, Hollie.

Owner, CEO, Professional Computer Services Inc.

Conway Brood & Barley

The Lord of the Rings

'80s Porsche 911 Turbo in black

CHRIS HANS OLSEN

Landscape Designer; Owner, Botanica Gardens, Plantopia Home & Garden Center

Rock in 1992

ChrisHans Olsen’s earliest career inklings came at just 8 years old, when his father let him garden a back corner of the family’s yard in Connecticut, inspiring a lifelong love of plants. It was Olsen’s father who would bring him to the Natural State, as well, later convincing his son to move from San Diego to Arkansas so the pair could buy a landscape company. Horticare sold in 2005, but far from slowing down, the two decades since have only seen Olsen’s brand and notoriety continue to flourish. Nationally renowned for his lifestyle, home, garden and design expertise, the author, TV personality and public speaker has made it his life’s mission to bring joy to others by beautifying the world.

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU OR YOUR WORK?

Since we have been around for years and work hard to provide a great service, some people think that Botanica Gardens is expensive, but, in fact, we are very competitive.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Art and ceramics. I love Roseville Pottery.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Basketball.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? The gift of healing.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE?

Thomas Jefferson and a bourbon.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

Not being afraid of heights.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

I love commercial landscape design and am so fortunate to work for Keith Richardson from Richardson Properties in designing most of his commercial projects.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Being accepted to Oxford.

WHAT ALWAYS MAKES YOU NOSTALGIC?

The autumn season. Fall is my favorite, and it always reminds me of my youth living in Connecticut.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

A thriving business.

San Diego; moved to Little

Oxford University, University of San Diego

Ristorante Capeo

Ted Lasso

ERIC M. PAUL, M.D.

Bariatric Surgeon, Baptist Health

Little Rock

University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa School of Community Medicine, Emory University

How Did This Get Made?

Leaning on faith, patience and purpose, Dr. Eric M. Paul describes his path as one of hard work and “an amazing web of grace.” Despite a misconception that bariatric surgery is taking “the easy way” to weight loss, he said it is actually a tool in creating lifestyle change. Through his work, Paul aims to make positive, lasting impacts in the lives of his patients so they can go on to help others. An accomplished surgeon in a demanding specialty, the most useful skill Paul has learned over the course of his career is “turning my day over to God." "I can do what I can do, and after that, it’s not up to me,” he said.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID? Marine archaeologist.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My wedding ring. It’s made from material from my favorite airplane, the P-51 Mustang, and wood from the deck of a World War II battleship.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE DISTINGUISHES YOU FROM OTHERS?

Not a whole lot, actually. I feel that circumstances in my life guided me to this place, and God was and is responsible for what is happening now. Ben Folds has a song with the lyric, “there’s always someone cooler than you,” and I firmly believe that.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Watching my children become the people that they are becoming. Reading my daughter’s college entrance essays made me cry.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE? Licorice.

WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE?

Russell Crowe, three months after filming Gladiator, when he’s just kind of bloated on sausage and Australian beer.

WHAT IS THE MOST ‘USELESS’ TALENT OR SKILL YOU POSSESS?

I can do a lot of accents — and pretty well. Not too many dates in high school.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE AY READERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I used to do voice work for radio in medical school.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

The Berlin Wall coming down.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED ON?

I made a really nice cutting board and an end table one time. Both look really nice, and the end table looked delicious to my dog, Jasper.

CHRIS PRITCHARD

Childhoodaspirations have a funny way of coming back around. A young Chris Pritchard dreamed of growing up to become a firefighter, and while that did not happen exactly, he still spends his days putting out fires of another kind. His company, CWP Productions in Little Rock, has grown from a simple solo venture into the state’s leading audio, lighting, scenic and video production operation. Entrusted with some of the biggest events in the Natural State, Pritchard has learned to navigate his industry and build a career by doing — collecting unforgettable memories along the way. “It’s been an amazing opportunity to meet all different kinds of people and be a part of their journeys in life and in business,” he said.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

The outdoor experiences that this state offers. Clearly, it’s second to none. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

Extended warranties on anything.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Marrying my wife, Vanessa.

IF YOU COULD GO PRO AT ANY SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I’d be a race car driver.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

The signing of the Declaration of Independence.

HEARING WHAT SONG MAKES YOU FEEL 21 AGAIN?

I am a huge '90s music fan.

WHAT CAUSES DO YOU STRONGLY SUPPORT?

The Downtown Little Rock Partnership. I am always interested in the economic development of Little Rock.

WHAT MAKES A “GOOD MAN,” IN YOUR OPINION?

Honesty, integrity and transparency. With those three traits, I feel like any person can be successful at whatever they do in life.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAD TO “WALK IN YOUR SHOES” FOR A DAY?

Buckle up, buttercup! It’s going to be a long day.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Becoming a pilot. I’ve always been interested in anything aviation. WHAT SPORTING EVENT, TEAM OR STADIUM VENUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

The Super Bowl.

Live Event Producer, CWP Productions Little Rock

Petit & Keet

Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea

GARY PROFFITT

Vice President of Operations, GES

University of Arkansas

Gary Proffitt joined GES, the company behind Edwards Food Giant and Edwards Cash Saver, in 1996 after working at other supermarket settings big and small. With plenty of corporate and professional experience behind him, it was not the business chops of the Edwards family that persuaded him to join the team. It was the familyowned, people-first ethos that permeated every part of the organization. Coming aboard when the brand was facing particularly tough competition on all sides, Proffitt helped GES navigate industry challenges and grow into the 15-store operation it is today. Reflecting on the success of his career and what he would tell his younger self, Proffitt said, “You can accomplish more than you think.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

Small state with excellent professional networking. WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED?

The opportunity to join Edwards Family Supermarkets 29 years ago.

WHAT MAKES A “GOOD MAN,” IN YOUR OPINION?

Honesty and dependability.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO STAYING VITAL AND RELEVANT AT ANY AGE?

Staying informed on current events and embracing new technologies.

IN WHAT WAY COULD YOUNG MEN OF TODAY TAKE A LESSON FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS?

Being dependable. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Vinyl record albums.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED?

How to write an Excel spreadsheet.

Cabot

Slow Horses

FRED G. SCARBOROUGH, CFRE

College

G. Scarborough often remembers a few wise words from his grandmother: “There is no secret to success. You have to be prepared, show up early and work hard.” Looking back, he said, she knew what she was talking about. Among the work Scarborough is most proud of is making a lasting contribution at Arkansas Children’s. Alongside generous donors, Scarborough and the Arkansas Children’s team have created more than 40 endowed chairs, the David M. Clark Center for Safe & Healthy Children, Arkansas Children’s Northwest, The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Jonesboro Clinic and The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Pine Bluff Clinic. Now the group is working on the largest clinical expansion in its 113-year history. “I’m honored to be one of the team members serving this mission,” he said.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

Arkansas Children’s, the Razorbacks and the sheer beauty of our state.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU EVER LEARNED, AND HOW DID YOU LEARN IT?

The ability to build teams and promote collaboration. It comes from my theater training. In the theater, each contributor must do their own work, compromise, work within the constraints of the project and deliver a time-bound, quality outcome. The artistic product is reflective of the microculture created by a specific team of people.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THAT IS SO RIDICULOUS YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BELIEVED IT IF YOU WERE NOT THERE?

If you only knew — but I’ll never tell. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Bow ties from Beau Ties of Vermont

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED LESS ABOUT?

What divides us.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS EASY FOR YOU BUT DIFFICULT FOR MOST OTHER PEOPLE?

Public speaking.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE, AND HOW DID YOU MAKE IT THROUGH?

The death of our son Elijah. After he died, we were at once devastated and grateful — grateful for the care he’d received. Mary and I made it through by the grace of God and the help of countless friends. It helped to know that we could not have been anywhere else in the world and gotten a better outcome.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HATE THAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE?

Reality television. I just don’t get the fascination.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Visiting the Amazon.

Chief Development Officer, Arkansas Children’s

Green Forest

of the Ozarks, University of Arkansas

Taqueria Karina Cafe

CHRIS SHENEP

Executive Director, Arkansas Urology Foundation

Little Rock

University of Arkansas

Chris Shenep’s involvement in Greek life and student government at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville served as an apt springboard into a career spent serving others. After working as a personal aide to then-Gov. Mike Beebe, Shenep answered the call to mentorship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, which gave him his entry into philanthropy. He served as executive director of the Centers for Youth and Families Foundation before landing his current role. “Looking back, I’ve made it to where I am today thanks to many great mentors and inspirational role models who have helped me achieve goals, along with the best parents a guy could ever be blessed to have,” Shenep said.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

To be the next Peter Jennings, anchor of ABC World News Tonight, as well as the voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

As my dad, Jim Shenep, taught me it’s always important to shine your shoes.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

While serving as a Big Brother, I had the opportunity to mentor a few littles who taught me a whole lot about life. My little brother, Sean, is now taller than me and still a part of my family today. He and I enjoyed riding bikes together. In 2010, after being a match for a few years, I decided to plan a charitable cycling event called Biking for Bigs. The inaugural event gave every little brother and little sister who didn’t own a bike the opportunity to be given one of their own. It raised over $10,000 benefitting BBBSCA programs and taught me how much I loved the impact that fundraising has on those who need it the most.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

Patience.

JOHN SIDERY

Founder, Wealth Advisor, Olympus Wealth Strategies

Westfield, Indiana; moved to Arkansas in 2021

Centenary College of Louisiana

῾69 Chevy Camaro SS

In a field as saturated as wealth management, a knack for numbers is no longer enough to distinguish one from the competition. Competency and access to a robust suite of investments are now “table stakes,” according to John Sidery. Sidery believes in the power of another kind of investment to set Olympus Wealth Strategies apart — investment in genuine relationships with clients. Sidery prides himself on authenticity, and that applies to his personal life, as well. The mark of a good man, he said, comes down to integrity, humility and a strong moral compass, for which he leans on his deep faith. “I like to believe God gives you opportunities if you work hard and meet him halfway,” he said.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT AFTER ALL?

Both are great men. They both emphasized the importance of character and how treating others is one of the greatest reflections of who you are.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Investing in memory dividends. HOW DID YOU PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?

My grandfather, Pappy Jack, taught me to play golf when I was young. At the time, it was a great way to spend time together and challenge myself. Looking back, it was the best outlet for teaching me some of life’s most valuable lessons.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED “SECRET INGREDIENT” TO SUCCESS?

Daily discipline. I like to use C2 — consistency compounds.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My faith, wife and family. Materialistically, it would be the four-way Catholic cross medal I wear daily. It was passed down to me from my uncle in 2009, before he passed, and I’ve worn it daily since then.

ALEXANDER SMITH, M.D.

OB-GYN, Conway OB-GYN

University of Arkansas; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and as a physician at Conway OB-GYN, Dr. Alexander Smith knows how vital it is to every interaction with his patients. He relishes the opportunity to help others, in addition to enjoying the challenge of a constantly evolving field such as medicine. His advice to those looking to pursue a similar career is to stay curious and cultivate a genuine passion for learning. Equally important, however, is taking care of oneself. It is a demanding path, Smith said, but a rewarding one, and a supportive network of peers, mentors and advisors is essential for navigating it — “but please don’t forget to have fun along the way,” he added.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION (REALISTIC OR NOT), WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Definitely being an astronaut or working for NASA.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

To play golf professionally.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS?

It’s the people and the beautiful landscape this state has to offer. You could walk into a random general store with a Razorback hat and immediately get treated like family by everyone.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Marrying my wife. Her unwavering support has been my anchor during challenging times, and her patience in dealing with my flaws has shown me the true meaning of love. She uplifts me, challenges me and fills my life with joy, making our union not just a milestone but the foundation of my greatest achievements.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Ball caps. I don’t intentionally collect them, but I have so many now that my wife refers to it as my collection.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

To give my life to Jesus Christ. I owe all my success and glory to God.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The ability to fly.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT, TEAM OR STADIUM VENUE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

The Masters.

WHAT’S THE MOST UNDERRATED “SECRET INGREDIENT” TO SUCCESS?

Failure. It’s the best life lesson there is.

Russellville

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Tempranillo wine

RYAN STEPHENS

If he was not in the real estate business, Ryan Stephens would be out telling stories — “maybe as a travel writer or documentary filmmaker,” he said. That penchant for seeing the world through the eyes of others, along with his background in the service industry, gives him an edge in his current career. More than merely completing a business transaction, Stephens understands clients are handing him the keys to their future, and he makes it a point to give each situation the personal attention and presence it deserves. “I get to help people make some of the biggest decisions of their lives with confidence and clarity,” he said. “The home is just the setting. The story is theirs.”

If he was not in the real business, Stephens would be out telling stories — “maybe as a travel writer or documentary filmmaker,” he said. That penchant for seeing the world through the eyes of others, along with background in the service industry, gives him an edge in his current career. More than merely completing a business transaction, Stephens understands clients are him the keys to future, and he makes it a to give each situation the personal attention and presence it deserves. “I get to help people some of the biggest decisions of their lives with confidence and clarity,” he said. “The is just the setting. The story is theirs.”

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

Pitching for the Yankees.

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID? for the Yankees.

LOOKING BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER ALL?

My dad always said, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” I used to roll my eyes at that growing up, but now I realize it’s one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. Excellence matters.

BACK, HOW WAS YOUR FATHER GRANDFATHER RIGHT, AFTER dad always said, “If you’re going do something, do it right.” I used to my eyes at that growing up, but now I realize it’s one the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. matters.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ‘UNPOPULAR OPINION’?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ‘UNPOPULAR OPINION’?

Small talk isn’t meaningless. It’s a bridge. Sometimes the deepest conversations start with something simple.

Small talk meaningless. It’s a bridge. Sometimes the deepest conversations with something simple.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Becoming a father this year changed everything. It gave me a new lens on life, on legacy, on patience and on presence. It’s not something I achieved — it’s something I’m constantly growing into.

a father this year changed everything. It gave me a new on life, legacy, patience and on presence. It’s not something achieved it’s something I’m constantly growing into.

DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

DO YOU ANYTHING?

Thank-you notes and vintage watches.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED MORE ABOUT?

Follow-through.

Thank-you notes and watches. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED MORE ABOUT? Follow-through.

Real Estate Broker

Little Rock

The Pizzeria

DONNIE LEE STRICKLAND

Award-winning country music artist Donnie Lee Strickland got his start singing in church and performing in school plays. He draws inspiration from the likes of George Strait, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn and Reba McEntire, and his sound reflects those proud Southern roots — though his collection of cowboy boots and knack for country music trivia might also have given that away. Strickland has made it his mission to touch others through his music. He is passionate about serving charities such as Christmas 4 Kids and Music Amplifies, as well as supporting causes related to veterans and the elderly. Reflecting on his path so far, Strickland said, “Life is a journey with many twists and turns. You learn, you grow, and, mostly, you gain relationships.”

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID? Country singer and to be on Broadway. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Coffee. Don’t skimp on coffee and good music. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?

Books, and anything related to The Golden Girls and The Wizard of Oz.

WHAT TRAIT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHERS BUT DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF?

To speak an unedited opinion. My mom has this trait.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My daughter and step-son and my partner

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER?

Perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO STAYING VITAL AND RELEVANT AT ANY AGE?

Laughter. Laugh and smile. Don’t hold a grudge. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HATE THAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE?

Frog legs? I hear people talk about them a lot. I did try them once. Oh, and crawfish!

WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?

I’ve tried to cook before. It hasn’t worked out well to this day, but I can make a “to die for” homemade pimento cheese. That’s cooking, right?

Touring country artist Princeton, North Carolina; moved to Perryville in 2014

The Golden Girls

Waffle House

J KIRT THOMAS

Realtor, Bailey & Co. Real Estate; Actor, Musician

“To whom much is given, much is required” is a piece of wisdom that seems to follow J Kirt Thomas. Grateful for the gifts and opportunities he has been given throughout his own life, he feels a responsibility to love his neighbors all the more. Whether pouring into his profession, his passions or his personal relationships, Thomas makes it his mission to invest in the happiness of those around him, and the fruits of that labor only promise to ripen with time. “When you walk away from any time spent with me, I hope you leave uplifted, maybe a laugh on your lips, and feeling like there is a little hope left in this world,” Thomas said.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I have the most supportive family. That includes four older brothers, at least a dozen nephews and nieces, and my incredible parents. Then, to quote The Beatles, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” I’m blessed with the humans I surround myself with.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

I won’t say never, but can we all agree a Diet Coke shouldn’t cost $3?

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED MORE ABOUT?

Safety while driving. Don’t get me started. You don’t need to go that fast, and the texting and scrolling can wait.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAD TO “WALK IN YOUR SHOES” FOR A DAY?

Don’t get my shoes wet. They’re probably suede. WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Real estate is not as easy, fun or glamorous as TV makes it look. I know we all love the outfits on Selling Sunset or the incredible HGTV dream homes. Trust me, when I’m walking acreages out in Roland or Garland County, the last thing I’m worried about is my outfit of the day.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Work with Jason Robert Brown or Scott Alan on any song of their choice, and then perform it with them at 54 Below in New York.

Hot Springs

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Ouachita Baptist University

MORGAN WILES

MorganWiles is a leader, a builder and a rebuilder — of places and of people. Returning home from the Army to a community in distress following the closure of the Weyerhaeuser sawmill in Mountain Pine in 2006, Wiles set out on a mission to see his Garland County hometown not only survive but thrive. Whether growing window-installation business WinChoice USA into a multistate industry force, creating jobs and opportunity through sister manufacturing company Morfe Windows, or investing in the resurgence of Mountain Pine, Wiles is success minded and people centered. Taking lessons from his father and mother, Wiles has never shied away from the effort necessary to create big change. “They taught me that hard work beats talent,” he said.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE?

Nature, natural resources and water — my favorite place in Arkansas is the Blakely Mountain Dam in Mountain Pine.

WHAT IS THE MOST USEFUL SKILL YOU HAVE EVER LEARNED? Winning friends effortlessly.

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON FROM HISTORY OVER DRINKS, WHO WOULD IT BE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE? Abe Lincoln, and we’d have an old-fashioned.

WHAT HISTORICAL EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED?

Storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.

WHAT WAS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY YOU EVER RECEIVED? To lead others.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED LESS ABOUT? Money.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

As a rebuilder of faithful men and women.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE? Work.

WHAT IS NO. 1 ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Rebuilding my hometown of Mountain Pine.

HEARING WHAT SONG MAKES YOU FEEL 21 AGAIN? “Batter Up” by Nelly.

IN WHAT WAY COULD YOUNG MEN OF TODAY TAKE A LESSON FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS? Build before you advertise.

Owner, CEO, WinChoice USA, Morfe Windows Mountain Pine

501 Prime

Rolls-Royce Wraith Overdose

Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times by Donald T. Phillips

JUSTIN YOUNG

Muchhas been said about the value of constantly learning and growing as one ages, and Justin Young has taken the theme of “growth” to heart as he advances through his 30s. With five children younger than 10, a family farm with dozens of animals, an 1,800-square-foot garden, a personal goal of writing a book, and many car washes opened with the team at Splash Car Wash & 10 Minute Oil Change, Young is well acquainted with growth. Young’s aim is to make a meaningful, lasting impact on others, starting at his home. In his pursuits, he continues to shape himself into the person he wants to be remembered as: someone who “gave everyday everything he had and made people feel loved along the way.”

WHAT WAS YOUR “DREAM JOB” AS A KID?

I wanted to be an architect. I had dozens of notebooks with houses I drew.

WHAT IS SOMETHING EVERYONE GETS WRONG ABOUT YOU OR YOUR WORK?

Underestimating how much goes into the creative functions of marketing.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

Sports cars. Just not my thing.

WHAT SINGLE EVENT OR DECISION MOST AFFECTED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

The day I chose sobriety in November of 2017. I can’t imagine what life would be like trying to lead a family of five kiddos if I was still tangled up in that old way of life.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The ability to slow down time and soak up the “good old days.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT MOST PEOPLE HATE?

Black olives.

Vice President of Marketing, Splash Car Wash & 10-Minute Oil Change

Mayflower

Ouachita Baptist University

Brave New Restaurant

JAHON ZEHTABAN, DDS

Dentist, Smile Arkansas Little Rock

University of Arkansas, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Mercedes G-Wagon

Before he knew any better, Dr. Jahon Zehtaban dreamed of playing in the NFL. Although he eventually realized he did not have the athletic chops, playing sports throughout his childhood still left Zehtaban with plenty of lessons just as valuable off the field as on it, such as problem solving and critical thinking skills under pressure. Zehtaban’s father also advised him that a lack of skill can be made up with hard work and preparation, and that wisdom has proven true time and again as Zehtaban has pursued his career in dentistry. Looking back, he only has one addendum to his father’s words. “Over time, hard work and preparation end up making you more skilled at your craft,” he said.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I realized I needed to do something with my hands, and that led me to the dental field. I always liked art and science during high school, and dentistry turned out to be the perfect mix of the two. I had some great mentors and coaches along the way who helped me get to that selfawareness and taught me about the importance of hard work.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Actor. I’ve always been fascinated with this profession. I would love to be able to read a script, create my own interpretation of a character and then reproduce that for others to enjoy. It sounds fun to pretend to be something different with every project!

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD NEVER SPEND MONEY ON?

Fancy watches. I’m simple when it comes to the wristwatch. I like my Apple Watch, and that’s about the extent of my collection.

WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING YOU’VE EVER DONE, AND WHY DID YOU DO IT?

Skydiving. I was young and chasing adrenaline in any form. It was fun — probably won’t do it again though.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

Travel accommodations are definitely worth the money. My family loves to travel, so anything that makes it more comfortable, easy and enjoyable is worth the money in my opinion. Also, I’m a big sneaker and shoe guy, so I’d say it’s worth it to spend the money on good shoes as well.

WHAT SPORTING EVENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXPERIENCE IN PERSON?

I would love to attend a national championship game in basketball or football, preferably one that the Hogs are playing in.

Every phase of life holds the possibility of something new and different and nowhere is that more evident than the transition from the working world and daily family life to that of retirement. Gone are the deadlines and obligations, replaced by more free time for pursuing lifelong hobbies or developing new ones.

Like all life changes, entering the retirement phase of life brings with it some challenges. Losing a steady paycheck, aches and pains of aging, the loss of friends and special housing or medical needs can all be a cause of concern to seniors and their families.

In the following pages, AY About You lays out the opportunities and challenges that come with entering one’s golden years, from finding resources that allow living at home longer to locating the right care community. We also address planning for one’s retirement, both legally and financially.

We also highlight what’s great about retirement, with articles about travel and toys to help make the most of this long-awaited time. Finally, we visit with several people in Arkansas who are beating Father Time at his own game by living their best lives.

In-state locations becoming a paradise for older travelers Woods, Water and Road

By DOUG CRISE

Tourism Hall of Fame, DeVito spent years helping his family run DeVito’s Restaurant, a popular Italian eatery in Harrison.

DeVito is now director of the Ozark Mountain Region tourism association where he helps oversee an area that encompasses Bull Shoals, Norfork Lake, and the Buffalo and White rivers.

DeVito said that as he grows older, he enjoys more and more the simplicity of a scenic drive to nearby attractions. Older travelers, DeVito said, can see a lot without having to overextend themselves on gas, making the welcoming and accessible Ozarks just the ticket.

“I’m getting older myself, and my wife and I just like driving around,” DeVito said. “We’ll turn on the dirt roads and drive through some of the areas along the Buffalo River. There’s some waterfalls that are real close to the road that you can see very easily.”

DeVito especially recommended the Richland Waterfalls Welcome Center in Witts Springs.

“It has 20 to 30 waterfalls just right in that area, with a few of them that are very easy to get to,” DeVito said, “and you don’t have far to hike.”

There may be no wrong way to travel.

There is nothing like a good, long road trip, which allows travelers to take the time to enjoy the journey and arrive at a new place to explore. Finding a hidden slice of comfort in a brand-new destination motivates travelers by the millions to hit the road each year.

Yet, on the other side of the coin, there is comfort in finding a good place with good people and returning there every year. The people one meets soon become neighbors and, eventually, friends — and the destination, after a handful of visits, becomes a cherished second home.

Pati Brown gets it. She is the longtime project manager and marketing chief at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. Tucked just off the beaten path in Mount Ida, Mountain Harbor has welcomed travelers to the shores of its Lake Ouachita location for almost 70 years. Now in her 70s, Brown possesses a bubbly personality and a welcoming sense of humor. She enjoys few things as much as talking about the history of the resort and the people who come in and out.

She has seen every sort of traveler possible, yet many of her customers are senior citizens and retirees. They are the ones who largely make up Mountain Harbor’s repeat patrons, and Brown has a good idea why.

Others agree that keeping attractions as consolidated as possible to avoid long hikes and road trips is another key to bringing in and keeping older travelers. In Bentonville, city officials are riding a wave of in-state tourism, a large percentage of older visitors taking advantage of how both outdoor and city attractions are consolidated in an easy-to-reach area.

“We have hotels representing every major hotel brand along Walton Boulevard, and that’s 5 miles from our city center,” said Alison Nation, chief marketing officer at the city of Bentonville. “Bentonville is small, so even if you don’t stay downtown, you’re not that far from downtown.

“I think, especially with people my age and older, kind of what we’re looking for is a place where you can be very comfortable and be very safe but also be adjacent to nature,” Brown said.

Arkansas is a travelers paradise, and that goes double for seniors. There are enough attractions, especially during the summer months, to preclude any need for extensive road travel. For longtime vacationers who enjoy returning to the same spot, there is never a lack of things to do.

Joe DeVito is another one who understands — in fact, he has been making people happy for most of his life. A member of the Arkansas

“Bentonville is a great destination for seniors, whether they are very active or less active. We’ve got great options both sides of the spectrum.”

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is at the epicenter of Bentonville’s offerings and provides plenty for both indoors and out.

“It’s free admission, so it’s affordable,” Nation said, “and for folks who really enjoy walking and getting out in nature, there’s 5 miles of trails that folks can explore outside the museum. Indoors, they have free wheelchairs and free walker devices, so folks can utilize an easy tool to make their visit more restful.”

Of course, finding things to do is only half the battle. Getting there matters too. While staying in-state for a vacation is both convenient and cost-effective, travel can still be a chore. That is especially true when so many of Arkansas’ attractions involve twisty and sometimes uphill roads.

Finding a means of conveyance that can double as a home away from home is near the top of the list as far as what older vacationers are looking for.

“We sell a lot of units with bunk beds,” said Brad Barnett, general manager at Conway-headquartered Moix RV. “It’s not just for parents with children but a lot of grandparents who want to take the grandchildren out camping with them. A lot of our older customers are looking at motor homes for ease of parking and setup. They don’t want to stop going, so as their needs change, smaller, easy-to-drive motorhomes become a great choice.”

“Some of my members like single cabins,” DeVito said. “Then we have big resorts, like the Buffalo Outdoor Center [in Ponca]. You can rent a houseboat at Bull Shoals Lake’s dock or some of the other marinas in the region.”

Over in Bentonville, city officials have worked hard to strike a balance between the city’s small-town past and its current state as a boomtown absorbing both residents and tourists at a record rate. Along with the walking trails, rivers and mountain biking facilities, the downtown area has blossomed with new attractions, restaurants and hotels.

“Newly open down on our square is the original Walton’s 5&10,” Nation said. “They’ve done a sweeping reconstruction and reinstallation of beautiful exhibits and telling the amazing story of how this tiny little store you’re standing in became the global retailer it is today.”

While accessibility is near the top of the list of desirable features, it is a mistake to think retirees want everything in immediate reach. In fact, many senior travelers are on the lookout for scenic walking and hiking options, and the more the merrier.

“A lot of people just like to walk the roads around Mountain Harbor, like from the cottages over to the lodge,” Brown said, “walking down to the marina, just sitting down at the marina patio, and maybe feeding the ducks and fish. That’s the cool thing about outdoor recreation. It can be fun and exciting and challenging, or it can be serene and peaceful all at the same place and all at the same time.”

One thing that always differs from traveler to traveler are lodging preferences, and tastes range from campsites to hotel rooms.

While the city pushes to maximize the visitor experience, another group, Big on Bentonville, has stepped in to make sure all tourists have easy access to all areas.

“You hop on a golf cart, and they scoot you around downtown and show you historic sites and tell you the history of Bentonville,” Nation said. “They show you all the things going on in the arts and culture space. It’s a really great way for folks to see the city and see our history in one little golf cart ride in about an hour.”

As Arkansas’ senior population continues to grow, more and more businesses will step up to create vacation options tailor-made for older travelers. Hang around those businesses, and one can sense a feeling of joy that permeates all of them. Whether it is a city like Bentonville or a singular spot like Mountain Harbor, everyone involved moves with a purpose and displays a ready smile.

The options are many, and the areas are vast, but the common denominator is a singular love for finding visitors just the right vacation experience, whatever that may be.

“I think people are more discerning when they travel,” Brown said. “You know that you can expect a certain quality when it comes to service facilities, lodging and food. You know that it’s going to be just a step above.”

Welcome to the Mountain BikING

Capital of the World

70+ miles of expert-designed trails connecting with the award-winning 400-mile Northwest Arkansas network. Home of Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and the famous Masterpiece. Ride your way through a city built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers.

JP FRANCOEUR

Occupation: Integrative Health Specialist, Neufit Therapist/Trainer, Movement Therapist

Birthdate: April 16, 1968

Hometown: I grew up in Kansas, Colorado and Tennessee; I moved to Arkansas in 1986 and adopted it as my home.

DEFYING FATHER TIME

Jean-Paul Francoeur has turned the pursuit of fitness into a lifelong career. After taking charge of his own health, Francoeur began honing his skills and developing the business that would become JP Fitness + Recovery in Little Rock. Pouring himself into continuing education and certifications, Francoeur has created a space where overall health and recovery are seamlessly integrated.

What is the advantage of aging in business, community service or relationships?

With advanced age, you have perspective. You’ve had enough time to see what works and what doesn’t, and if you have learned well, you have learned to be flexible.

What has life taught you about the value of setbacks and failure?

Failure stings. Failure humbles, but it also reveals. Failure shows us where to focus, what needs to be sharpened and who we are becoming. It gives us feedback we can’t get any other way but only if we’re brave enough to listen. Protect your ego, or pursue your potential. You can’t do both.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self, given the opportunity? Absolutely nothing — 15-year-old me would not have listened anyway, and he needed to take his lumps to figure things out.

What have you learned about the source of your happiness, and how does that drive your everyday activities today?

I don’t pursue happiness; I pursue curiosity. My happy place is in my workspace, where I help people solve problems all day long. I’m basically a big old nerd with insatiable curiosity about the human body, movement and human behavior. Helping people reach the light at the end of their tunnel is what brings me joy — that and spending time with my wife and my now grown children.

What have life experiences taught you to be absolutely true about every person?

Kindness brings out the best in everyone. Also, the greatest gift you can give anyone is your time and attention. Something beautiful happens when you do: All that energy you put out flows right back at you tenfold.

(Photo courtesy of Jean Paul Francoeur)

Real Estate Investing After 50: Building Wealth and Peace of Mind with

Mid South Realty

For many Arkansans approaching retirement, financial peace of mind is a top priority. Rising costs, longer lifespans, and market uncertainties have more people over 50 exploring alternative ways to supplement their income. One of the most effective—yet often overlooked tools? Real estate investing.

Why Real Estate?

Unlike the stock market, which can fluctuate dramatically, real estate tends to appreciate steadily over time. Even during economic downturns, demand for rental housing remains strong, especially in growing regions like Central Arkansas. After all, people will always need somewhere to live.

Rental properties generate passive income through monthly rent payments, often covering not only the mortgage but also producing surplus cash flow. This income can help cover retirement expenses, fund travel, pay for healthcare, or even be reinvested into additional properties.

Partnering with Mid South Realty

What sets Mid South Realty apart is their full-service approach to real estate investment. They specialize in helping clients build portfolios that align with their financial goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. From identifying the right properties and negotiating deals, to property management and tenant placement, Mid South Realty handles it all. Their property management team takes care of maintenance, rent collection, and tenant communication, ensuring your investment remains passive and hassle-free. That’s a game-changer for retirees who want the benefits of real estate without the day-to-day responsibilities.

Starting Small, Thinking Big

You don’t need to be a millionaire to start investing in real estate. Many of Mid South Realty’s clients begin with just one property, using personal savings, a home equity line of credit, or even a selfdirected IRA. Over time, that single property can become a springboard for a portfolio that supports your retirement lifestyle.

In today’s uncertain financial world, real estate offers something many retirees crave: control. With tangible assets, steady income, and long-term growth, it’s an investment that works *for* you.

If you’re over 50 and thinking about your next chapter, it might be time to talk to the experts at Mid South Realty—your trusted partner in building a brighter, more secure financial future in Central Arkansas.

Amber Wood Owner, Mid South Realty

Providing familiar activities a key aspect of memory care

By MARK CARTER

The U.S. memory care market is growing. It was valued at $6.3 billion in 2023 by Global Market Insights, which also forecast continued steady market growth through 2030. The memory care market, in this case, refers to specialized long-term care services for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other conditions that entail memory loss.

The market growth is attributed to increased diagnoses of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the growing demand for care, advancements in medical technology, and an aging population, among other factors.

An estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with the disease as of 2023, the Alzheimer’s Association states. The number is projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060.

The data reinforces the need for expanded memory-care services. Specialized memory care clinics can provide treatments and staff trained in dementia care. The Conway Regional Memory Care Clinic, part of the Conway Regional Neuroscience Center, provides specialized services, including advanced neurocognitive evaluations using tools such as the BrainCheck software and medications such as Leqembi and Kisunla, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Also at work are the latest in diagnostics such as advanced blood tests and amyloid PET imaging. Amyloids are protein aggregates formed when healthy proteins lose their normal structure and physiological functions. They have been linked to the development of various diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Keith Schluterman, a neurologist at the Conway Regional Neuroscience Center, said the memory care clinic helps ensure that patients have access to cutting-edge care. By taking a multidisciplinary approach, he said, the clinic provides medication and offers a comprehensive support system tailored to individual needs.

“Patients with early memory concerns or a family history of Alzheimer’s have the opportunity to be screened as early as age 55 using innovative tests,” he said. “Additionally, the clinic is committed to reducing barriers to access by integrating insurance assistance programs and expanding local diagnostic services.”

Dr. Keith Schluterman

New medications have been introduced in recent years for treating early-onset Alzheimer’s. The antiamyloid drugs work by targeting and removing amyloid plaques in the brain, slowing disease progression when treatment is started early.

“Another groundbreaking trend is the ability to detect Alzheimer’s much earlier using biomarker testing,” Schluterman said. “The p-Tau217 blood test, with a 96 percent specificity rate, allows for diagnosis years before dementia symptoms appear. This less-invasive method, along with [artificial intelligence]-supported MRI analysis and advanced neurocognitive testing, is revolutionizing early detection and intervention.”

The memory-care market is experiencing other trends, including a growing demand for specialized care facilities, more focus on holistic and nonpharmacological therapies, the rising prevalence of memory care services offered at assisted living communities, and the expansion of home-based memory care services the GMI data shows.

Landmark Lifestyles at Bryant, part of the Vitality Living network, is an assisted living center that also offers memory care options. Landmark has 31 memory care units with a mix of semiprivate, private, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options.

Residents must have received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to qualify, said Scott Whited, executive director.

The Landmark memory care unit has dedicated staff to ensure residents receive one-on-one care, a cornerstone of memory care treatment, Whited said.

“By the time they get to the memory unit, they are struggling with daily activities,” he said. “We have programs dedicated to memory usage and a full-time activities director. We provide activities throughout the day to help residents with cognitive problems — activities geared toward helping them with memory issues.”

One example is taking an item brought from home that could help trigger deep memories or a sharing moment when a resident is asked if a specific item reminds them of anything. Whited said residents who

“It really is about going back in time. It could be a musical activity — Do you remember this type of music? — or anything that helps them relive a part of their lives from the past.”

— Dr. Keith Schluterman, Conway Regional Memory Care Clinic

Landmark Lifestyles at Bryant

activity — Do you remember this type of music? — or anything that helps them relive a part of their lives from the past.”

For many residents, the activities are designed to be self-soothing.

“For example, if a resident had been a homemaker, we’ll give them towels and washcloths to fold,” Whited said. “We’ll give them ‘tasks’ to do. A lot of our activities are geared toward those types of things. These activities trigger them to have that thought-response pattern.”

The triggers do not always work, and treatment depends on the level of severity, but Whited noted that it is important to keep residents as engaged as possible.

“Routine is everything. If they get out of a pattern, it throws them for a loop,” he said. “Once we get them here, they seem to do better. Stability is the most helpful thing for them.”

Whited added that memory care residents thrive in smaller spaces

“We provide activities throughout the day to help residents with cognitive problems — activities geared toward helping them with memory issues.”

— Scott Whited, executive director, Landmark Lifestyles at Bryant

where they are confronted with fewer choices to make and where they are kept together as part of a community of residents experiencing the same issues.

By the time someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia reaches Landmark, the focus is on making the individual as comfortable as possible while working to make improvements.

From a medical perspective, Schluterman and his colleagues at Conway Regional aim to help change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s by shifting from symptom management to proactive, disease-altering treatments.

The BrainCheck software enables doctors to assess cognitive function and create personalized care plans. Medications such as Leqembi and Kisunla have been shown to slow cognitive decline in patients with earlystage Alzheimer’s, and amyloid PET imaging allows for earlier and more accurate detection.

“The clinic focuses on early diagnosis, ensuring that patients can begin treatments before dementia develops, which significantly improves their long-term quality of life,” Schluterman said. “A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach integrates physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavioral health support, addressing both cognitive and functional challenges.

“The clinic also employs cutting-edge diagnostics, including AIsupported MRI scans and neurocognitive testing, to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier than traditional methods.”

STASHING GOLD for the GOLDEN YEARS

Experts share tips about how to plan financially for retirement

Seople spend many days at their desks, dreaming of retirement, but how can workers make sure that dream becomes a reality? It starts with careful planning and saving.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about it,” said John Sidery, founder and wealth advisor at Olympus Wealth Strategies in Little Rock.

Sidery said time is one’s friend when it comes to investing because time provides an opportunity for compound interest to add to the total amount.

“It’s honestly never too early, and it’s never too late,” said Hannah Stanley, principal and founder at New Wave Wealth Advisors in Springdale. “I think the earlier you start, the better, but as you go through your different phases of wealth — building your wealth, wealth growth, wealth preservation and then estate transfer toward the end of your life — it all plays into retirement.”

“Starting today is better than waiting,” said Charley Gardner, retirement plan advisor at Meridian Investment Advisors in Little Rock.

There is no magic number when it comes to knowing how

By ALEX HARDGRAVE

much each person will need for retirement, since the amount is based on factors such as lifestyle, life span and goals for retirement. Sidery said it is best to think about a “work-optional” lifestyle: If clients get to the point where their investments can replace their paycheck, they are in a work-optional time of life.

Kym Reed, financial advisor at Small Wealth Management in Little Rock, said health care is one of the biggest expenses retirees need to budget for, as well as travel, insurance, housing, taxes and day-to-day living costs. She said to not forget to include spending for hobbies and time with family.

John Sidery Hannah Stanley Dawn Powell

“Many financial experts suggest aiming to replace about 70 to 80 percent of your preretirement income,” said Dawn Powell, founder of Paramount Financial in Little Rock, who added that variables such as inflation, health care and life expectancy could affect the amount saved.

There are various vehicles by which people can save and receive retirement money. A popular option is a 401(k), which sometimes features a company match for some or all of the money people put in the account.

If a person’s company offers a retirement plan, it is best to join it, the advisors said.

“We’re a huge fan of 401(k)s and utilizing any type of company benefit plan out there,” Stanley said.

If a company does not offer a 401(k), that does not mean those workers will not be able to retire. Instead, they should look into individual retirement plans, or IRAs. It is also important to look into Roth savings plans.

“There are many advantages to utilizing your company 401(k), such as reducing taxable income, potential taxfree withdrawals if your plan allows for Roth contributions, employer-matching contributions and automated savings, the payroll deductions,” Gardner said.

“You still need to manage withdrawals, minimize taxes, evaluate health care costs and adjust investments. A thoughtful income and tax strategy can help preserve your nest egg for as long as possible.”

— Kym Reed, financial advisor, Small Wealth Management

Business owners can explore a few other types of plans, including solo 401(k)s and simplified employee pension, or SEP, IRAs.

“The key is to start and contribute consistently,” Reed said.

Once workers retire, they need to continue to stick to their plan they have made for retirement.

“It’s so important to monitor and track that progress along the way,” Stanley said.

If people do outlive their retirement savings, then they will have to consider what other assets they have. Using a financial expert starting well before retirement can help to proactively create that Plan B should it be necessary. Planners can then help manage risk along the way.

“It’s a tough situation but not uncommon,” Reed said. “Some options include downsizing, part-time work or adjusting spending. Ideally, your retirement plan includes longevity planning, ensuring your money lasts as long as you do, with the help of a diversified investment portfolio.”

Once clients start taking out money for retirement, the advisors work to make sure they are accessing the money in the most tax-efficient way.

Sidery referred to the retirement savings as coming from three different buckets: a taxable capital gains bucket, a tax-deferred, ordinary-income bucket and a tax-free bucket.

A typical 401(k) and IRA are in the tax-deferred bucket, meaning once the money is taken out, taxes will need to be paid on it as if it were a paycheck. Sidery said it is important for people to have different buckets of money so that when it comes time to take money out, they can do it in a tax-efficient way and not have all their money coming from one bucket.

If that seems overwhelming, it all comes down to planning and thinking about getting help from the experts. Gardner equated getting help from a financial advisor with being told to eat vegetables as a child.

“Did I really need to? Debatable,” he said, “but I’ve come to understand the great benefits of them. Most people can greatly benefit from a trusted advisor who has the skill, care and knowledge to help them through the entire process.”

Stanley suggested people get a plan on paper with a financial advisor’s help.

“They’re busy. They’re working. They’re managing their own families and their own milestones,” she said. “They need to be out celebrating those and helping us to understand the big picture and what goals they want to reach in retirement or before retirement.”

Sidery said even people who do not have a lot of money can still benefit from sitting down with an advisor.

“A lot of people who seek assistance for retirement planning and engage with people like myself and Olympus think you need to have a large sum of money to sit down with a financial advisor, so a lot of people put off getting help for decades, which can lead to, maybe, making the wrong investment choices or not optimizing or making the most efficient investment decisions,” he said.

Even if workers have already retired, it is not too late to plan.

“Not having a plan is a plan to fail,” Gardner said, “so it’s always better late than never.”

Reed said planning also should not stop once a person retires.

“You still need to manage withdrawals, minimize taxes, evaluate health care costs and adjust investments,” Reed said. “A thoughtful income and tax strategy can help preserve your nest egg for as long as possible.”

Sidery said even though it is important to be smart with money during retirement, it is equally important to not put off goals people have — especially if it is something like traveling that may become more difficult as a person grows older.

“It’s OK to spend a little more money if they’ve saved up,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what you did it for. That’s what you saved and sacrificed for.”

Budgeting for retirement savings can be difficult, as well, especially as other goals arise, such as buying a home or new car.

“There is always a way to balance the short-term and long-term goals,” Gardner said. “These two targets are often evolving and shifting targets that we help clients regularly come back to and evaluate. That is a key to a successful plan for the future.”

“It’s honestly never too early, and it’s never too late. I think the earlier you start, the better, but as you go through your different phases of wealth — building your wealth, wealth growth, wealth preservation and then estate transfer toward the end of your life — it all plays into retirement.”

—Hannah Stanley, principal and founder, New Wave Wealth Advisors

Gardner remembers when he was early in his marriage and made sacrifices in order to save for the future. He suggested using cash when on a tight budget, even though it has become less common.

“Saving the loose change can help build the discipline and habits needed to stay the course when things trend upward financially,” he said.

Powell suggested starting with small contributions, as well as reducing unnecessary spending and seeking ways to increase income.

“Don’t think you’re behind the curve, and don’t think you haven’t done enough,” Stanley said.

“Everybody starts somewhere, and you’ll be surprised, if you stay disciplined to a plan, how the small changes will add up over time.”

Gardner said a common mistake he sees is people waiting until they have more income to start saving. He said that as income increases, so do expenses.

“Developing the discipline to save early and often can make the most significant impact on your retirement,” he said.

Reed said a common misconception is that Social Security will be enough to fund a retirement, but health care, inflation and longer life expectancies can lead to needing more money than originally assumed.

“Retirement is not a destination — it’s a chapter of life that deserves thoughtful preparation,” Reed said. “Whether you’re 25 or 65, the best time to start planning is now.”

Charley Gardner Kym Reed

retirement Trusts, Wills and Powers of Attorney Expert explain what people need to know about estate planning in retirement

By Alex Hardgrave

The ability to retire is all about planning. People need to plan how they are going to save up money and then plan how to use that money once they have stopped working. Planning one’s estate is equally as important as people reach their golden years.

“Just like you want to make sure you have enough funds to live as you retire, to make ends meet, to pay your bills, you also want to make sure you have a plan for when you pass away,” said Mike Munnerlyn, who serves clients through his own legal firm in North Little Rock.

Munnerlyn said the fundamental focus of any estate plan is to establish a person’s wishes about who will receive their assets after death. Most people think of wills when considering the process, but trusts offer attractive benefits, as well.

For example, by using a trust, families can avoid probate, which can be a slow, costly and public process. Fees such as lawyer fees and executor fees can come out of a percentage of the estate while in probate, reducing what is left to distribute to loved ones.

“Most folks would rather, after they die, have someone in the family administer things privately, quickly and less expensively,” Munnerlyn said.

However Munnerlyn said estate planning is not a “onesize-fits-all” process when it comes to choosing the right document option.

“If a lawyer tells you everybody needs a trust, not a will, I disagree with that,” he said. “It’s a case-by-case analysis, and it just depends on the client’s situation and, probably even more importantly, the beneficiary’s situation.”

Munnerlyn said other important estate planning documents are those that let people give individuals power of attorney, which is essentially legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.

can also include who will make decisions about rehabilitation assistance and nursing homes.

While it is most important for a person to have an estate plan as they grow older, including having relevant documents in place and up to date, Munnerlyn said any adult can and should have some estate planning documents in place.

“We’ll draw up financial and health care powers of attorney for 18- and 19-year-old kids,” he said. “Everyone, as early as 18, needs to consider it because if you don’t have anything, then you have probate problems, and you have guardianship problems. Be proactive, and have a good will. Have a good power of attorney [document].”

“You also need to think about, ‘What if I become incapacitated?’” he said. “You need to plan for disability and incapacity both for who is going to handle your financial affairs while you’re incapacitated and, also, who is going to make your health decisions if you can’t make them yourself.”

Everyone should have a health care power of attorney document that includes a living will, Munnerlyn said. That document

For retirement funds, a trust typically spells out how and when assets will be distributed. Munnerlyn recommended people appoint both a primary and contingent beneficiary and update the document periodically. He said he has seen grandparents who want to name a grandchild who is not an adult yet, but that can “cause all types of problems.”

“Make sure whoever you name is responsible,” he said.

He added that one of the most common mistakes people will make is not having up-to-date estate planning documents, such as ones that may list an ex-spouse as a beneficiary or do not include all children. He recommended estate planning documents be reviewed at least every three to five years.

“Just like you go to the doctor or the dentist to get check-ups regularly, you also need to regularly update your trust and estate plan because things change,” he said.

He also sees people attempt to make their own wills and trusts, which he does not recommend.

“That causes all kinds of trouble,” he said.

Mike Munnerlyn

JOAN HUNTER

Occupation: Realtor

Birthdate: Aug. 4, 1953

DEFYING FATHER TIME

After receiving her education from Arkansas State University-Beebe and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Joan Hunter spent 31 years as a coach and physical education teacher before switching to Realtor. She is a proud member of the Little Rock Touchdown Club.

What advice do you have about staying young and active at any age?

Find something that you are passionate about, and never stop. For me, that is playing basketball for the Arkansas Natural Diamonds Senior Olympics team. Our national tournament is coming up at the end of July in Des Moines, Iowa, and we are hoping to win our division this year. I also love to play pickleball, but I’m still in the learning stage.

What advice would you give your 15-yearold self, given the opportunity?

Live your life, and have fun. You can’t be in control of everything.

What have you learned about the source of your happiness, and how does that drive your everyday activities today?

I go by Toby Keith’s song “Don’t Let The Old Man In.” There’s a line in there that says, “Ask yourself, how old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born?” I have chosen to be much younger than my chronological age.

What have life experiences taught you to be absolutely true about every person?

Every single person is going through something. Some people just hide it better than others.

What has life taught you about the value of setbacks and failure?

Setbacks and failures make us who we are. Without them, we would never learn life’s lessons.

How do you define success at this age as opposed to when you were just starting out in life?

Success, to me, at this age in my life, is if I have a family that loves me, friends that love me and I can count on, and I am enjoying my life.

If you could sum up your life’s philosophy, what would it be?

I can’t help getting older, but I don’t have to get old (or dress old). Mellowing out at this age is a godsend. Besides, getting older is much better than the alternative.

(Photo courtesy of Joan Hunter)

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.

A NEW ROAD

By MARK CARTER // Photos provided

As men and women age, they are confronted with a trade-off. They trade in the vitality that sent them rollicking head-first into lakes, woods and even crowded board rooms for the wisdom available through experience.

The wisdom must first be claimed, however. Adults of retirement age who managed to tuck away nuggets of it understand that retirement can represent a new beginning, as opposed to one path’s end.

Several years ago, Merrill Lynch surveyed Americans older than 50 and asked how they envisioned spending their retirement years. Ninetyfive percent of respondents would rather focus on more enjoyable experiences in retirement, the survey found.

The survey also listed respondents’ top priorities for everyday activities without the “restrictions of full-time work”:

Brian Cheever

For seniors looking to reap the rewards of a career well done, golf cars can help them achieve many of their priorities.

David Webb, a former gold pro and store manager of the Little Rock location of Clear Creek Golf Car & Utility Vehicles, said golf cars are a popular item for seniors.

Many retirees prefer to hit the open road — on two wheels.

“Often, retirees are looking for a simple way of getting around their property — to their mailbox, to the outside shed, across the street to a neighbor’s house or down to the pond to put a line in the water for a bit,” he said. “In Maumelle, for example, seniors can go to the gym, ride to Lake Willastein for a walk around the lake, pick up their medicine at Kroger or a carton of milk, even go to the bank or grab a burger at David’s. Just because one is a senior adult, one still wants and needs mobility. Clear Creek isn’t just in the golf car business; Clear Creek is in the transportation business.”

Clear Creek CEO Brian Cheever said golf cars can represent the first and last vehicle a person drives.

“We have young teens that learn the basics of driving in a golf cart before advancing to an automobile, and we have seniors that aren’t able to drive an automobile any longer that are able to maintain some freedom and mobility through the use of the golf car,” he said.

Cheever said roughly 80 percent of the golf cars sold by Clear Creek are used for purposes other than ferrying golfers and their clubs in between holes on the golf course. He said most retail customers buy the cars for activities such as driving around lakes, neighborhoods, farms or even business compounds.

“Golf cars continue to evolve away from golf and more and more into the neighborhood-transportation vehicle that so many people use to go to the pool, to their neighbor’s house, to the dock or, my personal use of choice, taking my dog for a ride,” he said.

These days, golf cars come as customized as any set of rolling wheels, offering more colors, more add-ons, and more options for seats, wheels and more — even customized stereos and light packages.

“It is not just in new golf cars that you find those things,” Cheever said. “Many people want their used car customized and accessorized with those bells and whistles.”

Popular new models include the Club Car Onward and Onward 2, the latter of which comes with a lithium-ion battery system.

Many retirees prefer to hit the open road — on two wheels. For seniors looking to venture further from home, Arkansas is home to nationally recognized routes for motorcyclists. The state boasts 11 scenic byways, including the Great River Road in northeast Arkansas; the Talimena Scenic Drive through the heart of the rugged Ouachita Mountains; and Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, which runs for much of the length of the state’s western flank through the Boston Mountains, across the Arkansas River Valley and winding up in the jewel of the Ouachitas, Hot Springs.

Of course, one cannot forget the Pig Trail, the two-lane blacktop that once ferried tens of thousands of Hog fans to Fayetteville on Saturdays during the fall and now serves as a riders’ paradise with its switchbacks that snake through the dense Ozark terrain of Franklin, Madison and Washington counties.

Rich Richards, sales manager at Richards HondaYamaha in Little Rock, said retirees make up a good chuck of his business.

Honda Monkey ABS

Honda Cruiser V-twin

Honda Rebel 500

“Most customers prioritize lightweight options for travel and compact designs for easy navigation around the home.”

— David Melick, general manager, American Medical Rentals

“Some of them are new riders, and some want to upgrade when they retire because they have more time to devote to riding,” he said. “Some like to relive their younger days. They like motorcycles that look like the old ones but have new tech.”

Richards said the Honda Monkey ABS is one such ride and is a popular option among retirees. Other in-demand models for seniors longing for the horizon include the Honda Rebel 500, the Honda Cruiser V-twin and the Yamaha Tracer 9.

The 46-horse-power Rebel 500 is a good choice for newer riders but not necessarily the best choice for long trips. It is a lightweight cruiser with the looks of heavier models but without the typical bar and shield.

For more experienced riders, the Yamaha Tracer is more suited for longer trips. It is faster and comes with more ergonomically designed seats.

Alternative controls for power wheelchairs include joystick options, head-array systems and sip-n-puff systems.

Not all retiree “toys” are extracurricular. For many seniors, they are an integral part of functioning day to day. Retirees who must rely on wheelchairs to get around now have more advanced options.

David Melick, general manager at American Medical Rentals in Little Rock, said 60 percent to 65 percent of his customers are elderly people who need chairs to be more mobile or even mobile at all.

“Most customers prioritize lightweight options for travel and compact designs for easy navigation around the home,” he said. “Reliability and range are also key considerations for them.”

Mobile technology has seen significant advancements in recent years, he added. Golden Technologies is a leader in mobility and lift chairs, mobility scooters and power wheel-

chairs, and American Medical Rentals is a local dealer in Arkansas. Golden’s new line — Ally, Ally Support and Ally Pro — is designed to make mobility easy.

“Ally is a luxurious and intelligent series of power wheelchairs designed for comfort, convenience and connectivity,” Melick said.

The topline Ally Pro, for example, comes with a smart-control mobile app, memoryfoam seat cushion, leather-stitched padded armrests, an adjustable recline back, spacious leg and foot areas, front suspension, exclusive omnidirectional wheels with self-cleaning Vgrove, and more.

Plus, the chair is powered by a lithium-ion battery and includes system-monitored voice alerts, front and rear lighting, a storage compartment and USB ports, and its controller can be fitted on either side.

“Users can take control with an exclusive app that allows remote driving to facilitate easier assistance,” Melick said.

Yamaha Tracer 9

Voted one of AY’s Best Hospitals

Conway Regional has a vision. 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. It’s about blending access and excellence. Familiarity – and fierce commitment. Advocating for patients while providing the services our communities deserve.

SIX YEARS IN A ROW! 2023 2025

retirement Something for Everyone Alpha Innovations

elevates the humble side-by-side

By DOUG CRISE

any seniors dream of retiring to an acreage where they can enjoy the quiet of country life and easy access to natural spaces. With that comes the need for rugged transportation, and outdoor side-bysides are the preferred mode of many.

No one said the choice of transport has to be boring, however, which is where Alpha Innovations in Russellville comes in. With an array of mixand-match options such as an extended roof rack, gun shelves and gun mounts, custom seat covers and limited front racks, Alpha allows nearly endless customization for hunting or outdoor work, from innovative gear stowage to hunting platforms.

Alpha Innovations tests its products to the point of abuse. The idea is to create tough, durable and stable products that can withstand the everchanging terrain and climate of the Natural State. Alpha Innovations calls it “beyond practicality,” and it is a philosophy that has driven the company to the top of the heap in a crowded field.

It all starts with the right material, and nowhere is that more evident than Alpha’s Summit Rear Rack. Installed in the back of a side-by-side and made of maximum-strength aluminum, the Summit Rear Rack expertly handles the demands of outdoor work, hunting or anything else nature can dish out.

The Alpha Adapt Base Rack System allows customers to configure their own rear rack look. After installing the Alpha Adapt Base Rack System, customers can select from a variety of Alpha bolt-on accessories, including an in-cab gun rest, a front-bumper hitch system for a Can-Am and a clamp mount for a Turtlebox stereo speaker.

Alpha’s products do not stop at rear mounts. The Alpha Crew Cab Extended Roof Rack, which fits Can-Am, Polaris or CFMOTO models, fits on the roof without the need of a drill. The Roof Rack is 55.5-by120-inch configurable to 12 optional mounting positions, and lights can be added for greater safety and visibility.

Speaking of lights, for those crack-of-dawn hunting trips or latenight outdoor jobs, Alpha’s Summit Rear Rack Light Kit ensures safety and visibility. The kit installs easily on the rack and consists of five light options: a 12-inch SeeLite Slim Light Bar, two 6-inch SeeLite Waterfowl Series Light Bars and two SeeLite Rock Lights.

Backed by an enthusiastic workforce that knows the value of good craftsmanship and the meaning of “white glove” customer service, Alpha Innovations has built a stellar reputation among outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas. Whether hunting or working, Alpha Innovations’ Arkansasmade accessories can enhance the outdoor experience.

DEFYING FATHER TIME

BOBBY MARTIN

Occupation: Philanthropist, Former Business Executive, Numerous Community Service Roles

Birthdate: Dec. 24, 1948

Hometown: Little Rock

Martin’s career began at Dillard’s in 1969. In 1984, he joined Walmart, eventually serving as president and CEO of Walmart International, for which he launched and grew the retailer in foreign markets, and executive vice president and chief information officer, for which he led technology during the company’s most formative years. He also served 22 years on the board of Gap, eight of them as lead independent director and chairman. He is a former commissioner and chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and former chairman of Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. His Bobby L. Martin Generation Conservation Endowment Fund helps champion outdoors education to advance outdoor curriculum in classrooms across Arkansas.

What advice do you have for staying young and active at any age?

Keeping a sense of humor is at the top of my list. Staying curious and physically active isn’t optional. Be a lifelong learner.

What is the advantage to aging in business or community service or in relationships?

Everything becomes more about the purpose, mission, success of others and less about you. We listen better, having learned the power of influence is greater than that of command. Wisdom gives perspective, patience and the ability to distinguish what really matters from the noise.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self, given the opportunity?

Hard work still beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Never compromise your name or your reputation, and never compromise your family.

What has life taught you about the value of setbacks and failure?

Never take the mindset of a victim. Don’t blame people or things when disappointment comes. Own every event, and turn it to gain. Unquestionably, my disappointments have taught me as much or more as my successes.

How do you define success at this age as opposed to when you were just starting out in life?

Early on, success was about results, winning, achieving, making things happen that others didn’t think were possible. Today, I try and judge it by what I see in the lives I have touched, along with the values and faith I have stood on that have shaped the character which I hope to be known for. It’s about the legacy I am leaving behind, knowing I have made a difference that will outlive me.

(File photo)

senior living

Living arrangements may change with age, but comfort does not have to

By MAK MILLARD

very stage of life asks something different of an individual, whether mentally, emotionally, socially or physically. Even the most independent adults may find themselves in need of some kind of increased support as they age. The prospect of that change, however, and the anxiety it often induces can be a source of stress both for aging adults and their loved ones. With the right preparation and careful consideration, however, families can look forward with confidence to the chapter ahead.

“You don’t have to do it alone,” said Michelle Gilbert, vice president of development at CareLink. “Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, trying to stay independent yourself or just feeling overwhelmed by all the options, there are people, programs and resources out there to help shoulder the load.”

Understandably, the first preference for most older adults is to stay in their own homes for as long as possible — and “as long as possible” might be longer than before thanks to increasing life expectancies, making it all the more important to plan appropriately. The comfort of familiar places, uninterrupted routines, and years of emotional and muscle memory in a space can help one retain a sense of independence even as more support is needed in other aspects of everyday life. Just as importantly, Gilbert said, research shows living at home results in better health outcomes for older adults, not to mention being more affordable than many other senior living arrangements.

Kim Clatworthy, owner of Elder Independence. “In-home care can provide the right level of support while allowing individuals to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.”

In-home support such as that provided by CareLink and Elder Independence can also help families balance caregiving responsibilities with other demands on their time. Self-care is essential for being effective at caring for others. Elder Independence offers a wide range of resources on its website for family caregivers, Clatworthy said, and the group works closely with referral partners to ensure every client and their family receives the support they need.

“When considering in-home care, it’s important to remember that the goal is to enhance quality of life, not to take anything away,” said

“Even if Elder Independence isn’t the right fit for your situation, our goal is to equip you with the tools and information to help you navigate this journey with confidence,” she said.

Supporting family caregivers is also a large part of CareLink’s work, Gilbert said. Respite care gives family members a guilt-free break while assuring them their loved one will be taken care of. CareLink also offers support groups and counseling services to help navigate the emotional journey of caring for an aging loved one with others who understand that process themselves.

“Many caregivers tell us that just knowing they’re not alone makes all the difference, and we’re proud to walk alongside them as they do one of the hardest, most important jobs there is,” Gilbert said.

The phrase “in-home care” tends to bring to mind a narrow set of activities, such as helping an individual with bathing or housekeeping. While that is certainly an important component, many people are

Michelle Gilbert

surprised to learn about CareLink’s suite of other crucial services, Gilbert said. In addition to transportation, programs such as Meals on Wheels and even support for seniors with pets, CareLink offers assistance through Medicare counseling and help navigating senior services outside of the group’s own purview.

“At CareLink, we listen first, walk callers through what’s available and connect them with real solutions,” Gilbert said. “Even if you’re not sure what questions to ask, give us a call. We’re happy to walk alongside you on this journey.”

Elder Independence also offers much more than the usual set of around-the-house support activities. In addition to personal care, medication assistance and safety monitoring, Clatworthy said, Elder offers transportation to appointments, help with errands, specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care, companionship, and ongoing support for families. One unique offering of Elder Independence is its residential care home, which offers a kind of happy medium between in-home care and more advanced support.

“Our residential care home is located in west Little Rock on Cedar Branch Court,” Clatworthy said. “It offers a warm, home-like environment designed to support independent living and help your loved one avoid transitioning to a higher level of care. With only three residents, we’re able to provide highly personalized attention and care tailored to each individual’s needs.”

Even with the best available resources and connections, it may be necessary to seek more care than what can be offered through in-

Located in beautiful and bustling Rogers, Arkansas, our residential

Kim Clatworthy

home services. When it is no longer tenable to stay in one’s own home, independent living communities and assisted living facilities can offer a host of benefits for seniors and their loved ones. Many can adapt care as residents age, allowing them to access increasing levels of support without the need to make another large move. If there is any chance one of these communities is in the cards for oneself or a loved one, the best course of action is to prepare for the possibility early and have as many details settled in advance as possible.

“Don’t wait too long,” said Dawn Yakoubian, director of housing at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock. “Do it while you can enjoy it. Let it be your decision, not your children’s decision.”

Presbyterian Village offers different living arrangements depending on how much or little of the “usual” home activities one wants to engage in. Cottage spaces provide more room and full kitchens, while the lodge-style quarters allow residents to forego the hassle of cooking and cleaning. By removing the disadvantages of needing to look after a whole house, the retirement community model gives older adults more time to engage in activities proven to enhance quality of life in one’s later years — namely, enjoying the community of others.

“Socialization is something you don’t get at home,” Yakoubian said. “You can be with people that are experiencing or have experienced similar life events.”

A community such as Presbyterian Village can offer its own sense of stability, as well. Long-tenured administrative staff and employees

make for familiar faces that can be comforting both for seniors and visiting family members. The community also provides religious support by offering a full-time chaplain. Those connections — whether between staff and residents, residents and fellow residents, or even families and staff — form an essential web of support that ensures seniors are safe, fulfilled and able to enjoy life on their own terms.

While not at the top of everyone’s list, there are reasons to consider moving into an independent living community before it becomes absolutely necessary. An earlier transition can allow seniors to start building strong relationships with residents and staff that will continue to serve them as they age. Presbyterian offers services that ramp up as a resident’s needs change, including expertise in independent living,

assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Getting comfortable in the community environment before the need for more advanced care arises can make the transition from one level of support to another easier.

The nonprofit also offers transportation through its accessible bus, as well as a dementia support group for residents’ families to help navigate the disease. In addition to its religious and other mediums of

Dawn Yakoubian

support, Presbyterian Village remains highly communicative through avenues such as its newsletter and texts to keep residents and families informed. Most of all, Yakoubian said, the village offers a safe, secure and engaging environment for residents, giving family members peace of mind.

“If you know someone that already has made the choice to move to a community environment, visit them, talk to them,” Yakoubian said. “While it is a difficult decision, most people say they should have made the decision sooner.”

The particular benefits of any given living arrangement do little good for those unprepared to have serious conversations about how —

LONG-TERM CARE

and when — they might like to receive extra care as they age. There is no hard and fast rule for when to broach the subject of in-home care, a senior community or assisted living facility, but Gilbert said that time comes “sooner than you think.”

“These conversations are much easier when everyone is calm and clear headed, rather than trying to make decisions during stressful moments,” Gilbert said.

Loved ones should pay attention to little signs that might indicate the need for more support. The “right time” varies for every person and depends on one’s current living situation, whether they live alone, with a spouse or with family, Clatworthy said. Key signs can include

Brooken Hill Health & Rehab

Loved ones should pay attention to little signs that might indicate the need for more support. The“right time” varies for every person and depends on one’s current living situation, whether they live alone, with a spouse or with family.

As with most aspects of life, making arrangements early is the best way to avoid making mistakes under duress or creating unnecessary stress for those involved. The ideal time to discuss one’s options, Clatworthy said, is before they are needed — when the aging adult in question can actively participate in the decision-making. After all, the entire process is designed to preserve as much independence as possible, and being able to make one’s own decisions before becoming unable to do so is invaluable.

The topic need not be broached all at once either. It can be an uncomfortable subject for many seniors and family members alike, especially at the thought of potentially losing one’s independence. Loved ones who live farther away from an aging senior might use that as an entry point, Yakoubian suggested.

“It is easier for someone who has children that live out of state or town to talk to their loved ones about moving closer to them,” Yakoubian said. “Letting your elderly loved ones know you worry about them and that moving closer would give you peace of mind tends to allow the children to initiate a conversation.”

difficulty with driving, cooking or maintaining personal hygiene. Other “gentle red flags,” such as missed medications, a fridge that is emptier than usual, a shrinking social circle or changes in mood, can also cue family members to check in and put forward the idea of bringing in additional care, Gilbert said.

“Most importantly, trust your gut,” she said. “If something feels off, it might be time to explore a little extra support.”

Concern or hesitation about enlisting additional help and the struggle to bring it up with a loved one are very common, Gilbert added. Her advice was to start small, keeping in mind that the purpose of support services is just that — to support and preserve a senior’s independence, not hinder it. Even offering a short-term trial where a caregiver comes just once a week can allow a senior to experience assistance without feeling like a permanent commitment. That can go a long way toward building comfort and trust.

“A gentle way to introduce help is to frame it as a kind gesture: ‘I have a friend stopping by today to check in on you for me. They’d be happy to help with errands or cook a meal — wasn’t that thoughtful of them?’” Clatworthy said. “Start the conversation early, involve your loved one as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not alone.”

We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. From the moment you enter our community, we want you to experience the difference our community has to offer. From our light-filled common area to our beautiful outdoor patios, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us.

SHORT-TERM REHAB, LONG TERM CARE & RESPITE SERVICES

SHERWOOD

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

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!

Pinnacle Hearing is a trusted audiology practice with multiple locations in Arkansas that is known for delivering comprehensive hearing health care through a team-based approach. Led by founder Dr. Mary Chatelain, the clinic includes multiple audiology providers who are passionate about helping patients achieve better hearing and quality of life. The Pinnacle team is dedicated to offering advanced diagnostic services, prescription hearing aids, tinnitus treatment and ear health solutions tailored to each individual.

As part of its continued commitment to addressing the full spectrum of hearing concerns, Pinnacle Hearing is proud to offer an innovative new solution for patients suffering from chronic tinnitus.

“During

Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, clicking or even the sound of crickets in the ears, is a complex neurological condition that creates the perception of sound when no external source is present. The condition may be triggered by a range of factors, including prolonged noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, ear trauma, certain medical conditions and even medications such as chemotherapy agents.

Ringing in Your Ears? Pinnacle Hearing Has a Solution.

Audiology clinic first in central Arkansas to offer Lenire for tinnitus treatment

By AY STAFF

patients with sound therapy and prescription hearing aids — tools that often resolve symptoms when hearing loss is a contributing factor.”

She noted that nearly 80 percent of tinnitus patients at Pinnacle Hearing also have undiagnosed hearing loss. In many cases, simply addressing that loss with prescription hearing aids can significantly reduce or even eliminate the perception of tinnitus.

But what about patients whose symptoms persist despite these interventions? That is where innovation meets personalized care.

clinical trials, more than 91 percent of patients reported an improvement in their tinnitus symptoms.”

— Dr. Mary Chatelain

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tinnitus can lead to significant disruptions in daily life, including difficulty sleeping, concentration issues, increased anxiety, irritability and strained relationships.

“At Pinnacle Hearing, tinnitus treatment has long been a clinical focus and an area of expertise,” said Chatelain, who leads the strategic direction of the practice. “We’ve successfully treated thousands of

“We’re proud to share that Pinnacle Hearing is the first clinic in central Arkansas to offer Lenire,” Chatelain said. “It’s the first and only FDAapproved tinnitus treatment device of its kind.”

Developed over more than a decade of rigorous research, Lenire offers a safe and effective option for tinnitus relief. During clinical trials, more than 91 percent of participants reported improvement in their symptoms.

Treatment with Lenire follows a structured protocol that typically takes place over 12 weeks in the comfort of a patient’s home.

“At Pinnacle Hearing, our mission is simple: Helping Arkansas Hear,” Chatelain said. “We’re proud to take another bold step forward by offering compassionate care and innovative, research-backed solutions for those living with hearing loss and tinnitus.”

Sponsored Content

//

Photos courtesy of Pinnacle Hearing

Dr. Mary Chatelain, left, and Dr. Allison Mabry

Finding Home

Considerations for assisted living and long-term care

By MAK MILLARD

Research from AARP has shown that most adults ages 50 and older would prefer to stay in their own homes and communities as they age, said Patricia Fry, associate state director of community outreach and engagement at AARP Arkansas. That is reflected in the rising popularity of the “mother-in-law quarters,” or accessory dwelling unit.

“Interestingly, adults 18 to 49 surveyed in 2024 say they would entertain living in a mixed-use neighborhood and would be more open to living in a place designed to offer care through different phases of the aging process,” Fry said. “The landscape, quite literally, of the care community is changing rapidly to meet the needs of retirees now and in the future.”

Still, not every home can be retrofitted to meet an aging loved one’s needs, and not every community makes aging in place feasible. The emotional and financial toll of caregiving can also make an ADU or similar setup untenable. Of the same 50-and-older group surveyed by AARP, Fry said, 44 percent expected they would need to move at some point. Without proper planning, deciding when and where to make that move can be a point of stress for seniors and their families.

“When it comes to aging and life transitions, it can be as challenging for the caregiver, if not more so, than for the aging adult,” Fry said.

AARP offers a wealth of information to help caregivers and their loved ones make confident, informed decisions about their living options. Fry recommended starting with the group’s free Prepare to Care guide, which covers five major facets for individuals to consider — starting the conversation, forming a team, making a plan, finding support and caring for oneself.

“This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from having difficult conversations about

finances to understanding all those acronyms that get thrown around by the medical and legal communities,” Fry said.

AARP has other resources for families considering assisted living or long-term care. The group’s printable checklist provides a detailed list of questions to ask when speaking with, touring or reviewing the contract for an assisted living or long-term care residence. From surface-level considerations such as cleanliness, call buttons and unit sizes to less obvious questions about advanced care, emergency generators and discharge policies, the checklist can give seniors and their families a useful base of information from which to compare various facilities. During a visit, AARP also recommends observing employee interactions with residents, in addition to inquiring about staff qualifications and training.

“The person on the phone or giving you a tour is going to put their best foot forward, so be sure to do a little research, like online reviews or complaints with the Better Business Bureau,” Fry said. “It’s also wise to visit a facility several times and at different times of the day.”

A facility’s contract should be carefully pored over by caregivers and family, and AARP’s online resources suggest having a financial adviser and lawyer review the terms, as well. A few items to watch out for, according to the group’s checklist, include entrance fees and monthly rent rates, the level of personal and health care services provided, whether a resident’s space is held if they need to be hospitalized, and any arbitration clauses the facility has. Make sure to get any questions answered and uncertainties settled before signing on the dotted line.

“There are no small questions when it comes to such a big decision for your loved one,” Fry said.

Access the full guide at learn.aarp.org/prepare-tocare-guide.

“Adults 18 to 49 surveyed in 2024 say they would entertain living in a mixed-use neighborhood and would be more open to living in a place designed to offer care through different phases of the aging process.”

— Patricia Fry, AARP Arkansas

Rehabilitative

RANDY ZOOK

Occupation: President and CEO, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce / Associated Industries of Arkansas

Birthdate: Jan. 5, 1945

Hometown: Lake Village

DEFYING FATHER TIME

Prior to taking the helm of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, Randy Zook was the deputy director of administration and finance at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For 34 years, he worked for Atlantic Envelope Co. of Atlanta, a $250 million manufacturer of custom-printed envelopes and business products, serving as president and CEO of the company from 1989 to 2004. He currently serves on the boards at Arkansas Public School Resource Center, Economics Arkansas, and McGehee Farm & Real Estate Co., as well as the executive board at the Quapaw Area Council for Scouting America. He and his wife, Diane, have three grown children and five aboveaverage grandchildren.

How do you define success at this age as opposed to when you were just starting out in life?

As you age, you learn what’s really valuable: spouse, family, friends, generosity and respect, among others. Success at this age is no longer measured in dollars and cents; it’s in your relationships with others. Every day is a gift. Be thankful.

What has life taught you about the value of setbacks and failure?

Setbacks and failures are learning opportunities. If you have paid the price, get your money’s worth.

What do you know to be absolutely true about every person?

Everybody has a story worth hearing and is carrying a lot more load than they let on. Give them a hand, if you can, by listening more and talking less.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self, given the opportunity?

“Take the typing class, dummy.”

(Photo courtesy of Randy Zook)

Nonprofit helps parents cope with loss of a child Minutes to Memories

No child was ever born into more love than Ellie Gray Rose of Little Rock. Her parents, Chris and Hannah (Sokora) Rose, had been in love with the promise of her for decades. Hannah recalled falling for Chris in third grade at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic School, in Little Rock, an attraction that did not fade like the crushes and puppy loves her classmates experienced. The connection was strong enough to lie dormant until the pair rediscovered each other after both had grown and begun their careers, his as a coach and teacher at Catholic High School for Boys and hers as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The two would marry in 2019, bringing them one step closer to their prayed-for firstborn.

Ellie — or, more precisely, the family the two had dreamed about, of which she would be the eldest — was never far from the couple’s vision of themselves and their future. When it was discovered they were expecting, their effervescent joy took second only to the gnawing anticipation of delivery day and the impatience they felt to finally meet her in person.

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by LIZZY YATES

work and stuff, something was off. We went to our 20-week appointment, which was our anatomy scan, and we did the ultrasound and everything. Afterward, the doctor said, ‘Well, she’s perfect from the neck down.’”

The diagnosis, Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome, is a genetic issue that, among other symptoms, causes the bones of an unborn child’s skull to fuse prematurely, restricting the brain’s normal growth. Other attributes of the condition include abnormalities in the limbs, eyes and neck and problems with bodily systems, including cardiovascular, digestive, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, nervous and respiratory.

The odds of contracting the condition were nearly incomprehensible — little Ellie was just the 27th person in the world to be diagnosed with it, her mother said — but the prognosis was something easily understood.

The Colorado-based nonprofit reports having gifted more than 75,000 complimentary portrait sessions.

Then, in an instant, the dream that time and distance could not diminish shattered.

“We found out around, like, 18 weeks that something was wrong,” Hannah said. “We didn’t know what, but based on lab

“The syndrome is not compatible with life,” Hannah said. “I think the oldest living person that I found was, like, 5 to 7 years old, and they were wheelchair bound, couldn’t speak, couldn’t feed themselves, had been just in and out of the hospital their whole life. That’s just not the life that we wanted for Ellie.”

The awareness of something amiss proved to be the halfway point in the family’s journey. Ellie was born May 7, 2024, at 36 weeks, a little more than

one week for every minute of life she would have on this earth. Her parents had already made the decision that her existence would be spent in comfort care — rather than being whisked away to the NICU, she would remain with the two people who had so long and lovingly awaited their moment to say hello and, as it turned out, goodbye.

“Both of us were crushed as soon as we heard the diagnosis. I think there was probably a week where we were mourning, trying to find answers and just mad,” Chris said. “Then I think both of us just collectively made the decision that we’ve got to attack this head-on in terms of finding answers. It was about what we needed to do for Ellie but, also, what do we need to do that’s best for Hannah, as well? Finding the answers to do the right thing kind of put our hearts in the right place.

“By the time Ellie came into this world,for the 30 minutes that she was alive, we were at peace with the fact that we were going to enjoy the time we had with her. She’s in a better place, and we’re so thankful for it.”

As the chapter of the Rose family’s life unfolded in the delivery room, Lizzy Yates stood nearby, snapping photographs. Yates, a Little Rock-based professional photographer, was there at the behest of the Roses as part of her volunteer work with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization she had volunteered with for more than a decade. Through the nonprofit, she has served hundreds of families, each one providing a unique set of opportunities and challenges.

“I try to enter these rooms and these situa-

tions, essentially offering a gift to these families of capturing the time that they have with their little ones and offering them a way to remember them that is beautiful and accessible and timeless,” Yates said. “Hopefully, this will be something that will allow them to, at least, aid in the healing.

“It’s the ultimate expression of what I do, capturing the most important moments that a family has. While we usually define that as capturing pictures of life, you know, in a very literal sense, the life is absent in some of these situations, but the love and the life of these families is so very, very present.”

Now in its 20th year, the Colorado-based nonprofit reports having gifted more than 75,000 complimentary portrait sessions in its history to families in the U.S., Canada, and 14 foreign countries and military bases. The group’s founder herself experienced the loss of a child, inspiring the mission, and while that is a common theme among many of the photographers that carry out the group’s work, such is not Yates’ story, which helps explain her initial reluctance to explore this type of photography in the first place.

“The way I came to the organization was truly through happenstance,” she said. “I was at a photography conference, and [Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep] had a booth in the back. They were recruiting volunteers. My best friend, who was also a photographer, said she wanted to go to the training, and I said there is no way in the world that I can do that work. There’s absolutely no way.

“I could not see in myself the ability to be in such an emotional situation and provide a

This is capturing a child’s whole story for a family.”

— Lizzy Yates, photographer

service without becoming so emotionally involved as to become sort of not helpful. I told my friend, ‘I’ll go the training with you, but I’m never going to do that.’”

Yates, who specializes in infant’s and children’s portraits, among her other work, said she strives to tell a story within a single image. As she sat through the training in support of her friend, she was astonished by the realization that this type of photography represented the highest example of that ethos.

“This is capturing a child’s whole story for a family,” she said. “As I sat there in the training, it became more of a sensation of, ‘How can I not do this?’”

As the organization’s area coordinator, Yates maintains relationships with area hospitals and helps recruit and oversee vetting and training of like-minded photographers wishing to help, who currently number about eight in various stages of the onboarding process. Sometimes she is contacted directly by families, but, in the vast majority of cases, it is by hospitals. Most of the work in central Arkansas is currently done through UAMS, Baptist Health and Children’s Hospital in Little Rock with the occasional shoot in Conway, she said.

Melissa Odom, a registered nurse, is share coordinator at Baptist Health Medical Center. Her role helps coordinate bereavement resources for parents and families of high-risk patients, as well as those experiencing the loss of a child.

“With Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, the real gem here is getting a professional photographer who not only is a professional photographer but is trained in this type of photography specifically,” she said. “It’s not the same as taking pictures of a live baby. It doesn’t have expression. It doesn’t have movement.

“Having somebody come in who really captures the moment, the feelings and the experience and not just, ‘Well, we’re just going to take pictures of this baby so that the family has pictures of this baby,’ is important. Their photographers provide so much more than that.”

Odom said the impact of a NILMDTS portrait goes well beyond the physical product parents receive, and she should know. Her daughter was stillborn in 1999, and she miscarried again before the birth of her son in 2001. More than 25 years after those losses, the emotions still simmer beneath the surface, erupting through her composure when she least expects it.

“I think one of the biggest things here is we are dealing with a type of grief that has historically been suppressed and hidden. It’s been very taboo,” she said. “When I teach a class about this, I tell the story of a best friend of mine who is eight years younger than me who has a sibling who was stillborn at full term, and

nobody knows where that baby ended up or what that baby’s name was because it was not named. That was typical. Historically, it was typical for a physician to say, ‘Well, you know, it’s better not to see them. It’s better not to touch them. It’s better for you to just move on. It’s better for you to get pregnant again.’ Over the years, people started to see, well, maybe we need to approach this differently.

“One of the hardest things about losing a child during pregnancy or at the end of pregnancy is that nobody really knows that baby but the person who’s carrying it. It’s just this, kind of, this thought, but it’s not a tangible being to people. The photography that they provide really helps to fill that gap and make these babies tangible and memorable and a part of the family that can be shared with other people. They have these photographs that they can be very comfortable sharing. They can be comfortable putting them on social media. They can be comfortable sharing them with other people in their lives because they’re so tastefully done.”

For Chris and Hannah, the portraits taken of them with Ellie are an irreplaceable chronicle of a moment in time.

“I do think it was really special, especially from my perspective,” Hannah said. “I had a [cesarean section], so they give you all this medicine. I felt like I was present, but then, looking back at the photos, I was like, ‘Oh, well, I don’t remember this,’ or ‘I don’t remember that.’ It is nice for me to be able to look back and have those moments captured, even though I may not have been, like, mentally aware of everything going on.

“It was also nice that our families were included in the photos, all of our parents, our siblings. It was really nice to be able to include them so they also had those memories that they can look back on.”

It is hard to describe how powerful the achingly beautiful images are — the wonder in the parent’s faces and how the acceptance of what is shortly to happen shares space with the tenderness by which they cradle their daughter in those few fleeting minutes of life. Most of all, the black-and-white masterpieces place their daughter’s humanity over her condition, tinged around the edges by the love and commitment the couple feel toward each other through her.

“It’s something to look back on,” Chris said. “I mean, you can read an article. You can read text messages and kind of go back and get an image in your mind of how it went, but when you see pictures of that night, you can recount how special it was. Lizzy captured us through the pictures, just what we were feeling and what it meant to us. She really captured the emotion and the importance of the moment.

“You know, we can look back on the pictures and know that we did everything possible to put our child in the best place that she could be. Every time Hannah and I look at those pictures, that’s what we think about.”

WINDOWS to the SOUL

THERE IS MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE WHEN IT COMES TO OCULAR HEALTH

By ALEX HARDGRAVE

There is a saying that goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” However, when it comes to science, the eyes are actually a window to a lot of information about the body’s health.

“A lot of people don’t understand or aren’t aware of just how many things can show up in the eye and give you an idea of other things that may be going on in the body,” said Dr. Shane Ford, optometrist at Arkansas Eye Care Group.

He said some of the main ailments that can affect eyes are diabetes and issues with blood pressure and cholesterol. Looking at the eyes can tip providers off that there may be other problems in the body, in which case optometrists recommend patients see a physician.

That means eye health is as simple — or not so simple — as keeping the whole body healthy through habits such as a good diet, exercise and sun protection.

Some of the most common diseases Ford has seen in patients have to do a lot with genetics, as well. Glaucoma, in which nerve fibers behind the eye begin to die off, is heavily genetic, Ford said.

“The problem with glaucoma is patients won’t have symptoms with that one until it’s tended to advance,” he said.

Macular degeneration, a disease that causes part of the retina to become “sick,” is another disease that can be caught during an eye exam.

Another well-known condition is cataracts. With cataracts, a patient may experience blurry vision or needing more light to read. Even when cataracts have progressed, physicians can now perform surgery to remove them.

“I call them the gray hair of the eye,” said Dr. Celina Watson, optometric physician at C Klear Vision Optique in Little Rock. “If you live long enough, it’s going to happen.”

She said that instances of glaucoma and macular degeneration increase with age, as well, and that some diseases and issues are more common depending on race.

Some of the main ailments that can affect eyes are diabetes and issues with blood pressure and cholesterol. Looking at the eyes can tip providers off that there may be other problems in the body.

“I’m an African American, female doctor that grew up here in central Arkansas, so I think that a lot of people ask questions about if there is a difference between what I would look for in an African American patient compared to a Caucasian patient compared to an Asian pa tient,” she said. “The answer is no.”

Watson said she looks for the same things in all patients, completing the same comprehensive examination on every one, but said she does keep information in the back of her head.

“There are some things that definitely tend to be more normal or more ethnically-appropriate variations,” she said.

Dry eyes is an extremely common issue that all people can be prone to having. It is seen often in adults who may be staring at screens all day at their jobs. However, since children are spending more time on screens, as well, the problem

is becoming more prevalent for them, Ford said. He recommended balancing screen time with playing outside or with toys that do not have screens.

“Screen time is just going to be a fact of life for them, so it’s about learning how to balance that necessary screen time with playing,” he said, adding that simply looking away from a screen after 15 or 20 minutes can help mitigate the condition.

Watson said she recommends people follow the 20-20-20 rule. That means for every 20 minutes that patients are looking at a screen, they should look up for 20 seconds at a target that is at least 20 feet away.

Dr. Shane Ford

Dr. Celina Watson

NORMAL EYE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

CATARACTS

She also said variables such as wearing contact lenses and frequency of time spent outside can affect dry eyes, as well.

“We spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking Pinnacle Mountain and at the lake and at the river, and so we tend to expose ourselves to the environment more than other parts of the country,” she said.

people should have their eyes checked every one to two years. He said it can be necessary to visit more often if a person has an eye disease that needs to be managed.

Josh Burrow, owner of Burrow’s & Mr. Frank’s Optical in Little Rock, said a person should consider new lenses every one to two years, as well, depending on changes in prescriptions and wear on the lenses.

Sometimes misalignments in the eye can cause eye strain, and C Klear has a new machine to help identify it, Watson said. The device, called a Neurolens, can measure micromisalignments in the eye and then help the doctors to create lenses that can align eyes correctly.

“Good quality frames can last for years, but styles change, and people tend to want to change every few years,” he said. “It’s also important to keep a frame as a good backup pair.”

MACULAR DEGENERATION

Ford said many of the common diseases are hard to catch without regular checkups, which is why

Stylewise, Burrow said he is seeing thick, bold, chunky frames gain in popularity, as well as frames with a lot of colors. Blues and greens seem to be especially popular among clients.

Watson said she has seen the same trends among her patients. She has also seen a rise in the popularity of cat-eye shaped glasses.

“Your frames say so much about you,” Burrow said. “They are the first thing people see when they look at you. They are jewelry for your eyes.”

However, beyond fashion, there are important things to consider when getting glasses.

“Quality matters when it comes to frame and lens,” Burrow said. “Your glasses shouldn’t just be considered a medical device. Don’t just settle for whatever inexpensive frame and lens your insurance will cover. Your vision is so important, and you should go for quality lenses to see your very best.”

Ford said the best thing for patients to do is to consult experts when picking out glasses.

“When anybody is picking out eye wear, the first thing they focus on is how do they look?” Ford said. “‘Are they super cute? Do I love the colors?’ That’s super important, but, at the same time, if they don’t have someone knowledgeable helping guide them through that process, they wind up getting some frames that look really good but don’t fit well. That leads to them not being happy.”

He said a common problem with illfitted glasses is they do not stay in place

on the face. Burrow stressed the importance of the right fit when it comes to frames to avoid them constantly slipping down the nose.

“The fit of the frame is one of the most important factors when you choose a pair of glasses,” Burrow said. “You also want to consider your lifestyle and type of lens you need and what style of frame would work best for your needs.”

For that reason, Watson warned against using online glasses retailers because it can be hard to get fitted correctly, and the materials used are often not as high quality. She said if one does find a pair of frames they love on a website, only buy the frames, and bring them into an in-person professional to have lenses added and the fit done properly.

Along with countless frame options, there are also many different types of films that can be added to enhance comfort and safety for wearers. Antiglare and ultraviolet protection are the most common additions to lenses, and the professionals recommend people wear sunglasses even when they do not feel eye strain from the sun.

“UV exposure is one of the leading causes of several eye problems, like cataracts, and glasses and sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays.” Burrow said. It’s also important your lenses are impact resistant to protect your eyes in case of an accident, like a fall.”

For people considering contact lenses instead, Watson said the main factor for patients to consider is how motivated they will be to care for them.

“The quite honest truth of contact lenses is that they

“Your frames say so much about you. They are the first thing people see when they look at you. They are jewelry for your eyes.”

— Josh Burrow, Burrow’s & Mr. Frank’s Optical

require more — more thought, more maintenance, more cost,” she said.

She said young people tend to wear contacts more commonly, and one way they can promote healthy eyes as they age is by being diligent about changing and cleaning their contacts according to the instructions provided.

However, no matter how much people do to protect their eyes, vision will change throughout their lives.

“Some of the parts that are going to change with the eye are inevitable no matter what you do,” Ford said, “but the quality of vision and the number of problems you may experience with your eyes and vision can likely be improved and problems lessened by taking care of yourself,” Ford said.

(Photo courtesy of Burrow's & Mr. Frank's Optical)

The

EARLY INTERVENTION THE KEY TO GOOD EYESIGHT IN LATER YEARS

By DOUG CRISE

One might not expect Dr. Paul Phillips to talk about diabetes right off the bat.

Phillips is a professor and chairman of the department of ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Ask him about the challenges his patients typically face, and one might expect talk about common maladies such as glaucoma or cataract degradation. Phillips’ message is far more urgent.

“Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults,” Phillips said, “and Arkansas is one of the leading states in the nation with about 11 to 13 percent.”

Do the math.

“That’s about 350,000 that have diabetes,” Phillips said.

It is called diabetic retinopathy, and it occurs when the blood vessels in the retina become damaged by the effects of diabetes. Left unchecked, the condition can sharply decrease a patient’s vision and even lead to blindness.

Blood sugar levels are not always the first thing discussed at an eye care clinic, but it can be the very thing that can save a patient’s eyesight.

“This is one of the biggest things when talking about the health of Arkansans,” Phillips said. “This is one of the biggest things we focus on because if you diagnose the diabetic retinopathy early, we can treat it. We can treat it with minor procedures, like with lasers, but if it progresses and really impacts the retina, then you’ll need surgeries, and you’ll end up with patients either losing vision or going blind.”

Phillips is not alone in his assertions. Speak to just about anyone in the eye care industry in Arkansas, and similar versions of the same message emerge: Watch your blood sugar. See an eye doctor if diagnosed with diabetes. Do not wait to make an appointment, even if experiencing just a small vision problem.

“Glaucoma — and diabetic retinopathy in particular — can go undetected until a significant vision loss has occurred,” said Dr. Donald Gauldin, a board-certified glaucoma and cataract surgeon at McFarland Eye Care. “Any gradual vision changes, eye pain or trouble with night vision should prompt a visit. Annual eye exams are key.”

Eye care is one of those medical fields where the worry about side effects tends to be bigger than the side effects

“Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults.”

— Dr. Paul Phillips, UAMS

themselves. More and more, common maladies that used to require invasive procedures can be done the same day without patients having to change their work and life schedules.

The underlying message is clear — get in early.

“Cataract and mildly invasive glaucoma surgery procedures have become far less invasive,” Gauldin said. “Most are done on an outpatient basis with faster recovery and better outcomes than ever before thanks to improved surgical technology and techniques.”

Cataract issues and glaucoma — a condition in which pressure of the eye rises and damages the optic nerve — are the most common eye maladies for older patients, so much so that they are now often treated at the same time. A doctor can make a tiny incision in the eye to remove built-up fluid that can cause eye pressure and then, with the same incision, remove the damaged cataract and replace it with a small artificial lens.

Not only is the dual procedure less expensive — think of it as two for the price of one — but a patient typically has only a short

“Any gradual vision changes, eye pain or trouble with night vision should prompt a visit. Annual eye exams are key.”

— Dr. Donald Gauldin, McFarland Eye Care

“Don’t wait. If you’ve got an eye injury or you can’t open your eyes or something like that, don’t wait. Go to the emergency room.”

— Michael Kaczkowski, Center for Alloplastic Facial Reconstruction and the Arkansas Artificial Eye Clinic

recovery time. Making things even easier, cameras with which a primary care physician can take pictures of the eye and immediately send them to an eye care specialist are becoming available.

“If we see someone’s in trouble, we make sure they get referred for more urgent care,” Phillips said. “We’ve now screened well over a thousand patients and have saved sight in several hundred of them.”

For patients whose cataracts have been affected, the path to postsurgical life has also been streamlined.

“We’re also seeing a growing trend among patients who wish to reduce their dependence on eyeglasses following cataract surgery,” Gauldin said. “To meet this demand, we’re proud to offer advanced-technology intraocular lenses that help patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom in their daily lives.”

All that being said, the eye remains one of the most fragile parts of the body both inside and out. Diabetes and degenerative conditions are one thing, but injuries are quite another, and unlike, say, glaucoma, eye trauma does not discriminate based on age.

Michael Kaczkowski is director of the Center for Alloplastic Facial Reconstruction and the Arkansas Artificial Eye Clinic in Little Rock. Over more than 35 years of treating facial injuries, he has seen — and found solutions to — just about everything.

“That’s where we fall in, when there’s no surgical option for the repair of the eye,” Kaczkowski said, “and the eye is now nonsighted, or there’s no eye at all or just a partial eye. That’s where we come in.”

In medical terms, “alloplastic” can be used to mean any organic or synthetic material used to reconstruct damaged tissue, which is different from the body’s ability to generate its own new tissue. Push away the scientific terminology, and Kaczkowski’s job is to give people hope. Few things prepare a patient for losing an eye, damaging an eye or having a facial injury that affects the eye, yet technology has come to the point where replacing a damaged or lost eye can give patients a new lease on life.

Part of Kaczkowski’s offerings include prosthetic eyes and/or custom ocular prosthesis, which offer accuracy and naturalistic qualities that are, put simply, breathtaking.

“We can use other materials to go into the body that are permanent or removable,” Kaczkowski said. “Everything we do here is going to be some kind of alloplastic material. We have created our own processes and our own inventions.

We have different prosthetic iris technologies we’ve developed over the years. They look hyperrealistic and have different layers of depth that correspond to each patient.”

Kaczkowski said there is no end to the list of factors that can lead to serious eye damage.

“I’ve seen an increased number of violent crimes,” Kaczkowski said, “family members shooting people point blank in the face or just violent crimes with a blunt instrument. There’s also been an increase in self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face. That is something that is a growing sociological problem.

“In other cases, we’ve seen cancers, and we’ve also seen an increase in parasitic situations where people have a worm in their eye.”

Kaczkowski has the same message as his colleagues: Address any and all eye-trauma situations as soon as possible.

“Don’t wait,” Kaczkowski said. “If you’ve got an eye injury or you can’t open your eyes or something like that, don’t wait. Go to the emergency room.”

Vision problems are not always a case of the obvious, as it often is with Kaczkowski’s patients. A patient can be in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy and not even know it. Even vision loss itself can be so gradual that a patient may not think there’s a need for an eye exam.

That is what makes annual eye exams so important. Although they may feel like an added inconvenience, especially if a patient has not noticed a drop-off in vision, in the case of diabetic retinopathy and other conditions, an eye specialist can spot a problem before it makes its presence known. The options for combating loss of sight are many but only if the conversation begins early.

“The important thing for an adult who has been diagnosed is, ideally, to get in once a year so, hopefully, we can catch it,” Phillips said. “If there’s mild diabetic retinopathy, the goal is to stop the sight loss from getting worse. You want to keep the sight perfect. It’s much harder to bring back once it’s lost.”

Regardless of your eye condition, W E C A N H E L P .

Shadow Force

co-writer puts Black heroes

front and center

Off the MARGINS

By SARAH DECLERK // Photos by CHRIS DAVIS

the family on screen was pretty incredible, but so was the family that put together a private screening of Shadow Force in Little Rock to honor cowriter Leon Chills. It was a kind of homecoming that culminated in Chills’ stepfather, Cory Anderson, reading Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s proclamation of May 9, 2025, as Leon Chills Day.

“It was almost like a mini family reunion,” Chills said. “It felt good to bring people together, especially the family, considering the theme of the movie being family over everything. The Leon Chills Day was a surprise and brought me to tears, so yeah, it was really special. I’m glad I was able to do it and hope that it inspires other people from Little Rock to chase their dreams, just them seeing that I was able to.”

Chills grew up in Little Rock and moved to Maryland after eighth grade. He got into action films early on, going with his father, Leon Chitman Sr., to see Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wesley Snipes gun it out with the bad guys on weekends. At age 12, he saw The Matrix, and it became his favorite movie.

Chills poses with female lead Kerry Washington at the premier for Shadow Force. (Photo courtesy of Leon Chills)

He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he majored in computer science and minored in math. He then headed to Wall Street where he worked at JPMorganChase, but for all his success, he felt like something was missing.

“I was just unhappy,” he said. “Even though I had a good job, I just felt like, I guess, I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose or doing what I really love in life. That led to some soul searching. I always loved film and television. I just never took it seriously as a career.”

He started reading scripts and books about screenwriting, as well as one particular book, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, that helped him tap into his creativity.

While he was still working at JPMorgan, a script he had co-written with a friend was optioned for a movie by a producer who Chills had met at the Cannes Film Festival. The film never happened, but Chills was encouraged that he could make it as a screenwriter.

“I kind of took it as a sign that I was on the right path — you know, that I was able to get a script optioned without going to film school,” he said. “The year after that is when I took the leap of faith and quit JPMorgan and moved to LA.”

A friend in LA sublet his apartment and car to Chills, and so began a decade of life in the City of Angels.

Chills worked odd jobs while writing the first few years before landing a job as assistant to Reginald Hudlin, an industry veteran who produced Marshall, Showtime at the Apollo and the NAACP Image Awards while mentoring Chills. He also provided what Chills called “a crash course in all aspects of Hollywood.”

“That essentially became my unofficial film school,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful for those two years and just the inspiration that he and his family provided me just for seeing them exist in Hollywood and be successful as a Black family.”

It took seven years of writing for free and four years of living in LA before Chills sold his first script. He churned out one, two, three, four, five, six potential movies. None of them sold, but with each script, the self-taught writer got a little better, found his voice a little more and made a little more sense of what production houses wanted in a film.

Then came Shadow Force

It took seven years of writing for free and four years of living in LA before Chills sold his first script.

Released in May, it was Chills’ first major motion picture, and it managed to pull some top-level talent in Kerry Washington and Omar Sy. The action elements have been staples since the early James Bond films but nonetheless come off as fresh and modern, offset by snarky one-liners seemingly inspired by comic books.

Woven in is the love story between the two main characters, Kyrah Owens and Isaac Sarr, for whom the gulf of time and distance is palpable, as is the affection they have for their son, Ky Sarr, the unwitting driver of the plot.

“The character of Kyrah was inspired by my mom, who has always looked out for and protected us and fought for us. I was just also very intentional about wanting there to be a very present Black father because oftentimes, in the media, the narrative is of an absent Black father,” Chills said, “so it was a combination of, really, just writing the movie that I wanted to see and a little bit, subconsciously, about my fear of having kids because at the time, I didn’t have any kids.”

Now with three children, Chills said he could not write Shadow Force today. He could not put a child in that level of danger as a parent, he said, but even though he wrote Ky, played by Jahleel

Chills said his family has been supportive of his career, even arranging screenings of Shadow Force. At the Little Rock screening, his father read the mayor's proclamation of Leon Chills Day.

Kamara, based on guesswork and his own memories, the youngster is one of the film’s most believable characters.

“He acts just like my 5-year-old son,” Chills said. “It’s crazy how similar they are.”

While the embattled family and supporting characters Auntie and Unc — played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Method Man — give an authentic portrayal of many elements that define Black culture, from the humorous to the heartbreaking, Shadow Force is not a Black action film. It is a film that places Black characters centerstage in a genre where they are so often pushed to the sidelines.

“Even though it’s 2025, as far as Hollywood is concerned, it’s still rare, unfortunately, to see movies with Black characters or characters of color,” Chills said. “As a writer, I feel like the most that I can do is to center the characters on the page so that the excuse can’t be made that the reason that those movies aren’t coming out is because those scripts don’t exist. You know, I can make sure those scripts exist and just hope for the best after that.”

Chills co-created a Netflix series titled Rougarou with Gerard McMurray that Chills described as “basically like Teen Wolf but set at an HBCU, a historically Black college.” The series did not get the green light, but it was a fun project to work on, he said.

He also penned Icon & Rocket for DC Comics as part of

The next step for me is definitely becoming a writer-director. That's the only way you can see your vision all the way through and make sure what you've put on the page is actually executed and up on the screen.

Stepfather Cory Anderson, from left, mother Phillis Anderson, Chills, wife Kristen Chitman and brother Quentin Anderson prepare to leave for the Shadow Force premier.

(Photo courtesy of Leon Chills)

the relaunch of Milestone Media, a company that helped address the lack of representation in comic books during the late 1980s and early 1990s by introducing the famed duo and other characters of color.

“It was very special to be a part of the revival of it,” he said, “and with Icon & Rocket, you have a duo that are pretty much opposites in every way. He’s been on Earth for hundreds of years, and she’s a teenage girl. He has more, I would say, I guess, Republican or right-wing points of view, where she’s more liberal and militant.

“It’s just fun having those characters bounce off each other and, also, showing that Black people are not all the same and have different points of view and perspective, and, a lot of times, they, despite those differences, are still able to come together to, you know, save the world.”

Chills has been on staff for two TV series — Netflix’s Spinning Out and Amazon Prime’s The Wilds. Both of them feature the family drama and action elements that appeal to Chills as a genre writer, but nothing compares to seeing his own stories come to life.

“The next step for me is definitely becoming a writer-director. That’s the only way you can see your vision all the way through and make sure what you’ve put on the page is actually executed and up on the screen,” he said. “Producing, as well — I think producing is really the best way to be able to help pull other people up with you because, as a producer, you’re making projects happen, and

so that is also a goal of mine, for sure.”

He added that he is currently working on selling an action movie set in Arkansas and would be excited to bring more filmmaking to the Natural State.

Chills, who recently moved back to Maryland to be closer to family, said without the support of his wife and other family members while he was living in LA, he probably would have given up on his dream. It was difficult to watch each year pass without selling a script.

“Going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, for some people, those are holidays they might not look forward to because they might not like their families, but for me, it kind of would refill my cup every year because they’re at the end of the year, and so it’s around the time that I would know that that wasn’t the year that it would happen,” he said. “Seeing them and feeling the love would definitely help keep me going and restore the hope.”

His faith is also important to him, he added. Like his characters, Chills makes the choice to be brave, following his inner light even when the world seems bathed in shadow. After all, nobody writes an action movie where nothing bad happens. How else would there be heroes?

“My fear is on 9, but my faith is on 10,” Chills said. “I think the idea of being fearless is a misnomer. I think a lot of times, when you do things in life that you’re very passionate about, I think there’s a lot of fear there, but the fear is just less than your faith.”

Chills described the Little Rock screening as a “mini family reunion.”

arts & culture

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of GOO GOO DOLLS

AY About You: You have described the band’s early days as just basically a brawl every night. Robby Takac: That’s pretty accurate.

AY: At that age, you probably could not really conceive of one day recording something like “Slide” or “Name” and that whole genre, no?

Takac: You know, you start out in a band wanting to sound like the bands you love, so, in the mid-’80s, when our band started, we were trying to do what the bands that we loved were doing. I don’t know if there was a lot of original thought at that point, but that’s where you kind of get your footing and your foundation as to what kind of band you are. We had 10 years rolling around in the clubs and playing to sometimes empty, sometimes full little rooms all over the place. We got a really good chance to, like, see what kind of band we could become, you know?

The record industry was different back then too. They would see a band and say, ‘Ah, this band has potential, and now we expect you to sell an outrageous amount of music on your first outing,’ so they would help develop a band, and there were smaller labels that did the same thing. For us, that was where we were sort of living. We weren’t really that successful, but we were learning how to be a great band.

AY: How did that evolution as artists happen, where, even though this was not what you anticipated, that is where the music led you, and you embraced it?

Takac: By the time our record Superstar Car Wash came out, we were able to kind of be out there and present ourselves. It always seemed as though the wheels were going to come off, but we were presenting ourselves in a pretty professional way, you know? We knew what was important. We were learning the right songs and learning what some of our strengths were. John, in particular, was learning a lot of strengths that he didn’t even know he had as we moved on.

I don’t know if that’s something that a lot of bands get to do now, under the tutelage of folks who are in the music business. We had a lot of legendary people come through our circle over the years who gave us a lot of good and some shitty advice at the same time. Ultimately, if you’re honest in what you’re doing and let yourself grow as a group and kind of figure things out and discover things, you can sort of let that guide you and lead you to what your next thing is going to sound like. That’s always sort of what we subscribed to.

AY: One of your favorite bands and influences you’ve mentioned is Cheap Trick. I remember seeing an interview one time where somebody brought in a demo tape of “The Flame,” that big monster power ballad they had. Guitarist Rick Nielsen said in the interview that after hearing it for the first time, he pulled it out of the tape deck and threw it against the wall. He could not envision them doing that. Was there ever anything that came along, maybe even a song you introduced, that took a little bit of selling, or were so you guys connected musically that you could see immediately why this made sense and how this could work into your repertoire?

Takac: Well, you know, Cheap Trick didn’t play that song live for a long time. Like, even when it was a huge hit, they weren’t playing it. They do play it now, actually. We’ve done a couple shows with them, and it was a lot of fun. I think, maybe, the difference with that is, you know, Cheap Trick was used to doing other people’s songs, like “Ain’t That a Shame?” and “Dont’ be Cruel.” [“The Flame”] was probably brought to them like, ‘You guys should do this song. It’s going to be a hit.’

You asked if people ever brought things in and we were like, ‘What the hell is this?’ We’ve never really been in that position where someone’s come in and said, “Here, do this song. It should be a big hit.” John’s written songs with plenty of people, but I don’t think it was ever a departure that was so far out there. We were more like I’ll come in with 12 songs, and two will end up on the record — because they’re not finished songs. They’re just ideas. Most of those things probably didn’t belong anyway.

AY: The audience must have approved or, at least, was maturing in the same direction you did to stick with you even as this journey unfolded.

Takac: For us, like, when we did “Iris,” we had done some acoustic stuff, and we had done some other songs that were based in that world. I can remember we were doing “Iris” for a movie soundtrack. We weren’t even recording Dizzy Up the Girl yet. This orchestra was all set up, a huge orchestra, and John and I just remember looking at each other and just thinking, ‘Wow.’

We laugh about that often and say, like, we were watching the garage door firmly slam behind us. You know, you listen to our first record and you listen to our latest record. I don’t even think you’d recognize it’s the same band, but if you listen to the first record to the second record and then the second record to the third record, it makes perfect sense, you know? I think that’s how we were able to grow, by making those changes.

AY: Measuring a career in decades in an industry as fickle as entertainment, is that a big thing for you to get your head around, or is it just kind of that, hey, one day after the other, and then you look up, and it’s been 30 years?

Takac: Yeah, sometimes it feels like you blinked. Sometimes it feels like it’s been a hundred years, depending on what aspect of it you’re talking about. I don’t think I ever thought, when I was 20, doing this, I don’t think I ever thought about if we would be 60 and doing it. That’s not something that ever really crossed our minds. We were just sort of getting to the next day. I mean, the progression and, especially, watching the way the music industry has changed, you feel like after years and years of doing this, you learn how it works.

AY: Do you feel that way?

Takac: It’s like nobody knows how this industry works anymore, and, in a way, it sucks, you know? It’s disappointing because — and, obviously, I speak from a fortunate position in this business — but for the average person in this business, it’s really difficult to make it happen these days. I work with a couple of smaller bands, and it’s just amazing how much more difficult it is now than it was just, maybe, 10 years ago and how much the music industry’s changed and the revenue streams have changed and all that sort of stuff.

Navigating the way things work and trying to figure out where your art is in it and, at the same time, releasing new music is really different now. The way things are, we can release a song that afternoon, and people will know it when they get to the gig that night. As long as we make enough of a big deal about it on social media, they’ll be able to listen to it in their car on the way over. That’s the fortunate part of it. The unfortunate part of it is way fewer people are buying LPs anymore. Everything’s really become pretty singles driven, which is a big change in this business.

AY: What has remained a constant spark that, after all of these years, connects you and John on a new song or on stage or whatever that is that lets you summon that energy to do what you do night after night?

Goo Goo Dolls founders John Rzeznik, lead vocalist and guitarist, and bassist and vocalist Robby Takac.

Takac: I think part of it is just being out there wanting to see it cross the finish line every night. I think that’s a big part of it. I don’t know. We’ve been super lucky, I think, more than anything else, to be able to figure out a way to navigate this. There’s been times that we haven’t talked for a really long time — I mean months — and there’s times when we’re out on tour, we’ll see each other every single morning, just sit and have coffee and talk about life. I think one of the reasons we’re able to do this is because we are able to get away from each other for a little while and do our thing and take a breather.

You know, when you start to hear the rhythm of the way people breathe, it’s a dangerous time, and you need to take a step back for a second and let people have their own space. We’ve been doing this a long time together, so we know where each other’s spaces are, and we try to respect that.

AY: What have you got going on right now? What can fans look forward to?

Takac: We released a single a little while back called “Run All Night,” which is a pretty great song. That will be included on a long-running EP that we’re going to put out called Summer Anthem. It’s produced by Gregg Wattenberg, who has done a lot on the past few records we’ve done. We’ve been working on that in New York. We were supposed to take last year off, and it turned

into anything but that. We ended up doing a lot of shows, man. It wasn’t consistent touring, but we were out almost every weekend through most of the year last year, so it was really busy for us, so we’ve been working diligently to get a couple singles out by the time the tour starts and, hopefully, have a whole album out by the time the tour’s finished.

AY: Finally, what can audiences expect from your upcoming show in Arkansas?

Takac: Well, part of it, you know, there’s a bunch of hit songs that we know people have put down their hard-earned money for, and so we try to hit most of those songs. We do a few new ones that’ll be on this new record and go a little bit deeper into the catalog. We’ve got some time on these shows. We just did a bunch of opening slots over in Australia with Matchbox Twenty, and trying to put a Goo Goo Dolls show into 60 minutes is crazy.

Yeah, you know, we’ll have a great show. We’re about to go into rehearsals for a few days here, and then we start up in early July — big light show, big PA, all that stuff. It’ll be lots of fun.

Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional 7:30 p.m. July 19

Walmart AMP, Rogers

murder mystery

On the man’s arm was a tattoo of the grim reaper, as if to brand the man as the murderer he was. Now afraid for his own life, Arkansas inmate No. 86738 wanted to cut a deal, but it never happened, and because it did not, a young girl was, perhaps, lost for four decades — not that anyone was looking for her. They most certainly were not.

Altoona, Florida, April 18, 1984 — the body of a female with reddish brown hair who was hardly past her teens was found just off a trail.

A wisp of a girl, she had been far too small to fight off her fatal stabbing. Someone remembered there had recently been a young hitchhiker named Judy around the area. By default, really, the unidentified victim became known as Judy Doe.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office did everything for her — fingerprints, dental records, a National Missing and Unidentified Persons System profile, facial reconstruction, even early DNA testing — but her identity and her killer eluded them.

In 2023, Cpl. Zachary Williams teamed up with Othram, a private Texas laboratory that specializes in forensic genetic genealogy. Judy Doe’s DNA proved viable, an initial familial match was made, and, in December 2024, there was an announcement. Judy Doe was an Arkansas girl named Rebecca Sue Hill.

Since then, the answer to Rebecca’s identity has only led to more questions. The last time her brother, Eddie, saw her was in early 1981. A new Army recruit, Eddie was about to board a bus in Little Rock for boot camp as Rebecca pleaded with him not to leave. What could he do? What could any of the siblings do, really, but leave? Their newly married sister had left, and now Eddie was going too.

By SARAH RUSSELL

Their father, Edwin, had brought a stepmother into their lives, but it was hardly The Brady Bunch. The isolation of their rural life concealed the struggles — mental and physical — that were constant at their father’s house. As a possible testament to her fear, healed fractures were found on Rebecca’s body,

Later, in 1981, the siblings learned their shy little sister had been found by law enforcement traveling out of state with a trucker. She was involved in prostitution, her father said, but whether it was willingly or by force was not clear. By that Christmas, another missing person’s report was put out for her. Nothing more is known about Rebecca’s life until she became Judy Doe, the girl who would not be brought home alive again.

In 2002, NBC’s Dateline team was preparing an episode about alleged serial killer Michael Ronning aka Michael Haroldson. They learned that Ronning, the man with the grim reaper tattoo, had been issued a traffic ticket April 17, 1984, in Umatilla, Florida.

This information was significant to the LCSO. Umatilla was just a few miles from the location where Judy Doe’s body was discovered a day after the traffic stop. Before May came, Ronning, a construction worker in the area, had taken his wife/cousin, Vicky, and performed his own disappearing act.

In 1986, an Arkansas jury gave Ronning a life sentence for the murder of 19-year-old Diana Lynn Hanley. Now that he had Dateline’s attention, he persuaded the producer that he was prepared to help authorities close the cases of multiple other young girls he had killed. He just did not want to die for it.

The producer contacted the governors of Michigan, Texas and Florida with Ronning’s offer, but it was not a governor’s deal to make. That call would be up to prosecutors in those states, and that would prove to be a very inconvenient truth for Ronning.

In order to get automatic protection from the death penalty in all the states, Ronning would first have to negotiate a plea deal with Michigan prosecutors. In addition to the plea deal, Ronning also wanted to serve out his life sentence in Michigan instead of Arkansas. The man who had delivered such devastation to so many families wanted to be near his own.

Michigan prosecutors had heard all of it from Ronning back in the 1990s, and they were not in any more of an accommodating mood this time around. Based on inconsistencies in Ronning’s statement, their position was that he was falsely confessing to three murders in their state just to punch his ticket home. Plus, in the case of the third victim, Patricia Rosanky, another man, Thomas Cress, was doing life, and they were OK with that too.

Clarity continues to elude authorities as to precise identification. Ideally, the Jane Doe’s remains could be exhumed, and any viable DNA might lead to establishing her true identity. However, she remains missing in death just as in life, since the location of her remains are unknown.

Despite the diligent efforts of Williams, multiple Arkansas law enforcement agencies, the state crime lab and the media, nothing about either Rebecca or the Jane Doe has been found — not the original case files, records of the remains, pictures of the clay reconstruction or newspaper articles.

Did Edwin take possession of the remains after identification, or were they left in the custody of the state crime lab or the law enforcement agency handling the case? If the body was cremated, as Eddie told Williams, the point is moot, since all chance of DNA retrieval is lost. Here, too, no one seems to know where the deceased girl’s ashes might now be.

Meanwhile, back in arkansas, no one was looking for rebecca — certainly not family — and the reason for that is startling.

Today, there are still more questions than answers. Linked by circumstantial evidence to the deaths of nine young women in four years, Ronning’s tally now officially includes the Rosanky case, a Michigan governor having released Cress in 2010. The pace of Ronning’s murders and the couple’s transient lifestyle, known to include Texas, California, Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as Michigan, makes it conceivable that there are more murders — and possibly more Jane Does — in his wake. Eight of the cases remain open.

It was clear all Ronning would get from Michigan was scorched earth — no deal now or ever. As a result, the convict had nothing more to say, and that was for forever too. Hanley’s death would be Ronning’s only conviction — a woman he abducted from her Jonesboro home still in her red robe and whose body he had left some 40 miles away in Pocahontas.

Meanwhile, back in Arkansas, no one was looking for Rebecca — certainly not family — and the reason for that is startling. In February 2025, reporter Daniel McFadin at the Northwest Arkansas DemocratGazette wrote an article, much at which is shared here, about Rebecca’s identification by Othram. His interviews with Rebecca’s siblings provided background on her life, but he also uncovered something quite startling: that there is a second Jane Doe to this story.

Eddie said sometime after 1981, authorities contacted Rebecca’s father about the body of a young girl that had been found in a field outside Little Rock. A clay reconstruction of the skull had been made, and authorities asked Edwin if he could come take a look at it.

The siblings, especially her sister, were not convinced it was Rebecca. Edwin, however, insisted it was. If he was taken at his word, then the second Jane Doe — someone else’s child — would be misidentified as Rebecca. It effectively closed the search for his daughter, but anyone searching for another young girl would cease to find anything — no body, no case file.

Back in Florida, Williams still searches for the truth about Rebecca’s murder. As more has become known about her, the other Jane Doe and Ronning, he has become command central for any information out there, information that could possibly lead to collaboration with other agencies. For now, though, it seems most likely that in Rebecca and Jane Doe’s cases, his best collaborators for the moment might just be the folks who are willing to share anything, no matter how small, they can remember seeing, hearing or reading from that time.

In his effort to provide answers not just for Rebecca’s family but for others, Williams is also putting together a timeline of Ronning’s movements. Locating Vicky Ronning could provide crucial information. No one then or now is trying to charge her; law enforcement has always believed she was not aware of the murders. In fact, she has been of assistance in the past.

Those who can help with any angle of this case are urged to contact Williams at coldcase@lcso.org.

Any tales Ronning could have told were silenced not only by his lack of a deal but by his own mortality. In 2022, the grim reaper himself claimed Ronning permanently, but more bloodthirsty evils still roam America’s highways, some even bearing a grim reaper tattoo. It is best to beware of what they are advertising.

Michael Ronning

Rebecca Sue Hill and NamUs profile

Fire Ants

By Joe David Rice

That old “ants in your pants” ditty is not so funny if the invading creatures happen to be fire ants. Just ask my wife. A reasonably modest woman, she had no compunction whatsoever ripping off her running shorts in public after inadvertently sitting on a fire ant nest following a footrace in south Arkansas. Although the stinging insects left no permanent physical wounds, they inflicted enough damage that they immediately evoke a “kill the bastards” reaction rather than her usual “live and let live” philosophy.

Fire arts are not native to Arkansas. In fact, they were not found in North America until about 80 years ago, when they were accidentally imported into Mobile, Alabama, on a South American cargo ship. Like kudzu, the invasive insects now infest vast tracts in the southeastern states, often spreading via landscaping projects and sod placement. First reported in Union County in 1958, fire ants are now found in roughly three-fourths of the state’s 75 counties, the biggest concentration being in L.A. (i.e., Lower Arkansas).

Typically 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch in size, fire ants do not appear menacing, but a person who disturbs a colony or mound of the small and insanely aggressive creatures will quickly retreat as thousands come swarming to defend their home — and the ants’ reputation as vicious adversaries is fully deserved. Livestock have been severely injured or killed by fire ants, and impacts on native wildlife have been significant. Small mammals, songbirds and even box turtles are routinely killed and consumed by the pervasive pests. Some hunters remain convinced that fire ants have wreaked havoc on quail populations, but game biologists are not quite so sure.

Fire ants have a structured society. The wingless and sterile females, known as worker ants, feed and protect the queen and remove her from danger. The winged fire ants, also called alates or reproductives, reside in the mound until the spring and fall mating seasons. The males die after mating, while the fertilized queens begin new colonies. As she matures, a queen can lay more than 3,000 eggs daily — and a colony can eventually include up to 500,000 worker ants. The average worker ant lives approximately five weeks, but a queen often has a lifespan of about three years — although some have lived twice that long. The mounds, which can extend 5 feet into the soil, are usually located under logs, rocks or similar cover, although dome-shaped mounds a foot or more high can be found in open fields.

When the federal government first began its fire ant eradication program in 1957, some 20 million acres of America were infested. Twenty-five years and well over $100 million later, the fire ant range had grown to 200 million acres. Given those dismal results, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has given up on eradication efforts and is now simply trying to control the spread of fire ants. While several insecticides have proven moderately effective, some ants in the mounds always survive, and they simply relocate their colony, most often in a nearby spot. Meanwhile, the insecticides may well adversely impact other wildlife.

Should you have an encounter with fire ants and are stung, you will immediately realize why the vile creatures are called fire ants: The affected area burns like hell. Treat the wounds with ice and then a topical ointment. And don’t scratch!

For most of us, each individual sting swells into a painful and itching bump, many of which may become infected pustules. The venom of fire ants is indeed potent and can be fatal for those who experience allergic reactions.

Strangely enough, fire ants do not immediately sting their human victims. The ants spend 5 to 10 seconds crawling up the arms and legs of the unfortunate soul before almost simultaneously wreaking havoc. No one is quite sure how these attacks are coordinated, but some experts suspect the first sting triggers the wild flailing that immediately brings on the full and ferocious assault. What is worse, the abominable ants are not satisfied with inflicting a single wound but usually deliver half a dozen or more equally venomous stings.

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.

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